Welcome to the Expats in Spain newsletter - August 7 2015

Since I have spent the last few weeks in a state of constant 'glowing' (ladies don'tsweat - they glow apparently), it reminded me of the expression

'The dog days of summer'.

Nothing to do with dogs feeling the heat, but simply the rising at sunrise - of thedog star Sirius. This happens between July 3 and August 11, which typically areamong the hottest days of summer around the Mediterranean - it's certainly beenintense for us all this year and keeping cool has been the priority for us and ourpets!

So we wish you all well for the rest of this extremely hot summer here in Spain.

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Are you learning Spanish?

When I first moved here to beautiful Spain, I met a number of people who werefirmly divided in two camps as far as learning Spanish! Yes, you must and No,you don't need to! I was neutral, having only learned French, so I did a bit ofresearch. I spoke with Speakeasy in Barcelona and learned the followingpertinent facts:

• Spanish is the second world language as a vehicle of internationalcommunication and the third as an international language of politics, economicsand culture. • About 330 million people in the world speak Spanish as their first language andit's the official language in 21 countries. • The demand for Spanish courses has doubled world-wide in ten years. • Spanish is expected to be the first language of 50% of the population of theUnited States within 50 years. • Today Spanish is an official language of the UN and its institutions, theEuropean Union and other international institutions. Click here for course detailsand visit their website at www.speakeasybcn.com.

Starry nights in Marbella

For one month every summer, Marbella´s quarry (aopen-air amphitheatre surrounded by nature) hostsStarlite.

With intimate concerts by international top artistssuch as Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin, Julio

Iglesias, Tom Jones, Alejandro Sanz, Bryan Adams, Pet Shop Boys, TonnyBennet, Malú and Alejandro Fernández, among many others.

In Starlite stars are not just on stage, but also among the audience, having adrink, dinning and enjoying this unique experience. Starlite dedicates a night ayear to philanthropy, and this years Starlite Gala will be hosted by actor AntonioBanderas.

Until August 22nd Tickets available here.

The Top 3 Trendy Exotic Destinations

It's always great to visit other destinations around the world! But where to go? Wespoke with TravelBird about their Top 3 Trendy Destinations.

1. Bali (Asia)

Ready to swim in crystal clear water? Bali is waiting for you! Pack your swimsuitand sunglasses and get ready to experience the perfect combination of paradiseand ancient history. After all, this exotic island welcomes more than 3.21 millionforeign tourists a year and we know you want to be one of them. Click here andchoose between a relaxed holiday or a cultural trip with this exclusive offer! ThoseBalinese temples are waiting to be discovered!

2. Zanzibar (Africa)

In second place we have Zanzibar, an island chain off the coast of Tanzania.Perfect spot if you are looking for a place to contemplate elephants, buffalos, lionsand crocodiles in their natural habitat. But fear not! You will also get the chance toenjoy that kind of beaches that you only see in dreams. Interested in visitingTanzania too? Click here and check out the deal that TravelBird has to offer.(Tours and transfers included!)

3. Peru (South America)

Are all Wonders of the World crossed in your bucket list yet? Well…Machu Picchu is one that you just cannot miss! Incredibly packed withthousands of cultural heritages, Peru is also one of the main players when we talkabout the world's best culinary destinations of 2015. With more than 8 differentecosystems, the Land of the Incas should also be on top of your must-visit list. Is South-America your choice? then be sure to check this exclusive deal! (Flightsand tours included!)

Fiestas de San Lorenzo en Lavapiés 2015

San Lorenzo's Day is on 10th August. The holidays are celebrated in differentparts of Lavapies, the Church of San Lorenzo, Argumosa street stalls and rafflesand there is a fair and stage for the festival of San Lorenzo where there areperformances and concerts. In Cabestreros and Agustin Lara there are activitiesand programming for children

From 8pm the party moves to the streets of Argumosa and Salitre, to celebrateSan Lorenzo, whose church is across the street from Doctor Piga, a short walkfrom the fairgrounds. Here there will be all kinds of activities for children,neighborhood associations and merchants championships in various specialties,street theater, and the essential lemonade!

The events in honor of the saint will be held on August 10 at the Church of SanLorenzo (C / Doctor Piga) at 19:00 Mass will be 20.00 and the procession willleave the temple and continue through the streets Doctor Piga, Salitre, Argumosa,Doctor Fourquet to Mallorca, Ronda de Atocha, Valencia Street, Plaza Lavapiesstreet Fe, going back to the church down the street Doctor Piga. The processionwill be accompanied by a brass band so if you're in the area be sure to visit thiswonderful fiesta!

Pack up your troubles with Masterclass Removals

When it comes to moving house, business or just personal items into storage youneed to feel confident and secure in your choice of removal company.

Masterclass Removals, based in Benissa on the Costa Blanca in Spain are aBritish family run business of 20 years offering removal services and storagefacilities. They pride themselves on being professional and reliable whilst offeringa personal door to door service for the most cost effective price, with the aim totailor every quote based on your personal needs. They do not subcontract any oftheir work or use agency workers, neither do they use bidding agents.

"We use our own staff and vehicles therefore ensuring that we know exactlywhere your goods are at all times. Everything is done by ourselves fromtaking the initial enquiry and giving a quotation, to undertaking the work -ensuring a personal service which is professional and reliable where wereally understand our customers needs and requirements."

Masterclass Removals also have a storage facility in Essex where we canaccept deliveries of bulky goods, or where customers can drop goods off to bebrought over on our lorry to our depot in Benissa for collection or for onwarddelivery. We will ensure when we take your goods and put them in our vehiclesthey are suitably protected to ensure safe transportation. With a great trackrecord and many happy clients, visit their websitewww.masterclassremovals.com for more information.

The dangers of dehydration

As we continue through this boiling summer, I haveseen and heard numerous stories of dehydration!Some fatal.

There are many reasons for dehydration, includingheatstroke, strenuous exercise, kidney disease, vomiting and diarrhea, andchronic conditions like diabetes but for us here in the intense heat of summerheatstroke is the biggest culprit. The symptoms of dehydration include dry lipsand mouth, rapid heart rate and decreased urine output. Dehydration can affectthe concentration of the body’s electrolytes, causing a fluid and electrolyteimbalance. While your body contains several electrolytes, including calcium, theones most affected by dehydration are sodium, potassium and chloride, so takecare to always stay hydrated and for emergencies always have a couple ofsachets of Electrolytes that are available in powdered form in sachets or asdissolvable tablets from your pharmacy.

Much Ado About Nothing?

For some of us who have been, and still are, waitingpatiently for news on what´s happening with thepotential (and somewhat expected) Greek Crisis,Eurozone finance ministers have yet again failed tobreak the long-running deadlock between Greeceand its creditors.

If this was a game of poker, the Greek Governmentcould be described as playing the biggest bluff of alltime with all their chips, car keys, houses and everything else on the table.

The ECB (European Central Bank) has stepped in to say “No More Credit”, andthe Government has contacted their best allies (the people) to cover the raisedstakes, unfortunately they aren't going to make it in the time limit set by the otherplayers…

The people can't go to the bank, and therefore only have what is literally undertheir mattresses, because the Government has gambled all the cash, and havedecided to have a vote on whether they should back their other mates (theGovernment) or the other players!

It appears to have become a Mexican stand-off, as to what happens this week,and who blinks first. For a very long time, we are in uncomfortable un-chartered

territory.

So what does this mean to you? For those of you looking to buy € (euros), thisweek looks set to offer you a great opportunity or two, the expectation being thatthe € will reach previously unseen heights for a considerable length of time.

For ex-pats especially in Spain, Italy and indeed the rest of Europe, the presentunderlying fear of a run on your banks, whilst possible, seems unlikely - think ofthe Cypriot Crisis. BUT if you are concerned, you may want to think about thesize of your cash balances, and where you currently hold them. Back to thepoker theme… should you stick or twist? If you want to find out more about thepotential effect of the outcome of the Greek Crisis, on you, specifically withregards to where any investments can best be protected, then please speak to aprofessional. Don´t leave it too late…

One thing is certain the Greek situation is coming to a head, and as a nation, theyliterally have their fate in the hands of the Referendum… more importantly therewill be a knock on effect for the rest of Europe.

Laura Mann is Regional Manager Canary Islands at Blacktower FinancialManagement (International) Ltd. Tel 603 217 561 Emaillaura.mann@blacktowerfm.com www.blacktowerfm.com

The above does not constitute advice; you must seek clarification from your taxadviser regarding your personal tax situation. Blacktower Financial Management(International) Limited is licenced by the Gibraltar Financial ServicesCommission. Licence 00805B. Blacktower Financial Management Limited isauthorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority.

'La Tomatina'

August 26 sees the Feast of the 'La Tomatina', which turns the streets of theValencian town of Bunol red, after the 'war of tomatoes'. Shouting 'tomatotomato!', almost 45,000 participants with 125 tonnes of tomatoes. The history ofthe festival started the last Wednesday of August in 1945 when some youngpeople went to the town square to attend the Giants and Big-Heads figuresparade. The young boys decided to parade with a musician. The energy of theseyoung people caused one person to fall off the float. The participant flew into a fitof rage and started to hit everything in his path. There was a market stall ofvegetables that fell victim to what soon became a furious crowd. People started topelt each other with tomatoes until the local law enforcement ended the vegetablebattle. It has, over the years been banned, with local authorities citing publicsafety. It now has many imitators throughout the world as a festival to have good,not so clean, fun!

Amazing summer sale special – Fly for Free with Obsidian Wellness!!!!!

Free the last two weeks in August??? As August approaches Obsidian Wellness have decided to celebrate the glorioussummer by offering their customers the opportunity to join them on a very specialsummer exclusive offer. If you are free during the last weeks in August and wereconsidering a break away, a time to get healthy before the winter months kick inor to treat a health condition but the outrageous cost of the flight is putting you offthen why not take advantage of this exclusive offer.

They will take the pain out of travel costs by covering flight costs should you wishto travel on the week commencing 15th of August or 22nd of August. This offer issubject to the following terms and conditions:

• Flight costs will be covered to the value of £250 • You book your flights and we will deduct the amount of the flight up to the valueof £250 from your accommodation invoice • Your stay must start on a Saturday (either 15th or 22nd of August) and run for aminimum of seven nights • There is only a limited number of rooms still available so the offer is subject toavailability. • This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer (including bond orflexi stay holders) • Is only available for future bookings as this is subject to a limited number ofrooms. Call their bookings department on 0208 003 4433 or if calling from Spain 965 747161 or email them at bookings@obsidianwellness.com. or visitwww.obsidianwellness.com

They look forward to hearing from you and see you at the end of August.

Visit Valencia

With Valencia Private Tours, you are not only a VIP, but their personal guestswith your own private tour guide, private car and private tour. On vacation,business or residents with out-of-town family coming in, you deserve a privatetour and your own private tour guide in Valencia and throughout Spain.

¡Bienvenidos! Nuestra casa es su casa!

Their professional tour guides have over a decade of experience in offeringprivate tours to American, European and Asian private clients. Their elite privateguides have all the ins and outs of Valencia, be it off-the-beaten path spots or thewell-travelled ones. Valencia Private Tours is a Spanish-American family-runbusiness that takes client service seriously. Based in Valencia, Spain, so frompre-tour prep to post-tour contact, they genuinely become your all-round friendsand contacts in Spain. As well as specializing in the Valencia area, however theyalso have extensive experience in Spain tour routes and work often in Barcelonaand Madrid as well. Perfectly bilingual, so no heavily- accented English or culturalmisunderstandings, pre-tour or during your tour, but also perfectly local Spanishin understanding the customs, places, and sites to help you not just see Valencia,but meet Valencia and understand Spain. Contact them now at their websitewww.valenciaprivatetours.com

Need a Great Diet

Cambridge 800 in Spain is manufactured by Cambridge Weight Plan in the UK(formerly known as the Cambridge Diet) and has successfully helped thousandsof people all over the world lose weight and keep it off for good. Weightmanagement is all we do and with more than 30 years expertise in the weight lostindustry and many clinical trials to support our claims, Cambridge is one of theleading brands in this field. It is not a miracle diet, but many often call it a miracleafter they have used Cambridge and realise it is the one diet that gets results.

Cambridge can be used by people with a broad spectrum of medical conditionsincluding those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes safely and effectively. Ourprotocols are written by our medical department so you can rest assured that wehave your health and well being at the very core of everything we do.

Looking good is only half the story. Losing weight and keeping your BMI undercontrol has many significant effects on your body, health and how you feel aboutyourself. Your self confidence with increase, often blood pressure and cholesterolwill reduce as a result of achieving a healthy weight, so there are many benefits tokeeping your weight under control.

Cambridge 800 products, just like Cambridge Weight Plan in the UK are fortifiedwith all the vitamins, minerals and trace elements essential to your health andvitality, so it a nutritionally balanced diet. You will be assigned a personalCambridge 800 Consultant who will give you one to one support you from yourvery first day on Plan with Cambridge, all the way throughout your weight lossjourney, until you are effectively maintaining your own weight. Even at this stage,your Consultant will remain in contact with you to ensure you have all the supportyou need. Your Consultant is key in helping you to keep motivated and staying ontrack. We call maintenance “My life”, because eating healthily is a life changingexperience, one that can be enjoyed by all the family.

If you have tried all the diets, only to put it all back on again and more, now is thetime to finally make the choice of Cambridge 800 and lose weight for the last time.

For further information, please contact Spain Head Office on: 952 586 324, email:admin@cambridge800.es or visit our website www.en.cambridge800.es to findyour nearest Consultant.

We look forward to helping you achieve your goals. Who knows, you could be ournext Slimmer of the Year.

Do you need world class Legal Help & Advice in Spain

Linkpoint are a team of dedicated professionals that will cater for all your Legal,Tax and Business matters here in Spain and / or in England, Originallyestablished in 2008, Link Point Legal incorporates a team of professionals withover 40 years experience. Our team of fully qualified Spanish Lawyers(Abogados), English Solicitors and Tax Consultants are here to ensure that yourevery need is covered from simple legal problems through to complex High CourtCases. Always check that they are listed in the Law Society. Linkpoint is located in Albir near to Benidorm on the Costa Blanca with easyaccess by car and ample parking available, so they are ideally situated to helpwith any issues that may arise anywhere on the Costa Blanca coast lines. Theirconsultants are on hand Monday to Friday 9:00 until 16:00, with no siesta break!Visit www.linkpointlegal.com

Scentsy are hiring!

Scentsy have had a huge success here in Spain during the past months and thetime has come to expand our team. If you are a motivated, friendly and 'drivenby success' person then I NEED YOU!

We specialise in beautiful wickless candles for your home. If you love candlesand home décor this will be a perfect fit for you. Click here and I will contact youwith more details. Let's chat about building you a great friendly business here inSpain and who knows...the world is your oyster!

Summer Coolers

These refreshing summer drinks will increase the balance of your electrolytes.

Cranberry-Pomegranate •¼ tsp. salt •¼ cup pomegranate juice •¼ cup cranberry juice •1 ½ cups unsweetened coconut water •2 cups cold water

Directions: Mix all the ingredients together using a blender or using a pitcher anda whisk. Chill and serve cold.

Lemon-Lime •¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice •¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice •2 cups of cold water •1/8 tsp. of salt •2 tablespoons of natural sugar or honey

Directions: Pour all the ingredients into a blender and blend the mixture until thehoney is dissolved. Chill and serve cold.

Strawberry Smoothie •3 cups of coconut water •1 cup of strawberries •1 cup of cold water •1 cup of ice •1/8 tsp. of salt •2 tablespoons of natural sugar or honey

Directions: Place all the ingredients into your blender at the same time and blendthem until all the ingredients are smooth. Chill and serve cold.

Holiday Car Rental

At Diamond we appreciate that for most of us a holiday is something that onlyhappens once a year, and because of this we know every minute of your holidayshould be special and involve as little stress as possible. After all, that is what aholiday is all about! With Diamond, your holiday starts when you board the plane – so why not enjoy adrink on the plane and relax.

You will be met in person at the airport and we will drive you directly to youraccommodation. No queuing and no waiting. No driving on unfamiliar roads – wewill do it for you.

At the end of your holiday we will collect you from your accommodation and driveyou back to the airport, as close to departures as we can get you. No stress or worry. At Diamond, we offer a First Class Service to all of ourguests. We are a locally based company so if there is anything we can help youwith during your time here; we are on hand to help. Request a quotation here orvisit www.diamondrentacarspain.com

The Library of El Escorial: San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain

I'm looking forward to a trip to Madrid this October and firmly on my list to see isThe Library El Escorial. The library housed within The Escorial is a vast buildingcomplex located in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, near Madrid, in central Spain. Thebuilding is the most important architectural monument of the SpanishRenaissance. Construction of El Escorial began in 1563 and ended in 1584.

Started by King Phillip II, this royal library is situated on the beautiful grounds of ElEscorial, the past residences for all of Spain’s kings. The dark wooden shelvesand the intricate frescoes painted on the ceiling make this library fit for any king. Itis now a World Heritage Site, but it still has some of the original books. The libraryincludes many important illuminated manuscripts, such as the Ottonian GoldenGospels of Henry III (1045-46).

The vault of the library's ceiling is decorated with frescoes depicting the sevenliberal arts: Rhetoric, Dialectic, Music, Grammar, Arithmetic, Geometry andAstronomy, I'm looking forward to seeing it all! Visit the library at Av Juan deBorbón y Battemberg, s/n, 28200 San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Madrid

Lisa Turner - Director of PMRProperty Management andRental

Does your investment property need taking careof?

Lisa Turner of PMR set up her company in 2007,specifically to project manage holiday andinvestment property for the expat community.Based on the Costa Blanca, PMR can also lookafter your holiday guests which means if you arenot living in Spain, you can be sure that yourinvestment is in good hands. PMR have welcomedholiday guests from as far afield as Australia andAsia. Holiday guests are always offered a warmwelcome with a dedicated Resort Manager on hand

24 hours a day. Staff dedicated to holiday rentals will be able to arrange varioustrips and excursions, organise car hire or even arrange for a personal chef tocater for that special occasion.

For home owners, PMR offers a full management and key holding service whichcan be as comprehensive or as simple as the owner wishes. They are able to beyour registered key holder and contact number for house alarms to a much morecomprehensive service as may be required. Contact the PMR team now anddiscuss your needs, visit their website www.pmrspain.com

Renaissance Week in Valladolid

From August 13 to 21 Medina del Campo, in Valladolid, is travelling back to the15th and 16th centuries for a few days, to remember its heyday.

Different parts of the town such as the Plaza Mayor square, the RealesCarnicerías building, Plaza Segovia square and the area around La Mota Castlewill hold Renaissance Week activities. There will be gastronomic activities,markets, dramatised visits to the castle, guided tours of museums andmonuments, Royal Court parades, and an "imperial" camp with falconry,exhibitions and re-enactments of historical moments such as "The Burning ofMedina". An event for the whole family!

A lasting legacy

Universal Care was set up in 1986 by Universal Care’s Chairman, PeterCullimore and his late wife Gillian. Peter was concerned that the only option formany people was to move into a residential home. He felt that forcing people toleave their homes just because they required care was both inconsiderate andunnecessary. With this philosophy Universal has grown over the last 29 yearsand many of our clients have come to us as a result of personalrecommendation. We are proud that our clients recommend us and this is firmlybased on the caring nature and dedication of our staff. "We believe strongly that a happy worker makes a better environment for allconcerned." For this reason, we're very selective about the carers we employ and thestandards which our staff maintain. Providing ongoing support and training, weensure that all of our carers are happy, confident and able to provide the mostcomprehensive care at home services. We encourage and support staff inattaining qualifications in Care. In recognition of our commitment to our staff andthe training they receive Universal Care is an accredited Investors In Peoplecompany. Our carers receive training which enables them to provide a first classservice, together with ongoing support from our Care Managers.

Award Winning Care Agency – winner of the 2015 Dignity and RespectAward

If you feel you have the compassion and character to work with us, pleasecontact Trudi at + 44 1494 678 811 or click here for more information aboutbecoming a carer. Visit their website at www.universal-care.co.uk

Teach your children to swim!

Since we all live in close proximity to swimming pools living our lives here inSpain, the importance of teaching children to swim is paramount. The younger theage the better to minimise the risk of accidents, both in the pool and the sea.Teaching our little ones the skills to cope in water should be a fun and positiveexperience and they are plenty of books to choose from, if your children are olderthen they can read for themselves.

Here are a small selection:

‘Ruby Learns to Swim’ written by Phillip Gwynne and illustrated by Tamsin Ainslie

‘The Deep’ written by Tim Winton and illustrated by Karen Louise

‘The Deep End’ by Rebecca Patterson

'Going Swimming' by Sarah Garland

Happy swimming!

Travel in style with TransPet

The service that Trans Pet provide - a door to doorservice between the UK and Spain, traveling byroad, which is far less stressful than the alternativeof air travel for your pets. They are a family runbusiness that have been transporting and caring forpets for many years, working closely with manyother kennels and catteries in the area as well assome rescue centres. Having had pets ourselves

for most of our lives and understand how important they are as part of yourfamily.

Using drivers with pet care experience and are professional drivers, they provideindividual large spacious units for your pets to travel in. TransPet are holders of Type 2 Animal Transporter Authorisation as issued byAnimal Health Welfare In Transit. With many happy clients over the years - youcan read their testimonials here call Sharon or Sarah on 34 965 960 658 todiscuss your pet transport needs, they'll be more than happy to help. Visit theirwebsite at www.transpet.co.uk

Visit the website!

Check out our website www.expatsinspain.euwhere we have lots of useful information and files tohelp you on living and working in Spain as well asgood companies and people to do business with.

Until next time....

Best regards from the team at Expats in Spain.

©2015 Expats in Spain | Calle Tuca 15, Albir 03581, Spain

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