IF you are looking to own a unique piece of art while supporting a great cause, now’s your chance!
Garry Dutch is auctioning three stunning paintings by artist Mike, featuring rock legends Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, and Metallica’s James Hetfield.
All proceeds will benefit the Rock Against Cancer charity.
Bidding is open until the end of the Rock Against Cancer concert, which takes place on September 13 and 14.
This annual music festival, held at Torrevieja’s Parque Antonio Soria, has been a major event since 2009 and has grown significantly over the years, now attracting top tribute bands from across Europe.
This year’s event will feature two days of authentic rock, with performances running from 6.00pm until 2.00am on both nights.
Additional festival highlights include charity merchandise, food trucks, and free entry for children under 12 (when accompa-
Let’s get rocked
nied by an adult).
Tickets are available at the box office or the Rock Against Cancer website, rock againstcancer.es, for €25 per day or €40 for both days.
Rock fans will be delighted to hear that Friday will be opened by RoxXxet from Switzerland.
Local bands include Finn Lizzy Band (a tribute to Thin Lizzy), Keeng (a tribute to Queen), and to close the day on Friday, Quo-incidence (a tribute to Status Quo) from the UK. Saturday kicks off with Uprising Muse Tribute, a band from Albacete.
Rock along to Like a Stone (a tribute to Audioslave and Soundgarden) and the best tribute band to Rage Against The Machine. To end the event enjoy the SAD European Metallica Tribute.
As you can see, a good
show is guaranteed. To bid on these one-ofa-kind artworks, you can attend any pre-concert fundraising events, contact Garry via his Facebook page at facebook.com/garry. dutch, or place your bid during the concert.
Costa Blanca South • Issue No. 2044 • 5 - 11 Sept 2024
FREE
GRATIS
Supporting a great cause.
Images: Rock Against Cancer / Facebook
Night to remember
THE Royal Naval Association Torrevieja Branch is excited to announce its Once a Year Gala Evening.
This formal Trafalgar Night soiree, open to all civilians, military, and ex-military personnel, will be held on October 21 in celebration of the great British hero, Lord Horatio Nelson.
The evening will start at 6.00pm with a Cava Reception accompanied by a selection of British Naval music.
Attendees can enjoy the parade of numerous flags to the stirring sounds of ‘Heart of Oak’.
The night will continue with a three-course meal, complemented by ample wine, beer, or soft drinks, and toasts with port.
Entertainment will be provided by guitarist and singer Rea Daniel, who will perform hits from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, perfect for dan-
cing or singing along.
The event also includes an auction and a raffle with various prizes.
Attendees are encouraged to take photos in their finest attire.
The gala will take place at the La Laguna Hotel, Avenida Antonio Quesada 53, Quesada.
Tickets are priced at €60 per person, which covers all the evening’s activities and amenities.
The hotel is offering a
15 per cent discount on overnight room rates for guests.
For more information about a night to remember or to book your tickets, contact Assistant Social Secretary, Amanda Clancy, via email at AsstSocialSecRNATB@ gmail.com.
Image: The Royal Naval Association Torrevieja Branch
Annual Gala Evening.
Sober curious
health-conscious than ever before. This is particularly signi cant in the younger generation, who in the past would have typically accounted for a key demogration. This movement towards choosing non or low-alcohol options over alcoholic drinks has been dubbed ‘sober curious’. This shift
trend and represents a fundamental transformation in how di erent generations engage with and consider alcohol usage. It doesn’t necessarily
ploration rather than rigid guidelines. The focus lies in being mindful of the e ects of alcohol on the mind and body and making more conscious choices.
Two-drink limit
GIVEN that Ryanair is calling for a two-drink limit on planes, it would appear that the ‘sober curious’ movement has not yet extended to tourists. His comment came in the wake of an increase in air rage incidents this summer, with an average of one a week. In most cases, excessive alcohol consumption or use of ‘powders and pills’ was a contributing factor, according to O’Leary.
Flights from the UK to so-called ‘party destinations’ have been worst affected. As a result, Ryanair staff have taken to searching the hand luggage of passengers who appeared to be under the influence before allowing them to board a flight. O’Leary’s suggestion is for airports to require passengers to have their passports checked when buying alcohol, much as they do when buying cartons of cigarettes.
While not begrudging travellers a tipple during their journey, the Ryanair CEO claimed that the airports opposed his idea as it would impact their bottom line. But O’Leary hit back, saying that the airports don’t have to deal with drunk and unruly passengers - only when they are at 33,000 feet do they become a serious problem.
He also mentioned that some of the excess consumption by passengers was related to frustration with time spent waiting for delayed flights and lengthy queues at passport controls.
ACCORDING to the 2021 European health report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), each person aged 15 and over consumes, on average, 9.5 litres of pure alcohol each year in Europe, which is equivalent to around 190 litres of beer, 80 litres of wine, or 24 litres of spirits. The top 10 European countries with the highest alcohol consumption per capita were the Czech Republic(14.3 litres), Latvia (13.2), Moldova (12.9), Germany (12.8), Lithuania (12.8), Ireland (12.7), Spain (12.7), Bulgaria (12.5), Luxembourg (12.4), and Romania (12.3). It has also been confirmed that across Europe men typically drink more than women. For example, 13 per cent of men drink alcohol every day compared to 4 per cent of women.
FOOTWEAR from Alicante was prominently featured at the recent Düsseldorf fair, which aimed at boosting sales in the previously sluggish German market.
The event, held from September 1 to 3, at Areal Böhler, saw 25 exhibitors from Alicante among a total of 68 Spanish brands showcasing their products.
Organised by the Federation of Spanish Footwear Industries (FICE), the Shoes Düsseldorf fair is a key event in Germany’s footwear sector.
It has become an essential venue for brands looking to penetrate the German market and neighbouring regions such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland.
This edition of Shoes Düsseldorf featured around 500 brands from 25 countries, displaying their summer 2025 collections across the Alte Schimiedehallen and Kaltstahlhalle pavilions.
The fair attracted significant international participation, with 65 per cent of the offerings coming
Sole success
from countries like Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Turkey, and Scandinavia.
Spanish representation remained strong with 68 brands, maintaining consistent participation levels.
The fair drew around 6,000 visitors, predominantly German buyers (75 per cent), many of whom
were retailers.
Fifty-one per cent of the exhibitors, amounting to 30 companies, were from the Valencian Community.
Out of these, 25 were based in the province of Alicante, with 18 from Elche and the remaining seven spread across Elda, Petrer, and Monóvar.
THE chain of chocolate shops owned by Valor continues its impressive expansion with the recent opening of its 37th shop in the town of San Vicente del Raspeig.
Sweet success
Situated on Calle Mayor, just 50 metres from Plaza España and the iconic San Vicente Ferrer parish church, the new Valor chocolate shop is set to serve the town’s nearly 60,000 residents.
Additionally, it will cater to the large university community from the nearby Alicante campus.
The shop comfortably accommodates up to 50 guests between its interior and spacious terrace.
Alongside the traditional Valor hot chocolate and its signature churros, made fresh on-site, the new San Vicente del Raspeig location also features a diverse menu of hot and cold chocolate-based treats and a full selection of breakfast, brunch, and snack options.
Additionally, the shop offers a takeaway service, particularly popular for its best-seller: Valor hot chocolate with churros.
Hollywood beckons
With this latest franchise opening, Chocolates Valor now boasts 37 stores, further solidifying its position as the leading franchised chocolate shop network in Spain. ASPE has once again become a point of reference for the film industry, having been chosen as the setting for the second season of the series Nero, produced by the streaming platform Netflix.
This filming, which puts Aspe on the map of international productions, presents a unique opportunity for the town and underscores its potential as a prime filming destination.
The mayor of Aspe, Antonio Puerto, emphasised the significance of this event, stating that “placing Aspe on the cinematographic map is a significant achievement that not only showcases our heritage, but also has the potential to attract future film projects to the town.”
Many Alicante exhibitors showcased their products.
World rated Museum mania
ALL public universities in the Valencian Community, except for the Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH), have been included in the general university ranking of Shanghai 2024.
The ranking includes 36 Spanish university institutions among the thousand best in the world.
The UMH falls off the prestigious list just when it is involved in a legal dispute against the University of Alicante, which is in the Shanghai ranking, for medical studies because
they do not want the faculty at the UA.
In this ranking, the University of Valencia is ranked as the second best in the country out of the 36 included in the classification, only behind the University of Barcelona (UB), which once again leads the Spanish table.
The Polytechnic University of Valencia, with a campus in Alcoy, is between 401 and 500.
The University of Alicante managed to place itself among the best 600 in the world in 2023, but
now it is ranked between 601 and 700.
The list analyses six indicators: the number of students who have won a Nobel Prize or the Fields Medal (10 per cent), professors with a Nobel Prize or Fields (20 per cent); citations of researchers (20 per cent); articles in Nature and Science (20 per cent), academic performance per capita (10 per cent) and works in the Science Citation Index Expanded and Social Science Citation Index (20 per cent).
IN the first seven months of 2024, Elche’s three municipal museums at tracted over 35,000 visitors.
Among these, the Museo de la Festa experienced the most sig nificant growth, with 6,539 visitors, marking a 19 per cent increase from the same period in 2023.
Of these, more than 5,000 were national tourists, primarily from the Valencian Community, Murcia, Andalucia, and Madrid, while about 2,000 were local residents of Elche.
The museum also welcomed approximately 1,500 international tourists, particularly from Eastern Europe, France, Germany, North and South America, and the UK.
The Palmeral Interpretation Centre saw a 5 per cent rise in visitors, increasing from 6,265 in early 2023 to 6,600 in 2024.
About 65 per cent of these visitors were national, including nearly 2,000 locals from Elche, as well as tourists from the broader Valencian Community, Murcia, Madrid, Catalonia, and Andalucia.
The centre also attracted over 2,300 international visitors, mostly from France, Eastern Europe, the Ne -
therlands, Belgium, and the UK. Elche’s most popular museum, the MAHE, attracted over 21,000 visitors between January and July 2024, representing 60 per cent of total visits. National tourists accounted for 72 per cent of these visitors, mainly from the Valencian Community, Madrid, Andalucia, and Murcia. International visitors, making up 28 per cent of the total, were predominantly from France, Eastern Europe, and the UK.
Spanish universities are among the best in the world.
The museum welcomed many tourists.
Image: Ayuntamiento de Elche
Monkey milestones
ON August 30, Pollux, a resident of Rio Safari Elche, celebrated his 33rd birthday, a respectable age for a crested black mangabey. His journey is an interesting one, intertwined with efforts to conserve his species.
The story of Rio Safari Elche’s first crested black mangabey begins with a male named Coco.
Coco was rescued after authorities alerted them about a monkey wandering on a public road having escaped from a private home.
The CSE team safely captured Coco and integrated him into the European conservation programme for the crested black mangabey, a species threatened in its natural habitat in Central Africa.
A few years later, as part of the same conservation programme, Pollux arrived at Rio Safari Elche from a zoo in Germany.
He joined two females, Bella and Karol, in hopes of contributing to the species’ population.
Unfortunately, the breeding attempts were unsuccessful.
Given the urgency of increasing the population of this species, the programme recommended introducing a different male to the females.
Pollux then became part of an unusual but harmonious group with three ring-tailed lemurs, who were around the same age.
Despite their differences, Pollux has adapted well!
September strolls
ORIHUELA has crafted a special program me of guided rou tes for Septem ber. The programme kicked off on Sunday, September 1, with the ‘Miguel, el Poeta Cabrero’ route, a tour of the Orihuela orchard that delves into the literary roots of Miguel Hernández.
On Wednesday, September 4, a route through the scenic Campoamor hills was scheduled.
In celebration of the patron saint festivities of Our Lady of Monserrate, five heritage and cultural routes will be conducted in Orihuela’s historic centre from Monday, September 9, to Thursday, September 19.
Notable routes include the ‘Cultural Walk and the Monserrate Hermitage’ on Wednesday, September 18, and a visit to the Santa Ana Convent and the
Monserrate Sanctuary on Monday, September 16. September will conclude with four innovative routes, including a bicycle route to Las Norias on Friday, September 27, and a visit to the ‘Almazara del Tío José María’, an 18th-century oil mill that retains the traditional essence of olive oil production, on Saturday, September 28.
The councillor for Culture, Gonzalo Montoya, extended an invitation to everyone to participate in these activities: “The Department of Tourism invites both locals and visitors to join these September routes.”
These routes will be available weekly, and bookings can be made through the website orihuelaturistica.es or via WhatsApp on (+34) 673 836 385.
Orihuela’s councillor for Culture, Gonzalo Montoya.
Image: Ayuntamiento de Orihuela
Tourism tango
IN the last four months of 2024, the Valencian Community will intensify its tourism promotion with a robust schedule of activities.
These e orts include participation in various events targeting both national and European markets, as well as emerging markets like the United States and China.
One major highlight is the Spain Sustainability Day in New York on September 25, where the Valencian Community will showcase its commitment to sustainable tourism practices.
Additionally, Costa Blanca tourism will be present at the USTOA Convention in Florida from December 9 to 13, presenting the region at this prominent American tour operator event.
In China, the Valencian Community will be featured at the CITM fair in Shanghai from November 14 to 17.
The promotional calendar also includes signi cant events in Europe.
The Valencian Community will participate in the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, the largest tourism fair in the UK.
Other key events include IBTM in Barcelona, which focuses on MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, and IGTM in Lisbon, dedicated to golf tourism.
Further promotional activities involve a destination presentation in Munich in November and participation in A Night with the Stars organised by Jet2 in Leeds in December.
Big spenders
FROM January to July 2024, spending by international visitors surged by 18.6 per cent, reaching €71.1 billion.
Simultaneously, the number of international tourists rose by 12 per cent, totalling 53.4 million.
In July alone, Spain welcomed 10.9 million international tourists, marking a 7.3 per cent increase compared to the same month in the previous year.
These tourists spent €15.5 billion during the month, reflecting an 11.9 per cent year-on-year growth.
The United Kingdom continued to be the top country of origin for tourists visiting Spain in July, with two million visitors, a 2.5 per cent increase compared to July 2023.
Notably, the largest
increases in tourist arrivals were observed from Asia, which saw an 11.5 per cent rise, and the United States, with an 11.3 per cent increase year-on-year. When it comes to tourist spending, British visitors led the way, spending €2.8 billion in July, a 10.3 per cent increase from the previous year.
German tourists followed, with expenditures reaching €1.7 billion, a significant 16.7 per cent rise, making Germany the country with the highest spending growth in July.
France came in third, with French tourists spending €1.5 billion, reflecting a modest 1.4 per cent increase.
Promoting tourism.
Image: Generalitat Valenciana / Innovación, Industria, Comercio y Turismo
Increase in tourists.
Image: Yuri Patynko / Shutterstock.com
THE Albatera fig harvest for this campaign is expected to total two million kilos, reflecting a 20 per cent decrease compared to the previous year.
This reduction is attributed to unusually high temperatures in the fields during the last autumn and winter, which adversely affected the fig trees that require a certain amount of cold to achieve their peak production.
Despite the lower volume, the figs are notably larger and of higher quality this year, according to Mario Berná, president of the Albatera Fig Producers Association (APBA).
Fig-tastic harvest
Over half of this year’s harvest will be directed to Central European markets, while the remainder will be distributed through fruit marketing platforms in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Zaragoza, and Bilbao.
The majority of Albatera’s fig production is situated
ALICANTE has prepared an extensive programme of activities and new features to participate in the sixth Alicante Gastronomic Fair.
The event will run from September 27 to 30 and showcase a diverse array of culinary experiences for all audiences.
Over these four days, the city will spotlight haute cuisine, with numerous initiatives and ‘show-cooking’ sessions that will highlight Alicante as a destination of culinary excellence and an international tourist reference.
Councillor for Tourism, Lidia López, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating,
on the slopes of the Sierra de Albatera, a region where the rugged terrain and scarce water resources add to the challenge of cultivation.
Despite these challenges, Albatera has become synonymous with high-quality figs, showcasing the region’s dedication to preserving and enhancing its traditional fruit production.
Gastronomic glory
“It is an honour to participate in one of the most significant culinary events in Spain, showcasing our chefs, restaurants, and the ex-
ceptional talent in Alicante’s gastronomy.”
With the slogan ‘Taste the largest experiential fair in Spain’, this event will offer more than
400 activities, 250 exhibitors, and 120 Michelin Stars and Repsol Suns.
The Alicante Council stand will feature continuous programming throughout the four days, promoting local products and celebrating the professionalism and talent of the region’s chefs.
The councillor added: “This fair serves as a showcase that elevates Alicante’s cuisine, promoting our culture, tradition, and gastronomic wealth, with our rice dishes as a flagship and our region as a prime destination for gastronomic tourism.”
The city will spotlight haute cuisine.
Image: Ayuntamiento de Alicante
Windsurfing wonders
THE Real Club Náutico Torrevieja (RCNT) has achieved impressive results at the Windsurfing Regional Test, held at their own venue.
The event, which took place from August 31 to September 1, showcased the skill and determination of the RCNT windsurfing team, resulting in two first places, four second places, and one third place.
According to coach Mari Carmen Fernandez, the team performed exceptionally well.
The competition was divided into two days.
On the first day, races were conducted for the Techno Plus, Under 17, Under 15, and Under 13 categories in winds ranging between 12 and 14 knots from the northeast.
The second day saw the Techno classes race twice in lighter winds of four to six knots from the southeast.
Achieving impressive results.
Mari Carmen Fernandez expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “The team is starting the season at a very good level. We achieved two first places, four second places, and one third place in the Autonomous Windsurfing competition.”
“We are excited and looking forward to the next regatta in Javea in
October,” the coach added.
Fridays at the Palace
THE ‘Fridays at the Pa lace’ series is making its return this October and November in Torre vieja, offering an exciting lineup of jazz performances.
Tickets for the events will be available for €5 each, with an option to purchase a subscription for all five concerts at a discounted rate of €15.
Organised by the Municipal Institute of Culture ‘Joaquín Chapaprieta’, the ‘Los Viernes del Palacio’ jazz cycle will once again take place at the Palacio de la Música.
SINCE the fixed speed radars were activated in the urban areas of Torrevieja on September 1, 2023, they have detected hundreds of speeding violations, leading to fines exceeding €80,000.
These fines are imposed on drivers who exceed the 40 kilometres per hour speed limit.
The radars are marked with conventional signs, as well as educational signs that display a happy face
Concerts are scheduled for 9.00pm on Fridays, specifically on October 4
Radar ruckus
if the speed limit is adhered to and a sad face if it is exceeded.
Most of the monitored sections also feature pedestrian crossings with illuminated signs to enhance safety.
These radars are positioned at three key points within Torrevieja’s urban centre: Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas, Avenida de Gregorio Marañón, and Avenida Desiderio
and 18, and November 8, 15, and 22, 2024.
Starting Sunday, September 1, both subscriptions and individual tickets will be available for purchase through the platform entradas atualcance.com
For those preferring to buy tickets in person, the box office will open two hours before each concert. This year’s series will feature a diverse range of musical styles, including French chanson, classical jazz, flamenco-jazz, and swing.
Rodríguez, located to the southeast along a road parallel to the coast. Some of the recorded offences are particularly noteworthy.
For example, in December 2023, a single driver was caught speeding three times on the same stretch of Avenida Desiderio Rodríguez. This repeat offender accumulated fines totalling €1,200 and lost far more than the 12 points available on a standard driver’s licence.
Image: Real Club Náutico Torrevieja
The Alex Conde Trio will be performing on November 22.
Image: Alex Conde / Facebook
Fireside fiesta
TO experience a true Spanish tradition, the Elda Fallas is an unmissable event.
The festival, celebrated from September 26 to 29, combines elements from both Alicante and Valencia.
Throughout the four days, the streets come alive with colourful effigies.
Festivities include choosing the pardoned ‘ninot’ (an effigy spared from the flames), floral offerings to the patron saints St Crispin and St Crispiniano, and a grand procession.
The climax of the festival is the ‘crema’, the burning of the effigies, which signifies both the end of the celebration and the beginning of preparations for the next year’s festival.
This festival, deeply rooted in the city’s history, has evolved from its origins in 1929, when residents set up fallas alongside the San Juan bonfires, particularly in Barrio Nuevo and La Prosperidad.
Though the festival faced interruptions during the Civil War and its aftermath, it was revived in 1949 by the residents of Calle Trinquete.
The formal organisation of the festival began in 1958 with the establishment of the Junta Central de Fallas de
Elda Fallas is an unmissable event.
San Pedro, responsible for overseeing the event and managing the city’s fallas commissions.
The festival has seen many changes over the years including the celebration’s dates moved from June to September.
Yet, still today, the Elda Fallas stands as a testament to tradition and cultural heritage.
Key players
THE trend of using digital platforms for shortstay accommoda tions is surging across Europe, with some destinations experiencing even faster growth.
In 2023, the coastal cities of Torrevieja and Alicante emerged as key players in this boo ming market.
Torrevieja, a popular seaside destination, recorded nearly 1.3 million overnight stays through digital platforms, placing it within the top 50 European cities for short-stay accommodations.
the rising appeal of the Alicante Province.
The growth rate in Valencia, which surpassed the overall 21 per cent increase observed across the European Union, highlights the region’s increasing popularity.
Alicante, the capital of the province, attracted 1.9 million overnight stays, securing its spot among Europe’s most sought-after destinations
for digital rentals.
While Valencia, the capital of the Valencian Community, led the region with over 4.8 million overnight stays - a remarkable 30 per cent increase from the previous year - Torrevieja and Alicante’s growth underscores
While Valencia outpaced cities like Prague, Venice, and Berlin, Torrevieja and Alicante have firmly established themselves as top-tier choices for travellers seeking short-stay options. Elche, though not within the top 150, also contributes to the region’s growing prominence, with over 251,000 overnight stays booked through digital platforms.
Image: Comunitat Valenciana Torrevieja.
Image: Comunitat Valenciana
Double the fun
ORIHUELA is set to launch two shopping voucher campaigns this year, with a total budget exceeding €1,099,000.
These initiatives aim to boost local spending in small shops and hospitality businesses with fewer than ten employees.
The first campaign, beginning in early October has a budget of €420,706 and will be exclusively available to registered Orihuela residents.
The decision to restrict access to registered residents aligns with similar practices in other municipalities like Alicante and Elche.
However, it contrasts with places like Torrevieja, which has opened such initiatives to a broader audience, including international consumers.
The vouchers, which are expected to be in high demand, will be available primarily through an online platform.
Each resident can purchase up to €200 worth of vouchers,
with a personal outlay of €100.
These vouchers can then be redeemed at participating local businesses for purchases equal to or greater than the voucher’s value.
For those unable to access the vouchers online, a physical collection point will be set up.
In the last campaign, over 7,000 consumers and around 200 businesses participated.
The second campaign, planned for Christmas, will be funded by a €679,000 allocation.
The aim is to boost local spending in small shops.
Silver split President’s recommendation
IF you are a restaurant owner, imagine the boost your business could get if someone as influential as the President of the Valencian Community, Carlos Mazón, visited and praised your restaurant on social media.
That’s exactly what happened to El Merengue in Alicante.
When the president stopped by for a Grillo sandwich and their well-known Russian salad, he shared his experience on Instagram, saying, “You must stop by El Merengue once in your life.”
His post received over 11,000 likes!
Located on Avenida Alfonso el Sabio, near Plaza de Luceros, El Merengue has been a lively spot since it opened in 1969.
One of their most famous items is the ‘Grillo’ sandwich, which has a long history.
Manager, Alberto Ferrer, reflecting on its creation in the 1970s, explains that the sandwich was invented when there were fewer bars around and many students from the nearby Jorge Juan Institute needed affordable meals.
The original owner, Mr Paco, introduced ‘cheap toast with tomato and mayonnaise’, which quickly became
popular.
The sandwich was named ‘Grillo’.
Today, the Grillo sandwich is still a customer favourite, priced at just €3.
Its popularity isn’t just due to its low cost, the quality of the ingredients, including rich Raff tomatoes and home-made mayonnaise, keeps people coming back.
DIVORCE among individuals over the age of 65 is relatively uncommon, likely due to their more traditional upbringing, which often emphasises the belief that marriage is a lifelong commitment.
In Spain, the average age for couples deciding to end their marriage is around 47.
In earlier times, especially when divorce was still a new and somewhat controversial option, the idea of splitting up later in life was almost unthinkable.
However, in recent years, there’s been a noti ceable rise in the number of ‘silver divorces’, a
term referring to marital dissolutions among those over 60, often associated with the greying of their hair.
According to the latest statistics from the National Institute of Statistics, Family Courts in the province of Alicante now handle over 400 divorce applications annually, a significant increase from the nearly 200 cases filed a decade ago.
divorces were recorded in 2022, rising slightly to 423 in 2023, indicating a steady, if modest, upward trend.
Nationally, it’s estimated that one in 10 divorces occurs among people over the age of 65.
The Valencian Community is the autonomous region with the second highest rate of couple breakups with legal proceedings in progress during the past year, 223.1 per 100,000 inhabitants, surpassed, once again, by the Canary Islands, with a rate
A customer favourite.
Peak snapshots
THE Sax Mountain Group is hosting its 12th Annual Photography Competition, welcoming all mountaineers, nature enthusiasts, and both professional and amateur photographers to participate.
Each participant is permitted to submit up to three photographs via email.
The photos must be in JPG format, either in colour or black and white, with a minimum size of 1600 pixels in height or width.
Entries must be original and have not received any awards or mentions in
other competitions.
While digital editing is allowed, it should not significantly alter the essence of the image.
Photos with watermarks, text overlays, or frames will not be accepted.
This year’s competition theme is ‘The Mountain’, which can include depictions of natural landscapes, mountaineering, climbing, skiing, caving, canyoning, mountain biking, and ethnographic elements related to mountainous regions.
The competition will award three prizes: €200 for the first prize, €150 for the second, and €100 for the third.
To submit your photographs, send them by email to gmonsax2015@gmail.com or tennisax@gmail.com. Each submission should include a motto, the author’s name, contact number, and a brief description of the photographed subject or location.
The deadline for submissions is Sunday, September 29, 2024.
Rock Festival
ON Saturday, September 7, the Bargustra Rock Festival will return to San Miguel de Salinas, a well-established event in the local community.
This free festival, which coincides with the lead-up to the town’s patron saint celebrations, will be held at CIJ San Miguel de Salinas on Calle Galant Delgado, starting at 9.00pm.
The 2024 lineup in-
cludes performances by Juantxo Skalari, RkeR, Kavando a Pala, and DJ Viña Marea Rock.
The San Miguel de Salinas Council has planned a wide array of activities for all ages as part of the festivities honouring San Miguel Arcángel.
The celebrations will officially begin on September 14 with the Chupinazo.
Following that, a nei-
ghbourhood dinner will be held on the 20th, the Coronation of the Queens and Maids of Honour on the 21st, and the Tapas Route through local bars on the 22nd.
The Floral Offering is scheduled for the 27th.
The festivities will culminate on September 29 with the grand celebration of the patron saint, San Miguel Arcángel.
Beachside fitness boom
DURING the summer months, approximately 3,000 individuals took part in sporting activities held on the beaches of Elche.
This initiative took place on the beaches of Arenales del Sol, El Altet, and for the first time this year, La Marina.
These sessions were conducted daily from July 8 to August 31, with classes led by expert instructors from 9.00am to 10.00am.
The beach at Arenales del Sol saw the highest participation, prompting an increase in weekly sessions to four.
This adjustment resulted in over 2,000 attendees.
Meanwhile, the activities on the beaches of El Altet and La Marina, held twice a week, attracted approximately 500 and 300 participants, respectively.
Irene Ruíz, the councillor for Tourism, emphasised that Elche’s beaches provide an excellent venue for sports, underscoring the city’s commitment to offering these activities to people of all ages each summer.
This year’s theme is ‘The Mountain’.
Image: Grupo Montaña de Sax / Facebook
Foreign president
Anna Akopyan
FINLAND’S future President may be a foreigner, said current President Alexander Stubb during a recent interview on the Yle Radio Suomi.
He emphasised that 10 per cent of Finnish residents have foreign backgrounds and argued that the future could see a foreign national leading the country. “Racism should not be politicised. Every nation has to go through this discussion. In Finland, 10 per cent of people were not born here or don’t speak Finnish as their native language.”
Stubb’s statement comes after the government’s recent anti-racism campaign, launched by Prime Minister Petter Orpo, which will ensure that ministers follow a “diversity training,” with sessions to promote equality in the workplace.
Although the Finnish President encouraged the idea of a potential foreign leader in the future, current laws prohibit people born abroad from serving as president and employment remains a challenge for immigrants.
A 2023 Statistic Finland published data about the foreign population in the country, listing that 10.2 per cent of total population in Finland is made up of fo-
reigners. These largely include people of Estonian, Russian, Iraq, Chinese, Indian, and Ukrainian origins.
A UTH survey by Statistics Finland in 2015, however, revealed that the employment rate of people with foreign backgrounds was lower (64 per cent) than among those with Finnish nationality (74 per cent).
Oasis ticket fiasco
OASIS fans are furious at Ticketmaster and concert promoters, accusing them of a ‘sickening’ and ‘scandalous’ handling of 2025’s reunion gigs ticket sales.
The band announced on Saturday, August 31 that all UK and Ireland dates had sold out in less than a day, while X users (Twitter) sha-
of how the ticket seller almost doubled prices from the already extortionate £148 to £355 after fans dad been waiting hours at their computers to secure their place at the Oasis Live ’25 shows.
Meanwhile, on ticket resale websites, prices varied between £537 and £14,104. On Saturday afternoon, Viagogo still had a handful of standing tickets for
the London shows ranging from £773 to £1,512. Seated tickets for London ranged from £655 to £5,971.
Finland’s President Alexander Stubb. Oasis on stage in Spain 2013.
ONE of the most perplexing things about the Spanish to tourists and travellers is their eating habits, in particular the time of day. In comparison to the majority of countries in Europe, the Spanish eat really late. Whereas most European countries eat lunch between 12.00 and 13.30 and dinner between 17.00 and 19.00, the Spanish have a tendency to eat lunch between 14.00 and 16.00 and habitually eat dinner after 21.30.
What time is lunchtime?
It all dates back to the Second World War, and a decision made by Spanish dictator Francisco Franco. Back in 1942, Franco decided to change the clocks in Spain. Up until that point, Spain had followed the same time zone as countries such as England and Portugal, but Franco ordered the clocks to be put forward an hour in order to coincide with Hitler’s Germany and Italy’s Mussolini. When the sun is at its highest point (midday) the clocks in Spain strike 13.30. This one-and-a-half-hour delay to
Original prices for a seat to watch the band at London’s Wembley Stadium began at £74.25, with the most expensive ticket a £506.25 pre-show party, exhibition and seated package.
Cardiff’s Principality Stadium shows, Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium and Ireland’s Croke Park were all first listed at similar prices, while Manchester’s Heaton Park tickets started from £148.50, with only standing available alongside a number of hospitality and luxury packages.
Oasis told fans on Saturday to only buy tickets from the o cial websites amid reselling websites listing in ated prices for the Manchester rockers’ gigs. They added that resale tickets were probably fakes.
the natural time zone explains why the Spanish refer to midday as being any time loosely around 13.30, whilst for the English, midday is 12.00 sharp.
The change to daylight saving time a ects most regions in Spain, making the country between one and two hours ahead of solar time, depending on the season. As a result, the Spanish follow their own clock.
Credit: Alexander Stubb, Facebook
Italy’s €25 tourist tax New closing time
MERCADONA has implemented a new closing time in all its supermarkets from Monday, September 2.
The Valencian company is returning to its pre-summer business hours across its entire network of supermarkets across Spain.
Starting on Monday, September 2, Mer cadona has changed the opening hours of its supermarkets in Spain, resuming the previous hours after the end of the franchi se’s special summer campaign.
The supermarket chain extended the service hours until 10pm in the areas with the highest number of tourists, as well as ope ning on Sundays and holidays in June, July and August, with reduced opening hours until 3pm.
Mercadona implemen ted these summer hours
in a total of 340 stores, which have now resumed their normal opening hours as of Monday, September 2; open from 9am to 9.30pm, uninterrupted.
Mercadona maintains its philosophy of closing to the public on Sundays and public holidays, following the national
stances, such as in tourist towns during the summer months, as many did along the coast, or in the event of several public holidays in a row.
Mercadona recommends that its customers consult the opening hours of their local stores on the supermarket’s website, which provides all details of opening and closing hours, and days, of the 1,617 supermarkets the company currently
Mercadona has returned to its usual opening hours after the summer months.
ITALY is set to introduce a new tourist tax, potentially raising the levy to €25 (£21.30) per night for visitors staying in high-end accommodations. This move is part of a broader effort to address the challenges of overtourism and to provide financial support to cities like Florence, Rome and Venice, which are struggling with the pressures of heavy tourist traffic.
The proposed tax, which could be implemented as early as next year, targets luxury hotel stays. Guests staying in rooms costing over €750 (£638) per night would be subject to the maximum tax of €25. For more affordable options, the tax starts at €5 (£4.26) for rooms under €100 (£85) per night. Intermediate rates include a €10 (£8.51) tax for rooms between €100 (£85) and €400 (£340), and a €15 (£12.77) tax for rooms priced between €400 (£340) and €750 (£638).
Italian officials argue that the tax is essential to managing tourism sustainably while funding critical services in overburdened cities. Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè emphasised the importance of responsible tourism, stating that the tax would improve services and encourage more conscientious behaviour among tourists.
However, the proposal has raised concerns within the tourism industry. Maria Carmela Colaiacovo, President of Confindustria Alberghi, warned that high taxes could harm Italy’s competitiveness as a travel destination. She stressed the need to balance revenue generation with maintaining Italy’s appeal, a sentiment echoed by industry leaders worried about deterring visitors.
Florence, Italy.
€15,000 to move to Extremadura
EXTREMADURA, the Spanish autonomous community with the lowest population is offering to pay €15,000 to digital nomads who make the region their home.
The name of the digital nomad has been tarnished in recent years as they have been accused of compounding the gentrification of towns and villages and subsequent rising house prices, and displacing the local populations. But in one place in Spain, remote workers are still being welcomed with open arms, and cash.
Bordering Portugal, with no beaches or coastline, the region is steeped in history, not least in its abundance of Roman remains. It is also teeming with wildlife, beautiful mountain ranges, and the lowest cost of living in Spain.
Now, the local government is offering to pay online workers to live and work in the region. According to regional authorities, Extremadura is lacking in transport infrastructure compared with other parts of the country, but has fibre optic and mobile coverage above the national average, making it a perfect environment for online workers wanting to get more bang for their buck.
Extremadura is tar-
geting qualified remote workers who must be able to work completely remotely and online. Those wanting to apply must commit to working and living in Extremadura for at least two years. Both residents in other regions of Spain and those from abroad are eligible providing they have all the correct documentation, foreigners included.
Full details are yet to be released, but an announcement is expected soon.
Possible Erasmus for UK students
Adam Woodward
THERE are signs that a reciprocal free movement plan might be introduced for young people between UK and EU. Informal groundwork is being laid by EU and UK ministers for a potential reintroduction of free movement for 18 to 30 year olds for study. The hope is for an exchange of EU and UK students to begin in earnest again, including the Erasmus scheme.
The Labour Party has always stood firm on the issue of free movement negotiations in that they do not seek to push for better travel rights for UK citizens, preferring to focus more on hammering out a food safety deal and better trade links. However, sources from within go-
vernment have hinted that while they are not proposing anything, the conversation has been started by the EU.
An agreement to allow an easier exchange of students would put the UK on a similar footing as Australia and Canada, but it is said that the EU would expect ‘something in return,’ perhaps making reference to the hard-headedness of David Davis during the Brexit negotiations.
Any deal would inevitably be part of a much wider-ranging deal, something Keir Starmer will be wanting to play down in the wake of pre-election accusations from Conservatives that he would meet with Ursula von der Leyen to compromise the UK’s position on immigration.
No feasting on the beach
Hall WORKING families li ving in Bari (Apu lia) complained that the increasing number of beach clubs are driving them from the sands.
The number of these clubs, which charge beachgoers for sun loungers and beach umbrellas while providing bar and restaurant service, has grown by 50 per cent over the last 10 years or so.
An increasingly popular institution in Italy
In theory, all of Italy’s beaches are state-owned public property but in practice the beach clubs are putting them beyond the reach of those of modest means.
Summer weekends and holidays from work were traditional times
not only for picnics but full-scale meals cooked on the beach, a practice the beach clubs want to stamp out.
“It’s not nice to see these banquets on a private beach,” Erika Scarimbolo told the New York Times . The 23-year-old
added that “a little decorum” was required.
The local media routinely carry reports of skirmishes at the entrance to the beach clubs while the national daily, Il Corriere della Sera, has described the confrontations as the “Beach-Picnic War.” Arguments rage back and forth regarding the right to bring food to the beach, which has not prevented the owners of beach clubs from imposing their own unwritten rules.
“It’s illegal what they do,” Michele Scorca declared after eating a beached-cooked meal of roast chicken and potatoes.
Prime ministers meet - Keir Starmer and Pedro Sánchez.
Linda
bar waitress at the Adria 3.0 club on San Girolamo beach
BEACH CLUB:
Working online in Extremadura.
Credit: Freepik
World model
FINLAND is set to bury nuclear waste in a repository for 100,000 years, creating the world’s first geological tomb and becoming ‘a model for the entire world’.
Next year or in early 2026, Finland will bury spent nuclear fuel in watertight canisters, deposited more than 400 metres below the Finnish forests.
‘Onkalo’ (a small ‘cave’), will become the long-term disposal facility to store the nuclear waste, on the island of Olkiluoto. The company Po-
siva is in charge of managing the final disposal of nuclear waste and is jointly owned by nuclear power company TVO and utility Fortum.
Professor of radiochemistry at the University of Helsinki Gareth Law called Finland’s initiative a “big milestone” for the world, stating; “Posiva are very correct in selling this as a world first. It is going to be the first repository to take spent nuclear fuel and dispose of it in what I think is going to be a very safe and robust manner into the future.”
The Onkalo project relies on the so-called KBS-3 method, developed by the Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company, based on a multi-barrier principle, where several engineered barriers are placed to ensure the long-term safety of nuclear waste.
“It is a way to showcase that such a small nation sometimes is able to solve one of humankind’s maybe top 20 problems or challenges,” said Finnish Climate Minister Kai Mykkänen.
Onkalo project in Finland.
Another ban?
PRIME Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that the government is considering new restrictions on outdoor smoking to reduce the number of preventable deaths linked to tobacco use.
The PM emphasised; “we have got to take action,” sharing that the government is working on a plan to reduce outdoor smoking in England, as the NHS is “on its knees” with tobacco-related deaths. Although Starmer didn’t specify the “outdoor” spaces, he could be referring to pub gardens, outdoor restaurants, outside hospitals, and sports grounds.
The ambition to reduce smoking in the UK comes after the King’s Speech at the state opening of Parliament in July, promising to bring back the legislation proposed by the previous government, which would prohibit anyone born on or after January 2009 from buying tobacco.
Responding to reports that smoking could be banned in some outdoor spaces in England, the PM said that it is imperative “to get the balance right.”
The chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health, Deborah Arnott similarly emphasised the need for balance, so people can “smoke in the open air, rather than inside their homes.”
Post-pandemic, business owners have already been facing financial difficulties and many are worried that the ban would result in further losses.
Pub owner Lisa Burrage said to the BBC; “This will be just another hurdle we have to face in hospitality and one we can do without.”
Son of Concorde
Credit: Boom Supersonic /fb
XB-1 paves the way for the return of supersonic travel.
Harry Sinclair
A PLANE with its sights on flying faster than the speed of sound has hit another key milestone recently.
Boom’s XB-1 supersonic aircraft, nicknamed the ‘Son of Concorde’, is expected to transport 80 passengers from London to New York in just 3.5 hours, capable of 20,000 km/h.
On Monday August 26, the Chinese-designed engine proved its worth, taking a step closer to becoming a commercial plane after its second successful test flight.
The plane flew over the Mojave Air and Space Port in Mojave, California, with developers closely watching its abilities.
Following its first flight test in March, this time the XB-1 flew for around 15 minutes, reaching an altitude of 10,400ft and travelling at a top speed of 232 knots, or 277 mph.
Drugs sprayed on fi elds
THREE fields in Baarle-Nassau, Brabant, have been found to be contaminated with chemical waste from the production of crystal meth. Police launched an investigation after receiving a tip-off about the potential contamination and conducted tests on 20 fields in the area.
The three affected fields were owned by three farmers, aged 48, 49, and 72.
Additionally, the landing gear was successfully retracted and extended for the first time ever, with aviation experts on the scene stating the progression from the first test to Monday’s test was clear to see.
Researchers were also able to assess the handling capabilities of the XB-1, including its state-of-the-art digital augmentation system, also known as a roll damper.
Founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, Blake Scholl, said, “XB-1 had a fantastic second flight this morning.
“I’m proud of the team. Today’s flight is another step toward the return of supersonic passenger travel,” the CEO stated.
The XB-1 plane is being used for the test flights before Boom unveils the actual aircraft set to be used in the future, currently known as the Overture.
The suspects allegedly mixed drug waste with manure and used it as fertiliser on their fields.
Costly Clean-Up Operation for Local Authorities
This incident highlights the environmental hazards associated with illegal drug production.
The disposal of leftover chemicals from drug labs can pose serious health risks and create costly cleanup challenges for local authorities.
While this is the first known case of drug waste disguised as manure in the region, it serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of illegal drug activities.
The food safety board is closely monitoring the situation to assess any risks to public health and ensure that contaminated onions do not enter the food chain.
ATTENTION all fashion enthusiasts!
Are you passionate about fashion and looking for an afternoon full of style and fun?
Cinderella’s Closet is excited to invite you to its upcoming ladies’ event in Orihuela!
Join the fun on September 13 at 4.00pm for a fabulous pop-up shop and fashion show at The Gossip Bar in the Rioja Commercial Centre, Los Dolses, Orihuela.
Enjoy an afternoon filled with fashion, music, and fun, complete with free entry and complimentary food.
For more details, visit the Facebook
Vinyl vibes
MUSIC fans will be delighted to hear that the Alicante Record Fair is making a long-awaited return.
Join the fun on Sunday, September 8, for the Alicante Record Fair at the AC Hotel Avenida de Elche, 3 in Alicante.
The event runs from 11.00am to 8.00pm, and entry is completely
Cinderella’s Closet
page Facebook/cinderellasclosetspain
or give Cinderella’s Closet a call on (+34) 621 292 401.
Don’t miss out on the fun and grab yourself a bargain!
Explore an extensive collection of vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, and merchandise, available in both new and second-hand options.
Whether you’re a dedicated collector or just looking for something unique, this fair has something for everyone.
Rock n Roll rewind
DON’T miss an unforgettable evening at The Club in Quesada on Thursday, September 12, featuring James Guy and the FBI, a tribute to Cliff Richard and The Shadows.
The Shadows were the band that inspired thousands of teenagers in the 60s to pick up tennis rackets and wear thick black-framed spectacles.
As the UK’s leading instrumental group, their chart-topping hits spanned six decades, solidifying their place in rock history.
With iconic tracks like ‘Apache’, ‘Wonderful Land’, and ‘Foot Tapper’, The Shadows captured
the essence of instrumental rock, and their legacy continues to resonate today.
Relive the magic of The Shadows with this tribute band that perfectly captures their distinctive sound and enduring appeal.
The show starts at 9.00pm, but arrive early
and enjoy a meal with the kitchen open at 7.00pm.
Tickets are just €10 per person for the show only.
Booking is essential. For more information or to reserve your spot, visit The Club at C. Toledo, 24, 03170 Ciudad Quesada, Alicante, or call (+34) 966 717 028.
AFTERNOON TEAS
HOME-MAD E CAKES SAVOURIES & SA NDWICHES
Open Tuesday to Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday
Avd La Paz 63, Jacarilla, Alicante 03310
Image: Facebook/cinderellasclosetspain
Princess to Queen Keoghan and Cillian
Linda Hall
SEVENTY-TWO per cent of Spain’s population believe that Leonor, Princess of Asturias, will eventually reign as queen.
When Felipe VI took over from his father Juan Carlos 1 in June 2014, his daughters Leonor and Sofia lived as far away from the public gaze as possible.
Now, though, the heir to the throne,
ght she would reign, compared with 20 per cent of who did not. Eight per cent failed to answer or said they did not know.
Amongst women, certainty that the Princess of Asturias would become queen rose to 74 per cent, compared with 71 per cent of males. The younger the participants of both sexes, the greater the belief that Leonor would reign. This ranged from 73 per cent for the 18-29 age group, 74 per cent for those between 30-44 but fell to 71 per cent amongst the
pants thou
Meanwhile, Leonor is not alone as a queen-in-waiting, as she is accompanied by Belgium’s Princess Elisabeth (23), Princess Catharina-Amalia (20) in the Netherlands, Princess Victoria (47) of Sweden, and Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway (20), second in line after Crown Prince Haakon.
DUBLIN’s own Barry Keoghan is set to join Cillian Murphy on the big screen.
Barry Keoghan, 31, known for his roles in Saltburn and Banshees of Inisherin, will be starring alongside Cillian Murphy, 48, in the upcoming Peaky Blinders film.
Irish actor Barry Keoghan has had a rapid rise in film, with accolades including a BAFTA Award, along with nominations for an Academy Award and two Golden Globe Awards.
The film will be a continuation of the multi-award-win-
ning, six-season gangster saga, set in Birmingham between 1919 and 1934, featuring a star-studded cast of Rebecca Ferguson, Cillian Murphy from the original show, and now Barry Keoghan. The film will be made in association with BBC Film, written by the show’s original creator, Steven Knight, but the plot and further casting remain tightly under wraps.
On his return to his famous Tommy Shelby role, Cillian Murphy said, “It seems like Tommy Shelby wasn’t finished with me.”
“It is very gratifying to be recollaborating with Steven Knight and Tom Harper on the film version of Peaky Blinders.” Murphy told Netflix, adding “This is one for the fans.” Mr Knight stated “I’m genuinely thrilled that this movie is about to happen. It will be an explosive chapter in the Peaky Blinders story. No holds barred. Full on Peaky Blinders at war.”
Tom Harper, who directed episodes in the first season in 2013, will also return to Peaky Blinders for the big-screen adaptation.
Two award-winning Irish actors will perform side-by-side in the Peaky Blinders film.
PRINCESS LEONOR: Now an ensign in Spain’s Navy.
Photo credit: Casa Real
IRELAND
Data veto
THE South Dublin County Council turned down Google Ireland’s planning permission request for a new data centre at Grange Castle which would have created 800 construction jobs and employment for 50 once completed. The existing electricity supply would not be able to meet the data centre’s needs, the council said.
Beer facts
A SURVEY by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) found that average levels of alcohol consumption in the country had fallen by 21 per cent over the past 20 years. Beer remained the most popular drink, accounting for 42.9 per cent of all alcohol consumption in 2023, compared with 43.5 per cent in 2022.
DENMARK
Storm damage
COMPENSATION for flood damage caused by storms and extreme weather conditions towards the end of 2023 has already cost 509 million krone (€68.24 million), Denmark’s Natural Hazards Department revealed. This could eventually exceed one billion once all claims were processed, the Department told the Ritzau news agency.
A pretty penny
THE world’s most valuable coin collection will soon be auctioned, 101 years after the 1923 death of its owner, wealthy businessman Lars Emil Bruun. He left the 20,000 items to the State as an emergency replacement for the national collection, stipulating that they could be sold a century later for the benefit of his heirs.
ITALY
Tunnel closed
THE Mont Blanc tunnel between Italy and France closed to all traffic on September 2 and will not reopen until December 16 as major renovations are carried out on two 300-metre sections of vaulting. Once completed, similar work is due to begin in 2025 on another 600 metres of the 59-year-old tunnel.
True grit
GIUSEPPINA BARDELL, 89, survived for four days in a Varese forest, having become disorientated after falling and breaking several ribs while collecting mushrooms. Now hospitalised but in good health, she told rescuers that she drank water from puddles and covered herself with leaves to keep warm at night.
EURO PRESS
FRANCE
80 years on
ON August 25, Paris commemorated the 80th anniversary of the city’s liberation after 1,500 days of occupation. During the celebrations firefighters raised the French flag at the Eiffel Tower, honouring the bravery of Captain Lucien Sarniguet and his men who hoisted the tricolore there after removing the Nazi flag.
NOT FORGOTTEN: Firefighters raise the French flag at the Eiffel Tower.
NORWAY SWEDEN
Charge sheet
THE owners of electric vehicles were initially allowed to use public transport lanes when the government wanted to promote their early use. Parliament will debate the future of the system in October, after several cities have since revoked this measure, resulting in traffic congestion and uncertainty amongst drivers.
More trouble
MARIUS BORG HOIBY, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a brief previous relationship, has already been charged with assaulting a female partner and wrecking her home on August 6. The 27-yearold now faces the additional charges of threatening her over the phone on August 7 and also stealing a scooter.
FINLAND
Cool reception
A SURVEY by professional bodies, TEK and IL, which represent Engineers and Architects, found that only 52 per cent of non-Finnish participants would recommend the country as a place to live and work. A further 81 per cent doubted that Finland would be a better place to live in five years’ time.
Mystery ship
DIVERS are investigating a shipwreck found in shallow waters near Helsinki’s Suomenlinna fortress area, where six forts were installed on eight islands in the 18th century. The hull was loaded with large stones, suggesting that the ship, built from timber that came from the Baltic coast, was deliberately sunk.
PORTUGAL BELGIUM
No cover
FOLLOWING a 5.3 magnitude earthquake in Lisbon on August 26, the Portuguese Insurers Association (APS) revealed that only 19 per cent of homes were insured against seismic risk, while 47 per cent had no insurance at all. “The real risk of a certain occurrence at an uncertain time was at stake,” the APS warned.
Speak well
THE Santa Maria hospital’s local health unit (ULS) in Lisbon announced that it will take legal action against people who condemned the hospital or its professionals on social media. If it considered that its “honour, reputation and good name” were put into doubt, cases would be reported to the courts, the ULS said.
Here to stay
TIGER mosquitoes have been identified on 13 occasions in nine Belgian locations since the beginning of 2024, the Sciensano Research Institute reported. Investigators found that more of these mosquitoes from southeast Asia were overwintering in more places, while eggs have survived in Wilrijk and Lebbeke.
Droning on
NATO placed a €60 million order for high-tech drones from Ostend-based company, Exail Robotics Belgium, which specialises in building drones designed to detect and destroy underwater mines. The Nato order will be used principally by the Belgian Navy, which focuses on ensuring safe passage for shipping.
Come and go
credit: Anne Hidalgo
THE government could offer cash incentives to foreign residents with Swedish nationality who were prepared to leave the country. A voluntary exit scheme already pays 10,000 krona (€882.60) plus travel costs to refugees and an official enquiry recommended extending this to naturalised Swedish citizens.
Facing the music
A BELARUSIAN deported after the Swedish authorities rejected his asylum request was arrested as soon as he arrived in Belarus, state broadcaster Sveriges Radio announced on Wednesday August 28. He had fled after taking part in the 2020 protests that followed the re-election of Alexander Lukashenko.
GERMANY
Farewell, Jan
JAN, the world’s oldest sloth, died aged 54 at the zoo in Krefeld, near Dusseldorf. Born in the wild in 1969 he spent some time in Hamburg’s Hagenbeck Zoo until 1986, living the rest of his life in Krefeld. During this time, Jan fathered 22 pups, the last of which was born in March this year despite his advanced years.
Home-grown
LITHIUM producer, Vulcan Energy Resources, began the commissioning phase at its Frankfurt-Hocht works with power now reaching the plant via the main switchboard for the first time. Once all phases have concluded, the factory will produce battery-grade lithium to ensure Europe’s ‘raw materials independence’.
NETHERLANDS
Unseen danger
A MAN of 67 died after he was attacked and trampled by a herd of cows while walking in a nature area near Spaubeek (Limburg) which has since been closed to walkers. A witness explained later that he had a dog on a leash which made a move towards the cows, after which they turned on the man and ran him down.
Computer says no
KEY computer problems impacted several government offices and public services on August 28, with the Coast Guard and border control services temporarily affected. The reasons for the failures were not immediately detectible and investigators admitted they were unsure whether they were related.
Photo
Digital Nomads
THE city of Lisbon has secured its position as one of the top five destinations for digital nomads, according to the latest ‘Savills Executive Nomad Index’. This ranking, which evaluates 25 prime destinations worldwide for digital nomads, ranks Lisbon in the fifth spot globally, after Dubai and Abu Dhabi (both in the United Arab Emirates), Malaga, and Miami. The Algarve region also made its mark in the Index securing the ninth position.
Miguel Lacerda, the Lisbon Residential Director at
Savills Portugal, emphasised Lisbon has consistently been among the top five destinations for digital nomads since the index was introduced in 2022. He highlighted that Portugal offers a high quality of life compared to many of its counterparts. However, there is a growing concern about escalating residential property rents which may have a future impact.
Lacerda further outlined that connectivity, innovation, a diverse cultural scene, and a favourable year-round climate are pivotal factors con-
Credit: Pixabay
tributing to Lisbon’s attractiveness for digital nomads. He stressed that Lisbon’s authenticity, the talent of its professionals, and an increasingly visible international business community are essential for the city’s sustained success as a hub for digital nomads.
It is worth noting all the destinations analysed in the index offer a digital nomad visa programme or equivalent, or are part of a larger economic bloc that allows free movement of people to live or work.
Euro Commission sued
ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners are to sue the European Commission claiming their new rules on greener planes are misleading and do not match European targets on emissions.
The new rules imposed by the EC will label some planes as ‘environmentally friendly’ investments, something refuted by environmentalists. NGOs Climate Action Network and the Global Legal Action Network claim that national limits on greenhouse gas emissions for transport and agriculture are unlawful.
The claim being made is that the thresholds set by the EC fail to reach the targets of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5ºC and Europe’s objective of cutting net emissions by 55 per cent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
‘Wealthy and historically big polluters should be moving faster’, according to the environmentalists. The EC’s limited rules, they argue, give ‘green certificates’ to po-
lluting industries who then receive ‘green finance’ from investors and banks. The European High Court has given the case priority and it is expected to be heard in 2025.
The idea of the EC is to get the aviation industry to invest in newer, so-called
‘green’ planes in the absence of zero-emissions planes. They also give green certificates to shipping companies that use liquid natural gas instead of diesel, while the gas is still a fossil fuel and still produces significant CO2.
Lisbon is a top five destination for Digital Nomads.
FINANCE
BUSINESS EXTRA
Mind the gap
TESCO’S chief executive Ken Murphy earned £10 million (€11.8 million) in 2023, 431 times the wages of a typical Tesco employee, making more in one day than UK staff averaged in a year. The size of the UK’s biggest grocery chain pay gap was bigger than that of any other FTSE 100 company, Mail on Sunday found.
Best-loved
ESTRELLA GALICIA president Ignacio Rivera has always said he wants the company’s beer to be the best-loved, not necessarily the most-sold. Nevertheless, the brewer now produces an annual 503 million litres of beer and although it hopes eventually to see revenues of €1 billion, sales already reach €829 million.
Seal of success
ENGINEERING firm AES, which makes seals for pumps, including those installed in the Thames Barrier, announced record pre-tax profits of £56 million (€66.4 million) in 2023, compared with £48 million (€56.9 million) the previous year. Founded in 1979 by Chris Rea, AES now employs 2,000 staff in 43 countries.
Testing, testing
IKEA has chosen Madrid and Oslo to trial its pre-owned furniture marketplace.
“The trial will continue until December to understand customers’ reactions and what it would mean for us from a business perspective,” said Jesper Brodin, chief executive of Ingka Group which operates Ikea stores in Spain.
Going under
THAMES WATER said it needed to raise customers’ bills by more than £260 (€308.43), predicting that the company would otherwise struggle to fund itself. The Ofwat-approved increase would leave Thames Water in a situation that left its activities neither “financeable nor investible” the company warned.
STAT OF WEEK
€1.525 billion
share buyback programme, launched on August 27 by Santander Bank, was equivalent to 25 per cent of profits during the first half of 2024.
Burberry’s FTSE 100 slide
THE next quarterly review is likely to see Burberry and easyJet leave the UK’s FTSE 100 stock market index.
Insurer Hiscox and Tritax Big Box, also face relegation to lower-tier FTSE 250 although interest has focused on the more recognisable Burberry and easyJet names.
easyJet was only promoted in March 2024, but Burberry’s slide after 15 years as an FTSE regular came as a shock but not necessarily a surprise.
With a current market value of just under £2.6 billion (€3 billion) that is 70 per cent below that of April 2023, Burberry has been one of the worst-performing FTSE 100 companies so far this year.
Sales over the 13 weeks to June 29 were 21 per cent down on the same period last year, and the company has suspended its dividend.
The demand for luxury goods is dwindling globally and Burberry has been particularly affected by the slowdown in China.
Despite an early boom in 2021 as the world emerged from the pandemic, this crucial market has taken longer to recover than expected.
Jonathan Akeroyd, Burberry chief executive since 2021, is held to have increased Burberry’s woe after deciding to take the company still further upmarket and alienating many perennial customers.
Akeroyd made a rapid exit “by mutual agreement with the board” on July 15 and was replaced by Joshua Schulman, former chief executive of the Coach handbag brand in a bid to revive Burberry’s waning fortunes.
Schulman was also at the receiving end of a £9.2 million (€10.9 million) ‘golden hello.’
Talgo takeover derailed
SPANISH Cabinet ministers vetoed a Hungarian consortium’s hopes of taking over Talgo. The €619 million offer from Ganz-Mavag was “appealing to shareholders,” the train manufacturer said, but the government mistrusted the deal from the outset as the consortium has links to Hungary’s president Victor Orban and there were suspicions that Russian money was involved.
Cabinet ministers analysed documents from the Foreign Invest-
Back in the Top Ten
AMANCIO ORTEGA is again one of the world’s 10 richest people. The Inditex founder and principal shareholder was ranked 10th on August 28 when he was worth €110.25 billion, according to Forbes. Nor was this Ortega’s first time amongst the world’s super-billionaires, as his €72.33 billion fortune put him in ahead of Bill Gates as the world’s richest person in October 2015 for some hours.
He returned briefly in September 2016 and August 2017, before being overtaken by Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Bernard Arnault.
Looking to float again
TENDAM, whose labels include Cortefiel and Woman’s Secret, posted revenues of €550.2 million during the first five months of its financial year.
That was 6.4 per cent more than during the same period in 2023 and by the end of the company’s half-year which ended on August 31, Tendam calculated that this should have risen to between 6.7 and 6.9 per cent.
The company dropped plans for a €2.5 billion listing on Spain’s stock exchange in late spring and is now said to be considering a flotation this autumn or before February 28, the close of its financial year.
THE UK defence firm BAE Systems announced in August that its half-year revenues had increased to £13.4 billion, 13 per cent more than in 2023.
As anxieties regarding Russia have grown, Nato countries are increasing their stockpiles and BAE’s £74.1 billion (€87.9 billion) orderbook is its largest ever.
“We will keep investing in new technologies, facilities and our people, so we can deliver on our record order backlog, and help our government customers stay ahead in an uncertain world,” BAE’s chief executive Charles Woodburn said
ment Committee (Jinvex) which included reports from the National Intelligence Service and the National Security Council.
They concluded that the operation would entail “risks to national security and public order” and announced on August 27 that the transaction would not go through.
Following the Cabinet meeting, government spokeswoman Pilar Alegria declined to give details on the grounds that Talgo was a stock exchange-listed company.
No phishing allowed
WHO hasn’t received a ‘phishing’ text message, ostensibly from el Corte Ingles, Correos or a Spanish high street bank?
Victims learn they are the lucky recipients of special offer, asked to pick up a parcel or told to contact their bank with the sole aim of providing scammers with their personal details.
The Change.org initiative wants to set up a web page, supervised by Spain’s National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) and linked to the telephone companies, where members of the public can report the number responsible for the fake announcement.
After a certain number of calls, the offending number would be blocked and then passed on to the police.
AFTER a difficult 2022, Victoria Beckham Ltd’s sales rose by 52 per cent to £89 million (€105.59 million) in 2023.
As a result, 2022’s losses of £900,000 (€1.07 million) were slimmed down last year to £200,000 (€237,255). Sales growth was initially assisted by a brand revamp in 2017 following a £30 million (€35.59 million) investment from private equity group NEO while both NEO and Beckham’s footballer husband helped to keep the business afloat in 2022 with a £6.9 million injection.
UNILEVER, which owns products as diverse as Marmite and Lynx, is considering the sale of its Kate Somerville skincare and REN brands.
City sources quoted by Sky News said that Unilever has engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers to sound out potential buyers without specifying the sums involved. This latest move follows Unilever’s announcement last March that it intended to demerge its ice-cream division which includes Wall’s, Magnum, Ben & Jerry’s and Carte d’Or.
BURBERRY: The London-headquartered fashion label set for FTSE 100 relegation.
Photo credit:
Photo credit: lamoncloa.gob.es
PILAR ALEGRIA: Government spokeswoman declined to give details of Talgo decision.
BP 433,9 438,2 433,75 4,3M British American Tobacco 2.841,00
Euro
EUR/GBP: Unchanged at £0.84
EUR/USD: Up from $1.08 to $1.11
The euro trended broadly higher over the past month, with the single currency’s negative correlation with the US dollar offering notable support.
EUR has also been lifted by a risk-averse market mood in recent weeks.
However, the euro’s ascent has not come without its challenges, with some mixed Eurozone economic releases infusing volatility in EUR exchange rates throughout August.
As August comes to a close the focus will be on the Eurozone’s latest consumer price index, as a cooling of inflation this month could stoke expectations for an interest rate cut from the European Central Bank (ECB) in September.
Currency outlook: Euro supported by USD weakness, US dollar slumps to new multi-month lows
Pound
GBP/EUR: Down from €1.19 to €1.18
GBP/USD: Up from $1.29 to $1.31
A subdued end to July paved the way for further weakness in the pound at the start of August, with the currency extending its losses as the Bank of England (BoE) delivered its first interest rate cut since 2020.
Sterling then remained on the defensive as the market panic over a potential US recession caused markets to start pricing in a more aggressive pace of
policy unwinding from the BoE through the remainder of 2024.
The pound turned a corner in mid-August as GBP investors welcomed a flood of broadly positive UK data, with the latest UK jobs, GDP and retail sales data all outpacing expectations.
Coupled with the subsequent release of stronger-than-expected UK PMIs, this caused investors to trim bets for a BoE rate cut in September and revived Sterling sentiment in the second half of the month.
Looking ahead, if the BoE ultimately opts to leave rates on
hold in September it may help to underpin the pound in the coming weeks.
US Dollar
USD/GBP: Down from £0.77 to £0.75
USD/EUR: Down from €0.92 to €0.89
The US dollar faced notable selling pressure over the past few weeks, with USD exchange rates sliding to new multi-month lows.
The USD selling bias was initially triggered by a weaker-than-expected US payroll print, which stoked fears
of a looming US recession and fuelled bets for a bumper 50bps rate cut from the Federal Reserve in September.
While these fears quickly evaporated as Fed rate cut bets were trimmed, the US dollar remained on the defensive through the second half of August, with another slump coming in the wake of Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s dovish speech at the bank’s annual Jackson Hole symposium.
The Fed is widely expected to cut rates when it next meets next month. If the bank signals that this will be followed by further cuts through the remained of 2024 then the US dollar may test new lows.
Currencies Direct have helped over 430,000 customers save on their currency transfers since 1996. Just pop into your local Currencies Direct branch or give us a call to find out more about how you can save money on your currency transfers.
It could all still work
LEAPY LEE SAYS IT
OTHERS THINK IT
ONE thing I did learn on a recent London trip was not to engage an Uber driver in any political discussion. In the main, most Uber employees are from different societies. True to any London taxi drivers form, they are, (or consider themselves to be!) experts on just about any subject you care to mention - with current affairs undoubtedly a favourite. The problem is, once they start they are difficult to stop.
In around a dozen journeys I found out more about Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq than any ‘Arab Spring’ discussions I’ve had since the unprecedented acts of Blair and Bush got us into it all. The open attitude of these cabbies rather sums up the feeling I got from most of London’s mostly welcome ethnic population. The majority are extremely upbeat. From shop assistants to museum guides, I found them generally polite, enthusiastic, confident and certainly not backward in coming forward. In fact, while sho-
pping in a local chemist I remarked to my companion that we needed candles.
Her light-hearted suggestion of buying ‘fork candles,’ a la the Two Ronnie’s, brought a roar of laughter from the Pakistani assistant, who then proceeded to regale us with jokes from his favourite TV shows, one of which happened to be the wonderful old chestnut Fawlty Towers - ‘I come from Barcelona,’ he chortled, ‘I know nothing’!
Unfortunately, this light-hearted attitude doesn’t extend the Brits. Personally, I think the locals simply don’t know what’s hit them. To me, most of them appeared to be living under a cloud of doomy acceptance. And who can blame them? They have been stumped by Starmer, paralysed by the politically correct brigade, fleeced of free speech and deprived of political enthusiasm to the point of utter submission.
They also appear to have relinquished, to my mind, one of their most endearing and strongest weapons, the wonderful British sense of humour. Any attempt at a merry quip, particularly to shop assistants, is met by an icy glare of suspicion while they
apparently try and work out whether you are being sexist or in some way abusive. The look I got when, purely by force of habit I said thanks ‘love’ to a checkout girl (person!) had me looking back over my shoulder to see if she was dialing 999! Just how long can anyone go on living under these circumstances without something snapping?
Oddly enough, I actually do believe it could all still work, but not under this bunch of indecisive political assassins. What they really need is a Winnie or Thatcher. Someone to give the British citizens a degree of optimism. A leader who can instill a national ambition to somehow succeed in this unprecedented diversity of existence they are all endeavouring to adopt. The one thing I will miss however is the politeness. ‘Excuse me, oops I’m sorry, my fault’ and after you’s’, were expressions one doesn’t hear quite as often as one should in the country of our choice. Ah well, at least we get plenty of sunshine, happy days and welcome copas de vino.
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.
Paris transport difficulties
DESPITE promises of improved acces sibility for the 2024 Paralympic Games, many individuals with disabilities continue to face significant challenges navigating the French capital. Franck Maille, a former para-athlete and representative of APF France Handicap, shared his experiences navigating Paris’ public transportation system.
Maille described the difficulties of using the RER, a suburban train system, which is often inaccessible for wheelchair users. Even when lifts are available, navigating the system requires assistance from rail agents and careful planning due to potential equipment failures.
For individuals with disabilities, navigating Paris can be physically and mentally exhausting. The journey often involves long distances, crowded spaces, and the need for constant vigilance. The lack of accessibility in the city’s infrastructure can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration.
While some progress has been made, particularly in terms of wheelchair-accessible taxis, the Paris metro system remains largely inaccessible. The city’s leadership acknowledges the need for improvements but faces significant challenges in terms of funding and infrastructure.
Activists like Maille are calling for urgent action to address these issues and create a more inclusive city for individuals with disabilities. The Paralympic Games offer an opportunity to showcase Paris’ commitment.
Wheelchair users face many inaccessible areas.
Hair havoc hacks
BAD hair days can be a real confi dence buster, but there are several hacks to manage unruly hair effectively. Start with dry shampoo to combat greasy roots; it absorbs excess oil and adds much-needed volume. For frizz, spray a toothbrush with hairspray and gently smooth down flyaways for a neat, polished look.
The messy bun is a quick and stylish solution for uncooperative hair. Twist your hair into a bun and secure it with pins or an elastic band for an effortlessly chic style. Hair accessories like headbands, scarves, and clips can instantly elevate your look while concealing imperfections.
Prep your hair the night before by braiding
Olives aid stroke victims
STUDIES at the university of Jaen have discovered a compound in olive oil may
help the recovery of stroke victims.
Hydroxytyrosol, present in olives, im-
proves the treatment of patients who have suffered a stroke.
According to the Fundación Descubre, this opens up the possibility for further and larger-scale studies.
Mindful moments
AFTER a stressful day, mentally refreshing is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. One effective method is engaging in physical exercise. Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or a gym session, physical activity releases endorphins that naturally boost your mood.
Another approach is practising mindfulness or meditation. Spending just 10 minutes focusing on your breath or a guided meditation can significantly reduce anxiety and clear your mind. Creative activities like drawing, writing, or playing music also provide an excellent outlet for stress, allowing your mind to shift from daily worries to a more relaxed state.
Connecting with loved ones is another powerful stress reliever. Sharing your day with a friend or family member can provide emotional support and a fresh perspective. Additionally, immersing yourself in a good book or enjoying a favourite hobby can transport you away from the day’s stressors.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Ensure you have a restful sleep routine.
Strokes are suffered at a rate of every six minutes in Spain. Caused by a suffocation of nerve cells in the brain, the after-effects of which, whether mild of severe, lead to a lack of coordination to reduced vision, language difficulties, cognitive or sensory disorders, or even death.
Recovery depends on the level of initial damage and proper rehabilitation to restore, as far as possi-
In Jaen University’s article, ‘Hydroxytyrosol, a Promising Supplement in the Management of Human Stroke’, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, researchers present the results of the exploratory
patients who have been administered hydroxytyrosol (HT), a compound extracted from the olive tree, with high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
At the neurological level, different tests to measure the le-
terioration, such as the so-called Rankin scale, which assesses the degree of disability or dependence in daily activities, indicated that patients supplemented with HT presented excellent results.
Shutterstock Natalia Deriabina
FLYING can be a convenient way to travel, but there are certain actions passengers should avoid.
5 Things not to do on a plane
1. Remaining seated for long periods can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition where blood clots form in the legs. To prevent this, get up and walk around the cabin periodically, or do leg exercises while seated.
2. Low humidity levels can lead to dehydration. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol
and caffeine and drink plenty of water during the flight to stay hydrated and prevent headaches and dry skin.
3. Airplanes can harbour many germs and bacteria.
Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, to reduce the risk of infections. Use hand sanitiser and wash your hands regularly.
4. Walking barefoot in the
A tantouring trend
TANTOURING is a beauty trend that combines tanning and contouring to create a sculpted, sun-kissed look without the need for daily make-up application. Instead of using traditional contouring powders or creams, tantouring involves applying a self-tanner to the areas of the face where you’d typically contour, like the hollows of the cheeks, sides of the nose, and along the jawline. This technique offers a semi-permanent contour that can last from three to five days, depending on the product used
cabin, particularly in the bathroom, exposes you to bacteria and germs. Always wear shoes or socks when moving around the plane.
5. Overconsumption of alcohol on a flight can lead to dehydration, dizziness, and impaired judgement.
and your skincare routine. For a more natural result, choose a self-tanner that’s only a shade or two darker than your natural skin tone, and apply it with precision using a make-up brush. To remove tantouring if the results aren’t what you expected, gently exfoliate the skin with a mild scrub or a washcloth to fade the self-tanner. For a quicker fix, use a self-tanner remover or apply a paste of baking soda and water to the area. Always moisturise afterward to keep your skin smooth and hydrated.
Shutterstock Roman Samborskyi
Europe holiday gap
THE ability to take vacations varies significantly across the European Union, highlighting economic disparities. According to Eurostat, nearly 29 per cent of EU citizens aged 16 and over couldn’t afford a week-long trip in 2023.
While 62 per cent of EU citizens took at least one non-work trip in 2022, this only includes trips with overnight stays. This means that 38 per cent of EU citizens didn’t take any holidays that year.
Financial constraints are a primary factor limiting vacation access within the EU. Countries with stronger economies tend to have higher rates of vacation-taking.
Spending power on vacations also varies significantly across Europe.
Luxembourg and Austria had the highest tourist spending per night, at €175 and €154, respecti-
Credit Shutterstock
Families choose to take shorter, more frequent breaks.
vely. Several factors contribute to the disparities between even neighbouring European countries. The greatest of this must be economic inequality.
Holidays are a luxury and are closely linked to individuals’ economic conditions as well as those of their country.
The study also doesn’t take into account holidays less than a week-
long. It could be that families choose to take shorter but more frequent breaks in some countries.
Either way, holidays are culturally and socially important and can strengthen family bonds. Let’s hope that as economic conditions improve, more families will be able to take a well-deserved break.
HISTORIAN Filipa Vicente recently put together a collaborative exhibition, which is on display in Lisbon until the end of November. Her aim was to address the unsettling realisation that the colonial archive at the University of Lisbon was filled with nameless faces, most likely photographed without their consent.
Filipa, a university researcher, considers them to be ‘violent visual archives’, and in response, she began inviting Portuguese families of African descent to rummage through their own photo collections.
She said, “For me, it was a need to create a counter-narrative. Colonial photography is so often a way of dehumanisation. So I really felt the need to see how photography can be used as a way of self-representation, self-expression, of humanising people.”
Delving into intimate moments ranging from pregnancies to wedding parties, the families chose each of the photographs in the exhibition, said Inocência Mata, a professor of literature at the University of Lisbon who co-curated the exhibit with Vicente.
Sauna society Colonial legacy
MORE Swedes are beco ming naturists; “This is an antidote,” said Swedish artist Cristian Quin teros Sotos about his work Bath season at Stockholm’s Fringe Festival, which explores how nude bathing can normalise society’s approach to the naked body. With his experimen tal work, Sotos makes art out of sauna baths, wanting to “normalise the body” while we are fed manipulated images of bodies on social media. “I see this as an antidote to that, here you can come and look exactly how you look, it’s the opposite of social media where I’m expected to show my best side.”
“And that’s very important to us, to show that black people are not only objects but also subjects of their history,” she expressed.
The family photos mostly date back to 1975 and reflect the experiences of 35 families who were part of a wave of migration from the country’s former colonies.
The family albums are contextualised by photos that reveal the centuries-long history of the city’s African community, which swelled as Portugal launched the transatlantic slave trade in the 15th century.
According to Sweden’s Naturist Association, nudists in Sweden have been on the rise since the hit of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. This has especially been the case with sauna visitors, as Swedes begin to learn about the healthy benefits of cleansing and con -
necting with the body. Cristian Quinteros Sotos is fascinated by sauna culture, as he considers it a place isolated from society’s barriers; “All prejudices and expectations about the body just disappear in the sauna, there we can meet as people regardless of where we came from. As a person who is racialised in Sweden, there is a care for me in this place by people who might not have given it to me in other contexts.” He argued that when “taken into a larger perspective,” sauna practice can contribute to “a caring society.”
Exhibition is on at Padrão dos Descobrimentos in Lisbon.
Sotos makes art out of sauna baths.
Credit: Andrea Piacquadio, Pexels
Margaret Thatcher portrait removed
Letara Draghia
IN a move stirring political debate, UK
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has removed a portrait of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher from No. 10 Downing Street. The decision, revealed by Starmer’s biographer Tom Baldwin at the Aye Write book festival in Glasgow, has sparked reactions across the political field.
The portrait, commissioned by Gordon Brown in 2009 and painted by Richard Stone, was prominently displayed in what was informally known as the ‘Thatcher Room’. Uniquely, it was the first portrait of a former prime minister specifically commissioned for No. 10, with an anonymous donor covering its £100,000 (€118,840) cost.
Starmer’s choice to take down the painting has drawn sharp criticism from Conservative members. Greg Smith, MP for Mid Buckinghamshire, labelled the act as “utter pettiness,” accusing Starmer of disrespecting historical figures.
Murdo Fraser, a former Scottish Tory leadership candidate, suggested Starmer might feel overshadowed by Thatcher’s enduring legacy.
While Starmer has previously acknowledged Thatcher’s significant influence on the UK, this decision highlights the ongoing divisiveness of her legacy in British politics. The removal of her portrait is likely to fuel further debate, reflecting the complex and enduring impact of Thatcher’s policies on the nation.
Heatwave continues
DESPITE the promise of the end of summer, Europe remains in the grip of a scorching heatwave.
As September begins, a vast heat dome continues to cover much of the continent, with no immediate relief in sight. This heatwave is particularly concerning for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, low-income households, and outdoor workers.
Temperatures are expected to remain well above average throughout early September, especially in Central Europe, Italy, and the Balkan peninsula.
The heatwave is forecast to persist
for at least another week.
Record-Breaking
Temperatures
August 2024 was already a record-breaking month, and September has started with even more extreme temperatures. Numerous monthly records have been broken across Central Europe, with many stations recording all-time high temperatures for the month of September.
Climate Change and Rising Temperatures
The question of whether summers are getting hotter is increasingly relevant. Many people are noticing a trend of warmer summers
compared to their childhoods.
Climate change is said to be a significant factor contributing to these rising temperatures.
Keep Taking Precautions in Hot Weather
The change of month doesn’t always mean a change of temperature, and it certainly doesn’t mean letting up in taking care of yourself in the sun.
As the high temperatures rage on, don’t forget the most basic self-care tips for staying safe: stay hydrated, keep applying high-SPF sun cream, and stay out of the sun during the hottest hours of the day.
No.10 Downing Street.
Credit: Shutterstock.
Low salary
THE 32-year-old Hazem Ashour, originally from Egypt is a co-founder of the Swedish company Hemavi; despite being honoured by King Carl XVI Gustaf for his contributions to the tech industry, his salary was declared ‘too low’ to allow a work permit.
In 2021, Hazem Ashour was awarded ‘the Settler of the Year’ by King Carl XVI Gustaf, honouring him as one of Sweden’s finest foreign entrepreneurs. His company, Hemavi aids exchange students in finding housing in Sweden, attracting tens of thousands of users and securing more than 10 million kronor (€880,258) in investments.
Despite his achievements, the Swedish Migration Agency rejected Ashour’s work permit application.
Although Ashour’s monthly salary increased
Sweden’s government building.
to 42,000 kronor (€3,700) in December 2023, his 35,000 kronor (€4,692) salary in November of the same year, was claimed insufficient to obtain a work permit, as the Swedish Migration Agency cited the required CEO salary as 40,000 kronor (€3,542).
He responded to the Agency, arguing that he had accepted a lower salary to reinvest in his company; his appeal led
to the annulment of the initial ruling, prompting a re-examination of the case.
“I moved to Sweden almost six years ago, completed my studies, and built a company that employs people, pays taxes, and provides a service that people appreciate. Yet, in return, I’m being treated like a criminal. It just doesn’t feel right,” shared Ashour to the Press.
When summer ends and so does your relationship: breaking up after the sunshine season
COAST
ARE you itching to get back home? Can’t stand him/her anymore? Well, it’s better to break up in summer than on Valentine’s Day, right? At least then you won’t have to dodge questions about why you’re not sending flowers!
But let’s be real: summer in Spain is like an episode of ‘The Bachelor’ on steroids, with a major ‘overbooking’ of breakups and broken hearts. My Facebook status went from ‘in a relationship’ to ‘single’, and when I look in the mirror, it says, ‘Nah, nah, you are double!’
Here’s a little joke to lighten the mood: I heard about this guy who’s a massive football fan. He bought two Super Bowl tickets months in advance, only to realise they were for the same day as his wedding. He shelled out $2,000 each for the tickets, so he posted on Facebook asking if anyone wanted to take his place.
He said, “The ceremony is at 3.00pm at First Baptist Church, and her name is Tiffany.”
Talk about relationships!
So, why do couples crash and burn in the summer?
According to the statistics in Spain, relationship crises spike during the summer. The more time couples spend together, the higher the chance of a breakup. Experts blame the ‘excessive togetherness’
phenomenon.
During the rest of the year, work and social life act as a sort of relationship buffer. But in summer, when you’re joined at the hip 24/7, what was already on the rocks might just crumble into a full-blown disaster.
Add to this the circus of caring for kids, pets, keeping each other entertained, the financial strain, the exhaustion from activities you’d normally avoid, and the sweltering heat... and voilà, you’ve got the ultimate recipe for a relationship catastrophe!
And when summer ends, the fun evaporates, giving way to bills and daily stress, the last thing you need is a breakup adding to the chaos.
In a summer crisis, breaking up might not be the best move. Communicating, accepting, talking, committing, and tolerating are crucial.
But above all, there should be love because love can mend almost anything.
As the saying goes: the only measure of love is to love without measure.
Not everything is as terrible or fantastic as it seems. As my wise sister Verana says: things aren’t inherently good or bad; it’s how you handle them that makes them one or the other.
Remember, this is a one-way trip, not a rehearsal. Be happy and love the person you’re with.
Don’t become just another summer statistic!
Movaldi’s opinions are
MOVALDI’S AMERICAN 2 CENTS SNAPSHOT FROM COAST TO
Credit: Pixabay, Pexels
Brussels Gardens Phone ban
Harry Sinclair
AN online tool is helping Brussels residents better connect with green spaces and nature spots.
Brussels Gardens is a website managed by the Brussels Environment Agency, and acts as an online directory for parks and forests in the capital.
There are many green spaces and natural spots in and around the capital, offering the perfect place for family activities, quiet reading, historical monuments, or local flora and fauna.
In a press release published on Friday August 30, Brussels Environment announced that the site has received some much-needed updates, smoothing out the user experience.
With the new updates, it is easier than ever for a user to find what they’re looking for from Brussels’ green spaces with the ability to filter searches and locate nearby forests or parks tailored to what the user wants.
“Whether you’re looking for a playground, a quiet spot by the water, or want to learn more about local flora and fauna, Brussels Gardens has something for everyone,” the agency stated.
Brussels Gardens displays all that the city’s green spaces have to offer, including a selection of walking, cycling and running trails to choose from.
Anna Akopyan FRENCH authorities plan to trial a ban on mobile phones at schools for children up to the age of 15; a ‘digital pause’ which if proven successful, would be implemented from January 2025.
problems, lack of focus, and bullying.
The site also provides im-
portant information including each route’s length, gradient, location and the municipalities and green areas crossed, as well as users being able to see which outdoor summer bars are nearby.
Users can also find interactive experiences to partake in on the Brussels Gardens site, as well as users being able to see details about upcoming events and important resources in all Brussels parks and forests.
Around 200 secondary schools in France will trial a prohibition of mobile phones, requiring students to hand over their devices during the morning reception.
In March this year, a report was published by the French government declaring that there was “a very clear consensus on the direct and indirect negative effects of digital devices on sleep, on being sedentary, a lack of physical activity and the risk of being overweight and even obese … as well as on sight.”
With the rapid progress of technology, teachers and parents have been growing concerned about children’s use of smartphones, often leading to mental health
In February this year, the Westminster government issued a non-statutory guidance stating that schools should prohibit phones, although individual headteachers should “develop and implement a policy… which reflects their school’s individual contexts and recently issued a similar guidance, which while being followed in Madrid, Galicia, and Leon, is disregarded in other regions of Spain.
In Germany and The Netherlands, it is too, a recommendation and not a legal obligation to prohibit mobile phones, which reflects the government’s awareness of to-
French schools are trying to ban mobile phones.
Marriage is no giveaway
IN English-speaking countries it is normal for the bride’s father to walk her to the altar where her future husband awaits her.
Although this is not a tradition in Lutheran Sweden, where it is normal for the bride and groom to walk down the aisle together, more women are asking to be ‘given away’ by their father.
Sociologists put the trend down to the influence of Hollywood films, global television and even the social media, together with the fact that King Carl Gustaf walked his daughter Crown Princess Victoria part of the way to the altar when she married in 2010.
It’s up to Church of Sweden pastors to decide whether a bride’s father can give her away, and some have no problem with the tendency.
Others are less enthusiastic.
Sara Waldenfors, a pastor from Nylose, Gothenburg, who belongs to the Social Democrat (SAP) opposition party, and Jesper Eneroth, an MP for the SAP, want a ban on the popular practice.
There was no escaping the patriarchal symbolism of a father giving away his daughter, Waldenfors said.
“The relatively new trend that the father walks the bride down the aisle
INTERVIEW
Credit:alteadigital.es
SWEDISH WEDDINGS: Bride and groom usually walk to the altar together.
and passes her over to her new husband is not in our church tradition,” she told the Observer.
“Even though the scene feels nice for future couples, we can’t disregard what it symbolises: a father handing over a minor virgin to her new guardian.”
Speaking EuropeanJoana Carvalhas
Joana has been chasing her passion for music across the world, moving from Portugal to Germany and Scotland. As the third time’s the charm, she made her third move abroad this year, coming to Valencia to study at Berklee College of Music.
COMING from a town in Portugal just an hour away from Spain, Joana found Spain “very similar” to home and said that the language was “easy to grasp.”
Alongside the weather and the cuisine, Joana said that unlike living in big cities like Berlin, she felt more “welcomed” in Valencia and could cheer herself up just by going outside and being around people.
Joana felt comfortable moving to Valencia without knowing anyone in the city and found friends of different nationalities within her first weeks in Spain.
“What I like about Valencia is that there are many Spanish people and also many Europeans and Americans; it feels authentically diverse,” said Joana.
Being a talented violinist, she also appreciates Spanish culture and love for music and performance; “Audiences in Spain enjoy music more, they are more appreciative of shows.”
Having often visited Spain as a kid,
Soon starting her first year at Berklee, Joana has already been feeling “like a part” of the local community with memorable introductory events at her college and her exploration of a city that she believes will greatly “inspire and advance” her future.
Joana Carvalhas
Credit: Joana Carvalhas
Spaghetti wars
CHEFS and gastronomes recoil in horror as Heinz introduces tins of spaghetti carbonara to supermarket shelves.
The unveiling of Heinz’s new tinned easy-meal set X (Twitter) alight with declarations of disgust recently. Top Italian chef Alessandro Pipero asked “Do you mean in a tin, like cat food?” on hearing that Heinz was promoting its new canned version of the classic Italian dish, while Wanted in Rome on X reported Italians saying that they “wouldn’t even give it to a stray cat.’”
Part of the outrage is what many food lovers see as the continued ‘Americanisation’ of Italian cuisine. Ask any Italian and they will firmly assure you that, unlike the Heinz variety, Spaghetti Carbonara does not contain cream or bacon or parsley, while the ingredients on the Heinz tin list bacon, cornflour, skimmed milk powder, cheese powder, sugar, garlic flavouring, onion extract and dried parsley. This quick and easy to prepare classic ‘carbonara’ part of the recipe only has four ingredients: egg yolks, black pepper, guanciale and olive oil.
The internationalisa-
tion of classic regional dishes has been berated by many in recent years with TV chefs like Nigella Lawson who was accused of killing Italian food when in 2017 she added 60ml of double cream to her version, or Jamie Oliver who very nearly started a war with Spain by adding chorizo to his idea of Paella.
Credit: Heinz UK, Facebook
The new Heinz Spaghetti Carbonara.
• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •
Costa del Sol Chinese tourism
TALKS are underway in Beijing between the Junta de Andalucia and Chinese authorities who are looking to start up direct flights between China and Andalucia.
Malaga airport is under no doubt which Andalus airport is their choice and is promoting the Costa del Sol as the most attractive destination for Chinese tourists. The state-owned Air China is weighing up which airport to choose between Sevilla and Malaga. Another interesting aspect for commerce in Malaga is that with a new direct route from Beijing, the opportunity for trade in goods would also benefit the region.
One element that weighs slightly more to the Sevilla choice is that the Chinese tend to prefer more cultural holidays to sites of historical significance over beach holidays, and while both Malaga and Sevilla offer incredible historical references, Malaga’s marketing has tended to bias itself as a more sun, sea and sand style of holiday destination.
Axarquia Reservoir levels
LA VIÑUELA reservoir in Axarquia is showing signs of improvement, but the drought is far from over. As of early September, the reservoir holds 24.99 cubic hectometres of water, about 15.20 per cent of its total capacity. This is a significant improvement from last year’s 13.56 cubic hectometres, thanks to the Easter rains that boosted reserves by 11.4 cubic hectometres. Despite the ongoing drought, these levels provide a small cushion, allowing Axarquia enough water for human consumption for about 10 months, even without further rainfall.
During July and August, Axarquia consumed nearly 4.8 cubic hectometres of water from the reservoir. With the current restrictions and conservation measures in place, the region is managing its resources carefully. The Junta de Andalucia has praised the regulation of water supplies.
Across Malaga Province, La Viñuela is among the better-off reservoirs. However, with tourism driving high consumption in September, authorities are urging continued conservation efforts.
Mallorca
Millions flock to island
IN July this year the Balearic Islands were visited by 2.5 million international tourists, a number which marks a 4.3 per cent increase from that of 2023.
In a study of border tourist movements published by the Balearic Institute of Statistics (IBESTAT), Mallorca was the island which represents the increase, with a 5.03 per cent rise in visitors, whilst the other islands were subject to a reduction in tourism, with Menorca suffering a 4.25 per cent decrease and Ibiza and Formentera receiving 7.2 per cent fewer visitors then the same time last year.
According to the study, which is conducted by the National Institute of Statistics (INE), across Spain the grand majority of visitors to the country in July came from the United Kingdom, with a sensational two million British tourists choosing to holiday in Spain. This is a 2.6 per cent rise from July last year and is followed by 1.6 million French holidaymakers (a 3.4 per cent increase) and 1.2 million German visitors (6.6 per cent more than last year).
Costa Blanca North Flamingo fever
THE celebrations of Mare de Deu de Loreto have transformed the streets in Duanes de la Mar, Javea. The dedicated residents have invested months of effort in adorning their streets with vivid colours and captivating artworks, each showcasing a distinct theme that has enchanted the local community and visitors alike.
The residents of Triana Street chose a pink flamingo theme, creating an extraordinary urban landscape portraying a lake teeming with flamingos. The combination of the street’s greenery and the striking pink hue of the flamingos created a jubilant and festive ambience, attracting the attention of all passersby. At the heart of the street, a pair of flamingos next to a fountain serves as the focal point. Sadly, not everyone was enamoured by the pink flamingo decorations, as they were twice vandalised, with three of the 23 flamingos being stolen. Undeterred by this mindless act, the determined residents suspended them from the balconies of their houses.
Almeria Cheap city escapes
AFTER the busy and hot Spanish summer, September is the perfect time to enjoy a quieter and cheaper holiday experience, and Almeria Airport has two European capitals and a national city you can fly to for less than €100.
Within the Iberian Peninsular, in September, you can get a direct flight from the provincial capital to Bilbao for €58, departing on September 22 and returning on 29.
Bilbao is one of Spain’s most charming cities with a river running through it, surrounded by green mountains, and has easy access to both Barcelona and the capital, Madrid.
Outside of Spain, you can experience the capital of France and the host city of this year’s Olympic games, with flights from Almeria airport to Paris in September starting from only €88.
Last on this list is Belgium’s beauty, Brussels. In September, you can fly from the capital of Almeria to the capital of Belgium for less than €100, with a minimum price of €92.
Costa Calida Race for Life
GET ready to lace up those running shoes because the 19th MABS Race for Life is back, and it’s better than ever! MABS Mazarron, known for its incredible work supporting those diagnosed with cancer, and their families, is once again hosting this fantastic event. Mark your calendars for October 27 and join the fun - whether you’re walking, running, or even skipping your way around the course, everyone is welcome! Registration kicks off at 9.30am with the race starting at 10.00am. For just €10 for adults and €5 for kids under 12, you’ll get a t-shirt, a medal, and a chance to be a part of something truly special. Plus, no worries about a price hike this year - your entry fee still covers the obligatory Liability insurance. Entry forms are available at various locations, or you can easily download one from the MABS Mazarron Facebook page. Let’s come together and make a difference - see you at the start line!
Would you pay €400 to see Oasis perform? Your
VOICE
OASIS fans are furious at Ticketmaster and concert promoters, accusing them of a ‘sickening’ and ‘scandalous’ handling of 2025’s ticket sales for reunion gigs.
On Saturday August 31, the band announced that all UK and Ireland dates had sold out in less than a day. Since then, social media has been overloaded with stories of fans who have waited in online queues for tickets, only to be told that the price had more than doubled to a hefty £355 (€420).
In their defence, Ticketmaster stated that the ‘in-demand standing ticket’ price was down to the event organiser, who had priced these tickets according to their market value. In light of this explanation, Euro Weekly News wanted to explore the perceived market value further, so we asked our readers if they would pay €400 to see Oasis perform.
Over 250 comments were posted by readers eager to share their views. Many admitted that they did not like Oasis, but even if they did, they would not be willing to pay that much for a ticket. Others stated that they would not even pay four cents for a ticket, and then some suggested they themselves would have to be paid €400 to go to the concert.
Marie Rose said she would not pay because “You will probably get
to see the concert online on your 70-inch TV screen with friends, and it will be like you’re there.”
Vivienne Kent was incredulous when she said, “Been so over-hyped by the media... absolutely ridiculous for a so-so couple of brothers who are only doing this now to get a mass of money to retire on.”
Paul Slater shared, “I’d spend €200 max. I saw Liam Gallagher live a couple of years ago. Horses for courses. They were ‘the scene’ when I was in my mid-20s, so I have a big interest in them.”
Annelie Ash expressed, “Definitely maybe... no, I would love to see them but not at that price... waiting to see if the world tour is a world tour... rather not have to go back to UK anyway, although would have considered Dublin if we hadn’t been booted out the queue for being a bot.”
Judith Dominque Wolfenegg gushed, “I have seen them three times back in Vienna - absolutely fabulous live act, one of the best I have ever seen. If I had not seen them, I would have possibly paid that amount for it, but as I have seen them several times before, no.”
While some readers said they would be willing to pay that much to see them live, the general consensus was that the organisers have the perceived market value very wrong!
OASIS ARE SET TO PLAY AGAIN IN 2025.
Supermarket dating in Spain
Letara Draghia
IN Spain, grocery stores like Mercadona and Lidl have become surprising venues for singles seeking romance, with trends turning traditional shopping trips into matchmaking opportunities. This trend began at Mercadona, where shoppers looking for love were encouraged to signal their availability by placing an upside-down pineapple in their trolley. Between 7pm and 8pm, the supermarket’s aisles have transformed into a vibrant social scene, with playful signals like chocolate for casual interests and legumes for serious relationships. The trend has even spread to other stores, with El Corte Ingles being another popular spot for romantic encounters.
However, this unconventional dating scene has also led to unexpected issues. Recently, a mass gathering at a Mercadona in Bilbao, organised via social media, overwhelmed the store, forcing the Local Police to intervene. The situation was quickly brought under control, but it highlighted the growing popularity - and potential chaos - of this trend.
Not to be outdone, Lidl has launched its own campaign, ‘La Hora del Amor’ (The Hour of Love), encouraging singles to visit between 6pm and 7pm. Instead of pineapples, Lidl suggests using watermelons in your trolley as a signal of interest. Shoppers can even enjoy discounts during this time, adding a nancial incentive to the mix.
Culture capital
SICILIAN town, Agrigento has been crowned the 2025 Capital of Culture despite its heavy in uence from the Italian Ma a, which local authorities work hard to suppress.
The Sicilian countryside is known for its Ma a heritage; faced with cases of narcotra cking, kidnapping, and extortion.
Despite its reputation, it’s set to become the 2025 Italian Culture Capital. Shifting the focus away from the controversy, Agrigento police have now been authorised to inspect gift shops and issue nes to shop sellers who o er Maa-related products.
These include everything from magnets and t-shirts to shot glasses and images of Sicilians in traditional dress holding the ‘lupara’ (a sawn-o shotgun). Agrigento mayor Francesco Micciche stated:
“Considering that the
Agrigento’s heritage.
sale of such products in the territory of Agrigento humiliates the local community, which has been committed to spreading the culture of legality for years, I order a ban on the sale of any type of object that praises, or refers in any way and form, to the ma a and organised crime.”
Agrigento’s diverse heritage has often been discre-
dited; leaving out the fact that it is a UNESCO heritage site and holds archaeological remains from the fth and sixth centuries BC. With ancient, Baroque, and modern architecture, a cultural programme of 44 projects which explores the relationship between nature and humanity will focus on the more inspiring and honourable part of Agrigento.
Upside-down pineapples and watermelons: Codes for love.
Splendour suite Birthday surprise
THESE are the top five European hotel rooms if you’re looking for space and splendour.
1. The Josephina Suite at Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa, Champillon, France
In the wine-growing region, the Josephina Suite is worth €1,837 per night, consisting of a king-sized bed, a lounge area, and a six square metre terrace.
2. Sea View at Le Sirenuse, Positano, Italy
The two bedroom suite sea view is available from €800.
With three bathrooms, a double-whirlpool bathtub, and a stunning window view, the suite includes a balcony ranging up to 42 metres square.
3. Chromata Villa at Katikies Hotels, Santorini and Mykonos, Greece
Nothing short of a dream, with prices from €700, the 1,800 square-foot Chromata Villa features two king-sized beds, four bathrooms, a private pool, and a veranda.
4. Hotel Ambasador, Opatija, Croatia
Situated above a 10-kilo-
metre seaside promenade; its Garden Suite includes a double bed and a stunning terrace facing the sea. Classy yet modernised, it is timelessly chic for €410.40 per night.
5. The Imperial Suite, Le Bristol, Paris
Paris’ Imperial Suite spans over 320 metres of royal charm. Alongside the bedroom, fitted for a King, the dining room features a Versailles parquet, overlooking the hotel’s vintage garden. The suite is offered for €31,500 per night.
AN Italian restaurant charged an ex tra €59 for cutting a woman’s bir thday cake, which she had bou ght at a bakery for €44.98.
The woman had been celebrating with a group of 13 friends and had bought the cake at a bakery beforehand; it turned out that cutting it was worth more.
She shared her story on Facebook, showing the bill from a small restaurant on the outskirts of Arezzo, Tuscany, with a total of €659 and an additional €59 just for cutting a birthday cake.
Before booking her evening, the woman had specified whether it would be acceptable to bring her own birthday cake and the staff assured her there would be no problems, saying nothing about an extra fee. Although she expected a small surcharge, she found that €4.50 per person was unreasonable.
Following her social media post, the restaurant faced backlash, asking the restaurant owner for an explanation.
The owner commented; “We do not charge a service charge and serve mainly dishes from our own production.
“My restaurant has to cover the costs of the waiter who serves at the table, the dishwasher and other related services.”
He added however; “I’d rather have €50 less and have people go home happy than this misunderstanding that will harm us all,” adding that he will consider adding a “new rule” of surcharging in the future.
Granada’s hidden gems!
NAMED either after the pomegranates (granadas in Spanish) that grow here or the Moorish name Karnattah (possibly meaning ‘hill of strangers’), Granada boasts a fascinating history.
This city, a firm favourite with tourists, was once home to Iberians (Elibyrge in the fifth century BC) and Romans (Illiberis). Later, it became the last Moorish stronghold in Spain, conquered by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella in 1492.
Granada is a treasure trove of architecture. Splendid Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical churches, convents, palaces and mansions line the streets. At the heart of the city is the Gothic Cathedral with its Royal Chapel, housing the tombs of the famous monarchs and adorned with jasper and colourful marble. Art lovers will find plenty to admire inside, including works by sculptor Alonso Cano.
Head to the Albaicín, Granada’s oldest quarter, and wander its narrow, cobbled streets lined with cármenes (Moorish-style houses). Across the Darro River lies the Al -
hambra, the Insta-friendly Moorish palace, along with its guardian fortress, the Alcazaba, and the Generalife, a summer retreat for Moorish sultans. History buffs amongst you will lap up the Alcázar, a 14th-century palace built for Moorish queens, and the 13th-century Cuarto Real de Santo Domingo villa. The Alhambra and Generalife were declared UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1984, the Albaicín following suit in 1994.
So, put on your walking shoes and get exploring!
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.
Hotel Le Bristol, Paris.
Serving a birthday cake.
Credit: Mikhail Nilov, Pexels
Credit: Le Bristol Hotel, Facebook
Milo likes to get up close to know his cat-sitters
Feline friend finder
UNDERSTANDING the personalities of common cat breeds can help you choose a feline friend that matches your lifestyle. The Siamese, known for their striking blue eyes and vocal nature, are social and affectionate, often following their owners around and engaging in conversations. Persian cats, with their long, luxurious fur, are gentle and laid-back, preferring a calm environment and plenty of pampering.
Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, known for their friendly and sociable nature. They enjoy interacting with their fa-
Dog treat
Anna Akopyan DOLCE & GABBANA
launched a new perfume for dogs for €99, titled Fefe; it is inspired by Domenico Dolce’s ‘unconditional love’ for his ‘loyal dog Fefe’, revealed D&G’s website.
“I am delicate, charismatic, authentic, sensitive, enigmatic, rebel, fresh, irresistible, clean. Cause I’m not just a dog.
I’m Fefe,” said the narrator in the perfume commercial to the image of perfectly groomed pups. Fefe comes in a sleek green lacquered glass bottle, adorned with a vibrant red metal cap and a precious 24-carat gold-plated paw,” for the pets of the most high-maintenance owners.
The bottle is priced at €99 in 100ml and is complemented by a Dolce &
MILO and his brother Buddy have cat-sitters from HousesSitMatch to care for them when their owners travel away from home. Milo keeps a close eye on what is going on, but he also loves their company so it’s no chore really. 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!
milies and are good with children and other pets.
British Shorthairs, with their round faces and dense coats, are calm and easygoing, making them great companions for quieter households.
Bengals, with their exotic, leopard-like appearance, are energetic and playful, requiring plenty of stimulation and exercise. Finally, the Ragdoll is known for its docile and affectionate temperament, often going limp when held, hence the name. Each breed offers unique traits, ensuring there’s a perfect cat for every home.
Gabbana dog collar with a tag and optional engravings. Although this isn’t the first perfume for dogs, it is a pioneer in the high fashion industry and has provoked mixed reactions.
PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk was also unimpressed by Fefe; “Dogs (...) can smell 10,000 to 100,000 times better than humans, so squirting them with a fragrance designed to please humans can upset them greatly.”
She advised against the perfume; “our dogs love us just as we areand we should extend the same courtesy to them.”
According to D&G, however, the market “reacted well” to Fefe. “Everyone went crazy at the announcement.” D&G also clarified that the perfume is ‘vet approved’ and certified by Safe Pet Cosmetics.
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:
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.
TIP ‘Windows to Wellness’
ROUTINE vet visits are essential for early disease detection and maintaining overall health. Schedule annual check-ups, or more frequently for older pets. Regular exams include vaccinations, dental care, and monitoring weight and behaviour changes.
BLINDS
Converting a Van into a Campervan
CONVERTING a van into a campervan has become an increasingly popular way to embrace the freedom of the open road while enjoying the comforts of home. This DIY project allows you to create a personalised, mobile living space that’s perfect for exploring the country.
The first step is planning. Consider your needs and budget - will you require a full kitchen setup, a bathroom, or simply a cosy sleeping area? Sketch out a layout that maximises space and functionality. Essential features often include a bed, storage, a small kitchenette, and possibly a seating area that doubles as a wor-
Insulating your van is crucial for comfort, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Install proper insulation materials in the walls, ceiling, and floor. Next, consider installing a power system with solar panels or a secondary battery to power lights, appliances, and gadgets. Water storage and a small sink can make your travels more
When it comes to furnishing, opt for lightweight, multi-functional furniture that saves space. For exam-
ple, a foldable bed can transform into a seating area during the day.
Personalise the interior with decor that reflects your style, making it a true home on wheels.
Credit: Brian Sneddon
The hunt is on! - Aston Martin searching for 1st car from 1914
By Mark Slack ROAD
TEST
THE search is on for a priceless piece of British luxury car brand Aston Martin’s earliest history. A1 was the very first car to be built by Bamford & Martin Ltd, the company that would quickly become Aston Martin.
Nicknamed ‘Coal Scuttle’ because of its simple styling that was, to many, redolent of the ubiquitous fuel container that almost every home in the nation would have possessed.
However, Aston Martin sold its earliest model for the princely sum of £50 in 1924 and, not long after that, the car disappeared entirely.
Now, 110 years after its manufacture and 100 years after its sale, the Aston Martin Heritage Trust (AMHT) is launching a global hunt for this priceless missing piece of the brand’s history.
The AMHT is asking car enthusiasts around the world to check their garages, outhouses, barns and stores for any potential tra-
ces of the missing car. Trust Treasurer, Garry Taylor, said: “We are very fortunate here at the AMHT to have the oldest known Aston Martin in existence, now known as A3, but, to date, ‘Coal Scuttle’ has eluded us.”
Built in 1914, by a small team
of engineers led by marque founders Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, this first car was aspiring to be a high-quality sporting car rivalling the likes of Bugatti.
The First World War interrupted its development, although
Lionel Martin was still able to formally register the car as an ‘Aston-Martin’ on March 16, 1915.
Bamford had fought in France during the war and, having survived both the conflict and the Spanish Flu pandemic, he opted to leave the business to concentrate on a quieter life, passing on his shareholding to Kate Martin, wife of his former business partner Lionel.
As Bamford & Martin Ltd regrouped in 1919 it entered its lone car, ‘Coal Scuttle’, in the first available UK sporting event, the London to Edinburgh Trial.
This was a true test of machinery, driving all the way on rough roads and tracks with all manner of pitfalls possible. Thankfully the car completed the event in good time, earning a Gold Medal in the process. Anyone who does feel they can shed more light on the whereabouts, or fate, of ‘Coal Scuttle’ is asked to contact that AMHT via its website: https://amht. org.uk/contact/
