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The Canary Islands’ biggest fortnightly English newspaper read by thousands of tourists & residents

Special issue

La Palma

Holiday guide

Plastic recycling

The drugs problem

Centre pages

Taxi driver protest

Skirting the issue Las Palmas taxi drivers who took part in a novel protest at the new obligation to wear a uniform to smarten up the image of the sector will not face disciplinary action by the city authorities. Several drivers expressed their opposition, to this and other rules brought in at the beginning of the month, by donning black skirts instead of the mandatory trousers to go with the blue polo shirt that also forms part of the uniform. Media coverage of the protest initially caused some anger at City Hall but the councillor responsible for taxis has played down the importance of the rebellion. “We will not be taking action. Indeed you could say it is a rather nice way to air complaints. If we are anything it is an open-minded city and this might even be good for the image of Las Palmas,” said Angel Sabroso, who denied reports that there had been persecution of the skirt-wearing drivers.

Hard Rock Café

Change a life

Page 6

#THISISHARDROCK

HARDROCK.COM

Edition 730 | 19th September- 2nd October 2014 | www.islandconnections.eu | www.365connections.com | €1,80

Simply the best Page 16

Page 19

World tourism day

What a welcome!

If you are waiting for a visit from friends or relatives tell them to fly in to Tenerife South airport on September 26 for an especially warm welcome. In honour of World Tourism Day, for one whole day members of the southern tourism initiative centre (CIT Sur) will be manning a stand in the baggage reclaim area to share a selection of all the goodies produced in the Canaries with arriving visitors. The actual World Tourism Day is the Saturday, but many more people are expected to arrive on the 26th, so they have moved the celebration forward 24 hours to ensure that as many people as possible benefit. This wonderful way of acknowledging the role that tourism plays in our society nowadays was originated by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation in 1980. It is intended to raise awareness of the character of tourism within the international community and to demonstrate how it affects social, cultural, political

Cit Sur President Mª Nieves and the A-team!

and economic values worldwide. These days an annual theme is elected and a different destination each year is chosen to host the

main conference. Two years ago it was in the Canary Islands, in Gran Canaria. This year it is in Guadalajara, Mexico.

At the airport all the CIT Sur team and enthusiastic volunteers will be in regional costume for the day. Incoming tourists will be welcomed with an amazing array of local wines, cheeses, fresh and dried fruit, nibbles, cakes, pastries, biscuits and cut meats – all delicious and absolutely free! From early in the morning until late in the evening, Cit Sur staff and officials will be on hand to offer the best that the Islands has to offer, all donated by local companies as a way of saying, “Thank you for choosing Tenerife”! Staff from Island Connections, Kanaren Express and Island Connections Russian will once again be with them to lend a helping hand and to share out our newspapers to visitors. So, drop by the stand, say hello, try some of the fabulous local products whilst you’re waiting for your suitcase to be brought from the plane and enjoy a Canarian-style welcome that is second to none!

CANARY ISLANDS

NGO harassment to stop Santa Cruz council has intervened to restrict the activities of charity and NGO volunteers who have been accused of making life a misery for shoppers in the capital’s main streets. Floods of complaints have been received in recent months from shoppers saying they are being harassed by young people representing children’s villages, cancer research bodies and a host of other organisations who pester them into signing up for a regular financial contribution. The complaints have been backed by local shops, who say that they are losing

Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria’s premiership basketball side’s move to the stadium built for the recent World Cup is already paying rich dividends. The capacity of the 11,000seat Arena is more than double that of the previous venue, the CID Stadium, allowing the club to attract thousands more

Who will act?

The pack of wild dogs living on South Tenerife’s Guaza Mountain is apparently responsible for the recent deaths of at least three animals belonging to residents of the area. The first attacks were on a cat and small dog. The second of these was, according to witnesses, ripped to pieces by the members of the pack in front of Parque Tropical I and II in Los Cristianos.

19/09/2014 - 02/10/2014

but still Capital hassle Corrupt, employed Senate seat safe

Floods of complaints about harassment on Santa Cruz’s streets have been received

footfall due to the spiralling presence of the volunteers.

“People are visibly deterred from stopping at a shop win-

dow or from walking down certain pedestrian streets because they know they will be hassled by someone trying to sign them up,” said one local trader. The combination of charity workers and sales staff of telecoms and other companies is making shopping trips to the city centre an unpleasant experience, admits the council, which has called a meeting with representatives of the bodies concerned to resolve the problem. Specific regulations are to be drawn up but will take several months to approve, said a spokesperson.

More season tickets season ticket holders. Well over 7,200 fans have signed up already and officials hope that will reach 8,000 by the time the first home game is staged on October 12. However, it seems that the bitter enmity between the Tenerife and Gran Canaria clubs continues. During the World

Cup, commentators from Fox Sports made the unforgivable error of confusing the two main Canary Islands and the slip was seized on by irate Gran Canarians, including the island president. José Miguel Bravo de Laguna even threatened legal action against the channel for tell-

ing viewers during the Australia-Lithuania game that Tenerife was, “The capital of Gran Canaria”. The clip of the commentary went viral on social media sites in the Canaries and, unsurprisingly, triggered comments of all kinds.

Guaza dogs’ killings The third took place near Parque Tropical Phase III. Suzanne Hinchliffe was distressed when one evening her beloved cat Charlie failed to return home. Unfortunately, as it was already dark, she was unable to search properly until the next morning. Sadly, when Charlie was found only 50m from Suzanne’s home, it was already too late – he had suffered horrific injuries includPto. de la Cruz

ing multiple broken bones and very serious bites. Suzanne was part of one of the original teams of local volunteers who were involved in the rescuing and rehoming of the dogs that were on the mountain two years ago and is alarmed to note that there is now a pack of possibly 20 dogs. Ultimately, she and neighbours are once again concerned about everyone’s safety – including

that of young children in the area. Evidently, the local council and police are aware of the situation but have been unwilling to act so far, so Suzanne and supporters are creating a website where you can report any incidents and keep up to date on information. See: www.forcharlie.org or email: forcharlie. org@gmail.com.

The Spanish authorities have been accused of acting half-heartedly to stamp corruption out of politics following the surprise news that a former Santa Cruz mayor convicted of serious irregularities does not have to give up his seat in the country’s Senate. Miguel Zerolo, who left office in 2011 under a cloud after seven years as mayor and could face several other corruption cases, was found guilty of knowingly awarding an illegal contract for renovations to a council building, against the formal advice of officials. He was disqualified from elected office for a period of eight years by the Supreme Court but a literal reading of the sentence shows that the judges were referring only to local government, not the Spanish Parliament. The Senate considered his case earlier this month and concluded that Zerolo did not have to give up his seat. The decision has infuriated many, who feel that an example should have been made of the ex-mayor, particularly since he had promised he would resign from the Senate if convicted.

Councillors calling

Mobile abuse

Just days after confirmation that a Puerto de la Cruz councillor is to stand trial for running up a bill of over 9000 euros on his official mobile phone, a new phone scandal emerged in Tenerife. Arona council is under increasing pressure to justify the use by one of its councillors of her corporation-owned mobile line when she has been off sick for over a year. According to the El Día newspaper, Martina Melo, who is Arona’s housing councillor, has not worked since early September 2013 but appears to be still using the phone. Opposition party CCN has now asked for details of the bills after being told, when it raised the matter in a recent session, that “being off sick does not mean you cannot still do things for your employer”. The council has confirmed that Melo’s phone is one of 13 lines it bought as a package but says it would be difficult to get an exact breakdown of the calls made. CCN spokesman José Antonio Fuentes said the matter should be clarified urgently as Melo, who married in the summer, is unlikely to return to her post before the next council elections in May 2015.

ACCESS

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CANARY ISLANDS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS | EDITION 730

Fuerteventura

Tenerife beauty queen

Child sex defendant remanded

Model film star The decision by Tenerife beauty queen Patricia Rodriguez to reveal she is a lesbian has not done her career any harm. The current Miss Spain and runner-up in Miss Universe hit the headlines a few weeks ago when she posted an intimate picture of herself and her girlfriend on a social media site, announcing to the world that she was “happier than she had ever been”. The massive media coverage of her public admission has now died down and Patricia, who is from Granadilla, is getting on not just with her modelling but also with fulfilling a lifetime ambition: to be an actress. The 24-year-old has been in Ibiza shooting a new short film by novelist and film-maker Chris Martos, called El Código (The Code). “I was given the book last year when I was modelling in Ibiza and I thought it was great. Chris and I kept in touch later and I was stunned to receive the offer to play the lead role,” said a delighted

Feelings ran high in Puerto del Rosario

Patricia, although she admitted she was “very nervous”

at the responsibility given to her.

Fuerteventura’s main courthouse experienced one of its tensest days in recent times when a prominent local businessman appeared before a judge following his arrest on multiple child sex offences. Furious parents tried to storm the building as 46-yearold Eduardo Alcalde denied charges that he had indecently assaulted and abused over 20 young members of his popular Carnival dance troupe.

According to prosecutors, the well-known businessman and senior Chamber of Commerce figure often invited the children to his house in the country for practice camps and would encourage them to take their clothes off, “To be vaccinated against fleas”. His arrest came after one child told his parents that he had allegedly been abused. Police spoke to other members of the group, both past and

present, and a similar pattern of behaviour by the defendant has apparently emerged. During his five-hour appearance in Puerto del Rosario, a large crowd of parents gathered outside the court and had to be restrained by police as they tried to get close to Alcalde, who was remanded to prison in neighbouring Lanzarote while the investigations continue.

CANARY ISLANDS

19/09/2014 - 02/10/2014

The dispute between the longsuffering population of San Andrés and the local surfing community over the construction of a breakwater to prevent the village from being hit by big waves shows no sign of abating. As reported here, the surfers have used legal action to block the project on the grounds that the breakwater and a seawall also planned will not prevent the waves and high tides from reaching the coast road and flooding homes and businesses in the popular location close

Photo: Defisch

Breakwater conflict continues

to the Las Teresitas beach. Through their regional federation, the surfers have tabled a

separate plan which would see an artificial reef built a short distance off the coast. Having

lost an initial application for an injunction to prevent the tender for the breakwater from being awarded, the surfers have changed strategy and intend to appeal the government’s decision to fast-track the project due to the urgent need to remedy the flooding problem. “The funding is there for the work but we fear it will not be used due to the legal action. San Andrés is primarily a fishing and tourism community and the surfers want to turn it into a spot for themselves,” said an angry resident.

Lanzarote

Aquarium plans unveiled A new giant aquarium planned for Lanzarote should be open by 2017 although everything depends on how quickly permission is granted by Madrid to use the coastal location earmarked for the project.

Cruise ship prank A young German who sparked an alert when he jumped off a cruise ship in La Palma as a prank back in February is one of the first people forced to pay for the cost of the mobilisation of the emergency services. The 23-year-old jumped into the sea from an upper deck on

A group of German investors is believed to be putting up €30 million for the aquarium, which they hope to build on the 15,000 square metre Islote de Fermina site designed by the late César Manrique, which

once housed Arrecife’s open air swimming pool complex but has fallen into serious neglect in recent years. The investors have been promised the full support of the local authorities to secure permission from the

Department of Coasts to convert the site. The consortium behind the aquarium hope it will attract 300,000 visitors every year and that they will recoup their initial outlay in 15 years.

German pays up the Aida Stella ship during a stop-over in the island’s capital, Santa Cruz. A helicopter, lifeboat and ambulance were sent to the spot to help rescue him although he managed to find his own way to the quayside. He confessed later that he had jumped to win a bet,

an admission that led him to be banned by the captain from continuing his journey. According to local media, he has paid a €1,320 fine for the trouble caused as the Canarian authorities implement their tougher policy on emergency call-outs triggered by reckless-

ness. Another seven people, including several who ignored weather warnings and had to be rescued while hiking, have also been served with steep fines and dozens of other cases are being studied by the government.

El Hierro

Ferry problems persist Photo: DXR

San Andrés

Armas had to pay for overnight lodging

The car ferry from El Hierro to Tenerife has been in the news again due to passenger protests, this time when a group of approximately twenty people were denied boarding. According to the Armas shipping line that operates the crossing, the passengers were told they could not sail because they had given the wrong specifications for their vehicles and there was no room on the car deck. However, the passengers insisted that they had been bumped off because Armas had sold too many tickets for the busy Sunday evening sailing. Police had to be called to the quayside after the irate passengers occupied the boarding ramp and prevented the ship from departing. The situation was eventually resolved and the passengers were taken to a local hotel to spend the night at the company’s expense. As reported here at the time, anger at the cutting of sailing frequencies last year triggered dockside protests by El Hierro politicians, who staged a sit-in demonstration on one of the Armas’ ships.

Santa Cruz port

Cruising bonus Tenerife’s cruise season gets into full swing this month with over 20,000 passengers on liners calling into Santa Cruz during September. Ships arriving include many familiar names, including the Disney Magic, AidaStella, Oceana, MSC Sinfonia and the Celebrity Eclipse. The local authorities anticipate a bumper winter season this year as Tenerife further consolidates its position on the international cruise map and benefits once again from the re-routing of cruises away from conflict zones. Santa Cruz has actively encouraged shops and restaurants in the city to open on Sundays to capitalise on the arrival of ships that day.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS | EDITION 730

CANARY ISLANDS

19/09/2014 - 02/10/2014

Isla Bonita

La Palma and drugs

Company Details:

Island Connections Media Group S.L. San Miguel de Abona, Tenerife C.I.F: B-38748315 Dep. Legal: TF-287/93 Printed by Artes Gráficas del Atlántico, S.A. Agüimes, Gran Canaria

Not the sort of place you’d expect to be a hive of drugs activity

police units were brought in from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to detain their colleagues. This story began two months earlier in April, during an under-

tial scandal and great delicacy. The Guardia Civil are famous for their dogged insistence on covering both their backs and tracks. Rank closing is the tra-

trouble to somewhere far away, if the National Police had not been involved. What happened then was that there was a period of no action,

cover Guardia Civil investigation into a known drug dealer in Santa Cruz de La Palma. A, “Routine intervention” by the Guardia Civil on the dealer’s mobile phone revealed two of his co-dealers to be members of the Guardia Civil. It also came to light that the National Police from Santa Cruz de La Palma knew about the criminal activities of the two GC policemen and were keeping them under surveillance. This was a matter of poten-

ditional response to wrongdoing within the ranks, for after all, it’s still a paramilitary police force. Their ruthless, ‘law enforcement’ and other wide-ranging powers during the dictatorship made them extremely unpopular, if not hated. It would of course be improper to suggest that no action would have been taken against the two criminal GC, other than the traditional speedy transfer, or even promotion, out of

where lesser mortals can only imagine the high level scramble that took place, followed by the arrival of a special unit from suitably distant provincial capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife, armed with the appropriate warrants. Houses in Tazacorte and the area of Las Manchas were searched, as was the police station in Los Llanos, with special attention to the lockers of the two suspects. Various, “Effects and substances”

Photo: Stephan M. Höhne

bly informed, and at about €60 a gram, has a street value of €9,900 if sold as found and not further ‘cut’ or adulterated with a variety of alarming substances. Everything from talcum powder to Ajax has been discovered in confiscated cocaine and these additives are arguably more immediately harmful, or are at least as harmful, as the cocaine itself. In the same way, just over a kilo of hashish is hardly an earth shattering discovery and €3,000 is no prince’s ransom, much as most of us would welcome it.

Photo: Rotorhead

The island of La Palma has no large cities, no urban population, no problems with disenchanted youth, no gangs and hardly any crime. The population has no apparent problem in dealing with reality and there is little history of addiction. No real infrastructure for dealing with drug addicts has ever been set up as it has never been deemed necessary. All this being the case, the island’s recent bout of drugrelated news stories is puzzling. Making recent news is this item, featuring the obligatory South Americans, cocaine, hashish and money: National Police from the island capital, Santa Cruz de La Palma, note, not the Guardia Civil, recently arrested three individuals, forty year old A.S.R. from the Dominican Republic, who was arrested in Santa Cruz de La Palma; L.M.B, a thirtyone year old Spaniard, arrested in Breña Alta and thirty year old D.A.N.G.(!) from Colombia, who was apprehended in Los LLanos. When we hear of such goings on in places we’re not familiar with, there’s a tendency to imagine a rough, run down, urban environment, or a poor neighbourhood. None of the three places above fits the bill in any conceivable way. The police say they found 165 grams of cocaine, 1,025 grams of hashish, scales for weighing drugs and €3,000 in cash, plus, “Other incriminating evidence,” when they carried out simultaneous raids on three houses. The three men have been charged with drug trafficking and imprisoned awaiting trial. None of this is particularly dramatic as far as the quantities are concerned. 165 grams of cocaine would just about fuel a large Hollywood party, I’m relia-

Photo: Britopictures

By Barbara Belt

What gives pause for thought is that this drug bust comes hot on the heels of another drug episode implicating the Guardia Civil. In an earlier round of arrests on the island in June this year, two members of the Guardia Civil in La Palma, together with a third person, were arrested at Los Llanos de Aridane on suspicion of drug trafficking, the illegal sale of anabolic steroids and money laundering and falsification. Special © ISLAND CONNECTIONS MEDIA GROUP S.L.

Is published and printed fortnightly by ISLAND CONNECTIONS MEDIA GROUP S.L. Adverts, texts, photos or other parts of this publication are property of the publishers. They may not be used or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any other form or means without the prior written permission of the publishers. This newspaper cannot be held responsible for the contents of articles supplied by our contributors or advertisers claims. The publisher reserves the right to refuse to publish adverts, texts or advertising features. Advertisements once contracted cannot be cancelled and have to be paid in full. The publishers can not be held responsible for variation on colour printed in this newspaper. Advertising conditions are to be obtained in our offices.

Publishers & Proprietors: Tina Straub Schacher / Joe Schacher publisher@icmedia.eu Editorial: Sheila Collis / Xena Fox Karl McLaughlin / Barbara Belt editorial@ic-news.com Sales Manager: Alan Tink alan.tink@icmedia.eu Classifeds: classifieds@ic-news.com Art & Design Department: Javier Gómez / Lee Bullen

General Information: info@icmedia.eu Island Connections Online: www.islandconnections.eu Gran Canaria: grancanaria@ic-news.com

Contributors: Katy Kennedy /Manuel De La Flor George Reed /Chris Todd Head Office Tenerife: C. Francisco Feo Rodríguez 6 First Floor - 38620 Las Chafiras San Miguel de Abona, Tenerife Tel. 922 750 609 Fax 922 795 810 Office Hours: Mon-Fri. 9:30am-16:30pm

were removed, with no further details released. Since then, there has been little news, despite speculation in late June that, “There would be more police and others” implicated in the case. It all went quiet. But now we have news of the National Police’s efforts to deal with more illegal drug trade on the island, rather than the more usual Guardia Civil intervention. Several obvious questions are thus raised, such as why were no further arrests made, what has happened to the two who were accused, is there a continuing drug story on sleepy La Palma, or just the usual small town stuff that two policemen (not the first or last to do so) made money from? This newspaper has perhaps no business to even formulate, let alone answer, these questions, but there are certain factors that are relevant. The Canary Islands are, according to Interpol, “One of the main points of entry for cocaine originating in South America and destined for the European market”. The Canaries were a bridge for the Spanish conquest of the Americas. They are likewise a bridge for the importation of illegal substances, ie drugs, principally cocaine, back into Europe. A nice irony. If you are more of the, “Drugs are for people who can’t handle reality” persuasion, you will lament that this pervasive substance is very familiar indeed to a large percentage of young (and not so young) Canarians, because it’s so readily available. It doesn’t make for intelligent company or healthy bank balances. The health risks are another matter entirely. If your thinking is more along the lines of, “Reality is for people who can’t handle drugs” and you live here, then you’re in the right place. Even some of the Guardia Civil are apparently involved!

This company has qualified for subsidies from the Spanish Government, co-financed by funding from the European Regional Development Fund, for the transport of merchandise in the Canaries “Creating Europe”

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ISLAND CONNECTIONS | EDITION 730

CANARY ISLANDS

19/09/2014 - 02/10/2014

Feature

A volcanic experience By Xena Fox Despite having lived for many years in the shadow of the magnificent Mount Teide, I was a little embarrassed to admit that I’d never even managed a ride in the cable car, let alone a trip to the very top of said volcano. Something always seemed to change my plans, including a broken foot relatively recently, literally the day before I had a reservation to scale the famous pinnacle. So, when I was asked if I would like to try again, I jumped at the chance (and took great care not to injure myself on landing). Now, Mount Teide isn’t just any volcano. At 3,718m, its summit is the highest point in Spain. In fact, Teide rises some 7,500 m above the ocean floor and is the third highest and most voluminous volcanic structure in the world.

The lower cable car station before the crowds arrived

A view of the very peak we were hoping to conquer

The national park which takes its name covers an area of 18,000 hectares and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s one of the most visited national parks in the world, with over three million people admiring its wonders each year.

So, no wonder we were eager when, one bright and pretty morning, my partner and I set out to discover the delights of the heights. We had deliberately booked the 9am to 11am time slot for the summit descent, hoping to avoid the worst of the summer heat, and

to be able to enjoy the early morning skies which were clear and crisp, initially anyway. We wound our way up from Chio, on the southwest of the island, working our way through the pine forests until the road reaches the black lava fields formed in an eighteenth century eruption. These, for a short period, stretch away on either side of the road, emanating their own potent energy, or so it seems. On into the moonscapelike scenery of Las Cañadas we continued, the morning shadows bringing the surrounding mountains out in sharp relief. The plains we are driving along are formed in a crater basin which covers an area 16 by 11 kilometres, and Mount Teide dominates the landscape in all directions, looming majestically over the surroundings. The cable car’s lower station is situated at 2,356m. We arrived early, but were soon joined by excited sightseers which, even at that time in the morning, were pouring out of cars and coaches. It was peak season, after all (excuse the pun). Visitors are first asked to join one of two queues: one for those who need to buy tickets and the other for those who have already paid online. Whilst visitors are welcome to ride the cable car any time during opening hours, those who wish to walk to the summit must make a reservation beforehand. It’s also wise to book early as, at the busiest times of year, it can be pretty full for many weeks ahead. There are four slots available each day: 9am – 11am, 11am -1pm, 1pm – 3pm and 3pm

A tantalising view of the climb to come

The lava flows are perfectly discernible from above

– 5pm. So, from the top cable car station at La Rambleta you have two hours to reach the peak and return. The only disadvantage of the first slot of the day is that the first cable car doesn’t leave until 9am. However, though that means

you reach the upper station after nine o’clock, it still leaves plenty of time for the ascent and descent. Once through formalities we were ready and waiting for our cable ride. It wasn’t, however, quite the serene and joyful

ISLAND CONNECTIONS | EDITION 730 journey I’d imagined all these years. The cars take 44 people and it’s standing room only when it’s busy: it felt a little crushed, but the ride takes just seven or eight minutes and the views are simply spectacular it’s well worth it. It’s also surprisingly smooth. Apart from a small dip at each pylon, you ride up the mountain in an almost stately manner, and before you know it you’ve reached the upper station, at around 3,550m. This is the stopping point for many visitors, and is quite an experience in itself. The panoramas are incredible, and there are several paths you are allowed to walk around freely. However, for those of us with permits to hand, it was time to continue on and head for the peak. The path is well defined and would be surprisingly easy going were it not for one thing: The hardest part of the walk is the relative lack of oxygen which makes every step more laborious than at lower altitude. You need to take it easy and rest regularly. Moving slowly does have its advantages though – we had all the more time to appreciate the vistas. I must confess that, in the last throws of a heavy cold brought back from England only days before, I struggled at times in the rarified atmosphere. We did pass some people who had decided to return to the cable car station level rather than go on, so it isn’t for everyone. The 163m ascent took at least twice as long as it normally would (about 40 minutes) and we found that taking long, controlled, deep breaths helped greatly. The exertion, however, is worth every single moment and we soon, somewhat triumphantly, reached the lip of the crater rim. Two things stood out immediately. First: seen from afar, Teide’s peak appears to come

Looking down from the very peak

being literally surrounded by breathtaking beauty, feeling on top of the world, senses being overloaded… and knowing that this, even for me, may be a once in a life time experience.

Whether you simply take a pleasant drive through Las Cañadas, a ride to the top cable car station, or go all the way to the peak – this volcano experience is one that shouldn’t be missed. There are also a variety of volcano-themed activities on offer. Enjoy a ‘Sunset and Stars’ tour where you will be talked through the brilliant array of stars and galaxies which can be seen from the park, or you can book a night at the Altavista del Teide Refuge. The shelter, sitting at a height of 3,260m, was originally built in 1892 for researchers and scientists and, though still basic, it now offers kitchen and bathroom facilities, three dormitories and,

The highest selfie in Spain

You can see right across the plains to the far mountains

to quite a sharp point - and it is indeed so: the crater is surprisingly small, maybe only 40 to 50m across, but no less impressive for that. And the second? Now we really knew we were on a volcano. All around you sulphurous gasses exude from beneath the ground: the bowl of the crater is stained yellow with sulphur, and various vents belch forth steam hot enough to scald the skin off your hands. Teide isn’t extinct; the dragon is only sleeping… The highest point of the crater rim is on the north, overlooking Puerto de la Cruz. The view from there is a 360º treat: to the east can be seen Santa Cruz

CANARY ISLANDS

The view across to La Orotava

The view on the way up is incredible

harbour, to the west Cumbre de Bolico, Santiago del Teide and the road to Masca; to the south Montaña Roja and El Médano. Gran Canaria, La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro could all

be seen peeping over the slight haze in the air that had developed; on a clear day you can also see Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. Words cannot adequately describe the effect of

After around 30 minutes we decided to meander our way down to the cable car station. With gravity assisting, rather than hindering, progress it was easier going than the ascent, but the extra effort needed was still noted. In the cable car to the lower station there were around only ten of us, which allowed us to truly enjoy the views, not to mention the unusual sensation of floating down the side of a mountain at eight metres a second. We walked back to our car feeling a sense of achievement and thoroughly pleased to have had the privilege of such an adventure.

oh joy, heated rooms. Or, at a lower altitude, from Icod de los Vinos, you can take a walk through the Cueva del Viento, one of the largest volcanic tubes in the world. If you are the adventurous type you can also try tandem paragliding, rock climbing, hang gliding, or a bicycle tour around the park. There are also guided walks available, which can be one of the best ways to fully appreciate this natural wonder. For more information see: www. volcanolife.com and www.telefericoteide.com. To obtain a permit to walk to the summit see: www.reservasparquesnacionales.es.

PINK PAGE

Breast cancer charities Regular readers will already know that the Pink brigade from Carrera por la Vida/Walk for Life have gone potty this year and organised 10 events. The calendar of activities is in celebration of the ten-year anniversary of the charity fundraiser Walk for Life in support of those affected by breast cancer. Various events are in the pipeline from September to December – all ‘For Life’; Activities in different municipalities, of different types sport, music, dancing, information forums, gastronomy etc. First up is Swim for Life on September 20. This is a ‘swimparty’ event to be held at the Tenerife Top Training Centre T3, Costa Adeje, from 10am until 2.30pm. Organised in conjunction with Tenerife Master and

Rosy events!

register. Have fun getting in the swim at this unique venue in the magnificent pools at Tenerife Top Training! The following week on September 26, at the CDTCA (Centro Desarrollo Turístico Costa Adeje), we have the honour of the presence, all the way from

7pm, followed by a question and answer session and then a glass of banana wine, courtesy of Platé (see last issue’s review). There will also be a private room organised by the AECC (Spanish Cancer Research Association) with professionals available to answer

CONFERENCE FOR LIFE CONFERENCIA POR LA VIDA

26 SEPTIEMBRE CDTCA, ADEJE Tenerife South’s Rotary Club, there will be butterfly, back stroke, breast stroke and crawl events etc. There will also be aqua-gym classes and fitball for those who want to try something different. The Adeje council’s sports department is providing a grand paella, fruit and refreshments for everyone. Registration at www.carreraporlavida.com. A pink ‘Walk for Life’ swim cap will be given to the first 200 to

Barcelona, of one of the country’s top cancer surgeons and a specialist in breast cancer Doctor Isabel Rubio. In Conference for Life, she will give a lecture entitled Breast Cancer Today – Towards Individualised Medicine. She will provide information on up-to-date breast cancer diagnosis and treatment methods. There will be two lectures – first in English at 6pm and then in Spanish at

carreraporlavida.com walkforlife.es questions regarding self-examination etc. Sponsored by Hospital Quiron, Costa Adeje. What promises to be a beautiful event on October 4 at 6.30pm is Yoga for Life on the magnificent beach of Playa las Vistas, Los Cristianos. Yoga master Aldo Ananda Singh will lead us to total relaxation for a whole hour and a half. In this wonderful yoga class on the sand we will learn some

‘asanas’ (yoga positions) so you can practice this technique at home. Sponsors WimPen Leisure offer a glass of champagne at the end of the class to all those who attend. Donations of €3 welcome from all those attending. Bring a mat/towel and comfortable clothing (pink and white would be lovely). Limited places are still available for Golf for Life on October 12 at Los Palos Golf, Arona. The tournament starts at 8.30am and is in the Stapleford format. 18 hole – par 3. To register, contact Rick Sweeney via e-mail (sweeneyrick@hotmail.com). There are prizes for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd couples and also prizes for the male and female players nearest the hole. Cost is €25 for 18 holes. Part of the amount raised on ground fees will go to for Walk for Life. Parallel fundraising activities have been arranged and we have some magnificent sponsorship from Sebastian & St. James International Financial Advisors Limited, who are also providing some rather swish goodie bags and other surprises for the players! For all the details of results so far and upcoming events, watch this space!

19/09/2014 - 02/10/2014

Walk for Life

Calendar girls (and boys)

There’s been lots of fun throughout the month with some very talented creative people as the 2015 Calendar shoot got under way. This year’s calendar is dedicated to the volunteers for breast cancer charities, those with Walk for Life from the beginning, the team that is with us now, support groups, AECC and Ámate volunteers and associates, survivors, plus a few surprises to boot! All will be revealed in October, but here are some taster images of the groups during the various days’ shooting.

Special thanks this issue go to: Our lovely Victor at Karonte web design for his patience, speed, efficiency and talent. Island Connections’ head designer Mariusz for designing the ID cards that all our volunteer ‘scroungers’ (please give generously) will be flourishing with abandon, Geraldine and for the vouchers which we hope you will fill in for us for prizes (Remember we have 10 events this year, which means we need a lot of gifts!) Platé banana wine bodega who are going to provide the after conference drinks at Conference for Life. Sebastian & St. James who have been very generous in their support of Golf for Life and will be there on the day with us handing out their goodie bags and also to answer any questions on personal finances you may have. And, last but not least, to our smashing Geraldine, who will be taking over most of the charity stall work over the next few weeks as well as collecting prizes!

Adeje

Tenerife journalist

Obama experiences A Tenerife-born journalist and rising star of Hispanic news coverage in the United States returned to her native island for a late summer break and told of her experiences interviewing none other than US President Barack Obama. María Rozmán, who now works for CNN in Washington, has been given the plum job of a face to face with Obama on two occasions. Having left Tenerife two decades ago in search

of work and with very little English, she is now an established news presenter. “I remember the first time I interviewed Obama in 2012. I was feeling very nervous and he suddenly walked in and said in Spanish, ‘Hi Maria, how are things?’, which put me at my ease,” she explained in a feature in the La Opinión newspaper. More recently she was invited to the hallowed Blue Room of the White House as one of just four Spanish-speak-

ing news anchors offered an exclusive interview with the President, who is keen to reach out to the rapidlygrowing Latino community. “I don’t regret moving to the States. There, if you put in the hours and work hard you will get on and the country certainly gave me the break I needed,” added the journalist, although she admitted that she misses the, “Friendliness” of the people back home.

La Laguna University

Fine Arts building opens La Laguna University’s new School of Fine Arts building has finally opened, more than a decade after it was planned by architects, and is already drawing criticism that it is a serious spending excess. The bizarrely-shaped €23 million building next to the TF5 motorway outside the city was formally unveiled

by regional president Paulino Rivero and vice-chancellor Eduardo Domenech and is certainly a work of art, with over seven km of corridors and an impressive spiral walkway, but there are fears it could become a white elephant due to the relatively low numbers of students. Even within the Uni-

TENERIFE GENERAL

ISLAND CONNECTIONS | EDITION 730

versity, which saw enrolments fall significantly last year, voices of discord have already emerged, with some objecting to the massive spending on the flagship building when other parts of the university are in need of urgent repair and upgrading.

Take a course! Enrolment for Adeje’s Community College courses is under way. The council-run courses, which go under the name ‘Universidad Popular’, commence in early October and last until May, offering access to a wide range of subjects covering health and wellbeing, the visual arts and local folk traditions. “We have tried to provide a comprehensive range of courses reflecting people’s interests. The courses are hugely popular every year and we are committed to maintaining them as they play a key part in the work we are doing in our town,” explained Adeje’s culture councillor Nayra Bethencourt. Individual health and exerciserelated courses offered for the coming year include stretching and gym, along with various types of massage (sport, pregnancy, geriatric, lymph drainage, etc), with bamboo, facial, hot stone and Thai massage workshops also lined up.

Art classes can be taken by both adults and children while drama courses will be run in conjunction with the island’s School of Acting. The Adeje Folk School will once again be on hand to deliver classes in traditional music and dancing for both young and old. Further information and enrolment details for the courses can be found on the official

Adeje council website (www. adeje.es) or by telephone on 922 756 246. Personal callers are also welcome at the Department of Culture’s offices in the Cultural Centre between 9am-2pm Monday to Friday during the two-week enrolment period, which opened on September 15.

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19th September

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LETTERS

19/09/2014 - 02/10/2014

Dog fouling

Holiday rentals

Dear Editor,

Every time I walk around Los Cristianos or Las Americas I am disgusted at the state of the pavements. Every three steps there is dog s**t, there is litter everywhere plus the smell of dog s**t is awful. I see the local council machine cleaning the streets but never the pavements. Why are dog owners who do not clean up after their pets not prosecuted? Why are the pavements not cleaned and the litter collected? The Police could earn some well needed revenue by giving out fines and those that get a fine are less likely to offend again, as a fine does hurt and makes you think twice. I heard on the radio recently that a town in the UK had also had enough of the dog fouling, so they did a clean up campaign, whereby they had staff on the streets who took photos of the offence as it happened and details of the dog etc. They then matched up the dog to the owner/address and a day or so later the person got a parcel in the post - a nice lit-

With regard to the above and the article on page 10 of edition 722. Those who rent out their apartments to tourists on short term holiday lets need to comply fully with the Tourist Letting Laws, and all that the Law requires them to do, including Registration, routine apartment inspections, adequate insurance, 24 hours assistance and the payment of tax on the income earned. All too often people purchase apartments in what are deemed residential blocks, hoping to let out their apartment to holidaymakers on short term lets. This is against the Tourist Letting Laws, plain and simple. In apartment blocks deemed as residential, letting to family and friends with no financial gain is the only concession allowed within the law other than long term lets over three months. I have been coming to Tenerife since 1978, and have seen many changes in that time, mostly for the better. I have owned an apartment here

tle box. Inside was their dog’s s**t, a photo and a fine. Within weeks dog fouling on the pavements was virtually non-existent. So there are many ways in which to tackle things. I have just travelled through most European countries in the last few weeks and some of them are more broke than Spain and yet their pavements were clean! The difference here is so noticeable. So if they can do it, come on Tenerife, surely it can be done here too. It would be a lot nicer for everyone - tourists and residents!

I did post this on several Tenerife Facebook groups and there was a lot of response from both residents and tourists who are equally disgusted by the litter, the dog fouling, dried vomit and the general dreadful and filthy state of the pavements. We are all responsible for our environment. It’s a beautiful island, let’s try and keep it beautiful. Any support that you can offer is appreciated and if something positive comes from this, that would be wonderful! Kind regards, Amanda Moore

since 2000 and have fully enjoyed my time here, but you keep within the law. Your article refers to persons who were fined sums of 18k, 36k and 150k. If that was the case I’m afraid the law has caught up with them which is no different in whatever country you operate in. If you break the

law, sooner or later you will be found out. If you take the risk then you pay the penalty. It should happen more often and hopefully the message will eventually get through. Regards Apartment owner Los Cristianos

BUSINESS NEWS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS | EDITION 730

Sebastian & St James International Financial Advisors Limited Sebastian & St James International Financial Advisors is an international financial services company serving clients throughout the world. They specialise in all aspects of financial advice, offering a financial consultation service which encompasses a wide range of investment and pension based solutions. At Sebastian & St James they recognise that every client is different so they provide a service tailored to the requirements of each individual. Their first undertaking with a new client is always to estab-

cate with the client to ascertain whether they can help. They understand how important it is for their clients to know that their investment will be handled with diligence, integrity, skill and care.

They do not charge upfront fees When a client engages them, they put any costs to the client clearly in writing prior to agreeing any investment strategies. lish whether their services will be suitable for them. They

spend time talking to their clients to ensure that they fully

What is CEST?

Strength in numbers! CEST is a non-profit association, created in 1999, that brings together businesses, professionals and the self-employed from different economic sectors with business activity in the south of Tenerife. CEST aims to promote the economic development of south Tenerife by defending the legitimate interests of private operators in the area. This is done by first making the needs of the south known to the highest levels of the Administration (also providing proposals) and secondly by providing various services to its members. Their work is characterised by a complete political neutrality, dialogue and cooperation, transparency in their actions, constructive attitude (not only present needs but also proposals), professionalism, and being close to the members. They represent members from the nine boroughs of the south: Adeje, Arico, Arona, Fasnia, Granadilla, Guía de Isora, San Miguel, Santiago del Teide and Vilaflor. CEST gathers businessmen and women from all economic sectors. It is not necessary that the registered office of your company is in the south. Currently, the most represented sectors are service, commerce, con-

struction, hospitality, agriculture and industry. The main demands are a public Hospital, the completion of the ring road, improved REF, finishing the Granadilla port, beach and street lighting maintenance, renovation of public spaces, improved access to Las Chafiras, simplification of administrative hoops, security, improving borough bylaws, and efficiency and unity in promoting tourism, improvements in public transport, and suitable professional training, among others... The most important services are discounts on mobile phone charges, fuel, risk prevention in the workplace, business insurance, employment exchange, legal, tax and accounting advice, employment advice, information on training courses, grants, quality, on the job training, commercial support, communications, new technologies and innovation, market expansion, data protection, management consulting, social and environmental responsibility, among others. The service is the most widely used is commercial support. The vast majority of these services are outsourced and therefore provided by specialised companies. If a mem-

ber uses all the savings obtainable, the sum saved is more than the annual cost of CEST membership fees, which alone makes it worthwhile becoming and remaining a member. CEST is a full member of the CEOE (business association) of Tenerife and has several representatives in the governing bodies of the Chamber of Commerce. It also has good relations and regular contacts with associations of southern entrepreneurs at municipal level, as well as with the Southern Centre for Tourism Initiatives (CIT Sur). Finally, it also has contacts with the main trade unions and the media. CEST greatly values its members involvement in the action of the association and has therefore launched various working committees such as Tourism, Trade, Leisure, Professional Services, Agriculture, New Technology, Environment, Education, Women Entrepreneurs and Young Businesswomen. C / Baleares 1 - Torviscas Alto - 38660 Adeje – Tenerife Tel: 922 719407 - Fax: 922 7193 49 cest@cest.org/www.cest.org Open: Monday to Thursday (8am to 2pm and 3pm to 5pm), Friday (8am to 2pm)

understand and appreciate their requirements and current financial situation.

Why use Sebastian & St James? One of the fundamental aspects of their service is to communi-

Sebastian & St James Advice Advice from Sebastian and St James is independent and covers the whole of the international market. They have access to the major

insurance companies and investment houses across the world. Sebastian & St James provide financial advice in the following areas: • Investments • QROPS • Pensions • Regular Savings • Life Assurance • Private Medical Insurance. Sebastian & St James are consistently recognised as one of the top financial and investment advisory firms in Europe due to their ability to act for clients wherever they may be. Sebastian & St James International Financial Advisors Limited: advice based on integrity, trust and experience.

PROMOTIONS

19/09/2014 - 02/10/2014

Línea Directa

What to do if you’ve been burgled Crime rates in Spain remain among the lowest in the EU according to the latest Interior Ministry crime report. However, since the economic crisis began in 2008, there has been a steep increase in domestic burglaries and theft as a result.

Statistics in Spain In 2012 the number of burglaries in homes rose by 25.4 per cent. The message to expat residents is not to panic. There are some simple precautions to take, as you would back in

the UK, such as fitting security grills, installing exterior lights and alarms, being careful about what content is posted on social networks, especially anything to do with trips and holidays away from home. It also helps to take out a quality home insurance policy that will cover your home and its contents should any unfortunate incident occur.

When you discover you’ve been burgled As soon as you discover you’ve been burgled, whether it’s a

break-in or theft at your home, first call the police. Don’t touch anything until they arrive. A police report will be needed to process your claim. Then secure your home to avoid further damage, board up any broken windows, make a list of damaged or missing belongings, detail the damage to your home resulting from the burglary, taking photographs of damaged windows or door. At this point, you can call the claims department of your home insurance company. We advise you to have your policy on hand when you call.

Peace of mind with Línea Directa We understand that your peace of mind is important, especially in your home. Our claims department will take a full statement of the circumstances of the incident. We will check the insurance coverage with you explaining all the procedures. If emergency repairs are required from locksmiths to glaziers, we will help you swiftly handle your claim and get things back to normal as soon as possible. Fortunately,

incidents of theft in Spain are relatively small compared to other EU countries, however should you be burgled, your homeowner’s insurance policy will cover the loss or destruction of personal property if it’s stolen from your home.

Hold-up outside the home In many cases, your home insurance policy may cover you for any incidents that occur outside your home. Should you be the victim of a hold-up outside your premises your personal belongings are covered.

We will ensure replacement documents are quickly and efficiently dealt with, and if required, arrange the locks on your home to be changed. We hope the information provided in this article is of interest. If you would like to contact Linea Directa please call 902 123 151. More information on Linea Directa online at www.lineadirecta.com.

Interview

Good Smoke for health that I only wanted to sell quality products. As always, the market is flooded with inferior merchandise: battery systems that range between ineffective to downright dangerous, and cheap e-liquids containing heaven only knows what. When you are investing in an electronic cigarette and liquids, it is vital to ensure you get the best products you can.

Ok, so every smoker knows that the ideal scenario is to give up the evil weed entirely, but for those who aren’t ready yet, electronic cigarettes are an attractive alternative. The devices deliver dosages of nicotine, via vapour, straight to the lungs and are held like a cigarette, fulfilling the need to keep the hands occupied and providing a similar ‘hit’. But they don’t contain the plethora of other damaging chemi-

cals that come with conventional cigarettes, nor is there the accompanying obnoxious smell and antisocial effect. Whether starting out or looking for quality vaping products, the Good Smoke shops are the place to go, and we had the chance to speak to Ivaldo Marceca, the man who has developed this chain into a household name in the Canary Islands. IC: When and where did you

open your first shop and how many are there now? IV: The first was in San Eugenio, south Tenerife, in September 2012 and there are now 24 shops and four distribution points across the archipelago. We are growing all the time, our shop in CC Iceland has just moved to Parque Santiago 3, number 86. IC: What do you think has made the brand so popular? IV: I decided from the word go

IC: Where do yours come from? IV: We import from the United States, Italy and the UK and use only big-name brands such as TJuice and Johnson Creek. We are so confident that we even give a six month guarantee on all our batteries – you can change them in any shop and if you live abroad we can even organise it by post. IC: Do you have a wide range of products? IV: Yes. For example, we sell 20 different atomisers, 15 kits, various accessories, and a vast array of liquids – from Marlboro flavour through Raspberry and Minty Toffee, to Caramel Cream! We also insist on giving the best customer service: the staff speak Eng-

lish as well as other languages, you can try products before you buy them, and you will be served quickly – and with a smile!

Luckily, you don’t have to look far to find these shops: visit www.goodsmoke.es for more information. You can even buy online.

Construcciones

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Tel.: 615 247 565

Canarian company 25 years working with german quality standard C/ Yaiza, 21. Charco del Pino · Granadilla de Abona E-mail: constclementetoledo@gmail.com

BUSINESS NEWS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS | EDITION 730

Blevins Franks

Update on the Spanish tax reform By Paul Montague, Partner, Blevins Franks

The income tax rates and thresholds will change next year, under reforms aimed primarily at lower income individuals and families. Following on from its draft legislation in June, the government approved three laws in August which include additional changes to the original proposals. The laws need to be approved by parliament and so may change. They will apply from January 1, 2015. The key reforms affecting expatriates are -

Income tax The current seven income tax bands will be reduced to five, and rates reduced over 2015 and 2016.

The minimum tax rate is reduced from 24.75 per cent to 20 per cent in 2015 and 19 per cent in 2016. The top rate will fall from 52 per cent to 47 per cent next year and 45 per cent the following one. The top rate will apply from income over €60,000, as opposed to €300,000 as currently. Contrary to the original proposals, the 60 per cent deduction against net rental income for residents is not reduced to 50 per cent. taxed at 22 per cent and 21 per cent respectively, and anySavings income thing over €50,000 at 24 per cent then 23 per cent. Currently, income up to €6,000 is taxed at 21 per cent; Capital gains tax income between €6,000 and €24,000 at 25 per cent, and the Under current rules, gains excess at 27 per cent. Under arising on assets held for less the proposals, the rate for the than a year are subject to the first tax band will reduce to 20 scale rates of up to 52 per per cent in 2015 and 19 per cent. From 2015, all capital cent in 2016; income between gains will be taxed at the sav€6,000 and €50,000 will be ings rates.

A significant additional change is the exemption for individuals over age 65 on all capital gains, provided the proceeds are used to buy a pension annuity. Indexation will no longer apply on the sale of a property from January 1, 2015.

Succession tax There are no proposed changes to succession and gift tax in

the tax reform and draft leg- As always, with tax planning in islation. Spain, it is important to seek expert and personalised advice, On September 3, the Euro- to establish what would work pean Court of Justice released best for you in the short and a ruling stating that Spain has long-term. failed to fulfil its obligations regarding succession and gift Tax rates, scope and reliefs may tax. By allowing differences in change. Any statements concernthe tax treatment between resi- ing taxation are based upon our dent and non-resident benefi- understanding of current taxaciaries, they have breached the tion laws and practices which EU treaties. are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; The new lower rates of income an individual is advised to seek and savings tax are welcome. personalised advice. However since the main aim is to help those on lower incomes, those with savings and investBlevins Franks has 20 ments still have need of specialestablished offices across Spain, France, Portugal, ist tax planning to protect their Cyprus, Malta and UK, and capital, income and assets from decades of experience advising tax. The reforms do not address British expatriates. wealth tax, and we need to wait Contact our Partner Paul and see what, if anything, the Montague on 922 716 government decides to do with 079 or paul.montague@ regards succession tax followblevinsfranks.com ing the court ruling.

LIVING & LYFESTILE

Recycle to change lives Plastic; love it or hate it there’s no denying that it’s come to play a large role in our lives. There has been a huge increase in the use of plastics over the past few decades. In many ways this is good news because plastic is useful for many applications as it is incredibly versatile. But its heavy usage has put strain on various exhaustible resources and contributed greatly to the landfill problem. Luckily, a large number of plastics can be recycled, several times in some cases. They can be used to form a whole range of products, such as used soft drinks’ bottles being recast as chairs and tables, and it is surprising the range of everyday plastics that can be reprocessed.

Beverage bottles and caps are great for recycling as they contain few dyes and additives

What happens to the plastic from the recycling bins? Worldwide, there are basically five groups of plastic polymers used for packaging in its many forms. Each type can be identified by its PIC Plastic Identification Code, made up of a number and letters, which you can see inside the threearrow recycling symbol on the base or side of products that carry one.

Recycled PVC is used to make new hoses

For recycling, plastics have to be sorted according to resin type. Previously, reading the part of the code which identified the resin was necessary, but nowadays identification systems, such as near infrared (NIR) technology, do the job automatically. This sorting is important as plastics generally need to be of almost identical composition to mix efficiently, otherwise they tend to separate and set in layers, creating a weaker plastic which is only useful for certain products. Many plastics which are heavy in dyes, fillers, and other additives are often discarded, as they make the recycling process uneconomical, and what’s left is grouped into their relevant types and shredded. The resulting fragments undergo processes to eliminate impurities such as paper labels and the rest is then melted and, often, formed into pellets which are used to manufacture other products.

What can be done with the new plastic? HDPE: High-density polyethylene is the most recycled plastic and is made into synthetic lumber, tables, benches, bins, stationery and a variety of receptacles and other products.

PET: Post-consumer Polyethylene terephthalate can be used as it is or undergo further treatment to produce foodcontact-approved recycled PET (RPET). Amongst other items,

Cristasol cleaning products; the cap off ‘Pronto’ cleaning fluid; the tops from milk and fruit juice cartons; ‘Norit’ detergent caps; the ‘Toke’ ironing spray lid and dispenser;

A variety of stationary items can be re-moulded from recycled plastic

RPET can be turned into bottles and jars, building materials and injection-moulded engineering components. It is also used to produce polyester fibres and a wide variety of fabrics for the clothing industry. PVC: According to Recovinyl, the European PVC recycling management company, around 75 per cent of recycled PVC is used for floors, 15 per cent for foils, five for traffic cones, three for hoses and two for other applications. PS: Most polystyrene products are currently not recycled, but Expanded polystyrene (EPS) can be added to materials for construction, clothes hangers, benches, flower pots, toys, stationary, seed containers and picture frames etc.

What everyday plastics can be recycled?

Many household objects are made from recycled plastic

Even the tops of ketchup dispensers can be used again

As well as all plastic drinks’ bottles and caps, you can also recycle the lids off Ketchup and Mayonnaise dispensers, and those from Biro and marker pens, toothpaste, talcum powders, ‘Dove’ roll on deodorant, Philadelphia cheese spread and Burger King and McDonalds’ drinks. Also, the pistol mechanisms from KH-7 and

and the lids from moisturising creams, mouthwash, shaving creams, hair mousse and lotions, shampoos and shower gels in general. And, surprisingly in some cases, the yellow toy container in a Kinder egg, the dispenser

See all our shops

and you?

vape ? SMOKE or

www.goodsmoke.es

unit from liquid handsoaps; Orbit chewing gum boxes; washing machine dosing balls; Nescafé, Eko, Cola Cao and Nesquik powdered drinks container lids; contact lens carriers, medicine dosers, syringe covers and insulin pen lids. And, on top of that: the Tupperware takeout boxes from Chinese restaurants and tupperware lids in general. The lids off Tippex (without the brush); the tops off clothes conditioner bottles; washing powder containers from the Kalia and Neutrex companies; spice bottle tops; and spray whipped cream lids.

Why is it important to recycle? Apart from the environmental benefits, by collecting plas-

19/09/2014 - 02/10/2014

tics you can even help change lives. Around the archipelago there are currently a variety of charitable campaigns you can donate your used plastic to, which is then sold for recycling to raise funds. We featured one such drive in edition 726: Lucía is just one year old and was born blind due to Leber’s congenital amaurosis, a rare inherited eye disease. Doctors in the United States are achieving great success in treating this condition and Lucía fits the criteria for their programme perfectly. However, her friends and family have to raise €100,000 – and the treatment has to be undergone before she is two years old so the clock is ticking. Her aunt, Sandra, who herself is suffering from a rare form of cancer, is based in Tenerife and is at the forefront of the campaign. You can call her on 650 406 895 to drop plastics off or to arrange to be a dropoff point yourself. Or you can see the campaign’s web page at: www.unamiradaparalucia, where you can also learn how to make a donation. For more information on plastic, its role in society and the efforts the industry is making towards its sustainable use, see the European Plastics 2020 Challenge at: www.plasticseurope.co.uk. TENERIFE :: Good Smoke San Eugenio Avenida de los Pueblos, 29C Headquarter Good Smoke Las Américas Parque Santiago 3, local número 86 Good Smoke Fañabé Calle Bruselas, 10 Good Smoke Adeje Plaza Cesar Manrique, 11 Good Smoke Puerto Santiago Avenida Quinto Centenario, Ed. Vigilia, 2 Good Smoke Los Cristianos Calle Amalia Alayon, 1 Good Smoke Callao Salvaje Calle El Jable, Supermercado Stock Good Smoke Las Galletas Calle Luis Alvarez Cruz , 1 Good Smoke San Isidro Calle El Mirador 2 Loc.2 Good Smoke Las Chafiras Dentro del C.C Hiperdino Local 21 Good Smoke El Médano Calle Alemania, 1 Good Smoke Candelaria Calle Obispo Pérez Cáceres, 22 Good Smoke Santa Cruz Calle San Francisco, 6 Good Smoke La Laguna Calle Herradores, 52 Good Smoke Taco Carretera General del Rosario nº 7 Good Smoke La Orotava Polígono Industrial San Jerónimo, C.C Hiperdino GRAN CANARIA :: Good Smoke Maspalomas Avenida de Tirajana, 35 Local 4 FuERTEvENTuRA :: Good Smoke Fuerteventura Centro Comercial el Campanario

HEALTH

ISLAND CONNECTIONS | EDITION 730 m_delaflor@hotmail.com

Dear Dr. De La Flor Dear Dr. De La Flor, I’ve been suffering from Urinary Incontinence for several years. The consultant has now suggested Kegel exercises but I’m not sure when and how often I should do them. Often this issue really gets me down. Thanks in advance, Lorraine Dear Lorraine, Kegel exercises are one of the most effective ways of controlling urinary incontinence in a natural, medication-free, noninvasive manner. Kegel exercises can help many women and men with urinary incontinence, regardless of cause or age. Kegel exercises aim to strengthen pelvic floor muscles that support and hold up the bladder.

To exercise the pelvic floor muscle, pretend you are trying to stop the flow of urine. Pull in and squeeze those muscles. Hold the squeeze for about 10 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds. Try for three or four sets of 10 contractions every day. By doing so, you’re strengthening muscles that help control the urethra. Just as it takes time to build your biceps, it takes time to strengthen muscles in the pelvic floor. Give it three to six weeks. And remember, you must keep doing them, and you should do them daily. This problem can often be embarrassing and cause boundless dosages of anticipatory anxiety. Be tenacious and please don’t get discouraged. Best regards.

Dear Arnold, “A GP once asked his patient, Have you ever had a stress test?’ Sure … it’s called life!” Prehypertension is a warning, cautionary sign. Applying footballer’s lingo, it’s like getting a ‘yellow card’. The vital issue here is that your health is much more important than any football player, team or event. Therefore we need to take action! High blood pressure is often referred as a ‘silent killer’ because it may have no outward signs or symptoms for years. In fact, up to one in five people with the condition don’t even know they suffered from it. Internally, it silently and relentlessly causes damage in vital organs if left untreated. As a matter of fact, it’s a major risk factor for strokes and heart attacks. The top number (or systolic) shows the pressure when the heart beats or pumps oxygenated blood into the system.

By Dr. De La Flor

 More than a fashion acces- He’s always been very frail, and sory Sunglasses are indispensable for safeguarding the well-being of your eyes and surrounding tissue. UV radiation augments your odds of acquiring cataracts, pterygium, pingueculum, macular degeneration... Sunlight that bounces off highly reflective surfaces such as water, sand, or pavement can be remarkably hazardous. Be watchful with your eyes!

 Health saving account

“We know that we aren’t always going to be happy. Sadness, even tragedy, is going to cross our paths more than once. But if we strive to be joyful on a daily basis, we seem to develop reserves upon which we can draw.” Pope Francis

 Stealthy STDs

Dear Dr. De La Flor, I was recently told that I have pre-hypertension. I have tried to cut back on work-related stress. Do you think it can be reversed? Thanks, Arnold

Thumbs Up

Coaching Corner

Dr. De La Flor Facts

The lower number (or diastolic) measures the pressure at rest between heartbeats, in other words when the heart takes time to refill with incoming blood. Pre-hypertension implies that you’re blood pressure (BP) has been consistently just above the normal or recommended level. High limits are for most of us are 120 to 139 for systolic pressure or 80 to 89 for the diastolic one. People in this range have a higher risk of developing heart disease than those with a lower reading. Normal blood pressure readings will fall below or in the vicinity of 120/80, while higher results over time can indicate hypertension. In most cases, the underlying cause of hypertension is unknown but it’s essential that you discuss in length with your GP your lifestyle habits regarding eating, drinking, physical activity, stress levels… to set specific goals regarding preventable, avoidable risk factors. Warm regards. “One of the symptoms of an approaching nervous breakdown is the belief that one’s work is terribly important.” Bertrand Russell

Chlamydia can be considered a ‘clandestine STD’. Often patients won’t notice any signs. However, if left untreated women can develop Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, which can lead to pelvic pain, infertility or an ectopic pregnancy or fertility problems in men. Good news: It can be successfully treated with antibiotics. Ask your GP if you notice any unusual, atypical pelvic discomfort or pain.

 ABCDEs of melanoma

If you find a mole or spot that has any ABCDEs of melanoma - or one that’s tender, itching, oozing, scaly, doesn’t heal swiftly or has redness or swelling beyond the mole – talk to your trusted GP. Let’s use, but not abuse the sun’s boundless beneficial effects.

 Inconvenient, but health

truths “To love means loving the unlovable. To forgive means pardoning the unpardonable. Faith means believing the unbelievable. Hope means hoping when everything seems hopeless.” G.K. Chesterton

often been preoccupied about leaving his extremely healthy and vigorous spouse widowed. A few weeks ago, he came to the office to tell me that his wife suffered a freak household accident and she was in a coma as a result of the fall. Unfortunately, she passed away a few hours after surgery. Providential or not, the fact is that the day he called me to inform me about the impending surgery on his wife I was actually meditating on the Gospel of the day: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”

ReSOLUTION By Dr. De La Flor For the next two weeks, you and I could ponder on the way we ‘keep watch’ on our fleeting earthen voyage. Our blessings patently overshadow our tribulations and blatantly outshine our misfortunes and hardships. “If we magnified blessings as much as we magnify disappointments, we would all be much happier.” John Wooden Let’s try to spend two minutes, please all I’m asking you is just two minutes, so that before you and I hit the sack we enumerate the blessings received that day. Health and happiness will likely awaken our being. Talk to you in a couple of weeks. “May your days be many and your troubles be few. May all God’s blessings descend upon you. May peace be within you may your heart be strong. May you find what you’re seeking wherever you roam.” Irish Blessing

Dr. De La Flor, licensed G.P. (6089). In dealing with his patients he is highly influenced by Humanistic Psychology - an encompassing way of approaching patients through the study of their strengths and virtues to enable them to thrive and lead fulfilling lives, accept the past, find happiness in the present, and hope for the future. Call him today at 0034 697 888 666 or email him to register.

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KATY / PETS

I hope you’re all keeping cool and drinking lots of water in this heat. I’d like to start by saying, “Get well soon” to Kris Richards who has been in hospital recently. I hope you get better soon Kris and back to work, bringing your music to the island once again. In this time of financial crisis, I’ve found many ways to save money, and to give ourselves something rather arty-crafty to do while sitting in the shade one afternoon. One or two hints will need the aid of a handy partner to implement your art, but nothing too strenuous.

y Kat

Hi everyone, katykennedy@telefonica.net Tf: 616 110 930

some of his space, the he screw it from the underside of the top shelf. Hang the handles of the bags from the shower hooks, with a matching scarf laid around each bag. You can find many shoe shelves in handy shops, and if not, then your handsome and handy partner can knock one up for you. (You could ply him with copious drinks to keep dehydration at bay, (and to keep him out of the pub!)

Shower curtain hook handbag hangers In a single cupboard or wardrobe, ( and if you haven’t a spare one, then push his

Cutlery tray jewellery organiser

clothes up to one end and use the space for your shoes and bags). It’s a woman’s duty, they say, to look pretty and coordinated for the man in her life which is why we need so many pairs of shoes, and hand-

bags, all bought in the sales of course! Anyway, get him to put a shower pole up, with the hooks already on it. If it’s a small wardrobe it can be screwed or fitted onto the sides, but if you’re using

19/09/2014 - 02/10/2014

For practically nothing you can pick up cutlery trays in all sorts of shops. You can use them in your dressing table drawers to hold jewellery. But if your drawer is full, then screw them onto the inside of the wardrobe. You then need three or four self adhesive little hooks and must stick one at the top of each separate section to hold your neck-

laces vertically. The flat bit can then take your earrings. Another good tip is to use an ice tray in a drawer for extra earrings or glittery hair jewellery for those special nights out. Job done.

Canned drinks pull-tabs to offset hangers I sometimes think that when you have a family at home, you tend to have more wardrobe

space than drawer space. I’ve seen tie racks, or belt racks which hold about eight items and think they’re a great idea. But ladies, we can make our own. Just save the pull- tabs from cans of pop, and bingo, problem solved. Slot the hole of the tab onto the hook of six separate hangers, with the other hole hanging down. Put the item of clothing onto the hanger, then slot the hook of the next hanger into the spare hole, and depending on the length of the garment, you can repeat this as many times as it practical for the space you have. The garments remain crease- free and easy to see the colour etc, and are really easy to remove from the hanger. If you’ve any tips for us, we’d all be thrilled to hear from you. Until next time, take care of yourselves, and especially of each other.

Pets Charity News

Pets charities round up Live Arico P.A.W.S There was a recent crisis in Fuerteventura when a refuge was closed down by the authorities and its 85 dogs would have been destroyed, but a massive rescue effort was launched and Associations like ourselves were contacted to take a couple of dogs each: 35 came to Tenerife, shipped here free of charge by courier company Seur, and these are our two, Ellie and Rex. They are both three-year-old German Shepherd crosses. They are very sweet dogs and we are proud to have saved them. Now we need to find them homes, or at least sponsors. Please call Sue on 629 388102 for more information on how you can help. We need big strong men with time to spare to help the wonderful Esperanza del Sur refuge near Parque de la Reina with improvements and building work. Call Sue on 629 388102 if you can help and many thanks to all at Howards Smokehouse where

Ellie and Rex came to Live Arico from the closed Fuerteventura shelter

we raised €638 to be split with the Sangha Sanctuary San Miguel. For Live Arico information call Sue on: 629 388102, or see: www.livearico.com; twitter.com/live_arico and Facebook: Live Arico P.A.W.S Tenerife. Our shops in Los Cristianos and San Eugenio are open 10am – 4pm, Monday to Friday, and until 2pm Saturday. The Los Cristianos shop is even open on Sundays. Call Siobhan on 630 857626 for volunteering or donations.

Acción del sol One young girl’s dream finally became a reality whilst on

One very happy young girls’ dream come true

holiday here in Tenerife recently. For many years all she ever wanted was a dog of her own, but with her age her parents didn’t think they could cope and maybe her dream would fade with time, but still she persisted so, after hearing about the refuge, they decided to visit and see what happened. The young girl scoured the place until she saw the dog she wanted;

the bond between them was instant and impressive, and we are happy to report that the little dog is soon flying to Germany to start his new life with one very pleased little girl. Please join our next fundraising event on October 5 at 10am at the refuge. We would like you to walk your own dog or one from the refuge down to the sea and after a cold drink a gentle stroll back to the refuge, followed by a buffet lunch and music. The cost is €10 per person including a tee shirt but we do need your registration prior to the event: email teneriffa@aktiontier.org or call the number below. Contact us on 922 778630 or visit the refuge at the appointed opening hours. We are situated at the Poligono industrial estate, Granadilla, Exit 51 off the TF1, next to the ITER wind turbine park. We are open to the public Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 2pm - 5pm and Saturdays: 1pm – 4pm. Closed public holidays.

PETEX Petex Tenerife has cats and dogs residing in foster homes while waiting for adoption. You can have a pet on a two week trial. See them on Facebook at: petsathome.tenerife1959; call: 666 282 275 or email: Petextenerife@live.co.uk.

Looking for love

K9 We really need volunteers and donations for our Alcalá shop and Monday market, please call Muriel on 646561035 or Kenny on 686141003 if you would like to help. Our exciting 2015 calendar will be ready by October, priced €5, and don’t forget our car boot sale on the last Sunday of each month in the Tipsy Terrace Car Park, Los Gigantes, 9am - 12.30pm. Our kennels are open every morning from 9am for dog exercising, or from 11am for looking. Call: 822 106195 or 667 638 468. See: www.k9tenerife.com, or K9 on Facebook, or email: info@ k9tenerife.com or k9mikey@ gmail.com.

Puuurfect! Chelsea is one of several pretty kittens that K9 has for adoption. Call: 822 106195 or 667 638 468 if you can give her or her friends a home.

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FOOD

The last to arrive, the hickory-smoked BBQ ribs were as tender as they come; the meat just fell off the bone. The sauce was delicious too

Cynthia has been enthusing about this since we ordered it and she’s right: Naughtily delicious, the brownie, topped with vanilla ice cream, hot

ISLAND CONNECTIONS | EDITION 730

Smooth food

Hard Rock Cafe

Just about everyone has heard of the Hard Rock Cafes. Since the very first one opened in London in 1971, the chain of rock and roll-themed restaurants, hotels and casinos has grown to incorporate 189 venues in 58 countries. The largest is in Orlando, where the headquarters are – in 2007, the Seminole Tribe of Florida purchased the Hard Rock brand. The formula works: venues’ walls are adorned with rock and roll memorabilia, the atmosphere is laid back, and music plays a large role in the whole experience. They serve, “Fresh, handmade, classic American cooking with a Southern flair,” with an added local twist, wherever Hard Rock may be in the world. When Island Connections was invited to check out one of the very latest Hard Rocks we could only agree to go along. Hard Rock Cafe Tenerife opened in Las Américas in December of last year. It has already become of the ‘in’ places to visit, and it’s easy to see why. We had the good fortune to share a meal with Marketing Manager, Cynthia Galán, and Head Chef, Juan José Vides, both exceptionally good company. And glancing through

cheeses, pico de gallo garnish, guacamole, sour cream and shredded lettuce. As Juan showed us the best way to load the hot flour tortil-

The upper terrace, for afternoons and late evenings The ribs are succulent and delicious - cooked to perfection

The restaurant seats 380, including the two private dining and celebration rooms

(L-R) Juan José Vides, Francesca Nitti and Cynthia Galán having a rock and roll moment!

the menu was a pleasant surprise. It’s easy to think that Hard Rock sells only burgers (though this they do – and very well), but there’s much more to the menu than that. Grilled Salmon, Misto Frito calamari rings and shrimps, and the delicious sounding Honey Citrus Grilled Chicken Salad are just a few examples.

las (selection of sauces first, then the meats, aiming for a mix of tastes), he tells us a little about himself. From Venezuela originally, Juan has been with Hard Rock for the last 12 years. He has worked in the London, Florence, Lisbon and Orlando locations, amongst others, and clearly loves his job – the fact that employees are encouraged to gain experience in other countries being one of the reasons. He also appreciates the preciseness of the work. Every item on the menu has to be prepared in exactly the same manner every time. And the pressure is on – every kitchen has regular spot checks: food is tested for presentation, taste, specification, temperature, and even the weight of individual items. Everything is made onsite and local products are used wherever possible (there’s even a burger that comes with La Gomeran goat’s cheese ‘almogrote’ and Canarian red and green mojo sauces).

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We decided to share various dishes so we, the visitors, would have the chance to taste a selection, and because all the portions are on the large side, to say the least. The first to arrive was the Twisted Mac, Chicken & Cheese: grilled chicken breast atop twisted cavatappi pasta in a tasty, lightly spiced threecheese sauce, served with garlic toast. Lovely. The Jumbo Combo which came next was a meal in itself. Beautifully presented, as everything is, the Combo is a selection of chickens, potato skins, the tastiest onion rings ever, and the delightful Santa Fe Spring Rolls containing, amongst other things, jalapeño and spinach. Crisp, tasty and varied, the combo comes with five different sauces: it’s a taste sensation. Next, were the Famous Fajitas. You can choose one or several of grilled chicken, beef, shrimp or pork, and they’re served with shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar

The famous Oreo cheesecake - yum!

and even the chips are special – their coating contains 11 (very secret) spices. All around us patrons come and go, assisted cheerfully by busy and enthusiastic waiters and waitresses. Francesca, serving our table, was a delightful ball of energy. The service is prompt and very friendly, and the atmosphere really is great. Cynthia tells us that the multinational team at Hard Rock Tenerife numbers exactly 104, and that each employee has to have a working knowledge of every area of the business. She also says that around 80 per cent of the clientele are British at the moment, and that people have come from all over the world to tick another off their list of Hard Rock Cafes visited. To finish our meal, we chose the scrumptious cheesecake infused with oreo® biscuit pieces (with generous amounts of chocolate sauce), and the most stunning Hot Fudge Brownie we have ever seen.

Dog Days in The Fortunate Islands A new life in hidden Tenerife By John Searancke

A series of adventures that you won’t want to miss! On the brink of retirement,

John and his wife Sally, together with their beloved Jack Russell/Staffie cross, Freddie, embark on the journey of a lifetime and relocate to the island of Tenerife.

On sale in good Canary Island bookshops NOW!

fudge, chopped walnuts, fresh whipped cream and a cherry, is huge! It has to be seen to be believed. The restaurant also offers a children’s menu, an array of cocktails, both alcoholic and not, and a wide selection of other drinks, including various wines. The kitchen holds a Celiac’s kit, so they can eat safely, and you don’t have to eat, of course – you can pop in just for a drink or a browse through the shop. The restaurant and bar open at 12pm, the upstairs drink’s terrace at 3pm and the shop at 10am. All are open till late, and look out for the assortment of live bands every week. Find Hard Rock on Avenida de Las Américas S/N, at the Pirámide de Arona, Las Américas. For more information call: 922 055 022, see them on facebook at: HRCTenerife, or see: Hard Rock International at: www.hardrock.com.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

19/09/2014 - 02/10/2014

Sport News

Boxing By George Reed

CD Tenerife

Anti-local bias charges Photo: Gary Hill

Tenerife’s manager has been at pains to set the record straight on his philosophy concerning the use of homegrown players. Álvaro Cervera rejected media criticism that local players, particularly those in the reserves or fringe members of the first team squad, have been forced out because of the lack of opportunities. According to Cervera, the Canarian players who departed over the

summer left for very different reasons which had nothing to do with an alleged anti-local policy. “Ayoze Pérez wanted to move to Newcastle in England and Bruno González made it clear he did not want to stay. Others who left have gone on out on loan but are very much part of our mid-term plans. Don’t forget that two home-grown players have been promoted to the first team”, insisted the manager. Cervera admit-

ted that the signing of Uli Dávila on loan from Chelsea had been, “A mistake” but only in the sense that it means that another non-EU player, left-back Juan Carlos García from Honduras, cannot play. “We signed García because we were getting nowhere with Chelsea on Dávila and then things suddenly changed. I have promised Juan Carlos that I will do everything I can to make room for him in January” said Cervera.

Álvaro Cervera

Photo: Simo82 wikipedia

Spain Euro qualifier

Canarians impress It was very much a case of ‘as you were’ for the two Canarians in the Spain national team, despite the changes made by coach Vicente del Bosque after the disappointing World Cup. Barcelona’s Pedro Rodríguez and Manchester City’s David

Silva both started against Macedonia and the pair showed that they are still key members of the side. Rodríguez caused the Macedonian defence multiple problems with his raids on the wing and Silva capped a quality showing with a well-

taken second-half goal to bring his international tally to 21. Spain, the current European champions, ran out comfortable winners by 5:1 to get their defence of the title off to a flying start.

Stop Boxing champion stabbed press Annual golf tournament to be held on September 27 at Iberostar Anthelia. Special bed and breakfast overnight stay deals plus green fees and spa for Canarian residents. Reservations: http://www.iberostar.com

Boxer Kell Brook returned to Tenerife with his pregnant partner after his stunning world welterweight crown win against Shawn Porter in California a few weeks ago. He was here earlier in the year for part of his pre-fight training. Sadly this time, he was apparently involved in an altercation at a party in Golf Del Sur which

Photo: Kell Brook – Twitter page

Kell Brook

resulted in him being taken to Candelaria Hospital in Santa Cruz with a serious stab wound to his leg resulting in a loss of a lot of blood. Police sources say that another Briton is being sought for questioning in connection with the incident, which featured prominently in the UK and sporting media.

Kell Brook’s a World Champion at last I always get a big kick when having ‘tipped’ a young British boxer in the very early part of his career, for him to eventually become a world champion. So I was obviously delighted last month when Yorkshire’s Kell Brook travelled to the Los Angeles suburb of Carson, California, and took the IBF World Welterweight title belt from America’s Shawn Porter on a 12 rounds points decision. It’s no mean achievement to go abroad and capture a world title belt like Kell Brook has done, especially when the champion he took the title from was undefeated in 25 fights. However, to asses the finest victory by a British boxer abroad, there are many things which must be taken in to consideration. Lloyd Honeyghan was signed to fight America’s Don Curry in a match for the welterweight title, on September 27, 1986. I, along with everyone else allowed him the proverbial two chances: hardly any and none. The super confident Brit kept up the pressure, winning the title when the referee decided, at the end of the 6th round, that Curry was too damaged to continue. Honeyghan was a real battler in the ring and his win over Curry against all odds must rank as one of the greatest British boxing achievements. In 1970, Ken Buchanan beat the legendary Ismael Laguna in San Juan, Puerto Rico the hard way, taking on the great Latin champion in his own backyard, and in the energysapping heat in the open air arena he outpointed the world champion. Londoner John H. Stacey fought in front of 60,000 partisan supporters in Mexico City, beating national hero José Napoles on August 6, 1975. With the high altitude and the heat most definitely not in his favour, plus the thousands of Mexicans screaming for his blood, he stopped the champion in the 5th round, which was an excellent achievement. Kell Brook’s win may not be the finest by a British boxer overseas, but there could be some exciting times ahead for one of my favourite British boxers, especially when you look at the talented fighters in his weight division, such as the likes of Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez. Yet I think Brook’s next fight could be against Amir Khan in an all British superfight. Brook has been calling out for Khan to take him on for the past few years, without getting an answer, but things have now changed now, with Brook holding a world title belt and Khan being ‘beltless’. Whatever happens, I don’t think we’ve seen the best of Kell Brook yet! Kell Brook celebrated his win with a holiday in the south of Tenerife, a favourite holiday resort for many champion boxers. However, not everything went as planned and he ended up in hospital (see adjacent article).

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POOL LEAGUE / SPORTS NEWS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS | EDITION 730

Tenerife Pool Super League Powered by EXPRESS BAR DELIVERIES / www.tenerifepoolleague.com

Seriously on the ball The Tenerife pool super league was in its 6th week as matches were played on September 9. Fosters are joint top of the 1st division after their draw with Scruffy Macs at 5-5 and thus remain unbeaten in the league. Legendry Jokers have the same points after their draw, with Hoops Bar Chris winning both his singles and Matt doing the same for the Jokers. Summerland Elite kept up the pressure on the top two with a resounding 8-2 win against Zizzi’s Legends. Newly promoted Polygon legends have yet to register a point, but there is plenty of time to turn their season around. Other Results: Toby Jug Saints had a well earned win over Leones B 6 – 4; Pen-

of drinks at 7.30pm only to find they had arrived a week too early! Lots of phone calls later, and speeding back to Bamboo Beach, arriving at 8.30pm, and Lupain thanked Summerland Shooters and had an enjoyable evening and won by 64. Wins also for Britannia Inn (Paraiso) accounting for Palms Pool Bar 7-3; Target Rangers and Bar 180 C both recorded 6-4 wins against The Boothen Squad and T.P at Boothen.

Legendary Jokers are still on the same points after their draw

alty Sharks thrashed Clouseau’s Diamonds 9-1; and Legends A moved up to 4th in the league beating Target Old Timers 7-3.

2nd Division Bar 180 B top the division after dispatching Barracuda Hunters at Callao Salvaje: the long journey from the golf did not

Information supplied by Tenerife Pool Super League

Zizzi’s – down but not out!

deter them as they won 7-3. Britannia Bar were defeated at home by Bamboo beach who recorded their 5th victory by 6 frames to 4; Grandee Odonnell

also had a good night beating Lowrys 6-4; Lupain Properties also recorded a victory after driving to Mykonos in Costa Silencio and having a round

FOOTBALL NEWS

19/09/2014 - 02/10/2014

Soccer Experience

CDTenerife

Want to play against ex football stars?

Tenerife win at last!

Sponsored by: Island Connections Media Group & www.windowsplus.co.uk Soccer experience international veterans 7s is coming very soon: October 31 – November 2! Once again the annual Veterans 7s football fiesta will be in southern Tenerife where many ex professional stars come together and play with and against social teams that fly to the island and play in the fun slow motion tournament. The big news we received recently is that ex England, Nottingham Forest and Sampdoria star Des Walker has verbally agreed to come and play in this year’s tournament. What an amazing opportunity for the players in the tournament and also for the Tenerife based fans who can come and watch the full weekend of football for free. So far we have received confirmation from another ex Manchester United and England star Neil Webb, as well as ex Nottingham Forest star striker David Johnson. Also Michael Mols, ex Rangers and Holland, is hoping he has no coaching conflicts so he can come and play and we might be lucky enough to have Owen Coyle if he does not have other commitments. To put this into perspective, Des Walker just played in front of over 60,000 at Old Trafford in Soccer Aid 2014 and now you can play against him or watch him for free right here in Adeje, Southern Tenerife. Des also kindly supported a Soccer

we are starting an 11s and under team (Alevin in Spain) to play in the local Spanish youth league starting soon. We are providing this opportunity for ex pat kids who would rather play in an English speaking team. We need two more players aged up to 11years old.

WEEKLY 6s LEAGUES: We would ideally like one or two more team’s for the new Soccer 6s League so if any new groups of friends or bar or cafe customers would like to join the fun please contact us as soon as possible to get the last spots. Des Walker has said he will play in this year’s Veterans 7s in Adeje

Experience event earlier this year held at the City Ground, Nottingham. For any older players that have dreamed of playing against their idols now is your chance. We have social teams from Tenerife and also teams flying from as far as the Shetland Islands, Liverpool, London, Glasgow, Ayrshire, Chesterfield, Ireland and even some players from Denmark and more. Please take note that this year it is an over 30s tournament and there is also a separate over 40s team so if your team or you as an individual would like to play this year please get in touch a.s.a.p. to reserve your spot. We need one more local Ten-

erife Team for the over 30s’ tournament and also for the over 40s.

Call or text: 0034 654 200 470. Email: info@soccerexperience.com or see more information at: www.socexp.com.

Under 12s team looking for two players If you want your mini Messi to have fun playing football then

Table positions

Canarian football Club UD Las Palmas CD Tenerife CD Marino

League Liga Adelante Liga Adelante Tercera

Position 1st 16th 1st

Points 10 4 10

Current leader of the Tercera Division Canarian group of 20 teams from all over the Islands is CD Marino with 10 points.

CD Tenerife 1 Mirandés 0 The blanquiazules won their first game of the season thanks to a 5th minute goal by new signing Iker Guarrotxena. It certainly wasn’t a stylish performance by Tenerife but it certainly takes pressure off under-fire manager Cervera, for the time being anyhow. After back to back defeats against Catalan side Girona, the first in the league 2-0 and three days later in the cup 6-5 on penalties, the team were in a mini-crisis. They were even always losing the toss before the game! Whether the cloud has been lifted remains to be seen but with tough games coming up, they really need to buck their ideas up. The air was full of tension as the 8.175 spectators took their places in the Heliodoro Stadium. Manager Cervera is not a popular figure at present and you just felt that the majority were waiting for him to fail. With main striker Diego Ifran still out through injury, a home debut was given to Chelsea loanee Uli Dávila. He showed some nice touches but for large parts of the game he appeared lost. It will take time. With so many new signings made during the summer (11 in total plus two promoted youth players) we still have a lot of work to do on the training ground. The pre-season was not ideal and it appears that the blanquiazules are one month behind most teams. But despite all the problems CD Tenerife started brightly against Mirandés. Aitor Sanz nicked the ball off a defender on the byline before passing to Iker Guarrotxena who scored with ease to make the score 1-0! It was just what the doctor ordered for the sick team. Soon after Cristian ‘Ruso’ failed to beat ex-blanquiazul keeper Razak in a one-on-one chance as his lack of confidence was clear to see. The visitors came back into the match, enjoying plenty of possession but lacking that killer punch. In fact keeper Jacobo did not have a save to make. Both teams misplaced passes as the game failed to flow, the new look young Tenerife defence were in control but they will face sterner tests. As the game finished 1-0 a huge wave of relief drifted over the long suffering support including Scottish comedian Kevin Bridges who joined in the singing with the Frente Blanquiazul fan club. We had a reason to celebrate, this was our first victory since April 20! This September 21 at 7pm Tenerife travel to play Real Valladolid (live on TV Canaria). A week later on September 28, at 11am, the passionate Canarian derby will grab all the attention. Current league leaders Las Palmas are likely to be accompanied by thousands of their supporters in Santa Cruz for the occasion. If you have not been before, it is quite something, even being voted one of the top 50 derby matches in the whole of Europe by World Soccer magazine. The battle for match tickets for the Canarian derby has begun; this year it seems likely that Las Palmas will bring over their biggest ever away following to Tenerife. Tickets are limited however. The official amount given to the visitors is limited to 800 but they will push for a quantity nearer to the 1,500 given to Tenerife supporters at the last meeting on Gran Canaria. With UD Las Palmas starting well this season rumours suggest that 23,000 will make the trip with fans finding other ways to acquire tickets. The match will be declared “high-risk” by the authorities, with up to 300 police brought in for the day. Incidents have been few and far between in recent years though and the atmosphere will be electric. Blue and whites in one corner, yellows in the other. Bring it on! Full report in next issue.

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feat. legendary Earth, Wind & Fire guitarist and composer Al McKay Sponsored by:

04 . NOV . 2014 / 9PM AT THE MAGMA ARTS AND CONGRESS CENTRE, TENERIFE

Promoters: www.tenerifeconcerts.com / Tel. 922 713 158 / info@tenerifeconcerts.com / Tickets on sale online at: www.ticketmaster.es www.tenerifemagma.com

ISLAND CONNECTIONS | EDITION 730

Promotion

Supercar España is proud of its newest venue, in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria. The Race Resort and Supercar Experience centre at the Circuito Maspalomas specialises in adrenaline filled Supercar experiences and professional race tuition, supplying the highest levels of service, the best possible cars and the widest choice of high octane driving. Established in 1997, Supercar España is the fastest growing supercar experience provider in Europe and is home to some of the most iconic Supercars in the world, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ascari, Porsche, Aston Martin, TVR and many more. And, for those who don’t have a driving licence, there’s no need to be disappointed as you can experiences the thrill as a passenger, and real adrenaline junkies can even take an exhilarating high speed passenger ride with one of the racing drivers in an Ariel Atom, Cat-

MOTORING

European Championship. Ian is the chief coach for Supercar España and runs their ‘One 2 One’ tuition programmes. Ian will be on hand for you to enjoy a truly unforgettable day and to deliver thrilling passenger laps with ‘High Speed Passenger Rides’ as the finale. The company can also provide an array of bespoke corporate entertainment to suit specific needs and budget. Their many happy clients are testament to the fact that they are one of Europe’s most successful corporate events companies, delivering unique and effective hospitality. Whether you are looking to host a small party for 10 or an event for over 250, from planning to execution their events management team will handle the entire process, from arranging conference facilities, five star catering and guest entertainment, to product launches, team building exercises and networking

days: they will work with you to ensure the total success of your event. The Circuito Maspalomas is an exciting 4.4 km professional race track that is one of Gran Canarias’ main tourist attractions. It is situated directly on the beach near Tarajalillo in the south, under the spectacular backdrop of the Atlantic. The area is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches and best Hotels and is only ten minutes away from the island’s International airport. For further details please contact Supercar España on: 922 78 60 27 or 607 80 13 26 or email info@supercarespana. es.

Supercar thrills erham or even a thoroughbred Ascari GT3 race car. Supercar experiences start at an incredible promotional price of €69 and are a perfect gift for a loved one or friend, or you could simply indulge yourself of course.

Supercar España Motorsport Tuition Programme With an exclusive team of racing drivers that includes ex F1 drivers, Supercar España are also able to offer expert tuition, offering an experience only known by the professionals. The qualified team’s programme incorporates coaching from highly experienced instructors who will inspire you to achieve what you never thought was possible. Tailor made to suit every client’s needs and abilities, the exciting tuition Programme gives you the chance to learn and develop new and existing skills.

Aston Martin

Indepth view

Supercars for a super experience!

Starting off in BMW M3’s, tuition will cover both practical and theoretical lessons, working up to Porsche GT3 cup car standard.

World Class Instruction with Ian Ashley Supercar España are pleased to have a team of highly experienced instructors who also pro-

Circuito Maspalomas: Carretera General del Sur, Km. 46,500. C.P. 35107 – San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Gran Canaria Salida – 37 de la GC-1.

Nissan

Love adventure! A new Nissan-commissioned survey shows that 71 per cent of European adults surveyed consider a sense of adventure as an attractive trait in a potential partner.

The ultimate in automotive luxury, the renowned Q personalisation service by Aston Martin is now available to view in rich, lifelike detail via an innovative new online microsite. Designed to offer an indulgent glimpse into the sumptuous world of Q by Aston Martin, this web experience has been specifically developed for public and dealer use to help communicate the many possibilities available. Using imagery, creative design and themed model stories from the Q by Aston Martin book, ‘What Inspires You?’ uses rich graphics and innovative parallax scrolling to offer an in-depth view. Features include a full introductory gallery with: contemporary inspiration section; luxury area; sporting section and nine picture galleries and features on Q by Aston Martin cars. This brand new site can be found at: http://q.astonmartin.com.

vide one to one tuition in their advanced Motorsport training programme. Ian Ashley made his Grand Prix debut in 1974 and raced for the Token, Williams, BRM and Hesketh teams. Ian has raced all over Europe as well as in the US, racing both KART series and Indy Lights after successfully campaigning in Formula 5000 where in 1973 he won the

The survey, which interviewed more than 6,250 people across five European countries, was commissioned by the car manufacturer as it launches its XTrailAdventure competition to win an adventure of a lifetime to the Himalayas. The questionnaire also found that European respondents see adventure as also leading to a happier (73 per cent) and healthier (68 per cent) life. With nearly half (46 per cent) of those asked defin-

ing adventure as doing ‘something exciting that gets my adrenaline flowing’, the main goal for seeking adventure is ‘excitement and enjoyment’ (59 per cent) followed by 45 per cent of adults looking to ‘escape the everyday’. Interestingly, Italians and Spaniards are more likely to want to be more adventurous in their everyday life (both 75 per cent compared with an average of 60 per cent across Europe) and 78 per cent of Spaniards actively seek adventure compared with the European average of 69 per cent. For the competition visit: www. nissan.co.uk/xtrailadventure.

FOOTBALL NEWS

19/09/2014 - 02/10/2014

MOTORING

Island Connections Sponsoring “Walk for Life” / www.islandconnections.eu

Plea this pos se put ter up an d

ISLAND CONNECTIONS | EDITION 730

WHATS ON 2014

19/09/2014 - 02/10/2014

September / October

TENERIFE

GRAN CANARIA

DIARY DATES

DIARY DATES September 19

September 27

7pm, ‘Abono 1’ Gran Canaria Philharmonic Orchestra, Alfredo Kraus Auditorium, LPGC www.auditorioteatrolaspalmasgc.es 8pm, Acoustic Sunset, NYC Taxi, free entry, LPGC 10.30pm, Summer Reggae Party, Adrenaline Pub, Playa del Inglés, San Bartolomé de Tirajana

11.30am, Firgas Junior Music Band, Teatro Pérez Galdós, LPGC www.auditorioteatrolaspalmasgc.es

September 20 7pm, Said Muti (Live Music), NYC Taxi, free entry, LPGC 11.30pm, Morrison Drive and OswaldoH (DJ set), free entry, Mojo club, LPGC September 24 8.30pm, Hannah Bertoni, Hermanos Thioune and Trastienda (Live Music), Teatro Guiniguada, LPGC September 25

September 19

11.30am, Alexei Leonov and Stephen Hawking speak, Starmus Festival, Adán Martín Auditorium, Santa Cruz www.auditoriodetenerife.com 8.30pm, Conoce la Ópera, Vive la Ópera, Teatro Leal, La Laguna www.teatroleal.es

September 28 12.30pm, Teófanes González (Live Music), Alfredo Kraus Auditorium, LPGC October 4 11.30am, Real Ciudad de Gáldar Municipal Music Band, Teatro Pérez Galdós, LPGC www.auditorioteatrolaspalmasgc.es October 5 11am, The Blue Note’s Guys (Acapella Concert), Teatro Pérez Galdós, LPGC

EXHIBITIONS

Festival Boreal, Los Silos www.festivalboreal.es September 20 9pm, ‘Jóvenes Cantadores’ (Young Singers), Municipal Sports Centre, San Miguel de Abona Festival Boreal (see September 19)

7pm, ‘Abono 2’ Gran Canaria Philharmonic Orchestra, Alfredo Kraus Auditorium, LPGC 8.30pm, The Bueno’s Band (Live Music), Teatro Guiniguada, LPGC

9pm, Timples y otras pequeñas guitarras del mundo (Timples and other small guitars from around the world), Teatro Leal, La Laguna, www.teatroleal.es

EXHIBITIONS Until September 30

7pm, Back to the 80’s (Live music), €12, Paraninfo, La Laguna www.tomaticket.es

Mixed: El antiguo tranvía de Tenerife (The old tram of Tenerife), Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (TEA), Santa Cruz Paintings: Acantilados y Muros (Cliffs and Walls), Casona de San Luis, Santa Úrsula Paintings and Drawings: Carlos and Raúl Ortega, Sala de Exposiciones del Antiguo Convento, Granadilla de Abona

Until September 21

Until October 1 Photography: Tiempo Infinito (Unlimited Time), Espacio Cultural La Casa de Piedra, Garachico

Until September 30

Until October 2

Photography: Tesoros de nuestro mar (Treasures of our sea), Museo Elder de la Ciencia y la Tecnología, LPGC

Paintings: Planos Urbanos (Urban maps), Real Sociedad Económica de Amigos del País de Tenerife, La Laguna

Until November 11

September 26

October 2

September 21

Modern Art: Pesos y Medidas (weights and measures), Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno, LPGC Modern Art: La Otra Orilla (the other shore), Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno, LPGC Paintings: Miradas al entorno ‘Staring at the environment’, Casa de la Cultura de Teror.

8.30pm, Kisster’s (Tribute to rock band KISS), €10, Teatro Guiniguada, LPGC

September 27

Paintings: Paisajes perdidos ‘Lost landscapes’, Edificio Cultural Ponce de León, LPGC Until January 4 Photography: Pieter Hugo ‘Este debe ser el lugar’ (This must be the place), Sala San Antonio Abad, LPGC

8pm, Star D’ Choir, Teatro Leal, La Laguna, www.teatroleal.es September 26 8.30pm, Sonic Universe Concert with Rick Wakeman and Brian May, Starmus Festival, Magma Arte y Congresos, Costa Adeje 8.30pm, Concierto de Entre2 (Live Music), Teatro Guimerá, Santa Cruz www.teatroguimera.es 9pm, Tanausú Luis presents his new album ‘En Tránsito’, €5, Paraninfo, La Laguna

Until October 12 Art: ‘Heavy Duty’ (Interior Design and Individual Objects), Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (TEA), Santa Cruz Until December 31 Art: ‘Garachico en el Corazón’, La Casa de Piedra, Garachico, www.garachico.es

For regular church, charity and recreational events, please see: www.islandconnections.eu/1000003/1000027/0/41004/living-lifestyle-article.html

Child’s play

Clowning around Garachico September 21 Starting at 7pm in La Caleta de Interián town square there will be a clown show. Free entry.

Exhibition

Enticing environment See various fascinating collections by a number of artists from the La Orotava area. Ángel Baute, Axu Peña, César González, Eliseo Álamo and Luisa Lynch are exhibiting 73 different images which, via the delicacy and emotion of each author, show their vision of all aspects of the environment, from the urban jungle to the reaches of the biosphere. Organisers of the exhibitions, Carmen Cintra and José María Salazar, sum up the overall content by saying, “Curves, infinity, reflections, shadows

SPIN NEWS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS | EDITION 730

Adeje

Enjoy your meal

and textures, with the uniting thread of the landscape.” See: ‘Cuando el paisaje interior habla’ in the La Casa de la Cultura de San Agustín, la Casa de la Juventud, La Sociedad Liceo de Taoro and la Sala de Arte Añepa, until September 25.

Concert

Back to the 80’s La Laguna September 19 & 21 The Pop Culture Band take you back to your youth with all the greatest hits. Tickets costs €12, available from: www.tomaticket.es.

Exhibition

Opera

Wikipedia

Love Monuments New, yet classic La Laguna September 27 ‘Get to know opera, live opera’ is an evening at the Teatro Leal from the voices of young Canarian singers discovering the beauty of that genre. Starts 8.30pm, see: www.teatroleal.com.

Dance

Patti Smith Santa Cruz September 27 Dramatic, funny and energetic: the Taiat Dansa company brings their show ‘We are going to make you dance: following in the footsteps of Patti Smith’ to the Guimerá theatre. See: www.teatroguimera.es.

Art in many forms Los Cristianos Until September 26 Multi talented artist Francisco Borges Salas exhibits his stunning ‘Passion of the visionary’ collection at the Cultural Centre in the town centre.

The Basílica in Candelaria would certainly be worth a photo

Wiki Loves Monuments is an annual competition which attracts participants from across the globe. Amateur and professional photographers alike are invited to submit images of the world’s historic monuments, which are then shared under free licences via Wikimedia Commons for usage on the site and for members of the public. Photos don’t have to be of just already well known monuments; any public object of cultural, historical, or scientific significance will be recognised. The contest is run on a national level, and nominated images at this stage then go on to be judged for the international event, for which there

are a number of prizes. Cultural heritage plays an important part of the information which Wikipedia disseminates and the competition provides a fabulous database of images and information: last year more than 365,000 submissions were made, from over 50 countries. You have until September 30 to upload your image. See: www.wikilovesmonuments. org. By the first week in September, of the 10.707 already loaded, only 240 were Spanish monuments – go on, why not take get snapping and show the world some of the fascinating Canary Islands’ culture.

September is gastronomy month in Adeje, with various activities organised to titillate the taste buds. For instance, on the 18 & 19 there is a Cheese, Honey and Gofio Show and Sell at the Gran Sur Shopping Centre from 10am until 9pm. On September 25 Canary Island Television will film the program ‘Our Meals’ at the CDTCA Tourism Development Centre – where you will need to sign up beforehand. For International Tourist Day on the 27 a gastronomic fair with music and activities will be held between 11am and

11pm in the Plaza de Salytien and Troya Beach I and II areas. On September 30 a workshop titled ‘Wine, Values and Life: A pleasure to meet you’ will take place between 9.30am and 6pm at the CDTCA Tourism Development Centre, price €15. You will also need to register before the event. In addition, this year’s Tapas Route sees an impressive 27 restaurants around the borough offering special deals on selected dishes until September 28. See: www.englishtimeadeje. com for the full programme.

Children’s activities

Fiesta fun La Laguna September 20/21 & 27/28 From 10am to 2pm there will be various children’s activities held in the Plaza de Cristo.

CLASSIFIEDS | CONTACTS | PASTIMES

19/09/2014 - 02/10/2014

HOROSCOPES

Classifieds

Sept. 19, 2014, to Oct. 2, 2014

Aries

Las Américas, professional massage (without clothes), artistic, relaxing, stress relief, sports massage, healthy prostate massage, erotic and more... harmonise your body, heart and mind. Natural and clean magic hands, escort. Tel: 697 393 510

Personal Services: nice, sporty, young Spanish lady, certified masseuse, toys and naughty lingerie also available. Discreet, hotel/home visits, reasonable prices. Viagra available. English spoken. Tel. 604 145 735 Erotic massages, also Tantric. Attractive Ladies from Germany, for gentlemen, ladies & couples: 619 614 380 (English spoken), 664 085 213. Other services: parties, escorts, photo shoots: (English spoken): 648 245 425. Marc (for ladies only, English spoken): 630 759 974 Los Cristianos, Margaret, 23 years old, beautiful, slim, white, dominant, erotic massages, natural French, horny, adventurous, spectacular hips, explode in my mouth, private apartment, discreet, 24 hours. 692 50 69 73 / 664 077 390 Las Américas, 40 years old, blonde, sexy, sympathetic,

massages and more. Tel. 0034 660 618 331 Las Galletas, hourglass figure, very loving, all services, two friends. Tel. 669 738 298 Las Chafiras, Pamela, Black, very loving, all services, relaxing, pain relieving and prostate massages, medium breasts. www.canarias69.com ‘Maya’. Tel. 635 801 105 Patricia from Venezuela, big breasts, French, different positions, massages, vibrators, very fetish, private apartment in Calle Noruega next to Altavista supermarket in Los Cristianos, I can travel. Tel. 672 517 821 33 years, Russian lady, Los Cristianos, high class escort, affectionate, sensual, provocative and very hot. Ideal for a demanding man. I will fulfil your fantasies. I’m available 24h. Tel. 638 344 470 Los Cristianos, sexy Latin ladies, very satisfying, we’ll

make your fantasies come true, big breasts, kisses, natural French, threesomes, lesbian and much more, private apartment, Edificio Marte, Avenida Monaco nº1. Tel. 661 122 877 – 617 799 355 Los Cristianos, young Brazilian woman, beautiful, voluptuous, big breasts, all services, serious men, discreet, from €50. Tel. 617 564 654 English model, showgirl, professional striptease, quality service, general entertainment, stag nights, dominatrix, fetish, luxury conditions, visits 24 hours, escort service available. Tel. 697 227 139 Novelty in Armeñime, Canarian friends await you in a private apartment. We do all services, massages, 69, kisses, sweet, different positions. We will enjoy great sex. We speak English, hotel visits. Tel. 645 178 229. More at www.guiasexcanarias.com

Taurus

(April 20 – May 20) Contemplation and introspection are your keywords for the next few weeks; in fact the whole year has been one of reflection so far.

Gemini

(May 21 – June 21) There’re still a few things that need to be worked out, try to be patient, there is time yet.

Cancer

(June 22 – July 22) In the spirit of adventure, accept all proposals over the coming week – you never know where they will lead.

Leo

(July 23 – August 22) Someone close to you is still trying to get your attention, make time to listen to them.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – September 22) Hopefully, you have resolved your recent problem, if not; stay with it, all will be well.

Libra [ For Crossword and Sudoku solution see General Services section pag 32]

Contacts Contacts

From buying a pet to moving house and everything in between

(Mar. 21 – April 19) As life speeds up a little now try not to worry, you will be able to keep up, no problem.

(Sept. 23 – October 22) Relaxation is exactly what the doctor ordered, hopefully you are able to unwind.

Scorpio

(Oct. 23 – November 21) Still mulling over all the possibilities? It’s time to make a decision one way or the other.

Sagittarius

(Nov. 22 – December 21) Sometimes life doesn’t always go the way you want it to – but it is still the way it should.

Capricorn

(Dec. 22 – January 19) Did you catch that opportunity or did it pass you by? Not seen it yet? Keep looking!

Aquarius

Across

7 - admit (6) 8 - solicitor (6) 10 - boastful behaviour (7) 11 - duties (5) 12 - cut (4) 13 - pariah (5) 17 - seabirds (5)

18 - nothing (4) 22 - map (5) 23 - repeats (7) 24 - domain (6) 25 - decorates (6)

Down

1 - apes (7) 2 - go forward (7) 3 - body of water (5) 4 - associate (7) 5 - rover (5) 6 - wind instrument (5) 9 - countenanced (9) 14 - movers on ice (7)

15 - listeners (7) 16 - be (7) 19 - group of eight (5) 20 - curbs (5) 21 - sour substances (5)

(January 20 – February 18) If you are looking for closure you won’t find it: Life’s cyclical nature continues on – go with the flow.

Pisces

(February 19 – March 20) An improvement in all your personal relationships should be making itself obvious, but you still have to work at it.

Property for rent

Property

Island connections media group s.l. www.islandconnections.eu

Island Connections Online: www.islandconnections.eu

Classifieds Deadline

Next Edition 727

The deadline for edition 731, which is published on 3rd Oct. is 1st Oct. No classifieds will be taken after this date.

Head Office Tenerife: Calle Francisco Feo Rodríguez 6º- first floor. Pol. Industrial Las Chafiras 38620 - San Miguel de Abona. Tel. 922 750 609 Fax: 922 795 810 Office Hours: Mon-Frid 9am-5pm

Classifieds Info: For personal and professional help in placing your classified in Island Connections all you need to do is pop along to our new offices in Las Chafiras and speak to our Staff. Not only is Island Connections here to ensure that your advertisement reaches its target market, we will also advise on sizing requirements for maximum exposure, with prices to suit your pocket.

Rates: * Lineage classifieds: From 16 € * Boxed Ads: Colour Module 47,25€ * Long Term: Ask for long term advertising (3, 6, 12 months) and our special discounts.

You are welcome to come to our offices in Las Chafiras to place small ads. Card payment facilities are available.

iCMEDiA Publications

Retired gentleman seeks long let in south Tenerife. Studio or small apartment, €400 -500 per month inclusive all bills. Must be ver y clean, to commence in Februar y. Email: colinfischer56@hotmail. com or call: 699162952 Office space for rent, furnished or unfurnished. community, electric, and WiFi included. Special assistance for new start up businesses, no deposit or bank guarantees needed, contact Chris on 667 554 800 to arrange a viewing Playa Américas, studio for rent, fully furnished and equipped, central location, quiet area, close to beach, no finder’s fees, €430 per month, bills included, call 620 230 871 / 922 751113 Retired English couple with excellent references seeks a 2/3 bedroom apartment to rent for 3 months from 7/12/14, preferably central Los Cristianos. Tel. 603 261 322 Winter letting north west Tenerife Old Canarian house in Buenavista del Norte, three month minimum contract. Two bedrooms, tiny shower/toilet, lounge, small dining area, fitted kitchen, large garden. Very central for all services, very few stairs. From €400 per month. 669 652 149 Playa Las Américas, two bedroom, two bathroom apartment for rent, well furnished and equipped, central location, quiet area, close to the beach. No finder’s fees. €750 bill included. Call 620 230 871 / 922 751 113 Winter letting Puerto de la Cruz Studio apartment, 24 hour concierge, pool, sea views. Minimum three month contract. €500 per month. 669 652 149 3 bedroom apartment in Vista Hermosa complex, Los Cristianos, fully furnished, 2 bathrooms, €900 per month includes bills, first and last months rent plus one months damage deposit, E-mail baytreejohn@aol.com or call 07518 035960 Los Cristianos, central apartments, 1 and 2 bedrooms, furnished, Tel: 649 142 612 Los Cristianos Cactus 2, for rent attractive two bedroom apartment, sea views, pool, satellite TV, large terrace, unsuitable for children, €650 per month + bills, minimum 3 months. Tel. 629 606 494

CLASSIFIEDS | PROPERTY

ISLAND CONNECTIONS | EDITION 730 Two bedroom apartment with bathroom, kitchen, balcony, in very quiet area. For rent, €390 all included. Please call 659 098 653 (Juan) Valle San Lorenzo

Property for sale Los Cristianos, central apartments, 1 and 2 bedrooms, furnished, Tel: 649 142 612 €39.990 Sunny apartment for sale (Studio) in Playa Paraiso (Tenerife-South), 40 m2, with balcony, spectacular sea views, pools, SAT-TV. Very near to the beach, supermarket, restaurants and bus-stop. Private sale. Tel. 922 30 15 75, email: mesa3@telefonica.nice Villa for sale in San Isidro, 11,500 m2, living area 400 m2, 4 bedrooms, living room, 4 bathrooms, kitchen, dining room, office, double garage, utility room, hobby room, pool, sauna. Telephone 922 390 951, email: horstbrett@gmx. de. Price: €990.000 (negotiable) possibility of payment terms. Website: horstbrett.de Apartment Tabaiba Alta for sale, only five mins away from the German school, roughly 102ms, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, living room, utility room, garden, big terrace. Spectacular views of the sea and mountain, big garage with 2 spaces, 2 closed store rooms, price €180,000, mob. 686 798 367, email eoptenerife@gmail.com www.teneriffa-fincas.net For Sale! Favourable living in the sun. Staying at the most beautiful camping place of Tenerife. Nice view of the sea and La Gomera . A Caravan (Weippert) with compact wooden front structure. (Aluminium windows and doors). Total 40 sqm. Fully equipped with TV, washingmachine and so on. p.jaegertf@gmail.com or Tel. 922 85 06 85 Los Cristianos centre near beach, I’m selling 2 business units together (90 + 40 m2) – They can be separate. Updated installations. Each one has an alarm and air conditioning. Tel. 922 792 168 – 649 142 612 Comercial property for sale in Los Cristianos Calle Suecia, best place for a store or cafe! Directly from the owner. 42 square meters. Phone: 922 726 029 / 696 978 211 Looking to swap my house in Tenerife for a house in Dublin or surroundings. If agreed, the

time could be arranged. From a month to a year time gap. Call Carmen 693 727 683

Urb. Oasis Dakota, Playa Fañabé

Property Wanted - Kundalini is expanding. In Los Cristianos, Las Américas and Fañabé areas. Four or Five bedrooms and bathrooms, lounge, terrace and if possible a pool. Exclusive area with discreet entrance. Ask for Irene: 693 979 153

165,000€ · Tel 629 244958

Amarilla Bay, Costa del Silencio, large, two bedrooms, two bathrooms apartment to rent. Fully furnished, English TV, three balconies, community swimming pool, close to all local amenities. €550 per month plus bills. Telephone 659 489 690. Best Deal Properties from banks & firstline. Bungalow Club Atlantis, 2 bedrooms €249,000; Fañabe beach 1 bedroom, €170,000; Torviscas beach 2 bedrooms 159 m2, €250,000; Torviscas 2 bedrooms, €110,000; Cristianos beach €118,000. Tel. 628 486 190 – 922 718 257

3 bed semi detached, toilet, complete bathroom, separate kitchen, totally equipped, furnished, 35m2 terrace, secure access to pool, infant park, good views, beside commercial centres, 800m from Playa Fañabé, community fees 30€/month,

Opportunity in Torviscas Alto (Playa Fañabé) Apartment, 60m2, one bed, furnished with terrace 8m2, views over the pool and La Gomera. Quiet neighbourhood, near to commercial centres, Playa Fañabé , safe, communal zones. Community pool. Community monthly fee, €49. Excellent investment. Price €75,000. Iñaky - Tel. 629.24.49.58 aska_tenis@hotmail.com

www.villatenerifenorte.com (Web: English, D,F, E)

8% Commission to intermediaries. 690.000 €

One of the most beautiful fincas! Villa and Guesthouse. Pool, Sauna Whirpool, Tennis court, Bodega, Garage, Water tank. Nice view to the sea and Teide, 8,500 sqm. P.o.r. p.jaegertf@gmail.com or Tel. 922 850 685 Two ver y good business premises for sale. Leasehold, restaurant near beach in Los Cristianos, €120,000, and bar/snacks Los Cristianos, €65,000. Tel. 690 676 527

For Long Term Rent mature people preferred. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, big kitchen, 1 terrace, living room, garden with fruit trees, in quiet area. Tel. 609 531 178 or e-mail: melquiadesm@ hotmail.com

Private Sale 10.800 m2 Tel. (0034) 682 392 956

Multinational company seeks business premises of between 100 and 140 m2 in the area of CC Safari, Tenerife and Paseo Comercial Meloneras, Las Palmas. Rent or transfer. Interested parties please contact 628 945 418.

VILLA FOR SALE Situated in the Real Golf Club Tenerife, in Tacoronte.

243 m2, Garage for two cars. Hall with a little toilet, dining room, living room, 2 bedrooms with 2 complete bathrooms, dress room, kitchen, service bedroom with bathroom, and terrace around the villa. The garden: 750 m2.

LOS CRISTIANOS

Lovely condition 1 bed with 1 bathroom apartment plus balcony. All New kitchen, All New Bathroom, New Furnishing, very good condition. Nice size balcony, town views, great location well run complex with pools.

Fully furnished. Well Priced £113,000.

EEC Registered. Call Alan. (0034) 667513689

Information Tel. +34 659 928 805

CLASSIFIEDS | PROPERTY

19/09/2014 - 02/10/2014

San Miguel Village

Property for sale

Golf Del Sur

4 bed, 4 bath villa

Already sub-divided into three separate residences, all with independent private entrances. Or retain as a 4 bed, 4 bath for a growing family. Extensively refurbished and must be seen to be appreciated. Meticulously Maintained Penthouse Studio Apartment Prime area of Puerto de la Cruz. Secure garage, heated pool, private garden area. Beautiful furnishing etc.

€315,000 Tel: 627 629 933

Opportunity in Playa de Las Américas

Apartment, 55m , one bed, American kitchen, terrace. Excellent location, 2 minutes from the beach. Community pool, excellent investment opportunity. 2

Price: €85,000 Tel: 629 244 958

One of the most beautiful fincas!

Villa and Guesthouse. Pool, Sauna Whirpool, Tenniscourt, Bodega, Garage, Watertank. Nice view to the sea and Teide, 8,500 sqm. P.o.r. p.jaegertf@gmail.com or Tel. 922 850 685

El Camisón 247.56m2, very quiet, close to the park and Hospiten, triplex and private garage with electric doors. Three bedroom with three complete bathrooms. Independent kitchen, dining room with air conditioning, terrace with awning and BBQ. Independent water tank (750 litres). New electrical system. Own satellite system and community TV.

Tel: 639 515154

Tel. 922 514 156

Laderas de Palm Mar

Nice one bedroom apartment situated in the idyllic area of Palm Mar. This is on a modern complex with pools and easy access to the sea front and restaurants. Residential complex, tranquil setting, priced to sell!

Price € 99,000 Please call Alan 667 513 689

Double bedroom, fitted wardrobes, shower, WC, hand basin, gas boiler, 4 gas rings, microwave, kitchen diner, TV, DVD, Hi-Fi, CD system, patio, sea view, table and chairs, swimming pool, security gate,parking, rates paid till March 2015. For sale furnished €25,000 UK Tel. 0044 (0) 1903690309. UK Mob. 07973349111. Spain Tel. 0034 922 136 778. Spain Mob. 646 586 318

For Sale - Rural house in Aldea Blanca, San Miguel, Tenerife

a very popular Theme Bar, well established and profitable, good location, near to beach in Los Cristianos. Price: 265,000€.

Tel: 690 676 527

Wooden house for sale in Arafo (La Hidalga) Terrain 1520m, 2 floors, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (one with bath and one with shower), kitchen, living room, upper parquet floor with tiles, quiet location with fabulous sea-Mountain views. Good connection south motorway. Negotiable price. 180.000€

Great Opportunity San Eugenio Apartment 1 double bedroom, 55 m2, furnished large terrace with sea views. Community pool, bar, 24 hour reception, security, supermarket... Price 69.000 euros. Tel: 629 244 958

Property for sale

Duplex with extension, 1 bathroom 1 toilet, separate kitchen, with garage and utility room. Next to Adeje police station, music conservatory, Supermarkets, schools etc. €100,000

Chalet on Camp Site Guía de Isora

Reduced to €115,000 Tel. 922 383 573. johnmcglynn@blueyonder.co.uk For a link to 25 internet pictures at http://www.vintagetechnology. org/page37.html

Opportunity to purchase freehold,

Smallholding: 3,000m2 with 350m2 property In Playa de La Tejita (El Médano). With permission to construct a further 20 per cent, practically on the beach front of the Playa de La Tejita (El Médano). Unique opportunity in Tenerife. Price was €250,000, now €170,000 due to transfer. Tel: 629 244 958

Residencial La Duquesa Playa Fañabé

3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, front and back garden, community pool.

€455,000

Tel. 629 244 958

Land 400 m 2, built 230 m 2, three bed, two bath, barbecue and wood burning stove, pool, garage for two cars, patio with planters, kitchen with pantry, fireplace, wood fitted ceilings, fitted wardrobes. €398,000. Contact José Guadalupe Mobile 676 399 652 josejguadalupe@gmail.com

Bungalow Golf del Sur (Fairways-Village) 88m2 built and fully renovated. 190m2 garden with 9m2 Porch. 2 bedrooms. 2 bathrooms, one of them on suite. Open kitchen, living room and dinning room attached. Private pool and community pool. Community €110, includes a gardener who takes care of the garden entrance to the house Price: €205.000

WINDSOR PARK San Eugenio Alto Exclusive!

Fantastic Coastal and Pool Views from this 2 bed 2 bath Apartment, with Large 30sm Terrace, Fully furnished. Walking distance to shops and Puerto Colon. Well maintained complex with 2 pools.

Priced at 139,000 Euros. Great Value! Ring Alan: 667 513 689 for appointment to view.

Residencial

La Duquesa Playa Fañabé

Opportunity in Playa de Las Américas

Apartment, 55m2, one bed, American kitchen, terrace. Excellent location, 2 minutes from the beach. Community pool, excellent investment opportunity.

Price: €85,000 Tel: 629 244 958

3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, front and back garden, community pool. €455,000 Tel. 629 244 958

“Mobile home” in prime position. Camping Nauta Purpose built 2008. Double glazed. Large Approx 65m2. 2 big bedrooms. Fully tiled bathroom. Fitted kitchen. Spacious Loung dinner. All electric. Laminate floors. Air con. Garden. Car parking. Use of all site facilities. €36.000 Phone: 693 760 769

SAN EUGENIO ALTO DON’T MISS THIS EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY Apartments 58m2, 1 double bedroom. Renovated and furnished, living/dining room.

Urb. La Tagora • San Eugenio Alto

American kitchen and large terrace.

New 3 bedroom luxury villa 650,000€

Price €56,000 Tel. 629 244 958

(0034) 634 072 328 (0034) 922 72 44 16

CLASSIFIEDS | GENERAL SERVICES

ISLAND CONNECTIONS | EDITION 730

Lamp Factory

General Services

Buy during your holidays We deliver to your home country Ctra. General C-820, Travesía la Panadería, 1 38440 Santo Domingo (La Guancha) Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Tel / Fax: 922 130 301

www.toldoscordobaobelisco.com

MASONIC MEETINGS

Logia Ave Fenix Nº 73

Kitchen Co.

Kitchen Bathroom & Building Mark has a great team of professionals for your kitchen, bathroom, building work, plumbing, aluminium doors & windows, electrical work, painting & decorating, plastering, parquet flooring, etc. Plans & permits included. Long term guarantees on all work. Happily living & working in Tenerife since 1987 For general help & advice, please call Mark on 619 472 458 or 922 362 834 or email mark@kitchenco.es

ISLAND CONNECTIONS PICKUP POINT

Edificio Simón, Los Cristianos. Meetings every fourth Tuesday starting in October 2014 (Installation) until the fourth Tuesday in April 2015

All Visitors welcome Contact John Donaldson (Secretary):

(+34) 922 178 091 or donaldsonjh@yahoo.co.uk

GESTIÓN DE FUGAS

TENERIFE 2014 S.L.

Pipe burst detection • Leackage detection Pressure pipe Pool Flat roofs • Pipe cleaning Television Pipe location

Clínica Dental Fañabé C.C. Fañabé Plaza

Mob. 649 956 898 629 637 026 Tel. / Fax 922 772 000 e-mail: tubo-control@web.de

Playa Fañabé

www.tubo-control.eu

Golfers – great opportunity

The Santiago del Teide Lion’s Club currently has a number of secondhand sets of clubs at very reasonable prices – don’t miss out, be first off the tee! Visit their shop below the plaza in Puerto Santiago (Behind Vigillia Park), Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10am-1pm and Wednesdays 2pm to 8pm.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS PICKUP POINT Fruteria Agaves Ed. Agaves, Av. Venezuela 6

Playa de Las Américas

Spanish and English Lawyers

Conveyancing • Inheritance & Wills Family Law • Criminal Law Civil Litigation & Personal Injury Timeshare • Tax & Commercial law

Roy Lewis Carpentry 667 76 40 56 roylewiscarpentry@hotmail.co.uk

DO YOU WANT TO ADVERTISE YOUR COMPANY HERE 922 750 609

T: E:

www.mpg.com.es Learn how to speak Spanish with lessons, audio, video and games, including the alphabet, phrases, vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and activities. Only with a native teacher. Puerto de la Cruz area, call Saida. Tel: 630 574 073

tenerife@decottalaw.net

www.decottalaw.net MPG TENERIFE

Offices

for cargos destined for: Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera y El Hierro

TRANSPORT AGENCY, FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS, IN THE CANARY ISLANDS Importation and exportation Full and part containers Sea and air transport Customs Removals Storage Consultancy Customs’ depot Quotes in Canary Islands and UK

922 719 520

Av. de Los Pueblos, Residencial Villaflor B-20, San Eugenio

MPG TRÁNSITOS IS YOUR ENGLISH SPEAKING

Polígono Cueva Bermeja 2 parcela 38180 Santa Cruz de Tenerife Tel: +34 922 247 522 / 247 778 email: c.toledo@mpg.com.es / f.gonzalez@mpg.com.es

MPG LAS PALMAS for cargos destined for Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura y Lanzarote Avd. Petrolíferas s/n Edificio Pérez y Cia 35008 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Tel: +34 928 461 086 / 460 494 email: a.garcia@mpg.com.es / n.hernandez@mpg.com.es

logistics

“25 years of Experience in the Sector is Our Guarantee”

UK FCS Logistics Ltd Cooper House, Haven Exchange South Felixstowe, Suffolk IP11 2QE Tel: +44 1394 284929 / 282347 email: lwilcox@focslogistics.com / ghope@focslogistics.com

Items For Sale Double bed sofa, blue pattern, 205cm in lenght, good condition. €100 Approx. 1000 box videos, all original (offers invited). Approx. 1000 new books, mainly fiction (offers invited).

Tel. 922 58 23 78

Rocket Café An American style diner selling 100 per cent beef homemade burgers; homemade cakes; the best coffees; and exquisite cocktails. C/ Luis Alvarez Cruz, 5 (Opposite the post office), Las Galletas: 922 731 847

ISLAND CONNECTIONS PICKUP POINT

Basil Roy Lewis

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday 9 am to 2 pm & 4 pm to 9 pm

English Library Opp. Yeoward School Puerto de la Cruz

Integrated Tax Planning and Wealth Management since 1975

922 716 079 www.blevinsfranks.com

Tenerife’s leading specialist in the manufacture, repair and installation of all types of awnings, canopies, interior and exterior blinds. Manual or electric.

Specialists in the manufacture, repair and installation of all types of industrial and domestic shutters, security grilles, garage doors. Electric or manual. Remote controlled systems.

PRESTIGE GARDEN FURNITURE COMPANY

C/ Agustín Millares 20 · Armeñime · 38678 Adeje

Tel/Fax: 922 74 08 88 · Mobile: 660 878 763 Showroom open: Monday to Friday 9:00-17:00 www.theprestigegroup.es · info@theprestigegroup.es

High quality garden and terrace furniture

CLASSIFIEDS | MISC. SERVICES / SIT. VACANT

Car for sale

Vehicles for sale

Sell your car here!

Mercedes Benz CLK 200, cabriolet, automatic, 1999, metallic-silver, petrol, 92.000 km. 9.800€ Tel. 602 453 718 OPEL COMB O-C

1 Module

ONLY

€

* IGIC included

VAN 1.6 L

* 2003, ITV 09.2012 , blue CD radio, central loc metallic, king system with remote key, ele ctric windows, Tel. 690 229 216, € 4,900.00

The Canary Island’s biggest fortnightly English newspaper read by thousands of tourists & residents

Situations Vacant / wanted Regional distributor seeks commercial staff for Gran Canaria and Lanzarote English essential. Please send your CV to: comercialesgc@ gmail.com

DO MORE THAN HOPE

FOR THE BEST

902 886 226 www.todocancer.org

ISLAND CONNECTIONS PICKUP POINT

aecc Join us and combat cancer

Clínica Dental Fañabé C.C. Fañabé Plaza Playa Fañabé

19/09/2014 - 02/10/2014 Promotions company with more than 10 years experience in selling attractive, high quality products in Tenerife markets, 5 star hotels and superstores is looking for open minded full/part time promoters, who like to present and sell in live promotion. No selling experience is required. Contract + Social Security + fixed salary + commission is guaranteed. Feel free to contact us for further information. Office: 922 781 548 fax: 922 781 548 Mob: 629 493 799

FRUSTRATED WITH THE LANGUAGE BARRIER?

Qualified and experienced native

Tel: 649 882 366

English, German, Russian and Spanish teachers wanted for new language school in El Médano. Please send your CV to info@babelacademy.es

ISLAND CONNECTIONS PICKUP POINT

A new upcoming business is looking for attractive, high

I’m a Spanish translator and can help with the doctor’s, school, NIE’s, community meetings etc.

Letters & CV’s also translated

Frutería Horfruca Avenida Habana 12,

Los Cristianos

class and opened minded women, to

work in a different and exciting profession. Call 669 977 993 for more information.

Live-in nanny required

For advertising that really works CALL

in south area. Should have experience. Please send your CV to e-mail lin@rebl.biz or call 696 713 635 Lin

922 750 609 Seeking highly motivated distributors for a natural product. This is not only for Tenerife but also for the UK. Send CV to oroten10@ gmail.com or call 0034 922 985 462

iCMEDiA

Exploring the Canary Islands By Barbara and Sophie Belt The Canary Islands are situated in the Atlantic Ocean, southwest of Spain and north-west of Africa, directly in front of the coast of Morocco. Because of this unique geographical situation, the Canaries have always been an important location for navigation between Europe, Asia and America. The Greeks and Romans reported on this volcanic archipelago, although there are some indications that the Phoenicians were the first to arrive here by sea. The Greeks called the Canary Islands the Fortunate Islands, the Garden of Hesperides. Some writers have suggested that the Canary Islands are what’s left of the legendary continent Atlantida after it sunk into the sea. The Islands’ original population, generally known as Guanches though there were various names around the islands, probably came over from Africa and were of Berber origins. In the late 1400s, after a series of conquests, the Islands became part of the kingdom of Castilla, and Christopher Columbus stopped here on his way to discover the new world.

Playa Las Vistas, Los Cristianos, Tenerife

The Canaries have what is considered to be one of the best climates anywhere on the planet. The average temperature in winter is 19ºC; 23ºC in summer. This ideal climate is thanks to the fresh trade winds (los Alisios), the Gulf Stream, which cools its coasts during the hotter months, and the warm influence of the Azores anticyclone in winter; these factors are made possible by the islands’ exceptional geographical position, in an area of

transition and contact between high pressure and western winds. This ‘eternal spring’ as it has been called, makes the Islands the perfect destination for tourism all year round. The Canary Islands receive over five million tourists a year; 5.712.668 in 2013. Initially, when the tourism boom took off, it was better known as a sun and sand destination, however, it is now recognised that the options for leisure

and entertainment are endless, from the beaches of all shapes, sizes and colours and all the activities the coast has to offer: surfing, sailing, diving, whale and dolphin watching; to some of the best hiking in Europe through drastically contrasting landscapes, scaling volcanoes, star-gazing in Europe’s clearest skies, paragliding, trying the unique food, wines and liqueurs, professional entertainers and visiting some of the world’s best

Leisure parks (see Tripadvisor’s reviews of the Loro Parque and Siam Park). The many varied landscapes offer something for everyone. El Hierro is so green in the north that people have been known to compare it to Ireland (mostly those who have never been to Ireland!), and gets more visibly volcanic as you travel south, with expanses of ‘malpaís’, fields of lava, where nothing can grow. La Gomera and La Palma are a

world of different greens, covered in endemic species and very steep hills. Their ravines open up as they get lower, changing the mountain vegetation for subtropical plants, (prickly pear, agave) and fruit trees, and finishing with black sand coves and cliffs. Tenerife is arid in the south and dotted with sprawling tourist resorts and golf courses, but gets greener and prettier as you go north, where there are some beautiful old towns with elegant Canarian architecture and spectacular views of Teide, often snow-capped in the winter. Gran Canaria, the ‘miniature continent’, has pine-forests and imposing ravines on top, black sand and cliffs, a large city in the north, and tourist resorts with long white sand beaches and sand dunes in the south. Not forgetting Puerto Mogán, the Little Venice of the Canary Islands. And Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are reminiscent of parts of Africa, with practically no green and no high mountains but lots of volcanic cones, and kilometres of white-sand beaches where the turquoisetoned Atlantic looks more like the Caribbean.

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Tenerife

19/09/2014 - 02/10/2014 to the value of either €15 or €25 are available, and can be used on all routes. They are on sale in any of the TITSA bus stations and also in a number of kiosks and small establishments (often newsagents), identified with a green sticker on the window. If your Bono-bus has insufficient credit to purchase your last journey, the difference can be made up in cash on the bus, but not with another Bono-bus TITSA Tel: (0034) 922 531 130 www.titsa.com. Tram: The tram, Metro Tenerife, covers two routes. The first is Santa Cruz-La Laguna, with 21 stops. The journey takes about 40 minutes in total. Route number two joins La Cuesta and Tincer, and is therefore not so good for sightseeing. The journey between Santa Cruz and La Laguna costs under €1.50, and tickets can be bought from the ticket machines at all the stops. When you get on the tram you must validate your ticket in one of the machines on board. Taxis: Tenerife taxis are white and unless they are minivans the maximum number of passengers is four, including children. Eurotaxis have ramps for wheelchairs. Eurotaxis, Santa Cruz: (0034) 609 867 581 / 607 612 816 / 629 132 269 Taxi Santa Cruz: (0034) 937 780 030 · www.teletaxi.es Radiotaxi San Pedro: (0034) 922 310 000

Teatro Guimerá Plaza Isla de la Madera, s/n Tel: (0034) 922 609 408/922 609 400 www.teatroguimera.es

San Cristóbal de La Laguna A 40 minute tram ride from Santa Cruz (10 minutes by taxi) is the city of La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Be prepared, the temperature can be up to 10ºC cooler than in Santa Cruz! La Laguna is a university city with a lively night life and a thriving cultural scene. Its XVI/XVII century historical centre is a stunning example of elegant Canarian architecture with wide and mainly pedestrian-only streets and lovely cafés and shops for all budgets. A stroll through Calle La Carrera is not to be missed, and the same applies to the Plaza del Adelantado and the La Laguna Cathedral, recently reopened after years of reconstruction and renovation. Other significant historical buildings (to name just a few) are the Casa Lercaro, which houses the city’s History Museum, and the Concepción Church, which has been an important part of the Lagunero’s social and religious lives for hundreds of years.

Parque Marítimo César Manrique (next to the Auditorium)

Santa Cruz de Tenerife The capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a vibrant, bustling city with various museums and a well maintained historical centre in the part of the city closest to the sea, near its important commercial port. Well worth a visit, a stroll through its pedestrian streets reveals any number of shops, restaurants and cafés, some in impressive historical buildings from the XVI and XVII century, and the city blends historical and modern buildings in a pleasingly eclectic mix. For dinner and drinks the fashionable place to go is Calle de la Noria. When the kitchens close around midnight the restaurants turn into cocktail bars and clubs, open until 3am. Notable landmarks in the historical town centre are the Concepción Church, first built in 1500; the San Francisco Church; Plaza del Príncipe de Asturias; Plaza de La Candelaria and the Nuestra Señora de África municipal market. Another must-see is Santiago Calatrava’s beautiful auditorium, Auditorio Adán Martín, which

The Adán Martín Auditorium

contrasts with the Atlantic as the sun shines off its white mosaic tiles. Santa Cruz is not just about buildings and shops. If you need a rest and a refreshing swim the city has a long, yellow sand beach which can be easily accessed via local buses. The beach, Las Teresitas, has excellent swimming, access for people with reduced mobility, and beach bars where you can have a cold beer or a delicious fish meal. If you don’t want to have to go outside the city for your swim, try the César Manrique Maritime Park, with its impressive salt-water swimming pools, solarium and natural beach. It also has restaurants and a mini-club. Next to the César Manrique Park is the Palmetum, a spectacular 12 hectare botanical garden specialising in palm trees. It’s a subtropical wilderness which makes it difficult to believe that the site was once a huge rubbish tip.

Useful information

Open every day. Sun-Thurs: 10am-8pm, Fri, Sat: 10am-Midnight Adults: €2.50, Children (under 12): €1.50, Over 65s: €1.50 Tel: (0034) 922 229 368 https://es-es.facebook.com/parque.manrique

Palmetum Open Tues-Sun 11am-2pm, 4pm-6pm. Last entries 45 minutes prior to closing. Adults: €4, Children (under 12): €2.80, Canarian residents €1-1.50 Tel: (0034) 697 651 127 info@palmetumsantacruz.com

Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre (Nature and Man) Open Tues-Sat 9am-8pm, Sun, Mon 10am-5pm Tel: (00 34) 922 535 816 www.museosdetenerife.org

Santa Cruz Tourist Office Plaza de España Tel: (0034) 922 281 287 / 922 289 287 Open Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm, Sat, Sun: 9.30am-1.30pm

Museo Militar (Military Museum)

Public transport

Castillo de San Cristóbal

Buses: TITSA has buses that go all over the island. The main bus station is in Santa Cruz, near the Auditorium. Clients can choose to purchase a ticket on the bus for each individual journey or to buy a Bono-bus ticket, a bus card which can be shared by various people and will mean saving up to 50 per cent of the fare. Bono-buses

Plaza de España Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm http://www.museosdetenerife.org

C/ San Isidro, 2 · Tel: (0034) 922 274 224 Open: Mon-Fri 10am-2pm ecocmar@et.mde.es

Auditorio Adán Martín Tel: (0034) 922 568 600 www.auditoriodetenerife.com

The Concepción church

Taxi: Radiotaxi La Laguna (0034) 922 255 555

La Laguna Tourist Office Casa Alvaro Bracamonde. C/ La Carrera, 7 Tel: (0034) 922 631 194/922 601 106 The tourist office offers a free guided route around the city. Call to make a reservation.

Museo de Historia y Antropología de Tenerife - La Casa Lercaro C/ San Agustín, 22 Open Tues-Sat: 09am-8pm, Sun, Mon, Bank holidays: 10am-5pm www.museosdetenerife.org

HOLIDAY GUIDE

ISLAND CONNECTIONS | EDITION 730

Avda. Los Menceyes, 70 Tel: (0034) 922 315 265 Open Tues-Sat: 9am-8pm Sun, Mon, Bank holidays: 10am-5pm www.museosdetenerife.org

Fiestas Corpus Christi: (beautiful flower carpets on the streets), a moveable feast related to Easter, often in June. Santísimo Cristo: The main La Laguna fiestas with an impressive firework display on September 14 to accompany the procession of the Santísimo Cristo’s image through the streets.

There are also events during the whole month of September, with Classical, Rock and Pop music concerts, DJ sessions and activities and shows for children. Easter: The Procesión Magna is on Holy Friday at 5pm, and the Procesión Silenciosa is at 9pm on the same evening. They have great religious significance but also a high cultural and artistic value. Romería of San Benito: The locals parade the image of the saint through the neighbourhood of San Benito, clad in traditional regional dress, alongside beautifully decorated carts pulled by oxen. The mood is festive, with plenty of wine and traditional food and countless folklore groups singing and dancing. In San Benito on the Sunday closest to June 11.

Puerto de La Cruz At the foot of El Teide, the town of Puerto de la Cruz was a popular tourist destination long before the south of the island was. By the 1950s it was already a cosmopolitan city, open to the sea and boasting first class hotels blended with traditional Canarian architecture. Nowadays it attracts fewer tourists, but is still an attractive and busy town centre which has maintained its picturesque fishing-village charm. The municipality also boasts many volcanic black sand beaches, the salt-water swimming pool complexes of Lago Martiánez, Playa Jardín and Punta Brava, a spectacular botanical garden and of course, the prestigious, award-winning Loro Parque Zoo. Taxis: Servitaxi (0034) 922 378 999

Fiestas San Juan: Bonfires are lit on the beaches on the eve of San Juan, June 23. Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen: Patron saint of fisherman, the Virgen is taken on a maritime procession, with a big fiesta and spectacular Photo: www.inselteneriffa.com

Museo de la Ciencia y el Cosmos

fireworks later on, July 16. Fiesta del Cacharro y la Castaña (Festival of the pot and chestnut). On St. Andrew’s day, this time honoured feast is very lively and a great opportunity to try the local wine and delicacies, November 28.

Puerto de la Cruz Tourist Office Casa de la Aduana, C/ las Lonjas, s/n Tel: (0034) 922 386 000 Centro de Información Turística C/ Puerto Viejo, 13 Tel: (0034) 922 370 243 / 922 388 777

Loro Parque Avda. Loro Parque s/n Tel: (0034) 922 373 841 Open every day from 8.30am to 6.45pm Tickets: Non Residents: Adults: €34 Children 611: €23. Canarian Residents: Adults: €19.50 Children: 6-11 €13.50. Children under 6: Free. Do check out the fabulous behind-the-scenes Discovery Tour: well worth the small additional payment. There are regular direct buses from the south of the island if required. www.loroparque.com

Lago Martiánez Avda. de Cristóbal Colón, 1 Tel: (0034) 922 385 955 Open: January 1 - May 31 and September 16 - December 30: 10am-6pm, June 1 – September 15: 10am-7pm Last entries one hour before closing time. Adults and children over 10: €3.50 Children under 10: €1.20

HOLIDAY GUIDE

La Orotava

Playa de Las Américas Tourist Office Plaza del Centro Comercial City Centre Avda. Rafael Puig, 19 Tel: (0034) 922 797 668 Taxis: (0034) 922 715 407

Los Cristianos One of the prettiest towns on the island (La Laguna’s historical centre permitting), La Orotava also gives its name to the whole valley, which has a very prosperous history. The town centre has beautiful old mansions reflecting the wealth of some of its early inhabitants. The Concepción Church in La Orotava is the finest example of Baroque architecture in the Canaries, and the Calle San Francisco, behind it, after the Calle del Colegio, is lined with impressive XVII and XVIII century mansions. The most renowned fiesta is Corpus Christi, where the streets are filled with carpets made of flowers and ground down volcanic stones from Teide National Park.

La Orotava Tourist Office C/ Calvario, 4 Tel: (0034) 922 323 041

Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos have grown so much it’s hard to say where one ends and the other begins. Once a little fishing village, Los Cristianos’ beginnings as a tourist destination was as a favourite place for ailing Swedes to get some rest and recuperation. There’s still a fishing fleet, however, so fresh fish is a local speciality. From the port you can take a ferry to La Gomera, La Palma or El Hierro: the smaller, less ‘touristy’ islands of the province. The two main beaches, Playa de los Cristianos and Playa de las Vistas, are long, white sand beaches with safe swimming most of the year round plus disabled access. Holiday attractions are similar to those of Playa de las Américas.

Los Cristianos Tourist Offices Avda. Juan Carlos I, (Bus station) Tel: (0034) 922 730 133 Paseo Marítimo Playa de las Vistas Tel: (0034) 922 787 011

Güímar

Taxis: (0034) 922 747 511

This north eastern town is best known for the ethnographic park developed by Thor Heyerdahl.

Urb. Las Aguilas del Teide, s/n Tel: (0034) 922 729 806 Open: 10am-5.30pm (last entry one hour before closing) Prices: Residents: Adults: €18.50, Children: €12.50, Toddlers: €6.50 Non-residents: Adults: €24, Children: €17, Toddlers: €8

Pirámides de Güímar C/ Chacona s/n 38500, Güímar Tel: (0034) 922 514 510 www.piramidesdeguimar.es The Güímar Pyramids are a complex construction in the shape of staggered pyramids, astronomically orientated according to the winter and summer solstices. The park gives you the chance to find out more about these purportedly pre-historic monuments which have many similarities to the pyramids in Egypt, Mesopotamia and Sicily. Open every day 9.30am-6pm Prices: Adults: €11, Children: €5.50, Students: €7.65

Jungle Park

Costa Adeje Costa Adeje is an upmarket area of the South of Tenerife which in the last years has become increasingly popular with European, Russian and national non-budget tourism. There are various luxury hotels and some very nice, small white sand beaches.

Tourist Office

Playa de Las Américas Currently Tenerife’s main tourist destination, this area bridges two boroughs in the south-west of the island, with views of the smaller island La Gomera. It’s full of British/Irish bars, cafés, restaurants and hotels and popular with visitors from Northern Europe. There’s a big night-life scene which attracts the younger tourists but it’s also somewhere you can relax, go sailing, whale and dolphin watching and golfing. Lots of entertainment available for all ages at all times of the night and day.

Avda. Litoral Playa Fañabé Tel: (0034) 922 716 539

Siam Park (The Water Kingdom)

Siam Beach in Siam Park

19/09/2014 - 02/10/2014 This water park has recently been declared the best in the world! There is something for everyone, from beach lovers to adrenaline freaks. Avda. Siam Park s/n Tel: (0034) 822 070 000 Open: May 1- October 31: 10am-6pm, November 1-April 30: 10am-5pm Prices: Residents: €19.50, Children 3-11: €13.50 Non Residents: Adults: €34, Children 3-11: €23 Twin Tickets can be purchased for Siam Park and Loro Parque Residents: Adults: €34, Children 6-11: €23 Non residents: Adults €58, Children 6-11: €39.50 www.siampark.net

visit the summit, the first thing you must do is ascertain the availability. If you choose to walk all the way up, you may want to stay the night at the Refugio Altavista.

Aqualand

Altavista del Teide Refuge is located at a height of 3,270 metres. There are two routes of access: on foot from the road, via Montaña Blanca (Trail no. 7), or on the Teleférico (the cablecars). It makes an excellent stopover for people who wish to climb to the top, and you can sleep in the highest place in Spain. Watching the sunrise from here is a once in a lifetime experience. Overnight guests at the Refugio Altavista don’t need the National Park permit to access Teide’s peak. The maximum stay is one night. The facilities are open from 5pm and the bedrooms open at 7pm. No noise is permitted after 10.30pm and you must leave by 7:30am the next morning. Price: €25 per person. For those who don’t necessarily want to get all the way to the top there is plenty of exploring to do at lower levels, with strange rock formations, lots of black lava, the ‘paisaje Lunar’ (accessible from Vilaflor), where you could be walking on the moon, and an excellent visitor’s centre in El Portillo open every day except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day from 9am to 4pm.

Avda. Austria, 15 Tel: (0034) 922 715 266 Open: every day 10am-5pm (rides close 30 minutes before closing time) Prices: include access to park and dolphin show (book online for discounts) Non Residents: Adults: €22.50, OAP/Children: €16.00, Toddlers: €8 Residents: Adults: €18.50, Children: €12.75, Toddlers: €6.50 www.aqualand.es Twin tickets can be purchased for Aqualand and Jungle Park, see website. www.aguilasjunglepark.com

Los Gigantes Los Acantilados of Los Gigantes are sheer cliffs that loom out of the ocean. Next to them is the town of Los Gigantes (the giants), which lives mainly from tourism but on a much more modest scale than Playa de Las Américas or Los Cristianos. There is good diving from here, and the little harbour also has a seemingly endless list of excursion boats for either fishing or whale and dolphin watching. For a look at some of the options try www.todotenerife.es/es/article/show/616/maritimos

Altavista refuge

Teide National Park Tourist Office 38300, Parador del Teide Tel: (0034) 922 356 000 / (0034) 922 922 371

Masca

Teide National Park The highest peak in Spain, El Teide watches over the Canary Islands from its 3,718m height. It is possible to hike up to the top, and also to catch the cable car, which only takes eight minutes to take you from 2,356m to 3,555m. The cabins hold 44 people. The service runs between 9am to 4pm. The last ascent is at 4pm and the last descent at 4.50pm. Prices: Resident Adults: €12.50, Children: €8.50 Non- resident Adults: €26, Children: €13 For further information and reservations: www.telefericoteide.com To access the Pico del Teide you need a free permit issued by the Administration Office of the National Park, which you can download at www.reservasparquesnacionales.es. Remember that this permit must be obtained with sufficient notice and, therefore, if you want to

Masca is one of the most picturesque parts of the island and is located in the northwest at the foot of the Teno Mountains. This beautiful little village is a little difficult to reach but is well worth the journey, which takes you through deep ravines interlaced with lush green flora and winding roads with hairpin bends. The scenery on the way is breathtaking and once you reach Masca, the natural beauty of this stunning location is overwhelming. The walk down the Masca ravine is not for the faint-hearted but is very beautiful. You can book a boat pick-up from the beach to save you the return trip. To get the most out of your efforts, consider going with a qualified guide (www.elcardon.com), their fees also include comprehensive insurance.

HOLIDAY GUIDE

ISLAND CONNECTIONS | EDITION 730

General information for Tenerife Lost Property Offices Tenerife North Airport: (0034) 922 635 855 Tenerife South Airport: (0034) 922 759 391 Arona: (0034) 922 725 562 Costa Adeje: (0034) 922 710 606 La Laguna: (0034) 922 608 805 / 922 251 080 Puerto de la Cruz:(0034) 922 378 448 Santa Cruz: (0034) 922 606 354

Spectacular views in Anaga

The Anaga Rural Park occupies much of the mountainous massif which constitutes the north-eastern end of the Island of Tenerife. This is a steeply-sloping area with exceptional natural and cultural treasures, and some amazing landscapes including laurisilva forest, a type of rich leafy forest vegetation. Inside the Anaga Rural Park, in the area of El Bailadero, is the Montes de Anaga Hostel, a mountain refuge with nine rooms for two, four, and six guests. The rooms and facilities are suitable for guests with reduced mobility. Prices from €14.50 to €16 per person, per night. www.alberguestenerife.net

Teno Rural Park The area covered by Teno Rural Park was traditionally isolated due to its limited and difficult access. Areas of laurisilva forest still survive here too and are the home of many species of animals, such as the osprey. Its rich birdlife has led to it being declared a protected area for birds. From Punta de Teno, the most westerly point of the island, and where there is an old lighthouse, there are spectacular panoramic views of the Gigantes Cliffs, unfortunately as of summer 2014, the road is closed due to falling rocks. Teno Rural Park also has its own refuge for visitors, The Albergue de Bólico. Prices range from €14 in a shared room to €25 in your own. Their contact details are Tel: (0034) 922 127 938; email: info@alberguebolico.com www.alberguebolico.com

Religious Services In Spain, Catholicism is the main religion and almost all towns and cities, including tourist resorts, have churches where mass is frequently held. Below is information about Catholic services held in languages other than Spanish and services for other faiths. Holy Communion Anglican Church Iglesia de San Eugenio. Las Américas, Adeje. Tel.: (0034) 922 793 143 Services: Sundays at 10.15am Anglican Church Puerto de la Cruz www.allsaintstenerife.com Evangelical Service Centro Apolo, 1ª planta. Los Cristianos, Arona Tel.: (0034) 922 792 007 Services: Sundays at 11am and 6pm

La Palma Also known as ‘la Isla Bonita’ (the pretty island), La Palma is green and very rugged, with breathtaking sights and one of the best skies in the world for star gazing, hence the location of the world’s most important astrophysical observatories on its Roque de los Muchachos. The capital, Santa Cruz de La Palma, lies to the East of the island. It’s a pretty city of seafaring tradition with a lovely historical quarter from the XVI and XVII centuries. Don’t miss the Canarian balconies at the front of this quarter, decorated with boxes of plants and flowers.

La Palma Tourist Office Avda. Blas Pérez González s/n (opposite the post office). Tel: (0034) 922 412 106 www.visitlapalma.es Taxis: Radiotaxis La Palma: (0034) 922 181 396 www.taxilapalma.com: 686 553 868 Radiotaxi San Miguel: (0034) 922 416 070 Although Santa Cruz is the capital, Los Llanos de Aridane on the west of the island is in fact the biggest city on La Palma. Maintaining its agricultural tradition, Los Llanos combines rural and urban aspects and is a good place for shopping. From this town you find the access roads to go up to the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, with its spectacular crater and ‘waterfall of colours’.

Los Llanos de Aridane Tourist Offices

Swedish Church Abroad Coronel, s/n Los Cristianos, Arona Tel.: (0034) 922 75 00 68

Avda. Dr. Flemming, s/n Tel: (0034) 922 402 583 / (0034) 922 402 528 www.lapalmacit.com

Catholic Mass in German Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Carmen Plaza de la Iglesia, s/n, Los Cristianos, Arona Services: Saturdays at 5.30pm

Llano de Argual, 31 (also handicraft shop) Tel: (0034) 922 401 899

Christian Fellowship Evangelical Church Puerto de La Cruz (0034) 922 351 011

Taxis: Taxi rank: (0034) 922 462 001 www.taxilapalma.com: (0034) 686 553 868

Fuencaliente Tourist Office Plaza Minerva, s/n (Minerva Square) Tel: (0034) 922 444 003 Taxis: (0034) 922 434 071 www.taxilapalma.es

Caldera de Taburiente National Park Declared a National park in 1954, its rugged landscapes and great scientific importance attract lots of visitors. Its huge crater is one of the biggest in the world, and there are some wonderful hikes for all abilities. www.visitlapalma.es/recursos/recurso-parquenacional-de-la-caldera-de-taburiente www.reddeparquesnacionales.mma.es

Theme Parks: Maro Parque (Botanical zoo with exotic animals) Breña Alta Open: Mon-Fri: 11am-6pm, Sat, Sun: 11am7pm Tel:(0034) 922 417 782 www.maroparque.com Palmex Cactus (Cactus garden with over 700 species) El Paso Open: Tues-Fri: 10am-6pm, Sat, bank holidays: 10am-2pm Tel: (0034) 922 464 862 Paraíso de las Aves (Botanical zoo with species in danger of extinction and exotic birds) El Paso Open: Mon-Sun: 10am-5pm Tel: (0034) 922 485 701 Photo: César Borja

Anaga Rural Park

The main tourist destination on La Palma is Puerto Naos, in the municipality of Los Llanos de Aridane. It’s a low key, relaxed beach resort boasting a black sand beach dotted with palm trees, and just behind is a promenade with plenty of cafés and restaurants and various hotels. The whole area, beach included, has easy wheelchair access.

Puerto Naos Tourist Office Puerto Naos car park Tel: 618 856 516

Bolico refuge

The towns in the north of La Palma are also very beautiful. There is comfortable accommodation in rural cottages and lots of great hiking routes. Right in the south of the island is Fuencaliente, and this is the place to go in La Palma to see a real volcanic landscape. The western side of this borough has nice beaches (black sand) and the church of San Antonio Abad, 1574, is a historical building which has withstood the many volcanic eruptions the island has suffered, the most recent being the Teneguía volcano in1971.

La Palma has a lovely variant of Carnival called Los Indianos, where everybody gets dressed up quite smartly in the style of the returning Canarian immigrants who left to go to Cuba between the XVI and the beginning of the XX century. The costumes are always white and Carnivaleros take to the streets during the day to cover everything, including people, in talcum powder. This happens on a Monday near the end of carnival, but the date varies so should be checked.

HOLIDAY GUIDE

19/09/2014 - 02/10/2014

La Gomera

Island Tourist Board

Only a 45 minute ferry ride from the port of Los Cristianos, La Gomera is a small, peaceful island with amazing hiking and a pre-historic rainforest which is a UNESCO world heritage site and the only one of its kind left in the world. The ferry will take you to the capital, San Sebastián, famous for being Christopher Columbus’ last stop before crossing the Atlantic on his voyage of discovery. You can visit the well they took the water from for the three ships in the Casa de la Aguada. Other notable historical buildings are the Torre del Conde and the Asunción Church.

are some very good fresh fish restaurants.

San Sebastián Tourist Office

Avda. Marítima, s/n Tel: (0034) 922 895 650 playasantiago@lagomera.travel

C/ Real, 4 www.sansebastiandelagomera.org/turismo/

Valle Gran Rey Tourist Office C/ La Noria, 2 La Playa Tel: (0034) 922 805 458 www.lagomera.travel/islas-canarias/la-gomera/ es/acerca/visitar-valle-gran-rey/ Taxis: (0034) 922 805 058

Playa Santiago Tourist Office

Taxis: (0034) 922 895 698 Taxis: (0034) 922 870 524 Valle Gran Rey, in the south-west of the island, and Playa Santiago, in the south, are the main tourist towns. Mostly frequented by low-key, ‘green’ German tourists, Valle Gran Rey is a beautiful valley with good beaches and the best restaurants on the island. The little harbour still has a small fishing fleet and the sunset from the Bar María, in La Playa, is wonderful, with hippy drummers and a fire show once the sun’s gone down in the autumn and winter. Playa Santiago is frequented by less independent or hippy tourists and has the two biggest hotels on the island. Down on the coast there

Garajonay National Park La Gomera’s outstanding natural attraction is the ancient laurisilva (laurel) forest at the heart of the island’s national park, with over 400 species of flora and fauna, a great many of which are endemic. This vegetation was common all over the Mediterranean millions of years ago, until the last ice age, which didn’t reach the Canary Islands. The forest was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1987. Take a trek through on one of the well kept footpaths; you feel as if you have travelled back in time. www.parquesnacionalesdecanarias.com/es/ Garajonay/

El Hierro The smallest and westernmost of all the islands, El Hierro only has three municipalities; Valverde, the capital, Frontera and El Pinar. To explore el Hierro it is best to hire a car, and you can easily drive all over the island in a day. Valverde is a little green town in the north, the only capital in the Canaries not located on the coast, and often covered by a mantle of cloud. Frontera (El Golfo) is a milder, bigger town to the west, with more going on and better weather, and right down in the south of

the island is La Restinga, famous for its diving and more recently for the active volcano bubbling away just off the coast.

Tourism Board C/ Dr. Quintero, 4 Valverde Tel: (0034) 922 550 302/922 550 326 www.elhierro.travel reservas@islaelhierro.com

Gran Canaria The capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a much bigger city than Santa Cruz de Tenerife and has a nice historical quarter, Vegueta, a good night-life and Las Canteras - a long, yellow sand beach with areas for supervised swimming - and another beach for surfers of all levels. The main tourist areas are Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas (think Playa de Las Américas only bigger). Maspalomas has beautiful sand-dunes between the town and the sea and both have all-night bars and clubs. The island has some spectacular archaeological sites.

Tourism Board C/ Triana, 93 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Avda. España (Yumbo shopping centre) Playa del Inglés Tel: (0034) 928 771 550 www.grancanaria.com/patronato_turismo

Tel: (0034) 928 219 600 www.grancanaria.com/patronato_turismo

Las Canteras Tourist Office Paseo de la Playa de Las Canteras (opposite Hotel Meliá Las Palmas) Tel: (0034) 928 446 824 www.lpavisit.com

Las Dunas Tourist Office Avda. De Tirajana (Hotel Riu Maspalomas), 1 Playa del Inglés Tel: (0034) 928 765 242

El Portón Tourist Office

Maspalomas sand dunes

El Portón Shopping Centre Playa del Inglés turismo.maspalomas.com

Fuerteventura Flat, arid and sparsely populated, this island looks more like parts of North Africa than it does the other islands. The interior is mainly empty, with a few sun bleached villages and a surprising amount of goats, but the coast has some lovely towns and villages and kilometres of white sand beaches ideal for sunbathing and also for surfing and kite- and wind-surfing. The capital is Puerto del Rosario, a relatively modern little port town, rather sleepy and quiet despite the fact that nearly half of the island’s population live there. The two main tourist towns are at opposite ends of the island; Corralejo in the north, popular with British budget tour-operators, and Morro Jable in the south, more sophisticated and perfect for surfing and beaching.

Taxis: (0034) 928 850 059 / 928 850 216

Corralejo Tourist Office Plaza Grande de Corralejo Tel. (0034) 928 866 235 Taxis: (0034) 928 866 108

Morro Jable Tourist Office Avda. Saladar, Jandía shopping centre Tel: (0034) 928 540 776 turismo@playasdejandia.com Taxis: (0034) 928 541 257

Puerto del Rosario Tourist Office Avda. De la Constitución, 5 Tel: (0034) 928 530 844

Lanzarote The most north-easterly of the islands, Lanzarote is known as the ‘Isla de los Volcanes’, with over 300 volcanic cones. Like Fuerteventura, it’s flatter than the other islands and there’s very little rain, even by Canarian standards. The whole island was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, and those who take the time to explore the island will find it’s strangely beautiful. The capital is Arrecife, to the east, and the three main tourist resorts are Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise.

Arrecife Tourist Office Parque José Ramírez Cerdá s/n Tel: (0034) 928 813 174 www.turismolanzarote.com

Costa Teguise Tourist Office Avda. Islas Canarias s/n Tel: (0034) 928 592 542 www.turismoteguise.com

Teguise Tourist Office Plaza de la Constitución, s/n Tel (0034) 928 845 398 www.turismoteguise.com

Timanfaya National Park The Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains) were created between 1730 and 1736 when more than 100 volcanoes, covering more than 50 km², rose up and devastated this part of the island (including several villages). The last eruptions were in 1824. However, this area appears much the same as it did then. www.parquesnacionalesdecanarias.com/es/ Timanfaya

La Graciosa The islet of La Graciosa, off the coast of Órzola in the north of Lanzarote, has about 500 inhabitants, most of whom make their money from fishing. However, the population is also open-

ing up to tourism and there are some apartments and restaurants. To get to La Graciosa you can take a boat from Órzola, which takes 20 minutes.

HOLIDAY GUIDE

ISLAND CONNECTIONS | EDITION 730

General Information Time zone: The time zone is the same as in the UK and Ireland. Foreign exchange: The Spanish currency is the Euro. You can change currency in any bank by showing your passport (Mon-Fri 8am – 2pm), or in the many exchange agencies in tourist resorts. Can I drink the water? You can drink the tap water in the Canaries, but the change may affect your stomach. If your visit is short, it’s perhaps best to stick to bottled. Discounts: students and senior citizens may receive discounts on ferries, tickets to concerts, museums, etc., so always ask, as long as you can provide ID to prove it. Accomodation: The Islands offer a wide range of options adapting to any budget; from hostels and pensions to luxury hotels. There are also plenty of private rentals in most resorts.

Useful Vocabulary Hello Goodbye Good morning Yes No Please Thank you How are you? Fine, thanks Do you speak English? I don’t speak Spanish I’m looking for I want to go to What time is it? Where are the toilets? How much is that, please? The bill, please Where is the nearest bus / taxi stop? Where is the nearest chemist? Where is the nearest doctor? I have a head / stomach / tooth ache I have diarrhoea I need an ambulance

There is a flea market in Santa Cruz, Tenerife, every Sunday morning Duty Free Despite popular belief, it is generally cheaper to buy alcohol and tobacco on the Islands than on the plane or at the airport. Duty Free Limits 200 cigarettes / 50 cigars / 250grs rolling tobacco 1L spirits over 22% or 2L spirits under 22% 2L wine 60ml perfume, 250 ml eau de toilette

Conversion Charts

Shopping Normal opening hours in the Canaries are from 10am to 1.30pm and 5pm to 8.30pm hours. However, in big tourist resorts and shopping centres the opening hours are longer, often from 10am until 10pm, sometimes even later. On Sundays and Bank Holidays only the shops in big tourist resorts open.

Medical care All residents of the European Union have the right to free medical and hospital care from Tenerife’s Public Health Service whilst on holiday (ie less than three months). To receive this medical care you need to have the European Medical Card or equivalent document, which can be applied for in your home country. It doesn’t cover all treatments; excluding dental treatment, except for emergency extractions, and repatriation due to illness.

Children’s clothes: UK SPAIN

43 48 55 58 60 62 (height in inches) 109 122 140 147 152 157 (height in cm)

European children’s shoe sizes are measured in cm; 1 size=1cm

Women’s dress sizes: Hola (all Hs are silent) Adiós Buenos días Sí No Por favor Gracias ¿Cómo estás? Bien, gracias ¿Habla usted inglés? No hablo español Estoy buscando… Quiero ir a… ¿Qué hora es? ¿Dónde están los baños? ¿Cuánto es, por favor? La cuenta, por favor ¿Dónde está la parada de guaguas / taxis más cercana? ¿Dónde está la farmacia más cercana? ¿Dónde está el doctor más cercano? Me duele la cabeza / el estómago / las muelas Tengo diarrea Necesito una ambulancia

Temperature: To convert ºC to ºF multiply by 1’8 and add 32 To convert ºF to ºC subtract 32 and divide by 1’8

6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22

SPAIN 34 36 38 40 42 44 44 46 50

SPAIN

36 37 38 39 40 41

Men’s shirts: UK SPAIN

14 16

14’5 16’5

15 17

15’5 17’5

36 40/41

37 42

38 43

39 44/45

8 10’5

9 12

10 13

42 42/43 45 46/47

43/44 48

Men’s shoes: UK 7 SPAIN 40/41 Length and distances:

Multiply by:

Inches to centimetres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Centimetres to inches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feet to metres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Metres to feet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yards to metres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Metres to yards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Miles to kilometres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kilometres to miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weight:

2’54 0,39 0’30 3’28 0’91 1’09 1’61 0’62

Multiply by:

Ounces to grams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28’35 Grams to ounces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0’035 Pounds to kilos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0’45 Kilos to pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2’21 British tons to kilos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10’16 Volume:

Safety Take a note of all credit card numbers and keep it somewhere separate from your cards

Women’s shoes: UK

Where do I go if I am ill? Find a Centro de Salud or Centro Médico. The ones in the tourist resorts generally have some English. Make sure they provide care under your insurance policy or EHIC before you sign for anything. Unscrupulous taxi drivers have been known to take back-handers for taking sick people to private clinics. Don’t pay for your ride until you are sure you are in the right place.

Multiply by

Gallons to litres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4’55 Litres to gallons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0’22

and only take out the one you need: leave the rest in the hotel safe. A UK driving licence with a photograph is usually accepted as ID for most credit card purchases, a photo credit card will still have to be accompanied by photo ID, daft, but there you are. Keep your passport in a safe place. Do not leave belongings unattended. Pay particular vigilance on the beach, and when you are travelling with luggage don’t take your eyes off it. Take the minimum with you on excursions and lock everything in the boot that you aren’t carrying with you and only access it where you are not overlooked. Do not leave anything in sight. Cars have been broken into for a beach towel before now. If you are at a bar or nightclub, don’t leave your drink unattended and avoid dark streets on the way home. The Islands are safer than many places in Europe, but there are always those who prey on the unaware: relaxing your vigilance could cost you dearly, not just in money but in precious holiday time - reporting the loss of a passport to the police for example and then the visits necessary to the consulates to replace it. Holiday insurance It’s always a good idea to take out insurance for theft etc, but also for personal injury and repatriation. Bear in mind if consuming alcohol that the policy can be nullified, and some ‘dangerous’ sports may also be excluded.

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Swimming and water sports

Vehicle Hire

Always remember that the sea is the Atlantic Ocean and it can get rough very quickly, especially during the winter months. This applies to strong swimmers too. Even if you can’t see big waves, the tides and currents can be strong. Use common sense; if there’s nobody else in the water it’s usually for a reason. Never ignore red flags.

A good way to get about is to hire a car, and all islands have numerous car hire companies. Your UK licence is valid here and you will need it to be able to hire a car or scooter. The use of seatbelts is obligatory in the front and back of the car and so is the use of crash helmets on scooters and motorbikes. The maximum on motorways is 120km/hour. Children under 12 must sit in the back seat, and it is illegal to use your mobile phone whilst driving. The police can also fine you for eating or drinking at the wheel. Park carefully; the municipal tow trucks are active. Don’t park in front of a Vado sign. These usually mean the entrance of a garage or driveway and you will be fined and your car towed away. If you prefer to go green and hire a bicycle all children under 16 must wear a bike helmet.

Hiking/Climbing/Dangerous’ sports Always let people know exactly where you are going and what time you expect to be back. It’s a good idea to have insurance, especially taking into account that you may be charged for emergency rescue.

Carnival All the islands celebrate carnival but the ones in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria are particularly splendid, rivalling Rio de Janeiro. Everybody gets dressed up and there are 10 days of festivities, both night and day. Key moments are the choosing of the Carnival Queen, the Burial of the Sardine and, in Gran Canaria, the Drag Queen Gala.

Local fiestas and ‘romerías’

‘Romerías’ are religious festivities with traditional dress, farm animals, plenty of food and wine, and oxdrawn decorated carts

Each municipality has two fiestas a year, plus one for the island’s patron saint. Fiestas usually involve religious services and processions during the day and all-night dancing to salsa and merengue afterwards. The bigger fiestas last various days, and often have small markets selling local handicrafts. Romerías are big religious festivities involving traditional dress, plenty of food and wine, and ox-drawn decorated carts. They are a wonderful opportunity to see folk music and dancing, as are the ‘Bailes de Magos’. Ask at the local tourist office.

Taxis Be aware that you will be charged from the taxi rank not from the pick-up point. This is more of a problem in the more remote areas where the nearest taxi station could be 20 kilometres away or more.

Eating out Canarian food is uncomplicated, healthy and very tasty, so try everything. Good advice is to order fish/seafood dishes by the coast and meat dishes in the interior. Mojo is a delicious Canarian sauce which is pretty good on everything, but especially with ‘papas arrugadas’ (wrinkled new potatoes). Each place has their own version and it’s common to all the Canaries. Goat’s cheese, either fresh, smoked or cured is made on all the islands.

Try the local food – these squid rings are delicious for example

Look out for these emblematic local dishes: Gofio (ground, roasted maiz flour, good on soups)

19/09/2014 - 02/10/2014 Lapas (limpets, delicious with green mojo) Potaje (thick soups) Costillas con papas (bacon ribs with potatoes, sweet corn and coriander mojo) Rancho canario (a stew/soup with meat, potatoes, beans…) Ropa vieja (beef, potato, onion and chick-pea stew) Sancocho (white, salted fish cooked in its juice with potatoes, sweet potatoes and vegetables) Puchero canario (beef and vegetable stew) Chicken and rabbit in Salmorejo sauce Carne de cabra (goats’ meat stew) Carne fiesta (fried, marinated, spicy pork chunks) Bienmesabe (a lovely and very sweet dessert made of almonds) Quesadilla (similar to a crême caramel, only much tastier) Miel de palma (syrup from palm trees) Guarapo: (delicious milk from the head of the palm tree. Boiled down it turns into Miel de Palma) Spanish specialities: Jamón serrano (cured raw ham) Cordero lechal (suckling lamb) Wine: The Conquistadores brought the wine culture with them in the XIV and XV centuries, and the climate proved perfect for vineyards. During the XVI century ‘Canary Wine’ was one of the islands’ main exports, and is even mentioned in Shakespeare. Nowadays, 10 per cent of all cultivated land is vineyard and the Canaries boast 10 D.O.s: DO Lanzarote DO Abona (Tenerife) DO El Hierro DO Tacoronte-Acentejo (Tenerife) DO Gran Canaria DO Valle de Güímar (Tenerife) DO La Gomera DO Valle de la Orotava (Tenerife) DO La Palma DO Ycoden-Daute-Isora (Tenerife) For a comprehensive impression in Tenerife visit ‘La Casa del Vino’ in El Sauzal. Tel: (0034) 922 572 535 / 922 572 542 (Museum, wines and shop). www.casadelvinotenerife.com A drop of the stronger stuff? Ron miel (honey rum, very sweet) Gomerón (a mixture of raw spirit and palm honey) Home made liqueurs are offered in many restaurants.

Blue Badge users Parking for Blue Badge holders in the Canaries is limited to the ‘disabled only’ (Minusválidos) parking spaces in each town. There are no concessions to park on yellow lines or anywhere else normal parking is not allowed. And even if you have a Blue Badge, don’t park in a disabled area which has a registration number marked on it – you will be fined and probably towed away. For further information: www.bluebadge-tenerife.com.

Post Office Open: Mon-Sat, most offices 8.30am-2.30pm. Some city offices 8.30am-8.30pm Postcard stamp rate: to UK and other European destinations: €0.79

Emergency number (All Canaries) 112

Guardia Civil (All Canaries): 062

Consulates can: Issue passports, give information about medical care, education and legal matters, give assistance to people under arrest, under exceptional circumstances give you enough funds to be repatriated (on loan), help you in the case of emergency/ catastrophe. British Consulate Tenerife: (0034) 922 286 653 British Consulate Gran Canaria: (0034) 902 109 356 Honorary British consulate Lanzarote: (0034) 928 262 508 Indian consulate: (0034) 922 241 416 Irish Consulate: (0034) 922 245 671

Inter island transport Fred Olsen (Ferries): 902 100 107 www.fredolsen.es Naviera Armas (Ferries): 902 456 500 www.navieraarmas.com Binter (Flights) 902 391 392 www.bintercanarias.com Canary Fly: 902 808 065

Airport and flight Information All Canarian airports are controlled by AENA. www.aena-aeropuertos.es

EmErgEncy 687 744 225

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cLÍnIcADEnTAL 14 DAY GUIDE

19th September - 2nd October 2014 · BBC1 / BBC2 / ITV / ITV 2 / Channel 4 / Gold / Dave / BT Sport...

Secret History

Tel. 922 714 225 Costa Adeje, South Tenerife

faÑabE plaza

bbc2 / 17th September 9:00pm

Ireland’s Lost Babies

Channel 4 / 14th September, 8:00pm The astonishing story of Dr Irving Finkel, a world expert on ancient Babylon, and his incredible discovery of a 4000-year-old tablet that sheds new light on the iconic and world famous biblical tale of Noah’s Ark. Having spent 20 years translating the tablet, Dr Finkel sets out to show that the biblical narrative originated from stories that had been embedded in Sumerian and Babylonian society and literature for thousands of years. He also casts new light on the shape of the ark, believing that it was round. The ancient clay tablet, discovered on a mantelpiece in a UK suburban home, is inscribed with the world’s oldest language. It tells of the story of Noah and the great flood and gives precise and detailed instructions on how to build an ark.

Jon Richardson Grows Up Channel 4 / 15th September, 10:00pm Mortgages, marriage and parenthood - all big words from the ‘Adult World’ that strike fear into the heart of 30-somethings everywhere. Now, award-winning comedian Jon Richardson gets to grips with these big issues in his brand new show. In the first of three episodes, Jon explores relationships, travelling around the UK to uncover our differing attitudes to love, sex and marriage. When Jon reached the age of 30 he decided that all relationships are doomed to failure and he was destined to remain the eternal bachelor. A year on, this bachelor has found love and is co-habiting, but although he’s never been happier he’s also slightly suspicious of his new circumstances.

Martin Sixsmith hears from parents and children inspired to tell their stories by the 2013 film adaptation of his book, The Lost Child of Philomena Lee.

Channel 5 / 19th September 8:00pm

Storage: Flog the Lot!

Reality series capturing all the drama and excitement of an auction, as it pits professional dealers bidding against each other for a series of mystery items.

bbc1 / 20th September 7:30pm

Doctor Who

The Doctor turns bank robber when he is given a task he cannot refuse - steal from the most dangerous bank in the cosmos.

TV GUIDE FRIDAY 19 / 09

6:00 Breakfast 9:15 Rip Off Britain 10:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:00 Street Patrol UK 11:45 Caught Red Handed 12:15 Bargain Hunt 1:00 BBC News at One 1:30 BBC London News 1:45 Doctors 2:15 Pressure Pad 3:00 Escape to the Country 3:45 A Taste of Britain 4:30 Flog It! 5:15 Pointless 6:00 BBC News at Six 6:30 BBC London News 7:00 The One Show 7:30 A Question of Sport 8:00 EastEnders 8:30 Would I Lie to You? 9:00 Boomers 9:30 Big School 10:00 BBC News at Ten 10:25 BBC London News 10:35 National Lottery Stars 2014 11:20 Outnumbered 11:50 EastEnders Omnibus 1:45 Weather for the Week Ahead

7:50 8:20

6:45 6:50 7:05

7:10 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 11:00

7:15 7:35 7:50 8:00 8:15 8:35 8:50 9:00 9:15 11:10 12:10 12:15 1:15 1:45 2:15 3:15 5:00 5:30 6:00 6:30 7:00 8:00 9:00 10:00 11:55 12:00

Peppa Pig Pip Ahoy! Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom The Mr Men Show Thomas and Friends Noddy in Toyland Little Princess Peppa Pig Toby’s Travelling Circus Bananas in Pyjamas Tickety Toc The Wright Stuff The Dog Rescuers 5 News Lunchtime Britain’s Deadliest Roads Home and Away Neighbours NCIS Magic Beyond Words: The Jk Rowling Story 5 News at 5 Neighbours Home and Away 5 News Tonight World War II in Colour Storage: Flog the Lot! Body of Proof NCIS Access Super Casino

9:05 10:05 10:35 11:00 11:30 12:00 1:00 1:30 2:15 3:00 3:45 4:45 5:15 6:00 6:30 7:00 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:20 12:25

12:00 12:35 1:00 2:00 3:00 3:30 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 9:00 11:45 12:40

19/09/2014 - 02/10/2014

Caught Red Handed Animal Saints and Sinners Super Senses First Time on the Front Line The Travel Show BBC News BBC World News The Daily Politics Fred Dibnah’s World of Steam, Steel and Stone Cash in the Attic Ready, Steady, Cook Celebrity MasterChef Cairngorms: A Year in the Wild Great British Railway Journeys Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is Two Tribes Eggheads Celebrity Antiques Road Trip Mastermind Lorraine Pascale: How to be a Better Cook The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice Gardeners’ World Morecambe and Wise Newsnight Later... with Jools Holland Nothing to Lose

6:00

Glee Suburgatory Happy Endings Rules of Engagement Melissa and Joey Charmed The Tomorrow People Hollyoaks Rude(Ish) Tube How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory Melissa and Joey Rules of Engagement The Tomorrow People How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory Hollyoaks Suburgatory How I Met Your Mother Die Hard The Big Bang Theory Rude Tube

Good Morning Britain

6:55

Emmerdale

7:55

Dinner Date

8:50

The Only Way is Essex

10:40 Hot Fuzz

10:25 The 40 Year Old Virgin

12:50 Jackpot247

12:45 Two and a Half Men