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1984-2016
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January 21 – February 3, 2016 Führer’s Tenerife escape?
Renewable revolution
Major drugs bust
Health
Hola Herr Hitler!
Greenpeace interview
Black cocaine seized
Venom medicine
Page 4
Pages 6 & 7
Page 8
Pages 34 & 35
Fin Whale saved
Courage and resourcefulness
Photo: youtube
The Environment Department of the Fuerteventura island council recently honoured two young Canarians, César Espino and Gustavo Ponce, with an Atlantic Environment Prize for bravely rescuing a fin whale – in terms of length, considered the second biggest animal on the planet after the blue whale. Earlier this year when swimming off Morro Jable in the south of Fuerteventura, the two men noticed the whale caught up in fishing equipment by both the tail and head. For over an hour without the use of an oxygen tank, César Espino repeatedly dove down to the whale with a knife to hack at the nets and eventually save the approximately 15 metre long whale. As César dove, his friend Gustavo filmed the events, and the video is now on YouTube for people to watch: www. youtube.com/watch?v=CYzMq-I77ZI. n
The whale rescue was filmed and is available to watch on YouTube
How much luxury can we afford?
Endangered paradise Local groups and residents recently staged an innovative demonstration against plans to construct a 5-star hotel at the coastal village of La Tejita next to El Médano in Granadilla, South Tenerife. Groups such as ATAN (Tenerife Association of Friends for Nature), El Sur Se Mueve (The South Moves) and countless local supporters joined artist Oliver Behrmann for his latest protest: Cocktail in La Tejita. The demonstration included the arrangement of an artificial bar on the La Tejita beach on a busy Saturday afternoon, serving concrete cocktails to the interested general public and protestors invited to the well organised event via social media. According to Oliver, a multidisciplinary artist born in Santa Cruz, the brightly-coloured breeze blocks and bits of debris collected from the site of the proposed hotel represent: “the contradictory nature of mass tourism over the environment of the area, and parodies the lifestyle of the clients of the hotel by using the very
Yummy! Concrete cocktails at sunset
materials which will go on to have such a damaging impact.” News that planning permission has been granted for a luxury hotel on one of Tenerife’s most beautiful natural beaches has sparked a storm of protest and a petition to block the plans. Just before the end of the year details emerged that Playa de la Tejita in El Médano – according to environmentalists, one of the few unspoilt spots left on the island – is to house a beach
resort hotel with 133 rooms and 36 suites on a 28,000 square metre site. The revelation spurred activists into action and a petition on change.org has already attracted over 11,000 signatures. Granadilla borough council insists that the hotel will open up an area best known for its windsurfing community to other forms of tourism and will help the El Médano coast become a proper resort while representing a major boost for the local
economy. However, conservationists take a different view and have mobilised to protect La Tejita with a series of protests. The Ben Magec-Ecologists in Action association recently wrote to the Viqueira Group, the company behind the project, warning them that feelings are running very high and the firm could be the target of a campaign similar to that launched in the Canaries to block oil drilling. Continued on page two
CANARY ISLANDS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 030
Environmental concerns
El Médano madness Continued from the front page The association also added that tourists would be made aware of the environmental damage caused by the major project, saying that a concerted campaign would include all possible measures to slow down the building of the hotel and make it more expensive through legal suits. It ends the letter with a plea to Viqueira to “do the reasonable thing” and leave one of Tenerife’s flagship beauty spots alone. Meanwhile, Oliver Behrmann’s clever display of drinks and cocktail items were made exclusively of rubble from construction projects in the area and he held a workshop to teach people how to convert the debris into souvenirs for tourists. “This beach, which has survived in its natural state for years, is about to be transformed into something totally different by the presence of the hotel. The idea of the rubble cocktail is to use humour to make people reflect on what is happening to our shoreline”, said the 43-year-old artist who designed around 150 pieces for the protest. “It’s not just the hotel of course because they recently built a shopping centre here – this once iconic and natural area is quickly turning into bricks and mortar. Everyone here is against the hotel construction but little can be done because it’s covered by the urban planning of Granadilla council. Anyway, I don’t want my satirical protest to have a political tone; it is intended as a light-hearted remonstration and form of criticism using art”. Behrmann, who emphasised that he conducted his protest with appropriate council permissions, had invited the hotel constructors to his event, without receiving a reply, however. The artist also hoped that his humorous criticism would make the tourist sector “avoid making the same mistakes of the past” and invited a wide range of people to his cocktail demonstration to “discuss and
The natural beauty of El Médano is to be severely altered Oliver Behrmann and his concrete cocktails
reflect on the different models of economic and social development for the area with a rubble-cocktail in hand”. Exceltur (the Spanish Association of Tourism Professionals) published a study some years ago which showed that a decline in tourism in Spain was the direct result of continual building and urban growth, which also led to a continual fight for more high-volume tourism and to continually do so at cheaper rates. There seems to be a very strong argument that South Tenerife is in danger of going down the same path.
Targeting traditional towns What’s most alarming for local and environmental groups is that the tourism sector is seemingly targeting villages and areas known for their quaint Canarian traditions or specialist tourism, such as La Tejita – a small urbanisation with an almost exclusive watersports market – and El Puertito in the borough of Adeje, a sleepy fishing village which is also facing hotel and expansion plans. Adeje borough council recently unveiled plans for a 5-star complex for the pretty coastal village near Armeñime, announcing that it will fully respect the natural value of the area and create up to 1,000 jobs. As well as a 5-star hotel there are future plans for leisure and commercial centres and beach zones.
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Local groups and residents are concerned that the charming integrity of El Puertito will be massively altered by such development and now La Tejita is facing the same fate. What’s most baffling for residents is that the areas do not conform in any way to typical tourism expectations. La Tejita is a small, unspoilt village and the stretch of coastline by La Tejita and El Médano is known for its all-year-round strong winds, which is why the two towns have evolved into a largely water sport community. The majority of its tourism for over 20 years has been dedicated to these practices, particularly windsurfing and kitesurfing.
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Noted for its unassuming beauty, bohemian charm and hearty wind, El Médano hosts numerous international water sports competitions, including the annual Professional Windsurfers Association (PWA) World Cup every summer. The July and August months are typically at its gustiest, making beach lounging an arduous and often unpleasant activity for sun worshipping tourists. It also has a more Spanish feel than most other resorts in the south of Tenerife, and is a favourite evening and weekend destination for residents from all over the island. El Médano is also somewhat disconnected from the traditional South Tenerife resorts, isolating it from the many attractions available to tourists in the boroughs of Arona and Adeje, and doesn’t have the broad appeal most holidaymakers would expect. Local groups and residents in opposition to the plans appreciate that tourism is and always has been integral to the El Médano area, but understand that it can only offer niche market services and that luxury tourism will not fit in with the town’s unique culture, therefore the plans will actually be detrimental to both the area and the highend tourism that authorities n seek to attract.
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Seminal artist dies
Starman’s great gig in the sky Innovative British artist David Bowie sadly died of liver cancer on January 10, aged 69. Born David Robert Jones on January 8, 1947, Bowie went on to become a worldrenowned singer, songwriter, producer and actor. He was a major figure in rock and pop music for over five decades and is widely considered one of the genre’s seminal artists, particularly for his work in the 1970s. Born and raised in south David Bowie – a true legend London, Bowie developed an interest in music while at school and went on to study art, music and design. He embarked on a professional music career in 1963, and Space Oddity became his first hit in the UK Singles Chart in July 1969. Following a three-year experimental period he re-emerged in 1972 during the glam rock era with his flamboyant alter ego, Ziggy Stardust. The character was spearheaded by the single Starman and the classic album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. In 1975, Bowie achieved his first US crossover success with the number-one single Fame (co-written and recorded with John Lennon) and the album Young Americans. In 1977 Bowie recorded the album Low, the first of three collaborations with producer Brian Eno, later to be known as the Berlin Trilogy. In 1981, Bowie collaborated with Queen to record Under Pressure and reached a new commercial peak in 1983 with the album Let’s Dance, which yielded several hit singles. David Bowie also had a successful but sporadic film career, including major roles in The Man Who Fell to Earth, Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, Labyrinth, The Last Temptation of Christ and The Prestige, among other film and television appearances. n Photo: Adam Bielawski CC 3.0
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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.
21.1.2016 – 3.2.2016
CANARY ISLANDS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 763
Domestic violence
Sad start to the year With only a week gone of the year, police were investigating the deaths of three women in Madrid, Guadalajara and Badajoz, supposedly at the hands of their current or former partner. In an interview with Europa Press, the former Canarian Member of Parliament for Domestic Violence, coroner Miguel Llorente, insisted that violence against women “should be treated in the same way as racism, xenophobia or homophobia”. He announced that he was “worried” about the macho behaviour of institutions, political parties and social networks who inflamed sentiment further with debates and polemics over the mechanics of dealing with domestic violence and warnings about false claims against some men. Sensational statements hinder rather than help, effective and consistent action should be taken. He also found it worrying that the Government should
try and take the credit for the drop in the number of domestic violence victims, claiming changes in social thinking as the cause. “It is not to the Government’s credit but society’s”, he claimed. He also accused them of playing games with the statistics as cases that are kept open endlessly don’t show up on the official numbers. There are at least three cases currently open in Spain, in one of which the supposed murderer has confessed. The expert underlined the importance of the role of the press in their coverage of such events. In some cases, reporting the deaths could trigger a positive reinforcement in violent men that could even incite them to murder. It means that after such an event has been made public, even more intense protective measures should be put into force for women who have made allegations of domestic violence
as their at-risk level increases considerably at such times.
Second highest official complaint rate Shamefully, the Canaries has the second highest official complaint rate for domestic violence in Spain with 19.2 women out of every 10,000 reporting violence every year. They are only surpassed by the Balearic Islands where 24 women out of every 10,000 report an attack. The national average is 13.7 per 10,000. About a third of the victims are non-Spanish. Just in the summer months between July and September last year, 33,075 reports were received by the security forces. Approximately 68 per cent of all the complaints are made by the women themselves, in 16 per cent of cases the police lodge the complaint and in just over two per cent of the attacks, the complaint is made by a family member.
Convictions were made in over 64 per cent of the cases that were tried in the last quarter, a rise for the third successive trimester. Llorente knows from his long experience that the numbers of attacks on women increase during the summer and Christmas period when holidays force a couple to spend more time together and this provides a breeding ground for conflict situations. Relatives are asked to be particularly vigilant at these times and above all there must be no tolerance on this issue from society in general. Given the number of reported threats, violence and deaths, sermons like the one given by the Archbishop of Toledo Braulio Rodríguez Plaza during the Christmas holidays are particularly frightening. He implied that the women were to blame if they were beaten for not obeying or for demanding a divorce and that violence could be prevented
A Canarian demonstration of support against domestic violence
if they did what the men told them. This sparked a huge furore in the social media, and underlined that it is not only in the East and Islamic religions that women are viewed with such extreme chauvinism
– sadly in the west there are still those whose thoughts are entrenched in the 19th century, and it makes it all the more important that a continuous discussion is open in n society.
CANARY ISLANDS
Did the Nazis flee to Tenerife?
Photo: German Federal Archives
Hola Herr Hitler!
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 030
Adolf Hitler in 1933 The history of the imposing Villa Winter is still a mystery
A veteran CIA agent claims to have proof that Hitler faked his own death at the end of the Second World War and fled to Tenerife where he awaited a U-boat to take him to Argentina. Veteran CIA agent Bob Baer and a team of experts have used a collection of recentlyreleased, unseen documents to back up a long held belief among many that Adolf Hitler did not kill himself in his Berlin bunker, and instead fled to the Canary Islands. Baer told the UK’s Daily Mirror newspaper: “The narrative the government gives us is basically a lie. If you look
Teide near tragedy Once again, a hiking trip to the El Teide National Park almost ended in tragedy. On the second Sunday in January an elderly Belgian couple became lost whilst walking in the park. Night fell and temperatures dropped but the two
at the FBI files it throws open the investigation. What we are doing is re-examining history, history that we thought was settled and accepted that Hitler died in his bunker. However, the deeper we go it becomes clear that we don’t have any facts for it.” Mr Baer’s team has access to 700 pages of newly declassified information released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with one document stat-
ing: “American Army officials in Germany never located Hitler’s body nor is there any reliable source that Hitler is dead.” Baer and his team believe that the German dictator faked his death with the use of a body double, as the remains found by Russians were said to be of someone five inches shorter than Hitler and with a smaller skull. Ex-United Nations war crimes investigator John Cencich interviewed an alleged witness to
Hitler’s escape for a History Channel television series. The Greek former builder said: “In 1945 I was constructing a secret site with tunnels and compartments for Germans – Nazi officials – and one of them was Adolf Hitler. I first saw a German airplane. It landed in an old potato field and the farmer told me there were five passengers and they were all German. It was May 1945, and Hitler was right there. He wasn’t
Hiker couple rescued were unable to find their way to safety. Luckily, by 2am the two 70-year-olds had been located, and an hour later were joined by members of the Guardia Civil Mountain Rescue Service, GREIM. The two seniors were completely exhausted and
suffering from hypothermia as they were wearing unsuitable clothes for the overnight nearfreezing temperatures and high winds. Due to their weakened state the couple had to be evacuated out of the park by hel-
icopter, at 7am. They were taken to the University Hospital in Santa Cruz and, luckily, made a full recovery. n Thankfully, rescuers kept the pair warm until the helicopter could arrive at daybreak
wearing a moustache or anything but it was clearly him.” It may seem farfetched that the Canaries could have been an escape route from Europe to South America for some of the world’s most notorious war criminals, but considering that Spain’s fascist dictator, General Franco, was a Nazi sympathiser and had sent Spanish mercenaries to fight for the Germans during the war, the scenario may not be so unlikely.
Even more interesting is the unclear role played by the famous Villa Winter in Fuerteventura. It was built in the late thirties near the village of Cofete and its construction was shrouded in secrecy, involving significant investment and the employment of many workers. The villa owner was Gustav Winter, an engineer from southwest Germany, who had been working in the Canary Islands since 1915. The house is mentioned in several guidebooks as “the property of a German general”. There is a nearby landing strip and the villa has a high tower which may have served as a control point for planes and submarines. It has long been rumoured that Cofete had a secret submarine base during the Second World War. A large fuse box only accessible from the tower also indicates that there may have been high-tech equipment installed there once. Furthermore, the villa was long rumoured to have been a Nazi hiding place for officials fleeing to South America towards the end of the war. Villa Winter has been renovated by the Fuerteventura island council and is available to visit. You can find out more by going to the website: n www.villawinter.com.
21.1.2016 – 3.2.2016
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ISLAND CONNECTIONS 763
Gran Canaria Court suspends licence
Siam Park II brought to standstill There were many who were sad to hear that the Administrative Court in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has suspended the concession for the construction of a second Siam Park water kingdom in the Canaries. Developers, Loro Parque S.A., had been given permission by the Gran Canaria Island Council to build their second water park on a 180,000 m2 plot of land, purchased in February 2014, at El Veril in the south of the island. The project, already in its fourth year, comes with a proposed investment of €60 million. Yet, in May 2014, Loro Parque S.A. requested approval to invest €2 million in installing channeling in the El Veril Barranco to ensure the area would not be affected by flooding during storms, and here the trouble began. A dispute ensued over the project between Loro Parque S.A. and another company, Lebensraum Wassers S.L., which stated that approval
There’ll be an artificial beach with waves at Siam Park II, plus plenty of new ideas
for use of the 121,000 m2 section of the plot which has public water rights on it had been granted illegally and had not been open to submissions from other entities. However, according to representatives of Loro Parque S.A., although information on Lebensraum Wassers S.L. is dif-
ficult to find, apparently the entity was founded in 2013 with an initial investment of €3,000. The objective of the company is listed as dealing in real estate, but in 2014 it appeared to show no activity, only losses of around €23,000. It has no website, no telephone connection, only an address in
Calle León y Castillo in the capital, Las Palmas. It is said that behind this façade is a company which represents third parties operating a zoo and a water park in Gran Canaria and Tenerife. According to the lawyers acting for Loro Parque S.A., the alleged front company was only founded in
order to prevent the construction of other water parks by the competition. The company has cited no claims of its own, merely insisting that there is a procedural irregularity. This has been upheld in court despite the fact that representatives of the island and the Canary Islands gov-
ernments approve of Siam Park’s project. The proposed water park would not be just another tourist attraction for Gran Canaria, it would also create many new jobs, both during the construction phase and when the park is fully operational. Company head Christoph Kiessling stresses that though there will be similarities with the Tenerife park, such as an artificial beach, there are also plenty of ideas for novel attractions: “Siam Park Gran Canaria has not been designed to be a clone of its Tenerife counterpart, but an independent international-class attraction which would enrich the tourism offer on the island.” The surrounding businesses also welcome the initiative, which is now unfortunately on hold following the court sentence. The lawyers acting for Siam Park have lodged an appeal against the suspension with the Superior Justice Tribunal, and only time n will tell now.
CANARY ISLANDS
While world leaders convene annually at summits and climate conferences organised to resolve the balance between economic interest and environmental sustainability, as in Paris in December, the world seemingly continues its self-destructive trend of excess and of furthering climate change. Consequences are being felt globally, while here in the Canaries the coastline of Gran Canaria has reduced by 13 metres within the last decade, which is expected to be up to 70 metres in the next 35 years. The trade winds pattern is also altering and calimas (hot, sandy winds) are becoming increasingly more common.
Change begins at home The Gran Canaria island council has been working hard with renewable energy projects and to ensure that the Canary Islands government fulfils its pledge to be free of fossil fuel energy by 2050. Since Canarian communities reacted angrily to the Repsol oil exploration tests conducted in Canarian waters during 2014, the Islands have become more environmentally-minded and supportive of renewable energy projects. An example of this can be found in the smallest Canary Island,
Renewable revolution Photo: ITC Gobierno de Canarias
Greenpeace interview
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 030
Photo: © Greenpeace
Sara Pizzinato at Greenpeace in Madrid Solar, sea and wind energy: the Pozo Izquierdo facility in Gran Canaria
El Hierro, where an average 70 per cent of its current energy needs are supplied from renewables - well on the way to their 100 per cent target. The whole island was even run completely on renewable energy for several hours recently. By 2020, it is also hoped that the area will be totally emission-free, which means that all forms of transport will be electrically operated. This model of self-sufficiency with zero emissions can be easily transferred to other islands in the Canaries and around the world – approximately one billion people on the planet live on islands, with 17 million of those in Europe. The Systems Analysis and Technology Assessment Department of the Institute of Engineering Thermodynamics (DLR)
recently conducted a study on behalf of Greenpeace showing that the Canaries could draw their energy needs entirely from renewable sources, without converting to natural gas in the interim. The report was entitled (R)evolución energética para las Islas Canarias (Energy (R)evolution for the Canary Islands) and Island Connections spoke with Sara Pizzinato at Greenpeace’s Madrid office regarding the background and results of the study: What is it that you like and don’t like about the Canary Islands? I am fascinated by the biodiversity and high number of endemic and unique species in the archipelago. The Canaries also has a unique culture and tradition. Another aspect that impressed me was the civil movement against oil exploration in Canarian waters recently. However, there has been an evident degradation of ecosystems when compared to earlier times that has been continually accelerating over the last 50 years. Coastal pollution by mass tourism and the unplanned expansion of infrastructure had a strong and negative impact on the Islands’ ecological balance. Energy consumption has increased tenfold, urban areas have tripled and the population has doubled. As well as this, the demand for clean water has increased and the exploitation of groundwater is no longer sustainable. How many volunteers and employees of Greenpeace are working here in the Canaries? There are three local groups representing Greenpeace in the Canary Islands, with about
30 volunteers working in Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Tenerife. They help to implement and raise awareness of national and international campaigns. Their activities mostly relate to current events and liaising between the media and local organisations. This cooperation was particularly useful during the Greenpeace campaign against oil exploration in the Canaries. Alongside organisations such as Ben Magec and other local
groups we also advocate our support for renewable energy sources. An Island Connections reporter went to one of last year’s demonstrations and stated that only a handful of protestors attended. Why do you think that was? I’m afraid I don’t agree with this. While it is sometimes difficult for people to attend or participate in street demonstrations there is always a lot more going on than just street protests. Social media and online tools such as petitions are often far more effective. One example of this was the petition against government proposals for controlling and limiting solar energy. We know that around 200,000 put their signature to that petition. This was a very relevant case with a historic result because it’s rare that energy issue stories reach the general public, and similar triumphs can only be achieved by cooperating with other organisations. Unity is always more powerful.
What is Greenpeace presently involved with in the Canary Islands and what plans do you have for 2016? Here in the Canaries, as in Madrid and across the world, Greenpeace is committed to mobilising members to participate in action against global climate change and for reaching a positive agreement. The Islands play a significant role in this campaign because its commitment to be using renewable energy by 2050 is something we will be continually supporting. The Energy (R)evolution for the Canary Islands report demonstrates that it is both economically and technically feasible. This would not only improve the environment but also benefit people and prove far cheaper in energy costs. What do you see as the biggest risks and the best opportunities for the Islands? The biggest risk right now is to waste time and money investing in wrong fuels, such as natural gas, when a direct jump from fossil fuel to renewable
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 763
energy is possible. The year 2015 was one of the hottest ones since records began so there’s no time to lose. The only way for the Islands – in order to achieve environmental sustainability, a substantial reduction in energy costs, and completely end dependence on imported fuels – is to make the transition to renewable a priority and put it into action quickly. There are only 34 years until 2050 so work must begin now. The good news is that affordable and sustainable resources are abundantly available in the Canaries – all it needs is the political will.
and will see significant savings from sustainable, renewable energy. Compared to burning fossil fuels, the economic benefit of clean energy will see a notable reduction in costs and fears of scarcity.
What does Greenpeace recommend for avoiding negative environmental effects in the Islands’ mass tourism regions, in particular Costa Adeje in Tenerife and Maspalomas in Gran Canaria? Greenpeace advocates no mass tourism and we focus on the importance and economic opportunities that open up in the proactive preservation of nature and natural values. Tourism is the central pillar of the Islands’ economic capital but one that exerts significant pressure on its ‘natural capi-
result of the continual building and urban growth, which also led to an ongoing struggle for authorities to consistently obtain high-volume tourism and continually do so at cheaper rates to win the price war with competitors. The situation could be improved by cleaning up the coastlines and reviewing the construction industry’s role. Apartments, offices and urban infrastrucITC Gobierno de Canarias
The Gran Canaria island council and Canary Islands government have both vowed to increase clean energy use throughout the seven islands, what will the implementation of this scheme mean to the average household? The Canarian Government has committed to the 2050 plan, so a detailed timetable needs to be drawn up with reasonable expectations and efficient implementation. Virtually all energy use, including transportation, will be covered by electricity generated by renewable sources. All homes will be connected to the electricity grid
tal’. Every year the Canaries receives around 12 million tourists whereas 40 years ago there were around 70,000 tourists visiting annually. The population has doubled which has led to more urban density
Photo: © Greenpeace / Pierre Gleizes
21.1.2016 – 3.2.2016
Greenpeace activists occupy an illegal fishing ship in Canarian waters Vehicles of the future: hydrogenpowered transport A Greenpeace campaign against oil drilling in the Canary Islands
and an excessive concentration of people on the coastlines – which many people believe creates a threat to tourism itself. Exceltur warned of this some years ago when one study showed that a decline in tourism in Spain was the direct
ture in tourist areas need to modernise where necessary, and be equipped to operate with sustainable energy. Beaches and nature reserves should be renovated, while the transport system will need to be updated to an efficient and sustainable model.
CANARY ISLANDS
How compatible are other Canarian industries, such as the repair of oil platforms, with plans for a clean archipelago? When we talk about an energy revolution for the Islands, I believe that means an economic and social shift in all areas. In a completely sustainable, renewable system, there’s no place for fossil fuels or nuclear energy. Hopefully, the oil rig industry will convert to other practices that move away from fossil fuel activities and there are many alternative options, such as the installation and repair of renewable energy plants.
to only €0.09 per hour and the goal for zero emissions could be aided by the use of electric vehicles. Energy in the Canaries would then be emission-free and completely sustainable. This has already begun, and organisations like the Technological Institute of the Canary Islands are intensively involved in researching new technologies and renewable energy sources. The infrastructure of towns and urban areas will follow the new clean design and be modelled on the successful El Hierro example. As the study demonstrated, it is possible to fight climate change and in the process create and build industry whilst respecting the environment. “This is no longer a technical issue, only a political one”, said the Gran Canarian president Antonio Morales at a recent parliamentary session. Every individual interested in this bright new future should put pressure on the Canarian government to ensure the shift to clean energy continues and that promises are kept. You can read the full report in English here: www.greenpeace.org/espana/Global/ espana/2015/Report/cambioclimatico/%5bR%5devolucion_ n EN_web.pdf.
So the energy revolution starts now? The study’s key findings state that with immediate implementation of energy conservation measures and efficient consumption, the current levels could be reduced by 37 per cent. With an investment of around €20 billion by 2050, an estimated €42 billion could be saved from the costs of purchasing and producing fossil fuels. Furthermore, emissions would be reduced by 14 million tons of carbon dioxide per year to a minimum of 0.02 million. Electricity costs would amount
CANARY ISLANDS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 030
Spanish and US cooperation
Photo: Guardia Civil
Photo: Guardia Civil
Black cocaine seized in La Palma The cocaine was dyed black to disguise it
The Spanish Civil Guard in cooperation with the United States federal agency (the DEA Drug Enforcement Administration), dealt a hefty blow recently to an organised gang bringing cocaine into the EU from South America. Operation Peculado began when authorities became aware of a group bringing drugs from
Venezuela into Spain, which then acted as a gateway into other European countries. To deceive authorities, the normally white substance was dyed black, a strategy used to make the illegal drug look like toner ink for printers, to be later restored to its normal white consistency using chemicals.
Police learned of a Venezuelan couple responsible for converting the black powder and then distributing the cocaine through their channels, and soon identified a Spaniard and an Italian as potential associates. The four suspects were arrested in Barcelona and a nearby warehouse and apartment were searched, resulting in the discovery of 57.5 kilograms of cocaine, 1,050 litres of chemicals used for converting the black powder to white, two handguns with ammunition, fake licence plates, €4,200 in cash, and
This warehouse was used for converting and packaging cocaine
other forms of evidence. Officials also learned of a Venezuelan boat bound for the Canaries and potentially smuggling large quantities of the black cocaine. They observed the vessel crossing the Atlantic until it harboured in Santa Cruz de La Palma and then arrested two men and searched the boat. In a compartment under the floor, officers found an additional 318 kilograms of black cocaine. The successful drugs bust was brought about with the cooperation of Spanish, Canarian and US DEA police units. n
Canarian aiports
Record passengers in 2015 Airports in the Canary Islands notched up their best ever year for business in 2015 with nearly 36 million passengers. Annual figures released yesterday by the Spanish Airport Authority (AENA) show that the Islands achieved a three per cent increase on the figure for 2014, which was the best on record. Four of the airports now feature on the Top 10 Spanish Airports list. Gran Canaria topped the regional rankings with just over 10.6 million passengers
Looking quiet at the moment, but airport traffic is on the up
and remain 5th in the national table, two positions ahead of Tenerife South, which was used by 9.1 million last year. The other two in the Top 10 are Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, with 6.2 and 5.1 million passengers, respectively. Of the big four airports in the Islands, only Tenerife South saw business fall, albeit very slightly (down 0.6 per cent). All four posted their best ever December figures, with traffic up substantially, n by seven per cent.
Annual report questions
Drowning numbers disputed The authorities in the Canaries are to make a concerted effort to reduce drownings in the islands even though it would appear that the total of 62 people who lost their lives in the sea and swimming pools here last year – one every six days – is a major improvement on 2014. Of the figure of 437 water-related fatalities nationwide in Spain in 2015, the Canaries accounted for approximately 15 per cent, which gave them second place in the regional table behind Andalusia (68). The statistics, issued by the Spanish Federation of Life Saving, reveal that men represented 78 per cent of all 2015 water fatalities in the country, while people aged over 65 accounted for a third of the drownings. However, the figures published earlier this month are already being disputed for not giving the full picture for the Canaries, particularly bearing in mind that, according to a different source, the Islands were the scene of one in every five drownings across Spain in 2014, with Tenerife accounting for the bulk of the regional figure. Of 533 reported drownings in 2014, 117 – nearly twice the figure reported for 2015 by the Federation – occurred in the Canaries, with 60 in Tenerife alone. n
Lanzarote
Big-time tax debtors revealed The decision by the Spain’s Inland Revenue to name and shame the country’s biggest tax debtors has made for interesting reading, not least as the list of the hefty arrears has produced some Lanzarote interest. One well-known local figure and five companies are listed as owing a total of €15 million to the tax man, although one of those earning a place in the headlines insists the debt was generated by the previous people in charge. According to the Diario de Lanzarote newspaper, the Sands Beach Resort complex in Costa Teguise heads the individual list with arrears of €4 million but its current owners say the inherited debt is being resolved gradually. Also on the Lanzarote list is the former mayor of Yaiza, Honorario García Bravo, who reportedly owes €1.4 million to the tax office. A number of firms, including one construction company whose bosses are at the heart of a major corruption case, and a telecoms business also appear on the black list, with individual debts of over €2 million each. Approximately one hundred Canarian companies and individuals have been outed by the tax authorities as owing sums in excess of a million euros each. n
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 763
Round the world cruise
Lanzarote stop-over
Photo: Gianni Testore/freeimages.com
Lanzarote is claiming bragging rights as the preferred destination for cruises in the Canaries following the headlining stop-over of a liner which is on a round the world trip. The Costa Luminosa, owned by Costa Cruises, made the news when it set off from Marseille on January 6 for a 108day marathon voyage which will see it take in 18 countries, including Brazil, Australia, New Zealand and Argentina. It completes its globe-trotting adventure at the end of April in Italy, by which time its 2000 passengers aged two to 91 will have visited 38 destinations. One of the first ports of call on the journey was Lanzarote, where the local Chamber of Commerce lost no time in issuing a press release pointing out that it was “the only destination in the Canaries” chosen by Costa. Chamber chief José Torres said the choice was no coincidence and was further proof of Lanzarote’s privileged status in the n cruise industry.
Poles apart
Arucas loses ‘Ohio status’ Photo: Ern137 CC 3.0
21.1.2016 – 3.2.2016
So far, the town of Arucas has always been considered a political barometer
Gran Canaria
Lanzarote offers picturesque moments for cruise vacationers
Fuerteventura
Flight radar boost Flights crossing the Atlantic near or over the Canaries are benefitting from a vastly improved radar installed in Fuerteventura at the end of last year. The Spanish Air Navigation Authority has spent €1.3 million on upgrading the old radar on the island and says the new facility offers a much higher level of safety for aircraft using the airspace en route to America or Africa, as well as for those using the airports in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. The radar provides operational cover for an area of 355 km and is already proving its worth by providing much more detailed information on the heights and positions of the many planes n that pass through the very busy corridor.
A group of residents living at the heart of the Las Palmas Carnival celebrations will be temporarily accommodated in a hotel to be able to get some sleep during the big nights of the February revelry. The decision was taken by the city council as a solution to the long-running problem of noise which nearly led to the Carnival celebrations in the Santa Catalina area being called off last year after the angry residents brought legal
The general election last month continues to throw up curious anecdotes, including the coming to an end of the unique role played by the town of Arucas in Gran Canaria. Arucas has traditionally been used as a reliable barometer for the rest of the country, given that the party that comes out top at local level has always been the one to secure most votes at national level. The run was halted on December 20 when locals voted massively for anti-system party Podemos, which beat the conservative Popular Party by just 29 votes in the town. Elsewhere in Spain, the PP polled more
votes than any other party, although not enough to form a government. The result among the 36,000 Arucas voters was a major surprise and triggered extensive media coverage of the town’s loss of its status – held since 1977 – as “the Spanish Ohio”, in reference to the American state’s tradition of always backing the winner of the presidential election. n
Carnival ‘sufferers’ to be rehoused in hotels
Carnival events are colorful… and loud
action against the authorities. After months of negotia-
tions, several families from Calle Simón Bolivar have
agreed to be rehoused temporarily for the seven noisiest nights on their doorsteps. “The families have never been against Carnival but rather wanted to be listened to on the problems they suffer every year. It was the lack of interest shown by the previous mayor that led to the injunction. Things are different now and we have reached an agreement that keeps everyone happy” said n a Carnival source.
CANARY ISLANDS
10
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 030
Flying the islands
‘El Comandante’ retires nation of my last flight as Binter Commander and I’ve chosen El Hierro. I’ve also been allowed to choose my crew and they are the head flight attendant, the company’s youngest co-pilot, as I’m the oldest pilot, and another old friend”. On arrival, he said: “The Herreños have always made me feel very welcome. I have a lot of affection for them and the island. “I’m excited, but relaxed and I’ve done everything a bit more slowly than I usually do today as I wanted to have everything under control and give everyone a safe, pleasant flight. The weather’s helped. It’s fantastic
this man, whose great love is flying, offers a detailed explanation of the flight and invites whoever would like to, to visit the flight deck. He introduces passengers to the co-pilot and flight attendants. He’s a model of kindness, whilst also being a solitary man (I’ve often seen him dining alone in Guamasa). But, above all, he’s a great aviation professional who loves his work”. Manuel Luis Ramos García was born in La Laguna in 1953 and trained as pilot with the air force from 1972-1978. After one thousand, three hundred flying hours with the military, he started work as pilot for
today in El Hierro, all over the Canaries in fact. There’s not a cloud in the sky and the temperature at sea level’s an average of twenty-one degrees”. Fellow Lagunero, journalist Andrés Cháves, offers this reflection of ‘El Comandante’: “When a passenger boards his Binter ATR 72, in whichever Canarian airport,
the Spanish company Iberia in October ‘78. After completing courses on the Fokker 27 and DC 9, and flying as co-pilot in Boeing 727s from 1979 to 1990 for Iberia, he moved to Binter Mediterraneo, part of the Iberia Group, and undertook more training. Some months later, he moved to Binter Canarias where he trained
Photo: Manuel Luis Ramos
The faces of foreign passengers boarding the Binter flight between El Hierro and Tenerife on December 30, 2015 were a study. What was going on? Their seemingly emotional pilot was being transported out of the airport building and across the tarmac to the flight deck in a wheelchair, apparently unable to move. Most of the foreigners were politically correct Germans, disinclined either to draw attention to themselves or to anybody’s unfortunate handicap, so they stalwartly carried on up the steps into the waiting ATR-72 plane and took their seats for the thirty minute flight to Tenerife, perhaps silently praying. Canarian passengers were unperturbed. They knew, and had reassured anyone who could understand Spanish, that all was well, that the pilot was very able-bodied indeed and that his unusual mode of transport to the flight deck was part of an affectionate, and very special, send off from El Hierro’s airport to mark his retirement. By the time the plane landed at Los Rodeos airport most of the passengers, fortunately, had realised that they were on a special flight. The sight of two fire-fighting trucks aiming a ceremonial arc of high pressure water over the plane as it taxied in would have otherwise been a worrying sight. At sixty-two, Manuel Luis Ramos was making his final commercial trip and had chosen his
Photo: Manuel Luis Ramos
By Barbara Belt
favourite island, El Hierro, to honour with the last flight of his career. Island vice president, Juan Pedro Sánchez, was there to meet the flight and assure its pilot of ”the Herreños continuing affection”, and to wish him “every success in this new phase” of his personal life. In the name of island president Belén Allende and the Council, Manuel Luis, a keen photographer, was presented with a large reproduction of one of his
Inside air traffic control tower at El Hierro’s Los Cangrejos airport Photo taken by Manuel Luis as he piloted the plane into Los Cangrejos A retirement presentation at El Hierro airport
own aerial photos of El Hierro and a selection of traditional island specialities. He was also congratulated by passengers travelling on the route, ground crew and various local authority figures, some of
whom were travelling that day and had coincided with his last flight, amongst them Tomás Padrón, the long serving ex island president, with whom he has a long-term friendship. Manuel Luis, who started flying the Binter Canarias El Hierro route in October 1990, said before the flight: “My boss has allowed me to choose the desti-
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 763
CANARY ISLANDS
11
than perfect operating conditions at the airport. His enthusiasm for the island also made him a considerable promoter of El Hierro as a tourist destination, for which we’ll always be grateful”, concluded Juan Pedro Sánchez. “I’ll see you in a couple of weeks”, Manuel told Sánchez
as he left, but when he returned in mid-January, it was as a passenger bound for a holiday at the island’s Parador “for a few days rest”. Tenerife’s Flying Club will gain an experienced member and Manuel Luis will also now have time to develop his interest in aerial phon tography and reporting. Photo: Gobierno de Canarias
21.1.2016 – 3.2.2016
Lecturing on Canarian aviation
Manuel Luis Ramos with El Teide in the background
Photo: Manuel Luis Ramos
for the ATR 72, which he flew from then until January 1996. Up to December ’96, he worked for Líneas Aéreas Navarras in northern Spain and was a Civil Aviation Inspector, before moving to Air-Europa Express, where after yet more training, he was the company’s Chief Instructor. Then 1997 saw him back at Binter Canarias, as pilot, Human Resources Facilitator, Line Supervisor and Instructor. Over his long professional career, he clocked up twentythree thousand, one hundred and fifty flying hours, over fourteen thousand of which have been in ATR-72 aircraft. On December 30, when he arrived back from El Hierro to Los Rodeos, thirty friends and work colleagues were waiting for him to celebrate his retirement, in a restaurant close to the airport, the aptly named:
Casa el Nervioso. Not usually a drinker, our man allowed himself a few beers. “Today’s been long, full of tradition and emotion”, he said. “Manuel will be remembered by many passengers, especially the Herreños, for his personable, calm manner. He was
Another great aerial shot of snowy Teide An arch of honour for Manuel’s last landing at Los Rodeos
the first Binter pilot to interact with passengers and give them weather and flight information. He always understood the social reality of being an islander and that led him to try to provide the dependable, quality service that he felt islanders deserve, despite less
CANARY ISLANDS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 030
North Tenerife tragedy
Families win civil claim over tunnel suffocation deaths By Karl McLaughlin The families of six hikers who died in a disused water tunnel in Tenerife nearly eight years ago have won their battle for compensation from the authorities over the deaths. As reported here extensively at the time, the six young friends died from suffocation due to a build-up of poisonous gases in the abandoned water extraction tunnel near Los Silos in the north of the island on February 10, 2007. The survivors among the 29-strong party had a lucky escape because they opted to turn back on feeling dizzy rather than continue through the long tunnel under the mountains. Rescue workers managed to pull to safety several unconscious members of the group, which included scientists from the Canarian Astrophysics Institute, but could do nothing to save the six who were overcome by the fumes. The tragedy sparked a bitter legal battle as the fami-
The town of Los Silos was brought to a standstill by the tragedy (archive image)
lies of the deceased sought to have the courts attribute criminal blame for the deaths to the authorities and the owners of the tunnel on the grounds that it had not been closed off or signposted as dangerous. After failing in their criminal prosecution, the families have now won their civil claim against both the regional government and the tunnel owners. In a controversial ruling made public in mid-January, the Canarian High Court has
ordered the families of five of the dead hikers to be paid compensation totalling almost one million euros after finding that negligence was a contributory factor in the deaths. Judges ruled that the tunnel, which the group of hikers entered after mistaking it for a much shorter one, had not been sealed off or warning signs erected properly. They also criticised the authorities and owners for not taking steps to ensure adequate
ventilation despite knowing that a build-up of gases was inevitable. However, the court dismissed a claim against local conservationist group ATAN, which organised the informal hiking trip and provided the guides. Although acknowledging that the two guides’ lack of familiarity with the route was a factor in the tragedy, the judges found that it played a minor role in the deaths. An application to hold the Tenerife Council and the island’s Water Authority liable was also dismissed. In the detailed judgement, the court emphasised that “no monetary value could be put on the loss of a loved one” but it nonetheless had a duty to set a compensation award in view of the distress and suffering caused. One of the families is continuing its legal battle for a criminal prosecution over the deaths and has appealed against the decision by the Criminal Court last April to take no further action. n
Santa Cruz
Shops say no more parking hoggers Stores and businesses in the Tenerife capital, Santa Cruz, want a totally new approach to city centre parking to facilitate matters for visitors and shoppers. Representatives of the local traders’ association have called on the council to introduce measures to prevent drivers, including city workers, from hogging parking spots on main streets throughout the day just because they arrive very early in the morning. The traders want maximum parking times of 90 minutes introduced to ensure spaces change hands much more often, thus giving others the opportunity to access shopping areas. The lack of spaces in Santa Cruz is one of the reasons why self-appointed parking attendants, including some who use aggressive tactics to extract money from drivers, set up their ‘businesses’ on waste ground in and around the centre, charging tourists and other visitors to leave their cars. A second measure called for is a reduction in the tariffs charged by the main car parks, although the ideal solution, according to the traders, would be for buses and trams to slash their fares to make it worthwhile for drivers to leave their cars at home. Association boss José Manuel Ramos says this is not the first time that it has urged the adoption of such measures to make life easier for visitors and shoppers but the time has come to take the matter in hand Like any modern city, Santa Cruz once and for all. n has problems with a lack of parking Photo: Olaf A. Koch CC 3.0
12
21.1.2016 – 3.2.2016
CANARY ISLANDS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 763
13
Promotion
New year – new you! vertebrae. With this, nerves that
By Yoga Zenther go to specific organs may not In our workaholic culture, a massage is often not the first thing that springs to mind when it comes to staying healthy. Everyday stress takes a toll on all of us. For one hour out of your day, why not lay down quietly and let a massage therapist help connect you with each part of your body. Clients are shocked at the tension they hold in their gluteus and other parts of their bodies. Once they become aware of this, they soon realise that sitting in a static chair for hours causes big problems: the pelvis (part of the gluteal area) gathers a great deal of tension, which turns into tightness in the lower back, neck and shoulders. If these areas are not worked on, the problem increases. When the muscles are tight, they in turn pull on the spine, causing displacement of the
A massage has incredible health benefits
fire properly, causing even more problems down the line.
The health benefits of massage Massage can calm the nervous system and promote a sense of relaxation and well being, as well as reduce tension and anxiety. It improves blood circulation to ensure that greater amounts of oxygen and nutrients reach the cells. The lymphatic system, which carries away the body’s waste products, is also stimulated. In addition, massage can prevent and relieve muscle cramps and spasms, and help with pain management in conditions such as arthritis, sciatica, and muscle spasms. Muscles work all day to keep us upright against the forces of gravity, and to create meaningful movement. Poor posture and increased exertion make
the muscles‘ work more difficult. For example, when we stand or sit with the head held forward, and not lined up over the shoulders, the muscles in the upper back and lower neck have to work harder to keep the head up. Muscles that are overworked react by becoming
tight and sore. The tightness, a reflexive increase in muscle tone in response to pain and inflammation, is experienced as a ‘knot’. Also, when muscles remain tight, it leads to a limited range of movement which negatively impacts on joints.
Poor posture leads to permanently shortened muscles. Massage can help reverse it by breaking up adhesions in tight muscles, allowing them to return to their full length, realigning the body’s building blocks and restoring normal movement.
Massage helps relieve postexercise muscle soreness and will serve to help recovery and prevent painful knots forming. Habitual stretching is critical to your physical health, and massage complements its effects. Massage also positively affects the nervous system, calming the mind and relaxing tight muscles, and has been shown to reduce the stress hormone Cortisol. What if, by taking the time to regularly maintain our bodies we were less prone to illness? Our bodies have to last a lifetime, and we need to give ourselves permission to be healthier and to feel better. So why not schedule a massage! Some of the most popular massage therapy styles are Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, reflexology and osteopathy. Just ask your therapist which n one is best for you.
TENERIFE GENERAL
14
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 030
Promotion
Putting the super into supermarkets! Top quality fresh products
A delicious selection of breads and pastries
The HiperDino Express shops are supermarkets which specialise in tending to the needs of visitors to the Islands, whether it be food, tobacco, newspapers and magazines, souvenirs, gifts or basic beach requirements.
LATEST LAUNCH Adeje council has launched its very own app, available free for IOS and Android smartphones. The app, which is in Spanish, can be found by using ‘Adeje’ as the search word and will offer information about the council and the borough, local job offers, traffic information and diversions, late night and weekend chemists, and a long etc. According to the councillors responsible for its development, Epifanio Díaz Hernández and Carmen Rosa González Cabrera, “we have been working to get this app ready as we consider
They also have a wide selection of international goods, are designed for easy and comfortable shopping, and specialise in impulse buys and takeaways, with formats adapted for the differing holiday periods. And all that is achieved whilst still
maintaining the top quality of their fresh products and a competitive price level. No wonder their corporate identity is based on the highly appropriate colour ‘sunshine yellow’. These are true convenience supermarkets, practical and
comfortable, where the wide selection is the primary element. What’s more, clients have the benefit of free WiFi and loudspeaker announcements which are made in various different languages. As they say: “All of our personnel are in continuous training and development. We always reach for the top level of excellence in looking after our clients, and that is why our team is trained in customer service, languages and information that will enable them to advise our clients in the
Adeje App
it an important communication tool for the people of the borough. Here in Adeje we have a range of excellent informa-
tion channels open to the public 365 days a year, through facebook, twitter, Google +, our webpage, Instagram etc. All these are working well and we have now added one more.” Developed by Inventia Plus S.L., it has been adapted to the needs of the Adeje borough with specialists in the field of information, programming, design and journalism from the council working together. “Since July of this year 30 people have been using a prototype of the app in Adeje and have tested it and given us feedback to help us improve the
service prior to the launch”, they added. “We don’t want to bombard people with information, however, so we are allowing people to choose, although there will be some general alerts – traffic diversions, weather alerts or power cuts for instance – which will be sent to all users”, said the councillor for central services. The app is also two-way: Adeje’s residents can communicate with the council via the app alerting them to incidents or problems by mesn sage or photo.
Our staff speak your language
most professional way.” Tenerife has 16 HiperDino tourist super-
markets and there are 67 in the n Canary Islands overall.
Despicable fun
Minions take Tenerife by storm The Minions have arrived in Tenerife and are available for all your despicably fun events and parties! Keep your eyes out for the yellow funsters while you´re out shopping, visiting a showroom or attending a get-together – they’re out and about on Tenerife’s streets after arriving here in December, and are creating laughter and joy wherever they go. Children adore them and adults probably more so. If you wish to get in contact with the Minions and book them to attend your The Minions are available to event - whether at home, in attend any event or occasion a hotel, at school, or at your kid’s playgroup – simply get in touch today. They have a big backdrop and spectacular dance routines to make your special occasion the talk of the town. For further information visit: www.facebook.com/minions tenerife. Telephone: 646 n 985 694. The Minions in Tenerife
21.1.2016 – 3.2.2016
TENERIFE GENERAL
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 763
15
Promotion
VetExpress: The sympathetic vet next door Even surgery can be performed at the clinic
Recently, John and his wife Marie celebrated the first anniversary of their veterinary practice. During that very short time, their clinic has become well established in Torviscas Alto, Costa Adeje. This is due to their pleasant and sympathetic manner when they are dealing with their animal patients and their human companions, not to mention their competence. Marie says: “We only have a small practice, with just my husband as a doctor, and me to help. That’s why our animal patients are very familiar to us. Any animal entrusted to our
care becomes more a member of our family than just part of a business.” The couple lovingly cares for pets of any kind in their fully equipped clinic or, on request, at the animal’s home. This means that older or sick pets can be spared the stress of a long drive to a clinic, and this is especially relevant for those living in the south of Tenerife. If required, home visits can also be made to other parts of the island as well. At the practice, prevention is very important to reduce the chance of the animal falling ill. But if that does happen,
they will do everything possible to take care of the animals and their humans, and to treat them effectively. For diagnosis, they use the latest technical equipment such as ultrasound and ECG, and they use the services of a private laboratory. Even surgery can be performed at the clinic. At VetExpress they also offer a vaccination reminder service, because even though the pets are well aware that their injections are due, their human carers can be rather forgetful at times. Implanting microchips, issuing travel documents and creating medical reports are just some of the services on offer, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of skin problems, dental care and checkups as your pet gets older. Marie and John speak English, Spanish, German and French. If you are looking for a small clinic offering very personal services for your treasured pet, then VetExpress is the right place for you. Just call 615 605 888 to arrange an appointment. n
Canarian government guilty
Hotel freeze body blow The year got off to the worst possible start for the government of the Canaries with the news that it must pay out a whopping
€167 million to four companies who were prevented from building new hotels due to the unilateral freeze imposed in 2011.
The government has lost its appeal in the Supreme Court against an earlier ruling by the Canarian High Court that it was liable for the refusal to grant permission to the companies to open hotels in Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, for which they had bought up large tracts of land and been granted vested rights. Following the imposition of the freeze on new hotels, the government should automatically have reclassified the land and compensated the owners, one of them to the tune of over €100 million, but had failed to do so despite repeated requests. Other similar cases are thought to be in the pipeline which could produce the same dire financial consequences for the n government.
VetExpress
Marie and John provide a truly caring service
Calle Galicia s/n Cosmos Shopping Centre, Local 8. Torviscas Alto Tel: 615 605 888 E-mail: info@vet-express.com www.vet-express.com
16
TENERIFE GENERAL
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 030
Luz Garden - creative design at factory prices
See your home in the right light A lamp is not only a source of light, but also gives a room personality: Be it cozy, indirect, focal or diffused, a lamp can conjure up exactly the right atmosphere for all types of moods and moments.
every purpose. Owner of Luz Garden, Victoriano Martínez Castaño, is particularly proud of the diversity of Tiffany lamps available - from modern to rustic, and with designs including animal forms - each of which is
can even take advantage of an insured delivery service, so there is always a way to get your favorite lamp! If you don’t have much time for shopping and prefer to browse online, orders can be placed via the website. Goods can be shipped within Spain or abroad.
Tiffanys are timeless, creative and a real eye catcher in any room
A touch of the Orient for your home
A marine-look lamp
Whether your own style is nostalgic, modern, creative, classic, rustic or eclectic, at Luz Garden, based in north Tenerife, you are guaranteed to find the perfect complement to round off any room. There are even plenty of choices for fans of vintage, maritime and Oriental-Asian type living spaces. With a showroom occupying over 3,000 square metres and more than 5,000 different models to choose from, no wish will remain unsatisfied.
Lots of light - lots of ways At Luz Garden customers will find a wide range of lamps in various designs. From modern to rustic and oriental to nostalgic, as well as functional desk lamps, cute models for the nursery, elegant crystal chandeliers, and, of course, their signature Tiffany lamps. The prices, to suit every pocket, are as different as the styles, which have been created to suit
Crystal lamps can also be modern
Lighting in all sizes and styles
manufactured to Luz Garden’s own designs. Castaño proudly declares: “Sometimes when I’m out in my car, I see an idea and I stop to sketch it.” Whether you are looking for a standard, table, wall or hanging lamp, you simply won’t find a better selection anywhere on the island than at Luz Garden. Crystal chandeliers come in modern and classical designs. Some are even equipped with high-quality Swarovski crystals, or are
unique, one-off pieces. There are lamps for children, outdoor use and even lighting for the catering and hotel industry. You will find the perfect illumination to give the right accents to every area of the house, garden and terrace.
Luz Garden
Comprehensive service At Luz Garden, quality customer service is also guaranteed. On request, visitors can be served by someone who
You can find the Lamp Factory on the main road between Puerto de la Cruz and Icod de los Vinos. If you are coming from the south, the Lamp Factory is located right after the new roundabout which marks the end of the highway between El Tanque and Santo Domingo, in the direction of Puerto de La Cruz. If you’re coming from Puerto, you will need to double back at the roundabout to access the store. There’s ample parking available directly in front n of the Lamp Factory.
speaks Spanish, English, German, French or Italian. It is a wonderful store for residents or those who are looking for
great lamp ideas for their second home in Tenerife. Those who would like to take a lamp home to their own country
Carretera General C-820 Travesía de la Panadería, 1 Santo Domingo, La Guancha Tel: 922 130 301 www.luzgarden.com Open: Monday to Saturday 9am to 2pm and 4pm to 9pm
TENERIFE GENERAL
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 763
Letter to the editor
Where has traditional Tenerife gone? My wife and I have spent extended holidays in Tenerife for over 30 years. Unfortunately, due to ill health, we’ve only been able to have short breaks on the island for the last nine years. However, we have finally been able to prolong our stay and have thus had the first chance to explore other areas in a while - and, oh, what a disappointment! Thirty years ago Tenerife was a quaint, under-developed paradise. It was like travelling back in time. The wonderful winter weather attracted us initially of course, but it was the olde worlde charm of the island that kept us coming back: Buying fish and veg out of the back of vans, sharing a wine with weathered fishing men, sitting in restaurants with chequered table cloths and wobbly Formica chairs, bountiful secret gardens, workers tilling the fields, cobbled roads and shoe shine - we loved it, all of it. Twenty years ago, even though the building and tourism boom was in full flow and areas were changing and expanding rapidly, once out of the small towns the ambience was still very old fashioned and relaxed. Ten years ago, before the crisis began, the speed of expansion seemed dizzying (and certainly unsustainable - something which turned out to be very true), but we had to acknowledge that some of the newer developments, hotel complexes in the south for example, were tasteful and attractive. But what a difference the last decade has made! Driving around the island, my wife and I have been unable to believe what has happened. Endless coastal villages that have more than doubled in size; traffic levels we could never even have imagined; street after street of plastic and neon signs. An incessant offering of ‘international cuisine’; beautiful countryside and beach areas which have been ransacked, ruined for yet another commercial centre or hotel. Homogenous, artificial, over-built and insipid - that’s how it seems to us when we compare it to the beautiful island it was before. Of course, there’s no stopping ‘progress’ and there are still many wonderful places to visit, but it seems that you have to drive further and further up into the mountains to find ‘traditional’ Tenerife - like the Canarian way of life is being herded farther and farther away from the more important money-making areas. Why is this happening? Tenerife had one of the best canvases for successful rural tourism in Europe, but instead of lovingly maintaining its assets, it seems there has been a relentless attempt to introduce as much plastic, concrete and ‘artificialness’ as possible. Don’t people know that yes, people come here for the weather, but many of us come to get away from overpowering commercialism and development? We may be wrong, but we both feel that a mistake has been made here. They seem to have turned paradise into the proverbial parking lot. What a shame. Mr P Jones, Brighton
By
y Kat
Hi everyone,
I recently received an email from a gentleman named Jim who wrote to me regarding one of my former articles about the famous executioner, Albert Pierrepoint. Here’s what Jim wrote: Hi Katy, I enjoyed reading your article about Albert Pierrepoint and I remember as a boy that my dad used to regale me with the fact that Albert’s pub in Manchester Road, Hollinwood, had the amazing name ‘Help the Poor Struggler’. Maybe your readers would be interested? Best Wishes, Jim Sorahan. I’m sure they will Jim. Another interesting fact about his pub is that he once hanged an acquaintance of his. He was a regular named James Corbitt and on November 28, 1950, Corbitt sang Danny Boy as a duet with Pierrepoint. It was the same night he had murdered his girlfriend in a fit of jealousy because she wouldn’t give up a second boyfriend. This incident made Pierrepoint feel that hanging was not a deterrent, especially as most of the people he was executing had killed in the heat of the moment rather than with premeditation or in furtherance of a robbery. Pierrepoint kept his opinions to himself on the topic until his 1974 autobiography Executioner: Pierrepoint, in which he wrote: “Hanging is said to be a deterrent. I cannot agree. There have been murders since the beginning of time, and we shall go on looking for deterrents until the end of time. If death were a deterrent, I might be expected to know. It is I who has faced them last, young men and girls,
working men, grandmothers. I have been amazed to see the courage with which they take that walk into the unknown. It did not deter them then, and it had not deterred them when they committed what they were convicted for. All the men and women whom I have faced at that final moment convince me that in what I have done I have not prevented a single murder.” Many people subscribe to this sentiment Jim, but some also have the reservation that the murder of children and police officers or acts of terrorism should still be punished with capital punishment.
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katykennedy@telefonica.net
Photo: Danilo Rizzuti freedigitalphotos.net
21.1.2016 – 3.2.2016
Albert Pierrepoint was a longserving hangman in England
Pothole or sticker?
Take a look at the street pothole photograph. This is a road in Canada and what a shocking state of repair it is in. Or is it? This is an actual speed control device that is currently in use. It is much cheaper than speed bumps, cameras, radar guns, police officers, etc. and also the majority of drivers seemed to ignore all efforts to get them to slow down. But I think both you and I would seriously use our brakes on spotting this defect. Indeed, who wouldn’t? But it is actually a print on strong canvas and can be moved from place to place easily and quickly, wherever speeding needs to be reduced, and so that no one gets used to them, they have many different designs. Street stickers! Isn’t art wonderful? So keep your emails coming and until next time, take care of yourselves and especially of n each other. Email: katykennedy@telefonica.net. Tel: 616 110 930.
TENERIFE GENERAL
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 030
Promotion
Anarkali – spicing it up in San Eugenio By Theresa Willson Anarkali, which means pomegranate blossom, was the name given to a legendary slave girl in India. In the Bollywood movie Mughale-Azam, it is depicted that during the Mughal period she was supposedly ordered to be buried alive between two walls by the Mughal emperor Akbar for having an illicit relationship with the Crown Prince Salim, who later became Emperor Jahangir. Due to the lack of evidence and sources, the story of Anarkali is widely accepted to be fictional. Nevertheless, her story has been adapted into literature, art and movies. This name has also been taken by a new Indian Tandoori restaurant in San Eugenio, Costa Adeje. On the site of the former Kashmir restaurant, with the premises now under new management, the Anarkali Indian Tandoori Restaurant opened its doors just before Christmas. The restaurant occupies a corner premises and is pleasingly spacious. It has a pleasantly furnished interior, where diners benefit from air conditioning, has a fully stocked bar, and all the tables are dressed in brilliant white tablecloths with pink serviettes and gleaming cutlery. Diners can also be accommodated outside on the terrace. When we visited, it was a rather windy evening, so dining al fresco was not an option, however. On arrival my companion and I were greeted by our waiter and shown to a table. We ordered a glass of house red wine (which was very generous) and an alcohol free beer, and studied the menu, which is, to say the least, extensive. We asked for papadums with mango chutney, raita and onion salad to nibble while we continued to consider the
long list. This really is a great menu and as such it was very hard to choose, but eventually we ordered Vegetable Samosas and Sheikh Kebab for starters. Other options available were Pakoras, Chicken Chat, Prawn Puri, Prawn Cocktail, Garlic Prawns, Garlic King Prawns and Garlic Mushrooms, not to mention three soups and nine more Tandoori starters. The main course menu includes Tandoori, Masala, Balti, Curry, Madras, Vindaloo, Phall, Bhuna, Jalfrezi, Dopiaza, Karahi, Dhansak, Patia, Ceylon, Rogan, Korma, Pasanda, Mughlai, Kashmir, Malay, Saag, Fish, Paneer, Vegetable and Biryani dishes, all available with chicken, lamb, prawn, king prawn or vegetables, some also with Tandoori chicken, as well as seven Chef’s special dishes and a range of Indian rices and breads. We ordered a dish which we hadn’t seen on an Indian restaurant menu for some time - Chicken Ceylon - plus a Prawn Patia with Pilau rice. We both resisted the delicious Nan breads as we were
trying to compensate for festive excesses! The prices are very reasonable at Anarkali, with typical main course dishes at €7 to €9 with the exception of the king prawn options which are €12. They also offer a special all day banquet which represents even better value for money. It includes papadums and sauces, three starters, a main dish from the menu made from chicken, lamb, prawn or vegetables, plus Basmati rice and a Tandoori plain nan bread, all for €12.95. Additionally, there is a children’s menu with a range of seven dishes, all served with chips and salad, for €4.50. As the restaurant gradually filled with diners, we became aware of two wall mounted plasma screens, one dedicated to Bollywood movies and the other to Indian music, at a pleasantly low volume, adding to the already authentic atmosphere. Our starters were delivered by our waiter, who incidentally always wore a smile. The Sheekh Kebab was well
garnished and served on a sizzler. It was succulent and tender with just the right amount of spice to leave a warm afterglow. Our Vegetable Samosas were wonderfully crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and both starters were complemented by the cool and minty raita. The sauces and onion salad were left on the table throughout our meal and, to our delight, they were regularly topped up by our waiter. When our main courses arrived we couldn’t believe the size of the king prawns! There are not many of them served in the Patia dish and one could think that this is a bit stingy, but their size more than compensates for the low numbers. They are absolutely huge, meaty and tender, and the sauce spicy, sweet and sour. We thought this dish could have been served slightly more spicy or hot, but in the end agreed that more spices might have spoiled the exquisite flavour of those giant prawns. The Pilau Rice was perfectly cooked and aromatic, and the Chicken Ceylon really was the
star dish of the night. Spicy and Madras hot, the sauce also contains coconut, and in this case the chef had got the amount just right. Absolutely excellent with tender chicken pieces. We had also asked our waiter for a small amount of the Phall sauce, the absolute hottest of hot, only for the brave, as my companion just wanted to try it. We were brought a normal serving of this which we left until last. We can assure you that it really bites after it has gone down! We were both quite full by now, but had just enough space for a typical homemade Indian ice cream, a Pistachio Kulfi. The small green chunks were absolutely divine, the perfect way to round off a spicy meal, after which hot towels were brought by our waiter. We enjoyed a wonderful evening with great food and
excellent service in a relaxed Indian atmosphere. The restaurant’s well-deserved motto is “Why settle for less when you can have the best?” The Anarkali Indian Tandoori Restaurant is centrally located in San Eugenio, and very easy to access. There are bus stops right outside, two free car parks within walking distance, although it is an uphill walk, and an underground car park with stairs and lifts. This is a perfect venue for all the family, and with the San Eugenio Shopping Centre buzzing with life until very late, you can even mooch around the shops before or after your meal. The Anarkali also offers a takeaway service, with a free bottle of wine for orders over €25. Try it soon before everyone n finds out!
Anarkali Indian Tandoori Restaurant 1st Floor, C.C. San Eugenio. Locales 90, 91 and 100, Costa Adeje. Open every day, 12pm to 2.30pm and 7pm to midnight Tel: 663 637 934
21.1.2016 – 3.2.2016
TENERIFE GENERAL
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 763
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Promotion
Marisol – a gastronomic experience The Marisol Food Court invites you to enjoy a completely different way of eating. Marisol is on the first floor of the CC Presidente, next to the Hotel Tenerife Sol in Playa de Las Américas. The idea for this unique food court, which opened at the end of December, was conceived only one year ago and the results are fantastic. It is a beautiful light and bright area surrounded by kiosks where you can buy exquisite food of all types, freshly prepared while you watch. There are 15 types of cuisine with prices to suit all pockets, and at many of the kiosks you can also buy drinks. There is plenty of seating in the central area where you can enjoy your meal, or you can sit on the massive 800 m2 terrace, relax and maybe partake of aperitifs – all to a backdrop of magnificent sea views and some stunning sunsets. At the Marisol Food Court you’ll find kiosks such as Los Pérez where you can buy delicious tapas and filled rolls. Distinti Salumi & Formaggi sells Italian meats, hams, sausages and cheeses, and next door is Alla Corte del Pollo with chicken and sometimes pork dishes, with daily specials, followed by Pescado Marinado with their Italianstyle marinated fish and specials made with anchovies and tuna. Tradición Canaria makes fresh paella and tapas every day, and also offers daily specials. There’s a butchers called Buena Carne, (and the meat does look good); Pescados y Mariscos selling fresh fish and seafood; and a kiosk offering fried treats such as samosas, nuggets and croquettes. Asian Street Food sells exactly what is says, and has a
terrace. Open every day, this is a unique venue which you can enjoy any time from morning to evening, and you can even park right outside. Have just drinks, a snack, or a full meal. Be different, the choice n is all yours!
Marisol Food Court
full menu to choose from including delicious sushi and noodle dishes. There’s the delightful Coffee House which trades in extremely tempting cakes and gateaux, such as Greek Baklavas and other foreign specialities, many of which are homemade. For warm afternoons you’ll want to visit the ice cream kiosk which overlooks the terrace. There are 24 homemade varieties, including one which is lactose free. If you fancy burgers, try the gourmet version at the Burger Boutique. These are made with top class meat, all sauces are homemade and the special buns come from a German bakery – just choose what you would like
in your burger! Cobblers is a prize winning cocktail bar selling their own recipes and classic mixes, and they also infuse their gins. Next door is a beer lovers’ paradise. This bar has a fantastic range of bottled beers including Peroni, Leffe, Duvel, Mezquita, Mahou Negra, Coors and Budweiser, and even more on tap, such as Carling, San Miguel, Warsteiner and Old Speckled Hen. The Fruice greengrocer and fruit shop not only sells fresh fruit and vegetables, but also prepares dishes suitable for vegetarians, vegans, children and those on salt-free diets, including mouthwatering sugar-free soups and juices. Next door is Cibó, where you can find delicious homemade pasta dishes, and La Migliore with pizzas which you can buy complete or by the slice. The centrally located Aroma de Cid wine store has an extremely wide variety of mostly Spanish and Canarian wines which you can buy by the bottle or glass, and they also make their own Sangría. The Marqués Unisex Hairdresser is located within the Marisol Food Court, offering all types of hairdressing. You’ll also find the Queen Beauty Salon where you can treat yourself to a massage, manicure or pedicure, or maybe even a waxing. What more could you possibly wish for? Oh yes, there’s
live entertainment which really brings the Marisol Food Court
to life, and future plans include children’s attractions on the
Avenida Rafael Puig Lluvina Playa de Las Américas Tenerife (Above Sport Zone) Open 11am to 11pm Facebook: Mercado Marisol Tenerife
FOOD
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 030
La SartÉn
Out of the frying pan… By John We have been to this dinery before, with quite un-nerving results. Many months ago, we dropped in for a light lunch, to spy out the lie of the land, so to speak. After a great welcome we sat back to await the result of our order. My pannini was presented with a flourish, accompanied by the immortal words…”I am sure that you won’t be wanting this, will you?” The underside
der steak topped with caramelised onion and deep fried leek with a sharp sauce and a glass of local red came in at €2.50. So, a new chef of some talent here, keen to impress. Worth a visit just for that.
Recently, we went back to offer our patronage for dinner. The menu is not overly long, much to my relief, and there is a short ‘specials’ board with half a dozen listings. For fish, there is but one entry. What is it, I
ask? Fresh fillet of abadejo is the response, garnished with prawns. And all for €6.50? Well, let’s give it a try. My wife fancied a fillet steak. After a pleasant dish of salad accompanied by a side order of setas with prawns at (€7.50), along come the aforesaid dishes of fish and steak, accompanied by hand cut chips and Canarian potatoes. Blimey! This chef really is keen to make a good impression! A huge piece of fish, perfectly cooked and topped with half a dozen large prawns and caramelised garlic could surely have not left room for any profit. The fillet steak, at the more than competitive price of €12 for such a large cut, was meltingly good, sitting on a base of caramelised onion and apple rings, and cooked perfectly just as my wife had ordered. Result! The kitchen is tiny, and the chef (I hope that he won’t mind me saying) is not small either, but both have come together as a harmonious whole to deliver the goods. With the super-friendly ‘jefe’ dancing attendance and looking after six other tables as well as the drinkers out on the terrace, we came away full of
©2015 FLN
of the pannini was cremated to charcoal, black as night, so I hurriedly agreed. ”Yes, take it away!” Soon after, and to no great surprise, the premises closed their doors. Then, we saw that the place was open again, under new ownership, and we called in for one of their montaditos and wine, advertised on the Santa Úrsula Montadito Trail. A splendid confection of ten-
La Sartén
the feel-good factor for the renaissance of La Sartén. A good team and now an equally good n restaurant.
Ctra. Gral. 110, Cuesta la Villa, Santa Úrsula. Tenerife. Tel: 922 304 873 Closure: Sunday evening and all day Monday. Loo Score 8/10
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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
Cultural agenda
Pages 22 & 23
Pages 24 & 25
Page 26 & 27
Page 28
New clothes range launched
Foto Line by Stella Lotycz Incorporating the photography of internationally renowned filmmaker Andy McLeod, designer Stella Lotycz has launched a range of fashion items under the brand, Foto Line. Stella describes the new clothes line as “a project about love, photography and fashion. It is love between two people, the beautiful islands they live on, and the fusion of photography and art to create attractive clothes. As a woman it means a lot to me to feel and look good in what I’m wearing. I am always on the lookout for original clothes, something that catches my eye. My idea was inspired by the amazing photographs that Andy was taking around the Canary Islands. I really admired them, so I tried to find a way to use that talent and combine it with my love of fashion.” The Canary Islands are famous for their traditional clothes,
The stylish designs of Stella Lotycz’s Foto Line
which are often handmade to a very high standard. Exquisite dress making skills have been passed down from each generation, and their clothes are worn at local fiestas and family events throughout the year. After asking around some local villages, it didn’t take Stella long to find a number of skilled dressmakers willing to help make her clothing line a reality. “I designed the first two dresses, now available in both black and white, and had the first prototypes made by my
Foto Line’s designs incorporate the photography of Andy McLeod
new team of dressmakers. I was so pleased with the finished results! I am ready to go into production and hope to raise enough funds to grow the company, clothing line and create more unique designs for other fashion items. I’m a big fan of photography and that ability to capture the moment. A picture can tell a story or remind you of something, even take you to another place. These photos were taken by a talented and imaginative person behind a camera, with his vision cap-
turing the story perfectly. You too can be part of the story, by including one of our dresses in your collection.” Andy McLeod is a highly-experienced cameraman, photographer and co-owner of Tenerife’s premier film and TV company, Film!CanaryIslands. His work featured in the Spotlight section of Island Connections in edition 761. Stella’s Foto Line range is available from the fashion store, Ma-Bel in CC El Mirador, Playa del Duque in Costa Adeje, or
Foto Line is available from Ma-Bel or online from the Kickstarter webpage
online from the Kickstarter webpage: www.kickstarter.
com/projects/1473743471/ n foto-line.
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HOLIDAY GUIDE
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 030
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.
Photo: ubik2010
Tenerife Teide National Park 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.
Los Gigantes
Adán Martín Auditorium
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.
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
Benijo beach
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. Las Teresitas viewpoint
21.1.2016 – 3.2.2016
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 763
Other islands Only a 45 minute ferry ride from the port of Los Cristianos, La Gomera is a small, peaceful island with amazing hiking and a prehistoric 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
Photo: siulesoj
La Gomera
HOLIDAY GUIDE
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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 La Gomera’s laurel forest
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
Las Canteras beach, Gran Canaria
Santa Cruz de La Palma
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.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 030
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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.
La Laguna, Tenerife
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
Plaza de España, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
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 Cristóbal, 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
21.1.2016 – 3.2.2016
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 763
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.
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.
Taxis: (0034) 922 747 511
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.
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.
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
HOLIDAY GUIDE SPIN NEWS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 030
Incredible colours and contrasts
To stutter, or not to stutter
These boots are made for walking
blossom. The colours of the petals range from pristine white to mauves and pinks, and they form a stark contrast with the backdrop of the black lava flows from the Chinyero volcano, the blue sky and the majestic Mount Teide. This is a medium difficulty route for which you’ll need sturdy footwear, and which
takes four to five hours to complete, depending on the pace. It begins in the town of Santiago del Teide, crosses an amazingly rugged volcanic landscape, and ends in Arguayo. It can be rather hard going underfoot, but well worth the effort. Along the way you’ll see almond trees, vines and fig trees, as well as pines and
plenty of endemic shrubs. The largest concentration of almond trees is to be found around the village of Las Manchas, next to the main road. The walk takes place on January 30, and starts at 8am. For more information contact the Adeje Council’s Casa de la Juventud on 922 781 808 or n see www.adeje.es.
The show goes on
Photo: webtenerife.com
Tenerife’s orchestra goes Pop!
For the third year running, Nick Davies will be conducting the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra during the Pops de la Sinfónica show at the Tenerife Auditorium. Nick Davies has been the principal conductor of the Vantaa Pops Orchestra in Finland since
2011. He has also worked as a guest conductor with a long list of European orchestras including the Gothenburg Symphony, The Hallé, Royal Scottish National, City of London Sinfonia, Royal Philharmonic, and the BBC Concert Orchestra. He has moderated
and conducted light classical and Christmas concerts across the UK and performs regularly with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, with whom he has made extensive recordings, including compilations of classic rock hits, a Disney collection, film scores and two from
their Here Come The Classics series. In this latest show, called Symphonic Queen, the orchestra will be playing a selection of the most influential and significant songs by the legendary British band, Queen. It will be presented by Ana Molowny and will feature the soloist David Shannon, who has worked in many top musicals. This, not to be missed, performance, organised by the Tenerife Island Council, will be on February 4 at 8.30pm, at the Adán Martín Auditorium in Santa Cruz. For more information and tickets, from €11, see www.auditoriodetenerife. n com.
The King’s Speech was a well loved movie, and with such an absorbing storyline it’s no surprise there have been many stage renditions of it, in musicals, plays and street performances. Among the best known versions is that by the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. With all this in mind, it will be extremely interesting to see the Spanish adaptation which is coming to Tenerife soon. For those unfamiliar with the story, it features the UK’s King George VI, his impromptu ascension to the throne and the speech therapist who helped the monarch who lacked self confidence to become worthy of his position. After all, a man without words is a man without power. The incredible story, which is partially true, is not completely historically accurate. Many events have been added for entertainment value, touching on friendship, love and basically, overcoming the odds. The story is based on both King George VI and Prince Albert who was also said to have suffered from a stutter. The reluctant King George VI had to take over in a hurry. He had not been expected to take the throne, but his elder brother Edward VIII occupied the position for less than a year before he abdicated to marry the woman he loved, the American Wallis Simpson, who just happened to be divorced. For King George, coming into power just before the Second World War began was hardly ideal. He was under immediate pressure to be there for his people in a time of crisis, and he lacked confidence because he believed that his stutter undermined his position as a leader. The worst of it was that he had to announce the declaration of war with Germany in 1939. The King had to survive this at all costs. The man who came to the King’s rescue, helping him to overcome or at least control his stutter for public speaking, was a speech therapist named Lionel Logue. A deep friendship developed between the two very different men as they struggled to overcome one human being’s life challenges. In this Spanish version, the lead role is played by the actor Adrián Lastra. Adrián has a background in musicals and the stage, and recently played the significant role of Pedro in the TV series Velvet. He has an amazing capability to stutter and ramble on endlessly in his acting roles, and couldn’t have been a better choice for this part. El Discurso del Rey, The King’s Speech, will be at the Teatro Guimerá in Santa Cruz on March 19 at 8.30pm. Tickets are on sale, at €20 to €25, from the box office, or www.tomaticket.es. See www.teatroguimera.es. n Photo: Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: www.adeje.es
The almond trees in Tenerife come into blossom at the end of January or the beginning of February, literally putting the icing on the cake in the already beautiful borough of Santiago del Teide. Adeje Council has organised a trekking route specifically at this time, so the wonderful show that nature provides can be enjoyed. This walk will also enable those taking part to learn the history of the Casa del Patio, the Calvario de Los Baldíos and about the last volcanic eruption on the island. There will also be information about the very typical food products from this area, figs and almonds, which were originally cultivated for subsistence and are now regarded as real delicacies. Santiago del Teide is one of the most beautiful areas of Tenerife, and it is all the more so when the almond trees are in
That is the question
Photo: Teatro Guimerá
26
HOLIDAY GUIDE SPIN NEWS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 763
Alter ego
Argentinian tradition, remastered Altertango has a repertoire which tackles tangos from the past and the present, the traditional Argentinian candombe, songs generated by national rock artists, and their own compositions. The five members of Altertango have constantly worked to reinforce the formula, the seeds of which were sown when they began in the year 2000. They wish to popularise the genre, strengthen their Argentinian roots and convictions, and do what they believe to be a big challenge for their generation: to perform, with their own sound, the wealth of traditional Argentinian popular music. They are Victoria Di Raimondo, singer, writer and composer; the pianist, arranger and composer Elbi Olalla, the drummer Pablo Conalbi, accordion player Ezequiel Acosta, and bass player Gerardo Lucero. Since their beginnings, Altertango have recorded five albums, receiving excellent critique from both the press and the public. They have taken part on numerous compilations and obtained significant recognition on a local, national and international scale as they presented their music in their home country’s cities, Chile, and in Europe, including Toulouse, Paris, Barcelona, Seville, Madrid, Amsterdam and Stockholm, where they visited the best concert halls and theatres with their show. They have also attended and taken part in music festivals and fairs. The group recently produced a live album with a string orchestra which was launched in January at the Biennal Fin de Mundo at Mar del Plata. Altertango will be bringing their show to the Teatro Leal in La Laguna on February 20 at 9pm. Tickets cost €8 and are available from the box office which is open Mondays to Saturdays 11am to 1pm and 6pm to 8pm, Sundays and bank holidays, two hours before the performn ance. See www.teatroleal.com.
27
Arona International Music Festival
Cinemarona The Arona International Music Festival takes place from January 30 to February 13, and as an aperitif, the Arona Musical Band will once again be offering a fabulous concert entitled CinemArona with soundtracks from some of the most popular movies of yesterday and today. The Arona Musical Band goes back to 1985 when the local Council decided to create a music academy. The first task of the new school was to give classes in musical language, piano, wind and percussion instruments, and in 1987 it was made a subsidiary of the Santa Cruz Superior Music Conservatory. Since then, the band has taken part in several events, both in and outside of the Arona borough, such as music cycles, fiestas, contests and congresses. Their conductor is D. José Luis Domínguez Rodríguez. CinemArona will take place at the Infanta Leonor Auditorium in Los Cristianos on January 30 at 8pm. Tickets are avail-
Photo: Daniel L. Cetrulo
21.1.2016 – 3.2.2016
able from the auditorium’s box office at €5. There’s plenty more in store for music lovers during the festival. For example, the students of the Arona Municipal Music and Dance School will be offering an open air concert in the Plaza de la Pescadora in Los Cristianos on February 4 at 6.30pm. On February 5, the school’s trombone and percussion group will be giving a concert
at 8pm, and you can see the group Pulso y Púa on February 6 at 9pm, both with free entry. There will also be several recitals, featuring the guitar on February 9, flute and piano on February 10, trombone and piano on February 11, and Jep Meléndez and his corporal percussion show will be on February 12, all at 8pm, with tickets at €5. The final concert will be on February 13 at 8pm, also free. All the recit-
als and concerts will be at the Infanta Leonor Auditorium in Los Cristianos. Five international teachers will also be offering courses from February 9 to 13, mainly aimed at under-16s, on the trombone, flute, guitar and corporal percussion. For courses and registration, send an email to festivalarona@gmail.com. For more information about the festival, see: www.arona.org or www. musicarona.weebly.com. n
All that jazz
Photo: Teatro Leal
The Macaronesian Jazz Quartet consists of four of the most outstanding musicians currently on the Canarian music scene: Eliseo Lloreda on guitar, Ruimán Martín who plays double bass, Fran Rodríguez on saxophone and JM Churchi on drums. During its relatively short existence, this group has become a solid jazz band with a wide range of possibilities in terms of style. These musicians regularly surprise their audiences with their extremely original interpretations. In their first two years of working together they’ve developed a personal style as a quartet, in which
Photo: aytolalaguna.com
Macaronesians in Tejina
risk and rhythmic interaction have been their greatest allies, showing an impressive energy in all their performances. They mainly play traditional jazz, which moves between hard bop, be-bop and cool jazz,
amongst other variants, with a very fresh and intense sound. In the concerts, the musicians offer an eclectic repertoire, somehow with energy and tranquillity at the same time, which ranges from jazz stand-
ards to their own compositions, or arrangements created by all four group members. On their first album they featured some standards and songs by other authors, such as Ellington, Bernstein, Mercer and Henderson, and the result formed an elegant business presentation card for a group which skillfully moves between moods and styles. The fabulous Macaronesian Jazz Quartet will be delighting jazz fans with a concert at the Teatro Unión in Tejina, La Laguna, on February 5 at 8.30pm. Entry is free. See www.aytolalaguna.com for n more information.
HOLIDAY GUIDE WHATS ON 2016
28
January – February
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 030
January – February
GRAN CANARIA TENERIFE DIARY DATES
DIARY DATES
Until January 24
January 21
January 28
Various times including matinees: Sister Act, the musical (in Spanish), tickets from €20, Teatro Pérez Galdós, LPGC.
8.00pm: Flamenco, Viento del Sur, €10, Auditorio Infanta Leonor, Los Cristianos, Arona. 8.30pm: Classical music concert, Cameristi della Scala, Verdi and Donizetti, €40, Adán Martín Auditorium, Santa Cruz.
8.30pm: Classical music concert, Galdós Ensemble, Chopín, €20, Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín, Santa Cruz. 8.30pm: Gastronomy, tasting of Canarian food, wine competition, AAVV Maninindra, La Florida, La Orotava.
January 21 8.30pm: Classical music concert, Orchesta Sinfónica de Tenerife, Shostakovich and Grieg, from €30, Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, LPGC.
January 22
January 29 to 31 Open Mindfulness Training program in Adeje and Playa Paraíso, in partnership with the Dzogchen and Rimay Communities. Contact the OMT Project Manager for Tenerife, Nicky Hoedjes, on: 603 258 101 or email: christina. hoedjes@gmail.com.
January 22 8.30pm: Classical music concert, Cameristi della Scala, Verdi and Donizetti, Teatro Guiniguada, €40, LPGC.
January 29
January 22 – 24 8.30pm: History of Rock, almost three hours of entertainment paying tribute to some of the best rock sounds of the last half a century, from €35, Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, LPGC.
From first thing in the morning you can witness the preparation of a giant ‘puchero’ (Canarian meat and vegetable stew, to be shared out the following day), AAVV Maninindra, La Florida, La Orotava. Parallel events.
January 23
January 30
8.30pm: Mary Poppins, musical (in Spanish) Auditorio de Valleseco, Valleseco.
7.30pm: Canarian wrestling, Terrero de Lucha, Ravelo, El Sauzal.
8.30pm: Classical music concert, Galdós Ensemble, Chopín, €20, Teatro Guiniguada, LPGC. January 28 and 29 8.30pm: Ballet, Swan Lake, St Petersburg ballet company, from €15, Teatro Cuyás, Calle Viera y Clavijo, LPGC.
8.30pm: Classical music concert, Orquesta Sinfónica de Tenerife, Shostakovich and Grieg, from €30, Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín, Santa Cruz.
January 30
January 23
Guided hike, Valleseco-Barranquillo-MonagasBarranco. Rapador, Valleseco Tourism office, 928 618 022, extension 221. www.vallesecograncanaria.com. 8.30pm: Ballet, Giselle, St Petersburg ballet company, from €15, Teatro Cuyás, Calle Viera y Clavijo, LPGC.
10.00am: Children’s Chinese food cookery course, €20, Sala La Pirámide, El Sauzal. 639 925 966. 7.00pm: Ballet, Swan Lake, Ukranian National Ballet company, from €32, Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín, Santa Cruz. www.auditoriodetenerife.es.
January 31
January 24
7.00pm: Ballet, Giselle. See above.
8.30am: Hiking route El Sauzal to La Matanza de Acentejo, medium difficulty. 922 570 000. From mid morning: Romería de San Antonio Abad, pets and farm animals, folklore groups, regional costumes, food and wine, music and lots of fun, Güímar. 6.00pm: Ballet, The Nutcracker, Ukranian National Ballet company, from €32, Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín, Santa Cruz. www. auditoriodetenerife.es.
8.30pm: Classical music concert, Trío Arbós, Turina, Saint-Saens, Mendelssohn, €20, Teatro Guiniguada, LPGC
EXHIBITIONS Until February 19 Anne Frank, a current history, Monday to Friday,10am – 1pm, 6pm – 9pm, Fundación Mapfre Guanarteme, Edificio Cultural Ponce de León, Calle Castillo,6. LPGC.
Bank holiday for the Islands’ Patron Saint, the Virgin of Candelaria. Banks and some shops may be closed. February 3 8.30pm: Classical music concert, Trío Arbós, Turina, Saint-Saens, Mendelssohn, €20, Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Every Thursday Hiking route down the Masca ravine, €45, includes visit to Masca village, 4-hour hike, ½ hour on the beach, 1 hour boat trip plus food, guide, insurance and transfer to and from Puerto de la Cruz, Los Gigantes, Garachico, Los Silos and Buenavista. www.elcardon.com.
Canarias Folk Fest, parade, regional costumes, traditional dancing, singing, crafts and tastings in Las Galletas and Los Cristianos. Thursday – Rambla Dionisio González, Las Galletas, Friday – Avenida Las Américas (Golden Mile), Playa de 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.
January 27
February 2
February 2
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday
January 24 All day: Gran Canarian Marathon, one of the biggest athletic events of the year, other distances also covered, parallel events. Grancanariamaraton.com
manor house, now a rural hotel, volcanic route covering lava flows from the last Tinerfeñan eruption, tastings of local products, guide and insurance, 4 hours, medium difficulty, €10. www.elcardon.com.
January 27 7.00pm: Gastronomy, tasting the local potato variety Papa Bonita, AAVV Maninindra, La Florida, La Orotava.
8am: Hiking route through Santiago del Teide to see the almond blossom organised by Adeje council. www.adeje.es. 10.00am: Farm-animal fair, followed at 2pm by the puchero tasting, 8.30pm fireworks, 9pm, small procession with music, dancing and regional costumes, 10pm baile de magos (you must wear regional dress) with live music by Orquesta los Rokers de Garachico and Miguel Lorenzo, dance entrance €15, the rest free, La Florida, La Orotava. 8pm: Concert, Arona town band, Cinemarona, film sound tracks, €5, Auditorio Infanta Leonor, Los Cristianos. www.arona.org. January 31 From mid morning: Romería de San Antonio Abad, pets and farm animals, procession, folklore groups, regional costumes, local wine and food, music and fun, Buenavista del Norte. 11am: Solidarity sport, run for life in aid of breast cancer, Plaza del Santissimo Cristo, La Laguna, €8. 2.00pm: Main romería (procession) music, dancing, regional costumes, decorated carts, followed at 5pm by live music in the square from Orquesta Dorada and Trío Joven, free, La Florida, La Orotava. 8.00pm: Carnival in Arona. If you won’t be here to celebrate Carnival, get a taste of it at the presentation of this year’s costumes for Los Playeritos and Ritmo Sureño, €5, Auditorio Infanta Leonor, Los Cristianos. February (tbc) 9.30am: Hiking route to see the almond blossom in Santiago del Teide, includes visit to old
Every Saturday morning 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. Every Sunday Secrets of Teno, 4-hour hike includes demonstration of local traditions and activities, cheese and wine tasting, guide and insurance, Plaza de Teno Alto, Buenavista del Norte, €25 (transport available). www.elcardon.com.
EXHIBITIONS Until January 29 Timple exhibition (small Canarian guitar), mornings, Arona Town Hall. Until January 31 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 26 Results of a study on the recovery of the traditional pottery of El Frontón, paintings, pottery, etc., Museo de Historia Casa de El Capitán, Calle El Calvario, San Miguel de Abona, Monday to Thursday 9am - 1pm and 4.30pm – 7pm, also Friday morning 9am – 1pm.
For regular church, charity and recreational events, please see: www.islandconnections.eu/1000003/1000027/0/41004/living-lifestyle-article.html
21.1.2016 – 3.2.2016
MUSIC
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 763
29
The Qfm Music Review – Your guide to music created in the Canary Islands
Polo –The Spirit of El Médano The coastal town of El Médano in south Tenerife has a reputation for breezy days, cosmopolitan nights and, above all, social equality. It doesn’t matter if you’re old or young, rich or poor, nor of what nationality you are. The only criterion to ‘fit in’ is to have a free mind. Fortunately for the residents of El Médano, Polo, who is an accomplished singer, songwriter, guitar maestro and producer, has made his home in the town. Tapping into the energy of the people, places, landscapes and sounds, he composed his debut album, Sobrante de Estación. Just as El Médano’s residents have no common profile, the tracks on this album are varied and eclectic, whilst glowing with positivity and vibrance. Polo is in great company, and is joined by guest artists Charly Daicz, Elmar Origenes, José Arbelo and Cristian Castagnacci. Fusions of progressive-rock, electronic, world music, and acoustic pop create a string
Tracklist:
of eleven tracks, each with a different texture, yet all with a common flavour. This, our first album review of 2016, proves that extreme talent can often be found right on our own doorsteps. Throughout this year, Qfm 94.3 and Qfm2 -. 105.3 will be playing tracks from Polo’s album. Listen to the daily cultural guides to find out where you can see this breaking artist
playing live in South Tenerife. Our pick is the opening track Chirinstones, named after the incredible live music venue in El Médano. If you are a fan of live music, don’t forget that Médano Live 2016, which brings new sounds and fresh ideas to the south of Tenerife, kicks off in February with the World Music cycle. It will feature 17 concerts between February 5 and
1. Chirinstones (featuring Charly Daicz) 2. A Destiempo Nunca Más 3. Tres Luces en la Obscuridad 4. Charly (featuring Elmar Origenes) 5. Despertar 6. Gracias Maestro 7. Isla Amable (featuring José Arbelo) 8. Intrusa (featuring Cristian Castagnacci) 9. Alegría 10. Primer Mundo 11. Me Dijo Pon la Voz March 12. After a week’s break, Médano Live continues with the Alternative Music cycle, from March 18 to April 23. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy some of the best of Tenerife’s n music industry.
SPOTLIGHT
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 030
Spotlight on the mystical East
El Porís lights the way By Lee Bullen tos, Cardones and Cueva de town developed a commercial the coast with Arico Nuevo, eenth century homes and rural Continuing our exploration of the east – the often forgotten stretch of towns and coastline we blindly whizz past on the motorway to get to the north of Tenerife – this edition of Island Connections takes us to the picturesque coastal resort of El Porís. After passing the TF1 junction for San Isidro/El Médano heading northbound, it’s all too common to mentally switch off, turn up the radio and allow the seemingly baron wilderness of the island’s entire east coast to blur past your window until you reach somewhere recognisable, such as Candelaria or the Carrefour shopping centre in Añaza. However, there is more than just the wind turbines of the Parque Eólico along this stretch of motorway, this area has a multitude of hidden gems from the municipalities of Arico to Arafo; including the popular hiking routes of Arico Viejo, the beaches of Puertito de Güímar or the natural beauty surrounding Los Roques de Fasnia, as featured in our last edition. Porís de Abona, or simply El Porís, is in the borough of Arico just after Abades – another town on the east coast known for the leprosy station (the partially-constructed church visible from the motorway), being the hometown of Chelsea footballer Pedrito, and the main setting for the 2012 movie, Wrath of the Titans. El Porís is best known for the red and white lighthouse at the Punta de Abona and the nearby natural beach of Playa Grande, with its unusually fine, golden sand. It also boasts the beaches of Los Abrigui-
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la Arena. Historically, the population of El Porís was made up of fishermen and farmers who had a second home there. However,
fishing community that supported the livelihoods of many families in the region. Although the importance of El Porís’ role has largely diminished, the port
known for its rural Canarian architecture. After a one kilometre trek to the outskirts of El Porís, the trail runs alongside the TF-627 road and after
architecture; the quaint village is perhaps best characterised by the Nuestra Señora de la Luz church built in 1768. The route concludes at the Plaza de Benítez de Lugo in the town centre. The total distance is 6.2
The charming fishing village of El Porís Playa Grande is a natural beach with fine sand El Porís has a number of bays and beaches The town’s sleepy walkways
during the late 1980s and 90s people started coming from other parts of the island seeking a beach house, and a German community started to form in the Casa Blanca complex in the upper part of the town – a sizeable and picturesque community of white chalets. El Porís has a small, pretty port that was used for sheltering and repairing vessels and acted as a trade route with other parts of the island. It was during the nineteenth century that the
and remnants of its fishing past remains and gives the village a unique charm when visiting today. The Arico borough council is also keen to promote the towns, hiking routes and mountain climbing available elsewhere in the municipality. On the main plaza in El Porís, which holds a farmer’s market every Sunday from 8am to 1pm, there’s a large mounted sign brightly promoting the two-hour nature walk linking Porís de Abona on
the Barranco de Los Caballos bridge the route turns right and ascends the west side of the ravine. The trail then runs parallel to the Tajo gorge and after a kilometre and a half it reaches the area known as Las Casas de La Luz. The hike then descends and crosses the barranco, rich in vegetation and flora such as Tabaibas dulces and many types of Vinegrera bushes. As the path ascends you soon arrive into the historical streets of Arico Nuevo, with its eight-
kilometres and is considered a low-difficulty walk. With an established northern-European community on one side of the town, El Porís has a multicultural feel about its small community, and its many bays and beaches are regularly frequented by clusters of families and groups, free from the bustle of the south’s cluttered coastline.
El Porís is well known for its lighthouse, currently under maintenance
As you enter the town, with the Casa Blanca complex occupying your left-hand side, you arrive at a small shopping centre and community centre. El Porís also has a sports centre, bars and restaurants, shops, public squares, pharmacies, banks, beaches and everything a community needs – with bundles of charm thrown into the mix for good measure! The next time you plan a trip to go shopping in the north, visit a public office in Santa Cruz or go to an attraction along Tenerife’s north coast, take the time to stop in El Porís en route and experience the quieter, natural n side of island life.
21.1.2016 – 3.2.2016
BLEVINS FRANKS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 763
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‘Modelo 720’ and EU Law By Paul Montague, Partner, Blevins Franks
In 2012 the Spanish government announced that everyone resident in Spain will need to start declaring all their overseas assets worth over €50,000. Modelo 720 (Form 720) was created for this purpose, and this obligation is separate from, and extra to, the annual income tax and wealth tax returns. The penalties for failing to report assets are very high. Earlier last year the European Commission (EC) reviewed the legality of Modelo 720 after several complaints submitted by different parties, including law firms and tax adviser associations in Spain. The Commission launched an investigation into the fines and penalties imposed for the non-submission or incorrect submission of information on Modelo 720 as they seem to be disproportionate. The EC also investigated the fact that the
“Following its investigations, in November the EC opened an infringement procedure against Spain for Modelo 720.” obligations imposed are not subject to any statute of limitations, meaning that Spanish tax authorities have an unlimited time period to investigate the case, which could also infringe on EU law. Following its investigations, in November the EC opened an infringement procedure against Spain for Modelo 720.
The Spanish government has a two-month period to make its corresponding claims and arguments.
The Ministry of Revenue confirmed that they will consider the matter in greater depth. The Modelo 720 is one of the most ambitious measures If the Commission does not approved by the Spanish govfind the response adequate, it ernment to fight against tax will open a motivated proce- evasion. dure against Spain for infringement of EU law which could be Since the first reports were subreferred to the European Court mitted in 2013, taxpayers in of Justice of the EU. Spain have already declared, for
the first time, foreign assets of With specialist advice you can more than €126 billion (figure structure your financial affairs as at August 2015). so that, legitimately, you pay the least amount of tax possi2016 declaration ble, and also so you need not be too concerned about ModThe next submission deadline elo 720. for Modelo 720 is March 31, 2016, related to assets held Tax rates, scope and reliefs may during fiscal year 2015. We change. Any statements concernrecommend everyone continue ing taxation are based upon our to file their forms as required understanding of current taxation by law for the time being. laws and practices which are subWe need to see how Spain ject to change. Tax information responds to the infringement has been summarised; an indiprocedure. vidual is advised to seek personIn most cases, the values you alised advice. report are those as at December 31, 2015. For bank accounts To keep in touch with the latyou also need to declare the est developments in the offaverage balance over the last shore world, check out the three months of the year. latest news on our website In summary, if the value of www.blevinsfranks.com your assets in a particular category amounts to over €50,000, Blevins Franks has 20 established offices across Spain, you need to report all of them. France, Portugal, Cyprus, If you submitted Modelo 720 in Malta and UK, and decades previous years, you only need of experience advising British to report again if the value of expatriates. Contact our Partan asset grew by more than ner Paul Montague on 922 €20,000, or you sold an asset 716 079 or paul.montague@ or closed an account, or you blevinsfranks.com obtained a new asset.
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MOTORING
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 030
Volvo Cars
The future is now Many a young boy’s dream about to come true at last
More than 33 years after the popular American TV show Knight Rider showed David Hasselhoff talking to his car, Volvo and Microsoft are well on their way to launching a wearable voicecontrol system that will enable people to do just that. Volvo owners will be able to speak to their car via Microsoft Band 2, allowing them to instruct their
vehicle to perform tasks including setting the navigation, starting the heater, locking the doors, flashing the lights or sounding the horn via Volvo’s mobile app, Volvo on Call, and the connected wearable device. In November 2015, Volvo and Microsoft announced their high-profile collaboration with the first automotive applica-
tion of HoloLens technology. HoloLens is the world’s first fully untethered holographic computer, which could be used in future to redefine how customers first encounter, explore and even buy their car. “Our ongoing partnership with Volvo continues to bring ground-breaking technology to enhance the automotive
experience”, said Peggy Johnson, Executive Vice President of business development at Microsoft. “Together with Volvo, we’re just beginning to understand the potential that technology has to improve driver safety and productivity.” In recent times, Volvo Cars has begun to focus closely on innovations outside the traditional automotive arena, keen on opening up potential partnerships and new business models. “When innovating, we are not interested in technology for the sake of technology. If it does not make a customer’s life easier, better, safer or more fun, we don’t use it. Let’s face it – who hasn’t dreamed of talking to their car via a wristworn wearable?” said Klas Bendrik, Senior Vice President and Group Chief Information Officer at Volvo Car Group. However, don’t get too excited just yet: this latest development isn’t expected to be available to the public until spring 2016. n
Harman’s
The eyes have it Harman’s eye and pupil tracking technology keeps drivers safe by continuously monitoring cognitive load: an industry-first for advanced protection. Driving while tired, distracted or over-stimulated may become a thing of the past thanks to new technology unveiled by Harman International Industries Incorporated that measures increases in pupil dilation as an indication of a driver’s mental workload. The new proprietary tracking system measures high cognitive load and mental multitasking in the driver’s seat, and signals the car’s other safety systems to adapt to the driver’s state. Adoption of in-cabin cameras is growing rapidly, enabling features such as occupant detection and driver drowsiness monitoring. The introduction of high cognitive load detection via Harman’s tracking technology brings additional value to the driver-facing camera. It eliminates the need for complex sensors built into seats and steering wheels, or biometric sensors that require physical contact with the driver. This camera continually captures the driver’s pupil dilation, and a proprietary software algorithm analyses the pupil reflex using advanced filtering and signal processing. The filter isolates and identifies responses triggered by high cognitive load. The calculated outputs are used to intuitively adjust user interfaces, like placing mobile devices in do-not-disturb mode or adjusting ADAS system intervention thresholds to minimise physical and mental distraction to the driver. The technology is being hailed as a major step forward in the domain of Advanced Safety and Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) for vehicles. n
MotoGP
Spain’s triple MotoGP World Champion, Jorge Lorenzo, and Shark, the French helmet manufacturer, were recently very pleased to announce the signing of a three-year partnership in MotoGP. For this, Lorenzo will be wearing the Race-R PRO, Shark’s flagship product, in all races. This model, symbolic of the French brand, is acknowledged to be one of the safest on the market. It features, according to experts, unrivalled optical properties and incomparable aerodynamics. Nowadays, the Race-R PRO is best known in motorcycle World Championships, with over 150 podiums to its credit.
Triple MotoGP World Champion, Jorge Lorenzo (L), shakes on a threeyear MotoGP partnership with Shark Helmets
Jorge Lorenzo, five-times World Champion enthused: “I am very proud to be tackling the forth-
coming seasons with such a prestigious brand as Shark, which has a long history in
MotoGP. For me, this represents a most exciting challenge and I am quite sure that, together, we will form a great team. I really hope that I can reward all this confidence they have placed in me with some major successes.” Chairman of Shark, Patrick Francois, countered with: “We are very proud of the trust that Jorge Lorenzo has placed in our brand and in our helmets by joining the Shark Racing Team for the forthcoming seasons of MotoGP. Having the chance to work with such a high-level experienced rider is a real opportunity for our brand, as his skills will enable us to push the technical boundaries n of our products.”
Really rallying
On your marks… There is once again an exciting year of rallying coming up for fans in the Canaries. Just a few examples of the treats in store for Tenerife are the El Tanque Mountain Rally in March; the ever-growing Adeje road race in April; the Granadilla tarmac challenge in June; the Tamaimo uphill rally in September and the Orvecame Rallye the following month. Gran Canaria is home to one of the most important competitions with the Rally Islas Canarias. Known originally as the Rally El Corte Inglés, this international road event has been running since 1977 and has, at one time or another, formed part of the European Rally Championships, the Spanish Rally Championships and/or the Canary Islands Rally Championships. All the biggest islands have their own rallies, so there is plenty of action to look forward to. Keep your eye on this page for a full list of all rallies, of all types, on each of the islands: www.motor2000.net/calendario.php - due to appear any time now. n
©2016 FLN
Sharks for Lorenzo
Harman’s technology measures increases in pupil dilation as an indication of a driver’s mental workload
21.1.2016 – 3.2.2016
BUSINESS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 763
33
Watch out for it!
PC International Prizes
You still have chance to join PC International’s exciting competition to win a NanoSmart Android Watch. The NanoSmart is a novel and chic mini GSM phone, with Bluetooth and Smart Watch technology. It can be used with any standard SIM card, without having to subscribe to
a contract, and can be worn as a super cool watch, hung around the neck, hooked to a keychain, or clipped onto clothes. The NanoWatch is a versatile accessory and is particularly useful for those who travel regularly or who have more than one SIM card. And, thanks to PC Interna-
tional, this state of the art watch could be yours for free! All you have to do is log onto the company’s website at: pcinternational.es and click on the ‘prize draw’ link. The winner will be chosen on February 10, 2016. You have to be in to win, so visit that website now! n
Borough’s successful year
Adeje goes from strength to strength Three hundred and thirty-five new businesses were opened in the borough of Adeje in 2015 compared to the closure of just 20 companies. The council for Urban Planning and Public Entertainment, led by José María Álvarez Acosta, reported the healthy sign of growth for 2015, especially when compared to the 268 new companies started in 2014. With only 20 businesses closing their doors, Álvarez Acosta said: “We are building trust and receiving healthy investment in all sectors, from small to medium businesses to larger companies. The amount of companies choosing Adeje shows just how progressive and effective this administration has been in overseeing the borough’s
Councillor José María Álvarez Acosta was proud to present the report
continual growth.” Álvarez Acosta also confirmed that his department will be overseeing four major projects for the municipality, including renovating the Hotel Jardines del Teide, reforming and refurbishing the hotels Paraíso Floral and Oasis Paraíso, establishing the five star apartment complex of Corals Barceló in La Caleta, and the themed luxurious Victoria Suites by the Fedola Group which will be
Areas in Adeje like El Galeón have seen a surge in new businesses
in the Playa del Duque area. For José María Álvarez Acosta, the future looks bright: “Adeje is the benchmark for stability and cooperation between island authorities and local councils. The professionalism of Adeje council’s technical and administrative staff, who everyday provide quality service to the public, allows us to move forward with political and business related projects.” n
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HEALTH
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 030
Old knowledge – new developments
is currently running full belt. Venoms are used by animals to kill prey or as a means of defence, and consist primarily of a complex cocktail of various toxic substances, aimed directly at the nervous system, the circulatory system or the immune system of the victim, to put it out of action. Often the
Venoms to heal
prey will remain alive only a few minutes, and frequently by then have already been eaten alive. As mankind encroaches more into animals’ habitat, he is more commonly involved in accidental animal-toxin incidents. Around the world, researchers are now working to establish medical uses for venom for a wide range of illnesses, echoing a millennia-old healing tradition, but using modern methods. It sounds like a paradox, but is a scientifically proven reality. The secret of the success of animal toxins in this field is that they attack the same molecules that play a role in diseases. They allow for an individual, tailor-made therapy for each patient. It’s not just about finding the right dose. The bases of venoms are toxic proteins and peptides, which are short strings of amino acids. Millions of
A venomous snake being milked Toxin from the yellow banded poison dart frog kills bacteria and fungi Apitherapy includes bee-sting venom
destroy tissue and cell structures. Through the development of breakthrough drugs, the properties of these agents can help in the treatment of human diseases. So far, the drugs most developed from toxins have been in the field of hypertension or diabetes. Peptide-based drugs for humans are not only effective, but also virtually free of side effects.
Snake venom and heart disease Snake bites can be deadly. Paradoxically, from those same venoms anti-toxins and medicines for diseases are devel-
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org/Hadi
Venoms are some of the toxins which are synthesised by living organisms: plants, animals, bacteria or fungi Venom is injected, or stuck into victims using genetically adapted body parts, whilst poison is ingested. In the animal world, every tenth species is toxic and it is assumed that about 200,000 animal species in the world can produce toxins. From this huge number so far only a few hundred have been thoroughly explored. Among these species are jellyfish, worms, snails, amphibians and reptiles, insects, fish, spiders, some mammals and even birds. Unlike the terrestrial animals, marine sources are still largely unexplored. The study of animal toxins began in the 19th century and
years of evolutionary history have created a complex animal DNA that allows them to synthesise these substances. The toxic proteins and peptides act differently, but always efficiently. They may stop blood flow, block electrical impulses in the nervous system and thus paralyse the muscles, or
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org/Kalyan Varma
From the time of the Egyptians, herbal and surgical therapies have been carried out to treat people with illnesses. Modern medicine evolved over the years as knowledge increased and as more drugs were discovered. For example, developing opium which is obtained from the opium poppy, brought a massive improvement in anaesthesia to allow painfree operations. But it is not only plant extracts that have revolutionised the health world; venoms are taking on a new role in modern medicine, although the knowledge of their effects is nothing new. Animal toxins have been employed for healing since ancient times and their use still has a high importance today in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine.
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org/Factumquintus
Venoms: the future of medicine?
oped. In the 20th century it was discovered that the substances also have anti-hypertensive and anti-coagulant effects, if they are properly controlled and modified. Angiotensin-convertingenzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor) drugs have been developed from the venoms of the saw-scaled and pit vipers and rattlesnakes. These help treat
high blood pressure, for example, in the form of the drug Captopril, for chronic heart failure and heart attacks. The anticoagulant properties of the Asian Pit Viper’s venom is used in medicines to treat Buerger disease. Preparations from the toxin of the highly deadly taipan snake is currently being tested to make drugs used to heal wounds, the venom of the
mamba is under investigation for treatment options for cardiac patients, and the toxins of the copperhead viper to inhibit blood clotting which could play an important role in the healing of thrombosis.
Regulating insulin with desert lizard hormone The gila monster, which is native to the arid habitat of the south-western USA and perfectly adapted to the conditions of the desert, can survive several months without food. In their salivary venom is a polypeptide which allows it to regulate its blood sugar levels and thus to curb its appetite. From isolating the component in the early 1990s, exenatide was developed: a drug containing a synthetic hormone which stimulates pancreatic function and ensures the correct release
HEALTH
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underway into the development of a drug from the toxic tentacles of a sea anemone which contain a compound scientists suspect could help in autoimmune diseases. The development of new drugs based on animal toxins is a lengthy process. It takes between 12 and 15 years for a drug to be manufactured and prescribed and each project
substances, such as genetics, molecular biology, or the recently established bioinformatics using huge databases. Many molecules have to be modified to make them compatible for humans, and that is where the current research interests are concentrating. It is thought that a genetic therapy approach could be developed over the next five to ten years.
mals can continue to make it. Resources need to be conserved and protected because the animal toxins can only be derived naturally. There are already countless snake farms where they are bred specifically for the production of venom, but sustainability is a top priority. The world is full of toxins that man could make use of. However, there is the risk that
swallows hundreds of millions of euros, however, the possibility of preparing a drug from a toxin is about 400 to one. There are many decades of research ahead but new research areas have emerged to create the
Researchers can locate venom in animals, analyse it, divide it and even adjust the molecules so they are compatible for humans, but the secret is to keep nature safe for long into the future so that the ani-
before scientists can develop a drug for humans, many species could already become extinct as mankind contributes to the destruction of the animals’ habitat or even the animals n themselves…
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 763
of insulin into the system when needed. It has revolutionised the treatment of Type two diabetes mellitus and is marketed as Byetta.
Pain therapy with toxins Another drug miracle is the cone snail, a predatory sea snail with around 700 subspecies, each with its own venom. They all produce a complex toxin consisting of between one and two hundred components. The results are countless active ingredients that are just waiting to be discovered. Researchers suspect there may even be substances with which to treat epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The venom is on a small tentacle which they inject into their prey to paralyse them. The responsible omega-conotoxin has been isolated and is already used in the form of the drug Prialt in patients when morphine no longer helps in pain control. It’s the first drug to be developed from marine molecules and it works by blocking the transmission of impulses in the nerv-
ous system and thus the pain. The current problem is how to give it as it must be injected directly into the spine and scientists are now working on a variety that can be taken orally. Here too, neurotoxic batrachotoxin from a South and Central American poison dart frog could play a role. The toxin is on their brightly coloured skin and has been used for centuries as arrow-venom for hunting by the indigenous Indians.
Use of animal toxins in the fight against cancer Doctors have already succeeded in using the chlorotoxin, which is obtained from the venom of the Yellow Mediterranean scorpion, in the fight against cancer. The nerve toxin reacts with cancer cells and aids in the removal of tumours, such as those that develop in the brain, as it can be utilized to pinpoint the diseased cells. Until its use, despite modern technology, doctors could only make an educated guess at the site of affected tissue. If all the diseased cells are not removed, there is a high prob-
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org/Ester Inbar
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org/Pet
21.1.2016 – 3.2.2016
Cone snail shells The deathstalker scorpion’s venom tags cancer cells
ability of a repeat tumour. The chlorotoxin highlights the diseased tissue with a dye in the infrared spectrum, thus allowing for more accurate and complete surgery.
Endless possibilities Biodiversity provides unprecedented opportunities against numerous diseases. It has been discovered that the venom of the bark scorpion helps relieve the symptoms of chronic rheumatism, but so far the patient has to arrange to get stung because no drug has yet been developed. Targeted stinging to help treat rheumatism, arthritis and even the symptoms of multiple sclerosis has already been successfully applied with honeybees in apitherapy. Furthermore, the components of bee venom could be used in more complex cases to heal wounds and in the fight against multi-resistant bacterial strains. Investigations are
HEALTH
36
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 030
m_delaflor@hotmail.com
Dear Dr. De La Flor Photo: Trevor Brady FreeImages
Common sense & common
Laryngitis is a common problem for singers
Dear Dr. De La Flor,
I’ve been given an appointment to perform a stress test. Is it risky? Any advice? Cheers, Phil Dear Phil, A Stress Test (aka Exercise Stress Test) gathers valuable data about how your cardiovascular system performs during moderate to intense physical activity. Because the heart will pump harder and faster than usual, the assessment can reveal underlying issues that might go unnoticed otherwise. A myriad of cardiovascular factors will be closely monitored while you walk on a computer-controlled treadmill or ride a stationary bike. Your cardiologist may recommend it if he suspects coronary artery disease or an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia). The test may also be used to guide your treatment if you’ve already been diagnosed with a heart condition. Let’s remember that, to a certain extent, everyone is the age of their heart. Better to err on the side of prudence than to end up in a hospital bed. Best regards. “A hospital bed is a parked taxi with the meter running.” Groucho Marx
Dear Dr. De La Flor,
I’m a local singer. I have several voice box infections every year. Is it contagious? Any other advice? Thanks, D. Dear D., Actor Harry Belafonte used to say that “you can cage the singer but not the song.” Likewise, viruses are tough to restrain, due to their insatiable appetite for spreading. The most common cause of laryngitis is a viral infection that can last from a few days to up to two weeks. Obviously
your singing demands make you more prone to irritation and/or infection. Generally, the contagious time frame is when the infected person has a temperature and/ or other accompanying general symptoms. Contagious causes of laryngitis are usually spread from person to person. Coughing, sneezing, and saliva are the likely culprits of both breeding and propagation. Best wishes and thanks for the job you do. “He who sings frightens away his ills.” Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote
Dear Dr. De La Flor,
I’m 71 years old. Alzheimer’s disease seems to run in my father’s side of the family. Any advice regarding prevention? Thank you, Marie Dear Marie, “There was no breeze in the air, and the little deep vessel swung slightly to the breathing of the sea. Her great mainsail and her balloon-jib came over lazily as she swung, and filled themselves with the cheating semblance of a wind. The boom creaked in the gooseneck, and at every roll the slack of the main sheet tautened with a kind of little thud that thrilled the deck behind me.” Hilaire Belloc, Anglo-French writer and historian … the cheating semblance of the wind. Isn’t it mind-blowing? Blowing the mind, fanning the brain, nourishing our memories and bathing our neurons with a daily dosage of stimulating reading should be a must for everyone. Simple, elegant English prose can be just one of the options to decelerate disease progression as well as to sooth our minds, temper our emotions and uplift our spirits. Best regards
cold facts It’s caused by many different viruses (not bacteria). It’s transmitted by infected airborne droplets or by direct contact with infected secretions. Symptoms include cough, sore throat, sneezing, runny nose. It’s self-limiting and can generally be managed at home by following grandma’s old time affection-filled remedies. Overthe-counter meds can be helpful, antibiotics are normally either unnecessary or counter productive.
Live better, longer,
fuller… “Success is piece of mind which is a direct result of selfsatisfaction in knowing that you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.” John Wooden, 1910-2010, The Pyramid of Success
Telltale signs of diabetes
Our body transforms food into glucose that our cells use for energy. Insulin is the main vehicle to bring the glucose into the system. But if insulin is insufficient or ineffective, then we’ll become hungry and tired. No insulin means no zip, no zing, no zest!
… Clinical depression
“The Afternoon knows what the morning never suspected.” Robert Frost, American Poet
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
HSV can cause infections that affect the face, genitals, buttocks, and anal area. Many people catch it but stay symptomless. For the unlucky ones, painful blisters run the show. Typically, they heal completely but reappear at some point in time. In between attacks, the stealthy virus hides deep in the roots of the nerves that supply the area involved. Frequent attacks should prompt us to check our immune system.
Healthy lifetime prescriptions
Coaching Corner By Dr. De La Flor Orandum est ut sit mens sana in corpore sano. Decimus Iunius Iuvenalis, also known in English as Juvenal, was a first century Roman satirist known for his many immortal maxims. One of his most enduring precepts encourages us ‘to pray for a sound mind in a sound body rather than for wealth, power, eloquence or children.’
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
ReSOLUTION By Dr. De La Flor I recently heard on a TV programme that a hurricane derives its breathtaking blowing power from a calm core, a peaceful centre. For the next two weeks, perhaps you and I can spend a few minutes pondering about the paradoxical meaning of this wonder of nature. Cultivating our core, nourishing our mind, and taming our emotions should also empower and bolster our physical realm, thus serving to ward off disease. Talk to you in a couple of weeks. “Your prayer must be for a healthy mind in a sound body. Ask for a brave soul that has no fear of death, deems length of life the least of nature’s gifts and is able to bear any kind of sufferings, knows neither wrath nor desire and believes the woes and hard labours of Hercules better than the loves and feasts and downy cushions of Sardanapalus. Reveal what you are able to give yourself; the only path to a life of tranquillity lies through virtue.” Juvenal
Dr. De La Flor, licenced 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.
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
By Dr. De La Flor
DO MORE THAN HOPE FOR THE BEST
902 886 226
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Join us and combat cancer
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“The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes. Unless a particular man made New Year resolutions, he would make no resolutions. Unless a man starts afresh about things, he will certainly do nothing effective.” G.K. Chesterton
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Dr. De La Flor Facts
21.1.2016 – 3.2.2016
FASHION
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 763
37
Trendsetter in a suit
Photos: www.prshots.com
What a man! Even if the masters of creation don’t really want to hear it, baggy shorts, socks and sandals do not necessarily convey a statement of fashionable sophistication. In any case, many women quite like to see men in suits. The good news is that hightech materials, such as a slightly stretchy cotton twill, ensure comfort and freedom of movement, even with slimfitting suits - after all, as a man, you never know when you might have to spring into action to rescue a princess! Next spring, two colours will stand out as absolute trendsetters in the menswear ranges: grey and blue will both make a big splash. The grey tones come in many different variants from stone to fairly dark grey, while blue is nearly always presented in a dark version similar to an almost black night sky. The silhouettes of the current body-fitting trend remain narrow to very narrow, so sometimes you will need to be careful to establish that fine line which separates a well-fitting suit from one that is just that bit too tight. These slim fit silhouettes favour singlebreasted jackets, and that is why at the moment we are not seeing so many doublebreasted versions. With current
Narrow silhouettes make a fashion statement. From Penneys
Noble and discreet: The tone-on-tone diamond. From Burton
Classic Glencheck with a modern interpretation. From BHS
cuts and materials, the creation of new suits has become a balancing act between classic and trendy. There are also many accessories available for the spring, especially shoes, to enhance a man’s fashion statement. Brand new on the scene are shoes with a metallic finish, which give the classic suit a whole new twist. n
Always look relaxed! A suit with a linen look. From House of Fraser
Heavy metal! Classic shoes with a metallic finish. From Dune Mens
Brown shoes form part of every wardrobe. From Debenhams
Simple and beautiful: Blue suit, black turtleneck. Marks & Spencer Essential black suede shoes. From TK Maxx
A touch of the Orient for gentlemen: Sultan de Muscat by Rituals
A scent is now part of the outfit for the fashion conscious man: Homme by Marks & Spencer
PETS
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 030
Adopt, don’t buy
Animal charities’ round up Acción del Sol Happy New Year to all our friends and supporters of Acción del Sol. While you enjoyed the festive activities our work has continued behind the scenes with a large increase of abandoned dogs and many arriving in appalling conditions. It’s extremely hard to even imagine what
Live Arico adoption
Bouncing home Bouncer is a three year old male pit bull cross and would love a new home for the new year. He’s a big, strong, beautiful boy who needs a little training. Could you give him the loving home he needs? For more information on Bouncer, and indeed all the dogs n at Live Arico, call Sue on 629 388 102.
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.
Acción del Sol has a large number of dogs awaiting adoption There are many benefits to adopting two cats instead of one
some of the poor animals have endured in their lives before arriving via Protection Civil at our refuge. Maybe you are looking to adopt a dog? We do not charge an adoption fee and every dog is fully micro-chipped, inoculated, castrated or sterilised, and with passport. Also, every dog is socialised and heart worm free, giving the dogs the best start for their new life. Donations are very much appreciated towards costs but not compulsory. We are also in need of tinned dog food for our older dogs, blankets, towels, sheets, toys, and collars and leads. If you have any of the above they would be very much appreciated.
Tierhotel Lilly We look after your pet while you are away
(short or long term)
Tel: 697 826 738 (D/E), 659 131 382 (SP, Trainer)
www.tierhotel-lilly.com
Email the refuge at: teneriffa@aktiontier.org. Also visit the Facebook page: ‘action tier Acción del Sol’.
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. 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, which is on the loop road before the
lottery kiosk, and we 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 Reverón near Churchill’s Bar, as well as in San Eugenio opposite Hotel La Niña by Amanda’s Bar at Las Carabelas complex. Both shops are open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday, 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.
Cats Welfare Tenerife Neutering is the kindest thing a caring cat owner can do to protect their cat. Your male kitten will have a natural urge to spray and mark his territory and a female kitten ‘in season’ will probably be noisy and restless. Neutering will help prevent this behaviour. A female kitten can get pregnant while she’s still a kitten herself so should be spayed at four months to protect her from unplanned pregnancy. Adult cats not neutered as kittens can be neutered at any age. Neutering your male kitten will help keep him safe - ensuring that he doesn’t get into constant fights over females, and also that he doesn’t feel the urge to wander off in search of a mate. Neutering also helps
the general cat population; a simple snip really does show you care! It is very straightforward and you can usually take your kitten home on the same day. They may be slightly groggy after the operation so let them recover in a quiet area. Give them plenty of love and reassurance and they should be back to normal in a day or two. If you’re thinking about bringing a kitten into your life there are many reasons why you should actually consider doubling that and bring home a pair. Yes, think two instead of one, starting off with two may actually be much easier and more beneficial for the kittens and for you. Many people adopt a kitten and then a couple of years later realise they want a second cat. Since adult cats
Bouncer is awaiting adoption at Live Arico’s refuge
are territorial, the introduction process often requires some hard work and lots of patience. So if you’re thinking about adopting and are unsure whether to adopt one or even two, contact Theresa to discuss the options (680 475 500 between 10am and 6pm everyday). Pictures of all our cats and kittens awaiting adoption can be found on our web page www.cats-welfare-tenerife.com/pets. The page is updated daily so always has the latest availability. Did you receive any unwanted presents for Christmas? Donate them to us and you’ll be sure they will go to a good cause. Donations
can be dropped off at our shop on San Blas in Golf del Sur (Behind Hiperdino). It is open seven days a week, 10am until 6pm, and Saturdays is 11am to 4pm. If you cannot get to the shop ring Mark on 636 590 557 and he will arrange collection from you.
K9 Our shop on Alcalá Plaza is in continual need of donations. If you have anything suitable, please take it to 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 n is: 667 638 468.
21.1.2016 – 3.2.2016
FARMERS MARKET
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 763
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
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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 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 21 to February 3 Aries 21.3 - 20.4 So little of the year gone, so many difficulties already! Don’t worry; this is not a sign of things to come, far from it. The ups and downs of the last few weeks will have a surprising outcome, one that will be of immense benefit to you in the end. Taurus 21.4 - 20.5 Time to get your (mental) running shoes on because you are going to have to move fast on an important decision very soon. Try not to let prevarication make you miss a great opportunity - sometimes chances come round only once. Gemini 21.5 - 21.6 You are about to learn one of life’s true lessons: at times the greatest gifts develop out of seemingly hopeless situations. Try not to judge too quickly, for what initially may seem a problem will actually be a boon - but only if you don’t panic. Cancer 22.6 - 22.7 Someone who has been on the periphery of your social circle is about to have a big impact on your life. It may mean disruption to begin with - be it in your work or social life - but you will appreciate the support this person gives you this year. Leo 23.7 - 23.8 It doesn’t pay to be too opinionated - not only is it a fast route to losing friends, but how can anyone learn anything new if they already know everything? Time for a rethink - your attitude is slowing your personal progress. Virgo 24.8 - 23.9 You have certainly turned things around! What an excellent way of dealing with issues you have at the moment. Your level-headed thinking will stand you in good stead for the coming weeks when those around need plain talking. Libra 24.9 - 23.10 Your health has to be your priority over the next few weeks. You simply cannot expect to continue burning the candle at both ends and stay well - something has to give. Now is a good time to learn what is really important to you. Scorpio 24.10 - 22.11 Your resourcefulness and tolerance are about to be tested to the limit. A family member or close friend seems to have lost the plot and is relying heavily on you. Things will get worse before they get better, but it will be a good lesson. Sagittarius 23:11 - 21.12 The effort you have put in over the last few years is now paying off. You can give yourself a pat on the back, but don’t forget that the real challenge has just begun - it’s not quite time for that change you are looking forward to, hang on in there. Capricorn 22:12 - 20.01 Hopefully, you have breezed through the first part of the year so far. The outcome of the coming period depends on your attitude - learning what really matters and what is unimportant will make the difference between a smooth passage and not. Aquarius 21.1 - 20.2 Who said you aren’t capable of making vast changes - look at what you have done so far! Do not let yourself become distracted by other people’s opinions - often they are based more on envy or insecurity rather than any deep knowledge. Pisces 21.2 - 20.3 It is important to maintain the positive feelings you have at the moment - try not to get bogged down by other’s problems. Help where you can, but don’t lose sleepless nights worrying about that which you can’t change, you will only make yourself ill.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 030
Contacts To advertise your services with us, please call 922 75 06 09
Do you want to experience an orgasm without ejaculating? The main idea is to extend the excitement and prolong pleasure. When you decide to go for it, it is really intense. I’m Amaia, an exotic Colombian girl. Tantric massage and all services for men. www.sensestantricmassagetenerife.com. Appointments also via WhatsApp Tel: 673 631 177. Tantra massage is an art I have mastered very well, you’ll fall in love with my hands. Tantric orgasms for men, G-point massage and also internal orgasm. I am Sara. There’s more about me at www.sensesmassagetenerife.com. Appointments on Tel: 610 616 304. Venezuelan transsexual, 35 years old, beautiful, tall, fat, blonde, long big penis, active/ passive, natural special services to the end. Apartments Royal, in front of the bus station, Los Cristianos. I will send you all the information needed. Basic English. Tel: 602 626 848.
Cockney girl, Ana, just what you need to get pampered. Stunning hot brunette. Let my pleasure be your pleasure, owo, French kissing. Los Cristianos, opposite the bus station. Tel: 611 203 925. Busty curvy. Los Cristianos, 2 girls: well built Russian 35 years, and a slim Ukranian 23 years. Peaceful, discreet apartment. Edificio Royal, in front of the bus station, Los Cristianos. Call first. We speak a little English. Tel: 626 712 090. Paula, a Latin brunette, complete, without limits, available 24 hours in my private apartment in the centre of Los Cristianos. Tel: 617 035 582.
Las Américas, blonde Colombian, slim, beautiful, sexy body, all services, natural French, massages, erotic toys, threesomes, accompaniment to swingers club, private apartment, hotel visits, make your fantasies come true! I speak English. You will repeat this experience. Tel: 649 879 663. Lucia, full figured blonde, natural 140cm breasts, no limits, I will do anything you ask, I’m waiting for you in my private apartment in the centre of Los Cristianos. You will enjoy it! Tel: 674 557 114.
Los Cristianos, Margaret, 28 years, beautiful, slim, white, dominant, erotic massages, natural French, horny, advenLos Cristianos, Patricia from turous, spectacular hips, Venezuela returns. Big explode in my mouth, pribreasts, French, positions, vate apartment, discreet, 24 kisses, vibrators, massages, hours. Tels: 692 506 973 / private apartment in Calle 664 077 390. Noruega, near the Altavista supermarket in Los Cristia- Los Cristianos, provocative nos. I can come to you 24 Ukranian blonde, escort, hours a day. Tel: 650 442 great body, only for demanding men. You come to me 665. or I can come to you. All I’m Diana, a pretty Latin my services will fulfill your girl, 23 years old, good body, dreams. Just call me. Tel: pleasing, French, positions, 602 631 367. You won’t massages, available 24 regret it. hours. I’m waiting for you in my private apartment in Deborah, transsexual, young, the centre of Los Cristianos. childlike but well endowed Tel: 605 072 917. brunette. Come and enjoy the adventure of being with me. I’m waiting for you in Las Américas. Tel: 697 226 821. Canarian girl, 27 years old, private apartment, redhead, green eyes, slim, porcelain skin, all natural. Sexy, adventurous, loving, elegant, educated. Also escort, couples, parties and more. Tel: 672 889 486. Novelty in Las Galletas, exuberant Italian girl, 27 years old, big breasts, kisses, full French, Greek, without limits. Available for erotic massage. Only for special gentlemen. Available 24 hours. Tel: 634 727 121.
21.1.2016 – 3.2.2016
Island connections media group s.l. www.islandconnections.eu
Island Connections Online: www.islandconnections.eu
Classifieds Deadline Next Edition
General Services
Head Office:
Massage and more. Offer: 60 minutes body massage €36. Couples, four hands, lava stones tantric massages, etc. Playa de las Américas, Ernesto Sarti no.8, across from Iberostar Hotel Torviscas Playa. Tel. 602 608 626
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
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
The deadline for edition 764, which is published on 3rd February, is 1st Feb. No classifieds will be taken after this date.
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 763
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 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).
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.
Classified Info Adverts for our Classifieds Section must be sent by email or hand delivered to the office. If you would like to advertise, please send your classified text to: classifieds@ic-news.com. Alternatively, place your classified advert with one of our four agents: Now Tenerife.com in Golf del Sur, Redhound Bookshop in Los Cristianos, The Bookswop in Las Américas, Petra s Deutscher Bücherstand in Puerto de La Cruz.
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Integrated Tax Planning and Wealth Management since 1975
922 716 079 www.blevinsfranks.com
BLOCK BUSTERS WE UNBLOCK ALL TYPES OF DRAINS
internal and external using our high pressure jets and cameras.
Call
647 928 223 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
Lamp Factory Buy during your holidays We deliver to your home country Ctra. General C-820, Travesía la Panadería, 1 38440 Santo Domingo (La Guancha) Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Tel / Fax: 922 130 301 OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday 9 am to 2 pm & 4 pm to 9 pm
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
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
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Rental Classifieds 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
SALEs Classifieds www.teneriffa-fincas.net 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 Los Cristianos, €65,000. Tel. 690 676 527 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
CLASSIFIEDS 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 Looking to swap my house in Tenerife for a house in Dublin or surroundings. If agreed, the time could be arranged. From a month to a year time gap. Call Carmen 693 727 683
Urb. Oasis Dakota, Playa Fañabé
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.
Tel 629 244 958 € 155,000
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 030 German couple seek 1 bedroom apartment in South Tenerife. Up to €100,000 cash available. We speak English. Tel (0034) 609 445 121 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 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
Golf villa for sale
Situated in the
Real Golf Club Tenerife in Tacoronte
243 m2. Garage for two cars. Hall with a little toilet, dining room, living room, 2 bedrooms with 2 complete bathrooms, dress room, kitchen, service bedroom with bathroom, and terrace around the villa. Garden 750 m2.
Information Tel. +34 659 928 805 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 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.
Property for Sale
“We can help sell your property!! With 20 years’ experience in the south and multilingual staff (8 languages including Russian). www.villasandmore-tenerife.com Tel: (0034) 662 50-71-91 Existing buyers waiting !!!
Parque Santiago 11
Sought after complex. 2 bed Duplex Ground Floor apartment. Las Americas sea views, fully furnished. Big private sunny terrace and upstairs terrace. Rental opportunity!
LOS CRISTIANOS
Santa Úrsula
Great location! Price €220,000
Call Alan: 667 513 689 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 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
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
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)
www.villatenerifenorte.com
€690.000
8% Commission to intermediaries
Place your advert at
Classified Agent for
New and second hand books C. Juan XXIII, 29 Los Cristianos 922 797 542 www.libreríarehound.com
The easy way to sell or rent properties
Private Sale 10.800 m2 Tel. (0034) 682 392 956
21.1.2016 – 3.2.2016
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 763
CLASSIFIEDS
43
CLASSIFIEDS | PASTIMES
44
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 030
Situations Vacant / wanted
Renault Meganerieng,
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
Diesel, A/C, power ste in 13,000km, first driven . April 2014
Contact: 610 783 713
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 on 606 181 946 or 922
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
(For Crossword and Sudoku solution see pag 40)
751 021
Vehicles SMART FOR TWO, YEAR 2012. Special edition with 117 horse power and maximum speed of 190 km/h. Papers for performance enhancement available. The car is fitted with satnav, and with only 24,000 km is like new. Price: €8,700. Telephone: 630 265 188.
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
1 - lens (8) 6 - bills (4) 8 - hinge joints (6) 9 - pieces of leather (6) 10 - spiders’ weave (3) 11 - suggestion (4) 12 - agreement (6) 13 - reappearance (6) 15 - flux; concentrate (6)
17 - seek (6) 20 - shackle (4) 21 - ruckus (3) 22 - mete out (6) 23 - worker (6) 24 - gastropod without shell (4) 25 - disbelieves (8)
Down
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16 - vary speaking pitch (7) 18 - tripod for artist (5) 19 - fastens (5) 20 - small woodland (5)
SPORTS NEWS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 763
Form puzzles fans
Politician’s road race ruse
Photo: WTTC CC 2.0
The annual New Year’s Eve road race in Las Palmas is still triggering interest long after it was run due to the participation of Spain’s industry and tourism minister, José Manuel Soria. A native of the island but persona non grata in many sectors due to his role in controversies such as the drilling permission his ministry granted to Repsol to look for oil off the Canaries, Soria featured in the headlines after an eagle-eyed journalist spotted that he was wearing the number allocated to a woman during the festive race and had not actually registered himself to run. According to the Canarias Ahora paper, which has been embroiled in a bitter feud with the minister for several years, Soria should have been stopped and disqualified for wearing someone else’s number. His aides say the ruse was justified for security reasons to prevent advance knowledge of his participation and possible protests by anti-government groups. Whatever the case, his performance in completing the 6 km distance through the streets of the capital in just over 40 minutes – 22 minutes more than the race winner – has been completely overSpanish minister, José Manuel shadowed by the scandal. n Soria
Canarian to Rio Games
Mario sets sights on fourth Olympics
Photo: albarinm CC 2.0
Tenerife athlete Mario Pestano has set his sights on a final Olympic appearance to cap a long career which has seen him head Spain’s discus rankings for nearly two decades. Now back with the Tenerife CajaCanarias club after a stint on the mainland, Pestano believes he is still good enough to make Rio de Janeiro in August and become one of very few athletes to have four Olympic Games on their list of achievements. To fulfil that dream, he admits he will probably skip much of the winter season and concentrate his efforts on “peaking at the right time” in the summer. “There is no feeling like parading in an Olympic stadium with your team and seeing the flame lit”, said the Arona-born giant who has captained Spain at world championships previously and would love to lead out his country in Rio. His best Olympic performance to date was 8th place in n the discus final in Beijing in 2008.
Jekyll and Hyde Iberostar Basketball side Iberostar Tenerife continued to exhibit puzzling Jekyll and Hyde behaviour into the New Year. The premiership outfit, one of two Canarian clubs in the top flight, have left fans hugely disappointed with below-par performances against teams expected to lose at the Santiago Martín stadium, only then to remedy the slips with unexpected wins on the road against much tougher sides. Having already dispatched Caja Laboral, one of Europe’s most on-form sides in December, Iberostar stunned Bilbao earlier this month, coming from 12 points down in the last five minutes to steal the game with a 3-pointer from Davin White in the closing seconds. Point-
guard White has epitomised the topsy-turvy first half to the season of the Tenerife club. He has turned in some awful performances that made fans wonder why he was signed from Manresa in July but has also proved his brilliance with match-winning showings, including his 16 points against Bilbao. The side’s Jekyll and Hyde behaviour was nowhere more in evidence than in the home game against the mighty Barcelona, when a brilliant first half which kept the Canarians in with a chance of a historic win was followed by a second-half collapse that saw the title favourites run out 64-83 winners. Although the side may be struggling near the foot of the table,
Javier Beirán pictured in action against Barcelona
Iberostar can at least claim the honour of having the top Spanish player in the tough ACB league. Javier Beirán, formerly
of Gran Canaria, heading the individual rankings for non-foreigners as the season reached n the midway point.
Australian Open EXPECTATIONS
Carla pins hopes on Top 10 Canarian tennis player Carla Suárez has set her sights on returning to the top 10 on the women’s circuit during 2016 after a poorer than expected year in 2015. The Las Palmas-born star reached a career high of 8th on the WTA list back in May after reaching three big finals, but then suffered a loss in form that saw her drop to 13th by the end of the year. Moreover, unusually for her, she is no longer
Place your advert at
Classified Agent for
Books, Cards, Internet Pto. Colón 1st floor Las Américas 922 715 682 bookswop@spantel.com
in the limelight as Spain’s top female player, a title now held by Garbiñe Muguruza, whose impressive performances in 2015 saw her rocket to 3rd in the world rankings. Carla is confident that she can recapture her form and reach the latter stages of at least one of the majors, beginning with the Australian Open. Melbourne has been the scene of her best and worst showings in a Grand Slam in the past.
The Canarian appeared on the world tennis radar by shocking Venus Williams in her run to the quarter finals in 2009, but last year was knocked out in the first round when seeded 15th. She put in some valuable preparation for the Open by reaching the semi-finals of the Brisbane tournament. The solid run saw her notch up her 400th n win as a professional.
Photo: Tatiana CC 2.0
Soria controversy
Mario Pestano representing Spain
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Photo: D. Rodríguez
21.1.2016 – 3.2.2016
Garbiñe Muguruza has overtaken Suárez as Spain’s top female player
46
SPORTS NEWS | POOL LEAGUE
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 030
Team results
Tenerife Pool Super League
The Tenerife Pool Super League
Lupain Properties produced the goods against Bar Leones
Division one, week 16 Marius and Lo inflicted the heaviest defeat of the season playing against Summerland Elite, winning the tie by 8-2. Things might be different in week 17 as they will play the top of the league Legends A in Los Cristianos.
Sloops Bar returned to winning ways playing away at Toby Jug Saints and soundly beating them by 8-2. They move up to third position in the table. Legends B started the New Year with a fine away win at Britannia Inn (Paraiso), overcoming them by 7-3. Polygon Legends also ran out convincing win-
Powered by EXPRESS BAR DELIVERIES S.L. Information supplied by Tenerife Pool Super League www.tenerifepoolleague.com
Summerland Elite were defeated 8-2 by Marius and Lo
ners at home to Mad Hatters, 8-2. Clouseaus edged out Scruffys by a score of 6-4, which keeps them mid table. Top of the table Legends A and their stable mates Legendry Jokers failed to submit their results by the required time. We would like to remind all team captains to get their scores in on time please.
Lupain Properties were good value for their win against Bar Leones. The former were leading 5-2 when Mike sealed the points with a win over Jeff as Lupain went on to lose the final two frames to make the score seem closer than it was, finishing 6-4 to leave them level third in the league table. Bar Nauta travelled to Callao Salvaje to play Hunters and were rewarded with a 73 win. The Palms Bar had a well deserved victory at home to Summerland Shooters, winning 6-4. James Place were at home to Bar 180C but lost the tie 6-4. Britannia Bar (Silencio) shared the points with The Boothen Squad 5-5 in their n league fixture.
Division two, week 16 After being thrashed by Boothen in their last match, Grandee O’Donnell’s bounced back with a great win against The Tavern 8-2 to stay in touch with the league leaders, Boothen, who were handed the points by The George Bar.
UD Las Palmas
King’s cup cheer
Activate Sports Club
The Petanque Open
Photo: Brevity
Contact Activate to take part in the first Petanque Open
Activate Sports Club is organising the first amateur Petanque Open for lovers of the sport or anyone who wishes to give it a try.
It’s the ideal opportunity to meet new people and enjoy a Saturday having fun in the fresh air. The price to enter is
€10 per person and the tournament starts at 10am and finishes at 2pm. The format is 2x2 adults and entrants
will receive a pastis and Tshirt. Lunch is available for an additional €15. Visit Activate’s website for further information: www.tenerifeactivate.com. Petanque (petanca in Spanish) is a form of boules where the aim is to throw hollow metal balls as close as possible to a small ball called a cochonnet or jack while standing inside a circle with both feet on the ground. The current form of the game originated in Provence, France, during the early twentieth century. Petanque normally takes place on hard dirt or gravel and can be played in public parks or dedicated facilities called boulodromes. Similar games include bocce, bowls n and curling.
UD Las Palmas play at the 31,250-seat Estadio de Gran Canaria
The form of the sole Canarian side competing in La Liga, Spain’s premier football division, is improving during the start to 2016 with a rise to 16th position since the festive period and a Copa del Rey quarter-final appearance against Valencia taking place in late-January. UD Las Palmas have been rooted towards the bottom of the division since winning promotion last year, however, after thrashing Granada 4-1 at home just before the New Year, they managed to secure a 2-2 draw away to Athletic Bilbao and a 1-1 draw at home to Málaga. This improvement in form has seen the Gran Canarian side edge out of the relegation zone, despite losing to the league’s top side in their last fixture. Atlético Madrid currently leads the pack and there weren’t many people expecting to see an upset at the Estadio de Gran Canaria on January 17, however, hopefully the 0-3 defeat inflicted on Las Palmas will not derail their recent run of good form. After eliminating Real Sociedad in the last round, UD Las Palmas overcame Eibar in the Copa del Rey (King’s Cup) in early January, winning both ties 3-2 (6-4 on aggregate) and setting up a two-leg quarter final appearance against Valencia on January 20 and 27, with Las Palmas hoping to reach their first semi-final in 19 years. n
21.1.2016 – 3.2.2016
FOOTBALL AND SPORTS NEWS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 763
47
CD Tenerife latest
Singing in the rain Photo: CD Tenerife
10/01/15 Ponferradina 0 Tenerife 1 The blanquiazules enjoyed a superb victory in the northwest of Spain at the practically unplayable Ponferrada pitch which was hit by torrential rain before the match. How the game went ahead is up for debate. However, as Tenerife had already made the long journey, rescheduling for another date would have caused a certain amount of difficulty. Anyhow, it was the islanders who adapted better to the extreme conditions and they fought for every ball. A Jorge Saenz header almost put Tenerife ahead in the first half but an amazing reflex save by the keeper kept the score even going into the break. The second half saw the home side ramp up the pressure but the Tenerife defence coped comfortably. And just when it seemed that the game was heading for a 0-0 result, up popped substitute Nano to score with a sweet shot from outside the box. The timing of the young Canarian forward’s effort was perfection itself, striking the ball from between two big puddles!
Photo: CD Tenerife
By Chris Todd
It was hard for Tenerife to find a way through but they broke the deadlock late on
Conditions were tough in Ponferrada
Nano dislocated his shoulder in the process but bravely played on as all substitutes had been used by this time. Tenerife held on to win all three points and their away form has been impressive so far this season. 16/01/2016 CD Tenerife 2 Athletic Bilbao B0 The result of the match was never in doubt as the blan-
quiazules easily overcame a naive Athletic outfit. The Basque youngsters had struggled greatly on their travels and this time would be no different. New Tenerife signing Saul Garcia replaced defender Aurtenexte who was on loan from the Basque club and ineligible to play. CD Tenerife were full of confidence after their fine away win the week before and it didn’t take them long to take
the lead in the warm January sunshine. A quickly taken freekick found the head of Honduran striker Choco Lozano and the blanquiazules were a goal to the good after 24 minutes. Choco, following an indifferent start to the season due to injuries and international call-ups, has now bagged seven goals this season. I believe his form will go a long way to determine Tenerife’s final league position.
Soon after the goal, new left back Saul made a run down the flank and his well-struck cross/shot was deflected into the goal by visiting player Yeray to make the score 2-0. At half time the game seemed beyond reach for Athletic Bilbao. The second half did not reach the excitement of the first even though fans hoped that Tenerife may go on to score a hat full, but it didn’t turn out like that and with the game practically won there was no point in suffering injuries or suspensions pushing for more. Having said that, it was frustrating at times to watch the visitors enjoy plenty of possession with
Tenerife only relying on breakaway chances. The next game is against CD Numancia on January 24 (4pm kick-off) in Santa Cruz. The first game between the two teams last August produced a crazy 6-3 contest, and more of the same would be good but this time in our favour! With Tenerife slowly climbing the league table there is all to play for. The team has the greatest points total at this stage of the season since their return to the second division in 2013, but you feel a couple more signings will be needed to see them make a serious challenge for n promotion.
Nomads Football Club
Join the right team to suit you Sponsored by: Foreign Language News & www.windowsplus.co.uk We are starting a new first and second division six-aside league and if any players would like to play in the high-level of the first division or try a fun and sociable second division side, then please get in touch. We will help you find the right team to suit your level and schedule. More information is available at this link: www.nomadsfc.com/#!adult6s-league/cgwa. Nomads Youth Football Club still needs a few extra players for the under 10s, 12s and under 14s teams. We have started a new youth club that helps young players enjoy playing in the local Spanish leagues, and now at Nomads
visit: www.nomadsfc.com. The under 8s team is presently top of their league, so well done to these very young footballers.
these young players, and the trip is open to both Nomads FC players and any individual player from another team that
Nomads Youth Football Club still needs extra players
The under 8s side is currently top of their league
Football Club in South Tenerife we have weekly groups of kids from countries like Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, Scotland, Spain, Uruguay, Italy, England and Russia playing football. Now that the new league season is about to start we are looking for players to join the teams. We provide weekly football sessions at our training
facilities in Los Cristianos for the following groups, so if your kids would like to come along please contact us: Under 8s on a Monday at 5.30pm, Wednesday at 5.30pm, and Friday at 5.30pm. Under 10s on a Monday at 5.30pm, Wednesday at 5.30pm, and Friday at 5.30pm. This team still needs
two players. Under 12s on a Monday and Wednesday at 6.30pm and Friday at 5.30pm. This team also still needs two players. Under 14s on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6.30pm. This team still needs two additional players. Each team has its own webpage link. For more information
The Nomads Football youth teams and friends will be organising football, cultural and fun trips to Granada and the Costa del Sol in July 2016, and then the following week in July they will participate in a UK competition against professional academy teams. Both trips are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for many of
would enjoy the football adventure in either mainland Spain, the UK or both! More info on the trips can be found at: www.nomadsfc.com/ #!blank/lw5bo. Alternatively, email: info@premfs.com or visit: www.premfs.com. Call/ message: +34 654 200 470. For general information, visit: n www.nomadsfc.com.
MOTORING
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 030
Have you done it yet?
Driving under the new rules Please remember that new driving licence laws have come into force across Europe and these changes affect everyone resident in any European country and, in particular, people from countries such as the UK who are living on foreign shores. British licences have traditionally been issued without the need for periodic updates and usually run for the period up to the holder’s 70th birthday. However, the new law states that member countries are now able to apply their local licence validity periods to all foreign nationals living in their country. That means, regardless of whether you still have your UK licence or not, if you are resident here you will have to have to update it and have regular medical examinations and tests if you wish to keep driving, in line with local law. Depending on your age and which category of vehicle you are driving these will be every five or 10 years (or two years in some cases). A spokesperson from the European Commission told us: “Based on the information available to the commission, the Spanish authorities would request the exchange of EU national driving licences after two years of normal residence, counting from January 19, 2013 onwards. This practice would be in line with the Driving Licence Directive (2006/126/EC).” This confirms information from Tráfico (the Spanish version of the DVLA), i.e. that residents will have to exchange their licences for the new European model. That means that if you haven’t already, you need to declare
your residency to Tráfico and be accepted into the Spanish system. Fines will be issued for those who have not done so. To UK licence holders this may seem an inconvenience, but the majority of countries already adhere to this rule, and it makes sense: the medical includes general health information as well as tests for response times, hand-eye coordination, eyesight and hearing, and who can argue that it is not vital for drivers to be fully fit if they are to be in charge of a vehicle? One of the other aims of the European directive is the homogenisation of licence regulations and appearance, thus facilitating Europe-wide acceptability of individual If you are resident here you will have to have regular examinations if you wish to keep driving New EU driving licence laws are in place
exchanged, renewed or handed in when notifying a change of address or circumstances. When your licence is exchanged you will not lose any category you were entitled to before. However, it is worth noting that due to the alterations your entitlement may be shown differently on your new licence.
Health examinations country’s licences, as well as the tightening up of local laws on minimum standards. The new legislation has introduced a single driving licence model across Europe, as well as slight
changes to the various vehicle categories and the necessary requirements for each one. For instance, a new category for mopeds has been created and the minimum age for driving
larger bikes and certain public transport vehicles has been changed. All licences issued will have to meet the terms of this directive. That includes licences that are
One requirement is that all drivers will have to undertake regular examinations to renew their licence, but what does this actually entail? First you will have to find one of the centres registered to undertake
the tests: known as ‘Centros de reconocimiento’. We visited one based in the Valdés Centre in Los Cristianos, South Tenerife, to see how it is done. First of all there were a couple of simple forms to fill in and sign, then we were taken through to visit the doctor for a basic medical. There was a questionnaire on health matters which was followed by a couple of eye tests. The first was the test you have at the opticians where you read progressively smaller rows of letters. The second was to check for colour blindness. If you wear glasses you will need to take them. You will then be asked to sit in a small room and be passed a button which must be pressed every time you hear a beep, which are delivered in various pitches. Then it is off to see the psychologist who will ask you a series of questions on your mental and emotional health. Finally, the usual test you will do here (they vary a little) is sit before a screen which shows two moving lines. Using both hands simultaneously you will have to attempt to maintain two central markers within the boundaries of the lines as they independently move and change their positions, mimicking the curves of a road. The majority of centres will now also process your results and renewal application through the Department of Transport (Tráfico), saving you a trip to your capital city. See: www.reconocimientosloscristianos.com for the centre we visited or do a search by island n to find one near you.
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