Mar Menor Focus by Jan Brain

EVERY MONTH

Issue 1 September 2008

Cabo de Palos Lighthouse (details on inside cover)

The Little Mag to keep in your bag

Traders Directory and Index on page 21

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Front Cover:

CABO de PALOS lighthouse Each edition we will choose a place of interest for the front cover. This month, September, it is the turn of the unique training facility for lighthouse keepers at Cabo de Palos.

The grey stone lighthouse of Cabo de Palos is 81 metres high and the construction of it was started in 1863. It was first lit on the 31st January, 1865. It stands proudly on a rocky headland at the southernmost tip of La Manga, which is the thin strip of land that separates the Mar Menor from the Mediterranean Sea. Until the 1960's this tiny fishing village had no electricity, telephones or running water and it wasn't until 1990 that it became part of the municipality of Cartagena, the large ancient port founded by the Carthaginians which lies further to the south east. At this point the coastline changes from the long beaches of La Manga and, as it swings round the headland towards the southeast the beaches consist of smaller coves; Cala Tune’ beside the lighthouse, Cala Fría, Cala Roja, La Galera, Las Escalerillas, La Botella, Las Melvas, Avellán and Medina y Flores.

As the waters are deep and clear they are excellent for deep sea diving and the nearby Isla Hormigas are a marine reserve. If you relish the thought of a wonderful walk along the narrow coastal paths, which sometimes go rather near to the cliff edges - this is the place for you. During Easter Week there is a special procession of the fishermen on Maundy Thursday, and what a lovely sight to see them proudly carrying the image of the Virgin.

Sometimes access is difficult, but well worth it as the water is clear and clean and if you are lucky you will find a cove all to yourselves.

Another procession, this time of fishing boats decorated with flowers in honour of the Virgin of Carmen takes place on her Saint's Day, the 16th July.

In 1906 the lighthouse was witness to the tragic shipwreck of the Sirius with 822 passengers, many of whom perished in the deep waters off the headland.

Also to be enjoyed is the festival of Habanera Songs during the first week of August.

Advertising Enquiries To advertise in the next edition call 968 145 572 - 667 821 082 or email info@marmenorfocus.com

Information courtesy of www.Viva-Murcia.com

Distribution: Copies are widely distributed throughout the Mar Menor area, coastal and inland.

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We are still here

with all your favourites - all branded clothes from your UK stores. M&S, BHS, Next, Wallis, New Look, Evans and many many more. In store is a huge selection of Lingerie with over 1,000 braâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, so, ladies - come along, we are bound to have one for you! We also have a great selection of swimwear - one piece & two piece. Check out our stock of cards for Birthday, Wedding, Anniversary, Christening and many more for all occasions. Mar Menor Soap, nice as a gift for someone, or just as a souvenir. Sunglasses for the daytime - Glamstraps for those evenings out. OPEN 10am-3pm Monday-Friday Saturday 10am-2pm

Tel: 660 284 970 or email: rayjanwhite@hotmail.co.uk

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Summer Safety Mar Menor Sea School with . With the long hot summer continuing, it appears that everybody wants to indulge in their passion for water-sports, in whatever form they may take. Whilst it is a joy to see so many people taking pleasure in these activities, in order to keep everyone safe and sound, it's crucial to follow a few simple rules. In the old days I believe these rules were known as common sense. Learn the collision regulations, that way you can quickly identify who should give way, who stands on and more importantly what action you should take. The increase in traffic means that the risk of accidents is greater so keep your speed down and be aware of any wash you may generate. Stay away from dive boats, curiosity gets the better of most people so keep clear and avoid the temptation to be nosey. Relax, don't take on too much and keep the outing short or plan to be out of the sun during peak hours, Mar Menor Focus is a new magazine for the Mar Menor coastal area. We hope to bring you a combination of local information and advertising, reviews on restaurants, leisure facilities, beaches, recommendations for day trips, short breaks, in fact anything to help you enjoy your time in Spain. We welcome suggestions and contributions from readers - with your help we can make the magazine informative, and interesting, for everyone. Our website will have everything in the magazine, and more! Every edition will be archived, so you can always refer back check it out on www.marmenorfocus.com.

if possible fit a cover, use high factor sun-creams and wear a hat if you can get it to stay on. Stay out of the yellow marked swimming areas dotted around the coast, they are for swimmers not boats and if going ashore in the dinghy, use the marked channels where applicable. Drink plenty, but not the good stuff, alcohol usually de-hydrates so stick to water and squashes. If you're not keen on water, melon and other juicy fruits provide excellent refreshment. Keep an eye on everyone, many a great day has been ruined by sunburn, heat exhaustion or headaches. All in all, pay a little extra attention to all crew members and the weather and there's no reason for you not to have a fantastic summer afloat. by Shane Cole Tel: 968 143 718/695 326 184 Distribution points include: Bars, Restaurants, Golf Clubs, Shops, Estate Agents, Tourist Offices, Post Rooms, Supermarkets and more.

Advertising Rates Full page Colour €120 - Mono €70 Half page Colour €65 - Mono €40 Quarter page Colour €38 - Mono €25 Special Positions (full colour) Front Box or Banner, Back Page Inside Back / Inside Front page Phone or email for prices - Tel: 968 145 572 email: info@marmenorfocus.com

We can use artwork provided by you, or design your advert using text & images approved by you. (there is a minimal standard origination charge of €10 for this service) Prepayments for 3, 6 & 12 months will qualify for 5%, 10% and 15% discounts respectively. All prices quoted are subject to IVA @ 16%. Our deadline for adverts, to ensure insertion in the next issue is the 20th of the month. Payment, in full, is required prior to the advertising deadline. Disclaimer:

‘Mar Menor Focus’ does not accept responsibility for the standard of goods or services given by it’s advertisers and does not endorse, unless stated otherwise, any company or individual published in the magazine, or any views or opinions expressed in any articles. ALL THE ADVERTISEMENTS designed by the Mar Menor Focus magazine for use in its publication remain the property of Mar Menor Focus and may NOT be reproduced in any other publication without our prior written consent Published by Robert McKinley, C/Himilce, Cartagena, Murcia 30385. X5128759N .

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Sirena de Mar C/Mayor 66, Los Belones Tel: 968 56 92 35

Where you will find gifts for all the family

Definitely worth a visit! Kiddies Room Trinket Room Enchanted Room Arrange a private consultation for Meditation *Readings*Mediumship*Healing

Unicards by Barbara Exclusively designed greetings cards for all occasions made to order SUMMER OPENING HOURS Monday-Saturday 09.30 - 15.00 18.00 - 21.30 Sundays 19.00 - 21.00 Fiesta Days - open mornings only

Richard Howard, Home Services Insurance Services for

Auto - Home - Commercial Health - Pet - Offices Your Local Insurance Provider since 1990 Telephone: 619 105 977 Fax: 968 137 259 Telephone International: +34 619 105 977 Fax International: +34 968 13 72 59 Calle Mayor, 74 30385 Los Belones Murcia - Spain email: richard.howard@wanadoo.es

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Win the Cellulite War by Sandra Prior

There are few beauty topics more shrouded in myth and pseudo-scientific babble than the dreaded cellulite. With 90% of women suffering from some degree of lumpiness, you’ve probably tried a ‘miracle cure’ or two, only to be disappointed. But don’t throw in the towel and reach for an entire box of chocolates. You can beat cellulite, and the sooner you start working at it, the greater your chances of ditching the dimples for good. It takes dedication, but surely that won’t put you off.

bought cakes and ready meals, fried foods, margarine and booze, all of which break down cells. Supplements If you’re serious about busting cellulite, take daily supplements, such as glucosamine, an essential cellulite-zapper that’s not readily found in food. Add a multivitamin and mineral supplement and a soy lecithin capsule. Exercise

Your Multi-Pronged Attack If cellulite was just fat, you could get shot of it by dieting. But cellulite is the result of lots of problems that need to be tackled simultaneously to beat it. Cellulite is not a cosmetic condition; it’s linked to your physical and emotional health. Like diabetes, you can’t cure it, but you can treat it through lifestyle changes. This means supplying your body with the nutrients it needs to keep skin cells in peak condition and fat cells from swelling – nutrition, exercise, skin potions and pampering all play an essential part in doing just that. If you take the following steps, you should notice results within eight weeks, and consistent improvement the longer you keep up your new routine. Diet Hydration is the key to cell health. Gorge on foods like fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs, nuts, fatty fish and wholegrain breads – they contain the lecithin, essential fatty acids, B Vitamins and antioxidants that help rebuild and fortify your cells. Ditch processed foods like shop-

Sluggish circulation and swelling fat cells are cellulite’s best friends, so commit to exercise once a day. Anything that makes you sweat will help you burn calories and get your blood pumping, while lifting weights will create fat burning lean muscle mass. Potions Using creams containing antioxidants, peptides and circulation boosting ingredients makes sense. Pampering Stress causes cellulite. Tension messes up your body chemistry and impairs the skin’s self healing powers, so start soothing your body and mind. Experts swear by five minutes of dry body brushing a day with a natural bristle brush, working in long strokes towards the heart. It stimulates the lymphatic system, which removes stagnant fluids and toxins from your body. Regular baths with Epson salts or marine extracts boost circulation and draws out toxins.

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Open Monday - Saturday

Menú del Día 8€ Served Monday to Friday 3 starters - 3 mains choice of desserts

from 7.30am onwards

CLOSED SUNDAYS C/Guardamar, 14 - Los Beatos

Tel: 968 135 994 Restaurante

High quality choice cuts of meat cooked on our “Large Indoor Barbecue”

Los Beatos

Exit 800 La Manga, Los Beatos

Cartagena AP7 San Pedro del Pinatar La Manga (under bridge)

Free Easy Parking Private Function Room for celebrations

A la carte menú Wide selection of Tapas (selection changes daily) Choose a favourite or try a taster of each

Iberbrit Legal Legal and Financial Services

OUR SERVICES

CONVEYANCING MADE

z Conveyancing. z Integral Tax advice for Individuals and Companies. z Annual Tax returns for property owners. z Social Security advice. z Spanish Wills. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL:

Phone: +34 968 337 392 Fax: +34 968 563 224 email: info@iberbrit.com - www.iberbrit.com

SIMPLE. z Preparation of the NIEIdentification number of foreigners. z Spanish Residency. z Financial advice “Mortgages” z Power of Attorney.

Iberbrit Legal are located on La Manga Strip at: Gran Via s/n – Km 1.5, Edificio Monterrey – Iberbrit Legal office, PO BOX No. 163 – 30380 La Manga – Cartagena

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Dave and Clair welcome new & old customers to try their new and improved menu. Breakfast Menu now includes a Small Breakfast as well as the popular Big Breakfast (Served 11.00am to 1.00pm)

New Lunchtime & Evening Menus Starting mid September ********* Fish Chips & Mushy Peas/Garden Peas available every lunch time & Friday evening €9 ********* Sunday Lunch re-sstarts 28th September 2 Courses €10 - 3 courses €12, Child price €7 bookings now being taken

********* Curry, Free Quiz & Race Night

every Thursday, starts 25th September, €7 per person

book your table early to avoid disappointment

Children & Vegetarian Menus available All Main Sports Events shown on our Large Screen TV Open 11am - midnight : Closed on Tuesday

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Makers of the Finest British Sausages

* 15 Flavours * to choose from

www.missing-links.eu

The Taste of

Cornwall

in partnership with Missing Links

Pork Pies-Pasties-Sausage Rolls Savoury Slices - Baked Daily www.cornish-pride.com Open Monday-Friday 8.00am - 3.00pm Saturday 10.00am - 2.00pm Call Paul: 620 562 973 or Steph: 650 267 650

HUGE SUMMER SALE NOW ON

Ladies summer dresses, skirts and tops in all sizes and at such great prices! Come and get your beautiful summer dresses while they are still in stock. Always new arrivals every week. We have a lovely range of children's clothing too! Monday to Saturday 10.30-2 and 6 till late. Opposite Mercadona supermarket

*COMING SOON*

Watch out for the launch of our

NEW online catalogue store here in Spain! Telephone: 650 129 743

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A look back at the

San Javier Jazz Festival

Wow. What more can I say? The festival was super cool, well organised and had some outstanding artists. The most important figures in the world of jazz, blues and bossa nova had an appointment at the XI San Javier International Jazz Festival - well that's what the website said anyway. www.jazzsanjavier.com detailed all of the artists showing at this year's extravaganza. Keep an eye on this site to see who's coming next year. This year's event ran from 28th June to 27th July. We saw only two gigs (I can't believe we were so rubbish as to only make it to two!), which included 3 artists and loved them all.

by Debbie Jenkins

The Robert Cray Band www.robertcray.com I've been a fan of Robert Cray since I was a kid. I get the lyrics of Strong Persuader stuck in my head for days at a time, much to the annoyance of everyone around me as my out of tune rendition bears no resemblance to the great man's melody (and not much resemblance to singing). Robert Cray was on great form after Keb' Mo' warmed the crowd up. He worked the crowd well and opened with a line: "I don't want to send you all home tonight feeling sad and blue, but hey, that's what we do!" And he went on to prove it with some of the sweetest lyrics, heart-rending vocals and not bad (understatement of the year!) guitar-strumming. Herbie Hancock - www.herbiehancock.com This was the last gig of the event - shame! Herbie was awarded some gifts from the mayoress of San Javier, something shiny in a box and a silver boat. He bantered with the audience in broken Spanish and they really appreciated it. He told us he'd been in the music business for 62 years. You could tell, he was outstanding.

Keb' Mo' - www.kebmo.net First up on Saturday night was Grammy award winner Keb' Mo'. Imagine Huggy Bear (from Starsky and Hutch fame) meets Robert Cray, wearing a hat, singing about cash machines, suitcases and shaving your legs. Got the picture? He was great. I admit I'd never heard of him till that night but I've now ordered 4 of his discs from the great Amazon music god. One of the love songs was entitled "You Don't Have To Shave Yo' Legs", the chorus goes: "Go ahead be wild and free, You don't have to shave yo' legs for me" Women everywhere, revolt. If your man really loves you, then your furry legs won't make a difference, Keb' Mo' says so!

Two superb female vocalists accompanied Herbie, oozing those Joni Mitchell lyrics from his new album River. They got the hairs on the back on my neck all aquiver. Now this was real jazz, a bit funky, cool, mellow and a great big bit of discord thrown in. The range was extreme, the crowd loved him, the night was perfect. The venue is great too, I'll be looking out for other interesting gigs here in San Javier at Auditorio Parque Almansa. There's a bar, park for the kids and plenty of parking. We ordered our tickets by telephone and picked them up on the night. Tickets were still available for sale at 8pm on the night of both concerts. However next year we'll be buying an "abonos", a season ticket, where for an upfront fee you get to see gigs for a reduced rate. And you get special seats!

Till next time, from a hairy-legged Debs, still humming along to Strong Persuader. Debbie Jenkins is co-a author of "Going Native in Murcia" and author of "Buying Property in Murcia". Find out more at www.nativespain.com

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Driving Safely in Spain By David Hudson of Torrevieja’s classic and specialist car club

Driving in Spain is not so very different than in UK. Travelling all over England I have found different driving ways in different parts of England and everyone thought it was the correct way, especially at roundabouts. Here you have an additional problem with many different nationalities, all with their own way of doing things, as well as the Spanish way. In this part of Spain roundabouts have only appeared in the last 10 years. IT IS BETTER TO DRIVE SAFELY THAN TO THE LAW. IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT in an out of the way place, by law you should stop to lend assistance. Do not move the person but call 112. If you move the person or do major first aid then you will be responsible for anything that happens to the person, whether it is your fault or not. ROUNDABOUTS – position yourself and indicate all the time, keep looking for where cars are around you, Don’t just rely on your mirrors. Even British drivers can do stupid things in trying to get in front of you. TURNING LEFT CAN BE A PROBLEM – The original system which still exists on some main roads, was that you turn into a slip road on the right, and then crossed at right angles. If you fail do this you may be driven into, as the car behind will expect you to continue straight on. These junctions have mostly been replaced by Roundabouts, with the noteable exception of the La Manga Strip, where this method is still widely used. ROUNDABOUTS are called RONDAS here but in some parts of Spain they are called GLORIETAS. Therefore if you see a large sign PELIGROSA GLORIETA (dangerous roundabout) then this is a roundabout that may have been change from a cross roads with a different priority, which may mean a slow moving tractor driving across you as you round the bend at high speed! GLORIETA can mean a main point of road junctions in a City or large Town, which can be round or rectangle but will be a place of note.

TRAFFIC LIGHTS THAT ARE FLASHING THEN CHANGE TO RED means to proceed with caution as traffic may come from your side and then red normally means a vehicle is coming. BLUE LINES MEAN LIMITED PARKING BLACK LINES MEAN THAT THE COUNCIL HAS CHANGED ITS MIND. YELLOW LINES MEAN NO PARKING but on Sunday you can normally ignore it. BUT YELLOW LINES ON A MAIN ROAD mean that the road is being repaired or altered by the national or regional province, and will only be returned to white lines when it is finished and handed back to the local authority. so drive with care because of sudden traffic control, changes of direction or construction vehicles moving across you. CYCLISTS CAN LEGALLY RIDE IN TWO´S and racing clubs should be treated with respect - the police will not understand if you injure one. The tarmac in Spain is designed to cope with heat and not melt as in Britain but unlike Britain it does not have good gripping power in the wet. So take care when driving in heavy rain. CONTACT 96 571 6360 or davidclubtorre@terra.es Copyright David Hudson

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The Benefits of Reiki healing The benefits of Reiki healing are aimed at the whole body and whole person including the physical body as well as the spirit. One of the benefits of Reiki healing is the intention to produce a feeling of wellness being surrounded by a warm energy that is deeply relaxing and often a feeling of peace and security is reported. Healers maintain that as everything is made up of energy, and this energy is constantly changing, it is possibly part of the benefits of Reiki to heal all forms of physical, emotional and spiritual difficulties. The most obvious benefit of Reiki is that it helps you to relax, as stress and tension are greatly eased. Healers believe that by destroying energy blockages, they can help people to recharge themselves, finding new vitality and spiritual harmony. Toxins are also removed from the system. It is thought to have an impact on many conditions which include asthma, back problems, headaches, digestive problems, PMT and menstrual problems.

La Manga Branch Royal British Legion Car Boot Sale

in Playa Paraiso, beside the salt lakes. returns in September, 1st Saturday of every month. 8/8.30 for traders - buyers 10am €5 per car - proceeds to branch funds. Tel: Joanne 620 460 557 New members always welcome. REMEMBER You don’t need to be exforces to join the RBL !! Check the website for details at: www.LaMangaRBL.com or telephone: Bob on: 690 738 881

Reiki Workshops in Playa Paraiso (La Manga) Christina Tinkler, Reiki Master and Angel Therapy Practitioner, will teach you how to work with Reiki. It is a special form of healing for anyone who wishes to heal themselves, or to be a channel to heal others. Reiki First Degree 18th/19th (Thurs/Fri) September 2008 2.30 - 7.30pm - cost 125€ Please allow 90 days between

Reiki Second Degree 25th/26th (Thurs/Fri) September 2008 2.30 - 7.30pm - cost 150€ Reiki Healing also available, cost per treatment 30€ For more information please contact Christina on 670 484 108 or by email to christina.tinkler@reikifrance.com

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Out & about around the Mar Menor Climbing up La Fuente Hill From the summit of La Fuente Hill you can see the evolution of a unique area, the lookout towers give the best panoramic view of the whole of the Mar Menor. Length: 3 kilometres. Duration: climbing, 45 minutes. Dificulty: easy. Description of the route: Los Belones, opposite Bar Deportivo, take La Fuente avenue, which avoids the motorway and, after 1.300 metres of tarmacked road, it takes you to Las Barracas centre. There you will find a crossroads where there is a tap pouring water from the fountain on the Hill (very popular in this area for its quality, some people travel all the way from Cartagena to take it home), and take the tarmacked road that goes left and slowly becomes a path. A thousand metres further on the path ends and you must leave your vehicle. Just at that moment, next to the remains of an old service reservoir, you will see a path that goes up the side towards a densely vegetated Hill. Follow it for about 45 minutes through a pine tree forest, which is quite an unusual sight around this area and is so tightly closed that one gets the feeling of being in a much more humid area. The view from the summit is unforgettable. Recommendations: take some suitable shoes to go climbing, such as boots or trainers with hard soles. Try not to go during the hottest hours of the day. Interesting places: from the summit of the Hill you can see perfectly the convergence of morphological factors that created such a privileged place as the Mar Menor. Here you can see the volcanic spine that formed Cabo de Palos, the small islands in the lagoon and the narrow sand strip that closes the bay with the accumulation of sediments in the bed.

Opposite the lighthouse you will find the small Hormigas Islands, which are also provided with a luminous signal. Their beautiful beds have been declared a Marine Reserve. A little bit further up, La Manga looks like a city of Neptune emerged as if by magic from the calm waters. In the south we can see the golden beaches of Calblanque amongst a beautiful Mediterranean sea full of blues and greens. To the north, the plain of Cartagena, which has been turned into an orchard of plants cultivated thanks to the interbasin water diversion. The golf course, with is surreal lawns, gives a humid touch to the yellowy landscape. The forest near the summit supported the inhabitants of these areas until recent years. In Cobaticas, the population you can see at the bottom of the mountain totalled 40 families who lived off cattle (there were over 1000 sheep), the esparto harvest (some groups from Nerpio, in Albacete, came to help with collection) and especially of the wood collected using horses from this forest which was later on distributed in carts to Cartagena, La Uni贸n and Murcia. information courtesy of marmenor.net

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Dia y Noche

La Manga’s B

Newly renovated bar and restaurant Large terrace area Warm & welcoming service

Full English breakfast Menú del Día 3 courses for just €8

Wide range of drinks & cocktails Functions catered for Entertainment nights

Free Wi-fi hot spot Nueva Puerto Bella Blq, 11 Gran Via, La Manga 30380 web: www.diaynoche.co.uk email: info@diaynoche.co.uk

Tel: 968 146 400

Extensive daytime and evening a la carte menu open every day except Monday, from 12 - 3pm and again at 7pm for dinner

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- Restaurant & Bar

Best Kept Secret

Sunday Night Carvery N

ow the hottest months of the year are well and truly upon us, and daytime temperatures are regularly in the high 90’s, Dia y Noche, like almost everywhere else, has abandoned the ‘winter favourite’ Sunday roast.

roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and an extensive selection of locally sourced fresh vegetables, all topped off with a deliciously thick gravy. All this for just €9 per person, children’s portions are also available for just €4.95 Finish off with a mouthwatering desert from the a la carte menu to round up a perfect meal. Be sure to book your table to avoid disapointment phone:

New for the summer and autumn 968 146 400 at Dia y Noche and proving very popular with locals and Present this voucher at holidaymakers alike, is the Sunday night carvery, all you and get a complimentary bottle of can eat, carved in front of wine between 2, when ordering you.

Dia y Noche

There is a choice of three meats, so select your favourite or have a taster of each, served with

2 ‘a la carte’ main courses. Full terms and conditions available from

Dia y Noche

offer valid until September 30th

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Aquópolis Water Park -

Torrevieja

In 2005 the ‘Black Hole’ was opened, then in 2007, the ‘Boomerang’ was added. New for this year and offering a surprise for the youngest members of the family is a new Mini Park, with plenty of interactive water activities.

The Boomerang

There are plenty of picnic areas if you wish to bring food and drink with you, or you can take your pick from the self service restaurant, snack bars, Ice-cream parlor, pizzeria or Hamburger restaurant. Fancy a change from the beach, but still want somewhere to cool off? Then why not give Aquópolis water park a try, it makes a great day out for all the family, with ample parking, places to eat and drink, and a great selection of entertainment. Situated by the Habaneras shopping centre in Torrevieja, this fun water park is a great place to visit when the sun is beating down, taking a dip in the pools is the perfect way of cooling off. There are life guards throughout the park making sure everything runs smoothly.

Sun beds, and umbrellas can be hired for the day, and also a strong box for your valuables. Open in high season only, (June to 14th September) Opening dates and times for 2008 untill 29th August - 11am to 7pm 30th August - 14th September - 11am -6pm Ticket prices: Adults €20.95 Child (3-10 years) €15.95 Senior (65+ years) €15.95 Under 3 years free

The park has rapids, Kamikaze & Zig Zag water slides, a wave pool, swimming pools & infants pool. There is also a Jacuzzi, mini golf, restaurant, cafeteria & lots more.

Parking €3.00

DISCOUNTED ATTRACTION TICKETS Tickets are available for all major attractions from Resort La Manga, Mar de Cristal Phone for details 968 545 204 - Terra Mitica, Aquópolis - for prices see page 23

Attraction Gate price discount price child/senior

Mundomar €22 €17 €13

Rio Safari €18 €15 €12

Terra Natura (Murcia)

€16 €15 €11.50

Aqualandia €25 €20 €15

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TIME FOR A BREAK sudoku

The aim of the sudoku puzzle is to insert numbers in the boxes so that: each row, column and 3x3 box contain one each of the digits 1 through 9.

Codebreaker A Codebreaker is a crossword puzzle with no clues! Instead, every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number, the same number representing the same letter throughout the puzzle. All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number! To start you off, we reveal the codes for two or three letters. When these letters have been entered throughout the puzzle, you should have enough information to start guessing words and discovering other letters.

ABCDEFGHIJKLM NOPQRSTUVWXYZ

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A Chef ís Eye View Hi my name is Andy Taylor and I am Chef/Proprietor at Dia y Noche Restaurant, La Manga. Over the next few months I will be sharing some tips and secrets with you and also giving you an insight into the life of a restraunter, “warts an all”.

This week we are going to have a look at fish, lets be honest, a bad day fishing is better than a good day at work, the best fish is straight from the sea and into the pan, and lets face it, living in an area like this we are a bit spoilt for choice! I prefer to cook my fish on the bone and serve it whole, it retains so much more flavour. When cooking with fresh fish, try to keep it simple, there is nothing worse in my experience than to have a beautiful piece of fish and then drown it in a mass of different flavours, I have seen this so many times in my travels around the world and it just ruins the natural taste of the fish, you might as well throw a tin of tuna on the plate, cover it with tomato ketchup and give it some fancy name. Which brings to mind a joke I heard, “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, teach a man to fish and he will sit in his boat and drink beer all day” At our restaurant, we are very lucky to have a great fishmonger just around the corner, his fish is delivered straight off the boats at Cabo every morning and we get first pick, if you have never been to a fish market, you really must put this on your list of things to do. Here is a recipe for a simple but tasty dish using locally caught Sea Bream (Dorado) with a lime and chilli salsa, simple and refreshing, take one fish, aprox 14/16oz per person, get your fishmonger to descale and clean it for you (not the nicest of jobs if you are a little bit squeamish), make3 or 4 small cuts across each side, season with salt and ground black pepper, brush with melted butter and place under a hot grill for around 7 mins each side, meanwhile, take 2 vine tomatoes (you can use any tomato, but I prefer vine because of their rich flavour, finely dice the

tomatoes, add some very fine chopped onion (½ a small red one will be fine), some small diced cucumber, 2 or 3 dried chillies (crushed), a teaspoon of chopped parsley and a desert spoon of freshly squeezed lime juice, mix all together, and season to taste, when your fish is cooked place it on a large oval plate and just drizzle the salsa around the outside, garnish with some fresh lime wedges, sit back and enjoy, SIMPLE! Anyway, that’s it for this time, if you have any questions regarding recipes or advice on cooking in general, drop me an email at andy@diaynoche.co.uk in the meantime, one more fishing joke for the road “A couple goes on vacation to a fishing resort in northern Minnesota. The husband likes to fish at the crack of dawn. The wife likes to read. One morning the husband returns after several hours of fishing and decides to take a nap. Although she isn’t familiar with the lake the wife decides to take the boat. She motors out a short distance, anchors, and continues to read her book. Along comes the game warden in his boat. He pulls up alongside and says, “Good morning Ma’am. What are you doing?” “Reading my book,” she replies, thinking isn’t that obvious? “You’re in a restricted fishing area,” he informs her. “But officer, I’m not fishing. Can’t you see that?” “Yes, but you have all the equipment. I’ll have to take you in and write you up.” “If you do that, I’ll have to charge you with rape,” says the woman. “But I haven’t even touched you,” says the game warden. “That’s true, but you do have all the equipment.” See you next time folks Andy Taylor

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Mar Menor Focus Business Directory Your business here, under the heading you choose for just 60 euros a year! Call Mar Menor Focus on 968 145 572 or email: info@marmenorfocus.com

AIR CONDITIONING BILL WILSON, AIR CONDITIONING, CENTRAL HEATING, PLUMBING. Tel: 968 370 506 (Eves) Mobile: 676 557 298 email:billforac@hotmail.com

BARS & RESTAURANTS BAR APICOCO Playa Honda 968 563 958 (Page 9) BAR BOHEMIA Plaza Bohemia, La Manga 600 899 102 (Page 10) DIA y NOCHE Urb Nuevo Puerto Bello 11 968 146 400 (pages 16/17) Restaurante EL SABINAR Los Belones 968 137 865 (page 15) Restaurante MARCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;O POLO Galerias El Flamenco (behind Zoco) 968 102 169 (page 5) Restaurante LOS BEATOS 968 135 994 (page 7) Q-BAR La Manga Club 968 175 317 (back page)

BOOKSHOPS K2 Newsagents / Book Exchange Service Avda Rio Nalon 26, Los Alcazares (Inside back)

BUILDERS Marbuild

Tel: 968 551 663

DHM Building & Property Maintenance Tel: 968 133 618

CAR DEALERS Specialist Vehicles (GB) Ltd 968 146 158 Confay Motors Ltd 968 539 070

CAR & VAN HIRE Alquivan Van Rental 902 13 30 13

COMPUTING Costa Calida PC Hospital 968 145 572 Sunny PC Los Belones 968 569 191 (Page15)

DENTISTS Clinica Dental ALEMANA 968 175 300

ELECTRICAL Marine Electrician, La Manga (page 5) 690 738 881

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GIFTS & HOBBIES Serena de Mar, Los Belones 968 569 235 (Page 5)

HOLISTIC THERAPY Reiki Workshops, Playa Paraiso, La Manga 670 484 108 (page 13)

INSURANCE David Mason Insurance Services Los Belones (page 26) 968 137 719 / 659 226 112 Richard Howard Insurance Services, Los Belones 968 13 72 59 (Page 5) email:richard.howard@wanadoo.es

INTERIOR DESIGN Start to Finish, Los Alcazares 966 191 596 / 664 591 939

LEGAL & FINANCIAL SERVICES Iberbrit Legal, La Manga Strip 968 337 392 (page 7)

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CD Property Management 968 563 598 (Page 8) Resort La Manga Mar de Cristal, 968 177 232 (Page 23)

PROPERTY SALES CD Property Sales 968 563 598 (Page 8 )

EDEN International Independent Property Agents Los Carmenes, Gran Via Km 3 30380 La Manga, Murcia, Spain Tel: 0034 968 143 185 Fax: 968 143 755 email: tony@eden-spain.com www.eden-spain.com La Manga Gold, La Manga Club 968 175 000 Ext. 2241 Murcia Villas, Los Belones 968 137 707 REMAX Bellaluz, La Manga Club Los Belones, 968 338 666 (Back Page)

RETAIL D & G Garden Leisure Products Los Narejos, Los Alcazeres 968 334773 (Inside back) HONDAMAR Supermercado Playa Honda 968 56 43 68 (page 25) LEGS & CO, Galerias el Flamenco 660 79 25 13 (Page 3) MISSING LINKS (Cornish Pride) Los Belones (page 10) 620 562 973 / 650 267 650 TRENDS Boutique, Cabo de Palos 650 129 743 (page 10)

WATER SPORTS Aqua Adicta 968 545 193 / 659 434 811 Mar Menor Sea School 968 143 718 / 695 326 184 (Inside back)

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Spain 968 545 204 UK 0844 484 7101 France 01.70.61.77.62 Company registration number B-30780316 and Murcia Turística Registration number A.MU.209

Resort La Manga S.L. Edif Geranio Bajo Norte, Av. Mar Menor, 30384 Mar de Cristal, Cartagena, Murcia. Email: info@ResortLaManga.com

www.ResortLaManga.com Property Management

z z z z z z z

Licenced & Insured Registered with Murcia Turística 24 Hour Guest Services Key Holding Cleaning House Inspections Real Online Booking in 7 Languages

z z z z z z z z

Licenced Airport Transfers Welcome Centre Free Website Listing Car Hire Cot & High Chair Hire Welcome Packs Credit Cards Accepted Internet Access

Maintenance & Services z z z z z z z

Water Filter Systems from €99 Safes from €95 (Inc. Installation) Lock changes Security Bolts for windows Home Rental Preparation Service Air Conditioning Alarm Systems

z z z z z z z

Home Insurance Linen Packages Fly Screens Awnings Security Grills Electrical Packages Builders Clean

DISCOUNTED ATTRACTION TICKETS TERRA MITICA

AQUÓPOLIS

GATE PRICE

Adult €34.00 Child €25.50

Adult €20.95 Child €15.95

OUR PRICE

Adult €26.00 Child €17.50

Adult €18.45 Child €13.95

Other Attractions Tickets Available

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Carthaginian and Roman Festival

19 - 28 September

The city of Cartagena presents the Carthaginians & Romans Festival, remembering its rich history with battle re-enactments, marches, a wedding, a circus and fireworks. The festival traditionally opens with the lighting of a sacred fire and the inauguration of the Festival Camp. Over the next ten days a period of history is re-lived, starting with declarations of enmity towards Rome, the wedding of Hannibal and Himilce, a Roman circus, chess tournaments and the declaration of war with the Romans. During the course of the festivities, thousands of local people dress in costumes from the Carthaginian and Roman period and head for the streets. Armies march through town in spectacular historic displays of military pomp, the main parade being on the penultimate day of the festival. Afterwards the different battalions of the armies divert to their respective camps to continue the party. The festivities end with the extinguishing of the sacred fire and a big fireworks display.

The festival takes place in the main streets and squares of Cartagena. The Grand Parade on Saturday 27th begins at Calle Esparta at 6.00pm. A full programme of events and times can be found at: www..carthaginesesyromanos.es

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Tel: 968 56 43 68

Supermercado

HONDAMAR

PLAYA HONDA

OPEN EVERY DAY for a large selection of Fresh Fruit & Vegetables, Dairy Products, Bread, Fresh Meats and an excellent delicatessen counter.

Growing selection of ‘English delicacies’ - steak pies, bacon, sausages, Marmite etc - If we haven’t got it - just ask We also have an extensive range of Beers, Wines and Spirits in stock.

Offex service now in store Open 9.30 - 14.30, then 17.30 - 21.00 every day, (Sunday, open mornings only)

RACE FOR LIFE 2008 The annual Race for Life will take place on Sunday 21st September at Los Narejos Beach Norte Los Alcazares Registration 09.30 - 10.30 Start time 11.00 Entry Forms available from Offex Mail Room Centro Las Claras Salsa Bar Best Wishes All proceeds will be donated to MABS (Cancer Support Group) Murcia/Mar Menor For more information, please contact: 693 275 779 www.mabsmurcia.com ...you dontt havee to run, wallking is allloweed!

The International Market will be held on Las Claras car park,

Los Alcazares Saturday 20th September at 3pm

Cocktail Corner

Cocktail recipe courtesy of Tim Knowles, cocktail barman at Q-bar, La Manga Club, Tel: 968 175 317

The Classic Mojito Ingredients: 50 ml golden rum (e.g. havana especial or havana 3 yr) 8 - 12 mint leaves - 1 lime 2 - 3 teaspoons sugar (white) soda water - crushed ice method: this classic cocktail is best enjoyed in the sunshine with friends. place ripped mint leaves in base of glass, slice lime in to eight cubes, and add to glass along with sugar. using a muddler (or rolling pin) give the contents of the glass a good squish but try not to bruise the mint as the resulting drink will be very bitter, add the rum and give a good stir. top up glass with crushed ice and then add soda water. give another stir and enjoy!!! for variations add apple juice, fresh raspberries or to keep it local add a touch of licor 43 and cut down on the sugar............ sheer bliss. enjoy!!!

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TIME FOR A BREAK The Big Puzzle 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69

Peel Cottonlike fiber Haze Wine with a sparkle Whatsoever Baseball gear Endure Pale reddish-yellow

Down

Clues Across 1 One of the Marx brothers 6 Weapon swung by a gaucho 10 Heads of hair 14 Type type 15 Profess 16 Noted first name in jazz 17 Free as __ 18 "Internal Affairs" star 19 Complacent 20 "Orfeo" composer 22 Make replete 23 Florida city 24 Key of Mozart's Symphony No. 25

26 Turns the handle 29 Try again? 31 Barbarous nomads 32 Robin Cook bestseller 34 Chicken portion 37 East of Essen 38 Taro dish 39 "Frasier" role 41 Compete 42 Glass container 44 California wine valley 46 Give up 47 Floorboard sounds 49 Increased dramatically 51 Hindu retreat 53 Percolates 55 Orpheus's instrument 56 Entry words 61 Pupil surrounder

1 Stuff 2 Wandering worker 3 Poker declaration 4 Cardboard boxes 5 Up from below 6 Deli item 7 One way to pitch 8 Nobleman 9 "Anchors __!" 10 Redeemer 11 "Show Boat" show-stopper 12 Second smallest planet 13 More wise 21 __ da Gama 25 City on the Moselle 26 Karate blow 27 Make it snappy 28 Ultimate villain 30 Lawman Wyatt 33 Sow sound 35 "The Immoralist" author 36 Pay attention to 38 Entreaty 40 Fertile spots in a desert 43 Collars 45 Goes along 46 Italian ice cream 48 Without scruples 50 Verdi works, e.g. 51 Out on __ 52 Aleppo's land 54 Break up 57 Famous tower locale 58 "__ for All Seasons" 59 Gentle 60 Hard to grasp

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BUS TIMETABLES

Local Markets Monday San Pedro del Pinatar Sucina Tuesday Los Belones La Union Pilar de la Horadada Los Alcazeres Mil Palmeras Wednesday Santiago de la Ribera San Javier, Plaza Rosario

Bernabeu San Javier, C/Los Sanchez Thursday Los Urrutias La palma Torre Pacheco (Balsicas) San Pedro del Pinatar (Lo Pagan) Friday El Algar Llano del Beal Pilar de la Horadada

Saturday Los Alcรกzeres (Los Narejos) Torre Pacheco (Dolores) San Javier Autocine (car boot) Sunday Cabo de Palos Los Nietos San Javier Autocine Torre Pacheco (Roldรกn)

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Sudoku

P u z z l e

The Big Puzzle

Codebreaker

S o l u t i o n s

A Blonde Moment First Class Blonde:A plane is on its way to Detroit when a blonde woman in economy class gets up and moves into an open seat in the first class section. The flight attendant watches her do this, and politely informs the woman that she must sit in economy class because that's the type of ticket she paid for.

etly in her ear, and she says, "Oh, I'm sorry," then quickly moves back to her seat in economy class. The flight attendant and co-pilot are amazed and ask him what he said to get her to move back to economy without causing any fuss. "I told her first class isn't going to Detroit." Blonde Guy:-

The blonde replies, "I'm blonde, I'm beautiful, I'm going to Detroit and I'm staying right here." After repeated attempts and no success at convincing the woman to move, the flight attendant goes into the cockpit and informs the pilot and copiolet that there's a blonde bimbo sitting in first class who refuses to go back to her proper seat. The copilot goes back to the woman and explains why she needs to move, but once again the woman replies by saying, "I'm blonde, I'm beatiful, I'm going to Detroit and I'm staying right here." The co-pilot returns to the cockpit and suggests that perhaps they should have the arrival gate call the police and have the woman arrested when they land. The pilot says, "You say she's blonde? I'll handle this. I'm married to a blonde. I speak blonde." He goes back to the woman and whispers qui-

A blonde guy gets home early from work and hears strange noises coming from the bedroom. He rushes upstairs to find his wife naked on the bed,sweating and panting. "What's up?" he says. "I'm having a heart attack," cries the woman. He rushes downstairs to grab the phone, but just as he's dialing, his 4-year-old son comes up and says, "Daddy! Daddy! Uncle Ted's hiding in your closet and he's got no clothes on!" The guy slams the phone down and storms upstairs into the bedroom, past his screaming wife, and rips open the wardrobe door. Sure enough, there is his brother, totally naked, cowering on the closet floor. You rotten swine, "says the husband,"my wife's having a heart attack and you're running around naked scaring the kids!!!

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Useful Numbers to keep by the phone EMERGENCY NUMBER - 112 AMBULANCE - 061

HOSPITALS

GUARDIA CIVIL - 062

Cartagena: Santa Maria del Rosell Naval Hospital Murcia: Virgen de la Arrixaca J.M. Morales Meseguer San Javier: Los Arcos

La Manga del Mar Menor La Unión San Javier San Pedro del Pinatar

968 563 222 968 560 011 968 335 920 968 180 610

LOCAL POLICE - 092 Cabo de Palos Cartagena El Algar La Manga del Mar Menor La Unión Los Alcázares San Javier San Pedro del Pinatar

968 337 238 968 128 877 968 135 695 968 337 300 968 560 051 968 171 919 968 570 880 968 188 092

968 325 000 968 327 400 968 369 500 968 360 900 968 570 050

BUS STATIONS Cartagena Murcia San Pedro del Pinatar

968 505 656 968 292 211 968 182 942

RAILWAYS

NATIONAL POLICE – 091

FEVE www.feve.es RENFE www.renfe.es

Cartagena

968 320 722

UTILITY COMPANIES

968 128 880 968 171 782

Telefonica 1004 www.telefonica.es www.telefonicainenglish.com Iberdrola (Electricity) 901 202 020 www.iberdrola.com Aquagest (Cartagena) 968 122 600 Aquagest (San Javier) 968 572 112

FIRE BRIGADE - 112 Cartagena Los Alcázares

MARITIME EMERGENCIES – 900 202 202 MEDICAL CENTRES Costa Calida El Algar La Manga del Mar Menor Lo Pagan Los Alcázares Los Belones Portman San Javier San Pedro del Pinatar

968 142 060 968 135 510 968 142 125 968 184 728 968 575 800 968 137 476 968 548 064 968 191 866 968 187 865

AIRPORTS (www.aena.es) Alicante San Javier (Murcia)

966 919 000 968 172 000

968 501 172 902 240 202

LOCAL TRAFFIC OFFICE (Cartagena) 968 500 883 PROVINCIAL TRAFFIC OFFICE (Murcia) 968 256 211 CORREOS (POST OFFICE) www.correos.es General Information 902 197 197 SUPPORT GROUPS MABS cancer support 968 432 525 email: info@mabsmurcia.com HELP MMM www.helpmarmenor.org

968 570 059

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