All Abroad MAgazine February 2015

FR

EE

.es roadber allab www.

43 num e issu 5 201 ry

Februa

Learning the lingo - do you really need all those books? fiscal advice, features, quizzes, puzzles, crosswords,

Also in this issue: A British Dentist Ally’s fashion page The Vestry: Pork Ribs

markets, fiestas, what’s on + more!

Mandy’s Diary Your pets Malcolm Palmer shoots from the hip...

San Javier & beyond With Cyclogical

rates Check out our ad E - the BEST VALU around!

AVOID DELAYS LOOK! SENDING & RECEIVING

Under new ownership Re-opens Friday 6th March Reservations : 965 077 444

Calle Los Arcos, 21, Ciudad Quesada

1,000

MAIL

Try us!

1 CARDS BUSINESS oice o. Ch The N ats! for Exp

only • COST effective postal & courier services • NO language barrier - we speak your language • NO queueing • FULL worldwide postal & courier service plus!

• DISCOUNTS for bulk mail (50 letters or more)

75€

Posters Renew your British passport MONEY! FlyersSAVE All parcels delivered 48 hours Menuswithin NO DELAYS! Tracking Service and much more!

See inside cover for details

GOT AN

ACCOUNT?

FINAL document check prior to sending DAILY service to the Passport office in Belfast.

OFFICE: C/San Luis 2, 03187 Los Montesinos Alicante Tel. 966 720 959 Visit our website: www.easypost.es Email: alicantesouth@easypost.es

Cover: Tamarit Tower Santa Pola

for the locals...by the locals..!

2

D E E N T ’ N O D E W Y H W

ALL ABROAD

. . .

N O I T A C U D E O N

ke a break! a T with

Want to learn Spanish? Or any other foreign lan-

guages come to that? Well what I have to say over the next few hundred words may not go down well

As an established favourite

with language teachers all over the land. Or teachers

in Ciudad Quesada, it’s

of any other language come to that! It all depends

great news that Laurel &

on how they go about it but we’ll come to that.

Hardy´s Bar & Restaurant is re-opening on 6th March,

So the first thing that will upset the language teachers is when I say to people enrolled in classes, ‘can-

under the new ownership of Martin & Julia Eastgate.

MONDAY/MONTAG/LUNES

1.Benidorm - 10€ 2. Algar/Guadalest - 13€ TUESDAY/DIENSTAG/MARTES

Retaining the highly

1.Villajoiosa / ALICANTE - 12€

cel them now!’ unless, of course, they teach you

regarded existing chefs,

mainly by conversing and don’t weigh you down with

2. Altea / Jalon Valley - 22€

Benoit and Dean, Laurel

books and that dreaded word that puts the shivers

& Hardy’s will continue to

into most people with a memory of a strict English

serve the best, honest and

teacher at school and who are now having to learn a language, ladies and gents I give you ‘grammar’.

freshly prepared dishes, offering diners an inspired, vibrant and regularly changing menu.

With a fresh look too ready

to properly converse with another human being in

to be unveiled, Martin &

the same language. Rubbish. Toddlers don’t learn

Julia invite you to visit and

phen would be better than a comma.

ALTEA MARKET

3.Alicante - 7€ WEDNESDAY/MITTWOCH/MIERCOLES

1. Benidorm - 10€ (Market Day) 2. Alicante - 7€ THURSDAY/DONNERSTAG/JUEVES

1. Cartagena - 10€ *Mar Menor Train inc train 13€

of any language and ‘must’ be learnt and understood

on their mind is whether a colon is needed or a hy-

MARKET, CHOCOLATE FACTORY, CASTLE

*Boat trip -17€ inc boat

That one word that many will insist is the ‘backbone’

grammar when they start speaking. The last thing

D

www.allabroad.es

enjoy warm hospitality and great food, in Laurel & Hardy´s comfortable and smart surroundings.

Boat trip + Train - 20€ inc both tickets Licor 43 Experience 18€ inc drink Licor 43 Experience + Train 21€ inc Drink FRIDAY/FREITAG/VIERNES

1. SHOPPING Condominia/Ikea/Thader - 10€ 2. Murcia - - 10€ 3. TERRA NATURA

25€ Adult

23€ Child/Senior

4. BENIDORM PALACE COACH + MEAL + SHOW = 51€ COACH + SHOW = 35€

No, language comes a distant third behind filing and

For reservations

emptying your stomach when you’re a toddler and

call

grammar is not even part of the language until they

or email

get to school and the ancient system of education that

info@laurelandhardys.com

we have here in the ‘developed’ word kicks in and the emphasis goes on to the academic rather than the practical side of things... read more on page 4

965 077 444

We wish them all the best!

5. Benidorm Night Out - 11€ 6. Alicante Night Out 9€ 7. Novelda + Sanctuary + Bodega 17€ SATURDAY/SAMSTAG/SABADO

1.Valencia - 16€ 2. Union (Mine Park) + Mazarron - 17€ SUNDAY/SONNTAG/DOMINGO

1. Benidorm - 10€

CV Mm-440-A.

AIRPORT SERVICE

BEST PRICE BEST SERVICE.

(+34) 96 671 7783 - 675 956 059 info@viajesrosatours.com www.viajesrosatours.com NOBODY OFFERS YOU MORE

Rosa tours has selected their favourite day trips and city break destinations for you to explore the areas!

Whether you are booking a short break, weekend VEHICLES UP TO 55 PLACES stay, holiday or cruises, we have some great offers AVAILABLE available for you!

3

n io t a c u d e o n d e e n We don’t Burn the books and liberate yourself!

Get in amongst it to learn a language

From page 3...

Don’t translate…copy

quicker? The college lad doing his two

In short grammar is absolutely necessary

When I was at teacher training college

year academic course before going out

when something is taken out of context I

to become and English teacher we had

into the big wide world of the young man

agree but when two or more people are

a Japanese teacher come in three times

working daily onsite alongside qualified

conversing someone can be very easily

in a week for three one and a half hour

and experienced tradesmen? Clearly this

understood even if the grammar and the

lessons in which, from the moment she

stands for learning a language too and be-

tenses are all wrong.

walked in the door to the moment she left,

ing amongst and talking to natives of that

she refused to speak anything other than

language will not only improve a person’s

Mix it up

Japanese. Obviously at first it felt impos-

language skills very quickly but will also

We have all experienced or seen the typ-

sible to understand her but with the use of

enhance and enlighten the cultural experi-

ical Spanish classes that start off full of

pointing and repetition we began to pick

ence of it all making their skill (language)

people and full of enthusiasm but soon,

up a few words and phrases. By the end

all the more richer and comprehensive.

because, yes it gets hard, what are mostly

of the week we could all count to twenty in

mature students begin to dwindle away.

Japanese and hand about a dozen phrases

Now this is not only the fault of the teachers for making lessons, dull, boring and turgid to the point where people remember why they hated school and they start to drift away. I say not only the fault of the teachers because in between these lessons it is the students obligation, if they wish to progress in the skill, to practice away from the classroom but unfortunately that doesn’t happen much either.

If the classes were less academic and focused more on getting out

Feeling tense.

‘Eats, shoots and leaves’

and actually trying to speak the

This is another little hang up (he) of language teachers who will happily correct you for not using the ‘past imperfect’ and offer that the ‘future continuous’ will help you get through your daily life. Obviously the use of past and future tenses is important in everyday life for people to understand when we are talking about, whether the party is next week, now or was yesterday for example. But…tenses and the uses of the many variations are not that important when you first start trying

language in a fun and enjoyable

to speak a foreign language.

atmosphere students of whatever age

that we had learnt by repeating the same

I know from experience of learning and

immediately reap the benefits and stick

things in each class. It’s exactly how a kid

listening to people learning my language

around longer picking up more and more

learns to first speak by watching, copying

that if someone says to me ‘yesterday I

as they go.

and understanding stresses and softness

buy a car’ instead of ‘yesterday I bought

A good teacher will have the balance right

in speech and they don’t fill their heads

a car’ I can still understand them. Amaz-

and get people doing what they want to

wondering what that word is in another

ing eh? I’ve seen people having to learn

do and that’s making a start at speaking a

language they just see how the people

the past, present and future of verbs that

foreign language and not having to have

around them say it and they copy.

they may never even use! And then they

their head buried in books concentrating

have to learn ALL of the conjugations of

on the ‘rules of the language’ – although

If speaking another language is looked

said verbs by which time they are so con-

many wont and therefore it’s hardly sur-

upon as a trade or a skill like carpentry

fused with what one they should be using

prising that the average attention span of

for instance we can use the analogy of

they lose heart and eventually give up the

a mature student is about the same as

earning the trade of carpentry for learn-

lessons…usually within a few weeks.

that of a Mayfly…

ing a language. Who learns faster, and is accustomed to the world of construction

4

DAVE BULL

www.loadofbull.es

But you’ve gotta have grammar!

miliar as café con leche.

Yes, ok. In certain circumstances it is

the Scottish will say ‘bairn’ instead of child and anyone living there very quickly un-

essential i.e. the famous ‘I once helped

It’s easier for kids.

derstands it. And kids are no different as

my uncle, jack, off a horse’ works a lot

No its not. It’s just that they have that

I witnessed with my son growing up with

better than ‘I helped my uncle Jack off a

desire/need to get out and do the same

Spanish friends all around him, calling a

horse’ that’s presuming the first phrase

things as their peers and by immersing

table a ‘mesa’ wasn’t another language to

was the desired one and uncle Jack isn’t

themselves in that world they absorb

him it was just another way of saying it

into bestiality of course. But cases like

what is going on around them whereas

that his friends all understood.

these (where it’s literally a disaster when

most adults studying languages in classes

we get it wrong) are rare and when spo-

will pack away their books and then go

So…to the teachers out there who are tut-

ken the grammar can often go unnoticed.

and join the native friends for socialising

ting and shaking their heads and mutter-

Don’t get me wrong in any of this, I’m not

and meeting up. If they spent the same

ing ‘grammar!’ as if it were the oxygen of

saying we can do without tenses,

languages all I say is take an-

conjugating verbs of grammar but

other look at what you do and

to teach it from the get-go is like telling a toddler about uncle jack…

Being immersed in a language means we pick up things without even knowing it and quickly get used to using or hearing them.

Here in Spain nobody is embarrassed to say ‘café con leche’ when they arrive at a cafeteria but go beyond that and many feel intimidated about trying to speak the language when in reality they already are by ordering their coffee in Spanish! My son was seven when we first arrived in Spain and had no idea about the language but, because he wanted to join in fully with the kids in the playground, he had the desire to understand what they were say-

‘I helped my uncle Jack off a horse’

get your students talking…not scribbling stuff in a book that will be packed away until next week’s lesson on conjugating verbs and the use of the present continuous in the modern day language…yawn.

Get your students out there, reading newspapers, watching movies, TV or reading books. Tell them to use subtitled (in their chosen foreign language) films to help them, and watch them over and over again. Comics are a good one too. Asterix and Tintin especially as the narrative is easier to understand with pictures and it’s a high level of language too!

ing and with only Spanish being spoken around him he was fluent

I finish with a joke using

within a few short months. Kids

grammar to show the impor-

will watch a cartoon in a foreign language

amount of time in a Spanish town or mar-

tance of it and also the fact that in reality

that they don’t understand but they will

ket practising their skills they would soon

people will understand if something is said

still laugh along and eventually get to

be gaining the confidence to go further

in context. This joke takes the words out

grips with what is going on. As adults we

with both the language and in enhancing

of context to make the fun and it is one of

feel like that is hard. The same can be said

their experience of a new culture.

the best I’ve heard.

for listening to Spanish radio or reading a Spanish newspaper but with just a lit-

Kids see it not as another language but just

tle perseverance and repetition suddenly

another way of saying things. It happens

words and phrases start to become as fa-

in dialects all over the world. For example

5

+34 966 699 441

HOME IMPROVEMENT AND HANDYMAN SERVICES IN GRAN ALACANT AND SURROUNDING AREAS NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL ALL WORK GUARANTEED CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE

+34 680 482 908

6

SARAH'S Putting a SMILE on TEXTILES

people’s are madefaces Paul Saliba for you!

The British Dental Practice in La Marina

Following on from a very successful year Sarah’s' Curtain & Bedding

Having qualified as a dentist from

Store in CC Los Dolses continues King’s College, London in 1981 Paul to grow.... not in floor space but in Saliba spent variety almost of thirty four available. With new stock arriving the has excellent products years treating with cannot the kindbeat this friendly and unique family every weekpatients you simply of dental care that we all want. Sym-

run shop for choice. Sarah hand picks all of the textiles which are on

pathetic and honest Paul specialises

sale, ensuring best quality and value for money.

in treating nervous patients - I know

as I’ve sent several friends with

The recent addition of an ‘dentist-phobia’ (which at extensive times is range of fabrics means you now have a choice of either quality

understandable given some of their

readymade or bespoke

experiences elsewhere) to Paul and all have thanked me afterwards. I

made to measure tex-

first met Paul after a botched fill-

tiles.

ing had collapsed and the pain was

made, cushion covers,

unbearable. Paul saw me at very

curtains, bedspreads,

short notice and set about repairing

loose covers to name

the damage with careful attention to how the treatment was going for me.

Paul and his family (you may remember son Michael used to write in this maga-

Anything can be

CURTAIN & BEDDING STORE EST. 2006

An extensive range of Ready Made lined curtains, voiles, poles, rails and accessories

LARGE SELECTION GREAT QUALITY - GREAT PRICOven gloves, tea towels, table cloths & cushions

scale and polish toacomplicate and but few! Evencrown sheets

New British net curtains

bridgework and an honest to dentures fit those and awkward

Curtain eyeletting service available

assessment ofsized any treatment beds! Theneeded team atis

assured and, they always give itemSarah’s' shop canan also

ised treatmentrefurbish plan withyour full outdoor costs after the initial examination (so there never

seating, swing chairs and

zine every month) moved to Spain in

will be any of those nasty surprise costs).

2003, having run his own practice in the

As I’ve already mentioned from my own

South West of England for 15 years, to

experience they provide a same day

take over an established practice on the

emergency treatment and the Practice

LA Marina Urbanisation.

is “mercury- free” using only tooth col-

pergolas and can replace or repair toldos/awnings at unbeatable prices

using the best quality fabrics and foam.

oured filling restorations (that means no He has been there ever since and has

Quality Textiles For Your Home

Gorgeous Duvet Covers, in all the latest styles and colours with matching curtains and accessories Custome made curtains & accessories to your own specifications All alterations & repairs undertaken in our shop

New Stock arriving WEEKLY!!!

amalgam to you and me)?

built up a very good reputation and a

There currently fantastic end of loyal clientisbase due toa the friendly and

If you have any questions or would just season sale on, with duvet setsDen50% like to know more contact them at Calle caring service offered at the British tal Practice. off as well as lots of other amazing Madrid, La Marina Urb. Or give them a Thebargains!!!

Practice offers a out full for range ofranges genLook new call on 96 679 6603 and they’ll be happy eralcoming dentistry from routine check-ups, soon.... bedding, curtains and to help.

plenty of winter warmers for when the weather cools down!

Sarah’s' Curtain & Bedding Store can be found conveniently located within CC Los Dolses, Urb Villamartin, facing the road next to the card shop near the canal.

ON! END OF SEASON SALE NOW

C/C Los Dolses, Villamartin 2 mins from La Zenia Boulevard

PROFESSIONAL SEWING SERVICE Opening Hours Monday- Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 2pm

T: 966 848 980

www.sarahstextil.es 7

“Get on yer bike!”

by Gary Routledge www.cyclogicalcostablanca.com

Cycle Route 16.

Quesada to Torremendo Torreaguera & San Javier.

This was a really long ride and we had all been looking forward to it for a long time. It will be our last all day trip this year and we had a ball with some fantastic scenery that you just do not get to appreciate in a car.

We left Quesada through the arches on a lovely Tuesday morning as it was a red day and we had another day off. We all met at the shop at 10am (10 of us 5 couples) and headed to Los Montesinos, after passing through a deserted high street we picked up the Vistabella road and after 2 roundabouts turned right and cycled up and over the AP7 then turned left onto the canal which we followed all the way to the pumping station just passed Entre

8

Naranjos and turned right. We cycled up

for Pilar de la Horadada where we took the

the hill and onto a dirt track which takes

new cycle track which runs along the side

you right into the car park of the Fortaleza

of the N332. We followed this track all the

restaurant where we all had our first coffee

way to the hospital at Torrevieja where we

of the day. We then turned right and first

cycled through the town and picked up the

left heading for the reservoir de La Pedrera

old railway line cycle track which took us

and followed this road to the first junction

all the way back to Los Montesinos where

where we turned left and after 100metres

we turned right onto the main road where

turned right signposted Torreaguera. This

we joined the cycle track. We then cycled

was a beautiful picturesque route and we

on the track all the way back to Quesada.

followed the road for about 11kms until

We all arrived back about 6pm as it was

we came to a roundabout where we went

just getting dark, we found a nice restau-

straight across and headed for Sucina. We

rant where we settled down for supper and

picked up the blue cycle track and just fol-

a beer and discussed the day’s events. The

lowed it all the way past Canada de San

summary was we had a great cycle and

Pedro where we stopped for refreshment

was probably the best one that we have

and Tapas. After about an hour we con-

done all year certainly the longest for most

tinued along the blue track all the way to

of us. Well done Team Cyclogical.

San Javier passing Sucina and El Mirador straight into San Javier and Santiago de la Ribera where we cycled along the sea front

Summary: Long route but well worth

and stopped for our lunch.

it with breath-taking views from Torremendo to Torreaguera it felt like

After lunch we cycled along the coast road through San Pedro and El Mojon heading

real Spain. This route is a must.

CYCLING tips

advice routes

Calle Los Arcos, 7 QUESADA

Mountain Bikes City Bikes Child Seats Tag-a-longs Hybrid Bikes Road Bikes

Ladies Bikes Kids Bikes Tandems Kids Trailers BMX Bikes Electric Bikes

Sales, Repairs, Hires, Accessories & Clothing Open Mon-Fri 09.30-17.30 Sat: 10.00-14.00

Call Gary or Lynn: 637 487 377 www.cyclogicalcostablanca.com

JA V IE R. R EA G U ER A & SA N R TO O D EN EM R R Q U ES A D A TO TO prox 110 kms Total Distance: Ap w 8 Hours.

Total Time: Allo

9

Abrimos todos los dias a partir de 18.ooh & los Sabados y Domingos tambien a medio dia We are open every day from 6.00pm and from 12.00pm at weekends

@pizzeriacocoa /pizzeriacocoa

FREE, NO OBLIGATION ESTIMATES!

FREE 15% Estimates! up to

DISCOUNT!

www.toldospenalver.com www.toldospenalver.com C/Senija 8 Pol. Ind Carrus

SHOWROOM: C/Gaspasr Quiles Pascual, 24, ELCHE ELCHE

Tel. 10

965 43 23 50

Eating well.... with

Winners

2012

Cooking with Gordon

Restaurants

2013

Sauces...my favourite is BBQ, and it

Food is our passion, service is our pleasure.

Two Different Styles, Same Great Quality & Service

12

Pork ribs

Best Newcomer

Best Fine Dining

&

No.

is so simple.

Continuing my theme of simple recipes that can be made from products readily available in most local shops let me tell you

What a start to the New Year we started off by

about pork ribs . Pork ribs are very popular

holding our first medieval banquet .Plenty of medieval

in many restaurants but they are incredibly

inspired food and copious amounts of wine was enjoyed by all. The table top magician wowed everyone with his sleight of hand and the Vestry Friar was on on hand to lay down the Vestry rules and of course to collect his tax.

easy to prepare at home.

Most supermarkets sell uncooked racks of pork ribs, make sure that they look moist and have a vibrant colour. They shouldn’t

After taking over Frissan in San Miguel at the end of last year we decided it was time to redecorate to bring it more in line with the ever popular Vestry.

The restaurant renamed as The Cloisters has been decorated to reflect the name and is open now.

We have a fabulous new A la Carte and set menu both of which contain some super sharing platters some old favourites and some all new items. We will be holding events there such as our fabulous Afternoon Tea, Fashion shows and of course our medieval banquet.

be dry and definitely not sticky. Mostly the ribs are trimmed and ready to cook. Put in a pan with plenty of water that covers all the ribs. If the pan isn’t big enough cut the rack in half. Boil (not too fiercely) until a knife will push through the meat between the ribs with little resistance. The time that this takes will vary, sometimes a little patience is required.When they are at this stage take of the heat and allow to cool in the water.

Now for the sauce, my favourite is BBQ, and it is so simple.

Tomato sauce Brown sauce Red wine vinegar Brown sugar preferably soft.

Again the mix can be adjusted to suit your own taste I normaly use double the quantity of brown to tomato sauce .

For ½ litre approx 4 table spoons of red wine vinegar 4 table spoons of soft brown sugar Simply mix all together and store in the fridge until needed Coat the ribs liberally with the BBQ sauce and put in a 180 deg oven until the sauce is bubbling and starting to thicken.

Ribs go with almost everything , a mixed salad, chips ,spicy wedges, rice ,cous cous.

info@vestryrestaurant.com www.vestryrestaurant.com 11

BAYA BAIXA beautifully restored Spanish country home. 250m² with 4 bed, 2 bath on 7,300+m² of land with pool, orchard. Close to beach and airport, more. €360,000. AA6240

EL MORALET luxury 5 bed, 3 bath villa with pool.

2700m² plot with sea and mountain views. Huge kitchen/family room with top end appliances. Much more! €349,000. AA5515

LAS BAYAS lovely 3 bed, 2 bath country house minutes from Elche, beaches and airport.

Set among beautifully landscaped gardens with pool, more. €265,000. AA6135

GRAN ALACANT 3 bed 2 bath house in Novamar.

BEACHFRONT Stunning views of the Med. Garage parking, inverter aircon, security bars and more. €220,000. AA5950

GRAN ALACANT luxury 3 bed villa with garage and private swimming pool. Exclusive Isla de Izaro gated community. Fully furnished with many extras. €360,000 €325,000. AA6118

GRAN ALACANT 3 bed, 2 bath house on popular gated community of Med III with 2 pools, children’s play area, tennis court and private covered allocated parking. €176,500. AA5923

GRAN ALACANT 2 bed, 2 bath house with large garden, air con, security bars, more. Basement offers more living space or bedrooms. Communal pool. €145,000. AA6262

GRAN ALACANT sunny first floor 2 bed apartment in Upper Gran Alacant gated community with communal pool. Garden and terrace. .

Stunning views of countryside. €85,000. AA5515

MONTECID spacious 5 bed, 4 bath villa with large pool and bar perfect for entertaining. Move in ready!

Fully furnished with security bars, aircon, many extras. €285,000. AA1105

GRAN ALACANT jaw dropping views of the Med from this bright and airy 2 bed, 2 bath house. Guest apartment in basement.

Private pool, garage, much more. €395,000. AA6499

EL ALTET country house with pool 15 min walk from the beach. 2 bed plus den, 2 bath, garden, solarium, much more on URBANO land. Plus 3 bed guest house. €685,000. AA6503

GRAN ALACANT walk to the beach! 3 bed, 2 bath house in gated community of Costa Hispania III. Communal pool, gardens, allocated parking, more. €135,000. AA5657

10

Proud sponsors of the Gran Alacant Darts League and friends of ASPETGA

Who needs M&S when there's...

Come & meet

Shops, shopping & more with Ally.

Hi! My name is Ally. I am a shopaholic,

take it with you to

chocaholic.

the beach as it is

Magazineaholic

Spanglish

mother. And best of all A LOCAL.

made of plastic.

I have a little blog (www.allylikes.com).

And

I am here to solve all your fashion is-

all this beautiful

sues no matter your age or size. I will

colors…

bring you all the trends, places to shop,

INVISIBOBBLE

they

The

SPECIALISTS

have

Genius! A hair ring that doesn’t leave marks on your hair, it’s really strong, it doesn’t give you headaches (I get a lot of those when I do a pony tail!), avoids hair breakage & you can also wear it as a bracelet because it advice,EVERYTHING ABOUT

looks cool, like a phone cord. You can find

FASHION (and maybe some beauty too).

it in many colors and also special occa-

After Christmas it’s time to get ready for

sions like Christmas or Valentine’s day.

the summer. Long to go? Not that much,

TOO MUCH CURLES Irene Rios Real Fash-

we live in Alicante!

ion hair.

One of the things I love to do for the new

This is just great! Do you like to curl your

year is to have a new hairdo, and I was

hair but don’t get the results you want?

a bit bored with the to-

This machine is an Auto Curler to effort-

tal blond thing,

lessly create beautiful, free-flowing curls

So I decided to

with long-lasting effect. Just put a lock

go to my love-

of hair inside, wait a few seconds and…

ly

READY to look fab!

hairdresser

(Jenni from Mavi

BELKOS SVELT Smart Clothes

Jenni’s) and have

And if you want to get ready for the sum-

something done. This is how I ended up

mer you also have to shape up. Start by

with a lovely summer beach wavy hair,

eating well, doing some exercise, and get

with some Californian highlights (trans-

some shaping pants! They have some in-

lation for you Guys: Darker roots really

gredients in the textile so your skin gets

blond ends.) And I totally Love it! I can

them just by wearing them. Wear it for

almost feel the breze and the salt and the

30 days and it promises to reduce Orange

sand…

skin by 63% and feel more light too. I am

It took a few hours to do this so I was

going to try them, let’s see if they work.

reading magazines (remember I am a

Summer… HERE I COME!!

magazineaholic) and looking at some stuff

Ally x

a n d

they have in store which I loved. And I bought to try myself. Here they are!

TANGLE TEZEER

• Expert assessment of bra size & type

• Get the RIGHT look for the RIGHT outfit • QUALITY stock of: • Lingerie • Dresses All stock from UK • Swimwear manufacturers Main brands: Daywear by Adini & Casamia Lingerie and swimwear by Panache & Naturana

January SALE NOW ON! F!!

Up to 50% OF

I totally love this! I’ve been using it and it’s the best hairbrush ever. Detangles your hair without breaking it, you can use for all types of hair, in the summer you can

13

Estate Agents Victoria Anyone who wishes to be informed

some 30 years ago, offers its

about our costs or would like a quote,

clients a top quality service,

also enquire about all the other services

which can only be offered by a

we have to offer, then please call at our

company exclusively devoted and

office in Gran Alacant at any time and

experienced in property services

under no obligation what-so-ever.

with a long running track record on the Costa Blanca property market.

All our staff have a good knowledge of the English language and we also have

Over the years, Victoria Estate

a German speaking member of staff.

Agent has satisfied the needs of all its clients by searching for

Although the last couple of years have

and acquiring their properties.

not been easy for any of us, we are

Our priority has always been the

optimistic that this year we shall start

“wellbeing” of our clients and

to see some improvements in the

looking after their interests not

property market.

only at the time of buying but also with an excellent after-sales service.

We offer all type of help to our clients including the arranging of inheritance

FEEL AT HOME Inmobiliaria Victoria Avda. Escandinavia, 72 C.C. Altomar II L.10 03130 Gran Alacant · Santa Pola Tlf. 966697779 · 966698180 Fax 966697378 sp@victoria.es

tax when losing one of their loved ones, making it as painless and easy as possible. Our charges are far lower than what one can find through other means.

www.victoria.es

inmobiliaria - estate agent

DINNER + FLAMENCO SHOW Every Weekend!

vation

mended

DAY ow 0pm

y!

Estate Agent Victoria, established

NEW!

FLAMENCOReservation SHOW

“STEAKHOUSE” DINNER MENU! MENU OPEN GRILL from only

DIA laolunares.com

tab om email: reservas@

10€

Recommended

EVERY SATURDAY Flamenco Show + Dinner - 9.30pm

10€

Sunday - Thursday MENU DEL DIA 1 x Drink Day! ry e v E + Choice of 5 Starters 5 Main Courses + MENU DEL DIA Every Day! Dessert or Coffee only

53 99

Reservation Recommended

Tel: 966 69 53 99

OPEN EVERY DAY FROM 9.00am www.tablaolunares.com email: reservas@tablaolunares.com

OPEN EVERY DAY FROM 9.00am www.tablaolunares.com email: reservas@tablaolunares.com Tel. 966 69 53 99 14

MANDY’S

Spanish Diary

by Mandy Tams

THE RETURN It’s time to pack once again, Christmas is over the Spanish return to work and the Brits have scuttled back to blighty, and it’s time for us too.

Oh how things have changed over the years. I stand in the shop looking for products to bring in my10kg hand luggage and remember when I used to buy paper pants for abroad, because I spent the days in swimwear the evening in paper panties, which hubby liked to rip off of a night time…

Now I stand and look at bloomers that look like shrouds that are hanging next to tena lady pads, and worse still…I am trying to choose.

Where did the head turning sexy bikinis go? Now anyone that turns their head in my direction is usually riddled with arthritis and has mistaken me for someone else.

I leave the swimwear department and decide to look at the products for my golden soft skin, there are too many though to fit in my plastic bag for customs liking.

What with the haemorrhoid cream, antacids, and other unmentionable products, there is no room for beauty products.…I remember fondly the times when I could take plastic bags filled with washing powder for me smalls, and scissors with points on, my own coffee, baked beans for the hubby, and not be subjected to an intimate search by the lady with a moustache behind the curtains for doing so.

I have searched the charity shop and thumbed through the well used holiday reads, BUT again decisions. Do I get a steamy romance or a ‘How to speak the

Lingo,’ or ‘Teach yourself Origami, considering I have an unused supply of paper pants.

Now the heat is on the wane do I take a jumper or T shirt, being used to English weather this is always a problem, the Spanish wear coats in October and look at us in our flimsy wear sweating profusely thinking it is true what the Danny Kaye song says.

Only mad dogs and English

men… but for different reasons the Spanish are beginning to feel the chill whilst we are lapping up the rays, making sure we soak up enough to stimulate and get through the S.A.D months of cold damp blackness when we return.

Off we go, ready to land in 2 hours 20 minutes, which is after marathon shop for the son’s left behind, then the one hour drive to the airport, the two hours wait before the gate to open. Dodging the strong language flying like bullets from the stag

Is YOUR Business working for YOU? Get your business noticed by advertising in

party guests with their T shirts declaring who has slept with the groom’s mother and the pink fru fru dresses of the hens, all partying and parading their singleness before they even leave the ground.

Then on arrival the wait for the self-loading freight, as we are known by the crew, to leave the plane with elbows and fists flying to make sure they are first off even if they are seated in the middle of the plane by the window. The one hour standing in the queue for a hire car, another hour haggling over wrong paperwork and refusing to buy extra insurance because I already have it, half an hour searching for keys, ten minute drive, another twenty minutes searching for other keys….

Blimey I’m ready for a holiday now.

with prices starting at just 25€/month it’s the best value advertising around!

From Gran Alacant to La Zenia 6,500 copies FREE! Every Month Contact your local rep on:

96 669 5160 606 540 408

ask@allabroad.es 15 15

GRAN ALACANT TV is a family business with a great experience in the Telecommunications sector, which is constantly adapting to the new technologies. With more than 30 years experience, working in Santa Pola and later in Gran Alacant areas, we have won our clients´confidence and affection. We are Broadband Interent and Telephone providers in the whole Gran Alacant area and sorroundings, we offer a solution to the audiovisual needs of our foreign clients and we carry out the technical maintenance of Community Associations. l FIBRE OPTIC and WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY

INTERNET

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS CONNECTION FEE: 0,00 € INSTALLATION : 0,00 € WIRELESS ROUTER : 25,00 € ( 50 % Off ) MONTHLY FEE: Beginning the following month after installation.

NO OBLIGATION OF CONTINUITY

INTERNET & TELEPHONE

NEW CLIENTS

FROM 10,50 € / month(+VAT) UNLIMITED DOWNLOADS

INDIVIDUAL CONNECTIONS

CONNECTION FEE: 0,00 € INSTALLATION : 0,00 € WIRELESS ROUTER : 25,00 € ( 50 % Off ) CHECK TERMS FOR FREE INTERNET INSTALLATION

NO OBLIGATION OF CONTINUITY

FIBRE OPTIC and WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY FROM 15,50 € /month(+VAT) UNLIMITED DOWNLOADS

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

TELEVISION

NEW CLIENTS

INDIVIDUAL CONNECTIONS

SAME TERMS THAN INTERNET SERVICE + 5,00 € included in phone calls per month Billing per seconds The most competitive prices Keep your telephone number for free Check terms for telephone kit

FREE SAT UK TV CHANNELS : No monthly payments IPTV ESCANDINAVIAN CHANNELS : check monthly payments* IPTV RUSSIAN CHANNELS: check monthly payments*

ESCANDINAVIAN CHANNELS IPTV

and many more....

FREE SAT UK TV CHANNELS

RUSSIAN CHANNELS

IPTV

and many more....

*Internet and Telephone: VAT not included . Check terms for free internet installation and equipments prices. Ask for avalaibility of service in your area. Price may vary IPTV : Gran Alacant TV is an authorised installation company, monthly fee will be paid to the IPTV television provider.

FREE SAT: Gran Alacant TV is not responsible of any change in the satellite configuration or location. VAT included.

16

In my humble opinion....

A TRUE STORY

MALCOLM PALMER

gets ‘it’ off his chest...

to be a bar to Hacienda sticking the thing

Modern coaches, and good Spanish roads

against my name – the other MP doubt-

combine to make me very nervous when

I have gone on record as saying, ‘The

less having either done a bunk or turned

I am obliged to travel by coach, as the

Spanish love bureaucracy, but they’re not

up his toes. OR are you out there, some-

frequently overweight, tobacco-smoking,

very good at it.’ Perhaps I’d do better to

where, Malc?

overworked drivers suffer all too often

keep shtum about it, because I’ve just

Back, then, to Hacienda and a traipse

from serious boredom, as they traverse

been sampling the worst excesses of this

around several work-stations, where I

the same route they have travelled hun-

phenomenon. I’ll relate the sorry tale. My

ended up asking a pretty young lady if I

dreds of times, their eyelids drooping,

name is Malcolm Palmer – I tell you this

was actually on

tell-tale hands massaging the backs of

not in any spirit of self-praise, but to show

‘Candid Camera,’ before I ended up in

their necks.

that I’m no John Smith, Dave Jones, Mike

front of the aforesaid lugubrious gent. He

So whenever I am in a coach, the last

Brown, anything really common – though

told me, finally, that all was well, and not

thing I can do is relax – I am virtually

I may, in fact be as common as muck, I

to worry. We shall see………………

driving the damned thing, one eye on the

the Spanish version of

won’t dispute that.

road, one on the driver.

Right – in July, I got a certified letter from

But don’t let me put you off coach travel,

the dreaded Agencia Tributaria – Hacienda

EPILOGUE

for short – telling me that I owed them

All was well. I received notification of their

the thick end of three thousand euros for

error in due time, but apology, or com-

renta (tax) for the year 2006. This was

pensation? You have to be kidding.

eh? You’ll probably be okay...

based on the fact that I had apparently

A GREAT FAVOURITE

flogged an apartment in Torrevieja during

– AND ITS ORIGINS

that year. Problem: I’ve never had, not even rented, a property in Torrevieja!

SOME COACH-DRIVERS

More than perplexed, I went and took my

I imagine I am far from alone in numbering Whitney Houston’s ‘One Moment in

(long-winded) turn in Hacienda’s chaotic

Let me start by saying that there are

Time’ as one of their ‘Desert Island Discs.’

lair, and spoke to a nice young lady, who

some very good ones, careful and re-

But less people will remember that it was

told me that, yes, she had proof that I had

spectful, with whom I have felt safe. But

written for the late lamented star to sing

sold this fictitious apartment. No amount

recent tragedies tend to focus the mind

at the opening

of protest seemed likely to bear fruit, so

upon those less prudent, don’t they?

Olympics. And still fewer will know much

I asked if I could speak to the supervisor.

Once upon a time – it must have been in

about the anthem’s composer. Albert

This lugubrious gent told me I had to go to

a previous incarnation – I was in charge

Hammond, who is still around, writing and

the property registry to get proof of what

of a team of athletes at a somewhat im-

performing from time to time, was born in

I claimed. I went to the office, to be told

poverished club. The only coach we could

London, and moved with his folks at the

that it was necessary to go to Torrevie-

afford was an elderly thing; driven by an

age of four to Gibraltar.

ja – computers had not, apparently, been

equally elderly lady we shall call Daphne,

He is really more Spanish than British, but

invented. Not wishing to drive sixty kilo-

mainly because that was her name. I well

the truly amazing thing is that he is in-

metres each way, I foolishly left it to an

remember that she had to bring the great,

capable of reading music, and has never

incompetent solicitor, who achieved pre-

superannuated beast to a shuddering halt

studied it formally.

cisely nothing.

halfway up Ryegate Hill, and change into

ceremony of the Seoul

first, until I showed her how to double-de-

He has written songs for just about every-

Another certified letter arrived, telling me

clutch. Various other entertainments in-

body who is anybody, including another

of the imminent embargo of my account.

cluded remodelling the entrance to an Es-

huge hit, ‘It Never Rains in Southern Cal-

Thus wound up, I took a trip to Torrevieja,

sex Park, and having two of us drag bits of

ifornia,’ as well as ‘Under the Christmas

and duly obtained a document stating that

a Ford Cortina out of the coachwork as we

Tree,’ ‘When You Need Me,’ ‘Free Electric

ANOTHER Malcolm Palmer had actually

failed to take evasive action at a rounda-

Band,’ and so on. Quite a phenomenon,

owned and sold the property in question.

bout. But Daphne was too slow to do any

and one of pop’s unsung heroes.

That he didn’t have my DNI seemed not

real damage, and we all survived.

17

FREE & LEGAL TV

1.1 Metre Dish

1.4 Metre Dish

€179

€249

Reliable and offering a great service, DIGINOVA has been operating succesfully in the region for 10 years and offers a superb after-sales service.

2 YEARS WARRANTY CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

1.4HD Receiver

€349

*Price can vary depending on type of installation required

Repair your 1.1 metre dish from

€30

Great DISCOUNT to upgrade to 1.4 metre dish

NO MORE MONTHLY PAYMENTS!

With no monthly payments and no more expensive installations

Finally...

British TV made simple!

Call: 966 695 714 Mobile: 691 470 629 email: diginova@live.com

www.diginova.tv

18

Advertising hotline! 606 540 408 - TAKE UP OUR OFFER!

COMING SOON TO

GRAN ALACANT!

l a n o i t i d a Tr

In asso ciation with: Cork n Bottle The Ho & le in th e Wall

Carvery

at The Belfry Restaurant - Plaza Mayor (MASA Square)

MIDWEEK Menus of the Day

STAFF REQUIRED: For all departments - Please leave a C.V. or your application at either the Cork n Bottle Bar or at The Hole in the Wall Bar with a contact number.

ONLY THE BEST QUALITY ONLY FRESH PRODUCE only at:

The Belfry Restaurant

19

We can guide you to all kinds of property from apartments to townhouses, fincas and luxury detached villas. We also deal in both new and re-sale properties.

Our service extends from arranging inspection visits and locating your property, to helping with legal and financial arrangements and advising on furnishing and removals

Avenida Naciones 1A.Local 26.

Ciudad Quesada. 03170. Alicante. Spain.

SOLD Ref 2080 QUESADA

Ref 2523 - QUESADA

Ref 2507 QUESADA

Ref 2520 QUESADA

239,995€

94,995€

75.000€

129,995€

• Detached villa • private pool • 3 beds 2 bath

• • • •

Semi detached 2 beds 2 bath Furnished Community pool

• • • •

Apartment 2 beds 1 bath Furnished Community pool

• • • •

Detached villa Community pool 2 beds 2 bath Community pool

Big enough to matter but small enough to care!

Tel:

0034 966 718 836

Fax: (0034) 965 992 645

• • • •

E-mail: info@propshopspain.com

www.propshopspain.com

Ref 2204 - LO CRISPIN

Ref 2455 - GUARDAMAR

Ref 2390 - GUARDAMAR

Ref 2513 - QUESADA

99.000€

79.000€

134,995€

189.000€

Detached villa 2 beds 1 bath Furnished Community pool

• • • •

apartment 2 beds 1 bath Furnished Community pool

RENTALS

• • • • •

Penthouse 3 beds 2 bath 7th floor Community pool Furnished

• • • •

Detached villa Prívate pool Plot 320m Build size 88m

- RESALES - NEW PROPERTIES

Welcome To the Property Shop Spain. We are a small but very experienced family owned and operated real estate business. We can offer you a comprehensive choice of properties both new and resale along

Find us on:

Spain’s wonderful coast lines and a wide selection of inland homes. We can also offer the full range of financial,rental,and property management services that you may require for your home purchase.

20

Advertising hotline! 606 540 408 - TAKE UP OUR OFFER!

with

PET NEWS

ASPETGA

San Anton or Saint Anthony is considered the pa-

PETS IN SPAIN

tron saint or protector of the animals. On

We have 7 Pointer pup-

the Feast of Saint Anthony thousands

pies who all look very

of people across Spain take their pets

much like these 2 and

to church to be blessed. In Santa Pola,

they are in need of

there was a traditional benediction of

new homes, they are

the animals in the main square this

now around 9 weeks

past Sunday. While it was mostly dog

old and will be

owners lining up to receive benedic-

me-

tion from the local priest, there were also families with their birds, bunnies, cats, etc. One woman had a bunny on a lead and another in rolling carrier. The Pet Owners Association of Santa Pola and Gran Alacant (ASPETGA) was there with an informational booth staffed by volunteers. In addition to updating folks about our dog beach and dog park projects and telling them about membership, we sold items to raise money and collected donations for our

dium to large when fully grown. They are all in excellent

recently created food bank.

health and love to be cuddled. Call: 645 469 253 To view more animals for adoption go to www.petsinspain.

ASPETGA’s food bank collects pet food and other items to

com

distribute to needy families in the community. Many peo-

To advertise an animal for adoption

ple who are struggling financially are not only trying to put

email: info@petsinspain.info

food on the table and a roof over their heads. They are also struggling to hold onto beloved pets whom they view as another member of the family and we seek to help these people. We welcome any donations whether sacks of dog or cat food or cash or other items that might be useful. I am sure a cat owner would welcome cat litter. On Sunday a woman donated a dog jacket along with food.

Work should be starting on the dog park in February and the plan is to open by Easter. We are planning a grand opening event to mark the occasion. In addition, we will be repeating last year’s successful dog socialization event at the dog park site. We are still nailing down dates.

21

HAIR & BEAUTY

avda mediterraneo 72 - GRAN ALACANT BEHIND CENTRO OPTICA 96 669 5031 avda escandinavia 72 - GRAN ALACANT

100M BEFORE QUICKSAVE

96 669 8418

9,95€

(18.30-19.30hs.)

LA MARINA Second Hand Furniture BEST PRICES PAID Part exchange available

966 718 705

FORGET THE REST WE ARE THE BEST! WE COLLECT

Call: 96 644 3370 - 625 985 491 La Marina Village

22

23

ALTOMAR FINE FINISHING

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE & IMPROVEMENTS SPECIALISTS IN WALK-IN SHOWERS PAINTING & DECORATING - GENERAL BUILDING TILING - BALLUSTRADES - SCREEN BLOCKS ELECTRICAL - PLUMBING - DRAINPIPES -GUTTERING LOCKS CHANGED - SHUTTER REPAIRS BOILERS - WATER FILTERS - KITCHEN WORKTOPS GALVANISED GRILLS & GATES Phone Eddie

TEL: 963 865 144 663 049 258 - MOBILE: 648 786 708

24

55€ 55€

www.talleresyogeshdave.com Partida Las Heredades, 62 ALMORADI 03160

FORD

adjuangalvez@gmail.com

Tel:

Specialists

965 701 744

SERVICE & REPAIRS ON ALL MAKES Inc. ITV & PRE-ITV ALL ELECTRICS & DIAGNOSTICS INSURANCE APPROVED BODY SHOP REPAIR & REGASSING AIR-CON VEHICLE RECOVERY SERVICE TYRES SUPPLIED & FITTED FOR THE MO NTH OF FADED HEADLIGHTS POLISHED FEBRUARY AUTHORIZED TOW BAR FITTING OFF NEW & USED CARS FOR SALE PARTS WINDOW TINITING WITH CERTIFICATE

Distributor in Spain for:

SPECIAL OFFER

10%

Transfer of vehicle documents - Re-registration - Licences Call Latta

620 361 900

WE BUY CARS! www.alloygator.com

Find us on the Almoradi-Rojales road.

From AP7 take junction 740 towards Formentera

www.marandi.es info@marandi.es

Finest Selected Fish

Find us on:

Specialities: Beef & Fish

Large Wine Celler

We Sea Food Differently

St Valentine’s MENU • Dinner Dance • LIVE Music Avda. Escandinavia 2

GRAN ALACANT - Tel. 966 695 139

Open: Tuesday to Sunday 4pm-12am & Thursday 1.30pm-4pm MENU DEL DIA - 12.50€

Febr uary 14th !

Inc. Salad Buffet, Starter, Dessert & Coffee

25

26

Computer

help & advice

with

27

28

Advertising hotline! 606 540 408 - TAKE UP OUR OFFER!