Costa de Almeria 7 – 13 March 2024 Issue 2018

Urban street art

WALL paintings have existed across the Iberian Peninsula since the prehistoric times, none more prevalent than the iconic Indalo man, estimated to be more than 4,500 years old, which can be found on local company logos, car stickers and in abundant supply as ceramic trinkets in local tourist shops.

Since then, the Romans and the Moors have left their indelible mark, and equally in the Gothic & Renaissance periods and Baroque & Rococo eras, notable contributions have been added to the

GRATIS GRATIS GRATIS GRATUITO VRIJ LIVRE ILMAINEN G F

Almeria

A colourful work of art in Mojacar.

What’s in a date?

Nora Shephard

MOTHER’S DAY in the UK falls on Sunday, March 10, this year.

Unlike fixed holidays such as Christmas or Valentine’s Day, Mothering Sunday in the UK varies each year.

Rooted in the Christian observance of Lent, Mothering Sunday occurs on the fourth Sunday, precisely three weeks before Easter Sunday.

Originating in the Middle Ages, when domestic service workers were allowed to visit their ‘mother’ church, it evolved into a spring occasion for family reunions, with children picking flowers as gifts for their mothers on the way home.

In the United States, Mother’s Day

MOTHER’S DAY sure knows how to bloom!

While Valentine’s Day may steal the spotlight with its roses, when it comes to flowers and plants, mums reign supreme.

Surpassing even other big holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah, Mother’s Day ranks as the third-highest-selling holiday for floral delights.

It’s a floral frenzy!

was established in 1907 by Anna Jarvis, honouring mothers and their roles.

It’s observed on the second Sunday in May, following Jarvis’s tradition of holding a service to honour her mother.

Despite its commercialisation, Mother’s Day is celebrated globally, with varying dates and traditions.

For example, Nigeria, the UK, and Ireland celebrate on the fourth Sunday of Lent, while most countries, including the US, observe it on the second Sunday in May.

Other countries, like Russia, Vietnam, and Afghanistan, celebrate Mother’s Day on International Women’s Day, March 8.

Floral fiesta

DID you know that Mother’s Day is the day when the most calls are made, with a whopping 122 million calls happening on the second Sunday of May each year?

Mum fun

Image: ArtBackground / Shutterstock.com

Mums reign supreme.

About one-quarter of all flowers sold in a year are destined for Mother’s Day

bouquets.

And let’s not forget the tradition of carnations. Carnations have become synonymous with celebrating mums, with red ones adorning the mums that are still with us, while white ones are placed on the graves of those who have passed.

It’s also the busiest day for restaurants, with around 48 per cent of people choosing to dine out to celebrate.

The tradition of honouring mothers dates back to Ancient Greece, where spring festivals were held in honour of Rhea, the goddess of motherhood.

And, speaking of mo-

thers, the term ‘mum’ likely originates from babies’ first vocalisations, as the ‘ma’ sound is often one of the first things they say. In the United States, the history of Mother’s Day began with Ann Jarvis, who worked to foster friendship and community among mothers on both sides of the Civil War.

Her daughter Anna Reeves Jarvis continued her legacy by establishing an

official day of observance, leading to the first Mother’s Day celebration in 1908.

Woodrow Wilson later signed Mother’s Day into law as a nationwide holiday in 1914. But Mother’s Day isn’t just about mums; on average, people in the UK buy 2.8 Mother’s Day cards, showing that the love extends to grandmothers, sisters, and motherin-laws too.

MOTHER’S DAY: One of the busiest days of the year.

International Women’s Day is March 8

John Smith

QUITE often the reason particular dates for international days are chosen is unclear but in the case of March 8 for International Women’s Day it’s down to religion.

Prior to the Revolution, Imperial Russia had not recognised the Gregorian Calendar, choosing instead to follow the Julian Calendar, created before the birth of Christ and as the saying goes it ‘marched to a di erent drum’.

On the last Sunday of February 1917, Russian women began a strike for ‘Bread and Peace’ in response to the death of an estimated two million War and four days later the Czar was forced to abdicate and the provisional government granted women the

ANNA DARWIN’S life took a sudden turn in October 2018 when, at just 39 years old, she received a diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer. What began with discomfort in her right breast evolved into a journey of resilience and survival.

“At first, the signs were brushed off,” Anna recalls. Discomfort during exercise and heat from her breast seemed inconsequential until she felt a lump during a shower. Medical tests confirmed her fears.

Despite her outward health, the diagnosis shook Anna to her core. Twelve rounds of chemotherapy followed by a

The women’s strike commenced on Sunday February 23 which in the

Gregorian Calendar created by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 was actually March 8 and this is why that became the date for the annual International Women’s Day celebrations.

O cially recognised by the United

Nations in 1977, International Women’s Day rst emerged from the activities of labour movements at the turn of the 20th century in North America and across Europe.

For decades in the 20th century, women had to ght to gain the vote and then to obtain the same rights as men and even now, more than 100 years later, there are still di erences in salary based on gender, glass ceilings and an ongoing ght against gender violence around the world.

It has been a long hard struggle but women are monarchs, successful business owners, in uencers and political leaders in the majority of nations although perhaps the greatest achievement will be if a woman ever becomes President of China, Russia or the USA.

Iris Apfel - Life and death

SHE called herself a “geriatric starlet”: a professional model from the age of 97, an iconic interior-designed and entrepreneur, Iris Apfel died March 2, at the age of 102. The celebrity’s representatives con rmed Apfel’s death in her Palm Beach home in Florida. A unique character, Apfel lit up every place she entered and left an unforgettable legacy in the world of fashion and design.

She stated about fashion: “If you study it, you realise

that it is a re ection of politics, of social life, of the economy. That is, our way of life.”

Born Iris Barrel in 1921, she grew up in Queens, New York. She was an art student and began her career as a copywriter for Women’s Wear Daily. In 1950, Apfel founded a textile company with her husband Carl. Their rm restored the White House for nine presidents, including Harry Truman and Bill Clinton.

Resilience and survival

lumpectomy and radiotherapy became her new reality, all while she continued to work in hospitality, refusing to let cancer define her.

Yet, in late November 2019, Anna’s health took another hit.

Initially brushed off as fatigue, her symptoms led to the discovery of B-cell acute lymphatic leukaemia, likely a result of her treatment.

Anna’s battle against leukaemia was gruelling, marked by intensive treatments including chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Amidst the chaos of the Covid-19 pandemic, she fought on, navigating treatment amidst the global crisis.

The journey to remission culminated in a stem cell transplant in January 2021, during another lockdown.

Against the odds, Anna returned home a month later, though the road to recovery was far from easy, with lingering side effects and health complications.

Throughout it all, Anna found strength in her teenage sons and a newfound appreciation for each day.

Her story highlights the importance of living fully, cherishing moments and holding onto loved ones.

Her journey is a testament to resilience and the enduring spirit of hope in the face of adversity.

110 Wings of Freedom

ACCORDING to the Cuevas del Almanzora Council ‘Equality gives us the wings of freedom’ and this will be the main theme on March 8 in the fight against Gender Violence.

It is International Women’s Day on that date but the Council wants to highlight the fact that women are still being abused around the world.

At 90, she was a teacher at the University of Texas at Austin. At 94, a documentary by Albert Maysles was produced about her life. She became the rst 97-year-old model in the world and modelled for Vogue Italia, Kate Spade and M.A.C.

“Through living her life on her own terms she messaged to women that they don’t need to hide in the shadows as they age, they actually can continue to grow and get better at what they do and look like,” said Alexis Bittar.

“

Councillor for Equality, Melchora Caparrós made her opinion clear as she said “Being a woman today, in many places in the world, is almost a tragedy, because simply by being a woman, her rights and freedom are eliminated.

Whilst accepting that Spain was making major strides towards equality through its 8M programme, she added that “there is still a lot of work to do so that being a woman does not mean enduring machismo and inequality.”

Women are leaders everywhere you look - from the CEO who runs a Fortune 500 company to the housewife who raises her children and heads her household. Our country was built by strong women, and we will continue to break down walls and defy stereotypes.”

Nancy Pelosi

Two powerful women and the first black President of the USA

Credit: Vargas 2040

Credit: Iris Apfel, Instagram

Image: Anna Darwin

John Smith

ALWAYS looking to promote Mojacar Tourism around Europe, a delegation from the council spent some time at the Danish Golf Show Fair from February 23 to 25.

This was part of the most important Nordic tourism fairs, Ferie For Alle 2024 and Tourism councillor María Gracia Alarcón and Sports councillor Jesús Montoya Gredilla travelled to the Danish town of Herning to be seen at the RSB Golf stand.

In conjunction with RSB Golf, a Danish company with more than 10 years’ experience in the organisation of golf trips and members of Marina de la Torre Golf, their time was well spent promoting Mojacar as an ideal des-

Mojacar in Denmark

tination.

During their stay at the Danish Golf Show, both councillors held fruitful meetings with leading operators in the world of golf, as a result

+34 951 38 61 61

of which agreements and contracts have already been established that are going to

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mark, thanks to this fair, the arrival of the first tourists to Mojacar throughout the autumn of this year and the spring of 2025.

More than 40,000 people attended the Ferie For Alle 2024 Fair which also saw the presence of major Danish and Scandinavian golf agencies so that this first venture by the Mojacar Council will encourage out of season sporting visits which in turn will see shops, hotels and restaurants benefit from this new and additional business.

rich heritage of wall art found in Spain.

THE Vera not for profit organisation Asprodalba exists to improve the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities and that of their families and has done so for 40 years.

Its official title is the Association for the promotion of people with intellectual disabilities in eastern Almeria and offers specialised, comprehensive and personalised care, maximising the skills and abilities of people with intellectual disabilities.

It raises funds through its shop on Calle Angustias in Vera and has for the

La Vieja

past 25 years its work force has produced special paper dolls which can be filled with sweets.

There is a tradition that each year, there is a day known as Día de la Vieja in Levante Almeriense which marks the halfway point of Lent and this year that falls on March 7. The tradition is that families will visit the countryside on that day each armed with one of the dolls known as La Vieja where they open the doll and enjoy the sweets.

Love them or hate them

Although not completely accepted culturally, Street Art, which is an extension of graffiti, is officially recognised as art amongst many governments around the world and believed to be a tool to revitalise public spaces.

In modern day Mojacar those early simplistic cave drawings etched with sticks and natural dyes have been replaced with spray cans and paint

brushes. This Contemporary Urban Art has been widely adopted by the town hall in several locations. Some of the oldest being on a few beachside cabins adorned with seascapes and marine animals.

side walls outside the new bus station on Avda. De Andalucia.

Although there is a clear history of Urban Art in and around the town and beaches of the area, these new creations have caused a fair amount gossip in the local community, and they have become the ‘Marmite’ of the town, you either love them or hate them.

The newest addition, an immense colourful work of art by artist Nicolás Rodríguez Gázquez has just been completed stretching along the road-

Credit: Mojacar Council

Paul Edwards

AS part of the Andalucia stand at Berlin’s International Tourism Exchange (ITB) Fair which ran from March 5 to 7, there was a significant presence from Almeria.

The promotion under the banner Costa de Almeria was undertaken with the physical presence of representatives of the Almeria Provincial Council as well as councils from Almeria, Roquetas, Mojacar, Carboneras and Níjar and a number of local companies involved in tourism.

More than 20 important meetings took place between those who represented different parts of Almeria with tour operators, travel agents and airlines with a view to forging relationships and securing actual deals.

According to president of the Provincial Council of Almeria, Javier A García, “We are the best land in the world, we are supported by the climate, the hours of sunshine, an unparalleled tourist offer and we offer

experiences , which is what the traveller is looking for.”

He also emphasised the fact that many Germans

are great lovers of the cinema and as the home of ‘spaghetti westerns’ this is an important draw whilst

Mojacar tourism

John Smith

FIGURES just released by the National Institute of Statistics (INE) show that the number of tourists visiting Mojacar in 2023 was slightly higher than in 2022.

The actual figure was just under 291,000 which represents almost 20 per cent of the entire number of tourists visiting Almeria Province which amounted to 1.427 million.

Whilst the foreign tourist industry is considered to not only be important but allows considerable room for growth, it is the national market that makes up the vast majority of those who visit Mojacar on holiday and stay for several nights.

Having said this however, the figures for 2023 suggest that the number of foreign tourists is steadily increasing whilst the number of Spanish visitors is holding steady so overall more visitors means more income for local businesses of all types.

In Almeria, only Almeria City and Roquetas de Mar have more tourists than Mojacar but their figures are significantly greater and are also growing.

as part of the promotion, German visitors to the Fair were able to discover Flamenco in all its glory.

Promoting Almeria Gymnastics

THE art of Rhythmic Gymnastics is very popular in Spain and competition starts at a very early age with youngsters from Mojacar doing well in their first competition of the year.

Considering that the team was only created three years ago, it has grown from an initial 20 participants to more than 70 ranging in age from three to 15.

This event was held in the Huercal de Almeria Paco Navarro pavilion and was hosted by the Almeria Provincial Council although this was more of practice for the Mojacar teams as because it was outside of their area, no qualifying points were awarded.

Having said that as well as all the participants receiving a diploma, the mini-babies team, aged four and five, won a silver medal and two gold medals went to a slightly older Mojacar team.

The next meeting will be in Garrucha on March 23 where the teams hope to gain points and they will also compete in the Costa de Almería Cup, which last year saw almost 700 youngsters taking part.

The Almerian participants at ITB Berlin.

Credit: Almeria Provincial Council

Circus of Horrors Water supply problems

FOUNDED in 2006, the Circus of Horrors was the brainchild of a Spanish king of clowns Jesús César Silva González better known as Suso Silva.

Now aged 62, this award-winning clown has decided to retire from performance and is saying goodbye to his fans in the new production, Requiem which features his on stage suicide as he recreates many of his most famous characters.

Nosferatu, Lucifer, El Loco, Suso Clown, each and every one of them will have a special place in Requiem but he will not make this farewell alone as other emblematic characters who have been

part of the Circus of Horrors story will accompany him during his last performance.

This is a limited national tour and Requiem will run at the Almeria Fair Ground from April 4 to April 14 with tickets costing between €30 and €60 although some performances will see discounts of up to 30 per cent if booked via the Circus of Horrors website.

This is not a show for those easily offended or shocked and although anyone aged five or more can attend, it is recommended that due to the type of humour and the language that the ideal audience should be aged 16 and up.

THE Arboleas Council has been forced to issue a clarification about problems with the supply of water in the Arroyo Aceituno area which for three decades has been supplied from wells.

Due to the lack of rainfall and possibly because of a problem with obsolete pipes it has been necessary to organise new work in order to allow desalinated water to be supplied as an alternative using funds drawn down from the EU.

The work has just entered the tender stage but it is expected that it will commence shortly and as a matter of urgency especially as the local popula-

tion has grown considerably in recent years.

Whilst recognising some reasonable complaints from residents, the council argues that the water from the wells is not drinking water due to high levels of sulphates contained but is an additional supply most suitable for cleaning and irrigation.

In view of the emergency situation, the town hall and water company GALASA have decided to supply the affected neighbours with drinking water, free of charge which will be distributed every Wednesday morning.

Student heroes

TWO young student nurses from the University of Almeria, Antonio Díaz and Sandra Aliaga became heroes in London when they saved a young woman’s life.

In February they were on holiday in the UK and after visiting the British Museum they were about to leave to enjoy some lunch when they spotted the girl fall to the ground uncons-

cious whilst all that others seem to want to do was film her.

Security officers discovered that they were fourth year student nurses and asked them to assist in looking after the girl whilst waiting for paramedics which they were prepared to do, although it was an unusual situation to be put in.

It was necessary to loo-

sen the girl’s clothes but because she was clearly a Muslim, they insisted that a screen be put in place in order to preserve her modesty.

After identifying that she was breathing albeit weakly, they monitored her signs and waited for paramedics to arrive which took about 50 minutes and at that stage the modest heroes backed out.

John Smith

SAYING GOODBYE: The award-winning clown, Suso Silva.

Credit: Circus of Horrors

Outlet success

Jessica Sweeting

THE very first Mojacar Outlet Fair opened its doors on Friday March 1 and ran over the weekend having attracted a number of businesses and visitors.

Taking place in the aptly named Multi-Use Centre it was considered to have been a great success with local businesses offering their goods with sensible discounts and buyers leaving with what they considered to be bargains.

There was live music and a general buzz of excitement which pleased

Women’s Day

Mojacar mayor, Francisco García Cerdá who cut the ribbon to declare the event formally open.

Comedy and Urban Design for Women’s Day

FINESTRAT is excited to celebrate International Women’s Day with a street remodelling and a women-lead comedy show.

On March 8, a regional meeting will be held, marking the ‘Week of Finestrat Women 2024’ by celebrating the achievements of the local women and inaugurating the sky lanterns in the town’s centre.

The Department of Equality has collaborated with the council, Nati Algado, who notes this event to show the “value of everything we have achieved to date in terms of equality and to vindicate everything that we still have to overcome.”

On March 2, a workshop will be held to commemorate 100 women who had lost their lives in the Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire in NY. The workshop will involve manual work with fabrics. “It is one of the tragedies that are remembered every March 8 due to the terrible working conditions of those workers,” remarked the authorities.

March 10 will be a day spent in celebration, animated by Carol Tomas’ comedy monologue, ‘Per L’Humor de 10’.

Fifteen businesses offering a diverse range of products took part and their stalls were supplied free of charge by the council which wanted to promote local establishments to residents and visitors hoping to create ongoing custom.

Entry was free and visitors were also encouraged to visit by being given discount vouchers to use at nearby bars.

Tourist tax proposal

THE spokesperson for Podemos Alejandro Lorenzo who sits on the Almeria City Council has announced that he plans to call for the introduction of a tourist tax.

He argues that “The implementation of a Tourist Tax in Almeria would represent a step that will allow us to generate additional resources to invest in improving the tourist experience, conserving our heritage and promoting responsible tourism that benefits both visitors and our residents.”

A specific amount would be added to the bills of non-residents staying in hotels, hostels, holiday apartments and campsites and would be based on the number of days they stay.

He uses the example of international destinations as well as the Balearic Islands where such taxes are imposed and believes that such a tax would benefit all.

Credit: Mojacar Council

Mojacar celebrates Greenpeace action

GREENPEACE in Spain continues its actions against the Carboneras Council over what they claim is an illegal 21-storey hotel located in a protected area of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park.

The latest move is to enter a law suit at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg asking that a ruling in favour of the Carboneras Council by the Supreme Court be overturned as it is violation of the Human Rights Convention.

Effectively, Greenpeace want to see the El Algarrobico construction demolished, but the Supreme Court has ruled that the council can make whatever decision it wants as in theory it had granted planning permission.

In addition, the Association wants the ECHR to recuse (reject) a judge of the Superior Court of Justice of Andalucia for her lack of impartiality as after being

involved in one of the cases she took leave of absence from the Bench and took work with a law firm which represents Carboneras Council in certain matters.

The hotel was constructed in 2003 and there have been some 50 judicial rulings over the matter, many of which appear to contradict each other.

LOCAL indoor markets are part of the fabric of most larger towns in Spain and the Adra Council has announced that it will be inviting bids from interested parties to take space in Adra Market.

To qualify, those wishing to take up this opportunity may run only catering, frozen and non-perishable product businesses and if accepted will be on an initial five year contract,

Paul Edwards

MOJACAR celebrated Andalucia Day 2024 with the raising of the Andalucian flag in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento in the presence of councillors and many members of the public.

Mayor Francisco García Cerdá had the honour of undertaking the official flag raising while the locality’s Municipal Band performed the Andalucian anthem on February 28.

Once the Andalucian flag was flying along with the national and European Union flags, the Municipal Band performed a selection of paso dobles and traditional music to entertain those who were gathered there.

The council arranged for the preparation of a huge paella and all present were invi-

Adra market

possibly renewable on a yearly basis for a further five years

Of those spaces on offer, three may be used only as bars with internal dimensions of between 24 and 27 square metres and will be fu-

lly equipped with plumbing, electricity, air conditioning and Internet whilst the general business spaces will be smaller but will be provided with counters.

Bidding companies must present their offers within a period of 30 calendar days from the day following the publication of the Announcement in the Official Gazette of the Province.

ted to enjoy a free plateful as part of the celebration.

The day was completed with a performance of ‘Sangre Flamenca’ and many considered that the celebration in Mojacar hit all of the right notes.

Prior to this on February 27, some 350 local schoolchildren were invited to enjoy a typical ‘Andalucian Breakfast’ of bread tomato and olive oil whilst dressed in typical Andalucian costume.

According to the council this was an ideal way to promote the healthy Mediterranean style cuisine, using local products and instilling in the young people popular traditions.

Raising of the Andalucian flag

Greenpeace want the property demolished.

Credit: Mojacar Council

John Smith

THE Euro Weekly News recently asked readers to let us have their thoughts on how their lives have changed when relocating to Spain and whether their quality of life had improved.

The overwhelming response was that the decision had been the right one and with very few exceptions all were delighted by the result.

Many respondents, from a variety of countries of origin but largely from the UK, have lived here for 20 years or more, although there was a fair percentage who had moved over within the last

seven years as well as second home owners who were disappointed with their position over the 90/180 day rules post Brexit.

One fact emerged and that was that those who receive a state pension from their home country find that it goes so much further than if they had remained at home.

The main reasons people gave for their positive view of Spain include improved health, a stress-free life, with good fresh food at affordable prices. The people are welcoming and the weather is great. It’s also lovely to be able to go out and about and feel safe especially at night.

Others felt that the pu-

blic health service is much better in Spain than in their home countries.

Of course, it’s not all plain sailing. Dealing with the mountain of bureaucracy without the help of their partner who is more content with living the dream than sharing the workload, can bring its own challenges.

Water and womanhoodMarissa Oosterlee Women’s Day

ris to New York.

UNTIL March 31, Javea’s La Casa del Cable is presenting the ultra-realistic works of Marissa Ooster lee, an award-winning artist from the Netherlands.

Marissa, has been passionate about art and nature from early childhood, having now created mesmerising art depicting water, sensuality, and womanhood.

Marissa’s authenticity lies in her pure reflection of light and the poignant vulnerability of being human. More than lifelike, her oil and airbrush paintings tell captivating and revealing narratives in hyperrealistic portraits.

Majority of readers love Spain Charging ahead

A former cyclist, Marissa’s life changed after a heavy accident forced her to quit her profession. She had then turned to art.

Marissa’s collection ‘Washing Away My Sorrow’ depicts glimpses of sublimely serene women, flowing in the water.

Today, Marissa is a winner of numerous awards, including the 2020 American Art Collector’s Choice Award and she has exhibited everywhere from Pa-

Not only is her exhibition open to the public, but Marissa is offering an oil painting workshop in Javea from Marchh 22 until March 24.

THE challenge of adopting electric vehicles faces a significant hurdle in Spain due to the inability of many households to install electric chargers on their property.

According to a study by idealista, a real estate marketplace in southern Europe, more than half of Spanish homes (55 per cent) lack private parking spaces where they could install these charging systems, making it difficult for them to embrace electric mobility for their

daily transportation needs.

However, the availability of charging points at homes varies across different provinces.

For instance, Malaga leads with 64 per cent of homes having parking spaces suitable for installing charging points.

Other provinces with a high likelihood of having such facilities include Pontevedra, Guadalajara, Valladolid, and Lugo, each with over 50 per cent of homes

having parking spaces.

On the contrary, provinces like Guipúzcoa, Barcelona, and Vizcaya have significantly fewer homes with parking spaces suitable for installing chargers, ranging from 25 per cent to 30 per cent.

In capital cities, the differences are even more pronounced, with cities like Lugo, Pontevedra, and Murcia having higher percentages of homes with garages, while cities like Cadiz and Barcelona have notably lower percentages.

These findings highlight the uneven distribution of infrastructure that supports electric vehicle adoption across Spain, indicating the need for targeted efforts to improve accessibility to charging facilities, especially in areas with lower availability.

The majority of readers enjoy the Spanish lifestyle.

Credit: TimOve flickr

Marissa Oosterlee airbrush and oil painting. Credit: Marissa Oosterlee, Facebook

Hare-raising

A MAN from Wales has broken a world record by getting the most rabbit tattoos on his body. Craig Evans, who is 42 years old, has a total of 69 rabbit tattoos on his arms, legs, and chest. Craig got his first rabbit tattoo in 2009, and he didn’t expect to end up with so many. But after getting a second one during a trip to New York, he decided to continue with the rabbit theme.

He’s been inked by different tattoo artists from the UK, Japan, South Korea, Spain, France, and the USA.

The designs of Craig’s rabbit tattoos vary a lot. He has realistic ones, colourful cartoon-like ones, and even a rabbit holding a pistol

and a robot rabbit.

Craig, who works as a TV camera operator, estimates he’s spent almost £10,000 and around 125 hours getting his tattoos. He thinks it was worth it, especially now that he holds a Guinness World Records title.

Craig’s love for rabbits started in childhood with characters like Bugs Bunny and Roger Rabbit. As he got older, he began collecting rabbit-themed art from all over the world.

He explained, “I love the look of rabbits. They’re so cute, and I like the idea of getting something cute as a tattoo, which is often seen as tough. Unfortunately, I can’t have pet rabbits because I have a dog named Bertie.”

Blooms and beyond

TULIPARK in Rome, Italy’s biggest Dutch-style garden, is gearing up to welcome visitors with its colourful flowers.

Opening its doors on March 22, this floral paradise has been a tourist attraction in Rome since 2018.

Visitors of TuliPark can admire the variety of colours and pick their own bouquets. There’s even a special ticket option to take home a piece of the park’s beauty.

This year’s display features over 75 types of tulips, showcasing the creativity of flower breeders with different colours, shapes, and sizes.

From classic to rare varieties, the park promises a treat for flower lovers.

BRAD PITT’S Fleur de Miraval Champagne will be at the Oscars this year, where famous actors and filmmakers will enjoy its elegance.

The actor, known for his roles since his debut in Thelma & Louise in 1991, has been nominated for seven Oscars.

He won Best Supporting Actor in 2020 for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Best Picture in 2014 for producing 12 Years a Slave.

Although not nominated this year, Brad Pitt will make sure guests at the Oscars stay refreshed with his Champagne on March 10 in Los Angeles.

Pitt started making wine in 2011 by

TuliPark also offers guided tours that delve into the rich history of tulips as a cultural symbol, sharing interesting stories and facts.

Besides the flowers, the park celebrates Dutch culture with elements like a windmill and a giant wooden shoe!

Foodies will also be delighted with Dutch treats such as frikandellen and bitterballen.

Located at Via dei Gordiani 73 in eastern Rome, TuliPark welcomes guests daily from 9.00am until 6.00pm.

The park’s closing date, tentatively in mid-April, depends on the tulips’ blooming schedule!

Toast up

buying Château Miraval in Provence, France, working with the Perrin family, who owns Château Beaucastel, and the Péters family.

Together, they made Fleur de Miraval Champagne, focusing only on Rosé Champagne.

This year, Fleur de Miraval Rosé Champagne will be at the Oscars for the third time, replacing Piper-Heidsieck as the official Champagne of the Academy Awards after a seven-year partnership.

Women’s Day

Honouring women

SANTA POLA is gearing up to celebrate International Women’s Day with a bang!

This special day, observed every March 8 for over a century, is all about honouring women’s achievements, reflecting on their struggles, and advocating for progress.

The councillor for Equality, Gela Roche, has confirmed that this year’s theme shines a spotlight on the remarkable women of Santa Pola, particularly in the realm of sports.

“This,” the councillor confirmed, “is thanks to the hard work of journalist Jose Alberto Álvarez Rodriguez, who’s delved deep into the local sports scene, they’ve uncovered inspiring stories of female pioneers in athletics, weightlifting, volleyball, handball, and more.”

To showcase these incredible women, an exhibition titled ‘Woman and Sport’ will be held at the House of Culture.

Featuring images from the Santa Pola Photographic Association, this exhibition will run until March 29, offering a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of women and sports in the community.

RABBIT TATOOS: A hare-raising achievement for Welshman.

Image: Guinness Book of World Records

Exhibition is titled ‘Woman and Sport’.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Santa Pola

Women’s Day

International Women’s Month in Alfas del Pi

FROM March 1 until March 23, Alfas del Pi engages in an extensive programme of activities to empower local women.

The Department of Equality Council of Afas is collaborating with the municipal areas and associations to host almost a month of celebration for International Women’s Day.

Some of the most exciting events include the Esparto Hands of Women workshop, which will be held on March 7 at 5pm, discovering the arts and crafts.

On Friday March 8, the Espai Cultural Escoles Velles will present the escape room ‘The Archive of the Forgotten Ones’: an initiative launched by the Departments of Equality and Youth.

On Saturday March 9, the Women Awards of 2024 will be delivered, in recognition of notable women who have contributed to the women’s movement locally.

A march against cancer, by Anemona, will be held on Sunday March 10, supporting those suffering from breast cancer.

The festivities will end with a special programme of a defence workshop on Saturday March 23 in the Pau Gasol pavilion.

Berlin bouncing back

BERLIN’S tourism scene is bouncing back strong!

In 2023, a whopping 12.1 million visitors flocked to the city, clocking in 29.6 million overnight stays.

That’s a 16 per cent jump in guests and a 12 per cent rise in overnight stays, according to Fran-

ziska Giffey, Berlin’s Senator for Economic Affairs.

Giffey confirmed: “2023 was a very successful year for Berlin’s tourism and convention business.”

“We are among the top cities in Europe alongside London and Paris, and Berlin was recently voted one of the most interes-

ting destinations in the world alongside New York and Cape Town.”

“With more than 12 million guests from all over the world and around 30 million overnight stays last year, the trend is quite obvious: Berlin is luring an ever-growing number of tourists.”

Life with a transplant

Anna Akopyan

IN February, 57-year-old Bert Janssen, became the world’s longest-surviving heart transplant patient.

Bert Janssen grew up in the Netherlands and was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at the age of 17 - a concerning disease of the heart muscle, impacting everyday life and longevity.

In the 1980s, the Netherlands did not offer heart transplants and Janssen’s future seemed out of the question.

Yet, a cardiologist from his local hospital, Dr Albert Mattart, associated with Harefield Hospital in England, had registered Janssen for a heart transplant abroad.

Only a week after being in England, two hearts of recently deceased adults became available, one of which matched Janssen.

He underwent surgery by the renowned Prof Sir

RECORD-BREAKER: Bert Janssen as a youth.

Magdi Yacoub and returned home.

“From the moment I woke up after surgery, I felt more energy in my body than before,” said Janssen.

Throughout his life, he participated in the European and World Transplant Games and built a home for his family.

“One of my proudest achievements was, along with my wife Petra and both our parents, building our house brick by brick.”

Having lived and worked 39 years with a heart transplant, Janssen is optimistic about the future of medicine: “It feels like an honour to have reached this milestone.”

Credit: Magdi Yacoub Global Heart Foundation, Facebook

Love’s endurance

Anna Ellis

THE mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski, recognises and celebrates long-term married couples by awarding them with official Medals for Long Marriage.

Last week, over 90 local couples were honoured during a ceremony, highlighting the city’s commitment to reaffirming family values.

To qualify for the medal, couples must have been married for at least 50 years, symbolising their Golden Anniversary.

The Medal for Long Marriage features a six-ray star with a bright inscription ‘for long married life’ on one side and two silver roses on the other.

During the recent ceremony, Mayor Trzaskowski praised the couples for their commitment and dedication to each other, confirming that marriage

What’s in a name?

is a conscious choice rooted in respect and love.

He expressed his joy in witnessing the happiness of the honoured couples and emphasised the significance of their enduring relationships.

This ceremony marked the first of 2024, with Mayor Trzaskowski having awarded medals to a total of 1,970 couples throughout his term in office, spanning 61 ceremonies.

As he continues his tenure, it remains a heartfelt aspiration for the

Image: Warszawa / Oficjalny portal miasta

A CIVIL association in Matera, Italy, has launched a unique programme to preserve the name Eustachio by offering financial incentives to parents who choose it for their newborns.

Eustachio isn’t just any name, it’s also the name of the local patron saint of the UNESCO-protected Italian town.

mayor and his wife to one day join the recipients of this esteemed honour.

In the past, naming children after saints was common in Italy, but modern trends favour more contemporary names. The Maria Santissima della Bruna association hopes to encourage the use of Eustachio to uphold the legacy of their patron saint for future generations.

The association aims to foster devotion, continuity, and tradition by honou-

ring both of Matera’s patron saints: the Madonna della Bruna and Sant’Eustachio. Sant’Eustachio is not only a namesake but also revered as the protector of firefighters, hunters, and victims of torture.

His story, from an Ancient Roman general to a Christian martyr, holds deep significance for Matera.

While the exact amount offered to parents who choose the name Eustachio hasn’t been disclosed, the initiative has sparked discussion.

Some see it as outdated, while others suggest extending similar rewards for naming daughters Bruna, after the local Madonna.

Women’s Day: the future generation

ON March 8, marking International Women’s Day, the European Union of Women of Marina Alta gathers to capture the ambitions and bright futures of young women.

Starting at 10.30am, in Benitachell Social Centre, young women from around the globe will join to discuss their hopes, fears, and dreams, capturing the joys of the youth and considering the progress of gender roles.

The event will be enlivened by live discussions, picnic refreshments, live music, and dan-

cing, all part of the municipality’s festive calendar.

On this special day, women and girls from diverse backgrounds will gather to exchange advice, share their enthusiasm as well as uncertainties, and develop meaningful relationships.

From a growing specialist in climate change to an aspiring astrophysicist, to a grandmother, women from all stages of life will be attending the event, inspiring and supporting each other, making a positive change to the local community.

WARSAW: Long-term married couples awarded.

Aspirant astrophysicist in Australia.

“WORK from Ollolai” is an exciting initiative from the tiny town of Sardinia, Italy.

Ollolai, hidden in the beautiful Mediterranean landscape, is home to fewer than 1,300 people and is known for its innovative approach.

Unlike the famous 1 Euro Houses programme, “Work from Ollolai” invites remote workers to stay in 1 or 2-bedroom apartments in local homes for just €1.

Originally planned for a month, the programme

Ollolai oasis

can now be extended by agreement.

But it’s not just about affordable housing. The

Pint-sized pathway

DESPITE its grand name, the Marco International Bridge is actually the world’s smallest international bridge.

It stretches over the Abrilongo stream, which marks the border between Portugal and Spain, in the village of Marco, also called El Marco in Spanish. This tiny bridge is only 6 metres long and 1.45 meters wide, meant for pedestrians and cyclists only. Its small size allows for quick crossings, especially because there are no passport checks due to both countries being in the Schengen Area.

Whether it’s a footbridge or not, this border has never truly separated the two villages.

Even before the Schengen Agreement, locals from both sides crossed the river using a makeshift bridge made of planks.

Smuggling between Portugal and Spain was common practice: the Portuguese sold coffee and towels to the Spanish, who in turn sold knives and wine. When border checks were removed, the makeshift bridge became official. In the 1990s, handrails were added to make it safer.

town council wants to create a lively exchange between remote workers and locals.

Professionals and entrepreneurs with multiple years of experience, in professional services such as in the field of technology, media, finance, real estate, architecture, etc, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Professional artists, writers, musicians, scientists, and academics in general are also encouraged to apply.

The goal of this programme is to bring high professionals to live and experience the way of life of Sardinia, in exchange for a knowledge share in the form of contributions from the guests offering lectures, presentations, or projects.

For more information or to apply, head to the website: workfromollolai. com

Women’s Day

Women’s Week

THE European Union of Women collaborates with the town council of Benitachell to celebrate International Women’s Day.

The EUOW is an organisation aimed at empowering women across the EU.

Programme of the week

March 4

Dance Exhibition by Pam Small, followed by the inauguration of the exhibitions ‘Fotodona 2024’ and ‘Retrospectiva 2014-2024’ by the artist Teresa Fons.

March 5

At the Social Centre, walk through the Les Fonts park with the Associacion de Dones (Women’s Association).

March 6

A poetry recital by Magdalena Sanchez Blesa, accompanied by the music of Anna Bas i Cruanyes and Vicent Mut Abellan.

March 7

4.30pm, Social Centre. Games and dancing with the Associacion de Dones.

March 8

10 am, the Social Centre.

A talk by the EUOW Marina Alta - ‘Stories of young women of different ages and nationalities’.

5.30 pm - A screening of three short films for children and young people.

10pm, the Pesqueres Square Tent - a theatre play, ‘Nora. Casa de Muñecas’ by Melpomene Teatro.

March 9

11.30am, Municipal Library.

A storytelling session, ‘Adventa Valenta’.

2pm, the Pesqueres Square Tent - Sisterhood lunch with Associacion de Dones.

7pm, the Church SquareWomen and Music Concert for Women performed by El Poble Nou de Benitachell.

March 10

5pm, Pesqueres Square Tent.

Dance Exhibition of ballet and contemporary dance by the sports schools of El Poble Nou de Benitachell.

REMOTE WORKERS: An exciting initiative.

Image: StefaniaArca / Shutterstock

Attracting youth

IN an e ort to combat depopulation, Finnish towns are implementing creative strategies to attract and retain young residents, particularly senior school students.

Many rural municipalities have observed a trend where students leave for larger cities to complete their high school education, as Finland allows teenagers to choose their high school regardless of their place of residence.

To address this issue, some towns, like Merikarvia, Paltamo, and Puolanka, are covering the costs of driving licence courses, which typically amount to around €1,000 in Finland.

Others, such as Rautjärvi, o er free accommodation for students during their studies.

Meanwhile, towns like Pomarkku, Vesanto, and Pihtipudas provide €1,000 scholarships to graduating high school students.

While these incentives aim to encourage young people to stay in rural areas, some experts are sceptical about their e ectiveness.

They argue that these perks may only attract teenagers from neighbouring municipalities without addressing the broader challenge of rural depopulation.

Despite these e orts, rural regions continue to struggle to appeal to contemporary youth, highlighting the need for more comprehensive solutions to make countryside living more attractive.

Easter Dance of the Dead

John Smith

THE town of Verges in Catalonia is renowned for its incredible recreation of the last hours of Christ and its very dark Dance of Death on Maundy Thursday.

The event known as the La Processó de Verges which this year takes place on March 28 is based on an 18th century poem by Catalan monk Antoni de Sant-Jeroni which incorporates all of the main events leading to the cruci xion.

The performance is split into three parts, beginning at 5pm, 10pm and 12.30am respectively and a large number of residents take part in the re-enactments.

The rst part sees Roman legionaries march along the town streets every hour and whilst very colourful, is repetitive, but many visitors nd it useful to arrive early in order to secure parking and then book themselves in to one of the limited number of restaurants in the town.

Part two sees a theatrical performance on Plaça Major which begins at 10pm and tells the story of the Last Supper, Garden of Gethsemane and culminates in Pontius Pilate washing his hands of responsibility.

Admittance is by ticket only which be purchased in advance at the Koobin website at €22 per person.

The third part of the evening sees the start of the Holy Cross Procession as a gure dressed as Christ drags a cross through the streets of the town and during the two hour procession, the three falls of Christ take place before he arrives at the church of Sant Julià, where the cruci xion is acted out.

Lights are dimmed and in some parts of the town, the only lighting is from snail shells cemented into walls which contain tiny amounts of oil and a wick which is lit.

It is during the procession and at the cruci xion that the Dance of the Dead takes place with ve ‘skeletons’, two adults and three children appearing to the solemn beat of spectral

drummers.

One of the adult actors holds a black banner, and the other one a scythe. Both the banner and the scythe handle contain two mottoes: in Catalan, Lo temps és breu, or Time is short; and, in Latin, Nemini parco, or I spare no one.

Two of the children carry plates lled with ash, while the third has a clock without hands to imply that anyone can turn to ash at any time and the entire performance ends at about 3am on Good Friday morning.

It is believed only one other town in Spain features the Easter Dance of the Dead and that is in Manresa also in Catalonia but their event is not as exhaustive as that of Verges, it takes place on Good Friday and features 10 skeletons.

Credit: Jan Jambon Facebook

Credit: Dantzan fl

March of the legionaries.

Choosing cities.

Image: astudio / Shutterstock.com

7 - 13 March 2024

Linda Hall

THE Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) ordered Babboe to cease selling some versions of its popular cargo bike.

The distinctive bicycles’ safety “cannot be su ciently guaranteed,” the NVWA said, adding that sales can resume once the company has “su ciently demonstrated” that they are safe, while providing full technical documentation.

Babboe con rmed in February 2024 that there was a manufacturing error in the frame of City models produced between 2010 and 2012. The front section of frames made between the beginning of 2017 and June 2018 could also have welding defects, the company said.

“Intensive use may possibly cause hairline cracks in the a ected frames.”

Babboe’s woes

Although the NVWA had only agged up certain models, the company decided to halt all sales. As the name suggests, cargo bi-

kes were originally used to transport goods but they are currently enjoying a revival as young families nd them cost-e ective as well as

sustainable and environmentally-friendly.

Babboe is regarded as the world’s principal cargo bike manufacturer but at present the recall order a ects only the Netherlands. Once the preliminary inspections have been completed, the NVWA will decide whether to warn the regulators of other European Union countries.

At least 3,000 Netherlands’ cargo bike owners a ected by the manufacturing aws are taking legal action, announced the Birkway law rm, which set up a hotline on February 23 to determine the number of injured parties and their problems.

Meanwhile, Babboe said on its website that it would continue working with the NVWA and ensure that all relevant safety information is shared with them as soon as possible.

Best city for foodies

A NEW study reveals that London is the best city in Europe for foodies, with a total of 2,906 ve star reviews for restaurants, cafés, bars and pubs.

Dutch lifestyle magazine, Dailybase, analysed TripAdvisor data to uncover the number of ve star reviews for eateries in European cities.

This resulted in a ranking of 193 cities in Europe where Trip Advisor data was available to investigate.

Taking the crown as the best city in Europe for foodies is the UK’s capital London, with an impressive total of 2,906 ve star reviews for its eating and drinking establishments which can range from sandwich bars to Michelin star restaurants.

French capital, Paris, closely follows in second place, with a total of 2,898 ve star reviews on TripAdvisor for its eateries and again, the choice is very wide although not everyone is mad for escargots.

The rst Spanish contender arriving in third place is Barcelona with its selection of regional specialities as well as international cuisine and Spain has more cities in the top 20 than any other European country.

Madrid is sixth, Valencia appears in 15th place, Malaga 18th and Palma de Mallorca 20th.

Only Italy with Rome, Milan and Naples attempts to steal the Spanish crown whilst most other European countries in the top 20 have just one, or at most two entries.

CARGO BIKES: Popular with young, environmentally-conscious families.

IRELAND

Running wild

IRELAND is one of the world’s most ecologically-denuded countries with less than 2 per cent of native woodland compared with 80 per cent before the introduction of modern agriculture, declared rewilding advocate Eoghan Daltun, He maintained that rewilding would be more successful than ineffective reforestation schemes.

Twinkle toes

DEXTER cows in Galway have been relocated to a coastal headland in the city’s Renmore district for a biodiversity scheme where council officials hope the grazing cattle will clear away long grass from the area. The cows were chosen for the project on the strength of their eating habits and smaller-than-usual hooves.

NORWAY

Jammed up

THE Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom) revealed that GPS interference reported by pilots has escalated since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Throughout 2019 jamming by Russia occurred on only six days but increased to 122 days in 2022 and by 2023 interference had interrupted GPS on 294 days.

Afternoons only

PARLIAMENT voted to retain the ban that prevents cinema screenings before 1pm on Sundays, with Children and Families minister Kjersti Toppe declaring that Sundays “should be different.” Despite the Sunday ban cinemas nationwide are opening before 1pm on public holidays without encountering official opposition.

Open all hours

RECORDS show that between 2013 and 2022 the Portuguese worked more hours than the Spanish although Spain’s productivity outstripped Portugal’s, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE). On average, Portuguese employees worked a weekly 41.3 hours in 2022 compared with their neighbours’ 40.4 hours.

Mind the gap

ARRONCHES near Portalegre has always had a bridge over the Abrilongo waterway to link Portugal and Spain although the present structure was funded by the European Union.

Just 3.2 metres long and 1.45 metres wide it is classed as an international bridge but can be used only by pedestrians and two-wheeled traffic.

EURO PRESS

DENMARK

Rare jewel

METAL detectorist Lars Niel sen was ‘overwhelmed’ when he unearthed a finely-worked gold ring in Emmerley, he said. According to National Museum of Denmark experts, the 22-carat gold ring with a red semi-precious stone was made around 1,500 years ago and probably worn by a woman from a royal family in the region.

ITALY FRANCE

Home again

JIHADISTAS in Mali released an Italian couple in their 60s and their son who were abducted in Koutila in May 2022, the Italian government announced. The family, all in good health despite the long period in captivity, are Jehovah’s Witnesses who were believed to be preparing to set up a church in the area.

Getting on

ITALY is the European Union’s oldest country with an average age of more than 48, while 24 per cent of residents are over 65, statistics from Eurostat showed. The country’s overall population has grown by 3.4 per cent since 1991 but the number of over-80s has meanwhile increased from 3.3 per cent to 7.7 per cent.

NETHERLANDS

Rescue op

TWO injured harbour porpoises were washed up in Noordwijk and Maasylakte respectively, although both are expected to survive, rescue group SOS Dolfijn said. The first clearly needed medical attention while the second was suffering from a severe respiratory infection following an attack by a grey seal.

No charge

GRID operator Stedin wants to close electric vehicle charging stations each day between 4 and 9pm. The network was so over-burdened at this time that it was “bursting at the seams”, Stedin told broadcaster NOS, and attempts to reduce the power supply when charging during this peak period were not getting results.

Meat treat

THE government has acceded to farmers’ requests to ban the use of names associated with meat for plant-based products created inside France, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said. Misuse of vetoed terms like fillet, sirloin, rump steak, steak, escalope, ham, flank, and chuck could bring fines of between €1,500 and €7,500.

Not clever

SCIENTISTS condemned €10 billion spending cuts that would slash €904 million from research allocations. The National Union of Scientific Research described the cutbacks as “incomprehensible” after Emmanuel Macron had earlier stressed the need to catch up with other countries’ research budgets.

FINLAND

Baltic outrage

ENVIRONMENTALISTS reacted angrily after the South Finland regional authorities provided a Finnish-Chinese joint venture with environmental permit. They warned that the plant, which will produce an annual 60,000 tons of battery chemicals, would be able to discharge the factory’s untreated wastewater into the Baltic.

Job numbers

A REPORT from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment published on February 27 revealed that the number of unemployed foreigners fell from its all-time high of 44,000 in December to 42,400 in January. This was the fifth-highest total in history and the highest- ever for January, the Ministry said.

SWEDEN

Hospital hacked

A CYBER attack by still-unidentified hackers on the night of February 26-27 took out the telephones of the Sophiaemmet private hospital. The hospital shut down all its computers on security grounds but continued patient care as usual although all administrative duties had to be completed with pen and paper.

Gas peril

HUNDREDS were evacuated from the headquarters of Sapo, Sweden’s security service on February 23, and eight people were hospitalised after traces of poison phosgene gas were detected by sensors on the roof of the building. Despite a Stockholm Administrative Board report recording the incident, Sapo insisted that no gas was present.

BELGIUM

Snail mail

ANNIE KNOCKAERT from As recently received a postcard she sent to her parents from Austria in 1980. Knowing that her parents were no longer alive, the local postman took it to Annie’s own address although the postal authorities could not say where the postcard had lain for 44 years or why it finally entered the system.

Broken links

BELGIUM’S Federal Agency for Food Chain Safety (FASFC) handled 450 complaints regarding home-made food and prepared meals bought online between 2022 and 2024. Inspectors found that most of the sellers were unregistered, although an FASFC permit was needed as they were responsible for the safety of their products.

Water war

POLLUTANTS from Tesla’s Grunheide electric car company that are six times over permitted levels are contaminating the Berlin area’s drinking water, the local utility company complained.

It has now asked the mayors of affected municipalities, demanding that the gigafactory is closed until a solution is found.

Friendly fire

A GERMAN frigate taking part in the Red Sea mission to protect international shipping from Iran-backed Houthis opened fire on an apparently hostile drone. Both missiles missed their target and crashed into the sea, narrowly averting a friendly fire incident as the drone turned out to a be a US reconnaissance drone.

UNIQUE FIND: A ring once worn by a Danish princess.

Good Neighbour Award

AGE IN SPAIN’S Good Neighbour Award sets out to highlight the best examples of neighbourliness in Spain.

From a strong field of finalists in the 2023/4 award - launched in conjunction with Euro Weekly News - an overall winner has emerged.

She is Alison Brophy, of Corralejo, Fuerteventura, nominated for creating ‘Stronger Together’ an organisation which exists for the benefit of non-Spanish residents, simply ‘to help people, to improve things, to help the nationalities integrate and generally to improve the life of everyone in Fuerteventura’.

Alison has lived in Spain for 27 years and became interested in helping people during the Covid lockdown when “time presented itself and I wanted to do something to help.” Since then, thousands of people have come for advice or support, evidenced by the large number of nominations received for Alison.

“Right now, we have a

Elaine Berry and Alison Brophy.

membership of 650, among whom 26 nationalities are represented.”

Stronger Together aims to integrate people into Spanish society, for example by providing language lessons, facilitating social activity, and encouraging people to register to vote in local elections; it navigates bureaucracy and helps people with their TIEs, their driving licences, or their business start-ups.

Not content with all of that, Alison has another idea - what she calls her big dream. She’d like to build an

Credit: Age in Spain

assisted living complex for the island and is in search of a business backer for that.

Commenting on the announcement of the Good Neighbour Award winners, UK Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott, said:

“Stronger Together is a respected organisation in Fuerteventura and has worked with Las Palmas Consulate to provide support to the most vulnerable of British people.

Details of those commended will appear in future editions including Alison’s colleague Elaine Berry.

THE town council of Sant Julia de Ramis in Catalonia has launched a proactive water-saving campaign called ‘a litre less is a litre more’ (1 litre menys=1 litre més) in response to a water emergency in the region.

With the goal of promoting careful water usage among its 3,461 residents, the council encourages people to use buckets to catch the water that would otherwise go down the drain when the tap is running unnecessarily.

By collecting water from activities like waiting for the shower to heat up, residents can reuse it for tasks like cleaning, watering

Drip by drip

plants, or flushing toilets.

In a similar vein, Figueres, a larger town in northern Catalonia, is taking a technological approach to reduce water consumption.

The local government has distributed 2,000 aerators to residents, which add oxygen to the water flow, maintaining quality while reducing the need for higher pressure.

This encourages residents to use less water, helping to keep consumption within the recommended limit of 200 litres per person per day.

Pandas return to China

FIVE pandas have now returned to China to be with the rest of their family, undergoing a 12-hour flight.

The pair of pandas lived in the zoo of Spain’s capital since 2007.

They had a girl born in 2016 and male twins in 2021.

The five of them lived in Madrid but had the rest of the family in China, Chendgu, in the Sichuan province.

It was a 12-hour flight but the authorities have confirmed that the animals experienced no health

concerns and are being taken care of in good conditions.

According to the adopted rules, cubs of giant pandas that were born outside of China were returned to the country to avoid inbreeding.

Based on the signed agreement between the two countries, another pair of young pandas will soon be sent to Madrid.

The goal of these actions is to “strengthen the friendship of the two nations through the animals.”

Your Belgian estate agent at the coast!

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Soft touch

NINETY-SEVEN firms bailed out by then-Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s £1.1bn (€1.28bn) pandemic fund set up to provide emergency funding missed repayment deadlines. All were granted extensions to three-year loans as stricter terms could push them, and hundreds of other small companies, into bankruptcy.

Fish fury

SPAIN’S fishing industry joined protests organised by the country’s farmers and agricultural growers. “We want to draw attention to the sector’s complaints, including EU policies obsessed with the environment,” said Javier Garat, secretary general of the Spanish Fishing Confederation (Cepesca) .

Lady at peril

VENERABLE but outdated

magazine The Lady could disappear after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) issued a winding-up petition against the publication owing to back taxes of £360,000 (€420,844). Owner and publisher Ben Budworth insisted that he had stuck to the agreed HMRC repayment plan “to the penny.”

Glovo respite

FOLLOWING appeals, the National High Court in Madrid has given delivery platform Glovo breathing space by putting on hold fines amounting to more than €67 million. All the sanctions that were imposed between November 2023 and January 2024 were linked to riders’ previous ‘false self-employed’ status.

Shein shoo-in

FAST fashion firm Shein could cancel plans for a $90 billion (€83.2 billion) float in New York and look to London instead. ‘The Chinese retail giant is increasingly drawn to the UK owing to the legal and regulatory challenges of listing in the US’, according to anonymous sources quoted by Bloomberg.

€46.72 billion STAT OF WEEK

in recently-confirmed subsidies from Brussels will be paid to Spain through the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) between 2023 and 2027.

Food inflation dips

Linda Hall

FOOD inflation in the UK sank to its lowest in almost two years last February.

Lower energy costs and a price war between supermarket chains offered meat, fish, and fruit that rose by 5 per cent in the second month of 2024, compared with 6.1 per cent in February 2023.

Food inflation is still rising, but its present rate is reassuringly lower than the double figures prompted by the energy crisis that has fuelled soaring inflation since 2022.

February’s rate was the lowest since May 2022, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) shop price

index revealed, with a 0.1 per cent monthly reduction that was the first since September 2023.

“This was driven by eased input costs for energy and fertiliser while retailers competed fiercely to

keep prices down,” Helen Dickinson, the BRC’s chief executive said.

Falling wholesale gas prices were reflected in household energy bills as the industry regulator Ofgem said that its price

Naturgy surge

SPANISH power company Naturgy’s net profit rose to €1.99 billion in 2023, outstripping a London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) prediction of €1.94 billion.

The former Gas Natural Fenosa, which is Spain’s principal gas-supply company and its fourth most-important electricity company, submitted figures to the National Securities Market Commission (CNMV) that were 20.4 per cent higher than 2023’s.

Bridgwater plum

TATA GROUP, India’s largest conglomerate, confirmed Bridgwater (Somerset) as the location for a £4 billion (€4.68 billion) battery factory.

The plant on land near the M5 would bring approximately 4,000 jobs to the area, said Tom Flack, chief executive of Tata’s battery division, Agratas.

Bridgwater was widely backed for the factory after Tata revealed in July 2023 that it would build a gigafactory in the UK after securing £500 million €584.8 million) in subsidies from the UK government.

Tata Motors and Jaguar Land Rover, which is owned by Tata, would be the first customers for the batteries, Agratas sources said.

Naturgy had just finished one of its best-ever years despite normalised energy prices, chairman Francisco Reynes announced. Nor did the company rule out acquisitions inside Spain and abroad, so long as these did not compromise plans to invest in the energy transition, mainly in Spain.

There would be “a special focus” on renewable electricity generation and developing renewable gases, he said, while strengthening all of Naturgy’s

Grifols fights back

THE National Securities Market Commission (CNMV) is scrutinising recently-submitted information from Grifols.

Since January 2024, the Barcelona-based pharmaceuticals company has been under attack from Gotham City Research, accused of false accounting although CNMV chairman Rodrigo Buenaventura revealed that they were also examining the short-seller’s own operations.

Gotham City’s allegations, first made in January 2024, have been responsible for demolishing Grifols’ market value by billions of euros despite the company’s continued rebuttals.

“We still need a few more weeks to complete our analysis,” Buenaventura announced to the Spanish media when presenting the CNMV’s programme for 2024 at the end of February.

cap - the maximum price which suppliers can charge for each kilowatt hour of energy that customers use – would fall by 12 per cent to £1,690 (€1,975.7) in April.

There was no change to non-food inflation which remained at 1.3 per cent in February, 0.7 per cent down on January, with an increase in the cost of furniture, electronics, health products and cosmetics offset by falling prices for clothes as retailers maintained special promotions.

Overall, February’s 2.5 per cent shop price inflation, compared with 2.9 per cent in January, was the lowest in almost two years, the BRC said.

distribution networks.

At the same time, Reynes avoided providing a 2024 forecast owing to the energy markets’ “extreme volatility” and the possibility of “unexpected weather conditions.”

Doubled up

FERROVIAL reported net profits of €460 million in 2023, compared with €186 million in 2022.

Revenue for the Spanish infrastructure multinational also rose by 13.2 per cent to €8.5 billion last year.

The “very good 2023 performance” was aided by motorway concessions in the US and Canada, Ferrovial’s chief executive Ignacio Madridejos said on February 27.

Texas Managed Lanes and the Ontario Highway 407 in Canada were principal dividend contributors, owing to increased traffic, Madridejos said.

Ferrovial disconcerted the Spanish government and surprised investors with its announcement in March 2022 that it was relocating its headquarters to the Netherlands.

The move, it said, would make it easier to list its shares on the New York stock exchange while expanding its operations and investor base in the US.

That’s rich

THE wealth of Spain’s richest residents increased by 16.1 per cent in 2023 to a total of €320.5 billion, 81 per cent more than in 2013.

According to ‘Spain’s 200 richest people’ compiled by national daily El Mundo, 84 of them watched their fortunes grow by double figures and for 36 the increase topped 20 per cent. Only 30 per cent saw their assets shrink, El Mundo found.

Inevitably, the list was headed by Inditex founder Amancio Ortega, whose fortune soared by 53 per cent to €93.9 billion in 2023.

Game over Bidding war

BRITISH haulier Wincanton is in the sights of both France’s Ceva Logistics and GXO Logistics from the US.

Ceva has upped its original £600 million (€701.2 million) offer to £802 million (€937.2 million) but could be pipped by GXO, although Wincanton’s board allegedly prefer a deal with the French company.

Meanwhile, Wincantonwhich transports groceries for Sainsbury’s and Morrisons - is obliged under the Takeover Code to provide the new suitor with due diligence information, to assist it in deciding whether to make a rival offer.

SONY will dismiss 8 per cent of its PlayStation employees worldwide, affecting 900 jobs.

PlayStation’s London Studio is to close entirely, the company confirmed.

In an email to employees, PlayStation’s chief executive and chairman, Jim Ryan, described the move as “sad news” and said it was “a difficult day” at the company.

The staff cuts follow rival Microsoft’s decision to lay off 1,900 of its gaming division staff, including those at Activision-Blizzard which it acquired in October 2023.

Photo

Photo credit: Flickr/david pics

FOOD INFLATION: Lowest UK rate since 2022.

FRANCISCO REYNES: Naturgy chairman revealed buoyant results.

Euro

EUR/GBP: Unchanged at £0.85

EUR/USD: Down from $1.08 to $1.07

A dovish shift by the European Central Bank has acted as a key headwind for the euro in recent weeks. With many ECB policymakers offering their thoughts on when the bank should begin cutting interest rates.

The single currency’s strong negative correlation with the US dollar also applied pressure to EUR exchange rates through February, amid strong demand for the greenback.

Conversely a modest improvement in some eurozone data releases lent some support to the euro.

Looking ahead, EUR investors will be laser focused on the ECB’s next interest rate decision. While no policy changes are expected next month, if the bank hints it is getting closer to

cutting interest rates, the euro is likely to nosedive.

Pound

GBP/EUR: Unchanged at €1.16

GBP/USD: Down from $1.27 to $1.26

The pound fluctuated through February, as the Bank of England’s latest interest rate decision and some mixed economic data infused volatility into the currency.

The BoE’s first policy meeting saw the bank push back against rate cut speculation, but also drop its pretence that its next move could be a rate hike.

In terms of data, Sterling briefly surged in response to an upbeat jobs report, with GBP/ EUR even spiking to an 18-month high. However, these gains were quickly reversed, after a weaker-than-expected inflation print, and confirmation the UK slipped into a recession in the

second half of 2023, stoked BoE rate cut speculation.

The coming month will see Chancellor Jeremy Hunt unveil his Spring Budget. GBP investors will be hoping for growth boosting tax cuts, potentially leaving the pound vulnerable to losses if they do not materialise.

US Dollar

USD/GBP: Up from £0.78 to

£0.79

USD/EUR: Up from €0.91 to €0.92

The US dollar enjoyed strong support over the past month as the Federal Reserve strongly pushed back against interest rate speculation.

The Fed firmly ruled out a rate cut in March following its first policy meeting of the year. While subsequent comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell

propelled USD exchange rates to new multi-month highs as he further pushed back on rate cut bets.

The US dollar was also supported by upbeat US data. With surprisingly strong payrolls and inflation prints bolstering USD demand.

With a March rate cut no longer on the cards, USD investors will be keeping a close eye on upcoming US data releases as they attempt to gauge when the Fed is likely to start loosening its policy. If US data continues to impress this is likely to price out a May rate cut and underpin the US dollar.

Currencies Direct have helped over 430,000 customers save on their currency transfers since 1996. Just pop into your local Currencies Direct branch or give us a call to find out more about how you can save money on your currency transfers.

Beam me up Scotty

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

I BELIEVE that to deny other forms of intelligent life exist in the universe is either breathtakingly arrogant or an almost frightening naivity. The human brain is not actually geared to take in the vast numbers of planets and stars, or even conceive the sheer volume of galaxies that exist in the endless expanses that we refer to as ‘space.’

If you could count the grains of sand on this planet of ours, which includes all the deserts and vast depths of our oceans, you still wouldn’t even be coming close to the sheer magnitude of stars that could be capable of sustaining some form of life in the infinite reaches of the universe.

It stands to reason that these beings could be thousands, possibly millions of years in advance of us in intellect and intelligence. To the manifestations existing in these unknown dimensions, travelling through time and space would be a mere bagatelle.

Distances themselves would have no

meaning and even time, as we perceive it, would have ceased to exist. Is it not then perfectly feasible that these advanced races would welcome some time to chill out, in much the same way as we need to occasionally switch off and relax? Vacations and scientific expeditions would, I think be something of a priority in the worlds of these ancient wonders of creation, and I can truly visualise some holistic ‘Happy Holidays’ brochure informing its customers that you can partake of the ‘Grand Planetary Tour,’ which takes in a selection of other worlds at different stages of their evolution.

Naturally, any set of beings advanced enough to have access to this type of holiday, would be far too intelligent to ‘interfere’ with any other primitive races they would be observing on their galaxy cruise. This is why I believe that most of the thousands of UFO sightings reported over the years have probably been glitches or errors on the part of the organisers. (These cheapo travel companies are all the same!)

The wonders of creation are fully intended to be beyond our wildest imagination; but to maintain we are the only

cluster of beings that exist and there are no other ultra-intelligent manifestations ‘out there’ I actually find totally inconceivable! ‘Where shall we go this year darling? Shall we do the Earth, Pluto, Sun all inclusive? Too passé? Well what about a trip down that newly discovered Black Hole’? ‘Ok, that’s a great idea; just make sure we don’t have to isolate when we get there!’

Can’t quite believe one of the latest leaked government recommendations to resolve the illegal immigrant problem is to introduce a prison sentence for those deemed guilty of this ‘offence’. Already hopelessly overcrowded jails cost £45,000 a year to keep one person incarcerated.

This amount could probably be tripled if you take into account the legal fees and court cases that, due to the UK’s ludicrous ‘uman rights policies, would automatically precede any punishment.

Just what planet do these particular political aliens exist on? ‘Beam me up Scotty’.

Keep the faith.

Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

Street Art award

Anna Akopyan

FROM the relics of El Greco to the groundbreaking surrealism of Salvador Dali, Spain is internationally renowned for its art and this year has won almost all of the top 10 places in the Street Art Cities award.

The Galician artist, Hugo Loma (Sfhir), secured first place in the competition with the award for the best mural painting in the world.

Located at 64 Calle Fraga in Fene, A Coruña,

Sfhir had completed his work in the summer of 2023, painting a young woman playing the cello. He said about his work: “It is the result of the dialogue with the landscape, the area, its people and what I want to capture.”

The Fene councillor for Economic Promotion and Tourism, Angelas Coira, congratulated the artist for having achieved an award that, “places Fene on the world map of urban art.”

Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

Cello player mural painting by Sfhir in Fene.

Credit: Fene Council

Health risks

ULTRA-PROCESSED foods, including biscuits, cakes, and sweets, have become mainstays in diets worldwide, yet their impact on health is increasingly concerning. These items are characterised by high levels of additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients, undergoing extensive processing that depletes nutritional value while loading them with sugars, fats, and salts. The convenience and irresistible taste of such snacks and desserts mask the significant health risks they pose.

Regular consumption of biscuits, cakes, and sweets, along with other ultra-processed foods, is linked to several health problems. These range from obesity and heart disease to type 2 diabetes, largely due to their high caloric content and poor nutritional quality.

The chemicals and preservatives they contain can contribute to inflammation and elevate cancer risk over time. The minimal presence of fibre and essential nutrients in these foods also ad versely affects gut health, disrupting metabolism and weake ning immune function.

Mainstays in diets worldwide.

Challenging the health system

DEBRA, the Butterfly Children Charity, is a non-profit organisation founded in 1993 by the parents of a boy with Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) or commonly referred to as butterfly skin.

DEBRA’s campaign to ensure that children with this condition has taken on a new challenge by demanding that government departments work within the ‘timeline’ established by law to include a new wound healing treatment on the National Health Service, be met as quickly as possible.

Currently, families with Butterfly Skin will have to wait approximately three years until this treatment is made available. Legislation states

that this should take a maximum of six months. Historically Spain is one of the EU countries that takes the most time to offer treatments for rare diseases on the National Health Service.

only organisation in Spain dedicated to improving the quality of life for families.

Javi is just one of many who suffer.

Butterfly Skin is a rare, degenerative and currently incurable disease that causes painful open wounds, covering 90 per cent of the surface of the skin. DEBRA the Butterfly Children Charity is the

Skin

They underline that Spain is one of the EU countries with the least available approved treatments available on the National Health Service (78 in contrast to 147 in the rest of Europe).

Evanina Morcillo Makow, manager of the charity, highlights, “The process is so frustrating for families, and we will continue to push the health authorities to expedite this process so that families can start to benefit from this new treatment.”

If you can help, contact them by email on: comunicacion@debra. es or call 607 051 054.

streaming

SKIN streaming is the latest trend in the beauty realm, focused on a minimalist approach to skincare. Eschewing the complex multi-step routines that have dominated for years, skin streaming advocates for a pared-down regimen that involves using fewer products that serve multiple purposes.

Fewer products can actually benefit the skin.

This concept is not just about decluttering your vanity but is rooted in the belief that using fewer products can actually benefit the skin, allowing it to function naturally without the stress of processing a plethora of ingredients.

The philosophy behind skin streaming is to use versatile, high-quality formulations that deliver more than one benefit, effectively reducing the need for a separate to-

ner, serum, moisturiser, and the like. Proponents argue that this streamlined process can lead to a stronger skin barrier, better hydration, and an overall healthier complexion. By focu-

sing on the essentials, skin streaming is quickly becoming a byword for efficiency and simplicity in skincare, resonating with those who seek both efficacy and ease in their daily routines.

Migraines

MIGRAINES, the de bilitating headaches that afflict millions worldwide, arise from a complex interplay of factors, making their triggers as varied as the individuals they affect. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role, setting the stage for environmental factors to trigger these intense episodes.

The perfect posture

Millions suffer worldwide.

Common culprits include stress, which not only acts as a psychological burden but also manifests physically, straining the body’s equilibrium. Dietary factors, such as aged cheeses, processed foods, and caffeinated beverages, can provoke migraines in some, as can skipping meals. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women, are known to trigger migraines, aligning with menstrual cycles or hormonal changes.

Environmental stimuli, like bright lights, loud noises, and strong smells, also contribute to the onset of migraines, as do changes in sleep patterns. Understanding these triggers is a crucial step towards managing migraine episodes, offering a pathway to relief for many sufferers.

THE quest for the perfect posture is a topic of much debate and discussion in wellness circles.

Contrary to the one-size-fits-all approach, the ideal posture is not a fixed position but a dynamic balance that varies from person to person.

It’s about alignment and efficiency: ensuring the body’s joints are aligned in a way that minimises stress and maximises support.

Good posture is not just about standing tall; it’s about maintaining the natural curves of the spine while sitting, standing, or moving.

This balance helps distribute the forces of gravity evenly across the body, reducing wear and tear on the

IDEAL POSTURE: Is not a fixed position but varies from person to person.

joints and tissues, and preventing muscle fatigue.

Experts suggest that the key to achieving and maintaining the

perfect posture involves regular physical activity, strengthening the core muscles, and being mindful of one’s posture throughout the

day.

Ergonomically designed workspaces can also contribute significantly to promoting good posture.

Adopt a grandparent

Jennifer Leighfield ADOPTA UN ABUELO works to help elderly people not feel alone, not only in Spain but also in other parts of the world.

They bring them together with volunteers who want to give some of their time so they don’t feel lonely.

You can make donations to support the activities carried out by the NGO, and/or become a volunteer, either online (video chat) or in person.

To become a volunteer you take a short ‘course’ (videos and questionnaire) and provide your details to be assigned an ‘abuel@’ near you. If you fail to call or visit them, you cease being a volunteer and they are assigned someone else.

The ‘course’ is in Spanish and done via their App. However, they ask you what languages you know and obviously in certain areas the care homes have a lot of foreigners, so you could be assigned to someone who speaks your language.

“I first learned of the NGO through restaurant chain Popeye’s, as when you ordered at one of their booths they asked if you would like to donate to Adopta un Abuel@, so I did and later looked them

FIGHTING

LONELINESS: Young and old can learn from each other.

up.

I also saw they were collaborating with Innocent smoothies (see so mos. innocent Instagram) by getting volunteers to make mini woolly hats which they put on the smoothies and from each sale 20 euro cents goes to the NGO.

I joined (donation and volunteering) at the beginning of this year as seeing my own grandma frequently had been very important for both me and my daughter Myriam as she brought her so much joy. Knowing there are people who are in care homes (so obviously not totally alone) but have noone to visit them seems awful.

Our ‘abuela’ Antonia was assigned to us at the local Residencia in Arroyo de la Miel (Benalmadena) and we have had our

Women’s Day

Galloping towards dreams

MEET

Credit: Halfpoint Shutterstock

first visit.

It was a really good experience and we’re looking forward to seeing each other again. It was also nice to talk to some of the other ladies in the home, they were all excited with the novelty of seeing us!”

If you would like to find out more visit https://adoptaunabuelo.org/quie nes-so-

Sara Berna Honrubia, 24-year-old with a life long passion for horses.

Now running a horse riding school in Sax on the Costa Blanca, Club Hípico El Brujo, Sara discovered her love for riding at just five years old, thanks to her parents’ support.

Initially eyeing a career as a vet, Sara found herself irresistibly drawn into the world of horses.

By the time she graduated, she was already immersed in the equestrian scene, working as an assistant at a riding stables.

When it came time to choose her path, Sara faced a big decision: pursue her veterinary dreams or follow her heart into teaching horse riding.

Opting for the latter, she obtained qualifications to teach alongside becoming a certified veterinary assistant, allowing her to fully

commit to her passion.

Reflecting on her journey, Sara has no regrets. Despite the challenges of running her own horse riding school, especially during the tumultuous times of the Covid-19 pandemic, Sara remains undeterred.

“I feel like there are never enough hours in the day,” she admits. Balancing the daily demands and stresses of entrepreneurship with her dedication to her students and horses is no easy feat.

For Sara, riding isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way of life.

Though progress may not always be immediate, she believes in the value of patience and perseverance. “When you stop and look back, you realise the strides you’ve made, both as a rider and a person,” she reflects.

As for her future aspirations, Sara refuses to place limits on herself. “I have dreams, not goals,” she asserts. “And I’m determined to make each one a reality.”

With her unwavering passion and relentless drive, there’s no doubt Sara will continue to conquer new horizons in the equestrian world.

More than just barbecue - Baobab

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Written by Jules ALTHOUGH

in Mojacar the concept of the Argentinian grill is not unique, Baobab is certainly distinctive, with its strikingly colourful and eclectic decor, its traditional menu offering a mouth-watering and authentic taste of Argentina, and, of course, the hosts Ana and Roberto, who make you feel as though you are part of the family.

Baobab has been enticing both residents and holidaymakers for over 10 years, with rich and succulent meats, expertly seasoned and grilled to perfection, paired with a wide and diverse selection of wines and spirits.

The menu is not found lacking, there is something for everyone, if you don’t think you can manage a 400gram ribeye or a combined plate of four different meats and sausages, you could just have one of their juicy burgers or an amazing chicken sandwich.

And of course, if, like me, you are not a carnivore, they offer some delicious salads and a variety of grilled vegetables.

Add to this their small selection of devilishly delicious home-made desserts

and you have a wondrous but belt loosening menu.

From its large, covered terrace with some sumptuous chairs to lose yourself in, to its vibrant interior, blending a spectrum of colours, authentic carved wooden masks and figures, a plethora of paintings and photos hanging on every conceivable space of the wooden clad walls, all helping enforce the illusion of being in another realm.

From the moment you enter, Ana greets you with a big smile and oftentimes a hug, and her enthusiasm to make you feel as though you belong seems boundless. You won’t be too long seated before you have a drink in hand and your order being expertly prepared in the kitchen by Roberto.

The combination of the amazing ambiance, impeccable service, and exceptional food has made Baobab very much a place where the locals will often frequent.

This is a perfect spot if you just fancy a bite to eat at lunchtime, a more chilled out evening meal, or just a few drinks in one of Mojacar’s most distinctive restaurants.

Open Tuesday to Sunday from midday until close with food being served from 1pm to 4pm and 6pm to 11pm, eating at Baobab is not just a visual and

culinary experience, it is also affordable, with prices ranging from €10 to €20 per person. It may not be the place to be, but it is certainly the place to go!

P.º del Mediterráneo, 465, 04638 Vista de los Ángeles-Rumina, Almeria 689 642 923

NEW & EXCLUSIVE TO VOSS HOMES - AN UP AND RUNNING B&B BUSINESS. A recently renovated seven bed, five bath, two WC, full of character Country House / Cortijo of 431m2 with tourism licence for sale in the Huercal-Overa area with huge 12m x 6m swimming pool, bar and entertainment area, games room, garage, carport and amazing views and even a place for chickens etc and land of 25,771m2.

Just five mins drive to the villages of Urcal and Santa Maria with amenities, 14 mins drive from Huercal-Ove-

ra town with numerous amenities and 35 to 40 mins drive to the coast at San Juan and Mojacar.

Cortijo Esperanza is ideal if you are looking for a private, ‘rural, but not remote’ B&B / Self Catering business with plenty of room for entertaining or just want a big family home. There is also potential to have a motorhome park.

This two storey house consists downstairs of large welcoming hallway with two double bedrooms either side with their own ensuite shower rooms. Also from the hallway

is an archway leading through to the large living room / dining room with log burning fire.

Next is the spacious dining room. To the right is the very large fully equipped kitchen with utility room, pantry, large storage room and toilet with sink.

Also from the dining room double doors lead out to a huge Florida style enclosure with fully equipped bar and dining area. This looks over and leads out to the garden / entertaining area and swimming pool. Steps leads up to the swimming pool with plenty of

room for entertaining and sun bathing. This is surrounded by mature gardens.

From the living room are stairs leading up to a large landing / second dining / living room. From here you can access four double bedrooms, two are ensuite.

Also on the ground floor is a separate self contained apartment with one bedroom, living room, kitchen and shower room. This apartment has its own entrance door at the front and rear of the house. There is also a huge games room which is large enough to have a pool table, darts board and seating area etc, toilet, storage room and garage.

To the front of the property is a large gravelled parking area used for motor homes with four electric hook ups.

For more information and to arrange a viewing or a meeting in our offices please contact Voss Homes DIRECTLY on 0034 950 616 827 or email us on enquiries@vosshomesspain.com

Voss Homes Estate Agents: 155A Carretera Estacion, Huercal-Overa, CP 04600, Almeria

Landline: 0034 950 616 827

Website: www.vosshomesspain.com

INTERVIEW

IT’S been 12 years since Nadia moved to Javea from her motherland, Lithuania. She now refers to herself as ‘Javeana’. When asked where she comes from, she replies without thinking, “Spain. Javea.”

NADIA was married with children and a job in the theatre, when she decided to move to Spain. The family searched for a better climate to improve the health of their little son.

She revealed what made Javea so appealing: “With the harmony of Javea, I felt at home in the first second. I understood the town straight away.”

She took on different jobs but had come back to her pas sion, by chance. “I was visiting Gandia with my kids when I met an organ player and his wife, a violinist. Being a singer, we began collaborating.”

including working in XIC and Lady Elizabeth School.

In terms of adapting, Nadia said it was ‘easy’. “Coming from another European country, we got the residence straight away. I didn’t need to change my driving licence. Everything was easy, like things were just flowing.”

Since then, Nadia performed across Spain, and then moved on to teaching,

When asked whether she missed her homeland, Nadia replied, “I miss simple things - the places of my childhood... If I miss places or family, I go back for a few days. Then I find myself counting the days when I’ll be back in Javea. I go to Lithuania for five days at most now. My home is here.”

Nadia

Flying coins

George Cunningham

ONCE again, the European mint Mennica Polska has caught attention with a groundbreaking innovation: the world’s first flying coin.

Unveiled at the Technical Forum in Berlin during the World Money Fair 2024, the prototype named UFO MP-1766 is no ordinary currency.

This extraordinary coin seems to defy gravity, hovering in mid-air while spinning like a futuristic alien spacecraft.

Its luminescent appearance, achieved through fluorescent paint, adds to its mystique.

The coin’s magic lies in a built-in motor that generates a magnetic field between the coin and a special base below, keeping it

Women’s Day

suspended in the air and allowing it to spin freely.

Despite its whimsical nature, the UFO MP-1766 holds legal tender status with a value of €2.69, though its collectable value is expected to surpass that amount.

The number 1766 in its name pays homage to the founding year of the Mint

of Poland and also represents the value of 1,766 Cameroonian francs, approximately equivalent to €2.69.

Interestingly, the coin was commissioned by the Bank of Cameroon, as only national central banks have the authority to introduce new currency.

Women for Equality in Calpe

FOR women of Costa Blanca who believe in feminine strength and equal rights, the Women for Equality Association in Calpe is the community to join.

The organisation is run fully by volunteers who accept donations, established in 2014, initially as an informational space for women.

Women for Equality are registered in the Registry of Associations of the Alicante Government Subdelegation and give the local women a chance to change regional politics and social standards.

The members of the organisation collaborate to hold conferences, presentations, monologues and artistic events.

Women for Equality aims to ensure a safe environment for women not only within their community but beyond, reporting activities and helping victims of gender abuse through personal aid and public dissemination.

There are regular informative talks and training, helping women to feel empowered and pro-active, and encouraging participation in the political, economic, cultural and social life.

The location is Plaza de la Constitucion, Glorieta Park in Calpe.

Becoming a member is possible through the social media pages.

TRIPADVISOR’S annual ranking of the Travellers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Beaches for 2024 has unveiled Europe’s top three coastal destinations, igniting dreams of summer adventures.

Based on glowing reviews and opinions from the TripAdvisor community, these beaches promise unforgettable experiences for those seeking sun, sand, and sea.

Let’s dive into these coastal gems.

Taking the top spot is Praia da Falésia, nestled in Olhos de Água in Portugal’s Algarve region.

With dramatic red cliffs as a backdrop, this beach offers a picturesque setting for sunbathing, surfing, and strolls.

Securing the second spot is Spiaggia dei

Top 3

Conigli, also known as Rabbits’ Beach, located on the island of Lampedusa, Italy.

With its pristine white sand and crystal-clear azure waters forming a shell-shaped cove, this beach exudes a Caribbean-like ambience.

Rounding out the top three is Playa de la Concha, situated in Spain’s Basque region, near the city of San Sebastian-Donosti.

Renowned for its iconic shell shape and scenic surroundings, this beach offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban charm.

WORLD FIRST: The coin suspended in the air.

Image: Mennica Polska

Sunny success

Anna Ellis

IN 2023, Spain experienced a remarkable surge in tourism from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, setting new records in both visitor numbers and tourism spending.

Tourists from the GCC region spent over €1,138m in Spain, marking a 64.7 per cent increase compared to 2022 and a staggering 123.7 per cent increase compared to 2019, according to estimates from Turespaña based on data from the INE (Frontur and Egatur).

The total number of visitors from the GCC region to Spain in 2023 reached

434,000, reflecting a 33 per cent increase from 2022 and a 56 per cent growth compared to 2019.

On average, these visitors stayed for 8.6 days.

Saudi Arabia witnessed exceptional growth, with a more than 100 per cent increase compared to 2019 and a 92 per cent increase compared to 2022.

The total number of Saudi tourists reached 182,298, surpassing the United Arab Emirates as Spain’s primary GCC market and reinforcing its position in line with the country’s 2030 vision.

The trend of attraction to

Spain was also observed in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait.

Factors such as favourable weather, a sense of familiarity, and cultural resonance, including Spain’s rich Arab heritage, influenced GCC travellers when choosing Spain as their destination.

Looking ahead to 2024, Spain aims to solidify its position as a preferred destination for Middle Eastern travellers through marketing campaigns, strategic partnerships, and various events organised by Turespaña’s Tourism Department in Abu Dhabi.

BARCELONA: Middle Eastern travellers are choosing Spain as their destination.

• News Across The Regions •

Costa del Sol Going viral

COSTA DEL SOL Tourism’s ‘Shout my name’ campaign has gone viral and reached over 40 million people in only two weeks.

The campaign, aimed mainly at young people, especially the Z generation, has a very prominent presence in digital media and social networks. According to Costa del Sol Tourism data, the campaign has reached this impressive figure in just two weeksand equates to an advertising value of €500,000. In addition, the social paid strategy has reached more than 400,000 users plus almost 40,000 plays on Spotify.

In the video that focuses on a ‘road trip’ of experiences through the province: the emblematic tourism of Torremolinos and the symbolic Pez Espada hotel, a starry night in the Torcal de Antequera, the caves of El Gato and El Tesoro and passing under the arch of Marbella in a convertible.

Axarquia Donation to Cudeca

THE current Chairman of 41 Club Nerja, Dr Brian Karet, a retired GP from Yorkshire, this year nominated Cudeca as the Club’s charity.

Cudeca, formed from the Spanish words CUidados DE CAncer, (Carers for Cancer) or the Palliative Care Centre in Benalmadena, have fundraising shops along the Costa and inland, including one in Nerja.

Dr Karet, regional manager of Cudeca shops said “41 Clubs have a long tradition of supporting smaller local charities which benefit local people.”

Lesley Karet said “I work in the Nerja shop and we are always grateful to people who donate things that we can sell for charity.”

Cudeca was founded in 1991 by Joan Hunt and by 1993 the first Cudeca centre was opened.

Contact: 41@41clubnerja.org

Mallorca Stride forward

REGISTRATION for the 2024 Walk Against Cancer is now officially open, offering an opportunity for individuals across Mallorca to unite in the fight against cancer. Organised by Cancer Support Mallorca, participants have until March 31 to sign up, with the first 150 adults and 50 children receiving a complimentary t-shirt and a choice of a bag or bottle.

This year, the event champions personal fitness goals, encouraging participants to walk, run, cycle, or swim according to their own targets, whether it’s 10,000 steps daily or a cumulative 100,000 steps within the month. By signing up on the Cancer Support Mallorca website, participants will also receive guidance on fundraising to further support cancer research and aid.

Costa Blanca North Fallas route for seniors

DENIA Town Council has constructed a Fallas route for seniors, making the festivity easily accessible and entertaining for all community members.

Specialised crafts workshops will take place on March 11 at 5.30pm at the La Pedrera Hospital, and on March 12, at 11.00am at the Santa Llucia residence.

On Thursday March 7, a computer workshop will be held in the Classrooms for the Elderly at the Santa Llucia Residence, familiarising the seniors with tablet and mobile phone devices.

March 15 will invite the seniors to follow the Fallas route, experiencing the vibrant celebration of Denia’s Fallas monuments. The route will begin at 4.30pm from Plaza del Consell.

Seniors are also invited to attend a Pilates class on March 21, Seniors are also invited to attend.

Costa Blanca South Torrevieja’s winner

IN honour of International Women’s Day on March 8, Torrevieja is proud to announce Josefa Carmona Melgarejo as the recipient of the City’s Award 2024.

This prestigious accolade recognises her remarkable personal and professional journey, spanning a lifetime of dedication and commitment.

Josefa is not only deeply cherished and admired by her community but also continues to make significant contributions to the city.

The Women’s Award is bestowed upon outstanding local women who exemplify excellence in their personal and professional endeavours, demonstrating exceptional effort, social engagement, and positive impact on the community.

The awards ceremony on Friday, March 8, at 8.00pm will be held at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre.

Costa Calida Snow at last

ON March 2, a cold front left the northwest region of Murcia covered in a snowy blanket. Several towns woke up to a winter wonderland after overnight precipitation, accompanied by a sharp drop in temperatures.

Local businesses that rely on snowfall during the winter to attract tourists have faced challenges this year due to unseasonably high temperatures. The cold weather is expected to attract visitors eager to experience the snowfall.

Temperatures in the northwest dipped close to 0 degrees Celsius early in the morning, with Moratalla recording the lowest temperature at 1.4ºC and Caravaca de la Cruz at 2.1ºC. The chill also reached Murcia and the Vega del Segura, where, after surpassing 20 degrees during the day, temperatures plummeted to below 10 degrees at midnight.

Dog poisoned by a diffuser

DOG owner Debra Lansdowne has discovered a potential source of poisoning for dogs which neither she nor many others were aware of and so, she has shared her story.

“One night I returned home late and my dog didn’t seem to recognise me but I thought that perhaps I had woken him up and he was having a night terror.

The following day he was still acting weirdly and remembered that I had been running my new diffuser and decided to turn it off and happily by the afternoon he seemed to be much better.

Then the next day, my dog sitter contacted me at work to say that he wouldn’t come out from under the bed which was very odd as he is generally a very happy dog.

I came home from work early and once again he seemed very confused about who I was so I took him to an emergency vet.

It turns out that the tea tree oil I was using in the diffuser is toxic for dogs.

Fortunately the test showed that his liver was ok but we weren’t out of the woods yet and he was given fluids under his skin to get the toxins out.

The vet and the poison control are saying that they see these cases often now that the popularity of essential oil is growing so please make sure that the essential oils you are burning are not toxic for your pets.”

Here is a long list of essential oils not to use if you have a dog at home:

Anise (Pimpinella anisum)

Birch (Betula)

Bitter Almond (Prunus dulcis)

Boldo (Peumus boldus)

Calamus (Acorus calamus)

Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora)

Cassia (Cassia fistula)

Chenopodium (Chenopodium album)

Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum)

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Goosefoot (Chenopodium murale)

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)

Hyssop (Hyssopus sp. with the exception of Decumbens)

Juniper (Juniperus sp. with the exception of Juniper Berry)

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)

Mustard (Brassica juncea)

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)

Red or White Thyme

Rue (Ruta graveolens)

Santolina (Santolina chamaecyparissus)

Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)

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Savory (Satureja)

Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Terebinth (Pistacia palaestina)

Thuja (Thuja occidentalis)

Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

“I was lucky but not everyone may be as fortunate, so please keep this advice in mind. There are a number of dangers that can affect your dog adversely but perhaps the other great risk at the moment is the fact this is now the season of the toxic processionary caterpillar about which so much has been written.”

Bennie is a charmer, all the HouseSit Match dog-sitters love him.

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Skoda adds luxurious edge to Enyaq range

By Mark Slack ROAD

TEST

SKODA is expanding its Enyaq range with the addition of a new L&K model. Introduced as part of a wide-ranging model year update the new variant becomes the first L&K mo del to be powered solely by electric.

Before we delve into this latest Enyaq have you ever won dered where Skoda get the L&K de signation for their top mo dels? With 120 years of history, SKODA is one of the oldest auto motive manufacturers in the world. The original factory in Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic is still at the centre of the company.

company to the Laurin & Klement Co. Then the pair started experimenting with a new phenomenon - the motor car.

During the early 1900s their first car was a huge success but they needed an industrial partner to strengthen and modernise their company. They merged with engineering firm Pizen Skodovka Co in 1925 and became ŠKO-

The Skoda story began in 1895, when cycling fanatics

Václav Laurin (a mechanic) and Václav Klement (a bookseller) started designing and manufacturing bicycles under

the name Slavia. The bicycles sold well, so they started making motorbikes in 1899, and changed the name of their

Back to the Enyaq L&K. Available in both SUV and Coupé guise the new L&K model offers a luxury interior, bespoke exterior styling to set it apart from the rest of the range. Priced from €59,942/£51,340 for the SUV and €62,159/£53,240 for the Coupé variant, the Enyaq L&K features a 77 kWh battery, a 286 PS motor mounted on the rear axle and a promised combined driving range of up to 555km/345 miles. The new

model can reach the benchmark 100kph/62mph in just 6.7 seconds and has a maximum speed is 178kph/111mph.

The design of the Enyaq L&K features exclusive Platinum Grey detailing on its model-specific bumpers, rear diffuser and exterior mirrors. Full LED matrix headlights, which can avoid dazzling oncoming cars, are also fitted as standard. Both Enyaq L&K models are equipped with anthracite metallic alloy wheels, privacy glass and L&K badging on the front wings.

Inside, customers can choose between two bespoke Design Selections; L&K Shell and L&K Black. The former features beige leather upholstery as standard, while the latter comes with black leather. Both feature front seats with ventilation and massage functions – which are exclusive to the L&K version. L&K models also come with heated rear seats, a head-up display and CANTON sound system as standard, along with heated windscreen and L&K logos on the seats.

ENYAK RANGE: Customers can choose between two bespoke designs.

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Uncompromising High Performance

The CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID redefines how we perceive driving. Embracing electrification is not just a choice, it’s a paradigm shift. Thanks to its hybrid engine, this vehicle allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds: powerful performance and environmental efficiency.

With an impressive range of hybrid engines capable of reaching up to 245 PS, the CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID ensures thrilling performance on every journey. You no longer have to choose between power and sustainability; this SUV Coupé has it all.

Total freedom of movement trans-

lates to electric range of up to 59 km (55 km in the 245 PS version), earning it the ‘ZERO’ label. For urban driving, this means zero emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment. The combination of the 1.4 TSI combustion engine, electric motor, and lithium-ion battery reduces CO2 emissions to as low as 26-32 g/km (31-35 g/km in the 245 PS version). Additionally, the CUPRA Formentor e-HYBRID offers efficient and connected charging solutions.

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Ryder Cup dilemma

IN June 2022, Sergio Garcia made the controversial decision to join the emerging LIV Golf league. This move has now led to a substantial financial penalty exceeding £800k (approximately €934,282) if he wishes to re-enter the DP World Tour and vie for a spot in the Ryder Cup again.

The DP World Tour’s victory in a significant legal battle has empowered it to levy fines and impose bans on players participating in LIV events.

Garcia, in an attempt to sidestep further sanctions, opted out of the DP World Tour. This decision effectively forfeited his opportunity to compete in the Ryder Cup, a tournament where he holds the record for most points scored.

During an appearance on the Rick Shiels Golf Show, Garcia expressed his intent to rejoin the European Tour. “I am going to be a member again of the Euro-

pean Tour,” he stated.

Despite the challenges posed by the DP World Tour, Garcia’s ambition is clear: he aims to secure a position in the 2025 Ryder Cup.

The Telegraph reports that Garcia must first clear his outstanding fines to stand any chance of joining Luke Donald’s European team at Bethpage Black in 2025.

Notably, he is the last LIV Golf participant who hasn’t settled the initial £100,000 fine. A source disclosed that Garcia would only consider paying the fines if his Ryder Cup participation in 2025 was guaranteed. This stance has sparked debate, especially since he resigned rather than pay the initial penalty.

As negotiations continue, the golfing community watches closely, pondering the true cost of returning to its most prestigious team event.

Formula 1 season has started

John Smith

TRADITIONALLY all Formula 1 Grand Prix races take place on a Sunday but for religious reasons, the first two of the 2024 season will take place on a Saturday.

The second Grand Prix takes place in Saudi Arabia at 6.174 kilometre Jeddah Corniche Circuit on Saturday, March 9.

This is because the Islamic holy month of Ramadan is due to start on Sunday March 10, the day the Saudi Arabian race

Kylian Mbappe: from Paris to Madrid

THE former World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe has announced his parting from Paris Saint-Ger main. The public mediates on his future. Will it be with Real Madrid?

The 25-year-old Parisian, Kylian Mbappe, is one of the most recognised football pla yers of our time and has been Paris Saint-Germain’s key pla yer since 2017.

After seven years of being part of Nasser Al-Khelaifi’s team, Mbappe decided to leave PSG and widen his future opportuni ties.

He has been planning to leave since 2021, when he announ ced his decision but never went through with it, tied to his con tract. Mbappe has always been an open supporter of Real Ma

would normally have taken place so qualifying and actual race had to take place one day earlier.

Because FIA rules state that there should be a full seven days between Grands Prix then the first race of the new season at the 5.412 kilometre Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir was moved to Saturday March 2, with Max Verstappen being the winner.

The Bahrain race covered 57 laps whilst the Saudi race is

due to take up just 50 laps and the number of laps varies by circuit depending on the length of the track with the intention that each race will cover just over 300 kilometres (except Monaco which is shorter and a much slower race) and last roughly the same amount of time.

There will be 24 races in all this season with no new circuits, but Belgium, China and The Netherlands are returning this season.

Andy Murray’s fiery exit

ON Wednesday, February 28, following a tense match in Dubai, Andy Murray announced his impending retirement after a fiery outburst on court.

During the Dubai Tennis Championships’ last-16 round, the 36-year-old clashed with Ugo Humbert.

Murray, a renowned figure in tennis with two Wimbledon victories and a previous world No.1 ranking, lost his cool. He was seen aggressively hitting his racket against the umpire’s chair in a moment of anger. The match concluded with scores of 6-2, 6-4 in Humbert’s favour.

Murray’s frustration was palpable. He yelled “I don’t have a clue what I’m doing” towards his coaching team, expressing ‘awful feelings on the tennis court’. His actions and words were a clear indication of his distress during the game.

After his defeat, Murray candidly discussed his retirement, stating, “Yeah, I mean, I’m likely not going to play past this summer.

“I get asked about it after every single match that I play, every single tournament that I play. I’m bored of the question, to be honest.

“Yeah, I’m not going to talk more about that between now and whenever the time comes for me to stop. But yeah, I don’t plan on playing much past this summer.”

This year has been challenging for Murray, with only two victories out of eight matches. His contemplation on retirement was hinted at following an early exit at the Australian Open.

Murray’s recent performances, including a notable defeat by teenager Jakub Mensik in Qatar, have been disappointing. He was overheard saying ‘this game’s not for me any more’ during that match.

Despite Murray’s career apparently nearing its end, his determination to exit on a high note, despite recent struggles, underscores his enduring legacy in the sport.

The competing drivers this season.

Credit: F1 Facebook