Costa Blanca South 8 – 14 August 2024 Issue 2040

Elda Festival: A Global Sensation

IT is official, the Moors and Christians of Elda are making a global impact.

Elda Town Hall has now confirmed that the celebrations which are held in June are formally gaining international attention.

This year, more than 7,000 revellers filled the streets for the festival, which has been declared of National Tourist Interest.

These fiestas have been celebrated since the early 19th century.

Following the 2023 initiative of inviting foreign journalists to experience and promote the festivities, this year continues with the same goal: to increase visibility and achieve the Declaration of International Tourist Interest.

Prominent journalists from the USA, Bulgaria, France, and the United Kingdom attended the event, with Reuters covering the celebrations in countries such as Germany, Poland, India, and Indonesia, as noted by councillor for Tourism, Rosa Vidal.

Media outlets like the French ‘Le Petit Journal’, the Argentinian ‘La Nación’ and ‘Eco Medios’, and the international ‘Euro

Mundo Global’ (EGM), have published articles about the unique aspects of the celebrations in their digital editions.

Last year, journalists from Portugal, Argentina, and Great Britain reported on the Moros y Cristianos festivities in Elda, publishing articles in various media outlets.

The coverage emphasises the cultural and social significance of the event, portraying a historical episode from Spain that resonates strongly in America.

Additionally, the respectful representation of the two cultures that once clashed over the Iberian Peninsula - Moors and Christians - is highlighted during the festivities.

After this year’s fiesta, EWN spoke to 15-year-old Aitana, an Elda resident who has been actively participating in the Moors and Christians festivals for the past seven years.

“It’s hard to describe the feeling in words, but the streets of Elda are filled with a wonderful sense of community and tradition. It’s an incredible feeling.”

“It’s a celebration of our culture and community spirit.”

Costa Blanca South • Issue No. 2040 • 8 - 14 August 2024

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Image: Ayuntamiento de Elda.

Making a global impact

Renfe’s summer sizzle

RENFE is offering over 850,000 seats for travel in August on all its Hi gh-Speed and Long-Dis tance trains with origins and destinations in the Valencian Community.

To accommodate the increased demand during the summer holidays, the company is running more than 2,400 trains this month, connecting the Valencian Community with numerous locations across the country.

lencia with Gijón.

Renfe is leading the way towards environmental sustainability.

Throughout the summer, until September 15, Renfe is providing a total of 2,155,000 seats on its High-Speed and Long-Distance trains to and from the Valencian Community.

This increase is primarily supported by the introduction of the new Avlo 106 services, which connect Valencia and Alicante with Madrid, and the AVE service linking Castellón and Va-

All its electric passenger and freight trains are carbon-neutral certified.

The daily operation of all Renfe trains prevents the emission of 4.7 million tons of CO2 annually and saves an energy

equivalent of approximately 1.3 million tons of oil.

Renfe aims to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Additionally, it is part of the European initiative to reduce CO2 emissions by at least 55 per cent by 2030, a target it has already met ahead of schedule.

NEWSPAPER DELIVERY

PLEASE note that due to the national holiday on Thursday August 15, deliveries of next week’s newspaper (Edition 2041) will now take place on Friday August 16.

Image: Renfe / Facebook

More trains to run during the summer.

Spain: one of world’s happiest places

SPAIN has secured a coveted spot among the happiest and most sustainable countries in the world, according to the recently released Happy Planet Index (HPI) 2024. The index, compiled by the Berlin-based think tank Hot or Cool Institute, ranks Spain tied for seventh alongside Denmark.

The HPI takes a unique approach to national well-being, measuring how e ectively countries

provide for their citizens’ health and happiness while minimising their environmental impact. It analyses 147 countries based on three key factors: life expectancy, self-reported well-being, and carbon footprint. Countries like Spain, with its above-average life expectancy and well-being scores coupled with a below-average carbon footprint, demonstrate that living well can be

achieved in harmony with the planet.

Vanuatu, a South Paci c Island nation, takes the top spot. Interestingly, the report reveals a disconnect between high GDP and sustainable well-being. Six out of 10 countries with the highest GDP per capita score below the HPI average. This highlights the limitations of GDP as a sole indicator of national success, suggesting greater emphasis

needs to be placed on social and environmental well-being for long-term stability.

Spain’s placement in the HPI’s top 10 is a testament to its e orts in creating a healthy and content society while minimising its environmental footprint. This achievement is a motivator for other nations to prioritise sustainable development strategies that don’t compromise human well-being.

Safe retirement

WHO doesn’t dream about retiring in Spain, where climate and culture make living a luxury?

In the Balearic Islands, Spain’s safest spot, Menorca, has become the home of many foreign retirees who discovered the hidden gem.

A recent study revealed that Menorca has the lowest crime rate in Spain’s provinces with just 388 crimes reported per 100,000 people annually.

Menorca’s tranquil atmosphere is also due to its small population of around 90,000 inhabitants.

Today, Menorca is rather a ordable when compared with other Spanish municipalities. As coastal and urban areas are the most popular, housing prices range from €1,100 to €2,000 per month.

Menorca’s climate is naturally varied, hence every season and every month will come with changes, bringing balance into your life.

With regular Spanish festivities, charming villages, beaches and activities including horse riding, golf and sailing, there’s always something to do in Menorca.

Adapting to the local community will be simple, for, Menorca’s population is very international, with its largest foreign community being the British, followed by the French.

The O ce of National Statistics recently revealed that a total of 284,988 British citizens are now living in Spain with just under 40 per cent being retired. The reason for such large numbers is the complete balance of the Spanish lifestyle; where people live for experiences and see every day as a celebration.

Euro Weekly News readers what makes them happiest about living in Spain:

Val Walker said “The weather! And the people are friendly and helpful!”

Sanver Kanidinc stated she wishes she had made the move sooner and what makes her happy is - “The quality of life, and the cost of living compared with the US.”

Melissa Baker particularly enjoys the culture and the sense of community. She says - “I love being

in Spain. The festivals, the weather and the people are amazing. The UK is drab and miserable. There are some beautiful places in England, but the weather spoils everything. Spain is an outdoor life.”

Lesley Ann Dunton loves living in Spain for the climate, food and people but points out that there are some negatives - “With every country there’s downsides. Spain sometimes could teach a masterclass in bureaucracy.”

Adda Macchich agrees there are frustrations - “The weather is great. Otherwise, a lot of things are a nuisance.”

Sandra Lambe feels there are many good reasons to live in Spain - “The weather and cost of living. No huge heating bills, no huge rates. No huge road tax or food bills. People are happier when they can go out and wander in the warmth.”

publishes more content both online at euroweeklynews.

Spain reaches top 10 in a poll by the Happy Planet index.

Menorca.

Credit: Kaj, Schmidt, Flickr

Sailing success 2025 calendar

REAL CLUB Náutico Torrevieja (RCNT) travelled to Bangor in Northern Ireland during the first week of August to participate in the ILCA 6 European Junior Championships.

The event, which concluded on August 3, showcased intense competition with light to medium winds allowing for the completion of the final races.

The championships wrapped up with 10 events for the boys and 11 for the girls.

For RCNT, Adriana Castro and Leo Griñán, along with their coach Unai Peraita, delivered impressive performances.

tinctly international atmosphere, drawing 370 young sailors from 27 European countries and 11 non-European countries.

The ILCA 6 European Junior Championships and the European Open

Trophy 2024 were among the largest sailing events in Northern Ireland this year, offering numerous regattas and ample opportunities to experience the excitement of competitive sailing.

THE Valencia regional government has approved the 2025 Regional Holiday Calendar, granting workers an additional paid day off.

This decree lists the 2025 working holidays that will be paid and non-replaceable, including January 1 and 6, March 19, April 18 and 21, May 1, August 15, October 9, November 1, and December 6, 8, and 25.

In addition to these dates, the calendar will also include National Holidays (Red Days) for 2025, as well as local holidays, with each municipality selecting an extra two days to be announced later in the year.

Castro finished seventh overall in Europe, while Griñán secured sixth place in the sub-17 category after navigating through various challenging weather conditions.

The event had a dis-

Mangabey Day

AUGUST 1 marked the international celebration of Mangabey Day.

To surprise the animals under her care at Rio Safari Elche, caretaker Toni set up a water slide for the crested mangabeys, Dowo and Mandarina, who can be seen having a fantastic time in their mini water park.

Mangabey Day serves as a reminder of the importance of appreciating these animals.

In the wild, species such as the crested mangabey and the golden-bellied mangabey are becoming increasingly rare.

This situation brings to mind a quote by biologist and professor Daniel Pauly: “An animal that is very abundant, before extinction, has ceased to be abundant and has become rare.”

It emphasises the need to protect species before they become critically endangered.

The European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) is actively involved in ex-situ conservation, working to maintain controlled populations and carefully reproduce endangered species.

Meanwhile, organisations like JACK (Jeunes Animaux Confisqués au Katanga) are dedicated to protecting these animals in their natural forests in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They rescue and rehabilitate victims of poaching and orphaned young primates, striving to ensure these species have a future both in the wild and under human care.

Inclusive waves

THE adapted beaches of Levante and Gran Playa have once again attracted a large number of users.

Santa Pola boasts two adapted beaches, Levante and Gran Playa, which are equipped with accessible points to facilitate easy and safe access to the shore for people with reduced mobility or different abilities.

In July 2024, Levante Beach recorded a total of 2,765 users and 912 assisted baths in its dedicated bathing area.

Gran Playa welcomed 2,574 users and 1,142 baths, along with 75 users in the special area.

Altogether, the two accessible beach points in Santa Pola served 5,339 users and facilitated 2,054 assisted baths.

Levante Beach has been recognised for ‘Breaking Architectural Barriers and Attention to People with Disabilities’ since 2003.

Both Levante and Gran Playa are ranked among the top eight best-adapted and accessible beaches in the Spanish Levante by PREDIF and CASER.

In July 2024, the lifeguard service at Santa Pola’s beaches reported a total of 1,926 incidents.

The majority of these were jellyfish stings (1,675), followed by various injuries (131), spider fish stings (64), heat strokes (15), bruises (14), ocular foreign bodies (nine), rescues (seven), sea urchin injuries (six), insect bites (four), and one case of a lost child.

Free fiesta bus

ELCHE Council has introduced a free night bus service during the August festivities.

According to Claudio Guilabert, the councillor for Mobility, this initiative provides transport from August 9 to 14, with three new lines covering different neighbourhoods and connecting them to the city centre.

The buses will operate from 11.00pm until 6.00am the following morning.

The councillor noted that this free night bus service aims to improve mobility and road safety while gathering feedback from citizens on the need for such services during the festivities.

Line N1 will serve the Carrús and Toscar neighbourhoods with a central

stop proposed at Calle Doctor Caro.

Line N2 will cover El Plà, Llano de San José, and Sector V, also with a main stop at Calle Doctor Caro.

Line N3 will operate in Altabix, Travalón, Estadio Martínez Valero, and Universidad, with a primary stop at Calle Puerta Alicante.

“This is a very positive and ambitious initiative to provide alternative transport options during the festivities,” confirmed the councillor. He also mentioned that on the nights of August 13 and 14, during the Nit de l’Albà and the Roà celebrations, central stops such as Puerta de Alicante or the interchange on Calle Daoiz might experience some disruptions.

NIGHT BUS: Will be free during the August festivities.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Elche

Image: Ayuntamiento de Santa Pola

ADAPTED BEACHES: Attract large number of users.

High-speed dream Striking a balance

ORIHUELA plans to hire a specialist company to study how many people might use low-cost high-speed train routes that stop at or start from Orihuela.

The goal is to show strong demand for these affordable high-speed trains at the Orihuela-Miguel Hernández station.

This research aims to persuade train operators to offer more services to Orihuela.

The city wants to introduce these low-cost routes on the Madrid-Murcia line by spring 2025.

Currently, budget-friendly trains like Renfe’s ‘Avlo’ and other private companies such as ‘Ouigo’ and IRYO run on several major routes, including Madrid-Barcelona and Madrid-Alicante.

These services will expand to more cities, including Madrid-Murcia, by late 2024 and 2025.

Recent changes in the high-speed train routes have

shifted most services to a new tunnel at Madrid Chamartín-Clara Campoamor station, making travel to northern Spain faster.

The Orihuela Council sees this as a chance to boost tourism in Orihuela and the surrounding Vega Baja region.

Even though there is high demand for commuter trains between Murcia and

Alicante, which currently offer less-than-ideal service, the Orihuela intermodal station remains an important transport hub.

The AVE train service was very popular until the Murcia station opened and continues to attract passengers from Orihuela and nearby coastal areas, which don’t have their own train line.

ALICANTE is preparing a new Public Road Ordinance aimed at regulating the operation of terraces in hospitality and restaurants, seeking a balance between nightlife and residents’ rest.

The city aims to position itself in the middle of major Spanish capitals in terms of closing times for outdoor seating, with new regulations set to be implemented this year.

The new rules will require terraces to close at 1.30am on Fridays and Saturdays during the summer, a half-hour earlier than initially proposed.

On weekdays in the summer, terraces must close by 1.00am.

In the winter, the closing times are set for midnight on weekdays and 1.00am on

weekends.

This balanced approach aligns Alicante with cities like Madrid, Valencia, and Murcia, which have similar closing times.

Valencia allows terraces to operate until 1.00am on weekdays and 1.30am on weekends in the summer, and adjusting to 12.30am in the winter.

In contrast, more permissive cities like Elche and Malaga allow nightlife to continue later.

Elche extends until 2.30am in the summer and 1.30am in the winter.

Alicante’s new regulations aim to improve coexistence between nightlife and residential areas, positioning the city as moderate in comparison to other major Spanish cities.

Hot property

IN July, the price of used housing in Alicante saw a significant year-on-year increase of 18 per cent, marking one of the most substantial rises in Spain.

According to the latest Idealista property price index, this increase brought the average price to €1,914 per square metre, reflecting the strong demand and vibrant property market in the region.

Across Spain, used housing prices reached a record high of €2,153 per square metre, showing a 7.9 per cent year-on-year increase.

This upward trend was consistent across all Spanish Autonomous Communities, with notable regional variations.

The Valencian Community experienced an 11.5 per cent increase, showcasing the region’s growing appeal.

This rise places the Valencian Community among the top regions for price increa-

ses, alongside the Canary Islands (16.4 per cent), the Balearic Islands (11.9 per cent), and the Community of Madrid (11.5 per cent).

Among the provinces, Alicante stood out with an 11.3 per cent increase, making it one of the top provinces for housing price growth, just behind Santa Cruz de Tenerife (18.6 per cent) and Las Palmas (13.5 per cent).

In terms of affordability, Alicante’s housing market remains competitive. While prices have risen, they are

still more accessible compared to the most expensive regions like the Balearic Islands (€4,445/m²) and Madrid (€3,504/m²).

Alicante’s capital city also mirrored this upward trend with an 18 per cent year-on-year increase, making it one of the cities with the highest price hikes in Spain.

This increase is second only to Malaga (18.2 per cent) and ahead of other major cities like Valencia (16.1 per cent) and Madrid (15.5 per cent).

Image: Loes Kieboom / Shutterstock.com

Used housing prices reached a record high.

Summer sports

ORIHUELA is hosting ‘Summer Sport 2024’, a series of activities designed for all ages throughout August.

For children, the programme includes fun and educational play sessions led by trained professionals.

Activities such as water games, treasure hunts, and other events are aimed at fostering creativity and physical development.

For young people and adults, the programme offers a variety

and Zumba, with sessions adapted to diffe rent fitness levels.

The activities will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays in August, starting at 7.00pm in different locations.

In Cabo Roig, on August 13, adults can en joy Zumba while children can play with infla tables.

On August 20 in Playa Flamenca, adults will have Zumba and children will have giant balls. On August 22 in the same loca tion, Pilates will be offered for adults, and children can engage in water games.

In Campoamor, on August 27, adults can participate in Zumba and chil dren can enjoy team games.

Finally, on August 29 in Campoamor, there will be Zumba and Pilates for adults and a foam party for children.

To participate, registration is required in advance on the website summerorihuelacosta.es.

pancy rate of 84.9 per cent for tourist homes within 15 kilometres of a beach.

This marks a slight increase from last year’s 84.3 per cent.

This data, provided by Rentalia sheds light on how different coastal regions are faring in the competitive rental market.

Alicante’s coast is performing well, with 85.4 per cent of its tourist ho-

booking activity in this popular coastal destination.

The top-performing region is Mallorca, boasting a near-total occupancy rate of 99.7 per cent for the month.

Other high-demand areas include Menorca (93.2 per cent), Asturias (90.8 per cent), Malaga (89.2 per cent), and Lanzarote (88.8 per cent).

with a slightly higher occupancy rate than the national average.

Alicante’s coastal rentals are holding strong, with high occupancy rates indicative of its continued appeal.

As travellers plan their beach vacations, Alicante remains a key destination, providing a competitive alternative in Spain’s coastal rental market.

Alicante is performing well.

Image: Gustavo Frazao / Shutterstock.com

Activities for all age groups.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Orihuela

Big top triumph

NAYMA BELDJILALI, Alicante’s councillor for Culture has emphasised the significance of ‘Cirque du Soleil’s commitment to Alicante’.

During the opening of an exhibition at the Railway Station, commemorating Cirque du Soleil’s 40th anniversary and 25 years of performances in Spain, the councillor expressed gratitude to the circus company for choosing Alicante.

Cirque du Soleil, celebrating its 40th anniversary, is performing at Playa de San Juan until September 1 with ‘Alegría - Bajo Una Nueva Luz’, a reimagining of its acclaimed 1994 classic.

The exhibition’s inauguration featured Spanish clowns Pablo Gomis López and Pablo Bermejo, involved in both the original and reimagined productions of Alegría; contortionist Oyun-Erdene Senge, performing with Alegría since age 11 and on her fourth Spanish tour; and cyr wheel artist Ghislain Ramage, who has performed in Spain with four Cirque du Soleil productions.

The ‘Backstage’ photographic

exhibition at Alicante Train Station runs until the end of August, showcasing 28 images of Cirque du Soleil shows in Spain over the past 25 years by French photographer Véronique Vial.

Alegría holds a special place in Spain’s cultural history as the first Cirque du Soleil show to visit the country 25 years ago, captivating audiences in Madrid and Barcelona and paving the way for the company’s subsequent 17 touring productions in Spain.

ELCHE has received exciting news that underscores the cultural significance of one of its most cherished treasures.

The Misteri d’Elx has been nominated for the Best Cultural Heritage category in the inaugural +HISTORIA Readers’ Awards, organised by the esteemed magazine ‘Historia National Geographic’.

A letter addressed to the Elche Council and Mayor Pablo Ruz announced this remarkable nomination, which honours the efforts in promoting and preserving historical and cultural heritage.

The letter said these newly established awards aim to “recognise the dissemination and promotion of history, heritage, and culture.”

The list of all nominees will be published in the September issue of Historia National Geographic magazine.

Additionally, readers and followers will be able to vote on the website historia.nationalgeographic.com.es from August 23 to October 10, 2024.

The voting will conclude with the announcement of the winners in the December edition of the magazine.

Vote for Elche

Regardless of the outcome, this nomination already acknowledges the significance of the Misteri d’Elx as a cultural heritage asset.

The team at ‘Historia National Geographic’ has extended their “most sincere congratulations and admiration for the work” Elche has done in preserving and promoting this invaluable cultural heritage.

Mayor Pablo Ruz emphasised that this nomination is a unique opportunity to elevate the Misteri d’Elx’s profile both nationally and internationally, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone of Spanish

cultural heritage.

Known in English as the Mystery Play, the Misteri d’Elx is a musical drama depicting the death, assumption, and coronation of the Virgin Mary.

This play is annually performed on August 14 and 15 in the town of Elche and festivities begin on August 13 with Nit de l’Albà. The Misteri d’Elx is staged in the magnificent Baroque setting of the Santa María Basilica.

In 2001, UNESCO designated the play as an Intangible Cultural Heritage to ensure its protection and preservation.

Cirque du Soleil’s anniversary.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Alicante Image: Comunitat

The Misteri d’Elx.

Renaissance Man Festival fun

IF you are looking for traditional food mixed with fun, head to Elche’s Music Festival which is now welcoming visitors at Paseo de la Estación.

DJs will entertain attendees with music daily from 11.00pm to 4.00am (with extended hours until 6.00am on August 13 and 14).

The food festival, Racó Gastronòmic, will provide a place for attendees to cool off or enjoy typical Elche dishes while watching the festivities, as various tents will offer tapas.

This year, 13 local establishments and restaurants will participate, serving traditional dishes from Elche.

Racó Gastronòmic will begin on the evening of August 10 and operate from

midday on August 11.

It will feature eight tents selling drinks and two tents for ticket purchases.

A new addition to the festivities this year is an ice cream tent that will be open throughout the day.

Francisco Mora, president of the Racó d’Elx Association, confirmed the operating hours for food will be from midday to 5.00pm and from 8.00pm until midnight.

The president confirmed that prices will remain the same as last year: €1.50 for water, €3 for tapas, €2.50 for beers, and €7.00 for mixed drinks.

The Racó Gastronòmic will stay open until Thurday August 15 and will provide shaded areas and fans to help with the heat.

SANTA Pola presents ‘Renaissance Man - Leonardo da Vinci. I observe. Question. Experiment’.

The exhibition is available for viewing until August 28 at Paseo Maritimo on the seafront in front of Restaurante Batiste.

Leonardo da Vinci, the ultimate polymath, was a master in various fields and his ideas remain strikingly relevant and visionary even after 500 years.

In his final three years, Leonardo lived in France as a royal engineer for King Francis I. He resided in Clos Lucé in Amboise, now the site of the Leonardo da Vinci Park, a key centre for his legacy.

The exhibition ‘Leonardo da Vinci. I observe. Question. Experiment’ was developed with this centre’s collaboration and the guidance of historian Pascal Brioist.

Leonardo’s brilliance came from his deep cu-

riosity and sense of wonder.

The exhibition connects Leonardo’s methods with modern life, aiming to inspire creativity and curiosity, especially among younger audiences, using contemporary, accessible language.

The ‘La Caixa’ Foundation spent two and a half years developing this project with a multidisciplinary team of Leonardo da

Vinci experts, architects, engineers, scriptwriters, filmmakers, and specialists in design, multimedia game programming, and augmented reality.

The exhibition is divided into indoor and outdoor spaces.

Visitors can see Leonardo’s ideas come to life through a large audiovisual projection that depicts a day in modern life from his perspective.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Elche

Traditional food mixed with fun.

Exhibition open.

Fabulous footwear

IN August, the Footwear Museum in Elda will be closed every Monday and Tuesday.

You can visit the museum on the other days of the week to experience its remarkable collection.

The museum will be open from Wednesday to Saturday, from 10.00am to 2.00pm and again from 5.00pm to 8.00pm.

On Sundays, it will be open from 10.00am to 2.00pm.

The José María Amat Amer Footwear Museum which is located at Avenida de Chapí 32 in Elda is a prominent institution dedicated to showcasing the history and significance of Elda’s shoemaking industry.

It serves as a testament to the city’s esteemed shoemaking heritage celebrated both nationally and internationally.

Covering an area of 2,000 square metres, the museum features an exceptional collection of foo-

twear.

This includes historical models, antique machinery, and exquisite ‘jewel’ shoes spanning from the 14th century to the present day.

One of its standout sections, ‘Shoes with History’, displays footwear from notable figures such as Lola Flores and Rafa Nadal.

Additionally, the museum annually awards the ‘Best Footwear in Spain’ prize to a distinguished woman who serves as an ambassador for the shoemaking industry, recognising her social influence and media presence.

For more information, head to the website: mu seocalzado.es or call (+34) 965 383 021.

Image: Museo del Calzado

Jose María Amat Amer / Facebook

FOOTWEAR MUSEUM: An exceptional collection.

Man-of-War

THE Portuguese man-of-war has been spotted in the waters off Torrevieja.

According to Proyecto Mastral and the biologist Juan Antonio Pujol’s website, Crónicas Naturales, specimens have been observed near the coves and Cabo Cervera in Torrevieja.

The biologist notes that the presence of the Portuguese man-of-war had already been recorded in other parts of the Alicante coast, including Guardamar del Segura.

However, he believes that the current situation does not appear to be alarming.

As a precautionary measure, the Maritime Unit of the Local Police and the lifeguard service on Torrevieja’s beaches are on alert.

Although it may resemble a jellyfish at first glance, the Portuguese man-ofwar (Physalia physalis) is a colonial organism made up of several specialised individuals working together.

Its upper part, which resembles a balloon or bladder, floats on the surface, giving it the appearance of a small boat.

This structure acts like a gelatinous sail, enabling it to drift with the wind, tides, and currents.

Beneath the surface, the Portuguese man-of-war has long, venomous tentacles that can extend up to 50 metres.

These tentacles are equipped with stinging capsules that release toxins upon contact.

OVER 1,000 people are expected to join Santa Pola’s traditional full moon event.

For €25, attendees can reserve a table with six chairs, and the proceeds will support the local Fibromyalgia Association.

Councillor for Festivals, Nely Baile, highlighted the event’s importance: “Summer is a time of celebration in our neighbourhoods, and on Wednesday, August 21, we will experience the special moment of Santa Pola’s full moon dinner.”

Summer pause

THE Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur centre, located on Calle Paganini in the La Siesta urbanisation of Torrevieja, is currently closed for its summer break until August 12.

The centre will reopen on August 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, and 30.

Normal operating hours will resume on September 2.

During this period, volunteers will respond to messages left on the centre’s answerphone on (+34) 966 786 887.

The Los Montesinos charity shop is also closed until September 2.

However, the newly opened shop in San Luis will remain open throughout the summer.

The library will reopen to the public on September 3 after its summer recess.

Full moon

She added that hundreds of participants, dressed in white as per tradition, will be present.

María Luisa Pomares, the association’s president, detailed the evening’s schedule: “Guests will start arriving at 9.00pm and will be greeted with live music.

“From 10.00pm, events will take place in the car park beneath the old pool.”

The president also mentioned that telescopes from the Santa Pola Astro-

nomical Association will be available, and there will be performances by Los Amigos de Rusadir featuring bagpipes and guitars, as well as a dance show by Gym Noray.

“We always aim to support a local association with the dinner’s proceeds. This year, we have chosen the Fibromyalgia Association,” she concluded.

To reserve a table, visit Cafetería Rocky’s on Avenida Pérez Ojeda, opposite the port car park.

A special moment.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Santa Pola

Spotted off the coast.

Image: Proyecto Mastral / Twitter

Learning Spanish while living in Spain is an invaluable experience that enhances your daily life.

FIRSTLY, it’s the key to unlocking a deeper cultural connection. By speaking Spanish, you’ll gain a richer understanding of local customs, humour, and nuances that remain hidden to non-speakers. Secondly, practicalities are simplified. From navigating bureaucracy to interacting with locals, Spanish is essential for everyday tasks. Thirdly, it opens doors to new friendships and opportunities. Spaniards appreciate the effort to learn their language and are often more welcoming to those who can communicate in Spanish.

Finally, it boosts your cognitive abilities. Learning a new language improves memory, problem-solving, and multitasking skills!

We asked Euro Weekly News readers if they use Spanish every day:

Susan Wallac e said - “Yes, try to every day but not difficult conversations often just ‘welcomes’.”

Chris McGovern is also trying to use Spanish and improve - “I’m not very good with Spanish but I do try every time I go out.”

Marie Cafolla uses Spanish to connect with her community - “Of course, it’s not perfect but my Spanish neighbours understand me.”

Micky Moses Jones says - “I’ve got no choice. Most folks in my com -

plex are Spanish. My bar is Spanish non-English-speaking staff and my supermarket is Spanish!”

James William Langford highlights the importance of the Spanish language - “I strongly believe that all ‘Americans’ (estadounidenses) should learn Spanish, as it is the most spoken language in the Americas, and we need to communicate with our brothers and sisters south of the border. Spanish is now a required subject in Brazil. Why not in the US, too?”

Speaking more than one language can become confusing, as Karen Poland points out, “I use Spanish, including when I visit the UK as there are words that just automatically appear… like ‘agua sin gas’”

Judith Dominique Wolfenegg agrees - “I am originally from Austria and when I talk to my mum in Vienna I always use words like ‘vale’, ‘claro que si’, ‘madre mía’ etc.”

In conclusion, it seems that almost all international residents are very keen to speak Spanish. To improve and enrich your experience in Spain, check out local language classes, meet-up groups, and language apps. Watch Spanish TV and find the courage to strike up conversations with the neighbours!

IT might sound like something from science fiction, but labgrown meat, also known as cultivated or cultured meat, could become a common food option in the future.

Instead of raising animals on farms, scientists are developing this meat by growing animal cells in steel tanks.

Future of food?

Experts predict that the global market for lab-grown meat could hit $25 billion by 2030, though it could grow even more.

In comparison, the overall animal meat market is expected to reach $1.7 trillion by 2032. However, the success of lab-grown meat will depend on how well it’s accepted by consumers, a challenge seen with genetically modified foods.

A recent UK YouGov survey shows that while 74 per cent of Britons know about lab-grown meat, only 26 per cent say they would be likely to eat it if it were available in shops. This is an improvement from 2012 when only 19 per cent were willing to try it.

While only a tiny portion of the public thinks that labgrown human meat should be allowed, a not inconsiderable number admits a curiosity about how we taste.

Asked whether they would try lab-grown human meat if it were legally allowed and commercially available, 20 per cent of Britons say they would.

Path of Love

THE most romantic path in the world, Italy’s ‘Path of Love’ is reopening on August 9 after a 12-year closure, caused by a damaged walkway which injured four Australian tourists in 2012.

The 1km-long path encapsulates the beauty of the ve villages that make up the Cinque Terre UNESCO World Heritage Site, unique for its timeless charm and romantic, coastal atmosphere.

The path was built at the beginning of the 20th century, during the modernisation of the railway line between Genoa and La Spezia.

What was initially a route for railroad workers who needed a way to get between Riomaggiore and Manarola,

became a secret lovers’ spot, which Romeo and Juliet wished they had lived to witness. After a journalist reported the words Via dell’Amore were written with chalk on the door of what was once a gunpowder warehouse, the mayor renamed the pathway and it has since been the place of love confessions, rst dates and marriage proposals.

After 12 years of longing for the iconic path and a €22 million investment, the restoration project has nally nished with a new pathway made of steel mesh and 8,800 new plants. The ‘Path of Love’ can now be walked by locals from 8am until 7pm and by tourists through onehour time slot bookings for €15.

Italy’s Path of Love set to reopen.

Credit: Cliffano Subagio, Flicker

Luxury flight Egyptians skipped work too

WHAT was once a chic and luxurious experience, has now become a commodity as the increase of budget airlines made flying more accessible. beOnd is one of the few airlines targeting an all-business class clientele, offering ‘flying beyond the ordinary’.

Launched in late 2023, the airline offers premium flights to and from the Maldives, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Asia. Its locations include Dubai, Milan, Munich, Zurich, Riyadh and Malé.

With beOnd, the journey begins with a complimen-

tary chauffeur service and at the airport, the clients benefit from the peace of waiting in an exclusive lounge.

Onboard, the travellers are welcomed by the top-trained crew and Italian leather seats. With an extensive menu of international flavours, the finest ingredients and recipes are presented. All seats include the comfort of Bluetooth connections, a USB port and a power outlet. Of course, premium experiences come with a cost but since its launch, beOnd has lowered its prices, now

providing offers starting at €2,289 tickets.

One of the concerns of premium-class airlines, however, is seasonality.

From May to November, the Maldives are dominated by rain. When asked about the topic, the company’s CEO Tero Taskila said that seasonal destinations “become year-round destinations” once there’s enough appeal and they often collaborate with resorts.

Despite being a niche category, beOnd’s CEO believes their efforts make the limited schedule and the price entirely worth it.

A 3,200-YEAR-OLD Egyptian tablet shows work attendance and absences, and reasons for skipping a work day include ‘embalming brother,’ ‘brewing beer,’ and ‘stung by a scorpion.’

The ancient Egyptian tablet, displayed in the British Museum, was a work supervisor’s attendance sheet and was used to register the reasons workers were absent. It seems that construction workers on the Great Pyramids had to clock-in and clockout like every other worker in history and calling in sick was just as common then as it is now. It also shows some interesting excuses for not going into work.

The stone tablet, known as an ostracon, is a limestone slab inscribed with red and black ink. On it, names, dates and reasons for not turning up to work. One such excuse noted an employee who couldn’t make it in because his mother was ill. Other reasons given for the workers’ own ailments was one that says he had been stung in the eye by a scorpion. Several other absentee employees gave embalming deceased relatives as their reason.

Some excuses simply would not be tolerated today, such as for example ‘brewing beer’. Home-made beer was an important part of ancient Egyptian civilisation because, among other reasons, the alcohol killed the bacteria in water. Beer was also considered a fortifying beverage associated with the god Hathor and therefore considered a good reason to miss work.

Maybe brewing beer should be brought back as a valid excuse for skipping work today.

Flying beyond the ordinary.

Credit: Fly beOnd, Facebook

Ancient Egyptian way of clocking in at work.

Credit: Manchester Museum, Facebook

Goat plague Holiday denied

Credit: Shutterstock

Greek officials have banned the movement of sheep and goats to prevent the ‘goat plague’.

GREECE has recently banned the transportation of sheep and goats across the country in an attempt to contain a highly contagious infection, the ‘goat plague’.

The agriculture ministry of Greece declared, “The movement of sheep and goats for breeding, fattening and slaughter is banned throughout Greece.”

First detected on July 11, in Thessaly, central Greece, this highly contagious virus, peste de petits ruminants (PPR), nicknamed the goat plague, quickly spread further south in Corinth and even to its neighbour Romania.

The virus can kill between 80 per cent to 100 per cent of infected animals, however, does not affect humans.

The rapid spread prompted authorities to cull more than 55,000 sheep and goats in response, as well as impo-

se restrictions nationwide, including a ban on moving sheep and goats from their farms.

This virus is a significant threat to Greece’s domestic livestock industry and the country’s economy, preventing the production of Greece’s many popu lar international exports.

Thessaly also suffered from devas tating floods, storm Daniel, last year, which dealt “a huge blow to livestock and agricultural production not only for the region but also for the whole country,” according to Unicef.

In response, on July 19 and 26, the EU executive adopted urgent procedu res for Greece and Romania, aiming to restrict the movement of susceptible commodities to ensure that safe trade can continue while maintaining the EU’s sanitary standards.

AS British families prepare for their dream holidays in the EU, hundreds of people arrive at the airport only to find that their passports have expired.

Travel expert Simon Calder noted that as many as “200 people a day” were being denied from flying due to unknowingly carrying

UK Passport Office would transfer any existing validity on your current passport over to your new passport when it was renewed. After Brexit, the existing validity will no longer be counted when travelling to the EU’s Schengen Zone.

To avoid a ruined holiday, make sure that your pass

you plan to return. The Head of Commercial and Travel expert at Travel Republic, Gemma Brown advised; “The likelihood is that travel insurance providers would not cover any costs associated with expired passports. Our advice would be to ensure that your passport is within the

British passports

Credit: Mikhail David, Flickr

New National Park

IN Spanish waters, it will be the 17th, and the first mari ne-only national park. The application to designate Mar de las Calmas, in the Canary Islands, just south of El Hierro island, as a national park, has just been approved by the Council of Minis ters.

With this, the Ministry of Ecological Transition acknowledged the special significance of natural wealth of this marine area spanning over 24,000 hectares, as well as its aesthetic, cultural, educational, and scientific benefits.

Seas south of El Hierro designated National Park for biodiversity.

Based on recent scientific studies, the area is deemed to have high natural value due to its exceptional biodiversity and the presence of tropical and subtropical species that are less common in the rest of the Canary Islands, as well as normally deep-water

species that live close to the coast.

Indeed, one of the world’s most important populations of deep-water cetaceans, the beaked whale, calls these waters home.

Vice President Teresa Ribera stated that the project for this newest addition to Spain’s national parks has been a long time coming and has involved intense labour to balance maximum protection with the area’s traditional fishing and tourism activities. The work has involved continuous dialogue with town councils, residents, and fishing communities. Additionally, the procedure of transforming this area into a recognised protected zone will require time - at least a year. Following the official publishing of this decision, a four-month period of public consultation will be open.

Killed by wasp sting

TOP Italian chef killed by a wasp sting while he was taking flowers to his mother’s grave.

Chef Marc Pavel received the nasty sting from a wasp on July 26 as he was visiting the cemetery where his mother is buried. When driving home, he began to suffer an extreme reaction to the sting including difficulty breathing. He was unable to continue driving and shortly before arriving home, had to stop his car to seek help. He was later found collapsed on the ground next to his car after suffering a cardiac arrest. On being found, he was rushed to hospital in Trieste, Italy, but the anaphylaxis caused by the sting, just worsened his condition, he fell into a coma and finally died four days later.

Best known for his pumpkin cappuccino

with an edible cup in which toasted almonds and slices of foie gras were combined, the popular 47-year-old chef had won numerous prizes throughout his career, and his fame was beginning to expand internationally.

The reaction that most people experience after a wasp or bee sting is pain, discomfort and redness

around the place of the sting, with swelling that may increase over a few hours. Smaller swellings will often go down without medical treatment after a couple of days. In some very rare cases, however, it can cause an allergic reaction, or ‘anaphylaxis’ requiring emergency medical treatment in which adrenalin is administered.

Credit: wewe yang, Pexels

Late Chef Marc Pavel serving up pasta for friends.

Credit: Pastificio Barone, Facebook

UNDERSTANDING inheritance laws is essential to leave your legacy in Spain.

The Law of Obliga tory Heirs applies to all Spanish residents; if the deceased was married at the time of death, the spouse preserves 50 per cent of all jointly-owned

Inheritance

children and one-third is distributed amongst surviving children equally or unequally according to instructions in a

The surviving spouse retains a life interest in this part of the estate, which the children don’t inherit until the spouse’s death. The deceased may dispose of the final onethird freely in a will.

In cases without children, surviving parents

can claim one-third if there is a surviving spouse and 50 per cent if not. With no surviving relatives, the estate can be given to anyone in Spain or abroad through a will.

EU residents and nonEU can choose whether to adhere to the law of their home country or their residence country.

If a foreigner in Spain dies intestate, Spanish law requires that the inheritance process be completed within six months; it is then advised to employ a lawyer. To claim someone’s estate without a will, one should apply for a grant of probate, which can be done from your country of origin.

Bear killing outcry

nor Maurizio Fugatti had been waiting for.

on July 16 was killed by forestry officials on July 29.

The victim was airlifted to hospital where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries, but the attack was the excuse that Trento’s provincial gover-

Deaf to criticism not only from animal rights groups but also Italy’s Environment minister, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, the governor gave the order to cull the female bear who, experts explained, struck out in defence of her cubs.

Two previous orders to kill the 22-year-old bear identified as KJ1 were suspended following appeals, but Fugatti gave the order late at night to prevent a last-minute challenge.

hours of July 30 and the outcry was not long in coming.

“I had already told Fugatti that killing individual bears was not the solution,” Picchetto Fratin said afterwards Sterilising female bears considered a potential threat to humans was the best way of tackling the problem, the minister added.

Environmentalists also expressed “deep concerns” about the fate of the three cubs.

A BEAR that attacked a French tourist near Lake Garda in Trentino

Filling in your inheritance taxes.

Credit: Mikhail Nilov, Pexels

BROWN BEARS: Reintroduced to Italy’s Dolomites in the late 1990s.

Photo credit: Ecohustler/Roger Thompson

VALENCIA’S head of tourism Nuria Montes announced that the regional government will now ne homeowners as much as €600,000 for renting rooms to tourists short-term. Moreover, all short-term apartments will have to o er 24-hour reception service and internet access, with all tourism rentals acquiring a ve-year licence to operate.

According to Montes, tourist rentals in Valencia have surged 170 per

After Barcelona

cent from 2015; the number of registered tourist rentals has more than doubled since then, now reaching at least 105,111.

As a measure to give back power to the residents, Valencian president, Carlos Mazon promised to

Costly mistake

control the housing crisis, stating that short-term rentals have “damaging e ects which, in the case of tourist apartments, could create social problems, a drop in housing supplies and the consequent increase in prices.”

A 158FT superyacht was seen sinking off a Greek Island; a crew member claimed they “forgot to close the door.”

The luxurious yacht Ethos was captured on footage, swaying and smashed by sea waves, as the crew and guests were forced to evacuate. According to the local Press, one of the crew members made a critical mistake of leaving the side door open, which caused an enormous amount of water to flood the yacht before anyone had realised.

The skipper in command efficiently manoeuvred the yacht to

shore as it ran aground in Evreti Bay, on the eastern side of the island, where it is anchored. Greek media reported that efforts are now underway to pump out the water and that the incident was further aggravated by bad weather.

The yacht costs €209,812 a week in high season and can comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests. It features everything from a hot tub, and a sauna to a gym and a jet ski. Built in 2014, the superyacht has five large cabins, including a master suite, VIP suites and two staterooms.

With the increase in short-term rentals, long-term rentals are becoming extremely di cult to nd. According to a study from the University of Valencia’s Institute of Housing, the city has a de cit of approximately 20,000 rental units.

Tourism in Valencia accounts for 13 per cent of total GDP, according to CaixaBank Research.

Hence, aiming to nd a balance between economic bene ts and economic losses of tourism, Carlos Mazon stated; “With this legal framework, we provide security and certainty, and we move forward in our model of sustainable tourism that does not renounce anything or condemn anyone.”

A luxurious yacht seen in the sea off a Greek island.

Credit: Mustang

Joe, Flickr

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

Born to be wild

ATTENTION rock fans!

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of Classic Rock, brought to you by First Music Management. Featuring Rock City and

Thomas Vikstrom, known for his performance in the Nostradamus Rock Opera, this event promises to be a highlight of the summer. Join the fun at El Capitan Sports Centre on August 15 at 6.00pm.

Enjoy live renditions of hits by legendary bands such as Van Halen, Thin Lizzy, Journey, Queen, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, and many more. Admission is free!

To ensure you don’t miss out, reserve your spot and book a table by calling (+34) 603 235 688 or visiting El Capitan at Calle Fragata, 1, 03189 Orihuela.

ALICANTE is set to host Europe’s inaugural electronic music festival featuring an all-female lineup. The Bella Fuerza Fest is scheduled for August 30 and 31 at the Area 12 venue in Multiespacio Rabasa. The festival anticipates daily attendance of between 8,000 and 15,000 people, with performances from internationally renowned DJs alongside emerging local artists.

The councillor for Tourism, Ana Poquet, emphasised the festival’s unique format, describing it as “original and highly attractive among the festivals and concerts choosing Alicante as their venue.”

She added that the festival aims to spotlight female talent in the electronic music scene, a genre where women are perhaps less recognised by the general public. Alejandro González Terán, one

Europe’s first

of the Bella Fuerza Fest promoters, explained that “this new festival is intended to become a permanent fixture in Alicante and to grow over time.”

This year’s focus is on techno music, but future editions will explore other genres within electronic music. The festival’s philosophy includes generating a local economy, creating job opportunities, establishing DJ schools, and collaborating with other industries such as fashion,

which plays a significant role in the electronic music world. González, along with fellow promoters Carmen del Conte and Carlos Rodríguez, believes Alicante is the ideal location for the festival due to its excellent services, strong air connections with Europe, favourable climate, and manageable size, all contributing to a great festival experience. For more information or to book tickets, head to the website: area12alicante.es

Sail away

FRANCE’S three-masted Belem, built in 1896 and a former merchant ship but now a training vessel, recently visited Ireland, docking at several ports. “It was a privilege to sail the iconic vessel in Irish waters and share her beauty with the Irish people,” the Belem’s captain Aymeric Gibet told the RTE broadcaster.

Fish mystery

APPROXIMATELY 2,000 salmon, trout, lamprey and other fish were found dead on a three-kilometre stretch of the Aughrim River in County Wicklow on July 28. Inland Fisheries Ireland officials took samples of the fish and the water, but were still exploring the source of the probable pollution, they said.

EURO PRESS

PORTUGAL

Far from home

A WALLABY spotted in Almada was finally taken to safety by the area’s Animal Ombudsman’s team, and Civil Protection. The animal, which had several injuries and was visibly dehydrated is being nursed back to health while the local authorities try to discover where it came from and who it belonged to.

EXHAUSTED: Almada’s wandering wallaby now in good hands.

Growing up

IRELAND FINLAND NORWAY SWEDEN

Be prepared

BEFORE the start of the Paris Olympics, the Ministry of Justice began freeing up space in the Paris region’s prisons in order to cope with a possible influx of criminals arrested during the Games. This was not easy, the Ministry said, with an overall 138 per cent occupancy rate and 153 per cent for remand prisons.

About-face

PARIS altered its stance on Morocco and the Western Sahara when President Emmanuel Macron stated in a letter to Mohammed VI that the region’s future “falls within the context of Moroccan sovereignty.” While smoothing relations with Morocco, this will cause tensions with neighbouring Algeria, analysts predicted.

ITALY

Not so fast

TRENITALIA, Italy’s principal rail operator, and Italo announced that high-speed services would be considerably slower usual than throughout August while maintenance work is carried out on upgrading the network. The Turin-Milan-Venice, Milan-Bologna and Rome-Florence lines are expected to be the most-affected.

Fight back

IN a cleanup of fight clubs and intimidating incidents, police, carabinieri and local authorities in Trieste identified 500 teenagers, including girls, who organised fights in exchange for money. Fans paid to watch the combat and encourage ‘teams’ whose activities were announced on social media platforms.

Choc horror

JARS of First Price chocolate spread were recalled after one batch was found to contain traces of hazelnuts. As the label only specified ‘may contain nuts’ it was decided to withdraw all the jars while consumers allergic to hazelnuts were advised to throw the spread away or return it to the store where it was purchased.

Warmed up

SVALBARD in the Arctic Circle had warmest June since records were kept 175 years ago, with an average temperature of 6.1C degrees, 2.5C degrees above normal. “The backdrop is climate change, which affects the north earlier and more strongly than areas further south,” Norway’s Meteorological Institute explained.

DENMARK

All mapped out

COPENHAGEN police warned the public not to be taken in by the latest scam, where a lost-looking tourist carrying a map asks a passerby for directions. This is no more than a diversion, police said, as an accomplice will skilfully lift their mark’s wallet, phone or other valuables while they helpfully give directions.

Rich pickings

NOVO NORDISK, Europe’s most valuable company owing to its weight-loss drug, Wegovy and diabetes treatment medication Ozempic, has bought a 200-acre (81-hectare) site in Odense, Denmark’s third-largest city. Foundations are now being dug for a new production plant in the Tietgenbyen industrial district.

Credit: Providoria dos animais do Municipio de Almada

A 50-YEAR-OLD conifer would have measured 12 metres in 1950 but 16.4 metres in 1983 and 18.25 metres in 2020, a University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) study found. The differences in height and rate of growth could be the result of more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the SLU researchers concluded.

Snakes alive

A KARLSHOLMSBRUK man out walking in the forest not long after midnight in late July was astonished to come across a two-metre boa constrictor. Having some knowledge of snake handling, he was able to capture the boa and take it to Uppsala police station, who contacted Stockholm’s Skansen aquarium for advice.

GERMANY FRANCE

Not funny

VILLE TAVIO, Foreign Trade and Development minister, described the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony as a “freak show.” Talking to the Helsingin Sanomat newspaper, Tavio declared that sport should be kept separate from politics and also commented that there was no need to “pay so much attention to minorities.”

Spot check

A PASSENGER entering Finland on the Tallinn ferry on July 25 was later diagnosed with measles at the Kalasatama Health Centre on July 29. The Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) advised members of the public who might have been exposed to the disease to ensure their measles-protection vaccines were up-to-date.

Natives needed

FLOODPLAIN ecologist Mathias Scholz, explained that without floodplains and floodplain forests, floodwater flowed away too quickly and caused significant damage. Native and flood-resistant and elms and oaks were able to absorb more water but had been replaced by non-typical trees like maples, Scholz said.

Spied out

GERMANY accused China of orchestrating a 2021 cyberattack on the federal Cartography and Geodesy Agency when part of the system was compromised. Interior minister Nancy Faeser confirmed on July 31 that no further malware was found and the attacker was successfully ousted from the network.

BELGIUM NETHERLANDS

Case study

THE EU’s Court of Justice rejected an appeal from a Cameroon and said Belgium’s was justified in refusing to grant her a student’s visa. The Belgian authorities had concluded that she did not genuinely intend to study and planned to enter the country for reasons “other than the pursuit of an education.”

Sting operation

A CARRIAGE horse that reared and ran amok in Bruges was probably stung by a wasp but was soon calmed down by coachman Fre Pintelon assisted by a colleague, police announced afterwards. No one was injured in the incident and the horse was taken home in a horsebox to recuperate, Pintelon said.

On time

THE Dutch monarch, King Willem-Alexander arrived early at the Louvre for the pre-Olympics reception attended by royalty and dignitaries but waited on the red carpet for 10 minutes before he was officially greeted. A videoclip later showed him looking at his watch and remarking, “Oh I’m a little early, I’m too Dutch.”

Fewer refugees

ACCORDING to the IND immigration service’s most recent figures, fewer refugees and their families - particularly those from Iraq - arrived in the Netherlands between April and June. A total of 7,700 people applied for refugee status during the second quarter, a 14 per cent reduction on the first three months of 2024.

City with giants

REMEMBER

the feeling of being a little kid and looking up at the world in wonder? That’s what it’s like to walk down the streets of Toulouse when witnessing the La Machine spectacle.

The French theatre company La Machine collaborate with technicians and designers to create majestic mechanical creatures and exhibit them by taking theatre to the city streets.

La Machine chooses special dates throughout the year to release their creatures into the city, recreating ancient mythical scenes or letting the robots roam the streets freely.

Delaroziere expressed his ambition behind the project; “These giants revive our childhood eyes; we lived in a world of giants. That was a time of life when we were more open to emotions; we took everything in,” highlighted Delaroziere.

The 12-metre-high me-

FIFTEEN children from Gaza arrived in Madrid with 27 of their immediate relatives, to be treated at hospitals across Spain.

Spain’s President Pedro Sanchez stated on X that the children would receive “safe treatment.”

The president emphasised that they will be given “what every child deserves, wherever they were born: a healthy and hopeful childhood.”

The Spanish newspaper, El Pais, reported that 13 of the patients have serious trauma, while one is a cancer patient and another has a chronic heart disease. Among the children are a three-year-old suffering from head trauma, a 13-year-old who needs his limbs rebuilt and a 10-year-old with multiple facial and eye wounds. Several children were also reported to be brought in with severe burns.

The WHO’s director-general, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated: “We encourage other countries

chanical spider took two years to produce by a team of 60 people in France, while the robotic minotaur, more than 14 metres high only moves with the assistance of 17 operators. The mythological half-man, half-bull creature is partly electric and partly combustion, made of unpainted lime tree wood and metal. The creature is construc-

ted to appear real; even making the sound of breathing as it moves.

Toulouse’s mayor, JeanLuc Moudenc remembers the launch of the unique creatures in 2018, as 900,000 people gathered in curiosity to the city centre; “It was a magical and extraordinary moment, thousands of Toulouse residents were there.”

Gaza to Spain

who have the capacity and medical facilities to welcome people who, through no fault of their own, are caught in the grips of this war.”

Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Romania

and Slovakia have also offered medical evacuations and treatment.

Belgium, Italy and Norway were subsequently also expected to follow Spain’s example, stated the PCRF.

La Machine’s robotic giant walking the streets.

Credit: Halle de La Machine, Facebook

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Jet

propelled ROLLS-ROYCE is set for a record 2024 as chief executive Tufan Erginbilgic’s turnaround strategy takes shape, with City analysts predicting halfyear revenues of £7.7 billion (€9.1 billion) for the jet engine manufacturer. Sales rose 11 per cent as international flights returned to pre-pandemic levels.

Wall of China

HUAWEI sold more Samsung and Apple mobiles in Spain in 2019 while the Chinese company’s fibre optic and mobile networks had displaced Nokia and Ericsson. With Huawei now vetoed in US and Germany, Brussels wants Spain to follow suit by exerting pressure on Madrid via the EU’s Next Generation funds.

Evri time

EVRI, formerly Hermes, which was acquired by Apollo Global Management from Advent International for £2.7 billion (€3.2 billion) in late July, announced plans to hire 9,000 new employees. “The biggest-ever recruitment drive promises to deliver another record year,” Evri chief executive Martijn de Lange pledged.

Safe SAF

THE IAG group, which owns seven airlines including British Airways, has signed an agreement with Repsol for the purchase of 28,000 tons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) over the next six months. This will be used by all Aer Lingus, BA, Iberia, Iberia Express and Vueling flights when they take off from Spanish airports.

Good fo r you

LOW-ALCOHOL Guinness sales doubled in Europe as Gen Z drink less than their elders, with Guinness 0.0 accounting for 3 per cent of global Guinness sales, owner Diageo said. Elsewhere, the company’s turnover for spirits and other drinks fell 1.4 per cent to $20.3 billion (€18.8 billion) in the year ending June 30.

€2.67 billion STAT OF WEEK

net profit for CaixaBank during the first six months of 2024, a 25 per cent increase on 2023 and the bank’s best result since the 2021 merger with Bankia.

La Liga stays Orange Sky-high

ORANGE will transmit all La Liga matches and Europe’s principal tournaments during the 2024-2025 season.

The telecommunications company, now called Masorange following the French company’s €18.6 billion merger with MasMovil, recently reached agreement with Telefonica and sports streaming platform DAZN.

Orange will also air Spain’s LaLigaHypermotion second division matches together with the King’s Cup, equivalent to the UK’s FA Cup.

Between them, Telefonica and DAZN have owned these media rights since December 2021 after paying €4.95 billion to broadcast

the 2022-2023 season

Better than expected

LONDON-BASED oil giant BP’s second quarter results exceeded expectations with a $2.8 billion (€2.58 billion) net profit.

City analysts had predicted $2.6 billion (€2.39 billion) following BP’s 2024 first quarter profit of $2.7 billion (€2.49 billion) and the $2.6 billion ((€2.39 billion) earned during the second quarter of 2023.

Instead, weak refining earnings had been offset by stronger oil prices and retail, BP said on July 30.

Dividends rose 10 per cent from 7.27 cents to 8 cents per share, while the energy company announced that its share buyback programme would

Reaching up

REACH announced a £44.5 million (€52.7 million) operating profit for the first half of 2024, a 23 per cent increase on 2023.

The newspaper group which publishes the Daily Mirror, Daily Express and Daily Star as well as regional newspapers including the Manchester Evening News, said job cuts and “efficiency savings” compensated for falling print circulation and advertising, with total revenues dipping 5.2 per cent to £265 million (€324.58 million).

remain at $1.75 billion (€1.61 billion) over the next three years.

“The decision to boost shareholder returns reflects the confidence we have in our performance and outlook for cash generation,” Kate Thomson, chief financial officer at BP, pointed out.

By the end of the second quarter, net debt stood at $22.6 billion (€20.85), compared with $23.7 billion (€21.87) during the same period in 2023.

Murray Auchincloss, who took over as chief executive in January 2024, said BP was committed to delivering “a simpler, more focused and higher-value company” by overhau-

Cut-price sale

DIA supermarkets finished the first half of 2024 with a €93.5 million net loss.

This was 39 per cent more than during the same period in 2023 and the outcome of selling Dia’s Brazilian subsidiary for a symbolic €100 in May.

At the time, Dia acknowledged that this would involve a €101 million loss, although figures now submitted to Spain’s National Securities Market Commission (CNMV) reveal that this rose to €106.8 million.

Losses accumulated by the Brazilian company accounted for €88.5 million of the total, while Dia lost a further €18.3 million on the sale of the business to MAM Asset Management, the private equity fund belonging to Banco Master.

2023-2024 rights, sources close to the operation told Spain’s financial newspaper, Cinco Dias Masorange’s new chief executive Meirnad Spenger has already stressed the brand’s commitment to providing football as the company bids to attract - and retain - clients with comprehensive premium contracts.

ling operations and focusing on those that were most profitable.

This will involve trimming back its green investments and advancing on high-value fossil fuel projects, including the Kaskida project in the Gulf of Mexico.

Slight cut

LORD HAMMOND, Britain’s Chancellor between 2016 and 2019, said the Bank of England would probably delay a cut in interest rates.

Members of the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), would be unhappy about pay rises that exceed the 2 per cent inflation rate, and their concerns would not be dispelled by the present Chancellor’s pay rise promises of up to 5 per cent for public sector employees.

“The headline inflation rate looks relatively stable at 2 per cent but services are rising at quite an alarming rate,” the peer told Sky News, shortly before the Bank ruled out a reduction.

AENA will raise passenger tariffs from €10.35 to €10.40 in 2025.

The tariff increase has been approved by Aena’s board but this must now be reviewed by Spain’s Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC), the operator revealed.

The company also announced a first-half net profit of €806.6 million obtained from shop rentals, car parks and other concerns as well as airline operations.

Approximately 144 million passengers used Aena’s Spanish terminals during the first six months of 2024, up 11.4 per cent on last year’s 130 million.

CEPSA returned to the black between January and the end of June with a net profit of €168 million, after having posted a €393 million loss in the first half of 2023.

Spain’s second-largest oil company, now owned by Abu Dhabi’s Mubdala fund and the Washington-based Carlyle Group, reported a net income excluding operating and non-operating expenses, of €398 million.

This 175 per cent improvement on 2023’s €145 million was the result of a favourable market for the energy sector and better sales for Cepsa Quimica.

TEKEVER, a drone company whose devices alert the Home Office to small boats in the English Channel, is considering a London stock market flotation.

Chief executive Ricardo Mendes said the company, which operates from a base in Kent, was growing well and it was likely to prepare to list within the “next few years.”

The company would prefer London if the listing were to take place in Europe, Mendes said, but added that New York was also a good option.

MEIRNAD SPENDER: Masorange chief executive stressed commitment to football.

Photo credit: grupomasmovil.com

Photo credit: CC/Whisper to me BP: London headquarter announced buoyant second-quarter earnings.

3I Group 3.008,00 3.064,20 2.979,00 225,93K Admiral Group 2.704,0 2.725,0 2.698,0 24,6K

Airtel Africa 111,20 112,10 110,80 276,24K

Anglo American 2.303,0 2.323,5 2.284,0 196,03K

Antofagasta 1.922,20 1.922,20 1.893,78 63,72K

Ashtead Group 5.342,0 5.400,0 5.324,0 40,61K

Associated British Foods 2.465,0 2.477,0 2.442,0 46,68K AstraZeneca 12.586,0 12.640,0 12.466,0 210,31K

Auto Trader Group Plc 800,20 804,00 797,00 84,88K

Aviva 485,00 486,30 481,10 1,1M

B&M European Value Retail SA 453,90 455,70 451,40 252,55K

BAE Systems 1.268,50 1.269,50 1.234,50 607,91K Barclays 218,85 221,30 216,65 19,47M

Barratt Developments 527,20 535,60 523,60 239,3K

Beazley 655,50 656,50 646,00 266,45K

Berkeley 5.060,0 5.105,0 5.020,0 22,08K

BP 455,65 457,20 450,15 2,84M

British American Tobacco 2.794,0 2.807,0 2.784,0 488,87K

BT Group 138,05 138,60 136,85 3,33M

Bunzl 3.194,0 3.210,0 3.182,0 40,86K

Burberry Group 760,2 764,0 750,0 160,48K Centrica 130,06 130,70 127,80 1,05M Coca Cola HBC AG 2.830,0 2.840,0 2.814,0 28,81K Compass 2.374,00 2.391,00 2.367,00

No thanks

SPANISH train manufacturer Talgo has turned down Skoda Transportation’s takeover offer. As the Czech engineering company did not contemplate besting the Ganz-MaVag consortium’s offer of €5 per share, Talgo replied that it did not consider this an “adequate moment” to consider a merger.

BT to WPP

PHILIP JANSEN, former chief executive of BT, is replacing Roberto Quarta as chairman of London-based WPP, the world’s largest advertising company. Jansen will join the WPP board in September, taking over in January 2025 on a £575,000 (€681,539) salary.

Reeves’ NatWest backtrack

THE UK’s new Chancellor Rachel Reeves has abandoned plans to sell the government’s NatWest’s holding to ordinary investors.

NatWest, which received a £45.5 billion (€53.9 billion) bailout in 2008, welcomed the announcement on July 29.

“We welcome the Chancellor’s commitment to returning NatWest Group to full private ownership,” a spokesperson commented.

“This is a shared ambi-

Banks chip in

CRITERIACAIXA has obtained a €1.65 billion syndicated loan that will finance the shares acquired in Telefonica, ACS and the Colonial real estate company.

CriteriaCaixa, is a holding company owned solely by the La Caixa Banking Foundation, which is also CaixaBank’s primary shareholder.

More than 20 banks were involved in the operation coordinated and backed

by Societe Generale that was oversubscribed by €4.65 billion and would have practically tripled the original loan.

The €1.65 billion has been split into a €1.15 billion bridging loan to be repaid within a year, with the possibility of two six-month extensions. The second amount of €500 should be repaid within three years, with an additional 12 months if required.

Reeves’ predecessor at the Treasury had intended to offer the shares at a discounted price to promote takeup but these plans were put on hold when the then prime minister, Rishi Sunak, called a snap election for July 4.

The Chancellor said that the previous government’s scheme would not have made good use of public money, with the retail share sale costing taxpayers up to £450 million (€533 million).

She implied that the bank’s remaining 20 per cent holding would now be sold to large, institutional investors and said that the government still intended to “fully exit” NatWest during the 2025-2026 financial year.

Meanwhile, NatWest disclosed that it had already spent £24 million (€28.4 million) on the abandoned retail share scheme, which included advertising and other overheads.

Looking ahead

ON presenting its halfyear results, the BBVA bank announced a record net profit of €5 billion, 29 per cent more than during the first half of 2023. Should its hostile Sabadell takeover bid succeed, BBVA revealed that it would save €300 million by closing 300 of 870 BBVA and Sabadell branches located within 500 metres of each other.

Asda therapy

WITH Asda shares falling 5.9 per cent over the last quarter, co-owner Mohsin Issa announced a £30 million (€35.5 million) cash injection to offset the retailer’s declining market share, making it the only major supermarket chain to lose customers. The extra cash will be used to boost staff hours and improve customer service levels.

tion that we believe is in the best interests of both

the bank and all our shareholders.”

Photo credit: FB Rachel Reeves

RACHEL REEVES: Cancelled NatWest retail share sale

You can’t make it up

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

ONCE again, not quite sure where to start this week. Certainly don’t wish to enter any controversy concerning the UK heart and soul wrenching tragedy that took the lives and injured the innocent children and adults of the dance school in Southport. Safe to hope that no excuses whatsoever are accepted for this horrendous act and that true justice prevails.

Let’s just wait and see. Of course the rioting and violence that has ensued since this attack is precisely what I’ve been warning about for years, right back to where a number of readers often accused me of ‘another Leapy rant’. Mmm - all gone a bit quieter now!

One thing I will refer to is Starmer vowing to stamp out the ‘far right wing’ hooligans he says are responsible. One hundred and twenty were arrested on the first night of rioting and demonstrations. Does he actually consider the thousands of disgruntled British citizens who also

participated across the country were all far right hooligans? Somehow I think not.

Perhaps some immigration control would begin to resolve the true core of the problem. What he also failed to mention (surprise, surprise) were the riots by the Asian youths who burnt a bus, attacked police and upended cars in Leeds a few nights earlier and another mob who, on Saturday, crowded the streets of Stoke waving machetes and knives; funny that. No further mentions by the leftie media either.

The police actually did manage to arrest 20. A night in the cells and a slap on the wrist I shouldn’t wonder! Personally I don’t condone any of it. But for sure there is something glaringly out of order somewhere.

I actually see the extreme lefties of the Labour political alliance causing their party to collapse before it even gets started.

Now we come to the exchange of prisoners between Russia and the West. Amazing to see it all occur in the run up to the US presidential elections. This has to be a political conspiracy, one that I find glaringly

obvious. It gives a tremendous lift for the possible reelection of the Democratic Party.

Putin certainly doesn’t want a rival of Trump’s Republican stature in command of his most powerful opposition on earth.

He is fully aware that the Biden/ Harris opposition is utterly incompetent and no real antagonists for any future Russian aggression, (remember Afghanistan?), so he’s jumped at the chance to get some of his violent cronies back and at the same time give a lift to the popularity of a mishmash of losers he knows he can walk all over.

You really couldn’t make it up. Just a last word to the Starmer/Rayner pack of fabricators and ultimate power seekers. How come they have found it necessary to cut off the fuel allowance to British Old age pensioners and charge the over 75s for their TV licence, but can still support and finance benefits and accommodation to literally millions of foreign immigrants? Just asking.

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.

Silent revolution

AS of last summer, women in Helsinki can now enjoy the beach without wearing bikini tops if they choose.

Remarkably, the city implemented this change without making an official announcement, allowing residents to discover the update on their own.

City officials explained that this approach was chosen because there had been no significant complaints regarding toplessness on the beach. Complaints typically involved full nudity, and, as a result, bikini bottoms and swim trunks are still required on Helsinki beaches.

Nevertheless, there appears to be an unspoken aspect to this policy change, as the authorities have remained notably silent about their progressive move.

In Finland, public acts that cause distress to others may be considered ‘sexual immorality,’ though what precisely qualifies as such is not always straightforward. This issue reflects a somewhat ambiguous area in an otherwise progressive society, known for its sauna culture.

The change is linked to broader concerns of equality. Kerttu Hynni, head of the city of Helsinki’s recreation team, acknowledged that there had been previous inquiries about this matter.

In an interview with Helsingin Sanomat, Hynni referenced the period between 2019 and 2021 when feminist activists held topless flash mob events to push for the ban’s removal.

Nallikari beach, Baltic Sea, Oulu, Finland.

Image: Popova Valeriya / Shutterstock.com.

Sustainable diet

RESEARCHERS found that following a sustainable diet doesn’t just preserve the environment but improves human longevity, preventing cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

“We really need to think about this to protect our own health,” highlighted a Swedish professor of public health sciences, Scäfer Elinder.

A study in Sweden proved that a climate-friendly diet can reduce the risk of dying prematurely by as much as 3 per cent.

It was revealed that reducing animal protein con-

sumption; cutting down on red meat, not only benefited one’s health but helped preserve the environment due to the difficulty of beef production.

The study encouraged people to choose instead a plant-based protein, including lentils and beans for a nutritionally balanced diet.

One would also contribute to both their health and nature by purchasing local and seasonal vegetables and fruits, reducing mass production.

Limiting ultra-processed foods would also greatly

prove personal health and preserve the environment, as these foods require a large amount of energy, water and additives, which are moreover harmful to humans.

“We would get reduced greenhouse gas emissions

Nature’s medicine

MENOPAUSE brings various symptoms that can disrupt daily life, including hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Among the natural remedies available, black cohosh stands out as one of the best herbs for combating menopause symptoms.

Black cohosh, a perennial plant native to North America, has been used for centuries to address women’s health issues. It is particularly effective in reducing hot flashes and night sweats, common complaints during menopause. The herb works by influencing hormone levels, although it does not contain hormo-

nes itself. Instead, it mimics the effects of oestrogen, helping to balance hormonal fluctuations.

Additionally, black cohosh can help alleviate mood swings and improve sleep quality. Its anti-inflammatory properties contribute to overall well-being, making it a comprehensive choice for managing menopausal discomforts.

Black cohosh is widely available and easy to purchase. You can find it in health food stores, pharmacies and online.

While generally safe, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any herbal supplement. , as

and reduced eutrophication, water consumption and land use,” suggested Elinder, encouraging people to take care not only of themselves but the world around them.

Shave or save?

THE topic of whether men should shave their armpits often sparks debate, balancing personal preference, hygiene, and societal norms. Traditionally, body hair on men has been seen as a sign of masculinity. However, recent trends suggest a shift in public perception, with more men opting to shave or trim their armpit hair.

Hygiene is a key consideration. Shaving can reduce sweat and odour, as hair traps moisture and bacteria. Athletes and individuals leading active lifestyles might find this particularly beneficial. On the other hand, some men experience irritation or ingrown hairs from shaving, making trimming a preferable option.

Public perception is evolving. Younger generations, influenced by social media and changing beauty standards, increasingly view grooming as gender-neutral. Surveys indicate a growing acceptance of men shaving their armpits, with many appreciating the clean look and improved hygiene.

Robotic surgery

ONE brave boy, age seven, became the first in the UK to undergo robotic surgery for kidneys.

Reece WIlton, from Hampshire, underwent an operation at Southampton Children’s Hospital involving the Versius Surgical Robotic System.

Reece was diagnosed with pelviureteric junction obstruction, a restriction to the flow of urine from the renal pelvis to the ureter.

The Versius Surgical Robotic System uses small instruments to allow surgeons to perform complex and precise operations.

During the surgery, it was remotely controlled by Dr Ewan Brownlee.

Dr Brownlee controlled the robot’s dexterous arms to remove part of Reece’s kidney and stitch him back up.

Reece’s father, Ashley Wilton, expressed the fear he felt before the operation, however, after the operation, Ashley said he was in disbelief at how quickly his son had returned to his healthy self.

Dr Brownlee said the

robotic surgery has clear benefits for patients, including quicker healing time and smaller scars, stating “The hope is if we can prove this is successful it can be rolled out around the country and then maybe around the world.”

Versius’ robotic system is part of a study involving 150 patients, with the trial now being expanded to Manchester and London, hoping to help other kids just like Reece.

Reece Wilton is the first in the UK to undergo robotic surgery.

Credit: Jane Trang Doan, Pexels

ADVERTISING FEATURE

How ignoring hearing loss can lead to Dementia

HEARING loss is a common issue, especially among older adults, but it often goes untreated or isn’t managed well. This neglect can have serious consequences beyond just difficulty in hearing; it can significantly increase the risk of developing dementia.

Hearing Loss and Dementia: What’s the Connection?

Research has shown a strong link between hearing loss and dementia. Dr Frank Lin from Johns Hopkins University found that people with mild hearing loss are twice as likely to develop dementia compared to those with normal hearing. The risk increases with the severity of hearing loss: three times higher for those with moderate loss and five times higher for severe loss.

Why Does Hearing Loss Affect the Brain?

There are several reasons why

hearing loss can lead to cognitive decline. One idea is that struggling to hear puts extra strain on the brain. When the brain is busy trying to make sense of sounds, it has fewer resources for other tasks like memory and thinking, which can lead to cognitive decline over time.

Another reason is that hearing loss often leads to social isolation. When people can’t hear well, they might avoid social situations, leading to loneliness and depression, both of which are known to increase the risk of dementia.

Additionally, hearing loss might actually change the brain’s structure.

Studies have shown that people with hearing loss experience faster brain shrinkage, especially in areas related to memory and cognition. This physical change could make dementia more likely.

The Benefits of Early Treatment

Despite the clear connection between hearing loss and dementia, many people delay getting treatment. Hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other

devices can greatly improve hearing and overall quality of life. They can also reduce the cognitive burden caused by untreated hearing loss.

Research suggests that using hearing aids early can slow

down or even prevent cognitive decline. A study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that hearing aid users had a slower rate of memory decline compared to those who didn’t use them. This shows how important early detection and treatment are.

Conclusion

The link between hearing loss and dementia highlights the need for proactive hearing care. Addressing hearing loss early can reduce its impact on cognitive functions and possibly delay dementia.

As our population ages, focusing on hearing health could help lower the rates of dementia and improve life quality for many people.

Public health strategies should promote regular hearing checks and timely use of hearing aids or other devices to protect brain health.

Book your hearing test with us now - Call 698 418 642 Calle Los Arcos 17, Ciudad Quesada 03170 • Opening times: Monday - Friday: 8:00 - 15:00 • Closed Saturday & Sunday contact@proteawellnessaudiology.es • www.proteawellnessaudiologoy.es

Tom of Protea Wellness can help you with advice.

Heat’s effect on the brain

AMID another record-setting year for high temperatures, in which 80 per cent of Spanish municipalities are under a temperature warning, recent studies have illustrated the link between high heat and cognitive function.

The brain is a particularly sensitive organ to heat, and recent studies have illustrated the brain’s decreased performance when exposed to prolonged, extreme heat.

Sandra Gimenez, a neurophysiologist at the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau in Barcelona, expanded on the subject, explaining the link between high temperatures and cloudiness in the brain.

“Extreme heat affects all the cognitive functions of the brain: our ability to react, our response capacity, memory, etc. Everything becomes much harder; we go much slower,” said Gimenez. “We are not going to say that neurons melt, but there is an effect. Performance is much poorer in high temperatures.”

This comes as Spain grapples with a sweltering heatwave, June saw all-time record temperatures, and

July saw little derivation.

In addition to hampering the brain’s ability to function as normal, extreme heat is also linked to difficulties for people with schizophrenia as the brain struggles to regulate impulses and can cause episode flare-ups for individuals with mood disorders.

INTERVIEW

Speaking European

Sjoerd Nuij (The Singing Dutchman)

“I moved to live,” said Sjoerd about his decision to leave the Netherlands for a life in Spain.

AFTER quitting his job and selling his house, Sjoerd moved to El Campello with his wife and children three years ago. He shared that in Spain they are finally able to “live life” to its fullest.

“I used to work excessively,” Sjoerd said; “I didn’t en joy that part of my life at all.” When living through the Covid-19 crisis in the Netherlands however, he realised that almost all work can be done remotely. Now, living in Spain, he feels like his life is “one big holiday.”

In Spain, Sjoerd works remotely, often from home and gets to spend more time with his family. He also discove-

red a new passion, after singing in front of a live audience at an open-mic event. Sjoerd was used to performing as a drummer but hadn’t realised that people liked his voice.

So he decided to start build up a career as The Singing Dutchman. Now, it is an essential part of his life.

Sjoerd highlighted that even with English and Dutch languages alone, he’s been able to make tons of friends as there is a vast amount of expats in the area. He is currently learning Spanish with Duolingo and is pretty optimistic about the future; “We plan to spend the rest of our lives here.”

Lanzarote’s liquid loot!

FROM afar, the vineyards of Lanzarote seem deserted, with their vast, jet-black terrain etched by cone-shaped hollows, reminiscent of giant thumbprints pressed into the earth. Yet, a closer look reveals each crater cradling a vine at its core.

Situated just 127km from Africa, Lanzarote stands as the easternmost gem of the Canary Islands, a volcanic archipelago. While its landscape echoes a lunar vista, it also evokes a prehistoric Earth.

The volcanoes of Timanfaya National Park last erupted in 1824, but it was the devastating series starting in 1730 that reshaped life. Blanketing a quarter of the island, lava wiped out villages, causing famine and emigration. But leaving a blessing in disguise: a layer of volcanic ash called picón.

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

Winemaking, a tradition dating back to the 15th century, was low-key until the eruptions. Necessity spurred innovation for the island’s resilient residents. Grappling with the barren landscape, they discovered grapevines thrived in the ash-rich soil.

Despite scant rainfall, fierce trade winds and dust storms, farmers devised ingenious solutions. They dug conical hollows, using the picón to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Thus, a wine region blossomed from adversity.

In Lanzarote, the vineyards stand as a testament to human ingenuity and nature’s resilience, a story etched in every sip of its unique wines. Cheers!

Me? I’m on a whisky diet. Last week I lost three days!

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.

Sjoerd Nuij.

Credit: Sjoerd Nuij

News from Our Other 6 Newspapers

Costa del Sol Hope for water supply

THE Concepción reservoir is offering some hope to the water supply for the Costa del Sol for the rest of this summer.

With a total of 33.97 cubic hectometres of water, 59.04 per cent of its total capacity, the Concepción reservoir that supplies many of the Costa del Sol’s towns is entering August looking better than it did this time last year. Currently the healthiest looking reservoir in the province, far better than Limonero at only 18 per cent capacity, or Viñuela, whose reserves barely reach 16 per cent, the Concepción is going to guarantee water supply to the Costa del Sol for the remainder of August.

However, rains at the end of August and beginning of September will be essential to start a new cycle without the pressure of the previous one. In the meantime, works continue to provide new water resources with the expansion of the Marbella desalination plant and the installation of a second desalination plant, between Mijas and Torremolinos.

Axarquia

Hot summer for hotels

HOTEL occupancy on the eastern coast of Axarquia hit over 82 per cent in July. According to the Association of Hotel Entrepreneurs of the Costa del Sol (Aehcos), August is looking even better, with predictions nearing 88 per cent.

Aehcos shared that hotels in Malaga Province saw an occupancy rate of 86.66 per cent in July. This is a slight improvement from July 2023, which had 84.63 per cent. International tourists made up 70 per cent of this, while local tourists were 30 per cent.

José Luque, the president of Aehcos, mentioned that this rise in occupancy is great news for the hotel sector. But he’s also a bit worried about the slowdown in future bookings from the national market. This cautious trend means they need to be careful with their predictions for the coming months, though they’re still hopeful for a good summer season.

Mallorca Filming reality show

CHRIS HEMSWORTH, the iconic Thor, will be shooting a reality show in Mallorca in August. This is the latest in a long line of high-profile productions choosing the island as their backdrop.

The Balearic Islands have become a hot spot for the film industry. More than 100 commercials are shot here annually, and the number of feature films and short films is on the rise. From the independent charm of productions like Igor Fioravanti’s ‘Ibiza Dream’ to the star-studded allure of Francesca Joseph’s ‘Four Last Songs’ featuring Stanley Tucci, the islands offer a diverse canvas for storytelling.

It is clear that Mallorca’s star is on the rise. With its stunning beauty and growing reputation as a film-friendly destination, the island is set to continue its reign as the Mediterranean’s Hollywood.

Chris is married to Spanish actress Elsa Pataky. Her breakthrough role was in the Spanish TV series ‘Al salir de clase’.

Costa Blanca North Tourism development

WHILE there may be an ‘anti-tourist’ movement happening in parts of Spain at the moment, one town which wants to continue to attract visitors is Teulada-Moraira.

To achieve this, they have recently given the green light to a Tourism Sustainability Plan. This plan is set to benefit from a €2 million investment from EU Generation funds. Its primary goal is to foster tourism development that is balanced and sustainable, and it encompasses a range of initiatives aimed at conserving the environment, enhancing the quality of life for locals, and encouraging responsible tourism.

The councillor for Tourism and European Funds, Susanne Katzgrau, said “This plan is an essential tool to ensure tourism development that benefits everyone while protecting the natural environment.”

The plan consists of several programme areas, including green and sustainable transition, improving energy efficiency, digital transition, parking sensorisation, and competitiveness.

Almeria Almeriport surge

THE Port of Almeria, on Wednesday, July 31, welcomed a new high-end cruise ship marking a significant event for the province’s tourism.

Cruise tourism in Almeria continues to grow as an exclusive destination within the luxury travel industry, welcoming more tourists into the port each year.

The Wind Surf, from the Windstar Cruises company, is the largest sailboat in the world with a length of 189 metres and a weight of 14,745 gross tonnes.

The Wind Surf arrived in the province’s capital on Wednesday and brought with it 342 guests and 210 crew members, allowing them all to enjoy and explore the beauty of Almeria. The sailing ship is making an eight-day route through the Mediterranean, visiting other cities including; Palma de Mallorca, Cartagena, Malaga, Gibraltar and Cadiz.

The arrival of this superior cruise ship to Almeria City is a fantastic opportunity for the province’s tourism, with an influx of almost 350 guests, and more including the crew.

Costa Calida Lend a hand at Hugo’s

HUGO’S Home Farm is looking to expand and is seeking local volunteers to help make it happen.

The farm, in a small Spanish village near Camposol, aims to increase its capacity from nine to 18 horses but needs community support to achieve this. To ensure the animals receive the best care, local volunteers are needed for various roles. These include feeding, grooming, and general maintenance, with opportunities to also help with smaller animals like meerkats and parrots.

Volunteering at Hugo’s Home Farm offers a chance to learn about horse care, enjoy the outdoors, and contribute to a positive environment. The farm provides training for those interested in working with horses and invites volunteers to help with gardening and maintenance tasks as well.

Volunteer shifts are available from 8-10.30am and 5-7.30pm. Whether residents or seasonal visitors, those willing to commit a few hours weekly are encouraged to join and help support the farm.

PETS

Kitty catwalk

TRAINING your cat to walk on a leash can be a rewarding experience, offering safe outdoor exploration. Start by choosing a comfortable, well-fitting harness designed for cats. Allow your cat to get used to the harness indoors by letting them wear it for short periods, gradually increasing the time.

Attach the leash to the harness and let your cat drag it around to familiarise themselves with the new sensation. Use treats and praise to create positive associa-

tions. Once your cat is comfortable, gently guide them with the leash indoors before venturing outside.

Ensure the outdoor environment is safe and free from potential hazards like busy roads or aggressive animals. Always supervise your cat closely during walks to prevent accidents or escapes. With patience and positive reinforcement, many cats can learn to enjoy leash walks, providing them with mental stimulation and physical exercise.

CARING for your pet’s paw pads is essential for their comfort and health. Therefore it is essential to regularly check their paws for cuts, cracks, or foreign objects. Cleaning their paws with a damp cloth after walks to remove dirt and debris will help with an unwanted infection. For protection, consider using paw boots, especially in extreme weather conditions. Boots shield against hot pavements, icy roads, and rough terrain, preventing injuries and burns. Ensure they fit snu-

Bella could be cared for by free pet-sitters

WHEN Bella was a puppy her owners took her with them everywhere, when they were out to dinner and when they went on holiday. Now she is a relatively big dog at nearly three years old they’re planning to find a free checked pet-sitter from HouseSitMatch to care for her in her own home.

By joining a house-sitting platform like HouseSitMatch we facilitate an old-fashioned barter exchange where a pet owner provides the pet-sitter with free accommodation and the sitter cares for the pets and property with due care and attention, just like old fashioned barter.

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, 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 homeowner 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.

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.9 / 5 Excellent

My neighbours tell us Harry had plenty of walks… Sherel and John looked after Harry early April. They sent photos and mails to inform us how he was getting on. My neighbours tell us Harry had plenty of walks. Sherel and John are very nice people, and we highly recommend them as excellent sitters.

Tom C - homeowner in Mojacar

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.

TIP ‘Windows to Wellness’

PET depression is real and can manifest as lethargy, loss of appetite, withdrawal, or changes in behaviour. Causes include major changes or loss. Consult your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Paws in boots

gly but comfortably. Paw pads are another great option. These adhesive pads offer a layer of protection while maintaining flexibility. For daily care, apply paw wax to keep pads moisturised and supple. Wax forms a protective barrier against harsh surfaces and chemicals, reducing the risk of cracking. Regularly trim your pet’s nails to prevent overgrowth and discomfort. With these measures, you can ensure your pet’s paws remain healthy and resilient year-round.

Meet Bella the Golden Retriever who goes everywhere with her owners.

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

Child safety - essential guidelines

ENSURING the safety of children in cars is a critical responsibility for parents and guardians, particularly when travelling in Spain. Spanish law mandates specific measures to protect young passengers, reflecting a commitment to reducing road accidents and injuries.

In Spain, children under 135 cm in height must use an appropria-

A Peugeot Success

THE commercial launch of the new PEUGEOT E-3008 is a true success with 50,000 orders recorded to date, within just two months of going on sale across Europe. Twenty-five per cent are for the 100 per cent electric version.

Launched in March in France and then extended to major European markets in May, the PEUGEOT E-3008 continues its conquest, far exceeding its targets.

This success confirms PEUGEOT’s commitment to supporting its customers in their transition to electrification by consistently offering a vehicle that meets their needs.

With an electric mix of 25 per cent (which is above the segment average), the PEUGEOT E-3008 excites with its innovative concept.

Designed, developed, and manufactured in France (Sochaux), this Fastback SUV embodies French technological excellence and revolutionises standards with its bold design. It prioritises driving pleasure thanks to its spectacular Panoramic i-Cockpit®.

The majority of orders are for the high-end (GT) version of the PEUGEOT E-3008, which strengthens the brand’s upper mainstream strategy.

te child restraint system (CRS). These systems vary based on the child’s age, weight, and height, ensuring maximum protection. Infants and toddlers should be placed in rear-facing car seats, which provide better support for their developing neck and spine. Children under 135 cm must travel in the back seat of the car. This rule minimises the risk of injury from front-seat airbags and other potential hazards. Exceptions are allowed if the vehicle has no rear seats, if the rear seats are already occupied by other children in car seats, or if the rear seats cannot accommodate a car seat.

Ensuring that the child restraint system is correctly installed is crucial. Misaligned or loosely fitted seats can compromise safety. Regularly check that the current seat still meets the child’s requirements and upgrade to the next stage seat when necessary. Failure to comply with child safety laws in Spain can result in significant fines and penalty points on the driver’s licence. More importantly, non-compliance can put children at serious risk in the event of an accident.

ROAD TEST

By Mark Slack

THERE was a time when you would mention electric cars to even the least car aware person and it’s highly likely they’d mention Tesla. It’s been the EV brand of choice, and remained relatively uncha llenged. However, there’s an increasingly cool, trendy and eminently capable rival that’s somewhat dented Tesla’s top slot.

Polestar has slowly but surely been a thorn in Tesla’s premium position, as far as EV popular culture is concerned, since it launched back in 2019. An offshoot of Swedish car maker Volvo, and parent company Geely in China, Polestar has made impressive progress in the motoring cons ciousness of drivers, thanks largely to the Polestar 2.

Polestar 2 - practical and effortless EV

premium feel. As with the exterior of the car it’s the archetypal less is more effect that has been executed so well by Polestar.

While not carrying the sleek and smooth exterior of many EVs, the Polestar 2 has a determined and muscular stance. Inside there’s a definite Scandinavian vibe with a range of stylish treatments and the build quality is superb. It’s an extremely nice place to conduct your daily driving.

Facts at a Glance

Model: Polestar 2 (Standard range, Single motor)

Engine: 200kw/268bhp electric motor with 69kWh Lithium-ion battery

Gears: Automatic

Price: €52,072/£43,950

Performance: 0 – 100kph/60 mph 6.2 secs Max speed 204kph/127 mph

Range: 497km/339 miles

Emissions: 0 g/km C02

A large central screen, which still doesn’t cut it over buttons in my view, is relatively intuitive with beautifully clear graphics.

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

Prices start from €52,072/£43,950 and standard features across all Polestar 2 models include such items as wireless phone charging, dual zone climate control, power seats. Rain sensors, LED lights with adaptive hi beam, powered, heated and folding door mirrors. On the road the Polestar has a certain something which makes it special. Power delivery is smooth and effortless with admirable insulation from road and wind noise.

On the power front you can have a standard single motor with rear wheel drive, a long-range version and then a long-range dual motor and dual motor performance pack with all dual motor models having all-wheel-drive. A refresh last year has seen increased mileage range from 497km/339 miles all the way through to 653km/406 miles dependent upon model. In my experience the Polestar comes pretty close to meeting its range expectations. As with combustion powered cars it all depends on how you drive. However you look at it though these ranges, even in real world driving, make the Polestar one of the most useable and practical EVs. If you’re in the market for an EV then Polestar quite simply has to be on your potential purchase list.

Although the interior is most definitely minimalist there’s no loss of

Olympic pole vault record

SWEDEN’S Armand

‘Mondo’ Duplantis once again proved his dominan ce in pole vaulting by retai ning his Olympic title and breaking his own world re cord in a thrilling display at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The 24-year-old athlete saw off strong competition from silver medallist Sam Kendricks of the USA and Greece’s Emmanouil Ka ralis, who secured bronze. Duplantis showcased his incredible talent and composure by clearing 6.10 metres on his first at tempt, surpassing Thiago Braz’s Olympic record of 6.03 metres set at the Rio 2016 Games. This remar kable feat set the stage for an even more astounding achievement. With the Olympic title

Greatest pole vaulter.

Heart-warming message

RAFAEL NADAL, one of tennis’s most revered champions, reached out to his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz with a heart-warming message following Alcaraz’s defeat to Novak Djokovic in the men’s singles final at Paris 2024. Alcaraz, who had recently claimed the Wimbledon title, put up a valiant fight but ultimately had to settle for a silver medal after Djokovic triumphed 7-6, 7-6 on the

The final was a gripping encoun ter, showcasing the skills and resilien ce of both players. Alcaraz’s powerful groundstrokes and agility kept the match tightly contested, pushing Djokovic to his limits. Despite the narrow loss, Alcaraz’s performance further cemented his status as one of the game’s fu

Earlier in the tournament, Djokovic had eliminated Rafael Nadal in the se cond round with a 6-1, 6-4 victory. This set the stage for his

dal took to social media to express his pride and support for Alcaraz. “Carlos, you played with great heart and skill. This silver medal is a tremendous achievement, and your future in tennis is incredibly bright. Keep believing and working hard. Spain is proud of you!”

Nadal’s message reflects the deep camaraderie and mutual respect among Spanish tennis players. Alcaraz responded with gratitude, thanking Nadal for his support

Alcaraz with his silver medal.