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![ICE WITHOUT THE GIN AND TONIC
Another month, the shortest one at that, has searching inside a mobile phone for an
whizzed by. Now getting closer to warmer weather emergency contact then that would make it easier
and looking forward to moving away from the heat for everyone."
GOOD ADVICE FROM KIDS
source into the sunny outdoors. My mood will
change once awaking to sun and warmth plus This came home to me last year when I was asked "Never trust a dog to watch your food."
seeing the wonderful colours of spring. if I knew the names of a friends sons. She was in
Patrick, age 10
hospital but the police could not contact her
At the beginning of the year I promised to take on family. What ever way is best for you and your "When your dad is mad and asks you,
the dreaded tasks of dealing with the bureaucratic loved ones, share information as none of us know
'Do I look stupid?' Don't answer."
paperwork namely the new EU citizen document what the future may be?
replacing the resident’s card, health card renewal Hannah, age 9
and the easy one of making a new will. Yes there Finally the quotes below are some of my
Never tell your Mom her diet's not
is a smug satisfaction of it being accomplished, favourites on the inevitable…………….!
and only four mornings of sheer frustrations. How
working."
one department does not synchronise with Age should not have its face lifted, but it should Michael, age 14
another especially with new forms issued is rather teach the world to admire wrinkles as the
amazing, now you can’t download them as they etchings of experience and the firm line of
"Stay away from prunes."
are three-part. character. Ralph B. Perry Randy, age 9
"Don't pull Dad's finger when he tells you
Alright, I put my hands up to upsetting the system; Age will not be defied. Francis Bacon
once on their database there is no ability to to."
change nationality. Back in 2001 I was holding a Ageing seems to be the only available way to live Emily, age 10
British passport now I walk in with an Irish one. A a long life. Daniel Francois Esprit Auber
difficult very foreign customer just trying their new "When your Mom is mad at your dad,
system! By the time you're eighty years old you've learned don't let her brush your hair."
everything. You only have to remember it George Taylia, age 11
Making a will could not have been easier - it took Burns
about an hour, cost a little under 40 euros. No "Never let your three-year old brother in
discount was offered from the Notary but he slyly Forty is the old age of youth, fifty is the youth of the same room as your school
asked if I would proof read his translation of the old age. Victor Hugo assignment."
basic will into English. He wants to be able to offer Traci, age 14
a translation to English speakers. Thinking about A useless life is an early death. Johann Wolfgang
this I have now sent it to family members as who Von Goethe "A puppy always has bad breath--even
would know I have it if both Peter and I died after eating a Tic-Tac."
together? This brings to mind a discussion last A lady of a ''certain age,'' which means certainly Andrew, age 9
year. aged. Lord Byron
"Never hold a dustbuster and a cat at the
In the situation of accidental death, not a subject Age imprints more wrinkles in the mind than it same time."
that any of us wish to think of. Would your friends does on the face. Michel Eyquem De Montaigne Kyoyo, age 11
know the names of your next of kin? Does your
mobile phone just hold names and numbers Age is a high price to pay for maturity. Tom "You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a
should the police or other emergency service Stoppard glass of milk."
need to identify you and or your next of kin would Amir, age 9
they be able to? A couple of years back I read an Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don't
article which I have found again to share. mind, age don't matter. Leroy ''Satchel'' Paige "Don't wear polka-dot underwear under
white shorts."
In case of emergency (ICE) is a programme that Age is not a particularly interesting subject. Kellie, age 11
enables first responders, such as paramedics, Anyone can get old. All you have to do is live long
firefighters, and police officers, to identify victims enough. Groucho Marx "If you want a kitten, start out by asking
and contact their next of kin to obtain important for a horse."
medical information. The program was conceived Alas, I am dying beyond my means. Oscar Wilde Naomi, age 15
in the mid-2000s and promoted by British
paramedic Bob Brotchie in May 2005.[1] It "Felt-tip markers are not good to use as
encourages people to enter emergency contacts lipstick."
in their mobile phone address book under the Lauren, age 9
name "ICE". Alternately, a person can list multiple RIERES ESTATE AGENT
emergency contacts as "ICE1", "ICE2", etc. The PROFESSIONAL SERVICE WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH "Don't pick on your sister when she's
popularity of the program has spread across holding a baseball bat."
Large portfolio of properties within 50km radius of Tortosa
Europe and Australia are you looking for a finca or villa or apartment ? Joel, age 10
Call or email for a free guide to buying property
When interviewed on July 12, 2005 on the BBC Placa Paiolet 2 Tortosa (near the old bridge) "When you get a bad grade in school,
Radio 4 Today programme, Brotchie said:"I was telephone 977445497 or 645335634 show it to your Mom when she's on the
reflecting on some difficult calls I've attended, English Catalan Spanish spoken phone."
where people were unable to speak to me through email cervantes@rieres.com
injury or illness and we were unable to find out
Alyesha, age 13
who they were. I discovered that many people, "Never try to baptize a cat."
obviously, carry mobile phones and we were
Eileen, age 8
using them to discover who they were. It occurred website www.realitypropertyspain.com
to me that if we had a uniform approach to
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Catalunya Chronicle March 2010
The document provides an overview of the town of Mora d'Ebre and surrounding region in Spain. It introduces British residents Kath and Gary Jordan who have lived in Mora d'Ebre for three years and discusses some of their activities and integration into the local community. It also briefly describes several other towns in the region including La Torre de L'Español, Darmós, Tivissa, and Llaberia, highlighting historical sites and features of each place. Gary intends to look into the lack of live music venues in the area.
Catalunya Chronicle March 2010
- 1. The Catalunya Chronicle An English Paper for Tarragona and beyond.... FREE every month ~ suitable for all the family. Welcome to our March issue - we hope that you will enjoy it. We DO YOU HAVE TRACTORS CARS are very pleased to announce that we are now being printed in Spain - Lleida, which will give us a little more time to prepare each month. MACHINERY GENERATORS WORKING OR NON WORKING Furthermore, our print run increases yet again this month, up to CASH AVAILABLE FOR ALL OF THE ABOVE 4,000 copies which will enable us to deliver more copies to more sites. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT 689 468 752 A huge thank you to everyone who has helped (and continues to help) with the production and distribution of the paper - you are invaluable. Get Involved. This is your paper - got a story to tell or ONCE UPON A TIME... something to moan about - let us know. Do you have an event coming up? MORA D'EBRE , THE RIBERA D'EBRE REGION AND A BRIEF Broadcast it! GLIMPSE INTO THE LIVES OF TWO BRITISH RESIDENTS. Jennifer Figuerola Standing proudly on the banks of the Ebro and framed by the famous arched bridge, Mora Inside This Month d'Ebre has evolved into a bustling market town of 5000 inhabitants, its commodities serving many of the surrounding villages and hamlets. Readers Letters Somehow there is a completely different atmosphere to any of the coastal resorts; yes Tales from the Riverbank there are plenty of bars and cafés, but the main focus is on the community and its needs, giving the town more of a sense of 'normality'. Of historical interest, there is an Islamic Pets castle and a convent, 'Les Mínimes'. Short Story The parish church of St John the Baptist is beautifully preserved. Like most settlements Ice without the Gin and Tonic along the river, boats or canoes can be hired to meander up and down to see the scenery at its best with the backdrop of the mountains and the birds of prey circling overhead. Whats Online Other settlements in the region include Riba-Roja d'Ebre, La Palma d'Ebre, Flix, Vinebre, La Torre de L'Español, Ascó, Garcia, Darmós, La Serra d'Almos, Llaberia, Benissanet, Whats On Miravet, Ginestar, Tivissa and Rasquera. Mora d'Ebre is situated in the centre of the Ribera d'Ebre region, and as such is the region's capital. Sports Directly across the river stands the smaller town of Mora La Nova, which came into being Reviews after the train station was built. The first train to stop at the station, from Reus, destination Zaragoza, was on 8 April, 1891. Gradually the town grew until becoming a municipality Growing Nicely independent of Mora D'Ebre. The manor house, 'Mas de la Coixa', is an emblem of the town's origins. It has also become very well-known for hosting the annual agricultural fair. Community News Mora d'Ebre hosts the annual 'Casafir', every September.This is a hunters` fair, with archery, gundogs, displays, birds of prey , police dog displays and obstacle courses for Health dogs. La Matanca For Kath and Gary Jordan, this is their third year actually living in Mora dÈbre, just outside the town. They looked around the area for a couple of years before settling and absolutely Food love the area. They have around 11 large olive trees and 15 smaller ones, and Gary has just become the proud owner of half a very smart yellow tractor, with which he is clearing Puzzles the land for more trees and other vegetables. They moved here to be closer to their son and his family and have gradually filled their Information lives to the full. They love the fact that they don't live on the coast and are bombarded by tourists every summer, yet the coast is a mere 25 mins drive away when they do want to Classified Ads go. The Final Word Beer is cheaper inland too! and more.... The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 6 March 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 1
- 2. ONCE UPON ATIME...(CONTD) Gary often wanders down to Club Nautica by the There is a Meander area, around 5 km of of Santa Magdalena, protected by a huge boulder, river in Mora. It's one of his favourite dog walks, protected river, with a river island below Flix which is directly above it. The views from here are as there is a fabulous park there and surprisingly castle. The area is rich in wildlife, both for nesting breathtaking. not well frequented, so boxer Nancy is free to and migration and there have been sightings of roam to her heart's content. Gary loves walking more than 200 bird species. In 1175, King Alfonso Darmós is an Arabic name, and although the and motorbiking along the river route and Kath gave a donation to the knight Español de Prades, church is beautiful, renovated in 1810, the main takes spanish lessons and is a member of the and the settlement was apparently thus named focus of the settlement is the Mata tree ladies' group, Tiara, useful for all expats to get La Torre de L'español. dominating its surroundings. It is a unique species together for all sorts of reasons! and featured on the Darmós coat of arms. High up in the hills, the village is rich in history, They have found the locals very friendly, with but a word of advice if you decide to visit, make The municipality of Tivissa comprises the four granddaughter Maisie providing a useful way of it during the milder months. It can be bitterly cold towns of Tivissa, La Serra d'Almos, Darmós and integration, as they met a lot of locals when taking in winter, with howling, relentless and very Llaberia. Tivissa itself has a rich historical her to school. Their spanish neighbours, Teresa unforgiving winds, which are infinitely heritage. There is the Iberian city of Castellet de and Pasqual Blanch and their children Rut, Isaac Banyoles and the cave paintings of the Font andMario, have been great despite the language Vilella ravine. barrier and are now firm friends. Mora hosts festivals throughout the year, which they enjoy, The oldest, smallest hamlet of all, Llaberia, lies in fact the only gripe, if there is one, is the lack of 23km NW of Tivissa. From the hills above, some live music in the area. 912m, it becomes clear that this area dominates the Tarragona plains. The Romanesque church A musician himself, Gary finds this frustrating, but is surrounded by fountains, making it memorable intends to investigate the problem further and and unique. Miravet, with the Knight's Templar actually do something about it. So watch this castle at the head, overlooking the village below, space for news of a venue with live music from is steeped in history over many years of battles the mandolin, banjo, guitar, bass guitar and violin. and strife. Too good to miss! It is perhaps the most picturesque of all the Returning to the subject of the settlements, with houses set onto the cliffs and historical attracitons of the region, I along the river, all with a story to tell. The ferry is an interesting way to approach the village, and have simply provided an idea of what the main square sits prettily on the riverside. is where; a taster to prompt any interested parties to delve more Ginestar houses the remains of one of the oldest deeply. towns in Cataluña, the ravine of Gàfols, built in the 7th century B.C. The church of Saint Marti, I begin with Riba-Roca. Historical sources in clearly visible from the road was built in the 18th Riba-Roja date back to Neolithic times, as there century, as well as the Sant Isidre Hermitage, built are still remains of a settlement there, and other in 1617, on the outskirts. later remains of a Roman settlement. Parts of the ancient fortress are still there and the church, Sant Finally, Rasquera, last but certainly not least to Bertomeu dominates the square. be mentioned, has two distinct parts. The town, ancient, with a centre that conserves the structure The hamlets Santa Madrona and Berrús are incompatible with wandering around and making of a closed-in village surrounding a castle, and nearby and definitely worth a visit. At La Palma a day of it, and most certainly if you brave it to the then the land. Local artisans handcraft their work d'Ebre, the church of Santa Maria dates back to top of the Torno, where the views are stunning using boxwood and palm, and in the Cardó the 12th century, and it has recently been across most of the towns and villages of the whole mountain range, there is a yew forest. renovated. The village was built under the Ribera d'Ebre region. protection of the magnificent 'Pi del Pino', a Skimming through all of the above, for anyone gigantic pine tree, now itself protected by There is the Horta fountain, of Roman origin, and interested in the history of the region, it seems Cataluñan law. It is literally situated a hundred the Torrent fountain and the church is that you could well have more than a few metres to the north along an old pathway, the Neoclassical with beautiful detail in Baroque style. interesting days out ahead, exploring the villages Granadella lane. In the Town Hall, on the ground For a little place, it certainly holds its head up high and hamlets at your leisure. Only one thing left to floor, there is an ancient medieval prison. Just on in terms of historical interest. say really: the outskirts there is 'Font Vella', an ancient fountain of Arab origin. Another town in the region with historical roots ¡Disfrute! dating back to Neolithic times is Ascó. The streets Flix is also of medieval origin, located on a hill are incredibly narrow in places, and overflowing overlooking the river Ebro. Industry has always with signs linking it to its Moorish history. Several been prominent here, principally the hydroelectric Iberian settlements have been discovered in the power station and the dam. Yet there are also surrounding area, and again, it is dominated by PLUMBING • ELECTRICS • HEATING many interesting historical features, namely the the classicist church, with a tower and a belfry. AIR CONDITIONING • SATELLITE TV castle remains and the gothic temple of Santa Maria . Nearby is the Sebes Wildlife and Nature Garcia is another settlement in the region, sitting Reserve of some 204 hectares. It includes the on the confluence of the rivers Ebro and Siurana. Nigel Morton nature area of Sebes, located above the dam, There's a large recreational area on the river English and Spanish Spoken banks popular with visitors for the natural beauty N.I.E Supplied which has one of the largest reedbeds in Cataluña and a riverine forest. of the surroundings. The old church, although Tortosa and destroyed in the Civil War, is still standing and Tel: 620 353 138 Surrounding areas worth a look. Also of local interest is the hermitage The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 6 March 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 2
- 3. CARTES A L'EDITOR The post-bag started to fill up - many thanks Readers Letters - to the Editor to everyone who wrote in. All submissions must be received by the Please address your letters to:- The Catalunya Chronicle , C/ Martirs 18th of the calendar month to ensure 6, 43500, Tortosa, or alternatively you may email them to publication for the following issue. letters@chroniccat.com All letters must contain a contact telephone number - thank you. Spanish or Catalan Social Security body application form by the end of March 2010, READERS CALLS INTO THE (INSS). your card should arrive before the new regulations come into force. E DITOR , REGARDING THE Now, I do not know for sure if this is the letter EHIC CARDS to which you refer and wondered if you have If you are not a national of an EU member received an additional one. (** Jean and Ken) state, or you live in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, then the country We have had two calls regarding the EHIC - Nevertheless, I will proceed, but please do where you live will remain responsible for one last week, and one today, which have call me directly or text me on +34 619 772 issuing your EHIC. In these circumstances, passed over to you (Rosie Ray) as our 'EHIC 492 or email me directly at please contact the authorities in your country expert'. RosieReay@FodenPress.com so we may of residence. discuss your issues and alleviate your Jean & Ken rang to say they have received concerns. For more information please call the a letter from the UK saying that they are no Overseas Healthcare Team on 0191 218 longer covered should they travel outside of Primarily, the online updated information 1999.>>>>> Spain. They are pensioners, resident in Spain reads as quoted below. and registered disabled. Apparently, as their On another UK government's Note:- it is interesting at this stage (in front of website the following comment pension is paid from the UK then Spain will the above mentioned MED letters of 28-01- states: no longer pay for their medical insurance 2010 being issued) that they cautiously use 'abroad'. the verb "may". Their telephone number is xxx xxx <New EU regulations from May 1 2010 > <NEW EU REGULATIONS > xxx(removed for privacy) they seem to be very confused by the line the UK is taking. http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcarea If you live in another European Union member broad/Pages/EUregulations.aspx I am passing this on as I have no real state, and the United Kingdom covers the cost knowledge of the issue. Due to changes in European Union of your healthcare, the UK may be regulations, from May 1, 2010 the United responsible for the issue of your European Also had another call from a Mr. Sharpendale Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from May 1, Kingdom may be responsible for the issue of with what appears to be a similar problem. 2010. your European Health Insurance Card instead Rosie Reay replies to the telephone of the member state where you live. Secondly, the standard letter issued below is queries following on from the article on the very latest information available:- This will apply if you are a national of an EU EHIC changes in the December issue and member state and live in an EU member reply to a 'write-in' in the February issue < the MED letter of the 28th January, 2010- state, and you either: :- issued by Carol Shotton Business Manager> receive your state pension or other long-term Firstly, Jean and Ken I have tried several The key paragraph reads: benefit from the UK and you have registered times to call the number supplied only to be the form E121 with the health authorities in **(Jean & Ken) < Due to changes in EC informed by the kindly Spanish lady the member state where you live; or regulations, from 1 May 2010 the United answering that she had no idea who you were but would be very pleased to chat to me all you are dependent on a citizen working in the Kingdom, as the member state responsible day. So I endeavour to answer your enquiry UK and have registered the form E109 issued for payment of your pension, will also be as best I can on updated information I have by the UK responsible for issue of your EHIC instead of and the standard run of the mill letter issued, the member state where you are now living. as promised, by the Overseas Healthcare You will need to send your application by If you wish to apply for an EHIC you should Team to "him indoors" dated 28th Janaury post. An application form, along with an complete the enclosed application form and 2010. (My elderly mother too received the explanatory letter, will be posted to you during return it in the enclosed envelope. Please same letter.) February 2010. This application form will be ensure you complete all fields and refer to the different from the EHIC application form However, each person's reference number available in the UK, and will be modified to notes and examples on the form to aid on the letter "MED is followed with a 6 figured prove your entitlement to the new UK-issued completion. number" and the enclosed eco-green postal EHIC card. The application form contains your personal application form is unique to that person's details and is not transferable. Applications E121 form that has been registered with These cards will be sent out from April 2010 can only be made by post at the present time. onwards. If you return your completed The cards will start to be issued by the NHS The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 6 March 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 3
- 4. LETTERS CONTD Business ServicesAuthority in April 2010 and regardless of whether you are covered by your gov.uk can be used from 1 May 2010. Please note EHIC. This is because the EHIC does not # Letter to the address above. that if you have any dependent children under cover all situations in which you might find the age of 16 a separate letter and application yourself. For example, it will not cover the cost Their written reply may save you anguish at form will be issued.> of your journey back to your country of a later date, whereas a telephone call is no residence if you need to be sent home.> proof of what you are covered for! I strongly suggest you should complete it and return it even if you have no definite plans for More expense for the Expats to incur! The next I trust this information is helpful to you all. If travel in the EU outside of Spain. You never paragraph I have emailed them about for you are listed as a dependent spouse on the know when you may need to go quickly.You detailed and precise confirmation of what each E121 form then you should have received an cannot at this stage apply online.Only via country in the EU will cover. We never know independent letter and form. If not write off 'snail' mail and once they issued them it can when we may wish to visit or take a different straight away for it, cross referencing in to take 2 weeks to reach you as DWP post may road, rail or air route back to old Blighty. your spouse's MED number and both of your be sent via Ireland, Malta or Switzerland for National Insurance numbers. You must apply onward despatch. I kid you not! <Each country has different rules about state separately and have your own card! medical provision. In some countries treatment Without due prejudice. But read the next paragraph with caution. is free but in others you will have to pay part They continue:- or all of the cost and then claim a full or partial RosieReay@FodenPress.com refund. If you do incur expenses during a visit < The EHIC will cover any medical treatment you may be able to claim a refund by Sent in by one of our readers .. Female that becomes necessary during your trip contacting: we think because of either illness or an accident, or in relation to some pre-existing conditions.The Overseas Healthcare Team Top 10 Things Only Women Understand card gives access to state - provided medical The Pension Service 10. Why it's good to have five pairs of treatment only and you will be treated on the Room TC001 black shoes. same basis as an 'insured' person living in Tyneview Park the country you are visiting.> Whitley Road 9. The difference between cream, ivory, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and off-white. I would recommend that you attach a NE98 1BA separate letter with your green MED form England 8. Crying can be fun. stating any pre-existing medical conditions you have and ask for written confirmation that Tel:-44 191 218 1999 (Monday to Friday 7. Fat clothes. you are in fact covered for those conditions. 8am-5pm, UK time)> Then the reply you receive, always take a 6. A salad, diet drink, and a hot fudge copy of it with your card. I find that statement However, any telephone calls I would suggest sundae make a balanced lunch. rather worrying! you take a note of the contact person and follow it up by: 5. Discovering a designer dress on the We proceed further as nothing is ever straight clearance rack can be considered a peak forward with these 'bods':- # Fax:0044 191 218 7376 life experience. # Email: <You are advised to take out private travel overseas.healthcare@thepensionservice.gsi. 4. The inaccuracy of every bathroom scale insurance before you go to another country ever made. 3. A good man might be hard to find, but a CatALARMya good hairdresser is next to impossible. KEEP INTRUDERS AWAY 2. Why a phone call between two women FROM YOUR DOOR!!! never lasts under ten minutes. FULL ALARM SYSTEMS AND THE NUMBER ONE THING ONLY WOMEN UNDERSTAND: CUSTOM ALARM SYSTEMS 1. OTHER WOMEN! COVERT CAMERAS VISIBLE DETERRENT CAMERAS Top Ten Things That Men Understand About Women PHONE TEXT UPON TRIGGERING SYSTEMS 1. 6. SELF POWERED SYSTEMS 2. 7. We also offer an away monitoring service and alarm systems for rent 3. 8. FOR A FREE CONSULTATION PLEASE CALL: 4. 9. TONY on 678 149 697 or ANTHONY on 690 055 709 XERTA 5. 10. E-mail: catalarmya@ live.co.uk The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 6 March 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 4
- 5. LES MASCOTES SHELTER PAW PRINTS ... Pets leave Paw Prints on your Heart In this section we present 3 shelter animals each month, who are ready for adoption and in search of a good home. Shelter Favorite No Mimi is a 2 year old spayed female. She's a lovely dog and minimum gets along with anything and everything. She loves to play order See us at the following venues: and be cuddled and would make a great family dog. Mimi may not be the prettiest dog to look at, but she sure makes up for it in sweetness! Her dream is to find a safe warm caring home with lot's of attention. Shelter Ambassador The 1 year old Momo is this months shelter ambassador. When he was first brought in to the shelter he was extremely scared. He had been badly mistreated. He's a sweet dog who gets along www.littlebritain24-7.com great with children and other dogs. He seems to email: enquiries@littlebritain24-7.com have lost his faith in humans and is looking for a TELEPHONE TIM OR ELISA good new home where he can gradually gain back ON 696 894 134 his confidence. Momo's perfect new home would FOR FURTHER DETAILS be any place with love and patience. Shelter May-Day Rico is a beautiful German Shepard Mix. He's young. Only about 1 year old. This beautiful animal came to ARTÍ the shelter through the police, and sadly nothing is known about his past. Rico is this month's shelter UERAL emergency because he's too scared to adapt well to the shelter surroundings. Though he's big in size, the CONSTRUCTION other dogs in his free-run pen pick on him and have Reforms pushed him to the lowest ranks. He's getting more scared by the day and is beginning to wither away. Rico desperately needs to find a home of his own, with a responsible loving owner, New Builds who can help him restore the confidence that this type of dog should have. Fincas for Sale If you are interested in one of these animals, please visit the no kill animal shelter "Alberg d'animals de les Terres de l'Ebre" in Camarles. Saturday and Sunday mornings 9:00 - 12:00 there are english speaking volounteers present. currently the shelter does not have regular opening hours, so please call before visiting to C/Deu, 21, Camarles avoid disappointment. Directions: On the N340 between L'Aldea and Camarles Tel: 636292568 take the entrance road next to the big red Estrella Dam building, at km 1089.5. (English spoken) From here, call the shelter at 619848778 and they will explain how to continue. www.martiqueral.es info@martiqueral.es www.albergdanimals.com NIF Supplied What happend to our shelter buddies from last month? Did they make a lasting impression? Did they manage to leave their Paw Prints all over your hearts? Who was adopted and who hasn't found their soulmate yet? ARCA Association for the refuge and care of animals Sadly, none of our 3 shelter dogs have been adopted. They are still waiting for that one Situated on the C42 TORTOSA ALDEA. person to give them a second chance at life, with a caring loving new home. Hopefully a small reminder of their loyal faces will spark a love with one of our readers and still lead Are you able to help us by adopting one of our loving dogs which will enable us to carry on taking in others. to adoption. Bello, Lila, and Sita. Alternatively perhaps you could help to sponsor one for a small amount per month as we currently have over 200 dogs to choose from. We would be very grateful for any help or donations you can give to us. If so please contact: MAVE 678975816 SUE 630791918 CARMEN 655040359. PROTECTORA.ARCA@WANADOO.ES WWW.PROTECTORAARCA.ORG The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 6 March 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 5
- 6. TALES FROM THERIVER EBRO VALLEY BY ROSIE REAY a hot classroom, with African sunshine Some people learn the swear words first. I beating in through the windows, yawning think it is far more fun to learn phrases! away as Mother Superior droned on and on, Gracies a Valerie. NEVER TOO OLD TO TACKLE trying to drum Latin verb declensions into me, ANOTHER LANGUAGE! is finally paying off! The first word I learned off Catalan TV was " Avui " - meaning Today, All of the above is happening because I have and the programme is similar to For years I have been put off by other Expats found the most delightful teacher. A lady who the Yorkshire regional channel, about taking up Catalan. Oh how I wish I had shares my passion for all things linguistic, but where they pop up in local not listened to them and started studying it the mistress of many Romance languages villages, as well as covering the seriously many years afore. Now I am older, tucked under her belt. What is more amazing entire region of Catalunya. the brain is rustier and I have to now study is my professora lives within strolling distance harder and longer. Continually pushing myself d'la meva casa and I didn't even know until a Other methods of picking up Catalan is just daily to find something in Catalan, outside my friend happened to drop it into conversation! to switch on Radio Tortosa while you do the designated homework period, to not just pick household chores or munch your breakfast. and scan or discard because it looks too Aside: Kerren Stephens BA Hons( Just an hour each day and you will be amazed difficult. University of Southampton) how quickly you pick up the local accent on CertTEFLA. English-Catala- these words - aquestes paraules- They The beauty of committing to learning another Castellano-Francais = translator, suddenly start to mean something or become language is so exhilarating. A form of clear enough for you to look them up in a interpreter and teacher. +34 618 571 escapism for me from my daily 24 hour Care diccionari or be able to repeat them ad hoc Duties for 2 family members, (I put my hands 233 to a neighbour and ask them what they do up to this. I am guilty of this.) This past week has been very exciting for mean. But it is more than that! It has Valerie Collins and Theresa O'Shea co- Local agenda de Jesus: given me something to focus on, a authors of "In the Garlic" who were purpose, a chance to motivate the interviewed on Spanish channel 6 26, 27 i 28 de febrer intellect locked away for far too http://www.buenafuente.lasexta.com/inicio long in my dormant brain. XV Fira de l'Oli de les terres de l'Ebre. by the popular host Andre Beunafuente. If you missed it you can see them on YouTube X Concurs de Pintura de Jesus It has enabled me to think past today, to live in two sections: instead of just exist as I have done for all of A local Ebro Valley olive oil fiesta held in 2009. I could not then think past the 24 hours 1. # Jesus just off the C12 on the outskirts of schedule I was locked into. I couldn't think http://www.buenafuente.lasexta.com/arti Tortosa and exhibitions of local artists and about tomorrow. I dare not think about the day culos/ver/entrevistas/191/dos_inglesas_ other stall holders. A very interesting 3 day after, let alone "Have I done my Catalan preocupadas_por_la_burrocracia/138 and night event. homework for next lesson?" I feel I can start 781 to hope again. A method of learning Catalan, though less 2. # amusing, is to loan your sons your car over Catalan studying has restored direction back http://www.buenafuente.lasexta.com/arti the festive season and then have to go and into my life, irrespective of what the future culos/ver/entrevistas/191/frases_typical_ sign for a certified letter (long after they have holds for me. Furthermore, even after just 4 spanish_traducidas_al_ingles/138783 returned to the UK) sent to you from Municipi: lessons (yes, just four ...quatre classes) I find Tortosa that reads - Estacionar un vehicle en it easier to read medical instructions and While chatting with Valerie this week I asked zona de parquimetre, sense l'obtencio' previa signs. But the specialists and nurses are only if she could share some amusing or helpful del ticket...Import a pagar: 21,00 euro. too please also to help me and explain what phrases in Catalan. She charmingly obliged. certain medical terms are in Catalan. Changing holiday-maker trends "Well, of course there's the famous one 'Anem Admittedly, I do have a somewhat grasp of per feina' -let's get down to work. Folk in the UK are starting to think about "Espanyol" But soon you see the correlation holidays abroad and the enquiries are filtering of certain words and phrases are similar, if Most of my favourites I learned from the TV3 through to us at www.BrighterSpain.com. not the same, but just a twist on the soap operas! However, it is a buyers market and we are pronunciation or the suffix is different. Those # És un tros de pa - He/she's a piece of years, many moons ago when I sat bored in bread. Meaning = a lovely person, easy to persuade, a soft touch GATES For a free quote Brighter Roseann RAILING Vacation rentals - Relocation STAIRCASES call Steve # Són quatre gats.- (They are four cats). Spain Activity Holidays - Property WRECKERS 659 225 068 Meaning = Very few people. Management. HOME SECURITY Local Guide - Advertising NIE Approved MOBILE # Aixó son figues d'un altre paner - (That's WELDING figs from another basket). Meaning = That's en Snaith NO JOB TOO SMALL +34 619 772 492 (mobile) rks by Steph something very different. That's another kettle +34 977 059 306 (eve) Iro nw o of fish. " Voice of Ebro Valley www.EbroVoice.com Roseann@brighterspain.com www.BrighterSpain.com Email:max.snaith@yahoo.com The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 6 March 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 6
- 7. TALES CONTD... being askedto compete against favourable fish (ladies and kids may wish too also) or the It will give you so much more the feeling and quotes against reputable hotels along the ladies may wish to "trawl the markets " and vibrancy of the real Barcelona, plus hours of coasts that are offering them at ridiculously an evening meal in and around the town or enjoyment as you move from one short story low prices. villages where you are spoilt for choice in to another. menus. Possibly taking a couple of days out One example was for 375 pounds in total for on the incredible beaches and coves along Talking about the author, he describes his 20 a double room b&b for four weeks. How do the Costa Daurada and try a meal along one helpful Spanish expressions in an article on they do it? That is not a weekly rate, but the of those delightful seafood restaurants along www.expat.com -well actually 19. One was in total cost for 2 people! the marinas before heading home. Catalan and it did make me laugh. I can share the link but because of copyright can not print An enterprising holiday apartment owner The second week they may choose either an the phrase. But do look them up. You will be (whose property nestles in the Natural Parks exertive family holiday where they can get out amused by Jeremy Holland's 20 phrases of the Els Ports) who has thought long and on the bikes or hike the trails high up into the Expatica.com or to learn more interesting hard in the face of adversity and has come Els Ports either on their own or with a proper facts about Barcelona read his lively blog up with a novel pricing idea. This is very guide (add on cost). The second choice need www.frombarcelona.com . forward thinking and is matching the enquiry not be active. It can be whatever you wish. trends we are now seeing. The holiday As tranquil as you please alone with your Large families or two families travelling makers are no longer just accepting the musings, avid birdwatching or photography, together - we have choices too. One that displayed price structure and barter that whylazing under citrus trees reading, writing or would suit those with teenagers more with a should they pay for 5 when there are only twopainting or just stretching away the aches huge pool and open lawns next to a canal of them. The prices are quoted in sterling inand pains, or tiredness as the sun kisses your where you can walk into a nearby village and this example and are correct for 2010. bones that have had too harsh a winter in not far from the Via Verda, and Tortosa other climes. (How did they survive that medieval town, 07 March 2010 - 08 May 2010 and 03 October winter? I am so glad we sought warmer 2010 - 06 November 2010 Where as, another has enclosed secured climes!) First 2 occupants 175.00 per week - Extra gardens and a delightful range of children occupants 25.00 per week Aside: Will the lady walker-cum-writer (who play equipment and games and trampoline, lives near Tortosa castle) who contacted me pool and more. 09 May 2010 - 26 June 2010 and 05 over the festive period please, please call me September - 02 October 2010 Or a posh villa set on the side of the Benifallet on +34 619 772 492. I apologize profusely. I First 2 occupants 240.00 per week - Extra mountain with grounds right down to the Ebro filed your number and email in a very safe occupants 30.00 per week River and sleeps 10 people. Past tourists and spot. (Sorry, 'I am only a woman' & all of us locals claim this as the most beautiful view of 27 June 2010 - 04 September 2010 women are guilty of these safe spot(s) to the River Ebro with a GR walking route First 2 occupants 285.00 per week - Extra place things, I hear the male Ebrobrites crossing their access road! Already heavily occupants 35.00 per week groan., "..never to be seen again.Well, not booked for the 3 summer months, though until next spring clean!") there are a few free weeks scattered over that Another option we can offer is a two centre period. location by working with two or more holiday Other holiday owners concentrate on couples property owners in different locations. For only and can tailor more to the individual Fishermen from Poland and other Eastern example, the first week the men may wish to couples interests and desires and even take Europeans are also looking at holiday spots. them around certain wineries or share So maybe the market is starting to come alive companionship in an enclosed courtyard with Emergency Drain Services. again. wonderful delights of self catering coming 24 Hour 7 Day Service from the most magnificent outdoor kitchen I We have many more options available and have ever seen. One you would expect to see on both sides of the river! Folk are booking on lifestyle living pages in the "Sunset -Living short breaks to Barcelona and then popping in the West" magazine. Your delightful hosts down for one day fishing and one night in here can offer a choice of two apartments and B&B. Half a loaf is better than no bread at all! the upstairs studio one even has an outdoor jaccuzzi bath where the most amazing RosieReay@FodenPress.com sunsets can be viewed while enjoying a glass of cava, or several and relax amongst the bubbles! But all these properties still allow you to enjoy BADMINTON CLUB Drain unblocking and repairs. a day out in Barcelona by taking the train. But first I suggest you buy the book PERELLO SPORTS HALL Intermediates Septic tanks and drain laying service. Tuesday "...from Barcelona. Stories behind the city: 11.30am - 1.00pm No job too small Volume 1 ". Beginners Thursday 11.30 am - 1.00pm For fast reliable service See review in last month’s issue at 3€ PER SESSION FOR FURTHER INFO www.ChronicCat.com TEL 671 127 629 Tel - 689918301 or 667399237 The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 6 March 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 7
- 8. UN CONTE CURT AShort Story by the Wizard.. 3 months old clamber up onto the out in the open. When she was about ours. We were overcome with grief store roof and eagerly forage for the one year old it became apparent that and when we looked to Phillipe there A Debt Repaid in many remains of the bread thrown for the she was pregnant but we decided to were tears also in his eyes, he ways birds. When we approached, the keep her and see what she would understood our loss and shared our kitten scampered off in the direction present us with! As her time drew remorse. We had arrived here in southern of the nearest hedge preferring the near she became furtive and uneasy, Catalonia full of enthusiasm, total secrecy and darkness that lay we would miss her for long periods We were now left with 5 three week expectation and perhaps a little within. Every evening she would of the day but she always returned old kittens who were totally apprehension, to start a new life in return and as time passed by we at nightfall for her meal. Then one dependent on their mother. Urgent the campo surrounded by olive and would try to gain her confidence by evening she did not return and for efforts had to be made if these citrus trees. leaving a little food closer to the patio the next 5 days we only saw a few defenceless waifs were to survive. A where we ate. Initially, at this stage, fleeting glimpses of her. It was phone call to the local animal refuge Our little finca, small in stature the food was left, she dared not to apparent that she had given birth but centre soon put us onto the right compared to the home we had left in be close to humans, but hunger where was her litter of kittens? track and after a quick visit to their England, gave us the promise of a overcame her and gradually she offices we arrived back home with new life without the pressure and would come up to the patio but not Then one night we had an special powdered milk formula and demands of living in a busy industrial onto it to take the scraps of food horrendous thunder storm with an ample supply of syringes. When town in Lancashire. We gave our offered. Our Catalan friends laughed torrential rain and high winds, on and you hold such a small creature in the new home a lick of paint, hung at us saying that you cannot have on it went, seemingly never to end. palm of your hand you suddenly paintings and prints on the walls, just one cat, beware, more will come. Just before we retired to our beds we realise how slender the thread of life renovated the kitchen and generally Perhaps they could not understand peered out through the open door is and to have the responsibility to made ourselves busy in settling into the feeling that the English have for into the porch and there in the shelter cater for 5 of these creatures all our new life. animals. of one of the summer chairs were 3 demanding in their squeals to be fed totally helpless kittens and as we and cared for makes you realise how Our Catalan neighbours made it a Throughout that summer and into glanced up, there on the patio was small we are in this unfolding point of honour that they introduced autumn her confidence in us grew mother with a further 2 kittens in her universe but by our actions and themselves to us and made it clear and she would spend more time on mouth bringing them into the only deeds we can make an effort to that we were most welcome. Gifts of our land, taking the food offered and place that she knew that she could assist in fulfilling not only our own life lemons, oranges and bottles of the in return offering her thanks by find shelter, safety and security. The and of others around us but in all most tasty prepared olives would be dropping the occasional dead rat faith and confidence built up over the things that make this planet such a festooned on our gate as if left by near the doorstep to show her previous year was now being repaid varied and plentiful place that it is. fairies and whenever we were appreciation. We grew into her and in full. On this dark and stormy night working in our very large garden, she into us. When we occasionally with rain in torrents and lightening As I write this article I can look out they would shout across to us, came home late she would always onto the patio and see 5 growing that lit up the night sky as if daylight, waving their arms in welcome and be sat on the drive as if a parent she knew where of a place where kittens, playing with anything and ask of us ‘Que tal’ to which we would waiting for child to arrive home. Once protection was to be found with no every thing that takes their reply ‘Mol be’ in our hesitant Catalan. the car had been parked up and we obligation or demands. We quickly amusement. One of them has the turned to enter the house, she had found a box and some old but warm white paws of her mother, another By the first summer we had gone, her duty done, but early the bedding, placed it in the sheltered the black and tan colouring of her progressed well, the vegetable next morning she would be within a porch and watched as she carried by coat and another the mute cry that garden was in full supply and we few yards of the front door, waiting mouth each defenceless kitten into will always endear my thoughts of were able to repay the gifts that had for perhaps a few scraps of food. the dry, warm box. such a trusting cat. And sometimes, festooned our gate with reciprocal sometimes, I swear that I can see offerings of courgette's, tomatoes, We never attempted to handle her, Over the next few days she hardly their mother sat alongside them. onions and beans. When our and if she wanted something she left her kittens alone, almost every neighbours passed by they would would find us, sit a few paces from time we glanced into the box she was A debt truly repaid in full. hoot their cars horns and nod in us and attempt to meow, I say there feeding or tendering to her approval that a gift had been attempt because it was apparent that young. We quietly left food and water received. We truly felt at ease with she was mute! This did not hinder by the side of the box so that she did all things around us. her from forging a stronger friendship not have far to go in search of her with us and occasionally she would own food. About three weeks later, Every evening on this first summer even rub up against our legs if she our Catalan neighbour Phillipe came after our evening meal, we would felt that she was not being noticed. up the drive shouting in some throw the left over bread onto the urgency. As we walked down to him store roof for the birds and the Winter came and past, she had it was apparent that he was carrying following day we were satisfied to found shelter in the store. I had something. To our horror it was the see that everything had been taken. thrown a scarf into an old delivery body of our cat, she had been run Then one evening we were surprised box and she had claimed it as her over by a passing motorcyclist as to see a young kitten, not more than own, preferring to sleep there than she ran from Phillipe’s land onto PROGAT DE TORTOSA www.progattortosa.com Do you find disturbing the way that cats live and are treated on the streets? Join Progat and you´ll help us to help them. Progat will be holding their next market towards the end of April, beginning of May, (date to be confirmed) where you may adopt a kitten or cat, or just come and support this wonderful charity and meet the volunteers who strive to look after the stray and abandoned cats here. If you have anything to donate, ie, clothes, books, cds, dvds, bric a brac, anything, please call 977 44 20 26/977 44 66 49. Donations are also welcome. If you decide to adopt a cat, sterilisation/castration is provided for free. Did you know that one cat can be responsible in only five years, of producing 20,000 descendants?! …. The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 6 March 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 8
- 9. ICE WITHOUT THEGIN AND TONIC Another month, the shortest one at that, has searching inside a mobile phone for an whizzed by. Now getting closer to warmer weather emergency contact then that would make it easier and looking forward to moving away from the heat for everyone." GOOD ADVICE FROM KIDS source into the sunny outdoors. My mood will change once awaking to sun and warmth plus This came home to me last year when I was asked "Never trust a dog to watch your food." seeing the wonderful colours of spring. if I knew the names of a friends sons. She was in Patrick, age 10 hospital but the police could not contact her At the beginning of the year I promised to take on family. What ever way is best for you and your "When your dad is mad and asks you, the dreaded tasks of dealing with the bureaucratic loved ones, share information as none of us know 'Do I look stupid?' Don't answer." paperwork namely the new EU citizen document what the future may be? replacing the resident’s card, health card renewal Hannah, age 9 and the easy one of making a new will. Yes there Finally the quotes below are some of my Never tell your Mom her diet's not is a smug satisfaction of it being accomplished, favourites on the inevitable…………….! and only four mornings of sheer frustrations. How working." one department does not synchronise with Age should not have its face lifted, but it should Michael, age 14 another especially with new forms issued is rather teach the world to admire wrinkles as the amazing, now you can’t download them as they etchings of experience and the firm line of "Stay away from prunes." are three-part. character. Ralph B. Perry Randy, age 9 "Don't pull Dad's finger when he tells you Alright, I put my hands up to upsetting the system; Age will not be defied. Francis Bacon once on their database there is no ability to to." change nationality. Back in 2001 I was holding a Ageing seems to be the only available way to live Emily, age 10 British passport now I walk in with an Irish one. A a long life. Daniel Francois Esprit Auber difficult very foreign customer just trying their new "When your Mom is mad at your dad, system! By the time you're eighty years old you've learned don't let her brush your hair." everything. You only have to remember it George Taylia, age 11 Making a will could not have been easier - it took Burns about an hour, cost a little under 40 euros. No "Never let your three-year old brother in discount was offered from the Notary but he slyly Forty is the old age of youth, fifty is the youth of the same room as your school asked if I would proof read his translation of the old age. Victor Hugo assignment." basic will into English. He wants to be able to offer Traci, age 14 a translation to English speakers. Thinking about A useless life is an early death. Johann Wolfgang this I have now sent it to family members as who Von Goethe "A puppy always has bad breath--even would know I have it if both Peter and I died after eating a Tic-Tac." together? This brings to mind a discussion last A lady of a ''certain age,'' which means certainly Andrew, age 9 year. aged. Lord Byron "Never hold a dustbuster and a cat at the In the situation of accidental death, not a subject Age imprints more wrinkles in the mind than it same time." that any of us wish to think of. Would your friends does on the face. Michel Eyquem De Montaigne Kyoyo, age 11 know the names of your next of kin? Does your mobile phone just hold names and numbers Age is a high price to pay for maturity. Tom "You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a should the police or other emergency service Stoppard glass of milk." need to identify you and or your next of kin would Amir, age 9 they be able to? A couple of years back I read an Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don't article which I have found again to share. mind, age don't matter. Leroy ''Satchel'' Paige "Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts." In case of emergency (ICE) is a programme that Age is not a particularly interesting subject. Kellie, age 11 enables first responders, such as paramedics, Anyone can get old. All you have to do is live long firefighters, and police officers, to identify victims enough. Groucho Marx "If you want a kitten, start out by asking and contact their next of kin to obtain important for a horse." medical information. The program was conceived Alas, I am dying beyond my means. Oscar Wilde Naomi, age 15 in the mid-2000s and promoted by British paramedic Bob Brotchie in May 2005.[1] It "Felt-tip markers are not good to use as encourages people to enter emergency contacts lipstick." in their mobile phone address book under the Lauren, age 9 name "ICE". Alternately, a person can list multiple RIERES ESTATE AGENT emergency contacts as "ICE1", "ICE2", etc. The PROFESSIONAL SERVICE WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH "Don't pick on your sister when she's popularity of the program has spread across holding a baseball bat." Large portfolio of properties within 50km radius of Tortosa Europe and Australia are you looking for a finca or villa or apartment ? Joel, age 10 Call or email for a free guide to buying property When interviewed on July 12, 2005 on the BBC Placa Paiolet 2 Tortosa (near the old bridge) "When you get a bad grade in school, Radio 4 Today programme, Brotchie said:"I was telephone 977445497 or 645335634 show it to your Mom when she's on the reflecting on some difficult calls I've attended, English Catalan Spanish spoken phone." where people were unable to speak to me through email cervantes@rieres.com injury or illness and we were unable to find out Alyesha, age 13 who they were. I discovered that many people, "Never try to baptize a cat." obviously, carry mobile phones and we were Eileen, age 8 using them to discover who they were. It occurred website www.realitypropertyspain.com to me that if we had a uniform approach to The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 6 March 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 9
- 10. WHAT'S GOING ONONLINE? Your monthly round-up of the fun and Spice-up your Sangria skils with these the factual from the internet. variations: The Hunting Season is all but over.... bit.ly/bcJWdq Hope you enjoyed last month's list, Thank goodness that we no longer have to be this month we're going to open with a A twist on mussels to keep any man woken up by the virtual 4th of July every useful little site that makes tiny URL's happy: from long ones. I'll be using them bit.ly/cIockh week-end morning. We will be able to stop whenever I think it'll save you time worrying about the safety of our cats, and other when typing addresses into your CALLING ALL BRANIACS: animals that may become caught up in the browser - example: http://bit.ly/ You can never have enough weekly ‘sport’. knowledge: On the right hand side of their home www.mentalfloss.com I have no problem with hunting for food, provided of course they page there are some Tool options - do not litter the place with beer cans, spent cartridges, and worst check these out for easy sharing. Now put it to the test(s): bit.ly/98X99P of all, the dogs them deem no longer necessary. With the end of On with the rest then ... the season, we must be aware that poison is put down to cull the JUST FOR FUN: strays that are abandoned - a way of clearing up after themselves. GENERAL INTEREST: Could this be one of the best jazz Learn how to make a fantastic tiny arrangements of all time?: Last summer I applied to the Department of the Medi-Ambient in terrarium in a light bulb: bit.ly/9pMejU Amposta to remove my finca from the hunting register, to no avail. bit.ly/bN6zyT It was apparently not possible unless I had over 250 hectares, Some funny takes on how movie Think Mars is all red and dusty?: posters would look if they told the truth: and preferably 500. bit.ly/dn2ET0 bit.ly/5WeuG5 Speaking to my neighbour last autumn he mentioned that 15 cute(ish) animals that will kill you: A few twists on the humble tea bag: ‘theoretically’ hunters were not allowed to shoot within 100m of a bit.ly/85Qq9n bit.ly/dfN5vk road, that they were not allowed to shoot in the riverbeds, or barrancs, and most telling of all, they could not shoot on land that Bored of your desktop picture?: A gentler approach to online games: www.wallbase.net bit.ly/179sk was cultivated. SPANISH STUFF: How did your Valentines go? Any Armed with this knowledge, however flimsy, we erected small Be prepared with this Spanish bank worse than these?: signs dotted about our finca, outward facing that bore the legend holiday list: bit.ly/csMC2d ‘FINCA PARTICULAR CULTIVADA’ . Letting all and sundry know bit.ly/aSPq60 that this finca was private and was being cultivated or worked. This round-up was bought to you by Whilst we have seen many hunters nearby this season, we have Get to know your Spanish cheeses: Jamie Watson. bit.ly/bI3TAl not had one set foot on our land. Maybe we were lucky, maybe Jamie is a freelance not. At least our various animals enjoyed a respite. HISTORY: creative offering web A sketch-pad story of pretty much design, illustration, At the end of October, I received a reply to an email that I had sent everything: animation and to some various department back in August. At the time I had bit.ly/5m3Jr2 branding services, decided to email everyone and anyone connected to the Rural based in L'Ampolla. /Hunting side of things, in an attempt to find out how to take our FOOD & DRINK: Quick lunch option of eggs in bread finca outside the local ‘coto’ or hunting ground. bowls: It appeared to have been passed around a bit - hence the delay bit.ly/8sagvC www.jamiewatsondesign.com - but eventually it found the right person, and they enclosed a application form which needed to be completed and sent back to the MediAmbient in Amposta. Hmmmm..... I will keep you posted. ENGLISH SPEAKING DENTAL SURGERY JENNIFER JACK - DENTIST ALEXANDER JACK MASTER DENTAL TECHNOLOGIST Mon / Weds / Fri 10.00 -16.00 Tue, Thu 14.00 - 20.00 Plaza De Bous, 1 12598 PENISCOLA (Castellon) PLAYA NORTE TEL./FAX: 964 481 588 PUERTO The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 6 March 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 10
- 11. ESPORTS Madrid booked their place in the final on 26 May for the first time in ten C ATALUNYA C HRONICLE S PORT ’ S P AGE years after a four-nil home win couldn’t be overturned by the Cantabrian side Racing de Santander who won the second leg 3-2. WITH GOCATALUNYA.COM Injury woes continue for Nadal F1 practice in Jerez ahead of new season Rafa Nadal has been told that he will be out of action for another month following a new injury he picked up playing Andy Murray in the Australian The Jerez circuit saw all the big names testing their cars mid February for Open at the end of January. Doctors said that he suffered a tear in the the forthcoming Grand Prix season with the focus of attention on old rivals quadriceps muscle in his right leg and was told to rest for at least two weeks Fernando Alonso, now with Ferrari, and Michael Schumacher staging his then make a slow return to training. comeback with Mercedes. Nadal withdrew injured from the Australian Open semi-final clash against Other teams practising included McLaren, Sauber, Renault, Red Bull, Toro Andy Murray and as a result has seen his world ranking drop to number Rosso, Williams, Force India-Mercedes GP and Virgin GP. four with the Scot moving into third. Alonso was super confident about the performance of Ferrari’s new F10 Spain criticises Portugal over 2018 World Cup Bid car, taking it trough 129 laps with a full fuel tank but the final day of testing saw Britain’s Lewis Hamilton achieve the fastest lap time, albeit with lower The Spanish sports minister Jaime Lissavetzky has told the press he levels of fuel and a dry track. doesn’t see Portugal as "overly excited" at the prospect of co-hosting the 2018 World Cup Finals with Spain. He infuriated the Portuguese Hamilton’s teammate and current world champion Jenson Button also put government by saying "It seems that those in football are more interested in some impressive performances but couldn’t top Hamilton’s times. than the politicians." Portugal’s minister for sport Laurentino Dias Thorough testing this season is even more crucial as new rules in place responded by insisting that it doesn't have any money to spend on mean that there will be no re-fuelling during races. remodelling stadiums due to the country's financial difficulties and that the fact there would be no new investment in stadiums was clear from the 2010 Formula One Calendar outset. Bahrain Grand Prix (Sakhir) 12 - 14 Mar The Iberian bid was regarded by many as favourite to succeed in Australian Grand Prix (Melbourne) 26 - 28 Mar December’s vote but this public disagreement will give both the English and joint Belgium-Netherlands bids a massive boost. Malaysian Grand Prix (Kuala Lumpur) 02 - 04 Apr Next Month... Chinese Grand Prix (Shanghai) 16 - 18 Apr Full details of the 2010 MotoGP calendar which starts in Qatar on 11 April. Spanish Grand Prix (Catalunya) 07 - 09 May Tickets for all major sporting events, including FC Barcelona tickets, La Grand Prix De Monaco (Monte Carlo) 13 - 16 May Liga tickets & Grand Prix tickets are also available online at www.GoCatalunya.com Turkish Grand Prix (Istanbul) 28 - 30 May Canadian Grand Prix (Montreal) 11 - 13 Jun Grand Prix Of Europe (Valencia) 25 - 27 Jun British Grand Prix (Silverstone) 09 - 11 Jul German Grand Prix (Hockenheim) 23 - 25 Jul Hungarian Grand Prix (Budapest) 30 Jul - 01 Aug Belgian Grand Prix (Spa-Francorchamps) 27 - 29 Aug Italian Grand Prix (Monza) 10 - 12 Sep Singapore Grand Prix (Singapore) 24 - 26 Sep Renewable Energy Systems Japanese Grand Prix (Suzuka) 08 - 10 Oct We have 180 Watt Monocristalline panels in stock: Korean Grand Prix (Yeongam) * 22 - 24 Oct 542,88 Euro incl. IVA. Brazilian Grand Prix (Sao Paulo) 05 - 07 Nov We provide full installation / sales / service in the Amposta / Tortosa / El Perello region Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Yas Marina Circuit) 12 - 14 Nov * Subject to circuit approval Seville v Athletico Madrid in Copa del Rey Final Seville went through to the final of the Copa del Rey despite losing one nil Call 693 206 868 for more info, we speak English, to Getafe in the second leg of the semi-final. The Andalucian team won Deutsch, Nederlands, y un poco de español the tie 2-1 on aggregate following their two nil victory at home. Athletico The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 6 March 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 11
- 12. REVIEWS THE EXPAT ARC horror "Did I just see that?" sort of tone, but struggling out there and those who are BY DANIELLE BARKHOUSE always there is an underlining sense of contemplating doing it. understanding, a very, very steep learning AN EXPAT'S JOURNEY OVER CULTURE SHOCK curve, and a willingness 'not to give up'. She What Daniella sneaks into her blog style is definitely not a quitter. Expats the world writing first for friends and family back home Well, that remark is and obviously later for all her readers, are over can all take something of value away something I can educational internet links of places where from this book with them. immediately relate to, they have been to or as a point of reference. though mine was on For those of us living out here in Catalonia or These I thoroughly enjoyed exploring! I only arrival in rural Spain we can always relate to her amusing wished that these beautiful sounding place Catalonia and not chapters on "Creepy Crawlies", well, to the names were followed by the phonetics in how India! geckoes at least. We know all about them! to pronounce them - but them I am a Namiac. Though I think Danielle had some scarier Canadian born Danielle Barkhouse has beautifully coined a encounters with more frighteningly "living Danielle never set out phrase as a chapter heading for each of her things" in not one "Creepy Crawlies" chapter, to write a book. She writings. So you just do not want to put this but three of them. Oh, I did laugh out loud and merely started book down and it is comforting to read her sometimes even gasped. blogging as a release of her emotions and musings that "India slowly grows on her or is the highs and lows of adjusting to life abroad One of the hardest things a woman finds in she growing on India?" in Chennai, India with her husband (who was relocating abroad is shopping for food and on another three year assignment) her son this follows the cooking and menu planning You may wish to visit her website at Connor and his inseparable pooch Kramer. It as well. Even more so in India when you www.earthtodanie.com. Even her web portal soon became an electronic scrapbook of a cannot just pop down to one huge name made me smile and you warm so more personal journal of her thoughts, supermarket and buy the job lot, but have to quickly to this cheerful person with such a experiences and photographs - a means of go here there and everywhere. positive outlook on life. staying in touch with family back in Peoria, Illinois.So she was in fact already an Expat in Your shopping list changes or is discarded as The title of the book was inspired after her the USA. I am ever so glad to her loyal friends what you want they don't have, never heard first year's journey when chatting to a friend who persuaded her that this would make a of or what the heck, "What is in season?" It she remarked it was like an arc. "The top of really good book. was not long before she wrote "My tastebuds the arc is the height of an expat's discomfort have adjusted to India before the rest of me." and dissatisfaction". She goes on to say Indeed it has! Her writing style is so friendly, when you are coming down the other side of open and honest. Often Danielle embraces I think the initial cultural shock Danielle the arc it "is transformed into a colourful the use of lists and bullet points, but these experienced was been given a personal rainbow, and we know what is at the end of only add flavour to her Indian 'pie'. Her driver. She first pondered as to why they (her a rainbow!" personal photographs are strategically placed husband's firm) thought it necessary for her and are so descriptive, educational and often to have one. As the story unravels you will To me the reader, there were more rainbows amusing as the scene unfolds in front of you. see tale upon tale about her being "driven out than showers. A book to be enjoyed and in the car". I don't want to say more as it will treasured by everyone, but an absolute must I must be honest with you. I never before spoil the book for you. for every Expat the world over. Enjoy! thought of India as a country I would want to visit. Danielle Barkhouse has unwittingly Moving abroad with a dog and a school going Become a fan of The Expat Arc Facebook changed that for me and I am sure her other young child opened up unknown challenges and you can view a trailer of it too on readers will too place India on their wish list for both of them as well as the parents. How YouTube. of "Places to Travel to". Danielle has crafted they coped, laughed and cried, coached and by RosieReay@FodenPress.com such vivid descriptions of the colourful place rejoiced, is of uplifting value to all Expats and people. Sometimes sad, occasionally in ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING PROJECTS Assessment and Legalization of Property Measurements and Topographics A murderer is condemned to death. He has to choose between three rooms. The first is full of New Building Drafts Valuations, appraisals and surveys raging fires, the second is full of assassins with loaded guns, and the third is full of lions that Technical Reports and Certificates haven't eaten in 3 years. Which room is safest for Avda. Barcelona 92, Local 1, 43892 MIAMI PLATJA Telephone: 659 736 403 him? Answer on page 20 www.taeconsultors.com ENGLISH SPEAKING LAWYER "When one engine fails on a twin-engine AV, Barcelona, 67 Edifici C/ Sant Antoni, 31 airplane you always have enough power left to “Marfil” local 1 43892 43480 VILA-SECA MIAMI PLATJA TEL 977 39 07 74 get you to the scene of the crash." TEL 977 17 29 39 David Pique Domingo E-MAIL: davidpique@advocatsreus.org The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 6 March 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 12
- 13. BITS AND BOBS Thisis too true to be funny. Hunting License Tax The next time you hear a politician use Inheritance Tax the Word 'billion' in a casual manner, The English Childrens´clothes shop Inventory Tax from birth to 12 years think about whether you want the 'politicians' spending YOUR tax money. (tax on top of tax) A billion is a difficult number to Liquor Tax comprehend, but one advertising agency did a good job of putting that Luxury Tax figure into some perspective in one of it's releases. Marriage License Tax WINTER SALE NOW ON – UP TO 50% OFF A. A billion seconds ago it was 1959. Property Tax B. A billion minutes ago Jesus was Real Estate Tax alive. Service Charge taxes C. A billion hours ago our ancestors were living in the Stone Age. Social Security Tax D. A billion days ago no-one walked on Road Usage Tax the earth on two feet. Local Tax E. A billion Pounds ago was only 13 TALES FROM THE RIVERBANK Vehicle License Registration Tax hours and 12 minutes, at the rate our government is spending it. Vehicle Sales Tax Well it´s nice to be back in sunny Spain after spending five weeks in the very cold UK. Workers Compensation Tax Whilst I was there, I fished two Building Permit Tax matches; both times we had to break Cigarette Tax the ice to fish so I was really looking STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY? forward to getting back to some warmer Not one of these taxes existed 100 years weather - ha ha!!! Since being back I Corporate Income Tax ago... have had two days out on the river (one Dog License Tax at Amposta and one at Xerta), neither And our nation was one of the most which were very productive due to the Income Tax prosperous in the world. river being quite high and low water temperatures. Roll on Spring! Unemployment Tax We had absolutely no national debt... However, II did spend a Fishing License Tax We had the largest middle class in the day at The Reservoir world... Punta d'Utxesa near Food License Tax Lleida in February. I And Mum stayed home to raise the kids. had heard on the Fuel Permit Tax grapevine it had been What happened? fishing quite well, even Petrol/Diesel Tax in this cold weather. After a couple of hours with not much happening, we started to get a few bites, after putting down a fairly good bed of ground bait (not too much at this time of the year though). Taller Gandia C.B. DON'T GET BOGGED DOWN WITH The best thing to do was to sit and wait for a bite and we Official Distributor for Stihl and ended up getting some nice carp and some fairly good ALL THAT SPANISH RED TAPE! Viking WE CAN ACT AS A PERSONAL INTERMEDIARY (VERBALLY OR WRITTEN) roach. We found that on the day, the best baits were ON YOUR BEHALF BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR SOLICITOR, YOUR Sales & Repairs SPANISH BUILDER, YOUR TOWN HALL, YOUR LOCAL POLICE AND maggots and worms. Elsewhere on the river I have heard ANYONE ELSE Trailers - Sprayers YOU MAY NEED IN SETTING UP YOUR NEW LIFE IN SPAIN OR SORTING that the sport has been fairly slow due to low water OUT THE ONE YOU ALREADY HAVE. temperatures and not much colour in the water. Chainsaws - Rotovators WE OFFER AN INDEPENDENT TRANSLATION SERVICE TO MEET ALL OF YOUR REQUIREMENTS. I am certainly looking forward to March and April when the WE ALSO OFFER ONE TO ONE OR GROUP SPANISH AND ENGLISH weather warms up to get a bit of colour back in the river, TUITION TO CATER FOR ALL ABILITIES AT VERY REASONABLE RATES. Carrer 30, 13-15, Camarles SO IF YOU ARE ALL MANANA'D OUT AND YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A thus improving the sport. NEW DIRECTION PLEASE CONTACT Tel/Fax: 977 470 060 DELIA ON 679 219 715 Out on the delta, where they have started draining the EMAIL: canals, the water levels have dropped. There are still fish speakersofspanish@yahoo.co.uk to be caught if you can find a decent depth of water. (ALL NATIONALITIES WELCOME) The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 6 March 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 13
- 14. GROWING NICELY When the grasses whisper, I am The grasses are beautiful; they look so strong and always willing to listen to their exotic in spring. From such a variety of grasses, I tried to select a single type of grass which is predominant, secrets, although not tempted to like Drooping Brome (Bromus tectorum) in specific share mine with them, because I areas adding such richness to the garden; however, know they will tell! wild grasses are not easily tamed. The songs tell us, that ‘The trees don’t need to know, Or encourage grasses to grow together with a mass Don’t tell it to the breeze. Coz she will tell it to the birds of a particular wild flower, like a terrace of Field and the bees. Because you (whispering grass) told it Scabious (Knautia ervensis), which not only looks to the blabbering trees’ fantastic but has a dramatic effect, Hit for the Ink Spots (1940) The small and beautiful Feather-Top grass Hit for Davis & Estelle (1975) (Pennisetum villosum), is so decorative amongst small flowering shrubs, I try to keep in the flowerbeds but it Or have you heard the ancient Greek legend? They flourishes, wherever the wind takes the seed! say, when the God Apollo wanted to punish Midas, he cursed the King with a deformity to bring shame on We strim the grass on some terraces close to the his entire life, a personal secret he kept from all, except house or make pathways, but however wonderful it his wife, and his barber of-course, that he had ‘ears As I walked a little further listening to the whispers, looks in spring, by midsummer, the grass is tinder dry. of an Ass’. following a line of wild grasses, they became thicker A lawn is completely out of the question with the and taller. I could hear them telling me about water on months of annual drought. But his barber (or was it his wife) just couldn’t live with the land. the pressure of keeping such a terrible secret, so in Instead, I have opted for swathes of green, draped utter desperation, shouted the secret into the ground, Then, there it was, in front of me, a natural cistern over pots and pillars, lots and lots of green in fact. but unfortunately, the grasses heard it. formed of natural rock, which at ground level, was half Using a tiny plant not more than 5cm high but very fast covered with an old, almost invisible, curved brick roof, growing, this little succulent perennial has come to my So it is a wise policy wherever you are, either in the but leaving a gaping cavernous hole for the water to rescue. country, along the river or beach, even in your own gush. garden, to just listen to the secret wisdom of nature Aptenia cordifolia is delightful, with bright green glossy when it is whispered. Returning to our campsite to collect netting (to avoid oval leaves, covered in tiny pink daisy type flowers, mosquito’s breeding there) and wood to cover the top which attract butterflies and insects. The grass always tells where the water lies under the before Lucy, my small (town) dog discovered it, and soil, where it collects naturally, in fact, with the help of fell in, I remembered to bring a torch. the grasses; I can follow the water, as I did when we first arrived. Peering into the depth, to see for myself how truthful the grasses had been. I saw it was almost full of water, That was nearly a decade ago, it was very wet, ‘welly but the torchlight caught a ripple on the on the surface. boot’ weather, in the middle of August! I wandered Fear gripped me as I recognised the moving reflection, around the land, in the rain wondering what I would a dreadful memory from my trips to India! do first, to create my garden when the rain storms finally subsided. Water snake.....water snake I cried very loudly, remembering how deadly poisonous the little tropical First I found mature grape vines trained over dry stone snakes were, but this was a huge monster. walls, with their leaves protecting the remains of the untouched crop of grapes. I made a mental note to I had calmed my instantaneous terror and looked prune them. again, before my partner arrived, what I saw was a very large, and quite distressed snake, that had I was held spellbound by the images of the grasses obviously fallen in. hung with droplets of water like jewels; water glistened on the leaves making incredible shapes of our olive We decided to leave a large bamboo ‘olive harvesting’ trees. They are old, how old? I daydreamed of what pole in the water, resting on the edge of the gaping stories they might tell? Someone told me (was it the hole for the unfortunate creature to escape. However grasses?) several hours later, it was still in there, moving slowly It grows easily from small cutting 10cm long, planted now, exhausted and unable to escape. directly in its final situation, spaced closely; it will give complete ground cover in months. Yes, it does control Whilst I was considering what to do next, my partner the weeds as well, but that is the bonus, however, it simply leaned over into the dark, moved the pole under will also overwhelm and kill any fragile plants, in its the snake and flicked it up and out into the grass. way if allowed. Time was suspended...nothing moved, we held our Now the cornerstones of my gardens design, is the breath, the snake was still but it’s head was held high, green Aptenia cordifolia that ties all the disparate like a Cobra ready to strike! We waited, all three of us spaces together and unifies the garden, with beautiful frozen in shock.... and in one spectacular, lightening wild grasses that merge it into the country. movement, it was gone. Olive trees, here in Cataluña have been cultivated and We laughed, cried and hugged. We had had our first harvested for their liquid gold since before Roman adventure in our new home, our welcome to the land. times, in fact somewhere near Siena, there are trees But those grasses had forgotten to tell me about the that have lived for more than 2000 years, and are still snake! in cultivation! That day we saved an adult (2 metre) Montpelier If you don’t believe me look at the tree in the picture, snake, very frightening to a couple of city dwellers. now protected by the government for its amazing Now I like to find their discarded skins to remind me longevity! that they are still living in close proximity, undisturbed Ctra. Plages El Perello-L’Ampolla by our presence. Tel/Fax: 977 26 78 26 The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 6 March 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 14
- 15. LES MASCOTES (2) The Almond trees are in against ticks and other stinging full bloom. The days are bugs, do absolutely nothing getting longer. The sun against fleas. comes out more often. TELEPHONE BAZ ON Do not forget about the flea eggs And the temperature is getting 660 879 852 and larvae though that are hiding warmer. Spring is right around the or somewhere in the pets corner! ... and with it are the fleas. surroundings. If you think that the 977 050 302 biggest extent of the flea problem after 6pm are the fleas on your pet, you're Fleas are the peskiest of all parasites because they quite mistaken. Only 5% of a full multiply faster than rabbits, blown flea infestation takes place irritate the host animal, wood-floor cracks, tapestry, You can use powders and sprays on your pet, the other 95% and can be very difficult to carpets, pet beds, etc. The larvae of all sorts of brands and for some happens in the animals get under control. turns into a cocoon and after a few these may work fine. Your first surroundings, such as your home. weeks a mature flea emerges. This goal is to kill off all the adult fleas. Fleas are tiny little dark brown Be sure to use some type of flea flea goes in search of blood Many years ago this was done by creatures that are sort of flat, with treatment for the environment as immediately, and after a first giving flea-baths. long legs that can help them jump well to kill off any of the eggs or successful meal, will go start laying quite a good distance. They crawl Fleas cannot survive in larvae that may be present there. eggs again, completing the around your pet changing the water and so dipping cats There are many brands of sprays lifecycle of the flea. areas where they bite the skin and in a treated bath worked that you can use that work quite suck the host animals blood. How quickly the flea population well. well. multiplies and how long the If you try to grab one you find reproduction cycle takes depends Unless of course the cat didn't want But I must confess that they do yourself generally out of luck, highly on the elements, but is to get bathed !!! For dogs that come with an unpleasant odour, unless you're a regular karate-kid typically completed in 20 - 35 days. aren't afraid of water, a refreshing and most likely aren't the best with chop-sticks. If you actually swim in the ocean helps get rid of things for us caretakers to inhale. manage to almost grab one, If your cat was lucky enough to many of these parasites. But if you're unlucky enough to find chances are it'll disappear, and only have had this one single hitch- Nowadays there are also topical yourself in the middle of a flea you'll soon realize it has jumped ... hiker, the picture changes when flea treatments which are simply infestation, you'll probably have to maybe onto you. the eggs start to hatch and an extra applied to the base of the neck with resort to these to break the cycle. 20 fleas a day start biting and one quick squirt such as Fleas are mostly uncomfortable sucking its blood. Your pet will be Your best protection against a Advantage and Frontline. and irritating to the host animal. itching ALL over ALL day, and will flea infestation for yourself and But if the animal is very young, very start to become very They stay effective in killing off your pet, is prevention! old, or otherwise unhealthy, the uncomfortable. adult fleas for 4 to 6 weeks, after blood loss from an infestation can As a preventive measure you can which the treatment should be cause anaemia and death. Many You'll notice lot's of scratching and start in march by giving your pet a repeated. With these treatments pets also get flea allergies these biting itself. Bald spots will appear flea treatment which is effective you not only kill the adult fleas days , which are difficult to cure. against ALL the stages of the flea in the coat, and certain places may already present on the animal, you cycle for a continuous period of be scratched till they bleed. There's also kill the new hatchlings as soon Furthermore, though fleas prefer absolutely nothing the poor animal around 4 weeks and keep as they get onto your pet, and any furry hosts, they don't discriminate can do to rid itself of these pesky repeating this treatment until the stray hitch-hikers that get picked against us homo sapiens. And in little parasites, and depends on main flea season ends in the late up from the environment. the case that the host animal you to relief its discomfort. fall. becomes too crowded for some of Your pet will immediately feel these uninvited guests, they will Your pets main goal is for you to This way, the fleas do not even get relief! migrate onto us. the chance to diposit the 95% of eradicate the adult fleas that are causing the itching. In the olden Be careful with using Flea Collars, the life cycle into your home! Or Fleas are truly pests for our pets! days, fleas were very difficult to get especially on cats. Cats can easily you can comb your pets fur every A flea lies in wait someplace. Then rid off, but luckily with the years strangle themselves in these day with a flea comb and at the as your unsuspecting cat passes some very good and effective flea collars, and their safety to the sign of the first flea, start giving by, The flea jumps aboard his control treatments have been animals are disputed due to high treatments for the fleas and the candy store and begins to feed on developed and brought on the toxicity. The "Scalibor" Collars that surroundings. the poor animals juicy blood. market. work so great on dogs ONLY In the colder seasons of the year, The bites of the flea cause the cat adult fleas are scarce and the to itch, and the poor animal starts larvae in your home are dormant. to scratch itself. If the little flea is a female, she will start laying eggs But as spring approaches and the right after her first meal. temperatures become more favourable, the eggs will hatch all Per day, she will lay about 20 at once, and a massive flea eggs! infestation will be upon us once again. The larvae that hatch from these eggs hide in dark places such has by Meike Knol The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 6 March 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 15
- 16. COMMUNITY NEWS PARSON PAUL PONDERS . . . . ARE YOU GAME ENOUGH FOR ANYTHING ? NINTENDO Wii GAMES NIGHT 7.30PM THURSDAY 25TH MARCH The sky is blue, the sun beams down on the Mediterranean coast at its best and a couple PRIZES TO BE ANNOUNCED gaze into each other’s eyes, then make their ON THE NIGHT vows in a beautiful Spanish church. It sounds like the perfect wedding scene and JR’S FRANKFURT BAR is very different from the British version C’JOAQUIM PAFILA, 5 where the grey skies and drizzle might take the gloss off your big day – not to mention 43895 L’AMPOLLA that the bride is late and there’s another TEL: 977 593 984 wedding party waiting to take over the church in 45 minutes. forms and certificates are demanded of them. We always encourage British This Mediterranean dream prompts many people to telephone me and ask couples who want a wedding here to complete the legal and civil part in a “Can my daughter and her partner get married in church in Spain?” It is a Registrars Office in the UK with as little ceremony as possible, then armed lovely idea and since we are all in the European Union you would think it with their marriage certificate we can offer the “real wedding” here, normally could be done easily but experience has taught us to proceed with caution. in a local church which our Roman Catholic hosts allow us to use. A Vicar friend of mine links this with the experience of buying a house. There is a Spain, like France and many other countries, views marriage primarily as day to sign and exchange contracts (that UK Civil ceremony) but the big a Civil Ceremony which may be followed by a church celebration. The occasion is Completion Day. British custom where a Vicar acts as Registrar as well as Minister comes about only because the Church of England is an “established church” and We do not refer to these weddings as Marriage Blessings but see them as linked formally to the state. In the UK because I am an Anglican Priest I more than that. We offer the full marriage service, minus a couple of legal may also act as a Registrar – with all the attendant paperwork and worries parts which have already been done in the UK. It also means that we have about getting things absolutely right. a day without legal concerns and can all enjoy a real Marriage Celebration. I have known British couples start the long form filling administration to try They can include hymns and other music although not every church is and get their wedding performed in a similar way here but as yet none have equipped with an organ or suitable instrument. Catholics often sing succeeded. They have got bogged down with bureaucracy as ever more unaccompanied in their services. This has developed our resourcefulness and ingenuity with pre-recorded music and the like. We also encourage other family members to be involved in the service if they wish – with readings or poems. Planning normally starts at least a year ahead although weddings can be arranged at much shorter notice. Until recently many families found a local restaurant could cater for the wedding feast more cheaply than in Britain and our local hosts put their all into a celebration like this. Photographers are welcome – except at key moments during the service itself - and we (and the local Catholic church) are delighted when a family provides flowers for decoration. Next Bookstalls: Our wedding fee of €350 reflects the cost of time, travel and preparation and compares favourably with the fee for a civil wedding in Britain. Our church receives no outside funding for the many aspects of our ministry Saturday 6th March and most couples are also very willing for a collection plate to support the mission and ministry here. Although there are similarities with British church weddings we try to seize Saturday 20th March the novelty of our location and make every couple’s big day memorable and individual. Over the past three years I have enjoyed getting to know brides and bridegrooms as together we prepared for a day to remember – Saturday 3rd April in a unique setting. It is a joyful and encouraging aspect of a Vicar’s task. Paul Needle is the English Vicar serving local congregations in Alcossebre, At the Homogenic Bar. Ampolla and Vinaros. He can be contacted on 662 482 944 or there are more details on the church website http://www.azaharanglican.org El Perelló The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 6 March 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 16
- 17. LA SALUT WHAT ARE PROTEINS? protein (lactovegetarians) or even eliminate You need only add one further item to make them completely from their diet (vegans). better use of the nutrients and plant proteins The word protein to enable them to replace a steak. For comes from This protein supplementation is to join two example, a salad and a dish of lentils and rice Greek and plant proteins (for example, a legume and are a perfectly balanced menu, however, to means first. As cereal: beans on toast), or to pick a vegetable make it more complete you would have a its name implies, protein and animal protein (e.g. milk and salad with lemon dressing or eat a piece of proteins are cereal: cornflakes with milk). fresh fruit, as well as fruit fresh lemons are essential, no rich in vitamin C. For non-vegetarians it is interesting to know protein, no life. If this to understand that there is no need to eat Why do this? Vitamin C helps our body to your body were as many meats, fish, eggs and dairy products absorb and make better use of the iron in a house the every day and still be well nourished. In lentils and vegetables. Foods high in animal proteins would be the bricks and the industrialized countries there is an excessive protein (meat, fish ...) have an "animal" iron replacement parts when it needed repair. intake of animal protein, so the current that we can absorb without problem, so no Proteins are the essential material from which recommendation is that at least 50% of the need to add vitamin C, however it is we are built and are part of the structure of all protein foods we consume are of plant origin. necessary when we eat plant protein tissues and have key activities throughout the (legumes, nuts ...). To understand how this complement of body, from brain function to the formation of proteins works we have to imagine the A clear traditional example is humus; it is a defences. Moreover, our body can use protein proteins as if they were "words". These puree of chickpeas with crushed sesame as fuel (energy source) when needed. "words" consist of "letters" which are amino seeds (also known as tahini) with oil, garlic, Almost all foods contain protein to a greater acids. Animal proteins have all the "letters and salt and lemon. It's perfect, nutritionally or lesser amount, but not all are considered can form "complete words". speaking, as it is a legume together with one high-protein foods. For example, fats (oils, seed, two incomplete plant proteins that lack However, vegetable margarine, etc.) contain no protein, and fruits a "letter" that together form a "word" or proteins were usually and vegetables contain only trace amounts. complete protein. In addition, lemon is added missing one or more in order to better absorb the plant iron. Dairy products are rich in protein but are "letters" (amino acids) and classified as foods rich in calcium. The same therefore are "incomplete Recommendations: applies to cereals, it is true that they have words" (incomplete vegetable protein content but are noted for proteins). Nevertheless, FAO / WHO recommend a protein intake of their high content of carbohydrates (sugars). proteins have the property between 12-15% of the total daily calories, of of being able to complement each other, so which at least 50% should be of plant origin Foods rich in protein can be of vegetable or that vegetable proteins (legumes, cereals, (vegetables, nuts ...). animal origin: nuts) which need a "letter" can join with other vegetable or animal protein which has that How do you translate these many Proteins of animal origin: meat, fish, missing " letter " and form a complete protein. hundreds of protein and calories into eggs and dairy. real food? The following combinations of proteins are Vegetable protein: legumes, nuts, complete proteins that substitute perfectly for How do you know how much and how often a steak: you eat these foods high in protein? seeds and grains (especially whole grain). Moreover, one must take into o Vegetables & Cereals: lentils with rice, For simplicity we talk about daily food rations. account all derivatives of these foods beans on toast The daily food recommendations by SENC such as tofu, veggie burgers, etc. (Spanish Society of Community Nutrition) for o Legumes + nuts / seeds: hummus, white a healthy adult are 2 servings per day of meat, Given that in our body there is no reservoir of beans with chopped almonds (picada legumes and / or nuts. proteins and that there is a high turnover of catalana) proteins in organs and tissues (e.g., liver and One serving equals the following amounts of intestinal mucous are regenerated in a few o Legumes + dairy: chickpea salad with fresh food, all weights are net (without bones, days), we can appreciate the importance of cheese o Nuts / seeds & cereals: muesli spines, shells, etc.): a daily supply of protein through food. o Nuts / seeds + milk: yogurt with nuts o 1 serving of lean meat = 100-125 g The protein intake should be split into three Cereal + milk: rice pudding, bread and cheese 1 serving of white or oily fish = 125-150 g meals a day, because if you eat too much protein, it becomes fat, and excess 1 serving of eggs = 2 eggs MasterMac Foods nitrogen is excreted through the kidneys www.mastermac.eu email:mastermacff@gmail.com as urea and uric acid. Supplying & Delivering Sausages, Bacon, Gammon 1 serving of cooked legumes = 1 plate of Steaks & Joints and Pork with Crackling. Pork Pies and Steak & Kidney Pies. 150-200 g (60-80 g raw) Lamb Chops, Shanks & Legs. Silverside & Topside Roasting Joints. It is important to know where proteins are Also British Bakery Products i.e. Sliced bread, crumpets & T-Cakes. to learn how to eat better. Vegetarians Mature Cheddar, Malt Vinegar & Bisto Gravy. 1 serving of nuts = 20-30 g, unshelled Smoked Kipper Fillets & Scampi have long practiced the For a Full Product List Visit Our Web Site Or Call Us complementation of proteins, because 679 83 00 82 CONTINUED ON PAGE 19... they reduce the consumption of animal The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 6 March 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 17
- 18. LA MATANÇA DELPORC The Matança or pig killing is an annual No doubt the origin of the phrase breakfast – a glass of red, bread with oil and event in Catalunya, and usual is an excuse 'long pig' in the cannibal language. a rib or two, together with some pieces that for a party, albeit only after the hard work tasted delicious and fortunately were has been completed. Having extricated the necessary pieces to unidentifiable having been barbecued. take to the vet for analysis, the two sides were There is an put on a table and covered, to be left for the My son (el carnivore) almost had to be element of ritual night, and ready for the sausage fest the dragged from the table. surrounding the following day. I looked at my watch and was day, but in surprised to see that only 90 minutes had Vast bowls were now assembled, spices were reality, it is the elapsed – they work fast especially where mixed and the sausage machine was brought summation of a something as important as food is concerned. out, together with a bowl of casings that had y e a r ' s been soaked overnight. We made chorizo, investment in I was exhorted to bring my family the following bottifara – black and white, plain sausages, animal feed and day, and by the time we turned up, a cauldron sobrasada and fuet – salt and pepper here, the provision of was on the go (my daughter would not even more paprika there. A hint of chili, some sugar meat for the look into it) full of suspicious-looking pieces to balance it, and some eggs to add some year to come. of skin and bone, together with some bits you richness. thought you could recognise, but would rather Our neighbours had been rearing two pigs, not. Each type of sausage had it's own cut of and mentioned that they would be holding a meat, and therein lies the tricky part, knowing matança, enquiring whether we would like to The best meat – fillets, chop, pancetta and which bits to put into what sausage. come and help. There is always a lot to do, steaks – had already been whisked away, and and the more available to help the better. A we were left with the making of the sausages, cold, clear day is best and so I duly trotted a serious business. We helped cut up, mix, down the road at the appointed time to meet and prepare the various piles of meat that the matador (slaughterer) and the pig's grew ever larger. There was a remarkable air owners, and lend what assistance I could. of calm and busy endeavour as it all slowly began to make sense. This meat goes into The actual killing of the pig (with no name) making that type of sausage – these bits we was very simple, fast and quiet. will barbecue now – put those over there for No stuck pig here, and within a matter of minutes we were loading it's carcass onto a van to transport it 400 yards Next we fed the sausage machine, having away to prepare it for the pot. primed it with the casings, and then cut and tied them off into the correct size according Scraping the skin with a knife, having first to the recipe. The botifarras were then boiled singed it with a blowtorch revealed a covering in the cauldron, for twenty minutes and hung of smooth milky white fat and then the work out to dry, under the careful eyes of two began. Skilfully, the butcher split the body into ever-circling dogs, waiting for their moment. two halves, extracting the various 'bits' which were put on one side for one purpose or Once the work was over, we cleaned up and another. It was eerily like watching an episode making fuet, and where is the parika? retired into the farm-house with a roaring fire of 'Silent Witness' as they remarked that most and a table groaning with beans and various of the internal organs were similar in size to When it was judged that we had processed pork-derived products. It is traditional to serve that of a human body. all the meat possible, we had a break for beans with the pork at a matança, and cooked with pork fat, these were some of the nicest I had ever JR’S FRANKFURT L’AMPOLLA had. EASTER SUNDAY SPECIAL The texture of the meat and it's flavour, was astonishing, 4th April 2010 quite unlike anything we had tasted before, and the THREE COURSE SELECTION sausages had an undefinable quality which attested to INCLUDING GAMMON their freshness. OR TURKEY We left in the late afternoon, replete and honoured to ROASTS have been asked to share in this fiesta – we admired the skill of the butcher and his knowledge. Later that BOOK EARLY TO AVOID evening, our neighbour called in with several kilos of DISAPPOINTMENT meat as a gift for helping – it's traditional apparently and I have no argument with that tradition. Please call 977 593 984 (L’AMPOLLA) The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 6 March 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 18
- 19. LA COMIDA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 CHEAT’S CUISINE There are at least seventeen officially recognised varieties of sausage in Catalunya, and we made four types. Botifarra - the most common of all - white botifarras are medium coarse in texture Meat Pate and were seasoned with salt and pepper with a few eggs stirred into the pork. Black botifarra is a blood sausage using bread soaked in the blood of the animal and Buy a large jar ( or 2 small ) of meat pate of your sometimes rice is added. choice and empty into a bowl, fry off a few chopped onions with a little chopped garlic and you can add a They are boiled for 20 minutes to ‘set’ all the ingredients, and hung out to dry for a few chopped mushrooms if you wish, throw in a few couple of hours. chopped herbs, fresh or dried mix together and season to taste, chill for 30 minutes then enjoy with They are traditionally served boiled and sliced, although I much prefer the fried a la crusty bread,toast or add to a salad for a light meal, Northern Black Pudding from the UK. if you are entertaining pour a little melted butter over the top of the pate. Done. Sobrassada is a smooth almost pate-like sausage flavoured with garlic and paprika, and is the speciality of Mallorca. It is bright orange. Cinnamon Apples Spread on toasted bread, it is very rich, and a little goes a long way. It is dry-cured Slice some apples and cook off in a little water to - we have been given one which has to hang in our kitchen for at lest two weeks which you have added a small amount of brown or before we can use it. white sugar a little cinnamon to taste and some Chorizo - heavily reliant on paprika, in our version they included garlic, salt and sultana's or currants cook on low heat until soft about pepper. Another one to dry but for much longer than the sobrassada. 10 minutes depending on type of apple, it is nice to keep a little bite to the apples, serve warm or cold with Fuet - again dried - this sausage contains mixed meats and only salt and pepper. It cream,yoghurt or ice-cream. I know it is too early to is dried and then sliced as a cold cut. be reminded but they make you think of Christmas so are a nice quick winter pud. LA SALUT Meat cooking Tip For many years I have always cooked my meat or CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 chicken ( except for pork with crackling ) in about a inch of water this tip was given to me by an auntie after asking why her meat was always soooo moist and of course is healthier and ideal for watching your SENC weekly recommendations for a healthy adult: weight. Oily fish (mackerel, sardines, tuna, salmon ...): 2 servings / week White fish (hake, grouper, monkfish, cod ...): 2 servings / week Eggs: 3 or 4 a week White meat (chicken, turkey, rabbit ...): 2 servings / week Red meat (beef, lamb, beef ...): 1-2 servings / week Nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts ...): 3-7 servings / week Traditional Butchers since 1910 Legumes: 2-4 servings / week Specialists in Home Cured Meats ARANCHA COROMINA DIETITIAN-NUTRITIONIST We supply Joints with the skin left on for Crackling Lamb - Pork - Beef - Chicken - and much more Simply text:- your name, the town you live in, Sausages - Burgers - Meatballs your email address & your date of birth to:- 600 516 603 Wide selection of Cheeses You could win : Home cooked pasta dishes - ready to eat A necklace from the Vie Jewellery Collection, Camarles (Main Shop) - C/27, 8 - Tel: 977 470 045 Deltebre - C/Sebastia Joan Arbo, 6 Tel: 977 480 633 An Aromatherapy Massage Tortosa - Pl.Jaume 1, 1 Tel: 977 510 323 A Skin Specialist Facial ngelats d Los Co el Paolo Or a pamper session where you can try the Fast-frozen vegetables and fish latest innovations in skin care and cosmetics Ms. M. L. Wilcox Holistic Therapist, Specialising in seafood and bacalao in conjunction with Vie at home.es Camarles - c/ 27 , 22 The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 6 March 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 19
- 20. A MISCELLANY The Xerta Citrus Fair which came into being only last year and was a great success, takes Catalonian Properties place again this year on the 6th and 7th March. New and Resale Properties, Large/Small The main activity will once again be based around the Farms/Coastal, River/Countryside. Casal with numerous stands dedicated to citrus fruit We have several clients looking for your property and local cuisine. Xertolins and xertolines will be so give us a call if you want to sell it. demonstrating local cooking techniques and preparing dishes including desserts typical to the area and www.catalonianproperties.com e-mail: terry_owen1@hotmail.com Tel/Fax: (0034) 977 470 924 Mobile: 606 813 219 or 615 316 722 Francesc Lopez, chef at the "Torreo de l'India", the restaurant at the Villa Retiro Hotel, who has recently received a Michelin star is expected to take part. Visitors to the fair will be able to sample some of the dishes that restaurant owners MM and volunteers will prepare in the kitchens that are being especially set up for MONE MAINTAINANCE the occasion. In the central area other stands from Xerta and the Terres de l'Ebre Finca, House, Swimming Pools, will be offering food and drink to sample against the purchase of special tickets Repairs, Decoration, Construction, which can be bought on arrival. Pruning and Garden Maintainance As was the case last year, there will be a marquee on the sports ground outside ENGLISH - SPANISH - CATALAN the Casal and this will house the remaining exhibitors: various local councils, local associations and businesses, etc. No doubt photographs entered in the For free estimates please call: photography competition will once again be on display, the subject of which will 636 250 794 claudiumone@hotmail.com come as no surprise: "THE ORANGE". Should you not be fortunate enough to live in the 'orange belt' as we do, remember Beware the processional caterpillars! They make that until next month we still have available oranges and satsumas freshly-picked at 1 Euro per carrier bag (as well as home-made marmalade). Just e-mail Fata Morgana silken cocoon style nests in the pine trees and when on the ground, they form a line, hence their name. They kcordaroy@yahoo.com for more details. Restaurante Pizzeria Reservas: 977 460 707 619 757 648 Entrantes Horarios: Distribution Points. De Lunes a Domingo de Pastas 13:00 a 15:00 y de 19:00 a Pizzas en A full list and map of all our collection locations is 23:30. Sábado mediodía horno de available on our web-site, and if you do not find one cerrado leña near enough to you, then please let us know. Carnes Plaza del Club Náutico Pescados Currently we have managed to place the paper in the 43895 L'Ampolla Menu diario following towns and villages. L’Ampolla Salou Peniscola ANELS / WIND TURBI LAR P NE L’Amettla Hospitalet Benifallet SO S Camarles Reus Airport Miami Platja EXPLO ESPAÑA Amposta Alcossebre Gandesa We supply complete installations – direct import. Tortosa Ulldecona Bitem Solar Panels 800W, Regulator, Inverter, Batteries 3.950€ Miravet Flix Vinaros Wind Turbine: 500W/1.120€ - 1.000W/1.620€ - Tres Calas Xerta 2.000W/2.150€ El Perello Riba-Roja ... with more to Generator diesel aut. start/stop/charger/inverter 1.590€ Cambrils Mora D’Ebre come Incl. IVA delivered Camarles www.notjustolives.com/explo Riddle Answer Mobil:644 24 3415 / vpeetz@gmail.com The room with the lions is the safest - as they have not eaten for three years, they they will be very dead. MASSATGE a 11 punt 11 ►THERAPEUTIC ► LYMPHATIC Last Months’s Crossword Solution MASSAGE DRAINAGE Across: 1 Estuary English, 10 Radii, 11 Deadly sin, 12 Tally-ho, 13 Toffees, 14 ►SPORTS MASSAGE (VODDER METHOD) ►RELAXING ► RESONANCE Nabob, 16 Organ loft, 19 Magic eyes, 20 Hatch, 22 Fairway, 25 Rip-offs, 27 MASSAGE ►OINTMENTS WAVE PRESSURE, Itinerant, 28 Snail, 29 Greetings cards. ►CREAMS ►BEAUTY MASSAGE THE ALTERNATIVE TO ►SHIATSU LIPOSUCTION, TONING, ►GELS WEIGHT-REDUCING ACTION Down: 2 Saddlebag, 3 Unify, 4 Radiology, 5 Enact, 6 Goldfinch, 7 Issue, 8 ►LOTIONS ►OILS Tel 977 58 11 11 Handset, 9 Cretin, 15 Buckwheat, 17 Gastritis, 18 Out of hand, 19 Miffing, 21 Plz Joaquin Bau 13 Near Mercadona ►EMULSION Hassle, 23 In ice, 24 Yearn, 26 Pasta. ►EROTIC COSMETICS Tortosa www.oncepuntonce.com The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 6 March 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 20
- 21. PASSATEMPS Cryptic Prize Crossword Word Search - with a St. Patrick’s Day feel to it. Belfast Blarney Little Britain €10 voucher for the first correct Bog Boston solution. Please email or post it to us, with your Dublin name and telephone number. Emerald Erin Fiddlers Gaelic Gold Green Guinness Ireland Irish Isle Jig Killarny Leprechaun Limerick Michael Mona Paddy Parade Patrick Peat Potato Rainbow Shamrock Slainte Snakes Stone Across Down 1 Closure device, a foot and a timepiece without charlie (7) 1 Musical instrument, soft (5) 5 Gap between an island (5) 2 Image recording device, of fingers to begin with (7,6) 8 Supporting the Anglican Church (5-8) 3 Without smell, (9) 9 Away, extinguished, available (3) 4 Bears, issue a knockout sadly (6) 10 A curse for the modern motorist, it surely does not (9) 5 Tree money without college head (3) 12 A person who travels by foot (6) 6 Tie yourself down and show signs of this (4-9) 13 Pleasantly occupied, a poet with an old penny (6) 7 Cut out the bad part (7) 15 Soft woollen fabric, these mate for life, and then go lower (5,4) 11 Had many amourous affairs, this lady is in the printing world (9) 16 A groove, not a good place to be stuck in (3) 12 Sad (7) 18 Unconscious gaffes, Austrian womens underclothing (8,5) 14 A foul of sorts in a summer game, missing a round object (2,4) 20 Foliaceous, page at a journey's end (5) 17 Flavour, style, a strong liking, take a sample of (5) 21 Noisy young woman, boy denoting small size (7) 19 Humorously sarcastic or mocking, lacking moisture (3) Easy Medium Hard - 234567890 used The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 6 March 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 21
- 22. INFORMATION What’s On Que? Monthly look at some differences between Catalan and Spanish words Sunday 28th February 2010 L’AMPOLLA BOOT SALE English Spanish Catalan 10.00am – 1.00pm Camping St Jordi, Platje Ayellanes, March Marzo Marc L’Ampolla. Tel: 679 115 247 Listen Escucha Escolta Friday 5th March 2010 Let´s see A ver.... A veure.... CLASSIC CAR MEETING 6.00pm For new location and more details call 678 718 doctor El medico El metge 446 . parents Los padres Els pares Saturday 6th March 2010 brother El hermano El germa FREESIA GROUP BOOK SALE Homogenik, El Perello. sister La hermana La germana Saturday 6th March 2010 - 14th March 2010 chocolate chocolate La xocolata FIESTAS DE LA MAGDALENA, CASTELLON Herbal tea La infusion La infusio Various events throughout the week. For further information go to www.castellonturismo.com tea El te El te Orange La naranja La taronja Sunday 7th March 2010 MORA BOOT SALE Wine El vino El vi 9.00am – 1.30pm at C/Garcia Restaurant Braseria, Can juice El zumo El suc Palomo, Mora La Nova. Thursday 11th March 2010 Advertising Rates INTERNATIONAL SPEAKING GROUP MEETING To advertise in the next edition of the Catalunya Chronicle we 6.30pm at Edificio Bahia Blanca C/Paisos Catalans, 74 would need your copy before the 10th of February 2010. L'Ametlla De Mar. For more details please call 977 267 418 or email enetlametlla@yahoo.com. Personal Classified Ads are FREE up to a maximum of 35 words, and subject to a maximum sales value of €1000. Sunday 14th March 2010 TORTOSA FRIENDSHIP CLUB Business Classified ads start at €15, subject to size. 10.00am Meeting for all nationalities at Parky’s in Rival Di Christ. Contact Brian Parkin on 660 990 422 or 977 059 Whether you have your artwork or not, included in the price we offer a design 911 for more info. service and we will endeavour to match your requirements. HIPACA ESCORNALBOU, VILANOVA, D’ESCORNALBOU BOOT SALE. The cost of advertising is €0.80 per square centimetre, and there is a 10% discount Sellers 9 am, Buyers 10am, Bar & Restaurant - No fresh for a six month run. This price includes IVA ( at 16%). produce allowed. Contacts: Cosme on 620 215 772 or Silvia 665 159 781. Let people know you are in business - can you afford not to? CHURCH OF ENGLAND CHURCH SERVICE 12.30pm L'Ampolla Village Church. All welcome. Followed by optional Menu Del Dia Lunch. Enquires 977 593 219 The Catalunya Saturday 20th March 2010 ARCA TABLE TOP SALE No part of this document may be Chronicle 10am until 2pm Bar Estacion,L'Ampolla to raise money for reproduced without written consent Arca Dog Refuge Centre. from the paper. C / Martirs 6, 43500, Tortosa, FREESIA GROUP BOOK SALE Tarragona, Spain. The Catalunya Chronicle cannot be Homogenik, El Perello. held responsible for the contents of the Sunday 21st March 2010 Website: www.chroniccat.com articles supplied by it’s contributors, MORA CARAVANS, MORA CAR BOOT SALE email: info@chroniccat.com nor for the claims made by it’s Sellers 9.00 am Buyers 10.00am C12, km 61 Mora La advertisers. Trademarks and Nova – Ginestar All enquiries to 977 400 375 / 659 418 Telephone: Copyright are held by their respective 317 636 292 568 (Chris) or owners. Wednesday 24th March 2010 646 353 442 (Tim) CHURCH OF ENGLAND CHURCH SERVICE We would like to thank all our 12.30pm L'Ampolla Village Church. All welcome. Followed contributors, article writers and by an optional Menu Del Dia Lunch. Enquiries: 977 593 Deposito Legal: T-1528-2009 advertisers for all their fabulous 219 Circulation: 4,000 this month support. Sunday 28th March 2010 (1000 more than last month - whoopee) L’AMPOLLA BOOT SALE Copyright © The Catalunya Chronicle 10.00am – 1.00pm Camping St Jordi, Platje Ayellanes, L’Ampolla. Tel: 679 115 247 Printed by: Lerigraf sl 2010 All Rights Reserved. The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 6 March 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 22
- 23. CLASSIFIED SECTION Personal FOR SALE Diagnosed with Cancer? FOR HIRE FOR SALE Baby's Pink Bath and or had Cancer in the past? All types of Agricultural 3 large water deposits 1000 MUSIC LESSONS, Miravet Changing Mat We are a support group who Work undertaken by LTRS Teacher: Jennifer Anne €60 meet once a month & keep experienced farmer. Trees 50 euros each Figuerola, (English) on a stand with wheels and in touch to share, care & sprayed and pruned. Land tel 634162377 Piano, keyboard, violin, shelves so that all is at hand, support each other. Cleared FOR SALE Theory of Music also has pipe fixed to bath Contact Charlotte - Help with Livestock. 100 acaroids buy what you Royal Associated Board for easy emptying cancershock@yahoo.co.uk Has own tractor. need 3 euros each and large Examinations possible Miami Playa or 622 553446 No job too small. amount of metal fencing 5 Individual half hour lesson 977262697 WANTED Call Davide on euros a sheet plus 15 mins aurals 10€ buckleyalicia1@gmail.com Musicians wanted for male 680 150 309 (Spanish) or tel 634162377 Tel: 977407540/654875163 FOR SALE and female vocalists, 636 292 568 (English) FOR SALE Electric Cement Mixer keyboard, lead guitar,rythm FOR SALE FOR SALE Baby’s Pram €150 etc. Influences Rock, 220/240 approx Plastic roof Gas Water Heater Edesa €200 two years old. Privately Country, Stones, Quo, tiles (Unbreakable & strong) 95€ Mobile Gas Heater Brand New, can be used as owned had little use. Cost Diamond. Jam sessions with 2 sheets MDF 1.2 m x Ufesa 55€ Both in Perfect baby car seat, pram and over 300€ view to Gigging. 2.00m & a quantity of condition, Butane Cylinders then pushchair, three in one. Phone Peter 977473008 or Decking. included. L'Ametlla De Mar Dark orange and grey, View Mora d Ebre. 652995723 Any reasonable offers. 628 283 861 perfect condition. Telephone 669 079999 FOR SALE Phone 670395754 WANTED Miami Playa PICK YOUR OWN Generator automatic Gas fridge, gas cooker, gas FOR SALE 977262697 CITRUS FRUIT start/stop due to battery bottles (yellow butane) Dining Table and Chairs buckleyalicia1@gmail.com Pick your own Xerta charge. From 999€+IVA wanted offer to €390 o.n.o. BACKACHE? VARICOSE Satsumas and oranges for Viggo Peetz 644 24 3415 / Dark wood dining table with vpeetz@gmail.com or VEINS? FROZEN just 1 Euro per carrier bag vpeetz@gmail.com 4 brown real leather chairs mobile: 644 24 3415 SHOULDER? TENNIS Tel 977 473278 for for sale. Perfect condition, FOR SALE ELBOW? directions COMPACT TRACTOR hardly used - can deliver DIY and builder’s kit for sale. FEEL THE RELIEF SIROMER 204s 25 BHP 4 Miami Playa Power tools, scaffold, MULTI-LEVEL THAI WANTED WD, POWER STEERING, 977262697 barrows, pumps, props. MASSAGE Looking to rent ideally a SHUTTLE GEARBOX, 5 buckleyalicia1@gmail.com Near L’Aldea. Please call for A drug-free procedure, three bedroom house, YEARS OLD, a full list suitable suitable for family, with FOR SALE GOOD WORKING ORDER, 629 010233 for men, women or children. caretaking and maintenance Job lot complete clearance VERY GOOD WIDE Initial consultation 20€; duties considered. of floor and wall tiles latest FOR SALE TYRES, Subsequent individual Tortosa Area. models SUBARU LEGACY GX 4WD Please Call 630 533 548. GREAT LITTLE TRACTOR, treatments, 30€ tel 634162377 AUTO PETROL ESTATE DELIVERY POSSIBLE CAR 1995 N REG RHD Contact Floreal Figuerola in €4,100 OVNO (COST FOR SALE Miravet: 977407540 NVQ 3 Qualified Care €7,000 NEW) Outboard Motor TOWBAR/ELECTRICS 675071794 Worker 6STACK CD PLAYER TEL: 610 550 371 (FLIX) Mariner/Mercury 15hp LS 4 FOR SALE Available for ALARM 88000 MILES stroke. Superb condition, Baby’s Large Crib GOOD ALL ROUND home help / respite care FOR SALE 1000 euros CONDITION 895 EUROS €70 Panasonic Digital TV 28 Andy 600890453 Tortosa on wheels(can be wheeled TEL 626641078 Also 24/7 house/pet €70 ono around the house) made in sitting Silver Free to a good home. FOR SALE Germany, comes with lemon 5 years old New home urgently wanted Electric Cement MixerGood dressing El Perello/L'Ampolla/ L’Ampolla Area for 2 yo British Bulldog working order. Miami Playa Tortosa & Amposta areas Phone 977 460 043 called Lily.Good 125.00 euros 977262697 temperament, full pedigree Telephone 977 456 915 buckleyalicia1@gmail.com Contact Hazel on FOR SALE and fully innoculated. Petrol driven water pump Genuine reason for need to FOR SALE 638430338 Offers DREAM CONVERTED BARN, rehome. FOR SALE hazeearnest@hotmail. 4" bore. Static unit - buyer to DORDOGNE, FRANCE Trace & Invertor Charger 1.5 Please call 977 810 392 com collect. Any reasonable offer KVA or for Vinaros/Benicarlo considered. 3 beds/2 bath/2 reception, Very Good Condition FOR SALE call Dot on 600564097 Telephone 669 079999 TOWN HOUSE, MIRAVET one with huge fireplace, 490 Euros ono. garden, well,..... Telephone 650 318 700 FOR SALE FOR SALE Ideal B&B 4 ensuite double bedrooms Bargain, 275 000€ Studer inverter 12 volts. High sided Trailer Tel: 977407540/654875163 FOR SALE 2 years old €350 Roof Terrace,Garage Motorbike - Suzuki 50 cc new price 1850 euro s. 100cm X 100cm X 70cm 275 000€ FOR SALE Yellow Spanish reg. price 975 euro s. incl. spare wheel and cover. Tel: 977407540/ 675071794 Finca of 4 journales price 275 euro . Tel: 637.937.637 Inside base wood covered. in Filato, Camarles. tel 637.937.63 Ideal for building materials, Good location with casa. FOR SALE olives, carobs etc HOLIDAY RENTAL Two bedrooms, kitchen, Large amounts of plumbing Home Massage Tel 977473008 or MORA D´EBRE. dining room, bathroom, and electrical material buy 652995723 Traditional village house. garage etc. L’Ampolla Area the lot or what you need Has Olive and Carob trees. guarantee less than 50% of Small courtyard, terrace and ~ Therapeutic ~ Beautiful watercolour balcony. Close to shops, Good price. ~ Relaxing ~ the cost paintings of your pet or river and mountains plus Tel: 626 111 368 tel 634162387 your house. ~ Thai Massage ~ only 30 mins drive away Lost ~ Shiatsu ~ FOR SALE The perfect special gift and from beautiful beaches. an exclusive work of art to Sense of Humour - last seen 20 x 2 metre fencing poles Call Fina €150 for all 20 treasure always. Price €38. 15 years ago. Disappeared 35€ per night all year round. 669 110 719 For further information call at the same time as my or €10 each. Sleeps 4. Only €30 Rosalind on 664 721 744 marbles. If found please call Call 977 059 101 Tel: 977414188/670287358 636292568 The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 6 March 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 23
- 24. THE FINAL WORD Doh! My daughter and I went through the McDonald's take-out window and I gave the girl a £5 note. Our total was £4.20, so I also handed her a twenty pence piece. She said, 'you gave me too much money.' I said, 'Yes I know, but that way you can just give me a pound back.' She was puzzled and went to get the manager who asked me to repeat my request. I did so, and he handed me back the 20 pence and said 'We're sorry but we could not do that kind of thing.' The girl then proceeded to give me back 80 pence in change! Do not confuse the staff at MacD's. We had to have the garage door repaired. The GARADOR repairman told us that one of our problems was that we did not have a 'large' enough motor on the opener. I thought for a minute, and said that we had the largest one GARADOR made at that time, a 1/2 horsepower. He shook his head and said, 'Madam, you need a 1/4 horsepower.' I responded that 1/2 was larger than 1/4 and he said, 'NOOO, it's not. Four is larger than two…' We haven't used Garador repair since. I live in a semi rural area. We recently had a new neighbour call the local town council office to request the removal of the "DEER CROSSING" sign on our road. She said the reason was: 'Too many deer are being hit by cars out here! I don't think this is a good place for them to be crossing anymore.' My daughter went to a local Kentucky Fried and ordered a taco. She asked the person behind the counter for 'minimal lettuce.' He said he was sorry, but they only had iceberg lettuce. I was at the airport, checking in at the gate when an airport employee asked,"'Has anyone put anything in your baggage without your knowledge?" To which I replied, "If it was without my knowledge, how would I know?" He smiled knowingly and nodded, "That's why we ask." The stoplight on the corner buzzes when it's safe to cross the street. I was crossing with an intellectually challenged co-worker of mine. She asked if I knew what the buzzer was for. I explained that it signals blind people when the light is red. Appalled, she responded, 'What on earth are blind people doing driving?!' She is a Local County Councillor It was a beautiful, sunny Sunday afternoon while Moses, Jesus, and When my husband and I arrived at Our Local Ford dealer to pick up our car, we were told the another guy were out playing golf. On keys had been locked in it. We went to the service department and found a mechanic working the first tee-box, Moses pulls out his feverishly to unlock the drivers side door. As I watched from the passenger side, I instinctively driver and blisters a shot up the right tried the door handle and discovered that it was unlocked. 'Hey,' I announced to the side of the fairway, rolling fast Fitter/Mechanic, 'its open!' towards a water hazard. Moses His reply: 'I know. I have already done that side.' quickly raised his club, parting the water while his ball rolls through to the other side safely. A coach party were out for the day, stopped off at a refreshment halt in Hertfordshire and queued up for tea and coffee. One group asked for "Six decaffeinated please.” To which the Next up on the tee, Jesus hits a really long drive right girl replied: "Sorry, we only do coffee!" towards the very same water hazard. His ball came to rest dead centre of the pond, hovering just over the surface of STAY ALERT! the water. Jesus casually walks out onto the pond, and They walk among us, and the scary part is that they have the chips it up onto the green within a couple feet of the flag. RIGHT TO VOTE and to REPRODUCE! Not impressed, the third guy steps up to the tee without taking any time and just randomly whacks at the ball. Rightfully so, the ball is hit with a nasty hook that clears the left OB markers and goes over a fence into oncoming traffic. It bounces off a truck's windshield hitting a nearby tree, bounces onto the roof of the green keeper's shed, back out onto the fairway and towards the same pond that ESTATE AGENTS Moses and Jesus hit. Before it gets wet, the ball ricochets We go that extra mile to ensure your move runs smooth! off a small rock and bounces onto a lily pad on over the water when a bullfrog jumped up and ate the ball. Right at that moment, a bald eagle swoops down and grabs the frog, flying away. As it flew over the green, the frog squeals with fright and drops the ball right next to the flag, taking one bounce and landing in the cup for an astounding hole in one. In disgust, Moses then turns to Jesus and says, "I hate URGENTLY WANTED - PROPERTIES FOR SALE playing with your Dad." IN L’AMPOLLA & L’AMETTLA DE MAR The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 6 March 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 24