Edition 22 Mar Menor Focus AUGUST 2010

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Iss Iss u u e 22 e 22 August 2010 August 2010 see our ad on page 16 see our ad on the Back Page THE LIT THE LIT TLE MAG TO TLE MAG TO KEEP IN Y KEEP IN Y OUR BAG OUR BAG Property Management and Rentals see our ad on page 5 Tel: (0034) 968 545 204 Traders Director raders Directory and Index on page 21 and Index on page 21 Farewell Ryanair? see page 3

description

Free monthly magazine for the Mar Menor area, coastal and inland, providing useful local information, interesting content and advertising, for tourists and residents.

Transcript of Edition 22 Mar Menor Focus AUGUST 2010

Page 1: Edition 22 Mar Menor Focus AUGUST 2010

IssIssuu e 22e 22August 2010August 2010

see our ad on page 16 see our ad on the Back Page

THE LITTHE LITTLE MAG TOTLE MAG TOKEEP IN YKEEP IN YOUR BAGOUR BAG

Property Management and Rentals

see our ad onpage 5

Tel: (0034) 968 545 204

TTraders Directorraders Directoryyand Index on page 21and Index on page 21

Farewell Ryanair? see page 3

Page 2: Edition 22 Mar Menor Focus AUGUST 2010

2 Telephone: 968 145 572 the Mar Menor FOCUS

Please mention Mar Menor Focus when contacting any of our advertisers

Page 3: Edition 22 Mar Menor Focus AUGUST 2010

3the Mar Menor FOCUS www.MarMenorFocus.com

Budget airline Ryanair is set to slash 7 outof its 9 flights currently servicing San JavierAirport (Murcia). The controversial airlineboss is furious at the region’s businessinflexibility and its handing €3 million to thesmall regional airline Air Nostrum, whichmainly operates domestic flights fromMadrid.

Ryanair sees the grant as throwing goodmoney after bad. Air Nostrum’s traffic,despite the massive cash injection, hasseen its traffic decline by 23% during thelast year.

Ryanair points out that their airline carries49% of all UK traffic to Murcia. It operates76 San Javier flights bringing 120,000tourists each week during the wintermonths when local businesses are desper-ately trying to stay afloat.

A MURCIAN BRICK WALL

Ryanair believes the €3 million would bebetter spent promoting tourism to theMurcia region, presumably by selling theregion’s attractions and encouraging north-ern Europeans to visit Murcia rather thanthe more high profile destinations such asMalaga, Alicante, Valencia and Barcelona.

After several months of meetings theMurcia authorities have been unrespon-sive.

Ryanair say the Murcia tourist authoritieshave failed to address their concerns; replyto discussions or agree on a compromise.

The airline feels its only option is to switchits carriers to more responsive regionssuch as rival Alicante with which it hasreached amicable agreement for moreslots.

Their press release says: We are surprisedthat both the Concejal and DirectorGeneral for Tourism are allowing the col-lapse of tourism in the Region of Murcia.Seemingly both have priorities, which inour opinion are much less important thanthe continuation of seven international air-port routes.”

HOTELIERS DOWNCASTLocal hoteliers were tight-lipped but down-cast issuing a terse statement to the effectthat they 'lament the lack of sense beingshown by the consejeria for tourism.' Theresponse from Spanish commentators hasbeen typically Spanish flavoured. Manythought the money would be better spent ifchannelled directly to struggling business-es and not to foreign concerns 'who don'tneed it and grow fat off our backs.'

A common theme was that 'we should pro-tect Spanish jobs and Murcian businesses:We don't want English tourists who don'tspend money but stay with friends. Wewant Spanish tourists; they spend moremoney than do the English.'

This mindset would appear to define thedifference between northern European andSpanish business ethos. The formerbelieve business survival should be basedon pragmatism and not ring fenced by gov-ernment sponsorship. This they feel servesonly to turn businesses into council runoutposts guaranteed an income regardlessof market realities or business acumen.Unless there is a change in Spanish atti-tudes hard-headed investors will be attract-ed to Spain's down-to-earth business-wiserivals and will take their business else-where. Ryanair has already done so.Others in related businesses will be draw-ing lessons from the Murcian touristauthority's mulishness and abysmal lack ofmarketing nous. Ryanair might set yetanother trend.

Ryanair to cut winter flights to San Javier

http://www.spanishnews.es

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4 Telephone: 968 145 572 the Mar Menor FOCUS

For information on our newDigital Print-on-demand service, ‘FocusPRINT’

call us onTTel: 968 145 572 - el: 968 145 572 -

mobile: 667 821 082mobile: 667 821 082email: [email protected]

Distribution points include:Bars, Restaurants, Golf Clubs, Shops, EstateAgents, Tourist Offices, Post Rooms, Tabacs,Supermarkets and more, throughout the Mar

Menor area, coastal and inland.Advertising Rates

Full page Colour €130 - Mono €80Half page Colour €70 - Mono €45Quarter page Colour €42 - Mono €28

Special Positions (full colour)Front Box or Banner, Back PageInside Back / Inside Front page

Phone or email for prices - Tel: Bob on: 968 145 572 - email:

[email protected]

WWeellccoommee to the August edition of MMaarr MMeennoorr FFooccuuss,

tthe magazine for the Mar Menor coastal area,

Thank you to our readers for their continuing support and feedback, and our contributors forsharing their knowledge of the area, its historyand culture, allowing us to keep the magazine

informative and interesting for everyone. Our website has everything in the magazine, and

more! Every edition is archived, so you canalways refer back - check it out on

www.marmenorfocus.comWe now offer low cost banner advertising

on our website, also budget web design & hosting.

Advertise your Businessin the next edition ofMMar Mar Menor Fenor FocusocusThe place to be seen

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Full colourFull colouradvertisementadvertisements froms from

only €25only €25Full Page Full ColourFull Page Full Colour

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months advertisingCall Now on

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or email: [email protected]

see our online magazine at

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We can use artwork provided by you, or designyour advert using text & images approved by

you.(there is a minimal standard origination charge

of €10 for this service)Prepayments for 3, 6 & 12 months will qualifyfor 5%, 10% and 15% discounts respectively.All prices quoted are subject to IVA @ 18%.

Our deadline for adverts, to ensure insertion inthe next issue is the 20th of the month.Payment, in full, is required prior to the

advertising deadline.Disclaimer: ‘Mar Menor Focus’ does not accept responsibility for the standardof goods or services given by it’s advertisers and does not endorse, unless statedotherwise, any company or individual published in the magazine, or any views or

opinions expressed in any articles. ALL THE ADVERTISEMENTS designed by the Mar Menor Focus magazine

for use in its publication remain the property ofMar Menor Focus and may NOT be reproduced in any other publication

without our prior written consentPublished by Robert McKinley, C/Himilce, Cartagena, Murcia 30385. X5128759N.

DEPOSITO LEGAL MU-2307-2008

Page 5: Edition 22 Mar Menor Focus AUGUST 2010

5the Mar Menor FOCUS www.MarMenorFocus.com

Why Use Resort ChoiceResort Choice booked over 16,000 nightsand 1,200 families for our owners in 2009Established for over 5 yearsFully licensed for management and rentalsFull insuranceMulti-lingual staff and websitesRegistered with Murcia tourist boardAll keys locked away and alarmedAccept all major credit cardsAll work guaranteed and invoicedEach property certificated with Murcia touristboardState of the art reservation software in many languagesRental contracts with leading reservation agenciesEmergency cover 365 days a year, 24 hours a dayMembers of PNAG rental guarantee programme

Services IncludeProperty ManagementKey HoldingHoliday RentalsLong Term RentalsLocal Tourist InformationCleaning & Linen ServiceProperty InspectionsLegal Airport Transfers24 Hour Guest ServicesGeneral Maintenance and RepairsSecurity GrillsAir ConditioningPlumbing & Electrical workPainting and DecoratingSwimming Pool and GardenMaintenanceTranslation ServicesAlarms

Property Management. and Rentals

Tel: (0034) 968 545 204 - (0034) 680 650 471UK Freephone: 0800 316 6181 - Fax: (0034) 968 970 212

Email: [email protected] - Website: www.resortchoice.com

Resort Choice (Resort La Manga SL)Avda. Mar Menor, Edif, Geranio Bajo 14, 30384 Mar de Cristal, Cartagena, MurciaCompany Reg No. B30780316 – Registro de Empresas y Actividades Turísticas A.MU.209

Car Hire Holiday Insurance Attraction TicketsProperty Snagging Reports Complete Furniture PacksLegal and Financial ServicesBooking Activities inc.Tennis and Golf

NEW OFFICE NOW OPENIN SAN JAVIER

Calle Lanzarote No.1 30730

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6 Telephone: 968 145 572 the Mar Menor FOCUS

Page 7: Edition 22 Mar Menor Focus AUGUST 2010

7the Mar Menor FOCUS www.MarMenorFocus.com

MABS Cancer SupportGroup/MAR MENOR

Do you want to make a difference?Got some time to spare?

Become a MABS volunteer

MABS Murcia/Mar Menor helps allpeople in the Murcia/Mar Menor areawho are affected by cancer, providing

drivers, translators, information leaflets,equipment, a listening ear, or a shoulder

to lean on. If you want to volunteer,donate or you need help,

you can contact MABS on693 275 779 or visit our website:

www.mabsmurcia.com

Every Saturday (weather permitting) 10:30-1:30 Book Sale

Outside The Arches Bar and Restaurant.All proceeds to MABS

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8 Telephone: 968 145 572 the Mar Menor FOCUS

The Magic of Olive Oil

The cultivation of olive trees has beentraced as far back as 6,000 B.C. in Syriaand there is certainly evidence that oil fromthis marvellous plant has been used forthousands of years in the Mediterraneanregions.

There are many references to its’ use in theBible, both for culinary and ceremonial pur-poses, and of course an olive branch hasbeen adopted as a sign of peace eversince the dove returned to Noah carryingone and thus indicating that the floodwaters were receding.

In more recent times the health givingproperties that the ancients attributed tothis magical oil have been substantiated bymodern science and it is now generallyagreed that it has the ability to lower cho-lesterol levels, thus reducing the risk ofheart attacks.

In addition olive oil has very high levels ofthe antioxidant vitamins E and K which pro-vide a defence mechanism that delaysaging and prevents carcinogenesis, ather-osclerosis and liver disorders. It has veryhigh levels of mono-unsaturated fats, 77%,and it is this which attributed with the abili-ty to positively alter the ratio between goodand bad cholesterol.

The Mediterranean Diet, in which olive oilplays an important part, is now consid-ered to be one of the healthiest in theworld with people from thoseregions experiencing lowerrates of heart diseases, cancerand other degenerative diseasesthan elsewhere in the Western World.

The olives are pressed as soon as possibleonce they arrive at the mills. This is donemechanically today and whilst it maybe fil-tered it is otherwise untreated and so istotally natural. The oil is then gradedaccording to its’ acidity.

Extra Virgin Olive. Extra Virgin olive oil hav-ing a maximum free acidity, in terms ofoleic acid, of 0.8g per 100g, the other char-acteristics of which comply with those laiddown from this category.

Virgin Olive Oil. This oil has a maximumfree acidity, in terms of oleic acid of 2g per100g, the other characteristics of whichcomply with those laid down from this cat-egory.

Olive Oil. Olive oil obtained by blendingrefined olive oil and virgin olive oil, otherthan lampante oil, having a free acid con-tent, expressed as oleic acid, of not morethan 1.5g per 100g and the other charac-teristics of which comply with those laiddown from this category.

Olive Pomace Oil. Oil obtained by blendingrefined olive-pomace oil and virgin olive oilother than lampante oil, having a free acidcontent expressed as oleic acid of not

more than 1.5g per 100g and the othercharacteristics of which comply with

those laid down from this category.

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In addition to its’ many health giving bene-fits this wonderful oil can also be usedexternally as a beauty and health aid:

For the softest hands imaginable: Mix oneteaspoon of olive oil with half a teaspoon ofsalt and massage into your hands. The saltexfoliates and the oil softens. You will beamazed at how soft, smooth and blemishfree your hands look. Also useful forremoving heavy staining, oil etc. Workswell on elbows, knees, feet and can beused as an all over scrub prior to bathing(probably best to take a shower unless youfancy sitting in the middle of an oil slick!).For particularly rough skin, substitute sugarfor the salt.

For soft, shiny, manageable hair: Massageolive oil into your hair and leave for as longas possible before shampooing. Repeatweekly.

To prevent dandruff: Rub into the hair amixture of olive oil and Eau de Cologne.Then rinse and shampoo as normal.

For a relaxing massage: Warm some oliveoil (place container in hot water for 5 min-utes) and add a drop or two of yourfavourite essential oil.

For Earache: Warmsome oil as above,add a few drops to theear and then plug withcotton wool.

Olives. In addition to the oil that can beobtained from this wonderful ancient treethe fruits themselves can also be eatenand are likewise a very healthy addition toany diet.

They too of course play a major role in thehealthy Mediterranean diet and are high inheart protecting mono-unsaturated fatsand vitamin E and they also contain a vari-ety of phytonutrients such as polyphenolsand flavonoids. The anti-inflammatoryactions of the mono-unsaturated fats, vita-min E and polyphenols in olives may alsohelp reduce the severity of asthma,osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis,three conditions where most of the damageis caused by high levels of free radicals.The vitamin E in olives may even help toreduce the frequency and/or intensity ofhot flushes in women going throughmenopause.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ruth_Polak

The Magic of Olive Oil (contd.)

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10 Telephone: 968 145 572 the Mar Menor FOCUS

The Electromar electronic musicfest arrives at Playa Honda on Saturday 7th August, with aninternational bill of around twenty DJs and artistes including Misstress Barbara, Alex Under,Edu Imbernon, Cycle, Josh Wink, Zombie Nation, Oxia, Pablo Bolivar, Thaddeus, AlexanderKowalski, Danna Leese, Audiofly, Delorean (Live ), The leadings (Murcia) and many more.

This year, the novelty factor is the setting up of a ‘silent marquee’, where the music is onlyheard through cordlessheadphones, allowing fansto enjoy it without any dis-turbance to the surroundingarea.

For this, the fourth year ofthis festival, organisersexpect an audience ofaround 15,000 people.

Full details can be found onthe website at:

www.electromarfestival.com

Local MarketLocal MarketssSaturdayLos Alcázeres (Los Narejos)Torre Pacheco (Dolores)SundayCabo de PalosLos NietosSan Javier AutocineTorre Pacheco (Roldán)

MondaySan Pedro del PinatarSucina

TuesdayLos BelonesLa UnionPilar de la HoradadaLos AlcazeresMil PalmerasWednesdaySantiago de la RiberaSan JavierThursdayLos UrrutiasLa palma

Torre Pacheco (Balsicas)San Pedro del Pinatar (Lo Pagan)FridayEl AlgarLlano del BealPilar de la Horadada

La Manga - Santiago de la Ribera Ferry summer timetableLa Manga Santiago deTomas maestre la Ribera

10.3012.3014.3016.3018.3020.3022.3000.30

11.3013.3015.3017.3019.3021.3023.3001.00

Monday to Saturday

Cook RequiredFull time permanent position.

Must be experienced.Apply in writing to:

NNoobbbbyy’’ss CCaannttiinnaaPuerto Bello

La Manga del Mar Menor30385

or by email to:[email protected]

Electromar Festival 2010Electromar Festival 2010comes to Playa Hondacomes to Playa Honda

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11the Mar Menor FOCUS www.MarMenorFocus.com

The aim of the sudoku puzzle is to insertnumbers in the boxes so that:each row, column and 3x3 boxcontain one each of the digits 1-9

sudoku

A Codebreaker is a crosswordpuzzle with no clues! Instead,every letter of the alphabet hasbeen replaced by a number,the same number representingthe same letter throughout thepuzzle. All you have to do isdecide which letter is repre-sented by which number! Tostart you off, we reveal thecodes for two or three letters.When these letters have beenentered throughout the puzzle,you should have enough infor-mation to start guessing wordsand discovering other letters.

Codebreaker

A B C D E F G H I J K L MN O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

TIME FOR A BREAK

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Telephone: 968 145 572 the Mar Menor FOCUS

The FThe Fun Quizun QuizGeneral KnowledgeGeneral Knowledge

1. What is the Capital of Suriname ?a) New Amsterdamb) Paramariboc) Surinamtownd) Caracas

2. What kind of museum or collection is a Xylarium?

a) Paperb) Woodc) Herbsd) Creepers

3. Which of the following songs was performedby the Eagles?

a) Beer for Breakfastb) Tequila Sunrisec) Spirit of 1969d) Rum and Cola

4. After Jackie Kennedy married AristotleOnassis, how many step-children did she have?

a) 1.b) She didn't have anyc) 2.d) 3.

5. What imported pest causes much damage inthe Southwestern U.S

a) Fire antb) Formica antc) Fennec foxd) Flying frog

6. What did actor Robin Williams do prior tobeing in films?

a) Dancer On Broadwayb) Worked In A Fast Food Restaurantc) Stand Up Comediand) Teacher

7. How do you say 'fifty' in Spanish?

a) Cincuentab) Cuarentac) Ochentad) Setenta

8. How many days were the Jews required toeat unleavened bread at Passover?

a) 7b) 5c) 1d) 20

9. A super spy from the 1960's is frozen andbrought back to life in the 1990's to fight hisnemesis. What comedy movie series is this?

a) Austin Powers.b) Indiana Jones.c) James Bond.d) Ace Ventura.

10. Which "Deliverance" actor posed for"Cosmopolitan" magazine in 1972?

a) Jon Voightb) Ned Beattyc) Burt Reynoldsd) Jack Thompson

11. Which one is a black-and-white film?

a) Enemy at the Gatesb) Constantinec) Schindler's Listd) About a Boy

12. To help bring in the 20th Century, whichworld stage hosted the 1900 Olympics?

a) New York Cityb) Tokyoc) Parisd) Belgrade

1) b. Paramaribo2) b. Wood. 3) b. Tequila Sunrise. 4) c. 2. 5) a. Fire ant. 6) c. Stand Up Comedian. 7) a. Cincuenta.8) a. 7. 9) a. Austin Powers. 10) c. Burt Reynolds. 11) c. Schindler's List. 12) c. ParisAnswers

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13the Mar Menor FOCUS www.MarMenorFocus.com

Please mention Mar Menor Focus when contacting any of our advertisers

Page 14: Edition 22 Mar Menor Focus AUGUST 2010

14 Telephone: 968 145 572 the Mar Menor FOCUS

Please mention Mar Menor Focus when contacting any of our advertisers

Page 15: Edition 22 Mar Menor Focus AUGUST 2010

15the Mar Menor FOCUS www.MarMenorFocus.com

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16 Telephone: 968 145 572 the Mar Menor FOCUS

'WHERE HAVE ALL THE MARBLES GONE'OK; I know I lost mine years ago! But seriously,where have they all disappeared to. As a young boyI had a bag full of the things, beautifully colouredglass balls. There must have been thousands of themabout, we all played with them, swapping them etc;So where have all the marbles gone?

'FAG CARDS'I'm having one of my nostalgicmoments-collecting cigarettecards was all the craze in the40's and 50's, sets of Player's,Woodbines, Park Drive, BarOne, Goldflake, the list is end-less. Packets of fags all con-tained 'Fag Cards' - The subjectswere vast, they were education-al and at the same time colourfulcards, often referred to as the'working mans encyclopaedia'.The back of the cards were fullof information and the front wasof fascinating subjects, military, cricket, football,butterflies you name it and cigarette cards covered it.

There were tens of thousands issued from the late19th century which most boys collected at somestage. I did; and again resumed my interest in mythirties - building up a collection of over 20,000cards, specialising in the rarer cards. In fact itbecame quite a lucrative hobby. I would advertise forcards in shop windows and was inundated withOgden, Wills, Gallahers cards of all types etc, somany that I used to sell them to other dealers. I alsomet some other famous collectors, the late LeslieCrowther became a good friend, he was an avidlover of cricket and collected anything associatedwith the game, including framed cigarette cards andhe would often spend time at my home in Derbyshirechatting about cricket, he was a lovely man.

I remember a story when I was offered a plastic mar-garine tub full of very old fag cards, there was about200 cards in the box, all rare and issued in 1894 by

Will's called 'Soldiers & Sailors',no sets all odd cards. The sellerwanted £200 for them and hadalready been offered thisamount, so I spread £250 fivepound notes over his kitchentable and the deal was done."Where did you get them from" Iasked. He replied "My son foundthem at the side of a dustbin afterour next-door neighbour hadpassed away - not a bad littleprofit" he muttered.

Well, not as nice as mine I muttered under my breath- I sold the cards the following week, all but 30which I kept for my own collection. Oh yes, for howmuch I hear you say: I got £4000 from two dealers inLondon.Nice little hobby collecting 'Fag Cards' don't youthink? And that was only one deal……

ANOTHER LITTLE POEM WOT I WROTE!I must consider I am getting old

Now, I am doing as I am toldOnce; taking risks with stubborn will

Nowadays, all I do is take a pillIs this the sign of life's full circle

Hair all gone, my nose's a shade of purpleMaybe a little slower, but just as bold

I sit and watch, with a gentle sighAs all the pretty girls walk by

Nay: I don't consider I'm getting old

Well that it folks - another load of bull for you toperuse over and no mention of insurance - So if youfancy a chat about fag cards or if you have lost yourmarbles or even if you need a quote for your motorinsurance, call in my office for a chat.

Tara for NowDavid Masonmasoninsurances

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17the Mar Menor FOCUS www.MarMenorFocus.com

By: Baljeet Sangwan

To see where Christianity and Islam collided andfused, go to Cordoba, Spain , an ancient city inAndalucia, Spain's southernmost province, situat-ed some 75 miles (121 km) northeast of Seville.For here, in Cordoba, Romans, Goths, Jews,Moors and Christians triumphed and succumbedin succession, molding the city in their ownimage, to offer up a surprising amalgam of cul-tures and religions, and a couple of architecturalgems besides.

And for first-time visitors to this colorful Spanishcity, here are its top attractions.

1. La MezquitaIf Cordoba is famous for onething, it is its mosque-cum-cathedral, La Mezquita. This isamong the largest mosques inthe world, and singularly themost astonishing with its madmix of Islamic, Mudejar,Renaissance and Baroque influ-ences. Begun in 784 AD andbuilt on the site of a Visigothchurch, which in turn was builton the site of a Roman temple, the originalmosque was embellished and added to over thecenturies; until in the 13th century, whenChristians conquered the city and consecrated themosque to be a Christian cathedral, a chapel wasadded, followed in 1523 by a Christian cathedralbuilt inside the original mosque. While the exteri-or of the mosque/cathedral may appear nonde-script, the interior is deeply mesmerizing, withmore than 800 columns with Roman capitals andhorseshoe arches, patterned in yellow and red, oneatop another, in a petrified forest that literally sat-urates a couple of dozen naves. La Mezquita isopen to the public from April until June, dailyexcept Sunday; admission fee is 6.50 euros.2. La Alcazar de los Reyes ChristianosIn another example of the clash of Christianityand Islam, La Alcazar de los Reyes Christianos, aGothic fortress cum royal residence, stands atop aMuslim castle, no less. The Alcazar was begun in1327 under Alfonso XI, and was later on the resi-dence of Catholic monarchs Ferdinand and Isabelwho, it is claimed, saw Christopher Columbus off

on his trip to the New World from there. From thebattlements of the fortress, which overlook theGuadalquivir, there are good views of PuenteRomano, the Roman Bridge built by EmperorAugustus. The fortress, located at Campo Santode los Martires, is open daily. Admission fee: 2euros.

3. Cordoba's SynagogueCordoba's Synagogue, representing a Mudejarwork that dates from 1315, is the last of its kind inexistence in southern Spain. Of particular interesthere are the floral motifs and epigraphs on the

interior walls that referencepsalms and the Song of Songs.The synagogue is open daily.

4. La Casa AndalusiLa Casa Andalusi, located atJudios 12, is a showcase of theelegant living quarters of Al-Andalus. Here you can visit anivory-colored patio with a pebbledmosaic floor and also a basementwith traces of the Visigothic era.There is a room dedicated entirelyto the Moorish culture at the casa

as well, displaying Arabic coins, clothing and art-works, and an early-day printing press that wasused to print the Koran during that period. Themuseum is open daily, and there is an admissionfee of 2.50 euros per person.

5. Museo ArqueologicoIn eight fully-stocked rooms on two levels, theMuseo Arqueologico exhibits prehistoric andRoman-era artifacts such as coins, sculptures andmosaics, as well as 4th- and 8th-centuryVisigothic and Muslim relics. The museum islocated at Plaza Jeronimo Paez 7, and open daily,except Monday. Museum admission is 1.50 euroeach. Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

About the Author:Baljeet Sangwan is a globetrotter, travel editorand travel writer who has published 12 travelguidebooks. He is a co-publisher at iChiefTraveland a contributor to Cordoba, Spain, Sevilla,Spain and Toledo Spain travel guides.

TThhee TToopp 55 AAttttrraaccttiioonnss OOff CCoorrddoobbaa

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18 Telephone: 968 145 572 the Mar Menor FOCUS

The above book can be obtained from high street bookshops such as Bookworld and Carreforand if more convenient by mail order from www. bookworld.com or www.santabooks.com.

The latter also take telephone orders on 952-485838. If you wish for autographed copies forpresents contact us via www.gardeninginspain.com

DRYING SUMMER DRYING SUMMER PRODUCEPRODUCE

By Clodagh and Dick Handscombe, Practical gardeners & authors, living in Spain for twenty five years.

Many gardens and increasingly apartment terraces fol-lowing the publication of ‘Apartment Gardening SpanishStyle’ now have summer produce for harvesting and inmany cases in quantities too great for immediate eating. Ifyou have this situation then dry for use during the autumnand winter months.

Almonds can be easily dried in the sun and then stored ina cool place. Perennial herbs such as rosemary, sage andthyme can be cut and hung up in bunches but soft leavedannuals such as basil and parsley are better frozen inblocks in the ice tray or dried gently on a drier. Sweet cornand dried flowers can be hung up in bunches in a shadyairy terrace or barn.

Traditionally figs, tomatoes and grapes were dried in thesun but often need taking in at night to ensure that theydid not re-hydrate with overnight condensation or to avoidexpected storms. Also if temperatures are not in the upperthirties the drying process can be slow and insects havetime to enter the soft fleshy semi dried fruit.

We use a convenient Dorrex warm air dryer that nowoperates several nights a week throughout the year.

During August we will be drying tomatoes sliced in half,grapes for home made raisins for snacks and theChristmas cake, herbs, figs, and raspberries.

Once mandarins start to ripen in the autumn we will bedrying mandarin and later orange slices – one of the besttapas to go with a pre-dinner drink and good after dinnerhalf coated with chocolate. We will still be eating themduring balmy August evenings from the Spring driedstock.

If we go for a walk our lunch will be a gastronomic mix ofdried tomatoes, raspberries, strawberries, apricots,plums, grapes, almonds and courgette crisps – tastier andless oily than potato crisps if coated lightly with a dash ofsoy sauce, ginger and olive or walnut oil half way throughdrying.

The photograph illustrates ourprocess for drying mandarinand orange slices.

An English language datasheet can be obtained [email protected]. We havefound the dryer easier andmore reliable than the cookingoven. Herbs are dried at only40oC degrees and tomatoesat a maximum temperature of70oC.

Drying is a great way of maximising the use of garden edi-bles. Try it! You might get as hooked on the idea as us asmost importantly your home dried garden produce will befree of artificial colorants, flavours, sweeteners andpreservatives.

If you or your neighbours don’t yet have copies of theirquartet of books, Your Garden in Spain, ApartmentGardening in Spain, Growing Healthy Fruit in Spain andGrowing Healthy Vegetables in Spain, they are availablefrom bookshops, some British product shops, and gardencentres and the user friendly publishers website

www.santanabooks.comin Spain and the Royal Horticultural Society Bookshop(freephone 0845-2604505). Also of course Amazon.

© Clodagh and Dick Handscombe www.gardeninginspain.com

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Across1 Apt to take what belongs toothers (11) 7 Sprite with oddly neglectedsex life (3) 9 Brown bread put back infront of oven (5) 10 Flying from Ontario, usinga chopper (2,3,4) 11 Rare red revolutionaryruined round (9) 12 Love affair resulting fromintroduction to Latin with pureheart? (5) 13 Greek state's overthrown

governors (7)

15 Little girl meeting end in fiction - approximately 114cm. (4) 18 Swindle turncoats (4) 20 Some survivors send a sig-nal about distress (7) 23 Award given to someoneextremely corpulent (5) 24 Part of river around islethat's not isolated? (9) 26 Dreadfully strait men (9) 27 Strong paper to make shipsound (5)

28 Perch that's held byangler (3) 29 Contests for which noteams turn out (11)

Down1 Must liar lie aboutregard for others? (8) 2 Approval expressed forarchbishop in service areas(8) 3 Beast that's not terriblycontent (5) 4 Wild suitor, wild withlove (7) 5 One caught by Artemisinitially, one metamor-phosed (7) 6 Being looked at, I weptout loud (9) 7 Team about to take onrecording pioneer (6) 8 Illustration of fruit and

flower (6) 14 St. Michael transformsmetal transformer (9) 16 Get back base baritone (8) 17 Insulating material likecream on exterior organs (8) 19 Piece in Nice? To a greaterdegree for the auditor (7) 20 Final performance - grandexit for film actress (7) 21 Light provider inGwynnedd or Merioneth (6) 22 Scorched watercolour (6) 25 Garbage that's satisfactory- with a bad smell about it (5)

TIME FOR A BREAKcrossword puzzle

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS In the next edition of MAR MENOR FOCUS - Call now on 968 145 572

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20 Telephone: 968 145 572 the Mar Menor FOCUS

July was fiesta month in Jumilla, as indeed itwas all over Spain. I am talking of course ofthe celebrations that began when España wontheir quarter final match - qualifying for theWorld Cup semi finals for the first time ever -and that continued well into the week follow-ing Spain’s win. The noise level in La Masíabar after Iniesta scored must have broken therecord for being the noisiest Spanish bar, as thewhole place erupted with joy. After finishingour drinks we headed toward the Jardín del ReyDon Pedro for the traditional celebrationsaround (and in) the fountain. There was a lotof singing, dancing, flag waving and horn toot-ing as the Jumillanos celebrated “La Roja’s”victory - plus of course the obligatory fireworkdisplays all around town.

On July 18th the Ruta del Vino made an awardto John and me for our participation in and sup-port of their various activities over the twoyears since we moved to Jumilla. We were sur-prised and delighted when we heard about theaward, which showed their appreciation of twoBrits becoming involved in the local Spanishcommunity. As these activities included attend-ing concerts in bodegas, sampling tapas andwine, enjoying meals out and wine-tasting, itwasn’t exactly a great hardship! We were pre-sented with a lovely watercolour painting by alocal artist of Arco de San Roque, one of ourfavourite monuments in Jumilla.

Luckily we still have August to look forwardto, so there won’t be any sense of anti-climaxhere. August is the main month for fiestas inJumilla, with the renowned Fiesta de laVendimia (this involves a lot of wine!), Moorsand Christians, the National Folklore Festivaland the Fiesta of Nuestra Señora Virgen de laAsunción, the patroness of Jumilla, which iscelebrated on 15th August. What makes theNational Folklore Festival so special is that

various folk groups perform in the differentbarrios of Jumilla as well as in the Jardín de laGlorieta, where the opening and closing cere-monies take place. This year there will begroups from Asturias, Tarragona, Cádiz andPalencia as well as groups closer to home. TheFestival starts at 13.00 on 13th August, withperformances taking place in all the barrios,also folk dancing on Saturday and Sunday.

The opening session in the Jardín will be at22.00 on Friday 13th, there will be a FolkEvening there at 24.00 on Saturday night andthe closing ceremony will be held at 22.30 onSunday evening, following the procession ofthe participating groups from Plaza de la Arribato the Jardín de la Glorieta. We are lookingforward to watching the colourful displays ofdancing as well as listening to the lively music. This year the Fiesta de la Vendimia will be tak-ing place from Thursday 12th August to

Saturday 22nd August. Highlights will includethe Inauguration of the Fountain of Wine, thechildren’s Cabalgata (procession), theOffering of the Grapes and First Must, the tra-ditional Cabalgata, and finally on Saturdaynight the infamous Gran Cabalgata del Vino,where a lot of wine is thrown about. Don’twear your best clothes if you fancy comingalong!

More information about the August festivitiesis available on the Jumilla town website at:http://www.jumilla.org/.

INLAND FOCUSby Sue Walker

Retiring The Olé Way is the intimate, honest and inspiring story of Sue and John Walker’smove to their new home in rural Southern Spain.

The book is available at Amazon and from all good bookshops, at a cost of £9.99.

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21the Mar Menor FOCUS www.MarMenorFocus.com

Mar Menor Focus Business DirectoryYour business here for just 60 euros a year!

Call Mar Menor Focus on 968 145 572 or email: [email protected]

Air Conditioning & Electrical ServicesTel: 634 820 414 (page 23)

CD PROPERTY MANAGEMENT968 563 598 (Page 14)

BAR APICOCO Playa Honda 968 563 958 (Page 15)BAR EL SOL Plaza CavannaLa Manga Strip, 968 563 899 (back page)BRAMBLES BAR Playa Honda610 622 249 DOLLY’S BAR, Plaza Bohemia, La Manga 663 608 575 (page 7)EL RINCON, Cafe Bar - Frituur, Galerias El Flamenco, 968 143 838 (page 14)HIPPO Diner& Pizzeria, Nuevo Puerto BelloLa Manga Tel: 968 563 395 (page 2)MOLLY MALONE’s Irish Bar, Rio TerLos Alcazares 968 584 176 (page 14)NOBBY’S CANTINA, Nuevo Puerto BelloLa Manga, 968 564 551 (inside back page)PADDYWACKS IRISH BARLa Manga Strip 968 563 648 (page 23)ROAD HOG, Galerias El Flamenco (behind Zoco) 699 694 042

MARUJA Garden Centre/NurseryCabo de Palos Tel 968563 905

SHAPE & TONE -Toning Tables, PowerPlates, Chiropractor, Masseur, BeauticianLos Alcazares 661 002 648 TRANQUILITY - Beauty, Body & Nail SalonGalerias El Flamenco, Km 4, La Manga Strip(behind Zocos) 638 300 656 (page 13)

ASSSA INSURANCE - Los Belones968 153 396 DAVID MASON Insurance Services (page 16)Los Belones, 968 137 719 / 659 226 112

RICHARD HOWARD Insurance Services,Los Belones 968 13 72 59 (Page 7)email:[email protected]

IBERBRIT LEGAL, La Manga Strip968 337 392 (inside back page)

SEA-KLEAR The original Pool & Spa waterclarifier. Tel: 677 221 159

ACCOMMODATION Apartment El PuebloLos Belones. 620 026 637

CD PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & SALES968 563 598 (page 14)

RESORT CHOICE (Resort La Manga) Mar de Cristal, 968 545 204 (page 5)

EDEN International, Property AgentsLos Carmenes, Gran Via Km 3La Manga, Tel: 0034 968 143 185

TOP CLASS MANAGEMENT [email protected]

DJ’S MINI MART Los Belones 617 029 321 (page 2)HONDAMAR SupermercadoPlaya Honda 968 56 43 68

MISSING LINKS (Cornish Pride) (page 14)Los Belones 620 562 973 / 650 267 650

AIR CONDITIONING

BABY EQUIPMENT HIRE

HEALTH & BEAUTY

GARDEN CENTRES

INSURANCE

BARS & RESTAURANTSLEGAL & FINANCIAL SERVICES

PROPERTY SALES & SERVICES

POOLS & SPAS

RETAIL

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22 Telephone: 968 145 572 the Mar Menor FOCUS

Part 3As your dog gains confidence and relaxesyou can gradually move the animal closerand closer until your dog no longer showsany sign of nervousness. This may takemany weeks. Whenever your dog copes wellwith a scary situation, reward with food andlots of praise.

If your dog is defensive it is important thatyou discuss the problem with your vet whomay refer you to an animal behaviour coun-sellor to help resolve the problem.Meanwhile, walking your dog in a head col-lar, such as a Gentle Leader, will give youmuch more control of the situation.

Gradually building up confidence willensure your dog enjoys a more active andvaried lifestyle, asyou can go to moreplaces together. It isalso rewarding tohelp a nervous dogturn into a happyfamily dog that canfully participate inthe family's activities.

Nervous dogsCAR MECHANIC English speaking, fullyequipped workshop. Los Belones.Tel: Jude Ross on 968 137 193 / 610 401 352

SUNNY’S LAVANDERIA Laundry servicesGalerias el Flamenco 689 339 095 (page 13)

TAXIS OMEGA Airport transfers in the MarMenor. Tel. (0034) 605 87 13 31

AQUA ADICTA968 545 193 / 659 434 811 (page 24)

INTERPRETER AvailableSpanish national (10 years in England) withfluent English. For hospitals, doctors, police,banks, solicitors, schools, ITV, etc. Translationof documents. Sympathetic and totally reliable.Cartagena and surrounding areas, Mar Menor,Fuente Alamo, Torre Pacheco. Other areasconsidered. - From 15 euros hour. Tel: 968165565 Mob: 626690873 (ask for JOSÉ)

CABO MANGA Ctra Cabo de PalosLa Manga 968 146 364 (page 23)

VALERIE’S NOVIAS, bridal gowns & Accessories, C/Mayor 9, Pilar de Horadada - 966 766 689 PHOTO VIDEO SPAIN, wedding/eventsKeith Nicol, 609 063 614

SERVICES

SPORTS & ACTIVITIES

TRANSLATION SERVICES

VETERINARY SERVICES

WEDDING SERVICES

TAXI SERVICES

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23the Mar Menor FOCUS www.MarMenorFocus.com

Please mention Mar Menor Focus when contacting any of our advertisers

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24 Telephone: 968 145 572 the Mar Menor FOCUS

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25the Mar Menor FOCUS www.MarMenorFocus.com

The FThe Fun Spotun Spot

Crossword

Codebreaker

Puzzle

Solutions

Sudoku

The Potato family at dinner ...

One night, the Potato familysat down to dinner, MotherPotato and her threedaughters.

Midway through the meal, theeldest daughter spoke up."Mother Potato?" she said. "Ihave an announcement tomake."

"And what might that be?"said Mother, seeing the obvi-ous excitement in her eldestdaughter's eyes.

"Well," replied the daughter,with a proud but sheepish grin,"I'm getting married!" Theother daughters squealed withsurprise as Mother Potatoexclaimed, "Married! That'swonderful! And who are youmarrying, Eldest daughter?"

"I'm marrying a Russet!"

"A Russet!" replied MotherPotato with pride. "Oh, aRusset is a fine tater, a finetater indeed!" As the familyshared in the eldest daughter'sjoy, the middle daughter spokeup.

"Mother? I, too, have anannouncement."

"And what might that be?"encouraged Mother Potato.Not knowing quite how tobegin, the middle daughterpaused, then said with convic-tion, "I, too, am getting mar-ried!"

"You, too!" Mother Potatosaid with joy. "That's wonder-ful! Twice the good news inone evening! And who are youmarrying, Middle Daughter?"

"I'm marrying a KingEdward!" beamed the middledaughter.

"A King Edward!" saidMother Potato with joy. "Oh, aKing Edward is a fine tater, afine tater indeed!"

Once again, the room camealive with laughter and excitedplans for the future, when theyoungest Potato daughterinterrupted. "Mother? Mother Potato? Um, I, too, have anannouncement to make."

"Yes?" said Mother Potatowith great anticipation.

"Well," began the youngestPotato daughter with the samesheepish grin as her eldest sis-ter before her, "I hope thisdoesn't come as a shock toyou, but I am getting married,as well!"

"Really?" said Mother Potatowith sincere excitement. "Allof my lovely daughters mar-ried! What wonderful news!And who, pray tell, are you marrying, YoungestDaughter?"

"I'm marrying DavidColeman!"

"DAVID COLEMAN?!"Mother Potato scowled suddenly. "But he's just acommon tater!"

**********It's strange, isn't it. You standin the middle of a library andgo 'Aaaaaaagghhhh' andeveryone just stares at you.

But you do the same thing onan aeroplane, and everyonejoins in.

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26 Telephone: 968 145 572 the Mar Menor FOCUS

EMERGENCY NUMBER - 112Useful NumbersUseful Numbers to kto keep by the phoneeep by the phone

AMBULANCE - 061GUARDIA CIVIL - 062La Manga del Mar Menor 968 563 222 La Unión 968 560 011San Javier 968 335 920San Pedro del Pinatar 968 180 610LOCAL POLICE - 092Cabo de Palos 968 337 238Cartagena 968 128 877El Algar 968 135 695La Manga del Mar Menor 968 337 300 La Unión 968 560 051Los Alcázares 968 171 919San Javier 968 570 880San Pedro del Pinatar 968 188 092NATIONAL POLICE – 091Cartagena 968 320 722FIRE BRIGADE - 112Cartagena 968 128 880Los Alcázares 968 171 782MARITIME EMERGENCIES – 900 202 202MEDICAL CENTRESCosta Calida 968 142 060El Algar 968 135 510La Manga del Mar Menor 968 142 125Lo Pagan 968 184 728Los Alcázares 968 575 800Los Belones 968 137 476Portman 968 548 064San Javier 968 191 866San Pedro del Pinatar 968 187 865

HOSPITALSCartagena: Santa Maria del Rosell 968 325 000Naval Hospital 968 327 400Murcia:Virgen de la Arrixaca 968 369 500J.M. Morales Meseguer 968 360 900San Javier:Los Arcos 968 570 050

AIRPORTS (www.aena.es)Alicante 966 919 000San Javier (Murcia) 968 172 000BUS STATIONSCartagena 968 505 656Murcia 968 292 211San Pedro del Pinatar 968 182 942RAILWAYSFEVE www.feve.es 968 501 172RENFE www.renfe.es 902 240 202TAXI Omega Airport tansfers 605 871 331UTILITY COMPANIESTelefonica 1004www.telefonica.es www.telefonicainenglish.comIberdrola (Electricity) 901 202 020 www.iberdrola.comAquagest (Cartagena) 968 122 600Aquagest (San Javier) 968 572 112LOCAL TRAFFIC OFFICE(Cartagena) 968 500 883PROVINCIAL TRAFFIC OFFICE(Murcia) 968 256 211ITV Cartagena 968 538 219CORREOS (POST OFFICE)www.correos.esGeneral Information 902 197 197La Manga 968 564 981BRITISH CONSULATE 965 216 022SUPPORT GROUPSMABS cancer support 968 432 525email: [email protected] MMM 968 570 059www.helpmarmenor.orgANIMAL RESCUENoah’s Arc 699 352 818www.noahsarcmurciaAPAH Rescue 630 422 563www.apahrescue.com

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Iberbrit LegalSolicitors and Chartered Accountants

CONVEYANCINGMADE SIMPLE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL:Phone: +34 968 337 392

Fax: +34 968 563 224email: [email protected] - www.iberbrit.com

Conveyancing.Integral Tax advice for Individuals and Companies.Annual Tax returns for property owners.Social Security advice.Spanish Wills.

Preparation of the NIE-Identification number of foreigners.Spanish Residency.Financial advice “Mortgages”Power of Attorney.

OURSERVICES

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

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