Axarquia 31 August – 6 September 2023 Issue 1991

A TASTE OF MALAGA

The Picasso Anchovy

GET ready for a truly artistic and flavourful experience at the upcoming event entitled: The Picasso Anchovy.

From September 5 until September 10, Rincon de la Victoria is all set to host the vibrant Fiesta del Boquerón Victoriano (Victorian Anchovy Festival), featuring an exciting twist this year.

In a delightful fusion of food and art, local chefs will

embark on a creative journey where they reinterpret the masterpieces of Malaga’s very own painter, Picasso. But here’s the twistthey’ll be crafting these culinary artworks using anchovies as the star ingredient.

Mark your calendars for September 6, when ‘The Picasso Anchovy’ event takes centre stage, when talented chefs will pay tribute to the iconic painter’s legacy.

PREPARE to be swept away in a culinary and musical extravaganza from September 8 until September 10 at the lively Rincon de la Victoria Town Hall square.

With over 30 passionate producers attending from all corners of the region, the Taste of Malaga, Sabor a Malaga, Fair is the event that will tickle your taste buds and serenade your ears. Imagine strolling through a market brimming with trea­

sures from every corner of the province.

From exquisite wines and fragrant extra virgin olive oils to artisan cheeses that whisper stories of local pastures.

Dive into the world of culinary craftsmanship with a spread of cured meats, sausages, and traditional pastries.

And for those who adore a good brew, craft beers and artisanal coffees await your discerning palate. But wait, there’s

more! You can enjoy around 15 captivating musical performances that will have you tapping your feet and swaying to the rhythm. Engage in workshops that unravel the secrets of culinary artistry, or simply savour the moment with tastings that take your senses on a journey.

The Sabor a Malaga Fair isn’t just an event; it’s a celebration of flavours, melodies, and community spirit.

Fleet Enhancement

THE mayor of Torrox, Oscar Medina, has introduced four new vehicles to the Local Police force.

The investment for these additions, four Ford Kuga ST Line Full Hybrid 4x4 automatic vehicles with 190 horsepower, amounts to around €192,000.

The mayor emphasised that these vehicles will contribute to “continuously improving the level of service that Torrox municipality deserves.”

He expressed his commitment to making Torrox “one of the safest municipalities in Spain.”

The newly acquired vehicles, one of which is camou­

flaged for specific service needs, come fully equipped, marked, and equipped with radio patrol capabilities, among other features.

With these additions, the

Torrox Local Police, comprising 30 officers currently, with an upcoming addition of seven more, will have access to four rental vehicles, a pickup provided by the Provincial

Council of Malaga, and three municipal motorcycles.

“These resources aim to ensure an efficient and effective service,” the mayor confirmed.

Image: Sabor a Málaga / Facebook

SABOR A MALAGA: From exquisite wines and fragrant olive oils to artisan cheeses.

Anna Ellis

Mayor of Torrox, Oscar Medina, with Chief of Local Police, José Manuel Ruiz Ortega.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Torrox / Facebook

Image: Ayuntamiento de Rincón de la Victoria / Facebook

ANCHOVY FESTIVAL: Will be honouring Picasso.

LUX MUNDI continue with their regular activities: Spanish practice groups on Wednesday and Friday. Time 10.00 to 13.00.

Spanglish. General conversation between Spanish and English friends. Time and day to be advised.

The shop will be open Wednesday and Fridays. Time 11.00 to 13.00. Dona­

Restaurant network LUX MUNDI EVENTS AND TRIP

tions in good conditions are always welcome.

Every Wednesday ­ The art group, along with the crochet and craft group meet at the Centre to share knowledge and develop new techniques. All are welcome. Time 10.00 to 13.00.

Every Friday ­ Coffee morning. Go along and meet friends and relax in their beautiful garden. Time 11.00 to 13.00.

Thursday September 21Excursion to Dolmens of Corominas and Estepona. Please come and join friends on a fun day out. Tickets available at the Centre, price €30 for Friends and €32 for visitors. (Proceeds for fundraising). Departure times: Algarrobo (Lidl) 07.30, Caleta (vets) 07.35, Torre del

Mar (Bus station) 07.45.

Friday September 29Taize Prayer. At the Parish Church of San Andrés, Torre del Mar. Time after the Mass.

Lux Mundi Ecumenical Centre, Torre del Mar, Avda. Moscatel 1’I’, (Jardines Viña Malága/Antigua Casa de la Viña), Torre del Mar. Open Wednesday and Friday 10.00 till 13.00

For further information please the Centre, Torre del Mar Tel. 952 543 334 E­mail: luxmundi@lux­mundi.org.

THE vibrant Plaza de las Flores in Benagalbon set the stage for special commemorative events on Monday, August 28, as the community came together to mark the 188th anniversary of the establishment of the first council in this historic town.

In the midst of these events, the mayor of Rincon de la Victoria, Francisco Salado (PP), underscored the municipality’s unwavering dedication to preserving cherished traditions, honouring its historical heritage, and safeguarding the abundant legacy of Rincon de la Victoria that stretches from prehistory to the modern day.

ARE you ready to embark on a culinary journey like no other?

Throughout September, both locals and visitors of Rincon de la Victoria are in for a treat with a mouthwatering promotion: ‘The Restaurant Network’.

From September 1 until September 10, this delectable event will tantalise your taste buds with an array of menu options that start at just €2.50.

What’s even more exciting is that this year, the Network is embracing the digital age! By scanning QR codes, diners can easily access a wealth of information about the gastronomic offerings, the event programme, and even catch a sneak peek through a promotional video.

Every restaurant taking part in the Network will be immortalised in the sixth recipe book brought to you by the council. This recipe book will be showcased at FITUR, an international tourism fair, boasting a print run of 500 copies.

Importance of showcasing

nation that transcends the allure of sun and sand.”

Elaborating further, he emphasised, “We firmly believe that this concerted effort to enhance the value of our heritage stands as a pivotal foundation in shaping Rincon de la Victoria as a desti­

The mayor added: “In recent years, we’ve witnessed a significant leap in our identity as a town and as a sought­after destination. This accomplishment can be attributed to our resolute commitment to protecting and preserving our historical heritage.

“It’s not only a gift we leave for future generations, but also a window through which our visitors can truly understand the roots that anchor our town.”

Dedicated to preserving traditions.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Rincón de la Victoria / Facebook

Charity swim

ON Sunday September 3, the sports area of Ferrara will host the 10th Solidarity Swimming Crossing ‘Faro de Torrox’ for the charity Amigos de Anzaldo. With more than 160 swimmers expected to take part, the solidarity objective of the swim is to provide drinking water to a village in Bolivia.

Splashing bye

THE Canillas de Aceituno Town Hall confirmed that Sunday, September 3, will be the last day the municipal pool remains open. The town hall is encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy the last few days.

Early hours fun

VELEZ-MALAGA was beautifully adorned on August 25 in celebration of the Noche en Vela in the main emblematic areas of the historic centre. Revellers enjoyed a night full of cultural and leisure activities and partied until the early hours.

Indoor football

ON Saturday, September 2 at 6.00pm at the Villa de Frigiliana Pavilion, the indoor football match between the teams UMA Antequera and UA Ceutí will take place. Both teams are competing to win the trophy in the silver division of national football.

Fighting mad

A 74-YEAR-OLD man from La Viñuela has been arrested after running over an 80year­old neighbour up to five times and hitting him with a stick. The incident took place on Saturday, August 12 in the Mirador del Embalse urbanisation.

Bids submitted

A TOTAL of eight companies have submitted bids for the contracting of the Municipal Home Help Service in Nerja. The councillor for Social Affairs, Daniel Rivas, confirmed there is a base tender budget of €3,338,060.40 for the three­year contract duration.

Calling all basketball fans

GET ready for an exciting event from September 8 to 10 in the towns of Torrox, Rincon de la Victoria, and Malaga!

The spotlight is on Malaga and the Axarquia municipalities as they gear up to host a thrilling basketball tournament that will bring together three of Europe’s top teams: Unicaja, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich.

For basketball enthusiasts in the province of Malaga, this is a must­attend event held every September at different locations.

After a visit to Antequera in 2022, the tournament is returning to its original format,

spreading the action across three venues in the province. This move aims to bring

top­tier basketball closer to the people of Malaga, who have previously enjoyed matches featuring teams like Olimpia Milan, Partizan Belgrade, Olympiacos, Zalgiris Kaunas, and Fenerbahçe in previous tournaments.

Mayor, Francisco Salado, confirmed: “Our province’s passion for basketball runs deep. We are thrilled to share the spectacle and excitement of this sport in every corner and are grateful for the cooperation of the municipalities in providing their facilities.”

Rising Rincon star Paella delight

THE San Roque celebrations in Torrox brought a remarkable turnout on August 27, as the town united to honour its patron saint.

The festivities kicked off at 11.30am with a special mass held in honour of Torrox’s patron saint, San Roque.

Around midday, the procession set off from the iconic Plaza de San Roque, marking the starting point of a pilgrimage to the Torrox Costa plain along the Torrox River.

At 3.00pm, the celebrations took a delicious turn as attendees were treated to a grand communal paella, free for all to enjoy.

The atmosphere was further enhanced by musical

58

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Solidarity challenge

entertainment that captivated the crowd throughout the afternoon.

San Roque holds a special place in Torrox’s heart, revered not only in Spain but also in Italy as Saint Roch, the patron saint of the sick and invalids. This patronage likely has significance due to Torrox’s historical San Jose hospital.

The celebrations reflect the town’s deep ­ rooted traditions and community spirit.

GERMAN FERNANDEZ, a young and talented resident of Rincon de la Victoria, has rightfully earned his place in the spotlight.

Achieving an impressive score of 13.84 in the University Entrance Examinations, German’s exceptional academic prowess has not gone unnoticed.

The mayor of Rincon de la Victoria, Francisco Salado, warmly welcomed German Fernandez, celebrating his remarkable achievement as he was honoured with the highest distinction in the Extraordinary Baccalaureate Awards for the academic year 2022/2023.

These prestigious

Creativity on wheels

LOURDES PINA, the dedicated Education councillor of the Velez ­ Malaga Town Council, stepped into a realm of imagination as she paid a visit to Cre­Activity.

This captivating initiative, brought to Velez­Malaga by the La Caixa Foundation, is housed within a whimsical bus that’s sparking creativity in young minds.

Stepping into the bus, young adventurers aged seven and above are transported to a world where thinking is done with hands as much as minds.

The bus is a haven of objectives and elements thoughtfully designed to nurture

creativity, ignite an entrepreneurial spark, encourage collaboration, and inspire deep reflection.

Monday August 28 marked the opening of this enchanting space located on Camino Viejo de Malaga, right next to the church of San Antonio de Padua.

Until September 26, the bus will welcome all curious minds from 10.00am to 2.00pm and again from 5.00pm to 8.30pm.

Upon stepping inside, young explorers find themselves amidst four distinct zones, each a treasure trove of learning.

awards are organised by the Department of Educational Development and Vocational Training of the Junta de Andalucia.

As German embarks on his academic journey, he is set to commence his Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics at the University of Malaga come September.

His remarkable score of 13.84 in the university entrance exams serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication and promising potential.

The mayor confirmed: “The community of Rincon de la Victoria takes immense pride in German Fernandez, a true embodiment of excellence and aspiration.”

WITH enthusiasm and anticipation, Rocio Ruiz, VelezMalaga’s councillor for Sport, toured Atenas Fitness, a vibrant fitness hub, to prepare for the upcoming ‘Solidarity Challenge: 12 Hours Running on Treadmills’, scheduled for Saturday, September 2.

The event is geared towards a noble cause: raising funds for the Olivares Foundation.

The challenge entails participants engaging in a nonstop 12­hour treadmill run, collectively running the treadmills from 9.30am until 9.30pm.

Both the esteemed mayor, Jesus Lupianez, and the dedicated Sports councillor have eagerly confirmed their presence and active participation in the event. This heartening initiative is expected to attract more than 200 runners.

Adding to the experience, a food truck will be stationed at the Manuel del Pino Passage.

BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT: A must-attend event.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Rincon de la Victoria Facebook

Free for all to enjoy.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Torrox

IN a heartwarming display of dedication and skill, the mayor of Velez­Malaga, Jesus Lupianez, has honoured two exceptional Local Police officers.

These officers, through their quick thinking and training, successfully resuscitated a two­year­old child who had succumbed to severe heatstroke on August 11 at Parque Andalucia.

Upon receiving a distress call about a child’s collapse due to the scorching temperatures, Officers Lopez Recio and Perez del Pino swiftly arrived at the scene.

Their prompt response involved expertly managing the child’s body temperature, ultimately playing a pivotal role

PROVERB

Policing heroes Step back in time

The mayor extended heartfelt congratulations to the two officers for their remarkable response. “I want to publicly commend them for their courage and unwavering dedication.

“They serve as an inspiring model for all of us.

MARK your calendars for a nostalgic trip down memory lane!

The eagerly awaited Gramola Fiesta is all set to grace the Canillas de Albaida town square on Saturday, September 2, starting at 10.00pm.

This enchanting event is a lively homage to the music that defined the 60s, 70s, and 80s.

The mayor, Jorge Martín, delved into the spirit of the Gramola Fiesta, which has drawn enthusiastic crowds to the town square year after year.

This remarkable retro party has even inspired other towns due to its resounding success.

in his recovery. Thanks to their efforts, the child regained consciousness

and, after a few days of care at Comarcal de la Axarquía Hospital, made a full recovery.

“When a family from Madrid, seeking relaxation in our region, found themselves in distress, in their time of need, these officers stepped up.

“On behalf of Velez­Malaga, I express our sincere gratitude to these two heroes.”

EVERY first Saturday of September, Almachar in the Axarquia region becomes a vibrant hub as thousands of visitors gather to partake in the time­honoured Ajoblan­

“We were the pioneers of this grand celebration, a journey into the past, which was only halted during the years of the pandemic. Every first Saturday of September, in sync with the La Candelaria festivity, we come together to relive the magic,” he reminisced.

“Music serves as a universal language that bridges generations and brings people together. The melodies of these decades have left an indelible mark on our lives.

“Many of these classic tunes find themselves reimagined, woven into contemporary mixes, and rediscovered at bars, parties, and dance floors.”

Ajoblanco Festival

co Festival.

This festival holds a special significance for the local com­

munity, as the streets and squares transform into a captivating open­air museum.

Ajoblanco, a chilled soup made from almonds, is the star of the show. The drink is not only a culinary delight, but also serves to quench thirst.

Historical agricultural tools, ceramics, and scenes depicting traditional rural life come to life with life­sized puppets.

The festive atmosphere is accompanied by the melodies of Verdiales and flamenco music, as well as the harmonious voices of Rocio choirs.

Since 1968, the Ajoblanco Festival has been an integral part of September’s cultural calendar, and it was even bestowed the title of National Touristic Interest of Andalucia. The enchanting evening features a grand beach bonfire and complimentary sangria, for a perfect ending.

12 cruise ports in Spain.

POLICE OFFICERS: Showed dedication and skill.

Image: Ayuntamiento Vélez-Málaga / Facebook

OF THE WEEK

“Honesty is the best policy.”

Meaning it is better to tell the truth than to lie. Benjamin Franklin famously coined this phrase in the 1700s.

Anna Ellis

THE councillor for Fiestas in Velez­Malaga, Lourdes Pina, has excitedly unveiled details of the renowned street fair, set to unfold on Saturday, September 2, along Calle Martín Galán.

The event promises a delightful array of activities catering to all age groups and interests, making it a fantastic day out for families.

The festivities are all set to kick off at noon, near Bar Rubio, and will continue through the evening.

The event will commence with a generous serving of communal paella enjoyed with festivities including taekwondo demonstrations and invigorating zumba sessions.

Youngsters will be able to enjoy face painting and entertainment will keep people of all tastes entertained.

“You can enjoy dance academy performances, lively orchestral music, and to cap it all, a vibrant performance by the Carrete 80 group,

Street fair

ensuring an unforgettable evening,” remarked the councillor.

With the grand San Miguel Fair just around the corner, the councillor has encouraged everyone to see this as a wonderful opportunity to prepare for the festivities to come.

100 Years of history

IN a splendid tribute to VelezMalaga’s Football Club’s 100th anniversary, the town has unveiled the captivating exhibition: 100 Years of History: 1922­2022.

Located within the Exhibition Hall of the San Francisco Convent, this event serves as a chronicle of the remarkable

journey undertaken by the club over the course of a century.

Visitors are invited to explore its treasures until September 20, from Tuesday to Saturday, between 10.00am and 2.00pm and from 6.00pm to 9.00pm.

The mayor, Jesus Lupianez,

heralded the exhibition as an invaluable repository of “fragments” of the club’s history. These fragments, passionately collected over the past three decades by sports journalist and official historian of Velez CF, Jesus Hurtado, stand as testaments to the club’s enduring legacy.

Image: Ayuntamiento Vélez-Málaga / Facebook

DETAILS ANNOUNCED: An array of activities.

Lasting impressions

Anna Ellis VELEZ­MALAGA experienced an enchanting and unforgettable night filled with culture, music, museum tours, and entertainment during the much­anticipated ‘Noche en Vela’.

The event on August 25 saw the town’s monuments, exhibitions, squares, and

streets come to life, as participants enthusiastically engaged in the myriad activities on offer throughout the night.

The town hall’s unwavering commitment to the event was undeniable.

The town adorned itself with grace, iconic venues and spots illuminated by over 7,000 candles, and an im ­

pressive number of participants and volunteers collectively contributed to its success.

All these efforts converged to offer the visitors and residents of Velez­Malaga an exceptional experience, transforming the town into an expansive stage for cultural expression.

Lifesaver Alexa

NOWADAYS many households own an Amazon Echo or similar device and whilst some think it exists to eavesdrop on conversation and feedback information, it is also a potential life saver.

Imagine a situation where someone in your home is having a cardiac arrest then if you have previously activated an Alexa skill by saying “Alexa activate emergency cpr” then you are set up to seek advice by shouting “Alexa Emergency CPR”

Alexa will then give you advice on how to deal with the emergency whilst you await the arrival of an ambulance (which

incidentally, you may be able to call through a contact list held by Alexa).

The more you explore the positive options such as the announcement facility whereby you can communicate with others throughout the house or activate opening the front door if you are alone and have a fall the easier it becomes to use this tool.

The more you explore the more you will find Alexa can help but for a bit of light relief just say “Alexa what’s your name?” and wait for the surprising response.

Special delivery

COMING from the birthplace of Amazon in Seattle, we are well acquainted with online delivery. And it’s a good thing too. Living in rural Spain means relying heavily on purchasing things on the Internet. It’s either that or driving a long way.

Generally, we are delighted with the delivery times in Spain. Sometimes, even amazed at how swiftly a purchase is delivered after pushing the Buy button before bed only the night before. But we have learned that here in Galicia when we receive the ‘Your order has been delivered’ email. Delivered is a relative term.

Our online orders will

arrive by one of several different delivery companies. Or even by random taxi. My husband, Jeff, has developed a shipping matrix, so he’ll know where to expect delivery. But the CTT express guy retired recently ­ he was the one who had my WhatsApp and would call me directly, even for packages addressed to Jeff. To make sure I was home or to tell me where he hid the box. The new guy won’t come to the house, and the delivered emails are phantoms. Jeff couldn’t get a straight answer until one terse reply, ‘Your package is at the gas station.’ Our only gas station doesn’t take Ama ­

zon packages. Jeff went there to fill up and enquire about our package anyway. The attendant looked confused, only to return from the back with our box ­ headscratcher.

Random taxis often knock on the door with a package. Correos Express will come to the house. Regular Correos, our mail lady, will also come to the house to deliver for Amazon. She holds the ladder for me if I’m out pruning my fruit trees as an added service. So, we can’t complain. Logistics is better here than in the US, even in rural Spain. And the ladder­holding is always free.

Kelli Field is an American expat writer/blogger living in rural Galicia, and a volunteer for Age in Spain. Some of her other writing about moving to and living in Spain can be found at www.vivaespanamovingtospain.com If you’d like to get in touch with Age In Spain, we can be reached at info@ageinspain.org (+34 932 209 741). www.ageinspain.org

Heat claims 1,800 lives

John Ensor

SINCE June 1, the Daily Mortality Monitoring System (MoMo) of the Carlos III Health Institute has recorded 95,904 deaths. Of these, 1,834 have been directly linked to the scorching heat. The data shows a peak on August 12 with 79 deaths. However, the latest figures from August 22 indicate 68 heat­related deaths, though these numbers are continually updated, according to a news source.

“The impact of heat isn’t merely a heat stroke, which is the least of concerns. The heat itself is a stress for the body,” said Dominic Roye, Head of Data Science at the Climate Research Foundation (FIC). He, along with Aurelio Tobias from the Centre Superior of Scientific Investigations (CSIC) and Carmen Iñiguez from the University of Valencia, recently launched the Summer Heat Attributable Mortality in Spain (MACE) application.

MACE’s data suggests that from June 1 to August 22, there were 8,821 heat­attributable deaths. However, it doesn’t account for geographical differences, gender, and age groups, potentially overlooking many more fatalities.

Roye explains that the mortality rate spikes when the average temperature reaches 26.9ºC. This summer’s average was 24.5ºC, with August at 26.2ºC and July at 25.3ºC. Although this summer has been extreme, it hasn’t been as severe as 2022, which witnessed 28 days of extreme heat and 8,815 related

deaths. Official data from the INE indicates that mortality surged by 20 per cent between May and August 2022, with heat stroke and dehydration deaths doubling compared to three years prior.

Heat strokes account for only 2 to 3 per cent of heat­related deaths. The primary concern is the exacerbation of existing health issues, particularly cardiovascular and respiratory ailments. Poor sleep due to extreme heat also poses health risks.

To combat the heat, it is suggested maintaining a regular sleep schedule, wearing light clothing, ensuring a dark environment, and aiming for room temperatures between 18 and 21ºC. If these conditions aren’t achievable, a warm shower, not too cold, can help lower the body’s temperature, signalling it’s time to rest.

Cost of online grocery shopping

ACCORDING to the latest Regional Supermarket Price Barometer published by Soysuper, an expert company in online supermarket price measurement in Spain, the cost of filling an online shopping basket varies across provinces. The analysis, reflecting the trends for summer 2023, reveals significant differences in online shopping expenses, according to a news source.

Huesca is the most expensive province in Spain for online purchases, at 0.91 per cent above the national average, followed by Soria (0.73 per cent), Navarra (0.67 per cent), Bizkaia (0.60 per cent), and Ciudad Real (0.56 per cent). On the other hand, the Galician provinces of A Coruña, Lugo, Pontevedra, and Ourense are the cheapest, along with Cuenca (0.45 per cent).

By Autonomous Communities, Galicia continues to be the region with the cheapest average prices for the 10th consecutive year, at ­0.82 per

cent, ahead of Murcia (­0.44 per cent), Madrid (­0.40 per cent), Valencian Community (­0.19 per cent), and Andalucia (­0.17 per cent). Conversely, Navarra (0.67 per cent), the Balearic Islands (0.51 per cent), and Aragón (0.45 per cent) have the most expensive prices.

“For the analysis carried out, the prices of identical products of the entire assortment, both manufacturer brand and distributor brand, of each of the eight large online supermarkets that deliver in various autonomous communities in Spain (Alcampo, Caprabo, Carrefour, DIA, Eroski, El Corte Inglés, Hiper­

cor and Mercadona),” explained the comparator, which updates daily the prices of more than 150,000 products from nine of the large online supermarkets in over 4,700 postal codes.

Lleida has seen the most significant price increase in the last year for online purchases, descending 30 positions in the ranking and becoming the eighth most expensive in 2022 (0.48 per cent). In contrast, Girona has lowered its prices significantly, rising 16 positions in the ranking, from an average of +0.06 per cent to ­0.19 per cent.

63.8% property ownership in the

HEATWAVES: Try to keep yourself cool.

Online prices vary.

UK.

TOP TEN HOTTEST PLACES IN SPAIN 2023

SUMMER 2023 is shattering temperature records across the globe with Spain battling yet another heatwave that is rewriting the history books. Let’s have a look at the top 10 hottest places in Spain.

LA DEPRESIÓN DEL GUADALQUIVIR IN ANDALUCIA

This is a geographical depression in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula. It covers an area of approximately 35,000 km squared. It is bordered by the Sierra Morena mountain range and the Subbética mountain range. The area has an average altitude of 100 metres above sea level making it the lowest in the peninsula. This region is home to the city of Cordoba which holds the record for Spain’s highest temperature ever recorded, a blistering 47.3 degrees Celsius in Montoro.

INTERIOR VALLEYS OF TAJO, GUADIANA AND SEGURA

Situated in the heart of the peninsula, these valleys experience sweltering summer temperatures. Running through this area is the River Tajo, the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula. Its waters have been diverted to the south of Spain to help with crops since the 1980s, however, due to repeated droughts and climate change, the river is now at the heart of a water dispute. This year the situation is at its climax as Spain faced an unprecedented rainfall deficit. The level of the river is so low it is possible to walk through it in some areas.

EBRO VALLEY IN ARAGON

The Ebro Valley is a large geographical region in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula. It experiences a meteorological phenomenon known as the Foehn effect, which leads to a rise in temperature and dryness. The Foehn effect is a weather phenomenon where cool wet air on one side of a mountain range becomes warm dry air on the other side. This phenomenon contributes to making the Ebro Valley a hotspot for scorching summer temperatures.

EASTERN CANARY ISLANDS

The eastern islands of the Canary Archipelago, including Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, are known for their hot climates. The combination of trade winds and Saharan dust contributes to elevated temperatures, making these islands some of the hottest in the Atlantic.

ANDALUCIAN HINTERLAND

Beyond the Guadalquivir Depression, the wider hinterland of Andalucia, including areas like Jaen and Granada, experiences searing summer heat.

These regions often see temperatures climb into the high 30s and low 40s making them stand out in the country’s heat map. Due to Granada’s Moorish influences, you can take a break from the heat by visiting some of the region’s most iconic sites like the Alhambra Palace. These buildings really do offer a refuge from the stifling heat due to their clever design and the thick walls.

CENTRAL PLATEAU

The expansive central plateau, including provinces like Ciudad Real and Toledo, is infamous for its scorching summer temperatures. The flat terrain and lack of coastal influences contribute to the intense heat experienced in this region.

MADRID

The capital city and its surroundings are no strangers to heatwaves. With urban heat island effects amplifying the high temperatures, Madrid often swelters in summer.

This is why the ‘madrileños’ tend to have a second home on the coast of Spain where they can retreat during the summer months to take advantage of the cooling sea breeze.

MURCIA

Located in the southeast of Spain, Murcia is known for its arid climate and scorching summers, often exceeding 40°C during the hottest months. The coast of Murcia is known as the Costa Calida, the warm coast, due to its micro­climate there is not much respite to be had. This region experiences high levels of humidity which have caused real feel temperatures of 50 degrees Celsius at times during this hot summer.

VALENCIA

This coastal region experiences a combination of intense summer heat and humidity. The combination of these factors can lead to stifling conditions, making Valencia a contender for some of Spain’s hottest locations. On August 10, during the most recent heatwave parts of Valencia saw some of the highest temperatures in Spain with the area near Valencia Airport recording 46.2 degrees Celsius.

EXTREMADURA

With its continental climate, Extremadura is known for its hot and dry summers. The region’s interior location means it’s not influenced by coastal breezes, contributing to its reputation as one of Spain’s hottest areas.

La depresión del Guadalquivir in Andalucia.

The Alhambra Palace, Granada.

Image: Wikipedia/Mihael Grmek

Summer evening in the Parque Retiro, Madrid.

Image: Shutterstock/S.Borisov

Valencia has broken records for the highest temperatures in Spain 2023.

Image: Shutterstock/Alexey Fedorenko

Image: Wikipedia/Jebulon

Interior Valleys of Tajo, Guadiana, and Segura.

Image: Wikipedia/Heparina1985

Badland area in the Region de Murcia.

Image: Shutterstock/ photorealitydrone21

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Another try

MICROSOFT made another attempt to buy Call of Duty­maker Activision Blizzard after UK regulators blocked the original $69 billion (€63.5 billion) deal. Although Microsoft claimed the new offer was “substantially different,” the UK’S Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said agreeing to review the deal was not “a green light.”

Abu Dhabi deal

BRUSSELS authorised the €600 million purchase by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign fund ADIA of 17 hotels owned by Equity Inmuebles that are run by the Mallorcabased Melia company and include the ME and Plaza de España hotels in Madrid. The deal went through in June, but had to wait until now for the EU’s go­ahead.

Pain gain

ITV is investing approximately £5 million (€5.85 million) in advertising for joint pain relief brand Flarin in return for a minority stake in the company. The Flarin deal is ITV’s first consumer healthcare investment and will introduce brand awareness to millions of UK viewers via ITV platforms, the company said.

Winter warmer

TWO months of the Brussels deadline, Spain is the first EU country to completely fill its gas storage facilities, ready to cover possible supply problems this winter. Europe has achieved storage levels which would have been hard to imagine in March 2022, said Enagas chief executive Arturo Gonzalez.

Slowdown

FACTORY output in the UK slumped to its lowest level since 2020 when the country was emerging from the first Covid lockdown, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) announced. This was the latest indication that the Bank of England’s interest rate hikes were slowing the economy, the CBI said.

STAT OF WEEK €420 million

in turnover last year - a 6 per cent increase - for the Jealsa fishery group’s subsidiary Escuris, the company which supplies Mercadonas’s Hacendado own-label tinned tuna and mussels.

Naturgy fine Ortega looks West

Linda Hall

AMANCIO ORTEGA, the billionaire Inditex founder, has expanded his real estate empire with the €213 million ($232 million) acquisition of West Loop Tower in Chicago.

The tower located on 727 Madison Avenue has 492 luxury properties distributed over 45 storeys and is Chicago’s tallest building west of the Kennedy Expressway.

The operation was carried out on August 4 by Pontegadea, the company which oversees the real estate and private equity

investments made by Ortega, Spain’s richest man and one of the world’s wealthiest people.

According to reports in the Real Deal publication, the €213 million that Ortega paid was the highest price for a Chicago residential building since be­

TRADE talks between the UK and India are nearing their final “but trickier" stages, government sources told the BBC.

As Trade secretary Kemi Badenoch visiting India for a meeting of G20 Trade ministers on August 23 and 24, conjecture that a trade deal could be struck before PM Rishi Sunak’s September visit.

“Currently there is no expectation in government that a full deal will be agreed by then,” the BBC learnt.

They hoped a deal was only months away, the sources said, but emphasised there were still some ‘big nuts’ to crack.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, promised in April 2022 that a deal would be settled “by Diwali.” Johnson’s self­imposed October deadline came

No AI qualms

CONTRARY to popular fears, more jobs could be available in professions exposed to Artificial Intelligence (AI).

A Bank of Spain study concluded that the professions which used new technologies generated most employment.

The Bank’s report, New Technologies and Jobs in Europe, examined links between labour market developments and new technologies including AI in 16 European countries between 2011 and 2019.

“Results appear to be linked to the pace of technology diffusion and education, but also to the level of product market regulation (competition) and employment protection laws,” the report added.

fore the pandemic.

The US is attracting most of Ortega’s property investments, following Pontegadea’s €505 million (€487 million) purchase of a New York apartment block in October 2022 and more luxury apartments, the Kiara

Tower in Seattle, for €305 million ($324 million) at the end of last year.

Pontegadea is not limiting its US investments to residential properties, as Ortega bought an automated logistics centre in southern California’s Inland Empire Area from hypermarket chain Walmart €98.9 million ($109 million) in July.

This came 12 months after he first entered the logistics sector with the purchase of a FedEx platform in Menomonee Falls, near Milwaukee (Wisconsin) worth about €35.2 million ($35 million).

Hopes for India deal

grant more visas for Indian workers.

The UK also hopes that India will agree to allowing a greater number of UK business firms and service industries to establish themselves in the country.

“Up to 80 per cent of the UK economy is services­based,” William Bain, head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce told the BBC.

THE National High Court’s Public Prosecution department has opened an enquiry into Naturgy’s electricity prices.

The investigation follows on from a Facua consumers’ association complaint which maintained that prices charged between March 2019 and December 2020 in the area covered by the Sabon 2 power station in Galicia were illegally manipulated.

Naturgy profited €43 million from the high prices and last June, Spain’s National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) ordered the company to pay a €6 million fine and €35.5 million to compensate the consumers who were overcharged. Naturgy has confirmed that it will lodge an appeal with the High Court.

Unreasonable

OFGEM has fined the US bank, Morgan Stanley £5.41 million (€6.33 million) after its energy traders communicated via private WhatsApp accounts.

and went, but the UK is still very keen to reach agreement with India.

Over the past 12 months, the trade talks have come up against several obstacles, particularly Britain’s refusal to

Wilko shutdown

THOUSANDS of jobs will be lost as Wilko prepares to close most of its stores ‘in the near future’. No buyer came to the rescue of the family­owned household and garden products chain, which has approximately 400 stores and employs around 12,500 people. As weeks of talks with potentially interested parties fell through, Wilko’s only option was to call in administrators from PricewaterhouseCoopers after running out of cash.

The budget retailer borrowed £40 million (€46.8 million) last year, reorganised its leadership team and cut jobs, while selling off a distribution centre to raise cash.

Despite the chain’s economic problems, the Wilkinson family paid itself £3 million (€3.51 million) in dividends during the year ending in February 2022.

The administrators would be supporting staff “through this deeply unsettling time,” they said.

“This is one of the last areas where India would want to reach agreement at this point. “That's where it has leverage,” Bain explained.

“Having much more visa access to the UK will be part of the key things that get a deal over the line,” he said.

Another contract

STATE­OWNED QatarEnergy awarded a €598 million ($650 million) contract to Spanish engineering firm, Tecnicas Reunidas.

The contract, Tecnicas Reunidas’ fourth in two years from QatarEnergy, involves connecting the Ras Laffan industrial area with new liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanks and export facilities in the north of the country.

The Spanish company will also provide connections, ancillary systems, and other support elements for LNG facilities at the North Field South Project.

Located in the north ­ east of the Qatar peninsula, North Field is the world’s largest gas field not linked to an oil field and accounts for 10 per cent of the world’s known natural gas reserves.

They habitually discussed transactions when buying and selling energy between January 2018 and March 2020, the UK’s energy regulator said. Morgan Stanley did not take ‘reasonable steps’ to ensure that staff used communication methods which could be handed over should investigators ask for information.

This was the first­ever UK fine issued under legal requirements to record and retain electronic communications relating to trading wholesale energy products, the regulator explained.

Near at hand

THE UK’s high street banks must ensure that customers can access cash within three miles of their local communities. Following the closure of thousands of branches and increased online banking, banks failing to provide a minimum service would be fined, the government confirmed, as the Financial (FCA) would make sure that banks and building societies were respecting these standards.

“Ministers are looking to banks to help protect vulnerable groups and elderly customers by maintaining present levels of cash access across the UK,” the Treasury said.

CHICAGO ACQUISITION: Amancio Ortega buys luxury apartment block.

KEMI BADENOCH: Hopes to move India trade deal talks along.

Photo credit: Flickr/Pedro Szekely

Photo credit: members-api.parliament.uk

DOW JONES

Meta blow

CCC BARCELONA DIGITAL SERVICES, whose employees scour social media for illegal content and fake news, is laying off 334 of 2,400 employees, owing to reduced demand from Facebook owner, Meta. The dismissals follow 680 temporary redundancies in March, which resulted in 100 job losses, with another 150 employees leaving amid claims of “worsening conditions.”

Making amends

POST OFFICE chief executive

Nick Read is returning part of his 2021­22 £455,000 (€532,199) bonus that was linked to findings of the Horizon enquiry. Read has apologised for “procedural and governance mistakes” that arose from the faulty Horizon IT system which resulted in erroneous accusations of false accounting and theft for 700 postal workers.

Rose in clover

Linda Hall ALISON ROSE, scandal ­ hit former Natwest chief executive, is not foregoing her £2.4 million (€2.81 million) salary package.

Rose, who received £5.2 million (€6.08 million) last year, jumped before she was pushed, resigning in July amid the ‘debanking row’ involving Nigel Farage, whose Coutts accounts were closed owing to his political views. Coutts now belongs to NatWest, still 38.5 per cent owned by the taxpayer following an emergency bailout in 2008.

Allegedly, Rose also leaked information regard­

Clean ammonia

SPAIN’S Fertiberia will work with Norwegian company Horisont Energi on developing Eurpe’s biggest clean ammonia plant.

Both companies signed an initial cooperation agreement to build the plant in February and have now signed another that gives Fertiberia a 50 per cent stake in the Barents Blue project, which has received a subsidy of 482 million Norwegian krone (€41.74 million).

The project uses natural gas from the Barents Sea gas field and will eventually be able to produce a daily 3,000 tons of clean ammonia.

The carbon dioxide resulting from the ammonia production process, will be permanently stored in a ‘geological reservoir’ on the floor of the Barents Sea, 100 kilometres off the Norwegian coast.

Up and down

ing the Ukip leader’s finances to the BBC.

NatWest revealed she would be paid while working the year’s notice specified in her employment contract. Consequently, the 53­yearold will receive a £1.2 million (€1.4 million) salary, £115,566 (€135,261) in pension payments, and approximately £1.2 million (€1.4 million) in NatWest shares.

Rose will still have access to around £26,250 (€30,723) in perks including a company car and chauffeur, life assurance, and personal security. She could also receive bonuses on top of her fixed pay package.

NatWest stressed that Rose’s notice period “would continue to be under review” and, since her pay was subject to clawback regulations, the bank could order her to return a portion of her previous pay should there be evidence of misconduct.

CASA TARADELLAS, known for ready­to­eat pizzas, ham and chorizo, reported 2022 sales of €1.16 billion, 8.5 per cent more than the previous year and the biggest increase since 2011. Despite a record year, the Catalan company announced that owing to increased overheads its profits had fallen for the first time, although it did not reveal the amount involved.

Arm’s length

CAMBRIDGE­BASED chip designer Arm intends to list on New York’s Nasdaq in September and is currently completing the formalities prior to selling shares in the US. Arm did not reveal the number of shares for sale or their price, but its proposed initial public offering (IPO) is believed to be in the region of $70 billion (€64.22 billion).

PAY PACKAGE: Defenestrated Alison Rose on course to receive this year’s salary.

Photo credit: Flickr/HM Treasury

Everyone needs a dinosaur

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

ODD to be referred to as a Dinosaur in the somewhat derogatory letter published last week. It actually got me thinking how our existence is often steered by those among us who have endured for somewhat considerable periods. Age and experience are of course extremely important to the survival and advancement of the human race. Indeed, if we only relied on the young to guide us in this existence, we probably wouldn’t be allowed to continue beyond the age of around 25!

I do however agree that some of our older representatives can be a total pain in the proverbial to those eager to forge ahead. It got me thinking of my own experiences with those I considered to belong to an age gone by. In the early 50s, my teenage band had attained some measure of success with the introduction of skiffle, which had begun

to sweep the country. At the start of 1958 I received a message from my new agent informing me I was invited to audition for a coming season at the London Palladium in a show entitled ‘Large as Life’.

The pop era was in its infancy and there were still only a small number of UK singers actually involved in this new form of entertainment. I duly auditioned and to my surprise and delight I was actually selected for the show. My skiffle band were not invited as it required Rock n Roll, so it was with a great sadness I decided to leave my beloved group and join the new band that was being formed from jazz and session musicians. It was led by a brilliant saxophone player Rex Morris, who later joined up with ‘Lord Rockingham’s Eleven’, having a hit with ‘There’s a Moose Loose Around this Hoose’ the following year.

The show was to be a presentation of music through the ages. This entailed beginning with minuets and culminating in the new phenomena of RnR. We were told to rehearse four songs for our spot in the final

ENJOY THE FLIGHT OUR VIEW

part of the production. Rex and I attacked the rehearsals with gusto. Unfortunately the other members were jazz men who also hated the new music. Still, we were soon ready. Then the bomb dropped. The producer also despised RnR! He was in fact, yes you’ve guessed it; a Dinosaur! In the end he cut us down to one song (’Whole Lotta Woman’).

He actually went further and even excluded us from the printed programme. We always stormed the show and I even delightfully gained a short fling with Hattie Jacques, who was starring with Harry Secombe and Terry Thomas among others. But we never got anywhere. He also left us out of the Royal Variety Command Performance that year. The show itself was a resounding success but Leapy’s career hit a brick wall. All down to a Dinosaur, who actually gave the public a great show. So you see we do need our Dinosaurs. Even though they are sometimes difficult to agree with.

Keep

THERE is no question that whilst air travel is an absolute necessity in today’s world, it can be stressful and often bring the worst out of travellers.

Unless you are very rich or have a job which allows you to travel in business or first class, the majority of travellers look to get the best deal, often travelling at inconvenient times in order to save money.

It’s something of a conundrum however as the socalled economy airlines continue to create packages which only offer the barest of options such as a seat and access to the aircraft and then passengers have to go through a maze of options regarding baggage, seat position and much more before arriving at a final price.

Then to cap things off, if you don’t follow all of the instructions to the letter then you can find yourself having to pay out even more once you are at the airport to get your bag in the right place and heaven help you if you haven’t downloaded your boarding pass properly.

Assuming the flight isn’t cancelled (which is happening more and more) and you find your seat (which for most people will be cramped) you might discover that fellow passengers are drunk and fighting or that you can’t get a snack on board because it wasn’t booked in advance or the airline doesn’t take cash!

Now some airlines are offering passengers a new option whereby if you pay a premium, you will be seated in an ‘Adults Only’ cabin so in theory you won’t be sat next to screaming babies or noisy children, although how a simple curtain will silence them is not revealed.

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

Liability insurance for dogs

THERE has been a great deal of reader comment about the introduction of mandatory third party liability insurance for owners and their dogs.

The general opinion appears to be that it’s either a waste of time and can’t be properly enforced or it’s a money making project (as insurance is taxed) which is go­

Comments

Some 9.3 million dogs in Spain, they estimate lowest cost of insurance about €24 per dog , you do the maths. Was this law written by the insurance companies and of course each policy carries tax. What do you do if you foster dogs for a charity or a stray that is not chipped, has no legal owner, but under the new law the municipality has to take it in and fund all the feeding and vets’ bills .

Brian Flude

Does this apply to UK visitors who bring their dogs to Spain for a month or two?

Colin Compton

In reply to Brian: Such a stupid law and it will probably lead to hundreds of dogs being abandoned. Owners who would love to be able to afford a health insurance for their pet are now being forced into a public liability insurance… even if they have a gentle pet that would never harm anyone.

Tobi

Waste of time. How about compulsory insurance for cyclists????

Roy

Apparently, this still has to be passed by the various communitates which are able to ignore it if they wish. There is likely to be a three­month introductory period as nothing is in place as yet, including the online exam to ensure (not a joke) that you can handle your dogs. Here in Valencia Vox now rule, who are sceptical about welfare acts that over ­ reach the problem, so it is possible they will ignore it.

Peter Squires

I agree with Tobi, I am a pensioner with three rescue dogs and this bill will be added to an ever­decreasing income. My dogs are gentle and well ­ behaved, kept on a lead in public, are microchipped and vaccinated. This new law will solve nothing in the welfare of the mistreatment of dogs, but will only cause hardship to the

ing to particularly hurt pensioners who don’t have a great deal of spare money but rely upon the comfort of their dogs.

Currently many dogs are not chipped and there are daily reports of pets being abandoned without a thought, so maybe this will be another law ‘more honoured in the breach than the observance’.

kind souls who rescue them.

Marileen

What is the impact of this law on tourists travelling from outside the EU with a dog? Does the liability coverage they may have as part of a homeowner’s insurance policy meet the law’s requirements?

Lee Johansen

So what happens to the owners of hunting dogs as they are not even in the animal welfare law here in Spain, which is a disgrace… like they are nothing.

Brian

Yet another necessary yet useless law. Useless because it will not be policed, laws prohibiting dogs on beaches for instance. I live opposite a very busy beach where one of the laws is NO DOGS. There are hundreds of dogs allowed to roam free, unleashed with no police intervention, actually no police presence to be seen and this is in the centre of town. Dog licences should be mandatory, and enforce micro chipping for all pups.

Alan

Great treatment

Hi Leapy, I read with interest, as I always do your columns, about you having a pacemaker, and your praise for the hospitals etc. Like you I have just had my third one fitted, and I also cannot praise the Alicante hospital, and the care I have received enough. Since 2004, the treatment has been brilliant. This latest one has a device by my bed that communicates the information directly to the hospital, 40kms away, they can monitor, adjust etc ... real hi tech! ... just hope they have not put a tracker on it...hahaha. Anyway I hope yours will keep you in good shape, I will clock 80 in January, and feel very lucky to live in Spain.

PS. Last time I saw you was in a bar in Golf del Sur, Tenerife, we all got up and sang a few songs. The guy I was with, John, a drummer, had connections with the Gidea Park band , nice memories.

Best wishes regards Pete Rafferty X

DAVID WORBOYS THINKING ALOUD

MOST countries, whether accurately or not, are considered either first world or third, democracies or autocracies, stable or fragile. On all three first points, Norway clearly qualifies and Sudan does not. And many, such as Romania and Malaysia, actually fall in between. But what about the United States?

Millions live in many parts of the USA in third world conditions of crime, ignorance and poverty, but the country has unparalleled wealth and privilege in other areas. It has a written democratic constitution, the world’s largest economy and military power. It is a leader in scientific research and innovation. It proclaims itself the guardian of the free world and has millions of talented, responsible citizens. But how stable is it within?

We know that in 2020, 74 million people voted for Trump to continue as their President.

NATIONAL ENIGMA

Whether Trump is seen as an obnoxious egoist or a clown, there are enough like-minded fanatics in the USA to support him.

This was despite the fact that, during his four ­ year term, the USA had become a laughing stock. It was clear that Trump’s egoism bordered on insanity, the he was immature, psychologically challenged and dangerously lacking in judgement.

So, what was the legacy of his presidency? On the domestic front he tried to interfere with the authority of the Supreme Court as well as the freedom of the media, the elec­

toral process, free trade, Obamacare and social harmony. On the international stage he withdrew from the Paris Climate Change Agreement and denigrated United Nations, NATO and the World Health Organisation.

And, since his removal from office, he has appeared or will appear in court charged with inciting a riot, stealing classified documents, undermining the democratic vote, attempting to

steal votes in Georgia, and probably tax evasion and sex offences. Yet, even if he were in jail while a candidate, millions have said they would vote for him. To persuade them otherwise would be like trying to teach a pig to walk on its hind legs.

Subsequent interviews with his supporters reveal a frightening disregard for reality. They would accept him as President even if he were caught on

video setting fire to the Oval Office. They might as well be voting for somebody to host a pop concert rather than the leader of their country. Even those who don’t believe Trump’s lies and bizarre rants, would support him. These supporters are as much a threat to democratic stability as Trump himself.

But, more astonishing is the attitude of Republican politicians in Congress including the Senate. Although some have finally realised the gravity of the situation, others still regard Trump as fit for another four years as their President. It b*ggers (sic) belief.

Perhaps, to millions of citizens, he has a perverted kind of charisma. Personally, I find him repetitively boring every time he speaks. It seems that the millions of his supporters are as deluded as he is, and this is worrying for a nation with so much power and influence.

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

THE siesta is a term derived from the Latin ‘hora sexta’ (sixth hour) and has its origins dating back to ancient Roman and Greek civilisations. The idea of taking a short nap during the hottest hours of the day was a response to the practical need to escape the scorching midday sun and conserve energy.

While Spain is perhaps the country most associated with the siesta it is a tradition that is common in many other countries. In Mediterranean countries, Southern Europe, the Middle East, mainland China, Japan, India, and Central and South America an afternoon nap is also common. Italy calls it the riposo and the coast of Croatia refers to it as the pizolot for example.

The siesta and the long lunch break in the middle of the day seem to have become synonymous with laziness. The opposite of this is in fact true, the Spanish siesta and long lunch breaks became popular after the Spanish Civil War when Spain’s economy was in ruins. Most people needed to work two jobs.

Many left early in the morning for their first job, then they came home for lunch and had a rest at midday during the hottest hours of the day, but many people needed to use this time to travel to their second job. When speaking to Spanish business owners they com ­

Time for a siesta

al residents, and tourists most said they don’t usually have time to nap, but when they do have time they love it! Julia Mansfield on holiday said “The best thing about being on holiday is having a lovely lunch out by the beach and then going back to the apartment for a siesta.’”Some long ­ time British residents who have retired on the coast say they always try to have a siesta, especially during the summer months.

mented that the ‘siesta’ time is now used for behind ­ the ­ scenes work. José Maria Fernández who owns a local shop said “I go home for lunch but then

usually come back to restock the shelves before the store reopens in the evening.”

When speaking to locals, internation­

When discussing the Spanish siesta one particularly contentious topic that takes centre stage is how long the nap should be. Answers ranged from a quick 10 minutes to a wonderful twohour nap during a summer day off. According to the experts, a 20 ­ 30 minute ‘power nap’ between 1pm and 3pm is better than coffee! These short naps can improve focus and memory, reduce fatigue, improve your mood, and productivity, relieve stress, and improve your performance.

There is also a 37 per cent reduction in coronary mortality for those who choose to regularly nap at midday.

David Worboys’s

Catherine McGeer

EMBRACING THE PAUSE: Discovering the essence and benefits of the siesta tradition.

Image: Shuttersttock/ Dasha Petrenko

PETS

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If you’re planning a trip for the holidays, don’t delay. Register today as a member of our network to find affordable home and pet care.

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However long your trip, pets need someone with them at home. Young and senior pets in particular benefit from routines undisturbed. Plan ahead of time to find house and pet­sitters who will come to you for free!

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Grooming your pet

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4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose. How does it work?

HouseSitMatch helps you find sitters. Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert with trip dates. House­sitters see your advert, they respond and you choose the sitter you want.

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FOR UK expats settling in Spain, finding the right pet grooming service is an essential part of ensuring a happy and healthy life for their beloved pets.

Spanish weather, especially in the southern regions, can be a real challenge for certain breeds, and proper grooming becomes more than a matter of appearance. Many Spanish cities offer a range of pet grooming services to suit every budget and need.

From local groomers providing a simple wash and trim to luxury pet spas offering a full range of treatments, the choices are wide.

One thing that’s particularly pleasing for UK pet owners is the emphasis on quality and care in many Spanish grooming salons. Many establishments are staffed by trained professionals who not only understand the best aesthetic treatment for pets, but also have knowledge of skin care to help combat local climate­related issues.

Expats will also find that many groomers offer services tailored to the specific needs of different breeds.

Whether it’s dealing with a thick coat that’s not suitable for the Spanish heat or providing a trim that reflects a breed’s heritage, these groomers can provide the neces­

STARTING September 29, 2023, a significant legal change will take effect in Spain, requiring all dog owners to secure public liability insurance for their pets. This new regulation, marking a noteworthy stride towards safety and responsible pet ownership, aims to provide financial security in incidents involving dogs, safeguarding both owners and po­

sary care.

Language barriers needn’t be a concern either. In many expat­friendly areas, Englishspeaking staff are common and are more than willing to discuss your pet’s specific needs. Engaging with local pet grooming services is not just about maintaining your pet’s appearance; it’s about ensuring their comfort and well­being in a new and sometimes challenging environment.

It’s a great way to make sure that both you and your pet enjoy everything Spain has to offer.

Insurance for dog owners

tential victims.

With an ever­growing number of dogs in Spain’s urban areas, the risk of accidents and unexpected incidents is increasing. Whether it leads to property damage or personal injury, the financial consequences can be substantial.

Public liability insurance acts

as a vital safety net, ensuring just compensation without burdening victims or owners.

Non­compliance with this essential regulation comes with severe penalties. The fines for failing to secure the mandated insurance can range from €500 upwards to a substantial €10,000, depending on the circumstances.

Spanish authorities have been explicit in their determination to enforce this rule firmly, reflecting the importance of responsible dog ownership.

Understanding and complying with this law, is now a crucial aspect of dog ownership in Spain.

This new rule aligns Spain with other European nations with similar regulations, creating a culture of accountability and empathy. Now is the time for dog owners to act by researching and securing the appropriate public liability insurance. This step is not just a legal necessity but a responsible approach to pet ownership. Spain’s move sends a clear message: owning a dog comes with well­defined responsibilities.

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THE Spanish International walking football representative side just failed to emulate the achievements of the ladies team when going out in the semi finals of the inaugural WF World Cup with a narrow 1­0 defeat to England who went on to lift the prestigious trophy.

In a tournament where an internationally inexperienced Spain team surpassed all expectations, the squad came out with great credit and many plaudits for the quality of football they played against well fancied opponents.

The group draw threw Spain in with England and the Czech Republic, both eventual finalists, but a string of fine results on day two saw Spain qualify third from a group of eight and play the Caribbean in the quarter finals.

After a tense, goalless match, the game was decided on penalties with Spain going through 2­0 after a fabulous save from Andres Herrmann and fine spot kicks from Alan Pluckrose and Fran Del Pino ­ the second successful penalty kick igniting wild celebrations from the Spanish team and their supporters.

In a footballing format that has seen many nations not particularly known for their footballing pedigree taking part it, was the traditional European power houses of Italy, England, Czech Republic and Spain that made up the last four of walking football’s biggest event.

La Vuelta 2023 begins Quality football

THE Spanish cycling Grand Tour started on Saturday, August 26, in Barcelona, and will finish in Madrid on Sunday, September 17. La Vuelta 2023 features 22 teams and 176 riders from all over the world, all eager to make their mark over the 21 stages of the race.

Meanwhile, the UAE Emirates Team is placing their bets on young talent Juan Ayuso, who secured third place in La Vuelta 2022. He’ll be sharing the spotlight with Portuguese cyclist Joao Almeida.

On a game beamed live from St Georges Park on cable TV ,England and Spain lined up with a place in the final versus the Czech Republic awaiting the winners. In a footballing game of chess that was both technical and incredibly tense to watch, England began to dominate possession and after a series of fine saves from Herrman in the Spain goal, the home nation got the breakthrough they needed with a fine finish. Despite a strong response, Spain couldn’t fashion the chance to regain parity and bowed out of the competition with heads held high.

A loss to Italy on penalties have given Spain an official World ranking of fourth

in walking football. Mark Coleman, the Spain player/manager was asked to comment on their experience:

“I would like to pay tribute to all the players and back room staff for their fantastic contribution in ensuring that Team Spain had a strong tournament, they should feel incredibly proud of their display and are pioneers on the International stage. My coach and assistant, Mark Kavanagh, is an exceptional football man and has played a huge part in our success. I have to make a special mention to Fran, our skipper, who was immense and Andres, our goalkeeper, who won the tournament’s golden gloves award.

Verstappen equals record

MAX VERSTAPPEN drove his Red Bull to victory in a rainsoaked and chaotic Dutch Grand Prix on Sunday, August 27.

In the process, the Red Bull driver equalled Sebastian Vettel’s record ­ who was also driving a Red Bull car ­ of nine consecutive wins in a season.

The current double world champion qualified in pole position for the third year in a row in front of his army of orange­clad fans at the Zandvoort circuit.

Things didn’t go quite to plan though, with the Dutchman losing his lead in the early stages of the race when the heavens opened up and he was overtaken by his teammate Sergio Perez.

The Mexican’s lead only lasted until Lap 13, when Verstappen powered his way back into the lead. With only eight laps remaining, the drivers suffered a 45­minute delay after a red flag was forced.

From the restart, the result was never in doubt and Ver­

stappen took his 11th chequered flag of the season. A third world crown is more or less a foregone conclusion with a 138­point gap opening up between his and the rest of the pack.

Fernando Alonso proved that he is far from a spent force to bring his Aston Martin home in second. Perez crossed the line in third position, but was subsequently hit with a penalty for speeding in the pit lane.

That promoted Gasly to the final spot on the podium. The

Frenchman produced a stunning performance to hold on to his position while fending off an attack from Carlos Sainz in the Ferrari. The Spaniard in turn had to fend off the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton.

Lando Norris continued his great run of form for McLaren to cross the finishing line in seventh. He was followed over the line by the Williams of Alex Albon. The other McLaren driven by Oscar Piastri took ninth place with Alpine’s Esteban Ocon rounding out the Top 10.

Among the cyclists to watch in the 2023 Vuelta Ciclista a España is the current champion, Remco Evenepoel. He will be spearheading the Soudal Quick­Step team, aiming for a second red champion’s jersey in only his second Vuelta appearance. However, Jumbo Visma, the team that clinched both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France this year, is not to be underestimated. They’re fielding the winners of these two grand tours: Primoz Roglic and Jonas Vingegaard, respectively, making them strong contenders for overall victory. For Spanish fans, two names shine brighter than the rest. Enric Mas, representing the Movistar Team, is looking to bounce back after a crash in the Tour de France’s first stage forced him to withdraw.

Leading the charge for Britain is Welshman Geraint Thomas, the leader of the Ineos Grenadiers team. Thomas, second in the Giro d’Italia this year, will ride the Vuelta for the second time.

So far the pinnacle of Thomas’ Grand Tour achievements was in 2018 when he clinched the Tour de France title, becoming the third Briton to do so after Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome.

58 athletes from Spain in World Athletics Championship 2023.

Highest paid player

MO SALAH is reportedly the target of a mega­money offer from the Saudi Pro League club Al­Ittihad.

According to arriyadiyah.com, Al­Ittihad are convinced that they can tempt Salah to leave Anfield during this current transfer window.

Discussions have reportedly taken place between representatives of the prolific marksman and those of the Saudi outfit. The last thing Jurgen Klopp would need at this point of a new season ­ and with only a week of the window to run ­ is for his top forward to follow his former captain Jordan Henderson to the Middle East.

The Arabic news outlet pointed to December’s FIFA Club World Cup 2023, which this time around is being held in Saudia Arabia between December 12 and 22.

As the league’s current champions, AlIttihad will be participating in this sevenclub tournament and as such, want to strengthen their squad in order to compete at the highest level. They will be up against the winners of the six continental confederations.

Salah’s former Liverpool teammate Fabinho recently made the switch to Al­Ittihad. The 29­year­old Brazilian midfielder joined the club’s other huge signings

brought in by the former Wolves and Tottenham Portuguese coach Nuno Espírito Santo.

The legendary Real Madrid and France striker Karim Benzema arrived at the Jeddah­based club, along with another iconic French star, N’Golo Kante, who joined from Chelsea. Glasgow Celtic’s Portuguese forward Jota is also part of the squad.

Should a deal transpire, then it has been suggested that Liverpool’s Egyptian striker would be lined up to earn more money than the £173million­per ­year that Cristiano Ronaldo gets paid by AlNassr. The Portuguese legend is responsible for kick­starting this sudden wave of big­name footballers heading to the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano, the Italian football transfer expert tweeted: ‘Liverpool have been clear with Mo Salah and Al­Ittihad: no intention to negotiate, he’s considered not for sale. #LFC Al­Ittihad astronomical contract bid to Salah remains valid to tempt Mo; but only way would be for Salah to force the move’.

As he pointed out, the only way for a deal to go ahead would be if Salaha was to insist on leaving Anfield for Saudia Arabia.

SPANISH TEAM: Played a strong tournament and should feel incredibly proud.

MAX VERSTAPPEN: Drove his Red Bull car to victory.

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