EDC431 - Country Homes in Cartama Estacion €350,000Lovely country home with guest acc located in a quiet cul-de-sacwith easy access. 3 to 4 beds, 3 baths, 2 lounges & 2 kitchens.Plus outbuilding for additional storage, registered on the deeds.Externally there is a 1.5m deep swimming pool plus an outsidekitchen area that includes a built-in barbeque.Like this? Then checkout CNN366 on our website

AEG476 - Immaculate Property in Alhaurin el Grande €699,000Stylish main home, guest acc, stables, paddock and now an extra4,000m2 of land on a separate escritura make this a really soughtafter property. The pool and gardens are wonderful as are the views.All services connected, easy access & in reach of all amenities.Like this? Then checkout ALA392 on our website

AEG516 - Extraordinary Villa in Alhaurín el Grande €995,000This magnificent villa is set in 10,000m2 of the most remarkable &beautifully landscaped gardens you can imagine. Prime location,327m2 built, private, fabulous pool, bar, terraced surrounds.Spectacular views. All services connected incl. town water, landlinetel & satellite TV.Like this? Then checkout ADT252 on our website

ESE342 - El Sexmo €367,500Beautifully presented country home with a sun terrace on the second level & set in 2,500m2 of land. 3beds with a/c (you could possibly make a 4th bed above), 3 baths (2 ensuite). Externally there is awonderful, private 8m x 4m swimming pool with terraced surround plus a brick built storeroom. Greatviews & access via new tarmac road.

Like this? Then checkout CAR415 on our website

Spacious and Private

ADT141 - Bargain Villa in Alhaurin de la Torre €420,000A SENSIBLE OFFER WILL BE ACCEPTED! Fabulous home,pool, views plus great location. Call now to view and see for your-self. Would make a great cattery if you want a business. 15 min-utes to the airport, beaches, golf courses & much more.Like this? Then checkout MAQ412 on our website

AEG517 - Alhaurin El Grande €180,000An absolute bargain! This fabulous 2 bed, 2 bath golf apartment has wonderful views over the course,the communal pool & the mountains. A great investment property, fully furnished, never been used. Hot& cold aircon plus an alarm entry system. Plenty of storage: utility room, built in wardrobes, undergroundstorage & private, secure parking.

Like this? Then checkout AEG423 on our website

Golf Lovers - Don’t Miss Out

costa culture

6 Semana Santaby Mike Wilkinson

costa getaways

10 Fuengirola

costa companies

16 Local Business Spotlight

costa lifestyle

26 Mens StuffHot Head...

27 Helen JohnsonTriathlon’s

28 What Men Want

29 What Women Want

30 Beauty TipsNew beauty rules...

32 Health article Men’s Health

38 Health newsHow to survive a heart attackwhen alone...

costa homes

46 InteriorsIs your house sick?Or are you sick of your house?

50 Handy Home Tips

54 Spring Fever

by Simon Hill

58 Obtaing a Mortgage in Spain

costa stuff

60 Animal Health

61 Spiritual Thought

62 An Elegant Familyby Erny Harrison

64 Costa Cuisine

66 Strange But True & Challenge

68 Bytes and Pieces

70 Showbiz Whispers /

Movie Review

co

nte

nts

guide to the costa

72 Bars and Restaurants

Cover story

62

issue

36

Cover story

Cover story

54

6

FFoorr IInnffoorrmmaattiioonn oonn ddiissttrriibbuuttiioonn ppooiinnttss,,

ssaalleess oorr aannyy ootthheerr eennqquuiirriieess ccaallll

995522 449922 225500**,, 660000 771133 002288 oorr

eemmaaiill:: iinnffoo@@ccoossttaalliiffeemmaaggaazziinnee..ccoomm

oorr vviissiitt oouurr wweebbssiittee

wwwwww..ccoossttaalliiffeemmaaggaazziinnee..ccoomm**nneeww ccoonnttaacctt nnuummbbeerr

Hello and Welcome to issue 36 of Costa Life Magazine and

already spring is nearly upon us. I hope you enjoyed the rain in

February! Much needed it has to be said and at least here in

Spain we get it all in one go. Easter is very early this year as you

know and by the time you are reading this Mother’s Day will

have come and gone. It is also Spanish Mothers Day on the 8th

March. Remember that the Spanish Easter Holiday will be the

Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd of March.

We are looking forward to Costa Life Magazine’s 4th birthday in

May and www.guidetothecosta.com is 5 years old in

September. We are working very hard on this site and also on

the magazine website. Don’t forget you can always check out

the magazine online usually about the 27th of the month, a

week or so before it hits the streets. Check it out on

www.costalifemagazine.com. If you have never seen it before

simply click on the front cover of the magazine on the home

page and then use your icon to double click in the right hand corner of each page and the pages

will turn. If you are a visitor here this means that even when you go back home you can still read

your favourite magazine every month. We are currently converting all our back issue so

eventually you will be able to read every issue of Costa Life online.

We are the only magazine in Andalucia with this facility.

It’s funny how things work out, www.guideothecosta.com was started in September 2003 before

the magazine and was put on the back burner when the magazine was launched. But over the

last year the guide has started to rear its head and is certainly growing to be a main part of our

business and has great potential with the amount of internet marketing people are doing these

days. We are currently working on a new data base and will be filling it with content over the next

few months.

And despite the fact that the guide has been, up until 10 months ago, untouched we are now

receiving over 12,000 unique visitors per month so with the magazine website and the magazine

itself Costa Life Media are reaching approx 25,000 people every month. This figure will increase

over the next few months and throughout 2008 we will be continuing to develop the guide and

the magazine to be the best on the coast. Our aim by the end of the year is to be reaching

50,000 people per month.

I have to say that when we turned the radio off last year and merged the magazines we thought

it was the right thing to do at the time but all the same it was very painful. Now six months on

we KNOW it was the correct decision and life is much easier. We are getting more positive

feedback on the magazine than ever before and we appreciate it very much.

Thank you. See you in April.

Hello and welcome...

Editor

Sharon Holdsworth

Consulting Editor

Harvey Mann

Design and Production

David Philliskirk

Advertising Sales

Ronan Holdsworth

IT Advisor

Dave Howard of Alphashare

Web Master

Mike Wilkinson

ContributorsLinda ChristiePeter Harrison

Simon HillHelen Johnson

Paula MonaghanJan Morley

Dr J.S. NicolasCruella ParsonsAnnette RiggallRussell VaughnMike Wilkinson

Company Director

Ronan Holdsworth

Partner

Barrie Shearman

Images courtesy of

Costa del Sol Tourist Board

JumpFotoArt.com

951 272 693

PR Shots

Deposito Legal MA-0054-2004

Produced by and part of the

HOLDSWORTH SHEARMANMEDIAGROUP

Reproduction of this magazine in whole orpart without the written permission of thepublishers is strictly prohibited. The viewsexpressed by contributors and advertisersare not necessarily those of the publishers.Although every care is taken to ensure the

accuracy of the information and theadvertisements contained within this

magazine, the publishers can accept noliability.

952 492 250

info@costalifemagazine.com

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

FROM ONLY 65,000€€Studios, Apartments & Penthouses atunbelievable pricesNew Luxury studios, apartments and penthouses completelyfinished for sale located in the best part of Alhaurin town nextto all amenities. The studios/Apartments have all beenfinished to a very high standard, with marble floors, solid oakdoors, beautiful kitchens and bathrooms, air/com; some havecharming court yards with water features or great terraces.Classy affordable accommodation.

MACP 346 850,000€€An excellent opportunity to purchases this great 702m2 propertyin a fantastic location for tourists in Alora. This large property offers a total of 9 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, 3toilets, lounge, kitchen, commercial kitchen, bar, restaurant,terraces. Furnished.The ground floorConsists of a fully fitted bar, restaurant, commercial kitchen, drystore, walk-in fridge, walk-in freezer, 2 toilets (one with disabledfacilities), air conditioning, 3phase electricity, external suncanopy’s, ample parking with option to rent a 120 square meterarea for outdoor bar/restaurant terrace.Info:The Property is near completion of a total refurbishment includingre wired, re plumbed and re drained. It offers a great businessopportunity for one or more families and is in an excellent positionwith the advantage of direct trains to Malaga close by.The First FloorConsists of 8 private studio apartments with individual dooraccess onto a communal walkway. Each studio has a bathroomwith shower facility. Terminated drain and water connectionshave been provided for the addition of kitchens (if required).All studios have views to front and rear, ceiling fans, individualelectric circuits, furnished and ready for use.There is an outdoor terrace (26 sq meters) with barbeque forstudio tenant’s use.The Top FloorConsists of a one bedroom Penthouse apartment with 360degree views, lounge with mini bar, open plan kitchen, bathroomwith sunken bath & shower, private access to 100 sq meterterrace with barbeque, 7 seated Jacuzzi, outside toilet & utilityroom. There is a big demand for a small hotel or B&B in this area aspeople come and stay here for activities such as, walking, cycling,bird watching, fishing, rock climbing, horse tracking and manymore. A great commercial and residential property.

MACP-444 695,000 €€CoinBUILD; 300m2 PLOTS; 8000m2 BEDS; 4 BATHS; 4A great private Finca unusually shaped and partially stoneclad was previously two Finca, now reformed into one, withthe appropriate amended Escritura's. The property is fullyfenced with electric gates, grand drive lined with palm trees,Yucca trees and mature shrubs. The land is good for horses,kennels; mobile homes etc., there are four separate plots ofland, three previously used for grazing with a small plot behindthe well house suitable for stabling or such like. A beautifulrustic, spacious Finca that is extremely cosy and comfortable. Bank valuation of over 900,000 Euros.

MACP-442 595,000€€ Malaga / PizarraBuild: 225m2, Plot: 3000m2, Beds: 4, Baths: 3A superb country property on a private plot with the bestview you could wish for. This traditional designed Spanishproperty is very spacious with bundles of character andmany special features. A delightful garden to be enjoyedwith a lovely private casita for guests or letting, the poolarea is gorgeous with a Jacuzzi looking over the beautifulcounty side. A charismatic property with much potential.

MACP-261 450,000€€COINBUILD; 148M2 PLOT; 600M2 BEDS; 3 BATHS; 2A great opportunity to purchase this beautiful villa in a greatlocation. It has a very light and airy feel to the property withan open ST floor hallway over looking the main entrance anda wood burning fire place. Situated on the very popularurbanization, it is ideally located for Malaga airport andMarbella only 30mins away. Beautiful original cortijo, uniquein the area, must be seen to be believed.

MACP-400 399,000€€ALHAURIN EL GRANDEBUILD; 135M2 PLOT; 2,750M2 BEDS; 4 BATHS; 3A lovely modern country property, only 5 minutes fromLauro golf and 5 minutes drives to Alhaurin el Grande town.This house is very spacious, with a great out side privatepool that looks over the garden with mature trees andpleasant views. The villa is fully fenced, electric gates andin a peaceful location.

MACP-451 349,000€€ALHAURIN EL GRANDEBUILD; 85M2 PLOT; 1,096M2 BEDS; 3 BATHS; 2An absolutely beautiful country property which is of moderndesign and top class quality through out. The villa is veryspacious, light, and has a great pool, out side kitchen/BBQarea and is perfectly located to Alhaurin and Coin towncentre. Ready to move in and enjoy no work needed at all.

MACP-450 283,000€€COINBUILD; 104m2 PLOT; 1200m2 BEDS; 2 BATHS; 2A charming sensibly priced country villa in a very quiet andpeaceful location. This villa is newly built and is 6 km out ofCoin in the campo.This is a 2 bedroom property with one en suite bathroom plusa family bathroom. Large lounge with log burner. Car Portample parking. 8 x 4 pool and terraces.

MATH-447 299,000€€ Alhaurin el GrandeBUILD; 118.62 PLOT; 133.49M2 BEDS; 2/3 BATHS; 2/HALFA stunning property on Alhaurin Golf course. This beautifulimmaculate semi detached town house really does stand outfrom the rest; it is gorgeously decorated right through to highstandards and is situated in a lovely part of the golf course.The property although very serious has the opportunity ofeasily closing in the top roof terrace making it into a 3 bedroom house which will add to its value. There are 2 terraces,a balcony, communal gardens and a great pool to enjoy. Atruly adorable property perfectly ready to move straight in.

MACP-424 640,000 €€GuaroBuild 180 sq m Plot 12,000 sq m Beds 3 plus I guest accommodationFantastic country villa with feature split level open plan livingroom and separate dining room. 3 bedrooms with a superbself contained one bedroom guest cottage in separatebuilding. Full central heating plus air con. This villa is welllocated in Guaro, but is near enough to the town to enjoy itstypically Spanish atmosphere. Guaro's "Luna Mora"celebrations in September are world renowned and form amajor attraction in the area. Excellent south facing poolcovered BBQ area and fabulous views across the surroundingarea from its dominant hilltop position.

MACP-435 SOLE AGENT 349,000€€Alhaurin el Grande 131 sq m build plus 62 sq m outbuildings 2/3 bedroomA fully fenced plot with a great a garden full of flowers. Themain house at present has two bedrooms but was once athree bed and can easily be turned back. There is theoption of converting the outbuilding into moreaccommodation or left as it is now a big work room.

MACP-335 349,000 €€MondaBUILD; 170M2 PLOT; 233M2 BEDS; 4 BATHS; 3, KITCHENS: 2This lovely house is situated on the ONLY urbanization in Monda,which has about 24 houses all of different design, which makesthis property very unique. Monda is a beautiful and pleasant placeto be. The house itself is split into two levels each with 2 bedroomsand a kitchen; very spacious and has great views over thecountryside the village and Monda castle. There is a lovely gardenand terrace area easy to manage and again a nice area to enjoythe gorgeous views. A short drive from the Marbella Gun andCountry club, and only 15 minutes to Marbella and 20 minute toMalaga airport. An exceptional property.

MACP-440 300,000€€Alhaurin El GrandeBUILD; 123M2, APARTMENT 55 M2 PLOT; 1,500M2BEDS; 3, COULD BE MORE, BATHS; 2A perfect villa in excellent condition. This villa is finished tovery high standard, is very roomy, and has a great pool areaand fantastic views. There is also the option of having a onebedroom apartment for guests or to rent as an extra in come.This property is great value for money and is very close to allamenities.

’’mm ssuurree yyoouu’’vvee aallll hheeaarrdd tthhee ssaayyiinngg,, ‘‘‘‘IIff yyoouu wwaanntt ttoo ggeett aahheeaadd

ggeett aa hhaatt’’’’.. II’’dd iinnffeerr tthhaatt iitt’’ss mmoorree ooff aa ppllaayy oonn wwoorrddss tthhaann

ccoonnssttrruuccttiivvee lliiffee--aaddvviiccee bbuutt,, eevveenn ssoo,, wwhhaatt iitt ddooeessnn’’tt mmeennttiioonn

iiss tthhaatt yyoouu nneeeedd ttoo mmaakkee ssuurree tthhaatt iitt’’ss tthhee rriigghhtt hhaatt.. ‘‘‘‘YYoouu ccaann’’tt

jjuuddggee aa bbooookk bbyy iittss ccoovveerr,,’’’’ tthheeyy ssaayy ((‘‘tthheeyy’’ pprreessuummaabbllyy bbeeiinngg tthhee oonneess

wwhhoo kknnooww)) bbuutt ppeeooppllee wwiillll jjuuddggee yyoouu bbyy yyoouurr hhaatt.. TThhaatt’’ss bbeeccaauussee cceerrttaaiinn

hhaattss mmeeaann cceerrttaaiinn tthhiinnggss aanndd yyoouurr cchhooiiccee ooff hheeaaddggeeaarr sseennddss oouutt

mmeessssaaggeess ooff ssoocciiaall ssttaattuuss ttoo tthhoossee aarroouunndd yyoouu.. AA bboowwlleerr hhaatt,, ffoorr eexxaammppllee,,

wwoouulldd tteellll eevveerryybbooddyy tthhaatt yyoouu’’rree aa cciittyy ggeenntt,, wwhheerreeaass aa ffllaatt ccaapp wwoouulldd ppuutt

yyoouu uupp iinn tthhee YYoorrkksshhiirree DDaalleess aanndd aa bbeerreett wwoouulldd mmaakkee yyoouu aa ggaarrlliicc--eeaattiinngg

ssuurrrreennddeerr--mmoonnkkeeyy ffrroomm aaccrroossss tthhee CChhaannnneell.. AA mmoorrttaarrbbooaarrdd wwoouulldd

ssuuggggeesstt tthhaatt yyoouu’’rree aann iinntteelllleeccttuuaall;; aa dduunnccee’’ss ccaapp wwiillll tteellll eevveerryybbooddyy tthhaatt

yyoouu’’rree nnoott.. SSoo,, aass yyoouu ccaann sseeee,, eeaacchh hhaatt hhaass iittss oowwnn ddiissttiinncctt mmeeaanniinngg.. BBuutt

tthheerree’’ss oonnee hhaatt tthhaatt ccaann hhaavvee sseevveerraall qquuiittee ccoonnfflliiccttiinngg mmeeaanniinnggss,,

ddeeppeennddiinngg oonn iittss eennvviirroonnmmeenntt.. IItt’’ss aa hhaatt tthhaatt ccaann ssoommeettiimmeess ssiiggnniiffyy nnaassttyy

eevviillnneessss aanndd,, aatt ootthheerr ttiimmeess,, mmeeaann ffrriieennddllyy cchheeeerrffuullnneessss…… oonnee tthhaatt ccaann

rreemmiinndd yyoouu ooff aa ddrruunnkkeenn nniigghhtt oouutt oonn oonnee hhaanndd,, aanndd rraacciisstt bbiiggoottrryy oonn tthhee

ootthheerr…… oonnee tthhaatt ccaann bbrriinngg yyoouu sshhaammee aanndd oonnee tthhaatt ccoommmmaannddss rreessppeecctt.. II

aamm ttaallkkiinngg,, ooff ccoouurrssee,, aabboouutt tthhee uubbiiqquuiittoouuss ttaallll,, ppooiinnttyy hhaatt..

We are first introduced to the tall, pointy hat at a very early age, when our

parents tucked us up in bed and read fairy tales of evil, warty witches with

bubbling cauldrons full of various bits of forest wildlife, flying on

broomsticks, wearing tall, black pointy hats. Then we discover pointy hats

worn by friendly, cheerful garden gnomes, that flop over in a friendly,

cheerful way (the hats, that is, not the gnomes) and clowns in comical

conical hats, like Marcel Marceau, or David Bowie in that video where

he’s running away from a bulldozer. At school we learn of the dunce’s cap

and the shame associated with it, and then of the magical world of

wizards where the pointy hat is, by far, the most important element of a

wizard’s garb… the taller and pointier the better. Later on in life we learn

that the tall pointy hat once instilled the utmost fear in people when worn

by the KKK where it represented violent racism and bigotry. But the

strangest of all things is that the exact same headgear worn in Spain

means the total opposite.

I have to admit that I was slightly shocked the first time I encountered the

KKK leading a long and solemn procession through the streets of

Fuengirola one April morn. ‘‘What's going on?’’ I thought to myself.

‘‘Semana Santa - Holy Week - Spanish Easter celebrations,’’ was the

answer - absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with racial issues in 1950s

Mississippi, and so very different from the way Easter is celebrated in the

UK. You can’t celebrate Easter without chocolate eggs filled with

chocolates, or fluffy yellow Easter chicks, or hollow chocolate Easter

bunnies (of the apocalypse or otherwise). How can we

celebrate Easter without our traditional icons? Well, Spain

sees Easter a bit differently, and their icons are a lot more

powerful than a Cadbury’s Cream Egg®.

It is a well known fact, principally to those who know this

fact well, that Spain is a deeply religious country where it

is estimated that 98% of the population is Catholic. To the

Spanish, Easter is a solemnly religious time when Jesus

was betrayed by Judas, captured by the Romans in the

Garden of Gethsemane, crucified to death by Pontius Pilot

and then, three days later, rose from the dead as the

scriptures had foretold and ascended into heaven where

Written By:

Mike Wilkinsonmike@costalifemagazine.com

he is seated at the right hand of

the Father and will come again in

glory to judge the living and the

dead, and his kingdom will have no

end. Quite an eventful week, really,

that slowly uncovers a story of sad

betrayal, solemn and painful death

and, finally, a celebration of the

resurrection and a new beginning.

The Spanish re-enact these events

throughout Semana Santa, almost

to the letter, feeling all the pain and

the grief and then the joy as the

week progresses, just as it may

have progressed some two

thousand years ago. And, solemn

as the proceedings may be, they are executed with the same style and

grandiosity and music and colour that is synonymous with any of Spain's

other celebrations, especially in Andalucía.

Each town and city celebrates Semana Santa in its own particular way,

with their own programmes and highlights, but the central theme is the

same. Lavish processions are organised by religious brotherhoods

(hermandades or cofradias) which are associations of clergymen and

faithful members of the parish. The brotherhoods are a medieval

tradition, some dating back as far as the 15th century that have survived

to the present day, and they dedicate themselves to one particular scene

in the events of Easter Week, for example the burial of Christ, the taking

of Christ's body off the cross, the flogging of Christ by Roman soldiers,

the judgement of Christ by Pilate, etc. Each brotherhood has its own

specific colours, emblem, standard and imagen. The imogen is the

centerpiece of their procession, a statue or carving of Jesus or the Virgin

Mary, often very large and heavy, which depicts their chosen scene and

is carried around the city streets on a float (or paso) for hours on end

during the festival by some twenty to thirty members of the brotherhood.

Some of theses statues date back to the 16th and 17th century and were

carved by superb craftsmen of the time. Irrespective of size, each float

represents the pride and enthusiasm of every Andaluz who will spend the

entire night, from dusk ’til dawn, accompanying them in solemn

reverence.

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, and people flock to the

streets to worship their chosen imogen in a tradition whose pagan origins

still show. Certain floats demand extra reverence as certain

brotherhoods are favoured in the miracle-working abilities of the effigies.

To the accompaniment of beautiful pieces of music, many having been

composed specifically for Semana Santa by leading musicians of the day,

the floats are led around the city by Los Nazarenos, the sinister-looking

guys with the tall, pointy hats. They carry candles and banners, wear

tunics, an antifaz (the piece of cloth covering the faces of the nazarenos)

and a capirote (the cardboard cone inside the antifaz, keeping it upright

on the head). The hats are worn only for three days - from Holy Thursday

to Holy Saturday - and are a symbol of mourning for the Passions of

Christ. They are not worn before Thursday since Christ had not been

captured yet, and they are taken off on Sunday in the joy of Resurrection.

The float may carry an image of Christ, of the Virgin or a Mystery (a set of

images which represent a scene from the Passion of Christ). The first

float in the procession is normally El Paso del Cristo. It is carried by the

costaleros, some 20 to 30 strong men, normally from the brotherhood,

who go almost unseen under the float, and bear its heavy weight

throughout the day, taking directions from the capataz through the many

narrow streets of the town, and followed by Los Penitentes. The

Penitents are the members of the fraternity who perform the authentic

act of penitence, carrying a wooden cross, sometimes two, and

frequently walking barefoot the whole distance of the procession. In

many cases this is still done as an act of fulfilment of a promise to Christ.

Penitents are dressed like the Nazarenos, but they don’t have a capirote,

which leaves the upper part of the antifaz hanging backwards.

El Paso Palio is the float which carries La Virgen, also called La Dolorosa

(the hurt), La Amargura (the bitterness), or a trifle more optimistically, La

Esperanza (the hope). For most Spanish people this is the most

important part of the procession. People often wait for hours at a

strategic location to see ‘their’ Virgen pass by that particular spot.

Depending on the size of the town, there can be quite a few Virgins, each

one different, unique and special, although for the visiting foreigner they

may all seem the same (but don’t go round saying that to the local

people). This is because, unlike the floats of Christ that carry different

representations, the floats of the Virgen all represent the same moment

in the biblical history; the Holy Mother crying for the death of her son.

This one scene has many different representations, though we foreigners

probably wouldn’t notice. One important element that changes is El

Manto, huge pieces of rich fabrics delicately embroidered and flowing

from the statue of the Virgen over a hard support covering the back of the

float. The float itself has a canopy, supported by twelve ornate poles

called Varales, decorated with works of gold and silver. These poles are

connected rather loosely, so that the characteristic swaying movement of

the Costaleros can be transmitted to the float.

To the visiting tourist, the processions during Semana Santa are typically

colourful and extravagant entertainments. To the devout Spaniard they

are emotionally moving experiences which are confessed upon, cried

upon, laughed out loud upon, adored, touched and kissed as they

meander through the streets - a moving spectacle of reverence,

penitence and faith that my fickle pen could never portray with any

accuracy. But you don’t need to understand what’s going on to enjoy, and

to be quite frank, of the 98% of Spaniards that are reputedly Catholic,

more than half of them are not practising Catholics, so to them it’s just

another week of holidays…

II’’llll ddrriinnkk ttoo tthhaatt!!

FUENGIROLA

8 costalife

costalife 9

FUENGIROLA

LA541: Fuengirola:Excellent townhouse inPuebla Lucia with sunny 40m2 privatepatio. This property consists of 3bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a brand newmodern-design kitchen and a spaciousliving/dining area with fireplace. Thisproperty is ideal for permanent living or asan investment. Puebla Lucia is the mostbeautiful residencial area in Fuengirola withits beautiful gardens and pools. Uniqueopportunity!!!

Price: 695,000 Euros

LA531:Tolox:Unique opportunity to buythree two bedroom apartments and abar for this special price! All apartmentshave a lovely view to the countryside.There is a roofterrace. Ideal for someonewho is looking for a home and anincome!!!

Price: 299,000 Euros

LA530: Calahonda: Excellent 3bedroom townhouse with magnificentviews to the sea and garden. Thisproperty has a southwest orientation andhas a covered terrace by the living room,a terrace by the master bedroom and aroofterrace. The community offers alovely garden and pool. Greatopportunity!

Price: 359,000 Euros

LA546: Monda: This charming villa withindependent guest accommodation isonly a 15 minutes drive to Marbella .This property consists in total of 4bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 kitchens anda good size and bright living room. Fromthe patio and pool area you can enjoythe beautiful views to the countryside,mountains and the castle of Monda.

Price: 499,000 Euros

LA527: Mijas Costa:Frontline golfapartment with magnificent views to thegolf, sea and mountains. This property issituated in a gated quality residence withlovely gardens, a heated indoor andoutdoor pool. The apartment consists of2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a fittedkitchen and a living room leading to aspacious covered terrace. There is alsoa private underground parking. Greatopportunity! Ideal holiday home!

Price: 299,000 Euros

Avda. Jesus Santos Rein, 17, Local 6, 29640 Fuengirola

Tel: (+34) 952 664 217 � Fax: (+34) 952 580 589www.losarcos.net � E-mail: info@losarcos.net

LA545: Miraflores:Frontline beachapartment with stunning sea views! Thistop floor apartment is in excellent condition.All rooms are spacious and bright! Thisproperty is situated in the very wellmaintained community of Miraflores playaand has lovely gardens, a pool and greatrestaurant. There is parking inside thecommunity. This apartment is fullyfurnished! The property is also nearMiraflores Golf. Great opportunity!

Price: 470,000 Euros

Nick and Rita of Fuengirola Real Estate are proud to announce theopening of their brand new office in Calle España 29, near the towncentre and situated close to the Paseo Maritmo. Having moved fromtheir former premises next to the Salon Varietes, due to rebuildingworks, the company has relocated until they will move back into theirpurpose built new office in 2009. This move also coincides withFuengirola Real Estate S.L. celebrating their 10th anniversary.

So whether you are buying or selling, rentingor looking to rent out your property thenwhy not call into our office for a friendlychat or alternatively ring call us on 952 479

749 and we can come round and discuss yourparticular requirements with you in thecomfort of your own home

29 C/ ESPANA,

29640 FUENGIROLA, MÁLAGA

TEL: (+34) 952 479 749 · FAX: 952 478 662

nick@fuengirolarealestate.com

www.fuengirolarealestate.com

The professional

company with

the personal

touch for...

...all aspects of

selling or renting

your property

nn JJaannuuaarryy wwee wwrroottee aa ppiieeccee oonn tthhee hhiissttoorryy ooff CCaallaahhoonnddaa aanndd hhaadd

aa ggrreeaatt rreessppoonnssee ffrroomm oouurr rreeaaddeerrss.. IItt’’ss aallwwaayyss iinntteerreessttiinngg ttoo llooookk

aatt tthhee hhiissttoorryy ooff ppllaacceess aanndd ttoo sseeee hhooww tthheeyy ccaammee aabboouutt aanndd aallssoo

hhooww tthheeyy hhaavvee ddeevveellooppeedd.. TThhiiss mmoonntthh wwee aarree llooookkiinngg aatt FFuueennggiirroollaa.. JJuusstt

lliikkee CCaallaahhoonnddaa,, FFuueennggiirroollaa iiss ppaarrtt ooff mmyy oowwnn SSppaanniisshh hhiissttoorryy.. BBaacckk iinn

11998822 oonn mmyy ffiirrsstt hhoolliiddaayy aabbrrooaadd iitt wwaass FFuueennggiirroollaa bbuuss ssttaattiioonn tthhaatt II

rreemmeemmbbeerr.. II wwaass ssiittttiinngg oouuttssiiddee iinn tthhee bbllaazziinngg hheeaatt wwaaiittiinngg lliikkee hhuunnddrreeddss

ooff ootthheerr ppeeooppllee ttoo ggeett oonn tthhee bbuuss ttoo mmyy ddeessttiinnaattiioonn.. WWee wwaaiitteedd aaggeess aanndd

iiff II’’dd hhaavvee hhaadd tthhee mmoonneeyy II wwoouulldd hhaavvee ttrreeaatteedd tthhee llaaddss ttoo aa ttaaxxii ttoo

CCaallaahhoonnddaa,, bbuutt ddiiddnn’’tt oorr ddiidd II?? MMaayybbee II jjuusstt mmaaddee tthhee ddeecciissiioonn mmyy mmoonneeyy

wwaass ffoorr bbeeeerr aanndd wwee wwoouulldd wwaaiitt!! TThhee bbuuss ssttaattiioonn iiss iinn tthhee ssaammee ppllaaccee

ttooddaayy wwhhiicchh iiss aa ssuurrpprriissee dduuee ttoo tthhee eexxppaannssiioonn ooff tthhee ttoowwnn aalltthhoouugghh tthhee

rruummoouurr ffaaccttoorryy hhaass iitt tthhaatt iitt mmaayy bbee mmoovviinngg ttoo aa bbiiggggeerr llooccaattiioonn..

My memories of Fuengirola are few. I remember coming into town one

night after being stood up by Donald Pleasance’s daughter. I made my

way to The Britannia (the only place I remember from that time which is

still here) to find the lads. They weren’t there and I had to pay for a taxi

back on my own. Serves me right for dumping the lads for some rich

actor’s daughter who ended up leaving me high and dry anyway, but it’s

all right, I am over it now.

Now, just to digress a little, I was talking to Nick and Rita at Fuengirola

Real Estate about this piece and my history with Fuengirola and what do

you know! He had a date with her once way back then also. In fact, it was

the same year. Maybe it was the same night and he is the one

responsible for me looking like an idiot waiting on my own in the Black

Cat in Calahonda with no mates and no date. Well, win some lose some

I always say. She obviously wasn’t good enough for me!

Just like Calahonda, fate had its hand in my return to Fuengirola and six

months after arriving on the Costa del Sol in 2002 we were running our

own bar/restaurant around the corner from the Britannia in Fish Alley,

twenty yards away from the Aroma Restaurant. The owner, John Kelly,

arrived here in that same year of 1982 and, unlike me, came to watch

the World Cup and ended up staying whereas yours truly went back

home. He used to own a night club with the aforementioned Nick from

Fuengirola Real Estate and they are now both clients of Costa Life

Magazine. Now you might think that this story is just a downright

unashamed lie in order to give two of our clients a plug but I promise you

it is all true.

Anyway, back to the history of the town.

Fuengirola itself is located between Mijas Costa and Benalmadena and

covers an area of nearly 11 km2. Its boundaries include the Arroyo del

Jardín stream in the northeast, the Fuengirola River in the southeast,

mountains in the north, the Mediterranean Sea in the south and the town

of Mijas in the west. It became an independent municipality in 1953 but

its history goes much further back.

Battle of Fuengirola in Warsaw museum

Britannia Pub, est 1979

IIII>> costaGETAWAYS

Like most of the Iberian peninsula in general and the Costa del Sol in

particular, Phoenicians, possibly Tartessians, Romans, Visigoths, and

Arabs all set up residence in the area now known as Fuengirola before

Catholic Christians arrived.

The foothills of the mountain range behind the town to the south are the

site of an Arab castle, which contains remains of an early Ibero-punic or

Phoenician settlement, later occupied by the Romans, which became a

town known by them as Suel. Suel was identified by the Roman historian,

Pomponius Mela, as one of the towns of the coast, and was cited by Pliny

in the first century AD as a fortified town or oppidum. A later historian,

Ptolemy, identified it during the second century as being located in the

region of the bastulo-penos or Phoenicians.

The inscription on the pedestal of a statue found near the castle

mentions Suel as being a Roman ‘municipium’. A funeral urn found in the

same area has an inscription containing the word ‘Suelitana’. Roman

baths were discovered in 1961 and, close by, the remains of a Roman

villa containing two sculptures, one of which is the well known ‘Venus of

Fuengirola’ which is exhibited in the town’s museum. A series of

architectural components, probably transported from the Mijas quarry

during the Roman era, were discovered in Los Boliches in 1984. These

have now been mounted to form a temple entrance, and can be seen on

the promenade at Los Boliches.

Roman baths, a villa, and the aforementioned statue of Venus have all

been found here. It was a tidal wave, pirates, or destruction by the

Visigoths that made Fuengirola ‘disappear’ from the historical record

during the early Middle Ages. Later the Moors settled in the area, building

a castle, updating the area's name to Suhayl, which then consisted of

various villages dependent on agriculture. Suhayl became a fairly large

settlement, and included a fair amount of farmland and small villages.

Most of the area was however used as pasture for the Moorish rulers’

camels. The Moorish presence was consolidated from the 8th century

onwards, and evidence of their settlements is the burial ground

discovered near the hot springs at Torreblanca. It was from this period

that we get the name Sohail, a bastardisation of the Latin Suel. The

castle was destroyed in a Viking raid in 858 AD and the people took

refuge in Mijas.

It was not until the 10th century that the Cordoba leader, Abderramán III,

reconstructed the fortress and rebuilt the urban centre, and it then

remained in Moorish hands until captured by the Christians in 1485.

The historian Temboury described Suhayl as a pretty and sophisticated

town, the home of eminent writers who added its name to theirs - the

most well known being the great poet As-Sohaili, who wrote a few verses

about his native land, expressing his concern at the destruction of his

birthplace.

The insecurity related to the Christian ‘re-conquest’ of Spain changed

Suhayl’s fortunes and it was left deserted and in ruins after it was

captured by the Catholic kings’ army in 1485. The Christians renamed it

Font-Girola after the stream at the foot of the hill upon which stood the

castle.

An attempt to repopulate the site with 30 people failed, and in 1511 it

was registered as uninhabited, apart from the fortress

and a watchtower. Land originally set aside for

Fuengirola was reallocated to Mijas. After the Turkish >>

Sohail Castle today

Pharmacy, Church Square Pharmacy, Church Square today

costalife 13

FUENGIROLA

fully air conditioned - lockers

high powered showers - hair dryers

mens & womens saunas - jacuzzi

sun beds

fully equipped gym with both fixed and

free weights

crosstrainers + bikes

treadmills + rowing machines

professional instructor available

only gym open at 8 am

over 56 fitness classes every week

step aerobics, aerobics, yoga, bums & tums,

latest reebok decks

new from Finland “gym stick”

suitable all ages

pilates room with pilates reformer beds

individual spin bike room with 40 bikes

individual aerobics and exercise room

with sprung floor

Goshin Ju Jitsu plus Capoeira

Classes

Facilities

Gymnasium

TONI’SFIRST IN CARDS

Huge range of cards and gifts, all ages, alloccasions, invites, relations etc

CRAFTERS CORNERAll you need for making your own cards

Demos coming shortly

Offex mail point for letters and parcels to UK,recorded delivery + Passport renewal service

On main street to Paseo, opp Las Rampas, near Sur officeMon - Fri 10 - 6.30pm Sat 10 - 2.30pm Call 679 017 127

YOU!can advertise

Herefor as little as €120

>> costaGETAWAYS

and Moroccan pirates stopped their local activities, the town was slowly

but surely repopulated basing its economy on fishing, agriculture, and

trade.

During the 17th century, a new urban settlement developed opposite the

original site, once the threat from Turkish and Moroccan pirates had

disappeared. At the beginning of the 18th century an inn was opened

near the beach, offering accommodation to travelers, muleteers and

seafarers. A few huts were built nearby, forming a small village.

The Battle of Fuengirola took place in the area during the Peninsular War.

On October 15 1810 approximately 200 Polish soldiers of the Duchy of

Warsaw defeated a mixed British-Spanish force numbering some 3,000

soldiers under Lord Blayney. Andrew Thomas Blayney, 11th Baron of

Blayney was a veteran of Irish, Dutch, Italian, Egyptian and Indian

campaigns and a participant of the siege of Malta. He sailed from

Gibraltar toward Fuengirola which was defended by Poles, about whom he

had very low opinion saying that ‘‘little dependence could be placed’’on

them. The 150-165 Poles in Fuengirola were commanded by Officer

Mlokosiewicz.

Blayney’s troops landed at noon and marched northeast along the shore

towards the old castle. At 1 pm ‘‘a large group of Spanish guerrillas’’

attacked the Poles, captured their cattle and killed and wounded two

Polish guards. Approximately 40 Poles grabbed their muskets and ran out

after the Spaniards. But when Mlokosiewicz saw British warships he

recalled the pursuers. The British and Spanish infantry, after the initial

show of force, deployed on the hills and Blayney demanded immediate

surrender. Officer Mlokosiewicz’s eyes flashed defiance and he bluntly

responded: ‘‘Come and take it!’’

130 Polish infantry ran up the slope where the British battery were. The

Poles were joined by 11 French dragoons and attacked 1,060 Brits. They

routed the entire British battalion and captured 40 as prisoners including

Blayney and his adjutant. They then loaded the British cannons with

British ammunition and bombarded the Brits on the beach and at sea.

The aloof Lord Blayney was shocked and the ensuing battle resulted in a

victory for the Poles. General Sebastiani de la Porta who commanded all

French and Polish forces around Málaga arrived at Fuengirola on October

16th and showered the Poles with praise. Mlokosiewicz was awarded with

Legion d'Honneur. Blayney’s saber is today in Poland, in the city of

Krakow. In Warsaw, in the Museum of Army, there is a picture depicting

the heroic defence of Fuengirola. Blayney described the Poles,‘‘The scene

that presented itself at this moment can never be effaced from my

memory: both [Polish] officers and soldiers had all the appearance of

those desperate banditti described in romances; their long mustachios,

their faces blackened by smoke and gunpowder, and their bloody and

torn clothes, giving to their whole appearance a degree of indescribable

ferocity.’’ Blayney fought to the end before he was knocked to the ground

and taken prisoner. The Poles wanted to kill him but Frenchman Frederic

Petit saved him. The Poles brought their prisoners, including Blayney, to

the castle. Blayney had to step on the castle wall and signal to the ships

to cease fire. So he did without any hesitation and the warships sailed

away.

During Blayney’s long incarceration, the 2nd Earl of Caledon looked after

his financial, domestic and political affairs and, on his return, Blayney

was given a seat in parliament. Blayney died on 8th April 1832 and was

succeeded by his son Cadwallader, the 12th and last lord.

(For more info go to

http://www.napolun.com/mirror/web2.airmail.net/napoleon/Fuengirola.htm)

The castle was reconstructed again in the 18th century with the aim of

fighting smugglers in the area, and from then on the town became an

important supply centre for ships sailing towards the Straits of Gibraltar.

In May 1841 Fuengirola was detached from Mijas. At that time its

inhabitants were mainly engaged in fishing, agriculture and trading with

the ships that dropped anchor in the bay. Another story about the origins

of the town’s name is that it comes from a Genoa ship called a ‘‘girona’’,

that frequently made harbour here, trading in groceries (boliches). Thus

the name Los Boliches formerly separate from but now forming part of

the same urban area as Fuengirola.

For over a century, fishing and agriculture remained the main activities.

In 1822 the people of Fuengirola applied to the authorities in Málaga to

be given independence from Mijas. They made their application on the

basis of Fuengirola having a population of 1,000 inhabitants (the

minimum legal requirement for setting up a separate municipality) and

with an economy based on fishing and the port. The census of 1,000 was

disputed by the Mijas Town Hall, who declared there were less than 500.

However, later in 1841 the authorities accepted the division and

Fuengirola gained its independence, a mayor was elected and a Town Hall

was built. The way the boundaries were laid out at this time has always

been a bone of contention with the people of Fuengirola, who feel that

they were short-changed in terms of land allocation. Throughout the 19th

and 20th centuries and during further growth and expansion of

Fuengirola, this problem has come up time and time again when new

Battle of Fuengirola by Keith Rocco

Post Office, Calle España todayLate 50s the Post Office, Calle España

costalife 15

costaGETAWAYS >>

projects are mooted. It became a municipality in its own right in 1953.

It was only in the 1960s that Fuengirola entered a new phase, becoming

a leading tourist centre.

Since then Fuengirola has grown and grown. In the last few years

Fuengirola has boomed, particularly in the commercial sector. When we

arrived on the coast in 2002 there was only Dunnes block on the other

side of the N340 and a hotel but, since then, another hotel, the Myramar

Centre and Centro Commercial Miramar have gone up. Corte Ingles has

opened up and there is more development going up behind the Miramar.

Los Pacos has blossomed with probably too many blocks of apartments

and a much needed connection to the N340. The Sohail Castle remained

an abandoned ruin until renovations began in 1995. In 2000 the interior

of the castle was completely renovated and the Sohail castle began to

host festivals and concerts throughout the summer. Additional

landscaping was completed in 2002 and the castle is now one of the

highlights of Fuengirola's cultural and historical scene. For me Fuengirola

is developing into one of the most popular towns on the coast. It is

certainly becoming more cosmopolitan and is very popular with the older

generation because of its flat terrain. The amount of money spent on the

town over the last ten years has turned it from a dated tourist destination

to a chic and sought after area. The main streets and the paseo are

becoming more and more attractive. Property prices are still more

competitive than many other parts of the coast and I believe Fuengirola

will continue to grow and will surprise everybody in a few years and

become one of the most popular towns on the coast. It has always been

regarded as the poorer brother to places like Marbella but this could be

to its advantage as regards keeping property prices down, for the time

being at least. Things change as we all know and, with the demise of

Marbella in recent years, the coast is looking for a new ‘‘belle of the

Costa’’. If the continuous rumours of the port development ever came to

pass (these rumours were around when we arrived in 2002) Fuengirola

could become the place to be on the Costa del Sol. Fuengirola

now offers all the facilities to be expected of a major tourist

centre: hotels, restaurants, bars, discotheques, sports clubs, a

yacht harbour, and 7 km of broad beaches along a promenade

extending east and west from the town.

Of the approximately 60,000 inhabitants registered in the municipality,

25% come from other countries, mainly European (England, Ireland,

Scotland, Finland and Sweden, among others), and also from Morocco

and Argentina. In the summer especially the town plays host to throngs

of visitors, both Spanish and foreign, but particularly the British.

Whatever the future holds for this surprisingly historic town, Fuengirola I

believe is to become one of the most prominent towns on the Costa del

Sol.

Thanks to Rita and Nick from Fuengirola Real Estate for use of their

photos in this piece.

Miramar shopping centre Fuengirola beach front

1972 the then Prince Juan Carlos opens the paseo

Maxis Travel Agency Paseo

LocalBusinessSpotlight

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At Costa Life we dedicate more

space to business editorial than any

other publication on the coast. It is

important to us to introduce to you

information about our new clients

and remind you on a regular basis

about existing ones. We are a free

magazine and we only exist because

of our clients and we therefore feel

it right to dedicate a section of the

magazine to promoting to you, our

readers, the people, both new and

old, who make Costa Life possible.

If you need to make use of the

services or products promoted in

this section or indeed throughout

this issue please let our clients

know that you have seen them in

Costa Life Magazine.

Thank You.

La Garganta

Restaurant

costaCOMPANIES >>

costalife 17

LLaa GGaarrggaannttaa restaurant in the beautiful

area of El Chorro is now under new

management.

English couple Tony & Peggy Kennedy

have taken over the management and are

working hard to bring a more

cosmopolitan feel to this already

successful Spanish restaurant. They are

gradually introducing a new menu so

along side the traditional Spanish dishes

such as Rabbit & Chorizo in wine and

Paella, you will also find Hungarian

Goulash and Filete De Stroganoff.

There is now a Menu del Dia, a delicious 3 course meal with a drink for

only 8.50€.

From 2pm until 7pm there will be a snack menu available with all the old

favorites such as Chilli Con Carne, Steak & Kidney Pie, Lasagna and

several types of burgers. There is also an extensive choice of Tapas. If you

can’t find anything to suit on the menu, just ask and if possible they will

find you what you want.

Of course who could forget dessert, there is a dessert trolley to make your

eyes water. All home made, choose from delicious Sticky Toffee Pudding,

Light Profiteroles, Yummy Fruit Crumble, or Nan’s Apple Pie and Custard.

Or for the gourmets amongst you, try the a la carte menu in the new

Candlelight Room where such delights as Steak Diane and Chicken

Digonaise, will be served. Delicious fish dishes such as Swordfish, trout

or Langoustines cooked to perfection and again the dessert trolley, here

you will find such delicacies as Mango Mille Fueille and Hazlenut Torte.

Fresh seasonal vegetables will accompany all main dishes.

LLaa GGaarrggaannttaa carry an extensive wine list from the good quality house wine

at 12.50€ per bottle to such wines as Pesquera Reserva at 50€ per

bottle to please the most discerning wine buffs amongst you. La

Garganta now also have a cocktail menu and speciality coffees. The new

staff are trained to make you welcome and your dining experience a

pleasant one.

In the more clement weather there are four terraces to choose from,

where the views will take your breath away. El Chorro is famous the world

over for it’s mountains and 300m gorge. Watch eagles soar past, there is

a peaceful stillness in El Chorro, which seems to wend it’s way into your

heart and soul. The native Spanish here are most welcoming to

foreigners, the problem is if

you come here you may

never want to leave!!

Attached to LLaa GGaarrggaannttaa

restaurant is the beautiful

hotel LLaa GGaarrggaannttaa, where

you may like to book one of

the delightfully styled rooms

and enjoy a few days

exploring the area and this

fascinating tiny village

where Frank Sinatra filmed

the final scenes of the film

Von Ryan’s Express.

According to village gossip

he drank in the bar LLaa

GGaarrggaannttaa years before it

became a restaurant and

the owner of the now HHootteell

LLaa GGaarrggaannttaa,

Fernando, as a boy,

used to deliver

water and food up

the mountain on a

donkey to the stars

and crew whilst they

were filming. Rooms

start from 50€ a

night for a double.

Or really push the

boat out and stay in

the deluxe rooms

with double Jacuzzis

at 150€ per night.

Around the gorge

you will find what

remains of the

Camino Del Rey (the

Kings walk). This

was built for the

crew who worked on

the dam, to walk

from one side to the

other. In 1921 king Alfonso XIII used it to walk around the gorge and view

it in all it’s glory, when he came to open the dam system known as

Embalse del Conde de Guadalhorce at the Ardales lakes (that’s how it git

its name), only a ten minute drive away. These lakes will amaze you,

formed to supply the city of Malaga with a water supply in 1920, they

have brought to the area a tranquil setting to envy the lakes of Cumbria

in England. The cool clear water is a joy to swim in. So bring your

swimsuits and book a night for dinner and a stay over at the beautiful

hotel LLaa GGaarrggaannttaa and experience the peace and quiet of the Spanish

mountains.

Keep an eye out for the many special dining experiences planned

throughout the year, which will be advertised in this magazine.

La Garganta Restaurant

We are happy to be in Costa Life Magazine again to tell you

about our news in Cocina Invita Showroom in La Cala de Mijas.

WWee hhaavvee nnooww iinnttrroodduucceedd EEaassyy TToouucchh..

Easy Touch is the new electric drawer system for your kitchen.

Easy Touch is a brand new system for your drawers or pull-outs.

With a slight touch on the front of the drawer, it will open itself.

Easy Touch is a very practical accessory that can be used on

every model of doors.

With Easy Touch it is quite easy to open the drawers or pull out

with just your knee.

Easy Touch gives you control, so now you can open the drawers

in the plinth with your feet if you want.

This is why we call it Easy Touch.

Another new product issue is our high gloss painted kitchens. If

you by accident get a scratch on one of the doors, it is

extremely easy to repair due to the special type of paint the

factory is using. We can polish the doors, exactly like on a car.

As a Kitchen company we

have been growing rapidly

and af ter nearly four

years we have a great

team here in La Cala. We

now have three dedicated

and fully experienced

advisors to give you as a

client, a truly personal

service and we aim to

combine creative design

with functionality. We

want you to feel

comfortable so you can

tell us exactly what you

expect from us and of

course your new kitchen

with our focus on your

needs to create a personal

touch just for you and your

family. A room you would

like to stay in. Today, the

kitchen has become more

than just a ‘‘cooking

facil ity’’ ; it is the focal

place and meeting place

for the entire family.

We always like to make a

personal visit to your home

to obtain the best plan for

your new kitchen and we

like to study the

atmosphere where the kitchen is going to ‘‘land and stand’’ for

many years to come.

Fitting is a very important issue for us also, especially here on

the coast and our aim is to keep our clients happy by ensuring

the installation is completed right first time and for the lifetime

of the kitchen. Our new competent fitter Michael Mortensen -

who is a fully trained carpenter from Denmark is doing a great

job with Peter (director of the company). They know all the

traps, f iner points and details of f itt ing a kitchen in a

professional way.

Cocina Invita stands for high

quality in paint, hinges,

functions, fitting, design, trends

and especially a very high

service.

Call us today for your free

consultation or visit our

showroom in La Cala de Mijas

opposite Supersol.

18 costalife

>> costaCOMPANIES

20 costalife

LAMINATESCARPETS

WARDROBES RUGS

www.costa-carpet.com

Mon to Sat 9:30-13:30 Mon,Wed to Fri 16:00-19:00

Ctra. de Mijas km. 4

Tel. 952 473 328

RUGS - When you walk into CCoossttaa--CCaarrppeett,

you will notice that you have come to the

right place if you are looking for widest

selection of rugs and carpets! There is

amazing collection of rugs at reasonable

prices and in many different styles -

between modern and traditional timeless

rugs. The designs and colours of our

collections are popular today; we have a

lot of fashionable products like shaggy pile

and very hard natural materials too, like

paper yarn and sisal. These traditional

woollen rugs do not look old-fashioned,

they are coloured with light and soft

colours! If you are looking for a more

colourful rug, there is a good selection of hand-knotted oriental carpets

too.

NEW COLLECTION! Now you will find a good selection of oriental rugs

from Iran at excellent prices. Example; a unique hand-knotted rug 100cm

x 200cm costs only 199 euros and the big ones example; 200cm x

300cm costs 798 euros! The material is 100% wool. The rugs are in very

warm colours - usually deep reds and terracotta's.

FITTED CARPETS & LAMINATES - CCoossttaa--CCaarrppeett has professional team

for fitted carpets and all type of wood floors as well. They have all well

known brands like Tarkett,

Victoria Carpets, Lano, Quick-

Step and they offer all types of

materials, carpet squares and

British under lays too!

In the shop there are some

samples of the most favourite

carpets… but as they say, it is

better to see different samples at

the place where the carpet is coming

from. In fact, lighting and colours of

walls and other decoration at your home

is very a important point to consider,

when you are choosing just the right

colour for your floors. The team of

CCoossttaa--CCaarrppeett will help you to choose the

right material and the colour; they will

bring the samples to your home if

necessary, measure up and estimate

the installation work at the same time. This service and quotation is free

without any obligation!

(And I can say the installers works very quickly, if they have the right

material in stock, it could be installed in just a few days)

WARDROBES & SLIDING DOORS - CCoossttaa--CCaarrppeett's custom-made sliding

doors and wardrobes are a beautiful product. There is a huge collection

of different materials and colours that

can be used for the doors. The doors

are very high-quality, made in Finland.

The producer

of the doors is named Kirena

and has a good website and

you will get many new ideas by

visiting www.kirena.com.

Example; after changing new

doors on your bedroom

wardrobe, the room can look

totally new. The room can feel

bigger too; because sliding

doors needs less space than if

you have had open doors

before.

You can hear the quality too -

the doors move very silently and

one more inspired characteristic,

the doors have a ‘‘no jump’’ system

and stay in the rail.

CCoossttaa--CCaarrppeett has a full design

and installation service of

Kirena products too. They

will take away all your old

product and their carpenter will

fit the new products to complete the perfect

installation

WHERE IT IS? CCoossttaa--CCaarrppeett is in a great location on Carretera de Mijas

(the main road from Fuengirola to Mijas Pueblo, on your left side from

Fuengirola, between Imperial furniture and Centro-Idea), an area where

many people come to shop for furniture and other home products.

>> costaCOMPANIES

costalife 21

costaCOMPANIES >>

FFlloorr VVaalleennttiinn is a small flowering oasis which lies on the road betweenFuengirola and Mijas. Behind the Scandinavian shopping centre CentroIdea, in the parking space, you will find a small garden centre witheverything from seedlings to big, old olive trees, various fruit trees andpalm trees. Pots and planters in all sizes, colours and shapes.Sphagnum, fertilizers, wood shavings. Fountains, interior plants, cutflowers, bouquets, decorations, candles, lanterns and much, muchmore……

Apart from a personal service, we also offer garden and terrace designs.

Janne Valentin Lassen, owner of the shop, is Danish and has lived inSpain for 15 years. Until November 2006, she worked with her Danishhusband at a big flower horticultural centre in Coín, where they wereresponsible for the daily running.

It was during an Interrail trip in 1992 that Janne Valentin Lassen and herboyfriend Benny Hansen were presented with the idea of moving toSpain. During a stop off on the Costa del Sol, they visited a Norwegian-owned horticultural centre in Coín which Benny, who is a horticulturist,had heard about in Denmark, and here the owners offered them a job.During the train trip back up through Spain, they discussed their futureand when they reached Nice in France, they sent a ‘‘yes we areinterested’’ postcard to the horticultural centre. Eight months later theywere unpacking their suitcases in Coín, ready to give their new life a gofor a year. One year followed the other, and today - 15 years later - theyare part of the locals of Coín. They have also had two children, both born

and brought up in Spain.The children go to aninternational school, andare trilingual. Benny stillworks at the horticulturalcentre, but after 14 years inthe flower business, Jannefelt that she was ready tomake her dream come trueand, on the 24th of March2007, she opened her ownsmall garden centre. Hereshe thrives with all ‘‘her’’flowers on weekdays from11 AM to 6 PM andSaturdays from 10 AM to 2PM.

Apart from Janne, you mayalso be assisted by Anna,who is Swedish and haslived in Spain for 12 yearstogether with her Finnish

husband and their two children.Anna has an eye for flowers anddecoration, and with her goodtaste and style, the shop isalways beautiful and inspiring.Anna will always give youexcellent advice on flowers,plants and decoration.

The style in Flor Valentin is rustic,with a twist of French bohemia.Everything is presented in a cosyand homely atmosphere, withpersonal advice and service. Forweekdays and special holidays,there is always a large selectionof pot plants, flowers anddecorative arrangements. Giftwrapping is a special art at FlorValentin. Beautiful bags, cellophane and tissue paper as well as tastefulribbons, make the experience extra unique when you want to give a nicepresent or just spoil yourself.

They fetch inspiration at trade fairs in England, Denmark, Germany andHolland, and most of their products are imported from these countries.

Janne has just returned from Germany, where she visited a large flowertrade fair, where all the newest within flowers and pot plants wasrepresented. She also stopped over in Denmark, where she bought homedesign articles for the spring and summer.

Easter is upon us and this should be celebrated. Come and getinspiration for a stylish Easter table, or buy a basket decorated withflowers and small nests with eggs for a lovely hostess present, Easterbouquets, various bulb plants in lovely pots or plants to be transplantedinto the garden on your days off this Easter.

On the 24th of March 2008, the shop has 1 year’s anniversary. This willbe celebrated with special offers, coffee and cakes on Saturday 22ndMarch from 10 AM to 2 PM. We look forward to seeing both old and newcustomers.

>> costaCOMPANIES

22 costalife

FFoorrttrreessss SSeeccuurriittyy

HHeerree ttoo hheellpp ssiinnccee 11998877

There are not many companies on the Costa del Sol who have been in

business for more than twenty years but Fortress security in Calahonda

this year can lay claim to that title. Established in 1987 by Ian Fortress

Security can confidently claim to have a solid reputation for providing an

excellent service and high quality products. They have literally thousands

of satisfied clients and continue today to serve the ex-pat communities

along the coast, providing them with cost effective means of securing

their properties.

Their multi-skilled, security conscious team has an extensive knowledge

of all security products as well as possessing excellent skills in their own

trades. The list of their services and the products they can provide is

endless but includes scissor gates, rejas, drive gates, gate automation,

garden gates, railings, persianas, toldos, aluminium windows and doors,

security doors, garage doors, lock changes, secondary locking, intruder

alarms, electrical, welding, joinery, building, painting and plumbing

works.

Five days a week Fortress’s fleet of modern and fully equipped vehicles

travel the length of the coast and inland to Alhaurin, Coin and other

areas. They can provide references from over 20 years in business here

on the coast. After 20 years they are known far and wide for their

professionalism and caring attitude. If they can help, they will. If they

can’t they will know someone who will. They are still small enough to care

and yet large enough to cope.

They will gladly visit your home to provide a free no obligation security

survey

For more information about Fortress Security visit their website

to see the extensive range of products and services on

offer. Whatever your needs you're in safe hands

with Fortress Security.

WWhheerree aarree tthheeyy

They are situated in the heart of the Costa del Sol

at Calahonda. Their offices and showroom are

just 1 minute from the main

coast road (N340).

If you are heading towards

Marbella turn off the main road

at km198. When you reach the

roundabout turn left down the

hill. 20 metres down on the right

take the service rd. Continue

down. On your RHS is a furniture

shop with a tunnel at the side.

Go through the tunnel, our car

park and offices are on your left.

If you are heading towards

Fuengirola turn off the main

road at km198 onto a slip road

running parallel to the main

road. At the bus stop turn right

down the hill. Follow this road to the roundabout. When you reach the

roundabout turn left down the hill. 20 metres down on the right take the

service road. Continue down. On

your RHS is a furniture shop with

a tunnel at the side. Go through

the tunnel, our car park and

offices are on your left.

FO

RTRESS SECURITY SPAINS.L.

ESTABLISHED 1987

All steelwork, grills, gates, fences, stairways.Balconies, scissor gates, garage doors,

security blinds (manual/automatic)Persianas, toldos, security doors

Garage doors up and over - sectionalGate automation systems for all requirements

Garage door motorsAluminium windows and doors

Air conditioning - singles - splits-ducting All major credit cards taken

Phone 952 931 128 or 952 933 234Email fortress@telefonica.net

www.fortresssecurityspain.com

Other services

NNeeeedd aa tteerrrraaccee rreettiilliinngg oorr aa wwaallll bbuuiillddiinngg??

NNeeeedd ccoonnccrreettee ccoolluummnnss ffoorr tthhoossee nneeww ggaatteess??

NNeeeedd RReennddeerriinngg,, ppllaasstteerriinngg,, ttiilliinngg??

NNeeeedd aa bbaanniisstteerr rraaiill,, ffrroonntt ddoooorr rreeppaaiirriinngg,, kkiittcchheenn uunniittss??

NNeeeedd ssoommeeoonnee ttoo hhoolldd aa sseett ooff kkeeyyss??

NNeeeedd ffrreeee aaddvviiccee aabboouutt aallmmoosstt aannyy ssuubbjjeecctt uunnddeerr tthhee ssuunn??

NNeeeedd cclleeaanneerrss ffoolllloowwiinngg mmaajjoorr wwoorrkkss??

NNeeeedd aa qquuiicckk mmaakkeeoovveerr ffoorr yyoouurr pprrooppeerrttyy??

Just ask Fortress

costalife 23

costaCOMPANIES >>

TThhee MMBBTT sshhooee -- yyoouurr nnaattuurraall ppaaiinnkkiilllleerr!!

Do you walk a lot? Do you have

pain in your back, feet, joint or

knee? Do you want a more

upright posture? Then try a

pair of MBT shoes and

explore a new way of walking

with less pain and a much more

active body!

The MBT shoe is one of the newest products with in the area of lifestyle,

wellness and active life, yet it has already proven its right to exist in this

field. It is beeing used all over the world by young and elderly, people who

suffered from pain, by fitness orientated people and by stars like

Madonna and professionel golfpalyers like Suzann Pettersen from

Norway. It has also been valuated on several tv-stations world wide and

found very useful and effective.

The human body is not designed for constant

walking on even ground. In doing so, the

steps become unnaturally long

and a passive posture is

created. With conventional

shoes the steps fall almost

uncontrollably onto the ground and

the whole body receives shocks, leading to poor

posture, blockages, tension and weak muscles.

To counteract this effect the body must be stimulated to balance itself

and trough that active the body´s supporting muscle system, and this is

exactly what MBT physiological footwear does.

Due to a unique curved sole, MBT transforms flat, hard surface into

natural, uneven surface, simulating the walking action of our barefoot

ancestors. The curved sole creates a natural instability underfoot, which

stimulates and exercises the body’s supporting muscles system to

balance and keep an upright posture. Balancing means that the muscles

are working instead of overloading joints plus encourages active

musculature. Through the action of a tension interchange of the muscles,

MBT become shock absorbers for the joints and through this the body

experiences release of tension, relaxation and improved circulation.

Wearing MBT physiological footwear is like walking barefoot on springy

moss or a sandy beach - very comfortable on the one hand, but also a

challenge for the whole body.

Because every step is a small

workout for the whole body. An

active muscles system holds

and helps the skelet meaning

the bones which helps

reducing pain in the body.

All in all both when standing and

walking, there are several benefits in using MBT:� Activates neglected muscles � Reduces stress on knee and hip joints� Help with back, hip, leg and foot problems � Improves posture and gait � Tones and shapes the body� Help with joint, muscle ligament & tendon injuries

The first MBT shoe was produced in 1998 and launced in Swizerland

continuing to Germany and Austria during 1999. Since then the MBT has

help lots and lots of people to

reduce or take away pain in

especially back, knees and feet.

A very satisfied MBT Client

wrote to MBT United Kingdom

(www.swissmasai.com): Once

the MBTs were on my feet, I knew

I had to have them. They are the most

wonderful thing for my 3 times cut into spine. They take away all my

spinal pain from walking. (…)

Here on the Western side of Málaga, people who are curious about the

MBTs have a selection of not just 1 but 2 Specialized MBT shops which

both caries the full range of models and sizes.

And furthermore for the first time since the birth of the MBT a whole new

collection of MBTs will arrived in one month. The new collection consists

of 12 new models , so by the middle of April the total selection of MBT

will consists of at least 18 models which all to be found in the specialized

MBT shops.

In MBT SHOP CRISTINA in Fuengirola

and MBT SHOP MARBELLA we look

forward to help you experience the

MBTs and explore what MBT can offer

you! For enquiries and directions please

phone us on 995522 446622 444444 or check out

our website wwwwww..mmbbttmmaarrbbeellllaa..ccoomm

SSuuppeerr SSiizzee vvss SSuuppeerr SSkkiinnnnyy

Gillian McKieth used the mbt footwear

in the channel four program…

A posse of girls from Portsmouth walked

off the pounds and the inches whilst

wearing this footwear.GGiilllliiaann MMccKKiieetthh

OOFFFFEEXX EEAASSIIMMAAIILL Spains Largest English

Speaking Courier and Postal Service.

For many Ex Pats living and working in Spain the

sending and receiving of Letters and Parcels

can be an experience that is frustrating and

often unreliable.

In the event we are lucky enough to have a local

Post Office, the opening hours are often

extremely limited and the queues excessive.

In areas where deliveries are available, items

are often left at non secure locations,and signed for items are often

returned to sender without any notification.

OOffffeexx have been providing a secure,reliable and cost effective Postal

Service in Spain for the past 5 years.

OOffffeexx currently offer services in Andalucia, Alicante, Murcia and

Valencia Provinces, via a Network of conveniently located Mailpoints.

The location of OOffffeexx Mailpoints can be found on website

wwwwww..ooffffeexxssppaaiinn..ccoomm..

Business users can arrange regular collections from their premises.

Easimail offer the following services from Spain via the Royal Mail.

UK 1st and 2nd Class Post

UK and International Recorded

Delivery

Worldwide Airmail

Special Delivery

Airsure

Standard Parcels

All letters and parcels sent via the

Royal Mail are flown Daily from Malaga

and Alicante on British Airways Scheduled Flights

and delivered directly into the Royal Mail Sorting Office by

OOffffeexx Staff based at London Gatwick Airport.

OOffffeexx also have services for mail from the UK to Spain offering a

secure and fast Delivery service for Letters and Parcels.

Other OOffffeexx Services.

PPaassssppoorrtt aanndd VViissaa SSeerrvviiccee

OOffffeexx offer a daily service to the British and Irish Consulates in Madrid

for Passport Renewals ensuring that your documentation arrives

safely.

British Residents Applications are checked prior despatch to ensure

that forms are completed correctly, photographs meet UK

Government Bio- Metric guidelines, and all the required

documentation is included.

We also Deliver and Collect Visa Applications to a number of Foreign

Embassies.

EExxpprreessss PPaarrcceellss

A trackable Parcel Service for

both delivery and

collection of Parcels to

and from the UK.

IInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall AAiirr CCoouurriieerr

A worldwide Courier Service.

UUnnnnaaccoommppaanniieedd BBaaggggaaggee

Avoid carrying luggage to and from the

Airport when travelling to Spain, OOffffeexx

collect from any address in the

UK and deliver direct to

your Home or Hotel in

Spain.

When you are ready to return

to the UK we will collect and

deliver back to the UK.

To contact OOffffeexx Call 995522557777881166

or email mmaaiill@@ooffffeexxssppaaiinn..ccoomm.

>> costaCOMPANIES

24 costalife

costalife 25

costaCOMPANIES >>

For all aspects of Hair, Nail andBeauty treatments inc: Manicures,Facials, Real Thai Massage &Waxing. We use all the latestquality products.

Tel 952 442 270 or 670 695 860

C/ San Antonio, Centro Comercial San Juan, Arroyo de la Miel

Near Farmacia opposite train station

Arroyo’s Premier

English Salon

The Nail and Beauty Salon & Hair Styling

No 1 in Nail &

Beauty Treatments

New year new careerTrain to be a fully qualified Nail Technician with

Europe’s most complete nail care company. We

teach all types of nail extentions including

manicure, pedicure and nail art.

Acrylic, gel and fiberglass training and

airbrushing.

Call 952 560 051 or 607 586 894 for more

information

www.solnailsupplies.com

MMAAGGNNEETTIICC TTRRAAIINNIINNGG AACCAADDEEMMYY ((SSoollNNaaiill SSuupppplliieess)) offers specialised

training in all aspects of nail technology. Magnetic are Europes most

complete nail care company which includes Acrylic, Gel and Fibreglass

extensions, of course they also supply what can only be called one of the

largest range of nail art accessories, as well as manicure and pedicure

products and of course not forgetting their wide range of colours in nail

polishes (which do not contain formaldehyde). The excellent value for

money has made Magnetic the favourite brand for 1000s of nail

technicians throughout the

world, and their clients are safe

in the knowledge that Magnetic

products do not require a primer

and therefore are much kinder to

their own natural nails. We are

also proud that we can say that

none of our products have been

tested on any animals. The

Magnetic training courses cover

all aspects of nail enhancements

and students can be safe in the

knowledge that after training

their certificate will be

recognised in over 35 different

countries in the world. All

students can also be assured

that Sol Nails know most of the

pitfalls in the industry as they

have their own salon : The Nail &

Beauty Salon : just around the

corner from the shop and

academy. Jill opened the salon some 4 years ago after having taught

beauty at a local beauty college and in that somewhat short amount of

time the salon has grown to be Arroyo´s premier English salon The salon

offers not only all nail extensions but manicures ,pedicures ,waxing and

facials, and now has the services of a first class hair stylist who is

particularly skilled in both colours and cutting. The academy also offers

courses in applying hair extensions. Jill who is the main educator for

Magnetic and is without doubt one of the leading experts in the field of

nail extensions and her nail art is to die for with many of her clients

travelling from England and Ireland specially to have their hands and feet

cared for.

SSooll NNaaiill SSuupppplliieess also supply the range of Buttercup uniforms which are

known throughout the beauty industry for their

quality.

On February 25th SSooll NNaaiill SSuupppplliieess

are pleased to say they started to

provide both the products and

training in the Lycon Waxing

system favoured by the

likes of Victoria

Beckham, Sienna

Miller and Minnie

Driver. also be

prepared they

have launched

MiniKINI the

bikini line dye

for matching

‘‘collars &

cuffs’’ (this is

also good for mens chest

hair and beards to

hide the Grey) SSooll

NNaaiill SSuupppplliieess are

the only

a p p r o v e d

trainers for

these products

and application

in Spain.

So for

the best in

Nail Training

look no further than SSooll NNaaiillss

and for that top to toe

makeover then The Nail &

Beauty + Hairdressing in

Arroyo de la Miel should be

where you head for where Jill

and Ron will gladly offer all the

help and advice that you

need.

>> costaLIFESTYLE

26 costalife

Inspirational Quote…Many men go fishing all their lives not

knowing it is not fish they are after.

Hot head…Not only are hot-ttempered men more likely to end up with heart disease, but the conventional wisdom aboutblowing off steam is wrong. A decade-llong study found that men prone to intense anger and feelings ofdepression showed significant increases in levels of a protein called C3 (number is lower case) whichcontributes to coronary heart disease. Studies show that most forms of venting are actually harmful,anger venting results in more anger, not less; a better way to get rid of anger (and therefore C3 levels)is to take deep breaths and relax.

10 Adriana Lima

9 Marisa Miller7 Jessica Biel

6 Scarlett Johansson

5 Jessica Alba

4 Eva Mendes

3 Kate Beckinsale

1 KatherineHeiglfromGreys Anatomy,Knocked up, and

the chick flick27 Dresses

If women ruled the world…

Top 10 women 2008…Taken from www.askmen.com

8 Rihanna

2 AlessandraAmbrosio

I discovered cycling at a very young age, as I was lucky enough to have fitand adventurous parents who enjoyed a variety of endurance sports. Butit wasn’t until relatively recently that I got the triathlon bug!

Triathlon has become a verypopular sport in Spain. In fact alook at the web pagewww.triatloandalucia.org will showjust how many events areavailable.

Triathlon consists of 3 sports, aswim, bike and run, in that order;with varying distances. The sprintTriathlon is 750m swim, 20k bikeand 5k run. A great event forbeginners. Then at the other end ofthe spectrum is the Iron Mandistance. A 4km open water swim,180km bike followed by a 42kmmarathon! The ultimate forathletes.

The weather and sea conditionshere on the south coast are ideal

for training, and the mountainous landscape and the many tracksenables us to explore and discover some great cycling and runningroutes.

So even with a basic fitness level, a positive attitude and a dedication totraining, will enable most, to undertake the training necessary tocompete in a short distance Triathlon.

The list of equipment needed isnot too long. For the swim you willneed a good quality triatrhlon wetsuit, a triathlon suit, goggles andswimming cap.

Swimming in open water iscompletely different fromswimming in a pool. Just like ridinga bike in a spinning class iscompletely different out on theroads! A competitive swim astraight line, to a distance,compensating for the current andwatching out for other swimmers,will be quiet difficult at first, butwill get easier the more youpractice in similar conditions.

Leaving the water after the swim section,there is a short run to the transition area,this is were the bikes are racked up readyfor the cycle. Triathletes are usually quietbusy during this run, removing swimmingcap & goggles and undoing the wet suit,ready to remove completely when theylocate their bikes.

The equipment needed for the bikesection includes a bike, cycle hat, andshoes. The trickiest part of this transitionis putting sports socks onto wet feet!!

The cycling section usually account for50% of the finishing time. So this shouldaccount for a similar percentage of yourtraining time. The key to becoming a better cyclist is the amount of Km’scycled, which will in turn increase lung power and leg power. The bike isa fairly complex machine, so getting to know your bike, your cycleposition, when to shift gears etc, all come with experience and practice.

Bike nutrition is very important. Keeping your energy levels at a constant,while cycling will give you greater strength on the run section. Gels &nutrition bars are easy to digest whilst cycling.

The end of the cycle will mean re-racking the bike and changing intorunning shoes. As the triathlete will probably not be functioning at hisbest now, tying shoe laces will probably be the last thing he wants to do- so it is a good idea to invest in a pair of elastic shoe laces that arealready tied so it’s a case of simply slipping the shoes on & go.

So onto the run! Due to the intense high impact nature of running, bodiessimply cannot handle as much running training as swimming and cycling.It is far more likely to incur over use injuries from running than from theother 2 disciplines. With triathlons the run takes place when the triathleteis in a fatigued state, immediately following at least 45 minutes, orpossibly 9 hours or more of racing in the previous 2 sports. This is why itis necessary to use brick workouts in training. A brick workout comprisesa bike ride followed immediately by a run; this is a type of workout that isunique to triathlon.

Whilst putting a triathlon training plan together, it is also important toinclude stretching to keep good flexibility, and also core workouts andweight training to give strength. So if you are inspired to have a go at atriathlon, or just to learn a bit more, most towns now have their owntriathlon club, where you can get help and inspiration from a wide agerange of members.

My next challenge is the Lanzarote Iron man in May. So I may see youthere…….!!

TRIATHLON’S

Helen Johnson - Personal Fitness Trainer & Nutritionist - 617 453 550 - fitness@luv2btraining.com

costalife 27

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28 costalife Store Locator A to ZBenetton www.benetton.com Fuengirola. Burton www.burton.co.uk Gibraltar Dorothy Perkins www.dorothyperkins.com Miramar and La Cañada. H&M www.hm.com La Cañada.The body shop www.thebodyshop.com La Cañada. Topman www.topman.co.uk La Cañada.

Benetton

Red nylonhooded jacket

with fashionwhite pipedseams Burton

Pink cotton shirtH&M

>> Get shirty...

>> costaLIFESTYLE

>> The casual choice...

Grey singlebreasted suit

H&M

Dark grey withwhite collar shirt

H&M

Pale bluegranddad

shirtH&M

Grey Okinawa print T-shirt. Burton

Straight fit,blackcoateddenimJean Burton

Silver leatherpointed shoes

Topman

Light grey singlebreasted suit

jacket in pin dotfabric and lightgrey slim fitting

suit trousers Topman

Silver/grey floraldesign tie Topman

>> Look thebusiness...

mmeennmmeennwwaannttwwaanntt

Woollen short-sleeveddress with ribbedwoollen bodice andloop stitch skirtBenetton

costalife 29BBeenneettttoonn

>> Turn back time…Wise Woman for mature skin range

Black dollyshoes withbuckleDorothyPerkins

Mix and matchditsy dressDorothy Perkins

Wise Woman Vitality Serum,Regenerating Day Creamand Luxury Cleanser. The Body Shop

Black andwhitedressH&M

costaLIFESTYLE >>

Black acrossthe body hand bagDorothy Perkins

Pink beadedcluster ringDorothyPerkins

Suede high heelshoes with opentoeBenetton

Patent-coated handbagwith jacquard pattern and

eco-leather detailsBenetton

Woollen pin-stripedjacket withwaistbandBenetton

>> Stand out ina crowd…

>> Step out instyle…

Black patent hearthandbagH&M

wwoommeennwwoommeennwwaannttwwaanntt

Black and whitewedge shoe

H&M

>> Dress to impress…

New beauty rules…As minimal and matte skin is in, cheeks need a flash of colour in orderto keep the look healthy.

Invest in Mineral make-up. Mineral make-up is great for sensitive skins.Free of chemicals, dyes or irritants normally found in modern make-up,their fine ingredients actually care for the skin.

Bold and bushy eyebrows are the latest must-have accessory as sported onall the models. But they still need to stay in shape with a regular pluckingroutine, just make sure you follow the natural shape of your brow and pluck anystrays that fall above and below this.

Straightening irons have been swapped for the 80’s hair tool of choice - the crimper. Seen onlocks at major fashion shows like Mulberry and Burberry, crimps were worn in sections on straightstyles - either left alone or brushed through. To get the look, straighten hair first, take a few sectionsand crimp the mid-lengths to the ends.

>> costaLIFESTYLE

30 costalife

Beauty Quote…Everything has its beauty, but

not everyone sees it.

Proto-col… Collagen for skin, hair and nailsCollogen is the glue that holds our bodies together. It is the most abundant structural protein in the body andaccounts for some 76% of the skin, muscles and connective tissue. It is therefore one of the bodies vitalcomponents. Consequently there is a shortfall of some 30% by the age of 45. Proper collagen balance in thebody is highly desirable and crucial, if your looks and facial structure are to be maintained.

Every night, in the first 90 minutes of sleep, the body normally creates collagen to be used in the repairprocess this is known as the alfa cycle. The 100% Pure Collagen supplement, feeds your body with theimportant nutrition required. It holds the key to healthy skin as it provides the skin's strength,resilience and firmness. Collagen builds scar tissue to assist in healing damaged skin. Also forthose of us who do repetitive exercise, joint pain is a common occurrence and it only getsworse as we age. One way to combat this is by increasing your body's supply of collagen.Collagen is the body’s most abundant natural protein. Collagen may keep your skinyouthful in appearance and also help plump out those fine lines and wrinkles whenused on a regular basis.

You can purchase Proto-col at Kiss hair and Beauty in Fuengirola 952 666 787.

Starbeautysecret…Pam Anderson fightspuffy eyes withpotatoes! Put a freshslice of potato overeach of your eyes; liedown for a coupleminutes, and voila!Wide-awake eyes.

Jennifer Aniston loves her collagen based anti -aging fix(News of the world)

costalife 31

costaLIFESTYLE >>

Community Mental Health TeamWound Care ClinicHealth AssessmentsWeight ManagementDyslexia AssessmentsAlternative TherapistCounseling serviceHypertension management

Care Coordination Centre Well Women's ClinicMen's Health ClinicAsthma ClinicDiabetes ManagementVaccination ClinicsNutrition

A Nurse led service providing aninnovative and holistic approach to

healthcare that brings the values andpractices of a British Health Centre to theCosta del Sol, enabling you to access a

service that is familiar

Tel: 952 83 57 76www.clinicamedicare.com

Located in Elviria, nr Marbella.Next to Barclays Bank (Just off the N340 Coast

Road, direction Marbella)

A Touch Of BeautyTop to toe treatments for Menand WomenIncluding manicures, pedicures,waxing, eyebrow tints, eyelashextentions, spray tanning andsemi permanent make up

Spa rooms withtreatments tosoothe body, mind and spiritIncluding hot stone therapy,anti cellulite massage,chocolate wraps, full luxurypearl treatments andaromatherapy massages.

Go on, pamper yourself, you’re worth itGift vouchers also available

All of our treatments carried out by experienced,fully qualified therapists

Open Mon - Fri 10am - 7pmSat 10am - 3pm

952 939 829 for appointmentsand more information

C Plantas Baja, Terreno,101, Uno Urb,Sitio de Calahonda, The old Caixa Bank

t’s a fact that men are generally more scared about having regularhealth checks than women: we tend to leave things and put them toone side when it comes to having health checks on a regular basis.

So when I was asked by Clinica Medicare in Elviria to partake in anannual check-uup I was willing but I have to say a little anxious. I am notsure why because it has been a goal of mine to get into the habit of aregular yearly check-uup of my overall health particularly since I turned 40years of age. In fact I am 43 this month and have never had a check-uupwhich in some respects is a good thing as regards not being ill but a badthing in a preventative way. I have never been an ill person as it were andtend to just get on with things but we have to face the fact that as we getolder we need to take a closer look at our health.

It’s only my opinion but I think that up to the age of 30-35 you can prettymuch get away with most abuse because you are young enough to cope.For example, research says that if you smoke and give up by the time youare 35, within ten years your lungs could possibly be as good as thoughyou had never smoked.

Now of course that isn’t to say that you can just smoke your head off tillyou are 35 and then quit. It’s a bad habit and can kill at any age but thatkind of recovery is an indication of the fantastic ability of the human bodyto heal itself.

I suppose we men think that we are a little indestructible and that ‘‘it cannever happen to me’’ but the reality is that it can, and in today’s world ofpreventative medicine and awareness it seems a bit daft that we don’t

take advantage of themany tests we can take tosee what may be ahead ofus in later life and thenadopt ways of hopefullypreventing any illnesses orproblems we may face as weget older. For myself I think Iam quite healthy: I exercisethree or four times a week, I eathealthily, fresh veg, white meats,fish, fruit, etc and avoid processedfoods and ready made meals likethe plague. McDonalds or BurgerKing happen once in a blue moonand I have recently quiteaggressively cut back on alcohol intake. It hasn’talways been that way, as I am sure it is with many of you. I think as youget older you get more sensible and change the way you eat, generallythat is. If you don’t then the reality is that you stand the chance ofreducing your life expectancy by eating the wrong foods, too muchalcohol, no exercise and of course smoking.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not one of those people who examine every newfad and to be honest I would rather adopt a commonsense attitudetowards what I eat. I love food!! If you followed all the ‘latest trends andresearch’ from week to week you would be eating one thing this week

because ‘the experts’ say it is good for you and thenext week they say it would be bad for you.

My philosophy is eat fresh food and stay away fromtinned and processed foods. Avoid lots ofred meats and also make sure youexercise. Keep your alcoholintake to a minimum andDON’T SMOKE!

The check-up testitself lasts about anhour and theladies, Lorraineand Lisa, will makeyou very welcome.I hate needles butthe girls held myhand and I didn’t crymuch! And,remember guys, the

I

prostate test is now aBLOOD TEST - there’s nointernal exam so nowthere is no excuse. Thetest includes thefollowing: weight check,blood pressure, bodymass index score, urinetest for diabetes, ECG fora heart check and, asalready mentioned, amuch favoured andpreferred blood test foryour prostate! Followingthe tests, the nurse Lisawill have a 10-15 minuteconversation about yourlifestyle, ie what do youeat, do you exercise,alcohol intake etc, andfrom this information shewill give you some tips onimproving your eatinghabits and gently pointout to you any areas that

she sees may become a problem in the future or even any that might bea problem now. Having this test once a year can be an invaluable way ofhighlighting areas that you may think you are all right in but in fact needaddressing.

Overall I was fine: the main one for the prostate was clear and fine. Mybody mass index was a little high and she suggested that I need to losea few pounds which I was aware of and have addressed by getting backinto my regular fitness regime.

My cholesterol was 6.5 which she said was slightly high so I have cut outthe cheese and eggs and started drinking green tea which is supposedto be great for high cholesterol. Porridge is claimed to be fantastic forhelping to reduce cholesterol but I can’t eat it so I am going to have togive that one a miss: sorry, hate the stuff!!

My urine, heart and blood pressure were all fine although my bloodpressure was a bit low at 110 over 80 which she said is preferable ifyou exercise and it’s better to be low than high. So it wasn’t an allclear as it were and I have to say I thought it would be, but I supposethat is the problem. We always think we are okay and don’t want to

face the possibility that as we get older we may face a fewhealth issues and have to address a few things. I do

love cheese and have to be honest that in the last fewmonths have started to eat more than I should. Ialso have been eating more eggs and I kill formayonnaise! So it begs the question why was Isurprised that my cholesterol was a bit high?The truth is we are not invincible and cannoteat drink and be merry without paying aprice, especially as we get older and our

body changes. The goodthing is that all of the

above arereversible and

you can

instantly make a difference. I drank green tea for about two weeks afterthe check up, cut out all dairy and eggs (apart from skimmed milk in mysmoothies) and then went back for another blood test and my cholesterolcame back at 5.8 which is a great improvement in two weeks. I also lost8lbs in weight, my blood pressure came in at normal so within two weeksI was able to affect quite a dramatic change and only because I went tohave the check up.

Nobody is indestructible andas we get older we needto take more care andlook after ourselvesmore. Commonsensedetermines thatprevention is alwaysbetter than cureand, with thesefacilities available,we men should takeadvantage of them.After all, what can wedo without our health?

Thanks to David, Lorraine andLisa at Clinica Medicare inElviria for my check up. For moreinformation call them on 952 835776.

‘‘In truth, men are farmore likely to lookafter their cars thantheir own bodies and,whereas car MOTs arerequired by law, there isno such equivalent forthe driver. Womensee their doctortwice as often asmen and invariablymuch sooner in the courseof any given condition.’’

costaLIFESTYLE >>

ntercostal neuralgia is the medical term for an inflammation of one ormore nerves which are lying beneath every single rib. These nerves areexiting the thoracic spinal column and follow each rib along to the front

of the chest ending either at the sternum or in a small area at the lowerend of the sternum called solar plexus. This nerve inflammation cancause a permanent dull ache between the shoulder blades or follow thecourse of one or more of the ribs. On certain occasions or movementsthis pain can turn into a very sharp pain. Often enough the patient is evencomplaining of sharp pain on taking a deep breath or coughing. Especiallywhen this sharp chest pain affects the left side of the chest, physicianscan easily be misled to the wrong diagnosis of a heart attack. Fortunately,a quickly performed ECG (electrocardiogram) and a blood test can easilyexclude any heart problem.

Although the term intercostal neuralgia is not well known in non-medicalprofessions, and even some physicians do not exactly know what itmeans, it is not a rare medical condition. But it is certainly a conditionthat is very often seen and treated by orthopaedic surgeons.

This very localized inflammation usually starts without any apparentreason. If the patient is asked they frequently answer that they cannotrecall any accident, fall or any other trauma triggering the inflammation.They often enough do not even remember exactly when the pain started.But if they recall any trauma it is usually a sudden movement such as arotation of the upper body combined with flexion, like bending over to picksomething out of the car boot. Or something simple such as lifting a childup. Theoretically, these movements can cause a minimal displacement ofthe rib within its joint to the thoracic vertebra, so small that even x-rayswould not show it. As the nerve is closely attached to the surface beneaththe rib it gets under tension when this rib is not properly aligned with itsjoint to the spinal column.

On these occasions the pain is described as very sudden and sharp, like‘someone stuck a knife into my back’. This pain starts on one side of the

thoracic spinal column and radiates around the chest to the front andusually gets worse on taking a deep breath. It might deteriorate oncoughing. Many patients complain also about pain at night waking themup or just not being able to get comfortable.

Superficial creams or gels do not work as a treatment. Also anti-inflammatory medication as tablets usually does not alleviate the pain.The theory is that the inflamed nerve starts to swell as a reaction to theinflammation and then is simply too big and suffers compression whenpassing through the tight area beneath the rib. The treatment with thehighest chance of improvement of the symptoms is the direct infiltration(injection) with some local anaesthetic and cortisone. This infiltrationshould be done by an experienced orthopaedic surgeon because theneedle has to be directed at the inferior surface of the rib, with the lungbeing only a few millimetres away. This sounds like the injection might bepainful, and as a matter of fact it is uncomfortable because theorthopaedic surgeon has to try to directly hit the inflamed nerve next tothe joint between the rib and the vertebra. In the moment of doing theinjection this may be uncomfortable, but due to the local anaesthetic thispain would disappear within less than a minute.

The injected cortisone would decrease the inflammation and thereforethe swelling of the nerve. Once the inflammation is successfully treatedanother medical examination by the orthopaedic surgeon can thendetermine whether there is still a mechanical problem such as amisaligned rib joint. Re-alignment might be indicated using a chiropracticmanipulation or osteopathic technique. This is a very simple and effectivetreatment option.

Intercostal Neuralgia A very common cause of back and chest pain

34 costalife

24HR EMERGENCY SERVICE - TEL:656 313 293Tel: 952 577 766 - E-mail: clinica.sandalf@terra.es

www.clinica-sandalf.comC./ Pepa Guerra Valdenebros, 29631 Benalmadena behind Tivoli World Arroyo

For any further questions regarding bursitis or any other bone,joint or soft tissue problem, please go to

www.clinica-sandalf.com or ring 952 57 77 66

Treatment of Arthritis & RheumatismJoint Replacements - hip,knee,ankle,shoulder

Hip ResurfacingAdvanced Cartilage Repair

Keyhole SurgeryHand and Foot SurgeryAccidents & Fractures

Bone density measuring availableX-ray Facilities - Diagnostic Ultrasound

Back and Neck Problems - sciatica,whiplash,etc.Rehabilitation - post op,post injury

Emergency Accidents dealt with(ambulance service available 24hr per day)

Travel insurance & International insurance claims welcome

Mr Alf NeuhausConsultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Col. No: 9.220

Sandra VincentiUK Chartered Physiotherapist Col. No: 682

>> costaLIFESTYLE

I

‘‘I can recommend Paula Monaghan whole-heartedly.She and her team have always been very responsive,

reliable and best of all, the furniture she has selected for myapartment, is nice, fits the space properly, and helps

make my apartment more rentable. I will continue to use Paula’s services as I add additional

furnishings, to keep the ‘‘look’’ consistent, but more importantlybecause of the quality work she and her team have provided.’’

Kevin PlatzCologne, Germany

38 costalife

>> costaLIFESTYLE

Food forsex…Food is love, food iscomfort and food is alsosex. Certain foods canlight up your lovemaking

Omega-3 fatty acids foundin fish, can improvecardiovascular health andreduce the risk for depression;they are also pluses for the libido.So if you’re looking after your heart you’llalso have better blood flow and more sensation below.

Foods to eat…Almonds and walnuts, Salmon, cod and halibut.Antioxidant-rich produce, including tomatoes, red peppers, garlic,spinach, broccoli, berries and red grapes.Another good source is dark chocolate. Load up your plate with lean, bright, beautiful foods and you’ll have adynamic sex life.

How to survive a heart attack when alone…Since many people are alone when they suffer a heart attack, without help, the person whose heart is beatingimproperly and who begins to feel faint, has only about 10 seconds left before losing consciousness.

However, these victims can help themselves by coughing repeatedly and Very vigorously. A deep breathshould be taken before each cough, deep and prolonged, as when producing sputum from deep insidethe chest.

A breath and a cough must be repeated about every two seconds without stopping until help arrives, or untilthe heart is felt to be beating normally again.

Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing movements squeeze the heart and keeps the bloodcirculating. The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it regain normal rhythm. Heart attack victimscan then get to a hospital.

Top tip…Just hum …Daily humming is a

good way to increase

ventilation in the sinuses.

Cutting caffeine may help control diabetes…Researchers studied a small group of people with established type 2diabetes who drank at least two cups of coffee everyday, and who weretrying to manage their disease through diet, exercise and oralmedications, but no insulin. Scientists used new technology, a tinyglucose monitor embedded under their abdominal skin to continuouslymonitor sugar levels over a 72-hour period.

Participants took capsules containing caffeine equal to about four cupsof coffee on one day and then identical capsules that contained aplacebo on another day.

The researchers found that when the participants consumed caffeine,their average daily sugar levels went up eight percent. Caffeine alsoexaggerated the rise in glucose after meals.

Healthy snack tip…Microwave popcorn - 20-25calories per cup, and you canmake it in two minutes orless.

Walk your way toweight loss...Walking can help people lose weight,especially if they use a pedometer to makesure they are going far enough. People whoadded 20 to 40 minutes of walking a daylost a small but steady amount of weight;increasing physical activity reduces the riskof cardiovascular problems, lowers bloodpressure and helps dieters maintain leanmuscle tissue when they are dieting.

This charming villa is located in the sought after area of Calahonda situated in a cluster of villas allwith their own private gardens and access is via a private road. The property benefits from many

features including 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms, an off road garage, sea views, communal pool, largeprivate garden, spacious lounge and much more. The villa is in a very good condition and viewing is

highly recommended due to its location and privacy.

Plot size 1035m2 built size 180m2Interior: fireplace, fitted kitchen,

fully furnished, marble floors (total),satellite TV, storage, and telephone.External water tap, double glazing,

gated community, alarm systemand close to amenities.

Price 675,000 EurosPlease contact 600 713 028

44 costalife

>> costaHOMES

SSpprriinngg RRaaiiddHorse and rider cross country

endurance competition

will take place at the farm ofSnr Rafeal Berdaguer,Cortigo Los Frailes, Coin

Saturday 19th April

Please contact for further informationDavid or Betsy Borthwick on

670053421 or 670053422 Email : David Borthwick

[david_borthwick1@hotmail.com]

costaHOMES >>

costalife 45

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bbeenneeffiicciiaall ttoo ffiirrsstt ccoonnssiiddeerr hhoommee ssttaaggiinngg ttoo iinnccrreeaassee tthhee

vvaalluuee ooff yyoouurr hhoommee..

Just because you like your home doesn’t mean everybody else

will. Taste is a very personal thing, and those animal print

armchairs that are so close to your heart might not be everyone's

cup of tea! A house might be lovely in terms of its architecture

and design, but unsuitable décor and furnishing can let a

property down and discourage potential buyers.

If you want your house to sell, it will need to be clean, tidy and

uncluttered. Simply kicking the rubbish under the bed and

throwing some cushions about before potential buyers come to

visit the property will not be enough to really impress them.

Making a house look appealing can be a very difficult task; it

takes time and creativity, neither of which everybody has.

However much style you think you might possess, there is a

difference between a house that looks nice to be living in, and

one that looks nice to move into. Visitors may think your place

looks very ‘homely’ and ‘lived in’, but that doesn’t mean they will

want to live in it themselves. Potential buyers need to be able to

imagine themselves living in the property. In the same way that

people always complain about food never looking as good in

reality as in the pictures, it is very disappointing for house hunters

to arrive at a property only to find it doesn’t meet their

expectations.

Create a neutral, light and appealing atmosphere inside the

house. House seekers will be looking for clean, well presented

properties, and also need to be able to imagine themselves living

in the house. This means the property needs to be

depersonalised. Taste, as everybody knows, is an extremely

individual thing, and if someone looks at your house and is

confronted with anything too unique or personal, it is unlikely they

will have the courage to buy the house and attempt to create their

own individual environment. Make sure the exterior of your

house is presentable, because of course, first impressions are

critical.

Another crucial element in presenting a house is ensuring a

property looks spacious.

Anyone who has ever bought or rented a property will know how

valuable space is, and there is a refined art to making a place

look bigger than it actually is (which, though sneaky, is exactly

what you will be wanting to do if you want to impress house

hunters). Use of mirrors, the larger the better, and for maximum

BB

This month Interior Designer PPaauullaa

MMoonnaagghhaann, of Paula Monaghan Interiors gives

you her significant ideas to help with selling,

improving or de-cluttering your property.

costalife 47

effect, flush the mirror with a corner, or position mirrors opposite each

other to create the illusion of space. Repaint and use rugs and lamps,

preferably projecting towards the ceiling to create several distinct visual

spaces within one room. The importance of creating an impression of

openness cannot be underestimated.

Wallpaper is used to create a statement panel down the edge of one

wall. Hung in the hall it gives dramatic impact to what would otherwise

be an uninspiring space. Mix plain and patterned wallpaper to help the

transition between areas in an open space. Say it loud! Small spaces

offer an opportunity to experiment with bolder designs. Most wallpaper

companies create collections with colours and patterns that are

designed to work with one another, so stick to one collection and the

scheme will naturally come together. Texture is a big trend, and where

better to have touchy-feely wallpaper than in the bedroom? This amazing

paper gives an impression of tactile hide.

Can’t afford a major revamp? You can still give your living room a fresh

new feel with a bit of rearranging and a few clever buys. Swap the coffee

table for side tables. Easy to move, and taking up less space than a

coffee table, a neat modern table will make the room appear larger.

Paint one wall. A single 2.5 litre tin of paint is usually enough to cover

most walls, so this is a cheap and easy way to give the whole room a lift

- and go for spring shades for a really fresh feel. Update your sofa. Even

well-used sofas can be revived and given a new look if you cover them

in bright sumptuous scatter cushions.

The end result is to make

your home look open,

depersonalised, and

suitable for a wider variety

of tastes. Using an interior

company will, of course,

not guarantee a sale, but

you will be giving yourself

the best possible chance,

and it could be the most

suitable resort if you need

to sell a property quickly

and you are lacking in

time.

Through my experience

I’ve encountered many

occasions when properties

failed to sell for their

highest potential figure or

else languished on the

property books for months

because the colour

schemes in the properties

were putting off the

buyers.

Colour can make

buyers feel

‘Welcomed’, ‘Excited’,

‘ R e l a x e d ’ ,

‘Comfortable’ but it

can also make viewers

feel ‘Unwelcome’,

‘ U n c o m f o r t a b l e ’ ,

‘Cold’, ‘Anxious’.

For this reason it is

vitally important to get

your choice of colours

right when staging a

property to sell.

Choosing a colour to

repaint a single room

or potentially the

whole house can be

tough. Unlike

furniture, lamps, art

and accessories,

which can be

positioned and then

repositioned until

things look right,

painting a room in the wrong colour is both expensive and time

consuming. Create a mood board from your favourite magazines and

pictures to give you inspiration.

Be it styling or staging you can actually add thousands of pounds to your

property and achieve a quick sale or just create a new look.

Images supplied by Paula Monaghan and P R Shots.

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Protect your family, home and business

Smoke and fire andCO detection

Automatic extinguishing systems

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Baking soda …Make a mixture of 1/4 cup of, baking soda 1/2 cup of white

vinegar, and 1 gallon of hot water to clean grease and grime, as

well as deodorise.

White appliance surfaces: mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with a few

cups of warm water to wash the outside surface of white

appliances. Rinse it clean after 15 minutes to remove yellowing of

the appliances.

Put some baking soda onto the bottom of the rubbish bin before

replacing the plastic liner to eliminate odours.

Shoe odour can be eliminated by sprinkling baking soda or dry,

powdered herbs, such as chamomile, in the shoes each evening.

Make sure that the powder reaches the very inside tips of the

shoes.

To remove stale smells from food containers, rinse out with hot water and baking soda. If the smell

persists, let the container soak overnight in the baking soda and water mixture.

Creaking doors and stuck keys…Take a normal lead pencil (it’s not actually lead, its graphite) and go over

all the joints in your hinges. Work the door back and forward a few times

and repeat the whole process. The graphite in the pencil lubricates the

brass or iron without corroding it. Graphite is dry and as such it won’t

promote rust.

This also works for ‘sticky’ keys as well. Work the pencil over the grooves

in the key and gently inside the key hole as well (but really gently - you

don’t want to break off the tip of the pencil in the lock). Then work the

key in and out of the lock a few times, and gingerly work the lock with the

key.

>> costaHOMES

50 costalife

Top tip…Removing nail varnish from

leather sofa do not use nail

varnish remover use

cellotape…it works no

marks and no fading.

Ant Repellant…To keep ants out of the

house, find where the ants are

entering the house and sprinkle a

barrier of cinnamon or any type

of ground pepper to block their

way. The spices are too hot for

the ants to cross.

Bathroom shower curtain…To stop the bottom of your shower curtain from becoming discoloured or mouldy, coat it with baby

oil. If it is too late, then to remove the mildew from the shower curtains scrub with a paste of

bicarbonate of soda and water. Then rinse in plenty of clean water.

George Foreman

Grills…After removing the cooked food

from the grill, place a paper towel

soaked in water on each of the 2

cooking surfaces. Unplug the

appliance, allow it to sit for 5-30 minutes

(while you eat), then use the paper towels

to effortlessly wipe out the grease and food

particles.

Cleaning Soiled Shirt Collars…Take a small paintbrush and brush hair shampoo into soiled shirt

collars before washing. Shampoo is made to dissolve body oils.

costaHOMES >>

costalife 51

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uusseess..

Unfortunately many of the most beautiful spring wild flowers are

becoming less common. Last year I was saying how much at risk much of

the native flora was. I can’t help but be more pessimistic a year later. You

only have to look around to see the increasing damage to the landscape

being caused by unsympathetic farming methods and by development.

The damage is now extending ever further inland from the coast. So I ask

all of you to find the time to take a trip in the Andalucian countryside, the

fields, hillsides and mountains, to enjoy our beautiful spring weather, and

to appreciate the wonderful show of wild flowers to be seen over the next

three months! Only a major change in public opinion can prevent further

serious degradation of our natural environment. Your voice could help to

stop yet another unnecessary golf course and residential complex from

disfiguring yet another beautiful hilltop!

In the garden, spring flowers are starting to appear. From my windows I

can see a fine clump of IIbboozzaa rriippaarriiaa with its wonderful plumes of pink

flowers. This shrub is really easy to grow, up to 2 metres, with large lime-

green leaves in summer and it can make do with little water. It flowers

spectacularly in February/March and surely deserves to be more widely

grown. Nearby is a shrubbery containing a fine specimen of LLyyggooss rraaeettaamm,

a beautiful Broom with sweetly scented white flowers; easy to grow, very

attractive to bees and a flower arranger’s dream. You can still sometimes

see this plant in its natural habitat on coastal sand dunes along the Costa

del Sol and in Southern Portugal. Another wonderful shrub in my garden

is CCaassssiiaa aarrtteemmiissiiooddeess with delicate blue-grey, ferny foliage and long-

lasting clusters of rich gold flowers. This provides a great contrast to a

large clump of Justicia adhatoda, now just at the beginning of its long

I

WWrriitttteenn bbyy

SSiimmoonn HHiillllBBuuddddlleeiiaa OOffffiicciinnaalliiss

IIbboozzaa RRiippaarriiaa

NNaarrcciissssuuss PPaappyyrraacceeuuss

flowering period, which has

many erect 2 metre stems with

large leaves that terminate in

multiple heads of white flowers

like those of Acanthus (Bear's

Breeches) and is very attractive

to those huge and spectacular,

but totally harmless, black bees.

The resemblance of the flowers

to Acanthus is not accidental;

they belong to the same plant

family. AAccaanntthhuuss mmoolllliiss is a

herbaceous plant with extremely

ornamental glossy green leaves,

flowering in late spring before

dying back into summer

dormancy. It is another native

plant that deserves a place in

most Mediterranean gardens.

I have two Buddleias flowering now. BBuuddddlleeiiaa ooffffiicciinnaalliiss has masses of

mauve/pink flower clusters with an extremely powerful honey scent that

attract many spring butterflies, in particular Red Admirals that have just

emerged from hibernation. A word of warning: this plant may cause hay-

fever problems for a few people. BBuuddddlleeiiaa mmaaddaaggaassccaarreennssiiss is a splendid

shrub with a lax, scrambling habit, grey foliage and magnificent arching

spikes of orange-yellow flowers. It looks particularly good growing

amongst other shubs. In my garden it grows up and through a small tree,

CCaalllliisstteemmoonn vviimmiinnaalliiss, also in full flower, which has weeping branches

bearing crimson bottlebrush flowers.

All over the garden daffodils and narcissi are coming into flower. When

you buy daffodils as bulbs to naturalise in the garden, remember that

many of the varieties that are grown in northern Europe may not succeed

here. This is because our winters are not cold enough. Those varieties of

narcissus that have southern European wild species in their ancestry are

usually good, for example the varieties Tête-à-tête, Hawera and

Avalanche.

When I refer to spring fever, I mean the feverish state of enthusiasm,

albeit sometimes only temporary, which afflicts those with gardens at

about this time of year. After the gloomy days of winter (not so many this

year), we eventually build up a sufficient head of steam to get going on

some irritating but necessary tasks such as cutting back shrubs, tidying

and weeding beds and applying mulches. The very mild winter we have

just experienced seems to have stimulated extra-luxuriant growth of all

the worst types of weeds. Reaching for the glyphosate bottle

(Sp:glifosato, an excellent, relatively non-toxic, all-purpose weed killer) is

a solution in some cases, but probably not in a flower border filled with

rare and precious plants!

Weeding or clearing the beds inevitably leads to the appearance of gaps

where something has died. A replacement is needed; let’s ‘go down the

garden centre’! Garden centres have proliferated in the last few years and

it is not difficult to find one. The problem is that these are now hard times

for the garden centres. Like estate agents, many opened up to cater for

the property boom but this is now over and purses are reluctant to open.

Most of these places are

little better than retail

outlets, full of high-priced

gimmicks and garden

ornaments but woefully

short of interesting plants

for the discerning gardener.

What plants they do have in

stock are often raised on an

industrial scale in peat

compost in greenhouses as

far away as the

Netherlands. Such plants

tend to survive poorly when

planted out into the rigours

of the Andalucian climate.

This is a big problem for me.

I try to design gardens that

mimic nature, that largely

look after themselves with

only a little routine

maintenance. These

gardens have nothing in

common with the

hackneyed tropical garden

look which we can see all

along the Costa with its

limited range of plants and

its need for lots of water.

Unfortunately for me it is

incredibly difficult to get the

plants I need. Local

nurseries (Sp: viveros) that

are actually interested in

supplying clients like me

can be counted on the fingers of half a hand, and I am forced to order

from specialist nurseries in France or even further away. Few of us

appreciate that much of what we buy in the local viveros is the

horticultural equivalent of factory-farmed chicken! This is in spite of the

fact that our climate is ideal for outdoor commercial production of a huge

range of wonderful garden plants well adapted to local conditions. Only if

we, the public, make it clear to vivero owners what we really want to buy

will there be any change.

To finish on a more upbeat note, I was recently given by different friends

two bulbs of a species from South Africa, VVeelltthheeiimmiiaa ccaappeennssiiss.

Interestingly these two bulbs were the offspring, and grand offspring, of

a single plant brought to Spain from London some twenty years ago. Its

native habitat is stony mountain fields in the Cape Peninsula where it

enjoys a Mediterranean climate - just as it does here, now making a fine

show in pots of sandy compost on my windowsill! Such horticultural gems

are out there to be found and cherished - so there is hope for us

gardeners yet!

FFoorr ffuurrtthheerr ddeettaaiillss,, aaddvviiccee oorr iiff yyoouu hhaavvee aannyy ggaarrddeenniinngg qquueessttiioonnss,, ccoonnttaacctt

hhiimm aatt:: ffiinnccaarroossaabbllaannccaa@@tteelleeffoonniiccaa..nneett..

costaHOMES >>

AAccaanntthhuuss

BBuuddddlleejjaa

MMaaddaaggaassccaarriieennssiiss

CCaalllliisstteemmaann VViimmuunnaalliiss

CCaassssiiaa AArrtteemmiissiiooiiddeess JJuussttiicciiaa AAddhhaattooddaa

VVeelltthheeiimmiiaa CCaappeennssiiss

Charming Country Cottage(Álora)

Built: 160 m² Land: 10.000 m² Restored cottage located in beautiful country side · 3 beds. Pool · Own well · SAT · Views Kitchen-dining & living roomvery spacious · Wooden ceiling Priced to sell quickly 325.000 €€

Built: 80 m² Land: 40 m² Old Town house in excellent condition with 2 beds. · Close to centre, but very quiet location ( no traffic ) · ff/kitchen Roof terrace · Priced to sellquickly.76.000 €€Reality Exceeds Imagination

(Álora) Built: 420 m² Land: 60.000 m² Authentic, old farmhouse,renovated with great care w. afurther 2 new buildings · Centralheating Pool ( 12 x 8 ) · Tenniscourt In all 6 beds. TV + DVD ·Aircon. A dream of garden ·Ample terraces ‘‘Must beviewed’’ … 1.595.000 €€

Old Town house (habitable) (Casarabonela)

House Under Construction(Casarabonela)

Built: 135 m² Land: 13.000 m² Magnificent views · 3,5 km from village · Inter´l neighbourhood Own well · Electricity · Propertywith great potential · Price dramatically reduced…. now only…. 130.000 €€

>> costaPROPERTY

56 costalife

Jardines de Calahonda2 beds. 2 baths apartment. Furnished. Located in the greenest area of theurbanisation.109m2 built. Walking distance to beach. Quiet area.Price 215.000€€

CalahondaTOP FLOOR CORNER with lift. 2 bed. 1 brand new bath, marble floors,double glazing. 97,05m2 built. Furnished. Walking distance to beach.Price 165.000€€

Altos de CalahondaBrand new 2 bed. 2 bath. 92,15m2 built. Never has been used.Unfurnished. Seaviews.Price 189.500€€

La CortijadaProbably the best project in Sitio de Calahonda. 2 bed. 2 baths. Furnished.112m2 built. QUALITY.Price 225.000€€

AP474: Rustic style country house on a plot of 16,000m2 in thearea known as Las Angosturas close to El Chorro and only 15minutes from Alora. The house currently offers one bedroom withen-suite bathroom, lounge /American style kitchen, bathroomand porch. 80 m2 built. The property has wooden ceilings, doorsand windows and is only 500 mts from the main road with goodaccess. Mains water and electricity.

PRICE: 198,330€€

AP192: A recently renovatedpretty 2 level townhouse in aquiet street of Alora. On theground floor there is a sittingroom, lounge and kitchentogether with a pretty patio withthe bathroom off this. On theupper floor there is a largelanding, 1 good sized bedroomand a terrace with beautiful viewsof Alora. Good access with streetparking available. The propertyhas mains water and electricity.This townhouse offers very goodvalue for money.

PRICE: 105,000€€

AP442: A tastefully decorated finca located on the outskirts of Alorawith 17,000m2 of land with olive, almond and 30 varieties of fruittree. The property is double glazed throughout and offers a loungewith wood burning stove, a dining room, kitchen and a pantry, 3/4bedrooms and a good sized bathroom.100m2 built. There is also alarge terrace offering many sunny and shady entertaining areas, astore, good sized garage and a wood store which could easily beconverted into further living accommodation. There is a well, mainswater and a 6,000litre water deposit, electricity and the possibility ofhaving a phone line installed. This property offers any buyer a greatopportunity to own a beautiful finca with stunning views.

PRICE: WAS 241,500€€ NOW 215,000€€

tel: 952 498 454mobile: 609 454 409

enquiries@aloraproperties.comwww.aloraproperties.com

Plaza Fuente Arriba s/nAlora

specializing in

FincasCountry VillasTownhouses

CortijosRuinsPlots

AP236: A nicely renovated house situated close to Alora town,set on 25,000 m2 of land. The house offers 3 bedrooms, lounge,kitchen, bathroom, a separate shower room and laundry roomtogether with wooden ceilings. 140m2 built with ample space tohave a swimming pool. Beautiful views from this property. Waterand electricity connected.

PRICE: 255,000€€

RESTORED CORTIJO WITH GUEST COTTAGE

& SWIMMING POOL - MONTEFRIO, GRANADA� Beautifully restored, tradtional cortijo with 5 double bedrooms plusseperate 3 bedroom cottage and swimming pool. - Well presentedthroughout with lots of character and many original features.

� MAIN HOUSE: 5 Double bedrooms (some with beamed ceilings),Fitted & tiled bathrooms, Lounge has fireplace with log burnerinstalled, & Andalucian style kitchen / diner.

� COTTAGE: 3 Double bedrooms (2 with patio doors to gardens & poolarea), Lounge has fireplace with log burner installed, Fitted & tiledbathroom. Stone floors throughout.

� OUTBUILDINGS: Second fitted & tiled kitchen / diner with fireplace, Pool side fitted & tiledbathroom, Plus 3 outbuildings which could convert for further accommodation / workshop /garage etc.

� OUTSIDE: Swimming pool with terrace area, flat fenced gardens withnumerous fruit trees (including fig, olive & nispero), shaded courtyard area,private entrance with double gates, road access.

� POSITION: Peaceful, coutryside location with country & mountain views

Sale Price: 249,000 €

Phone: 627 834 839

www.acefm.info

costaPROPERTY >>

costalife 57

>> costaHOMES

58 costalife

ho offers mortgages?Mortgages are available from mostHigh street Spanish banks and saving

banks[Caja] and International lenders inGibraltar.

Most Developers will have a loan scheme inplace on ‘off-plan’ purchases, but you need tobe aware that these are only available oncompletion and will not cover any stagepayments i.e. normally 30% deposit.Resale properties are also sometimes offeredfor sale with a mortgage in place that can beeasily transferred.

What is the cost of arranging amortgage?The cost of a Spanish mortgage varies greatlyfrom lender to lender and also from broker tobroker. Generally you should allow between 2-3% of the purchase price of the property.

Why is it so expensive?The up-front costs on a Spanish loan are muchhigher than in the UK for a number of reasons.

Firstly the Bank itself will charge anarrangement fee ranging from .75% - 2% of theloan depending on the loan to value and thecomplexity. The higher fees are generallycharged for ‘non-status’ lending or bridgingfinance and for a normal mortgage you shouldnot pay more than 1.25%

There is also mortgage tax of 1% of the valueof the loan and 1% of the interest due to beaccrued over the term of the loan e.g. on a loanof €100,000 over 25 years at 3.5% the totalinterest payable is approx. €50,990 makingthe tax payable €1000 + €509.90

As a Spanish mortgage is attached to theproperty and not the owner it has its own titledeed. You will have to pay for the deed to beproduced and also land registry and notaryfees. The cost of this varies from area to areaand on the value of the property.

Valuation fees vary depending on the value ofthe property and the valuation company butstart at about €200 for a small apartment.

Lastly you have the services of a mortgagebroker and again this can vary tremendously.Some charge nothing and just rely on thecommission the banks pay them whilst otherscharge up to 1.5% of the loan. It isrecommended that a broker is used if incomeis hard to prove as they will know which lendersare the most flexible and can save valuabletime.

The break-even point for a Spanish loan asopposed to a UK loan or remortgage isapproximately 5 years, so if you areconsidering paying the loan off in full beforethat time you need to think long and hardabout which way to proceed as it may becheaper to raise the funds at home.

How much can I borrow?As general guide a non resident will be able toborrow 70%-80% of the valuation of a property,whilst residents can borrow up to 100% of thevaluation. The key to obtaining the maximummortgage offer is in achieving the maximumvaluation, which is the job of the Tasador[valuer]. Most Banks will accept valuationsfrom 1 or 2 Tasadors whilst a few employ theirown.

Your income is the other determining factorand the monthly repayments have to becovered by up to 40% of your NET salary, butmost banks will only accept 35%

Land purchase is limited to 60% of valuation bymost lenders, as is lending on ‘Finca Rustica’property.

If you already own land and want to build thenconstruction loans are an option. The bank willlend up to 70% of the projected completedvalue which in most cases will be more thanenough to cover 100% of the build cost.

Which Currency shouldI borrow in?Mortgages are available in most majorcurrencies. You should be aware that if youborrow in a currency that does not have a fixedvalue against the euro, currency fluctuationscould make your borrowing more expensive orless expensive depending on whether yourchosen currency weakens or strengthensagainst the euro.

What Interest rate will I pay?Interest rates again will depend on thecurrency you choose to borrow. Interest ratesfor mortgages in euros are based on theEuropean Inter Bank Overnight Rate, orEURIBOR for short, which has largely takeoverfrom the older MIBOR. The lenders rate will be

a margin over EURIBOR generally EURIBOR+0.75% to 1.5% but individual circumstancescan dictate higher or lower rates. Fixed ratemortgages are available at slightly higherinterest rates. Some lenders offer a lower Startup interest rates for the first year or partinterest only mortgages, ideally suited forfunding new construction.

How often will interest rates bereviewed?Usually once a year, fixed rate mortgages areavailable at higher interest rates.

What is the maximum repaymentperiod?Mostly commonly, 15 or 20 years, but up to35 years can be arranged.

What information will the bankrequire:Banks vary in the amount of information thatthey require, but in general the more you canprovide the easier the loan is to procure. Ideallythe following would be good

If you are employed:Last 3 wage /salary slips.Latest P60.Last 6 months bank statements.Reference letter from your employer confirmingdate of employment, proof of income andposition and prospects within the companyBank reference (The lender may have to applyfor this themselves depending on who youbank with)Some lenders require an experion credit checkto be carried outCopy of passport/residencia.

If you are self employed:Last 2 years tax returns.Copies of accounts for the last 2/3 yearsChartered accountants copy report, confirmingyour annual personal drawings from thecompanyCopy of your passport/residencia6 months personal bank statementsBank reference letter

You will also need:In relation to a specific property, the notasimple from the property registry, offer letter orsales purchase contract.

If you are applying for a construction loan thenyou must provide the Escritura for the land. Theplans stamped by the College of Architects anda 10 year building guarantee.

An NIE number from the local police station,which you or your lawyer can arrange.

You will also need to open a Spanish bankaccount and it is advisable to use the samebank as your mortgage is with.

Obtaining a MortgageIn SpainW

Mansion HouseMansion HouseConveyancing & Legal Services

Mansion House specialises in property conveyancing &legal services on the coast & inland areas. If you are lookingto buy a property in Spain you need a qualified independent

conveyancer, to ensure that the property you are buyingmeets all the necessary legalities.

Our Conveyancing services include in depth backgroundsearches on properties to ensure their legality, assisting

with mortgage applications, arranging surveys andtopographical reports for plot measurements andboundaries, as well as post-purchase utility bills

change over.

�SPECIAL OFFER �

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION & 20% REDUCTION IN

CONVEYANCING FEES*

Legal Administration Services:- NIE numbers/Residencia 60€- Vehicle registration 130€- Vehicle name transfers 70€- Driving License exchange 60€- E121 Social Security Registration 80€- Self Employment Registration 150€- Wills 100€

Professional Interpeting & Translation Services also available

Offices in FUENGIROLA & CARTAMAContact our friendly bilingual staff for information

or an appointment on:

Tel. 952 47 28 72 Mobile: 653 172 264Email: mansionhousespain@hotmail.com

*Normal fees 1% of property price.All prices exclude state charges & taxes.

Office Hours:Monday to Thursday 9.00am - 6.00pm

Friday only 9.00am - 2.00pm

costaHOMES >>

costalife 59

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60 costalife

>> costaSTUFF

Let’s start out with getting a new puppy in this section and talking about

vaccinations. First question is…

When to vaccinateThe best advice is to call your veterinarian before you pick up that new

member of the family and ask to have the puppy examined as soon after

you become the owner as possible. On your way home from the

breeder/seller is actually a good time to have the pup seen by your

veterinarian, and if you are able to you should bring in a stool sample

from the pup for analysis for worms. During the examination the

veterinarian will look at the pups and medical/vaccination history. If the

breeder has given vaccinations just recently, and your veterinarian is

confident that it was done properly, a recommendation will be made

regarding when to come in for the next booster injection of vaccine. If the

pup is healthy and unvaccinated, your veterinarian will suggest

vaccinating right away. One or more of the vaccines will be administered

and a suggestion made as to when the next visit should be scheduled.

Vaccination schedule66 wweeeekkss of age…give first combination vaccine. (distemper, parvovirus)

99 wweeeekkss of age…second vaccine (distemper, parvovirus,hepatitis,

leptospirosis)

1122 wweeeekkss of age. third combination (distemper,

parvovirus,hepatitis,leptospirosis)

66 mmoonntthhss of age… rabies vaccine is given

Why so many?Good question! The reason is that no one can be sure that the pup will

actually mount a good antibody response to the disease just from one

vaccination. The age of the pup and just how much immunity it has

received from its mother will complicate the probability of protection.

So…if the pup has lots of immunity (called passive immunity) that was

borrowed from the mother during early nursing, this immunity will

actually interfere with the pup’s ability to make its own immunity from

the vaccine challenge. The idea is to get the vaccine into the pup just as

soon as the mother’s passive immunity wears off (now the pup is very

susceptible to sickness if it is exposed to the disease!!) so that the pup

can make more lasting immunity of its own. The precise time when a pup

can respond well to a vaccine is variable… it might occur at 6 weeks of

age or might be 11 weeks. So to be as safe as possible, why not start

vaccinating at 6 weeks and end at 12 weeks? Almost 99 per cent of

puppies will develop a good immune level to the various disease from a

vaccine schedule similar to the one in top.

CAUTION!!If your puppy has any trouble breathing after a vaccination, or seems

weak, staggers, has pale gums or seems at all unresponsive, get back to

your veterinarian immediately!!!

On very rare occasions any animal or human may have a reaction to a

vaccination. These are just like the reactions that can occur after an

insect sting or medication hypersensitivity. This kind of reaction can be

very serious and life-threatening and thankfully is very uncommon. If

your pup simply seems a little tired or slightly uncomfortable where it

was vaccinated, that is an entirely different and mild response to the

vaccination. If you are not sure that your pup is OK, call your veterinarian

for advice.

PuppiesVaccinations

re you fearful of the future? Afraid of what tomorrow might

bring? Do you worry about what lies ahead around the corner?

EEvveerryyoonnee eexxppeerriieenncceess ssoommee kkiinndd ooff ffeeaarr aatt ddiiffffeerreenntt ssttaaggeess ooff lliiffee.. AAss

cchhiillddrreenn wwee mmaayy hhaavvee bbeeeenn aaffrraaiidd ooff tthhee ddaarrkk,, ooff tthhee uunnkknnoowwnn oorr ppeerrhhaappss

ooff bbeeiinngg bbuulllliieedd aatt sscchhooooll.. AAss wwee bbeeccoommee aadduullttss mmoosstt ooff uuss lleeaarrnn ttoo ddeeaall

wwiitthh tthhoossee cchhiillddhhoooodd ffeeaarrss bbuutt tthheerree aarree ssttiillll ttiimmeess wwhheenn ffeeaarr ccaann hhoolldd uuss

iinn iittss ggrriipp ffoorr oonnee rreeaassoonn oorr aannootthheerr.. SSoommee ppeeooppllee ssttrruuggggllee wwiitthh vvaarriioouuss

pphhoobbiiaass wwhhiicchh ccaann lleeaadd ttoo sseevveerree ddeepprreessssiioonn oorr ppeerrhhaappss ccoommpplleettee

wwiitthhddrraawwaall ffrroomm ssoocciieettyy.. AAggoorraapphhoobbiiaa wwhhiicchh iiss aa mmoorrbbiidd ddrreeaadd ooff ppuubblliicc

ppllaacceess oorr ooppeenn ssppaacceess ccaann kkeeeepp ssuuffffeerreerrss ppeerrmmaanneennttllyy iinnddoooorrss wwhheerreeaass

ccllaauussttrroopphhoobbiiaa iiss aa ddrreeaadd ooff ccoonnffiinneedd ssppaacceess..

MMaannyy lliivvee iinn ffeeaarr ooff ddeevveellooppiinngg aa tteerrmmiinnaall iillllnneessss aanndd ssttrruuggggllee wwiitthh

ccoonnttiinnuuaall tthhoouugghhttss wwhhiicchh ccoonnvviinnccee tthheemm tthhaatt tthheeyy hhaavvee tthhee ssyymmppttoommss ooff

aa ddrreeaaddeedd ddiisseeaassee.. MMeeddiiccaall eexxppeerrttss ggeenneerraallllyy aaggrreeee tthhaatt cceerrttaaiinn ddiisseeaasseess

sseeeemm ttoo bbee bbrroouugghhtt uuppoonn aa ppeerrssoonn tthhrroouugghh aa ccoonnssttaanntt ffeeaarr ooff tthhaatt

ppaarrttiiccuullaarr ccoonnddiittiioonn..

TThheenn tthheerree iiss aannootthheerr kkiinndd ooff ffeeaarr,, aa ffeeaarr ooff ppeeooppllee wwhhiicchh pprreevveennttss aa

ppeerrssoonn eennjjooyyiinngg aa nnoorrmmaall ssoocciiaall lliiffee.. AA ffeeaarr ooff ssaayyiinngg tthhee wwrroonngg tthhiinngg,,

bbeeiinngg tthhoouugghhtt ssttuuppiidd aanndd ffeeeelliinngg iinnffeerriioorr ccaann bbee uuppsseettttiinngg aatt bbeesstt aanndd

ddeevvaassttaattiinngg aatt wwoorrsstt.. IInn ffaacctt tthhee eemmoottiioonn ooff ffeeaarr iinn aannyy ffoorrmm ccaann aallmmoosstt

ppaarraallyyssee tthhee ssuuffffeerreerr mmaanniiffeessttiinngg iinn tthhee pphhyyssiiccaall bbooddyy tthhrroouugghh ccllaammmmyy

hhaannddss,, aa rraacciinngg hheeaarrtt aanndd aa sseennssee ooff hheellpplleessssnneessss.. PPaanniicc aattttaacckkss aarree vveerryy

ccoommmmoonn iinn ssoocciieettyy ttooddaayy aanndd tthheeyy ccaann bbee qquuiittee ddeebbiilliittaattiinngg ttoo tthhee vviiccttiimm..

PPeerrhhaappss yyoouu hhaavvee aa ffeeaarr ooff bbeeiinngg aabbaannddoonneedd iinn oolldd aaggee aanndd bbeeiinngg lleefftt

aalloonnee ttoo ssttrruuggggllee tthhrroouugghh lliiffee.. NNoonnee ooff uuss wwaannttss ttoo aacckknnoowwlleeddggee tthhaatt wwee

aarree eevveerr ffeeaarrffuull bbuutt yyeett iitt iiss aann eemmoottiioonn iinn lliiffee tthhaatt wwee aallll hhaavvee ttoo ccoonntteenndd

wwiitthh..

SSoo wwhhyy ssoo mmuucchh ffooccuuss oonn tthhiiss eemmoottiioonn yyoouu mmaayy bbee aasskkiinngg.. WWeellll,, tthheerree iiss

aa wwaayy ttoo ddeeaall wwiitthh iitt iiff wwee aarree pprreeppaarreedd ttoo bbeelliieevvee iitt.. WWee aarree oonnllyy ffrraaiill

hhuummaannss lliivviinngg oonn tthhiiss eeaarrtthh bbuutt wwee hhaavvee aa CCrreeaattoorr wwhhoo ddeessiirreess ttoo bbee oouurr

FFaatthheerr aanndd sshhaarree HHiiss lloovvee wwiitthh uuss.. GGoodd’’ss WWoorrdd iiss ffuullll ooff eennccoouurraaggeemmeenntt

iinnvviittiinngg uuss ttoo ‘‘‘‘FFeeaarr nnoott’’’’ oovveerr aanndd oovveerr aaggaaiinn.. AAss DDaavviidd wwaass iinnssppiirreedd bbyy

GGoodd ttoo wwrriittee mmaannyy ooff tthhee PPssaallmmss hhee ppoouurreedd oouutt hhiiss ffeeaarrss aanndd ddeessppeerraattiioonn

ttoo tthhee LLoorrdd aanndd GGoodd ggaavvee hhiimm tthhee ccoommffoorrtt aanndd eennccoouurraaggeemmeenntt hhee

nneeeeddeedd.. RReeaaddiinngg tthhee PPssaallmmss ttooddaayy bbrriinnggss uuss ccoommffoorrtt aanndd hheellpp wwhheenn wwee

nneeeedd iitt..

‘‘‘‘TThhoossee wwhhoo lliivvee iinn tthhee sshheelltteerr ooff tthhee MMoosstt HHiigghh wwiillll ffiinndd rreesstt iinn tthhee sshhaaddooww

ooff tthhee AAllmmiigghhttyy.. TThhiiss II ddeeccllaarree ooff tthhee LLoorrdd:: HHee aalloonnee iiss mmyy rreeffuuggee,, mmyy ppllaaccee

ooff ssaaffeettyy;; hhee iiss mmyy GGoodd,, aanndd II aamm ttrruussttiinngg hhiimm……………………..TThhee LLoorrdd ssaayyss,, II wwiillll

rreessccuuee tthhoossee wwhhoo lloovvee mmee,, II wwiillll pprrootteecctt tthhoossee wwhhoo ttrruusstt iinn mmyy

nnaammee…………..WWhheenn tthheeyy ccaallll oonn mmee,, II wwiillll aannsswweerr;; II wwiillll bbee wwiitthh tthheemm iinn

ttrroouubbllee…………’’’’ PPssaallmm 9911 ((NNLLTT))

‘‘‘‘GGoodd iiss lloovvee…………..TThheerree iiss nnoo ffeeaarr iinn lloovvee;; bbuutt ppeerrffeecctt lloovvee ccaassttss oouutt ffeeaarr,,

bbeeccaauussee ffeeaarr iinnvvoollvveess ttoorrmmeenntt…………WWee lloovvee HHiimm bbeeccaauussee HHee ffiirrsstt lloovveedd

uuss..’’’’ 11 JJoohhnn 44::1166--1199 ((NNKKJJ))

Annette Riggall

The Evangelical Christian Fellowship

‘‘an oasis where the Word of God is preached and the love of God is

shared.’’

Sundays 4.30pm Iglesia San Miguel, Calahonda

Tel/Fax (0034) 952 46 73 94 E-mail: tecfellowship@gmail.com

Website: www.ecfmijas.com

Pastors Peter and Annette Riggall

AAAA

>> costaSTUFF

eeeepp ddoowwnn II tthhiinnkk II aamm aa bbiirrdd ppeerrssoonn.. YYeess,, II aaddoorree ccaattss aanndd

ddooggss.. EEaacchh hhaass iittss oowwnn ddiissttiinnccttiivvee ppeerrssoonnaalliittyy aanndd ooff ccoouurrssee

yyoouu ccaann ffoorrmm aa pprreecciioouuss bboonndd wwiitthh tthheemm.. TThhee oonnllyy bbiirrdd tthhaatt

wwoouulldd ccoommee nneeaarr ttoo tthhiiss qquuaalliiffiiccaattiioonn wwoouulldd bbee aa mmeemmbbeerr ooff tthhee ppaarrrroott

ffaammiillyy oorr aa bbuuddggiiee..

We once looked after an African Grey parrot, and did he talk! It soon

became clear that his owners did not enjoy a happy, well balanced

marriage - at least if their bird’s imitation of their language was anything

to go by!

Amongst my most favourite of birds is the Heron family. We have all seen

them, standing motionless in shallow water, heads held high, balancing

without problems on their stork-like legs.

There are six different species within the heron community:

The cattle egret (Bulbulcus ibis) is probably the most interesting of them.

It derives its name from the cattle on which it - literally - rides, paying for

its ride by getting rid of ticks and fleas in their hosts’ skin: a system that

works satisfactorily with all involved! Egrets are pure white, about 50 cm

in height, with distinctive yellow bills. In the breeding season, which runs

from April until October, they add bright

orange coloured plumes to the top of

their head and on their neck and back.

The egret also feeds on grasshoppers

and beetles and can often be found in

the company of goats and sheep.

His smaller relatives, the little egrets

(egregretta garzetta), stay well clear of

cattle: they prefer to find their prey in

shallow water. Give yourself enough time

to watch this little bird standing

absolutely still in the water and you will

be rewarded by seeing an unusual

hunting technique. The bird stirs the water with its bright yellow feet,

thereby attracting fish. In a split second it will catch its prey, which has no

chance of escaping. Then it returns to its motionless posture, until the

next catch occurs with lightening speed. The little egret is a voracious,

greedy little bird, which will leave the wetland areas for fields and

meadows to hunt for mice and voles; anything that fits its bill!

The grey heron (Ardea cinerea) is the largest of the Heron family, standing

90 cm high and with a wingspan of an impressive 150 cm. It is easy to

distinguish this very shy bird from the rest of the species, with its yellow

beak and eyes. The body has a mixture of black, white and bluish grey

feathers with a black crown. In flight they are awesome to look at, with

their neck tucked very closely to their body and with their long legs

stretching out behind as far as they can go.

The mating dance of the grey heron is a wild and awesome affair. The

huge birds, wings fully expanded, will hop around in one direction and

another, without any regular pattern, snapping their bills at each other,

and all the time making ear splitting noises and calls.

Like the other herons they live on platforms in the top of trees. This is

quite an achievement considering the length of their legs. The female is

WWrriitttteenn bbyy

EErrnnyy HHaarrrriissoonn

not productive until she is two or three years old: then she will usually lay

three or four eggs and the fledglings will leave the nest when they’re

about seven weeks old.

The Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) is in height and wingspan similar to

the Grey Heron, but it is a slightly skinnier bird, not as handsome in flight

as the Grey. This is mainly due to the fact that his neck looks rather like

a snake, which he loops up in flight.

The last member of the Heron family is the lesser known Night Heron

(Nycticorax nycticorax). It is one of the smallest of the species and can

easily be distinguished from the other herons by its stocky build and

colouring. The night heron is mainly grey and white but with an

outstanding black saddle. If ever you get close enough to see the ‘white’

of its eyes you will be astounded by their deep red colour. The bird has a

somewhat larger area in which it nestles and lives, stretching from the

usual shallow water and surrounding bushes and trees to fish ponds and

lakes.

An interesting attitude of all Herons is their adaptable life style. They are

solitary birds, preferring to live and hunt on their own. Only in the

breeding season, when the need for security is high to protect the young,

do they become sociable. They will live together in relative peace on their

large platforms and, once they have formed their small colonies, they will

defend their territory to every

invader, even members of their own

breed. It is usually the Little Egret

and the Egret who lose the chance

to become a part of the group. The

Grey Heron will chase them off

without giving it thought. Once the

breeding is over they all go back to

their solitary existence.

Herons are visitors to Spain and the

rest of Europe. They migrate to

Africa from July to September,

returning for breeding in March and

April.

During their stay in this country you

will find them all over Spain and they

are well worth a visit to Doñana

National Park.

costalife 63

by Jan Morley of FreezerMor

>> costaSTUFF

CuisineCosta

‘‘‘‘CCuurrrryy’’’’ oorriiggiinnaatteess ffrroomm tthhee TTaammiill wwoorrdd ‘‘kkaarrii’’,, mmeeaanniinngg ‘‘ssppiicceedd ssaauuccee’’,,

uusseedd ttoo rreeffeerr ttoo aannyy nnuummbbeerr ooff hhoott,, ssppiiccyy,, ssaauuccee--bbaasseedd ddiisshheess..

Getting startedThere are a few bits that make preparing Indian food easier. A sturdy

karahi or wok should be top of your wish-list. Because of its narrow base,

the cooking oil sits in a small pool at the bottom of the pan, which means

you use a lot less fat than you would in a saucepan. If you’re not a dab

hand with a mortar and pestle, use a coffee grinder for grinding spices.

A beginner’s spice boxSpices are to India what basic stocks, sauces and dressings are to the

West. Whether familiar or exotic, they add warmth, pungency, heat, and

subtlety to dishes.

Garam masalaAn aromatic mixture of ground spices used as a base for many Indian

dishes (‘masala’ means spice). The basic ingredients are cumin,

coriander, cardamom, black pepper and cinnamon. The mixture can

include other spices (such as caraway, nutmeg or bay leaves), depending

on whether the dish includes meat, vegetables or fish.

TurmericA bright yellow spice that comes from the rhizome of a plant in the ginger

family. Turmeric is often a component of curry powder and gives chutneys

and pickles (such as piccalilli) their distinctive yellow tinge. It has a slight

peppery aroma and a musky taste and is sometimes substituted for the

more expensive saffron because it produces the same bright yellow

colour, but it has a very different flavour.

CuminThe small, crescent-shaped seeds of a plant called Cuminum cyminum,

which are used as a spice. It has a warm flavour and quite a strong,

pungent aroma.

Curry powderPackaged curry powder was probably a British invention. Indian cooks

don't use one single spice mixture to flavour all of their dishes. Each dish

will be flavoured with a different mixture of spices, called a masala, which

varies from dish to dish and region to region. However, the curry powder

that you can buy in the UK is usually a mixture of turmeric, chilli powder,

coriander, cumin, ginger and pepper, and can be bought in mild, medium

or hot strengths.

Cooking with spicesToasting whole spices before grinding

them intensifies the flavours. To toast, or

dry-fry, heat a griddle over a moderate

heat, add the spices, and shake the

pan until you catch a warm, nutty

aroma - it doesn’t take long,

about 30 seconds, then grind

in a pestle and mortar.

TipBrowned onion paste, added at the end of cooking to thicken and add

depth of flavour, is a cook's best pal. To make it, finely slice a couple of

onions, lightly salt, and leave on one side for 30 minutes. Rinse and pat

dry with kitchen paper. Deep fry in hot oil until russet brown, before

draining. Tip into a food processor, moisten with hot water, and process

until smooth. Freeze in ice cube trays and use from frozen when making

dishes such as kormas.

RecipesThere is no single ‘right’ way to cook all Indian dishes, nor is there a single

‘proper’ way to serve an Indian meal, just

experiment and you will find a blend of

spices that is unique to you!

CHICKEN KERALA

Ingredients4 tbsp sunflower oil

1 medium Spanish onion, sliced

2 green finger-sized chillies, finely

chopped

1 tsp root ginger, peeled and coarsely

grated

2 garlic cloves

¼ tsp hot chilli powder

1 tsp ground coriander

½ tsp ground turmeric

½ tsp salt

500g/1lb 2oz skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2.5cm (1in) pieces

2 medium tomatoes, roughly chopped

300g/10½oz white potatoes, peeled and cut into 4cm (1¾in) cubes

330ml/11½fl oz coconut milk

6-8 curry leaves (optional)

4 shallots, finely sliced (optional)

pinch of garam masala

To serveBasmati rice, boiled.

A beginners guide to Indian cuisine……

Method1. Heat three tablespoons of oil in a wok and sauté the onion and chillies

for three minutes.

2. Stir in the ginger, garlic, chilli powder, coriander, turmeric and salt.

3. Add the chicken and fry on a low-to-medium heat for eight minutes,

until the chicken is lightly browned.

4. Tip in the tomatoes and potatoes and cook for two minutes.

5. Pour in 100ml (3½fl oz) of the coconut milk and simmer for six minutes.

6. Add the remaining coconut milk with 200ml (7fl oz) of boiling water.

7. Simmer for approximately 10 minutes, until the potatoes are tender

and the chicken is cooked.

8. In a separate pan, heat the remaining oil and add the curry leaves and

shallots, if using.

9. Fry for a few minutes until golden brown.

10. Serve hot, garnished with fried shallots and curry leaves and basmati

rice.

costalife 65

costaSTUFF >>

Tel./Fax.: 952 930 351

C.C. Los Jarales 3,

Calahonda km 197

g.t. mckennag.t. mckennaTHE IRISH FAMILY BUTCHER

� finest irish Beef & Bacon

� tasty irish cheeses &

gammons

� cooked hams

� BBQ meats

� meat for all occasions

66 costalife

>> costaSTUFF

Celebrity facts…Tom Hanks collects

1940’s typewriters.

Tom Cruise once

enrolled in a

seminary to become

a priest but dropped

out after only one

year.

The early stage names

of Sonny and Cher

were ‘‘Cleo and

Caesar’’.

Charlie Chaplin

once won third

prize in a Charlie

Chaplin look-alike

contest.

Singer Mick Jagger

was once a porter at

a mental hospital.

Is your Daddy home…AA bboossss wwoonnddeerreedd wwhhyy oonnee ooff hhiiss mmoosstt vvaalluueedd eemmppllooyyeeeess hhaadd nnoott

pphhoonneedd iinn ssiicckk oonnee ddaayy.. HHaavviinngg aann uurrggeenntt pprroobblleemm wwiitthh oonnee ooff tthhee

mmaaiinn ccoommppuutteerrss,, hhee ddiiaalleedd tthhee eemmppllooyyeeee’’ss cceellll pphhoonnee nnuummbbeerr aanndd

wwaass ggrreeeetteedd wwiitthh aa cchhiilldd’’ss wwhhiissppeerr..

‘‘‘‘HHeelllloo..’’’’

‘‘‘‘IIss yyoouurr ddaaddddyy hhoommee??’’’’ hhee aasskkeedd..

‘‘‘‘YYeess,,’’’’ wwhhiissppeerreedd tthhee ssmmaallll vvooiiccee..

‘‘‘‘MMaayy II ttaallkk wwiitthh hhiimm??’’’’

TThhee cchhiilldd wwhhiissppeerreedd,, ‘‘‘‘NNoo..’’’’

SSuurrpprriisseedd aanndd wwaannttiinngg ttoo ttaallkk wwiitthh aann aadduulltt,, tthhee bboossss aasskkeedd,,

‘‘‘‘IIss yyoouu’’rree MMuummmmyy tthheerree??’’’’

‘‘‘‘YYeess,,’’’’ wwhhiissppeerreedd tthhee ssmmaallll vvooiiccee..

‘‘‘‘MMaayy II ttaallkk wwiitthh hheerr??’’’’

AAggaaiinn tthhee ssmmaallll vvooiiccee wwhhiissppeerreedd,, ‘‘‘‘NNoo..’’’’

HHooppiinngg tthheerree wwaass ssoommeebbooddyy wwiitthh wwhhoomm hhee ccoouulldd lleeaavvee aa

mmeessssaaggee,, tthhee bboossss aasskkeedd,, ‘‘‘‘IIss aannyybbooddyy eellssee tthheerree??’’’’

‘‘‘‘YYeess,,’’’’ wwhhiissppeerreedd tthhee cchhiilldd,, ‘‘‘‘aa ppoolliicceemmaann..’’’’

WWoonnddeerriinngg wwhhaatt aa ccoopp wwoouulldd bbee ddooiinngg aatt hhiiss eemmppllooyyeeee’’ss hhoommee,,

tthhee bboossss aasskkeedd,, ‘‘‘‘MMaayy II ssppeeaakk wwiitthh tthhee ppoolliicceemmaann??’’’’

‘‘‘‘NNoo,, hhee’’ss bbuussyy’’’’,, wwhhiissppeerreedd tthhee cchhiilldd..

‘‘‘‘BBuussyy ddooiinngg wwhhaatt??’’’’

‘‘‘‘TTaallkkiinngg ttoo DDaaddddyy aanndd MMuummmmyy aanndd tthhee FFiirreemmaann,,’’’’ tthhee wwhhiissppeerr

aannsswweerreedd..

GGrroowwiinngg mmoorree wwoorrrriieedd aass hhee hheeaarrdd wwhhaatt ssoouunnddeedd lliikkee aa hheelliiccoopptteerr

tthhrroouugghh tthhee eeaarrppiieeccee oonn tthhee pphhoonnee,, tthhee bboossss aasskkeedd,,

‘‘‘‘WWhhaatt iiss tthhaatt nnooiissee??’’’’

‘‘‘‘AA hheelliiccoopptteerr..’’’’ aannsswweerreedd tthhee wwhhiissppeerriinngg vvooiiccee..

‘‘‘‘WWhhaatt iiss ggooiinngg oonn tthheerree??’’’’ ddeemmaannddeedd tthhee bboossss,, nnooww ttrruullyy

aapppprreehheennssiivvee..

AAggaaiinn,, wwhhiissppeerriinngg,, tthhee cchhiilldd aannsswweerreedd,, ‘‘‘‘TThhee sseeaarrcchh tteeaamm jjuusstt

llaannddeedd tthhee hheelliiccoopptteerr..’’’’

AAllaarrmmeedd,, ccoonncceerrnneedd aanndd aa lliittttllee ffrruussttrraatteedd tthhee bboossss aasskkeedd,,

‘‘‘‘WWhhaatt aarree tthheeyy sseeaarrcchhiinngg ffoorr??’’’’

SSttiillll wwhhiissppeerriinngg,, tthhee yyoouunngg vvooiiccee rreepplliieedd wwiitthh aa mmuufffflleedd ggiiggggllee..

‘‘‘‘MMEE..’’’’

Celebs say the strangest things…‘‘‘‘II wwoouullddnn’’tt rruunn ffoorr pprreessiiddeenntt.. II wwoouullddnn’’tt wwaanntt ttoo mmoovvee ttoo aa ssmmaalllleerr

hhoouussee..’’’’ -- BBoonnoo,, lleeaadd ssiinnggeerr,, UU22

‘‘‘‘FFoorr tthhoossee ooff yyoouu wwhhoo hhaavveenn’’tt rreeaadd tthhee bbooookk,, iitt’’ss bbeeiinngg ppuubblliisshheedd

ttoommoorrrrooww..’’’’ -- DDaavviidd FFrroosstt

‘‘‘‘PPeeooppllee iinn PPoorrttuuggaall,, tthheeyy ssppeeaakk PPoorrttuugguueessee ddoonn’’tt tthheeyy??’’’’ -- JJaaddee

GGooooddyy

‘‘‘‘YYoouu hhaavvee ttoo ttrreeaatt PPaauullaa [[AAbbdduull]] lliikkee aa ppooooddllee,, oonnee tthhaatt yyoouu’’vvee

rreessccuueedd ffrroomm tthhee ppoouunndd aanndd wwhhoo nneeeeddss aatttteennttiioonn’’’’ -- SSiimmoonn CCoowweellll

Thieves stole a gold Rolex

watch worth £40,000 and

had it encrusted with

diamonds for resale.

When it was seized in a

police raid, and returned

to its owner, it was worth

£200,000.

Firemen had to rescue a

25-year-old man from a rubbish chute in a block of flats in Stockholm,

Sweden. He had climbed in to retrieve a favourite old sweater thrown

away by his wife.

A man was locked in a Belgian police cell without food or water for three

days. Arresting officers had forgotten about him.

Three thousand prisoners and ex-prisoners have signed up to use a

website, www.convictsReunited.co.uk set up to help them stay in touch.

An actor who poses with a sword as a gladiator for tourists at the

Colosseum in Rome faces jail after being charged with bearing arms

illegally.

Asylum seekers in Coventry are to be given free driving lessons in a bid

to stop them driving illegally.

Weird tales…

SSudoku answers for Issue 33

TThe rules of Sudoku:

place a digit from 1-9 in each empty cell, so every row, every

column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1-9.

Down

1. Dock (5)

2. Get rid of (7)

3. Fastidious (8)

4. Former name of Sri Lanka (6)

5. Shout (4)

6. Male singing voice (5)

7. Admit to (7)

12. Feeling remorse (8)

13. Glut (7)

15. Take aback (7)

16. Social outcast (6)

18. Excuse (5)

20. Helps to raise dough (5)

21. Molecule (4)

Across

1. Marine mammal (5)

4. Type of crossword (7)

8. Deviation from the rule (7)

9. Fabric (5)

10. Rubbing or clash (8)

11. Woody plant (4)

13. Egyptian statue (6)

14. Creatures (6)

17. Wander (4)

19. Expert on precious stones (8)

22. Decree (5)

23. Inactivity (7)

24. Victory (7)

25. Larceny (5)

4

3

3

3

5

92

21

5

Crossword answers for Issue 33

48

9

2

8

4

9

costalife 67

costaSTUFF >>

6 7

6

1

21 5

PIMP MY PHONENot satisfied with the iPhone’s camera? Wish LG’s Viewty had a larger screen? Well, one manufacturer will now make you a

handset to order, built from the chipset upwards, with all the features you want, for an eye-popping price.

Just as Dell Computers revolutionized the computer industry with mass-customized factory-direct PCs in the 1990s, a new

service by zzzPhone delivers factory-direct custom cell phones.

Customization starts with customers choosing

a base model and a custom pattern or colour

for the mobile phone case; standard features

such as a beautiful extra-large touch screen

panel and dual SIM card slots are immediate

standouts. Next, customers may add various

features such as GPS navigation, a second

front-facing camera, and even a flashlight.

Various upgrades are available as well, such

as; 4GB memory, stereo quality speakers, and

even a 5 or 7 mega pixel camera with a high

quality processor. Customers can also select from

a range of accessories such as Bluetooth headsets and hands fee car

kits, and can even have their favourite music and movies pre-installed

at the factory so their new phone is ready to use when it arrives at the

door.

Since zzzPhones are tri-band and unlocked, these phones work with

almost any mobile carrier service worldwide. Simply swap the SIM card

into a zzzPhone and even pair a second SIM card to allow two phone

numbers to be used at the same time on the same phone; especially

useful for international travellers and individuals who want to separate

business from personal phone expenses.

To make this service even more accessible to the public you can

customise your new phone online using Phone builder and see what

your customised phone my look like. You can see the new phone builder

at our website http://www.mintmicro.com and look for the pimp my

phone button.

>> costaSTUFF

68 costalife

By Russell Vaughan Mintmicro S.L 951160411

At last a powerful laptop which is lightweight, 2.59cm thick, available in 15- and 17-

inch models and with prices starting at just €1400 this sounds like a must have.

This kitten is a monster. Up to a 2.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, the latest 802.11n Wifi

built in, crystal clear display, fast NVIDIA graphics, and all the right connections.

One of the thinnest laptop in the world was recently released by APPLE.

What makes the MacBook Pro so mobile is big performance in a portable

package. At just 2.59cm thick and weighting just 2.4 kg and 3.08 kg,

respectively, the 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pro models are among the thinnest,

lightest notebooks in the world. The footprint of the 15’’ MacBook Pro measures

35.7 × 24.3 cm and it weighs just 2.45kg. (so thin and light!)

As soon as you shut the lid the Macbook it goes to sleep saving battery

life and when you lift the lid the system is instantly back to where you

were last working and this great power management system will allow

you about four hours of use from each charge.

So forgetting the technical spec, which is pretty impressive the Apple MacBook Pro is for people on the move. It’s thin, lightweight and powerful.

Just right for people working away from the office.

LIGHTWEIGHT LAPTOP CARRIES A PUNCH

WIND UP MP3 PlayerTrevor Baylis is best known as the

inventor of both the wind up radio

and wind up torch but recently his

genius has been put to good use

again developing the first wind up

multimedia player. Named the

Eco Media Player If you are

concerned by green issues. This

may be the gift for you. Actor

Steven Fry says: ‘‘I love this little

thing. It is robust, clever without

being pleased with itself, useful

and appealing.’’

The Eco Media Player measures 6.35 cm high 11.43cm wide by

3.81cm deep and is designed to be used and is packed with every

imaginable MP3 player feature -- and even some features you might not

expect on an audio device like a wind-up torch (Ideal for camping) it can

also be charged up via USB port on your PC or Laptop. Fully charged,

the eco media player will play around 20 hours of music or around 10

hours of video. A 1.8’’ colour LCD display together 24bit digital audio

processing and state of the art in-ear headphones brings you your

music - any time, any place, anywhere. With or without power!

costalife 69

costaSTUFF >>

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Call for a free no obligation analysis of your current

search engine placement and websites optimization.

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budgets and requirements.

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free hosting, domain name and email.

For more information please visitwww.seoservicesspain.com

or call Rob on 0034 617 940 022

>> costaSTUFF

72 costalife

>> American GangsterDDeennzzeell WWaasshhiinnggttoonn,, RRuusssseellll CCrroowwee

American Gangster gives the story of Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington), a real-

life Harlem crime lord who built an empire on

Southeast Asian heroin in the 1970s. Running

parallel to Lucas’s somewhat standard story is the

investigation led by a persistent New Jersey cop,

Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe). Roberts is a more

interesting character than Lucas--too honest for

his own good, unlucky in his personal life--and this

kind of character, easily patronized by others, fits

Crowe like a polyester shirt. It succeeds as a kind

of chewy entertainment, fueled by the presence of

two big stars working their muscles. Both

Washington and Crowe look pretty brawny here.

>> Michael Clayton GGeeoorrggee CClloooonneeyy,, TToomm WWiillkkiinnssoonn

George Clooney’s performance drives this tense

corporate thriller from Bourne trilogy screenwriter

James Gilroy, who makes his directorial debut

here. Clooney is the eponymous ‘‘hero,’’ a burnt-

out lawyer who cleans up legal messes created by

the clients of a large law firm. When a crisis

materializes in the form of the firm’s top shark

(Tom Wilkinson) suffering an apparent meltdown

while defending a shady chemical company from

lawsuits, Clayton discovers not only a cover-up to deny payments to farmers

injured by the company’s products, but a chance to find some purpose in the

face of his life’s downward spiral.

>> AtonementKKeeiirraa KKnniigghhttlleeyy,, JJaammeess MMccAAvvooyyDirector Joe Wright (Pride and Prejudice) gives IanMcEwan’s bestselling novel a sumptuous treatmentfor the screen. The story centers around the love storyof highborn Cecilia Tallis (Keira Knightley) andhousekeeper’s son Robbie Turner (James McAvoy), inEngland shortly before World War II. Despite classdifferences, they are attracted to each other, and justas their relationship begins Robbie is tragically forcedaway by false accusations from Cecilia’s younger sisterBriony (Saoirse Ronan). She has a crush on Robbie,too, and after reading a private letter he sent to Cecilia,

then witnessing the first expression of their love, her resentment grows until it leads toher telling the lie that sends Robbie away. World War II breaks out; Robbie enlists andis posted to France, Cecilia is a nurse in London, and Briony, now age 18, tries to atonefor her actions--but none of them will be able to get back what they have lost.

>> 3.10 To YumaCChhrriissttiiaann BBaallee,, RRuusssseellll CCrroowwee

Never let it be said that the Western is dead. 3:10 To Yuma is a far different beast,bringing together two of the most magnetic maleleads in modern day cinema. Christian Bale stars asthe law-enforcing Sheriff, and he’s facing off againstRussell Crowe’s killer. It’s the conflict and sparksbetween these two that ignite the film, and make itwell worth seeking out. What director Mangoldrealises is that the trick with 3:10 To Yuma (namedafter the prison train that Bale’s character seeks toput Crowe’s on) is to give his stars room to work,injecting plenty of action and excitement into the mix.The end result turns out to be a real cut above most ofthe current multiplex fodder. If Westerns aren’t usuallyyour thing, it’s well worth giving this one a try.

LLiinnddssaayy LLoohhaann aass MMaarriillyynn MMoonnrrooee iinn ‘‘‘‘TThhee LLaasstt SSiittttiinngg’’’’……In what is likely her greatest role to date, LLiinnddssaayy LLoohhaann plays Marilyn

Monroe between the sheets, literally, in the new spring fashion issue of

New York magazine. Recreating Monroe's legendary 1962 final photo shoot for Bert Stern with the veteran lensman

himself. When it came to being nude before the camera, ‘‘I was comfortable with it,’’ says Lohan, 21 (Monroe was

36 in 1962, the year she died) - though Lindsay does admit to having done ‘‘250 crunches’’ the night before the

shoot.

TThhee sshhooww wwiillll ggoo oonn……JJuuddee LLaaww, JJoohhnnnnyy DDeepppp and CCoolliinn FFaarrrreellll will replace HHeeaatthh LLeeddggeerr in the tragic star’s final movie, sharing his remaining

scenes in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. It is believed Depp, Law and Farrell will each portray Tony in different realms of the

fantasy epic. It is not yet known when production will restart on the film, which is still due for release next year. At the time of Ledger’s

death the film’s producers hailed him as ‘‘a great actor, a great friend and a great spirit’’.

TThhee kkiinngg ooff ppoopp……MMiicchhaaeell JJaacckkssoonn was dropped from the Grammy Awards after making a series of ridiculous demands. The star was due to

appear on the show to mark the 25th anniversary of the biggest selling album of all time, ‘Thriller’, but according to the New

York Post, his ridiculous demands caused him to be dropped. He wanted an award to be created for him, and presented to

him (an award that nobody will ever get again), he wanted to be introduced by a special honouree and he wanted to be

referred to as ‘‘The King of Pop’’ at least thirty times throughout the course of the show.

RRuummoorr hhaass iitt AAnniissttoonn’’ss ffoouunndd lloovvee oonn tthhee sseett……JJeennnniiffeerr AAnniissttoonn may have found love on the set of her new movie, ‘‘Traveling.’’ An insider tattled to the Daily Mail

that ‘‘everyone on the set is gossiping about something more going on between’’ the actress and co-star AAaarroonnEEcckkhhaarrtt.

Est 6 yrs

Open 7 days from 10am till 2am

Food served every day 10am till 7pm

Extensive menu - all fresh home cooked food

Try our special irish sirloin steaks and homemade chips

Pool table - darts - sky sports

Karaoke Fri, Sat and Sun from 9pm till 11.45pm

Calle Chorillo, Benalmadena Pueblo 952 568 674

fredericksirish Bar

Excellent home cooked cuisine freshly prepared to order.Offering traditional all day breakfasts, lunches,

snacks and tapas.Specializing in all Scandinavian cuisine including

Scandinavian Prawn, Salmon and Meatball dishes.

Come and enjoy a cup of top grade Columbiancoffee and a slice of Ander's famous Carrot Cake in the

Café or sit in our heated terrace in a warm relaxedand friendly atmosphere.

Outside catering service available for all occasssions.

Tel : 952 933 365For Orders Or Enquiries Email : cafe.salud@yahoo.es

Open 9am - 6pm Monday - FridayOpen 10am - 5pm Saturday

Closed Sunday

Local 8 Urb Calypso, Calahonda(Next to the Santander Bank)

Cafe

SIT & GOALL SPORTS LOUNGE

Is where you’ll find Noel, Mary and John

‘The Fools’ broadcasting all the daily action.

They think it’s all over? Not yet it isn’t!

Open daily from 1pm till MidnightInternet access - Wi-FiFront line - CC Calypso

>> costaGUIDE

TRANSPORT >>

TOURIST INFORMATIONAlhaurin de la Torre 952 410 005Alhaurin el Grande 952 491 275Alora 952 495 577Antequera 952 702 505Cartamar 952 422 126Coin 952 453 211Benalmádena 952 442 494 Estepona 952 802 002

Fuengirola 952 467 457 Gibraltar 0350 774 982 Málaga 952 213 445 Marbella 952 771 442 Mijas 952 485 900 Nerja 952 521 531 Torremolinos 952 374 231

TOWN HALLSCoin 952 453 020

Estepona 952 801 100 Foreigners Dept 952 589 440Fuengirola 952 589 300 Gibraltar 0350 774 902 Málaga 952 135 000 Marbella 952 761 100 Mijas 952 485 900 Nerja 952 548 449 Torremolinos 952 379 400

>> BRITISH CONSULATECalle Mauricio Moro, Pareta, 22nd Floor,MÁLAGA.Open 08:30 - 13:30 Enquiries 995522 335522 330000

>>>> LLOOCCAALL PPOOLLIICCEELocal Police 092Alhaurin el Grande 952 491 074Alora 952 496 468Antequera 952 708 104 Arroyo de la Miel 952 562 142 Benalmádena, Málaga, Marbella & Ronda 092 Cartama 952 422 211Coin 952 453 267 Estepona 952 800 243 Fuengirola Local 952 580 900 Fuengirola Municipal 952 197 090Nerja 952 521 545 Torremolinos 952 376 000

>>>> NNAATTIIOONNAALL PPOOLLIICCEENational Police 091

>>>> GGUUAARRDDIIAA CCIIVVIILL Guardia Civil 062Alhaurin el Grande 952 595 830Alhaurin del la Torre 952 960 067Alora 952 496 020Cartama 952 422 639Coin 952 450 138

>>>> FFIIRREE BBRRIIGGAADDEE Benalmádena, Málaga & Mijas 080 Coin 952 455 020Estepona 952 804 483 Fuengirola 952 461 046 Marbella 952 774 349 Torremolinos 952 381 414

>>>> MMEEDDIICCAALL SSEERRVVIICCEESS Emergencies 061

>>>> AAMMBBUULLAANNCCEE Fuengirola, Torremolinos, Málaga & Marbella 902 505 061

>>>> SSTTAATTEE HHOOSSPPIITTAALLSS Benalmádena & FuengirolaEmergencies only 902 505 061 Málaga 951 290 000 Marbella 951 976 669 Torremolinos 952 386 484Torremolinos (Centro deSalud) Health Centre 951 924 100

EMERGENCIES

Useful numbers & information

Shoes Men’s Wear Men’s Shirts Women’s Wear

MARKET PLACES

MMOONNDDAAYYSS >>>>Alora, Marbella near the footballstadium

TTUUEESSDDAAYYSS >>>>Benamagosa, Fuengirola (FeriaGround), Nerja weekly market (CalleChaparil)

WWEEDDNNEESSDDAAYY >>>>Benalmadena Parque de la Paloma, LaCala, Estepona, La Linea, Rincon dela Victoria

TTHHUURRSSDDAAYY >>>>Alhaurin el Grande, Pizara, Frigiliana,Torremolinos, Velez Malaga, SanPedro, Torre del Mar

FFRRIIDDAAYY >>>>Benalmadena Tivoli Gardens, Casares,Cartama, Aguamania, ctra Cartama,Las Chapas

SSAATTUURRDDAAYY >>>>Fuengirola, La Cala, Ojen Pueblo,Coin, Competa, Puerta Banus nearbullring

SSUUNNDDAAYY >>>>Estation de Cartama, Fuengirola nearthe mosque, Malaga near the footballstadium, Sabinillas, Estepona,Sotogrande, Nerja car boot sale

AAIIRRPPOORRTTSSMalaga 995522 004488 884444Gibraltar 0000335500 7733002266

TTAAXXIISS Benalmádena 995522 444411 554455 Estepona 995522 880022 990000Fuengirola 995522 447711 000000 Gibraltar 0000335500 7700002277Málaga 995522 332277 995500Marbella 995522 777744 448888Mijas Costa 995522 447766 559933

BBUUSS SSTTAATTIIOONNSSPortillo Customer ServiceDirect Line 990022 114433 114444Algeciras 995566 665544 330044Alhaurin 995522 449900 770099Benalmádena 995522 444433 556633Coin 995522 445500 336666Estepona 995522 880022 995544Fuengirola 995522 447755 006666La Linea 995522 117722 339966Málaga 995533 335500 006611Marbella 995522 776644 440000San Pedro 995522 778811 339966Torremolinos 995522 338800 996655

TTRRAAIINN SSTTAATTIIOONNSSThe Coastal Service stops at every major townbetween Fuengirola and Málaga from 06:45and 22:30 from Málaga Call 990022 224400 220022

SSPP37383940414243

UUKK456789

10

SSPP444648

50/52545658

UUKK34363840424446

SSPP35

36/3738

39/4041

42/4344

UUKK14

14.515

15.516

16.517

SSPP36384042444648

UUKK8

101214161820

>> Telephone: to make an international call fromSpain, dial 00 and then add the country code (UK44; USA 1; Australia 61; Canada 1; Irish Republic353; New Zealand 64) and the rest of thetelephone number minus the first zero if there isone. To call Spain from abroad, the country code is00 34.

>> Business hours: the normal opening hours forshops are Monday to Saturday from around 10amuntil about 1.30 / 2pm. After siesta they reopenfrom around 5.30pm until 8pm or 9pm. Largestores usually stay open all day. Most places are

closed on Sundays.>> Banks: generally open from 9am to 2pm fromMonday to Friday, and from 9am to midday or 1pmon Saturday. Hours may vary in summer.

>>Customs allowance- importation from Gibraltarinto Spain1 litre of spirits or strong liqueurs over 22% or 2litres of wine200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 gms tobaccoGoods brought in Gibraltar may only be importedinto spain between 0900 hours and 2100 hours

>>Spanish Facts

LOST/STOLEN CREDIT CARDS >>Abbey National 1619516500 Allied Irish 2890330099 American Express 2072229633Bank of Scotland 1383738866Barclays Bank 1604230230 Diners Club 1252513500 First Direct 1132345678Girobank 1514721110

Halifax 8457203099 Lloyds TSB 1702364274 Mastercard 1383621166Nat & Provincial 1274331522 Nationwide 1793543888 Natwest 1132778899 Yorkshire Bank 1132424800

SIZE COMPARISONS >>

DDoonn’’tt lleett bbeeiinngg uunnssuurree aabboouutt ssiizzeess iimmppaarree yyoouurr sshhooppppiinngg sspprreeeess......

EDC431 - Country Homes in Cartama Estacion €350,000Lovely country home with guest acc located in a quiet cul-de-sacwith easy access. 3 to 4 beds, 3 baths, 2 lounges & 2 kitchens.Plus outbuilding for additional storage, registered on the deeds.Externally there is a 1.5m deep swimming pool plus an outsidekitchen area that includes a built-in barbeque.Like this? Then checkout CNN366 on our website

AEG476 - Immaculate Property in Alhaurin el Grande €699,000Stylish main home, guest acc, stables, paddock and now an extra4,000m2 of land on a separate escritura make this a really soughtafter property. The pool and gardens are wonderful as are the views.All services connected, easy access & in reach of all amenities.Like this? Then checkout ALA392 on our website

AEG516 - Extraordinary Villa in Alhaurín el Grande €995,000This magnificent villa is set in 10,000m2 of the most remarkable &beautifully landscaped gardens you can imagine. Prime location,327m2 built, private, fabulous pool, bar, terraced surrounds.Spectacular views. All services connected incl. town water, landlinetel & satellite TV.Like this? Then checkout ADT252 on our website

ESE342 - El Sexmo €367,500Beautifully presented country home with a sun terrace on the second level & set in 2,500m2 of land. 3beds with a/c (you could possibly make a 4th bed above), 3 baths (2 ensuite). Externally there is awonderful, private 8m x 4m swimming pool with terraced surround plus a brick built storeroom. Greatviews & access via new tarmac road.

Like this? Then checkout CAR415 on our website

Spacious and Private

ADT141 - Bargain Villa in Alhaurin de la Torre €420,000A SENSIBLE OFFER WILL BE ACCEPTED! Fabulous home,pool, views plus great location. Call now to view and see for your-self. Would make a great cattery if you want a business. 15 min-utes to the airport, beaches, golf courses & much more.Like this? Then checkout MAQ412 on our website

AEG517 - Alhaurin El Grande €180,000An absolute bargain! This fabulous 2 bed, 2 bath golf apartment has wonderful views over the course,the communal pool & the mountains. A great investment property, fully furnished, never been used. Hot& cold aircon plus an alarm entry system. Plenty of storage: utility room, built in wardrobes, undergroundstorage & private, secure parking.

Like this? Then checkout AEG423 on our website

Golf Lovers - Don’t Miss Out