Costa de Almeria 4 – 10 April 2024 Issue 2022

Joining forces

Jules Phillips

TWO private hospitals in Almeria, both in the capital, are teaming up to help over 6,000 people needing surgery. They’ve formed a Temporary Business Union (UTE) to win a contract from the Andalucian Health Service (SAS) to cut waiting lists.

The Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs aims to ensure these surgeries happen in private facilities by year-end to reduce waiting times. Initially, the government will spend about €17 million on this collaboration. But if the contract extends past 2024, costs could rise to €40 million.

HLA Mediterraneo Hospital and Vithas Virgen del Mar Hospital are partnering through their companies. This alliance will handle all external public health surgical operations outlined in the contract ne-

gotiated with the Andalucian Health Service.

The contract covers a wide range of surgical procedures, including hernia operations, knee surgeries,

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gallbladder procedures, cataract surgeries, carpal tunnel treatments, hip and shoulder surgeries, and phimosis operations.

Patients facing delays af-

ter June 30, 2024, might get financial aid from SAS for private surgeries. While surgical activity in Almeria has risen, it’s not enough to clear the backlog.

Costa de Almeria

This joint venture will help to reduce waiting lists in the region.

Credit: HLA Mediterraneo

No tourist train

ALMERIA has once again been left out of the luxury tourist train that travels through Andalucia. The Railway Defence Committee of the province raised concerns over two years ago, but Renfe, the railway operator, hasn’t acted on them. The luxurious Al Andalus train will soon resume its journeys across Andalucia, but Almeria won’t be part of its route.

On Friday March 29, the Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Oscar Puente, and Renfe’s president, Raul Blanco, unveiled the 2024 season of Renfe’s Luxury Tourist Trains, including Al Andalus. Unfortunately, according to the plans, Almeria, along with Huelva, will once again be excluded from the route.

Renfe’s reasoning for excluding Alme-

ria in the past was that the luxury train was meant to visit World Heritage Sites. However, this argument doesn’t hold up when considering places like Jerez de la Frontera, which lacks such sites. Renfe justified including Jerez due to its proximity to World Heritage Sites.

Renfe intends to run up to 22 trips through six provinces of Andalucia with the Al Andalus train, starting from May 31 until November 3, with the last route from Malaga to Sevilla.

The minister and Renfe’s president highlighted the significant role of the Spanish company in the synergy between tourism and railways in Spain, emphasising Renfe’s position as a global leader in luxury tourist trains.

AI website

Jules Phillips

THE ‘Costa de Almeria’ has launched a new website with the most advanced artificial intelligence technology in Spain. Fernando Gimenez, the vice president, and provincial deputy overseeing tourism, unveiled this ground-breaking digital tool. It’s a significant step forward for ‘Costa de Almeria’, putting it at the forefront of AI use in the country.

At its core is a chat-bot capable of creating personalised travel plans for visitors. This chat-bot is so smart that it can interact with users and respond to their inquiries effectively.

Gimenez is enthusiastic about the potential of this new website and believes it will significantly enhance the tourism experience for both visitors and locals alike.

The website is unparalleled in depth, precision,

and responsiveness and could be poised to become a national benchmark for integrating advanced AI technology, enabling tailored travel plans, routes, and itineraries.

The new Costa de Almería website aims to provide a comprehensive and dynamic platform for an enhanced tourist experience. It adapts to the individual needs of each visitor, offering interactive tools, detailed information, and customisation options to facilitate trip planning.

Designed with a mo-

dern and user-friendly approach, the website caters to the needs of contemporary travellers who rely heavily on mobile devices for trip planning.

Gabriel Torres from Karma Estudio demonstrated the website’s powerful search engine, which serves as a virtual tour guide for users. The website, available at almeriatu rismo.com, serves as an invaluable resource for both national and international tourists, showcasing the diverse attractions of Costa de Almeria.

Credit: Diputacion de Almeria

The most advanced AI portal now online.

Credit: Diputacion de Almeria

The dining car on the Al Andalus train.

NIBS EXTRA

Flight returns

A FLIGHT operated by Vueling on March 27 flying to Almeria from Barcelona, had to return and land again at El Prat airport, due to an unspecified maintenance issue on the Airbus A320.

German TV

GERMAN public television ZDF Planet visited Níjar and El Ejido to do a report about the social and work conditions of farm workers. They interviewed farm workers, union representatives, and business owners.

New bypass

ANTONIO FERNÁNDEZ, the mayor of Cuevas del Almanzora, is calling for a start on building a bypass for the town, which wilol start near the Los Silos junction with Palomares and link up with the N-332 highway near the Agrocentro warehouse.

Pop-up shop

BRIDE of Clucky are moving their operations to PJ’s Cafe down at Mojacar Playa and taking charge of the kitchen on weekend evenings. They will be serving up your favourite Clucky meals while PJ’s serve you drinks!

Rates rise

VERA is adjusting its property taxes and water rates to keep up with rising municipal costs. After eight years of no tax hikes, the council had to raise the IBI tax rate from 0.57 per cent to 0.65 per cent.

Chiringuito fire

IN the early hours of March 30, Ana’s Beach Bar went up in flames, when the Andalucia Emergency Service received calls about a fire at one of the wooden beach bars in Carboneras.

Grassroots basketball

TOP national basketball academies like Real Madrid Baloncesto, Barcelona Basquet, Joventut de Badalona, and Unicaja Baloncesto will gather in Vera during the sixth Under 13’s Tournament at the Blas Infante Pavilion from May 2 to 5.

Organised by the Unión de Pueblos del Levante Almeriense Basketball Club (CB UPLA) and promoted by the Vera Town Council, the Provincial Council of Almeria, the Unicaja Foundation, and Baloncesto Andalucia, this grassroots event highlights the importance of promoting sports at school age.

This tournament places Vera as a benchmark for national grassroots basketball and it will not only have an impact on tourism but also makes it possible to nd the players

who could be the basketball stars of tomorrow.

The president of UPLA emphasized the tournament’s importance, stating, “This is a unique event. We

Forest planning

THE mayor of Huercal de Almeria, Ismael Torres, has unveiled plans to acquire over 1,000 hectares of forested land, aimed at bene ting local residents and enhancing the municipality’s hiking network.

The plan is to attain approximately 1,000 hectares of undeveloped land in the northern region of the area, spanning from Las Cumbres and Zamarula to the boundary with Gador. This includes signi cant landmarks such as El Pocico, mining facilities, and the Cortijo del Cura Trail.

The need for municipal ownership to ensure the preservation and sustainable management of the forested area is essential for its continued environmental, recreational, and economic exploitation.

The mayor’s announcement follows the approval of the decommissioning of 67.92 hectares adjacent to the urban centre, transitioning its legal status from public domain to a heritage asset.

This re ects Huercal de Almeria’s strategic approach to land management, prioritising environmental conservation, public enjoyment, and sustainable development.

are always very grateful for all the help we receive to celebrate a tournament of this magnitude that will make our small club and the town of Vera known nationally.”

Leaving Almeria

MORE and more residents of Almeria are opting for a change of scenery during Semana Santa, departing from their usual local traditions to explore destinations beyond the province.

This shift in holiday plans is noticeable in the increased number of bookings reported by travel agencies during Easter. Instead of staying local, many Almerians are now venturing to exotic locations like Egypt and Morocco or embarking on cruises around the Greek islands. These travellers are taking advantage of the spring season and avoiding the summer crowds for a more relaxed vacation experience.

Good Friday was the preferred departure day for vacations, o ering a long weekend but there’s now a trend towards starting holidays earlier in Semana Santa.

With that said Almeria saw an in ux of visitors, Cabo de Gata emerged as a prominent destination during Holy Week and there was high demand for tourist apartments in this neighbourhood, with many displaying ‘rented’ signs.

Summer flights

THIS summer, airlines operating out of Almeria airport are providing 654,800 seats and over 5,000 ights, covering both departures and arrivals, to meet the expected demand during the peak tourism season from March 31 to the last weekend of October.

In Europe, ights will land in cities like London, Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds, and Manchester in the UK. With

other European destinations covered such as Brussels, Bratislava, Warsaw, Porto, Paris, Prague, Rotterdam and Luxembourg.

For domestic ights within Spain, destinations include Barcelona, Madrid, Bilbao, Palma de Mallorca, Melilla, Sevilla, Santiago de Compostela, and Zaragoza.

Around 306,000 seats are allocated for connections within Spain, while over

348,600 seats are designated for international destinations.

However, it’s important to note that this schedule is based on airlines’ proposed requirements that are presented to the airport and the number of seats they o er, rather than actual tra c data which can only accurately be obtained after ights are operated and their true occupancy is known.

THE Andalucian Government has given permission for 19 mining surveys to be conducted in the Sierra de Gador, an area protected by law. The surveys are to assess the feasibility of extracting minerals such as fluorite, galena, zinc, and silver.

Permission for six other surveys has been denied to prevent any significant impact on important habitats within the protected area.

The government believes the actions related to the surveys are compatible with conservation priorities within the protected area. However, conditions have been imposed to prevent any harm to threatened flora and fauna.

While certain species like the greater horseshoe bat, golden eagle, and Bonelli’s eagle are present in the area, the surveys’ execution is not expected have an effect on them.

BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT: Important to promote sports at school age.

Traditional flavours

FOR fans of great food, the cooking programme ‘Tierra de Sabores’ on Canal Sur will feature the town of Mojacar on Sunday, April 7. Chef Bosco Benítez will explore its customs and cuisine, cooking two recipes with traditional flavours: cabbage stew and cuttlefish rice.

Mojacar is the pearl of the eastern coast, its 17 kilometres of coastline make it a prominent tourist destination with a rich culinary history.

Accompanied by local resident Pedro Gallardo, a devoted follower of traditional cooking, Bosco will showcase two local recipes. Before cooking, Bosco will visit a butcher, enjoy a morning beach fishing session, explore the corners of this beautiful town, and observe a neighbour crafting stone.

Popular Race

THREE weeks ago, Almeria’s Provincial Council, presented the 11th edition of the Provincial Popular Races Circuit. This event promotes physical activity and healthy lifestyles across all regions, featuring an enticing calendar with 18 races in different municipalities from April to November 2024.

of promoting sports in schools, social integration, healthy living, combating depopulation, and showcasing local tourism and sports resources.

Last year’s champion, Mohamed Koula, emphasised the communal aspect of the Circuit, describing it as a familial experience.

This journey through Mojacar’s recipes and landmarks will also delve into its traditions and customs, kept alive by Pedro, his friends, and neighbours. The programme will start at 7.25pm on Canal Sur.

With the first event in Olula del Rio to take place on April 6, and the last in Gador on November 9 the organisers aim to surpass the 4,000 registrations achieved in the last edition.

The vice president and sports representative, José Antonio García highlighted the inclusive nature of this sporting event, appealing to both seasoned runners and newcomers. He stressed how the Provincial Popular Races Circuit aligns with various objectives

The races within the Circuit range from approximately seven to 10 kilometres for adults, with shorter distances for younger categories, and a maximum of five kilometres for healthy races. The municipalities hosting this year include Olula del Rio, Bedar, Sorbas, and others, with the calendar running from April 6 in Olula del Rio to November 9 in Gador. To get more info and reserve your place visit https:// carreraspopularesalmeria.com/

Presentation of the event.

Credit: Almería Provincial Council

Dinner money

Jules Phillips

AFTER the successful ‘Night with the Stars’ event on March 21, Jo McGrath and Janet Corcoran presented a cheque for €3,080 on Friday March 29 to Vera Walsh and Carol Pazdzierski of the Turre Evengelical Church food bank.

The food bank was set up in 2012 and currently supports between 60 and 90 local Spanish families in need. Providing essential food items, baby supplies, and hygiene products on a weekly basis is only possible through the generosity the community.

The Turre Evangelical Church started in 2003

The cheque being presented at the church.

when a small group began congregating for prayer and worship. Initially, gatherings were intimate, sometimes, with just two people sitting around a gas fire. Their commitment to the community goes beyond their prayer meetings, they welcome various local societies and organisations including Alcoholics Anonymous, art groups, sewing circles, and theatre groups. If you can help out, give a food donation or a financial contribution, give them a call on 665 546 880.

Bullfighting petition

IN Mojacar, just like many towns in Spain, efforts are underway to improve the country’s image abroad and move away from outdated practices. One such effort involves gathering signatures from people to remove bullfighting’s status as a protected cultural

activity. If at least 500,000 signatures are gathered before November and the Spanish Parliament approves, local governments will have more freedom to act against bullfighting in their areas. The aim is to put an end to this cruel practice across Spain.

Dinner Dress

THE Luvvies Theatre Group is 20 years old this year and to celebrate they are having a ‘dinner party’ like no other! Their next production, Don’t Dress for Dinner, a comedy/farce, opens on April 19 at Teatro/Museo Pedro Gilabert in Arboleas.

The Luvvies have gone from strength to strength over the last two decades, from a few friends wanting to put on a show, to a society with an eagerness to present a polished performance for their audiences. Don’t Dress for Dinner, is no exception.

This production sees members old and new in many roles on and off stage. For some, it is their first time acting.

Don’t Dress for Dinner is filled with the ongoings at a dinner party in a converted farmhouse on the outskirts of Paris where, it appears, everybody is having an affair with somebody and everyone is trying to avoid each other knowing, with hilarious consequences...

Buy your tickets to see this production and find out who gets to sleep in the cowshed with whom and what sauce Velouté has to do with it.

Witness the dinner of all dinners and find out the answers to these and many other questions, including the most important, who drank all the Cointreau?

Tickets are €10 each and can be purchased from Total Entertainment in Albox and Arboleas, Harrisons Store in Albox, Holmes for Homes in Arboleas, One stop pool shop or phone Diane on 643 513 532. Performances are on Friday April 19 at 7pm Saturday April 20 at 7pm and Sunday at 2.30pm.

Don’t Dress for Dinner, a comedy/farce.

THE Almeria Half Marathon has been a February tradition for 24 years. But now, to mark its 25th anniversary, it’s changing things up, which has got runners talking. The organisers have decided to shift the date to involve the whole city, draw in visitors keen to explore Almeria, and make the event weekend better for everyone taking part.

On the weekend of April 12, 13, and 14, there’ll be loads happening. There’s a welcome concert, warm-up sessions near the Cabo de Gata-Nijar natural park, city tours, a new runner’s fair, and an ‘after run’ where participants can chill out, chat about their experiences, and grab a bite.

On Tuesday, April 2, at the iconic Cable Inglés, they’re launching the

Half marathon Action taken

THE Andalucian Government has started the process to open a file against the company in charge of the El Toyo-Retamar land conditioning works where the Dreambeach electronic music festival is set to happen in August. They’re being accused of “partially breaching” the environmental authorisation granted for the project.

This move comes after a complaint was filed on

25th edition of the event. They’ll tell you all about the different race distances you can do, like a healthy run that you can walk if you want, a half marathon, and races for kids.

They’ll also explain how you can sign up, whether you’re going solo, with mates, as colleagues, or representing a charity. And there’s a chance to

win some cool prizes too. At the launch, they’ll share where the entertainment spots along the route will be, to keep runners going strong. Plus, they’ll reveal the official event t-shirt and the medals for those who complete the half marathon, along with a special one for the winners to celebrate the 25th anniversary.

March 20 by Environmental officers. Their report highlights the “unauthorised burial” of “plant remains” during clearing tasks, and notes that there’s no irrigation in areas lacking vegetation, leading to excessive dust caused by wind.

The complaint mentions that on March 15,

officers spoke to the company manager, asking them to bring water to irrigate the land and prevent the dust, which had been observed on the day of the complaint.

Officials also informed the manager that burying the plant remnants was not allowed.

However, the neighbourhood association ‘NO to Dreambeach in El Toyo’ submitted two documents to the Almeria City Council and the Territorial Delegation of Sustainability. These documents list the “violations” of environmental authorisation and report the matter to the Guardia Civil, Local Police, and Environmental officers.

The documents also request “necessary instructions” to be provided so that the Urban Planning Inspection and Discipline of the Municipal Planning Management can take appropriate measures and initiate administrative procedures to address the irreparable environmental damage caused.

New dates for the anniversary of the Almeria Half Marathon.

Credit: Elvert Barnes

A snowy Easter Quirky customs

IN many towns across our province, Easter Sunday marks the culmination of Holy Week, with vibrant celebrations to honour the resurrection of Christ. This day is filled with unique traditions that add a special charm to our local festivities.

Easter Sunday in Turre is a lively affair, with the highlight being the San Juan Races. Crowds gather at Plaza de la Constitución to witness Saint John and the Virgin Mary racing to find the Risen One. The procession is like a theatrical performance, with symbolic movements rich in meaning. The climax is when the Virgin removes her black cloak to reveal a light blue one, symbolising joy and renewal.

In Ragol, residents gather flowerpots from the streets to create ‘The small garden’, a symbolic display for the Virgin and the resurrected man. After the procession, locals can reclaim their pots or exchange them for others.

Abla’s Holy Week reaches its peak on Easter Sunday with ‘Cardoncha’. This event includes rituals like ‘La Juga de la Bandera’ and the ‘Imposition of Sanctions’, where the accused drink wine through a thistle stem. The

ceremony also involves changing badges among the Brotherhood members. Easter Sunday holds great significance in Alhama de Almeria. The streets bustle with people witnessing the procession, where papers are thrown at the image of the Child Jesus. Last year, the image suffered damage but was restored in time for this year’s Holy Week.

The festivities in Vera start early with a procession from the hermitage of San Ramón to the hermitage of the Virgen de las Angustias. After a mass, the procession returns, followed by a traditional auction featuring donations from the community as the Risen Lord passes by.

SEMANA SANTA 2024 will not go down in history in the province of Almeria for its radiant days of sun and good weather, but for quite the opposite. Since the rain on Sunday March 24 ‘annoyed’ some of the brotherhoods that had to tour the city as they do every Palm Sunday, bad weather settled over the entire province.

Snow made an appearance on Tuesday March 26 at the highest point of the province, in the Sierra de los Filabres, where intense snowfall on Calar

Alto, could be seen on the outdoor webcams which the Astronomical Observatory has installed, clearly showing a white mantle that covered the Almeria Mountain range.

But it is not the only the snow that is turning the spring into winter as the entire Almeria Province was on alert for strong coastal winds. The 103 municipalities of the province were under a yellow alert due to the strong wind with gusts of up to 70 kilometres per hour and with the heavy rainfall in many

areas, it did not really dampen the spirits of the Easter festivities.

With a few delays at some of the processions across the region, thousands of people still lined the streets, braving the blustery weather.

With a better forecast for the coming days, there was some light at the end of the tunnel, with chances of rain falling to between 1015 per cent and the winds beginning to subside, and even the sun beginning to peek out from behind the clouds.

View from Calar Alto over the weekend.

In Ragol flowerpots are gathered.

Credit: Calar Alto

MUCH is said about the potential loss of the Iberian Lynx which has protected status in Spain, but more endangered is the European mink.

Research suggests that there may be as few as 142 living examples in Spain although other estimates are more optimistic at around 500 but whatever the number, this furry little mammal is in danger of disappearing completely.

There are believed to be some colonies in Russia, Eastern Europe, Southern France and Northern Spain and each has the potential to be eradicated.

One of their biggest problems is that the American mink (from which mink

Mink in danger

coats were made) were imported into Europe to feed the need for expensive coats and wraps, but closely related to weasels many escaped from mink farms and adapted well to the European climate. These feral mink and bigger and more aggressive than their European cousins and over the years have turned on the local mink, killing them and

their kits.

One of the reasons for the huge growth in feral mink is that they aren’t as protective of their territory as the European mink (Mustela lutreola) and therefore there are more of them in a single area, breeding much faster than the European. Naturally humans have also played their part in taking over their prefe-

rred habitats near rivers where the mink used to feast on frogs, insects, mice and even rabbits but having declared the European mink as being ‘in a critical situation’ in 2018, the Spanish government is endeavouring to protect this rare indigenous species. Special groups are checking their whereabouts and whenever possible catching them and xing tracking devices to them before releasing them back into the wild.

Danube accident

A BULGARIAN cruise ship with over 100 passengers crashed into a concrete wall in a sluice on the River Danube in Austria.

The incident happened overnight in the town of Aschach an der Donau, as reported by local police on Saturday March 30.

Eleven people were hurt and taken to hospital due to the crash.

passengers from Bavaria, Germany, to Linz, Austria, was able to continue its journey after the collision, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the nearby Eferding police.

Details about the severity of the injuries remain unclear, and the cause of the accident is yet to be determined.

Additionally, six others sustained minor injuries that didn’t require hospitalisation, according to local media reports.

The ship, carrying around 160

The river Danube is a vital waterway in Europe, passing through various countries and attracting numerous tourists on cruise ships each year.

Keeping games safe

FRANCE is asking friendly nations to send large numbers of their police and military to help maintain security at the Paris Olympics.

It is currently on the highest level of terror alert following the Islamist attack in Moscow on March 22.

“The terrorist threat is real, it’s strong,” French PM Gabriel Attal told the media on March 25, revealing that two plots by suspected Islamic extremists had already been neutralised so far this year.

“Several foreign nations are going to reinforce us in certain critical areas like dog-handling where the needs are enormous,” a Defence ministry o cial who preferred not to be named told Agence France-Presse (AFP) on March 28.

Nor did he reveal how many people were likely to be involved.

Another o cial, this time from the Interior ministry - again requesting anonymity - told AFP that in January France had asked 46 allies to send 2,185

police reinforcements.

Requests for foreign assistance were not unusual, the o cial stressed, pointing out that during the 2023 Rugby World Cup held in France, European countries sent 160 police o cers to assist with security.

“It’s a classic move for host countries ahead of organising major events,” he said.

Poland’s Defence Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz has already announced that the country would be part of an international coalition created by France for the Games which will be held between July 26 and August 11.

Germany has also pledged to send police to France for the Olympics, while French forces will also be travelling to Germany for the Euro 2024 football tournament in June and July.

Sausage dog ban

THIS week, news spread like wildfire that Germany might ban sausage dogs, causing a stir in the UK. But fear not, the headlines are misleading.

It all started with a petition from the German Kennels Association (VDH) against a proposed law aimed at stopping the breeding of animals that suffer.

The concern is that certain traits, like short legs and long bodies in sausage dogs, could lead to health problems.

But the truth is, Germany isn’t planning to ban any dog breeds.

The government just wants to prevent breeding practices that harm animals.

They say some dogs, like sausage dogs or pugs, may face health issues due to extreme traits bred into them.

The new law aims to set clear rules to protect animals from suffering.

It won’t affect existing dogs, but it will

stop certain breeds from being bred further or shown in competitions.

According to experts, some dachshunds suffer from back problems because of their long bodies, while others have knee and hip issues because of their short legs.

Responsible breeding can help reduce these health problems.

However, animal rights group Peta wants to ban 17 breeds, including sausage dogs, pugs, and bulldogs, due to health concerns.

They’ve gathered lots of support for their cause.

Passport prices

THE cost of applying for a UK passport is set to go up again in April.

But there’s some good news too: waiting times for passport renewals have dropped from a high of 10 weeks to a more reasonable three weeks.

This is a big improvement from a year ago.

The government said the fee increase is needed to rely less on taxpayer money and to improve service quality.

The higher fees will cover the costs of processing applications, helping Brits abroad, and making things smoother for British citizens at UK borders.

Starting April 11, the fee for a standard online passport application in the UK will go up from £82.50 (€93) to £88.50 (€103) for adults and from £53.50 (€60) to £57.50 (€67) for kids.

Postal applications will also cost more, going from £93 (€105) to £100 (€117) for adults and from £64 (€72) to £69 (€80) for children.

Higher fees will make things smoother.

The proposed law will go through various stages of approval, including discussions in the German parliament.

You can choose between a regular 34-page passport or a bigger 54-page one, which is handy for frequent travellers, especially for trips to Europe.

But the government hasn’t said how much the 54-page version will cost now.

Passport fees differ in other Euro -

pean countries.

In France, it’s €86 for adults, and in Italy, it’s €73.50, plus a stamp duty that was scrapped in 2014.

Spain has much lower renewal fees at €30.

Wine or whine?

Bob Marquess RESEARCHERS are sounding the alarm about the potential disappearance of famous wine regions in Spain, Italy, France, and Greece if global temperatures rise beyond the 2°C threshold.

Their warning comes after reviewing over 200 studies on how climate change affects grape production.

Published in the Nature Reviews Earth & Environment journal, the report says that if temperatures go up by more than 2°C, 70 per cent of current winemaking areas could be at risk.

About 29 per cent might face extreme climate conditions, making it hard to produce top-quality wine.

The fate of the other 41 per cent will depend on how well they adapt to the changes.

Researchers from the University of Bordeaux and the University of Burgundy say rising tempe-

ratures could put 49 per cent to 70 per cent of current wine regions at risk.

Places like coastal Spain, Italy, Greece, and southern California are especially vulnerable, facing more droughts and heatwaves that could wipe out their vineyards by the end of the century. While some adaptation strategies, like growing different types of grapes and trying new rootstocks, might help in the short term, they might not be enough to keep wine pro-

duction profitable in atrisk areas.

However, warmer temperatures could create opportunities for grape growing in places like the UK, northern France, Washington State, Oregon, and Tasmania.

The researchers stress that keeping global warming below 2°C could save over half of the world’s traditional vineyards, highlighting the urgent need to tackle climate change’s impact on winemaking.

WINE REGIONS: Are suffering from climate change.

Image: Lisa-S / Shutterstock.com

Artificial Aitana

MEET Aitana, a 25-year-old woman from Barcelona known for her striking pink hair.

But there is the twist: she’s not real.

Aitana is Spain’s first AI-generated model, created during a tough time by Rubén Cruz, founder of The Clueless agency.

When Cruz’s business took a hit because of unreliable influencers and models, he decided to make his own.

That’s how Aitana came to be, a digital influencer representing brands.

She looks like a flawless 25-year-old and can make up to €10,000 a month, although usually it’s around €3,000.

Aitana gets paid over €1,000 for each ad she posts and has deals with big brands like Big, a sports supplement company.

She also makes money on platforms like Fanvue by sharing lingerie photos.

In just a few months, Aitana gained over 121,000 followers on Instagram and gets lots of engagement.

Some celebrities even flirt with her, thinking she’s a real person.

Cruz and his team have weekly meetings to plan Aitana’s activities, locations, and posts to keep her followers interested.

Unlike real models, Aitana has her own personality, influenced by European and oriental cultures, shown in her pink hair and gamer vibe.

Aitana’s success led to the creation of

Aitana has her own personality.

Maia, a bit more reserved, but also AI-generated.

Both names cleverly include the acronym for artificial intelligence (AI), showing they’re digital creations.

Image: The Clueless agency

Knockout tribute

Anna Ellis

MIKE TYSON , the famous ex-heavyweight boxing champion, is diving into the cannabis business with a unique product, a line of weed-infused snacks shaped like bitten ears.

This quirky idea pays tribute to a wild moment in Tyson’s past when he bit part of Evander Holyfield’s ear during a big fight in Nevada in 1997.

These special snacks are created by Tyson 2.0, a cannabis company started by the boxer himself, known as ‘Iron Mike’.

They come in flavours such as blackberry, sour apple, and watermelon, and you can buy them online or in certain New York stores.

Tyson, who’s now 57, is getting ready to promote these snacks big time next month.

He’ll be touring shops, including a big event in Times Square, New York.

The 1997 fight between Tyson and Holyfield, their second match, became infamous as ‘The Bite Fight’ because of Tyson’s crazy move.

After that, Tyson got into serious trouble. The boxing authorities in Nevada took away his licence, and he

had to pay a $3 million fine.

But despite the drama, Tyson retired from boxing in 2005 with a remarkable record of 50 wins, including 44 knockouts, and six losses.

He’s still linked to boxing, as seen in his recent announcement of a match against Jake Paul, a famous YouTuber turned boxer.

The fighting showdown can be watched live on Netflix later this year.

STARTING from Monday

April 1, Barcelona raised its tourist tax to better manage tourism and prioritise quality over quantity.

This tax was first introduced in 2012 to encourage more sustainable tourism and address the challenges of too many tourists.

Under the new rules, visitors to Barcelona will pay both a regional tourist tax and a city surcharge.

The regional tax depends on the type of accommodation, ranging from €1.70 to €3.50 per night. Cruise passengers will also pay between €2 to €3.

The city tax, applicable for up to seven nights, will increase from €2.75 to €3.25 per night starting in April 2024.

Tourist tax

This means an extra €0.50 per night, adding to the total cost of accommodation.

For example, guests staying in five-star hotels will pay €6.75 per night, totalling €47.25 for a week. Rental guests will pay €5.50 per night or €38.50 for a week. Cruise

passengers will pay €6.25. These measures aim to encourage higher quality tourism and reduce the strain on Barcelona’s infrastructure and environment.

Other Spanish destinations like the Balearics already have similar measures in place.

NEW SNACKS: Created by Tyson.

Image: TYSON 2.0 / Facebook

Guardians of the Tower

WITHIN the historic Tower of London, resides a fascinating group of feathered residents: the ravens.

These birds have captivated the imaginations of both locals and tourists.

They hold a special place

in the folklore and superstitions surrounding the Tower.

According to legend, the presence of these ravens serves as a protective charm for the Crown and the Tower itself.

It’s believed that if the ravens were ever to vanish or

leave, it would bring doom not just to the monarchy but the entire nation of Britain.

This superstition has become ingrained in British folklore, although some historians question its accuracy.

The origins of this tradition are unclear, with the earliest documented reference to captive ravens at the Tower dating back to an illustration from 1883.

Sceptics, including the Tower’s official historian, suggest the legend may have been invented by the Victorians rather than based on concrete historical evidence.

Once upon a time, wild ravens roamed the British landscape, including urban areas like London.

However, as their habitats decreased and they faced persecution, the Tower became a sanctuary for them.

With official support, the ravens found refuge within the Tower’s walls, where they were and still to this day looked after by the Ravenmaster and his team of assistants.

Responsible owners

Improving dog welfare.

VIENNA has launched an innovative programme to improve dog welfare and promote responsible ownership: the Vienna Dog Team, or Wiener Hunde-Team.

Made up of 20 certified veterinarians trained as animal welfare officers, their main job is to patrol the city, offering advice and education on proper dog care.

The team’s goal is to help people understand the rules about owning dogs and to encourage harmony between humans and their furry friends.

While they dress like regular people, their jackets and badges make them easy to spot.

They have the power to warn dog owners and report them for breaking the rules, like having an unregistered dog, not paying dog taxes, or letting their dog

roam around without a lead or muzzle.

This initiative is part of Vienna’s broader plan to encourage responsible dog ownership.

Since 2019, the city has had an Animal Welfare Ombudsman’s Office and has required basic education for new dog owners.

Before adopting a dog, people need to learn about how to take care of them, train them, and understand their legal responsibilities.

Vienna’s success has caught the attention of the Austrian government, which is thinking about making it a law for people to take classes before getting a dog.

This could lead to other cities setting up Dog Teams too, creating a standard way of looking after dogs across Austria.

Image: hundehort_wien

Age limits

Drive & donate

Nora Shephard

THE Latvian Parliament has given the green light to proposed changes to the law governing alcohol sales.

One of the main changes is increasing the legal drinking age from 18 to 20 once everything is finalised.

This decision was influenced by advice from medical experts, who stressed the importance of protecting young people’s health, as brain de-

Image: Live Riga / Facebook.

velopment continues until around age 25.

Latvia will join Lithuania as one of the only two European Union countries where the legal drinking age is 20.

Lithuania made a similar change in 2018.

In most of Europe, the legal drinking age is 18, though Scandinavian countries set it at 20 or older for buying distilled spirits.

MP Ingüna Circene described the amendments as

“a minimal minimum” aimed at curbing excessive drinking.

Economic concerns were dismissed, with the focus on improving and regulating rather than banning alcohol.

There were worries about how this might affect job opportunities for people under 20 in certain retail and catering jobs.

However, the committee voted in special provisions to address these concerns.

DUTCH drivers raised €10,000 for charity by complying with the speed limits.

After the increase of speed limits across Amsterdam in December, its North district, Meeuwenlaan placed a ‘savings post’ to raise money for charity.

With this project, all drivers who adhere to the 30-kilometre speed limit, save 5 per cent for charity. On March 26, Meeuwanlaan reached their maximum number of €10,000 raised by the contributing drivers.

The local charity chosen by the residents and project organisers, Helen’s Free Food Market, is now able to continue its efforts to reduce food waste. Helen’s Free Food Market collects leftover products from wholesalers and shops to distribute to less fortunate households.

ALCOHOL SALES: Legal drinking age is increasing.

IRELAND

Lost urn

POLICE in Wicklow asked via Facebook for information that could help them return an urn inscribed with ‘Dad’ and a 2019 date to its rightful owner.

The urn, which was handed in by a member of the public at the Bray garda station on March 22, was ‘clearly’ of significant sentimental importance, the police appeal said.

Pure water

THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said water is still safe to drink in areas with high levels of trihalomethanes (THMs), produced during water treatment. The EPA’s Programme manager said that more than half of the 25 supplies used by 300,000 people would be resolved by late 2024 and the remainder in 2026.

Fun time

THE government announced a crackdown on the ‘russ’ celebrations held when pupils graduate from high school. With ‘pornography, drugs and huge budgets’ now involved, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said he intended to introduce changes to regulate when the ‘russ’ partying starts and what goes on during the festivities.

Shell shock

EGGS are so scarce that Agriculture minister Geir Pollestad had to promise in late March that there would be enough to go round at Easter. The problem began in 2023 when farmers were offered compensation to reduce output to prevent over-production, but supermarket shelves emptied as demand from the food industry has grown.

EURO PRESS

Space invader

5G fail

DENMARK GERMANY PORTUGAL

WILD mimosa, also known as acacia, was threatening native plants and ecosystems in riverside zones, a University of Coimbra (UC) research team warned. The investigators found that streams flowing through mimosa woods supported fewer micro-organisms and less aquatic wildlife than the streams in native woodland.

ITALY FRANCE

Oh deer!

ISAIA, a deer that became a tourist attraction after he began roaming through Cortina’s street markets a year ago, has been moved to nearby woods “for his own good,” Civil Protection councillor Stefano Ghezze said. Isaia was growing new antlers and there were fears of “unforeseeable events” as he grew bigger, Ghezze explained.

No hormones

BRITISH women complained that Italy’s public health system did not cover hormone replacement treatment (HRT) and prescriptions were available only from private doctors. Some lamented that their usual solution of flying back to the UK for HRT medication every six months was becoming too expensive to continue.

Game on

THE mayor of the downmarket Saint-Ouen suburb where the Olympic village will be housed said the local council would ensure that the poor would benefit from the Games’ €6 billion renovation programme. “I won’t make the same mistake as London,” Karim Bouamrane declared. “Instead life will improve for everyone.”

Family ties

TWENTY-SEVEN half-siblings born between 1981 and 1984 in different parts of France discovered they were related after 42-year-old Maud joined a genealogy website. Her DNA results led her to the others, all of whom have embarked on a mission to solve the mystery of whether their biological father had been a “serial” sperm donor.

Fur flies

FUR, feathers and the coats of wild animals have all been banished from Copenhagen Fashion Week which is held each year in January and August. The ban targets crocodile skins and ostrich feathers amongst other items, although World Animal Protection Danmark explained that the veto does not apply to cowhide leather.

Food for all

DENMARK has a secure food supply chain, University of Copenhagen researchers found, with a ‘high degree’ of self-sufficiency if supplies were disrupted. Speaking recently in Brussels, Agriculture minister Jacob Jensen confirmed that Denmark would be able to provide the population with “correct nutrients” during a crisis.

Border checks

WHILE Europe ups its terrorism threat level, Germany is introducing border controls as it prepares to host the Euro 2024 championships in June. Announcing the precautionary measure, Interior minister Nancy Faeser stressed that security would be stepped up to ensure “the best possible protection” for the international event.

Chocced out

THE cost of cocoa bean imports has soared, Germany’s Federal statistics office Destatis reported on March 26, with January 2024 prices 73.4 per cent higher than they were in January 2023. Most of Germany’s cocoa imports come from the Ivory Coast in West Germany where failed harvests have affected prices, Destatis said.

Yes and no

MOST Finns backed the recent strikes organised by the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK), a survey by national broadcaster YLE found, with 51 per cent saying they approved of the industrial action. Forty-one per cent did not sympathise with the strikers, while 8 per cent preferred not to comment.

Try it first

A KIBBLE vending machine that uses AI-powered sensors is now in use in Finland as part of a pilot scheme to reduce the amount of wasted dog food.

The kennel-shaped vending machine, which is automatically disinfected once the pooch has sampled, means that dog-owners can let their pet try the food before buying.

ERICSSON announced that the cost-cutting measures which it announced earlier in 2024 included plans to lay off 1,200 staff in Sweden.

Customers had spent considerably less than anticipated on new 5G devices, particularly in the US where the system had failed to take off as expected, industry insiders said.

Warming up

MOST of the Swedish want to keep the krona although the latest survey by Gothenburg University revealed that support for the euro is growing.

The number of people who believed it was a good idea to switch to the euro increased from 16 per cent in 2022 to 30 per cent in 2023, the investigators found.

BELGIUM

Poll position

FINLAND NORWAY SWEDEN

THE Constitutional Court ruled that it is obligatory for the country’s teenagers aged 16 and 17 to vote in the June 2024 European elections. Until this year, voting was mandatory only for the over-18s but the requirement has now been extended to all those of voting age, which was lowered to 16 in June 2023.

Macabre find

THE Brussels’ authorities are investigating how a human skull, recently discovered by a police patrol, came to be hidden in bushes in Duden Park.

A pathologist attending the scene found no signs of violence but laboratory tests will attempt to ascertain the cause of death while DNA analysis should help to identify the victim.

NETHERLANDS

Well-heeled

ACCORDING to the last available figures from Statistics Netherlands, Amsterdam is the country’s most prosperous municipality with a difference between assets and liabilities that works out at €9,046 per inhabitant.

This is 70 times higher than Vlissingen, the municipality with the lowest relative wealth of €129 per head.

Trans spat

ANCA ZIJLSTRA and Aileen de Graaf resigned from the Dutch Women’s Darts Team as they no longer wished to play with trans woman Noa-Lynn van Leuven. “When you are embarrassed to turn out for the Netherlands because a biological man is on the women’s team, you know it is time to go,” Zijlstra wrote on Facebook.

MIMOSA: Colourful but invasive.

High-flying thrills

EUROPE’S newest attraction, the highest Tibetan bridge on the continent, has opened in Umbria, Italy.

This impressive bridge hangs 175 metres above the rugged landscape, connec-

ting the villages of Sellano and Montesanto across a valley with serene lakes.

Designed for thrill-seekers and adventurers, the bridge spans 517.5 metres and features 1,023 steps, some with gaps to add ex-

citement. A leisurely walk across takes about 30 to 45 minutes, but it’s not for the faint-hearted.

Visitors need courage and a lack of fear of heights.

Safety harnesses are provided and attached to a secure rail along the bridge.

To access the bridge, visitors must be at least 120 centimetres tall, in good mental and physical health, and free from altitude-related issues.

Open year-round, the bridge offers stunning views in all seasons.

Tickets cost €25 and can be bought online at visitse llano.skiperformance.com, with options to choose preferred time slots.

Visitors can combine the bridge experience with a circular trek starting from Lake Vigi.

This route passes by Cascate delle Rote, through the medieval charm of Montesanto, and ends in Sellano via the iconic Tibetan bridge.

Death by storm

TWO people died in Asturias due to the forceful Storm Nelson on Holy Thursday, March 28.

Throughout the week, Storm Nelson has been drastically affecting the Cantabrian coast, resulting in life-threatening weather conditions.

On March 28, the Emergency Coordination Centre of 122 Austiras, received a notice from the Cudillero port, where a woman was reported falling into the sea, hitting the rocks.

As the rescue services were mobilising, another report called to inform of the woman’s rescue by a nearby boat. The victim was brought to the local port

but remained unconscious and was declared dead despite the efforts of the medical team.

At the same time, the emergency services were on the way to Punta de la Barra, where a witness reported a man swept into the sea by the severe wind. The Guardia Civil helicopter and SEPA attempted to rescue the man, but their efforts were complicated by the weather conditions. The victim, an English tourist, was recovered from the sea and declared dead.

The authorities are encouraging people to avoid going near the sea and cliffs during the days of extreme wind.

Your Belgian estate agent at the coast!

BETTER TO AVOID: Beach during a storm.

Credit: Neil Cummings, Flickr

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Triple lock

THE UK’S Chancellor Jeremy Hunt told the BBC that the Conservatives would retain the state pension’s triple lock system were they to win the next election. The cost of the increase based on whichever was highest out of earnings’ growth, inflation or 2.5 per cent would be met by growing the economy, Hunt explained.

Grown up

SPAIN’S gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 2.5 per cent in 2023, the InstituteforNationalStatistics Institute (INE) revealed on March 26. According to the INE’s definitive figures, this was five times greater than the eurozone’s 0.5 per cent average and it was also the highest amongst Europe’s principal economies.

Record year

THE JD Wetherspoon pub chain’s pre-tax profits shot up to £36 million (€42 million) in the half-year ending January 28, 2024, almost eight times as much as the same period last year. “Healthy” trade over Christmas and no Covid restrictions brought a £991 million (€1.15 billion) turnover, an increase of 8.2 per cent.

Energy boost

INDUSTRIAL overheads fell by 8.2 per cent in Spain in February 2024 compared with the same month in 2022, and were 4.3 percentage points below January’s figures, official statistics revealed. The February reduction was the result of cheaper electricity tariffs which were 24.2 per cent lower than in January.

Answers needed

A SUBPOSTMASTER asked the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to examine how the £58m (€67.6 million) Horizon compensation fund was used. He wished to know how much was paid to lawyers and litigation funders, but the law firm which represented the postmasters has twice declined to provide details.

STAT OF WEEK

€120.3 billion

was received in IRPF income tax by Spain’s tax authority Hacienda in 2023, revenue which was 10 per cent more than in the record year of 2022.

Another Rolls-Royce boost Mind

AUSTRALIA is allocating Aus$4.6 billion (€2.8 billion) from its Aukus fund to ensure that Rolls-Royce’s nuclear reactors for its submarines arrive on time.

Aukus, a trilateral partnership between Australia, the UK and the US which was agreed in 2021, was created to support each government’s security and defence interests and involves assisting Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines.

These will be built in Adelaide by the British multinational aerospace company, BAE Systems.

The Aukus project, which is jointly funded by the Ministry of De-

fence, will help to boost employment in Derby and, as well as increasing Rolls-Royce’s output, will also require building additional office space.

“The funding will enable the Rolls-Royce factory in Derby to operate at an increased rate of production,” the Australian government announced.

AMANCIO ORTEGA’s property investments have spread to Luxembourg with the acquisition of the Royal Park office block.

The 85-year-old Inditex founder, who remains the clothing empire’s principal shareholder, has paid €165 million for the building in the centre of Luxembourg city via Pontegadea Group, his investment vehicle. The newly-renovated 10,000square complex, which is 95 per cent leased to law firms and private equity companies, belonged until now to Baltisse, an investment holding group that is owned by Belgian businessman Filip Balcaen.

Jobs for Coventry

A CHINESE company which manufactures batteries for electric vehicles could invest £1.2 billion in a new gigafactory near Coventry.

EVE Energy, which employs 28,000 staff worldwide, was said to be discussing construction of a 5.7-million square foot (529,547-square metre) plant. It would be part of the future UK Centre for Electrification, an investment zone in the West Midlands.

Sources close to the discussions confirmed that EVE was interested in the project, which would create approximately 6,000 jobs in collaboration with local councils and Coventry airport.

The Aukus fund investment is regarded as crucial to ensuring that nuclear reactors will be ready in time to meet the needs of both Australia and the UK, although the former’s government has yet to announce exactly what the funding will cover over the next 10 years.

Rolls-Royce was able to provide more details, revealing in late March that it was already working on doubling the size of its existing Rolls-Royce Submarines site.

“Now jointly funded by the UK Ministry of Defence and Australia’s Defence Department, the expansion work announced last summer will create over 1,000 new jobs in Derby across a range of disciplines, including manufacturing and engineering,” the company’s website announced.

“It will also see new manufacturing and office facilities on recently acquired land surrounding the existing Raynesway site.”

Ortega goes further

Better all round

THE UK’s economy is about to “turn the corner” according to S&P Global.

The financial information services group predicted on March 26 that with high inflation waning in 2024, a cut in the interest rate was on the cards for this summer.

A “resilient” jobs market and improved purchasing power would combine to herald a recovery in consumption, with the economy expanding by 0.3 per cent in 2024, S & P said. This should increase by 1.4 per cent in 2025 and by 1.7 per cent in 2026 and 2027.

These forecasts clashed with the Bank of England, which in February foresaw the UK’s Gross Domestic Product rising by a quarter of a percent in 2024, three quarters of a percent in 2025 and by 1 per cent in 2026.

Baltisse’s attempts to sell the building to Generali, the Italian insurance company, or German asset managers, Union Investment, fell through in 2023. Ortega is now believed to have bought at a lower price as the Pontegadea transaction would have been an outright sale.

In 2022, the last year with available figures, Pontegadea’s property portfolio was worth more than €18 billion as the company diversified with logistics and energy assets.

Telefonica stake

THE Spanish government now owns 3 per cent of Telefonica.

The State Industrial Holding Corporation (SEPI) paid €700 million for 175 million shares costing €3.99 each.

Now that Caixabank has reduced its Telefonica holding to 2.5 per cent after selling 1 per cent of its shares, the Spanish government is Telefonica’s fourth-largest shareholder after BBVA, Blackrock and Saudi Arabia’s STC Group.

The government will increase its Telefonica holding to 10 per cent “as soon as possible” in order to offset the STC’s stake, on the grounds that the Spanish telecommunications company is strategic owing to its security and defence contracts.

the gap

THE BBVA bank is breathing down Santander’s neck as it aspires to occupy the Number Two slot as Spain’s second bank after CaixaBank.

Until now Santander has been well ahead of BBVA although the dividends paid by both over the last three years demonstrate that the gap could eventually close.

Since 2021, BBVA has distributed €13.19 billion to shareholders, including extraordinary buybacks of €4.16 billion, amounting to 20.6 per cent of its current market valuation, according to Reuters calculations.

In contrast, Santander paid out €12.8 billion, 18.4 per cent of its market capitalisation. THE Manchester-based Cooperative Bank, with 50 branches and 3,5000 employees, intends to cut its workforce by 12 per cent.

After November 2023’s “strategic review” the bank revealed in December that it was negotiating a merger with the Coventry Building Society, creating a mutual with £90 billion (€104.9 billion) in assets.

“Changes across the bank are essential for delivering the next phase of the strategic plan,” the bank announced on March 26. It would work closely with its trade union and support the 400 employees impacted by the restructuring, it added.

Co-op Bank redundancies Talgo on a siding

A POSSIBLE counter-offer to Magyar Vagon’s Talgo takeover bid pushed up the Spanish rolling stock manufacturer’s shares by 5.5 per cent.

Finance daily El Ecomista revealed that Talgo’s principal shareholder, Trilantic Fund, had been in touch with the Swiss train manufacturer Stadler.

A deal could be attractive, and not only because Stadler, worth €2.8 billion, is five times bigger than Talgo (€540 million), which in turn is bigger than Magyar Vagon.

It would also allay the Spanish government’s fears that Russian money could be involved.

Photo credit: La Sexta

Photo credit: BAE Systems

NUCLEAR SUBMARINES: Central to the Aukus defence interests.

AMANCIO ORTEGO: Luxembourg addition to his property portfolio.

Euro

EUR/GBP: Unchanged at £0.85

EUR/USD: Up from $1.08 to $1.09

Trade in the euro has been mixed in recent weeks. While the single currency was supported by its negative correlation with the US dollar, a dovish shift from the European Central Bank (ECB) has acted as a key headwind.

While ECB President Christine Lagarde appeared to downplay expectations for an April interest rate cut in the wake of the bank’s March policy meeting, subsequent comments from ECB policymakers have repeatedly referenced a potential spring rate cut.

Elsewhere, some uneven Eurozone data also contributed to the volatility in the euro so far in March.

Going into April EUR investors will be highly sensitive to any

CURRENCY OUTLOOK: EURO ROCKED BY DOVISH ECB SIGNALS, US DOLLAR SLUMPS ON JUNE RATE CUT BETS

signs the ECB might be encouraged to cut interest rates. Of particular focus will be March’s consumer price index. Another cooling of inflation could bolster rate cut bets and weigh heavily on the euro.

Pound

GBP/EUR: Unchanged at €1.16

GBP/USD: Up from $1.26 to $1.27

The pound traded in a wide range over the past month, amid uncertainty of when the Bank of England (BoE) will start cutting interest rates.

This was driven in large part by some mixed UK data releases, as well as the latest forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) in which it predicted domestic inflation would return to 2% in the second quarter of 2024.

Sterling then faced notable selling pressure in the second half of March in the wake of the

BoE’s latest policy meeting, in which no policymakers voted for an interest rate hike for the first time since 2021.

GBP investors will be keeping a close eye on UK data over the coming month as they seek to determine, whether the BoE may cut rates before the summer.

US Dollar

USD/GBP: Down from $0.79 to $0.78

USD/EUR: Down from €0.92 to €0.91

The US dollar faced some notable selling pressure over the past four weeks, with USD exchange rates striking multi-month lows in the first half of March.

Driving this pullback in USD were expectations the Fed is getting closer to cutting interest rates.

The US dollar’s worst levels came in the wake of the latest US payroll figures. A surprise rise in unemployment coupled with January’s figures being revised sharply lower stoked bets for a June rate cut.

Stronger-than-expected US inflation figures briefly revived USD demand as it trimmed Fed rate cut bets, before some dovish comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell in the wake of the US central bank’s latest policy meeting applied fresh pressure to the ‘Greenback’.

Looking ahead, the USD selling bias may remain in place so long as US data reinforces bets for a June rate cut from the Fed. 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.

AMAZING ALMERIA

Sorbas Caves

Jules Phillips

THE Sorbas caves are Spain’s largest underground complex, boasting over 1,000 caves and surface sinkholes. The sinkholes, formed by land subsidence due to rainwater dissolving the gypsum soil, create small oases of palm trees and willows. This process, known as karst, slowly sculpts the landscape.

The caves stretch for dozens of kilometres, with over 1,000 interconnected cavities and galleries, solitary bodies of water, stalactites, and stalagmites and are also home to unique geological geodes.

Around three million years ago, much of Almeria was submerged under the Mediterranean. As the sea retreated, it left behind vast deposits of gypsum, setting the stage for the formation of the Sorbas caves. The region’s arid climate, with

facilitated the erosion of the soluble mineral, leading to the creation of the caves.

The Agua cave is the largest, spanning about 8 km, while the Corvadura cave is the deepest, reaching 120 metres. The Tesoro and Yeso caves are notable for their geological richness and endemic plant species.

As part of the Paraje Natural Karst in Yesos de Sorbas, the caves are globally recognised for their exceptional preservation and unique karst phenomena and organisations like the

INTERVIEW

International Union of Geological Sciences and UNESCO are considering listing the Sorbas Caves as globally signi cant geosites.

For visitors, there are various routes available, catering to di erent levels of experience and interest. These include basic routes suitable for all ages, intermediate routes for those with some caving experience, technical routes for experienced adventurers, and educational routes exploring the geological wonders both inside and outside the caves.

It’s more relaxed

TJEERD GEERTS travelled back and forth from Haarlem to Marbella in the 1990s and nally relocated to Spain, in the Valencian Community in 2000.

TJEERD GEERTS travelled back and forth from Haarlem to Marbella in the 1990s and finally relocated to Spain, in the Valencian Community in 2000.

Tjeerd has many professions, working as a hypnotherapist, real estate agent and running a supplements website.

“I’m used to living in big cities,” shared Tjeerd about the changes he faced when moving.

Dutch people create. But there are many Dutch here too and I have an international friend group.”

“There are more possibilities and places to go in the centres but I like this area of Spain. It’s more relaxed, there is less pressure.”

Tjeerd’s favourite thing about Spain is unquestionably, the amazing weather. Although, he does sometimes miss the cosiness of his home country: what he calls, the ‘gezelligheid’.

“It is a special cosy atmosphere that

Tjeerd confessed that the Spanish bureaucracy seems slower than that in the Netherlands, but he appreciates the people here and they make it worthwhile.

“I had very few Spanish lessons, I learnt mostly from just talking to people. They were happy to see me learning the language and didn’t judge.”

Tjeerd’s advice for those looking to move to Spain is to, “first choose the area. You have to feel at home in the environment. And if moving with children, first pick a school you like. Then everything else.”

Find out more about Tjeerd on Tjeerdgeerts.com.

Guided tours of the Sorbas caves for all levels.

Credit: Sorbas Caves

Tjeerd Geerts.

A long, long winter

I’VE never been particularly fond of flying. I truly do envy a number of friends and colleagues who inform me, often with a barely discernible smirk, that their holiday begins ‘when they board the plane’.

Mine only even becomes a possibility when the reverse thrust kicks in on landing! At my age, because of nature’s rather more frequent insistence on visits to the loo, I always try to obtain an aisle seat. Consequently, most of my air travel experience is centred around the ‘goings on’ within the plane instead of without. Last week I visited Denmark.

On my return trip I was offered seat 1A. Outside of the cockpit, this is probably the best seat on the plane. It is a window seat and because it’s in the first row there is plenty of leg room and space to visit the loo without major disruption.

I accepted the offer and, although

I have used the occasional window seat in the past, 1A is something rather special. With clear skies most of the way the whole, virtually panoramic scenario that unfolded was truly breathtaking.

Most impressive view to me was the magnificent beauty of the Alps as we traversed it at sunset, which has to be the most perfect time of all. What was not so reassuring was the revelation that, despite the illusion of vast uninterrupted clear skies, the sky ways are in fact nothing more than an airborne extension of the M25! At least five fellow flying machines hurtled into and out of my sightline, at combined speeds that truly startles the imagination.

Flight trails above and below silently hung as proof of recent jet borne travellers. It was not until we flew through one of these trails with quite a resounding bump, that I realised that there were also others at the same height as us, and not many seconds away either. Mmm, wasn’t too keen on that. Anyway a truly eye opening and extre -

mely pleasant experience. Thank you Norwegian airlines, still one of the best. Can’t quite believe I’m actually scribing this from a hospital bed - yet again. My bed bound stay overs seem to have become almost habitual!

This time I hit the deck when my beautiful, but quite muscular pet hound, bashed into me like a runaway express train speedily catching up with me, while I somewhat breathlessly traipsed down the hill after one of our daily excursions.

Legs up and akimbo, the old nut hit the deck and… well the rest is history. All seems ok now however.

Although another Easter has passed me by I’m hoping to be out in a few days. I certainly better be; I start the season’s chirping this weekend. Yaay, it’s been a long, long winter.

God bless Son Espases hospital. One more brain scan to go. Let’s just hope it’s still in there!

Keep

Balloon Great Wall

George Cunningham CHINA’S Canton Tower recently showcased an extraordinary sight that blended ancient and modern landmarks: a gigantic balloon sculpture of the Great Wall of China.

This stunning creation earned the Guinness World Record title for the largest balloon sculpture of a landmark.

Encircling the Tower, the balloon version of the Great Wall is impressive, measuring over 39 metres (127.95 feet) in length, width, and height combined. It includes three watchtowers and two corridors. It is made up of an incredible 100,000 golden balloons, crafted using traditional balloon binding techniques with a cross structure.

Created by a team of 20 talented balloon artists over three days, this installation brought together historical and contemporary landmarks.

Named the ‘Balloon Great Wall’, it not only united two iconic structures from different eras but also drew in crowds of visitors.

The significance of this achievement was acknowledged by the manager of the Canton Tower, who highlighted that it was the first major event after the Lunar New Year in 2024.

Sponsored by the China Senior Health Association and organised by the 21st Century Business Herald, the challenge aimed to celebrate the positive symbolism of the Great Wall as a symbol of ‘protection and defence’, showcasing the creativity and skill of the participating artists.

Leapy Lee’s

Image: Guinness World Records

Flying high

ONLY opened in August of last year, the Zeppelin music and cocktail bar in Mojacar is ‘Flying High’. The bar is truly unique in the province, offering a vast selection of cocktails off menu. That is to say, Robert or Nyame, the owners, will make you a cocktail on the spot, just tell them what sort of things you like.

They are working on a menu which will include exotic quality and timeless cocktails from around the world, including gems such as ‘Smoked Old Fashioned’ which dates back to the 1880s and uses Bourbon, a simple sugar

syrup, bitters and orange peel which are smoked!!

It is a family-run business, Nyame is also on hand to advise you on your cocktail choice, or just serve you with a coffee or beer, and of course they have a mascot dog called ‘Zeppelin’.

London-born Robert feels that what also helps to set them apart and has aided them to succeed is the fact that he has spent nearly half his

life living in Mojacar, and this gives him an edge in understanding what his clients need, including your four-legged friends, who are most welcome.

The bar, although small, has a big atmosphere, being just a few metres from the sea it has great views and the regular music nights they host just add to the appeal.

They are open 5pm to 2am weekdays and 5pm to 3am at the weekends.

Paseo del Mediterráneo, 8, 04638 Mojacar (Almeria), Spain

Party in the Park

PARTY IN THE PARK is once again being organised in Parque El Palmeral in Vera on the April 28 from 1pm to 6pm.

This year’s event with be hosted by the team from Almeria Radio with a line-up of artists including Seldom Sober, Rebel Yell, Harmony Duo, Steve Jackson, Sharon Regan and Best of 3.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Floor

to Floor delights

MOVING to Spain in 2002 to study, Floor spent her summers in Ibiza at her aunt’s restaurant, this is where the concept for La Cantina de Floor came about. Seven years later with her husband Hugo, Floor set up her first incarnation of her vision in Garrucha. Its success soon outgrew the space and they moved to the newer and bigger premises, where they are today.

Striving to offer a home-like feeling with great staff and great food, they certainly have made their mark in Garrucha.

Offering an amazing breakfast menu, pancakes and delicious international dishes including the always popular Indonesian dishes, Floor

takes pride in her menu made from fresh local ingredients. Home-made desserts and freshly brewed coffee complete the menu, but for those seeking a lighter option, snacks and smoothies made with the freshest fruit are also available.

The inviting warm decor that surrounds you as you enter the restaurant is matched by the welcome that you receive from Floor and her staff. With subtle pastel pinks and creams, honey-coloured

wooden panels and tables and a scattering of greenery, it really makes you feel at home.

With prices ranging from €15 to €20 per person, it definitely won’t break the bank and that can be seen from the large international clientele that can always be found frequenting the restaurant.

Open from 9am to midnight every day, it is one of the very few restaurants where the kitchen never closes.

Paseo del Malecón 16 /antes del super cash., Garrucha, Spain, 04630 • Tel: 950 132 757

Gastronomic delights

With the acoustic stage also having a great selection of artists including Fiona Vickers, DnA acoustic, Los Bandidos, Reflexion Lite and the Filabres Mountain Dare Devils.

It is not just a great afternoon of music as there is an arts and crafts fair, tearoom, bar and food stalls and all for a worthy cause.

Entrance is just €5 per person (under 12s free) and tickets can be bought on the gate or from the Lions Shop in Turre, Girasol in Albox, Cat Services, Forget me not and Emporium de Zoe or you can whatsapp Jackie Miles-Kirby on 642 829 269 or Andy on 711 005 682.

Julianne Archer HUERCAL-OVERA is set to become the foodie hub of the province from April 5 to 7 with the arrival of the ‘Degustho Almeria Gastronomic Festival’ on Paseo de la Alameda. This event draws in crowds from the municipality, the region, and beyond, offering a packed programme of culinary delights.

Mayor Domingo Fernández, alongside Economic Promotion councillor Mónica Navarro, revealed the festival’s details. Organised in collaboration with the Provincial Council of Almeria, it promises a line-up of attractions including show cooking by Bosco Benítez, host of Canal Sur’s ‘Tierra de Sabores’.

Alongside Benítez, other renowned chefs like Loreto, winner of MasterChef Junior 10, and Antonio Carmona, Antonio Gazquez, Cristóbal Carrillo, and Beatriz Torrente from various acclaimed restaurants, will conduct cooking demonstrations. Additionally, there will be a masterclass on ham cutting by Antonio Ortuño, as well as workshops on ice cream and snacks for children, wine tasting and cocktails.

The festival will also feature children’s entertainment and concerts by Essencial and Los Vinilos, with DJs

Juanmi and Luismi, and a performance by the Ria Pita dance group.

Huercal-Overa’s is becoming more dedicated to gastronomy and aims to be a leading culinary destination in the province. He encouraged residents of the province to visit Huercal-Overa during April 5 to 7 and indulge in the flavours and products of the region while enjoying the diverse range of activities scheduled for the festival.

Mayor Domingo Fernández, with Councillor Mónica Navarro, revealed the festival’s details.

Credit: Huercal-Overa Town Council

ADVERTISING FEATURE

A wonderful family home or investment opportunity

FIRST CHOICE ALMERIA are pleased to bring to the market a wonderful newly refurbished to a high specification Villa set in the hillside of Mojacar Playa.

Only a short walk to the sandy beaches of Mojacar and close to all amenities such as bars and restaurants, some of the finest in the area.

The villa boasts three large double bedrooms with the possibility to make a fourth bedroom. Three beautiful, refurbished bathrooms, two of which are en suite, well designed, modern and exquisite furnishings.

A wonderful modern lit ceramic and glass staircase takes you to the top floor of the villa which boasts a spacious modern fully equipped open plan kitchen reformed by Cocinas Maxana SL.

The bespoke kitchen is of a high specification with integrated appliances, well designed including an island with breakfast bar, ideal for anyone who enjoys enter -

taining and cooking.

A large laundry room again fully equipped with units giving plenty of storage, sits just off the kitchen making the area very practical. We finish off the top floor with a cloakroom and a large lounge/ diner walking out onto a beautiful tranquil terrace with panoramic

views of the Mediterranean ideal to spend relaxing evenings with a glass of vino watching the sunset over the beautiful glistening sea.

This beautiful villa comes with a wonderful swimming pool and terraced area for those hot summer days to take in the rays to then cool off or to just entertain for fa -

FIRST CHOICE ALMERIA

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

A MUST VIEW PROPERTY PRICED TO SELL!!

mily and friends.

The pool is also heated for those who like to take a dip all year round.

Numerous patios and terraces surround the property, all with stunning vistas, a garage and car port complete this property. This property is very versatile, it would make a lovely home for families or retirees who are looking for the idyllic, relaxed lifestyle of the Mediterranean.

The property also makes a fantastic investment opportunity which has been rented out for holiday rentals for the height of the summer producing a high weekly return.

The property is being sold fully furnished to an executive style finish.

For more information contact MRS STEPHANIE DARVILLE at FIRST CHOICE ALMERIA Tel: 950 615 561 or info@firstchoicealmeria.com

SPF sufficiency

USING foundation with SPF might seem like a convenient way to combine make-up and sun protection, but it may not offer

verage rather than the generous amount needed for adequate sun protection. Additionally, foundations with SPF often don’t cover

broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 under make-up to ensure the skin is fully protected from sun exposure. This layered approach

Pepper power

ded throughout the

BLACK PEPPER OIL , derived from the Piper nigrum plant, is not just a culinary staple but also a potent health elixir. This aromatic oil boasts a plethora of benefi ts, primarily due to its high piperine content. It’s known for its remarkable ability to enhance digestive health, stimulating the secretion of digestive juices to aid in more effi cient breakdown of foods. Moreover, black pepper oil exhibits antioxidant properties, fi ghting free radicals

and reducing oxidative stress, thereby supporting overall cellular health. Its warming and circulatory benefi ts also make it a favourite for soothing muscle discomfort and promoting blood flow. Additionally, black pepper oil can aid in respiratory health by easing congestion and promoting clear breathing, making it a versatile addition to any wellness routine.

Shutterstock/ Formatoriginal

Shutterstock/ Ariotto

Radiant with retinol

RETINOL , a derivative of vitamin A, has revolutionised the skincare landscape, offering a multi-faceted approach to maintaining youthful, radiant skin. Esteemed for its potent anti-ageing properties, retinol works by accelerating cell turnover, which helps to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. Additionally, it plays a significant role in sti mulating collagen production, giving the skin a firmer, more elastic quality.

Integrating retinol into your skincare regimen requires a gradual approach to minimi se potential irritation. Starting with a low concentration, apply it sparingly a few times a week, gra dually increasing as your skin acclimatises. Night-time appli cation is advised due to retinol’s photosensitivi ty, coupled with a high-SPF suns creen during the day to protect the newly tender skin.

Retinol products are widely available at pharmacies, beauty stores, and online retailers. Dermatologists also offer prescription-strength options for those seeking more potent skincare solutions.

With consistent use, retinol can unveil a smoother, more you-

EMBRACING grey hair

isn’t just a nod to the natural ageing process; it’s a statement of elegance, confidence, and style that transcends age. The journey to silver sophistication starts with a tailored approach to hair care. Given that grey hair can often present as coarser and more wiry than its pigmented counterparts, hydration is key. Opting

for moisturising shampoos and conditioners, specifically formulated for silver strands, will keep your hair soft and manageable.

Styling grey hair offers a chance to experiment. A sleek, silver bob can project a sharp, modern aesthetic, while longer, flowing locks can exude a timeless grace.

Remember, the unique texture of grey hair can

add volume and depth to your hairstyle, making it stand out in the best way possible.

Lastly, a professional consultation can make all the difference. A stylist with experience in grey hair can advise on cuts, colours, and care routines that enhance your natural silver, ensuring your transition is not just embraced, but celebrated.

Shutterstock/ Yaroslav Astakhov

OVER many years Neater Heaters have become the first choice of many ex-pats living in Spain

Behind our stylish Scandinavian designs are a modern state-of-the-art convector heater that can match any on the market for economy and efficiency and beats all the serious competition hands down on price.

The real secret of these heaters is the computer-age technology in the form of extruded aluminium in the construction of the heating element. This material and the design creates a huge surface area for heat transfer, which means more air can be heated for less cost.

Extremely stylish and practical heaters

Neater Heaters use convection principals and are designed so that the electricity you put into the heater is converted to heat as cheaply as possible. When you turn on the heater the element warms up rapidly and heats the air around it, this air rises and draws more cold air into the heater. Because the element is extremely efficient and is designed to have a huge surface area a large quantity of air is heated very quickly. If your room has the correct sized heater, it will take about 20 minutes to warm up from cold, after which the heater eases off and works at about two thirds capacity, (depending on various fluences).

Our heaters are not only efficient, effective, and economical, but as you would expect from a Scandinavian product,

they are extremely stylish and practical. There is a model that will suit anyone, from the BEHA, (Bluetooth option or Wi-Fi option) and the NEO Wi-Fi, so that you can control your heaters easily via a

anyone,

Wi-Fi APP but still being able to control them manually if preferred, or the trendy original style Neo with digital controls and a choice of colours and if you are limited for wall space then available for purchase are factory designed feet to enable the heater to be freestanding. However, a few years ago we added the NEO Wi-Fi Compact model. This heater shares the design technology and ethos of the current NEO heaters, but it has two differences: It is much smaller in length, thus able to fit into tighter wall spaces, plus this model has the added bonus of a 2.5 kw version as well.

For the month of April, Neater Heater are offering a 10% discount off any product in stock on our website. (offer not available at our outlets or on any currently discounted item).

Please add discount code, april 24 to the coupon code box when checking out.

NEATER HEATER DISTRIBUTORS: ALMERIA

ANTAS: Lifestyle Enclosures. Tel. 950 459 060 Heaters also available for purchase at our online shop with free home delivery WWW.NEATERHEATER.ES or Tel. 634 312 171 (WhatsApp available)

Questionable banking

WE had to transfer money to two di erent people. Patti’s bank sends her a message to call them. She does and then the fun begins. The questions become over the top very quickly. Do you know this person? Yes. How long have you known them for? A few years, why? What’s the transfer for? What’s it got to do with you? Patti tells them she’s very happy to make payment but the questions keep coming and she is informed that if she doesn’t answer her account will be frozen. Eventually the payment goes through. I then go to transfer money to someone else who uses the same online bank. This is a little di erent as I paid one amount and it went through ne. I then realised that I made a mistake and needed to send more but the bank wouldn’t have it. I then get a call asking me the questions. I tell them immediately that I know it’s two payments to same account but it’s ne so can we just do it? The answer is simply no, you can’t and I then have to jump through hoops to get it done. I apprecia-

te there is a ridiculous amount of online banking fraud but if you call or they call, it shouldn’t be that di cult to con rm should it?

I don’t often eat KFC, Burger King or McDonalds so I haven’t seen the new way of getting served if you aren’t doing a drive thru. I used to go to the counter and tell them what I wanted and within a few minutes I sat down to eat it. But not anymore. Now there is something that looks like a giant mobile phone with loads of instructions and choices and every time you press a button it asks if you want this extra or do you want the deal size option and all whilst you are serving yourself there are real humans standing behind the counter about two metres away. Why can’t they serve you like it’s meant to be?

Meantime I’ve made a mistake and have to start again and the person behind me is getting arsey and is starting to tell me in Spanish what I’m doing wrong. I get the hump and just walk out never to return I promise.

Just got two new dogs named Rolex and Timex - they are watch dogs!

If anyone is reading this let me have some feedback.

Email: mikesenker@gmail.com

ADC Property anticipates a surge in property prices

THE extension of the ‘Mediterranean Corridor’ AVE high speed train line, funded with €411 million from the EU, is expected to enhance connectivity between Vera, Almeria, and Murcia.

The EU’s support reflects the strategic importance of this rail network expansion, addressing the absence of a direct railway link between Murcia and Almeria. Construction of all sections of the ‘Mediterranean Corridor’ is underway, including infrastructure and 175km of track enabling speeds of up to 300km/hour. A significant addition is the 1,000m2 passenger train station at Vera, featuring amenities such as cafes, shops, and parking for 200 cars. Plans also include a 40,000m2 shopping centre adjacent to the station, incorporating facilities like electric vehicle charging stations, retail outlets, car rental, and secure parking, slated for completion by 2026.

ADC Property, a division of the Spanish development company ADC, predicts a substantial impact on property prices in the region. Martin Kilbride, Sales Manager of ADC Proper-

ty, views the AVE line as a boon for the area, especially Valle del Este Golf Resort (VDE), just a 10-minute drive from the new station. Kilbride anticipates a potential 30 per cent or more increase in property prices due to the infrastructure development, attracting more visitors and buyers to the Costa Almeria region.

The announcement of the AVE Me-

diterranean Line extension has already spurred increased interest in ADC Property’s offerings, particularly in Valle del Este. Clients are keen to invest now to capitalise on the expected price surge as the project nears completion.

ADC Property has unveiled 225 Southwest, an exclusive villa neighbourhood in Valle del Este, comprising

AVE: Will enhance connectivity.

11 villas designed by award-winning architects. These modern, contemporary homes offer privacy, exclusivity, and low maintenance living, with launch plot prices starting from €136,000, representing a 15 per cent discount. Alternatively, for those inclined towards Marbella-style apartments, ADC Property offers Azahares Golf Residences, frontline golf apartments with spacious layouts resembling linked villas. These refurbished homes feature front and back terraces, large gardens, and a newly landscaped communal pool area, with prices starting from €209,000 and limited units available.

GOLF RESIDENCES: Modern, contemporary homes by award-winning architects.

SIMON COLE, his wife and two kids, originally from the Midlands in England felt trapped in the ‘Rat Race’ and were looking for a better quality of life. Moving to Spain in 2006 and the new challenge of living and working in a foreign land stood before them.

After spending time looking for the ideal place, along the Andalucian coast, they stumbled upon Los Gallardos in Almeria and decided here was the ideal location to set up their home.

Although setting up the business was slow, there was a clear gap in the market for small independent estate agents, especially those offering a wide resale portfolio, to thrive and with advice from local accountants and lawyers they moved forward.

Even then the challenges were not over, surviving the 2008 crash, the Covid pandemic and Brexit were all on

Coles - It’s a family affair

the cards.

It seems that they have found the right formula for success which is based around the premise of a no pressure, honest and transparent approach with their clientele.

realistic commissions which they have kept at a constant level over the years and have no plans to increase them in the foreseeable future, which is good news for you and your pocket.

Add to this their quality marketing presentations, including more than just photos, they have videos and 360-degree virtual tours of the properties on their books, and they give very

comprehensive information they pass on to potential buyers, keeping them at the forefront of the property market in the area.

The final and most important factor is their low and

The great olive oil heist

OLIVE oil lovers, brace yourselves. The retail price of Spain’s prized ‘green gold’ increased by 70 per cent last year due to both the weather and ... thieves!

Excessive heat and drought have left Spain’s olive groves parched. The result? Soaring olive oil prices and a peculiar breed of criminal who fancies ‘liberating’ olives straight from the trees.

Recently, the police recovered 74 tonnes of stolen olives around Sevilla. The thieves used chainsaws and explosives to cut down the trees and load them onto trucks. They were arrested, but they are not the only ones. Each time one criminal gang is dismantled, another pops up. Andalucia, in particular, has witnessed a surge in olive thefts, with hundreds of cases reported last year alone.

Now, let’s delve into the core issue – the ongoing drought. With the harvesting season now over in

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

NORA IS THE AUTHOR OF POPULAR PSYCHOLOGICAL

Andalucia, the world’s largest olive oil-producing region, experts anticipate the current harvest will be a staggering 40 per cent below normal.

Consequently, some farmers are abandoning olives altogether, opting for trendy mango or ‘thirsty’ avocado orchards. But Australia’s avocado bubble has already burst triggering a price plunge that could happen here. Perhaps then, farmers might return to the trusty, less-thirsty orange tree. Only time will tell. But for now, wouldn’t that be a refreshing twist in this intriguing tale of a ‘green gold’ heist?

Nora Johnson’s 12 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The Couple across the Street’ ( www.nora-johnson.net ), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

Nora’s opinions are her own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

Working well together is always a challenge for any team, and more so when they are family, but at Coles they have managed to establish a friendly yet competitive environment amongst them in the office. They give sound professional advice to help both sellers and buyers demystify the process of property sales a little.

Stressing to sellers the need to DDD - de-clutter, de-personalise and deep clean as most prospective buyers want to walk into a property and visualise themselves li-

ving there, so the more you can help them to do this, the easier a sale can be.

Emphasising to buyers that research is crucial, telling them to explore the different areas first. Stay in a local hotel or B&B and go out and experience the amenities first hand.

From the offices in Turre they offer both coastal and inland properties, mainly in Almeria but they also cross over the borders into Granada and Murcia with properties for clients spending from under €100,000 for a bolthole in the sun to over €500,000 for an amazing villa with a pool and sea view.

Ultimately, the success of their business stems from their commitment to integrity, customer satisfaction, and adaptability in a dynamic market.

The wine fight

John Smith

IN the same way that La Tomatina in Bunol sees a huge tomato fight, and India has the Holi paint festival, there are a number of wine fights in Spain.

According to the Bergers of Haro, the town which calls itself the capital of Rioja, the biggest and best wine fight in Spain takes place there on the Feast of San Pedro, which falls on June 29 each year.

In actual fact, the Wine Fight (Batalla Del Vino De Haros) is part of the Haro Wine Festival which takes place from June 28 to 30.

There seem to be a number of different explanations as to why the otherwise sensible people of the town, work themselves up into a frenzy and douse each other in no less than 130,000 litres of wine.

Mainly dressed in white but with a red scarf, those taking part gather in the ear-

ly morning to follow their mayor who is on horseback on a seven kilometre pilgrimage to the cliffs of Bilibio, and the Hermitage of San Felices.

Following a short mass ‘all hell breaks loose’ as those taking part queue up to collect the wine which has been transported there for them and they use buckets, water guns, jugs and indeed any spare container to drench each other in red

wine. It seemed a shame to leave the children out of all of these escapades so in 2004 a children’s wine battle was introduced and a few days before the Festival, containers full of red liquid are distributed to the children.

They go on a short pilgrimage to the local fairground where, after making an offer to the patron saint, their wine battle takes place followed by lunch.

Taking a well-deserved pause from the wine fight.

Credit: Haro Council

• News Across The Regions

Costa del Sol A dog’s tale

MIJAS Local Police has a very special recruit in its ranks, Bobby, the first dog in the country trained to improve the reading skills of children, something that is achieved, according to officer David Gutiérrez, “through the link created by the person reading and the hearing dog.”

A pilot programme las been launched with the El Albero school in Las Lagunas, working with seven pupils with special educational needs. It has only been running for a month, but progress, as reported by Mijas Comunicacion, is clear.

At four months old, Bobby, is now also receiving additional training as a sniffer dog, a task that he will soon be carrying out although, for the moment, his mission is in class with the reading project.

Axarquia Join AAR

AXARQUIA Animal Rescue (AAR) charity store in Torre del Mar is on the lookout for volunteers to support their noble cause. The store, serving as a crucial fundraising avenue for AAR, offers various shifts on Tuesdays: 10am to 2pm, 10am to 12pm, and 12pm to 2pm.

Volunteers require no prior experience, just a willingness to contribute their time and have an interest in the welfare of abandoned and abused animals in the Axarquia region. AAR, a voluntary rescue and homing charity, relies heavily on the generosity of volunteers to operate efficiently. Interested individuals can reach out to Liz on 657 293 663 to lend a hand and make a difference in the lives of vulnerable animals. Joining AAR’s mission not only fosters community spirit but also directly impacts the well-being of animals in need.

Mallorca Yachting glamour

THE nautical season begins with the annual Palma International Boat Show from April 25 to 28. This year the programme will be particularly special, as it marks the 40th anniversary of the boat show.

With more than 30,000 visitors each year, the boat show is a major meeting of professionals.

The Palma Superyacht Village of around 80 luxury yachts is a unique pre-season showcase where major transactions take place.

The show takes place at the Moll Vell in Palma from 10am to 8pm. Tickets cost €11.

The Balearic Superyacht Forum will be hosted at the Palma Auditorium, within easy walking distance of the town centre, on April 24 and 25. This is an experiential event which aims to foster insightful discussions and engage in hands-on workshops.

Costa Blanca North Benidorm boost

BENIDORM has authorised the largest development plan in its history, building more than 2,300 homes, 20 hotels, 660 public houses and more.

The Ensanche Levante plan was approved on March 27, revitalising more than 570,000 square metres of underdeveloped land.

“This is the most important urban sector in the municipality in terms of surface area,” said the mayor of Benidorm, Toni Perez.

1,564 holiday homes and at least 780 residential apartments will be built, alongside 20 new hotels and three shopping centres.

The plan will also generate 660 public housing units and educational centres.”

To continue the city’s sustainability focus, a central park of 61,629 square metres and 13,000 square metres of gardens will be installed, transforming the city.

The time scale for the project is yet to be released.

Costa Blanca South Historic milestone

IF 2023 was a historic milestone for the Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airport, with record-breaking passenger numbers, 2024 is poised to surpass this achievement.

Airlines are offering up to one million more seats during this year’s high season, from April to October, indicating the potential for another historic year.

In 2023, the airport witnessed its highest passenger volume in history, welcoming 15.7 million passengers, surpassing the pre-pandemic record of 15m passengers in 2019.

Despite the pandemic-induced slowdown in tourism, passenger numbers rebounded as the health situation improved, culminating in 2023 being the best year to date.

Forecasts suggest 2024 will eclipse these records, with significant growth in both high-season seat offerings and passenger numbers during the traditionally slower months.

Costa Calida Garden Party

ON May 11, Age Concern Costa Calida is set to dazzle locals and visitors with their much-anticipated Spring Garden Party. From 12pm to 5pm, the Social Centre at 2b Avenida de los Covachos in Camposol Sector C will transform into a vibrant hub of entertainment and community.

For just €10, attendees will indulge in a delightful array of festivities. The highlight of the event includes a sizzling BBQ alongside a fashion show, promising a perfect fusion of taste and style.

Guests can enjoy a buffet, accompanied by refreshing beverages such as tea, coffee, and soft drinks. The ambiance will be further enhanced with the beats of DJ Carl, ensuring a lively atmosphere throughout the day.

Join them for an unforgettable celebration of community spirit and joy!

PETS

Bless you

DOGS, much like their human counterparts, engage in sneezing for a multitude of reasons, and comprehending this common behaviour offers valuable insights into their health and communication.

Primarily, sneezing in dogs acts as a natural defense mechanism, expelling irritants like dust or pollen from their nasal passages. Playful excitement can also induce sneezing, especially during energetic activities. Moreover, dogs may sneeze to communicate submission or invite interaction with their human or canine companions.

However, prolonged or excessive sneezing warrants attention, as it might indicate underlying health concerns such as allergies, infections, or nasal irritations. Monitoring sneezing patterns alongside other symptoms allows pet owners to discern between natural behaviours and potential health issues, ensuring the well-being of their cherished furry friends. If in doubt, consulting a veterinarian is a prudent step toward maintaining the overall health and happiness of dogs.

Veggie debate

THE feasibility of a vegetarian diet for dogs sparks debate among pet owners and veterinarians.

While dogs are omnivores, capable of thriving on plant-based diets, careful consideration of nutritional requirements is paramount. Protein, vitamins, and minerals sourced from animal products are essential for canine health.

A well-planned vegetarian diet with adequate protein from plant sources like lentils, beans,

Ever wanted to travel as a house and pet-sitter?

EXCHANGE your time and experience as a house and pet-sitter. If you love pets and are happy spending time looking after them why not volunteer to care for pets and homes as a housesitter. The benefits are that you collaborate to share your experience and benefit with free accommodation. We have a lot of house-sits in the UK and Spain and are looking for new sitters.

It’s a fair exchange

It’s a win win! If you’re planning a trip for the holidays, don’t delay. Register today as a house-sitter member to find affordable accommodation offering your home and pet care in exchange. Plan ahead of time to find house and pet-sitters who will come to you for free!

Next steps to join

Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care. These are the steps to take:

Chloe travels as a house-sitter and doesn’t pay for accommodation - she exchanges her time and experience in home and pet care collaborating with the pet owners.

1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com

2. Choose a Standard account (£69 per year) to ensure you can help online when needed

3. Create a profile with photos of your pet and the house

4. Post an advert for the dates

when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose.

How does it work?

HouseSitMatch helps you find sitters. Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert with trip dates. House-sitters see your advert, they respond and you choose the sitter you want.

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.9 / 5

Excellent 10 out of 10 for house sitmatch.com. HouseSitMatch. com is a family for house-sitters and home owners. HouseSitMatch.com is a well-organised house-sitting service which supports its house-sitters and homeowners very well. They are always there when you need them - even on Sundays! They are like a family, and they are always happy to welcome new members. Put your trust in them and they will provide you wonderful opportunities.

Warren - House-sitter

House-sitting is a win-win for both parties, free house and pet-sitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either house-sitter or homeowner with a 20% discount code 20EWN.

and tofu can be viable, but professional guidance is crucial.

Supplements may be necessary to ensure dogs receive essential nutrients like B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. Balancing the diet with vegetables and grains is vital. Consulting with a veterinarian to tailor a nutritionally sound plan based on individual health, age, and breed is recommended, ensuring dogs thrive on a vegetarian diet without compromising their well-being.

Shutterstock/ George Trumpeter

Shutterstock/ 9dream studio

CLASSIFIEDS

BUILDERS

ALMERIA BUILDERS:

Fully Legal, Fully Insured, All Work Guaranteed. 659 685 133 www. almeriabuilders.com (253556)

BUY & SELL

PRIVATE collector will buy your Gold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)

CHURCHES

Local Anglican (CofE) Church Services take place at Mojacar and Llanos del Peral (Zurgena) churches every Sunday 11am and at Aljambra Chapel (Albox) monthly. Dates and details of our services, including directions and contact details, can be found at  www. almeria-anglican.com

Here you can also find information about funerals, baptisms and wedding blessings. We are an inclusive church. (10002)

TURRE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

We meet every Sunday at 10.30. For worship. We believe you’ll find us ‘relaxed’, welcoming’ and ‘informal’. Find us on Turre’s main street, towards the motorway at the far end on the left. To know more contact 617 914 156 (10021)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

- Why not make this year the year you volunteer?

Call and see how you can help either as a caseworker (with full training) or as a Telephone Buddy. We also visit beneficiaries who are housebound or in hospital.

If you feel you could support us here in Spain, and you have a Spanish phone number then why not email us for more info tbuddyhhvisits@gmail.

com. If you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us using the details on the card, we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly, just call and have a chat with Pam who will try to guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find your nearest one at, www. britishlegion.org.uk/ counties/spain-north ZURGENA Branch meeting on the first Thursday, Coffee Morning on the third Thursday and Buffet & Quiz Night on the last Tuesday of the month all at La Parrilla Hotel Albox, for further details please email zurgenarblchairman@gmail. com - (253989)

DRAINAGE

specialise in selling and renting properties in the Huercal-Overa, La Alfoquia, Zurgena & Taberno area. Andy, Anna, Jess, Adele, Hannah, Amy & Karen look forward to helping you buy, sell or rent your ideal property. Please call 678 002 006 for more information (283824)

INSURANCE

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Lotus reveals Emeya Hyper-GT

ROAD TEST

By Mark Slack

LOTUS has revealed the pricing and further details of its first electric hyper-GT, Emeya. It has also launched the configurator for the car online, for customers to design and personalise their vehicle ahead of placing their order.

The all-new Emeya features optimised design layout of the batteries so that 20 per cent more cells can be packaged in the same space. By doing this the new car is able to offer improved charging capabilities, boosting range by up to 20 per cent.

When using a 350kW DC fast-charger, Emeya can achieve a 10-80 per cent charge within 18 minutes, with a maximum WLTP range of 609km/379 miles.

Lotus has incorporated a suspension design available with all wheel drive, advanced active roll control and rear-wheel steering. Power of up to 905 bhp, enabling Emeya to accelerate from 0-100kmh/0-62 mph in under 2.8 seconds. Lightweight carbon ceramic brakes reduce weight and braking distance - which contribute to dynamic handling - as well as doubling the lifespan of the components.

Up to five driving modes including Range, Tour, Sport, Individual and Track are available and drivers can control the ride height, air suspension stiffness and acceleration response. An electronically contro-

lled air suspension system has advanced onboard sensors respond to changes in road conditions and automatically adjust the vehicle set-up.

Lotus claim Emeya sets a new benchmark for how a luxury car should look and feel with features including a spacious boot of up to 509 litres, power-assisted doors with sensors that can detect obstacles ensuring a door will not open if the vehicle is at risk of damage. In addition, a kick sensor on the tailgate enables customers to easily open the boot, even when their hands are full.

There is also an advanced intelligent panoramic glass roof, which drivers can switch between opaque and clear. This gives the interior a feeling of space, there is the option to turn individual sections of the roof opaque, enabling them to block out direct sunlight while keeping the rest of the roof open.

The Emeya also features cutting-edge technologies including intelligent EV routing, which is capable of learning individual driving patterns, such as departure times, destinations, and routes, and an expansive Augmented Reality head-up display for the driver.

There are three Emeya variants: the entry point for the range starting at €110,682/£94,950, the S from €125,256/£107,450 and the R, this is the flagship model, starting at €151,481/£129,950.

Tipped for Red Bull

RUMOURS have swirled since the German press leaked that Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, is keen on bringing Fernando Alonso on board.

On Monday, March 25, following the Australian Grand Prix, discussions between Red Bull’s leadership and the Aston Martin driver reportedly took a significant leap forward.

This revelation comes despite earlier speculations that Carlos Sainz was the preferred choice after his impressive victory.

The proposed signing would see Alonso replacing Checo Perez for the next season, with both drivers’ contracts expiring at the end of this year.

Horner, facing criticism and a strained relationship with Max Verstappen, sees the two-time world champion as an ideal teammate for the Dutchman.

The vision is for Alonso and Verstappen to dominate until 2026, when new regulations will be introduced. Although the duration of the offer remains undisclosed, the aim is to have Alonso join Verstappen from the

next championship season.

According to F1 Insider, Horner is depicted as the ‘sole governor’ of Red Bull.

This portrayal might seem exaggerated, yet Horner’s influence has grown despite recent controversies, including accusations of inappropriate behaviour.

Nonetheless, he has maintained his position and is now spearheading the planning for 2025.

Alonso’s continuation with Aston Martin was initially expected to be decided by the

early races of the season.

Credit: alo_oficial/X

European timeshare challenge

IN February, the Premier League sanctioned the acquisition of a 25 per cent stake in Manchester United by Jim Ratcliffe, the head of Ineos and also the primary proprietor of French club Nice since 2019.

This move, finalised last December for £300 million, has sparked a negotiation with UEFA to ensure Manchester United’s eligibility for European tournaments.

Ratcliffe’s dual ownership presents a potential conflict with UEFA’s timeshare rules, which aim to prevent any single entity from gaining an unfair advantage through ownership in multiple clubs.

However, after a disappointing start and a controversial FIA penalty, his future remains in doubt.

Previously, Horner had attempted to sign Alonso in 2013 to partner with Sebastian Vettel, but was vetoed by Helmut Marko and Dietrich Mateschitz, favouring younger drivers.

This potential move could mark a significant shift in Formula 1’s dynamics, reflecting Red Bull’s ambition to maintain its competitive edge in the sport.

UEFA’s stipulations mandate that if two clubs under the same ownership qualify for the same competition, only the higher-placed team in their domestic league will be eligible, thereby removing any doubt that the shared ownership doesn’t confer any advantage.

This year, Aston Villa and Brighton, despite their interconnected ownerships, have successfully competed in Europe, setting a precedent for Manchester United’s current situation.

Ratcliffe emerged as a frontrunner in the acquisition race, willing to settle for a minority stake over full control, unlike Qatari investors who proposed a £5 billion takeover.

His approach won over the Glazers, who have been at the helm since 2005, in hope of revitalising the club’s fortunes.

Manchester United anticipates that Ratcliffe’s investment will herald a return to the glory days absent since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.

Among Ratcliffe’s initial moves is the ambitious plan to replace Old Trafford with a new £2.4 billion stadium, aiming to revitalise the northern region of England.

Formula 1 €4bn deal

ON Wednesday, March 27, reports emerged that Formula 1 owners, Liberty Media, are entering exclusive negotiations to acquire Dorna Sports, the entity holding the rights to MotoGP, for a sum in excess of €4 billion.

This strategic move, reportedly aims to consolidate the top-tier auto and motorcycle racing series. The transaction is set to be finalised after overcoming competition from TKO, a group led by influential Hollywood agent Ari Emanuel.

The potential merger is similar to a previous situation where CVC Capital Partners had to divest its MotoGP interests due to European Union regulatory

concerns.

This historical context adds a layer of complexity to Liberty Media’s current ambitions, as it seeks to navigate similar regulatory landscapes.

The deal’s completion would mark a significant milestone, merging the realms of Formula 1 and MotoGP under a single corporate umbrella.

Liberty Media’s track record of elevating Formula 1’s global profile is noteworthy. Their innovative approach to marketing, including a strong emphasis on social media presence and collaborative projects like the Netflix se ries ‘Drive to Survive’, has sig nificantly boosted the sport’s popularity.

Acquiring MotoGP pre sents an opportunity for Liberty Media

to replicate this success, capitalising on a similar business model that includes broadcasting rights, event hosting fees, and merchandise sales.

In 2023, Formula 1 reported a 64 per cent increase in operating profit, while revenue rose to $3.2 billion from $2.5 billion, affirming the financial viability of Liberty Media’s stewardship. This acquisition not only has the potential to reshape the commercial landscape of motorsport but also underscores Liberty Media’s

Fernando Alonso.

MOTOGP: Rider Marc Marquez.

Credit: Abdul Razak Latif/Shutterstock.com