Tourists welcome
FOLLOWING the recent anti-tourism demonstrations that have been held in Mallorca, the Association of Distributors (ADED) has launched an initiative to promote tourism in the Balearics.
According to Diario de Mallorca , the campaign begins with the association asking members of the local community if they can honestly say that amongst their family and close circle of friends, they don’t know a single person who doesn’t live off the tourist industry, be it directly or indirectly. It urges locals to put themselves in the place of visitors who have
been recipients of ‘tension, discomfort or […] minor aggression’ and ask themselves if they would want to be received in such a way during their own travels.
The ADED campaign aims to offer tourists, who may have been put off by previous treatment from locals or hostile anti-tourism reports, a warmer welcome into the Balearics.
The association warns that if residents don’t work to create a more inviting holiday destination, the economy will suffer and the outcome will inevitably be the same as that which the islands ex-
perienced during the pandemic of 2020/2021, when an SOS Tourism was declared.
ADED acknowledges that there are many issues that need to be resolved, including the impact that the tourism industry has on local resources.
However, it highlights that abuse of any sort, be it verbal, physical or in writing (eg via negative graffiti such as ‘Tourists go home’), is not an appropriate way of dealing with these problems and reminds locals that without the tourists, many residents would lose their livelihood.
Thai Queen sets sail
QUEEN SUTHIDA, the queen consort of Thailand, is in Mallorca supporting her regatta team for the 52 Super Series, a sailing event labelled as the Formula 1 of the sea. The event, which commenced in Puerto Portals on Monday August 26, is comprised of 13 boats and includes participants from nine countries across the globe.
The Queen, who is a member of one of the wealthiest monarchies worldwide, is accompanied by a number of security staff and assistants, and will be cheering the Thai crew members on as they fight
to win the regatta.
The 52 Super Series was first established in 2012 and soon became a world-renowned event.
It is the first time Queen Suthida has visited Mallorca and as well as supporting her national team, she plans to explore the island and enjoy some of the local sights.
Defying expectations
AUSTRALIAN actor Chris Hemsworth has arrived in Mallorca ready to embark on his latest project, in which he will collaborate with the National Geographic to film the new series of reality show, ‘Limitless’.
The show, which is the brain-child of Darren Oronofsky (Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan, The Whale) is based on testing one’s strength of mind and defying expectations. Throughout the series, Hemsworth aims to embrace life and undertake challenges which seek to push him to his limits and prove his inner potential.
The actor became a worldwide name for his performance as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and is no stranger to Mallorca having holidayed in the Balearics last summer with his family on a classic Mallorcan yacht which was previously used to take visitors to and from the island of Cabrera.
‘Limitless’ is set to be filmed in various picturesque locations around the island, and will be produced by local company Palma Pictures, which has previously worked with Hollywood stars such as Adam Sandler and Nicole Kidman.
Mallorca • Issue No. 2043 • 29
GRATIS GRATIS GRATIS
Queen Suthida is supporting her regatta team. (Photo Credit, Mar Coello)
A crowded beach in summer.
Mallorca suffers most delays
A RECENT report by Simply Flying found budget airlines easyJet and Ryanair to have suffered the most flight delays this summer, with flights between the UK and Mallorca being the most badly affected. Delays have been particularly bad between Palma de Mallorca and Gatwick, which has a high of 45 delays so far this summer, and Manchester, ranking second with 28 delays to date [EUclaim]. Heathrow has so far suffered the most cancellations and airlines Jet2 and Thomsonfly have also been subject to notable delays.
When French air traffic controllers went on strike back in April after disputes with the national government, thousands of flights were delayed or cancelled. However, despite the strike having
ended months ago, the issue of flight disruption continues.
A study by EUclaim has centred predominantly on flights with delays of more than three hours, and suggests that the issues with keeping to the strict flight schedules have been caused by a combination of IT problems, air traffic control restrictions and a lack of airport staff. Since the pandemic an imbalance between a lack of air traffic controllers, combined with an increase in people wanting to travel, has been attributed in great part to disruptions across the region. Ryanair, aware of the negative impact the delays could have on the airline itself, is calling for air traffic control to be reassessed and reformed, and for the issue to be tackled properly.
Taxis overwhelmed
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES and taxi services are overwhelmed during high season, according to a statement made by Biel Moragues, the president of Mallorca’s Taxis-Pimem. In an interview with Cadena SER he claims that the situation is out of control and he is endeavouring to find a solution.
Othman Ktiri, the CEO of OK Mobility, suggests that more hire cars are brought in, but Moragues is adamant that this is not the solution, highlighting that roads across the island are already struggling to cope with the volume of traffic, and pointing out how detrimental this is, both to local residents and visitors.
He insists that public transport services need to be re-evaluated and improved in order to provide some kind of
relief, particularly in Palma, taking into account the Metro - which he says lacks capacity - and the planned tram system, as well as buses and taxis, the latter two of which desperately need more drivers.
Moragues says the problem is connected to the sheer number of tourists, who also exhaust other commodities such as water consumption and cause problems in the housing sector since many locals still rent their properties out to tourists illegally, a fact he claims is proven by the quantity of calls the taxi company receives requesting a taxi to areas of Palma where no hotels are present. Moragues is also standing up for his profession by seeking the truth around a complaint from a local woman about the behaviour of taxi drivers, which was reported without evidence or details of the alledged offence [Pere Morell, Diario de Mallorca, 14/08/2024].
Biel Moragues said the situation is out of control.
(Photo Credit: B.Ramon, Diario de Mallorca)
(Photo Credit, Shutterstock)
Delays have been caused by a combination of problems.
Destination Dupes
AS the end of summer approaches, many holidaymakers will be gearing up for a last-minute getaway. For those on a budget, a new trend is gaining momentum across Europe, ‘destination dupes’. These are lesser-known, budget-friendly alternatives to some of the continent’s most popular and invariably overcrowded tourist spots.
This trend offers a perfect opportunity to explore new locations with the
same charm, beauty and cultural richness without the hefty price tags and overwhelming crowds. The concept of destination dupes is similar to the widespread fashion/ designer dupe phenomenon, where affordable alternatives to high-end products become the goto choice.
According to some travel experts, the demand for these alternative destinations stems from a growing desire among travellers to avoid the
drawbacks of tourist hotspots. These include long queues, inflated prices, and fully booked accommodations, which have become increasingly common in Europe’s most visited cities, particularly this year.
Travellers are increasingly seeking authentic experiences in quieter, less commercialised areas, driven by a combination of cost-effectiveness and the desire for a more intimate travel experience.
Melanie Fish, Chief Trend Tracker for Expedia Brands said, “Dupes are like cheaper versions of luxury brands. They are destinations that are a little unexpected, sometimes more affordable, but every bit as delightful as the tried-and-true places travellers love.”
Whether you’re looking for a quiet beach getaway, an exciting city break, or a scenic countryside retreat, there’s a destination dupe waiting to be discovered.
2024 European Dupes
SOME European Dupes to consider: Santorini: Paros o ers the iconic whitewashed buildings and the stunning Aegean Sea views that Santorini is famous for without the overwhelming tourist in ux.
Dalmatia: For the Croatian coast head to Istria instead of Split and Dubrovnik. Known for its picturesque towns like Rovinj, Istria o ers stunning Adriatic views, historical sites, and excellent cuisine at a fraction of the cost and with fewer tourists.
Stockholm: Stockholm is fantastic, but Bergen o ers similar Scandinavian charm, with colourful wooden houses, rich maritime history, a vibrant cultural scene, and a beautiful mountain backdrop.
London: London is often the rst city people think of when it comes to the UK, but Liverpool o ers a comparable experience with its own northern twist. It’s home to The Beatles, has a thriving arts scene, and has a rich naval history. It also o ers a more a ordable and less crowded cultural hub with its museums, galleries, and vibrant waterfront.
Lisbon: As Lisbon’s popularity has risen, so have prices and tourist numbers. Palermo, the capital of Sicily, o ers a similar blend of history, architecture, and vibrant street life but is less popular with tourists.
Sevilla: Sevilla is popular for Andalucian charm, but Cordoba o ers a rich experience without the crowds. It’s home to the iconic Mezquita and embodies the essence of southern Spain.
SOME things to consider to make the most of your ‘destination dupe’
Do your research: When planning your trip to less popular destinations, it’s essential to conduct thorough research. For example, looking into accommodation options, transportation, and local attractions. Travel off-peak: To save money and avoid large crowds, consider travelling during the off-peak season. This can further reduce costs and provide a more serene travel experience.
Engage with locals: To truly immerse yourself in these destinations, try to engage with the local community. Take advantage of local markets, guided tours, and cultural events to interact with residents and gain a deeper understanding of the area. Engaging with locals will enrich your travel experience and create lasting memories.
Discover a destination dupe for a quiet beach getaway.
Credit: Shutterstock: song_about-summer
Cordoba, a destination dupe for Sevilla.
Credit: Pixabay
THE Department of Infrastructures of Palma City Council made the decision to cut down a tree in Plaza Llorenç Villalonga after a branch snapped off and fell into the street below on the morning of Thursday August 22. The branch somehow managed to fall without causing any damage to
the surrounding area and incredibly, despite Palma being at the height of the tourist season and bustling with both visitors and locals alike, no injury or harm was done to any passerby. For safety reasons and to avoid the risk
of further incident, the area surrounding the tree was immediately cordoned off and the tree was felled the same day.
The tree was of type Phitolacca and was one of 21 specimens identified by the local council back in January during a report by the Infrastructures Department as possible hazards to the community. Five trees in particular were identified as possible dangers to pedestrians, vehicles
and surrounding buildings and the felling of these trees was proposed. However, work was delayed due to an appeal by an opposing organisation.
In March, the court authorised the felling of the five trees in worst condition, with the remaining 16 trees - classed to be of moderate risk to the community - to be kept under close surveillance by the Department of Infrastructures.
Dangerous tree felled Asian wasp warning
THE Regional Ministry of Agriculture launched a campaign on Friday August 23 urging the public to be on the lookout for an invasive species of wasp that the Ministry body is trying to eradicate. The Asian wasp, which first arrived in Mallorca in 2015, is an insect which reproduces successfully at an astonishing rate, and could upset the balance of other native species of wasps across the island.
The Ministry highlights that so far this year a total of 10 colonies of Asian wasps have been identified across Mallorca, with nests located in Palma, Calvia, Soller and Mancor de la Vall. A document has been published on the government website to help the general public successfully distinguish between the Asian wasp and other species, and people are urged to contact the Species
Protection Service directly should they identify the presence of any Asian wasps.
The project, made possible by
collaboration from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fishing and the Environment, the Species Protection Service and Wildlife Recovery Centre, COFIB, with help from the University of the Balearic Islands, aims to intercept the reproduction of the wasps. Following a protocol whereby nests are seized and frozen in order for scientists to carry out tests on genetics to confirm the origin of the insects, the ultimate goal is to eradicate the species from Mallorca entirely and prevent it from spreading to the rest of the Balearics.
Notification of the species can be reported via the following means: Whatsapp 606 875 244 , email es pecies@dgmedinatural.caib.es or via COFIB’s invasive species line www. lineaverdecofib.es and Vespapp vesp app.uib.es/
The tree that was felled last Thursday formed one of the 16 trees not considered to be of high risk.
The felled tree in Plaza Llorenç, Villalonga.
Photo Credit, Ajuntamiento de Palma
Champagne on the seabed
LAST weekend a group of scuba divers embarked on a project to clean up the sea in the Portals Vells area of Mallorca and were shocked by what they found. The clean-up was organised by Eco Projects Mallorca, and spanned two days.
Out of a staggering 450 kilos of rubbish collected, 80 per cent was glass and consisted in part of thousands of empty Champagne bottles, which appear to have accumulated over the course of many years.
Discarded bottles littered the seabed, with some having been there so long they had to be dug out of the sand in order to be retrieved.
Portals Vells is a desirable place for boats to pass through, the majority of which are luxury yachts, with wealthy owners and guests who continue to throw bottles into the sea, despite raised awareness over the last few years of the issues of litter and the fragile marine ecosystem.
Part of the two-day pro-
Discarded bottles littered the seabed.
ject involved the cleaning of all items collected from the seabed, to ensure as much sand remained in the sea as possible. The bottles and other debris were taken away in a trailer.
According to professional diver and president of Eco Projects Mallorca, Thomas Heise, the 450 kilos of waste collected only amounted to some 25 per cent of discarded material on the seabed, a worrying statistic for an island renowned for its stunning beaches.
Archaeological sites supported
ON Thursday, August 22, the president of the Council of Mallorca, Llorenç Galmés, announced that the Council will be dedicating €600,000 to local governments across the island for the purpose of preserving, restoring, and promoting the historical value of archaeological sites across Mallorca.
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According to a press release by the Council, the decision was made during a meeting in the archaeological site of S’Illot, in which Galmés liaised with Antònia Roca, the executive vice-president and Councillor of Culture and Heritage. Galmés expressed the importance
(Photo Credit: EWN)
of the protection of Mallorca’s archaeological heritage, explaining that as it is so much “part of [local] culture, […] its conservation and dissemination is our responsibility.”
Through the funding of this initiative, Galmés aims to restore and recover archaeological culture and ensure that it is accessible to all.
Talaiots (ancient ruins dating back as far as the Bronze Age) can be found dotted across the landscape in the islands of Mallorca and Menorca, and although some have been carefully examined and explored by experts and converted into protected visitor attractions, many lie untouched and overgrown.
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Talaiots de Son Fornés, Montuïri.
Champagne by the sea, Pexels
Sevilla awoken by earthquake
MANY residents of southern Portugal and Andalucia were woken up on Monday August 26 by a 5.5 magnitude earthquake. Multiple calls came into 112 emergency services from towns that felt the shake at 6.11am. The epicentre of the quake just o the coast of Lisbon, Portugal, was strong enough to be felt as far away as Morocco.
The earthquake, which occurred at a depth of 28km, had an initial magnitude of 6.2 on the Richter scale in the Atlantic, while by the time it reached Sevilla, it registered 5.5, making it the strongest earthquake in the region in 15 years, according to seismologists. There were no immediate reports of serious damage or injuries and no tsunami warnings.
The quake was the strongest to hit along the coast of Portugal since 2009, when a 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck o the southern coast.
One of the worst seismic disasters happened in 1755, when a powerful earthquake killed up to 50,000 people, including 10,000 in Morocco. In the last seven days, Andalucia has registered 20 cases of seismic activity, the strongest being in Alboran at 3.7 magnitude on the Richter scale.
Drop-off charges
DRIVERS who are dropping off their loved ones at Britain’s airports have been advised that many airports have been increasing their dropoff zones over the past 12 months.
The RAC, an automotive services company based in Britain, warned motorists that most popular sites continue to increase the charges applied to their drop-off zones.
According to the RAC, prices across the board have increased by up to £1 since 2023, with some airports charging upwards of £7 to use convenient drop-off areas.
Major airports in the UK are continuing to increase their drop-off fees.
Due to the poor state of public transportation systems near airports, and general public access, most travellers have no choice but to use drop-off zones. Rob Dennis, RAC senior
policy officer, recognised this, stating “To have to pay £5, £6 or even £7 for the briefest of stops to simply open the boot and take some luggage out for a friend or loved one is bordering on the ridiculous.”
Dennis added that “if the alternatives are non-existent, expensive or unreliable then what choice do people really have?”
Referring to a study carried out by RAC, the airport with the most expensive dropoff zone fee is London Stansted, charging a whopping £7 for just 15 minutes.
Many other airports limit drivers to much shorter periods of time for a similar price, such as Leeds Bradford, which charges £6.50 for 10 minutes in the drop-off zone.
THE red ag was hoisted and L’Arenal beach in L’Hospitalet de l’Infant (Tarragona) closed early on August 22.
A security guard hired to keep an overnight watch over in atable slides and other oating attractions raised the alarm after catching a glimpse of a crocodile that he believed to be 1.5 metres long.
He said afterwards that he had also seen its tracks in the sand.
Local Police ocers and lifeguards scouring the beach, assisted by members of the region’s Rural Unit, found no trace of the crocodile, and the L’Arenal beach reopened later that morning although the precautionary yellow ag was own during the rest of the day.
Protección Civil, equivalent to Civil Defence, explained later to the Diario de Tarragona newspaper that only one person had claimed to see the crocodile and they had received no other reports.
Animal experts pointed out that crocodiles are freshwater animals and it was unusual to nd one in the sea, but added that they will sometimes seek salt water to heal a wound.
Earthquake hit off coast of Lisbon.
€7 to enter the EU from next year Nature efforts
Anna Akopyan
THE country with the most Blue Flag beaches in the world, at least 70,000 animal species and more than 10,000 plant species, Spain is renowned for its unique environment. But how successful is it in preserving its nature?
According to UNESCO, Spain occupies the first place in the world in biosphere reserves with 53 of such spaces across the country. These are territories which successfully balance environmental conservation, cultural diversity and economic development through the relationship between people and nature.
to rise across Spain, the residents of Barcelona are particularly frustrated about the deteriorating state of the environment.
Seventy-five per cent of the CO2 emissions from tourism come from aeroplane transport; used by 82 per cent of the visitors - Spain is also the most cruise-polluted country in Europe, with 14,496 metric tons of sulfur oxide released in 2017.
Evidently, Spanish authorities place a lot of effort into securing the country’s environment; Spain has dedicated 35.7 per cent of its land as a forest area and protected 27 per cent of its surface.
Adam Woodward
THE European Union is to introduce a €7 fee for UK citizens to enter EU countries as from the first half of next year.
The new scheme to be applied to people from 60 non-EU countries including the UK is looking like it will be introduced around May, 2025. The system is part the Entry/Exit Scheme (EES) - which will require non-EU travellers to register fingerprints and a photo instead of having their passport stamped - will start on November 10 this year.
With such an impressive environment comes the cost of high visitation, as millions of people from all over the world travel to discover Spain’s unique beauty.
As protests against tourism continue
But despite the efforts, more attention is granted to the country’s economy and its relationship with tourism, which continues to worry residents and environmental organisations.
But is it as Orwellian as some claim? Visas for citizens not on the list of 60 non-EU will be charged €80. This new €7 waiver is aimed at more frequent visitors from countries outside of the EU. Once ID has been es-
tablished and the waiver charge has been received, it will cover visitors from outside of the EU and Schengen zone, just like the US ESTA visa, and it will be valid for three years.
Further details are yet to be released by the EU, but part of the concept is to speed up entry and
exit at passport controls once implemented. Over 700 million visitors entered the Schengen zone last year, and this new system is also expected to make it more difficult for criminals and terrorists to enter Europe including cutting down on the use of fake passports.
Waiver will speed up passport control.
Credit: Riccardo, Pexels
Natural spaces in Spain.
Cost-of-living advantage
AMID the global cost-of-living crisis, Spain continues to offer a more affordable lifestyle compared to many European countries, making it an attractive destination for expatriates.
According to 2022 Eurostat data, Spanish households spend a smaller portion of their budget on essential expenses like housing, food and transportation than their counterparts in other EU countries.
Housing costs, including utilities, account for 22.3 per cent of a typical Spanish household’s budget. This is lower than the UK (25.7 per cent), France (26.2 per cent), and Germany (24.6 per cent). Groceries also take a smaller share of the budget in Spain, with households spending around 13 per cent, slightly below the EU average of 13.6 per cent. In contrast, UK households spend 16.7 per cent on food and non-alcoholic drinks.
Transportation costs in Spain represent 11.9 per cent of household budgets, compared to 13.1 per cent in the UK and 13.5 per cent in Germany. Spain’s well-developed public transport system further enhances its affordability. Healthcare spending in Spain is also notably low, at just 3.2 per cent of household budgets, significantly less than in France (4.6 per cent) and Germany (4.9 per cent).
Overall, Spain’s lower expenses on housing, food, transport and healthcare make it a cost-effective option for expatriates, especially when compared to popular destinations like the UK, France, Germany and Italy.
Despite rising living costs across Europe, Spain remains a top choice for those seeking a high standard of living without overspending.
Thirsty countries
WHEN it comes to drinking Europe has the lifestyle for it, but trends are changing creating healthier relationships with alcohol.
Alcohol consumption overall is on the decline in the EU, but only by 0.5 litres between 2010 and 2020.
To clarify, the World Health Organisation stated that “No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health.”
Nevertheless, Europe still has a big drinking culture across the conti-
nent, and may not always listen to the warnings.
Overall alcohol consumption is defined as the annual sales of pure alcohol in litres per person aged 15 and over; The data does not include unrecorded alcohol consumption, such as domestic or illegal production.
In the EU, overall alcohol consumption per person aged 15 years and over dropped by 2.9 litres in the last four decades, falling from 12.7 litres in 1980 to 9.8 litres in 2020,
which corresponds to a 23 per cent decrease.
Annually, on average every person, aged 15 years and above in the region, drinks 9.5 litres of pure alcohol; This is equivalent to 190 litres of beer, 80 litres of wine or 24 litres of spirits.
Of the ‘Big Four’, Germany had the highest amount of alcohol consumption at 10.6 litres, followed closely by France at 10.4 litres, Spain at 7.8 litres and Italy at 7.7 litres. The UK consumes on average 9.7 litres.
Which countries in Europe drink the most alcohol?
Spain offers an affordable lifestyle.
Credit: Pixabay.
It’s easy to hold onto what’s familiar, and Britons feel comfortable with premium bonds and ISAs. But besides the possibility of improving returns, once you leave the UK the tax incentives provided by these savings in the UK fall away and they become subject to tax in Spain.
Is it worth keeping premium bonds?
Premium bonds feel part of the fabric of British savings – it’s likely your parents and grandparents owned some and your first bonds may have been a gift from them. Your capital is protected by the Treasury, and you have the enticing possibility of winning a million pounds (although an incredibly slim probability). And, of course, their tax-free status is a compelling incentive. But does this mean you should keep yours, especially if you own many?
Investment returns
Although premium bonds are a form of savings product, whether you earn anything from them or not is essentially a gamble and down to luck. They do not provide any automatic interest earnings or capital growth, so their value is eroded over time by inflation, unless you happen to win big enough to com-
UK Premium Bonds and British expatriates
pensate.
What are the chances of winning big? The odds of winning anything from a single bond are one in 21,000. The odds of scooping the £1 million top prize from a single bond in one draw is one in 59,082,205,208.
Can expatriates own premium bonds?
Yes, you can, but it’s not that simple. As the National Savings & Investments (NS&I) website explains,
while they do have some customers outside the UK, you need a UK bank or building society account. It can only make payments to, or receive payments from, a UK account in your name.
The problem here is that, since Brexit, many UK banks have closed accounts belonging to EU residents because they don’t have the necessary regulation.
How premium bonds are taxed in Spain
Premium bonds are not tax free if you live in Spain though. If you win one of the prizes, you’ll share your good fortune with your local tax authority.
As a Spanish resident, any premium bond winnings are taxed with your other general income, at the scale rates of income tax of up to 49.5% in the Balearic Islands.
Some expatriates mistakenly think that since premium bonds
and ISAs are UK investments, they do not need to be declared in Spain. In fact, they do, and with today’s global automatic exchange of information, the Spanish tax authorities are informed about your UK investments.
Tax-efficient wealth management in Spain
There are very tax-efficient investment vehicles available to residents of Spain. With specialist advice, you could enjoy extremely favourable tax treatment on your capital investments. Speak to an adviser who can guide you on both UK and Spanish taxation and tax planning opportunities.
Taxation is not the only reason to review your savings and investments. Consider whether they are suitable for your life in Spain (for example, what currency should they be in?); your future expectations (will you stay in Spain or re-
turn to the UK in future?); your objectives (are you looking for income or growth?); your time horizon and your risk tolerance.
Too many people have portfolios which are no longer suitable for them today. You need personalised advice from a Spain based cross-border adviser providing holistic advice covering investments, tax efficiency and estate planning.
The tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual is advised to seek personalised advice.
Keep up to date on the financial issues that may affect you on the Blevins Franks news page at www.blevins franks.com.
By Cathal Rochford, Partner, Blevins Franks
MALLORCA
Tour and Taste
MALLORCA is home to some 100 bodegas, many of which offer visitors the opportunity to learn about wine production and enjoy sampling the local whites, reds and rosés.
Out of the many vineyards offering wine tours, it’s worth seeking out one of the slightly more exclusive ones which produce on a smaller scale to some of the bigger local names.
Son Prim, for example, sits on the outskirts of Sencelles and is an idyllic location for a wine tasting. The wines, made from French varieties of grape, are exceptional. Not to be missed is the bodega’s Blanc de Merlot, a wine which, despite being made from red grapes, is almost as clear as water and has an exquisite taste unlike any other.
Son Juliana, on the other side of Sencelles, offers full wine and dine experiences with a tour of the premises followed by a wine tasting served with a veritable feast of different local produce. The vineyard also has an olive grove and produces its own olive oil, and the bodega strives to be as ecologically friendly as possible. For a closer look into the history of wine making, family-run bodega Blanca Terra has its own museum.
A short video showing the family’s background in wi-
IF looking for something creative, entertaining and inspiring all at once, why not checkout one of the spectacles on offer at the Palma Auditorium?
For something the whole family will enjoy,
ne-making is followed by a tour around the outdoor museum which showcases how wine production has developed throughout the centuries. Guests are then treated to an explanation of modern wine making processes, before the all-important tasting at the end of the tour.
These are just a handful of Mallorca vineyards which are open to visitors and where learning about local agriculture and history is paired with the perfect amount of decadence.
MALLORCA is due to hold its very first International Balloon Festival this coming October. The event, to be held in Capdepera in collaboration with Illes Balears Ballooning, will run from October 23 to 27 and will include more than 20 balloons and pilots from across the world.
The event promises a spectacular display as the globes decorate the sky during the day, and dazzle the night with a multicoloured kaleidoscope of light. Set to the backdrop of the beautiful Capdepera landscape, the pilots themselves will enjoy views of the mountains, countryside and sea.
Anyone finding their interest piqued by the upcoming hot air balloon festival and wanting to try out the experience themselves beforehand can get a feel for the event by booking a balloon excursion with a local balloon ride tour agency. IB Ballooning offers excursions from their Capdepera base, whilst Globus Mallorca Balloons, on the outskirts of Manacor, offers tours concentrated more towards the centre of the island. The Globus balloons can be regularly spotted on the horizon at dawn from country towns such as Montuïri, silhouetted against a sky of clouds or a colourful sunrise.
Auditorium Entertainment Balloons brighten the sky
Motorcycles Tour Mallorca
Aladdin the Musical will be on show in the Mozart Room until Sunday September 1. The show is certain to mesmerise little ones, and the catchy songs will have the whole family singing along, long after the show finishes.
For music, OK Mobility is hosting an acoustic session in the Secret Room by local Mallorcan singer Lía on August 29. Lía’s music is inspired by bands such as The Beatles and a sample of her musical talents can be found on the Auditorium website.
If comedy is more to one’s taste, on September 1 Jimmy Carr will be in the Magna Room, providing a full 90 minutes of jokes and entertainment with his signature dark humour. The event forms part of his tour for new show, ‘Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny’.
Full details of all events can be found at https:// auditoriumpalma.com/es/ including prices and show times.
ON Saturday September 7 the 44th edition of the International Night Tour in Mallorca arrives in Son Servera as part of the very first Motorcycle Festival Serverina.
The night tour has long been an important event in the Motorcycle calendar and returns to the town thanks to the management of server Rafa Amengual and collaboration with the Club Media Milla Son Servera.
This year the International Night Tour in Mallorca will be stopping in the town square of Son Servera to enjoy dinner in the local bars, accompanied by music and animation from Feme Events. There will be an exhibition of motorbikes in the premises of Fina Frontera, organised by the new motorcycle festival, and another exhibition of old motorcycles in the spectacular Iglesia Nueva, which in itself is worth a visit for the beautiful architecture, and is especially stunning due to it being open to the sky.
Photo: Shutterstock
The motorcycle parade will begin in the Parc de la Mar in Palma at 18.30 and will pass through various locations including Santanyi and Porto Cristo en route, arriving in Son Servera between 21.00 and 22.30. Further details of the event can
Photo : Shutterstock/Auditorium de Palma
(Photo Credit, Son Prim, Facebook)
Your
VOICE
NGO calls out supermarket pricing abuse
Do you think self-service checkouts are a good idea?
IN the UK, at least, it seems the love affair supermarkets have had with self-service checkouts is coming to an end. Customer dissatisfaction and a wave of shoplifting have been cited as the main reasons for this turnaround. Customer feedback has included issues with them being slow and frustrating to use.
In fact, popular supermarket chain Morrisons has made it clear that it will be looking to reduce the number of self-service checkouts in its stores, admitting that the concept ‘went too far’. Asda has also stated that it will not be expanding self-service technology but instead will invest in increasing the number of cashiers at its manned checkouts.
In light of this news, we asked Euro Weekly News readers if they think self-service checkouts are a good idea.
Sue Stephenson said, “I’m not a lover of them. I only use them when I have a couple of items; otherwise, I go straight to the cashier.”
Sandie Laidlaw is vehemently against them and stated, “Refuse to use them... would rather queue, thank you.”
Stephen Cosgrove is also very much against them and says, “I despise them. OK, standing with one or two items behind numerous people with full trollies is annoying, for sure, but usually because they’ve only got a couple of tills manned. I get why self-checkout appeals to and suits the supermarket, but it’s
a cop-out. It should be about consumer convenience after all. Have manned checkouts for 10 or fewer items by all means.”
In considering the staffing issue, Mark Morris said, “What’s the point in shutting down two till points and then having two staff members helping out in self-checkout?”
Also, on staffing, Karen Joy Harley expressed, “I refuse to use them as I am paying for my shopping; I am not paying to be a cashier and do these unsung heroes out of a job.”
Credit:Pexels: Jack Sparrow
Adam Woodward MASSIVE supermarket price hikes in a handful of days have spurred FACUA to launch a new app for comparing prices.
FACUA, Consumers in Action is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation dedicated to the defence of consumer rights who are calling out supermarkets for what they see as abusive price hikes, including a 70 per cent increase in oil prices in the last fortnight.
Oil prices hit an all-time high in 2021 in part due to the drou ght, in part due to the war in Ukraine. Con sumers accuse the big supermarket chains of
an abusive pricing policy since the government reduced VAT on a list of essential items, such as oil. The government has defended the supermarkets by saying that they are within the margins allowed by the National Commission of Com-
Shocking recent increases at the supermarket checkout.
there are still shops with disproportionate prices. For this reason, the consumer organisation has launched a website where shoppers can monitor price variations by day, fortnight and month. And it is a fascinating tool to try out. The website can be accessed at super.facua.org
Secretary General of FACUA, Rubén Sánchez said, “This is a tool that we offer to empower consumers. The goal is for us all to become market watchdogs and to know who, how much and when price increases to food are applied.”
Consumers can also check the price of milk which the consumer group also claim has experienced wild fluctuations in recent weeks.
However, Ken J Brooks is very much in favour of them and questions whether they cost people their jobs; he shared, “Yes, definitely. However, the idea that people lose their jobs because of self-checkouts is not necessarily true. While it has happened, most people replaced by self-checkouts are offered a similar position.”
Likewise, Andrew McLaughlin Findlay is in favour, “Love them; they don’t throw the items at you!” he said.
Carol Fraser was a little more pragmatic when she said, “Only for people like workers who want to buy their lunch and small baskets of shopping.”
A comment from Andrew Fitzgerald, and my personal favourite, raises an interesting point, “No, people need jobs, and the lack of human interaction in day-to-day life is turning everyone into socially anxious zombies,” he expressed.
FINANCE
BUSINESS EXTRA
Knuckles rapped
THE Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) imposed a £15 million (€17.6 million) fine on PwC, one the Big Four accounting firms.
According to the FCA, PwC missed ‘a number of red flags’ when carrying out an audit on London Capital & Finance (LCF) and failed to make an immediate report of suspected fraud.
Lots of pizza
CASA TARRADELLAS posted a record €1.37 billion turnover for2023,18percentupon2022 and its best annual growth in more than 20 years as well as its first double figures since 2010. The Catalan company, best known for pizzas, ended 2023 with 2,948 employees, 10 per cent up on the previous year.
Shops closed
TED BAKER, trading as No Ordinary Designer Label, fell into administration in March 2024, when it shut 15 shops. The fashion firm which delisted after US group Authentic brought it for £210 million (€246.5 million) in 2022, has now closed its remaining 31 stores, entailing the loss of 513 jobs.
Grain gain
SPAIN’S cereal harvest will top 22.5 million tons this year according to estimates prepared by the Cooperativas Agroalimentarias, which represents more than 3,600 cooperatives throughout the country. This was well above the 17-million-ton average of recent years but far below 2020’s record 27 million tons.
Hat trick
THE hat which actor Harrison Ford wore in Temple of Doom, the second instalment of the Indiana Jones films, fetched $630,000 (€564,42) at auction in Los Angeles. The brown felt fedora-style hat that was made specially for the film later belonged to Ford’s stuntdouble Dean Ferrandini who died in 2023.
STAT OF WEEK
€2.1 billion
paid out in dividends to US multinational investment company BlackRock by 21 of Spain’s Ibex 35 companies during the first quarter of 2024.
Sky clouds over for BT
BT’S market value plummeted by around £1 billion (€1.17 billion) after Sky signed up with CityFibre to deliver broadband for its network in 2025.
The transaction dealt an unexpected blow to BT, which currently provides the service for Sky via its Openreach network. Shares sank by 8.2 per cent when the news first broke on August 20, eventually closing 6.4 per cent down.
News of the Sky deal cancelled out most of BT’s gains following Bharti Enterprises’ announcement on August 12 that the Indian conglomerate had acquired a 24.5 per cent holding in the company.
Shares rose to 145p (€1.70) before falling to 136p (€1.59) on August 20, giving the company a market value of £13.5 billion (€15.8 billion).
Despite the Sky setback, City insiders saw the commercial impact as “manageable” for BT.
“Sky would maintain its long-term relationship with BT’s Openreach, given the significantly larger size of its network,” analysts at the Citigroup investment bank told the Telegraph
Meanwhile, an Openreach spokesperson said the UK’s fibre broadband market was becoming increasingly competitive.
“We’re building fibre faster, more efficiently and providing better customer experience than anyone,” the statement continued, pointing out that with more than 15 million premises reached, it expected this to reach 30 million by the end of the decade.
CityFibre is one of Britain’s largest alternative network - ‘alt net’ - providers challenging both BT’s Openreach and Virgin media. It already has a broadband network of more than 3.8 million homes and premises with plans to extend this to eight million.
A very exclusive club
INDITEX shares rose above €48 on August 20, giving the company a market value of €150.035 billion.
That made the fashion chain, owner of the Zara, Massimo Dutti and Stradivarius labels, the first Spanish company with a capitalisation of more than €150 billion.
Inditex is now the most valuable of the companies listed on Spain’s Ibex 35, an index of the country’s 35 most-traded companies, putting it ahead of energy giant Iberdrola, worth €80 billion,
Bedford project
UNIVERSAL is discussing tax incentives with UK ministers regarding a future multibillion resort in Bedford.
Comcast, Universal’s owners, bought the 500 acres (202.3 hectares) of land as a possible site for Europe’s largest theme park in 2023.
According to the Financial Times, Comcast’s decision will partly depend on the outcome of the government talks.
Should they fail, Comcast could look elsewhere in Europe for the project, the FT’s sources said.
and Banco Santander (€67 billion).
On the Euro Stoxx 50 index of 50 stocks from 11 Eurozone countries, Inditex comes sixth.
The Spanish company is preceded by ASML, the world’s leading supplier for the semiconductor industry and worth €339.85 billion); luxury brand MVMH (€339.2 billion); German software company Sap (€243.5 billion); another luxury brand Hermes (€231 billion) and L’Oreal (€206.4
Fillip for Grifols
BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT
is in talks with banks to refinance Grifols’ €9.5 billion debt, prior to a takeover.
Shares in the Spanish plasma therapeutics company rose by 6 per cent in Madrid as news leaked out regarding the Toronto real estate investment company’s plans.
One source close to the transaction, quoted by Bloomberg on condition of anonymity, said the funding would probably be in dollars. Another revealed that participating banks had committed to backing the loans before spreading them amongst third-party investors.
The Barcelona-headquartered company said in July that the Grifols family and Brookfield had already agreed to the takeover in a move that will almost certainly lead to delisting.
billion).
Inditex shares sixth place with TotalEnergies, which is also worth just over €150 billion.
On track in Saudi Arabia
SPANISH rolling stock manufacturer Talgo is in talks to supply Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) with a further 20 high-speed trains.
Talgo’s chief executive Gonzalo Urquijo revealed recently that the company had “intensified” contacts with SAR without reaching agreement regarding prices.
The original €1.6 billion, 12-year contract signed in 2012 to provide and maintain trains for the Medina-Mecca railway included an option to provide additional units.
This was now necessary as passenger numbers had increased, and Urquijo said Talgo was prepared to provide the trains but emphasised that costs had risen “substantially” since the €35 million per train agreed in 2012.
BRITISH firm Mamod, founded in 1936, has ceased producing scale models of steam engines.
Owner Adrian Lockrey told the Daily Mail that the company made a steady £50,000 (€58,714) a month until sales plunged 50 per cent in February.
The miniature engines are powered by hexamine tablets, now banned as they can be used to create explosives. It was like selling a torch without batteries, he told Counter-terrorism in London, but the authorities were adamant that Lockrey could not sell the tablets.
“It’s heartbreaking,” he lamented.
THE Post Office spent £256.9 million (€301.6 million) on engaging 15 law firms and two barristers’ chambers between 2014 and 2024.
Their services were required for the Horizon IT scandal where innocent subpostmasters were accused of apparent financial shortfalls actually caused by flawed software.
The amounts involved were made public following a freedom of information request from the Lawyer magazine.
The outlay on legal costs was practically identical to the financial redress of £261 million (€306.5 million) paid out so far to Horizon victims.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
company Digi has grown more than any other Spanish company but its debt has increased at the same time. Over the last 18 months this rose by 35.2 per cent from €1.1 billion at the end of 2022 to €1.5 billion by June 30, 2024.
Consultants quoted in the Spanish media said that Digi’s debt did not entail significant financial risks, since this was a manageable 2.3 times more than the company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation.
BT: £1 billion wiped from market value after Sky chooses CityFibre.
Photo credit: BT
Photo credit: FB/Amancio Ortega Español Oficial
AMANCIO ORTEGA: Founder of Inditex, now worth €150 billion.
3I Group 3.192,68 3.204,00 3.179,00 29,87K
Group 2.929,00 2.958,00 2.924,00 8,44K Airtel Africa 113,93 114 112,6 188,86K
American 2.252,00 2.252,50 2.240,00 55,39K
1.844,57 1.852,00 1.832,50 95,81K
22,81K
British Foods 2.495,00 2.499,00 2.485,00 16,39K
13.128,00 13.132,00 13.052,00 97,75K
Trader Group Plc 837,6 841,8 837 123,54K
496,65 497,4 494,3 533,95K B&M European Value Retail SA 442,2 443,6 438,8 345,06K BAE Systems 1.308,00 1.320,00 1.308,00 136,46K
227,18 228,15 225,85 2,64M
Developments 552,89 556,6 551,4 100,57K
Beazley 755 761 754,5 71,76K Berkeley 5.165,00 5.185,00 5.150,00 7,7K
BP 428,23 430,85 427,9 2,67M British American Tobacco 2.768,00 2.777,00 2.766,00 134,05K
3.188,00 3.196,00 3.186,00 20,89K
BUSINESS
EXTRA
New
entry
PRIVATE EQUITY
company Carlyle Group has acquired a 60 per cent stake in technology consultancy, Seidor, based in Vic (Barcelona) for an undisclosed sum. The remaining 40 per cent stays in the hands of the Benito family, who founded the business in 1984.
Fast food
MCDONALD’S is to spend £1 billion (€1.17 billion) on more than 200 new restaurants in the UK and Ireland over the next four years, focusing on high street locations. The expansion plans will also create approximately 24,000 new jobs.
Pawnshops back in business
THE owners of small British businesses are turning to pawnshops for cash.
One of the UK’s largest pawnbrokers, H&T, with 282 premises nationwide, explained that with banks agreeing to fewer business loans, people were pawning personal possessions.
Builders and shopkeepers were going to H&T, its chief executive Christ Gillespie revealed, after failing to obtain funding for more materials or new stock.
Tasty
“We’ve got people who use it to pay their quarterly VAT bill or wages,”
deal
ALVARO MORATA, captain of Spain’s national football team, and his business partner Pablo Nuño sold part of their Manolo Bakes holding for €5.5 million.
Arte y Sano Millenium, jointly owned by Morata and Nuño, currently has a 30.7 per cent holding after selling 5,838 of their shares to VGO Capital, a UK private equity firm.
he said.
Items pledged to H&T were usually valued at
The British company has become Manolo Bakes’ principal shareholder after paying €14.2 million for the shares owned by the Manzano family, creators of the original recipe for the popular ‘Manolito’ croissants.
VGO spent a total of €27.5 million on acquiring 49.9 per cent of the company and now plans to open further branches of the bakery chain outside Spain.
around £200 (€234.50) with an average loan worth less than that.
Gillespie nevertheless added that more businesses were asking to borrow £5,000 (€5,862), bringing in expensive watches and jewellery as
“The banks will not lend you money against your watch,” he pointed out.
On repaying a loan, the pawned articles are returned, otherwise they are sold through H&T’s retail stores.
The value of the chain’s pledge book stood at £105 million (€123.1 million) by June 2024 compared with £101 million (€118.4 million) in December 2023.
Income rose to £55.8 million (€55.4 million), 11 per cent up on the previous year, while pre-tax profits of £9.9 million (€11.6 million) increased by 12.5 per cent.
Build it up
BARRATT DEVELOPMENTS is now on course for a £2.5 billion (€2.9 billion) takeover of Redrow, six months after announcing a deal that would give Redrow shareholders control over one-third of the business. The transaction will create the UK’s biggest housebuilder, capable of putting up a potential 23,000 homes each year and creating revenues of £7 billion (€8.2 billion).
Family affair
CORPORACION
CES-
LAR, the third most-important el Corte Ingles shareholder and the company that handles the 9 per cent holding belonging to relatives of the department store’s founder Ramon Areces, posted a net profit of €24 million last year. This was mainly due to €12.9 million received in dividends, a 68 per cent increase on 2022.
Photo credit: Flickr/Sarflondonunc
Defeat and misery
LEAPY LEE SAYS IT
OTHERS THINK IT
I AM heartily sick of the ever increasing issues in today’s society that appear to somehow, cause ‘offence’.
Although the luvvy woke and PC brigade, consistently seem to exhume more self-righteous attention seeking pathetic claptrap every day, there are actually a number of ‘offending’ examples that stick very heavily in this ol boys craw as well. The TV commercial, which showed in full close up, two girls sticking their tongues down each other’s throats. Although I am by no means against this depiction in the context of a story line, I object most strongly to this being presented as an advertising ‘norm’ in front of young, impressionable children in my front room.
What about the media onslaught of sneering ungrateful foreigners telling us how the British should run the country?
Normal heterosexuals, often nastily, being forced to accept extreme gender issues. The cruel bleeding to death of animals for Halal meat. Being told how to discipline your children, usually by
those who have none of their own. Minorities being given undemocratic precedence over majorities, simply because they are minorities. Moves to change our time honoured, much loved fairy tales, because they are deemed sexist or encouragers of sexual abuse.
The removal of centuries old important works of art, merely because they are considered offensive to a very small minority. Being told by immigrants we should change our culture to accommodate theirs. Benefit scroungers who consider their bone idle existence a ‘right’. Authorities who, citing human rights, kowtow (and are now releasing) the criminal perpetrators, while denying the rights of their victims. Women who would like us to re-establish Victorian attitudes, which presumably would include the placing of skirts on the legs of grand pianos.
The ongoing, paedophile abuse cover ups of politicians and celebrities. Being considered racist for uttering some incongruous trivial remark, often objected to by individuals, who, by their extreme reactions, reveal themselves as the biggest racists of all. Our appeasing beleaguered police, afraid to react to the insults and disorder of ethnic minorities
in case they get ‘upset’ or run riot. The growth of ‘No go’ areas in major cities. The ever leaning to the left of the main media. And the biggest affront of all?
Women who constantly gripe about men who never put the seat down! There you are. That should ‘offend’ just about everyone. As a final word, I see another two horrendous attacks by suspected immigrant terrorists in both Germany and France has left dead, injured and terrified locals in their wake.
When are the authorities going to realise that high proportions of the people they are encouraging are riddled with militant extremists? Do our ‘leaders’ honestly believe that many of these people have any intention whatsoever of integrating with the law abiding innocent citizens of the Western world? Have you all lost your minds? Or is it all a devious misguided plot to change our culture into something you think can be easily manipulated? Well I’m sorry; your express train into communism has only one terminal - and it has utter defeat and misery written all over its platforms.
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.
Wrong pilgrims on El Camino
OVERTOURISM is not just having its effect on coastal Spain, with the increasingly popular ‘El Camino’ now feeling the brunt of Spain’s booming best industry.
Last week was the turn of one careless pilgrim who provoked one of the biggest wildfires in the north of Spain’s history. The hapless 33-year-old foreign walker (of undisclosed origin) was taken into custody on Tuesday, August 20 after being accused of having levelled 800 hectares of forest and grasslands by fire. He was arrested in Foncebadon, in the province of Leon, not far from the origin of the blaze. Once the fire was underway, he calmly continued his hike as though nothing had happened. Tip-offs from other walkers helped the Guardia Civil locate the man.
This fire is just one in a litany of accusations against the upsurge in tourists participating in the Camino de Santiago over recent years. One resident of Bertola, a village where everyone grows their own crops, has woken up the next day to find walkers have made off with his lettuces. Others complain of tourists using their gardens as toilets. A local woman in Galicia complains of a case with one so-called ‘pilgrim’ who jumped her garden fence during a family barbecue, stripped naked and jumped in her swimming pool.
Diets duel it out
ARE you an adherent of the Mediterranean diet? Well, here’s some food for thought: have you considered an alternative?
Recent studies indicate that the Atlantic diet of north-west Spain (rich in seafood, fruit, vegetables alongside meat, dairy, cereals AND potatoes) significantly reduces type 2 diabetes and heart-related conditions.
Now, whilst acknowledging its potential benefits, an American cardiologist questions certain aspects. His scepticism regarding specific recommended foods like brassicas (no better than ‘other combinations of vegetables’) and especially potatoes reminds us that not all components of a diet may contribute equally to overall health.
He also wonders whether this might all be a case of old olive oil in new bottles. “This Atlantic diet is basically a Mediterranean diet with a slightly different fashion style and dialect. To folks in the region, those little differences are a point of cultural pride.”
NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS
Far from sounding like a hazing ceremony on a pirate ship, the Atlantic diet nonetheless offers an intriguing example of how regional dietary patterns can inform discussions on nutrition and health.
But let a local have the last word: “We don’t rush things here. When we sit down to eat, we sit down to eat. We don’t muck about.”
Which reminds me. Last week in the UK three guys were stabbed at breakfast with a Weetabix. Police are urgently looking for a cereal killer...
Nora Johnson’s 13 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The Girl across the Lake’ (www.nora-johnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.
Nora’s opinions are her own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.
NORA IS THE AUTHOR OF POPULAR PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE AND CRIME
Increasing tourism on El Camino out of control.
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Food for thought
BOOSTING your memory can be as simple as making the right choices in your diet. Certain foods are known to enhance brain function, helping you stay sharp and focused. Fatty fish, like salmon and mackerel, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health. These healthy fats build cell membranes and promote the growth of new brain cells, crucial for memory retention.
Broccoli and leafy greens such as spinach and kale are packed with antioxidants and vitamins like vitamin K, which has been linked to improved cognitive function. Berries, particularly blueberries, are another
powerful ally, containing flavonoids that have been shown to enhance memory and slow down age-related cognitive decline.
Nuts, especially walnuts, provide a good source of vitamin
ne. Additionally, whole grains and avocados support brain health by improving blood flow to the brain.
Incorporating these foods into your diet can help protect your memory, keeping your mind active and healthy as you age.
Write, reflect, revive
JOURNALING is the practice of regularly writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, providing a private space for self-reflection. This simple yet powerful habit can significantly enhance your mental and emotional well-being. By putting pen to paper, journaling allows you to process complex emotions, gain clarity, and reduce stress. It acts as a therapeutic outlet, helping to release pent-up feelings that might otherwise remain bottled up, leading to anxiety or depression.
In addition to emotional benefits, journaling can also improve cognitive function. The act of writing helps to organise thoughts and improve focus, which can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with busy or stressful lives. Journaling can also foster a greater sense of gratitude, as it encourages you to acknowledge positive experiences, no matter how small. By making journaling a regular practice, you can create a deeper connection with yourself, paving the way for enhanced self-awareness, emotional balance, and overall health. It’s a small commitment with potentially significant rewards.
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Tatjana Baibakova
• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •
Costa del Sol Rescuing Tivoli World
WATER, peacock feed and cleaning materials make up the bulk of the donations that former workers who are still in charge of maintaining the park are receiving.
It’s coming up for four years of being closed for Tivoli World in Benalmadena, and four years since ex-employees have been holding out hope that the much loved theme park will one day reopen. A group of them remain defiant and determined to not let the site fall into rack and ruin, acting as unpaid security and maintenance staff.
Unprompted, local residents, inspired and uplifted by the devotion to Tivoli World, began delivering donations to the park gates. Paint, cleaning products, gloves and bottles of drinking water and even feed for some of the peacocks at the park.
Benalmadena Council members are now planning meetings for the beginning of September with the owners of Tivoli to hammer out a solution to a future reopening of the park.
Axarquia Torre del Mar airshow
FLIGHT enthusiasts and thrill seekers will be looking forward to the Torre del Mar Airshow this September, being held from Friday 6 to Sunday 8.
Jet fighters and acrobatic planes, historic aircraft, police helicopters and the Eurofighter, the most advanced fighter jet in the World, all performing breathtaking aerial feats over the sea to amaze a beach audience.
This air festival is an aeronautical, sporting and family event that brings together more than 300,000 spectators every year to enjoy the best acrobatic pilots in the world.
The airshow can be seen from any point on Torre del Mar beach, but the organisers recommend the Biblioplaya area to best enjoy all the crosses and pirouettes performed by the pilots in the most advanced aerospace technology. Sunday will be the best day, following all the practice runs, although there will be plenty to see and do the previous two days as well.
Costa Blanca North Loud and Proud
GET ready for the most vibrant, colourful and fabulous Benidorm Pride yet. It’s the last Pride in the European summer calendar, and it will definitely be worth the wait. Taking place between September 2 and 7, the city of Benidorm will pulsate with energy as tourists and residents come together to celebrate and express their love and solidarity for the LGBTQIA+ community.
The 2024 programme is packed with a variety of new and exciting activities, building up to the highlight of the festival, the vibrant Big Parade procession, scheduled to take place on the final day at Levante Beach.
As in previous years, it will start from McDonald’s (el Rincon de Loix) at 5.00pm, continue its route along the Paseo del Levante/Avda Mediterraneo, and finish at the stunning open-air Julio Inglesias Auditorium.
This is destined to be the party to end all parties and will feature performers galore.
Costa Blanca South Balcony braveheart:
FELIPE DAVID SOUZA, a young Brazilian who has resided in Alicante since 2019, will be honoured for his bravery during the city’s Volunteer Day celebrations in November.
The council’s security department, led by Councillor Julio Calero, plans to formally recognise Souza’s courageous act of saving a child from a precarious situation.
On August 19, Souza became a local hero when he risked his life to save a child hanging from a balcony.
Souza, who works as a painter, was on the job renovating a house near Plaza de Galicia in Alicante when he heard a commotion.
A six-year-old boy was precariously dangling from a balcony. Without hesitation, Souza dashed to the scene.
He climbed onto the building’s ledge with only his hands for support, reached the frightened child and brought him back to safety inside his home.
Almeria Stranded ship
OFF the coast of the Cabo de Gata beach a stranded sailboat caught the curiosity of locals and tourists.
For the past week, Cabo de Gata beachgoers who looked out to the horizon could see a white mast, emerging diagonally from its hull sinking slowly. Salvamento Maritimo received an emergency call from a boat requesting assistance.
The sailboat was stranded on the coast of Cabo de Gata with six crew members on board.
The Salvamar Spica from the Almeria coordinating centre attended the scene, confirming the sailboat’s anchor was stuck in the nautical channel of Cabo de Gata.
The crew was transferred by the Maritime Rescue Team to the Port of Roquetas de Mar, while the boat, the Intrepido, was left stranded next to the watchtower.
Ten days later, a private company, began the recovery process, to remove the ship from its anchor and begin the refloating process, before being able to tow it to shore.
Costa Calida Breakfast bash
IN Roda, San Javier, the summer festivities have a tasty tradition: the ‘English Breakfast.’ This event, part of the local celebration honouring the patron saint, the Virgen de los Remedios, draws a crowd of over 500 people each year. Held in the scenic pinada of San Javier, where many English, Scottish, and Irish expats live, this breakfast has become a summer classic.
Starting at 10am, volunteers whip up a traditional English breakfast, featuring fried eggs, bacon, sausages, mushrooms, and baked beans, all for just €2. This event, known as ‘International Day,’ is a hit among both locals and visitors.
The mayor, Eulogio Sánchez, noted the event’s growing popularity, saying, “Roda has something special; people love coming here and having a good time.”
The festivities continued through the weekend with more activities, including international dinners, themed parties, and a mix of local celebrations.
Helping hand
DOGS, like humans, can suffer from a variety of allergies, including environmental, food, and contact allergies. Environmental allergies are triggered by pollen, mould, dust mites, or certain grasses. Symptoms include itching, sneezing, and watery eyes.
Food allergies, often due to common ingredients like beef, chicken, or dairy, can cause gastrointestinal issues, itching, and ear infections. Contact allergies result from direct exposure to irritants like certain shampoos, cleaning products, or materials and can lead to skin irritation and itching.
To help your dog manage these allergies, it’s essential to identify the allergen. A vet can perform tests to pinpoint the cause. For environmental allergies, regular baths with hypoallergenic shampoo and keeping your home clean can reduce exposure. Dietary changes can alleviate food allergies; switching to hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diets often helps. For contact allergies, remove the irritant and consider using gentle, pet-safe products.
Always consult your vet for the best course of action, ensuring your furry friend remains comfortable and healthy.
A natural allure
CATNIP, a perennial herb from the mint family, is famous for its intriguing effects on cats. Scientifi cally known as Nepeta cataria, catnip contains a compound called nepetalactone. This replicates pheromones, which are chemicals that cause all kinds of ‘feel good’ reactions and can trigger a burst of playful energy or relaxation in felines.
When a cat encounters catnip, whether by sniffi ng, licking, or chewing it, the nepetalactone binds to receptors in their nose, stimulating sensory neurons linked to the brain.
This interaction can cause behaviours like rolling, purring, and leaping about with joy. Interestingly, not all cats are affected - about 30 per cent to 50 per cent
are immune to its allure, a trait believed to be hereditary. The effects of catnip are short-lived, typically lasting around 10 minutes, after which cats lose interest. Catnip is harmless and non-addictive and adds an extra dimension of entertainment and enrichment to your cat’s life, providing a delightful way to engage their natural instincts.
Quincy needs a dog-sitter
BICHON FRIEZE dogs are famously friendly and rather cuddly. Quincy and his siblings love company and playing at home. That’s why it is easier to find HouseSitMatch pet-sitters to suit their needs when their owners go away on holiday.
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:
loves company and will entertain the dog-sitter.
1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com
2. Choose a Premium account (£69 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
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.
Quincy
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Sven-Goran Eriksson
SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON, ex-England boss, and coach at Lazio, Benfica, Manchester City, Leicester City, has died aged 76.
Eriksson, who saw the England team through three major tournaments, enjoyed a celebrated career in management, which also included spells in charge of Lazio, Benfica and Manchester City, passed away on Monday, August 26 after suffering pancreatic cancer. He was just recently the subject of a swan song documentary in which he reflected on his life, career and legacy.
Eriksson was the first non-British manager of the England national team when he was appointed in 2001, and during his five years in the position, Eriksson led the nation to three major tournaments.
During the filming of the Amazon Prime docu-
mentary, Eriksson, already well aware of his medical condition, said “I had a good life. I think we are all scared of the day when we die, but life is about death as well. You have to learn to accept it for what it is. Hopefully at the end people will say, yeah, he was a good man, but everyone will not
“I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do. Don’t be sorry, smile. Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds, it’s been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it.
Largest football stadium
MOROCCO is set to make history with the construction of the Grand Stade Hassan II in Casablanca, which is poised to become the largest football stadium globally. It boasts a seating capacity of 115,000 and has been designed by the renowned Oualalou + Choi in collaboration with Populous.
The stadium pays homage to Moroccan culture, drawing inspiration from the traditional ‘moussem’, a cultural gathering symbolising community.
The stadium’s most distinctive feature is its expansive, tent-like roof, made from an aluminium lattice. Elevated 28 metres above the ground, this roof shelters the crowd while evoking the communal spirit of a moussem.
The structure is supported by 32 grand
Legendary return
“I WANT my children to remember me competing in the Paralympics,” said Sarah Storey about her return to the Games, rigorous to score yet another gold medal and make her children proud.
Today, Storey is the most awarded British Paralympian of all time, holding 28 medals, including 17 golds in swimming and cycling.
In light of the Covid-19 crisis in 2022, Storey competed in the Tokyo Paralympics without the thrill of having a live audience and in the same year, suffered a severe injury, after a crash at a World Cup race left her with broken ribs, a partially punctured lung and a concussion.
She confessed; “Nearly two years later, my body has finally started to recover after having such a horrendous time at the end of 2022 - there was one point where I wondered if age had caught up with me...”
Despite the drawbacks, the Paralympian will compete in the 2024 Games in the road race and time trial.
Storey is a victor in these cycling categories, having earned her 17th Paralympic gold in Tokyo in road race and having won gold at every Games in time trial since Beijing Games 2008. She shared that
most of all, she anticipates her children, 10-year-old Louisa and six-year-old Charlie watching her compete. “Charlie has never experienced a Games - hopefully he and Louisa will remember this.”
Gout Gout
A 16-YEAR-OLD Australian Gout Gout is set to become the new star of sprinting, breaking record after record as he makes a name for himself.
showing the 16-year-old runner complete a 100m race at the Queensland Athletics Championships in March this year within just 10.29 seconds. Spectators were stunned by his incredible speed; although he spent the first 40 metres in line with the rest of the runners, he suddenly accelerated to the front, as if a ‘cheat code’, was pressed, as some fans commented.
stairways leading fans through lush gardens, offering a unique blend of modern architecture and natural beauty.
Beyond its role as a sports venue, the Grand Stade Hassan II serves as a botanical oasis amidst urban Casablanca. The surrounding greenery visible throughout the stadium ensures that visitors experience both the thrill of the game and a connection to nature.
Set to meet FIFA standards, the stadium is a contender to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup final, reflecting Morocco’s ambition to become a global sports hub.
new Usain Bolt; “The way he runs and leaves opponents behind him, remind us a legend. Usain Bolt.”
Born in Australia to Sudanese parents, Gout Gout began sprinting at 14.
Last year, he set a new national record for the 200m sprint under-18 at the Australian Junior Athletics Championships in Brisbane; clocking 20.87 seconds, which is less than 0.30 seconds from Usain Bolt’s record at Gout’s age.
Credit: Gout.gout, Instagram
“It’s pretty cool because Usain Bolt is arguably the greatest athlete of all time and just being compared to him is a great feeling,” said Gout Gout at the national championship in April. “Obviously I’m Gout Gout so I’m trying to make a name for myself.”
The Grand Stade Hassan II may host the 2030 World Cup final.
Sarah Storey Paralympian champion.
Credit: Sarah Storey, Facebook
Gout Gout sprinting