Home staging is the art of preparing a home for resale. Although basic home staging has been around a long time, in terms of keeping the lawn cut and the beds made, a newer trend is to use borrowed furniture or artwork to enhance a home's look when up for sale. Some individuals stage their own homes, following guidelines from real estate agents or home decorators.

If you choose to stage your own home, much information is available on the Internet in regards to areas in which to concentrate your efforts. Many sources mention opening the drapes or blinds and keeping windows sparkly clean to brighten and lighten a house. Other helpful tips involve maintaining a spotless kitchen and bathrooms.

In the kitchen, remove all counter-top clutter and wash all cabinet and appliance surfaces. Also, remove all notes, photos, and magnets from the refrigerator . To use home staging techniques in the bathroom, put out your finest towels, hang a new shower curtain, and again remove counter clutter. Be sure to keep the baths sparkling clean.

To gain a potential buyer's attention right at the start, be sure your shrubbery and grass are cut and well-maintained. Remove dead branches from trees, move lawn tools and outdoor furniture in poor condition to the garage, and neatly store kids' toys. Add plants or flowers to the yard and entrance area.

As for more expensive home staging techniques, consider painting your house indoors in more neutral colours and remove any busy wallpaper . If your hardwood floors are showing wear, refinish them or have a coat of finish applied. If you have junk rooms, clean them out and add a few simple pieces of furniture – a bookcase, nightstand and lamp, for example. This way, a potential buyer can visualize his or her own belongings in the room. You can also rent furniture, rugs, or artwork if you have larger rooms full of worn furniture or items.

As for clutter, one suggestion is to remove exactly half of all items in a room. If you have collections, either pack up the entire set or limit the collectibles to a single area. Not only does removing clutter make a home neater, but it also makes it look larger and more open.

So you've found the right place to live? Take a breath of relief. The most difficult part is over. Negotiating rental agreements is generally straightforward and easy. You just need to make sure you understand everything and be aware of how some things work.

A typical contract runs for one year. Be sure to read the contract carefully and ensure everything is clear. If the contract specifies inventory (dishes, linen, etc.), make sure the items are there. In addition, check that all electrical appliances and utilities are in working order. Don't take a verbal guarantee that defective items will be fixed later, get it written down in the contract or done now.

Depending on the landlord, utility expenses and community fees (gastos de la comunidad) may or may not be included in the rent. Community fees generally cover the costs of general maintenance and rubbish collection and sometimes one or more of the utilities. Just be sure to ask which items you will have to pay for individually.

Most landlords ask for a security deposit (fianza) of 1 month and sometimes 2 months if the flat is furnished. Anything more than this should be avoided. You also may be able to negotiate the conditions concerning the return date of the deposit or try to use it to pay the last month's rent. Naturally, it is preferable to get any additional agreement in writing.

Other guarantees: Given that Spain 's legal system does not offer strong protection to property owners, it is very common for landlords to ask for additional guarantees. If you are working, a copy of a payslip (nómina) is requested as proof that your monthly salary exceeds the rent.

As a further guarantee, landlords sometimes request an aval bancario. It is essentially a letter of credit from a Spanish bank guaranteeing that if you default on your obligations, the bank will pay whatever is owned for the remainder of the contract.

And when you have it all done, you sit back and allow yourself a sigh of relief. At last. That's it. Sorted.

But is it?

What's it really like to live in another country? Is it just the same as home, except the people speak another language? Do the people act and behave the same way as the rest of us?

No way is the polite answer.

So what's the difference?

Let's take a look at queues. We live with them every day, whether it's in the supermarket, the pub, at the bus stop. Well, I think the Spanish and Irish are much the same here – we use our elbows to push others out of the way. Particularly if it's to the bar. But the British are much more reserved and wait their turn. They respect the fact that others were there first.

Take-away food queues, plane queues, shop queues – it's the same story. There are those who push and those who get pushed. That's just the way it is. (Of course, a queue waiting for something official is completely different. People really do wait their turn).

Politeness

And aren't we much more polite than our Spanish neighbours? We say please and thank you. When the Irish get off a bus, they automatically say thank you or even gracias. This is something we do at home all the time. I often think the bus driver is a bit perplexed when he's thanked profusely. As far as he's concerned, he's just doing his job. The Spanish don't thank the driver. They might say ‘hasta luego' but there's no ‘gracias'.

Travelling by bus here is not just a means of getting from A to B. It's an experience.

Local passengers sit in the front seat so they can indulge in loud talk with the driver. He – sometimes she – seem to complain all the time. The roads, the other drivers, the weather if it's not sunny. And it's the passenger's job to agree. It's a great way of picking up the lingo, though they do speak very fast.

At home, there's no way you'd speak to the driver – you might distract him. In fact, there's a glass partition separating the driver from passengers. So unless you need to ask a question about the route or the next bus stop, you don't go near him. I have seen islanders practically fight about getting the front seat so they can have a chat. Well, it passes the time.

Eating out

And what about eating? I have friends at home who will not eat later than 7.30pm . Even on holiday. Those of us living out here probably don't eat much later than that, either. It's easier to stick to the same times as we did at home.

But not so with the Spanish. Their motto seems to be ‘the later, the better'. They meet at 11pm to have dinner. And they bring their children out with them at night. Not for them paying out for a babysitter. Eating is a family thing to be enjoyed. And they're noisy. Being loud and voluble seems to be part of life here. They don't care if they're disturbing anyone else in the restaurant. Though it probably doesn't even enter their heads that anyone might be offended.

Not so for us ‘foreigners'. We wouldn't dream of bringing our children out late. We're worried that we might disturb the other diners. After all, we don't bring children out late at night at home so why should we do it here? Yes, it's definitely a bit later than usual but that's in the hope they might sleep later in the morning!

We're not very noisy either though the Irish certainly can be. The British are - here comes that word again – reserved. Well, most of the time anyway. (And after a good few drinks at night, we're all very noisy! Or when shouting at the telly during a football match!).

And have you noticed how the Spanish have arguments? Where I live, I'm surrounded my locals. And half the time I don't know if they're having an argument or just speaking loudly as they do all the time. As my Spanish isn't very good yet, I'm never too sure. Though I have definitely heard some rows taking place outside in the garden. They don't seem to care who hears. The rest of us keep our rows to ourselves.

Driving

We all know that some of the roads on the island are a nightmare to drive – narrow, winding around mountains, steep hills. But when you have a Spanish driver sitting on your bumper trying to pass you out, it's prayer time. Prayers that you won't meet another vehicle – particularly a bus - coming round the next corner. Prayers that he'll (and it's always a he) wait until it's relatively safe to pass. Prayers that there'll be somewhere you can pull in and let him go.

Even on the main roads where they can see the traffic in both directions, they sit on your car. Not to mention the fact that the speed limit is a mere sign to be ignored. When they do pass you by, they roar off at a rate of knots.

Not so the rest of us. We are all definitely courteous on the road. Probably because it's so nerve-wracking anyway that we more or less stick to the speed limit. We wait till it's safe to pass out and if a driver moves over to allow us to pass, we say thank you by flashing the lights.

Business

As for business dealings, the locals don't know the meaning of the word agenda. The Brits are precise, keep to the agenda and keep to the point. The Spanish go off on tangents. And before the meeting ever starts, the Brits will be punctual and sitting round the table while the Spanish are probably off having a cup of coffee somewhere.

While we may laugh at their ‘manana' attitude, it's infuriating when you're dealing with them. Anyone who has had any kind of official dealings knows exactly what it's like to wait and wait, regardless of the time of your appointment. It might be at the notary's office, trying to tax the car, get your NIE number – there's no rush at all. If you buy a car, for instance, you could be told it'll be ready on Wednesday – but that could be Wednesday week. Or Wednesday fortnight.

And if you thought trying to get a tradesman in the UK was bad, it's worse here. It's the same attitude – what's the hurry? There's always another day. Though even trying to get a UK tradesman here can be pretty difficult as they have the same attitude as they have back home.

I suppose we have to remember that for as long as we live here, we have to live by the rules. After all, as the saying goes ‘when in Rome , do as the Romans do'

As a general rule, you must be at least 14 years of age to make a valid will.

There are several types of wills but the most commonly used is an Open Will. It is made before a Notary, who keeps the original document in his files. The Notary will send a notification of the will to the Central Registry of Spanish Wills (Registro Central de Última Voluntad) located in Madrid .

The Notary may request the presence of 2 witnesses, who can also be required in case the testator is blind or illiterate.

Close relatives cannot act as witnesses.

The Central Registry of Spanish wills

Every will has got a certification number in Spain which is kept on file to the Central Registry of Spanish wills (Registro Central de Última Voluntad) located in Madrid . The certification numbers of all Spanish wills are kept in this place in order to ensure that the estate neither be sold nor transferred illegally.

A legal copy of a will can always be found there. In case you don't know whether the decedent made a Spanish will or not, or if the will is lost, you can request a certificate to the central registry under the deceased person's name. If the will exists, the registry will provide you with the number and the name of the notary who made it in the first place, this will enable you to get a copy of the will from the notary.

The certificate can only be applied within15 days after the person's death.

A will is null and void in any of the following cases:

If the testator had no legal capacity to make it.

The will made by a testator who is subject to domination, fraud or duress.

When the testator designates as beneficiary a person who is unknown and cannot be identified.

When the testator designates as beneficiary a person who is not legally capable.

If the testator has revoked the will.

An olographic will is null if it is not filed before the Judge within 5 years after the testator's death.

A closed will is null if its covers or the envelope containing it are damaged, or if the signatures are deleted... unless it can be proved that the testator damaged his will during a state of mental derangement.

Inheritors

Who shall inherit the decedent's property in Spain and in what proportions?

A) If the decedent died leaving a valid will, the persons who shall inherit his property will be the following:

Compulsory heirs: The Spanish laws of succession determine obligatory heirs, who shall inherit at least, one third of the decedent's assets; this portion is called "la legítima". The obligatory heirs of the deceased are:

In the first place his children (biological children and individuals adopted),

His ascendants, when the deceased had no descendants.

The surviving spouse receives over one third of the estate, in case the testator died leaving issue. Over half of the estate, when the decedent died without issue while his ascendants were still alive, or over two thirds of the estate, if the descendent died without ascendants or descendants.

The voluntary heirs: The testator may leave part of his assets to the persons of his choice. Beneficiaries may inherit those assets exceeding the third of the estate named as "la legítima".

b) If the decedent died intestate:

If the decedent dies leaving no will, the Spanish law of succession determines who shall inherit. The decedent is considered to have died intestate in the following cases:

When there appear to be assets which have not been included in the decedent's will. These assets shall be distributed in the manner that the Spanish law provides for intestacy.

When the heirs do not accept the will, or it is not accepted within the period legally required.

When the inheritor is incapable of inheriting.

When the will has being destroyed.

When the will does not include all the obligatory heirs, or includes someone considered as compulsory heir when he turns not to be.

The Spanish laws of succession set out the following hierarchy of inheritors in case of intestacy:

Descendants : The decedent's issue and their descendants will inherit in the first place. Either legitimate, illegitimate child or individuals adopted have the same succession rights.

Ascendants : They will inherit when the decedent dies without leaving issue. They will inherit in equal parts.

The spouse will inherit if the decedent has neither issue nor ascendants.

Collateral family: If the decedent had neither descendants, nor ascendants, nor spouse, his brothers and/or sisters will inherit equal parts of the estate. Nephews/nieces will inherit the portion that would have corresponded to the brother/sister deceased (brother/sister of the testator and father/mother of the nephews/nieces who shall inherit)

Cousins will inherit when there exist no one of the individuals above mentioned.

The Spanish Government will inherit when there exist no one of the individuals above mentioned.

Disinheritance

This is the act of a person that has the effect of depriving an obligatory heir of the property that would have been distributed to that person under the Spanish laws of succession. Disinheritance can only be made by leaving a valid will.

Acceptance, repudiation of the inheritance

Acceptance is a declaration of the heir's intention to inherit all rights and obligations that belonged to the decedent. He may accept through a public or a private document, it may also be accepted tacitly, and by taking the assets he was left.

The heir may accept the inheritance in profit of inventory "a beneficio de inventario", which means that the heir will only pay the decedent's obligations up to the limit of the assets contained in the will; otherwise they shall pay the total amount of the debt even with their personal property. It is advisable that the heirs accept in profit of inventory when it is uncertain the deceased's ability to pay the debts he contracted. The acceptance in profit of inventory can be made before a notary, a judge or before a consular agent, in case the heir is not in his country of origin.

Acceptance or repudiation of the inheritance shall be declared within 30 days after the death of the decedent

Keeping children safe

Whether you are moving to Spain or just spending part of the year there, you need to be aware that the sun's rays are stronger than in Northern Europe or other milder climates. Be responsible by making sure you understand the risks for children and keep them protected.

Better weather means not only that you are likely to spend more time outdoors, but also raises the chances of overexposure to ultra-violet (UV) rays. We spend far more time outdoors as children, teenagers and young adults - especially during the long summer holidays. Not many adults spend hours or weeks on end in the sun unless they work outside. We get around 80 per cent of our sun exposure by time we reach the age of 21.

The risk of skin cancer

We all know that our children's skin is delicate and prone to damage from the sun's rays, but there is more to it than that. The way we treat our skin in the first 21 years is crucial. If we spend this time in the sun, constantly trying to get a tan - or worse still getting sunburnt - then we significantly increase our risk of developing skin cancer.

Thankfully skin cancer is rare in children. However, many skin cancers take years to develop. Damage to the DNA of our skin cells when young, may develop into skin cancer 30 years on! The most serious type of skin cancer - melanoma - is the third most common cancer in 15 to 39 year olds.

Experts agree that reducing the amount of sun we have as children and teenagers has a far greater impact on melanoma risk than a reduction as adults.

What can we do to ensure the correct levels of protection for our children?

Using a high protection sun screen or lotion in combination with a sun protection outfit will help protect exposed skin not covered by swimwear – particularly the tops of ears and noses.

• Make sure you reapply lotions. The bottle will usually have instructions, follow them!
• As a practical alternative, specialist UV protection swimwear helps by providing safe and easy to manage sun protection for parents and children. Originating in Australia , these swimwear products are now readily available in Europe and are specifically designed to block over 95% of the sun's harmful rays.
• Use hats/caps to protect the head and face.
• Limit exposure to the sun at the first sign of redness, soreness or tightening of skin before getting burnt.
• A simple ‘rule of thumb' is the shadow rule - if your shadow is longer than you are, then you're safe from the sun! Limited exposure by avoiding the hottest part of the day when the sun is strongest is a straightforward way of reducing risk.

Tyres. Check regular that the tyre pressure is correct for example when you refill with petrol .Inspect your tyres for any cuts, bulges and check the tread. When you park the car, check for any oil/fluid leaks on the ground. Check the radiator coolant level once a month.Check the exhaust every 6 months. Check the lights, brake lights, indicators and windscreen washers regular. Always carry a triangle and protective luminous jacket in the car - incase of breakdown, as well as a wheel spanner and jack. Have an emergency breakdown telephone number in the car .Keep the car clean, and inspect on a regular basis for damage, chips/dents etc. Check the spare tyre. Always keep copies in the car of all original documents such as insurance, log book/green card etc

Always carry a triangle and protective luminous jacket in the car - incase of breakdown, as well as a wheel spanner and jack

If you still have a UK driving license, you no longer need to change it to a European one, but can make a copy and have it stamped by traffico, to keep in the car.

Servicing .

Generally petrol cars every 15-20,000 kms and diesel every 10 - 15,000 kms or once a year. Though check with the manufacturer as sometimes it can depend on the type of oil they put in - especially with new cars.

Maintaining your car - takes more than just a trip to the car wash - safety is foremost, as is keeping it roadworthy and keeping the value. A well maintained vehicle will deliver a trouble free ride.

Normally offers that sound too good to be true are too good to be true. But not so at Ikea, the Swedish furniture company has recently begun a new service taking customers from Fuerteventura to their store in Lanzarote for FREE.

To take advantage of the service you must be a resident with a valid NIE number. All you have to do is call the central reservation office at Ikea to book your seat on the special coaches. Coaches leave from various points throughout the island including Puerto Del Rosario and Parque Holandes.

Local resident Jan Arnott took advantage of the trip last Thursday and said: It was really well organized. We just rang up 828 08200, gave our ages and NIE numbers and they booked us on the coach for the following day. We got 2 hours in Ikea which was plenty of time. It was a really good trip”.

But as with all good things there is a shelf life to this amazing offer so if you want to take advantage do so now as the offer only lasts until the end of June.

We chose to eat outside on the covered round patio that faces out onto Caleta

We went on to enjoy a classic lamb Rogan Josh. This can be enjoyed either mild or wild depending on your taste. Along with this, we sampled Chicken Jalfreezi, a classic chicken dish, full of flavour and incredibly addictive. Chana masala, chickpeas lightly cooked with fresh ginger and a kick of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Our final dish was Kashmir special biryani, which was basically special fried rice Indian style! Basmati rice with shrimp, fish, chicken, lamb, beef, vegetables, nuts and raisins with a fresh mint and yogurt sauce. These were all delicious. One of the things I most enjoy about Indian food is the way challenges all of your senses. It smells great, looks attractive, has very interesting textures and tastes terrific.

To leave no stone unturned in the name of good investigative journalism we also had to try some of the delicious Indian breads available. To accompany our meal we went for two breads. We tried the Garlic Nan and found it to be absolutely delicious - hot, fresh, fluffy with exactly the right amount of fresh garlic and Aloo Paratha. This flaky flatbread is stuffed with a thin layer of smashed potatoes and peas seasoned with cumin.

Sharing is definitely the best way to go with Indian food. Sampling everyone's dishes allows you to try everything and perhaps to sample things that you normally wouldn't order. All of the dishes were delightfully presented, tasted very fresh and were delicious.

Some people are scared of Indian food because of the reputation it has for being over spicy. This is absolutely not the case and at Indian Rock the wait staff is more than willing to guide you toward dishes that suit your palate. There are plenty of delicately flavored dishes such as Korma as well as the more robust traditional curries like Bhuna, Jalfreezi and for those of you who can take the heat Vindaloo.

Indian Rock
Indian tandoori restaurant
CC La Cupula, Caleta de Fuste
Tel: 928 163 449
Email: indianrock@fuertecabras.com

Burro is a donkey – but also a fish. Dorada is a beer – but also a fish. And a parrot is not just a bird. Believe it or not, it's also a fish. Yes, the fish here have peculiar names but believe me, the range of fresh fish available has to be seen to be believed.

Go into any of the supermarkets in Fuerteventura and you'll find the most glorious fish counters.

Chock full of fresh fish, some of them easily recognised, particularly if you've lived here for a while and have ordered them on menus. But even if you're a visitor to the island, have a look at the fish counter in some of the larger supermarkets. These are the one the locals shop in. The counters are usually divided into a fresh section and a frozen section.

The fish may look a bit odd and you may not know exactly how to cook them. But don't be put off. They'll come under the same categories as at home – white fish, oily fish, smoked fish, shellfish. So you just need to prepare and cook them in the same way. As well as burro, dorado and vieja (parrot) you'll see names such as cherne (also called mero), merluza (hake), lubina (sea bass), lenguado (sole). And of course, you can get atun or bonito (tuna).

Shellfish varieties include mejillónes (mussels), almejas (clams), berberechos (cockles), gambas (prawns), large prawns (langostinos).

Squid (calamares) and octopus (pulpo) are great for tapas and you can usually buy these ready-to-go. Try pulpo a la vinagreta, or calamares fritos.

You'll also see a lot of bacalao (cod). This is not native to these islands and it's usually in the form of salt cod, a very popular fish. It's used quite a lot for tapas such as cod with garlic or cod with onions.

It's easy to see that the fish is fresh – the flesh is firm, the eyes are clear and the gills are red.

Apparently, there are 540 varieties of fish in the waters around the island – though just how they were all counted is a mystery. From the large blue and white marlin and the Bluefin tuna to the tiddlers, this is a fishy place. And while at times it may be a bit expensive, the health benefits easily outweigh this.

• It's full of protein, vitamins and minerals that helps protect your heart and can help reduce blood pressure.
• It's a good source of zinc that's necessary for the immune system. Men should make sure they have plenty of zinc as it helps increase sperm count.
• Fish contains iodine, which gives you a healthy metabolism.

•  Oil-rich fish have omega-3 fats. As your body can't make this, you need to take some every day. Omega 3 fats help to protect the body from heart disease and may play a role in helping to prevent other diseases such as Alzheimer's and some types of cancers. Oil-rich fish is one of the few foods to provide omega 3 fats and it is a source of two of the most important types of omega 3 – EPA and DHA. Omega 3 fats can be found in small amounts in some other foods but the body has trouble turning these fats into the EPA and DHA that it needs. It is recommended that we eat oil rich fish at least once a week to make sure we get enough omega 3.

•  Omega 3 fats are strongly associated with protection against heart disease, such as high blood cholesterol or raised Triglycerides levels and people already diagnosed with heart disease. One study showed a 52% lower risk of heart attack when people ate fish at least once a week .

•  Omega 3 fats are strongly associated with protection against heart disease, such as high blood cholesterol or raised Triglycerides levels and people already diagnosed with heart disease. One study showed a 52% lower risk of heart attack when people ate fish at least once a week.

Ingredients:

24 medium sardines

salt

1 red pepper

2 medium onions

2 cloves garlic

1 tablespoon chopped parsley

2 tablespoons breadcrumbs

1 tablespoon grated cheese

olive oil

Heat the oven to gas mark 6/200ºC.

Clean the sardines first. Insert your finger into the belly and remove all the innards. Remove the head and then open the fish out flat. Wash in cold water and dry with a cloth. Sprinkle with some salt. You may be able to buy these ready prepared.

Slice the onions into rings and the pepper into strips. Crush the garlic. Heat some olive oil in a pan, then cook the vegetables until soft, but not browned. Mix the crumbs, parsley and cheese.

Place the vegetables in the bottom of an ovenproof dish, large enough to take the fish in one layer. Otherwise use two dishes. Sprinkle over half the breadcrumb mixture, lay Place in the oven for about 10 minutes until cooked. Serve hot.

This is full of flavour and you can use any type of white fish. Try merluza (hake), mero (known as either cherne or wreck fish) or rape (monkfish). Serves 4-6

900g baby potatoes, cut in half

1 large onion, chopped

1 tsp tomato purée

sea salt

1tblsp olive oil

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 handful fresh basil

cayenne pepper

1x400g tin chopped tomatoes

500g fresh spinach, washed

500g white fish, cut into pieces

chopped parsley to garnish

Preheat the oven to gas 5/190ºC.

Place the potatoes, onion and tomato purée in a medium-sized roasting tin, drizzle with some olive oil and sea salt. Combine well and roast fro 10 minutes. Add the garlic, chopped basil and cayenne pepper. Return to the oven for 10 minutes. Then add the tomatoes, pieces of fish and return to the oven until the potatoes and fish are cooked. Remove from the oven and add the spinach. It will cook with the heat of the sauce. Sprinkle with the parsley

Serve with crusty bread.

When the weather turns warm, everyone wants to be in or around the water. Hanging out at the pool or the beach on a hot day is a great way to beat the heat.

Between having fun and checking out the lifeguards, most people don't think much about water safety — but they should. For people between the ages of 5 and 24, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death. It doesn't have to be that way, though. Most water-related accidents can be avoided by knowing how to stay safe and following a few simple guidelines.

Swimming Smarts

"Buddy up!" That's what swimming instructors say. Always swim with a partner, every time — whether you're swimming in a backyard pool or in a lake. Even experienced swimmers can become tired or get muscle cramps, which might make it difficult to get out of the water. When people swim together, they can help each other or go for help in case of an emergency.

Get skilled. Speaking of emergencies, it's good to be prepared. Learning some life-saving techniques, such as CPR and rescue techniques, can help you save a life. A number of organizations offer free classes for both beginning and experienced swimmers and boaters.

Know your limits. Swimming can be a lot of fun — and you might want to stay in the water as long as possible. If you're not a good swimmer or you're just learning to swim, don't go in water that's so deep you can't touch the bottom and don't try to keep up with skilled swimmers.

If you are a good swimmer and have had lessons, keep an eye on friends who aren't as comfortable or as skilled as you are. If it seems like they (or you) are getting tired or a little uneasy, suggest that you take a break from swimming for a while.

Swim in safe areas only. It's a good idea to swim only in places that are supervised by a lifeguard. No one can anticipate changing ocean currents, riptides, sudden storms, or other hidden dangers. In the event that something does go wrong, lifeguards are trained in rescue techniques.

Swimming in an open body of water (like a river, lake, or ocean) is different from swimming in a pool. You need more energy to handle the currents and other conditions in the open water.

If you do find yourself caught in a current, don't panic and don't fight the current. Swim with the current, gradually trying to make your way back to shore as you do so. Even a very good swimmer who tries to swim against a strong current will get worn out. If you're going to be swimming in an open body of water, it's a great idea to take swimming lessons that provide you with tips on handling unexpected hazards.

Playing it safe

Some areas with extremely strong currents are off limits when it comes to swimming. Do your research so you know where not to swim. BE AWARE OF THE COLOUR OF THE BEACH FLAGS.

Be careful about diving. Only dive in areas that are known to be safe for diving, such as the deep end of a supervised pool. If an area is posted with "No Diving" or "No Swimming" signs pay attention to them. If you see a "No Diving" sign that means the water isn't safe for a head-first entry. Even if you plan to jump in feet first, check the water's depth before you leap to make sure there are no hidden rocks or other hazards.

Watch the sun. Sun reflecting off the water or off sand can intensify the burning rays. You might not feel sunburned when the water feels cool and refreshing, but the pain will catch up with you later — so remember to reapply sunscreen frequently and cover up much of the time.

Drink plenty of fluids. It's easy to get dehydrated in the sun, particularly if you're active and sweating. Keep up with fluids — particularly water — to prevent dehydration. Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or nausea can be signs of dehydration and overheating.

Getting too cool. Speaking of temperature, it's possible to get too cool. How? Staying in very cool water for long periods can lower your body temperature. A temperature of 70° Fahrenheit (20° Celsius) is positively balmy on land, but did you know that water below 70° Fahrenheit will feel cold to most swimmers? Your body temperature drops far more quickly in water than it does on land. And if you're swimming, you're using energy and losing body heat even faster than if you were keeping still. Monitor yourself when swimming in cold water and stay close to shore. If feel your body start to shiver or your muscles cramp up, get out of the water quickly; it doesn't take long for hypothermia to set in.

Alcohol and water never mix. Alcohol is involved in numerous water-related injuries and up to half of all water-related deaths.

At the Water Park

OK, so you do more splashing than swimming, but it's just as important to know your skill level at the water park as it is at the pool. Take a moment to read warnings and other signs. And make sure you do slide runs feet first or you'll put yourself at risk for a ride that's a lot less fun — one to your doctor or dentist.

Boating Safety

More people die in boating accidents every year than in airplane crashes or train wrecks, but a little common sense can make boating both enjoyable and safe. If you are going to go boating, make sure the captain or person handling the boat is experienced and competent.

Alcohol and water still don't mix. One third of boating deaths are alcohol related. Alcohol distorts a person's judgment no matter where they are — but that distortion is even greater on the water. There is a condition called boater's fatigue, which means that the wind, noise, heat, and vibration of the boat all combine to wear you down when you're on the water.

Because there are no road signs or lane markers on the water and the weather can be unpredictable, it's important to be able to think quickly and react well under pressure. If you're drinking, this can be almost impossible.

Personal flotation devices. It's always a good idea for everyone on the boat to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket, whether the boat is a large speedboat or a canoe — and whether you're a good swimmer or not. Wearing a life jacket (also known as a personal flotation device, or PFD). Wearing a PFD is like wearing a helmet while biking. It may take a few minutes to get used to it, but it definitely can be a lifesaver. Don't leave land without it.

Jet skis. If you're using jet skis or personal watercraft, follow the same rules as you do for boating. You should also check out the laws in your area governing the use of personal watercraft. Some areas won't allow people under a certain age to operate these devices; others require you to take a course or pass a test before you can ride one.

Now Have Fun!

Kitz n Katz is a charity dedicated to the rescue and re-homing of unwanted, abandoned and stray cats and kittens. The animals are rescued and cared for by the charity until they are ready for a new home. The animals are not only re- housed in Fuerteventura many are also sent to Germany but unfortunately hardly any find their way to the UK due to the quarantine procedures involved.

The sister charity in Germany posts photos of cats and kittens that need a home on their website. If anyone is interested and would like to adopt a representative from the organization is sent to check and assess the suitability of the candidates before the cat or kitten can be adopted. This check also provides an opportunity to ask any questions that prospective owners may have.

Kitz n Katz aims to find loving permanent homes with responsible people for all animals in its care and undertakes never to destroy any cat unless advised to do so by a veterinary surgeon on the grounds of ill health. Veterinary treatment is provided when necessary and all adult cats are spayed or neutered before re-homing

All of the work of the charity is undertaken by volunteers and is funded entirely by donations and fundraising activities. There is a flea market once a month in Puerto del Rosario – usually the second Sunday except August due to the heat. There may be no flea market in August but organizers are planning a fund raising fair and more information will follow closer to the event.

For further information on donations for the flea market or on adoptions please contact Kitz n Katz 928 878689

If you can help in any way or would like more information, contact us on 0034 928 878 689 or visit us at the 'Hobbiton' Cat Refuge Centre in Antigua. Email: hobbiton@idecnet.com

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