JULY 2013 NEWSLETTER
INHERITANCE
One of the most complicated things to have to deal with is when you are the beneficiary of an inheritance.
We provide you with comprehensive advice from when you make your own Will with a view to your inheritors to dealing with executing the will. The main activities related to executing an acceptance of inheritance are as follows:
Fiscal advice, providing you with all information about expenses and taxes to be taken into account upon executing the deed of acceptance and vesting of estate.
Obtaining all relevant documentation related to the assets of the inheritance, the wills and any other necessary certificates.
Verifications at the Land Registry.
Preparation and execution of the public deed of Grant of Probate before Notary, settlement of taxes inherent to the succession as well as the subsequent submission at the corresponding tax office and registration at the Land Registry.
Inheritors will usually be liable to Spanish Inheritance Tax unless Residents of Spain for tax purposes. In general terms, the Spanish Inheritance Tax would be rated on assets located in Spain only (properties, bank accounts, vehicles, insurance policies, etc). The Inheritance tax in Spain has to be settled within the 6 following months after the death.
This Spanish tax is payable by the inheritors and not by the inheritance (estate). This means that the tax should be paid before the inheritors can deal with the assets of the inheritance.
For example:
Whether the estate includes deposits in a Spanish Bank account, the inheritors would have to settle the tax before they can access to these deposits.
Or, if the inheritors desire to sell a property in Spain, they first will have to settle the Spanish inheritance tax.
It is necessary to value the assets and liabilities, taking into account the market value of the assets at the time of the death. The total sum, deducted the charges, will be then liable to tax (expenses of the funeral can also be deducted).
Spanish Inheritance Tax reductions. The Spanish inheritance tax has some allowances available, depending of the relationship between the inheritors and the deceased:
Group I: Descendants, children under 21 years old: General exemption of 15.956,87 euros, plus € 3,990.72 per the number of years to arrive at age 21, per a maximum exemption of 47.858,59.
Group II: Descendants, children over 21, parents, adopted parents: exemption 15.956,87 euros.
Group III: brothers-sisters, nephews-nieces, aunts-uncles: exemption 7.993,46 euros.
Group IV: Those not mentioned in group 1, 2, 3 above, friends, etc: No exemption.
Once the above tax exemptions have been deducted, the Inheritance Tax will be applied on the remainder of the inheritance in Spain, as per a general scale of Spanish Inheritance Tax
Please note that it is necessary to carry out some steps in order to have the Spanish properties and assets registered in the name of the heirs, such as go to the Notary.
It is necessary to obtain the original Death Certificate. In the event that the death has occurred outside of Spain, it is necessary that the certificate is stamped with the Apostille of the Hague Convention. It is also necessary to obtain an original copy of the Spanish Will granted by the deceased, or if the Will was granted out of Spain, have it stamped with the Apostille.
In the event that there is no Will at all, it will be necessary to obtain a certification issued by the corresponding authority, stating who are the heirs as per the applicable legislation, also legalised with the Apostille.
Once all the documentation is in place, together with some documentation to be obtained in Spain by your representative (Spanish lawyers and/or Spanish Accountants), it is necessary to arrange a meeting at the Notary in Spain.
The next step would be to settle the Inheritance Tax in Spain and to proceed with the registration of the property in the name of the heir.
Please note that the heirs will need to have NIE numbers, necessary to appear in front of the Notary in Spain and to have the Spanish properties registered in their names.
If you have a friend or family member that may need assistance with an inheritance, please contact Amanda on [email protected]
For 40 euros she will be happy to meet with you and explain how it works. Did you know for instance that if you are leaving your Spanish assets to your unmarried partner, they will not be able to enjoy any tax free allowance at all; so it is important to be aware of what might have to be paid in tax?
Also, if you have not made a Spanish Will, please do so as this will make matters much easier in Spain when something happens to you and costs only 150 euros plus IVA.
Spain’s Mariano Rajoy refuses to step down
Things have been a bit hot in Spain in July… read on…
Mariano Rajoy, the Spanish prime minister, refused to bow to pressure to resign amid increasing scrutiny over his alleged involvement in a funding scandal that threatens to derail the government this past month.
Spain’s Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy at Moncloa Palace in Madrid
Mr Rajoy shrugged off calls from his political opponents to call an early general election following further revelations of secret cash payments to party leaders from an illicit slush fund. Pressure is mounting on Spanish prime minister to appear before congress to answer questions about allegations of corruption in his party (PP) that have threatened to derail his government. Pressure has mounted on Mr Rajoy, 58, as Luis Barcenas, the disgraced former Popular Party treasure went before an investigating judge to give details of how the PP engaged in illegal party funding.
The closed hearing followed fresh allegations of Mr Rajoy’s involvement in the scandal and came a day after text messages emerged in which the premier appeared to show support for the disgraced treasurer even after the scandal broke.
The leaked messages fuelled anger over allegations that Mr Rajoy and other senior party members had received undeclared cash payments over several years from a fund of illegal donations given by businessmen in return for lucrative contracts.
The text message exchange between Mr Rajoy and the former treasurer were published in El Mundo newspaper and led to immediate calls by the socialist opposition for Mr Rajoy to resign.
But Mr Rajoy, whose conservative party won an overwhelming parliamentary victory in November 2011, defied the calls.
“I will fulfil the mandate the people gave me,” he said at a press conference, vowing to “defend political stability” as he steers Spain out of a deep recession and fights to stabilise its public finances.
“Let no one think we are going to be distracted from getting Spain out of the crisis,” he said.
We await events..but it is not only the weather that is hot in Spain at the moment!
Broadway Musical On Ice
12, 13 and 14 August, 2013
Date: 12, 13 and 14 August, 2013
Hour: 10:00 pm
Place: Teatro Municipal of Torrevieja
Ticket Price: 35 € from row 1 to 11 and 25 € from row 12 to 24
Ticket Sales: Municipal Theatre box office Tuesday through Friday from 7 pm to 9 pm and 2 hours before the show at the venue.
Broadway Musical On Ice is the original show represented by a cast of live musicians and singers, figure skating and spectacular choreography. The Musical will be represented on 12, 13 and 14 August at 10:00 pm at the Teatro Municipal of Torrevieja. The ticket price is 35 € from row 1 to 25 and 25 € from row 12 to 24, which can be purchased at the Municipal Theatre box office Tuesday through Friday from 7 pm to 9 pm and 2 hours before the show at the venue.
BOAT PARTY!!
Maybe a little expensive, but I imagine it´s a great evening!
Torrevieja Boat Party
A night aboard a boat in the bay of Torrevieja.
Want to enjoy a night on a boat?
TBP organizes an original way to enjoy the summer nights in Torrevieja.
A boat, music, food, drink and lots of beautiful people, are the ingredients of this proposal summer.
Dates: July 27, 10, 17 and August 24, 2013
Time: 18 to 22h
Price: 50€ per person (All Inclusive)
Information and reservations: Torrevieja.com to 647 45 90 07
www.facebook.com/torreviejaboatparty
The best music by DJ Auzzk.
nIt’s best to be prepared if the dream holiday turns sour
Do you need an EHIC card as well as travel insurance in Spain this summer?
We are going to Spain this summer. We have annual travel insurance, so do we need an EHIC card as well? I’ve read that they are not being accepted in some hospitals.
Holidaymakers assume that because they have a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) they don’t need to pay out for additional travel insurance as well. But this isn’t an either/or situation.
Any holidaymakers travelling to Europe should have both, otherwise you could find yourself seriously out of pocket if you fall ill, or are injured in an accident.
There is confusion as to what each covers. The EHIC card entitles you to the equivalent of NHS care in 27 different European countries. Some countries won’t offer the same free medical care that we get in the UK, but it will basically give you the same right to free or subsidised medical treatment that citizens in that country get.
Some hospitals in Spain, Greece and Portugal have been refusing to provide free treatment. In some cases customers are being asked to foot the bill themselves, or are being diverted to private hospitals, which have never taken these EHIC cards.
However, although there are problems being reported, it still makes sense to ensure that you have an up-to-date card. If you try to use it and it is refused, you should be able to make a claim for the treatment on your travel insurance.
But if you don’t have a card, then some insurers won’t pay for any medical treatment, as the small print of these policies states all travellers must have a valid card.
It would be foolish in any circumstances to rely solely on an EHIC card. Aside from the current problems, this card won’t cover all your medical costs if you need treatment abroad. For example, it won’t cover a flight home in a medical emergency, nor will it cover additional accommodation if illness means you cannot return as planned.
Even with this card you may still have to pay for prescriptions, calling an ambulance, a GP appointment or other medical treatment. If you have travel insurance you should be able to reclaim such costs.
In addition, travel insurance should also cover lost baggage, stolen cameras or cancelled holidays if you fall ill in advance. Most also offer 24-hour helplines and assistance services, putting you in touch with English-speaking doctors and helping to rearrange flights and accommodation for yourself and your family in a real emergency.
Finally, remember that EHIC cards need to be renewed every six years. Apply or renew at the official website (www.nhs.uk/ehic). Be warned: there are a number of unofficial websites offering to renew cards for a fee. Stay clear – there is no need to pay for this service.
Don´t forget there are a number of things we can help with in the offices, just come in and have a chat at either one of them.
CAN YOU MAKE TAPAS?
Transport yourself to Spain and throw your own tapas party with these easy, delicious tapas recipes for everything from patatas bravas to a classic Spanish tortilla. Don’t forget a cool pitcher of sangria to wash it down!
Ingredients SPANISH TORTILLA
Serves : 6
· 125ml (4 fl oz) olive oil
· 900g (2 lb) baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 5mm slices
· salt and pepper to taste
· 2 tablespoons olive oil
· 2 onions, sliced into rings
· 6 eggs
· 1 roasted red pepper, cut into strips
· 75g (3 oz) serrano ham, chopped
· 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
Directions
Prep:35min › Cook:45min › Ready in:1hr20min
1. Heat 125ml olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-low heat. Add half of the potato slices and cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 15 to 20 minutes. When done, remove potatoes to a large bowl, leaving oil in the frying pan. Cook the remaining potatoes in the oil until tender, then add to the bowl, leaving oil in the pan. Gently toss potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Stir in onion rings and gently cook until soft and golden brown, about 15 minutes. Spoon onions onto a plate and allow to cool while the potatoes finish cooking.
3. Whisk eggs in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in cooled onions, roasted peppers and serrano ham. Gently fold in cooked potatoes.
4. Heat the frying pan with the reserved oil over low heat. Pour in the egg mixture and gently cook until the sides have started to set and the bottom has turned golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Loosen the tortilla with a spatula if needed, then carefully slide onto a large plate. Turn the frying pan upside down and place onto the uncooked side of the tortilla. Turn the pan right-side-up, and remove the plate. Return the frying pan to the stove and continue cooking until the tortilla has set in the centre, about 4 minutes.
5. Slide the tortilla onto a serving plate and allow to cool to room temperature. Cut into six wedges and sprinkle with parsley to serve.
PRAWN TAPAS
Ingredients
Serves : 4
· 250ml olive oil
· 900g large prawns – peeled and deveined
· 125g plain flour
· 360ml dry white wine
· 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
· 5 cloves garlic, minced
· 5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
· 125ml chicken stock
· 110g butter, diced
· salt and pepper to taste
· 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
Prep:20min › Cook:15min › Ready in:35min
1. In a deep frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Lightly coat the prawns in flour. In batches, saute prawns in oil until golden brown; each batch should take approximately 2 minutes. Drain on kitchen paper.
2. Discard oil and add the wine, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, lemon juice and chicken stock to the frying pan. Cook over high heat until liquid has reduced by half (approximately 5 minutes). Stir in butter and season with salt and pepper to taste. Lower heat to medium, add prawns and cook for 1 minute (until prawns are heated). Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
PATATAS BRAVAS
Ingredients
· 600g/1lb 5oz potatoes – either Maris Piper, Desiree or King Edwards King Edwards
· 2 tbsp olive oil
· salt and freshly ground black pepper
· 2 x 410g tins chopped tomotoes
· 3 red chillies
· 4 cloves garlic crushed and chopped parsley
Preparation method
1. Preheat the oven to 225C/450F/Gas 7.
2. Peel the potatoes and cut into 2.5cm/1in cubes.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large roasting tin until really hot. Place the potatoes in the tin and shake them in the oil until covered. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place in the hot oven for about ten minutes until they begin to turn golden-brown.
4. Add the tomatoes, chilli and garlic and stir well. Cook for another 25-35 minutes until the potatoes are soft on the inside and are crisp on the outside.
5. You can either add the parsley and serve, or refrigerate them until the next day, then reheat, adding more oil and then add the parsley before eating.
MONEYCORP
Don´t forget that we recommend the international currency brokers Moneycorp who always strive to make your international payments as easy and cost-effective as possible.
Every time you make a currency transaction, you can rely on their expertise and personal service to help get you the value for money you want.
They obviously do one off payments, or can organize a regular monthly standing order from your/to your home country.
Contact Amanda on [email protected] if you would like more information. She has personally used them and can vouch for their rates and good service.
ALI CAMPBELLS UB40
UB40 concert
UB40, the successful English group , will perform this summer in Torrevieja. The British band, which has made half the world dance with the union of pop and reggae, will perform on August 8 in the Eras of Salt
Composed of eight components, UB40 was formed in 1978 in Birmingham.
For decades, millions of people around the world have heard and danced their music, with which they have sold over 70 million records.
Date: August 8, 2013
Location: Eras de la Sal
Time: 22h
Price: 85 €, 50 € and 32 €
Tickets: Halconviajes.com, FNAC, Carrefour, and ticketmaster.
The few things I have showed you are just a taste of what´s on locally. Why not go and see the real experts at the Travel Agency acorss the road who can show you all sorts of interesting things to do including some very cheap cruises in the coming months….
LA ZENIA BOULEVARD
We can hardly believe the popularity of La Zenia Boulevard on the which is the biggest shopping centre in the Alicante region. It boasts 150 shops, restaurants and bars, plus a casino.
It is built like a town centre with avenues of shops, plenty of seating areas, a square with a fountain and several bars and cafes to rest your weary legs. On the first floor you will find some more restaurants and bars plus a colourful children’s play area with familiar faces such as Mickey Mouse.
Shops include Primark, C&A, Zara, Mango, Lefties, H&M, Guess, Swarovski, Alcampo, Decathlon, Leroy Merlin and Zara Home.
You will find several cafes for a coffee and a snack, bars for a refreshing beer, Burger King, Fosters Hollywood, Lizarran, Wok Center, Muerde la Pasta and Subway. Recent additions have been the German Bassus (like a
stunning film set) and the new Tommy Mel´s American Diner.
.
The Casino Mediterraneo provides additional entertainment where you can try your luck at the spin of the wheel, roll of a dice or turn of a card. There is free live music or entertainment in the main square every night, and it is well worth a visit.
Pop in and see us too while you are at it!
NEW OFFICE
Just another reminder that Eva, Amanda, Angie, Ana, Poli and Lynne are based at Calle Flores (otherwise known as the “old office” and Helena and Silvia are based at Calle Malaquita or the “new office” next to La Zenia Boulevard along with some of the Coamskey team. You have the opportunity to speak to both property and legal experts under one roof, so it is well worth a visit with any questions you may have.
New office
Old office
Galician Train Crash
On behalf of all in our group of companies we would like to express our sincere condolences to the families and relatives of the victims of this tragic accident, whereby 79 people died and 178 were injured as a result of a high speed train crashing on a bend near Santiago de Compestela in Galicia last week. The driver has formally been charged with multiple cases of negligent homicide, and released on bail. Very sad.
All the best from:
The team :
INHERITANCE
One of the most complicated things to have to deal with is when you are the beneficiary of an inheritance.
We provide you with comprehensive advice from when you make your own Will with a view to your inheritors to dealing with executing the will. The main activities related to executing an acceptance of inheritance are as follows:
Fiscal advice, providing you with all information about expenses and taxes to be taken into account upon executing the deed of acceptance and vesting of estate.
Obtaining all relevant documentation related to the assets of the inheritance, the wills and any other necessary certificates.
Verifications at the Land Registry.
Preparation and execution of the public deed of Grant of Probate before Notary, settlement of taxes inherent to the succession as well as the subsequent submission at the corresponding tax office and registration at the Land Registry.
Inheritors will usually be liable to Spanish Inheritance Tax unless Residents of Spain for tax purposes. In general terms, the Spanish Inheritance Tax would be rated on assets located in Spain only (properties, bank accounts, vehicles, insurance policies, etc). The Inheritance tax in Spain has to be settled within the 6 following months after the death.
This Spanish tax is payable by the inheritors and not by the inheritance (estate). This means that the tax should be paid before the inheritors can deal with the assets of the inheritance.
For example:
Whether the estate includes deposits in a Spanish Bank account, the inheritors would have to settle the tax before they can access to these deposits.
Or, if the inheritors desire to sell a property in Spain, they first will have to settle the Spanish inheritance tax.
It is necessary to value the assets and liabilities, taking into account the market value of the assets at the time of the death. The total sum, deducted the charges, will be then liable to tax (expenses of the funeral can also be deducted).
Spanish Inheritance Tax reductions. The Spanish inheritance tax has some allowances available, depending of the relationship between the inheritors and the deceased:
Group I: Descendants, children under 21 years old: General exemption of 15.956,87 euros, plus € 3,990.72 per the number of years to arrive at age 21, per a maximum exemption of 47.858,59.
Group II: Descendants, children over 21, parents, adopted parents: exemption 15.956,87 euros.
Group III: brothers-sisters, nephews-nieces, aunts-uncles: exemption 7.993,46 euros.
Group IV: Those not mentioned in group 1, 2, 3 above, friends, etc: No exemption.
Once the above tax exemptions have been deducted, the Inheritance Tax will be applied on the remainder of the inheritance in Spain, as per a general scale of Spanish Inheritance Tax
Please note that it is necessary to carry out some steps in order to have the Spanish properties and assets registered in the name of the heirs, such as go to the Notary.
It is necessary to obtain the original Death Certificate. In the event that the death has occurred outside of Spain, it is necessary that the certificate is stamped with the Apostille of the Hague Convention. It is also necessary to obtain an original copy of the Spanish Will granted by the deceased, or if the Will was granted out of Spain, have it stamped with the Apostille.
In the event that there is no Will at all, it will be necessary to obtain a certification issued by the corresponding authority, stating who are the heirs as per the applicable legislation, also legalised with the Apostille.
Once all the documentation is in place, together with some documentation to be obtained in Spain by your representative (Spanish lawyers and/or Spanish Accountants), it is necessary to arrange a meeting at the Notary in Spain.
The next step would be to settle the Inheritance Tax in Spain and to proceed with the registration of the property in the name of the heir.
Please note that the heirs will need to have NIE numbers, necessary to appear in front of the Notary in Spain and to have the Spanish properties registered in their names.
If you have a friend or family member that may need assistance with an inheritance, please contact Amanda on [email protected]
For 40 euros she will be happy to meet with you and explain how it works. Did you know for instance that if you are leaving your Spanish assets to your unmarried partner, they will not be able to enjoy any tax free allowance at all; so it is important to be aware of what might have to be paid in tax?
Also, if you have not made a Spanish Will, please do so as this will make matters much easier in Spain when something happens to you and costs only 150 euros plus IVA.
Spain’s Mariano Rajoy refuses to step down
Things have been a bit hot in Spain in July… read on…
Mariano Rajoy, the Spanish prime minister, refused to bow to pressure to resign amid increasing scrutiny over his alleged involvement in a funding scandal that threatens to derail the government this past month.
Spain’s Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy at Moncloa Palace in Madrid
Mr Rajoy shrugged off calls from his political opponents to call an early general election following further revelations of secret cash payments to party leaders from an illicit slush fund. Pressure is mounting on Spanish prime minister to appear before congress to answer questions about allegations of corruption in his party (PP) that have threatened to derail his government. Pressure has mounted on Mr Rajoy, 58, as Luis Barcenas, the disgraced former Popular Party treasure went before an investigating judge to give details of how the PP engaged in illegal party funding.
The closed hearing followed fresh allegations of Mr Rajoy’s involvement in the scandal and came a day after text messages emerged in which the premier appeared to show support for the disgraced treasurer even after the scandal broke.
The leaked messages fuelled anger over allegations that Mr Rajoy and other senior party members had received undeclared cash payments over several years from a fund of illegal donations given by businessmen in return for lucrative contracts.
The text message exchange between Mr Rajoy and the former treasurer were published in El Mundo newspaper and led to immediate calls by the socialist opposition for Mr Rajoy to resign.
But Mr Rajoy, whose conservative party won an overwhelming parliamentary victory in November 2011, defied the calls.
“I will fulfil the mandate the people gave me,” he said at a press conference, vowing to “defend political stability” as he steers Spain out of a deep recession and fights to stabilise its public finances.
“Let no one think we are going to be distracted from getting Spain out of the crisis,” he said.
We await events..but it is not only the weather that is hot in Spain at the moment!
Broadway Musical On Ice
12, 13 and 14 August, 2013
Date: 12, 13 and 14 August, 2013
Hour: 10:00 pm
Place: Teatro Municipal of Torrevieja
Ticket Price: 35 € from row 1 to 11 and 25 € from row 12 to 24
Ticket Sales: Municipal Theatre box office Tuesday through Friday from 7 pm to 9 pm and 2 hours before the show at the venue.
Broadway Musical On Ice is the original show represented by a cast of live musicians and singers, figure skating and spectacular choreography. The Musical will be represented on 12, 13 and 14 August at 10:00 pm at the Teatro Municipal of Torrevieja. The ticket price is 35 € from row 1 to 25 and 25 € from row 12 to 24, which can be purchased at the Municipal Theatre box office Tuesday through Friday from 7 pm to 9 pm and 2 hours before the show at the venue.
BOAT PARTY!!
Maybe a little expensive, but I imagine it´s a great evening!
Torrevieja Boat Party
A night aboard a boat in the bay of Torrevieja.
Want to enjoy a night on a boat?
TBP organizes an original way to enjoy the summer nights in Torrevieja.
A boat, music, food, drink and lots of beautiful people, are the ingredients of this proposal summer.
Dates: July 27, 10, 17 and August 24, 2013
Time: 18 to 22h
Price: 50€ per person (All Inclusive)
Information and reservations: Torrevieja.com to 647 45 90 07
www.facebook.com/torreviejaboatparty
The best music by DJ Auzzk.
nIt’s best to be prepared if the dream holiday turns sour
Do you need an EHIC card as well as travel insurance in Spain this summer?
We are going to Spain this summer. We have annual travel insurance, so do we need an EHIC card as well? I’ve read that they are not being accepted in some hospitals.
Holidaymakers assume that because they have a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) they don’t need to pay out for additional travel insurance as well. But this isn’t an either/or situation.
Any holidaymakers travelling to Europe should have both, otherwise you could find yourself seriously out of pocket if you fall ill, or are injured in an accident.
There is confusion as to what each covers. The EHIC card entitles you to the equivalent of NHS care in 27 different European countries. Some countries won’t offer the same free medical care that we get in the UK, but it will basically give you the same right to free or subsidised medical treatment that citizens in that country get.
Some hospitals in Spain, Greece and Portugal have been refusing to provide free treatment. In some cases customers are being asked to foot the bill themselves, or are being diverted to private hospitals, which have never taken these EHIC cards.
However, although there are problems being reported, it still makes sense to ensure that you have an up-to-date card. If you try to use it and it is refused, you should be able to make a claim for the treatment on your travel insurance.
But if you don’t have a card, then some insurers won’t pay for any medical treatment, as the small print of these policies states all travellers must have a valid card.
It would be foolish in any circumstances to rely solely on an EHIC card. Aside from the current problems, this card won’t cover all your medical costs if you need treatment abroad. For example, it won’t cover a flight home in a medical emergency, nor will it cover additional accommodation if illness means you cannot return as planned.
Even with this card you may still have to pay for prescriptions, calling an ambulance, a GP appointment or other medical treatment. If you have travel insurance you should be able to reclaim such costs.
In addition, travel insurance should also cover lost baggage, stolen cameras or cancelled holidays if you fall ill in advance. Most also offer 24-hour helplines and assistance services, putting you in touch with English-speaking doctors and helping to rearrange flights and accommodation for yourself and your family in a real emergency.
Finally, remember that EHIC cards need to be renewed every six years. Apply or renew at the official website (www.nhs.uk/ehic). Be warned: there are a number of unofficial websites offering to renew cards for a fee. Stay clear – there is no need to pay for this service.
Don´t forget there are a number of things we can help with in the offices, just come in and have a chat at either one of them.
CAN YOU MAKE TAPAS?
Transport yourself to Spain and throw your own tapas party with these easy, delicious tapas recipes for everything from patatas bravas to a classic Spanish tortilla. Don’t forget a cool pitcher of sangria to wash it down!
Ingredients SPANISH TORTILLA
Serves : 6
· 125ml (4 fl oz) olive oil
· 900g (2 lb) baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 5mm slices
· salt and pepper to taste
· 2 tablespoons olive oil
· 2 onions, sliced into rings
· 6 eggs
· 1 roasted red pepper, cut into strips
· 75g (3 oz) serrano ham, chopped
· 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
Directions
Prep:35min › Cook:45min › Ready in:1hr20min
1. Heat 125ml olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-low heat. Add half of the potato slices and cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 15 to 20 minutes. When done, remove potatoes to a large bowl, leaving oil in the frying pan. Cook the remaining potatoes in the oil until tender, then add to the bowl, leaving oil in the pan. Gently toss potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Stir in onion rings and gently cook until soft and golden brown, about 15 minutes. Spoon onions onto a plate and allow to cool while the potatoes finish cooking.
3. Whisk eggs in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in cooled onions, roasted peppers and serrano ham. Gently fold in cooked potatoes.
4. Heat the frying pan with the reserved oil over low heat. Pour in the egg mixture and gently cook until the sides have started to set and the bottom has turned golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Loosen the tortilla with a spatula if needed, then carefully slide onto a large plate. Turn the frying pan upside down and place onto the uncooked side of the tortilla. Turn the pan right-side-up, and remove the plate. Return the frying pan to the stove and continue cooking until the tortilla has set in the centre, about 4 minutes.
5. Slide the tortilla onto a serving plate and allow to cool to room temperature. Cut into six wedges and sprinkle with parsley to serve.
PRAWN TAPAS
Ingredients
Serves : 4
· 250ml olive oil
· 900g large prawns – peeled and deveined
· 125g plain flour
· 360ml dry white wine
· 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
· 5 cloves garlic, minced
· 5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
· 125ml chicken stock
· 110g butter, diced
· salt and pepper to taste
· 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
Prep:20min › Cook:15min › Ready in:35min
1. In a deep frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Lightly coat the prawns in flour. In batches, saute prawns in oil until golden brown; each batch should take approximately 2 minutes. Drain on kitchen paper.
2. Discard oil and add the wine, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, lemon juice and chicken stock to the frying pan. Cook over high heat until liquid has reduced by half (approximately 5 minutes). Stir in butter and season with salt and pepper to taste. Lower heat to medium, add prawns and cook for 1 minute (until prawns are heated). Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
PATATAS BRAVAS
Ingredients
· 600g/1lb 5oz potatoes – either Maris Piper, Desiree or King Edwards King Edwards
· 2 tbsp olive oil
· salt and freshly ground black pepper
· 2 x 410g tins chopped tomotoes
· 3 red chillies
· 4 cloves garlic crushed and chopped parsley
Preparation method
1. Preheat the oven to 225C/450F/Gas 7.
2. Peel the potatoes and cut into 2.5cm/1in cubes.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large roasting tin until really hot. Place the potatoes in the tin and shake them in the oil until covered. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place in the hot oven for about ten minutes until they begin to turn golden-brown.
4. Add the tomatoes, chilli and garlic and stir well. Cook for another 25-35 minutes until the potatoes are soft on the inside and are crisp on the outside.
5. You can either add the parsley and serve, or refrigerate them until the next day, then reheat, adding more oil and then add the parsley before eating.
MONEYCORP
Don´t forget that we recommend the international currency brokers Moneycorp who always strive to make your international payments as easy and cost-effective as possible.
Every time you make a currency transaction, you can rely on their expertise and personal service to help get you the value for money you want.
They obviously do one off payments, or can organize a regular monthly standing order from your/to your home country.
Contact Amanda on [email protected] if you would like more information. She has personally used them and can vouch for their rates and good service.
ALI CAMPBELLS UB40
UB40 concert
UB40, the successful English group , will perform this summer in Torrevieja. The British band, which has made half the world dance with the union of pop and reggae, will perform on August 8 in the Eras of Salt
Composed of eight components, UB40 was formed in 1978 in Birmingham.
For decades, millions of people around the world have heard and danced their music, with which they have sold over 70 million records.
Date: August 8, 2013
Location: Eras de la Sal
Time: 22h
Price: 85 €, 50 € and 32 €
Tickets: Halconviajes.com, FNAC, Carrefour, and ticketmaster.
The few things I have showed you are just a taste of what´s on locally. Why not go and see the real experts at the Travel Agency acorss the road who can show you all sorts of interesting things to do including some very cheap cruises in the coming months….
LA ZENIA BOULEVARD
We can hardly believe the popularity of La Zenia Boulevard on the which is the biggest shopping centre in the Alicante region. It boasts 150 shops, restaurants and bars, plus a casino.
It is built like a town centre with avenues of shops, plenty of seating areas, a square with a fountain and several bars and cafes to rest your weary legs. On the first floor you will find some more restaurants and bars plus a colourful children’s play area with familiar faces such as Mickey Mouse.
Shops include Primark, C&A, Zara, Mango, Lefties, H&M, Guess, Swarovski, Alcampo, Decathlon, Leroy Merlin and Zara Home.
You will find several cafes for a coffee and a snack, bars for a refreshing beer, Burger King, Fosters Hollywood, Lizarran, Wok Center, Muerde la Pasta and Subway. Recent additions have been the German Bassus (like a
stunning film set) and the new Tommy Mel´s American Diner.
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The Casino Mediterraneo provides additional entertainment where you can try your luck at the spin of the wheel, roll of a dice or turn of a card. There is free live music or entertainment in the main square every night, and it is well worth a visit.
Pop in and see us too while you are at it!
NEW OFFICE
Just another reminder that Eva, Amanda, Angie, Ana, Poli and Lynne are based at Calle Flores (otherwise known as the “old office” and Helena and Silvia are based at Calle Malaquita or the “new office” next to La Zenia Boulevard along with some of the Coamskey team. You have the opportunity to speak to both property and legal experts under one roof, so it is well worth a visit with any questions you may have.
New office
Old office
Galician Train Crash
On behalf of all in our group of companies we would like to express our sincere condolences to the families and relatives of the victims of this tragic accident, whereby 79 people died and 178 were injured as a result of a high speed train crashing on a bend near Santiago de Compestela in Galicia last week. The driver has formally been charged with multiple cases of negligent homicide, and released on bail. Very sad.
All the best from:
The team :
