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January 7 – January 20, 2016 Exclusive interview
Animal welfare
Folk rockers
Health
José Manuel Bermúdez
The Cat House in the hills
Jethro Tull in concert
After party tips
Pages 6 & 7
Pages 16 & 17
Page 21
Pages 34 & 35
Monedademos
Canarian alternative currency Wouldn’t it be fair if everyone received the same salary, and the economic system operated independently of the World Bank? Some members of the nationwide 15-M movement based in the district of La Isleta in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria certainly thought so. The 15-M movement took off during this current economic crisis that has seen so many people financially ruined. Soon becoming famous for its massive, country-wide demonstrations, the movement’s name derives from one particularly well-attended manifestation held on May 15, 2011 at the Puerta del Sol in the centre of Madrid: One which used a rather direct democratic approach to call for changes in policies - by halting the economic life of Madrid. The movement spread like wildfire across the country and
paved the way for blossoming political parties such as Podemos. In La Isleta, the 15-M activists saw the existing economic order as unjust and decided to create an alternative economic system: a social currency that would be independent of the euro. Accordingly, and thanks to the initiative of one man in particular, in 2012 the Demos was born.
What is Monedademos? The Demos is a complementary currency and acts as a democratic system as well as an alternative to the euro. The idea belongs to Miguel Ángel Figueroa García, who modestly describes himself only as a club member and consumer, but he’s actually the brains behind Monedademos and his ‘invention’ has bowled Gran Canaria over.
Miguel Ángel Figueroa García, creator, user and member of Monedademos
In an interview with Foreign Language News, as he took a piece of paper and divided
it into many small pieces, he explained: “Goods and services are real and the barter
system has always existed. It’s clear that money is a fictional thing, however. If you
view it objectively all we have is printed paper and embossed metal coins, which are worth less than their face value. In the same way the Demos do exist, but not physically, only virtually. Let’s look at an example. Mr A has 10 kilos of tomatoes and Mr B wants them. B can repair A’s shoes or look after his grandmother for an hour, for example. This exchange needs no physical currency. However, so that more people can participate in the barter structure, a currency is invented that exists in addition to the legal tender without displacing it. Mr B is broke and has no euros, but wants to eat tomatoes. ‘A’ doesn’t need any shoes repaired, but B can pay him with Demos he got from repairing other members’ shoes.” Continued on page 2
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Demos democracy
Bountiful barter Continued from front page
‘Demos’ is an acronym for Democracia Económica en Moneda Social (Economic Democracy in Social Currency). The democratic aspect is that everyone has access to a basic income, in addition to their euro one of course. Demos income is calculated according to the number of members. “The more people who participate, the higher the quota,” explains Miguel. The value of the currency thus increases with the number of users, and more demos are created. The currency will only work within the network. You can’t pay your electricity and telephone bills with it yet, unless the electricity and telephone companies join the network. However, there are now landlords who are offering members the option of paying a portion of the rent in demos and the rest in euros. It sounds abstract and surreal, but it’s not.
A worldwide phenomenon Complementary currencies exist everywhere in the world, from Papua New Guinea to Brazil. In addition to legal tender, they are used to make transactions within a community using bartering. Parallel systems are even operational in economically strong countries such as Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Precisely in times of crisis, or in financially weak regions, these exchange schemes have proved to be economically revitalising and sustainable. The global economic structure is based on the principle of debt and accumulation. An artificial scarcity created by a monopoly favours the gap between poverty and wealth, but this isn’t the way it works at Monedademos. Accumulation is penalised, in fact. Those who don’t keep the money moving are fined or excluded. There are now over 1,000 members on Monedademos and the numbers are grow-
Ecological goat yogurt and honey from the region
ing. What began as a local economic system has already established itself in other Gran Canarian cities and has now spread to Lanzarote and La Palma. Groups from Latin and South American countries, such as Venezuela and Mexico, are also interested in the method and want to learn from Monedademos how to integrate a similar system themselves.
Mercademos - more than just a market
How does Monedademos work and who benefits from it? The currency only exists virtually and is transferred in encrypted code over the Internet. Each member receives an account number with a PIN and starts the beginning of each month with the same salary as all the others. He or she can buy products, purchase services and do business. The exchange rate corresponds to one euro equals one demos (1 DJ). The orientation ratio for an hour’s work is 10 demos. In many cases, it’s possible to pay, or be paid, in a combination of demos and euros. Everyone who registers as a member must provide goods or services. “This promotes members’ social conscience. You think about ‘what can I offer, how can I help?’ and look what you might need yourself” says Miguel. In times of crisis there’s more than enough supply and demand. Services traded for
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There’s plenty of quality produce at Mercademos
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Lovely fresh fruit and vegetables
Demos range from a new haircut, English lessons, plumbing work through to yoga classes. Miguel even tells of a cartoonist who lives abroad and distributes his drawings on Mone-
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dademos. The approach has now developed into a supportive and co-operative network. The idea grew and has now been complemented by Mercademos.
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Mercademos takes place in La Isleta every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 8pm in the Local Social de La Plaza del Pueblo (C/Princesa Guayarmina, La Isleta). It’s not only regional products that are offered for sale. In addition to organically farmed fresh fruit and crisp vegetables, eggs, goat’s milk yoghurt and locally collected honey, there are articles which are necessary for day-to-day living and books and second hand clothes. All items are in line with the principles of Monedademos: sustainability and environmentalism. The products can be literally an apple and an egg or even
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swapping demos. At the same time, Mercademos acts as a meeting and co-operation centre. On the island there are already further centres in various communities, including Santa Brígida. Miguel explained that the centres help to prevent anonymity and members can get to know each other, become better informed about the aims and function of Monedademos and lose their shyness. Smiling, he told us that some newcomers initially found it strange to be going home with full bags and turned back several times because they weren’t used to taking away goods without physically paying for them. Others come out of curiosity and disappear without trace as they fail to understand the concept. Miguel jokingly says they are referred to affectionately as ‘Ninjas’. The concept of Monedademos created a socio-cultural, knockon side effect, in addition to its functions of democracy and criticising the system, which arose from a perceived necessity - Mercademos, a new kind of society that has developed its own momentum. Miguel calls it a “network of encounters, knowledge and recognition.” Further information on this exciting development can be found at: monedademos.es. n
European Union European Regional Development Fund
“Creating Europe” This company has qualified for subsidies from the Spanish Government, cofinanced by funding from the European Regional Development Fund, for the transport of merchandise in the Canaries.
7.1.2016 – 20.1.2016
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Tourist’s festive fright
the case. I can only stress that usually these sharks do not come so close to the coastline and there is certainly no reason for concern,” Frías commented. Both Frías and Calabuig believe that the shark was probably attracted by the fish breeding ponds used by the fishing industry in Tufia and Castillo del Romeral, with Arinaga nestled between the two villages.
Photo: Ern137 CC 3.0
A woman on holiday in Gran Canaria was bitten by a shark on Christmas Day while swimming off the coast of Agüimes. Cristina Ojeda-Thies tweeted a photograph of the shark’s tooth-marks on her arm after she was bitten off the beach of Playa de Arinaga, quipping on the social media website: “Today I had a face-to-face meeting with a shark. The things that happen when you swim in the Canaries in December!” The 38-year-old doctor, an avid scuba diver from Madrid, said: “I swam about 20 metres from the shore and noticed something pulling at my left arm but I didn’t pay any attention. It felt like a dog biting you when it’s playing. Half a second later I felt something grab me with more force, I turned round and I saw that it was a fish. I hit it with my right hand and I saw the shark’s fins as it swam away. I have to say that it wasn’t very painful, there are
Photo: Cris Ojeda-Thies
Shark attacks in Gran Canaria
Ignored warning? Cristina Ojeda-Thies’ forearm after the attack
times when I’ve fallen off my bike or burnt myself cooking and it hurt more!” The wound was not deep and was treated with a few stitches and a course of antibiotics. Both the director of the Wildlife Rescue Centre of Gran Canaria, Pascual Calabuig, and the president of the Alliance for Sharks in the Canary Islands, Fer-
The swimmer was bitten by a Silky shark
nando Frías, emphasised that this was an isolated incident. However, Isabel González, from Las Palmas recently reported that she too was attacked by a shark in that area in the summer but was never contacted by authorities after her hospital treatment. She decided
to go public and release pictures of the bite marks on her foot after reading about Cristina’s story. After Frias saw Cristina’s wounds he said that it was an attack by a Silky shark: “This species of shark grows up to two metres in length and
don’t usually attack humans. They are typically lazy and only eat prey they can swallow in one bite. Because it bit into the woman’s forearm I think that the shark mistook it as something smaller – it also released immediately when it realised this wasn’t
In context of these reported attacks, it is interesting that Alberto Santana had written to the island council in March 2015 warning of this very problem. He included video footage of about a dozen Silky sharks in the immediate vicinity of the fish breeding pools, clearly enticed by the large numbers bred there. Following his findings, the communication to the island council n received no reply.
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NSF honours Canarian
Coalition blues
Pablo Guimerá Coll, a young Arizona State University graduate student originally from La Orotava, won a prestigious award presented by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in the United States recently. The Foundation oversees 18 national research centres, with over 100 universities connected, and every year it awards prizes to students as part of the ERC-wide Perfect Pitch Contest which is staged during the NSF ERC Annual Meeting in Washington, DC. The Contest starts with students presenting a 90 second project pitch to the university they attend, who then choose the strongest ideas to proceed to the national selection. The 28-year-old from La Orotava prevailed against competitors from prestigious universities such as Harvard, Stanford and Berkeley with his concept for Sound Assisted Low Tem-
Photo: Ayuntamiento La Orotava
Special award for sounding off!
Pablo won an award which brought a cash prize as well as prestige for himself and La Orotava
perature Wafering for Solar Energy, which went on to win the $5,000 prize. His research is focused on producing silicon wafers using low temperatures and sound, creating a more precise, efficient and economical method of fabricating those components for solar panels. Pablo explains that “just as an opera singer can use their voice to shatter glass, so sound waves can be
utilised to cut and shape silicon blocks. Savings of up to 30 per cent can be made in comparison with the current production method.” After obtaining his PhD, the young scientist wants to improve and expand solar energy use around the world. Pablo Guimerá Coll is the son of a maths teacher and went to school in his north Tenerife hometown, attending the Sale-
Spain’s postelection instability sianos San Isidro de La Orotava and IES Villalba Hervás schools. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Material Physics from Complutense University in Madrid before earning his Bachelor of Science and Master’s Degrees in Physics at Kansas State University in the US. During his Master’s, his research was focused on the synthesis and reshaping of metal nanoparticles. This work resulted in him co-authoring the patent for Direct Dissolution of Bulk Materials to Nanoparticles. In autumn 2015, Pablo enrolled in the Materials Science and Engineering PhD course at Arizona State University and joined the Defect Engineering for Energy Conversion Technologies Laboratory, led by Doctor Bertoni. La Orotava borough council also heartily congratulated their local hero following his n award in the US.
Major political uncertainty has gripped Spain as the country comes to terms with the uncertainty thrown up by the general election at the end of December. With neither of the two big parties having secured enough seats in Parliament to have a clear chance of governing, and pacts with the two new parties that have emerged on the political scene almost impossible due to serious programme discrepancies, Spain faces being plunged into a traditional Italian-style scenario in which a stalemate would require new elections as early as March. The uncertainty had an inevitable immediate effect on stock markets, which fell drastically the day after the elections amid fears of a long period of instability and a change in economic direction if the anti-austerity and anti-system Podemos party became involved in a coalition. Podemos, which established strategic alliances with independence movements in several regions, supports allowing Catalonia to break away formally from Spain, a prospect which also fills investors with trepidation. Whatever the outcome of the negotiations to form a government, Spain will need considerable time to get used to the disappearance of the traditional two-party system and the much more delicate balance between political enemies which will almost certainly have to be struck if the country is to avoid a power vacuum in the future. Here in the Canaries, the results brought confirmation that the party in power at regional level, the Canarian Coalition, has a serious crisis on its hands, when it became clear that they had secured just one of the Islands’ 15 seats in Madrid. Nevertheless, depending on the type of pact attempted, the seat could prove crucial, in which case the party’s influence in Madrid would be much stronger than anticipated. However, all signs are showing that a second election may n well be held very soon.
Second highest in country
The latest figures for domestic violence in Spain do not make happy reading for the Canaries. A new report by the National Judiciary Council, the governing body of the country’s courts and judges, reveals that the Canaries are currently second in the league table, with 19 cases per
1000 of the population, significantly higher than the national average of 13/1000. Only the Balearic Islands had a higher proportion, with 24 out of a thousand. The report shows that convictions for domestic violence have risen for the third successive quarter, as has the num-
ber of protection and restraining orders issued by the courts. The rise in cases in the Canaries will come as a disappointment to the regional authorities in view of the concerted efforts made to heighten awareness of gender violence through education programmes. However, some experts have interpreted
the increase not so much as a sign of a worsening problem but of the greater willingness of victims to come forward compared to previous years. n Employees of the La Palma Island Council hold a minute’s silence in honour of victims. Domestic violence is a serious problem in the Canaries
Photo: Cabildo La Palma
Shaming statistics
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PROMOTION
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“I work in the service of the city I love” By Sabine Virgin José Manuel Bermúdez Esparza is a politician with the Canarian Coalition party - and since 2011 the mayor of the capital of Tenerife, Santa Cruz. He was born on October 23, 1966, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and just one week later his family moved to Tenerife. Bermúdez has a degree in law and business administration and has been politically active since his 20s. Before becoming the party’s candidate for mayor, one of his most influential political roles was as the councillor for tourism in the provincial government. José Manuel Bermúdez is unmarried, has a dog, is an enthusiastic sportsman, enjoys reading and is an avid music fan. And, for more than four years, he has also been an enthusiastic mayor. He took
All photos: Ayuntamiento Santa Cruz
Jose Manuel BermÚdez
An aerial perspective of Santa Cruz
office in the midst of the crisis and was re-elected by the citizens for the first time in May 2015. He uses modern media like Facebook and Twitter etc. to stay in close contact with the city’s residents and is a firm believer in dialogue and being a team-worker above all else. Mr. Bermúdez, one of your major goals is to boost tourism in the city. Does this have to do with your past as a tourism councillor?
Actually it has mainly to do with the fact that the potential of this city has been much underused. When I took over the mayor’s office, the annual average of hotel bed availability was a mere 20 per cent. Now, however, we are already at 50 per cent, and in the near future I would like to reach the 75 mark. Santa Cruz is a very attractive city. It deserves to be more in the focus of tourist interest. Fabulously, this year, Santa Cruz de Tenerife,
after Madrid, was the second most looked-for destination for Spaniards for the Christmas holiday. This is a great success. After us, Barcelona comes in third place and in positions four and five are two more Canarian cities; namely Las Palmas and Lanzarote’s capital, Arrecife. As far as foreign visitors go, according to tourism statistics, the city is especially popular with the British, Italians and Germans. And in September 2016 we will accommodate the eleventh Seatrade Cruise Med exhibition. This is the largest and most important fair in the sector in Europe. My goal is to further expand the cruise ships’ market and to encourage shipping companies to use our harbour as a base - just as the MS AIDAblu does in the winter season. Santa Cruz is already a pick up and drop off point, and many travellers stay a few days longer or come a little earlier before the cruise begins. This is also an interesting point. A maximum of six cruise ships can be at anchor at the same time in Santa Cruz. This capacity is far from exhausted, and we are working hard to improve it. The new terminal will be completed soon, which then ensures optimum clearance for passengers. This also enables us to improve service, supply and the quality of our facilities. A large area of the city’s coastline is presently under construction. It’s been said that Las Palmas is a city whose inhabitants live facing the sea while the people of Santa Cruz have their backs to it. How do you feel about that and is it possible this impression could be changed by the current project? Compared to Las Palmas, Santa Cruz has a particular
José Manuel Bermúdez is the mayor of ‘his’ city
disadvantage: the sea gets really deep, very quickly. In comparison with Las Palmas, the Santa Cruz bathymetry is much deeper, diving to 600 metres rather quickly just off the coast, thus making construction more complicated. Therefore, our entire coastline is occupied by the port. Nevertheless, thanks to the promenade and other incentives, this area will be fully integrated with the city. That will be a big gain in attractiveness. At the moment no completion date has been specified, however. The cost of this investment is covered by the town and island councils, the Canary Islands Government and the Port Authority. Nevertheless, we do need investment from the central Government in Madrid. Slowly but surely, our citizens are enjoying a steadily improving quality of life. What news is there on the two new beaches? Playa de Las Teresitas, just outside the city, is an absolute dream beach. White sand, palm trees, peace and tranquillity, incredible views and a calm swell. What more could anybody possibly want? However, in order to create swimming in the immediate proximity to the town, two other projects are planned: Playa Valleseco and the Playa de los Llanos. Playa Valleseco will likely be implemented in the medium term. The beach is at the north end of the city, created near the marina. The second beach, Playa de los Llanos, is to spread below the auditorium. This project is far more
complex and therefore more realistic for long-term planning. Both will contribute to providing a little more holiday flair to the city. What do you think are Santa Cruz’s main strengths? Santa Cruz is a dynamic city; a mix of modern and historical. We offer many leisure and sporting facilities, plenty of culture, and ample parks and green areas. We have created several small dog parks in various districts and soon we will inaugurate a 3,000m2 area for dogs and their owners in the La Granja park. There, people’s four-legged friends can romp undisturbed. We also regularly offer activities to revitalise our city centre. For example, the Plenilunio Full Moon Festival, concerts and other open-air events. Every first Sunday of the month, via the ‘Ven a Santa Cruz’ campaign, we also encourage the whole family to come shopping by providing an assortment of leisure activities and games in the streets for the day. Right now, for the Christmas season until January 6, we have a programme of 150 events and 1,500 hours of entertainment of various kinds. One of the highlights was the Christmas Day concert by the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra in the harbour. In addition, our city is surrounded by the enchanting Anaga Mountains which are home to an extensive network of hiking trails; something we are currently working hard to maintain and expand. Around the Anaga Coast and at Playa de Las Teresitas we have beautiful beaches, which are
7.1.2016 – 20.1.2016 equally as attractive for both residents and visitors. Teresitas, especially, does need some work, however. Basically, there are three main aspects of it that we hope to address in the near future: Lighting, a general overhaul, and a promenade. At the moment you can park there and have a swim, and it’s all very lovely, but there isn’t anywhere to walk. Generally speaking, we are ultimately working towards providing the best possible amenities and a friendly environment for everyone, not just for visitors, but for the inhabitants of the city as well. A welcoming atmosphere will encourage day trippers to become overnight guests. To me, a lot of it centres around the shops and restaurants in the city being well frequented, popular and thus successful. This creates an attractive town and jobs, which will in turn catch the attention of more people. How are the current social circumstances in the city, especially in terms of employment? When I took over in this role, in the middle of the crisis, we had around 29,600 unemployed people (2012) and now we have less than
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25,000 people out of work. The unemployment rate is around 28 per cent, which is better, but not nearly good enough. Yet, despite improvements in the statistics, an upturn is not so noticeable on the streets and in the shops. The nature of many of the present work contracts is not so stable that we can be selfsatisfied and stop striving for better results. Contracts are often short term and don’t really offer any security. So we try to provide as many training courses as possible, as well as a constantly updated job list.
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Many young people leave Spain and the Canary Islands, often through lack of local opportunities. How do you feel about that? There are indeed many young people who leave the Islands to follow professional opportunities and it does make me feel truly sorry: I wish they had those possibilities here. The good news is that if they do come back, they’re probably well qualified and usually speak at least one other language. Many will not return, though, and that’s a pity. If I could advise the young people here it would be to focus on
ority. There certainly aren’t the opportunities for public positions that there were, as expansion of employee numbers is not planned. The future now lies with the larger private companies. I personally believe that the cuts to the education system and study support are totally wrong. Severe austerity measures within health and education should never be undertaken. I do think it is a self-defeating policy.
Carlos Castro Brunetto, president of Santa Cruz Alianza Francesa, accepts a ‘Medal of Honour’ The Mayor mixes with the public on the Day of Animals in Santa Cruz
For those with the greatest needs: around 1,000 families will receive assistance in the form of rent subsidies, food, baby provisions, or other aid, so they can pay their water, gas and electricity bills and medications. We try to negotiate with banks when evictions are pending and to resolve social emergencies or special circumstances. More than €13 million has been
earmarked in the 2016 budget for social affairs. That is three times the amount we had when I started my service.
professions that are in demand. In Santa Cruz, for example, the trade and services sectors have always been the pri-
As mayor, you currently have a high networking presence on Facebook and Twitter and you also ensure that events and general information are readily available for residents of the city. How important is this contact? I like working for this city. I fell in love a long time ago with Santa Cruz, its inhabitants, its festivals, carnival and everything else. So I try to fulfil my duty to meet the requirements as best as I possibly can. Ultimately, I want the city to be even more beautiful than it is and for everyone to enjoy a better quality of life. And for that, we wish you Mr. Bermúdez all the best of luck and thank you for the time you have taken to speak to us. n
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Tenerife Council Honours
Solidarity awards 2015
The prize winners with Carlos Alonso and Cristina Válido
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house at what is probably the most inspiring and moving annual awards ceremony in the Tenerife Council. It was the occasion of the annual solidarity awards, where individuals and organisations who give their time to help others in many different ways are recognised. The hosts were Island President Carlos Alonso and Tenerife’s social action
Representatives of the FAST team celebrate
councillor Cristina Válido. The names and deeds of the 11 award winners were read out and each of them spoke for a few minutes about their solidarity projects. Of particular interest to our readers were the awards which went to entertainer Pepe Benevente, the posthumous award to Dácil Martín for her work on the cancer bus project Km Zero, which is also supported by many ex-pats, Brigitte Gypen for Carrera por la Vida/Walk for Life and the Friends of South Tenerife FAST. In closing the event, Cristina Válido mentioned each of those who received the honours, telling FAST that she wished there was a similar group in the North, East and West of the Island: committed business people who take time out of very busy lives to organise events to raise funds for various charities, whilst Carlos Alonso told the winners that they were all exemplary leading lights and asked them to n keep on shining!
Take and break
Security firm faces €6 million bill The biggest private security firm in the Canaries faces a bill of millions of euros after it was ruled to have broken the law by forcing employees to accept poorer working conditions, including wages. The company, which is owned by the chairman of 1st Division football club Las Palmas, Miguel Ángel Ramírez, has been found by the Supreme Court to have illegally negotiated new conditions with unauthorised union representatives, in breach of the collective agreement regulating the security industry. The savings made over a two-year period, particularly the 13 per cent wage cut imposed on 2,000 employees as a result of the deal, have been estimated at around €6 million, which Ramírez will have to refund to those affected. The firm argued during the long-running case, which dates back to 2014, that it had no choice but to pass on cuts imposed by public sector clients, who make up the n bulk of its customer portfolio.
Photo: Snecci CC 3.0
The company is owned by Miguel Ángel Ramírez
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Camel milk attracts Saudi attention Fuerteventura’s camels are attracting attention from an unlikely part of the world and the interest could lead to a significant project to promote the benefits of camel milk worldwide. A group of researchers from Saudi Arabia’s King Saud University visited the island recently as part of an international programme to study the possible development of a network to market camels’ milk as an alternative to traditional milks, particularly for sufferers of conditions such as diabetes. The idea, aptly named Dromedairy, was launched back in 2010 by a University in Barcelona and Canarian and Saudi scientists have since joined up. Earlier in the month the group paid a visit to Fuerteventura’s Oasis Park, which boasts one of the biggest camel farms anywhere in Europe. The scientists are interested in studying the bioactive molecules of the camels’ milk, together with other properties which might help control glucose levels in diabetics. Saudi Arabia, which has approximately one million camels, is the world’s third biggest producer of camel milk. n
No right to talk
Sign language students left in limbo Students of sign language for the deaf have been left in limbo following the controversial decision by the Canarian Department of Education to cancel their course after a full term of studying. The unique training is offered in just two places in the Canaries (Tenerife and Gran Canaria) and attracted a sizeable group of students last year. However, they received the devastating news just before Christmas that they would have to switch to a different subject as education chiefs had decided to suspend the sign language teaching. “This is an absolute disgrace and shows a total lack of sensitivity to deaf people and to the students who want to make a career out of signing” said a spokesperson for the Canarian Students’ Union, which is demanding an immediate reversal of the suspension. A petition to force a change of heart by the Department of Education has been launched on change.org and has attracted thousands of signatures. n
Foiling corruption
Revolving door legislation Paulino Rivero has sparked a controversial debate
Senior government officials in the Canaries are to be barred from using their jobs as a springboard to juicy positions on company boards under new legislation being prepared for approval by Parliament. The surprise announcement was made on the eve of the
general elections and the new law, to combat the phenomenon known as ‘revolving door syndrome’, is expected to be fast-tracked to be enacted in the spring. According to the government, public demand is growing for rules to be introduced to pre-
vent ministers and top officials from taking up positions on the boards of major companies immediately on leaving office. “News of such appointments naturally generates doubts as to whether the person has acted impartially in office or has had an eye on a plum job
afterwards” said a government source. The news coincides with the controversy over the possible appointment of the last president of the Canaries, Paulino Rivero, as chairman of Tenerife Football Club. Before leaving office, Rivero reinstated a sponsorship deal under which the club receives a large sum to promote the Canaries on their jerseys in away games. Legal experts have raised concerns that the deal will have to be cancelled if Rivero takes over as chairman due to the conflict of intern ests.
Tour of duty ends
Anti-piracy patrol ship returns Members of the Spanish Navy were welcomed home for Christmas by their families in Las Palmas after a four month tour of duty patrolling some of the world’s most dangerous waters.
The crew of the Meteor, a fast patrol ship deployed as part of Spain’s contribution to the EU task force to combat piracy off Somalia, sailed back to the Gran Canaria capital to a warm reception from senior Navy Photo: Wikipedia (montage)
Dromedairy treat
Photo: Junta Informa CC 2.0
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Spain also participates in the EU programme against the pirates of Somalia
brass and were then released to enjoy the festive season with their loved ones. During its tour, the ship spent a total of 118 days at sea with its complement of 51 Las Palmas-based marines and 23 crack members of the Spanish police’s special operations unit. Its mission was to pro-
vide protection to ships used by the UN’s World Food Programme and to deter the presence of the pirates that regularly prowl the seas off the Horn of Africa in search of victims to abduct and cargos to steal. An estimated 50 per cent of the world’s container traffic passes n through the area.
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 029
From La Gomera to the West Indies
Taking on the Atlantic
Gee with ‘Nelly’ Race boats moored in San Sebastián’s marina Row Like a Girl’s boat
By Barbara Belt limited space. There is one The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge is a rowing race from the Canary Islands over two thousand, five hundred nautical miles to the West Indies. That constitutes a lot of rowing. Founded by Sir Chay Blyth in 1997, the event has taken place roughly every two years since. Atlantic Campaigns SL, the current organisers based in La Gomera, bought the rights to the Atlantic Rowing Race, henceforth the ‘Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge - The World’s Toughest Row’, in May 2012. Rowers race in self-righting shells, 7.5 metres long and 1.8 metres wide, offering very
cabin, providing the only protection against the elements and taxing physical and mental demands. “There’s a lot of planning involved” says CEO Carsten Olsen: “We coordinate with the various authorities involved if a rescue is necessary. There are two support boats on the water, which carry equipment and race doctors, so there is plenty of cover if there are problems”. “You can’t just quit” explains Olsen, asked why the race is the ‘world’s toughest’. “If you’re running marathons in the desert or cycling across America, you can stop. This is why the race is so popular among elite athletes. It pushes
both psychological and physical barriers.”
The UK dominates 2015 entries, legacy of the Whit-
bread Brewing Company’s role in instigating man-powered
ocean crossings throughout the seventies. This increasingly high profile race, fruit of Sir Chay Blyth’s thoughts during a ninety-two day hurricane, mega waves and starvation diet row across the Atlantic in 1966 with John Ridgeway, will now become an annual event. Sir Chay Blyth organised the first one as the ‘Port St Charles Barbados Atlantic Rowing Race’, won by Rob Hamill and Phil Stubbs, rowing the Kiwi Challenge boat. This first ever ocean rowing race, featuring thirty teams of two, departed from Tenerife on October 12, 1997, for Barbados. Twentyfour boats arrived. The next wasn’t until 2001. Called the Ward Evans Atlantic Rowing Race, it was won by Telecom Challenge 1, rowed by Steve Westlake
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ISLAND CONNECTIONS 762 Hatch to the only onboard shelter from the elements
and Matt Goodman from New Zealand. Thirty-six pairs of twelve nationalities left Tenerife for Barbados. Thirty-three made it. The route The four rowers left-right: Bella Collins, Olivia Bolesworth, Gee Purdy and skipper Lauren Morton
A change of name to the Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Race in 2003 didn’t deter the Kiwis: NZ boat Holiday Shoppe Challenge won, rowed by James Fitzgerald and Kevin Biggar. That was the first departure from La Gomera. Two years later, Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Race 2005 also left La Gomera, featuring fours’ and twos’ rowing teams, and solo rowers. Twenty-six boats left San Sebastián after being delayed by Tropical Storm Delta. The year of 2005’s extended hurricane season haunts rowers. There were strong westerly winds from Hurricane Epsilon, instead of normal Trade Winds, and crews needed sea anchors to prevent drifting back. Then Tropical Storm Zeta caused high seas and adverse wind conditions. The GB boat All Relative, crewed by Justin, Robert and Martin Adkin and
James Green, finished first. BBC’s Through Hell and High Water, shown February 2006, was about the race. The 2007 challange left La Gomera in early December, heading for English Harbour, Antigua. Two singles, fifteen pairs and five fours started the race, with a six-crew boat starting later. ‘Pura Vida’ finished first in forty-eight days, crewed by Brits John CecilWright, Robbie Grant, Tom Harvey and Carl Theakston. Seventeen-year-old Rachel Flanders became the youngest person to row an ocean, in ‘Silver Cloud’ that year. The 2009 race followed the same course. Teams included twenty pairs, seven solos, and three fours, and were from the UK, Denmark, France, Ireland, South Africa and the USA. Charlie Pitcher (GB), in ‘JJ’ became the first solo rower to win.
The next, in 2011, left San Sebastián on December 4, and the first of seventeen teams to arrive on the other side of the Atlantic, after forty days, was ‘Team Box Number 8’ with rowers Toby Iles and Nick Moore. In December 2013, sixteen boats and crews of all sizes from solo rowers to fives, from Great Britain, Sweden, Australia and Spain, battled exhaustion and the Atlantic. This year’s race finally got under way on December 20, to the relief of teams from six countries who’d been delayed by adverse weather. Fireworks, music and applause accompanied the departures, timed at five minute intervals. Island Connections talked to the ‘Row Like a Girl’ team about their upcoming adventure in the twenty-six boat contest, this year involving fiftynine men and nine women. “More people have travelled in space or climbed Everest than rowed the Atlantic. It takes a certain kind of person to keep going despite blisters, salt rash, sharks and sleep deprivation” said their webpage, and these four attractive girls look extremely fit thanks to training hard to build strength to withstand the toughest race on Earth. “We’ve spent six months getting ready, both in and out of water, and tapped family and
friends’ expertise around boats and boatyards. There was a lot to learn” said Gee Purdy. “Lots could go wrong. Anything from arguments to weather and wildlife, but we know each other very well, which helps in our very limited space. There are two support vessels, one ahead and the other behind. “Our inspiration came from our skipper, Lauren (Morton).
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In the 2013 race she had to pull out after losing the rudder, waiting for a support boat, trying to fix a new, incorrect rudder and spending twenty days without wet wipes”. Wet wipes, I learned, are essential! Their limited storage space on their boat ‘Mrs. Nelson’ was stuffed with them. Lauren also suffered a head injury, ending up in Canada after being rescued by a con-
Bella Collins, to prepare for this year’s race. And as you read this, these brave girls, and the other rowers, are somewhere out there, rowing two hours on, two off, round the clock, using their desalinator for drinking water, nourished by dehydrated expedition food, until they reach Antigua, hopefully: “in about forty-two days”. See the girl’s website at: www. rowlikeagirl.uk.
Row Like a Girl group trout pout
tainer ship. Undeterred, she found three more crew, Gee Purdy, Olivia Bolesworth and
And, remember them as you tuck yourself into bed n tonight!
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Fresh drugs success for authorities
Hotchpotch hashish
Laughing rolling stock…
Council challenged over “absurd” rail projects Tenerife’s governing body is under pressure to justify the high spending on plans to build a light rail link connecting Santa Cruz to both the north and south of the island. The call has been made by the Podemos Party, which says the amount spent so far is “scandalous” at a time when families are going through considerable hardship. “More than €23 million
Photo: Axe CC 3.0
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The tram system has proved a hit – but will the trains?
have been allocated to these absurd rail projects since 2009. That is more over the last six years than has been
spent by the Island Council on employment initiatives to get people into jobs. How can such spending be justified when thousands of people in Tenerife are suffering the impact of the worst crisis for half a century?” insisted the party’s spokesman in the corporation, Fernando Sabaté, who wants this year’s train project budget to be spent on improving the island’s buses n instead.
Man gets surgery date after media campaign The powers that be in the Canaries have chalked up another major success in the battle to curb drug-trafficking, this time by intercepting nearly 1,000 kilos of hashish on arrival in Tenerife. Operation Pinaza saw Civil Guard officers move in and arrest 17 members of the trafficking gang, including its two Moroccan bosses, who ferried
the drugs to the island from a supply boat which anchored at sea off Tenerife after sailing from the coast of Africa. Police had long suspected a group of local fishermen of links to the drug-running, and detailed surveillance of their movements confirmed that they used their fishing boats to go out and meet the supply boat and unload the
bales of hashish, which were transferred to a safe house before being divided up for distribution. In addition to 956 kilos of drugs impounded in raids on several premises in Santa Cruz, officers seized various boats, a handgun and a number of expensive cars believed to have been bought with the proceeds n of the trafficking.
Waiting in ‘vein’ A Tenerife man battling to have an operation to remove crippling varicose veins has been given a theatre date after his plight was highlighted in the local media. Coverage of the wait of several years for a specialist’s referral and operation caused major embarrassment for the Health Service, and Vicente Albertos
was called with an invitation to visit the Vascular Surgery Unit at the University Hospital, where he was promised that his problem veins would be resolved within six months. Mr Albertos, who is from Güímar, featured in the news after an association created to defend patients’ rights took up his case and launched a cam-
paign to pressure health officials to explain why he had not been seen despite well-documented evidence of the pain suffered as a result of the varicose veins in his left leg. An association source said it was delighted at the outcome but was angry that it required a media spotlight to force the Health Service to act. n
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Sandos San Blas Nature Reserve
A hidden, historical haven The Sandos San Blas Nature Reserve is truly a hidden wonder. Tucked away on the coast near Los Abrigos in the south of Tenerife, the Nature Reserve is a triumph of conservation. Born out of the proposed development of a hotel and golf course, the reserve came into being after a quite unusual discovery. When excavation works for the resort started in 2004, staff were surprised to uncover a number of unusual artefacts. Upon investigation it became apparent that a huge ecological, historical and geographical discovery had been made – these strange objects were evidence that a Guanche Community had once camped on the south coast. The local government was advised, the Universities of La Laguna and Barcelona became involved, and the building work was put on hold – this was a major find! The developers were inspired to change their plans and, rather than continue with the original idea of building a golf course, they chose to focus on bringing this discovery to the fore. Thanks to their work the area surrounding the hotel has since been deemed a Preserved Conservation Site and is recognised across the world. The evolution of the Islands, from the first volcanic eruptions that disgorged the archipelago out of the ocean, through to the mass emigration of locals to South America in the 1900s, is beautifully presented and explained in what is best described as a ‘Superb San Blas Experience’. A visitors’ centre houses a state of the art museum, a volcanic tunnel full of information, and a fabulous auditorium with a
to-wall screen proudly shows Tenerife’s history in glorious tecnicolour, accompanied by a detailed commentary and
Guanches appear towards the end of the walk You’d never guess that all this beauty lies alongside the road to Los Abrigos The hotel’s El Proa restaurant
wall-to-wall screen and surround-sound system. Once seated in the museum the lights are dimmed and the show begins. Vibrant photography and a fascinating, easy to understand commentary guide visitors through the evolution of Tenerife, explaining how and why it is as it is; the reason the landscape appears so barren; and who the first habitants were, how they survived, and what happened to them after the Spanish invasion.
A view of the stunning swimming pools from the terrace bar The dam with beautiful rocky scenery surrounding the lake
Following this, you are taken into the ‘tunnel experience’ where, using the latest technology, you go from literally feeling Teide erupt in dramatic 3D effect, to swaying in the bowels of an old wooden boat headed for South America with the first Canarian emigrants. The final presentation at the
visitors centre takes place in the auditorium, where the wall-
special effects. It is the use of these most modern tech-
nologies, juxtaposed with the beauty of the natural surroundings of the nature reserve, and the inclusion of the ancient artefacts that is one of the most fascinating aspects of this nature reserve. The guided tour of the Sandos San Blas Environmental Reserve takes you through the amazing landscapes of this unique destination and the history is truly brought to life. Depicted by resident actors, you will meet Guanches going about their daily chores and life. You’ll see the extraordinary rock formations with new eyes thanks to your greater understanding of the area, and you can even cross a natural lake on a wooden boat operated by ropes. No matter what you have learned about the earlier inhabitants of our beautiful islands, there is nothing that compares to actually ‘experiencing’ it. You can also feel safe in the knowledge that, not only have you had a thoroughly enjoyable day, but have also contributed to the preservation of this important area. The Sandos company has a strict environmental policy and is committed to reducing the negative environmental impact associated with their activities – a laudable objective – so monies collected from the tour are ploughed back into the area for conservation. To take advantage of this unique opportunity you will need to book in advance at the hotel’s reception area or by calling: 922 749 010. Readers of Island Connections can enjoy the discounted rate of €10 instead of €15 entry fee. Simply cut out and present the coupon from their advert n below.
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 029
Top Amazon author
Parties for everyone
Meet the famous John Searancke! Local author John Searancke will be doing a book signing session on January 16 in Los Cristianos, in conjunction with event hosts Librería Red Hound. John, who is the mastermind behind Dog Days in The Fortunate Islands - the acclaimed book about his move with wife Sally and their dog Freddie to live in sunny Tenerife - has a brand new publication out, entitled Prunes for Breakfast. This is an entirely different sort of book to Dog Days and relates the true tale of his father during WW2, including being captured in Normandy and spending the remainder of his life in a prison camp. Not written as a dour historical treatise but more a life story interspersed with letters home, it’s more than just a war tome and really does contain some-
Welcoming Arona The mayor of Arona, José Julián Mena, recently got together with representatives of the area’s Islamic community as part of a programme of meetings with the various religious factions within the borough. Arona currently has a Muslim community which is made up of more than 2,000 people, around two per cent of the total population, so there was much to talk about.
Author John Searancke: meet him on January 16
thing for everyone. Reaching top position in its category on Amazon recently, it will
be assured of great success. John is also our intrepid restaurant reviewer who regularly
Lions and Wingate Christmas care
writes delicious descriptions of culinary delights. Ever wondered who he is? Well, now’s your chance to find out: John will be at Librería Red Hound on January 16, between 4pm and 7pm. This is a great opportunity to meet him, he can personally sign copies of both of his books, and you will even be treated to a nice cold glass of wine. Librería Red Hound is right in the middle of Los Cristianos at Calle Juan XXIII, no. 26. Look out for the big red board outside the bookshop. n See you there!
Mutual respect
Amongst others, the meeting was attended by Tijani El Bouji,
president of the Canary Island Islamic Federation; Ahmed All
Al Ahmed, President of the Los Cristianos Muslim Community; and Kefah Jebril, teacher, and secretary of the regional federation. The Arona mayor highlighted the wide variety of religions which are currently being practised in the area, a borough where “50 per cent of the registered population was born in another country – a positive example of healthy coexistence n and respect.”
More than 90 children and their carers from various orphanages around Tenerife had the treat of the year recently when they were given a children’s party at the Aqualand theme park. The youngsters’ day out was once again supported by the hard work of the Tenerife Sur Lions, with input from various older children from Wingate School. A team of volunteers from the school had not only collected, labelled and sorted a whole range of gifts for the large group, but many of them were there on the day to help Father Christmas distribute the presents to the children. Money was also raised from a toy sale and a cheque was presented to Lions’ President Norman Goodall by Robyn Daddswell, one of the senior pupils from Wingate, on behalf of herself and the hard-working group of fundraisers. The day was a great success, of course, and everyone went home tired but happy. Lions Sur would like to give their sincere thanks to Roy’s Pizzas for the fantastic lunch and to all those people who n made it a special day to remember.
Robyn Daddswell, a senior from Wingate school, presenting a cheque to Lion President Norman Goodall
Santa had lots of enthusiastic helpers
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Animal news from Loro Parque
Penguin chicks and Orca friends whom she developed a deep and special bond. But, in July 2011, the Dutch government decided to transfer Morgan to Loro Parque. Theunissen explained that at the time she was very happy
Isidoro, the newly hatched fluffy chinstrap penguin chick Miranda Theunissen and Morgan have a special friendship - possibly because Morgan also suffers from hearing disorders?
The year ended happily at Loro Parque in Puerto de La Cruz, with one of the highlights being the birth of the first chinstrap penguin just before Christmas. This particular breed of penguin was given its name because it has a black, narrow strip that runs from ear to ear under its jaw. It is a very delicate species to breed in captivity so it was a joyful day when, following 38 days of incubation, the beautiful youngster finally hatched. The chick was weighed with full honours, and came in at just 77 grams. Named after his Saint’s Day, little Isidoro, currently still a bundle of fluff, must now be raised to be a healthy and strong adult. For this, the penguin chick is given a liquid diet of mixed, pureed fish, every three hours for the first three weeks. As he grows, the mixture will be made gradually thicker. Isidoro will be hand reared at the Penguinarium Baby Sta-
Eco cops
La Laguna’s councillor for safety, Jonathan Domínguez, reported at a recent meeting on the various models of electric motorcycles currently available, with the aim of selecting electric vehicles for the local police force and council. Others who attended the gathering included police chief Elena Delgado and representatives from the force. Delgado spoke of the need to ensure that any chosen transportation would be suitable for policing requirements, saying: “It is
tion until about two months old, where visitors can even get to see penguin chicks growing up, and appreciate the loving care they need. After this initial period, the process of integration with the larger penguin group begins. The Loro Parque Penguinarium is a unique replica of the Antarctic habitat. Every day, 12 tons of artificial snow is produced in the precinct to create the winter landscape. The daylight cycle corresponds to that of Antarctica as well, meaning that, for now, deep in the heart of the polar spring, the penguins are able to enjoy plenty of light and longer days. Chinstrap penguins live in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions. They reach an average size of 117 to 155cm, weigh five to eight kilograms, and can dive to depths of up to 70 metres. At Loro Parque these beautiful creatures are offered optimal living conditions, and the
breeding process is living proof of this. Isidoro will soon have some juvenile company as 14 other recently born chicks – rockhopper and long tailed gentoo or Papua penguins - will also be joining the Antarctic family in Loro Parque.
History of Orca friendship Another touching tale from Loro Parque has also come to light. Around five years ago a Dutch woman called Miranda Theunissen met Morgan at the Harderwijk Dolphinarium, shortly after the female orca was rescued from a shallow part of the Wadden Sea coast. Theunissen is unable to hear or speak and also has severe problems with her vision, but the first time she met Morgan, the two got on immediately and it was the start of a touching friendship. Theunissen visited Morgan in the Dutch dolphinarium 88 times and spent many hours with the orca - with
E-fleet for La Laguna police La Laguna’s Local Police force could soon have electric vehicles
important to know the characteristics of the vehicles, so we can assess whether they are compatible with our work.” Under the PlanIVELL project a number of activities will take
place during 2016. As well as the gradual integration of electric vehicles in the city’s fleet, the plan also allows for the installation of several charging stations for e-cars and ebikes, with around €50,000 being budgeted for this purpose. Council representatives have based their project on the cities of Pamplona and Málaga, which have played a pioneering role in this area on the Peninsular. Details are likely to be finalised during Februn ary and March.
for Morgan, but also a little sad because her friend would now no longer live so close. But the distance didn’t stop the alliance. Shortly after Morgan was transferred to Tenerife, Theunissen began to travel to
the island to visit the orca in her new home. Last December she arrived for the third year running, and the management at Loro Parque organised a very special Discovery tour in her n honour.
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 029
Tenerife’s Cat Lady
The cat house in the hills By Sabine Virgin When Megi Kovac and her partner André came to Tenerife about nine years ago, they were looking forward to a slower, gentler pace of life. As a business consultant André can work from anywhere, so he doesn’t always have to be in his office in Germany. But instead of the laid-back life they were dreaming of, Megi is now juggling with four jobs. Her day begins at 5am. Why? Because the cats are waiting for her! Before she can drive from La Matanza to work in La Orotava her first obligation is to care for her felines. She has a ‘cat house’ in the mountains where she currently cares for and feeds 110 cats, three dogs, two rabbits and two doves.
Megi, how did this all start? I came to Tenerife in 2006 to enjoy a better quality of life. I’ve always been a cat lover, and that’s why I’ve always petted the wild cats that rummage through rubbish containers, and fed them well. As cats can mate up to three times a year, their numbers increase rapidly, so I began to catch them, have them sterilised, and then release them again. Often a short time after this, people poisoned the cats, and many were found dead, and that certainly wasn’t my intention. So I began, initially, to take only sick or weak cats home with me. I’ve also helped out at various animal shelters. I eventually had 30 cats! That was clearly too much, and that
to work at all as my partner’s income was enough. But with the cats, I had to work. The costs of rent, veterinary bills, food, cat sand and medicines amount to around €2,500 a month, and that’s a lot of money. That’s why I’m up at 5am every morning to go to the house to feed everyone and clean their litter trays. After that, I go to work and come back in the afternoon. That’s when I have some quality time to spend with the cats, when I can give them lots of strokes and cuddles. Although was when the idea of the cat house came to mind. We rented it especially for the purpose, and in June this year we finally registered it as an association, and APAFFI is now recognised as such.
What is the cat house like? We searched for a long time until we found a place that was suitable. It had to be large enough, not too far from our home, away from roads and other houses, and of course, affordable. From the beginning we told the owner what we were going to do, so there would be no misunderstandings. We found a typical detached Canarian house in a rural location, which was in good condition. The owner had tried in vain for some time to find tenants and agreed with our idea. Then it came to implementation. We had to cover the typical roof terrace to prevent the cats escaping, and luckily we had some help from a dentist friend and an amateur handyman with things like that.
The beautiful Priscilla has leukaemia, but she can still have a contented life When Megi visits the cats in the afternoon they demand affection
Now, our four-legged friends have the whole four roomed house to themselves. We put beds, armchairs and sofas in there, and on the walls there are boards and boxes which serve as places to hide in (which cats love), or even for climbing, and there are also scratching posts. We have 110 cats here, of which three are blind and one is deaf and blind. But they find their way around incredibly well and live quite normal feline lives. In the garden there are also three dogs that I found neglected and abandoned, and we have reserved some separate rooms for special cases.
What is your everyday life like with the cats? It starts early in the morning. Actually, I wasn’t planning
they were all wild, now almost all of them are very tame and affectionate. When I arrive, they come to greet me – there are lots of purrs and they literally demand affection. Sometimes, if my partner is away in Germany I sleep here, surrounded by up to 30 cats. I clean the cats’ litter trays again in the evening, and of course I feed them. Just cleaning all the litter trays takes two hours, because there are at least 65 of them. So there’s plenty to do, seven days a week.
How do so many cats get on together in such a relatively small space? Cats are not actually pack animals, but it works surprisingly well. They get used to and accept each other. Sometimes, there are of course hisses and growls, but I’ve never seen any serious fights. As all the cats are sterilised, they are more relaxed and quiet. Most of my cats with a few exceptions
are relatively young, about six months to two years old. They play together or snuggle up with one another. I have one loner who the other cats don’t like, and he prefers to live with the dogs in the garden kennel, rather than with a crowd of cats. I also rebuilt a former bodega (wine store) and that is for the cats that haven’t been sterilised, or even for motherkitten groups.
Did many of these cats arrive together?
As I said, the first animals came from the dustbin encounters. Sometimes people who know me will leave a whole litter of kittens in a box outside my door. That’s why I do not want everyone to know the exact address of the cat house. I often find injured or weak cats, and without any assistance they have little chance of surviving. Once I was called because someone witnessed a cat being thrown from a moving car. She still has a bit of a problem with her hip, but she nevertheless jumps around and plays with
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Help is needed for cats in Tenerife We need: Volunteers for about two hours a day Volunteers to put texts and photos on the website Dry and canned food Cat sand Discarded chairs, beds, mattresses, blankets, pillows, scratching posts Places for donation boxes Adoptive families Sponsorships and flight couriers Donation account: La Caixa IBAN: ES3121006971580 200045777 BIC: CAIXESBBXXX Asociación de Animales Protectora Felicidad Felina Isleña (APAFFI) CIF: G76666767 Apartado Correos 115 38379 La Matanza de Acentejo Tel: 677 227 747 the others. I found another cat who had been shot in the eye. People who do things like that are to be found all over the world, and thank heavens the penalties are getting heavier. But these cruel animal abusers are often simply not being caught. Three years ago while we were on holiday in Thailand we saw things like a snake that killed a mother cat. We were able to save two of the kittens. Then there are sick cats. I have, for example, several who are suffering from leukaemia, and they have to be separated from the others because feline leukaemia is contagious and can be caught by other cats. They can still live a long life, as long as the disease does not break out, and why shouldn’t they be indulged?
Email MEGI1968@GMX. DE www.katzen-hilfe24.de Cooperating vet: Clínica Veterinaria La Montaña Ctra. La Montaña 58, 38419 Los Realejos Tel: 922 093 217 Opening times: Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm and 4pm to 7pm. Saturdays 10am to 1pm.
ances, or people here on holiday who take them back to Germany. To me it is important that the adoptive family makes a well-considered and conscious decision to take the animal. After two years, you can’t say that you no longer want it. I’m trying to educate prospective cat owners to get to know the nature of the selected animal, to see if they get on well together.
to me. It is also difficult to find homes for black cats, because according to an old superstition, many Spanish people think they bring evil. This is of course nonsense; I think my little black panthers are beautiful! On the other hand, tri-coloured cats represent good luck and they are warmly welcomed.
How can someone be a sponsor?
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are so many cat lovers here who have everything, and they would probably be happy with a symbolic gift.
running the cat home alone. I have a woman who helps me, but only on Fridays, and that’s because I get home later from work. It would be great if someone could help daily, for approximately two to three hours. This must of course be voluntary, because we don’t have a budget for staff. We also need someone to place a description of each of our protégés with photos online. This would probably take about two hours’ work per week. Perhaps this could be a task for students who have some spare time and would like to help? We are always grateful for donations, which can either be paid into our bank account or deposited with our vet at the La Montañeta clinic to help with our vet bills. Material and food donations are always welcome too, such as blankets, mattresses, as well as beds and discarded chairs which we could probably put to good use as scratching posts. We are of course open to animal welfare organisations which want to support us, maybe from Germany, Austria or Switzerland, and we’d love to hear from shop owners who would be willing to set up a donation box for us. And, of course, we are looking for animal loving people who would want to give one of our cats a forever home. We have large and small, short and longhaired, playful, naughty and even particularly needy cats, they’re all lovable! Visits can be arranged at any time.
You are currently looking for a new property – what should it be like? Yes, that’s true. We have a very nice person who supports us. Since no heirs exist, they would be willing to invest
The blind cat Tesseo was shot and lost his eye
Do some cats leave? Of course. Over the past nine years, I have taken on around 250 cats. Right now, I’ve imposed a freeze as my capacities are exhausted. The goal cannot be that the animals in the cat house grow old there. But I do want to make sure that the cats that I have nursed eventually get a good, safe forever home. Most of all I would like them to be kept as indoor cats, so the risk of them eating poison or being run over is excluded. I do send many cats to Germany, especially white cats because they cannot tolerate the strong sun here. Their new homes are arranged by internet, or through acquaint-
There are cats in all colours and shapes, with different personalities
I know my protégés well, yes all of them. I also ask the prospective owners for a nominal fee, which covers the cost of sterilisation. I often need couriers to take the cats with them to Germany.
Are you concerned about any of your cats? Yes of course. These include the blind ones, one of which is deaf as well, a cat with AIDS, and my leukaemia candidates. For them, it is difficult to find new homes. Sponsorships for example, would be a great help
We are always grateful for cash donations and gifts in kind. A sponsorship can be taken out from one euro per day, and everyone can decide how much they can spare each month. My dream would be to put the cat house on a solid footing with sponsorships, so that I wouldn’t have to work so much to cover the monthly costs. Then I would have more time for the animals themselves, and that would be great. Perhaps it would also be a nice idea for a Christmas present? There
in their own property for us. Then the cattery would have a safe home. It would be great if we could find a house that is closer to our residence in La Matanza, not necessarily up in the mountains, and if there were no direct neighbours and a piece of land too, that would be super. We would be very happy to hear of any offers.
But that is not your only concern – you are seeking volunteers too? Yes, we are urgently looking for more helping hands. I’m
Some people may think of Megi as crazy, for her tireless efforts and her single minded commitment to her cats, but her partner and few helpers deserve respect for the wonderful work they are doing. Maybe there are cat lovers who would like to support the APAFFI project, n in one way or another?
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 029
Linea Directa
Do I have to insure my car, even if I don’t plan to use it? Some insurance policies such as private health insurance are not compulsory, others, like fire insurance for your property, are compulsory insurance. Your car must always be insured, even if it is not used and is parked in the garage. You must comply with at least one legal liability insurance requirement to cover damages or claims from third parties in connection with your vehicle. According to the Spanish legislation (Royal Decree 8/2004) every car that is owned in Spain must be insured. Trucks and other types of vehicles that weigh
Photo: Nick Cowie / freeimages.com
Be assured about insurance Cars parked up long term must still be insured
less than 750 kg, and cannot be driven on Spanish roads, do not need to be insured. This also means that they cannot be parked on roads, but they can be kept on a private estate. If you own a vehicle that is not insured, a penalty of €601 to €3,005 can be imposed on you
and your vehicle may be seized and decommissioned. Why do I have to insure my car when it is in a private garage? Vehicle owners have a liability towards their neighbours and their property. This liability also extends to car accidents on
Spanish roads. If for example a vehicle which is parked in a community garage catches fire due to a short circuit, the vehicle owner will be liable for all the resulting third party damage. The owner will also have to pay a fine, the amount of which is relative to the gravity of the situation, the period during which the vehicle was not insured, and whether or not the vehicle owner has repeatedly failed to fulfill his compulsory insurance requirements. Under what circumstances is vehicle insurance not compulsory? If your vehicle was officially deregistered temporarily or per-
manently, for example because it was scrapped, then you do not need insurance. If you own a vehicle that is not used, and you don’t wish to pay any insurance, you can cancel it temporarily. Regardless, your vehicle will have to undergo the ministry of transport technical inspection (called ITV in Spain). If the ITV has already expired, you will need to have your car officially inspected at an ITV station, then you can temporarily deregister the vehicle. How can I avoid fines? The best way is to ensure that you always have adequate insurance coverage. If your vehicle fulfills the Span-
ish rules, you can decide how you want to use your car in the future and whether you want to deregister it or not. If you need car insurance, you can contact Línea Directa by calling 902 123 495. By doing so, you will quickly and efficiently receive an offer for legal liability or comprehensive insurance. We hope that the information contained in this article is of interest to you. If you want to contact Línea Directa, give us a call: 902 123 495. There is more information about Línea Directa online at n www.lineadirecta.com.
The action continues
Born again Bourne all over the world). Last summer saw Santa Cruz transformed into Athens for the filming of the final episode of the Bourne saga The Bourne Ascendancy. Originally created by bestselling author Robert Ludlum, the Bourne series were later adapted into films and have become modern classics. Today, Jason Bourne is one of the most popular and compelling characters in contemporary fiction thanks to the work of New York Times bestselling writer Eric Van Lustbader who continues the Jason Bourne story with his latest novel about the rogue Bourne must make a monstrous choice in the latest thriller
A review by Red Hound Bookshop The Canary Islands have become extremely popular international filming locations in recent years thanks to the diverse scenery, stable climate and favourable financial conditions available in the archipielago. In Tenerife, several high profile productions have been created including the action sequel Fast & Furious 6 and the historical fantasy Wrath of the Titans. The beautiful landscapes of La Gomera were recently portrayed during the latest Ron Howard movie In the Heart of the Sea (released in early December in cinemas
secret agent who has lost his memory. In The Bourne Ascendancy, Bourne finds himself facing an impossible mission. Hired to impersonate a high-level government minister at a political summit meeting in Qatar, armed gunmen storm the room, killing everyone but Bourne. Their target, however, isn’t the minister Bourne impersonates, it is Bourne himself. Kidnapped and transported to an underground bunker, Bourne comes face-to-face with an infamous terrorist named El Ghadan (‘Tomorrow’). El Ghadan holds as his captive Soraya Moore, former co-director of Treadstone and a close friend to Bourne, along with her two year old daughter.
Meanwhile, the President of the United States is in the midst of brokering a historic peace treaty between the Israelis and the Palestinians - an event that El Ghadan is desperate to prevent. He demands that Bourne carry out a special mission: kill the President. If Bourne refuses, Soraya and her daughter will die. Bourne must make a monstrous choice: save Soraya
and her daughter, or save the President. Not only will this film keep your eyes glued to the screen in suspense, residents will also enjoy the challenge of recognising our capital Santa Cruz and other familiar Tenerife landn scapes. Book review by Red Hound Bookshop, Los Cristianos. See: www.libreriaredhound.com.
TENERIFE GENERAL
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 762
Letter to the editor
Going roundabout the houses As a resident of Tenerife for over 10 years I have to stress my amazement at a peculiar phenomenon that occurs at nearly every roundabout on the island, even the quiet ones without traffic: they just don’t flow! I know certain genders and ethnic groups get regularly ribbed about their ability to park or safely navigate a junction so this is no sweeping generalisation about Canarian driving – as many nationalities form the population of Tenerife today – but the levels of ineptitude occurring at these simple intersections is mind-boggling. Nobody is prepared when they get to the front of the queue and all seem to insist on the red carpet being rolled out for them several times before daring to enter the traffic! It has become a big problem though. The inside lane is largely ignored - and if used tends to create hair-raising problems of its own as right-of-way will not be given and serious time is spent queueing in the outside line as people take an eternity to prepare for the oncoming traffic. What always gets me is that as you stutter towards the roundabout you notice there’s very little traffic going round it! People seem to need countless opportunities to enter the traffic and still stop and wait when it’s empty and nothing is coming around! My frustration may lie in being British, as we are tremendous advocates of roundabouts over traffic light systems. I have spent many years driving in large towns and cities where having some urgency is needed; however, while we’re all largely grateful for small-island life over big city bustle, this blasé and somewhat inept approach to roundabouts has to be addressed. We’re losing huge chunks of our lives! Like how public information campaigns helped sort the once-serious problem of bumper-to-bumper driving in Spain, it seems that a gentle reminder of how roundabouts work should be rolled out. The confusion etched across drivers’ faces as they hesitantly wait – often needlessly – to enter the flow, demands it. We know roundabouts work and (should) allow traffic to flow far better than lights, and many of us have grown up with them dear to our hearts. We’ve kissed childhood sweethearts on them, built camps on them and sat with friends, sipping cola and eating pick-a-mix. In Britain, roundabouts often house quaint pubs or small woodlands. They’re landmarks and meeting points, and I for one love them dearly – so this painful spectacle has to stop before my car horn is worn out! Jim McQueen Granadilla de Abona
By
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and great start to the New Year! I also had a superb time. On Christmas day, after opening our presents, we all sat around the table chatting about the good times we’d had in previous years. Everyone had to tell a story, and mine still makes me laugh. It actually happened in January, when I returned to Tenerife after visiting my lovely family. One of my pals, affectionately known as Big Bri, came to Tenerife to visit his friends at the Eldon House in Playa Paraiso, and I eventually met him about five years ago. Well, last January Stephen and Lynn took their annual break in Bristol where Brian lived and he gave them a Christmas present to give to me for when I went to the Eldon for my Sunday dinner. It was packed as usual, and I’d started my annual New Year’s resolution diet, and even refused roast potatoes, an event hitherto unknown! Now, I’m famous for coming off a diet more rapidly than when I started it, so I basked in the lovely comments and admiration, because Stephen’s roasties are legendary. When my plate was cleared away, Lynn came out with a huge box and presented it to me, saying it was with love from Big Bri. Now another thing I’m famous for is my love of chocolate. At Flicks bar in Silencio, I was always booked when the ‘Barnsley Boys’ came over for their holidays three or four times a year. One such visit, I was in the middle of my show when one of the large gang stood up and waved at me: “I’ve got summat for thee, lass, and ya’ll love it.” “I bet you have, Cheeky”, I shouted back laughing, but when I looked again and saw what was in his hand, I screamed and ran off the stage towards him. The audience was stunned until I screamed loudly again, “Chocolate! He’s got chocolate!” Zina
Pickup Point 2nd Home Tenerife C.C. Plaza del Duque
y Kat
Hi everyone,
Mmmmm… Chocolate!
and Mike, apart from being mightily relieved, couldn’t stop laughing. So when I saw this huge, yet familiarly flat, box, I knew what it was: Thornton’s chocolates! And I couldn’t wait to get home to stuff myself silly. Lynn said “Come on Katy, open your present” then I felt
19
katykennedy@telefonica.net
Photo: Fir0002 CC Attribution-Share Alike 3.0
7.1.2016 – 20.1.2016
ashamed of myself. I’d only started the diet a couple of days before so I gave her the box back and said to keep it for a couple of weeks. The customers gasped in disbelief and Lynn again asked me to open it. When I didn’t, she said out loud that I was probably going to wait until I was alone so I wouldn’t have to offer any-
one a chocolate. I finally gave in and ripped the Christmas paper, red ribbons and bows off, and lifted the box to my nose to get that first delicious smell of the contents. Then I opened the lid. When I looked inside everyone was laughing, fit to bust. Not a single chocolate was in sight! Instead there was a beautifully arranged set of Oxo cubes in red, silver and green in the shape of a Christmas tree. I thought then, and still do, that friends can sometimes be very cruel! So I laughed until I almost cried but I never let my broken heart show. When I left for home, fate was just as cruel because the petrol station where I usually sneaked some ‘naughties’ to munch on in front of the telly was shut! So my New Year’s resolution is… not to make one! Happy New Year, everyone! Take care of yourselves and especially of each other. n Email: katykennedy@telefonica.net. Tel: 616 110 930.
FOOD
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 029
Good wine and a confounded confection By John La Casa del Vino in El Sauzal is a Tenerife institution and firmly on the tourist trail for all those who love good wine, so I must tread carefully. Fortunately, I am not writing about the list of superlatives that you can find under their roof. Famous for stocking and selling almost every type of wine made on this island, holding tutored tasting sessions, walking you through their vineyard, and even offering a wonderful old room with an even more wonderful ceiling for business meetings. No, I am concentrating on their food offer. It is extensive. You can relax on their lovely and perfectly positioned terrace for a snack, a full meal, or just a coffee or glass of wine. Perhaps you might want to sample one of the fabulous pastries provided by Pasteleria Diaz who also operate the restaurant. We often enjoy that unsurpassed view from the terrace, looking back down the coast towards Puerto de la Cruz, with El Teide looming overhead in all its majesty. Can there be a better viewpoint on Tenerife on a clear day? A crisp bottle of white Testamente, a plate of Iberico ham with a plate of island cheeses… what more could one wish for? Tonight we have come for a preprandial tincture before heading elsewhere. But, as we sit on the terrace, we feel that the evening is drawing colder, noticeably colder, and with that my thoughts undergo a sea change. Let the three of us dine here instead, indoors, in the a la carte restaurant, rather than sitting somewhat exposed on a gusty headland. The charming waitress brings our wine glasses to the table. Nice napery and glassware abound, but conversely there
La Casa del Vino (Restaurante Casa del Vino)
Calle San Simon 49, El Sauzal, Tenerife. Tel: 922 563 886 Closed: Sunday evening and Monday Loo Score: 7/10 www.casadelvinotenerife. com With the pre-dinner drinks, we shelled out a total of €78
are odd shaped menus which are cumbersome to hold open. Talking of menus, the terrace one has been printed with what looks to be splashes of red wine which has run into the folds. I had to check other menus to realise that it was deliberate. Not a clever idea; they just look grubby. And so to our dinner. The bread, which was exceptionally good, came with three contrasting dips (€4.50 for three people). Next came a plate of good ham and fig croquettes with, quite bizarrely, a banana-flavoured mayonnaise (€5.90). Now, I like a
good Canary banana as much as the next man, but creamed into a mayonnaise? It needed a large quaff of our dry white Arautava Albillo (€15.20) to rid my palate of that. And so to the salad course (€8.90 for three). It was attractively presented in a bowl of lovely differently coloured leaves, with cherry tomatoes, avocado and prawns, but in a cloyingly over-sweetened dressing. Was it just me? No, the others all agreed. And what is this…? This lettuce had not been washed. Clumps of detritus and soil adorn the bottom of the leaves. Our waitress is charmingly and smilingly contrite and hastens to remove it. What will happen next? A replacement? An apology from the kitchen? No, nothing. Just, a few minutes later, the next course… And here it comes, the confounded confection. I can best describe it as an excellently cooked chunk of cod,
sitting on a bed of very al dente courgette strips, and topped off with some sort of mountain of unsweetened soufflé with seeds (€10.90). Light as a feather this topping, but what on earth had it got to do with my meal? Does it complement the cod? No. My fellow diners are luckier, however. Another plate of cod, this time with the more regular heap of caramelised onions and sweet peppers (€10.80) is pronounced excellent. My wife picked the winner with braised beef cheeks, so tasty and tender that only the fork was required (€12.60). But, a couple of ‘potato biscuits’ came with her meal and they were a little dry. I know that good chefs need to push the boundaries and present new ideas. I applaud them for that, but… I was tempted towards the riotously named Bullion (sic) of pumpkin, carrot cake, puree of sweet cinnamon potato, string
bean gel, cream of Spanish pears, caramelised corn and chickpeas for €5.10, but iron will prevailed. It is just one of those sort of places; there is nothing modest about the menu.
for the three of us. Not bad I suppose bearing in mind the venue. Oh, and that salad, it finally made another appearance, this time on the bill, with no offer to remove it. I felt ashamed for the two lovely waitresses that had looked after us so well. I feel compelled to add a rider: don’t let my experience put you off from visiting and eating at such a memorable establishment. It has much going for it n – check it out.
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Canary Islands’ attractions for tourists and residents Where to visit
Useful contacts
Upcoming events
What’s on
Canary Islands summary
General information
Spin news
Our cultural agenda
Pages 22 & 23
Pages 24 & 25
Page 26 & 27
Page 28
Legendary band in Tenerife
Fans of 1970s rock music in south Tenerife should eagerly pencil May 20 into their giggoing diaries following the confirmation that Jethro Tull have been signed to appear in Playa de Las Américas. The band features in the Live Legends season of concerts which will see a total of six groups and solo singers fly in to Tenerife for one-off shows at the 1,500-seater Arona Pyramid Auditorium. Tickets are priced at €45 upwards and are already on sale for the event, which is attracting considerable interest among the expat community in Tenerife. Legends Live kicks off in the Pyramid in March with UB40 on the 18th of the month, with Alan Parsons scheduled for April. The organisers say that 70 per cent of the tickets for the concerts
Photo: Bálint Fejér CC 3.0
Jethro Tull to play in May
A performance from 2014
have already been snapped up. Jethro Tull is a British rock group formed in Luton in 1967. Initially playing bluesrock, the band’s sound soon incorporated elements of folk music and harder rock to forge
a progressive rock style. The band is led by flamboyant vocalist, flautist and guitarist, Ian Anderson. Other significant members include guitarist Martin Barre, keyboardist John Evan, drummers Clive
Bunker and Barriemore Barlow, and bassists Glenn Cornick and Dave Pegg. The group achieved first commercial success in 1969, with the folk-blues album Stand Up, which reached number
one in the UK charts. They then went on to regularly tour in the UK and the US. Their musical style shifted in the direction of progressive rock with the albums Aqualung, Thick as a Brick and A Passion Play, and returned to hard rock mixed with folk elements for Songs from the Wood and Heavy Horses. Jethro Tull has sold over 60 million albums worldwide, with 11 gold and five platinum albums among them. They have been described by Rolling Stone magazine as “one of the most commercially successful and eccentric progressive rock bands.” Jethro Tull’s music has been referenced in popular culture, appearing in many movies, TV series and commercials. They have influenced countless musicians including Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris
and Bruce Dickinson, Blind Guardian’s Marcus Siepen and Joe Bonamassa, and the folk doom metal band Blood Ceremony. Geddy Lee of Rush said: “I was a massive Tull fan from very young and I hope that reflects in Rush. I was mesmerised by Ian Anderson. His presentation was simply magical and he delivered it with such a sense of humour and great style.” Bands that have covered songs from Jethro Tull include Iron Maiden, who recorded their own version of Cross Eyed Mary; the folk band Turisas recorded Broadsword; Finnish heavy metal band Northern Kings recorded Fallen on Hard Times; and Rainbow Blues was covered by Blackmore’s Night. See: www.ticketbell.com for n tickets.
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HOLIDAY GUIDE
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 029
The Canaries have what is considered one of the best climates anywhere on the planet, making the Islands the perfect destination for all year round tourism.
ous luxury hotels and some very nice, small white sand beaches. In the foothills above these towns you will find three great places to visit. Siam Park (The Water Kingdom), recently declared the best in the world, has something for everyone, from beach lovers to adrenaline freaks. See: www. siampark.net Aqualand, on Avenida de Austria, a water park with a dolphin show. See: www.aqualand.es. The Jungle Park, at Las Águilas del Teide, is great fun for kids of all ages. See: www.aguilasjunglepark.com
Tenerife Teide National Park
Los Gigantes
Los Gigantes
summer solstices. See: www. piramidesdeguimar.es
Santa Cruz
Playa de Las Américas
Santa Cruz, the vibrant, bustling capital city of Tenerife, is located on the northeast coast. It has a variety of interesting museums and art galleries, a well maintained historical centre, and an important commercial port. See: www.santacruzmas.com.
Currently Tenerife’s main tourist destination, this area has spectacular views of La Gomera. There’s a big night-life scene which attracts younger tourists, but it’s also somewhere you can relax, eat, and go sailing, whale and dolphin watching or golfing.
La Laguna La Laguna, a university city, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. It has a lively night life and a thriving cultural scene.
Puerto de la Cruz The town of Puerto de la Cruz was a popular tourist destination long before the south was. Its attractive and busy town centre has maintained its picturesque fishing-village charm, and nearby is the prestigious, award-winning Loro Parque Zoo. See: www.loroparque.com.
Fañabé
La Orotava One of the prettiest towns on the island, 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 the past.
Anaga Rural Park The Anaga Rural Park occupies much of the mountainous mas-
Los Cristianos sif in the northeastern corner of Tenerife. This is a steeplysloping area with exceptional natural and cultural treasures, and amazing landscapes.
Güímar This northeastern town is best known for the ethnographic park which was developed by Thor Heyerdahl. The pyramids are a complex construction, astronomically orientated according to the winter and
Once a little fishing village, Los Cristianos began as a tourist destination for ailing Swedes who came to enjoy some rest and recuperation. From the port you can take a ferry to La Gomera, La Palma or El Hierro. The two main beaches offer safe swimming with disabled access.
Costa Adeje Costa Adeje is an upmarket area of South West Tenerife
which is popular with European, Russian and national tourists. There are vari-
The town of Los Gigantes, which lives mainly from tourism but on a much more modest scale than Playa de Las Americas or Los Cristianos, is overlooked by the towering cliffs. There is good diving and a small harbour. Adán Martín Auditorium
Photo: Jordi Verdés Padrón
The highest peak in Spain, at 3,718m, is one of Tenerife’s greatest attractions. It is possible to hike to the top, and also to catch the cable car. See: www.telefericoteide.com. To access the summit of the volcano, Pico del Teide, you need to obtain a free permit in advance, issued by the Administration Office of the National Park, which you can download at www.reservasparquesnacionales.es.
7.1.2016 – 20.1.2016
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 762
Other islands La Gomera 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. Valle Gran Rey, in the southwest of the island, and Playa
HOLIDAY GUIDE
23
is Fuencaliente: the place to go in La Palma to see a real volcanic landscape. The western side of this borough has nice beaches and 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 everyone dresses in white and people take to the streets during the day to cover everything, including each other, in talcum powder.
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 surfing. The capital is Puerto del Rosario, a relatively modern 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 and Morro Jable in the south.
Gran Canaria Las Canteras beach, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
green and rugged, with breathtaking sights and one of the best places 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, Las Palmas, is a much bigger city than Santa Cruz de Tenerife and has a nice historical quarter, 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, with its beauti-
Lanzarote 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
El Golfo, El Hierro
Garajonay National Park, La Gomera
Santiago, in the south, are the main tourist towns. Valle Gran Rey is a beautiful valley with good beaches and great restaurants. The harbour still has a small fishing fleet. Garajonay National Park houses an ancient laurisilva (laurel) forest at its heart, with over 400 species of flora and fauna. The forest was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1987.
El Hierro The smallest and westernmost of all the islands, El Hierro only has three municipalities; Valverde, Frontera and El Pinar. For exploring, it’s best to hire a car, and you can easily drive all over the island in a day. Valverde is a small town in the north, the only capital in the
Canaries not located on the coast. Frontera (El Golfo) is a milder, bigger town to the west, with more going on and better weather, and right down in the south is La Restinga, famous for its diving.
La Palma Also known as ‘La Isla Bonita’ (the pretty island), La Palma is
The capital, Santa Cruz, lies to the east of the island. It’s a pretty city of seafaring tradition, although Los Llanos de Aridane in the west is in fact the biggest city on La Palma. The towns in the north of La Palma are also very beautiful and in the south of the island
ful sand-dunes and all-night bars and clubs. The island also has some spectacular archaeological sites.
Fuerteventura Flat, arid and sparsely populated, this island looks more
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.
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 029
24
General information for visitors
Useful contacts Tenerife 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
Time zone: The time zone in the Canary Islands 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 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. Shopping Normal opening hours in the Canaries are from 10am to 1.30pm and 5pm to 8.30pm. 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 tourist resorts open. 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. Limits are: 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 Medical care All residents of the EU 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 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.
If you are ill, find a Centro de Salud or Centro Médico. The ones in the tourist resorts generally speak 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 so make sure you are in the right place before paying. Safety Only take out credit and bank cards you actually need: leave the rest in the hotel safe, along with your passport and other valuables. 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. Do not leave belongings unattended. Particular vigilance on the beach and when you are travelling with luggage is recommended. 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.
Emergency number: (all Canaries) 112 Guardia Civil (all Canaries): 062
Post Offices Open Monday to Saturday, generally 8.30am - 2.30pm. Some city offices open later.
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.bluebadgetenerife.com
Consulates 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 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), and help you in the case of emergency/catastrophe. 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.aenaaeropuertos.es Buses The transport company TITSA has buses that reach all corners of the island. The main bus station is in Santa Cruz, near the Adán Martín Auditorium. Clients can choose to purchase a ticket on the bus for each individual journey or to buy a Bono-bus ticket, a card which can be shared by various people and will mean saving up to 50 per cent of the fare, depending on the route. 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 card. For information you can call TITSA on: (0034) 922 531 130 or see: www.titsa.com
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 Parque Marítimo César Manrique (next to the Auditorium) Open every day: Sun-Thurs: 10am-8pm, Fri, Sat: 10amMidnight 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. 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 Museo Militar (Military Museum), C/ San Isidro. Tel: (0034) 922 274 224. Open: Mon-Fri 10am-2pm, ecocmar@et.mde.es Castillo de San Cristobal, Plaza de España Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm www.museosdetenerife.org Auditorio Adán Martín Tel: (0034) 922 568 600 www.auditoriodetenerife.com Teatro Guimerá, Plaza Isla de la Madera. Tel: (0034) 922 609 408/922 609 400 www.teatroguimera.es
7.1.2016 – 20.1.2016
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 762
La Laguna Tourist Office, Casa Alvaro Bracamonde, C/ La Carrera. Tel: (0034) 922 631 194/922 601 106. The tourist office offers a free guided route around the city. Call to make a reservation.
Tenerife South Playa de Las Américas Tourist Office Plaza del Centro Comercial City Centre, Avda. Rafael Puig, 19. Tel: (0034) 922 797 668
Museo de Historia y Antropología de Tenerife, Casa Lercaro, C/ San Agustín. Open Tues - Sat: 9am-8pm; Sun, Mon, Bank holidays: 10am 5pm. www.museosdetenerife.org.
Oficinas de Turismo: Avda. Juan Carlos I (Bus station) Tel: (0034) 922 730 133 Paseo Marítimo Playa de Las Vistas Tel: (0034) 922 787 011
Taxis: (0034) 922 715 407
25 Twin Tickets can be purchased for Siam Park and Loro Parque. www.siampark.net 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
Evangelical Service Centro Apolo, 1ª planta, Los Cristianos, Arona. Tel: (0034) 922 792 007 Services: Sundays at 11am and 6pm Swedish Church Abroad Coronel, s/n, Los Cristianos, Arona. Tel: (0034) 922 75 00 68
Radiotaxi La Laguna (0034) 922 255 555. Puerto de la Cruz Tourist Office, Casa de la Aduana, C/ Las Lonjas. Tel: (0034) 922 386 000. Centro de Información Turística, C/ Puerto Viejo. Tel: (0034) 922 370 243/922 388 777.
Taxis: (0034) 922 747 511 Tourist Office Costa Adeje Avda. Litoral Playa Fañabé Tel: (0034) 922 716 539 Jungle Park: Urb. Las Águilas del Teide, s/n Tel: (0034) 922 729 806. www.aguilasjunglepark.com. Aqualand Avda. Austria, 15 Tel: (0034) 922 715 266. www.aqualand.es Twin tickets can be purchased for Aqualand and Jungle Park, see websites. Siam Park (The Water Kingdom) Avda. Siam Park s/n. Tel: (0034) 822 070 000.
Santa Cruz: (0034) 922 606 354 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. Tel: (0034) 922 793 143 Services: Sundays at 10.15am Anglican church, Puerto de la Cruz www.allsaintstenerife.com/
San Sebastián Tourist Office C/ Real, 4. www.sansebastiandelagomera. org/turismo/ Taxis: (0034) 922 870 524
Tourism Board C/ Triana, Las Palmas. Tel: (0034) 928 219 600. www.grancanaria.com/patronato_turismo.
Valle Gran Rey Tourist Office C/ La Noria, 2, La Playa. Tel: (0034) 922 805 458 www.lagomera.travel/islascanarias/la-gomera/es/acerca/ visitar-valle-gran-rey/
Las Dunas Tourist Office Avda. De Tirajana (Hotel Riu Maspalomas), Playa del Inglés. Tel: (0034) 928 765 242.
Museo de la Ciencia y el Cosmos, Avda. Los Menceyes. Tel: (0034) 922 315 265. Open: Tues-Sat: 9am-8.pm. Sun, Mon, Bank holidays: 10am - 5pm. www.museosdetenerife.org.
La Gomera
Gran Canaria
Las Canteras Tourist Office Paseo de la Playa de Las Canteras (opposite the Hotel Meliá) Tel: (0034) 928 446 824. www.lpavisit.com.
Santa Cruz de La Palma
Teguise Tourist Office Plaza de La Constitución, s/n Tel (0034) 928 845 398 www.turismoteguise.com
Island Tourist Board Avda. España (Yumbo shopping centre), Playa del Inglés. Tel: (0034) 928 771 550. www.grancanaria.com/patronato_turismo. El Portón Tourist Office El Portón Shopping Centre, Playa del Inglés. www.turismo.maspalomas. com.
Lanzarote
Taxis Valley Gran Rey: (0034) 922 805 058
Costa Teguise Tourist Office Avda. Islas Canarias s/n Tel: (0034) 928 592 542 www.turismoteguise.com
La Orotava Tourist Office C/ Calvario, 4 Tel: (0034) 922 323 041
Los Llanos de Aridane Tourist Offices: Avda. Dr. Flemming, s/n Tel: (0034) 922 402 583 / (0034) 922 402 528 www.lapalmacit.com Llano de Argual, 31 (also handicraft shop) Tel: (0034) 922 401 899
Taxis: (0034) 922 895 698
Puerto Naos Tourist Office Puerto Naos car park Tel: 618 856 516
Fuerteventura Puerto del Rosario Tourist Office Avda. De la Constitución, 5 Tel: (0034) 928 530 844 Taxis: (0034) 928 850 059 / 928 850 216 Corralejo Tourist Office Plaza Grande de Corralejo Tel. (0034) 928 866 235
Morro Jable Tourist Office Avda. Saladar, Jandía shopping centre Tel: (0034) 928 540 776 turismo@playasdejandia.com Taxis: (0034) 928 541 257
Residents choose
Rani Tandoori
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 www.visitlapalma.es/recursos/recurso-parque-nacionalde-la-caldera-de-taburiente / www.reddeparquesnacionales. mma.es Theme Parks Maro Parque, Breña Alta. Tel:(0034) 922 417 782. www.maroparque.com Palmex Cactus, El Paso Tel: (0034) 922 464 862 Paraíso de las Aves, El Paso Tel: (0034) 922 485 701 All information was correct at the time of going to press. Please confirm before travelling.
Exquisite Indian Cuisine
Lago Martiánez Avda. De Cristóbal Colón, 1 Tel: (0034) 922 385 955
C.C. Pueblo Canario · Loc. 308 Opening times: 38670 Playa de Las Américas Every day 6.30 pm – 11.30 pm Adeje · Tel.: 922 798 943 Director & Chef: Yoguendra „Michael“ © 2015 FLN
Taxis: Servitaxi (0034) 922 378 999
Taxis: Radiotaxis La Palma: (0034) 922 181 396 www.taxilapalma.com: 686 553868 Radiotaxi San Miguel: (0034) 922 416 070
Taxi rank: (0034) 922 462 001 www.taxilapalma.com / (0034) 686 553 868
Taxis: (0034) 922 378 999. Loro Parque, Avda. Loro Parque s/n Tel: (0034) 922 373 841 Open every day from 8.30am to 6.45pm www.loroparque.com
La Palma Tourist Office Avda. Blas Pérez González s/n Tel: (0034) 922 412 106 www.visitlapalma.es
Playa Santiago Tourist Office Avda. Marítima, s/n. Tel: (0034) 922 895 650 playasantiago@lagomera. travel
Taxis: (0034) 928 866 108 Arrecife Tourist Office Parque José Ramírez Cerdá s/n Tel: (0034) 928 813 174 www.turismolanzarote.com
La Palma
Check out our reviews on Tripadvisor
Pickup Point 2nd Home Tenerife C.C. Plaza del Duque
26
HOLIDAY GUIDE SPIN NEWS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 029
Rousing rhythms
Fascinating flamenco jazz fusion Currently being billed as the best show of its kind in the Canaries, the Flamenco Romí Festival is coming to Santa Cruz on January 16. The event will be staged by an exciting line-up of artists which will be headed by flautist and saxophonist Jorge Prado - currently recognised as Europe’s best jazz musician and recently awarded the National Current Music Prize by Spain’s ministry for education and culture. He and an array of well-known flamenco artists will offer an intriguing and magical fusion of the two genres, during a moving show which offers homage to ‘Gitano’ gypsy women. Protagonists include dancer Belén López who pioneered in introducing African rhythms into flamenco dance. Born in Tarragona in 1986, she began dancing at the age of five, won a TV contest at seven, and at nine years old represented Spain in the International
Inturfest Tourism Fair in St. Petersburg, Russia. Described as precise, charismatic, vibrant and spontaneous, the young lady’s successful career includes performances around the world,
forming part of the New York Flamenco Festival, and performing at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London. Fellow flamenco performers in the show include singers Enrique ‘El Piculabe’, Saray
Muñoz and Vivi Cádiz, plus ‘El Chispas’ on percussion, Josué Ronkio on bass, Pedro Jiménez playing piano and Juan Jiménez on guitar. The show will also include a tribute to Paco de Lucía, the famous and much-loved flamenco guitarist and composer who passed away in February 2014. From the purest traditional flamenco to tantalising fusions with a variety of styles, the Flamenco Romí Festival promises to be a unique event. See it at the Teatro Guimerá on January 20 at 8pm. Tickets, priced at €12 and €15, are available from the box office or: www.tomaticket.es. For more information, visit: www. n teatroguimera.es.
Romance and adventure
Tchaikovsky at his best The Ukranian National Ballet will be performing Tchaikovsky’s two most popular ballets in Santa Cruz during January. The first will be the captivating love story of a prince and a young woman who was transformed by a conjuror into a swan. The romantic atmosphere and unforgettable love story, combined with splendid choreography and Tchaikovsky’s poignant music, have made Swan Lake a classic all over the world. The second will be The Nutcracker which, with its enchanting storyline, pleasing stage set and wardrobe and imagina-
tive characters, has become a Christmas classic which is ideal for both adults and children. Based on the original tale of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffman, the story tells of one Christmas Eve at a German family house, and the
adventures after midnight when all the toys and dolls around the Christmas tree come to life. The living room fills with an army of mice, led by their King, who fight to the death with the Nutcracker (though all turns out well in the end).
The highlight of the show is undoubtedly the finale, a Pas De Deux danced by the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier. With more than 40 dancers on stage for each of these performances, the Ukranian National Ballet captures the beauty and the drama of the respective classic tales. You can see Swan Lake on January 23 at 7pm, and The Nutcracker on January 24 at 6pm, both at the Adán Martín Auditorium in Santa Cruz. Tickets for both shows are priced from €32 to €40, and are available at the box office, or from: www. n auditoriodetenerife.es.
Petasch returns
Tinkling the ivories Valerij Petasch is a pianist, composer and painter with many loyal followers who return to see him play time and again. He is the Moscovite son of a German-born pianist and musicologist, and thus began his musical education at a very tender age: by the time he was only four years old he was composing childlike pieces which his father wrote down for him. He later attended the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow, and left with the highest honours possible and the coveted Red Diploma. He began work as a lecturer, and piano soloist with various orchestras, but later decided to concentrate on a solo career and composing. Visiting connoisseurs who heard him play in a concert in Moscow invited him to Germany, subsequently opening the door for him to the West. Since then, Petasch has toured Europe and other continents, and has been given an enthusiastic reception everywhere. Nowadays, he has German citizenship and devotes special attention to works by the romantic composers such as Chopín, Schubert, Brahms, Mendelssohn and Liszt, and includes works by others such as Debussy and Ravel. His own, rather wonderful, compositions make up his repertoire. Interestingly, all Petasch’s album covers are decorated with his own drawings. Don’t miss this chance to catch another of his magnificent piano concerts, at the Infanta Leonor Auditorium in Los Cristianos on January 16 at 8.30pm. Tickets are priced at €10, and are available from the website below; from the nearby cultural centre between the hours of 9am and 2pm; and from the auditorium’s box office two hours before the n show starts. See: www.arona.org/portal/auditorio.
HOLIDAY GUIDE SPIN NEWS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 762
Photos at the TEA
Columbus and the 1900s The TEA (Tenerife Espacio de las Artes) is currently hosting two temporary photography exhibitions which are well worth a visit. The first is a retrospective by the award winning British photographer, Vanessa Winship (Barton-upon-Humber, 1960), and forms part of the 13th edition of the International Biennial of Photography of Tenerife, Fotonoviembre 2015. Winship’s photography is based on the imprint the past century left on people, on the territories they travelled through, on integration and disintegration, and on the reaffirmation of identities. Her images, sometimes supported by short texts, offer a poetic and less immediate (but, ultimately, tougher) image than that provided by photojournalism, depicting, as they do, everyday life. This collection has been supplied by the Mapfre Foundation, and will remain at the TEA until February 22. The second exhibition on offer is an interesting collection, called Heave Away, by Polish photographer and commissioner Janek Zamoyski. The display, in which the Polish Cultural Institute collaborated, also forms part of the Fotonoviembre event. Zamoyski was born in 1978 and was one of the founders of Warsaw’s Czulosc gallery. He offers a series of photographs which unveil the route taken by Christopher Columbus between Spain and Latin America on his second voyage to the New World, showing the 21day ocean crossing. However, the subject matter isn’t the essential point of the project; rather, it is the way that Zamoyski uses it to present his own theoretical and esthetical hypotheses, independent of the reality captured in his photos. This exhibition remains open until March 6. The TEA, in Avenida San Sebastián, Santa Cruz, is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10am to 8pm, and is closed on Mondays (except bank holidays). See: www.teatenerife.es. n
27
Pure tradition in Adeje
Taking horses to water Photo: www.webtenerife.com
7.1.2016 – 20.1.2016
During the San Sebastián Fiestas in Adeje, you can see all the elements of a good traditional Canarian festival: folklore music, great Canarian food and, the icing on the cake, a ‘Romería’ animal event, complete with decorated wagons drawn by bulls - a tradition dating back to the beginning of the 16th century. The fiestas of San Sebastián, the co-patron of the borough of Adeje, along with Santa Úrsula, always take place in January, and attract thousands of people from Tenerife, and even other islands, especially those who are linked in some way to agriculture and livestock. The holy statue of San Sebastián, which is said to
have been responsible for numerous miracles, is even today still visited by those in hope of a rapid cure for their illnesses or to ask a favour of the saint. The gathering place for the highlight of the big day on January 20 is La Enramada, right on the coast amid the modern hotels of Costa Adeje. Early in the morning people and animals begin to gather, and the noise and excitement build exponentially. Meanwhile, in the town of Adeje, a mass is celebrated and the holy statue is taken from the Santa Úrsula church in procession along the traditional route to the Plaza de San Sebastián. It is a long and slow walk for
the people and animals, which are usually a fascinating mix of bulls, cows, goats, sheep, camels, sheepdogs and various other four-legged creatures, all led by a group of horses and their riders. Despite the obvious logistical challenges, all arrive safely in the plaza by around 1pm, when the animals are all blessed. Some spec-
tators bring their pets along for this purpose too, so you may see dogs, cats, rabbits or even birds queuing up for the blessing. What comes next is spectacular, and is the part of the show which on its own attracts thousands of spectators, who line the beach and rocks: In a noisy, turbulent, seething mass, horses and much livestock are ridden into the sea. With the serious business dealt with, attention moves to food, crafts, music and dance and, of course, plenty of Canarian wines. All in all, it is a fabulous day out and one event not to be missed. It is best to arrive during the morning, especially if you need to find a parking place. See: www.adeje.es for more information. n
International music festival
Classical Canary Islands The Canaries International Music Festival, an absolute must for classical music lovers, kicks off on January 8 and runs until February 12, with 45 top class concerts across the Canary Islands. The main capital cities, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, will be treated to no less than six symphony concerts and four chamber concerts each, at their festival bases of the Adán Martin and Alfredo Kraus auditoriums respectively, as well as at various other locations. There will also be another 25 concerts at
surprising venues in La Palma, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Gomera, La Graciosa and El Hierro. There’s still time to get your tickets to see the London Phil-
harmonic Orchestra which will be opening the festival with concerts on January 8 and 9 in Las Palmas before visiting Tenerife on January 10 and 11. The line-up continues with
the Gran Canaria Philharmonic Orchestra and the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra, and also includes more internationals such as the Budapest Festival Orchestra and a list of renowned tenors and conductors. Chamber groups include Cameristi della Scala, La Petite Bande, Trío Arbós, the Galdós Ensemble, the Trondheim Soloists, the Signum Quartet and the Ainur Chamber Choir. For the full festival programme and tickets, see: www.gobiernodecanarias.org/cultura/ 32festivaldecanarias/index. n html.
HOLIDAY GUIDE WHATS ON 2016
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 029
January
January
GRAN CANARIA TENERIFE DIARY DATES
DIARY DATES
January 8
January 10 & 11
January 18
8.30pm: Classical music concert, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, tickets from €50, LPGC.
8.30pm: Classical music concert, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Auditorio Adán Martín, tickets from €35 & €50, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Local holiday, banks and some businesses may be closed in honour of the local patron saint Nuestra Señora de La Esperanza, religious processions and some concerts (to be confirmed), La Guancha. www.laguancha.es. 8.30pm: First phase of the adults’ murga competition, satirical songs, lovely costumes, Centro International de Ferias y Congresos, Santa Cruz. carnavaldetenerife.com.
Various times including matinees, Sister Act, musical (in Spanish), tickets from €20, Teatro Pérez Galdós, LPGC. January 9 6pm: Children’s puppet show, suitable for three-year-olds and above, €5, Titeres Pepeluna Cirkus, Sala Insular de Teatro, Avenida Primero de Mayo, LPGC. 8.30pm: Classical music concert, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, tickets from €35, LPGC.
January 13 8.30pm: Presentation of the candidates (but not yet the dresses) for this year’s Santa Cruz Carnaval Queen and inauguration of Carnaval 2016, Centro International de Ferias y Congresos, Santa Cruz. carnavaldetenerife.com. January 14
Morning: Fiesta de San Sebastián, procession from town centre, folklore, regional costumes, crafts, blessing of the animals (around 1pm), swimming the horses, Playa La Enramada, Adeje. www.adeje.es. It’s a local holiday so banks and some businesses may be closed.
Children’s puppet-making workshop for over 7s, Sala Insular de Teatro, Avenida Primero de Mayo, €5, LPGC.
12.30pm: Titeres Pepeluna Cirkus. See January 9
7pm: First phase of the children’s murga competition, satirical songs, lovely costumes, Centro International de Ferias y Congresos, Santa Cruz.
January 15
January 15
8.30pm: Classical music concert, Orquesta Filarmónica de Gran Canaria, Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, tickets from €30, LPGC. 9pm: Concert by Tacande, folklore, Teatro Auditorio Agüimes, collect your free tickets from the Casa de Cultura Agüimes. Followed by music in the main square. www.aguimes.es
7pm: Second phase of the children’s murga competition, see above, Centro International de Ferias y Congresos, Santa Cruz.
January 16 Guided hike, Tirajana, Degollada de la Manzanilla, Las Tederas, etc., Valleseco Tourism office, 928 618 022, extension 221. www. vallesecograncanaria.com. All day: morning - workshops and entertainment for children, afternoon – zumba masterclass, evening - street party with live music, all free, main square, Agüimes. January 17
January 16 7pm: Third phase of the children’s murga competition, see above, Centro International de Ferias y Congresos, Santa Cruz. 8.30pm: Classical piano concert, Valerij Petasch, tickets €10, Auditorio Infanta Leonor, Los Cristianos. www.arona.org. 8.30pm: Classical music concert, Orquesta Filarmónica de Gran Canaria, Auditorio Adán Martín, tickets from €30, Santa Cruz. January 17
Until January 10 Adeje’s Christmas fair, bouncy castles and rides, parking area of the Cultural Centre, Adeje.
Every Monday and Wednesday
9pm: Soloists concert, free entry, main square, Agüimes. Morning: Animal fair and procession with blessing in celebration of San Antonio de Abad, crafts, regional costumes, animals large and small, free entry, Los Silos. All day: All of the above, plus a romería, music and dancing, free entry, Arona old town.
Events for specific groups, families, seniors, women etc., Activate Sports Club, opposite the entrance to the Baobab Suites, Calle Roques del Salmor, Costa Adeje. www.tenerifeactivate. com.
EXHIBITIONS Until January 17 Los Objetos Hablan (Objects speak), paintings and objets d’art on loan from the Museo del Prado, Madrid. Includes works by Rubens, Sorolla, Zurbarán, Murillo, Goya and Ribera, Free entry, Monday to Friday, 11am - 2pm and 5pm - 8pm, and Saturday 10am - 2pm. obrasocial.lacaixa.es.
Merkarte. Luz Sánchez Aguilar - Mi reina
Merkarte, Art Supermarket, Tenerife History and Anthropology Museum, Casa Lercaro, La Laguna, Tuesday to Friday, 10am - 8pm, and Monday, Sunday and bank holidays, 10am 5pm. www.merkarteon.com. Until January 31
Ice skating, €8 per hour, Centro Magma de Arte y Congresos, Costa Adeje. www.tenerifemagma.com.
January 19
All day: Patron saint of Agüimes San Sebastián, banks and some shops will be closed, religious processions, some entertainment (tbc). www.aguimes.es.
8pm: Flamenco Romí Festival, singing and dancing including a tribute to Paco de Lucía, tickets from €12, Teatro Guimerá, Santa Cruz. www.teatroguimera.es. 8.30pm: Third phase of the adults’ murga competition, see above, Centro International de Ferias y Congresos, Santa Cruz.
12.30pm: Puppet show for children, free entry, Plaza del Príncipe, El Sauzal.
11am: Snail festival, local restaurants compete to see who can prepare the most delicious dish, followed by dancing in the main square, free entry, Agüimes.
January 20
8.30pm: Second phase of the adults’ murga competition, see above, Centro International de Ferias y Congresos, Santa Cruz. January 20
January 9 & 10
January 10
January 19
Every Saturday morning
Photo: Mindmeal Wikipedia
January 8 - January 24
traditional dancing, singing and crafts and tastings in Las Galletas and Los Cristianos. Thursday – Rambla Dionisio González, Las Galletas, Friday – Avenida Las Américas (Golden Mile), Playa Las Américas and Saturday – Plaza de la Pescadera and Paseo Marítimo (Avenida Juan Alfonso Bautista), Los Cristianos. Thursday and Saturday, 5pm - 8.30pm, Friday 8.30pm.
Yoga for Children, 5.30pm-6.15pm, Caracola Espacio En Movimiento, Calle San Agustín 5, La Laguna. 610 630 765/caracolaespacioenmovimiento@gmail.com. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday Canarias Folk Fest, parade, regional costumes,
Vivencias de la cumbre (Living in the hills), photography, a collection of old Tenerife pastoral hill scenes, beekeepers, snow collectors, goatherds, charcoal makers etc., TEA, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Daily, 9am – 8-30pm. Until February 22 Photography by Vanessa Winship, TEA, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 8pm. www.teatenerife.es. Until March 6 Photography by Janek Zamovski, TEA, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 8pm. www.teatenerife.es.
For regular church, charity and recreational events, please see: www.islandconnections.eu/1000003/1000027/0/41004/living-lifestyle-article.html
7.1.2016 – 20.1.2016
MUSIC
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 762
29
THE QFM MUSIC GUIDE
2015 – The essential guide to album releases in the Canary Islands As we slip into a new year with political and economic uncertainty, we can be reassured that 2016 will continue to bring us some great locally produced albums. Recording studios in Tenerife have never been busier, and the emergence of new music festivals offers artists new platforms to promote their art. Whilst we are awaiting the first releases of the coming new year, let’s recap some of the excellent ones from 2015. ABRAXAS – Soltronica Volume 1 came out on February 20 on the Lemongrass Music Label and is available for digital purchase from www.lemongrassmusic.de. Bright melodies, heavenly sweetened analogue synths and a wellsourced acoustic instrumentation make it a treat to digest. Embracing the initial spirit of Lounge music, Soltronica Volume 1 holds and caresses the spirit of the Canary Islands with love and dignity.
Carmela Visone - Carmela Visone & The Grooves is a collection of some of the classic soulful sounds which influenced the artiste through the decades, regenerated with her own personal spice and flavour. Recorded in 2014, the album was released in November 2015. Yexza Lara & the Miguel Crespo Quartet – Meetings, an album which blends folk, jazz and Latin flavours, and features Yexza on vocals and flute, Miguel Crespo on drums and percussion, Alejandro Tamayo on upright bass, Jon Robles on sax, Félix Rossy on trum-
pet, Jordi Bonell on guitar, with Rubén Fernández and Fulvia Fossati on vocals. Insomnia – Portrait. Insomnia have created their own style with lyrics mainly in English and styles fusing and embracing pop, rock, jazz, country and R&B. With superb production, melodic compositions, and an unusual blend of instruments, the album features guest vocalists Crystina Maez, Sandra Morales and Alicia Lauwers. This album is a must for any serious music lover, although the band is currently independent.
Bebo Best & The Super Lounge Orchestra - Trip to Rio de
Janeiro. Bebo’s style is a brave fusion of bossa, electro-jazz, soul, funk, lounge and Indian, with a distinct 007 edge to it all. This, his sixth solo album, is a timeless and worldly one. It could have been produced during the Rio’s ‘60s psychedelic era or during this decade. Alonso and Manescau – Puertas al Sur. Quite simply unique, an incredibly versatile vocalist interacting with one of Spain’s finest musicians, captivating our attention and imagination with organic and acoustic melodies and lyrics. This is perfect material to play on your terrace at sunset, to relax and reflect upon the history of this culture which we have chosen to live in and learn about. News From Gemini - News From Gemini. An instrumental work consisting of ethereal noises lulling you into rhythmic grooves and a mix of jazz, funk and a bit of magical rock. What’s more, the use of the ever growing website www.
bandcamp.com means you can try before you buy and not with just a sample, but the entire album.
Kike Perdomo – Roots. If your journey into the world of sophistication stops at smooth jazz, then don’t venture any further because this album will be too much for your neurons to process. But within the first few annotations Roots will bring out ear-to-ear grins from any true disciples of the genre. From the swinging first track One-11 to Kike’s lusciously sublime take on Cantaloupe, or the funkily fused Never More, Roots has all of the markings of a classic, timeless jazz masterpiece.
David Minguillón – Puerto del Mar, an album which features some of Tenerife’s finest musicians such as saxophonist Kike Perdomo and Luismo Valladares on bass, alongside Spanish artists including the legendary award-winning flautist Jorge Pardo. Those who have had the fortune to witness Minguillon perform live will confirm his natural ability to improvise, crafting each song as a musical story, full of colours and dimensions. Puerto del Mar also captures this intimate connection between the author and his music. For those of us who love everything about Spain and its musical culture, this album is a must have, perfect for warm evenings and summer nights (available from n Bandcamp).
SPOTLIGHT
30
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 029
Spotlight on the mystical East
Lord of Los Roques By Lee Bullen Strolling along the steep village avenues and alleyways of Los Roques de Fasnia, carefully ascending or descending its array of stepped passages, you’ll pass scores of houses built into caves, enclaves and anywhere with sufficient – and often insufficient – plot space, before arriving at the small, pebbled beach of Playa del Roque. What strikes you most about these homes is just how small they are, right down to the doors and windows, and if you’re a six footer like me this means the involuntary accumulation of head bumps whenever invited for coffee by friendly locals. Over the festive period I must have collected as many skull lumps as Christmas cards when visiting neighbours for a cortado natural (small coffee) and ‘trucha de batata’ (Canarian Christmas pastry), like a crouching Gandalf from The Lord of The Rings visiting a diminutive hobbit hole. However, this tiny corner of Tenerife is more than a reallife Hobbiton village; it holds many natural beauty spots and is the perfect halfway point between the north and south of the island. With work and family life split between Los Cristianos and Santa Cruz, Los Roques is the happy medium and affords me a 20 minute motorway journey either way; with public bus routes stopping at the junction 32 exit for Los Roques should my car be out of service. That is one downside to life on the east coast: transport is essential.
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bous configuration separating the pebbled beach of Playa del Roque. Another fascinating formation is the nearby La Hondura cliff. Officially designated a ‘Site of Special Scientific interest’, it is also worth a visit. Due to the area’s unofficial halfway-point status between north and south, the village of Los Roques is well known for its domed Arabic-looking petrol station, complete with cafeteria, that is part of the Sole chain.
Los Roques also has a bustling farmer’s market open between 8.30am and 2pm every Saturday and Sunday: the large co-operative directly next to the Mirador Los Roques Cafeteria opens its doors to the public and sells the finest Fasnia fruit and veg according to the season. The small village also holds an impressive programme of fiesta events during celebrations in September of each year. The modern cultural centre, posi-
The Roque de Tierra, Roque de Fuera and Playa del Abrigo Mind your head!
However, that very coast of Tenerife is a paradise lost. We all speed past the towns and resorts from Abades to Candelaria like the area is an inconvenient wilderness that must be passed through before reaching the bright northern lights of Santa Cruz and beyond, yet there are many hidden gems along that stretch of coastline. Arico is an up and coming area that’s becoming popularised by mountain climbers and adventure holidaymakers; Poris de Abona is a picturesque resort; and the bays of Puertito de Güímar are regularly frequented by Canarians from the north in search of a sea breeze and water’s edge on hot days. Similarly, the natural beach of Playa del Abrigo in Los Roques is a popular haunt for locals
The Mirador Los Roques Cafeteria is a Los Roques landmark and popular motorway stop-off point A signpost of Los Roques’ places of natural interest
on weekends. While not possessing the calm waters and imported white sand of many of the south’s resorts, Playa del Abrigo is preferred by those who like a quiet, untouched beach to a tourist-treated one. Los Roques is situated in the lesser-known borough of Fasnia. The municipality extends for just over 45 square kilo-
metres from the mountainous interior to the beaches that border the Atlantic, and has a small population of around 3,000 residents. It is best characterised by the two significant lava formations which give the village its name. Roque de Fuera is a small cupcake-shaped islet just offshore and Roque de Tierra is a bul-
The more appealing Mirador Los Roques Cafeteria/Restaurant across the road is also a village landmark, regularly frequented by motorway drivers stopping en-route between the north/south. With large windows affording panoramic views of Los Roques’ coastline, Poris de Abona, and out to Gran Canaria – easily visible on clear days – the cafe is busy at most times, and has an enormous terrace area, exquisite tapas and excellent coffee!
tioned by the main beach, also hosts ongoing children’s events and various adults’ classes, from yoga to face painting. All in all, Los Roques and the east coast is far more than just an arid backwater with a distinctive-looking gas station. It has a natural makeup and ambience all of its own, and it’s well worth taking the time to explore its many coastal towns, coves and quiet corners. n
7.1.2016 – 20.1.2016
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 762
BLEVINS FRANKS
31
New Year Financial Planning Review By Paul Montague, Partner, Blevins Franks
The New Year is an excellent time to carry out a ‘wealthreview’ to make sure your money is working as well as it can for you. Spending a little time now will help you preserve your wealth over the long term to meet your financial objectives. Are you up to date with the latest developments in Spain and internationally that affect you? Do you have a considered, strategic tax and wealth management plan in place? Has there been any change in your circumstances since you last or whether they suit your aims. • Diversification. It is critical reviewed your affairs? Consider the principles for sucto ensure your investments Tax planning cessful investing below. are suitably diversified, so Savings and investments you are not over-exposed to Get advice to make sure your • Your appetite for risk. Obtain a clear and objective assessany given asset type, coun- investments and wealth are Are you sure your investments, ment of your appetite for try, sector or stock. arranged in the best, most upand the mix of them, is suitable risk, or your portfolio will • Yearly review. Your port- to-date way to limit your tax liafor your circumstances, needs, not be suitable for you. folio can shift away from bilities. Choose someone who time horizon and risk tolerance? • Match your risk profile to the t h e o n e d e s i g n e d t o is well-versed in the nuances of You may have built up a portoptimum portfolio. Make match your risk profile both Spanish and British taxfolio of shares and funds over sure your investment portand objectives, and your ation. The right tax-efficient the years, without really considfolio matches your attitude circumstances may have arrangement can keep most of ering how they work together to risk. changed. your investments in one place
“The New Year is an excellent time to carry out a ‘wealth-review’ to make sure your money is working as well as it can for you.”
and help you legitimately avoid The EU succession regulation paying too much tax. does not allow you to opt out of Spanish succession tax, which Estate planning can be costly in certain circumstances, if you do not take The first step is to establish advice and plan carefully. your goals: Whether it is investments, pen• Who would you like to ben- sions or tax planning, seek speefit from your estate? cialist advice to ensure you do • Do you want them to have what works best for your percontrol over the money or sonal situation. Use an adviser not? who can guide you on all these • How quickly would they aspects and provide holistic need to access the money? solutions so you can enjoy a • What impact will tax have? healthy, wealthy 2016 and • Would you like to try and beyond. avoid probate on some assets? To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offYou then need to obtain spe- shore world, check out the cialist advice to ensure that latest news on our website your estate planning is set up www.blevinsfranks.com to achieve your wishes for your heirs. The new EU succession regBlevins Franks has 20 established offices across Spain, ulation allows you to choose France, Portugal, Cyprus, between Spanish or UK succesMalta and UK, and decades sion law to apply to your estate of experience advising British on death. You need to ensure expatriates. Contact our Partyour will is up to date for your ner Paul Montague on 922 wishes, or your estate may be 716 079 or paul.montague@ distributed according to the blevinsfranks.com restrictive Spanish law.
MOTORING
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 029
Keep it “smooth and silky”
Mark Lewis from the IAM, a former advanced police motorcyclist, has 37 years of biking experience
For motorcyclists, it is easy to become used to the glorious riding weather on these Islands, which are almost but not quite - warm and dry all year round. However, once they start to drive up into the hills and
mountains during the winter months, and even at coastal level at times, it is very possible that bikers will hit some rain, drizzle, mist and/or slippery, oil covered roads. But don’t worry; Mark Lewis from the Institute of Advanced
Motorists (IAM), a former advanced police motorcyclist with 37 years of biking experience, has several tips on how to make a riding experience in wet weather a safe and enjoyable experience. Mark says: “Always begin with pre-ride checks of tyres, lights and lubricant. Too little tread, sidewall damage and low pressure can each contribute to sudden loss of grip or tyre failure which could bring a bike down. “While most bikes nowadays do not have a manual light switch, if yours is older don’t forget to switch your lights on “Make all your inputs; whether steering, braking or acceleration as smooth as you can. There is only a set amount of grip available for the tyres, so make all changes in acceleration, steering and braking, smooth, progressive ones. You should keep your visor clean and be aware that visibility will be seriously reduced when travelling on busy roads due to spray. Anticipate that you may not have been seen by other road users and plan accordingly. Reduced visibility may
increase blind spot areas for other motorists – consider your positioning to be seen. “It might sound obvious, but make sure you stay as dry as possible. Old leaky clothing will sap your heat, strength and concentration. Be extra careful at roundabouts, near petrol station forecourts and on newly laid tarmac for oil on the road. Oil will sit above the water and is not always visible. Finally, take extreme care when riding over standing water: You have no idea how deep it may be or what may be below the surface. Grip the bars firmly and try to keep the machine as upright as possible. Remember to try your brakes after exiting deep water as well as periodically in wet conditions”. To sum up he said: “Riders must make their actions on a bike as smooth and as predictable as possible. They must not assume that anyone driving a vehicle has seen them or can work out what they will do next. By following these guidelines, you will have a safe and stressfree ride to your destination – whatever the weather!” n
Be seen to ride
Illuminating news It was recently announced that bikers will no longer be fined for only having their running lights on rather than a dipped or full beam. In Spain it has always been mandatory for bikers to ride with full lights on at all times, including during the day. However, since 2003 all motorbikes have been fitted with low power lights or LED’s that are on constantly and cannot be switched off whilst the key is in the ignition. In 2013, the Spanish Government declared that, in accordance with European law, these running lights were legal as they do indeed comply with the Spanish legislation which clearly states that the objective of bikes using lights during the day is to make them more visible to other road users. However, to date, there has been some confusion over this, not to mention many a fine handed out to innocent bikers. To bring an end to this, the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) recently released a circular to traffic law enforcers informing them that they should no longer stop and fine riders who are using running lights: Great news n for fans of two wheel fun.
Photo: Hans Thoursie FreeImages.com
in the wet
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exactly on the standard, with only a 0.8 per cent deviation. However, Audi, Mazda, Nissan, Mercedes, Hyundai, Jeep, Skoda, BMW and Kia all fell short of their official figures. The largest deviations came from Peugeot (plus 14.4 per cent), Renault (+ 14.3) and n Fiat (+ 12.8).
1 Driver or 2 Drivers, Baby Seats or Booster, Free Airport Service & Hotel Delivery Full insurance · All Inclusive No Hidden Extras · Short or long term Ask for details Call Stuart on 922 79 08 25 or 662 566 630 Or send us email: autosamericas@web.de
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out on top with models consuming, on average, 11.4 percent less than calculated. Subaru ranked second place, beating its official NEDC rating nicely, followed by Infiniti in third place with minus 5.2 per cent; then Porsche (-4.8) and Land Rover (- 3.4). Toyota and Lexus were almost
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against the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC) fuel efficiency tests that every new car must undergo. By far the majority failed to match their official figures, with shortfalls of up to 14.4 per cent in some instances. Of the four brands that beat their fuel ratings, Jaguar came
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ally are under normal driving conditions. The programme took place over two years and covered a set 275km course, which included country roads, motorways and congested city traffic. Around 600 vehicles were tested and their official economy and emissions ratings compared
R2
Luckily for four of them, a major independent test run by German magazine Auto Motor und Sport a while ago, named these brands as the only ones that beat official ratings in real world driving. The publication sought to ascertain how efficient various models from each of the major car manufacturers actu-
RIFE FO
With all the recent controversy surrounding manufacturers’ claims of official fuel consumption and CO2 emissions levels, some of the big companies are pulling the stops out to reassure the public that they, if not anyone else, have always told the truth and can be relied upon for meeting official standards.
Older bikes which are not fitted with running lights will still have to use dipped or full beam
NE
Pinocchio manufacturers?
Photo: Maira Kouvara FreeImages.com
Fuel efficiency
©2014 FLN
32
7.1.2016 – 20.1.2016
BUSINESS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 762
33
Promotion
Good news from the All on a Worldwide property market Life Assurance • Income Protection
Basis
Haus Ganz from Villas And More-Tenerife
Sebastian & St James can now offer all of their clients Life Assurance and Income Protection on a worldwide cover basis.
Global Life Protection
Real estate agents Villas And More-Tenerife have now opened their new office in the south of the island. After 20 years of experience, you can now find them in the Commercial Center Fañabé I, below the reception of Lagos de Fañabé and opposite the La Tosca restaurant. As always at Villas And More-Tenerife, there are free parking facilities in the underground carpark for their customers. This new office is even more multilingual than before. The expert staff in the Fañabé office speak perfect: English, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian, Finnish and fluent French. Services include sales, rentals, investments, mortgages, refurbishments, property quotations, translations, company foundations and wills. They offer help in obtaining NIE numbers or Residencias free of charge, as well as any information about taxes, laws and inheritance.
Many expatriates are not making provision in the event of their death. Nothing can replace you, but money provided at the right time will ensure that your family or business will be financially secure without you. You can choose the lump sum that your family would need in your absence.
Villas And More-Tenerife speak your language
If you have any questions or doubts about buying, selling or renting a property, this is the place to go. With thousands of satisfied customers in Tenerife since 1996, they have an excellent reputation. If you are interested in buying a home in Tenerife, at Villas And More-Tenerife, you will be given professional and free advice. You will receive precise quotations in writing, including any taxes and fees arising from the property purchase, be it a small studio, or a
large villa with swimming pool. They will explain the laws, rights and obligations and also offer advice on insurance. All this without any costs. Again this has always been company philosophy. If you are interested in buying a bar or a restaurant on the beach in Tenerife, at Villas And More-Tenerife you will find excellent offers. With several associated offices in different countries, their clients come from all over the world. For more information see: www.villasandmore-tenerife.com. n
EU mortgage decision pending
Floor-clause cases halted Courts in Tenerife have opted to delay giving rulings on cases involving so-called ‘floor clauses’ in mortgage contracts until the European Court of Justice settles a crucial issue regarding the interpretation of the law. Spain’s Supreme Court has ruled that the clauses, whereby banks refuse to pass on to their homeowner clients the current very low interest rates due to a minimum rate stipulated in the mortgage deal, are unlawful
- and banks may be liable to refund the amount overcharged. However, in reaching its decision the Court set a date of May 9, 2013 as of which the effects of the ruling were applicable, thus limiting the back payments that banks would have to make. A number of consumer bodies have challenged the date, and several regional courts, including in Tenerife, have ignored it in ordering banks to refund larger sums to cli-
ents who have successfully fought to have the floor clause annulled. The different interpretations have led the matter to be referred to the Court of Justice in Luxembourg for a definitive decision, which will standardise the rulings handed down in Spain. In the meantime, a large number of courts here have decided not to hear more floor clause cases until the guidance is received from the EU. n
Global Income Protection With advances in medicine meaning that more people are living longer with serious illness or injury, the need for income protection insurance is now just as significant as the need for life insurance cover. This is a sensible, affordable way to help you secure your family’s future if you ever need to go through an extended period of treatment or recovery after falling ill.
For example:
For example:
Male or Female age 40, living in Spain £150,000 / €150,000 as lump sum benefit in the event of death £40.88 / €40.88 p.m.
Male or Female age 40, living in Spain £30,000 / €30,000 p.a. after a deferred period of 3 months £80.50 / €80.50 p.m.
Sebastian & St James can offer you comprehensive advice on Income Protection and Life Protection; if you would like more information and to discuss options please email or call Sebastian & St James to see if we can help.
Sebastian & St James International Financial Advisors Limited: advice based on integrity, trust and experience.
34
HEALTH
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 029
Weight and digestion
Eat, drink and be merry? gently preparing your tum for the upcoming main course. If possible leave a gap between courses. That shouldn’t be too difficult in good company. Go for a light dessert rather than chocolate mousse, your stomach and the bathroom scales will appreciate it. A yoghurt
infusion is also a better mix with a slice of cake, especially during the colder months. Tea detoxifies the body and the flavours fill your soul. Ginger tea is good as an aid for digestion. Try peeling a chunk of ginger root and cutting it into pieces before adding lemongrass and
mint, lemon balm, sage and chamomile are even easier to use as they only need steeping in hot water. They have a stomach-calming and antibacterial effect and alleviate cramps. Cardamom, anise and cinnamon are also great stomach-friendly additives to use in cakes and pastries. Check the Internet for recipes which include these spices.
Smart snacking
The holiday season is over and the New Year’s resolutions begin. The festive period is one of the year’s big diet-breakers; roast dinners, special sweet treats and, for many, an overgenerous serving of alcohol. The result? Stomach cramps, bloating, heartburn, palpitations, the bathroom scale suddenly starts to strain, your jeans won’t close and your belly starts to feel softer! If you don’t get rid of those extra mince pie and shortbread fed pounds now, they may hang around for too long – maybe forever! Just on its own, a full Christmas dinner has around 1,500 calories, which is getting on for the full daily allowance for most adults. It’s no surprise then that the Christmas holidays are responsible for piling on between one to
The efforts of a hike rewarded with wonderful views (La Palma)
Add nuts and fruit to your chocolate snack
Move yourself to strip off those extra pounds
three extra kilos on average per person. Various gatherings with friends and family and taking it easy in general lead to less exercise. Many of the traditional recipes are for greasy food which, combined with alcohol and less exercise, are the worst thing you can do to your body. And what’s more: the party mood has been known to continue for a little while longer than necessary… However, worry not: whether you’re invited to yet another dinner or are on holiday and tempted by a mile-long buffet: Follow our tips to avoid a calorie-loaded overeating spree and if you have overdone it, we may have a solution…
Low-calorie appetisers and desserts Rather than holding back on the main course, look at reducing calorie intake on the appetisers and desserts. Start your meal with a vegetable soup or a salad, thus
with fresh or dried fruit and nuts is an excellent low-calorie alternative.
Winter time - tea time Avoid fizzy drinks if you don’t like feeling bloated. High calorie food is best accompanied with water or an infusion. An
pouring on boiling water. Leave it to steep about 10 minutes and add lemon juice and honey – bliss! This tea, like many others, not only detoxifies the body, but also provides vitamins and minerals. There are so many lovely soothing combinations available now. They include spices like caraway, fennel, lavender, anise, cinnamon and cardamom. Several combinations can help with flatulence and bloating. If you make your own, pound the ingredients gently with a mortar before pouring boiling water over them and leaving it to draw for about 10 minutes. A post-meal brew will noticeably help to relieve bloating. Fresh leaves of pepper-
If you can’t resist your chocolate fix, combine it with nuts and dried fruit. For top health benefits choose dark chocolate over milk or white and combine it with fresh fruit. As a rule of thumb for portion sizes, the chocolate chunk should be the size of a piece of mandarin or a slice of apple. Remember that dried fruit like apricots, prunes and dates aid digestion but are high in sugar. It’s recommended to eat a handful first thing in the morning with about 300 ml. of warm water. Nuts are healthy and full of an energy boost, but also high in calories. Choose hazelnuts, macadamia, walnuts and almonds which aren’t shelled. They are free of additives, unsalted and you eat less if you are busy cracking them to get to the contents.
Slow down and enjoy Avoid overeating, no matter how good something tastes! Try to stick to the ‘law’ of eating slowly and chewing lots. Take your time and don’t just stuff yourself. The more thoroughly you chew, the better it
7.1.2016 – 20.1.2016
is for your digestion and the longer you chew, the more you enjoy the taste. Plus which, the enzymes in your saliva have more time to work on the carbohydrates. Sweets and desserts literally make the heart beat faster: sounds great unless you have an underlying heart condition, calcification of the coronary arteries for example where overeating can cause problems with the blood flow to the heart. Sadly, celebratory eating increases the risk of heart spasms (angina). Do yourself a favour and check on your stomach ‘loading space’. Always leave some room as the feeling of being full comes about 15-20 minutes after eating.
one to two teaspoons of oatmeal with sips of water (not milk as that might aggravate the problem). Fuller’s Earth dissolved in water regulates
break and lie down. The warmth helps to inhibit pain receptors and promotes circulation in the abdominal region which relaxes and loosens up the area. Simi-
in your immediate area you can parboil some of that and then reduce the water down to an essence which can be added to your bathwater.
the acid balance in the body and has a positive effect on acute gastric problems and peppermint oil in capsules help against bloating. Dill and artichokes are very helpful digestives and can be used in appetisers and salads.
larly, you can fall back on the classic belly wrap. Soak a cotton or linen cloth with hot water, wring it out and place it on the abdomen. Cover that with a towel and a warm blanket. Relax and let the belly wrap do its job for about 30 minutes. Also recommended is a warm bath with lavender essence. Most chemists and health food stores stock lavender essential oil these days, alternatively, if you have yarrow
You don’t need to go without. Eat your favourite foods in moderation and balance your diet, don’t drink to excess and throw in a good mix of activity and relaxation and you can avoid a tortured tum. It will put you in control ahead of the bikini/trunks challenge, help you fit back into your favourite jeans and help you live with a clear conscience and without stomach cramps. n Happy New Year!
Fennel, peppermint, and sage soothe the stomach A gentle infusion for winter, cardamom, cinnamon and anise
Warmth and relaxation A hot water bottle helps relieve stomach cramps. Give yourself a
Photo: Anna Lliewa
to. Walking is especially effective for losing those unwanted wobbly bits, it’s one of the recommended cardiovascular exercises and eliminates superfluous kilos rapidly. Between
You don’t need to be a musclebound weight lifter to exercise, you can work with your own weight and with the weight of everyday objects in your home. Start simply, there are lots of Internet sites with advice for beginners. The biggest challenge is to overcome your own reticence. Log onto a website and map out your intentions, or sign up for a gym, where your coach, other students and the membership fee you paid will keep you in line.
A simple home remedy for heartburn
Stomach cramps are not uncommon after hearty meals
Come on, it’s so easy to get yourself out and about here in the Islands, in fact it’s difficult to find a good excuse not
35
Dates and dried fruit aid digestion
Move it to lose it Treat yourself to a walk. Here in the Canaries it’s a true joy all year round, but even if you are in colder climes right now, those rosy cheeks from the frosty air will suit you well. Who said that sledding, building snowmen and snowball fights are just for kids? They’re not only great fun, they help to burn off those extra holiday pounds too!
HEALTH
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 762
five to 15 minutes at a stretch, five times a week is enough to knock off the extra weight and start defining muscle.
Heartburn caused by acid or bitter regurgitation can be very painful. It can spread to the throat, and often occurs after eating greasy, acidic or spicy food. For some people, consumption of coffee, alcohol and/or nicotine can cause heartburn. If you start to feel that unmistakable twinge chew
HEALTH
36
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 029
m_delaflor@hotmail.com
Dear Dr. De La Flor Dear Deena, Regrettably, your concern isn’t unusual. Touted as the father of Western Medicine, Hippocrates passed onto us not only his medical oath but also his recurring concerns on therapy adherence: “Keep a watch… on the faults of the patients, which often make them lie about the taking of things prescribed. For through not taking disagreeable drinks, purgative or other, they sometimes die.” High blood pressure (HBP) is often referred to as the silent killer. Taking medication as prescribed is essential. The World Health Organization recently stated that increasing the effectiveness of adherence interventions may have a far greater impact than any improvement in specific medical treatments. In the same report, it also mentions that among patients suffering from chronic illnesses, approximately 50 per cent of them do not take medications as prescribed. Coaching gurus often say that some of us learn by inspiration, some by desperation. Hopefully, your care and preoccupation for his health will soon inspire him to change and take his condition in earnest. Best wishes. “Failure is not fatal, but failure to change can be. Remember, results aren’t the criteria for success — it’s the effort made for achievement that is most important.” John Wooden, 1910-2010 - The Pyramid of Success
Dear Dr. De La Flor,
I am 42 years old and I have accumulated over ten lipomas in recent years. What are the causes of lipomas? What treatments are available aside from surgery? Cheers, L. Dear L., Despite it’s ominously sounding name, a lipoma is rarely a serious medical condition. These fatty-rich lumps are normally slow-growing, usu-
Dear Dr. De La Flor,
I was recently treated for Chlamydia. This is the third time in about five years. Can Chlamydia be cured? How long should you wait before having sex again? Thank you, W. Dear W., When taken properly, both time and strength-wise, the treatment for Chlamydia will stop the infection and could even decrease your chances of having complications later on. However, getting appropriate medication does not assure you immunity against infected future partner(s). You should be tested again about three months after you are treated, even if your sex partner(s) was treated. You should not have sex again until you and your sex partner(s) have completed the course of treatment. If your GP prescribes a single dose of medication, you should wait seven days after taking the medicine before having sex. If he/she prescribes a seven day course, you should wait until you finish the course. Best regards.
Dr. De La Flor Facts
Thumbs Up By Dr. De La Flor
Get into the blues!
Berries in general, blueberries in particular are savory hearthealthy superfruits packed with vitamins and antioxidants. When compared with 40 other fruits, anthocyanin seems to be the cause behind blueberries’
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 on: 0034 697 888 666 or email him to register.
number 1 ranking in antioxidant activity!
Live better, longer, fuller…
“Be true to yourself. Make each day your masterpiece. Help others. Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible. Make friendship a fine art. Build a shelter against a rainy day. Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day.” John Wooden, 1910-2010, The Pyramid of Success
Cancer symptoms we should
never ignore Trouble swallowing, especially if accompanied with vomiting, malaise, fatigue or weight loss, should prompt us to immediately inform our GP.
of a higher virtue, done with less love of God.” Francis of Sales, aka “The Gentleman”
Coaching Corner By Dr. De La Flor When approaching the leftovers of any calendar year, always pops up in my mercurial mind the same anecdote. Political campaign consultants agree that the 1980 US presidential election was abruptly marked and eventually shaped by a single poignant question. It took Ronald Reagan just ten words - “Are you better off than you were four years ago?”
Tackling incontinence
Regardless of cause, stage, and age of appearance, Kegel exercises can help both women and men with urinary incontinence. They aim to strengthen pelvic floor muscles that support and hold up the bladder. 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 3 or 4 sets of 10 contractions every day.
Healing, gratitude & stockings “When we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmas time. Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs?” G.K. Chesterton
Baby boomers booze Research shows that about 40% of people over 65 drink too much, despite the facts that the body’s ability to break down alcohol decreases with age and that alcohol can have dangerous synergy with many medications commonly taken by seniors. Moderation and temperance should always rule all of our actions and thoughts. Mouth changes you should
not ignore If you smoke, watch for white or bright-red patches inside your mouth or on your lips. Both can signal oral precancerous lesions.
Prescriptions for a lifetime
“An action of small value performed with much love of God is far more excellent than one
ReSOLUTION By Dr. De La Flor For the next two weeks let’s spend a few minutes pondering if you and me are better off than twelve months ago. Whether our year was smooth or rough, whether we tasted tears of joy or ones of despair, let’s be courageous and brutally honest when tackling this head-on question. For you and me, a brand new year should always be a brand new opportunity to grow, a brand new opportunity to flourish, a brand new opportunity to stand up no matter how low or how overwhelmed we feel. A brand new year is a brand new opportunity to set some specific, realistic goals to get a bit healthier in body, mind, and spirit. Paraphrasing Dickens, let’s try to not only honor Christmastime but let’s try to make it last. Let’s try to stretch it as much as we can so that we can make its spirit last all year around. Merry Three Kings to you all, especially the ones experiencing any type of pain and suffering. Talk to you in a couple of weeks. “I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys.” Charles Dickens
Therapies, Spiritual hypnosis, Past life regression Come, unleash your internal power and heal your mind, body and soul completely through energy healing, hypnosis and past life regression. Get Space Clearing carried out for more positivity at home and in your work place
Call 619 519 858
Pickup Point GP SURGERY DOCTOR DE LA FLOR SAN EUGENIO (Pass Casino, next to church)
Pedro Alegre Alonso Pilates trainer ä Physiotherapist ä
Tel. 699 521 649
pedroalegrealonso@hotmail.com
©2014 FLN
My husband takes his blood pressure tablets only when he gets a bad neck-ache. I’m frustrated since I’ve tried many times to persuade him to take them properly. Do you have any advice, please? Many thanks, Deena
ally detected in middle age, doughy in texture and easily moved with finger pressure. Lipomas are usually harmless, although cosmetically unpleasant. Unfortunately, surgery is the only effective treatment. In your particular case, my main concern would be to rule out any type of general disorder associated with it. Preventivewise, you should pay a visit to an internal medicine consultant or a dermatologist. Best wishes. “When grace is joined with wrinkles, it is adorable. There is an unspeakable dawn in happy old age.” Victor Hugo
©2014 FLN
Dear Dr. De La Flor,
7.1.2016 – 20.1.2016
FASHION
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 762
37
Fitness fashion for winners
Are you one of those people who have made a New Year’s resolution to finally do more for your health? Are you planning to join a fitness studio, or have decided
to run a few kilometres every day? Perhaps you want to attend exercise classes? Whichever sport you prefer, as well as the motivation and right training plan, there is some-
Photos: www.prshots.com
Dress to press! thing else that plays a role in the road to success: choosing the right training outfit. It’s not just about what’s in fashion, it’s more a case of functionality: the magic word in sports fashion. On the one hand, clothes must not restrict natural movement. That is why modern workout outfits are made of materials containing elastane, so they stretch with every move. On the other hand, however, sports outfits have to deal with another peculiarity: You must ensure that your perspiration is quickly transported to the outside of the clothing, and that on the inside you feel dry and comfortable. In other words, your garments must be able to breathe.
The broad support of this sport top provides grip. From Marks & Spencer
Underwear must be comfortable and functional. From Lascana
Fitness for the body and soul. Outfit from Lands End
Another part of your fitness kit that will need attention is your underwear: there should be no raised seams that can cause irritation. Sports bras are different from usual brassieres in that they are made of particularly firm, supportive materials, and are definitely a must for ladies taking part in n energetic pursuits. A jogging outfit to suit every movement. From BMW Lifestyle
Modern materials give much more freedom of movement. From New Look
Casual sports shirt with netting and lettering. From Primark
Simple and supportive. Top with contrasting stitching from Evans
38
PETS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 029
Adopt, don’t buy
Animal charities’ round up Live Arico (PAWS) Live Arico would like to take this opportunity to wish you a prosperous and healthy 2016. Speaking of 2016, we still have some calendars left; you can buy one in any of our charity shops. We would also like to thank you for your support once again. We are nothing without you and would not be able to carry on helping animals without your donations of time, money and items. 2015 was a bitter-sweet year for us. We were happy to open our third charity shop in Golf del Sur, which has gone from
strength to strength, but were terribly sad to say goodbye to our rescue horse, Katie. So if you attended one of our benefit events, bought a bargain in our shops or dropped a coin in our collection boxes, we thank you from our hearts. If you adopted one of our dogs, or indeed any dog from a shelter, then you have really been a star and will be rewarded by your furry friend forever. Keep up with us on Facebook for up-
to-date stories and doggies in need, and for any information about anything related with Live Arico, call Sue on 629 388 102. Come and check out the all new Golf del Sur shop and prepare to be amazed. It really is something special. We are situated at Golf Park and are now open from 10am till 7pm every day (10.30am to 3.30pm on Sundays). We also have shops in Los Cristianos, on Calle Reveron near Churchill’s Bar, as well as in San Eugenio opposite Hotel La Niña by Amanda’s Bar at the Las Carabelas complex. Both shops are open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Fri-
day, and until 3pm on Saturday and Sunday. Come and have a browse, bag a bargain and help the animals. Find us at: www.livearico.com, on Facebook, or join us on Twitter: twitter.com/live_arico.
Acción del Sol Acción del Sol would like to thank each and every one of you that has helped and supported us over the last year.
K9’s new arrival
The best for Bess! Bess recently found her way into the care of K9 Tenerife after being abandoned and would love a new home for the New Year. She is around two years old, very lively and friendly, and also gets on superbly with other dogs. For further information contact K9 Tenerife on 667 638 468 or email: info@k9tenerife.com. n
Bess would adore a new home for the New Year
Roberta recently flew to Germany to be a therapy cat for autistic children Some dogs at Live Arico had a fabulous festive period!
So many dogs have been lucky enough to be adopted by loving families with your help. We still have 220 dogs patiently waiting. Maybe next year their wishes will come true. We would also like to wish you all a happy next year! Call 922 778 630 if you would like to help out in any way. The refuge is situated at Poligono Industrial Estate; Exit 51 on the TF1, directly next to the Parque Eolica where the wind turbines are. We are open to the public Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 2pm to 5pm. On Saturdays we’re open from 1pm till 4pm. The refuge is closed Wednesday, Sunday and public holidays. Email the refuge at: teneriffa@aktiontier.org. Also visit the Facebook page: ‘action tier Acción del Sol’.
Cats Welfare Tenerife We are thrilled to announce that Roberta, an orphaned kitten from off the streets, has flown to Germany to be a therapy cat for autistic children. Over the last few months she has been in our foster care programme while we raised funds for her passport and flight. We are so proud that a very special kitten from Tenerife will help children in Germany. We are regularly contacted about kittens found on the street. To assist, we have put together a web page that will hopefully help people age them accurately prior to contacting us, as it’s only small kittens that can be successfully homed. Details can be found at: www.cats-welfare-tenerife. com/how-to-age-a-kitten. They are best for re-homing up to
the age of eight weeks old, maximum 12 weeks– otherwise they may be too accustomed to life on the streets and remain feral. Between four and eight weeks is ideal. If the cat is newly abandoned – just sighted, well groomed, wearing a collar – with no one coming forward to claim it then its suitable for re-homing despite of age. If the cat has been abandoned for a long time, it will not be suitable for re-homing. Please remember we do not have a refuge so may not be able to help on every occasion. Our latest kittens for homes and adult cats for foster care are shown on our website: www.cats-welfare-tenerife/ pets, which is updated every day. If you are interested in any shown please contact Theresa on 680 475 500 (10am to 6pm daily). We are always looking for donations of good condition
clothes for our charity shop but at the moment we particularly need menswear. If you have anything and can’t get to the shop to drop it off, ring Mark on 636 590 557 and he will arrange collection from you. Our shop is on San Blas in Golf del Sur (Behind Hiperdino). It is open seven days a week 10am to 6pm but Saturdays it’s open from 11am to 4pm.
K9 Happy Christmas and New Year everyone, and many thanks for everything you’ve done. Our shop on Alcala Plaza is in continual need of donations so if you do have something suitable, please do take it into the shop. The kennels are open every day from 11am until 2pm. If you have any enquiries or are looking for a dog or cat, the number to call is: 667 638 468. n
FARMERS MARKET
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 762
Farmer’s Markets Adeje Calle Archajara, s/n, in front of Makro Saturday/Sunday 8am – 2pm / Wednesday 4pm – 8pm Telephone: 922 775 200 Alcalá Plaza de Llano Monday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 850 100 Arafo Plaza San Juan Degollado Thursday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 511 711 Arico Porís de Abona Sunday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 676 159 034 Arona Valle San Lorenzo, Carretera General 122 Monday/Friday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 767 138 Buenavista del Norte Plaza de San Sebastián Opening times: Saturday 8.30am – 2pm Telephone: 922 129 030 Candelaria Wednesday 8am - 2pm Next to council offices Saturday 8am – 2pm. Plaza del Centro Comercial de Punta Larga Telephone: 922 505 014 El Médano Plaza Principal Wednesday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 759 966/62 El Rosario Carretera General del Norte, la Esperanza Saturday/Sunday/festivals 8am – 4pm Telephone: 922 010 160 El Sauzal Hoya de la Vida, next to the church, Ravelo Friday/Saturday/Sunday 7.30am- 2pm Telephone: 922 584 657
Güímar Plaza del Ayuntamiento Sunday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 526 105
side behind Titsa Depot) 8am – 3pm closed Mondays Tel 922 076544
Guía de Isora Plaza del Pueblo de Garachico Friday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 850 100
Playa de San Juan Plaza de la Iglesia Wednesday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 850 100
Icod de Los Vinos Calle Key Muñoz 5 Monday/Friday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 815 700 / 922 447 938 La Guancha Carretera General TFS km 49 Saturday/Sunday 8am – 3pm Telephone: 922 360 788 La Laguna Plaza del Cristo Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday 6am – 2pm Telephone: 922 601 100 / 922 253 903 La Matanza de Acentejo Ctra. General del Norte Saturday 8am – 3pm, Sunday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 577 120 La Orotava Calle Educadora Lucía Mesa Saturday 8am – 1.30pm Telephone: 922 336 804 / 681 277 633 Los Realejos Camino Viejo de San Benito, Finca el Llano, Realejo Alto Saturday/Sunday 9am – 2pm Telephone: 922 346 234 Los Silos Plaza de la Luz, Los Silos Sunday 9am – 2pm Telephone: 922 840 004 Parque de la Reina – El Cho Calle Infanta Elena, 32 (before Karting on right hand
39
Farmer’s Markets
Island support!
Puerto de la Cruz Avenida Blas Pérez González, 4 Wednesday to Saturday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 386 158 San Isidro Mercado del Agricultor de Granadilla Off the roundabout leading to El Médano Saturday/Sunday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 759 966
Photo: by Frank C. Muller
7.1.2016 – 20.1.2016
San Miguel de Abona P.I. Las Chafiras, San Miguel de Abona, next to the fire station Saturday/Sunday 8am – 2pm Wednesday 2pm – 7.30pm Telephone: 922 735 386 Santa Cruz de Tenerife Avenida José Manuel Guimerá Sunday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 606 000 Santa Úrsula Carretera General, near the town hall Saturday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 301 640 Tegueste Calle de Asuncionistas, 6 Saturday/Sunday 8.00am – 2pm Telephone: 922 316 100 Vilaflor Plaza de Vilaflor Monday to Thursday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 709 002
We at Island Connections are sure in the knowledge that one of the best ways to help yourself, and the economy, is to buy locally – even if you are just visiting for a short time. Canarian farmers harvest an extensive range of crops, which can be seen growing in the typical stepped-terrain farms around the Islands. Products range from tropical fruits, such as mangoes, to worldwide staples like lentils, potatoes and onions. According to the agricultural group COAG-Canarias, prices of fresh fruits and vegetables differ greatly between the amount the farmers receive and the sale price in the supermarkets. For instance, towards the end of last year, small marrows, which the farmers were paid just €0.07/ kilo for, retailed at €0.84, and leeks sold at €0.36 were passed onto the consumer for around €2.23 a kilo. Many of the prices don’t even seem to cover the cost of production - and this is when subsidies became neces-
sary to keep farms from disappearing, which, like the hiked prices, also come out of our pockets. Enter the farmers markets, where the grower can sell directly to the customer without an intermediary. They are dotted all over the Islands, with at least one in almost every town. They allow customers to purchase fresher, higher quality produce at cheaper prices, and the farmers receive a fair payment for their efforts. This enables them to maintain or raise the standard of their crops and uphold productivity levels – it’s a win-win situation.
In these markets you will be sure to see a variety of seasonal products, as well as some local home-made delicacies such as preserves, honeys and Canarian goat’s cheese. A selection of meats and fish can also be found among the stalls, along with an assortment of cakes, pastries and biscuits. Buy locally, eat healthily, pay fairly – this is one way we can all help each other. So, to show our support of local farmers we are taking this timely opportunity to publish the details of the many farmers’ markets around the island n of Tenerife. Enjoy.
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HOROSCOPES | CLASSIFIEDS
Horoscope for period: January 7 to January 20 Aries 21.3 - 20.4 Last year you started to see the benefits of your hard work, with increased respect and recognition in the work place and/or on the home front. This trend will persist throughout 2016 – as long as you continue to put the same amount of effort in you have been. Taurus 21.4 - 20.5 The year 2016 is a pivotal one for taureans. You will be branching out into new pastures, reassessing your relationships, redefining your image, and, yes, allowing the ever present, but well-controlled, ‘cheeky’ – side of yourself show. In short: exciting, scary and rewarding. Gemini 21.5 - 21.6 Your adaptability, resourcefulness and capability to turn challenges into advantages are all going to be tested this year, but all of your tenacity will pay off in the second half of the annum – probably quite literally. Stay motivated and there will be rich rewards. Cancer 22.6 - 22.7 Your focus this year will be on home and family; though the pace may be a little hectic. There will be big changes, of one type or another, but you will find an inner strength you haven’t seen in yourself for a while. Challenges there will be, but there will also be contentment. Leo 23.7 - 23.8 You have been very much in the limelight for the last twelve months, but this year you will find yourself a little left of centre stage. Do not, however, feel that you have been ‘demoted’. Your new position in life’s hierarchy is exactly where you need to be to achieve your goals. Virgo 24.8 - 23.9 You are in for one of the best years of your life. Whatever emotional issue that has been holding you back will finally be resolved. It won’t be all plain sailing, but the release you feel will give you a real energy boost. Finances will also be good near the end of the year. Libra 24.9 - 23.10 After a few complicated years – with some difficulties you now realise were of your own making – it has been nice for you to see improvements over the last 12 months. 2016 will also be positive, but you need to make a conscious effort to keep your relationships fresh. Scorpio 24.10 - 22.11 You are determined that this will be the year of no more secrets. Whether it’s you who’s been a little cagey, or a family issue which has been ignored – the time has come for clarity. Worry not; everything will conspire to help you - though you may learn more than you need. Sagittarius 23:11 - 21.12 The first part of the year will be rather hectic, but from April onwards you will have more time for yourself. Career changes are imminent and well starred, but make sure you finish pending projects promptly. It’s a good time for improving your professional skills. Capricorn 22:12 - 20.01 The year ahead looks to be more peaceful than any other time recently: exactly what you need to properly relax and prepare for the next stage. There are big decisions to be made – life-altering ones – but you’ll cope easily thanks to renewed support from friends. Aquarius 21.1 - 20.2 Building on past successes could be the theme for your coming year. Long-formed plans continue to come to fruition and grow. If you keep your eye on the ball this will be a productive period for you, but don’t ever lose sight of the details – the answer to a conundrum hides there. Pisces 21.2 - 20.3 Your professional life will feature heavily in 2016 – be it finding employment after a while without any, or your efforts at work being recognised by those around you. You are feeling more confident than you have for a while: use this time to make positive changes.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 029
Contacts To advertise your services with us, please call 922 75 06 09
Lucia, fully figured blonde, 140cm of natural breasts, without limits, I will do anything you ask me to, I’m waiting for you in my private apartment in the centre of Los Cristianos, you will enjoy it! Tel. 665 303 382 Erotic massages, also tantric and other services with attractive German lady. No rush, nice location and Jacuzzi. Tel. 619 614 380. Liberal German couple invites men to erotic parties, also threesomes: Tel. 0034 648 245 425 Only for ladies: Escorts, excursions, wellness and also erotic massages with Marc from Germany. I speak English well, have own apartment and car, visit to your location possible. Tel. 630 759 974 Las Chafiras, Pamela Black, very loving, all services, relaxing pain relieving and prostate massage, medium breasts. www.canarias69. com ‘Pamela’. Tel. 635 801 105 Blonde Colombian woman, slim, beautiful, amazing body, all services, natural French, massages, erotic toys, kisses, threesomes, swinger club company, private apartment, hotel visits. I will make your fantasies come true. I speak English. You will repeat this experience. Tel. 649 879 663
Come and enjoy our erotic body to body massages with happy ending! Unforgettable experience. New beautiful ladies! Opening hours: 10am – 10pm. Playa Paraiso, Costa Adeje area. Tel. 0034 662 960 065 www.edentenerife.com
middle of Los Cristianos. Tel. 628 895 416
Cockney girl, Ana, just what you need to get pampered. 30 years old. Let your leisure be my pleasure, owo, French kissing, Los Cristianos, opposite bus station. (0034) 611 203 925. Los Cristianos, Margaret, 23 Busty curvy years old, beautiful, slim, white, dominant, erotic English model, showgirl, massages, natural French, professional striptease, horny, adventurous, spec- quality service, general tacular hips, explode in entertainment, stag nights, my mouth, private apart- dominatrix, fetish, luxury ment, discreet, 24 hours. conditions, visits 24 hours, Tel. 692 50 69 73 / 664 ecort service available. Tel. 077 390 697 227 139
Relaxing, energising, sensual and tantric massages for her, him and couples in Playa de las Américas. Tel. 642 311 909
Los Cristianos Melissa, 24 years. Mixed race, I will give you the most amazing pleasure with a hot tantric massage. Make an appointment and I will send you Do you want to experience my sexy photos. Tel. 604 an orgasm without ejacu- 298 221 lating? The main idea is to extend the excitement and Los Cristianos Sasha, 24 prolong pleasure. When you years, amazing girl in tantric decide to go for it, it is really erotic massages. Feel the intense. I’m Amaia, exotic sense of our privacy. Call me Colombian girl. Tantric and ask for an appointment, massage and all serv- I will send my erotic photos. ices for men. www.sens- Tel. 634 132 066 estrantricmassagetenerife. com. Appointment also via Paula Latina, brunette, Whatsapp (0034) 673 631 complete, without limits, 177 available 24 hours in my private apartment, in the Los Cristianos, Patricia middle of Los Cristianos. from Venezuela returns, big Tel. 628 895 416 breasts, French, positions, vibrators, massages, private Transsexual from Veneapartment in Calle Noruega zuela, 35 years, beautiful, near the Altavista supermar- tall, fat, blonde hair, long ket in Los Cristianos and I big penis, active/passive, can get to you 24 hours. natural special services to Tel. 650 442 665 the end. Apartment Royal, in front of bus station, Los Paula Latina, brunette, Cristianos, I will send you complete, without limits, all the information needed, available 24 hours in my basic English. Tel. 0034 private apartment, in the 602 626 848
7.1.2016 – 20.1.2016
Island connections media group s.l. www.islandconnections.eu
Island Connections Online: www.islandconnections.eu
Classifieds Deadline Next Edition The deadline for edition 763, which is published on 21st Jan., is 19th Jan. No classifieds will be taken after this date.
Head Office: Calle Francisco Feo Rodríguez 6º- first floor. Pol. Industrial Las Chafiras 38620 - San Miguel de Abona. Tel.: 922 75 06 09 Fax: 922 795 810 Office Hours: Mon-Frid 9:30 -16:30 hours
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 € * Small & Long Term: Ask for long term advertising (3, 6, 12 months) and our special discounts. * Further Options: color / boxed adverts. To Place your advert call: 922 75 06 09
You are welcome to come to our offices in Las Chafiras to place small ads. Card payment facilities are available.
MASONIC MEETINGS Logia Ave Fenix Nº 73 Edificio Simón, Los Cristianos. Meetings every fourth Tuesday starting in October (Installation), November and January to April.
All Visitors welcome Contact John Donaldson (Secretary):
(+34) 922 178 091 or ave.fenix73@gmail.com
CLASSIFIEDS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 762
General Services New and unique! Annemarie, certified Tantric masseuse IISB ® (Switzerland). Authentic massages with heart!. 1h - 100€ (incl. Yoni- /LingamMassage) in the matrix Club, Avenida Ernesto Sartí 10. Torviscas/Las Americas, www.ort-der-beruehrung.at, appointment: Tel 604 241 647 Rocket Café - An American style diner selling 100 per cent beef homemade burgers; homemade cakes; the best coffees; and exquisite cocktails. C/ Luis Álvarez Cruz, 5 (Opposite the post office), Las Galletas: 922 731 847 For sale. Home-produced ecological vegetables, Tenerife south. Interested businesses, call 650 323 751 (Spanish only), send WhatsApp or email to: michelteide@hotmail.com www.mascuidados.com Website for our massages, dedicated to bringing the benefits of therapeutic massage to your home or hotel, no charge for travel. Do you want a massage? www.mascuidados.com Tel. 663 190 727
Bachelor of Arts in Philology I give private lessons of Spanish for foreigners and I do translations of Romanian, Spanish, French and English. In Los Cristianos, Tenerife.
Mirela: 663 216 858
Santiago del Teide Lions Club
Bargains galore From clothes and children’s toys to kitchenware and books – there are plenty of great deals on second-hand goods. They even have sets of golf clubs! Don’t miss out – visit their shop below the plaza in Puerto Santiago (Behind Vigilia Park). Open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10am – 1pm and Wednesdays 2pm to 8pm.
Masonic Lodge - Ave Fenix No.73. New meetings starting in October 2015 on the fourth Thursday of the month. If interested, all visitors are welcome to come down. For further information, lodge secretary John Donaldson is available to contact on Tel: (+34) 922 178 091 or Email: ave.fenix73@gmail.com After school classes, help or activities in English, German or Spanish, please contact Mrs. Garus. Tel. 602 506 793. We are 5 minutes away from Wingate School in Cabo Blanco. Qualified specialist from Germany helps you with back pain, neck pain, sciatica, headaches and insomnia. Tel. 0034 699 15 61 47 (ask for Eugene). Massage saloon Ilona. Offer: 60 minutes full body massage for €36. Couples, four hands, lava stones, massages, etc. Playa de las Americas, Ernesto Sarti no.18, across from Iberostar Hotel in Torviscas Playa. Tel. 602 608 626 or email: ilonarebisch@hotmail.com
41
Integrated Tax Planning and Wealth Management since 1975
922 716 079 www.blevinsfranks.com
www.autoescuelaenred.com
Driving School Online
Clases individuales Individual lessons info@autoescuelaenred.com SMS or whatsapp
629 135 005
BLOCK BUSTERS
Lamp Factory
internal and external using our high pressure jets and cameras.
Buy during your holidays We deliver to your home country
WE UNBLOCK ALL TYPES OF DRAINS
Call
647 928 223
Ctra. General C-820, Travesía la Panadería, 1 38440 Santo Domingo (La Guancha) Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Tel / Fax: 922 130 301 OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday 9 am to 2 pm & 4 pm to 9 pm
WANTED: Kiln (oven) for pottery. Minimum 1300 degrees celcius For home use Tel 922 710675
Caron Murgatroyd B.A. Hons
Fully qualified UK primary school teacher Private English classes for ages 3-11 Also available private lessons for all other English National Curriculum subjects including: Maths, English, Science, History & Geography For further information or to book contact on: caron.murgatroyd@gmail.com
602 483 017
Spanish and English Lawyers
Conveyancing • Inheritance & Wills Family Law • Criminal Law Civil Litigation & Personal Injury Timeshare • Tax & Commercial law
T: E:
922 719 520
tenerife@decottalaw.net
Av. de Los Pueblos, Residencial Villaflor B-20, San Eugenio
www.decottalaw.net
CLASSIFIEDS
42
Rental Classifieds
For Long
Term Rent
Los Cristianos, €65,000. Tel. 690 676 527 €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 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
Mature people preferred. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, big kitchen, 1 terrace, living room, garden with fruit trees, in quiet area. Tel. 609 531 178 melquiadesm@hotmail.com Puerto de la Cruz, two bedroom furnished apartment on quiet, select complex with tennis court and pool near Parque Taoro. Private gardens and garage. Long let only. €575 monthly. Call owner 922 205350 / 699424501.
For Rent Playa de las Americas 1 Bedroom apartment. Well-furnished and equipped, central location, quite area close to beach. No Finder’s fee. €570 all in. Call 620 230 871 / 922 75 11 13 Winter letting Puerto de La Cruz Studio apartment, 24 hour concierge, pool, sea views. Minimum three month contract. €500 per month. 669 652 149 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 Rustic finca for long term let near Icod de los Vinos. Fully equipped and furnished, open fire, satellite TV and Wi-Fi available. Fantastic sea and mountain views, sun terrace and barbeque, €450 PCM. Tel. Spain: 0034 922 865 776. UK mobile: 0044 (0) 7786 390541. Spanish mobile: 0034 674 287 632. Email: Philhirstconsultant@btinternet.com or P.D.Hirst@gmail.com 1 bedroom apartment for rent in Playa Paraiso. Tel 662 507 191 www.villasandmore-tenerife.com
SALEs Classifieds Three bedroom house in Costa
del Silencio for sale with 182 m2. One big living room and one small one, two bathrooms, two terraces and a patio. Price: €160,000. Tel. 922 73 28 40
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 Two very good business premises for sale. Leasehold, restaurant near beach in Los Cristianos, €120,000, and bar/snacks
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 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 Offer of the month in Puerto de la Cruz. Beautiful studio, at Playa Jardin, with nice furniture, 40m2 with terrace and oceansight, pool, tennis area, restaurant, elevator 48.000€. Mov. 604 100 174. 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 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. 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 For sale, Bungalow 160m2 Costa Sauzal, situated front row with guaranteed spectacular sea-views, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms , living room with panoramic windows, modern kitchen, dining room connected to the terrace, including a heated
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 029
Parque Santiago 11
Property for Sale
Sought after complex. 2 bed Duplex Ground Floor apartment. Las Americas sea views, fully furnished. Big private sunny terrace and upstairs terrace. Rental opportunity!
Urb. Oasis Dakota, Playa Fañabé
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.
Great location! Price €220,000
Tel 629 244 958 / € 155,000
Call Alan: 667 513 689 4 x 8 m pool, all on same level, garage and a marvellous tropical garden with 800m2 landscaped with various plants and lots of fruit-trees. Private sale contact: info@ simonsananes.com. Tel.: 00 34 699 444 879 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 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 www.teneriffa-fincas.net Los Cristianos, central apartments, 1 and 2 bedrooms, furnished, Tel: 649 142 612 Apartments for rent & sale. Apartments at playa Jardin, centricity, furnished, with washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, TV plasma, fully equiped, 1 or 2 bedrooms, new prices for rent 530€ and 650€ per month, water and electricity apart, garage. Also available studios, townhouses and villas all over Tenerife. Mov. 604 100 174. Appartment in Botánico with BBQ, common pool, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, salon, kitchen, terrace, aprox,300 m2, 1 extra bedroom with toilet, garage, for sale 380.000€ or for rent 1.350€ + Extras per month, Mov. 604 100 174. 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
Semidetached Villa by San Isidro, near El Médano, with fantastic sea and mountain views. The property and surrounding small residential community of only 12 houses is well looked after, quiet and very safe. The living area is 98 sqm plus 100 sqm of terraces. It has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms,1 toilet and a private garage. It is being sold fully furnished. The owners are german. A covered patio leads to the private garage inside the house. The upper floor has a surrounding and mainly covered terrace. It is only a 5 km drive to the beaches of El Médano and La Tejita. The land in front is a rural ravine so building is not allowed there. The selling price is only €115.000.www.villasandmore-tenerife.com TEL: (+34) 662 50 71 91
Santa Úrsula
5 bedroom house for sale, separate studio, 3 bathrooms, sauna, sea and mountain views, garden with fruit trees. Great location, only 8 minute drive from Puerto de la Cruz
Reduced price from €260,000 to 215,000 Tel. (0034) 695 977 163 (available evenings)
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. EEC Registered.
Well Priced £99,000
Call Alan. (0034) 667 513 689
www.villatenerifenorte.com
€690.000
8% Commission to intermediaries
Golf villa for sale
Private Sale 10.800 m2 Tel. (0034) 682 392 956 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. Garden 750 m2.
Information Tel. +34 659 928 805
7.1.2016 – 20.1.2016
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 762
CLASSIFIEDS
43
CLASSIFIEDS | PASTIMES
44
Situations Vacant / wanted
Sales staff needed to represent a printing and design company in the south of Tenerife, applicants must be presentable and have their own transport. For more details please call Jon on 604 103 048 B Funky Fashion Shows are looking for international girls to model swimwear in the south of Tenerife for an immediate start. Must be presentable and speak good English, other languages are an advantage. PR experience essential. Daily work, salary, commissions paid and contracts given. Call José, between 11am and 5pm
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 029
Vehicles Renault Meganerieng,
Diesel, A/C, power ste in 13,000km, first driven . April 2014
Contact: 610 783 713
Suzuki Intruder VS 600 - 1996 Custom Bike in good condition, 61.000 km. Very low seat. All services done regularly. ITV until 2017
2.100€
Tel. 677 799 475
on 606 181 946 or 922 751 021
Place your advert at
(For Crossword and Sudoku solution see pag 40)
New Year... therefore New Career?! SegurCaixa Adeslas, one of Spain’s leading insurance organizations....is in expansión and requires several agents to spearhead a new wave of exciting growth for 2016 and beyond...... Are you a people-person ? Does advancement appeal to your career needs and the prospect of coordinating / managing a team / region in the near future ? Not to mention the income potential where you get paid for what you are worth ? Our requirements : You initially have at least 10-15 hours per week, are organized, have integrity, determination & a teachable mindset to learn from the specialists. If so we would be delighted to hear from you, for an interview forward your CV to : cruzen@oficinaLocal.segurcaixaAdeslas.es
Classified Agent for
New and second hand books C. Juan XXIII, 29 Los Cristianos 922 797 542 www.libreríarehound.com
Place your classified advert at one of our agents
Across
Ocean Golf and Country Club, Golf del Sur 922 736 502 www.nowtenerife.com
C. Juan XXIII, 29º Los Cristianos 922 79 7542 www.libreriaredhound.com
Pto. Colón 1st floor (Facing Inwards) Las Américas 922 715 682 bookswop@spantel.com
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SPORTS NEWS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 762
45
Tumour basketball star
Las Palmas in the market
Thievy return rumours grow
Photo: tungphoto freedigitalphotos.net
A former crowd favourite at Las Palmas could be on his way back to the struggling first division side in the January transfer window. Thievy Bifouma, a French-Congolese forward who spent time on loan in Gran Canaria from Español in 2012-13 and impressed with his goal scoring rate, is rumoured to be interested in a return to the Canaries after falling out of favour at Granada, where he last played on November 7, and being disciplined for a breach of club rules. Thievy, who is 23, would be a welcome addition to the Las Palmas forward line, which has struggled to find the net on the club’s return to the top flight after an absence of 13 years. However, some fans are concerned that his character may not be suited to a dressing room in which discipline will be a key factor in the battle to stave n off relegation in the second half of the season.
Kuric overwhelmed by kindness Kyle Kuric, here playing for CB Estudiantes, says he will be playing in the New Year
Basketball star Kyle Kuric says that words fail him when he tries to express his gratitude to fans, his club and the media for the kindness and support shown to him since he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. As reported here, the 26-yearold American - who is of Slovak descent - received the devastating news after complaining of headaches during training in early November and he underwent emergency surgery in Barcelona. On his return to Gran Canaria he took the opportunity to thank everyone for their massive support during what has proven to be a
very difficult time. Kuric and his wife Taraneh visited the Canarias 7 newspaper in Las Palmas before Christmas to be interviewed on the unexpected change to his life in the last two months and took the opportunity to express his amazement at the generosity shown to him. The message comes on the heels of a similar note by Kuric’s father, Steve, a prestigious neurosurgeon who said he was touched by the help given to his son, not just by his club but by the entire basketball community. Kuric has joked with his team mates that he will be “back on court in the New Year”. n
Photo: Carlos Delgado CC 3.0
7.1.2016 – 20.1.2016
Pier for chairman
Las Palmas hopes that Thievy will improve their goal-scoring rate
Las Palmas face Eibar
Canarians in last 16 of Cup
Photo: Assar
Las Palmas have been drawn against another side from the Basque country in the Spanish Cup. The Canarians made it through to the last 16 of the competition by beating Real Sociedad 3-2 on aggregate and have been rewarded with another trip back to northern Spain, this time to Eibar, for the first leg of the two-leg tie. The return takes place in Gran Canaria a week later on January 13. Although Las Palmas would have preferred a pairing against one of the weaker sides still left in the competition, particularly juniors Cadiz - who progressed despite losing to Real Madrid after the Spanish giants were controversially kicked out for fielding an ineligible player - confidence is high n that a place in the quarter finals can be secured.
Las Palmas travel to Eibar for the next round of the Copa del Rey
Redondo backs former player One of Tenerife Football Club’s most famous past players has given his endorsement to excolleague Pier as the perfect man to take over the reins of the second division club. Argentina’s Fernando Redondo, who starred for the islanders during their most successful period ever, in the early 1990s, spent Christmas in Spain and gave several interviews in which he spoke of his vision for the future of his former club. The elegant midfielder, famously described by Sir Alex Ferguson as having “a magnet
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Classified Agent for
Books, Cards, Internet Pto. Colón 1st floor Las Américas 922 715 682 bookswop@spantel.com
in his boots” after Real Madrid - whom he played for after leaving Tenerife - beat Manchester United in a Champions’ League quarter final at Old Trafford, admitted that he has spoken regularly to Pier Luigi Cherubino, with whom he coincided at Tenerife. “I have talked to him a lot and I share his views on what should be done to bring the glory days back to Tenerife” said Redondo, who would like to see his former team mate win the race to become chairman when Miguel Concepción steps down at the n end of the season.
Many fans and former players would like to see Pier Luigi Cherubino as new chairman
46
SPORTS NEWS | POOL LEAGUE
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 029
Tenerife Pool Super League
Tenerife Pool Super League
Exciting fixtures for 2016
It’s as you were at the top of the first division, Legends A stretched their lead to five points following a resounding 8-2 win against Britannia Inn (Paraiso). Summerland Elite dropped two valuable points to second-frombottom Dos Hermanos, drawing 5-5. Marius & Lo leapt into third
position away to Bad Bobs in Playa de Las Americas by 7-3. Sloops Bar lost at home to Legendry Jokers by 6-4 and are now nine points behind the league leaders. Toby Jug Saints climb up to fifth with an impressive display at home to Polygon Legends, winning 7-3. Mad Hatters lost at home to Clouseaus, 6-4. The bottom team Atmosphere lost 10-0 away to Scruffys.
Information supplied by Tenerife Pool Super League www.tenerifepoolleague.com
Toby Jug Saints climbed to fifth in the league after defeating Polygon Legends
Legends A remain top of division one at the start of 2016
Division one, week 15
Powered by EXPRESS BAR DELIVERIES S.L.
Second division, week 15 Boothen Bar dropped only their second point of the season with a 5-5 draw at home to The Tavern. There were also points dropped by Bar 180B at home to The Hunters, drawing 5-5. Secondplaced Grandee O’Donnell’s won a hard-fought match with
Lupain properties by 6-4 and are only three points behind the league leaders. Bar 180C were away to The George and managed a draw. Summerland Shooters were good value for a fine win at home to Britannia Bar (Silencio) 6-4. Leones kept their good run going, winning at home to Scruffy Macs by 6-4. Bar Nauta suffered the heaviest defeat of the night
(8-2) up against the in-form Boothen Squad. Second round of the Express Bar Deliveries Cup was recently drawn, and top of the first division Legends A will play runaway leaders of the second division, Boothen Bar in what proposes to be a test for both teams. Marius & Lo have a home tie against Toby Jug Saints while Dos Hermanos try
to progress to the third round at home to Bar 180C. Bar Leones entertain The Tavern; Britannia Inn (Paraiso) host second in the league Summerland Elite; and Lupain have a tough fixture against Legendry Jokers of the first division. An all first division tie sees Polygon Legends pitted against Legends B. Finally Britannia Bar (Silencio) are at home to James Place. Good luck to all teams. At the halfway stage of the season, Graham Bollesty leads the individual stats with Shaun of Elite in second place and John McCabe in third - the former and latter play for Legends A. Three Boothen Bar players head the second division stats with the outstanding Jambo losing just one match throughout the first half of the season. Jimmy and Rich are equal second. On behalf of the committee we would like to wish our Sponsors Express Bar Deliveries our grateful thanks for their continued support. A healthy and prosperous New Year to them n and all the players.
San Sebastián OWS
The San Sebastián Open Water Swimming Tournament recently took place in La Gomera’s capital city with over 30 competitors participating in the annual event. Federico Hernández León and Elsa Herrera were announced winners of the ‘Travesía a Nado de San Sebastián de La Gomera 2015’, a 2,000 metre open water event that crosses the capital’s harbour bay. On the day, it was reported that conditions were particularly windy and hazy and that swimmers were forced to double their efforts to brave the waves. Federico Hernández León completed the race in a time of exactly 24 minutes, while David Arteaga Jerez and Alejandro Arteaga Jerez finished second and third respectively.
Photo: Ayuntamiento San Sebastián de La Gomera
La Gomera braves the waves
Elsa Herrera Vizcaino won first position in the women’s cate-
gory with a finish time of 33:30 minutes, ahead of Lorena Inma
Padilla and Marta Hernández Barrera.
A festive race with a competitive edge San Sebastián de La Gomera’s stunning port and surrounding coastline
The popular annual swimming race is organised by the sports department for the San Sebastián de La Gomera borough council. This year’s event saw a record turnout during the festive holidays but that’s not to say that it didn’t have a com-
petitive edge, as all swimmers had to pit their wits against harsh conditions during a tight and gruelling race. Following the open water contest there was a small prize ceremony in recognition of those n who took part.
7.1.2016 – 20.1.2016
FOOTBALL AND SPORTS NEWS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 762
47
CD Tenerife latest
the end of last season so it will be a real coup if CD Tenerife can pull off the deal. However, most agree that there is room for improvement in other areas of the pitch before the need for another goal scorer. Cristo Gonzalez has burst on to the scene recently, sparking interest from various clubs including FC Barcelona who according to reports are prepared to pay the €3 million asking price for the 18 year old, but Tenerife are not prepared to sell just yet. Priority should be given to bolster the midfield as we are in desperate need of a box-to-box player and a creative playmaker, with ex-River Plate Tomas Martinez flattering to deceive so far since his
Photo: CD Tenerife
The blanquiazules were quick to break into the winter transfer window with the on-loan signing of Saúl Garcia from Deportivo de La Coruña. The left sided defender will push current full back Jon Aurtenetxe for a place in the starting eleven. Basque-born Aurtenetxe was unable to enjoy a one week break like the rest of the Tenerife squad as he took part for the Basque National team in their 1-0 victory over a Catalan selection in the Nou Camp on Boxing Day. The blanquiazules are still looking to strengthen their forward line with Honduran, Alberth Elis also on the agenda. The young International striker almost joined Everton FC at
Photo: CD Tenerife
An important period for Tenerife
Saúl García joins Tenerife on loan from Deportivo de La Coruña
move from Argentina. January will be a crucial period for CD Tenerife as they have three home games and a good run
could see them climb to the edge of the play-offs, however, the dreaded drop zone is not too far away either so
The club recently announced a series of ticket offers for CD Tenerife fans
there is all to play for. The club has announced a series of ticket offers in the form of mini-season tickets, check
out the Club Deportivo Tenerife website for further information: www.clubdeportivotn enerife.es.
Nomads Football Club
Soccer season summary Sponsored by: Foreign Language News & www.windowsplus.co.uk We have just completed the adult 6s’ season which started in mid 2015 and ran until the December just passed. The full season’s league table and results are available at: www. nomadsfc.com. There were many enjoyable games over the season and the most interesting match was left until the very end. The Atlantic Horizon boys were going for another championship as well as the 2015 league and cup double, and in their way were a very talented group of players from Uruguay. The game was of an extremely high level for a so-called social 6s league and both teams should be very proud of the skill achieved. Following great end-to-end play and some excellent goals scored by both teams, Uruguay managed to finish a little stronger and won the game 4 - 3 to take their first Nomads Football Club adult social 6s league championship! Big
title that they surprising lost in 2014 against Balti Balti. It was an excellent game from the Russian team but all credit to Atlantic Horizon for showing how good a 6-a-side team they really are. Congratulations to Steve and his team. Following the excellent 2015 cup final, many thanks to all players, officials, teams and supporters in making the Nomads Football Club Adult social 6s 2015 season an enjoyable football exercise with lots of fun between the many different nationalities within our teams. We wish all sides the very best of luck for the new Nomads Football Club adult social 6s league season starting in January 2016.
Russia and Atlantic Horizon after the cup final
congratulations to both teams for such a great season and well done to Santi, Ernesto and their team for taking the 2015 title from Steve and the Atlantic boys.
Adult 6s 2015 cup The knockout cup is always great fun and gives the teams lower in the league the chance
to give the big boys a challenge in a one -off game. The semi finals between Crown and Atlantic had the potential of a cup shock but Steve, Sam and the boys won in convincing style to set up an interesting cup final against the winners of the RyanHell v Russia game. Ricardo and the Portuguese boys pushed the favoured Russian team all the way but
Russia finished the second half strongly to make the final. The final was played in late December and the Russian team led by Big Alex gave Atlantic Horizon a run for their money. It was a very close first half that finished Atlantic 2, Russia 1. In the second half Steve and Simon stepped up the intensity and helped their Atlantic team regain the cup
New season Nomads Youth Football Club still needs a few extra players for the under 10s, 12s and under 14s teams. We have a weekly group of kids from countries like Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, Scotland, Spain, Uruguay, Italy, England and Russia playing regular foot-
ball, and we are looking for new players to join. We will be providing weekly football sessions at our training pitch in Los Cristianos for the following groups, if your kids would like to come along please contact us: Pre Benjamin (under 8s) on a Monday at 5.30pm, Wednesday at 5.30pm and Friday at 5.30pm Benjamin (under 10s) on a Monday at 6.30pm, Wednesday at 5.30pm, and Friday at 5.30pm. This team still needs two players. Alevin (under 12s) on a Monday and Wednesday at 6.30pm, and Friday at 5.30pm. This team still needs two players also. Infantil (under 14s) on a Tuesday at 5.30pm, Wednesday at 6.30pm, and Friday at 6.30pm. This team still needs two players. Each team has its own webpage link at: www.nomadsfc. com. For more information email: info@premfs.com. Phone or message: +34 654 200 470. Also visit the international website: www.premfs. n com.
48
PROMOTION
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 029
Breast cancer charity
Walk for Life attracts thousands pies for the cause and will continue to support them fundraising during the year. The Swallows never miss a walk and were part of a potpourri of nationalities including people who fly out each year just to take part. And it has to be said, the management and staff from the Paradise Park Hotel were fabulous. Not only did they give the event one of its best ever kick-starts with a fabulous press call presenta-
December’s record-breaking event brought an estimated 3,200 people to the south of Tenerife to walk for breast cancer awareness and fundraising. The weather was kind to them once again and an early six thirty in the morning saw the arrival of the teams of workers from Adeje and Arona and the many volunteers without whom the event couldn’t take place. By the time people arrived to register, the stalls and tables had been set up, hundreds of balloons inflated and the stages were ready in both Adeje and Arona. Paul the piper led Walk for Life founder Brigitte Gypen, Adeje and Arona mayors José Miguel Rodriguez Fraga and
A tide of pink on the promenade Brigitte and charity representatives Brigitte and island authorities at the start
José Julián Mena Pérez, and many other illustrious guests to the front of the crowd behind their enormous banner - and they were off in a joyous pink wave along the five kilometre route accompanied by drum bands from both boroughs. It was great to see more Spaniards this year and a lot more men taking part. The inimitable Armada Sur were there once again in support, rattling their enormous pink buckets at the passers-by and sunbathers and, together with what they’d already raised, handed in over €1,100.
WFL’s latest recruits Julie and David George arrived at the crack of dawn to be put on balloon duty and generally
pitched in everywhere they were needed, as did the rest of the volunteer crew. Julie raised €380 from her posh pink pop-
tion, but many of them turned up on the day with special pink t-shirts. There isn’t space here to mention everyone individu-
ally, but many thanks go to all those involved. An amazing €15,100 was raised on the day, which will be divided between breast cancer projects at the AECC, Ámate and the Sala Rosa/Pink Room in Adeje. There are literally hundreds of images which will all be loaded onto the website in the near future, together with a full list of sponsors etc. For more information see www. n carreraporlavida.com.