Axarquia 13 – 19 June 2024 Issue 2032

Tropical Taste

Catherine McGeer

THE Tourism Board of Almuñecar La Herradura has partnered with José Pizarro, a renowned Spanish chef in the UK, to present a special menu inspired by local products from the Granada coast, with mango, avocado, and chirimoya taking the spotlight. The goal? To boost gastronomic tourism in the vibrant and competitive London market.

On June 25, José Pizarro’s four restaurants in London will serve a menu crafted by himself, Sergio González from Restaurante Firmvm in Almuñecar, and Carlos Martín from Restaurante Mardela in La Herradura. The menu consists of seven dishes featuring tropical fruits.

Additionally, for four weeks, patrons can try Sergio González’s star dishrose of red tuna and monk-

FRIGILIANA garnered significant attention online, ranking fourth in Holidu’s list of the most searched small towns in Spain. With over 4,000 monthly searches, Frigiliana stands out as the sole representative of its province in this exclusive ranking of 6,925 towns across Spain.

According to Holidu, Frigiliana’s charm lies in its Moorish architecture, cobbled streets, and whitewashed houses decorated with vibrant flowers, creating a striking contrast against the blue sky and surrounding mountain landscape.

Renowned for its beauty, the village has been repeatedly recog-

fish with cold mango and almond sauce - and Carlos Martín’s dessert - sautéed mango cubes with pink pepper and cold chirimoya soup. Plus, there’s a chance to win a five-night trip for two to Almuñecar La Herradura.

This venture aims to

showcase Almuñecar through fresh cuisine, offering authentic and unique experiences to Londoners. It is not only about attracting tourists but also about enhancing the town’s global reputation, attracting chefs, culinary critics, and specialised media.

Viral Village

nised as one of Spain’s prettiest destinations.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of holidaying in small rural towns, away from bustling cities, a

trend reflected in the popularity of villages like Frigiliana. Holidu notes that whether medieval villages, fishing communities, or traditional inland towns,

With an estimated reach of over 4,000 visitors to José Pizarro’s restaurants and a potential audience of over 16 million Londoners, this campaign aims to capitalise on the UK’s interest in European travel, particularly for its climate and cuisine.

these destinations offer something unique for travellers seeking a serene escape.

Above Frigiliana on the list are Comillas, Cudillero, and Santillana del Mar, while several other charming Spanish towns trail closely behind.

Holidu’s analysis, based on Semrush data, focused on towns with populations of 5,000 or fewer residents, ranking them according to Google search volumes for terms like ‘things to do’ and ‘places to see.’

This methodology aimed to highlight the most sought-after small-town experiences, with Frigiliana shining brightly among them.

First Colour Run

THE first ever ‘Algarrobo en Color’ (Algarrobo in Colour) race is set for July 13 and will raise funds for AVOI, the Children’s Oncology Volunteer Association. Starting at 10am, this vibrant event aims to support children with cancer at the Maternal and Child Hospital. Mayor Natacha Rivas encourages families to join in, highlighting the good cause behind the race.

Sergio Cotilla, the Sports councillor, informed that RidersRunning organises the race and features a two-kilometre route. Participants will start from the Mezquitilla pergola, run along the Paseo Marítimo to the Algarrobo River, cross the bridge, and head back to the starting point. Expect bursts of colourful powder throughout the course, adding to the fun.

Post-race, there will be music, a speaker, a raffle of electronic items, and a bike. Each entry costs €10, with €1 going to AVOI. Sign up at www.riders running.com , www.globaltempo.es , or in person at Box Akyles in Torre del Mar. Participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt, sunglasses, a backpack, water, and a raffle entry.

Axarquia • Issue No. 2032 • 13 - 19 June 2024 FREE FREE FREI GRATIS

GRATIS GRATIS GRATIS

GRATUITO VRIJ LIVRE

ILMAINEN

GRATUIT S G

Almuñecar La Herradura’s Tropical Flavours in London.

Race for a cause.

Image: Shutterstock/ ebonyeg

Rural Spain shines bright.

Sopotnicki

Image: Almuñecar Town Hall

Rural revival

Catherine McGeer

IN a bid to com bat rural depo pulation, the Metapueblos project initiated by the Diputación de Malaga has shown promising results, with half of its participants opting to settle in rural areas. Among the 21 individuals who took part in this pilot programme aimed at encouraging rural living, 11 have decided to make the countryside their permanent residence.

The project, which focused on sectors like agroecology, bioconstruction, senior economy, and renewable energies, provided participants with training, rural immersion, and internships in local businesses. Many found employment opportunities within these sectors, particularly in renewable energy and senior economy fields.

Vice President Antonia Ledesma ex-

pressed satisfaction with the outcomes during the programme’s closing ceremony. She highlighted that the initiative not only helped attract new residents to villages in Axarquia and Serranía de Ronda but also assisted in retaining existing ones.

Four families, including three children, have settled in villages such as Benarraba, Cortes de la Frontera, Canillas de Aceituno, and El Borge. Additionally, seven participants have chosen to remain in their hometowns, contributing to a total of 18 new residents across the two regions.

The success of the project highlights the potential of sectors like renewable energy and senior economy in generating employment opportunities and promoting rural development.

Community connections

SITUATED in Torre del Mar, the Lux Mundi Ecumenical Centre offers a variety of activities and events for locals and visitors. With Spanish practice groups meeting on Wednesday and Friday mornings, along with gatherings for art, crochet, and crafts enthusiasts, Lux Mundi provides opportunities for learning and creativity.

On Wednesdays and Fridays, visitors can explore the shop’s selection of spring and summer clothing at reasonable prices. Thursdays feature Spanglish conversations, promoting interaction between Spanish and English speakers.

Upcoming events include Taize Prayer on June 28

and an excursion to Montilla and Lucena on July 11, offering participants a chance to delve into Andalucian culture and history.

For more information and reservations, contact Lux Mundi on 952 543 334 or luxmundi@lux-mundi. org. Join Lux Mundi and engage with a vibrant community dedicated to enrichment and connection.

Summer service

STARTING June 15, a fleet of 10 vessels will tackle the task of cleaning the surface waters along the Axarquia coast during the summer season. The service, active until September 15, will operate both morning and

tourism-driven economy.

garrobo, Torrox, and Nerja.

The kick-off of this summer’s coastal water cleaning service was announced by local councillors for Axarquia. The contract, awarded to Servimar Axarquia with the possibility of three extensions, highlights the importance of coastal maintenance. They emphasised the continuous effort to enhance service quality, aligning with the region’s

The vessels will operate daily, including holidays, from 10am to 8pm, with varying schedules for different towns. They also highlighted the significant role these boats play in maintaining cleanliness, especially during the peak summer months.

Last year’s statistics revealed the necessity of this service, with over 50 tons of organic matter and 51 tons of inorganic waste collected. The vessels, equipped with necessary technical capabilities and safety measures, ensure efficient waste collection, promoting a cleaner coastal environment.

European elections

IN a neck-and-neck battle, the recent elections in Axarquia have ended in a draw between the PSOE and the Partido Popular, with both parties clinching victories in 15 municipalities. Notably, Velez-Malaga witnessed a decisive triumph for the PP, garnering 10,747 vo-

tes, marking a significant surge compared to previous elections. However, the PSOE faced a setback, experiencing a drop of 4,500 votes from the last European elections, securing only 7,259 votes this time.

Meanwhile, in Rincon de la Victoria, the PP

emerged victorious with 7,901 votes, while Nerja saw a peculiar scenario with a notable decrease of 600 votes for the PP despite holding the town hall. Torrox saw the PP claiming victory with 1,982 votes, relegating the PSOE to second place with 1,313 votes.

Reshaping rural futures.

Keeping our shores pristine.

Image: Shutterstock/ AssiaPix

Lux Mundi welcomes you to a vibrant community.

NIBS EXTRA

Car Boot sale

ON Wednesday, June 19 from 9am until 1pm there will be a Car Boot sale at restaurant El Pantano on the A356, KM30 Viñuela. For more information or to book a stall phone Sandy on 633 878 471.

Volunteers needed

THE Axarquia Animal Rescue Charity shop in Torre del Mar is on the lookout for volunteers. Can you spare a few hours? No experience is needed contact Liz on 657 293 663 for more information.

Live music

BITACORA Torre del Mar cafeteria hosts live music and cultural events regularly. Coming up they have a Blues-Jazz event on Saturday, June 15, and much more. For more information contact them on 0034 675 833 718.

Flea market

THE Mercadillo La Viñuela will pop up once more on Sunday June 23 from 10am until 2pm. Located in the Parque de la Viñuela near the children’s playground you can pick up artisan products, fresh produce, wine, and much more.

Discover Competa

COMPETA is a charming whitewashed village known for its stunning vistas and rich cultural heritage. Often referred to as the ‘Cornice of the Costa del Sol,’ as Competa is perched high in the Sierra de Almijara mountains, o ering breathtaking views of both the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding landscape.

The village is renowned for its narrow, winding streets lined with traditional Andalucian houses, each decorated with colourful ower pots. The central plaza, Plaza Almijara, is a vibrant hub featuring the beautiful 16th-century Church of La Asunción with its distinctive Mudéjar-style bell tower. This historic square is a perfect spot to enjoy local tapas and a glass of Competa’s famous sweet wine, a legacy of its ancient vineyards.

Competa’s annual Noche del Vino (Night of Wine) festival, held every August, celebrates the village’s vinicultural traditions with lively music, amenco dancing, and, of course, wine tasting. The event attracts visitors from all over the world, eager to experience authentic Spanish culture.

FROM June 16 to 24, Competa comes alive with its annual Cultural Week, organised by the town hall to celebrate the town’s rich heritage and diverse community.

Throughout the week, locals and visitors can take part in a plethora of activities that showcase the best of Competa’s cultural scene. From traditional processions to modern art exhibitions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The festivities kick off with the

Global village

COMPETA is not just a haven for nature lovers; it’s also a vibrant melting pot of cultures. With a population of approximately 4,000 residents, the natives, known as competeños, form the backbone of this charming village.

For nature enthusiasts, Competa o ers numerous hiking trails which provide opportunities to explore a variety of ora and fauna, as well as panoramic views.

Cultural Week

Fiesta del Acebuchal, a colourful celebration featuring music, dancing, and delicious food. As the week unfolds, the town hosts a variety of events, including sports tournaments, concerts, and educational talks.

One highlight of the week is the Tarde de Circo, an evening of circus performances that promises fun and laughter for the whole

Hiking haven

COMPETA o ers a haven for hiking fans with its network of well-marked trails, ranging from leisurely strolls to challenging treks, there’s something for every level of adventurer.

One of the most popular routes is the ascent to the peak of La Maroma, the highest mountain in the province of Malaga.

This exhilarating hike rewards intrepid explorers with sweeping vistas of the Mediterranean coastline and the distant

Rif Mountains of Morocco.

family. Another must-see event is the Día Internacional del Yoga (International Day of Yoga), where participants can unwind with a free yoga class in the middle of the stunning backdrop of the Sierra de Almijara mountains.

The week ends with a show featuring live music, dance performances, and fireworks. For more information see compete.es.

For a more leisurely experience, the trail through the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park o ers opportunities to immerse yourself in the region’s diverse ora and fauna. Along the way, hikers may encounter aromatic herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, and spot indigenous wildlife, including ibex and eagles.

Whether seeking a challenging adventure or a peaceful hike through nature, the hiking trails of Competa promise unforgettable experiences in the middle of the breathtaking landscapes of rural Andalucia.

Despite its small size, Competa boasts a surprisingly diverse international community, drawn by its idyllic setting and laid-back lifestyle. International residents from various corners of the globe, including the UK, Germany, Denmark, The Netherlands, and Norway, have made Competa their home, contributing to its variety of traditions and customs.

From lively international gatherings to multicultural festivals, the international population adds a unique air to Competa’s charm. Whether you’re enjoying tapas in a local tavern or exploring the cobblestone streets, you’re bound to encounter a mix of languages and accents, embodying the spirit of unity in diversity that de nes this quaint Andalucian village.

A jewel in the mountain of Axarquia.

The beauty of rural Andalucia.

Food Drive Gastro Fair

Grace Meredith

THE 25th anniversary of La Feria Gastronómica del Almuñecar (Almuñecar’s Gastro Fair) was celebrated recently at El Majuelo Park. More than 20 stands participated, showcasing culinary delights alongside wines from Cariñena, Granada, and the Chirimoya Designation of Origin. Lucía González, the Commerce councillor, and event promoters Jorge Rodríguez and José Muñoz Frontana inaugurated the event alongside many from the Almuñecar Town Council.

González expressed pride in the event’s longevity, emphasising its role in promoting local gastronomy and hospitality businesses. She extended gratitude to organisers and local workers and encouraged more businesses to join future fairs.

José Muñoz Frontana thanked participants and the local council, particularly highlighting González’s dedication. He invited locals to enjoy the array of offerings.

Catherine McGeer VOLUNTEERS from Lux Mundi are extending a helping hand to families in need in the Torre Del Mar area through their ongoing food drive initiative Food Drive Torre del Mar.

This June, they aim to pack essential

items for 30 local families on Thursday, June 27. The drive seeks donations of various items including sunflower oil, sugar, pasta, coffee, and more.

Community members can contribute by placing items in designated collection boxes at locations such as Café at

BluCee Estate Agent, Oasis Hair and Beauty, or Lux-Mundi Centro Ecumenico. Monetary donations are also welcomed through BIZUM with the code 07388 or via their GoFundMe page.

The volunteers express their gratitude for any support extended, emphasising the importance of collective

security within

Featuring more than 20 stands, the event highlighted local cuisine and regional products, including coastal seafood and tropical fruits like chirimoya, avocado, mango, and níspero. Beverages were priced at €1 to encourage attendance.

Image: Almuñecar Town Hall

Local gastronomy.

Artist’s corner

Catherine McGeer

CHRIS RICHFORD an English artist living in Velez-Malaga is currently showcasing his work at Centro de Turismo Torrox Costa. The exhibition, running throughout June, features 33 oil paintings that capture the landscapes, towns, and people of Andalucia.

The artist, who spends most of his time painting and drawing, nds inspiration in his surroundings. “I discover images in my corner of Andalucia,” he says, adding, “the great light gives me more inspiration to paint and exhibit my work.”

The collection can be viewed from 9am to 2pm, Monday to Friday, o ering visitors a glimpse into the vibrant and diverse scenery of southern Spain through the eyes of a dedicated artist.

Portovelis market

THE third instalment of the Portovelis market will take place on Saturday, June 15. This time, it shifts to the evening to avoid the summer heat and moves to Plaza Las Carmelitas in Velez-Malaga. The market, known for blending commerce, entertainment, culture, and art, has been well-received previously.

until 1am, o ering a cooler, more pleasant experience.

Over 40 vendors will participate, with music by Electroduendes and performances from Cristina Gallardo’s Dance Academy and the ANNE Association. The Art Market, a hit from the last edition, will be hosted in the town hall courtyard.

This event was introduced at Velez-Malaga’s town hall by various ocials, including Juan Fernandez Olmo, the councillor for the Historic Centre, and Alicia Ramírez, the councillor for Culture. They explained the changes: the event now starts at 8pm and runs

Councillor Beatriz Gálvez emphasised that Portovelis boosts local commerce and revitalises the Historic Centre. They encourage everyone to join, highlighting the event’s growing popularity and its positive impact on the community.

Ceiling collapse

RECENTLY a section of the false ceiling in the cinemas of the Rincon de la Victoria shopping centre collapsed. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries as the affected area was closed to the public at the time.

The collapse occu-

rred in the bar area where screens are located and drinks are served.

As a precautionary measure, the area was immediately cordoned off, and the projection rooms were temporarily closed, according to sources from the shop-

ping centre.

No police or firefighters were needed as the establishment’s security personnel managed the situation. Investigations into the cause of the collapse are likely to follow, ensuring the safety of patrons and staff in the future.

Vivid Andalucia in oils.

Images: Christ Richford

Water fees Gaucin getaway

AXARQUIA is set to pay the €2.3 million it owes for water transfers from Malaga during the worst period of the drought. From late 2021 until April 11, 2024, Emasa has been supplying desalinated water to the region.

A new rule, published recently in the Official Bulletin of the Province of Malaga, will regulate the water supply service and will come into effect at the end of June. Jorge Martín, president of the Commonwealth of Municipalities of the Costa del Sol Axarquia, explained that this regula tion allows for an emergency variable rate of 0.0867 cents per cubic metre to cover the immediate pay ment of €2.3 mi llion to Emasa.

Martín emphasised that thanks to Emasa, the towns of Axarquia had water when the La Viñuela reservoir was at a minimum. Now, it is fair to pay the total accumulated debt, which amounts to €3.5 million. The cost will be distributed evenly among the 14 areas supplied by Axaragua, the Public Water Company of Axarquia. For an average supply, the impact will be €1.04 per month plus VAT, though it could be lower in areas with their own wells.

LUX MUNDI Ecumenical Centre, in Torre del Mar, welcomed a group of eager travellers for an unforgettable day trip to Gaucin in May. Departing from both Torre del Mar and Fuengirola, friends set out on a scenic bus journey to the picturesque mountainside town.

Their first stop was at Crestellina cheese factory, near Casares, where they dived into the world of Poyoya goats and the art of cheese making. Tasting sessions of fresh and semi-cured cheeses, accompanied by a glass of wine, added flavour to their educational visit.

Following the cheese adventure, the group continued their journey to Gaucin, soaking in the breathtaking scenery along the way. Once in Gaucin, they wandered through flower-lined streets, admired whitewashed houses, and enjoyed panoramic views stretching across the Genal Valley to Africa.

The day finished with a leisurely lunch in the warm sunshine, creating camaraderie and lasting memories. Lux Mundi expressed gratitude to all participants, whose support contributes to the centre’s charitable events and projects. They eagerly anticipate future excursions and events, welcoming all to join in the enriching experiences.

Summer giving

THIS summer, instead of just indulging in your favourite activities, why not spread some joy by lending a hand to those in need? By volunteering with Fundación Cudeca, not only will you contribute to a worthy cause, but you’ll also have the opportunity to meet new people, practise languages, and create unforgettable experiences. With just four hours a week, you can make a difference by assisting customers, labelling products, receiving donations, and much more at the Cudeca Charity Shops. Ready to add a touch of kindness to your summer? The Volunteer Department is eager to welcome you aboard. Contact them via phone, WhatsApp, on 671 048 304, or email voluntariado@cude ca.org to join the team and kickstart this adventure. And don’t forget about their Sunflower Campaign!

From June to December, they’ll be visiting different parishes to raise funds and spread awareness about their cause. Your support is invaluable in ensuring that Fundación Cudeca continues to provide free palliative care to those in need. Sign up and make a difference today!

€3 million debt for water.

Image: Shutterstock/ pu_kibun

Star Wars sensation

A RARE Boba Fett action gure has sold for $525,000 (£411,000), making it the world’s most valuable Star Wars action gure.

This hand-painted, missile- ring model is one of only two remaining.

Produced in 1979, they were never released to the public due to choking hazard concerns.

The gure was sold at Heritage Auctions’ Star Wars Signature Auction, more than doubling the previous record of $236,000 (£185,000) set in 2022 for another rocket- ring Boba Fett.

It also surpassed the price paid for the world’s most expensive Barbie doll, a unique model adorned with a one-carat diamond, which sold for $302,500 (then approximately £192,000) in 2010.

“The rocket- ring Boba Fett actiongure has become such a legendary icon that people worldwide recognise it even if they don’t collect

Auctions.

“We knew this one had a chance to enter the record books, and it was thrilling to see it become the most valuable toy in the world.”

The action gure, created by toy company Kenner, was initially intended to be sent for free to anyone who had purchased at least four other Star Wars gures.

It was advertised as having a ‘rocket-ring backpack’.

However, Kenner modi ed their model after reports that competitor Mattel’s missile-ring Battlestar Galactica toys posed choking hazards.

They decided to glue the rocket in place, leaving a note inside the box: “The launcher has been removed from the product for safety reasons.”

UK airport restrictions

Donna Williams

RESTRICTIONS on carrying liquids are again in place at six airports across the UK. This change a ects passengers using Aberdeen, Leeds Bradford, London City, Newcastle, Southend, and Teesside airports.

Once more, anyone travelling from these airports will only be permitted to carry liquids with a maximum volume of 100ml in their hand luggage. All liquids carried in this way must be placed in a clear plastic bag prior to being passed through security. The impacted airports are working diligently to minimise disruption. They advise that passengers pack liquids in their hold luggage wherever practical.

The need to control the carrying of liquids came into e ect in 2006 after a foiled plot to bomb a transatlantic ight. The rules

then became obsolete following the introduction of Next Generation Security Checkpoints (NGSC), which can create a 3D image of hand luggage contents. Airports operating these scanner systems permit liquids up to two litres.

The Department for Transport has reiterated that the need to reinstate these security measures is not in response to any speci c threat. Moreover, it is “to enable further improvements to be made to the new checkpoint sys-

tems.”

Transport Secretary Mark Harper advises passengers to check airport websites for speci c rules before travelling. He said, “For most passengers, actually, the rules haven’t changed at all yet, and won’t therefore change tonight.”

He further advised, “It’s a temporary measure, and we will set out when that can be reversed in due course.”

Restrictions on carrying liquids in hand luggage.

King Charles’ Birthday

The Third, is set to take place in the Trooping of the Colour on Saturday June 15, celebrating the monarch’s birthday. While his Majesty’s day of birth is November 14, the Trooping of the Colour has always been the marked o cial birthday of the Sovereign since the reign of King Charles The Second.

This spectacle of military dress will allow his Majesty to enjoy such a special occasion in far better weather conditions

than November, and is a welcome celebration after his recent return to royal duties amid his battle with cancer over the last few months. His Majesty will be inspecting the Guardsmen and o cers of Number Nine and Number Twelve Company of The Irish Guards. The Trooping will include over 1,400 parading active soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians. It is sure to be a grand spectacle for the celebration of his Majesty King Charles The Third.

Golden Visas

THE era of golden visas in Europe is ending, with countries like Portugal and the Netherlands discontinuing or altering their schemes.

Portugal eliminated real estate investment as a qualifying factor in October, and the Netherlands terminated its programme in January 2024 with Spain following suit. Despite this trend, a few EU countries continue to o er golden passports.

Malta, for instance, requires a minimum investment of €690,000 for citizenship within 12 to 36 months.Hungary plans to revive its golden visa scheme on July 1, 2024, with three residency routes: real estate investment (minimum €250,000), residential property purchase (minimum €500,000), or a €1 million donation to higher education.

Italy’s golden visa, introduced in 2017, o ers non-EU nationals a two-year residence permit for a minimum €500,000 investment in an Italian limited company.

Applicants can include their families and bene t from a special tax regime.

After 10 years of residence, they may be eligible for citizenship.

Greece provides one of the fastest golden visa processes, issuing permits within 60 days.

Previously, Greece had a €250,000 investment threshold for property, but this was raised to €500,000 in May 2023 for areas like Greater Athens, Thessaloniki, and certain islands, to make real estate more a ordable for locals. The €250,000 threshold remains for other regions.

Golden visa holders in Greece are not required to reside in the country to maintain their visas.

HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, Kings Charles

Quietening the city Destination Albania

URBAN noise pollution is increasingly re cognised as a ma jor public health concern across Europe, and Paris is no exception due to its sheer size.

In the region of Ile-deFrance alone, the social cost of noise is estimated to be a staggering €42.6 billion annually.

In response to this issue, Paris has embarked on its second noise control plan (2021-2026), with a recent launch of public consultations aimed at identifying strategies to mitigate both environmental (such as transportation) and neighbourhood-related (like nightlife) sources of noise.

Although the first noise control plan, implemented from 2015 to

QUIRKY TOWN

2020, reportedly succeeded in reducing noise levels by two decibels in many areas, there remains much ground to cover.

The current objective is to achieve noise reduction ranging from one to four decibels wherever feasible.

The overarching aim of the second noise control plan is to ensure that 63 per cent of Parisians

can experience quieter nights in alignment with standards established by the World Health Organisation, compared to the current rate of 54 per cent.

In addition to traditional measures, Paris has also been exploring innovative approaches to combat noise pollution, such as the use of noise-reducing asphalt known as BBPhon+.

Residents on Rue de Courcelles, where this asphalt has been applied, have reported satisfaction with the noise reduction.

However, the material fell short of expectations in terms of heat resistance, achieving only a 1 per cent temperature reduction rather than the promised 3 per cent.

Catalan raft race

DROUGHT can be blamed for many things, but not often for disrupting a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity tradition.

This is exactly what has happened in Catalonia where from many years local people in the region of Alt Urgell, in the province of Lleida have celebrated the fact that their ancestors used to ship logs down the river.

Traditionally, the Baixada dels Raiers rafting race on the Segre river took place in the summer but because of the lack of rain, for the past two years it has not been possible to guarantee a strong enough flow, so the race has taken place much earlier and in 2024 it was moved to March 30.

The concept is simple although the actual undertaking of building the rafts

IN 2023, Albania’s tourism industry achieved unprecedented success, making a significant contribution to the economy and supporting numerous jobs.

According to a report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the sector is poised to continue breaking records this year, approaching levels seen in 2019.

The WTTC report forecasts the tourism sector’s total GDP contribution to reach nearly L608.5 billion in 2023, along with the creation of approximately 10,000 additional jobs.

Spending by international visitors is projected to surpass L493 billion, marking a remarkable 55 per ccent increase compared to 2019 levels.

pected to exceed L107 billion this year.

Albania has emerged as a prominent destination on the global tourism map, with strong support from the government.

The country’s tourism sector is making strides in establishing itself as a key player in the global tourism landscape.

Recent research from the WTTC indicates that in 2022, Albania’s tourism industry contributed nearly $565 billion to the GDP, representing a remarkable increase of almost 37 per cent compared to the peak level observed in 2019.

Additionally, the tourism sector accounted for one in every four leks generated in the economy.

During the same period, job opportunities in the tourism sector increased by over 10 per cent compared to 2019, with nearly 269,000 jobs supported by Travel

and guiding them is much more complicated but in essence long thin logs are strapped together and a three or four man team equipped with a basic rudder set off down a two-kilometre stretch of the river trying to ensure that they move as swiftly as possible without falling in or sinking.

It attracts a number of visitors who not only enjoy the sight of the rafters racing but afterwards they join a reception that makes a floral offering to the Dona del Raier, the local Virgin (linked perhaps in many minds to the mythical Lady of the Lake) and a meal and drink in the town square.

The Raiers come from the towns of La Pobla de Segur and Pont de Claverol on the Noguera Pallaresa river and Coll de Nargo on the Segre.

of all jobs in

Not much chance of staying dry in this raft race

Credit: Raiers Pobla

Tourism in Albania has achieved unprecedented success.

Paris has a noise control plan.

Image: Paris je t’aime / Facebook

Image: Unai Huizi Photography / Shutterstock.com

Meta fined €3.5m

ITALY’S Antitrust Authority has imposed a fine of €3.5 million on Meta for unfair commercial practices.

The Italian Authority fined Meta Platforms Ireland and its parent company Meta Platforms, for two deceptive business practices regarding the creation and management of Facebook and Instagram social network accounts and the use of users’ personal data for commercial purposes.

A statement by the Competition and Market Authority (AGCM) said that, “in the Instagram registration process, users were not provided with clear information about the collection and use of their data for commercial purposes.” Moreover, it continues, “in the case of the suspension of Facebook and Instagram accounts, no useful communications were provided for possible objections.”

Alcohol-free clothing

Meta responded, “We have made changes for Italian users that address the issues raised.

“We have made it even clearer how we use data to show personalised ads on Instagram and provided users with additional information and options to

appeal if their account is suspended.” A Meta spokesperson added, “We welcome the AGCM’s recognition of the effectiveness of our solutions to help people get their accounts back.”

Massimiliano Dona, president of the National Consumers Union, said, “It is very good news that the two practices have already ceased.

“In particular, it is important that the consumer is informed of the possibility of contesting the account suspension. Assistance and transparency must be enhanced, especially for those who work with social media.”

WATERPROOF: The cotton t-shirt shrugs off liquid spills.

AN Irish teeneager has launched a waterproof clothing brand to combat those annoying alcohol spills and stains on a night out.

Sometimes it’s hard to avoid spillages, either through your own clumsiness or someone else’s carelessness. It sometimes feels almost inevitable that, after a few too many, there will be drink spilled.

However, a new waterproof clothing brand launched by Irish teenager, Joe McClelland, could see drink spillages and stains become a thing of the past. The County Armagh entrepreneur made the decision a year ago to go sober while training for a triathlon. Going sober, however, did not mean staying in: “After the nights of not drinking every weekend, we started to see we were having just as good a night without it,” he told Belfast Live. However, on these sober nights out, McClelland noticed that, more often than not, he would end up having drinks spilled on him by other more “over-refreshed” drinkers.

There is waterproof clothing out there, but McClelland couldn’t nd anything that was stylish enough for a night out on the town. So, he devised Sober Clothing as a stylish alternative to generic waterproof clothing and found a supplier to help produce a t-shirt which is 100 per cent cotton, but which shrugs o all liquid spills.

Bicycles giveaway

AMSTERDAM is renowned for bicycle popularity worldwide; now, the city expands the cycling experiences to all residents, regardless of their financial status.

Some 3,250 bicycles are now being given to residents and organisations across Amsterdam, especially granting the vehicles to refugees and asylum seekers. Most of these have never had cycling experience, hence the city is implementing a teaching programme, including children and adults.

“We shape our streets; then, they shape us,” stated Modacitylife on X, highlighting the importance of cycling for Amsterdam.

“Culture doesn’t occur in a vacuum… It’s built around the infrastructure we build in cities. And it can change. Fast.”

Not only does this campaign create more mobility for the residents, but it tackles the issue of old bicycles. According to the local Press, tens of thousands of unclaimed bicycles, incorrectly parked and abandoned, fill depots past their capacity. These vehicles will now be refurbished and granted to citizens who need it most, making Amsterdam one of the most accessible cities worldwide.

Mark Zuckerberg.

Wikimedia CC / Anthony Quintano

Photo: Instagram / Joe McClelland

ADVERTISING

Axarquia’s premier water park

AQUAVELIS welcomes brand new attractions ready for the 2024 summer season to add to its already impressive line-up of water slides and pools.

The park prides itself on its family friendly facilities with a range of rides for everyone, from thrill seekers to the more relaxed, conservative holidaymaker.

Boasting the 80m high speed Kamikaze slide along with multiple group slides, the Rio Rapido, a thrilling slalom ride and The Magic Hole is a fully enclosed high speed water slide that includes both complete darkness and a spectacular light display as you speed down the dark tunnel, there is plenty to get your heart racing at Aquavelis.

Slightly more relaxing is the Spa area where guests can completely unwind from life’s worries with a Jacuzzi, air beds and water jets.

For the more sedate experience there are two casual swimming and

bathing areas with which are ideal for families and children to relax and take a break from the Spanish sun.

People with a fear of heights are also taken care of as well as all the water slides expect the Kamikaze are all built on a natural slope, eliminating the need for high exposed stairs to reach the top.

All these features coupled with the vast sunbathing and picnicking areas mean it truly is a place where you can spend the full day.

New for 2024 for the park are three new features, the Super Niagara, a super slide for the most daring, the Mini Espiral, for the little ones, and

VR Fun ARENA, a new way to enjoy virtual reality.

Lastly sees the introduction of a virtual reality park where users can don a VR headset and travel to distant fantasy lands. In a complete escape from reality you can choose from fighting zombies to exploring the ocean floor. There is even the option to experience a high speed rollercoaster all from the safety of our VR booth!

If you’re feeling peckish you can

enjoy the wide variety of food available at the park. With everything from hamburgers and hot dogs to the park’s home-made pizza you will not go hungry. There’s even time for a sneaky ice cream for dessert!

The park is situated just 25 minutes from Malaga Airport and 15 minutes from the town of Nerja.

Open from 11am to 6pm June and September and 11am to 7pm July and August, your holiday just got a lot more fun.

Calle Ruta del Pomelo S/N, Urbanizacion El Tomillar, Torre del Mar, Malaga +34 952 542 758 / +34 952 542 762 / info@aquavelis.com / aquavelis.es/en

Blues & Boogie

LOCATED in Puerto de la Caleta de Velez-Malaga, El Camarote Restaurant Taverna is set to spice up Saturdays with live music. On June 15, starting at 1.30pm, the stage will come alive with The Blue Stompers Jump Review, offering a blend of blues and boogie tunes. Patrons can groove to the rhythm while enjoying delectable dishes in the vibrant atmosphere of El Camarote. This waterfront eatery promises an enjoyable experience for music lovers and food enthusiasts alike.

Situated in Velez-Malaga, El Camarote is renowned for its fusion of delicious cuisine and captivating entertainment. Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend hangout or a visitor seeking an authentic taste of the region, El Camarote has something for everyone.

So mark your calendars and head down to El Camarote on June 15 for a toe-tapping afternoon of live music by The Blue Stompers Jump Review. It’s an event you won’t want to miss!

AXARQUÍA - MÁLAGA EAST Family Fun

ON Saturday, June 15, ‘La Térmica Village’ arrives at Rincon de la Victoria, featuring live performances by Soleá Morente and a variety of workshops and a design market.

The event will take place at Huerta Julián Park from 5pm until 1am, offering eight hours of free activities. The highlight of the evening will be Soleá Morente’s live concert at 10pm. The artist, known for her creative fusion of electronic music, rock, pop, rumba, and flamenco, promises an exciting performance.

Additional musical acts include DJ Timo Otten, the folktronica project Xispazo, and much more. In addition to music, the event offers numerous workshops and activi-

ties. These include esparto grass (similar to jute) crafting with Musketa, a family mural project with Prodipec, and fashion customisation with Morte Knife. There’s also a ‘Crazy Experiments’ workshop, where kids can launch bottle rockets and many more fun science projects and experiments. Presented by the Provincial Council of Málaga, this event

Jazz under the stars

GET ready for an unforgettable night at Siddhartha on the Rock in Competa on Saturday, June 29 for Jazz Under the Stars. The spotlight shines on the talented Juan Maria Villa and his band, the Juan Maria Villa Quartet. Joining him are Antonio Sánchez on alto sax, Francis Posé on double bass, and Ale Marqués on drums. With Juan Maria Villa on keyboards, this quartet promises a stellar performance. For €40, attendees are treated to a welcome drink, buffet dinner, and the concert. Doors open at 7pm, and the concert kicks off at 9.30pm. Tickets are available in advance only, from Siddhartha on the Rock and Todo Express in Competa (cash only at Todo Express). Hurry, as tickets are limited and expected to sell out fast.

aims to bring music, art, and culture to different areas. After successful events in Torremolinos and Antequera, ‘La Térmica Village’ continues to expand, promising a lively and engaging evening for attendees of all ages. Food and drinks will be available from various vendors, ensuring no one needs to leave the park!

Art and wine

Catherine McGeer TINTO DEL ARTE presents Art&Wine Nerja and invites all art enthusiasts to its inaugural event hosted by Tinto del Arte on June 15 at 6pm in Nerja. Held at the picturesque Villa Paloma, attendees can expect an evening brimming with creativity and conviviality.

Renowned artist Cristina will lead participants through a journey of artistic exploration, using spacious 40x50 cm canvases to unleash their imagination.

Among the lush gardens, guests will sip on unlimi-

ted wine and delectable snacks, creating a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. Regardless of artistic background, everyone is welcome to join - no prior painting experience necessary, just a willingness to embrace the moment. With limited spots available, securing a place early is advisable. Use code JUNE10 for an exclusive 10 per cent discount on tickets, including early bird offers. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to immerse yourself in art, wine, and endless inspiration.

Image:

Dipu

Malaga/

Antequera Town Hall

Image: Shutterstock/ Alfonso Soler

Image: Shutterstock/ carlos castilla

Image: Shutterstock/ carlos castilla

Father’s Day special

Grace Meredith

GET ready for a sizzling summer at Villa del Mar Nerja! The eagerly awaited VDM evening summer events are making a comeback, and they’re starting with a bang on Saturday night June 15. They’re hosting a special Father’s Day steak night, complete with live music from the Flying Dolphins. For just €24.95, you can enjoy a mouthwatering two-course meal with a veg option, or opt for the deluxe fillet steak experience at €29.95. But here’s the catch - these events sell out faster than hotcakes, so don’t dilly-dally! Se-

SIERRA ALMI-JARA in Canillas de Albaida is gearing up for its last gig of the spring season, and it’s set to be a memorable one. The El Zen Dog Trio will be taking the stage, promising a blend of eclectic tunes to wrap up the season with a bang. This Sunday, June 16, mark your calen-

cure your spot now with a small deposit. Picture this: succulent steak, soulful tunes, and the stunning backdrop of Villa del Mar Nerja. It’s an evening you won’t want to miss. So mark your calendars, book your table, and get ready for an unforgettable night out. Summer starts here!

Final gig

dars because you won’t want to miss out on this musical extravaganza. The kitchen opens its doors at 1pm, offering delicious treats curated by the talented Natalia Kanasa, Chef extraordinaire. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, be sure to book a table to secure your spot for an afternoon filled with great food and even better music. And remember, as the saying goes, ‘be there or be square’! For reservations, simply contact 0034 617 066 853.

Don’t miss your chance to bid farewell to spring in style with Sierra Almi-Jara.

San Juan Beach Party

THE Youth Department of Rincon de la Victoria is setting the stage for an electrifying San Juan Night celebration at El Tajo Beach. Scheduled for June 23, the event promises live music performances and a fireworks extravaganza starting at midnight from the Torre Almenara esplanade.

Organised by the Rincon de la Victoria Town Council’s Youth Department, the festivities aim to draw over 3,000 people, featuring sets by DJs In the show Salvi Tejón & Yaxx Lee, Aitor Alonso DJ, and Androale DJ. “It’s a youthful bash tailored for our young crowd, adding to the buzz of activities across the municipality,” remarked Youth councillor Belén Gutiérrez.

Kicking off at 10.00pm and wrapping

up by 2.00am, the youth-centric party will feature a dazzling fireworks display at midnight. Attendees can also access services like the Andalucian Youth Institute’s information booth offering youth programme details, and the Service for Nightlife Support (SAM), and much more.

Medical support, lifeguards, Civil Protection volunteers, security personnel, and portable toilets will be on standby throughout the event.

The lineup of DJs promises an eclectic mix, offering a unique blend of commercial, electronic, and retro tunes, featuring Aitor Alonso’s rising star in Spain’s music scene, and DJ Androale’s genre-fusing sets that have rocked cities across Europe.

Image: Shutterstock/ Neirfy

Image: Facebook/ Villa del Mar Nerja

Image: Shutterstock/ Tint Media

IRELAND

Wrong call

A RECENT investigation confirmed that the TikTok video-sharing platform aired 16 disinformation advertisements from the Global Witness climate activist group which targeted Ireland’s European elections. TikTok apologised, explaining that they were initially barred but later approved due to “human error.”

Bully ban

A WORKING group studying dog control said Ireland should ban the XL bully breed after a County Limerick woman died in an attack by two of her own dogs. With aggressive incidents and attacks by XL bullies increasing, vet James Madden recommended copying the UK and Northern Ireland’s veto.

NORWAY

Dry danger

THE Social Security and Readiness directorate put an additional forest fire helicopter on standby between Tromso and Narvik in early June. Abundant vegetation and very dry conditions owing to little rain and rising temperatures had combined to increase the risk of forest fire, the Meteorologist Agency warned.

Hiking tragedy

THE steep eight-kilometre climb up to the Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) above the Lysefjord in Stavanger claimed a victim on June 3 after a lone hiker fell when he was 150 metres from the summit. The popular landmark attracts almost 400,000 visitors each year and the recent death was the first since 2013.

ITALY

Hot to trot

TWO businessmen were accused of illegally selling sperm obtained from the legendary harness-racing horse, Varenne, to sire his clandestine offspring for several years. Now 30, the stallion was considered the best harness horse of all time and has earned his owners €3.5 million since he retired and went to stud in 2004.

Age old

DRESS designer Elisabetta Franchi was found guilty of discrimination and ordered to pay €5,000 compensation to the National Association Against Discrimination for saying she would only engage women over 40 for important posts. Her company must also promote employee courses against gender discrimination.

EURO PRESS

FRANCE

Time and tide

BEACHES forever linked to the Normandy landings of June 1944 could soon be unrecognisable owing to the effects of climate change and erosion. Steps are being taken to preserve them but over the last 80 years, the sea has already eaten away 10 metres of the cliffs below the Pointe du Hoc monument near Omaha beach.

PORTUGAL BELGIUM

EV slowdown

BELGIUM has been left behind by Brazil as the largest export market for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids made in China. Manufacturers are now looking outside Europe to Australia, South America and Asia while Brussels’ anti-subsidy investigation, which has China in its sights, is disrupting EU exports.

Special event

ACCOMPANIED by his family, former Head of State King Albert II celebrated at a Japanese restaurant in central Antwerp on the eve on his 90th birthday. Later, the restaurant’s owner, Gunter Landuyt, told the VRT broadcaster that he dined on seafood, sushi and wagyu steak surrounded by the restaurant’s other clients.

DENMARK

Higher fees

THE Immigration and Integration ministry increased the fee for applying for Danish citizenship from 4,000 kroner (€536.25) to 6,000 kroner (€804.27) to reflect the real cost of processing applications. There is no charge for reapplying once, but third and subsequent applications will each cost 3,000 kroner (€402.16).

Fire damage

RESTORING Copenhagen’s 17th century Old Stock Exchange, which was destroyed by fire in April this year, is due to begin shortly. The building’s owners, the Danish Chamber of Commerce, announced that funding was now in place and everyone, including the authorities, was “playing a constructive part.”

In a hurry

A MAN of 25 was arrested after a 150-kilometre pursuit that began in Vila Franc de Xira, and continued through four towns along the A1 motorway until he was finally intercepted on the Vasco da Gama bridge. A Public Security Police officer, run over during the incident, later needed hospital treatment.

Another Ortega

SANDRA ORTEGA, elder daughter of Inditex founder Amancio Ortega, is investing €250 million in a luxury resort on the Troia Peninsula which is earning itself the name of ‘Portugal’s Ibiza’. According to media reports, Ortega had already spent €50 million on acquiring 96 hectares of land there in 2016.

FINLAND

Play by ear

WHEN students celebrate the end of school each summer police in Espoo play classical music over two loudspeakers on the Haukilahti beach between 6.30pm and 11.30pm, confident that this will keep them away. This year’s selection included Strauss, Vivaldi and Schubert, Police Department spokesperson Mikko Juvonen revealed.

Wifi off

OPPOSITION MPs criticised the Transport ministry’s decision to suspend plans to improve internet connectivity on Finland’s trains. “They’re going to invest in rail infrastructure but can’t fix this kind of thing,” Timo Furuholm complained, arguing that people would be discouraged from using public transport.

SWEDEN

Metro glitch

LINES 10 and 11 on the Stockholm metro had to be shut down on the morning of June 4 after a faulty set of points was found to be damaging the wheels on all trains using the track. Only five of 20 trains were running again by the afternoon and the service was ‘severely reduced’ until the following day.

Go fish

SWEDEN will ban bottom trawling, which affects ecosystems and damages the seabed, in all of the country’s territorial waters, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced on June 5. Brussels has asked member states to phase out the practice by 2030, but it is still widespread in 90 per cent of EU countries.

On the buses

A MIGRATION agreement with Kenya is providing job opportunities for Kenyan bus-drivers while helping to solve the country’s current shortage of skilled labour. After re-training in Kenya, Millicent Atieno and Stephen Sunday have now signed their contracts and will soon be driving buses in northern Germany.

Help at hand

THE Bavarian government approved a €100 million aid package for those affected by the severe flooding. Regional president Markus Soder pledged that help would arrive “quickly and un-bureaucratically” and with cash transferred to town and city halls “nobody would need to be alone during the emergency.”

NETHERLANDS

Modern vandal

A 27-YEAR-OLD Dutch tourist was arrested in Italy for defacing a wall with a black marker pen in remains at Herculaneum, destroyed by the same Vesuvius eruption that destroyed Pompei in 79AD. He would feel the “full weight of the law” the Culture ministry declared and pay a fine of up to €40,000.

Back again

ENTOMOLOGISTS hope to re-introduce the rare saddle locust to the Groote Heide area in Limburg, where it was last seen in 1900. It was once common, explained Jeroen van Leeuwen from the Natuurbalans environmental group, but disappeared when the dry, barren area was transformed by widespread tree- and pasture-planting.

D-DAY: Monument to the landings at Pointe du Hoc.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

AI ailments

RICH CACCAPPOLO, chief executive of DMG Media, the Mail Online, warned a meeting of media executives the rise of AI-powered internet searches could have a “devastating effect” on some publications. Text-generating AI answers to search questions would take traffic from news publications, he predicted.

Mad decision

MADRID’S Mad Cool music festival held in July 2023 brought €46 million to local businesses, provided more than 6,700 jobs and multiplied by 50 each euro invested by the regional and municipal authorities. Despite these benefits, it will be reducing this year’s subsidy by €1 million, city hall announced.

To let HOUSE-BUILDING company Vistry will sell 1,750 new properties in 36 developments to Blackstone, the private equity group and its partner Regis, for rentals in a £580 million (€682.2 million) transaction. The homes, mainly in the south-east of England will be managed by the private rent sector experts, Leaf Living.

EV slowdown

THE Automotive Cells Company (ACC), a Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz and France’s Total Energies joint venture, halted €7 billion plans to build three gigafactories across Europe to end reliance on Asian rivals. Stellantis chief executive Carlos Tavares said ACC would instead adapt its EV plans and adjust to the pace of market.

Going down

SHARES in Ocado, which delivers groceries and household goods, soared during pandemic lockdowns, giving the company a valuation of £22 billion (€25.9 billion). The shares have a current valuation of £3 billion (€3.5 billion) and the company now faces relegation from the FTSE 100.

will be paid out in dividends throughout June by 14 leading Spanish companies which include Telefonica, Ferrovial, Acciona Energía and ArcelorMittal.

Shoo-in for Shein

CHINA’S online fast fashion giant Shein is inching closer towards listing in London.

The company is currently preparing registration documents for the Financial Conduct Authority prior to a possible Stock Exchange debut later in 2024.

Although this is the first move towards an initial public offering (IPO) City insiders stressed that this did not imply that Shein would soon be quoted on London’s FTSE 100.

Should Shein finally decide on London rather than New York, the float putting a £50 billion (€58.7 billion) value on the com-

pany would be the biggest launch since Glencore’s £38 billion (€44.6 billion) deal in 2011.

Conservative and Labour MPs are known to have held meetings with Shein representatives

THE managing director of a leading Spanish brewery complained that a beer described as the “soul of Ma drid” was brewed in the UK.

Aitor de Artaza, International Distribution manager for Estrella Galicia - founded in 1906 - claimed this confused consumers who believed they were drinking Spanish beer when they asked for Madri Excepcional.

even before the announcement of a July 4 general election, as politicians hope to lure more companies to the UK, or at least persuade them not to leave.

Nevertheless, the sus-

picion remains that a London float is ‘second-best’ for Shein, which wanted to list in the US but met obstacles which included claims that it used slave-labour cotton produced by China’s persecuted Uyghur minority.

A UK fund manager who invests in FTSE 100 stocks, quoted by the Telegraph, voiced misgivings regarding the structure of a London deal.

He pointed out that Shein intended to raise £1 billion (€1.17 billion) by selling only a 5 per cent stake in the company, which he said would put investors at the mercy of majority shareholders.

Galicia-UK standoff

Launched in 2020, the lager is brewed in Yorkshire by a subsidiary of multinational Chicago-based Molson Coors, which also owns Doom Bar and Carling.

More woes

CLOTHING and footwear exports to the EU had fallen from £7.4 billion (€8.7 billion) in 2019 to £2.7 billion (€3.18 billion) by 2023.

This decline made a noticeable contribution to an 18 per cent reduction in post-Brexit exports of non-food products countries belonging to the EU’s single market, according to the Retail Economics consultancy and Tradebye, which handles e-commerce.

During this same period, Europe’s online markets have flourished, they found.

Supermarket purchases alone recently exceeded £100 million (€117.45 million), Molson Coors said, compared with the £70.1 mi-

Does it again

INDITEX reported record first quarter sales of €8.15 billion, overtaking analysts’ €8.1 billion forecast.

This was 7.1 per cent more than the same period in 2023 and the textile group’s highest-ever first-quarter figure although growth was, as expected, slightly slower than last year’s when post-pandemic shoppers hit the stores. The Zara and Massimo Dutti owner has now posted record results for three consecutive quarters although increases were all below 10 per cent.

Shares rose by 5 per cent, hovering at nearly €46, giving the company a capitalisation of more than €140 billion. He was “particularly” pleased with Inditex’s performance inside Spain, its principal market, chief executive Oscar Garcia Maceiras said.

llion (€82.3 million) revealed by consumer date company NIQ during Madri’s first full operating year.

Molson Coors maintained that Madri Excepcional was created through “a unique collaboration” with La Sagra Brewery, located near Madrid. Brewing in the UK enabled the company to deliver efficiently, respond to demand and manufacture more sustainably, Premium Brands director Karen Albert said.

Payback time

CHINA has indirectly requested Spain’s support as the European Commission (EC) investigates its electric vehicle (EV) subsidies.

According to the EC, there is “sufficient evidence” that China’s EV manufacturers receive government aid which includes direct funding and tax breaks.

As a result, Brussels could apply retrospective and future customs tariffs that would cost China €3.68 billion.

Meanwhile, carmaker Chery, is re-industrialising Nissan’s vacated plant in Barcelona.

Without mentioning Chery, China’s Commerce minister Wang Wentao recently pointed out that China “highly values” Spain’s support of Chinese companies’ active participation in Spain’s reindustrialisation process.

THE union representing 112,000 Royal Mail workers questioned Daniel Kretinsky’s £3.6 billion (€4.2 billion) takeover offer.

Commitments from the Czech billionaire who hopes to acquire parent company International Distribution Services (IDS) were insufficient, the Communication Workers Union (CWU) said.

“We do not support a foreign equity company taking over Royal Mail,” general secretary Dave Ward told Sky News. “Royal Mail should be re-nationalised but the political climate makes that very difficult at present.”

GOOGLE faces a £13.6 billion (€16 billion) court case alleging that it has too much control over online advertising. Ad Tech Collective Action argued that Google abused its position by promoting its own products and services over rivals’. Publishers received less money from the advertisements they hosted, while paying higher fees to Google, Ad Tech Collective Action claimed.

Alphabet, Google’s parent company, hoped to have the case dismissed, but London’s Competition Appeal Tribunal ruled the case could go to trial.

15 per cent for all

SPAIN’S Cabinet approved a minimum corporation tax of 15 per cent for multinational companies.

Although Spain has a nominal corporation tax of 25 per cent, there are so many exceptions that many companies are paying much less and all those with a turnover of more than €750 million will now be charged 15 per cent. The measure is in line with an agreement between countries belonging to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), directed at preventing tax avoidance.

PATERNOSTER SQUARE: London’s Stock Exchange awaits a Shein IPO.

Photo credit: Flickr/Maggie Jones

ESTRELLA GALICIA: Founded in 1906 and brewed in Spain

Photo credit: Flickr/Ignacio Ferre Perez

3I Group 2.896,00 2.908,00 2.889,00 25,84K Admiral Group 2.696,0 2.716,0 2.692,0 6,29K Airtel Africa 119,70 120,50 119,16 136,73K Anglo American 2.374,8 2.380,0 2.357,5 63,73K Antofagasta 2.142,00 2.152,00 2.123,00 16,02K Ashtead Group 5.598,0 5.630,0 5.538,0 51,52K Associated British Foods 2.549,0 2.553,0 2.541,0 13,75K

12.599,4 12.604,0 12.536,0 49,94K Auto Trader Group Plc 819,00 821,60 815,60 44,52K Aviva 467,90 469,80 466,10 1,05M

B&M European Value Retail SA 488,20 491,63 486,22 159,75K

BAE Systems 1.395,50 1.395,50 1.386,50 137,34K Barclays 213,70 215,38 213,70 3,29M Barratt Developments 497,20 499,03 495,40 85,55K

Beazley 679,50 680,50 674,00 40,14K

Berkeley 5.150,0 5.175,0 5.150,0 2,71K

BP 464,88 465,00 462,60 2,38M

British American Tobacco 2.416,6 2.425,0 2.408,0 90,02K

BT Group 130,55 131,10 130,00 1,23M Bunzl 2.930,0 2.930,0 2.918,0 9,07K Burberry Group 1.028,5 1.031,0 1.022,5 40,33K

132,54 132,70 131,50 307,97K

Cola HBC AG 2.686,0 2.686,0 2.680,0 7,14K

875,50 876,50 861,50 7,12K

plc 1.612,00 1.620,00 1.611,00 230,33K

2.287,0 2.288,0 2.275,5 7,18K

Madrid sale

HUGH GROSVENOR, the billionaire Duke of Westminster, is selling one of his four remaining assets in Spain, an office block in Madrid’s Calle Titan, to the GMP real estate investment trust. Sector sources revealed that more than €40 million will have changed hands.

No ties

AREL KOMAREK, the billionaire Czech owner of Allwyn which runs the UK’s national lottery, severed his links to Russia’s Gazprom energy company. Politicians have criticised Komarek’s links via his MND company, which in turn owns Moravia Gas Storage (MGS).

A misstep for Dr Martens

ICONIC British footwear brand Dr Martens expects to save between £20 and £25 million (€23.5 and €29.4 million) via streamlined operations and improved supply contracts.

Chief executive Kenny Wilson admitted that the cost-cutting programme would entail staff reductions in the UK, Italy, Germany, the US and Japan, but said that more details would be announced in November 2024.

Wilson, who is due to step down in early 2025, also

revealed that dividend payouts to shareholders would be reduced by half. Profits had dipped by 43 per cent to £97 million (approximately €114 million) in the year ending March 2024, while turnover had dropped 12.3 per cent over the year.

BBVA asks Brussels

THE BBVA bank, Spain’s second largest, asked the European Central Bank (ECB) to authorise its €12 billion hostile bid for Sabadell.

Sabadell, headquartered in Barcelona and Alicante and Spain’s fourth largest bank, also owns the UK’s TSB. It rejected an all-share offer in May, instigating the present hostile bid as BBVA continues its quest to buy its smaller rival.

With the ECB application, BBVA has now completed all authorisation requests, including the UK’s Prudential Regulation Authority, sources told Reuters on June 5.

This is BBVA’s second attempt to acquire Sabadell, following a failed bid in 2020. If allowed to go ahead, the takeover would create an entity with assets totalling more than €1 trillion.

Sales of Dr Martens shoes and sandals rose by 20 per cent, but owing to mediocre US operations they plummeted for the famous, yellow-stitched boots which contribute two-thirds of the company’s revenues.

“The US consumer market is tough,” Wildon said, adding that sales had dropped for other boot brands while recognising that Dr Martens had made errors and would increase spending on promoting its products over the coming months.

There would be no prices increases, he added, as rising supply chain costs were under control following two years of inflation.

More beer

HIJOS DE RIVERA brewery, which owns Estrella Galicia beer, reported sales of €829 million in 2023, 14.5 per cent up on 2022. With its A Grela (La Coruña) plant functioning at full capacity to produce 500 million litres, the company now awaits the inauguration of a second plant in Moras, also in La Coruña.

Flying solo

DE BEERS will thrive when it separates from Anglo American, its owner for the past 12 years, the diamond company’s chief executive Al Cook insisted. Insiders believe that De Beers’ plans for the future could include a £4 billion (€3.7 billion) Stock Exchange float or possible outright purchase by a foreign sovereign wealth fund.

Photo 1 credit: CC/Paul Dufour

DR MARTENS: Less demand for the brand’s boots

Photo 2 credit: CC/pannet

No surprise there!

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

ANYONE who wasn’t deeply moved with the remembrance anniversaries of the Second World War D-Day landings must be within the ranks of non-Western sympathisers; the multitude of individuals who are continuously creating unprecedented levels of non-patriotism in many European countries.

The crowds of actual attendees and showing of historical news reels did of course represent the true examples of the brave men and women who fought to free the West of the tyranny that threatened it.

Without them there would be none of the democratic havens which are now being taken advantage of by thousands of ill intended foreigners, whose representatives were remarkably absent from the sombre and heartfelt celebrations. No surprise there then!

Just a quick note here to the couple of letter writers (they walk among us!) who maintained that; as I had no

personal experience of events taking place in South Africa, I was therefore not entitled to an opinion; I’m afraid I do beg to differ. With a number one record in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) and two in South Africa, I experienced these countries both during apartheid and after it was abolished. Too little space here to describe all of my encounters, but one I think will give you some idea of my sentiments.

While it was still governed by Ian Smith I had been invited to Rhodesia to appear at a country fair organised by expats and their families. I was lodged at a large, very successful farm run by an extremely jovial white English farmer and his brother. He took me on the grand tour and introduced me to many locals who made up his vast number of farm workers and all appeared very happy and content with their employers and their treatment.

He had also built a school for their children and took me to meet the 50 or so students, all very well attired in school uniform and extremely happy in the care of the three teachers he also employed. After I returned to the UK we still stayed occasionally in

touch, until Mr Smith’s government was toppled and taken over by Mugabe and his cronies. All subsequently went quiet and for some time I had no further contact.

However, on another visit some years later, I discovered through another reliable source, that ultimately the farm and property had been taken over by the government. His home and out- buildings, including the school, had been ransacked and burned to the ground and no one had heard from either him or his brother for some considerable time; it was assumed they were both now probably dead.

I actually never heard from anyone again. Mugabe’s mob repeated this all over the country and the whole nation, closely followed by South Africa, ultimately became disaster areas, with poverty and starvation rampant. Be interested to see how the new lot works out. One thing is for sure Rhodesia was a far better place for everyone under the rule of Mr Smith.

Keep the Faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

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

INTERVIEW

Speaking EuropeanGeorgina Doran

Georgina was just 19 with a degree in journalism, working for the BBC Northern Ireland when she discovered the beauty of Spain.

COMING from Belfast to Altea on Valentine’s Day, she “fell in love” with the town and couldn’t resist the idea of moving.

In 2004, she moved and began working in sales in Alfas del Pi before moving to Barcelona.

In the city, however, she felt homesick; “But I wasn’t homesick for Belfast. I was homesick for Costa Blanca,” she recalled.

“still 100 per cent Irish,” and visits her motherland regularly. Moreover, being the owner of the Irish pubs The Irish Tavern and The Church, Georgina has created her own unique home; “I feel like I’m meant to be here.

Credit: Georgina Doran, Facebook

She shared that she especially felt at home there: “Here in Costa Blanca, I feel like a part of a community, not just a number like in big cities.”

Georgina Doran.

Georgina also confessed that she is

“Spain is my home; both of my children were born here,” she confessed and advised those considering moving to Spain: “When I moved, I had never owned a business before. Don’t wait until you have the experience to make changes. Make changes now.”

PM attacked

DENMARK’s Prime Minister, Mette Fredderiksen was attacked on June 8, in central Copenhagen.

Fredderiksen didn’t suffer major injuries but was left “shocked”, according to her office. The incident occurred at Kultorvet Square and resulted in the arrest of the 39-year-old assailant.

Two witnesses, Marie Adrian and Anna Ravn revealed to the local Press: “A man came by in the opposite direction and gave her a hard shove on the shoulder, causing her to fall to the side.”

They shared that despite the push, Fredderiksen managed to keep her balance and sat down at a nearby cafe to recover.

Swedish Foreign Minister, Tobias Billström, called the attack “completely horrible” and demanded a strong punishment of the assailant, who was sent to court.

Less than a month after Slovak PM, Robert Fico was shot, resulting in a complicated surgery and a recovery, European leaders express concern over the current state of democracy.

European Commission Chief, Ur sula von der Leyed, referred to the latest attack as a “despicable act, which goes against everything we believe in and fight for in Europe.”

The leader of Social Democrats, Mette Frederksen is the youngest Prime Minister in Danish history; the attack occu rred just two days before Denmark’s vote in the EU election.

Madrid’s Midas makeover!

MOVE over Miami! Madrid is making a name for itself as a vibrant hub for Latin Americans - with a distinctly Spanish twist, of course. Salamanca, once a quiet residential area, is now abuzz with Latin American flair, earning it the playful nickname ‘Little Caracas’. But this isn’t just a salsa and sombrero affair. People from all over Europe and the Americas are joining the party, making Madrid a true melting pot of cultures. Once upon a time it played second fiddle to its rival, Barcelona, but not anymore.

Since 2016 the city’s foreign population has grown 20 per cent, with over 820,000 Latin Americans making it their home. Madrid has also become a magnet for investment attracting, from 2018 to 2022, 71 per cent of foreign investment in Spain leaving Catalonia way behind.

Luxury is the name of the game, with eight new ultra-luxury hotels and a mouth-watering line-up of 26 Michelin-starred restaurants! But the excitement doesn’t

stop there. Madrid’s skyline is evolving with Nuevo Norte, a shiny new business district, while the iconic Bernabéu stadium gears up to host Europe’s biggest city concerts. And that’s not all. Madrid’s revving its engines as it snatches the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix from Barcelona from 2026.

With an influx of international visitors and a taste for the finer things, Madrid is transforming itself into a truly global city. Enjoy!

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.

NORA IS THE AUTHOR OF POPULAR PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE AND CRIME THRILLERS AND A FREELANCE JOURNALIST.

Mette Fredderiksen.

European elections

VOX Pop

Talyta Franca, Class 2026

Northwestern University Qatar

FROM June 6 to 9, citizens from all over Europe participated in the European elections to select the 720 members of the European Parliament. Elections took place in 27 countries, with the preliminary results emerging every hour through live counting. We asked a number of Europeans living in Spain for their thoughts on the elections.

Julia Lager, a 27-year-old from Sweden, highlights the bureaucratic hurdles that immigrants face when voting outside their home country.

“For the elections, I usually don’t vote at all [...] it’s because I need to go to Sweden, I’m pretty sure, or to the consulate, or something like that,” said Lager.

“At least there should be some kind of information on how to vote and where can you vote,” she added.

For other foreigners the language barrier is another obstacle.

Anna , 29, from Denmark, came to Fuengirola to work and hopes to learn Spanish to understand the local political landscape. “I left Denmark three years ago, so I don’t really follow Danish politics anymore,” Anna explained. “But I am going to follow Spanish politics. I just need to learn

Juan , who lived in Germany before coming to Spain, shares his frustrations with trying to vote outside his home country. “I heard that this vote doesn’t count because I’m not voting in the country, I’m voting in another country, but

for another country. So for me, I’m a little bit disappointed,” he said.

Among some expatriates, the overall trust in the political process and candidates is a significant issue.

This sentiment is shared by Tommy , a 73-year-old from Hungary, who opted not to vote. “I know it’s my choice. I just don’t trust anybody anymore. I’ve seen too much in my life. And then you don’t know really the person, it’s just what they say,”

Kimmy , a lawyer from Denmark, questions the relevance of the European elections for the population. “The European election is not going to matter so much for the ordinary people,” he stated. However, he acknowledges that some aspects of governance might work better in Spain compared to Denmark, and for this reason, he decided to work in Fuengirola.

Meanwhile, a Swedish expatriate, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed that political situations in their home country also influenced their decision to move to Spain. “That’s why I moved to Spain, to be honest. I didn’t want my kids to grow up in Sweden where the right wings were kind of taking over. But we see that all over Europe now,” said the 39-year-old expatriate.

The mixed reactions of foreigners in Fuengirola highlight the broader challenges faced by European voters. While bureaucratic hurdles, language barriers, and distrust in the political system obstruct participation, the significance of these elections cannot be overlooked.

JULIA LAGER

JUAN

TOURISTS IN FUENGIROLA

Benefits of the sun

THE possibility of the sun damaging our long-term health is well documented. So why do so many of us like sunning ourselves, aside from the obvious desire for a tan?

It could be because exposure to the sun improves our overall well-being. This happens because of an elevation in serotonin levels, sometimes affectionately known as the ‘happiness hormone’. The effect is even more significant in those afflicted by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is deemed to be a form of depression that can leave the sufferer with feelings of fatigue and despair. While it is not known exactly what causes SAD, it is believed to be connected to low serotonin levels, which is why it tends to affect people during the winter months when there is less sunlight.

One of the rejuvenating benefits of sun exposure is its impact on sleep quality, provided you can keep cool enough to sleep! The sun’s light/dark cycle profoundly influences our circadian clock, the natural rhythm of physical, mental,

and behavioural changes our body undergoes in a 24-hour cycle. According to experts at the National Institute for Occupancy Safety and Health (NIOSH), exposure to bright light in the morning can help you drift off more easily at night, ensuring a restful sleep.

Not only does sun exposure lift our spirits, but it also empowers us with tangible physical benefits. The increased production of vitamin D, a direct result of sun exposure, aids in calcium absorption, thereby fortifying our bone health. This, in turn, can help prevent conditions

like osteoporosis and reduce the risk of bone fractures, empowering us to lead a healthier, more active life.

Beauty faux pas

This is excellent news for those who have chosen to live in sunny Spain. What’s not to like about feeling happier, healthier and having a great night’s

re by heeding the advice of the experts

Citrus highlights

MAKE-UP can enhance your natural beauty, but certain blunders can inadvertently age you. One common mistake is using too much foundation, which can settle into fine lines and wrinkles, making them more pronounced. Opt for a lightweight foundation and apply sparingly for a natural finish.

Skipping primer is another error; primer creates a smooth base, helping make-up last longer and preventing it from settling into creases. Overdoing powder can also be problematic, as it can create a cakey appearance and highlight dry skin. Use powder sparingly and focus on oily areas.

Dark, heavy eyeliner can make eyes appear smaller and harsher. Instead, choose a softer shade and blend well. Lastly, neglecting your brows can add years to your look. Well-groomed brows frame your face and give a youthful appearance. Avoid these pitfalls to maintain a fresh, vibrant look.

LEMON juice is a popular natural remedy for lightening hair, thanks to its citric acid content. When exposed to sunlight, the acid in lemon juice can help to break down hair’s natural pigment, resulting in a lighter shade.

To use lemon for hair lightening, start by mixing fresh lemon juice with equal parts water to reduce its acidity and prevent dr-

ying. Apply the mixture evenly to your hair, focusing on the areas you want to lighten. Spend one to two hours in the sun to activate the lightening process, but remember to use sunscreen to protect your skin. After exposure, rinse your hair thoroughly and apply a deep

conditioner to counteract any dryness. Regularly repeating this process can gradually lighten your hair.

However, it’s crucial to monitor your hair’s health, as excessive use can lead to dryness and damage.

Credit: Pixabay: PublicDomainPictures

Free sunscreen

EUROPE’S sunniest country, Spain, has an idyllic warm climate. But sunbathing can come with negative consequences if one is not careful in protecting their skin.

To reduce health risks associated with ultra light, Spain is develo ping new measures, in cluding free access to sunscreens.

Spain’s Minister of Health, Monica Gar cia stated that the government is con sidering the intro duction of free suns creen dispensers in public spaces in cluding parks, heal th centres, sports centres and libraries.

“We are wor king on the possibility of having free access in certain circumstan -

ces and certain public places,” said Garcia, accentuating the importance of sunscreens as “health protection products.”

This initiative is based on the proposal

to reduce the VAT on sunscreens from 21 per cent to 10 per cent for companies in which the employees are exposed to the sun, offering the products free of charge.

The Minister of Health also addressed people “who require certain products such as sun creams for their health,” referring to past skin cancer patients or people who take medication which makes them sensitive to ultraviolet rays.

Garcia clarified that the measure will not be implemented this summer, but emphasised that the “health system has to shift towards prevention measures,” and will continue developing.

A HEALTHY Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure used to assess whether an individual has an appropriate body weight for a given height.

The BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in metres. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy for most adults.

This range indicates a balance between height and weight that is associated with lower risks of chronic diseases and

Are you healthy Banana

health condi tions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Maintaining a healthy BMI is crucial for overall well-being. It can be achieved through a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, combined with regular physical activity.

Both underweight (BMI less than 18.5) and overweight (BMI of 25 or higher) individuals are at risk of various health is-

buff

IN the ever-evolving world of beauty, the banana peel facial has emerged as the latest trend captivating skincare enthusiasts. This natural and cost-effective treatment harnesses the power of banana peels, which are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Advocates claim that rubbing the inside of a banana peel on the face can help reduce wrinkles, hydrate the skin,

sues. Underweight individuals may face malnutrition and weakened immune systems, while overweight individuals are at higher risk for cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders. It is important to note it does not account for muscle mass, bone density, and fat distribution.

and treat acne due to its high potassium and lutein content.

The process is simple: gently massage the inner side of a ripe banana peel onto clean skin, leave it on for about 20 minutes, and then rinse with warm water. Users report brighter, smoother skin and a noticeable reduction in blemishes. As more people seek eco-friendly and affordable skincare solutions, the banana peel facial is proving to be a popular choice.

Costa del Sol Travelodge opening

THE British chain, which specialises in the low cost sector, has taken over a three-star hotel previously operated by Louvre Hotels Group in the area close to Malaga airport.

The British hotel chain Travelodge, which operates throughout the UK, Ireland and Spain, has announced the opening of the new Travelodge Malaga Airport, a three-star hotel with 114 rooms. It is located on Avenida de Velázquez, number 212 and has its own car park, two meeting rooms and restaurant.

The opening of this hotel in Malaga is part of the chain’s expansion plan in Spain, which has reported the launch of five new hotels: Alicante Puerto, Barcelona del Vallès, Madrid Alcalá de Henares, Malaga Airport and Murcia, with a total of 635 rooms.

The Malaga establishment, like the other new hotels, opened under the Travelodge brand on May 31, following the recent acquisition from Louvre Hotels Group.

Costa Blanca North World’s best

THE world’s 50 best restaurants of 2024 have been announced, spanning 23 global destinations selected by 1,080 international restaurant industry experts, including food writers and chefs.

The list features several classic favourites along with new entries from Australia, Colombia, India, and beyond.

At the live awards ceremony held at Wynn Las Vegas, the Costa Blanca cemented its place on the gastronomic map as the Quique Dacosta restaurant climbed to number 14 in the prestigious The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.

This ranking highlights the restaurant’s continued excellence and recognition on a global scale.

Renowned chef Quique Dacosta, based in Dénia, leads a talented group of professionals who are elevating Alicante’s gastronomy to international acclaim.

Mallorca

Tom Cruise stops off

HOLLYWOOD action star Tom Cruise is back in Mallorca, making a surprise appearance on the island just weeks after his previous visit. Cruise touched down at Palma Airport on June 8 aboard his personal Honda jet, which he pilots himself.

Cruise landed around noon after spending time in Sevilla, but departed by 5pm, making for a brief five-hour stay.

Currently filming the eighth instalment of the ever-popular Mission: Impossible franchise, Cruise also recently enjoyed box office success with the release of Top Gun: Maverick in 2022.

“Tom Cruise is one of the few true movie stars left in the business,” Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore told CNN Business. “His name on the marquee means something to audiences who have come to trust that his films will be worth every dollar of that movie ticket purchase.”

Could the iconic actor’s visit mean that there is a Mallorca movie project in development?

Costa Blanca South Costa quality

THE Qualitur 2024 Flag is a prestigious award that certifies the quality, environmental standards, and accessibility of beaches, marking them as top-tier coastal tourist destinations.

Each year, 90 beaches across 11 municipalities in Alicante Province receive the Qualitur Flag.

Santa Pola stands out, having earned 13 Qualitur seals, making it the second town in the Valencian Community with the most Qualitur seals.

This includes seven sandy beaches and six coves, putting Santa Pola just two seals behind El Campello and ahead of Pilar de la Horadada by two stamps.

Santa Pola’s recognised environment includes three notable coves. The first is in front of the Marine Research Center (CIMAR), a scenic spot perfect for relaxation and exploration. The second cove is along the cape path towards Arenales, offering a tranquil setting. The third, Els Gossets Cove, is known as a dog-friendly beach and is popular with pet owners.

Almeria

Mobile home

THE Vice President of Paws Patas animal rescue charity Chrissie Cremore put out a plea on local social media forums.

The charity was welcoming a number of overseas volunteers and was basically looking for some form of inexpensive caravan that could be used as accommodation.

A local couple contacted the charity to say that they knew a Danish woman who had returned to her home country because she was ill and wanted to dispose of the caravan.

There is always a but and in this case, the caravan was actually registered in the name of the lady’s late husband and he hadn’t left a will but in the end, all was cleared so that it could be passed to the charity. Next problem for the charity was arranging for it to be moved but another helpful person decided that she should do the right thing and arrange to pay for a grua to pick the caravan up and deliver it to Paws Patas which she did.

Costa Calida

Air rescue

A HIKER who had fallen while trekking along the Chícamo River was rescued by air after being unable to return to his vehicle. The incident, reported at 12.35pm on June 9 to the Emergency Coordination Centre 112 of the Region of Murcia, prompted a swift response. The 61-year-old man, injured and stranded, needed assistance.

112 operators pinpointed the hiker’s location, despite the challenging terrain and poor phone signal. Consequently, the General Directorate of Security and Emergencies dispatched a helicopter with a team of firefighters from CEIS for the rescue.

Simultaneously, an Emergency and Health Emergencies Management 061 ambulance was called to pick up the injured party at Macisvenda, Abanilla’s parking area. Local Police in Abanilla were also notified.

Once transferred to medical care, the victim was taken to Abanilla’s health facilities, and then to the Reina Sofía Hospital in Murcia for assessment.

Shoulder season

IS it time to consider avoiding the stress of peak season travel?

The hustle and bustle of planning a trip during the high season, when costs soar and crowds swarm, can be overwhelming.

However, there’s no need to quell your travelling dreams entirely.

Every destination experiences fluc tuations in tourism, with distinct high and low seasons, but the optimal time to visit shoulder season.

These inter mediate months present an appealing alternative for tourists see king a more enjoyable and cost-effecti ve adventure.

The shoulder season falls between a destination’s peak travel period (also known as prime travel time or high sea son) and its off-season (or low season).

Typically occurring around the tran sition of seasons, the shoulder season varies from place to place, contingent upon the primary reasons people tra vel there.

Conversely, regions like Southeast Asia have distinct seasons, such as dry and rainy periods, which shift the window of shoulder season.

THIS June, people will be able to book an hour with an AI sex doll in a one-of-a-kind brothel in Berlin, with both verbal and physical access to the AI dolls.

The founder of Cybrothel, Philipp Fussengger, shared; “Many people feel more comfortable sharing private matters with a machine because it doesn’t judge.” Although the AI dolls aren’t capable of judging, there are concerns about data protection

“It’s crucial that we understand what kinds of data sets are used to train sex chatbots, otherwise we risk replicating ideas about sex that demean female pleasure and ignore sex that exists outside of heterosexual intercourse,” argued Dr Kerry Mclenerey, senior researcher at the Leverhulme Centre for the Future Intelligence at the University of Cambridge. With the reduction of human-to-human contact, many are

Far too distracting

I’M very pleased with my new car. The only thing is all the gizmos, gadgets and computer system that runs the thing, and was used as a selling point, are now really annoying. So I am slowly turning them all off. The engine cutting off every time I stop at traffic lights or a zebra crossing - gone. The hand brake automatically coming on every time I stop, even when I want to reverse to stop it rolling, making it a not so smooth operation - Off! The foot brake does the job just fine.

All the beeps when parking, front and back, are very useful but trying to park in Mercadona is a nightmare because of the terrible layout of the actual car park. How do they manage to get so many pillars in one place? Trying to reverse in then drive out, the car sounds like I’m on a life support machine and about to flat-line and die on the spot.

When driving on a dual carriageway, if I have to make a quick manoeuvre to avoid hitting the idiot that’s pulled out, the car’s steering tries to pull me back so now I’m

swearing at the driver in front and my car for trying to get me back in the wrong lane. It has a touch screen thingy in the middle of the dashboard which hooks up to my iPhone. There is so much on it that it can be distracting. I thought it would be a good idea to have my music, WhatsApp, maps, phone etc, and it is, but it’s also very easy to loose concentration especially with these bloody scooter things flying at you from every direction. I tried to use the cruise control the other day whilst on the toll road but had to give up.

So now I am happily getting back to ME driving the car just like I have been doing quite well for the last 58 years.

So Trump has been found guilty on 34 federal charges and how does that affect his chances of becoming POTUS? Well believe it or not, it doesn’t. It has made him more popular.

Biden, in the meantime, is just a very confused old man. Please help me, all you, much cleverer than me, people out there. How, in a country of 420 million4 per cent of the world’s population, can you not find two other people better equipped than those two to run for the most important office in the world?

Email: mikesenker@gmail.com

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

AI brothel

concerned about the growth in altered perceptions of consent and unrealistic expectations of sexual intercourse and human relationships.

SplitMetrics (AI-driven app store) recently shared that more than 225 million downloads have

been made of AI companion apps on the Google Play Store.The CEO of the company, Thomas Kriebernegg, highlighted that app developers and businesses will continue capitalising on AI, applying it to every sector of our society.

MIKE SENKER IN MY OPINION

Dream travels.

Beautiful AI doll.

PETS

Doggy Dips

MANY dogs enjoy swimming, finding it a fun and refreshing activity, especially in warm weather. Breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Portuguese Water Dogs are particularly fond of water and are natural swimmers. Swimming offers excellent exercise, providing a low-impact workout that is gentle on joints and great for overall fitness. However, not all dogs are keen on swimming. It’s important to respect their preferen-

ces and not force them into the water. For dogs that are hesitant, gradual exposure and positive reinforcement can help build confidence. Start with shallow water and allow them to explore at their own pace, always ensuring a safe environment. Ultimately, while encouraging a dog to swim can be beneficial, it’s crucial to prioritise their comfort and safety, allowing them to decide if they want to embrace the water.

CBD treatments for cats and dogs are gaining popularity as a natural remedy for various health issues. Derived from hemp, CBD is non-psychoactive and is believed to offer several benefits, including pain relief, reduced anxiety, and improved mobility in older pets.

Before starting CBD treat-

Pet-sitting for free accommodation - Old fashioned barter

LEAVING pets anywhere when you travel on holiday can be stressful. And many believe it is always best to keep them at home in their own surroundings, if at all possible, ideally with a caring pet lover who’ll watch over them. By joining a house-sitting platform like HouseSitMatch we can help you meet checked house and pet-sitters who will travel to your home and care for your pets for free!

Plus HouseSitMatch Saves Money because the Pet-sitting is Free!

If you use HouseSitMatch.com you find free checked pet-sitters who pay their way to stay in your home caring for your pets in your absence. It’s an arrangement facilitated by a managed online system. Our house and pet-sitting works as an exchange of services - free accommodation for free pet care!

HouseSitMatch is Safe - All Members Are Checked

All members are checked for

safety, and you choose which house-sitters come to care for your pets in your absence. Your pets stay at home - Safe and Undisturbed

All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routines are undisturbed. Choose Housesitmatch. com for affordable travel, home and pet care and peace of mind for you and your pets. If you’re travelling in 2024 join now and get organised today:

1. Register as a homeow-

ner on HouseSitMatch.com

2. Choose a Premium account (£89 pa) to ensure you get help online.

3. Create a profile with photos of your pets and home

4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose. How does it work? Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety, then build an advert to find sitters. House-sitters see your advert, respond and you choose from the applicants.

Trustpilot Testimonials – 4.9 /

5 Excellent

The efficiency of Housesit match

The prompt service from Housesitmatch was very impressive and I was helped greatly by Lamia who took me patiently through the membership process. Very quickly I was put in touch with a homeowner and a very promising house-sit. Excellent service.

Maggie - House-sitter, UK

How do you join? Register online via www.Housesitmatch.com

Need a pet or house-sitter? House-sitting is a win-win, free house and pet-sitting exchanged for free accommodation! Reader exclusive offer - 20% Off Any New Membership Register as either house-sitter or homeowner. Get a 20% discount - Use coupon code PERFECT20.

Furry Fix

ments, consult your veterinarian to ensure it’s safe for your pet and to determine the appropriate dosage. It’s essential to use high-quality CBD products specifically formulated for animals, as human products may contain harmful ingredients.

Start with a low dose and monitor your pet’s response, ad-

justing as necessary. Look for changes in behaviour, appetite, and overall well-being. While many pet owners report positive results, it’s crucial to remain vigilant for any adverse reactions. CBD can be a valuable addition to your pet’s health regimen, potentially enhancing their quality of life naturally and safely.

Paula has been house and pet-sitting in exchange for free accommodation.

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OTHERS

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BUY & SELL

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

CHARITY

New Life Church Whether you live in Nerja or are visiting our area, you are very welcome to come and join us at our Sunday gathering. Join us for a time of Holy Spirit led worship and experience the presence of our God. Our teaching is

Bible based as we honour God and obey His Word. During this time of uncertainty, God’s Word reminds us that the Gospel shines brightest in times of darkness. Our service lasts for about 1 hour and 30 mins. With Tea and Coffee afterwards. Sunday Service 11.00am; Prayer Meetings

Wednesdays 11.00am; Pasaje San Miguel, Nerja, 29780 Email: info@nlcnerja. com Website: www.nlcnerja. com Facebook:www. facebook.com/nlcnerj

CHARITY Shop Pocapecunia we need things for the house/kitchen, decoration, vases, plates, cups, saucers, kitchen tools, paintings, pottery pots and pans etc. Prolongacion Avd. Rodgriguez Acosta, Nr the Parador Roundabout, opposite café Trébol, Nerja (294373)

CHURCH SERVICES

THE ANGLICAN Chaplaincy of Nerja & Almunecar. Every Sunday there is a Holy Communion service at midday in San Miguel church in Nerja. Every Wednesday morning at 9.30 we have an online ‘Zoom’ HC serviceplease contact Fr Nigel with an e-mail address if you

would like to join us. Priest in Charge, Father Nigel Thomas. Tel: Church House - 951 815 736, Mobile: 608 695 756, e-mail:  cofenerja@gmail. com

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STAY SAFE! Abbeygate Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www. abbeygateinsure.com (2887610)

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MOTORING FOR SALE

WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

EDS? We have the solution, K amagra  pills & jells, Cialis,  Si denafil, over 7 products for men & ladies, mixed trial packs.Free delivery throughout Costa del Sol. WhatsApp or call 603 117 394

SOLAR ENERGY

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Subaru Solterra - an EV with character

By Mark Slack ROAD TEST

FOR a company that has built a repu tation on providing cars with charac ter, slightly left field, sporting and will go anywhere capability, then EVs are perhaps not such good news. A lot of the more affordable EVs tend to be quite workaday, auto motive white goods for a purpose rather than fun.

Subaru is one of a few companies that faced this issue and having launched their first EV they’ve taken a safe route in teaming up with Toyota in developing the BZ4X and Subaru’s own offering, the Solterra. The name combines the Latin words for sun and earth, which is far more imaginative than the BZ4X name. At first glance there’s little bar some subtle styling changes to differentiate the two cars, but under the skin there are differences. The Subaru only comes in dual motor, permanent all-wheel-drive form, including hill descent control. Well it is a Subaru! This does provide a more interesting drive in my view and in addition to comfort the handling provides for enjoyment across more interesting cross-country roads.

model including items such as surround parking cameras, power tailgate, auto lights and wipers, main beam assist and power fold mirrors. The higher trim Touring gains a panoramic roof, wireless phone charging, faux leather upholstery and a Harmon Kardon premium sound system.

Inside it’s rather plain and despite the Peugeotesque steering wheel that sits below the instrument panel - normally you look through the wheel to the instruments - it all works well with nice clear instrumentation.

Battery concerns dominate

A RECENT survey reveals that 75 per cent of drivers have serious concerns about purchasing second-hand electric vehicles (EVs), with the condition of the battery topping the list of worries. This significant hesitancy poses a substantial challenge for car manufacturers and retailers striving to promote greener transportation options.

The primary issue for potential buyers is the unknown state of the EV battery, which can greatly affect the vehicle’s range and overall performance. Unlike traditional combustion engines, where wear and tear are more predictable and easier to assess, EV batteries degrade differently, and their lifespan can

be influenced by various factors including charging habits and environmental conditions.

Manufacturers and retailers are now faced with the task of reassuring customers about the reliability and longevity of used EVs. Transparent battery health reports and warranties might be crucial in alleviating these fears. Additionally, developing standardised testing and

certification processes for used EVs could help build trust among consumers.

As the push towards greener transportation continues, addressing these concerns is essential for wider acceptance of second-hand EVs. Overcoming these hurdles will be vital for the industry, aiming to meet environmental goals and facilitate a smoother transition to sustainable driving.

Some cars are colour sensitive and the Subaru arguably looks classier and its presence amplified in darker colours. I happened to park adjacent to a Toyota BZ4X yet it was my dark Blue Solterra that drew the attention.

On the road the performance is, as with most EVs, rapid with the benchmark 62 mph reached in a whisker under seven seconds. The range is perhaps not quite so impressive when you consider the Subaru is priced from €61,697/£52,495.

The official range of 463km/288 miles would, as with all EVs, be less in the real world, and in winter as batteries do not like the cold. That said the Solterra does come with a heat pump as standard to help matters along.

For a first EV Subaru will to some have lost the character that has been its hallmark. I hope many others will see that Subaru has completed an almost impossible task with more than a degree of success.

Facts at a Glance

Power: Dual motor electric allwheel-drive with 71.4kwh battery developing 218PS

Gears: Automatic

Price: €61,697/£52,495

Performance: Max speed 160 kph (100mph)/0 to 100kph (62mph) 6.9 seconds

Range: 288 miles WLTP

Emissions: 0

Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets

Model: Subaru Solterra Limited