Costa Calida 5 - 11 December 2024 Issue 2057

THE Michelin Star Gala 2025 was held recently in the Region of Murcia, shining a spotlight on the region’s growing food scene. The event, hosted at the Víctor Villegas Auditorium in Murcia, brought together some of the best chefs from all over the country, all hoping to earn the prestigious Michelin star.

The biggest moment of the night was the announcement that Murcia restaurant Frases, led by Marco Antonio Iniesta and María Egea, had earned its first Michelin star. Since opening in 2020, Frases has impressed with its modern take on traditional Murcian cuisine, focusing on local ingredients and innovative dishes. This recognition is a major achievement for the restaurant

Michelin magic hits Murcia Cartagena’s big arrival

CARTAGENA recently welcomed the IONA, one of the largest cruise ships in the P&O Cruises fleet, carrying over 6,000 passengers. Launched in 2021, the IONA is known for its sleek, modern design and eco-friendly use of liquefied natural gas (LNG). It also features a SkyDome with a glass roof and plenty of entertainment options.

“Frases scores first star”

and its passionate team. While the night was filled with celebration, it left a bittersweet feeling for some, as many had hoped for additional stars in the region. The Local de Ensayo restaurant, for example, was a favourite

to receive a Michelin star but didn’t make the cut. Still, the region saw success as Cabaña Buenavista, Almo, and Magoga all retained their Michelin stars, proving that Murcia remains an important foodie destination.

Frases’ new Michelin star is a well-earned recognition for Iniesta and Egea’s hard work and creativity. With this honour, the region’s culinary scene continues to grow and gain attention on the global stage.

As cruise tourism continues to rise, Cartagena is becoming a more well-known stop on Mediterranean routes, offering visitors a perfect blend of history, culture, and modern attractions.

The IONA’s visit marks another milestone for Cartagena’s tourism industry, drawing more attention to the city’s many highlights.

NOVEMBER 2024 was the hottest on record in Murcia and in Spain, with an average of 12.4°C, nearly 3°C higher than usual and surpassing the previous record, in 1983, by half a degree. Despite the second DANA weather event affecting the Mediterranean side of the region, it was also exceptionally dry, with rainfall 40 per cent below average. The first days of December followed suit, reaching 32°C in Gran Canaria and 29°C in Coín, Malaga, on November 30.

According to the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET), while the first week of December started with cooler temperatures, the warmth will return before a chill arrives mid-December. AEMET noted that this drop in temperatures could lead to more typical winter conditions.

This visit is not just a boost for local tourism, but also a reminder of Cartagena’s growing importance as a cruise

The city came alive as the thousands of passengers descended on the city and explored Cartagena’s rich history and culture. Tourists had the chance to visit top attractions like the Roman Theatre, the Castle of the Conception, and the Civil War tunnels.

destination. The influx of visitors supports local businesses, from restaurants to shops, and highlights the city’s ability to host large-scale events and attractions.

Costa Calida • Issue No. 2057 • 5 - 11 Dec 2024

Frases Shines at Michelin Gala.

Christmas in Mazarron

MAZARRON is preparing for an exciting Christmas season filled with fun and surprises. On November 28, the town’s Christmas programme was announced by Mayor Ginés Campillo, along with some local councillors and associations. This year’s events are set to make Mazarron the place to be during the holidays.

The main event will be Puerto de la Navidad (Port of Christmas),

where a beautiful boat will bring Santa Claus to meet the children by the sea. There will also be creative workshops for kids, giving families a chance to enjoy the holiday spirit together. From December 11 to January 5, there will be plenty to do. A Christmas market will run at Plaza de Abastos from December 2024, and on December 23, Chef Eduardo Cerezuela will host a holiday sweets

workshop at Restaurante Bruma. The celebrations will continue with live music, parades, and the traditional San Silvestre race on December 31.

There will also be a window display competition and a campaign to support local shops. These activities are set to bring joy to the streets and give a boost to local businesses, making this Christmas season in Mazarron one to remember.

Step back in time

THE Roman Theatre Museum in Cartagena will be open throughout the December long weekend, with extended hours for visitors. From Friday, December 6 to Sunday, December 8, the museum will be open from 10am to 6pm. On Monday, December 9, also a public holiday in the region, the museum will open from 10am to 2pm.

During this time, visitors can take part in several special activities and tours in partnership with Cartagena Puerto de Culturas. From December 6 to 8, the ‘Cartagena Romana y Mediterránea’ boat tour will offer a unique chance to explore the city’s rich his-

tory, starting at the museum and continuing through the Museo del Foro Romano, before a scenic boat ride along the bay.

On Saturday, December 7 at 11.30am, a family-friendly activity will give visitors a chance to learn about the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia, which coincides with Christmas. The event will feature a museum tour, a musical performance, and a visit to the Roman Theatre.

Also on Sunday, December 8, the guided tour ‘From the Theatre to the Portico Behind the Scene’ will highlight recent discoveries at the site.

Explore Cartagena’s history.

Image:

Cartagena City Hall

Image: Mazarron Town Hall

Festive fun awaits Mazarron.

Warning: New WhatsApp Scam

“Users Should Stay Vigilant Against Fraud”

THE Spanish National Police have issued an urgent warning to citizens across Spain after a surge in fraud cases involving WhatsApp, leaving victims high and dry as their accounts are hijacked by crooks. In a cunning new twist, scammers are using the app to con people out of their hard-earned money.

You’re going about your day, when a WhatsApp message pings on your phone - a genuine six-digit verification code from the WhatsApp application itself. You think little of it, until moments later, an acquaintance - it might be a friend or someone in your contact list - messages you claiming that they’ve mistakenly registered your number while trying to verify their own account. They ask for the verification code you just received. This, of course, doesn’t make sense if you think it throu gh, but if you’re busy, tired, and not expecting it, it can catch you out.

If the victim automatically replies with the code without thinking, they’re unsuspectingly opening the door to their WhatsApp account. The scammers now have control, and they’re off to the races.

With your WhatsApp account now under their control, the criminals send out desperate-sounding messages to your contacts. In some cases they even ring you up

Beware

from an unknown number and get you talking over the phone while they record your voice. They then, run your voice through an AI voice-cloning app so they can send desperate-sounding voice messages to your contacts, making it even more believable. They claim to be in an emergency and urgently need money via Bizum.

Electricity Prices Surge

WATCH out Spanish households. Your next electricity bill is just about to get even juicier. Spain is on the cusp of breaking a new record for the highest electricity prices of the entire year.

On Tuesday November 26, the worrying reveal of record electricity prices had Spanish homes shaking. According to data from the Iberian Energy

Market Operator (OMIE), the average price per megawatt hour (MWh) stands at €143.25 - an increase of 75.3 per cent compared to Monday November 25, making November stand out as the most expensive month in the year.

France and Germany are creating some jealousy as their prices are plummeting to low rates of €114.24/ MWh and €112.75/MWh, respectively. This exposes some unwelcome

realities for Spain, which has enviable potential for renewable energy generation. Despite lucrative uses of renewable energy sources, Spain is clearly prone to changes in market dynamics that depend on seasonal demand.

For more savvy homes, using electrical appliances at certain hours has been a foolproof way to save energy for years. Not any more. Even at the ‘cheapest’ hours of between 1pm and 3pm, prices will still exceed €100/MWh. Avoid the expensive slot between 6pm and 7pm, when rates will skyrocket to an eye-popping €162.07/MWh.

Oscillations look set to be on the cards, yet hopefully November will be an unlucky ‘one-off’ and these prices won’t be seen again in a good while.

Until then, folks: use electricity responsibly, efficiently and frugally!

Digital pass for pensioners

SPAIN has unveiled a new digital pass, the Certificado Integral de Prestaciones, aimed at simplifying life for its 9.26 million pensioners, 6.4 million of whom are retirees. This innovation makes accessing benefits and discounts more seamless, easing the transition into retirement.

The Certificado Integral de Prestaciones is a free, official document that consolidates pension-related information. By storing proof of benefits, income tax details, and pension revaluation certificates, it eliminates the need for multiple papers. This step towards digitisation enhances the efficiency of public services, offering retirees a hassle-free way to access their entitlements.

More than just identification, the digital pass grants pensioners access to a host of benefits:

• Discounts on Imserso trips.

• Reduced fares for buses, trains, and flights.

• Savings on cultural and leisure activities.

• Subsidies for utilities like electricity, water, and gas. Applying for the pass is straightforward. Pensioners can visit the Social Security website, fill in their details, and download the pass as a PDF. Alternatively, a trusted person can apply on their behalf with permission granted through a secure SMS system.

This initiative not only reduces paperwork but also empowers pensioners with quick access to benefits, helping them make the most of their retirement years. By simplifying processes and enhancing accessibility, Spain’s Social Security system is paving the way for a more convenient and enjoyable retirement.

Lost luggage piles up

SPAIN has found itself ranked ninth in the world for most lost luggage, with nearly 60,000 suitcases reported lost in Spanish airports last month alone, as reported by Spanish News Today quoting AirHelp data.

The organisation highlighted that one in every 125 suitcases passing through Spanish airports is either lost, delayed, or damaged.

The report also revealed that 36.1 million suitcases were mishandled globally last year, a significant rise from 26 million incidents in 2022.

Among Spanish airlines, Iberia stood out for poor performance, with 3.3 per cent of checked luggage - equivalent to one in every 30 - being lost or damaged, making it the airline with the second-highest baggage mishandling rate.

AirHelp reminds travellers of their rights when luggage goes missing or is damaged. Passengers are entitled to compensation of up to €1,385 in cases of baggage mishandling. If a bag doesn’t arrive after 21 days, it is classified as lost, and travellers can claim reimbursement for its value. To strengthen claims, passengers are advised to obtain a Passenger Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport, photograph their luggage before travelling, and keep receipts. In contrast, Barcelona-El Prat Airport was recognised for its excellent baggage handling, with a loss rate of just 0.12 per cent, which is among the lowest globally. Ensure your bags are clearly labelled, take photos before departure, and report issues immediately to secure compensation.

Credit: Shutterstock, JarTee.

Panto success

THE Adapt Theatre Group celebrated a successful end to their 2024 pantomime season on Sunday, December 1, following the final performance of Snow White and the 7 Guiris. The cast, though exhausted, were thrilled with the show’s success, marking another memorable year for the group.

This year’s performance featured a stellar cast, with Carine Van Vooren shining as Snow White. The script, written by Jane Cronin, was full of wit and charm, bringing together a hilarious mix of characters, including Eric Berg as the Italian hunter and seven quirky guiris (foreigners abroad) with names like Noisy, Nosey, and Posh.

The audience was also treated to a rather aged, but still charming, Prince and the memorable dame, Mrs Clutterbucket (or Madame Cluteurbouquet, as she insisted).

Director Linda Myers and the support crew received special thanks for their hard work behind the scenes. The show entertained both Spanish and English-speaking audiences, continuing the tradition of bringing people together through laughter. Details of the funds rai-

sed for charity will be shared soon, and plans for next year’s production are al ready in the works. Anyone interested in joining the mailing list can contact Eric Berg at ericberg2@hotmail. com.

Back to the Middle Ages

CARTAGENA’s historic centre recently came alive with the 2024 Medieval Market, turning its old streets into a scene straight out of the Middle Ages. Visitors wandered among medieval-themed stalls, enjoyed cultural activities, and sampled a variety of artisan foods and crafts. The atmosphere was buzzing, making it a highlight for both locals and tourists.

If you missed it, don’t worry! Another Medieval Market is coming soon. From December 5 to 8, Santa Ana’s Polígono Residencial will host its own version along Paseo Florencia and Paseo Sorrento, near the church. Organised by Mercados Arlekin, this event will feature medieval-themed fun with a twist of Game of Thrones inspiration.

You can look forward to handmade goods, delicious food and drinks, and live entertainment like music and dancing. It’s the perfect way to soak up the festive medieval vibe.

If you’re curious or want to join as a vendor, contact the organisers on WhatsApp on 628 100 548 (9am2pm) or email mercadosarlekin@gmail.com.

December weekend

THIS December, Murcia residents, and visitors will enjoy an extended long weekend thanks to two important bank holidays. On Friday, December 6, Spain celebrates Constitution Day (Día de

la Constitución), marking the 1978 Spanish Constitution. It’s a day to reflect on Spain’s democratic progress, with cultural events and activities taking place around the region.

The second holiday, Día de la Inmaculada Concepción (Feast of the Immaculate Conception), traditionally falls on December 8, but this year, since it’s on a Sunday, the bank holiday will be carried over to Monday, December 9.

It’s a significant religious holiday in Spain, dedicated to celebrating the belief in the Virgin Mary’s purity. People will attend church services and enjoy family gatherings.

Shoppers should be aware that while most businesses will be closed on Sunday, December 8, many will remain open on Friday, December 6, and Monday, December 9, especially shopping centres and department stores like El Corte Inglés. However, it’s a good idea to check timetables online in advance, as opening hours may vary during the holidays.

Snow White wraps up.

Medieval magic in Cartagena.

Image: Cartagena Town Hall

Supersonic shock

non happens when an aircraft exceeds the speed of sound, about 1,235 km/h, creating a shockwave that can be heard from miles away.

Given the proximity to the San Javier Air Base and other military installations, it’s likely that the sound came from military

part of a test flight, de monstration, or special mission tied to military operations.

While supersonic flights are usually restricted over populated areas to avoid disruptions, they can still happen in certain situations, such as emergencies or stra-

ching several nearby towns. Some residents even reported feeling their windows and walls shake from the intensity of the sound.

For many, it was a surprising and confusing experience, with some initially mistaking it for an explosion or even an earthquake.

AROUND 250 people joined a solidarity walk organised by the 30740 Club Deportivo San Pedro del Pinatar.

The community walk took place by the salt lakes in San Pedro del Pinatar. The event aimed to help the Valencian Community after it was hit by severe flooding from the DANA

FAST Ball Community walk

Participants donated school supplies and raised €1,140, all of which will go towards repairing the first floor of the CEIP Paluzié school in Catarroja, which was badly damaged in the floods.

The event shows how the local community in San Pedro del Pinatar came together to support their neighbours in need.

It’s a great example of people working together to make a difference and help those affected by the disaster.

CAMPOSOL’S First Aid Support Team (FAST) hosted their Advent Celebration Ball, a sparkling evening filled with entertainment and community spirit. Guests, dressed to impress in suits and ball gowns, enjoyed a fabulous performance by Reke while raising vital funds for FAST’s lifesaving work.

Thanks to the generosity of responders, members, and supporters, the evening’s raffle brought in an impressive €1,400. These funds will help FAST continue providing crucial first aid support during medical emergencies while waiting for ambulances to arrive.

The event highlighted the importance of community backing for FAST’s volunteer-run service, making sure they remain a lifeline for the Camposol area.

Image: San Pedro del Pinatar Town Hall

Solidarity in Action

Murcia’s Christmas Fair Toy donation campaign

MURCIA’S Christmas Craft Fair is back, celebrating its 40th year with over 100 stands showcasing handmade creations from the region and beyond. Set along the Paseo Alfonso X El Sabio, the fair runs until January 5 and features everything from pottery and embroidery to natural cosmetics and artisan cheeses.

The fair isn’t just about shopping, it’s a hub of activity. Visitors can enjoy live demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and music performances, including flamenco, jazz, and traditional carols. A special voting contest on social media lets you pick the best-decorated stand, adding a fun interactive element to the event.

This year, the regional government has stepped up support for local artisans, providing over €120,000 in subsidies to help with participation costs. Minister Marisa López Aragón highlighted the fair’s role in promoting traditional crafts and supporting small businesses.

Whether you’re looking for unique holiday gifts or just want to soak up the festive atmosphere, the fair is a celebration of creativity and community. It’s open daily, with special hours on December 24 and 31, and is closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day. Don’t miss this chance to experience the magic of handmade artistry!

THE city of Cartagena has kicked off its annual toy drive, Juguetea, to bring some holiday joy to local children. Running until December 23, people can drop off new, unwrapped toys at the Palacio de Deportes from 10am to 1pm. Donors are asked to call ahead on 968 128 919 to schedule a drop-off time.

The toys will be given to children aged 0 to 12 through local charities that have requested them.

Last year, Juguetea helped over 1,500 kids, distributing more than 3,000 gifts.

Cristina Mora, the city’s Social Policy councillor, expressed her gratitude for the support from residents,

businesses, and sports clubs. “Thanks to everyone’s generosity, we were able to make Christmas special for so many children,” Mora said.

This year’s campaign, ‘A Toy for a Magical Christmas’, aims to keep that spirit of kindness alive and make sure more kids can enjoy the holiday season.

Sparkling Aguilas

AGUILAS has officially kicked off the holiday season with a stunning display of over 525,000 lights. The Christmas lights were switched on recently in the Glorieta area, with carnival characters leading the way. The event drew a large crowd, marking the start of the Christmas celebrations.

After the lights came on, children enjoyed the musical ‘Enciende la Navidad’ (Light Up Christmas), adding to the festive spirit. The town also hosted a ‘Black Friday Águilas’ event to support local shopping, organi -

sed by the local business association with help from the town’s Commerce Department.

This year’s Christmas decorations include 150 light arches, six eight-metre-tall Christmas trees, and a recycled plastic bottle tree created by local schoolchildren and community groups.

The festive vibe is further enhanced by nearly 1,000 poinsettias and 1,000 cyclamens planted around town. It’s a wonderful way for Aguilas to embrace the holiday season and spread some cheer!

A holiday craft celebration.

Image: carm

Volunteers needed

PAPS (Protectora Animales Perros del Sol) is calling for volunteers to support their dog rescue efforts in El Mirador, San Javier. The shelter is looking for help with a range of tasks, including kennel cleaning, grooming, fundraising, assisting at events, social media marketing, and dog walking.

Volunteers play a vital role in improving the lives of abandoned dogs by helping maintain the shelter and promoting its mission. Whether you have experience or simply a love for animals, there are plenty of ways to get involved and make a difference.

If you’re interested in helping out, you can contact Jacqui through WhatsApp on 0034 680 145 593 or via

email at animalesperrosdel sol@hotmail.com. Every bit of support counts and volunteers are greatly appreciated in making sure the dogs get the care and attention they deserve.

PAPS is located in El Mirador, San Javier, and is committed to giving abandoned dogs a second chance.

380 years of tradition

THE Purísima Concepción festival in Yecla has been officially declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest. This prestigious recognition places the event among 13 celebrated festivals in the Region of Murcia that have received similar international acclaim.

The announcement marks the end of a two-year effort led by a local association and the Yecla Town Council, with significant support from the Institute of Tourism of the Region of Murcia. Their hard work, along with the backing of a favourable report from the regional government, helped secure the title.

The festival, which has been celebrated for over 380 years, is known for its community participation and stand-out events. Highlights include ‘The Closed Arks’, ‘The Descent’, ‘The Virgin’s Procession’, all of which are rich in symbolism, history, and tradition.

The celebration’s appeal goes beyond its local roots, drawing in thousands of visitors each year. Its historical significance, tied to the return of Yecla’s residents from the War of Catalonia in 1642, adds depth to the festivities, which officially begin on December 5.

With its mix of pageantry, tradition, and cultural pride, Yecla’s Purísima Concepción festival is now recognised as an international tourist attraction.

Holiday magic starts

THE long-awaited moment arrived in Los Alcazares as the town celebrated the official lighting of its Christmas decorations. The countdown marked the beginning of the festive season, bringing excitement to locals and visitors.

This annual tradition continues to be a highlight for the community, with the Christmas lights creating a magical atmosphere throughout the town. The event was a shared experience, with many people coming together to enjoy the moment and kick off the holiday season in style.

As the lights sparkled, the town hall thanked everyone for being part of this special occasion. But the celebration doesn’t stop here, there are plenty more activities planned throughout the Christmas period.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to check out the full programme of events to make sure they don’t miss any of the festive fun. From holiday markets to performances, Los Alcazares promises a season filled with community spirit and festive cheer.

Help PAPS rescue dogs.

Image: Shutterstock/ Max kegfire

Diamonds in the rough

THE streets of Antwerp, once crowned the ‘diamond capital of the world’, are losing their lustre, and it’s not just time that’s taking its toll. President Duma Boko of Botswana has warned that labgrown diamonds are wreaking havoc on Belgium’s iconic diamond trade, with the knock-on effects threatening to snuff out a centuries-old industry.

President Boko, speaking at the annual FACETS diamond sector conference in Antwerp this week, didn’t mince his words. “They’re no good at all,” he said of synthetic diamonds. “Maybe for drill bits, but on someone’s finger? That should be the preserve of the natural.”

Synthetic diamonds, cheaper and more environmentally friendly than

their mined counterparts, are big money in markets like the US - traditionally one of Belgium’s biggest customers. With the trade already grappling with stiff competition from India and Dubai, it seems Belgium’s diamond crown is slipping.

In 2014, Belgium’s diamond imports and exports dazzled at €15 billion. Fast-forward to 2023, and that figure has almost halved to €8.5 billion. Since January, not a single month has recorded positive growth in the diamond trade - a gloomy prospect for the 1,600 companies and 6,000 jobs still clinging on in Antwerp.

Traders warn that without intervention, the sector could ‘vanish’ entirely within five years.

THE Finnish Air Line Pilots’ Association has announced a strike for December 9 and 13, 2024.

This will significantly affect Finnair’s operations, leading to the cancellation of about 300 flights over the two strike days. Some flights on the days before and after the strike may also be impacted.

Approximately 33,000 Finnair passengers are expected to face disruptions.

“We regret that the Finnish Air Line Pilots’ Association chose to strike instead of continuing negotiations. This is especially unfortunate during the busy pre-Christmas season and disrupts travel plans for thousands of our customers. Despite the challenges, we are working hard to assist our customers by offering alternative flights wherever possible,” said Finnair Chief Operating Officer

Flight strike

Almost 300 flights have been cancelled.

Jaakko Schildt. Around 140 flights on December 9 and 150 on December 13 will be cancelled. Finnair will notify affected customers of cancellations and, when possible, provide alternative flight options. Updated information will be accessible through Finnair’s Manage Booking service and mobile app. Due to the high volu -

me of passengers needing rerouting, not all customers will be offered flights close to their original schedules. Those unable to find a suitable alternative flight are encouraged to contact Finnair Customer Service. Refunds for tickets can be requested through Finnair or, if purchased through a travel agency, via the agency.

Belgium’s sparkle dulled by lab-grown gems.

Supervolcano in Naples

THE Phlegraean Fields, a supervolcano located west of Naples, Italy, is stirring concern among scientists due to increased volcanic gas emissions and seismic activity.

This massive geological system, one of the top global emitters of volcanic carbon dioxide (CO2), has been under close observation for decades. So why is it making headlines now?

Recent studies, including one led by Gianmarco Buono from the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), show that carbon dioxide emissions from the Solfatara crater have surged. Currently, the crater emits between 4,000 and 5,000 tons of carbon dioxide daily - equivalent to burning a whopping 500,000 gallons of petrol!

Buono explained, “Our aim is to provide a tool to better discriminate the contribution of magmatic and non-magmatic carbon dioxide that can also be applied to other systems.”

Since 2005, temperatures and gas composition in the area have shifted, pointing to underground changes. The region has also experienced ground deformation and minor earthquakes. While these factors highlight volcanic unrest, they do not guarantee an eruption.

Supervolcano eruptions are rare but devastating, with the potential to eject over 1,000 cubic kilometres of lava which would disrupt ecosystems and climates. The last eruption of the Phlegraean Fields occurred in 1538, but the area’s history of volcanic activity spans 40,000 years.

Northvolt bankruptcy shocks

EUROPE’S green revolution has hit a massive roadblock after Swedish battery maker Northvolt AB declared bankruptcy last week, leaving EU taxpayers potentially holding the bag for a staggering €293 million.

Once hailed as the shining star of Europe’s electric vehicle ambitions, Northvolt’s sudden collapse has sent shockwaves through the bloc’s plans to dominate the EV battery market. And it’s not just the EU’s green ambitions that have been left in tatters - the financial fallout is threatening to zap the bloc’s budget.

Northvolt, seen as Europe’s best hope to rival China in the electric battery race, filed for bankruptcy under the US Chapter 11 process with just $30 million (€28.81m) left in the kitty. With total debts of a whopping $5.84 billion, creditors are now cir -

cling the fallen star.

And who’s among the biggest losers? None other than the EU itself.

The European Investment Bank (EIB), which had backed Northvolt through the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), is now staring down the barrel of a $313 million (€293m) unpaid loan.

Veerle Nuyts - the European Commission spokesperson - confirmed on Monday, November 25, that the EU had guaranteed several

loans to Northvolt under EFSI, a flagship policy of former Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker. Designed to pump €21 billion into innovation and infrastructure, the fund was meant to turbocharge Europe’s green transition - definitely not leave taxpayers footing the bill. Now, any shortfall in the EIB’s loan repayments could fall directly on the EU budget, with member states’ finance ministries bracing for the disaster.

Electric dreams go up in smoke as Swedish battery maker’s bankruptcy shocks EU.

The Phlegraean Fields are located west of Naples.

Google chooses Finland Iberian night trains revived

GOOGLE has spent €27 million on acquiring 1,400 hectares of land for two future data centres in Kajaani and Muhos in Finland.

Its current data centre in Finland is a converted paper mill in Hamina where the company has taken advantage of existing infrastructure by using seawater as a cooling system.

The California technology giant announced €1 billion expansion plans for the site in May, bringing the company’s total investment in Finland to more than €4.5 billion. Equally interesting from a local point of view, the installation will be providing 80 per cent of the neighbourhood’s heating needs by next year.

The Hamina centre employs approximately 400 people full-time and the future Kajaani and Muhos centres are expected to have a significant impact on jobs.

It would be “a great pleasure” to welcome Google, Kajaani’s mayor Jari Tolonen declared.

The town was already home to the Large Unified Modern Infrastructure (Lumi), Europe’s most powerful supercomputer, which is owned by the European Commission’s EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, he pointed out.

The Borealis data centre, owned by a French investment firm, is also located in Kajaani, as well as a Finnish government facility.

“We in Kajaani have invested heavily in developing the data centre ecosystem,” Tolonen said, “and we are ready for a long-term and diverse cooperation with Google.”

PORTUGAL and Spain have agreed to reinstate the Lusitânia and Sud-Expresso night train services by 2025, marking a significant step in improving cross-border connectivity. The decision follows approval from Portugal’s Livre party, which proposed the plan to restore these historic rail links.

Set to resume in the first half of 2025, the Lusitânia and Sud-Expresso will reconnect major cities in both countries, offering a sustainable travel alternative for commuters and tourists.

These trains, once an essential part of the region’s transport network, were halted in recent years, leaving a gap in eco-friendly travel options.

This move is part of the Portuguese National Railway Plan, which aligns with Spain’s transport strategy, re -

Improving cross-border connectivity.

flecting a joint commitment to sustainability and cooperation.

The plan includes expanding night train services to reduce reliance on air travel and reinforce the rail connection between both nations.

The revival of these services has been wi-

dely welcomed, particularly for their potential to reduce carbon emissions while offering an efficient, overnight travel solution for those moving between Portugal and Spain.

The two countries’ national rail operators, CP - Comboios de Portugal

and Renfe, are expected to work together closely to ensure the success of the project. Once operational, the trains will offer passengers greater convenience and enhance cultural and economic ties between the Iberian nations.

Gastrobar La Fábrica Brewpub

Catherine McGeer

IF you’re in Cartagena and looking for a great place to eat, check out Gastrobar La Fábrica Brewpub on Calle Ángel Bruna. This spot is a real treat, offering a mix of flavours that’ll surprise you every time.

Their midday menu is full of tasty choices. There are a wide variety of things to choose from like the creamy salmorejo topped with mojama and a quail egg, followed by a tender artisanal fish dish and grilled artichokes with a sprinkle of foie. The paella also comes highly recommended, and the Caesar salad is fresh and flavourful. For dessert, you can try the ‘Pecado’ (a fun Hispano-Arab

fusion), cheesecake, rice pudding, chocolate mousse, or the quirky ‘Birramisu’, all delicious!

The food is beautifully presented, and everything is served with care. The friendly staff makes the experience even better, so it’s perfect whether you’re out for a romantic date or just hanging out with friends.

They also have beer tastings on Wednesdays, which are super popular, so it’s a good idea to book ahead on +34 633 589 359. Whether you’re there for the food or the drinks, Gastrobar La Fábrica is definitely worth a visit.

Calle Angel Bruna 50, 30203 Cartagena

COSTA CALIDA

Festive fundraising events

DECEMBER is packed with festive cheer and charity events to support great causes.

On Friday, December 6, MABS will host a Craft and Christmas Cake Sale at their Respite Home from 10am to 1pm. Visitors can enjoy mince pies, tea, and coffee while listening to Christmas carols performed by the fabulous Singalong Choir. The sale will feature handmade items by the talented Craft Team, perfect for finding unique gifts or cards.

A small selection of MABS’ famous Christmas cakes will also be available. Don’t miss the Christmas Raffle, offering prizes like a luxurious spa break

with an overnight stay. Tickets are just €2 and are available from the Respite Home.

Later in the month, on Sunday, December 22, the Buena Vista Social Club in El Alamillo, Puerto de Mazarron, will host an evening of carol singing from 5pm to 7pm. Sing along to your favourite festive tunes and enjoy mince pies and mulled wine. Entrance is €3.50, with proceeds going to the MABS Cancer Support Foundation and Forget Me Not.

Celebrate the season while making a difference in your community! For tickets or more information, call 618 615 902.

Musical Magic

ON December 13, the Unión Musical Cartagonova will put on a special Santa Cecilia concert at the Auditorio El Batel in Cartagena. The concert will showcase the band’s wide range of musical talent, offering something for everyone.

The programme includes a mix of Spanish pasodoble and highlights from the

zarzuela La Torre del Oro by Gerónimo Giménez. But it doesn’t stop there. The band will also perform iconic movie soundtracks and musical theatre songs, with pieces from Superman, Gone with the Wind, BenHur, and West Side Story. Expect to hear beloved songs like Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz, Memory from Cats,

and Pablo Martínez.

With tickets priced at just €10 for the front section and €5 for the amphitheatre, this is a concert you won’t want to miss. It’s a perfect way to enjoy an evening of incredible music.

Maria from West Side Story, and Gabriel’s Oboe from The Mission, all sung by talented performers Breanne Jaramillo, Malvina,

Image: Facebook/ Gastrobar La Fábrica

Image: Facebook/ Auditorio El Batel

Image: Shutterstock/ Roman SamborskyiBrewpub

NEWS Travel

Granada - An unforgettable journey filled with discoveries

with Hispavan Campers

LOCATED at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains in southern Spain, Granada is a city where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. Known for its Alhambra Palace, a testament to its Moorish past, Granada offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Whether you’d rather wander through the labyrinthine streets of the Albaicín, or savour free tapas in lively bars, Granada promises an unforgettable journey filled with discoveries.

Exploring Granada with Hispavan Campers offers unmatched flexibility and convenience, allowing you to uncover the city’s hidden gems and its breathtaking surroundings at your own pace.

Visit the Alhambra

The Alhambra offers a glimpse into Granada’s rich Moorish heritage. This hilltop fortress and palace complex boasts intricate Islamic architecture, lush gardens, and stunning views of the city and mountains. Highlights include the Nasrid Palaces, the peaceful Generalife gardens, and the Alcazaba fortress. With a camper van from Hispavan, you can enjoy the freedom to explore the Alhambra and its nearby attractions without worrying about accommodations or transportation.

Explore the Albaicín Neighborhood Wandering through the Albaicín neighborhood feels like a journey back to Granada’s Moorish heritage. This UNESCO World Heritage site features a labyrinth of cobbled streets adorned with whitewashed homes and secluded courtyards.

Make your way to the Mirador de San Nicolás for views of the Alhambra set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains, or explore the delightful teahouses and artisan shops. With a Hispavan camper van, you can conveniently park nearby and soak in the timeless allure of the Albaicín at your leisure.

Go tapas hopping

Tapas hopping in Granada is a must-do experience for food lovers. The city is famous for its tradition of offering free tapas with every drink, making it an affordable way to sample the region’s culinary delights. From Iberian ham and spicy chorizo to tortilla and fresh seafood, each bar serves something unique.

Explore Granada with Hispavan Campers

With Hispavan Campers, you can explore Granada at your own pace, enjoying the flexibility to visit attractions like the Alhambra and Albaicín, or venture into the nearby Sierra Nevada.

SUMMARY

Granada seamlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty. From the Alhambra to the Albaicín, there’s much to explore. With a camper van from Hispavan, you can experience it all, with the freedom to create your own unforgettable adventure.

DENMARK

Put together

A BRONZE head of Septimius Severus, Roman emperor between 193 to 211AD, which has been on display for more than 50 years at the Glyptotek museum will be returned to Turkey. It belonged to a statue looted during an archaeological dig which went to the US but was returned in 2024, minus its head.

Silo accident

TWO foreign nationals who were working at the Flemlose Biogas plant on Funen Island lost their lives when a silo roof collapsed on November 26. Six more of the 10 people who were present were injured but Flemlose Biogas confirmed that it was not directly involved as none were company employees.

PORTUGAL

More funds

THE Algarve now contributes 5 per cent to Portugal’s gross domestic product thanks to the EU-funded €319 million CRESC Algarve 2020 programme, Jose Apolinario, president of the Regional Development Commission revealed. The next phase of EU funding extending to 2030 will focus on sustainability, he said.

North and south

A STUDY by the Institute for Addictive Behaviours and Dependencies (ICAD) found that the Alentejo, Azores and Algarve regions had a higher prevalence of addictions amongst young people than elsewhere in Portugal. In contrast, figures were lower than the national average in the North and Madeira, ICAD said.

ITALY

All alone

LATEST National Statistics Office (Istat) figures revealed that the number of childless couples increased by 1.2 million between 2011 and 2021, by which time approximately 31 per cent did not have children. The same Istat report also found that more than half of the couples with children had chosen to have only one.

Taken down

OPERATION TAKEDOWN by Italy’s police dismantled a transnational pirate streaming scheme with more than 22 million users in Italy and seven other European countries on November 27. The network had an alleged monthly turnover of €250 million, siphoning off €10 billion from pay TV companies.

EURO PRESS

GERMANY

Giant tram

THE world’s longest tram measuring 58.61 metres and with a top speed of 80 kilometres per hour made its maiden run on the Manheim-Ludwigshafen-Heidelberg line. Built by the Czech Skoda Group, the tram will operate on urban and intercity routes and its modular design means it can be split into smaller sections.

FRANCE

Time to go

Taste for figs

CHARRED fragments of a 2,000-year-old fig found during excavations at Drumanagh in Dublin were the oldest evidence of the trade in exotic fruit between the Romans and Ireland at that time, archaeologists believe. University College Dublin said the fig only survived because it had been burnt, aiding its preservation.

Crash cash

A DUBLIN court ordered a nursery school to pay €47,500 compensation to Alun Lang, who is now 11, for an accident in 2017 when his ride-on toy crashed into another child’s. Not only was he left with a three-centimetre scar on his chin and neck, his mother said, but he still avoided body contact sports like football.

Photo credit: Rnv GmbH /Haubner

SUPER TRAM: At 58.61 metres, it is the world’s longest tram.

Snow sadness

A RESEARCHER for the University of Lapland’s Arctic Centre, Dr Inkeri Markkula, has begun an in-depth study of ecogrief caused by altered weather conditions affected by environmental changes. Ecogrief, Dr Markkula said, tends to take hold when winter no longer brings the cold and snowy seasons of the past.

Sweet ignorance

CUSTOMS officials impounded Chinese sweets which contained titanium dioxide (E171), banned by the EU for food products in 2022. Customs routinely monitor imported sweets by comparing additives with the ingredients declared on packaging, followed by laboratory analyses to confirm suspicions.

ANNE HIDALGO, who was born in Cadiz (Spain) and became the first female mayor of Paris in 2014, announced that she did not intend to stand again in 2026. Hidalgo, who is 65, recommended Senator Remi Feraud as her successor and explained that she had revealed her plans so early “to ensure a smooth transition.”

Smash and grab

FOUR males in balaclavas and motorcycle helmets stole snuffboxes and other valuable items from the Gognacq-Jay museum in Paris in broad daylight on November 20. No-one was hurt but amazed visitors to the museum looked on as the thieves smashed a display case with baseball bats and axes before fleeing.

Off the hook

IRELAND FINLAND NORWAY SWEDEN

THE three government parties reached agreement with the right-wing Democrats to exempt teachers, nurses, doctors and social workers from the responsibility of reporting migrants without papers. This should be a task for the Tax, Social Insurance and Pensions Agencies, they concluded.

Arms crime

THE National Bomb Squad defused a hand grenade in Tullinge on November 24, although police declined to confirm if, as reported by the Aftonbladet newspaper, it had been found in a private residence. The incident is now under investigation as a serious offence against firearms and explosives regulations.

BELGIUM NETHERLANDS

Tough stuff

THE Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) is helping Botswana to establish an Export Verification Point for rough diamonds. The initiative will improve the traceability of diamonds and prevent those originating in Russia from reaching the markets of countries that have imposed sanctions on Moscow.

No run-off

A GENK couple who paved their garden without a permit must pay two €2,000 fines after failing to restore it to its original state. Genk’s municipal authorities, who discourage the use of watertight exterior surfaces to prevent flooding, said they “simply had to act” when the couple ignored a court summons.

Gnome kidding!

NOORD-BRABANT police found a garden gnome concealed in a haul of drugs they intercepted on November 21. Deciding this was a strange place to find a stone garden gnome weighing around two kilos, they decided to test it for narcotics and found it was made entirely of MDMA, otherwise known as Ecstasy.

Cry wolf

A BOY confronted by 10 wolves when he was cycling to school in Woudenberg was not in direct danger, the Dutch Mammal Society said. The wolves scattered when a motorist sounded his horn, and the organisation said that the situation was only problematical because the wolves were within 30 metres of the boy.

It’s pants

PARLIAMENT voted against EU regulations on recycled packaging which would complicate Norway’s ‘pant’ system where a returnable deposit is paid on cans and bottles. It would have meant a ‘major step backwards’ for recycling in Norway which is linked to the EU via the EEA Agreement, MPs said.

Wet November

AS well as higher November temperatures than usual, some northern Norway areas broke rainfall records even before the end of the month. By November 25 Tromso had registered 283.9 millimetres of rain, comfortably ahead of the 242.5 millimetres that fell in 1988, while Skibotn and Dividalen were close behind.

Your

VOICE

LOSING YOUR LUGGAGE IS MOST FRUSTRATING.

Have you lost your luggage when travelling in Spain? What was your experience?

IF you’ve ever waited in vain at a baggage carousel only to find that your bags never turn up, you’re not alone. According to Airhelp data reported by Spanish News Today, Spain ranks ninth in the world for lost luggage. In the past month alone, nearly 60,000 suitcases were reported lost at Spanish airports.

The alarming data shows that one in every 125 suitcases is either lost, delayed or damaged. For passengers, this is more than just an inconvenience - it’s a potential crisis. Finding yourself in a foreign country with no change of clothes, and no access to your valuable possessions can be a disruption to your travel plans and create a huge amount of stress.

This week, we asked our Euro Weekly readers if they have ever found themselves in this situation, and this is what they had to say.

Several readers such as Trish Carey-Blaschke and Christine Boyden share that they have not yet experienced this situation, and here’s hoping they never do!

Others however, have not been so lucky, such as Jil Rene Stone, who says that she has dealt with this “at least four times in the last 12 years.” Fortunately for her, she adds that her bags “were always found and delivered to my house.”

Christine Cooper shares her experience of losing her luggage on a trip from Alicante to the USA, which involved two flight connections. After eight days of searching, American Airlines informed her that the suitcase ‘was still in Alicante’ and had never made it onto the flight at all.

Frustrated by the lack of support she received, Christine was further disappointed when she was offered just 2,500 air miles as compensation.

However, not all mishaps are the airline’s fault, as was the case for Colin Wheeler, who says “I once picked up the wrong case in Alicante and didn’t realise until I got home and found a six-year-old girl’s clothes in it.” Thankfully, the airport was able to put him in touch with the rightful owner, and the mix-up was quickly resolved.

Whether you’ve experienced it or not, we can all agree that losing your luggage is one of the most frustrating things that can happen to you while travelling. So, if you’re heading home for Christmas or planning a winter getaway, here are a few tips to ensure you luggage stays with you, or finds its way back if it takes a wrong turn: remove old airline tags from previous trips, add your contact details to your bag, and keep your valuables in your carry-on.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Old hand

ALLAN LEIGHTON, who helped to turn around Asda supermarkets 20 years ago, has returned after 24 years as chairman to replace Stuart Rose who has stepped down from the role but remains on the board. Talking to the Guardian, Leighton said that his first priority was to “restore Asda’s DNA” and improve prices.

Mango expands

FASHION group Mango continues its expansion in the US where it now has 40 shops, with two more planned before the end of this year. The Barcelona company, which has invested more than $70 million (€61.3 million) in the US between 2023-2024 will open more than 20 new stores in 2025, bringing a total of 65.

ITV rumours

ITV’s share price rose 9 per cent to 71p (€0.849) after private equity companies and rivals showed interest in the British broadcaster. ITV has been at the centre of countless takeover rumours since Liberty Global, which owns Virgin Media, acquired BSkyB’s 6.4 per cent holding in 2014 for £481 million (€577 million).

Era ends

GABRIEL ESCARRER JULIA, founder of Melia Hotels International and chairman of the group until he handed over to his son in 2023, died on November 26 at the age of 89. With a total of 92,000 bedrooms, 357 hotels and plans for 71 more, the chain is now the biggest in Spain and is ranked 25th globally.

No thanks

DIRECT LINE turned down a £3.3 billion (€3.9 billion) offer from Aviva, its principal UK rival and Britain’s biggest insurer. Aviva revealed on December 19 it had offered 250p (€3) per share, composed of cash and Aviva shares, but Direct Line rebuffed the approach and declined to engage any further.

STAT OF WEEK

€6.9 billion

was invested in Spain last year by seven state-run sovereign funds, including those of Norway, China, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Virgin boost for Nationwide

NATIONWIDE predicted a larger than-expected profit of £2.3 billion (€2.75 billion) from the Virgin Money takeover formalised in October.

The UK’s biggest building society had initially forecast gains of £1.5 billion (€1.8 billion), with the increase reflecting the difference between Virgin Money’s value and the £2.9 billion (€3.5 billion) it paid, Nationwide said.

Despite the Virgin Money boost, Nationwide’s pre-tax profits fell 43 per cent to £568 million (€680.6 million) between March and September 30, compared with £989 million (€1.2 billion) during the same period in 2023.

The dip was the result of falling interest rates, which affected margins while maintaining payments to members, Nationwide explained.

In May, 89 per cent of Virgin Money shareholders voted in favour of the 220p (€2.64) per share offer.

ARCELORMITTAL is postponing the decarbonisation of its European steel plants.

There was no economically viable way of greening steel production in Europe at present, owing to “unfavourable policy developments”, the energy market and technological advances, the company announced on November 27.

Last April, ArcelorMittal received €450 million from the Spanish government to produce green steel using hydrogen-powered furnaces instead of coal. At the time, Madrid said the subsidy went directly to ArcelorMittal as it was the only company in Spain

London snub

FOLLOWING a £1.5 billion (€1.8 billion) flotation in 2014, food delivery company Just Eat Takeaway is delisting from London.

The company later reversed its decision to cancel its Amsterdam listing after the 2020 Just Eat-Takeaway merger and, as a secondary company, was removed from the FTSE 100 in 2021.

Now headquartered in Amsterdam, the company decided to leave owing to the compliance burden and the cost of maintaining the London listing.

These included its principal investor and founder, Sir Richard Branson, who held a 14.5 per cent stake and is estimated to have made £724 million (€867.4 million) from the deal. Customer-owned Nationwide, which is Britain’s second-largest mortgage-provider with total assets of more than £370 billion

(€443.4 billion), now anticipates increased earnings from business banking and credit cards.

Last July, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) approved the takeover, after deciding that the deal would not reduce competition for mortgages or credit cards, the watchdog said.

Green steel backtrack

Just looking

BANCO SANTANDER could be considering the purchase of Portugal’s Novo Banco.

Three different sources have told Reuters that Novo Banco’s owner, US private equity firm Lone Star, could move forward with an initial public offering (IPO) or a sale of around €1.3 billion for Portugal’s fourth-largest bank.

“It’s a question of opportunity and price,” commented Pedro Castro Almeida, Santander’s executive chairman in Portugal, during a recent business conference.

Novo Banco was created in August 2014 after the Bank of Portugal intervened to save the non-toxic assets of bankrupted Banco Espirito Santo, and Castro Almeida pointed out that foreign lenders not present in Portugal were less likely to buy the bank.

STELLANTIS announced plans to close the Vauxhall van factory in Luton, putting 1,100 local jobs at risk.

The company, which also owns Fiat, Citroen and Peugeot, plans to switch electric van production to the Ellesmere Port (Cheshire) plant which will received £50 million (€60 million) in investment. Several hundred Luton workers could be relocated, Stellantis revealed.

The company attributed the decision to close the plant to the “UK’s economic conditions” and the government’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate aimed at speeding up electric vehicle production.

AN oilfield beneath the Falkland Islands is larger than originally believed, an independent report showed.

capable of manufacturing green steel. The company also received €600 million from the Belgian government.

ArcelorMittal has now said that it would not be allocating the billions of euros required for greening its plants “in the foreseeable future.”

“I remain convinced that we can still achieve our net-zero target by 2050,” chief executive Aditya Mittal declared.

“But the way we achieve it may be different from what was previously announced.”

Takeover off

GRIFOLS shares plummeted after Canadian investment fund Brookfield dropped takeover plans on November 27.

The pharmaceutical company, whose siege by short-sellers Gotham City wiped €2.8 billion off its value in January, maintained that the Brookfield offer was too low.

The Canadian company was prepared to pay €10.5 per share, putting a market value of €6.45 billion on the Barcelona-based company but a spokesman for the founding family said that Grifols had a “much higher value.”

Grifols shares fell 12 per cent on the morning of November 27, while the Ibex 35, Spain’s stock market index, dropped by 0.8 per cent.

The original estimate of 791 million barrels has been upped to 917 million and Rockhopper Exploration, based in Salisbury (Wiltshire), will extract 532 million barrels instead of its earlier estimate of 312 million.

Much of the remainder could still be extracted, Rockhopper said.

The Falkland Islands’ government, which governs itself apart from Foreign Policy and Defence, has approved production, despite the Labour government’s ban on further oil and gas licences.

BASQUE steel company Sidenor has offered European private equity firm Trilantic €250 million, equivalent to €4.05 per share, for its stake in train manufacturer Talgo.

According to sources in the Spanish and European media, the offer has not impressed Trilantic, headed by Spaniard Javier Bañon. The fund is said to be holding out for the €5 per share offered by Hungary’s Ganz-MaVag consortium in an earlier takeover bid that the Spanish government thwarted last August on national security grounds.

Photo credit: CC/Charlie Bagley

ADITYA MITTAL: ArcelorMittal’s chief executive said the company was postponing decarbonisation.

VIRGIN MONEY: Taken over by Nationwide, UK’s largest building society.

Photo credit: Flickr/Money Bright

Developments 425,12 426,50 422,00 1,72M Beazley 773,50 778,50 769,50 137,26K Berkeley 4.194,0 4.204,0 4.104,0 111,12K BP 384,50 385,65 382,65 4,71M British American Tobacco 2.980,0 2.992,0 2.966,0 805,77K BT Group 158,55 159,70 158,30 1,73M

3.524,0 3.540,0 3.518,0 32,55K

127,90 128,50 127,45 2,21M

2.824,0 2.787,2 65,26K

2.692,00 2.702,00 2.686,00 305,46K

238,00

2.371,0

23,27K

Euro

EUR/GBP: Unchanged at £0.83

EUR/USD: Down from $1.08 to $1.05

After a broadly positive end to October, the euro came under significant pressure through November.

This was primarily tied to the result of the US presidential election amid concerns that the incoming US administration’s plans for tariffs on European goods could undermine the Eurozone economy and force the European Central Bank (ECB) to cut interest rates to prop up growth in the bloc.

The euro may remain on the defensive through December as the ECB is widely expected to close out the year with one final rate cut.

Pound

GBP/EUR: Up from €1.19 to €1.20

Currency outlook: US dollar turbocharged by ‘Trump trade’, euro knocked by tariff fears

GBP/USD: Down from $1.29 to $1.26

The pound faced some volatility as October came to a close as Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s first budget as Chancellor received a mixed response from markets.

Sterling quickly bounced back from this setback at the start of November as the Bank of England (BoE) delivered a widely expected interest rate cut, but signalled further cuts may take longer.

The pound then faced volati-

lity through mid-November in response to mixed UK economic data and warnings that US trade protectionism could half UK GDP over the next couple of years.

Looking ahead, the main focus for GBP investors over the next month will be the BoE’s final rate decision of the year. While the BoE isn’t expected to alter its monetary policy in December, its forward guidance could strengthen Sterling if policymakers strike a hawkish tone.

US Dollar

USD/GBP: Up from £0.77 to £0.79

USD/EUR: Up from €0.92 to €0.95

The US dollar rocketed higher over the past month, with USD exchange rates being catapulted to new multi-month highs.

The bulk of these gains followed Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election as USD investors expect that his tariff and tax cut plans will

prove inflationary and result in higher US interest rates in the long term.

Looking ahead, the so-called ‘Trump trade’ may help to underpin the US dollar through the remainder of the year, although an expected rate cut from the Federal Reserve in December could trigger some weakness.

As we enter November the US Presidential election looms large. The election itself remains too close to call and this uncertainty could infuse volatility into the US dollar in the coming weeks.

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.

All as bad as each other

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

AH well, here we are again, firmly back on the Labour parties ‘need to change’ trail! Don’t’cha just wish they were all back on the ‘Old Chisolm Trail’ and disappearing over the horizon - forever? Actually, the whole political bunch are still completely immersed in a bubbling cauldron of disinformation and mistruth.

One thing you can be totally assured of is that when you hear a politician tell you something has been made ‘absolutely clear’, you can bet your bottom dollar it’s about as clear as a pea soup’er at midnight. No, the only clarity to emerge from this latest lot is that they are still a bunch of self-indulgent, fraudulent, con merchants, interested in nothing further than the preservation of their own utterly worthless skins and unworthy to even represent a flagpole - leave alone the flags that adorn them.

Did you notice Starmer only sacked his Transport manager when her criminal past was unmasked to

all? Of course he knew. Come back Mr Fawkes, all is forgiven. To think in days of yore we actually looked up to this political horde, believing they were the undisputable champions of our once great country? How blindly we followed their decisions and ‘leadership’ and were utterly convinced that mere mortals like us could never hope to understand the workings of ‘The House’ with its proud history and pomp which had endured over hundreds of years.

Present day social media has managed to change all that. To my mind they are in fact the traitorous and highly dangerous ‘enemy within’. Most of them would rather side with their opponents than risk losing their privileged positions or a few votes. They are terrified of standing up to political correctness, cultural threats and the ever-increasing denial of speech freedom, which threatens to stifle today’s ingenious citizens.

As far as this ol’ boy is concerned I’ve never totally respected any of them, consequently I’ve never voted in my life. Only this week there was yet another example of their incompetence and arrogant underestima-

tion of our intelligence. The Labour contingency has been ranting on about lowering the voting age to 16 for some time. This is of course a blatant effort to gain votes from naive youngsters who have never before lived under the oppressive left and are overly impressed by the Rayner rhetoric and promises of a better deal for the workers (but not of course the OAPs or Farmers!) and consequently a mite easier to con than many of their adult compatriots. ‘Young people of today are perfectly capable of making decisions and taking actions that may affect their future’, the left blathers on. They are of course also associates of the same lot who will undoubtedly still be endeavouring to negotiate the return of the ISIS bride Shamima Begum to the UK, because she was ‘too young to know what she was doing!’ Get my drift? Nope. Sorry folks, you simply can’t trust, or believe anything that any of them say. They are quite simply all as bad as each other Oh for a Winston or even a Thatcher in our hour of need! Keep the faith.

Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

Female-only drivers

UBER has introduced a new feature in its app in Paris, allowing female passengers to exclusively request a female driver for their journeys.

The service, called ‘Uber by Women’, aims to offer a safer environment for women during their journeys, particularly at night, at no additional cost.

According to Uber’s latest press release, around 1,500 female drivers in Paris will be available to serve female passengers through this new service.

However, the downside of this option is that waiting times may be longer than standard rides due to the limited number of female drivers.

Another innovative service recently introduced by Uber is a feature for parents, enabling them to track their teenagers’ trips in real time through PIN verification.

To further encourage women to join the platform as drivers, Uber will offer them an attractive reduction in fees per ride as well as creating more welcoming working environment.

The ‘Uber by Women’ service is already operational in several European countries, including Poland, and a similar initiative has recently been introduced in Portugal by Pinker (a service similar to Uber), aiming to provide women with a more comfortable and reassuring alternative.

Honest Irish workers Hamsters ground plane

IRISH workers have been ranked among the most honest employees globally, according to a new study. The findings offer a positive reflection on workplace integrity in Ireland. The ‘Ethics at Work: 2024 International Survey of Employees’, conducted by the Institute of Business Ethics in collaboration with the Compliance Institute, surveyed 12,000 employees across 16 countries, including 750 from Ireland. The survey found that Irish workers consistently reject questionable workplace practices at rates higher than the global average.

Workplace ethics in Ireland

• Prejudice: Eight-in-10 Irish employees believe hiring based on personal connections is unacceptable.

• False sick days: Most Irish workers disapprove of taking fake sickness to miss work.

• Sexual advances: A resounding 93 per cent condemn inappropriate advances towards colleagues.

• Resource misuse: Nearly 90 per cent of Irish workers disapprove of charging personal entertainment to company expenses, while over 80 per cent reject claiming company fuel for private use.

• Office supplies: Seven-in-10 oppose taking company stationery for personal use.

Michael Kavanagh, CEO of the Compliance Institute, emphasised the importance of these findings for maintaining workplace integrity. He noted that beyond condemning obvious ethical breaches, Irish workers demonstrate a strong awareness of ethics.

“These are behaviours that, though seemingly minor, can erode trust and create a culture of dishonesty if left unchecked.”

HAMMY THE HAMSTER and 131 mates managed to ground a TAP Airbus 320 for around five days due to poor packaging.

A flight from Lisbon to Ponta Delgada airport in the Azores seemed to go as expected except that there was a huge breakout of ‘livestock’ when it landed in the Azores.

Apart from the normal human passengers, a pet shop had ordered 132 hamsters as well as ferrets and some birds.

After the plane landed, staff discovered the boxes in which the hamsters had been packed for the journey weren’t up to standard and a large number of the small but highly adventurous hamsters had escaped and were running free.

When one considers that hamsters have

sharp teeth and enjoy nibbling it was immediately decided that the plane had to be grounded until all of the rodents had been rounded up and all wiring checked to ensure it hadn’t been bitten in two.

In addition, hamsters have an average gestation period of 21 days, so with more than 100 running wild, time was of the essence with regards to capture.

After four days, 116 hamsters had been collected and the final 16

were eventually rounded up the next day, so that following a major check for damage, the aircraft was able to return to Lisbon and enter back into service, although it is not known if its next flight was to Hamsterdam!

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

Uber female-only drivers.

Photo:

Poor packaging led to mass Hamster escape.

Spain’s traveller registry Rome’s fountains restored

DECEMBER 2 was set to bring chaos to Spain’s travel industry, as new bureaucratic rules leave travel agents, hotel owners, and car hire firms fuming.

The government’s latest real-deal headache - dubbed the ‘Traveller Registry’ - has industry insiders up in arms. Slated to kick off on December 2, the scheme will force agencies, hotels, and even car hire firms to collect buckets of personal data from customers, sparking privacy fears and warnings of spiralling travel costs.

Many argue that the frustration goes beyond mere paperwork - it’s about survival. True or not, the prevailing sentiment among small business owners is that the Spanish government’s actions represent a relentless challenge to the self-employed and small business operators.

Hotel owners, too, are far from rolling out the welcome mat. Cehat, the country’s top hotel association, slammed the plan as a privacy overreach that could tarnish Spain’s reputation as a top-tier destination.

The Royal Decree (‘Real Decreto 933/2021’) demands a goldmine of information from travellers: full names, gender, ID numbers, nationality, birth date, home address, phone numbers, emails, and even family ties if travelling with children.

Service providers must also spill the beans on their own operations, from company IDs and contact info to payment details, leaving businesses grumbling about the sheer magnitude of the data dump.

The Ministry of the Interior insists it’s much ado about nothing, claiming no extra information is required beyond what’s already collected. But sceptics, including digital platforms and car hire companies, have branded these claims as ‘laughable’, saying the system is riddled with glitches.

RESTORATION work of the landmark fountains in Italy’s iconic capital city has finally been completed.

The three impressive fountains - one in front of the Pantheon and two in Piazza Navona, both in Rome’s city centre, have been proudly restored to their former glory ahead of time before the Vatican’s Jubilee Year in 2025.

This comes as welcome news for tourists and residents alike, as there has been some disruption this year to sightseeing options when work was also carried out on the world-famous Trevi Fountain.

Work to the fountains began in April and was overseen by Rome’s superintendence as part of the Caput Mundi conservation scheme of Jubilee-related projects funded by Italy’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). On Wednesday November 27, the water was switched back on by Rome’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri Mayor, at the 16th century fountain in Piazza della Rotonda, with the Pantheon reigning proudly in the background. Gualtieri commen -

ted on the history of the fountain, which had begun in 1575 under Leonardo Sormani, guided by the designs of Giacomo dell Porta.

The other two historic fountains to be unveiled stand at either end of Piazza Navona: the Fountain of Neptune and the

The three fountains will be followed by a fourth - hopefully by December 20 - the central fountain in the piazza, known as the Fountain of the Four Rivers, which was designed by Bernini in the 17th century.

Fountain of the Moor.

The Fountain of the Moor - one of the three newly-restored fountains in Rome.

The elephant in the room!

A REMARKABLE discovery in the historic city of Cordoba has stirred great excitement among archaeologists. A bone dating back possibly 2,000 years, unearthed during a dig, may be a fragment from one of Hannibal’s legendary war elephants!

This significant find occurred during excavations in 2019 but remained undisclosed until now for further examination. A zoologist at the University of Cordoba described the bone as a “carpal belonging to the right foreleg,” hinting at its potential connection to Hannibal’s era.

His assessment suggests that the bone could be from either an African or Indian elephant. However, according to another theory, the bone could belong to a war elephant sent from North Africa to help Julius Caesar during a civil war fought in the area in 45BC.

While experts speculate about the bone’s origin, its exact age remains uncertain. Discovered beneath the Reina Sofía university

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

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

hospital, along with ancient artefacts like small catapult projectiles and brooches, the bone offers tantalising clues about past conflicts in the region.

However, other experts disagree that the elephant bone found in Cordoba is linked to Hannibal since it was too far away from the route the advancing army is known to have taken. They say it could equally well have been part of the garrison commander’s knackered and wonky old umbrella stand - for all anyone can possibly tell. No kidding, Sherlock!

Nora Johnson’s 13 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The Girl across the Lake’ (www.nora-johnson. net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

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

Feasting, friendship, and thanks:

The American International Club’s Thanksgiving celebration in Marbella

FROM COAST TO COAST

NOVEMBER 28 was a memorable evening for the American and international community in Marbella as they gathered for their traditional Thanksgiving Dinner. The event featured friendly faces, great food, and lively conversation, all set against the stunning backdrop of Marbella.

The evening was enhanced by the presence of local personalities, including Mrs. Remedios Bocanegra and Mrs Oti García from the Foreigners Department, who emphasised the strong bond between Marbella’s local government and its international residents.

The night was expertly hosted by Vice-President Mrs Mila Hoffmeier and President Lucca Movaldi, the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. Their lighthearted energy ensured that everyone felt right at home.

A touching moment occurred when President Joe Biden’s Thanksgiving message was read aloud. The room fell silent as the words were shared, perfectly capturing the occasion’s spirit of gratitude and unity.

No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without a delicious meal, and this one was exceptional. Special thanks to Dave at Yanx and his team for preparing a mouthwatering American feast, from turkey to stuffing, served with warmth and hospitality that

made the evening unforgettable.

The Board extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended, making this Thanksgiving a celebration of friendship, food, and fun. We look forward to many more such gatherings, where community spirit continues to thrive in Marbella.

The Club also extends thanks to Lee and Linda Maybaun for their generous wine donation. Lee, a veteran of the Armed Forces, shared his gratitude with the Club in a heartfelt note:

“Linda and I are deeply thankful for the Club’s support in helping us adjust to life in Spain, especially in our early years. It made all the difference.” Lee also paid tribute to the late Mrs Dorothy Kravitz, who had helped them settle into Puerto Banús in 2000.

Along with Lee, the Club would like to thank other important Presidents throughout the years, such as the late George Hoffmeier and the late Mrs Carol Lewis, for their leadership in guiding the Club and contributing to its success.

The Club is deeply grateful to everyone who helped organise this event, including the city of Marbella, Andalucia, and Spain for embracing the international community. Just as the Pilgrims sought new opportunities, we expats have found a new home here, where our dreams are nourished. We are thankful to Spain for providing a safe, beautiful place to live and allowing us to experience the richness of European life.

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

LUCCA MOVALDI PRESIDENT: AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL CLUB MARBELLA

Scotland-Europe ferry service

AMID the backdrop of Brexit, plans are in motion to establish a £3 million ferry route reconnecting Scotland with mainland Europe, with operations anticipated to begin by spring 2025.

The planned service will provide three weekly return sailings between Rosyth in Scotland and Dunkirk in France. Renewed efforts to reinstate the ferry link have surfaced following earlier delays in January, attributed to insufficient financial support from both the Scottish and UK governments. However, the UK government is now reportedly considering funding the initiative.

This project seeks to revive a vital transport link, previously provided by a ferry service between Rosyth and Zeebrugge in Belgium. The route, which operated from 2002 to 2018, for both passengers and freight, was

discontinued following a fire aboard one of DFDS Ferries’ vessels.

DFDS, the ferry operator, has expressed its readiness to resume services on the route. Reintroducing this service would not only improve transport options for passengers and goods but also stimulate economic growth by facilitating trade and tourism.

The Rosyth-Dunkirk route is widely regarded as a valuable opportunity to strengthen Scotland’s international links, particularly in the post-Brexit era. Local communities and stakeholders see the ferry service as a crucial tool for advancing trade, regional development, and connectivity.

However, timely action on funding and infrastructure improvements at Rosyth is essential to meeting the proposed 2025 launch.

€67K inheritance debt

IN a ruling that’s shaking family finances to their very core, a daughter has been forced to shell out €67,064 in taxes owed by her late father. Despite her claims that the debt was her father’s not hers, the Catalonia High Court (TSJC) has sided with the taxman, leaving her footing the bill.

Lucía Rodríguez Ayala, along with her siblings and mother, inherited the estate of her late father, a man once found liable for a jaw-dropping €1.2 million in unpaid business taxes back in 2014. After years of wrangling with the authorities, the debt was slashed to €770,526.85but that hardly eased the sting when it became her burden.

By opting for full ‘pure and simple acceptance’ of the inheritance, the family unwittingly

agreed to take the rough with the smooth: the assets and the debts. Ms Rodríguez Ayala’s portion? A whopping 15.83 per cent of the liability, landing her a bill for over €67k.

Determined not to pay a cent, Ms Rodríguez Ayala argued that the debt was ‘dated and invalid’ by the time her father passed away. Her first appeal to the Regional Tax Court of Catalonia (TEARC) failed mi -

serably, with the court backing the taxman’s demand.

Not one to give up, Ms Rodríguez Ayala took her fight to the TSJC, claiming the agreement that held her father accountable was null and void.

The court, however, wasn’t buying it. Judges ruled that inheriting an estate means taking on all the legal obligations tied to it - including tax debts.

Scotland-Europe ferry.

Credit: Pexels/Burak The Weekender.

Daughter hit with a €67,000 tax bombshell over her father’s inheritance.

Costa del Sol Selling Marbella to US • News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •

MARBELLA City Council has launched a promotional campaign in New York from December 2 to 8, aiming to attract American tourists and strengthen ties with the US market.

The initiative, part of the Plan of Grandes Ciudades de Andalucia, will feature ads on screens in Times Square and the Hudson Yards shopping centre. The goal is to gain American visitors and strengthen ties with the US market.

Visitor data shows a clear growth of tourists from the United States, who have some considerable purchasing power and travel throughout the year, not just in summer.

The initiative will be supported by a dozen local entrepreneurs in the hotel and gastronomic sectors.

The video projections will be on screens every 100 seconds and last 10 seconds, while in Hudson Yards, they will appear on 59 screens every three minutes and last 15 seconds.

Axarquia

Axarquia rural paradise

AXARQUIA has showcased itself as the preferred rural destination for the Puente (long bank holiday) starting this weekend from December 6 to 9. This is no surprise given its spectacular landscapes and enviable natural beauty.

According to figures from Cadena Sur, the most ‘in-demand’ towns or villages in the region of Axarquia are once again Torrox, Competa, Frigiliana, Nerja and El Borge.

The average occupancy of the region will soar to 62 per cent, which is above the average for Andalucia for rural accommodation. This is a promising sign for rural tourism, partly attributed to a range of projects and campaigns launched to encourage more rustic holiday choices.

For rural accommodation, Malaga does not take the top spot however. It is overtaken by Jaen with 72 per cent, followed by Cordoba (65 per cent), Granada (63 per cent), Malaga (62 per cent), Cadiz (55 per cent), Sevilla and Huelva (53 per cent) and Almeria (35 per cent).

Mallorca

Mallorca retains its charm

TOURISM undeniably remains the cornerstone of Mallorca’s economy. Data published in November by the Dirección General de Economía y Estadística reveal that foreign investment increased by an impressive 50.3 per cent during the first half of the year, significantly boosting the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the Balearic Islands.

Notably, overseas investment reached €78.1 million in the second quarter of 2024. According to this data, total tourist expenditure up to September amounted to €19,433.54 million, marking a year-on-year increase of 11.2 per cent. The daily expenditure per tourist during the January-September period hit a nine-year high, reaching €191, which is a notable 8.2 per cent increase over the previous year. Additionally, the average expenditure per international tourist rose by 6.5 per cent, totalling €1,196 per person.

Tourist arrivals in September saw a 4.4 per cent rise, with overnight stays reaching 101.7 million.

Costa Blanca South Gastronomy capital

ALICANTE has been named the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy for 2025.

The title, confirmed by Alicante’s Mayor, Luis Barcala, will promote local cuisine and involve both the public and professionals in various activities throughout the year.

This recognition, which follows a successful second candidacy, places Alicante in the spotlight for its unique culinary traditions, high-quality local products, and the expertise of its hospitality professionals.

The mayor celebrated the award as a milestone for the city, emphasising the potential economic impact, estimated to exceed €15 million, and its contribution to promoting Alicante’s strategic focus on gastronomic tourism.

Alicante’s culinary scene, anchored by its iconic rice dishes and a variety of fresh, high-quality products, plays a crucial role in the city’s hospitality sector.

Almeria Christmas spirit shines

THE AADR Christmas Fair was a heartwarming success, raising a total of €886 for the charity’s efforts to help dogs in need. The event, held at Kubatin, attracted a strong turnout of both shoppers and talented stallholders, all coming together to support a good cause.

The fair offered a wide range of beautiful Christmas gifts, perfect for early holiday shopping. With blue skies and temperatures above 20°C, the weather was an added bonus, making for a pleasant day out for everyone involved.

AADR expressed their gratitude to the volunteers who helped make the event run smoothly. Julie and Susana greeted guests at the door, while Amanda and Ian organised the raffle, adding even more to the fundraising total. The €886 raised will go towards continuing AADR’s vital work in rescuing and caring for dogs in need.

The event was a wonderful reminder of how the community can come together to support a great cause while enjoying festive fun.

Costa Blanca North Gastronomy and goodwill

ON November 29, a spectacular charity dinner was held at the Club de Tennis in Villajoyosa in support of the charity initiative ‘Valencia for Valencia’. Thanks to the generosity of those in attendance, an incredible €25,000 was raised for this significant initiative. The event attracted a lively crowd of 203 passionate supporters, all coming together for a noble cause.

Ten local restaurants, including the Michelin-starred El Xato located in La Nucia, worked together to prepare a delectable menu, showcasing high-quality ingredients sourced from generous donations by various local companies in La Nucia and the broader province. The participating restaurants, which included Llar del Pescador, El Posit, Ca Marta, Made, Casa Elordi, Cabannon by Samoki, T-Class, DRoca, Kyomu, and El Trebol, collaborated closely, uniting their kitchen and dining room teams to create a memorable evening of gastronomy and goodwill.

Paris airport ordeal as dog escapes from owner

AMALKA’S escape at Charles de Gaulle sparked search efforts and runway closures.

A heartwarming reunion concluded a nine-day search at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport after a dog named Amalka escaped during an unloading operation. The Austrian tourist’s pet had slipped out of her carrier on November 19, prompting an extensive hunt across airport grounds and surrounding areas.

Authorities resorted to extraordinary measures to locate the missing canine:

• Drone deployment: Airport police utilised a search drone on November 28, necessitating the closure of two

GERMANY is making strides in public transport by planning to introduce autonomous ‘robo-buses’ by 2026, positioning the country as a leader in self-driving public transportation. This ambitious project will bring cutting-edge technology to the streets, with Hamburg leading the way in Europe.

runways. The operation was carefully timed during off-peak hours to minimise disruption.

• Night searches: Efforts to find

Amalka included late-night hunts involving the dog’s owner, whose stay near the airport was covered by Air France.

• Posters and alerts: Notices were distributed across the airport to alert staff and travellers about the missing dog.

The search ended successfully when Amalka was discovered in a park in Dammartin-en-Goële, a town near the airport.

In a video shared by Le Parisien, Amalka can be seen wagging her tail

enthusiastically as her owner embraced her. Air France confirmed the reunion in a statement, adding that both owner and pet would soon continue their journey to their final destination.

Amalka’s escape isn’t the first high-profile airport pet incident. In September 2023, a Chihuahua mix named Maia caused similar chaos at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. After escaping her carrier, Maia roamed the tarmac for 22 days before being rescued by a Good Samaritan.

Such cases underscore the importance of rigorous safety measures for travelling pets, ensuring that incidents like these remain rare.

Germany’s robo-buses by 2026

Hamburg will be the first European city to operate fully autonomous shuttle buses, with trials already underway. Richard Damm, President of Germany’s Motor Transport Authority (KBA), confirmed that passenger services will be-

gin by 2027 at the latest.

Projections suggest that 10,000 autonomous buses could be on the road by 2030, serving urban areas initially, such as Hamburg.

Germany’s innovative legal framework for autonomous vehicles has paved

the way for these developments, setting a foundation for the wider adoption of autonomous minibuses. This move isn’t limited to passenger transport. Autonomous lorries are also expected to transform freight logistics within the

INTERVIEW

next decade, with pilot projects like the Technical University of Munich’s self-driving shuttles at Oktoberfest leading the charge.

The benefits are clear: increased safety, flexibility during peak hours, and en-

hanced logistics efficiency. However, legislative changes are needed to allow for fully autonomous vehicles, as current laws require a human presence onboard. With its progressive approach, Germany is set to revolutionise both public and freight transport, paving the way for a driverless future.

Speaking EuropeanChristine Heckel

BORN in Germany, Marbella resident Christine Heckel comes from hotel management and training. While suffering a serious illness for which she was being treated with a cocktail of ineffective medicines, she tried finding her own remedies to return balance to her body. Now, she lives in Marbella and offers others the therapies that helped her.

EWN: Why Spain, Chris tine?

Christine: I came in January 2000, suffering serious health problems with heavy allergies and asthma. Since I did not want to continue traditional treatment and wanted to live where Spanish-spea king, I came to Marbella which has its own micro climate. Much better for my asthma.

EWN: When did you discover sound massage?

Christine: This was in 2008. And I got hooked immediately. It was kind of knowing and recognising something really ancient within.

EWN: Generally, who comes to you

for sound therapy?

Christine: Mainly middle-aged women, and some elderly ones. I guess women who are in their late 40s, maybe to mid-50s, entering menopause.

EWN: Have you had a proudest moment in your work?

Christine: Many. When people tell me that my work has made a change and had a wonderful impact on their lives, their families, and their surroundings, I feel proud every time. And that is amazing. I simply love what I do.

Christine offers her healing services along the Costa del Sol. You can contact her to discuss what she can do for you via her email at info@christine-heckel.com.

Christine Heckel, sound therapist. Credit: CH

Not indoors please

WHEN a dog starts pooping in the house, it can be frustrating, but understanding the reasons behind the behaviour is key to resolving it. Medical issues like gastrointestinal upset, infections, or parasites can cause accidents. If your dog’s house-soiling is sudden or frequent, consult your veterinarian to rule out health concerns.

Behavioural issues are another common cause. Anxiety or stress, such as separation anxiety or changes in the household, may lead to accidents. Similarly, a lack of proper house training or confusion about where to go can result in indoor pooping.

To address this, start by ensuring your dog has a consistent routine for meals and potty breaks. Take them outside regularly, especially after eating, and reward them with praise or treats for going in the right place. Clean any accidents thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove odours that might attract them to the same spot.

If stress is a factor, identify triggers and work on desensitisation or provide a safe, calming space. In severe cases, consult a professional trainer or behaviourist for guidance. With patience and understanding, you can help your dog overcome this issue.

Pet families do better at home with pet-sitters

DUKE, Flea and Barrie always prefer staying at home with pet-sitters when their owner goes away. They are more relaxed in their own living home, where the smells are familiar and they know the lie of the land. Their owner posts her advert a couple of months before she travels to ensure she finds sitters in time. It is easier and cheaper than moving all three dogs to a kennels, with all the disruption that causes for the pets.

HouseSitMatch Saves You Money - Pet-sitting is Free

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

HouseSitMatch is Safe - All Members Are Checked

All members are checked for safety, and you choose which house-sitters come to care for your pets in your absence.

Your pets stay at home - Safe and Undisturbed

All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routines are undisturbed. Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care and peace of mind for you and your pets.

If you’re travelling in 2025 join now and get organised today:

1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch. com

Wet or dry?

CHOOSING between wet and dry cat food depends on your cat’s needs and preferences, as both have unique benefits. Wet cat food is high in moisture, which helps keep cats hydrated, especially those who don’t drink enough water. This can be beneficial for cats prone to urinary tract or kidney issues. Wet food is also more palatable, making it ideal for picky eaters or cats with dental problems, as its soft texture is easier to chew.

On the other hand, dry cat food is convenient and cost-effective. It has a longer shelf life, making it easier to store

When you have a pet family it is often best to keep them at home with sitters when you are away.

2. Join for as little as £89/€99 per year

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

4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose.

How does it work?

Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety, then build an advert to find sitters. House-sitters see your advert, respond and you choose from the applicants.

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.9 / 5 Excellent

We’ve used HouseSitMatch for the last few years to find caring pet-sitters for our family of pets. It’s been a great experience; the sitters are caring and we’ve made some wonderful friends through the process.

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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.

and leave out for grazing. Chewing dry kibble can also help reduce tartar buildup, promoting better dental health. Additionally, it’s energy-dense, providing more calories in smaller portions, which can be useful for active or underweight cats.

A mixed feeding approach combines the benefits of both, ensuring hydration from wet food and the convenience of dry food. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your cat’s health, lifestyle, and preferences. Consulting your vet can help tailor the right diet for your feline companion.

‘Windows to Wellness’

BOTH wet and dry food have benefits. Wet food supports urinary health, and is often more palatable, while dry food helps with dental health. A balanced mix is ideal.

ROAD TEST

By Mark Slack

RENAULT’S retro inspired 5 E-Tech EV will be available to order in the UK from January next year with prices starting from €27,582/£22,995. The car has al ready launched in Spain but its later arrival in the UK means the full range (excuse the pun) will be available at launch.

There will be the two powertrains available - a 120hp motor powered by a 40kWh battery with a stated 305km/190-mile range, and a 150hp motor with a 52kWh battery with a sta ted 399km/248-mile range. There’s a simple three-version line-up from launch, evolution, techno, and iconic along with five suitably eye-catching colour options include Pop Yellow! and Pop Green!

UK FOLLOWS SPAIN WITH RENAULT 5 E-TECH LAUNCH

heated steering wheel, heated front seats with lumbar adjustment, adaptive cruise control and hands-free parking are included.

The 5 E-Tech EV, is what Renault call a modern reinvention of the iconic original and like the Fiat 500, although it came from a combustion vehicle originally, should bring some interest to the world of small electric vehicles.

FORD JOB CUTS

FORD, the US automotive giant, has announced plans to cut 4,000 jobs across Europe by 2027, citing mounting financial pressures and the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs). The cuts represent 14 per cent of Ford’s European workforce, with the majority affecting Germany. Approximately 2,900 jobs will be cut in Germany by the end of 2027, while around 800 jobs are set to go in the United Kingdom. Other EU nations will lose an additional 300 positions.

For those who are averse to too much tech then the 5 E-Tech may not be entirely your thing as it’s filled with the latest technology including built-in Google services with EV-optimised navigation to its ability to power electric devices from the car.

Standard fare across the range includes 46cm/18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, a 25cm/10.1-inch central display and 18cm/7-

inch digital driver information display, auto air conditioning, wireless smartphone (Apple CarPlay + Android Auto), cruise control, driver attention alert and traffic sign recognition with speed alert, rear parking sensors and full LED front and rear lighting.

Further up the range adaptive cruise control with stop & go, wireless phone charging, rear-view camera, two-tone paint options,

demand for EVs. Dave Johnston, Ford’s European Vice President for Transformation and Partnerships, stressed: “It is critical to take difficult but decisive action to ensure Ford’s future competitiveness in Europe.” The planned redundancies will be implemented in consultation with labour representatives, who have expressed concern over the scale of the job losses.

Ford’s Cologne plant, which employs 11,500 workers, will see significant reductions, including shortened working hours and scaled-down production of the Capri and Explorer EV models. Ford has pointed to ‘significant competitive and economic headwinds’ facing Europe’s automotive sector, compounded by stricter EU CO2 regulations and weaker consumer

Ford has called on the German government to step up support for the EV market, proposing increased public investment in EV charging infrastructure, stronger incentives for EV buyers, and greater flexibility in meeting CO2 compliance targets. Ford’s announcement follows similar moves by other carmakers, including Volkswagen, which is also planning to cut thousands of jobs in its German plants.

The interior of Renault 5 has denim upholstery, made from recycled materials, while the top line trim level has seats in heather yellow bearing a large printed ‘5’. A choice of body colours will be available from launch, two of which - Pop Yellow! and Pop Green!are reminiscent of iconic shades that were present in the 1970s Renault 5.

The 120hp 40kwh battery model reaches the benchmark 100kph/62 mph in nine seconds with its larger capacity 150hp 52kwh version shaving just over a second to reach 100kph/62mph in 7.9 seconds. From a performance point of view these aren’t especially quick times but one suspects the 5 E-Tech will prove my long-held view that a car doesn’t need to be fast to be fun.

Twins break record

THE TURNER TWINS, Ross and Hugo, have broken a world record by flying at 8,000 feet over the French Alps in a tandem electric paraglider. The British siblings have once again proven their adventurous spirit, solidifying their status as some of the world’s most daring adventurers.

The brothers took their custom-made electric aircraft to a remarkable 2,438 metres (8,000 feet) above the Alps. They’ve submitted their flight data to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) to claim the world record for tandem electric altitude.

Achieving this wasn’t easy. The twins waited months for ideal weather conditions. Hugo described the flight as “perfect,” with smooth conditions that defied their expectations of turbulence.

They also exceeded expectations regarding battery life, likely due to the cold temperatures. Ross recalled when their official observer

doubted the battery’s ability to reach the required altitude, but the brothers proved him wrong.

The twins’ passion for adventure stems from a life-changing event. At 17, Hugo was in a severe car accident, breaking his neck and narrowly escaping paralysis. This sparked their drive to push boundaries. They made history by rowing across the Atlantic

Ocean together at age 21 in just 41 days. Since then, they’ve conquered challenges like cycling across South America and climbing Mount Elbrus.

The Turner Twins continue to test new technology, as seen in their 10,000-mile journey to China in an electric Cyberster sports car. Their story proves that with passion and determination, anything is possible.

Strong contender for World Cup Final

FIFA HAS unveiled its report on the joint bid from Spain, Morocco, and Portugal to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Among the standout contenders for the prestigious final match is Barcelona’s Spotify Camp Nou, vying for the honour alongside Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu and Morocco’s Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca.

The bid, the only official submission for the 2030 World Cup, includes up to 20 stadiums reviewed for the event, 11 of them in Spain, six in Morocco, and hree in Portugal. Spotify Camp Nou scored 4.2 out of 5 in FIFA’s evaluation, placing it on par with other leading venues.

The stadium, with a capacity of 103,447, exceeds FIFA’s required minimum of 80,000 seats for World Cup matches. Although under reconstruction, the stadium is set to reopen partially in 2025, with full reopening scheduled for 2026, positioning it as a prime contender for the final.

Key facts about Spotify Camp Nou:

• Capacity: 103,447 spectators

• Score: 4.2 out of 5 from FIFA

• Partial reopening: Expected in 2025

• Full reopening: Set for 2026

This bid promises high-quality stadiums in 17 cities across Spain, Morocco, and Portugal. With world-class facilities and historic venues, it will bring international football to some of the sport’s most iconic locations.

As FIFA’s final decision approaches on December 11, Spotify Camp Nou remains a strong contender to host the 2030 World Cup final, solidifying Barcelona’s role at the heart of global football.

The Turner twins have broken a World record.

Camp Nou, Barcelona.