TravelCalp

30/06/2025

The Ministry of Health recommends avoiding these beverages that "promote dehydration" and prioritizing water intake.

One of the most repeated but least listened to recommendations for dealing with extreme heat has to do with a change in eating habits, which in many cases is not only not applied but actually does the exact opposite. The Ministry of Health and many other health authorities actively recommend "avoiding caffeinated, alcoholic, or sugary drinks" during days of extreme heat, since the consumption of these substances can "promote dehydration" and increases the risk of heat stroke. Following this recommendation, then, during these days, we should avoid tinto de verano (summer red wines) or sun-dried beers and prioritize water intake.

The explanation is simple. Alcohol has a diuretic effect on the body. That is, it increases urine production. This is because the ethanol contained in alcoholic beverages inhibits the release of a hormone known as vasopressin, which is a signal substance that the brain uses to tell the kidneys to retain and process ingested fluids. In this situation, the body is forced to expel water more quickly and frequently through urine, and in doing so, it loses fluids (as well as electrolytes such as sodium and potassium) at a faster rate than usual. Hence, with glass after glass, there is a marked increase in the risk of dehydration.

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30/06/2025

The Ministry of Health recommends avoiding these beverages that "promote dehydration" and prioritizing water intake.

One of the most repeated but least listened to recommendations for dealing with extreme heat has to do with a change in eating habits, which in many cases is not only not applied but actually does the exact opposite. The Ministry of Health and many other health authorities actively recommend "avoiding caffeinated, alcoholic, or sugary drinks" during days of extreme heat, since the consumption of these substances can "promote dehydration" and increases the risk of heat stroke. Following this recommendation, then, during these days, we should avoid tinto de verano (summer red wines) or sun-dried beers and prioritize water intake.

The explanation is simple. Alcohol has a diuretic effect on the body. That is, it increases urine production. This is because the ethanol contained in alcoholic beverages inhibits the release of a hormone known as vasopressin, which is a signal substance that the brain uses to tell the kidneys to retain and process ingested fluids. In this situation, the body is forced to expel water more quickly and frequently through urine, and in doing so, it loses fluids (as well as electrolytes such as sodium and potassium) at a faster rate than usual. Hence, with glass after glass, there is a marked increase in the risk of dehydration.

Heat Stress

Under normal circumstances, alcohol consumption already causes significant fluid loss in the body. This can be seen in the sensation of a dry mouth after several drinks. Or the symptoms of migraines or even hangovers, which are often directly related to a lack of water. In extreme heat, the impact of this phenomenon is even greater. This is especially true when you consider that the body is already exposed to significant heat stress and is already losing fluids through other mechanisms such as sweating. In these circumstances, the fluid loss resulting from the diuretic effect of alcohol can lead to even more severe dehydration.

Another factor to keep in mind is that alcohol intake also increases the perception of heat (not body temperature). This is because, on the one hand, alcohol itself causes vasodilation of the blood vessels, increases blood flow to the surface, and causes people to feel hotter and redder. This is why many people turn red when they are drunk. On the other hand, alcohol is also known to have a direct impact on the central nervous system, and this, in turn, can also distort the perception of body temperature. Therefore, it is not surprising that when people get drunk, they feel hotter than normal, fan themselves, or remove items of clothing.

Alternate glasses of water

The ideal recommendation, supported by all specialists and health authorities, would be to completely avoid consuming alcoholic and sugary beverages during extremely hot days. However, if you do, experts recommend taking precautionary measures to minimize the risk of dehydration and heat stroke. The most repeated advice is to drink plenty of water before, during, and after drinking alcohol. For example, alternating a glass of water with each glass consumed. It is also recommended to limit alcohol intake (i.e., not overindulge in too many drinks), avoid direct sun exposure while drinking, seek shelter in cool places, and avoid excessively heavy meals.

The last recommendation, and perhaps the most important, is to be especially careful if symptoms of dehydration or heat exhaustion appear while drinking. These include dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, excessive sweating, fatigue, hyperventilation, or headache. If you detect these warning signs, it is recommended to stop drinking alcohol immediately, seek shelter in a cool place, drink plenty of water, and, in the most serious cases, seek medical attention. This recommendation is especially important for people over 60 and those with chronic illnesses that may worsen in the heat.

30/05/2025

In 1996, archaeologists discovered a 7,500-year-old Neolithic skull in a cave burial near Europa Point, Gibraltar. Named

"Calpeia," after the classical name for Gibraltar, the skull belonged to a woman who lived around 5400 B.C., during the later Neolithic period.

Her genome showed 90% Anatolian ancestry and 10% local Mesolithic hunter-gatherer genes, suggesting she or her recent ancestors migrated by sea from modern-day Turkey to Gibraltar.

Calpeia's remains, the oldest known modern human female from Gibraltar, offer insights into the spread of agriculture and human migration across the Mediterranean during the Neolithic revolution.

All credits to:
Ancient history https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16cw2EayMx/

12/03/2025

Megalodon, the largest shark ever, turns out to be even bigger after research on unique Belgian skeleton

One of the most complete skeletons in the world of the largest shark ever was found in Antwerp. The spine has now been fully digitized and helped scientists discover that the shark was even longer than they thought: the giant could be up to 24 meters long, which is about the size of two city buses together.

🦈Otodus megalodon is a gigantic mega shark that lived in the seas from 23 to 3.6 million years ago. We know that it was enormous compared to modern sharks, but finding out more about its appearance is very difficult. In a new study, paleontologists have re-examined some of its biological properties using a Belgian skeleton. The study shows that the shark could have been up to 24 meters long.

🦈The study is based on the incomplete Antwerp vertebral specimen of the mega shark, which mainly consists of trunk vertebrae of 11.1 meters, as well as specimens of 165 species of extinct and living sharks. Their results show that it may have had a slender body and may have reached a length of about 24.3 meters. In addition, the shark would have been more similar in build to a slender lemon shark than a robust white shark.

🦈The skeleton of the megalodon, like that of modern sharks, consisted mainly of cartilage. Only the teeth and vertebrae have been preserved as fossils on the seabed, which made research into their appearance difficult. Therefore, scientists wanted to calculate the length of the body parts that do not appear in the fossil vertebral column, namely the head and tail of the shark.

"Assuming that Otodus megalodon had a body plan similar to the vast majority of sharks, we determined that its head length and tail length may have accounted for approximately 16.6 percent and 32.6 percent of its total body length, respectively," researchers said. "Since the Belgian specimen measures 11.1 meters, its head and tail were estimated to be approximately 1.8 meters and 3.6 meters long, respectively, giving an estimated total length of 16.4 meters for this particular individual."

🦈While the Belgian vertebral column gives scientists a wealth of related bones to work with, it is not the only megalodon vertebrae paleontologists have found, nor the largest. The largest vertebra in the collection measures 15.5 centimeters, while other vertebrae found near Denmark have been found to be considerably larger, up to 23 centimeters in diameter. Assuming that this is the largest possible size that a megalodon vertebra can reach, the researchers calculated a new peak size for the shark.

"This study does provide the most robust analysis yet of megalodon body size and shape," says marine biologist Phillip Sternes.
TravelCalp

27/02/2025

The mind-boggling scale of the universe.

Here's how a planet (Earth) compares to stars and a black hole.

The Sun (yellow dwarf star) vs Earth
Stephenson 2-18 (a red supergiant star) vs the Sun
Ton 618 (black hole) vs A red supergiant

Learn more:

https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1990AJ.....99.1867S/abstract

https://www.nasa.gov/universe/nasa-animation-sizes-up-the-universes-biggest-black-holes/

16/02/2025

In the Valencian Community, the most expensive municipality is Moraira. In this town the average price per square metre is 4,001 euros, followed by Xàbia (3,579 euros), Alboraya (3,531 euros) and Benissa (3,519 euros). On the other hand, the most expensive area of ​​the Valencian Community is not in any of these municipalities: it is in Calp.

The Playa del Arenal - Bol de Calp area is the most expensive area, where apartments are priced at 5,243 euros per square metre. This figure is striking when compared, for example, with Madrid where the cost per square metre is 5,104 euros.

In this beach area of ​​Calp there are authentic luxury villas for sale right next to the sea for four and two million euros. In addition, there are new-build apartments right next to the beach and with views of the Penyal d'Ifach that cost more than one and a half million euros and have almost 200 square metres.

In the province of Alicante there are other very expensive areas such as El Portet - Pla del Mar, in Moraira (5,144 euros) and the Port of Xàbia (4,358 euros).

25/12/2024

11/11/2024

What force... 😔

15/08/2024

Markets and flea markets on the Costa Blanca to visit.

Although sometimes we think of the Costa Blanca as a place of sun and beach, the truth is that there are many other attractions. Among them, we find the possibility of shopping in a relaxed way in markets and flea markets with top quality products.

Here is a list with some of our recommendations if you want to go shopping.

Calpe Markets

Calpe is one of the main points of interest on the Costa Blanca, and its maritime charm is combined with that of its market. Located on Avenida Rumanía from 8am to 2pm every Saturday, here you will find more than 200 stalls.

In addition to food, on Wednesdays there is the option of buying old products such as vinyl records, old crockery, second-hand clothes… Lovers of culture and vintage fashion are in luck here.
On Saturdays, the food market in calpe is in the old town, and the entrance is in the "petit street", la calle petit

Teulada Market

Open Thursdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Taulada Market is located on the street of the same name in the city of Alicante. It is a good excuse to come and spend the day there; first do some shopping and then visit the center of the town.

It is noticeable that it is somewhat focused on foreign tourists, since among the more than 100 stalls there are antiques or objects of a certain value, so it is not the typical place to find great bargains.

Moraira Market

In a fishing village like Moraira we find this market. It is located in the main parking lot of the town, on Avenida Madrid, and it sells everything from clothing and footwear to seasonal foods.

As it is held on Fridays, there is a good atmosphere and it can be combined with a visit to Moreira beach, a less crowded enclave on the Costa Blanca. You can discover authentic treasures at a good price.

Benissa Market

On Saturdays there is an unmissable date with the Benissa market if you want to soak up the essence of the Mediterranean street. It is not set up in a single location, but you can find different stalls as you walk around the Alicante town.

You can come here from 8am to find the best local produce. Benissa also has the unique feature of holding the “Mercat dels Portxes” market every second Saturday of the month, where different traders from the town bring some of their produce to the streets.

Jalón Flea Market

One of the most charming flea markets in the area is in Jalón. Located in the Paraje de L’Azud, on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. there are numerous vendors here where the main attraction is antiques and various products for tourists.

Despite being a town with a lot of tourism, Jalón is still a quiet place that is well worth a visit at any time of the year. The climate is pleasant and it still maintains its pure and original essence.

Pedreguer Flea Market

Fans of the most authentic flea markets have an appointment on Sundays at 8 a.m. in the Les Galgues Industrial Estate in Pedreguer. One of the most popular flea markets in the Marina Alta is set up here, with space for all kinds of food and objects.

As it is held on a public holiday, the influx can be quite high, so we recommend arriving early to park nearby and be able to buy without complications. A must-see for those who enjoy finding antique jewels at flea markets.

La Nucia flea market

Another flea market held in an industrial estate, in this case La Alberca, has been in existence for three decades. With a large area, up to 700 stalls are set up with all kinds of products, but the most notable are the antiques.

La Nucia is a town with less than 20,000 inhabitants, but it still attracts a large number of buyers and tourists to its flea market. Located in the Marina Alta, from there you can go to the Mediterranean coast, less than 10 kilometres away.

Jesús Pobre Market “Mercat del Riurau”

10 kilometres from the centre of Dénia, this market has the peculiarity that it opens in the afternoon in summer (from 6pm to 11pm) and in the morning the rest of the year (from 9am to 2pm). It is special because many farmers, bakers and artisans come here to offer their products, without intermediaries.

It is an ideal place for those looking for classic pieces or antiques, since the first Sunday of every month there is also a collectors fair with all kinds of vintage objects.

11/08/2024

The Perseid meteor shower will be racing past our Earth in the coming days - as it does every year around this time. As a result, there is a good chance of spotting shooting stars from tonight. The peak will be on the night of Monday 12 to Tuesday 13 August, but in general shooting stars are also visible the days before and after that. In addition, the weather conditions are favourable.

Anyone who definitely wants to spot shooting stars should look at the sky at 04:00 on Tuesday 13 August. That is the best time. There may be fifty to more than sixty meteors to be seen if it is clear. According to the calculations, the peak moment is on Monday evening 12 August, but then it is still quite light, which means that the 85 meteors that will pass by then will be more difficult to see. Shooting stars can also be seen on the night from Sunday to Monday.

Every year around mid-August, the Perseids meteor shower passes by, one of the most spectacular and active meteor showers of the year. Two years ago, the Perseids were barely visible due to the full moon during the peak night. This year, the full moon does not spoil the fun and the natural phenomenon can be enjoyed in dark locations during clear weather. The weather conditions seem ideal for the coming nights: clear and fairly mild nights. In urban areas, it is more difficult to see due to the presence of artificial light.

The Perseids are created when the orbit of the Earth crosses the orbit of the comet Swift-Tuttle. The comet, 26 kilometers in diameter, travels around the sun every 133 years. In 1992, the comet was visible as a faint glow with good binoculars. Around 2125, the comet should be visible from Earth again. Ancient texts indicate that the Chinese had already spotted the comet in the year 69 BC.

In the comet's orbit, there are tiny ice and dust particles that remain behind when the comet passes. When these particles, usually no larger than a grain of sand, enter the Earth's atmosphere, they burn up. This produces a luminous trail.

The Perseids are known for their brightness, speed and afterglow trails. They move at about 214,000 kilometers per hour (60 kilometers per second) and reach a temperature of 1600 degrees Celsius during their fall through the atmosphere.

👀Viewing tips

Choose a place that is as dark as possible where you are not bothered by artificial light. With artificial light, you can quickly miss the fainter meteors and that is a shame. The advantage this year is that there is hardly any moonlight.

Let your eyes get used to the dark. At night, your eyes only really get used to the dark after 15 to 20 minutes. Then your pupils are fully open and they receive the most light. Make sure that the place you choose is one where you have a clear view of the horizon and a large part of the sky.

Use a lounge chair or a deck chair or lie down and a cold drink. Standing stargazing for a long period of time is very tiring. In a chair with a backrest that can be tilted back, you can watch wonderfully relaxed without straining your neck too much.

11/08/2024

What did the Moors do to combat the heat in Spain centuries ago?

The Moors, originally Muslim people from North Africa, controlled large parts of Spain from the 8th to the 15th century. During their rule, they introduced many innovative techniques and building styles that not only shaped their architecture, but also significantly influenced their lifestyle. One of the biggest challenges the Moors had to overcome was the extreme climate in Spain, especially the hot summers.

A good example to understand how the Moors dealt with the heat in Spain is to visit the Alhambra in Granada. All of the techniques below were used there, and is therefore perhaps the best example of Moorish building style and techniques to brave the hot summers in the Hispania they conquered.

The Moors used local building materials such as brick and natural stone, which were known for their thermal mass. Thermal mass refers to the ability of a material to store and slowly release heat. For example, brick walls can absorb the heat of the day and only release it later in the evening when the temperature drops. This kept the interior spaces relatively cool during the day.

Another characteristic of Moorish architecture is the thick walls. Thick walls not only provide structural stability, but also provide excellent insulation. Often made from a combination of brick, clay and lime, these walls act as a buffer against the outside temperature, keeping the interior spaces cooler. They also helped regulate the interior temperature by gradually absorbing and releasing heat.

The Moors used plaster, often decorated with intricate patterns and inscriptions, to insulate their buildings. Lime-based plaster has excellent thermal properties. It reflects a large part of the sunlight, preventing excessive heat absorption. In addition, lime plaster has the property of regulating moisture, which helps maintain a comfortable interior temperature.

Architectural Innovations

One of the most iconic elements of Moorish architecture is the courtyard, also known as the ‘patio’. These courtyards, often with gardens and fountains, played a crucial role in keeping homes cool. Vegetation provided shade, while fountains and water features cooled the air through evaporation. In addition, the open structure of the courtyards promoted air circulation, which was essential for natural ventilation.

Water was a central element in Moorish architecture, not only for its aesthetic value but also for its functional role in climate control. Fountains, ponds, and canals were strategically placed to create a cooling effect. The flowing water absorbed heat from the environment, and the process of evaporation lowered the air temperature. In addition, the sounds of running water created a soothing atmosphere.

Ivanas and loggias, covered but open spaces that often bordered a courtyard, provided shaded areas where people could stay during the day. These structures were designed to promote airflow while avoiding direct exposure to the sun. This allowed residents to enjoy cool breezes without being exposed to the blazing sun.

One of the most innovative cooling techniques used by the Moors was the wind tower, also known as a barjeel. These towers captured the wind and channeled it down into the building. The air was channeled through the tower and cooled before it reached the living spaces. This system, which relied on natural air circulation, was particularly effective at maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature without mechanical cooling.

The Moors used advanced ventilation systems, including underground ducts and air ducts. These systems worked on the basis of natural convection, where warm air rose and cold air was drawn down. By strategically placing vents and ducts, they were able to create a continuous airflow that helped regulate the indoor temperature.

The Moors often planted orchards and created green spaces around their homes and cities. In addition to providing food, this vegetation also provided shade and improved air quality. Trees and plants absorb sunlight and reduce the temperature of the environment through the process of transpiration, where water evaporates from leaves and cools the air. Although green roofs were not widespread, the Moors sometimes used vegetation on roofs to regulate internal temperatures. This vegetation acted as a natural insulator, reducing the heating of the roof surface and keeping the building below cool.