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March 3 – March 16, 2016 Snow and storms
Migrant boat bosses
Santiago del Teide special
Spotlight on Joe Cawley
Weird weather
Witchcraft & murder claims
Interview and info
Mr. Writer
Page 5
Page 12
Pages 14 - 16
Page 30
Tenerife is fast becoming a hotspot for international music acts to come and perform, with a host of top stars arriving in spring and summer for one-off concerts. Julio Iglesias is the latest big name to confirm, recently announcing a show in Los Realejos in the north of the island in July. The 72-year-old father of present-day pop idol Enrique Iglesias has released more than 80 albums and sold an estimated 300 million records in a career spanning 47 years.
Photo: Alejandro Vilar/Wikipedia
Continued on page two
Spanish superstar Julio Iglesias is to perform in Los Realejos in July
Quaking in its boots The undersea volcano that emerged off the coast of El Hierro during prolonged seismic activity four years ago is far from dormant, experts have revealed. The mountain under the ocean has been the subject of intense study by geologists and other scientists from all over the world since it formed. Earthquakes between October 2011 and March 2012 produced a fissure of vents located approximately two kilometres from the fishing village of La Restinga on the south coast. This led to a slight deformation of the smallest and most western of the seven islands, causing it to swell by several centimetres. Local families had to be evacuated at the time and plans were put in place for an island-wide mass departure at the height of the crisis in the summer of 2012. Experts from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) and the Helmholtz
Photo: Saúl Santos
Cracking concerts
Diving for clues
Photo: Maike Nicolai, GEOMAR
Music men
Centre for Ocean Research (GEOMAR) joined forces and have been using a mini-submarine to monitor movements from the volcano’s peak, at roughly 88 metres under sea level, to the seabed over a hundred metres below. Operating from the research ship Poseidon, experts
have been using JAGO, a manned submersible, to make recordings and stated that gases are still being given off causing the water to heat to a temperature of just under 40 degrees Celsius. The first earthquake occurred in July 2011 followed by approximately
10,000 further quakes taking place over subsequent months, with some measuring between three and five on the Richter scale. Tremors were felt by island residents, particularly those in the Frontera region. Continued on page two
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Underwater search
Photo: Maike Nicolai, GEOMAR
El Hierro volcano expedition
German research vessel POSEIDON at El Hierro (Canary Islands) during the expedition POS494
Continued from front page In October 2011, El Hierro was shaken by a 4.3-magnitude quake as an underwater volcano started spewing matter nearly 20 metres into the air and dark magma appeared on the ocean surface, just off the La Restinga coast. The town was evacuated, and shipping in the area was temporarily halted, but by December 2011 activity was subsiding as the number of tremors and earthquakes had decreased. This rose again in January 2012, but by March the authorities on El Hierro declared the eruption threat to be over. However, a 5.1-magnitude earthquake hit El Hierro in December 2013, suggesting a nearby underwater volcano could soon erupt. The quake was the strongest ever recorded in the region and its epicentre was said to be around nine
miles deep. There were concerns that the force could have created a new island or islet as well as the evacuation of 10,000 residents. Following further quakes late in 2013, El Hierro’s monitoring agency raised the volcanic eruption risk to ‘yellow’. The most recent previous ‘yellow’ alert was released in June 2012, but the volcano failed to erupt then as well. The research vessel Roman Marfalef collected extensive data around this time but experts today believe there’s more to learn from the site. “With this latest expedition, scientists are able to investigate developments on the seabed with the JAGO mini-submarine,” said Professor Juana Magdalena Santana Casiano, a chemical oceanographer at the Institute of Oceanography at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria who is exam-
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ining physical and chemical extracts from the site. Experts then determine how the volcanic activity is influencing the marine environment and effects of the changes it is causing. During their dives in JAGO, Professor Santana Casiano and Doctor Fraile Nuez found that the bottom of one crater was layered with fresh ash and slag by-product coated with iron oxide and spread over a 100 square metre area. At this point the water measured 39 degrees Celsius and there are several large smokestacks. A thin layer of bacteria covered
all the surrounding surfaces and the water above the crater was marred by a milky white cloud that consisted of silica particles. Water, gas and rock samples will now be analysed in detail and compared against another crater which has been examined and also showing pronounced anomalies. It is unknown how these changes have been triggered, but the team is working together to decipher the data. Professor Mark Hannington, marine geologist at GEOMAR and head of the expedition said: “It is important to continue monitoring and assessing the ongoing changes. It is extremely fascinating, especially as El Hierro is the youngest of the Canary Islands.” El Hierro itself was formed after three volcanic eruptions over a million years ago and is topped by Pico de Malpaso, standing at 1,501 metres above sea level. The last eruption on El Hierro was in 1793, while the last eruption on the Islands took place in n La Palma in 1971.
Wicked wonderful web
A star-filled spring and summer
Legends Live
Continued from front page The first mouth-watering concert taking place in 2016 is UB40 on March 18. The auditorium of the Pirámide de Arona in Playa de Las Américas will host the popular band from Birmingham. UB40 come with three of their key original band members: Ali Campbell – their distinctive lead vocalist and frontman – Mickey Virtue on keyboards and Astro on percussions and vocals. UB40 rose to fame in 1983 with their cover of Neil Diamond’s Red Red Wine. Other notable hit singles include: Many Rivers to Cross, Rat in Mi Kitchen, Homely Girl, Kingston Town, and I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You. The Alan Parsons Live Project is the second concert (after UB40) of the Legends Live series, and will be held on April 22, followed by the celebrated rock group Jethro Tull on May 20. Legends Live proudly presents the three concerts as part of a series of seven shows by classic groups from the 70s, 80s and 90s that take place at the Pirámide de Arona throughout the year. The venue seats 1,500 people and spectators will enjoy a unique opportunity to see artists that now perform nostalgic tours to audiences that continue to love their music. The other line-ups for the remaining concerts are to be announced soon. Alan Parsons is a successful musician, songwriter and producer who was involved in the production of several significant albums, including the Beatles’ Abbey Road and Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon. Jethro Tull is a British rock group formed in 1967. Initially playing blues rock, the band’s sound soon incorporated elements of folk music and heavy metal to forge a progressive rock style. The band is led by vocalist, flautist and guitarist, Ian Anderson. Tickets for the series of Legends Live concerts are available online at: www.legendslive.es and www.ticketbell. com. Also follow Legends Live on Facebook for updates and further information.
IC Media on the rise Island Connections and sister newspaper Kanaren Express are not just the most widelydistributed foreign language newspapers in the Canaries, our online presence is also leaving us head and shoulders above the rest following a record-breaking February. The Island Connections’ Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ Island.Connections.Canary. Islands) hit the 10,000 ‘likes’ mark, which are all honestlyacquired (some media companies have been known to purchase them), while recent weather posts reached a staggering 130,000 people. According to Google Analytics, 115,000 people visited the papers’ websites during February. Over 4,000 people a day visited the sites and 60 per cent of those were repeat visiDisclaimer: Island Connections Newspaper is published and printed fortnightly by ISLAND CONNECTIONS S.L. Adverts, texts, photos or other parts of this publication are property of the publishers. They may not be used or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any other form or means without the prior written permission of the publishers. This newspaper cannot be held responsible for the contents of articles supplied by our contributors or advertisers claims. The publisher reserves the right to refuse to publish adverts, texts or advertising
tors. As well as dominant web figures, Island Connections now distributes 15,750 copies per edition, and Kanaren Express, 10,000 copies. Unlike many other publications, these stats are backed up by OJD/PGD – a Spanish independent auditing service for printed media. If you do not see an OJD/PGD logo displayed in a publication, it’s probably being dishonest about its actual figures. Key pickup points for our newspapers in the south of Tenerife include: Gran Sur shopping centre (opposite Mercadona), Iceland (Las Chafiras), La Pepa food market, Frutería Ágaves, and Adeje farmer’s market, among many others. For further information visit: www.islandconnections.eu and www.kanarenexpress.com. n features. Advertisements once contracted cannot be cancelled and have to be paid in full. The publishers can not be held responsible for variation on colour printed in this newspaper. Advertising conditions are to be obtained in our offices.
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Folk-rock legend Jethro Tull will play in Playa de Las Américas on May 20
Julio Iglesias Julio Iglesias continues to perform on world stages, although of late usually for special occasions, such as private parties thrown by wealthy individuals, and is set to sing in the small northern town of Los Realejos. Iglesias, who was Spain’s pin-up artist for many years and a heartthrob for millions of women, will perform in the town’s football ground in July, seven years after his last trip to Tenerife when 11,000 fans packed the Recinto Ferial exhibition hall in Santa Cruz. The Los Realejos concert is being organised by a private promoter and full details have yet to be released. n
Publishers: Tina Straub Schacher, Joe Schacher Design team: Javier Gómez, Maribel Rodríguez Editor: Andrea Abrell editorial@ic-news.com Deputy editor: Xena Fox Editorial team: Lee Bullen, Karl McLaughlin, Barbara Belt, Theresa Willson, Sheila Collis Contributors: Katy Kennedy, Manuel De La Flor, Chris Todd, Sabine Virgin Sales manager: Jamie Lee Armstrong sales@icmedia.eu Classifieds: classifieds@ic-news.com
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“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.
3.3.2016 – 16.3.2016
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ISLAND CONNECTIONS 766
Dental clinic scandal
Whitening takes on a new meaning One morning in mid-February a massive scandal hit the press all over Spain, regarding the Vitaldent dental clinic chain. Some 13 people, including most of the company’s top brass, were arrested across Spain on one day, having been accused of tax evasion, cheating clinic franchise holders - of which there are approximately 400 all over Spain – and fraud. The company had apparently demanded that franchise holders pay 10 per cent of their monthly fees in undeclared cash. Sources close to the investigation alleged that the owner of the clinics laundered this money, which he collected in Switzerland and Luxembourg. To facilitate this, collectors would call at each clinic every month – in a con that could amount to €10 million or more. The police and tax authorities had been investigating the business for over two years, ever since Colman’s wife was caught taking large amounts
One of the Vitaldent clinics in Tenerife
of cash over to Switzerland. A police operation was launched in Madrid, as the financial crimes unit suspected that the Uruguayan owner of the enterprise, Ernesto Colman, was planning to close the business in a rush and leave the country with substantial amounts of money.
Colman had already become rich in Spain with the company. During the raids, the National Police seized an executive aircraft and 36 luxury cars, while 124 farms and 103 rustic properties located across the country became the subject of a prohibition order. Horses were found at one of the
fincas, and large amounts of cash and luxury watches were also seized. All those who were arrested appeared in court on the following day. They included the company’s, now ex, commercial director Vicente Samper, who was responsible for Vitaldent’s expansion in Spain,
Portugal, Italy and the United States. The four main directors were immediately sent to prison, as it was feared they may try to escape the country. Following the operation, the police and public prosecutor guaranteed the continuity of the Vitaldent clinics.
The prosecutor also said that the franchisees would now be in charge of managing their own clinics. Vitaldent has a large presence in Tenerife and Gran Canaria, with more clinics in Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Palma. If you are a patient, there is apparently no need to worry as it is business as usual at all of them. The company has published a message of reassurance on its website, following recent events. The following are the most important points: “Our priority is, and always has been, our patients, to whom we want to manifest our absolute commitment to quality service in all our treatments. Our clinics continue to operate normally and all of our patients are being treated. Significantly, the ongoing judicial investigation is not related to our daily activity which will continue to be provided, with the criteria for quality customer service that charactern ises us.”
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Judges’ action criticised
Campaigners for a tougher line by judges against perpetrators of domestic violence in the Canaries say that the decision to bail a Las Palmas man accused of kicking his pregnant wife in the stomach during a row: “sends out the wrong message”. The incident in the San Juan district of the Gran Canaria capital has been held up as an example of the inconsistencies between statements by the Government on domestic violence and the actions of judges when dealing with such cases. The man, who has several previous arrests to his name, was detained after allegedly beating up his wife in front of their two-year-old son. Police say the woman received punches to the head and kicks to the stomach during the assault and had to take refuge in a nearby garage
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 033
Accused wifebatterer bailed
Government “owes millions” A number of construction firms in the Canaries face the prospect of imminent collapse due to debts owed by the Regional Government, it has been claimed. The companies signed up to the ambitious four-year housing programme put in place by the Canarian authorities in 2010 to provide cheap homes for low-income families. According to Tenerife daily Diario de Avisos, they built the homes but have still to be paid millions of euros for the work done. The construction firms have demanded an urgent meeting with the Government to secure a commitment to release the outstanding money immediately, and are considering legal action to recover the outlay. “We were used blatantly for political purposes. Ministers were quite happy to be pictured in the media handing over the keys of the homes to hundreds of families but they soon forgot about who had put up the money”, said one angry developer. Many families who bought the homes with the promise they would receive subsidies towards the purchase cost are also said to be still waiting for their money, in what is now proving a major embarrassment for the regional authorities. n
Maspalomas Public pressure seems to be ignored by the courts (Adeje archive image)
with her child afterwards, due to fears she might be attacked again. The toddler was also allegedly struck and knocked to the ground during the row. News that the alleged assailant
was charged but released on bail after a court appearance has infuriated many, with calls made to review the case and keep him in custody to prevent a recurrence of the incident. A
spokeswoman for a local antiviolence association slammed the decision, saying it discouraged women from coming forward with complaints against n violent partners.
25-year sentence
Paedophile coach jailed A Gran Canaria boys’ football coach has been sentenced to 25 years in prison following his conviction for a string of sex offences against young players at his club, over a period of several years. José Ángel González Fernández, better known in the local footballing world as Camacho, pleaded guilty to abusing a number of players and enticing them into prostitution. The court in Las Palmas heard that the Timadafe FC coach forced the boys, aged between 13
Construction
The coach was found guilty of serious child abuse
and 16, to engage in multiple sex acts with himself and
with a friend, who was also convicted of several offences.
Camacho offered financial inducements of €30 to at least one of the young players to sleep with other adults and on one occasion forced a boy to have sex at knifepoint, threatening to “hurt him” if he told anyone. The coach was arrested in 2014 when a police patrol spotted him acting suspiciously in his car with one of his players. When initially questioned he insisted that the boys had always consented to n having sex with him.
German cyclist dies
An elderly man who was killed in a cycling accident in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, has been named as a German tourist who used his frequent holidays on the island to practice his favourite sport. The 80-year-old died from head injuries in an early morning ride in the San Fernando area of the resort. No other vehicles were involved and it is believed the gentleman, who was staying in a Playa del Inglés hotel with his wife and had just been visited by relatives, lost control of his bike and fell, hitting his head against the kerb and dying almost instantly. Identification of the victim took some time as he was not carrying any form of ID with him when he died. n
Stellar sketches
Local kids’ space mission
Ten drawings by children from the Canary Islands have made it through the first round of screening to be sent into space on a key mission next year, the European Space Agency has announced. The Agency and its mission partners invited youngsters between the ages of eight and 14 from all over Europe to submit drawings, the best of which will be miniaturised and engraved on two plaques that will be put on a satellite known as CHEOPS – CHaracterising ExOPlanets Satellite, which will observe nearby stars known to host planets. Almost 4,500 drawings on a space theme were submitted by Spanish children for the national section of the competition and an initial selection process has seen the number pruned to just under 300, 10 of them from the Canaries (seven from Gran Canaria and three from Tenerife). n
Following the recent cold snap in Tenerife where the island’s peaks suffered their heaviest and most prolonged snowfalls in recent memory, February simply proved to be another month of unusual weather which followed the trend set during autumn and early-winter last year. The Islands have recently experienced the fourth warmest autumn for 70 years and unusually hot and dry winter months in December and January. Since September, temperatures have been well above the seasonal average in all parts of the Canaries and individual temperature records were broken on a number of days on several islands during autumn. The Spanish Met Office (AEMET) said this was caused by high atmospheric pressure which began in September and held steady over the Atlantic, south of the Azores, for a long period.
October heat and storms October 2015 was officially labelled “very warm” by the
Heat, storms and snow Met Office. Although the overall average temperature was just a degree above the norm
usual for the time of year, with the western islands bearing the brunt of the rain. October 20
for the month, several days saw very unusual heat in a number of areas, with Lanzarote topping the official charts at nearly 38 degrees Celsius. The warmest days were experienced during the early part of October, with temperatures in excess of 35 degrees Celsius. The weather stations at the airports on both islands recorded their highest ever October figures. However, October also brought much wetter weather than
The recent snowfall in Tenerife came with temperatures which reached 12 below zero
tury. November brought the rare phenomenon of 16 days with temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius and a fraction of the rain that usually falls on these shores during the period. The month began with temperatures below the seasonal average but the picture soon changed and abnormally warm weather took hold of the
Farming concerns
February snow
December and January brought similar hot and dry weather which became a major concern for Canarian farmers who warned of possible shortages of staple foods, especially potatoes. Following the ultra-dry months which saw rain on just a few days, concern grew
Pictures and videos of the thick blanket of snow that covered the entire Teide National Park made the national headlines, as did the news that the Civil Guard’s Mountain Rescue Unit were forced to take to skis for the first time to negotiate summit roads and trails. The arrival of the snow at the height of the February cold snap prompted authorities to close the roads leading up to Mount Teide due to the hazardous conditions and sub-zero temperatures. Dozens of day-trippers who ignored the closures and made their way to the Park were ordered out of the area by officials, and repeated calls were made urging people to stay away due to the risk of a major incident in the freezing temperatures, which reached -12˚C at one point. The rare pictures of Tenerife skiers made the news here and in the rest of Spain, as wintery conditions also hit areas of n other islands.
© GREIM/Geek Mountain/YouTube
Weird weather
PROMOTION
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 766
© Raico Rosenberg
3.3.2016 – 16.3.2016
Officers skiing on Teide
and 22 saw serious flooding caused by storms in both Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
Hot and dry November November was dubbed “unusually hot” by AEMET, confirming it was the driest for nearly a quarter of a cen-
Canaries. There was a prolonged hot spell of just under a week when temperatures topped the 30 degrees Celsius mark in many coastal parts of Gran Canaria and Tenerife. AEMET stated that November 2015 beat all records in place since 1992.
that crops would suffer a significant fall in production, even by as much as 50 per cent. Despite hopes, the dry spell didn’t let up and a mass of warm air, accompanied by dust clouds, continued to hang over the islands for several days towards the end of January.
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 033
La Palma island tour
A motorcycling must! By Sabine Virgin Known as a hiker’s paradise, the small island of La Palma holds a number of treasures that make it appealing to nature lovers, sun worshippers and rural holidaymakers alike – as well as motorbike enthusiasts like me! Spring is arriving and it’s the perfect time to visit and take advantage of the island’s great road surfaces and low-volume traffic. With ferry services departing from Los Cristianos, La Palma is always a good spot to visit for a weekend or short stay. The crossing takes over three hours but the time passes quickly and offers spectacular views of Tenerife from a distance before arriving at the capital city, Santa Cruz de La Palma.
La Isla Bonita La Palma isn’t dubbed ‘the beautiful island’ for no rea-
La Palma’s good road surfaces and low-volume traffic make for great riding conditions
son; it has a host of charming corners, unspoilt coastlines and natural spots, as well as a lush, green appearance that is distinctly different to Tenerife. It was created by volcanic eruptions with only the top part visible above sea level. La Palma continues below the ocean for 4,000 metres and,
if measuring from this point, it has a total height of 6,000 metres. Since 1341 there have been several recorded volcanic eruptions on the island, with the most recent occurring in 1971, when the Teneguía monogenetic cinder cone was formed – one of several vents
of the Cumbre Vieja volcanic ridge. The volcanic atmosphere around the area is fascinating and the lava flows that formed have created deep ravines that criss-cross the landscape like the lines on a loveable old face. The island is greener than other Canary Islands due to its forests and trade winds that dominate the north and northeast, making it rainier than the western coast and other islands. The south and western regions of La Palma are sunny and drier. These areas have a subtropical climate and a mild, all year round temperature. La Palma is truly the island of eternal spring with a myriad of charms and facets. For drivers and bikers there are three notable day trips from the capital – a historic town with wonderful architecture and a wide range of bars, restaurants and things to do.
Tour 1 (one day) – The north side The northern island tour ventures along the LP-4 motorway from Santa Cruz towards the Caldera de Taburiente National Park and past the observatory as it flanks west, taking in a number of fragrant forests and volcanic areas. At the observatory a small detour to the Mirador lookout point and the Roque de Los Muchachos is a must, and offers breathtaking panoramas of the famous crater of Caldera de Taburiente and the rugged cliffs below. The journey continues along the west coast before arriving at the idyllic village of Punta Gorda with its cute Canarian
houses and leafy gardens. On the Camino el Pinar road there is a coffee shop called Café y Cake that serves excellent pastries and is well worth a stop. Continuing north on the LP2 main road, the tour arrives at Barlovento before returning to the capital. This part of the route is accompanied by beautiful green scenery and aromas of laurel trees, flowers and pines. Anyone interested in archaeology can make a small detour to Santo Domingo de Garafía which has a museum and is situated close to the Barranco de La Luz, which is home to a number of Benahoaritas (cave dwellings of the indigenous people). From here you may want to refresh yourselves in
along towards Mazo – which on Saturdays has a fabulous market with excellent local produce and handmade leather shoes, bags, jewellery and everything in between. Heading south on the LP-204 is a good option. The road is very smooth to ride on and eventually meets with the LP-2 motorway which leads to Fuencaliente – home to the San Antonio and Teneguía volcanoes. The visitor centre at the San Antonio volcano is definitely worth a stop and only costs €3 to enter. There is a trail that leads down to the lighthouse, offering stunning scenery along the way. If you visit the San Antonio volcano try to make it down to Teneguía as well, as it is far more
La Palma has stunning mountain ranges
the clear turquoise waters and natural pools of Charco Azul in San Andrés. The town itself has a charming, relaxing feel to it and is a nice spot to enjoy some tapas. For motorcyclists, this route has good road surfaces and your clothes remain relatively free of sand and dust. It is demanding due to the many bends – which many bikers enjoy – but is also incredibly beautiful. There are varying slow and fast sections and motorcyclists have time to enjoy the ride as there is little traffic on the island. In saying that, it’s also perfect to cruise at a slow pace, taking your time to stop at the many places of interest.
Tour 2 (one day) – Southern volcano route Just south of Santa Cruz de La Palma is the tourist resort of Los Cancajos, with its beautiful bay and modern hotels. If that’s not your thing, then carry
impressive and well worth the hike. The once-fertile land of this region was turned into a moonscape following the 23day eruption in 1971 when lava spewed out and ran into the sea. The nearby Teneguia Princess Spa & Conference Resort is a laid-back, all-inclusive hotel several kilometres from the Fuencaliente lighthouse and 23 kilometres from Cumbre Vieja. The area boasts stunning contrasts between dark volcanic rock and lush banana plantations and makes for a memorable visit. Anyone who fancies a dip in the ocean at this point can follow the LP-207 to the coast, past the Las Salinas lighthouse, and there you will find the Playa de Las Cabras beach. If you prefer to keep moving, take the LP-2 to El Paso. The road runs parallel with the coastline before joining the TF-3 which takes you back to Santa Cruz. It’s a one day trip with many memorable sights.
3.3.2016 – 16.3.2016
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 766
La Palma in detail Location: After El Hierro, La Palma is the second westernmost island of the Canaries. Distance: Approximately 85 kilometres from Tenerife, around 65 kilometres from La Gomera, and about 1,500 kilometres from the Spanish mainland. Size: La Palma has a land area of around 726 square kilometres. The highest point is Roque de Los Muchachos which is 2,435 metres above sea level. The distance from east to west is about 28 kilometres, and from north to south it is around 47 kilometres. Population: La Palma has a population of around 87,000 people. Capital: Santa Cruz de La Palma is the island’s capital and has a population of over 16,300 inhabitants. Los Llanos has a greater number of residents (around 20,900). Recommended: Restaurant Los Indianos. Avenida Los Indianos, 2. Santa Cruz de La Palma, (opposite the harbour). Telephone: 922 411 115. Opening hours: Every day from 1pm to 4.30pm and 7pm to 11.30pm.
The clear turquoise waters at Charco Azul in San Andrés
Tour 3 (one day) – The eastwest passage The LP-3 road snakes like a sidewinder high above Santa
and without character. It has an air of tourist hustle and bustle but traditional Canarian flair is missing. To experience a local village more in keeping with the small island try
CANARY ISLANDS
rants and a pretty promenade to while away some time. Nicely refreshed, you can continue on the LP-2132 to Puerto Naos – an attractive resort with a great swimming spot at the Playa de Charco Verde beach. For your return trip to Santa Cruz de La Palma you can take
the LP-2 towards Fuencaliente and return via the southern tip of the island.
Summing up Three days aren’t really sufficient to explore the beauty of this island - on two or four wheels - but it will certainly
The famous row of balconies along Santa Cruz’s promenade
Cruz as it leads up into the mountains. After passing through several tunnels you eventually reach the west side and quite often you will leave the island’s east coast in cloudy weather and arrive in the west to find glorious sunshine. Based on the number of residents, Los Llanos de Aridane is the largest town in La Palma and the visitor centre to the hiking area of Caldera de Taburiente is on the way. Los Llanos is located on a plateau in the heart of a rural area. The town itself is lively and has a beautiful main plaza but the architecture is a little modern
Tazacorte located nearby. This coastal town has a nice harbour and bay as well as a picturesque beach, called Playa de
Tazacorte is a beautiful coastal resort with Canarian charm
the LP-1 to the connecting LP3 and head through the tunnel
Los Llanos, the most populated town in La Palma
Puerto de Tazacorte. There are a number of bars and restau-
back to the east coast. Alternatively if you have the time, take
give you a lasting impression and is enough time to be enchanted by its many treasures. Bike riders will love the excellent road surfaces, even on the minor roads, as well as the low volume of traffic. In terms of driving skills, there is a wide range of different landscapes on all three routes but the first day tour of the north is certainly the most demanding. However, give it a try and experience this beautiful island on a bike, by car or on foot the next time you feel n like a break from it all!
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 033
Port to port tour
Las Minas Puerto Flamenco
Masters of flamenco
The prestigious international Festival del Cante de las Minas is undoubtedly the most important flamenco festival in the world, as well as the oldest. The yearly winner of the ‘Miner’s lamp’ will have the flamenco world at his or her feet; think of it as like winning the Champions’ League! This festival is the only one of its kind to receive the Spanish
seal of quality and the tour cast includes at least ten artists who have previously won the Miner’s lamp. It’s hardly surprising then that the programme is a success wherever it goes. After wowing international audiences all over the world, in places such as Brussels, Luxembourg, New Delhi, Bombay and Tokyo, the festival is now on a ‘home’ tour in Spain.
A previous British Ambassador to Spain Giles Paxman said of this genre: “For the British, flamenco is the essence of Spain. It’s not a fashion, but a music that leaves no one untouched.” Flamenco has also been recognised by UNESCO as a cultural World Heritage. The cast of Las Minas Puerto Flamenco expresses this pure
essence like no other performers. Each individual artist embodies the passion of this music and, separately and together, they provide a spectacular show. None other than Antonio Gil, Director of the Cervantes Institute in Tokyo, declared that: “In all the years I have seen flamenco concerts, I can say frankly that this is one of the best performances I have ever seen”. There are many reasons therefore for heading to this spectacular concert which is to be seen in both Tenerife and Gran Canaria. The tour is performing specifically in port cities and the programme is seen as a tribute to the sailors who are so closely linked to the world of music. Port towns have always been home to musicians around the world. They go there to play or leave from there to perform elsewhere. As such, ports are the cradle and home of many musicians. It’s probable that the Cuban Habaneras came across the Atlantic to Spain and the Canary Guajira music found its way thus back to the Caribbean. The Peruvian sound boxes or ‘cajones’ were probably old fish boxes that sailors would use to beat out the rhythm. Culture was shipped around the world ports along with the goods and commodities. This is the story that the flamenco artists are telling with their current programme and it can be seen on March 11 at 8.30pm in the Teatro Guimerá, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the following day at 9pm in the Auditorium Alfredo Kraus in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Tickets in Tenerife start at €15 and in Gran Canaria from €14, available from the box offices or online at www. n entradas.com.
In memory of refugee victims
A floral tribute
Prominent Lanzarote politicians, representatives from various boroughs, and members of local community groups recently joined together to remember an incident in which many people drowned whilst trying to reach the Canary Islands from Africa. Sadly, a boat full of refugees sank in Los Cocoteros, Guatiza, on February 15, 2009. The rickety vessel, hugely overcrowded, almost made the crossing but, shortly before reaching the beach, the boat capsized and sank. A total of 25 people, including 17 children, drowned in the Atlantic Ocean - a tragedy that touched the islanders deeply. At the memorial, which took place alongside the monolith that has been installed in memory of the victims, wreaths were laid down to show that those who have died in the ocean surrounding the Canaries are not forgotten. During a speech by Echedey Eugenio, the Island Councillor for citizens’ participation and immigration, he said: “This act of remembrance must also serve as a reminder to everyone that we must take the measures necessary to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated.” A representative of the social collectives added: “we must attack this problem in the country of origin to ensure that people don’t have to flee in these conditions. This can only be done with an investment which could benefit the people.” n
A sad, silent moment to remember those who could not reach the safety of the shore
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Promotion: Tenerife Cheer Academy
Root for fitness and fun!
Do you enjoy sport? Do you enjoy a challenge and being part of a team? Yes? Then why not give ‘Cheer and Dance’ a try? This enjoyable sport mixes all the best of cheerleading and dancing and is a great way to have fun while being active, and to make new friends. And once you have got the hang of it, you will also have the opportunity to perform at exciting events and venues, both here and in other countries. There are sessions on offer for children from four years old right up to adults, so there is something for everyone. There will be plenty of other classes to enjoy in the near future as well: Ballet, jazz, freestyle and much, much more. Catch the Cheer and Dance classes in Las Chafiras, San Miguel de Abona, at the Bulldog Gym (Formally El Gym) in Avenida Caracas. For more information on those or the exciting new lessons starting soon, simply call: 646 45 22 10 or 636 36 50 61 or email: tenerifecheeracademy@ gmail.com. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to get n fit and be part of a winning team!
Arona School of Music and Dance
Free concert
Pupils of all ages belonging to the Arona School of Music and Dance will be performing a concert on March 5 at 8pm in the Civic Centre, Cabo Blanco. The ladies choir will be singing pieces with a ‘love’ theme in Spanish, Portuguese and Italian. Entry is free so please go along and give your support to what will, we are sure, be an enjoyable evening. n
Celso Albelo in star role
Win two premiere opera tickets This year marks the 50th anniversary of the debut of Alfredo Kraus in the role of Werther, one that raised him to global stardom, and the Tenerife Auditorium is celebrating this event by staging this romantic title par excellence. What’s more, it will be done with Kraus’s natural successor, the Canarian tenor Celso Albelo, who will debut in the role that turned the maestro into a legend. Celso Albelo was born in Tenerife in 1976. After university he went on to train at the Superior Music Conservatory in Santa Cruz with Isabel Garcia Soto, and then at the Reina Sofia Superior Singing School in Madrid with Tom Krause and Manuel Cid. Later, he perfected his training with Carlo Bergonzi at the Busseto Academy in Italy. After that, Celso’s career unfolded very fast, and he is now considered to be one of the best tenors of our time, specialising in light opera and recitals, and he’s also become a truly international artist. Since 2006 he has performed at some of the most famous opera houses in the world, and continues to do so habitually. Like many Spanish singers, he has a smooth voice with lots of body, and a bright and attractive tone. Add this to his refined vocal phrasing and expressive diction, and
Canarian tenor Celso Albelo will star in a production of Werther
the songs he performs are full of meaning. Needless to say, he has an enormous following in Tenerife. Loosely based on the German novel The Sorrows of Young Werther, this story of overflowing passions which make up a masterpiece of operatic rep-
Island Connections and Ópera Tenerife at the Tenerife Auditorium are holding a draw for two tickets to see the premiere of Werther on March 12. All you have to do is send an email with the subject line ‘Opera premiere’ to: draw@icmedia.eu before March 9. Please remember to include your full name and contact telephone number in the email so that we can get in touch with you if you win. The judges’ decision will be final, and cash alternatives to the prize will not be available. The winners will be able to collect their tickets at the Auditorium’s box office. Good luck from the Island Connections team.
ertoire, features a young poet who commits suicide over his impossible love for Charlotte, played by Antoinette Dennefeld, who is ideal for the part. The French mezzo-soprano, who began her career in the first edition of Opera Studio, has over the years built an international career that has taken her to debut at the May Musicale
in Florence, and at the Paris Comic Opera in Paris, and soon she will debut with La Traviata in the Paris National Opera. As part of the Ópera Tenerife programme, the French composer Massenet’s Werther will be performed at the Tenerife Auditorium Adán Martín in Santa Cruz on March 12, 16 n and 19, at 8.30pm.
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 033
Honey or not
Not only bees… By Barbara Belt This rather left the island of sis). Elsewhere, other tapped during the season, the guaraLa Gomera’s palm honey has been in the news again, this time with positive results, after a wrangle about what can legally be called honey.
La Gomera, which has for centuries produced delicious miel de palma (palm honey), out in the cold. Bees have little to do with its production, other than to buzz apprecia-
species include the coconut palm, sugar palm, and palmyra palm. The process of collecting palm sap and concentrating it into what the Gomeros have long called
pero (tapper) prepares palms by climbing the trees, sometimes using a ladder, but more often a rope sling, with a lot of precarious backward leaning and formidable
A bucket is left to collect the sap overnight. The metal band stops rats from reaching the exposed crown A palm grove of tapped trees Strong legs and a head for heights needed
For those of you in blissful ignorance about the precise definition of honey, or how this has vexed the poor Gomeros for some time, take note that honey is honey only if bees are involved, according to stringent rules issued by Brussels-based EEC minutiae experts.
tively around it. Palm honey comes, perhaps unsurprisingly, from palm trees. In the Canary Islands, it’s produced from the Canary Date Palm (Phoenix Canariensis). In Chile, it comes from endangered Chilean Wine Palms (Jubaea Chilen-
honey is similar to the process used for making maple syrup. Palm sap, known as guarapo, is collected from a hollow cut into the crown of the tree. Guarapo spoils quickly in sunlight, so the harvesting’s done overnight. Every evening
strength. Once up there, he cuts away the youngest pencas, or palm fronds, to expose the crown. A bowl is cut into the crown with a sharp knife or chisel, and a run-off channel, usually bamboo, is positioned slanting downward towards a bucket to
catch the sap as it drips down overnight. Early next morning, before the sun gets to the sap and spoils it, the guarapero returns and collects the filled buckets, with ten or more litres from each tree.
The harvested ‘guarapo’ is then processed, although a little is kept in liquid form for drinking. It’s delicious and very nutritious: packed with vitamins and minerals. It tastes vaguely like coconut water,
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which I saw used in Sri Lankan hospital drips when they’d run out of electrolytes and saline. Guarapo’s considered a treat and sometimes turns up as a guarapo-and-Canarian rum mix, a potent aid to all-night fiesta dancing. Guarapo’s main use in La Gomera is for the production of that problematic concept for euro-brains: palm honey, which is made by boiling for several hours over a slow fire at constant temperature and scooping off froth as it caramelizes down by 90 per cent to a dark brown, incredibly rich
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where jhola gur is only obtainable in winter. Its sweetness tempers spicy curries. It’s also used as a dessert ingredient, as palm honey is in La Gomera. Fermented palm syrup is distilled in Asia to produce potent arrack, while on La Gomera it’s mixed with parra (local grappa) to make Gomeron, the best
Curbelo re-entered the fray in mid-February, with his ASG Party insisting that Parliament protect both the Canarian palm and palm honey production. “Regional government must help the (palm honey) sector… many young people’s livelihoods in particular are involved because strength
Labelled palm honey on sale Palm honey on leche asada, the local baked egg custard dessert
and agility are required. It must also back recognition of the right to use the name palm honey, by which it has been known for centuries.” In an unprecedented show of unity, all political parties backed the ASG initiative, providing an example that will hopefully be noticed by national politicians. Canarian Parliament has approved the proposal to join forces in defending this ‘singular product’ from La Gomera on the grounds of its “longevity, authenticity and cultural and n economic importance.”
The guarapero, or tapper, harvests the palm sap
The sap running off
and sweet, syrup. After cooling, the palm honey’s poured into glass jars and bottles. It may thicken and crystallise over time, but retains its nutritional value and is delicious for months if kept in closed containers in a cool place. After four or five months of being harvested every day
In the bottle
between January and June, guarapera palms need five years to recuperate before being tapped again, and protecting with slippery metal bands round their trunks to stop rats feasting on their vulnerable crowns. This five-year rest period is vital. Although Phoenix Canarienses
is very strong – its name comes from its incredible ability to burn into a charred semblance of itself and then recover, bursting into new, vigorous growth from blackened remains - overtapping its sap weakens and eventually kills it. Today’s palm honey and guarapo, extracted and produced predominantly in Vallehermoso, reflect the long interdependence between La Gomera’s islanders and palm trees. Where you see palms, there were generally people. Ancient, pre-road, stone houses, animal houses or farm land may now be invisible, but the palm trees earlier generations planted still sway in the same north-easterly breezes that cooled the region hundreds of years ago, or bend gracefully in the same strong winds. Palm trees were a source of wealth, as well as beauty, and always carefully noted on deeds and sale contracts as an important asset of the property or land being transferred. Their bright orange dates provided animal feed; their fronds were used for fencing, the green parts for fodder; the date branches were used as brooms; fibrous brown parts as pot scrubbers; and of course, their sap used for palm honey, which could be kept throughout the year to sweeten local dishes such as leche asada,
(baked egg custard) or to drizzle on goat cheese, or to sweeten gofio (maize meal), the local staple. A similar syrup is used in Southeast Asian cooking, in particular in West Bengal,
kick-start imaginable on a cool, mountain morning. Palm honey is also used on La Gomera for medicinal purposes. So, when Brussels decreed that palm honey was no longer palm honey, the Gomeros were understandably outraged, and rejected Euro directives to rename it palm syrup. The whole issue became a political hot potato until long-term Island Council president and political chameleon Casimiro
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Migrant boat bosses investigated
Witchcraft and murder claims Witchcraft and murder allegations
A Gran Canaria court has launched an investigation into allegations that the bosses of a migrant boat which crossed from Africa to the island ordered several passengers
to be tossed overboard while still alive. The allegations were made by several of the 41 survivors who were rescued at sea after drifting for almost a week when
the engine of the boat broke down. One of the arrivals later died from hypothermia and a dozen others needed hospital treatment. Eight of the Africans were subsequently
arrested after they were identified by the others as the men in charge of the boat and accused of cruelty. It emerged during the interviews that as many as seven migrants died at sea, including some who may have been forced out of the boat. “The versions are contradictory but there appear to be grounds for formal investigation into whether people on the boat met their deaths as a result of the actions of the ringleaders”, said a prosecution service source. One of the eight men held is said to have used witchcraft to intimidate the rest of the migrants into submitting to his orders, including not touching food and other supplies he was responsible for administering during the periln ous crossing.
Meat producers face tax probe
Bringing home the bacon?
Three meat producers in the Canaries are among dozens nationwide to have come under the microscope of the Spanish Inland Revenue in one of the country’s biggest fraud probes in recent years. The trio have been identified in the course of the ongoing and aptly-named Operation Ham investigation launched by Hacienda as a result of “significant discrepancies” encountered when revenue records were examined by a team of over 300 officials earlier in February. A Hacienda spokesperson said suspicions arose when many of the 76 firms scrutinised were found to have declared profit margins of just one per cent over a period of several years. The income declared by the companies did not match the lifestyles of their bosses, including substantial bank accounts and properties and other assets owned abroad. The identities of the three Canarian firms have n not yet been made public.
Operation Ham is busting meat tax fiddlers
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Pet training
Canine course Northern dwellers in Tenerife may be interested in taking their dog along to Tegueste for one of their ongoing training courses. A new course starts on March 2 and will last until March 18, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5pm to 6.30pm. The classes for dogs and their human companions will be given by professional dog instructor Nayra Txasco and will cover basic-level understanding, handling and educating your pet. Tegueste have been hosting these courses for years so that you can enjoy your pet whilst respecting others and sharing space and time with your animal and the rest of society. Those wishing to register or receive more information should contact the environmental department of the local council n at 922 153 973 or medioambiente@tegueste.org.
A previous course in Tegueste
A review by Red Hound Bookshop Long before his name became synonymous with the modern legal thriller, John Grisham was working 60-70 hours a week at a small Southaven, Mississippi, law practice, squeezing in time before going to the office and during courtroom recesses to work on his hobby: writing his first novel. Since first publishing A Time to Kill in 1988, Grisham has written one novel a year and all of them have become international bestsellers. There are currently over 225 million John Grisham books in print worldwide, which have been translated into 29 languages. John Grisham’s books include legal thrillers, short stories, nonfiction and even some young adult books. This autumn, Grisham has switched gears once again and is debuting what looks to be a series featuring a so-called street lawyer named Sebastian Rudd. Sebastian Rudd is not your typical street lawyer. He works out of a customised bulletproof van, complete with Wi-Fi, a bar, a small fridge, fine leather chairs, a hidden gun compartment, and a heavily armed driver. He has no firm, no partners, no associates, and only one employee, his driver, who’s also his bodyguard, law clerk, confidant, and golf caddy. He lives alone
Breach of use
Chayofa hotel hit by €1.6 million fine A well-known hotel in south Tenerife continues to be caught up in a battle over
whether it breached its construction licence by operating as a hotel when it should
have been a residential development. The Regency Country Club in the Chayofa hills, a few minutes outside Los Cristianos and Playa de Las Américas, was hit with a fine of €1.6 million by Arona Council for using its premises as a hotel and the massive sanction has been upheld by the Canarian High Court, which rejected an appeal by the owners against the council’s decision. According to local media, the 4-star establishment, which was built in two stages, is said by Arona to have originally been intended as residential property and this was the basis for the licences it was granted, but it then invested heavily in a conversion for a use not authorised by planners. n
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Latest bestseller
One to win
Sebastian defends people other lawyers won’t go near: a drugaddled, tattooed kid rumoured to be in a satanic cult, who is accused of molesting and murdering two little girls; a vicious crime lord on death row; a homeowner arrested for shooting at a SWAT team that mistakenly invaded his house. Why these clients? Because he believes everyone is entitled to a fair trial, even if he, Sebastian, has to cheat to secure one. He hates injustice, doesn’t like insurance companies, banks, or big corporations; he distrusts all levels of government and laughs at the justice system’s notions of ethical behaviour. Sebastian Rudd is one of John Grisham’s most colourful, outrageous, and vividly drawn characters yet. Gritty, witty, and impossible to put down, Rogue Lawyer showcases the master of the legal thriller at n his very best.
in a small but extremely safe penthouse apartment, and his primary piece of furniture is a
vintage pool table. He drinks small-batch bourbon and carries a gun.
Book review by Red Hound Bookshop, Los Cristianos. See: www.libreriaredhound.com
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Spectacular scenery and majestic mountains By Xena Fox harbour, where you will also From what to do and where to go, through an interview with the local mayor, to an in-depth look at the area’s towns and villages, over the next three pages we will be focussing on the beautiful borough of Santiago del Teide in southwest Tenerife. Sweeping up from the Los Gigantes coast, through high mountains and the Teide National Park, to its highest point of just over 2,600m, the borough covers an area of 52.21 km2. Within that modest expanse can be found a myriad of contrasts: dramatic peaks and valleys; beaches, cliffs and coastal walks; volcanoes, meadows and forests. Combined with the, nearly, all year round sunshine on the coast, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the island’s most sought after attractions. The diversity of landscapes means there is plenty to see and do, and to give you a taster, we have come up with a few suggestions:
Make the most of the coast The warm Atlantic Ocean provides the perfect stage for a whole host of aquatic activities, and the Los Gigantes seacliffs, which tower to the dizzying height of 600m in places, are the ideal backdrop for their enjoyment. There are many excursions to choose from for whale and dolphin watching or a trip out to sea, all leaving from the town’s
Santiago del Teide
find dive centres, fishing trips, a lido and the Los Guios beach, as well as plenty of bars, restaurants and shops there and in the village. Walking south along the coast, the next two beaches are below the Hotel Barceló and at the tiny fishing port of Puerto de Santiago – where the Museo del Pescador is also situated. An art gallery that is a work of art in itself, it has an eyecatching façade created by French painter and sculptor Bernard Romain. Next is the beach at Playa de la Arena, which has consistently received an annual Blue Flag Award since 1988. All along the coastal walk you will find a variety of places to stop, including plenty of public seating where you can relax and take in the views.
but with incomparable views. There is also a large network of traditional paths that join the various villages, as well as walks in volcanic areas, and the famous ‘Almond trees in flower’ routes during January and February.
Go countryside
Potter around
Only a short distance from the main coastal towns, the vast opportunities for hiking begin. The tourist office in Playa de la Arena has free maps listing the area’s main walks, with a few notable ones being: The water course and surrounding land on the left of the valley links the coast with the mountain town of Santiago del Teide and is a popular walk that has various start and finish points meaning you can tailor a route to suit your needs. More challenging is the roughly one-hour hike from Tamaimo to Arguayo - up quite a steep trail,
Arguayo is home to the compact, but fascinating, Cha Domitila Pottery and Museum. It is housed in a traditional, tile-roofed stone building, on the main road through the village (not the bypass). Back in the 1980s it was converted from a ruin by Luis Ibáñez a colleague of famous Lanzarote artist César Manrique - who undertook the work as a gift to the local area. There you can appreciate some of the best examples of the island’s original inhabitants’ clay work and tools. Due to the village’s isolated position, tra-
Creative Commons A-S A 3.0 UL
An oasis of charm
ous fascinating exhibits: on volcanoes in general, the last eruption on Tenerife in 1909 (which took place in the borough) and a host of information on the surrounding region.
Chill in style
The cliffs and town of Los Gigantes are two of Santiago del Teide’s main tourist attractions
ditions continued unchanged for hundreds of years after the Spanish conquest, and the subsequent development of the area’s earthenware has since been extensively studied. You can often see modern-day potters at work as well, dressed in period costume and using traditional methods.
Meanwhile, almost on the coast, the Mirador de Archipenque above Los Gigantes has spec-
La Casona del Patio This beautiful 4-star rural hotel, in the town of Santiago del Teide, is partly housed in a number of buildings which date back to the mid-1600s,
Take in the view The many, carefully positioned viewing points situated throughout the borough all merit a moment’s pause to appreciate the scenery, with the following two deserving a particular mention: The Mirador de Cherfe is high on top of the mountain road that drops down towards Masca. Sat at 1,100m above sea level, with vistas across the ocean and both the Masca and Santiago valleys - with Mount Teide in the background - it is breathtaking.
La Casona del Patio rural hotel
tacular views of the sea cliffs, down onto the harbour and town, and across the Atlantic to the island of La Gomera.
and boasts a spa, gym, exhibition room, separate cafeteria and restaurant, and horse riding facilities.
Voom round volcanoes
See: www.santiagodelteide. travel for some great information on all of the above and more, in English, German and n Spanish.
The Chinyero Visitor Centre on the main road in the town of Santiago del Teide has vari-
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Interview with Emilio Navarro
A modern mayor By Xena Fox Knowing the area as inti- pipeline, I am told. Emilio Navarro from the Partido Popular was voted in as Santiago del Teide’s mayor in 2015’s May elections. Bringing to an end a period which saw only two mayors in power since 1988, Navarro’s appointment brought hopes to many that the young and welleducated local man may be the herald of a new era. Hoping to find out more, Island Connections took the opportunity to speak with Mr Navarro about his party’s ideas for the future of the borough. Seated in his office at the Town Hall in Santiago del Teide, first of all the mayor told me a little about his early life, and love for the area he grew up in. Born in the peaceful mountain town of Tamaimo, he spent a happy childhood, and went on to study administration after school. At 18 years old, he began a career that saw him work in various sectors within the gastronomic field and within a variety of businesses. He is a keen sportsman and particularly enjoys football and cycling. Perhaps not surprisingly then, his first step on a political career was in 2009 as Councillor for Sports. In a short period, Navarro rose to deputy mayor and to lead his party, but is still very much a member of the community. Though obviously very busy nowadays, he can often be seen out enjoying a coffee with friends, or passing the time of day with one of the older residents, and seems ready with a smile and happy to answer any question.
mately as he does, I ask what he believes its strong points are. Unequivocally, he answers: “First and foremost, it is the people who live here” and a close second is the borough’s “cultural and natural heritage”. Santiago del Teide is certainly one of the most striking regions
The council has also in the past provided free basic language courses – in English, German and Russian. Not only a good move for those seeking work in the tourist industry but, according to their own figures, there are 6846 foreigners currently registered as living in
in Playa de la Arena and ask for Gladys (for English) or Vanessa (for German). Alternatively, you can call: 922 86 03 48. Two local councillors also speak English: Alejandra Lecuona (Youth and Leisure) and Luz Goretti Gorrín (Tourism), who can be reached by calling: 922 86 31 27 and asking to be put
Emilio Navarro at the recent FITUR tourism fair in Madrid, with councillor for youth Alejandra Lecuona (L), and of Tourism, Luz Goretti Gorrín Santiago del Teide Town Hall (centre)
in the south, and continues to enjoy a thriving tourist industry. On an administrative level it has also had a few successful years recently. For example, it has, on occasion, been one of only a small number across Spain which has managed to balance its annual budgets and “it has the lowest unemployment figures in the whole of the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, thanks in part to intensive coordination between the council and local businesses”. Of which, there is more in the
Santiago del Teide – almost 50 per cent of the borough’s population. I am advised that these residents from other shores play an “important” role in the community, and the mayor and his aides were keen to emphasise that everyone’s opinion counts. Brits make up the largest section of the foreign population, followed by Germans. Thankfully, the council currently has two employees in place to help. To speak to these you can visit the Tourist Information Office
through to extension 105.
Looking ahead One of the aspects that Navarro has always been proud of is the tolerance of the area’s people: “Santiago del Teide has always been welcoming” he declares, and it’s true. Yet, despite all the successes to date, there is still plenty to do if this beautiful corner of the island is to continue receiving the attention it deserves. Certain areas do need tidying and I’m told that one of the
first items on the agenda is a facelift for the commercial area in Playa de la Arena. Future plans include continuing promotion of the area’s various trails and walks to tap into the ‘active tourist’ market, as well as encouraging volcano tourism, especially as Santiago del Teide was the scene for Tenerife’s last eruption, in 1909. The town’s Chinyero Visitors Centre is splendid, the mayor says, and urges “everyone to visit if they haven’t done so already.” Nevertheless, more could still be made of the natural resources, he admits, and also that progress is still needed on a community level. The two most urgent points on this front it seems, are to expand the council’s services and to improve safety and security
generally. For the latter, a rise in the number of police officers was recently approved, though how many has yet to be decided. Whilst the current political uncertainty at national level must be enough to unnerve anyone in public office, there is still a job to be done, and Navarro says he means to do it to the best of his abilities – and to those of his team. But it isn’t about the PP, he says, nor about colours or affiliations, it is the people who are important. With this in mind, before I took my leave I had one more question: What would the mayor most like to achieve during his time in office? “What I would like to do is ensure the wellbeing of all the people of the area, and consolidate Santiago del Teide’s position as one of the reference points of the island’s tourism industry.” The local council webpage, as yet only in Spanish, can be found at: www.santiagodeln teide.org.
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The region’s towns and villages
A walk through the valley
See all our shops
and you?
vape ? SMOKE or
www.goodsmoke.es
tiful trees, and a whole swath of black volcanic rock running through it, left over from Tenerife’s last eruption. Back in the main valley, the town of Tamaimo, at 600m, is a rapidly growing urbanisation which has developed around its traditional position as a crossroads between Santiago’s coastal and mountain towns, as well as the next borough of Guía de Isora. Nowadays home to an array of bars and cafes, shops
Caldera, before reaching the seaside towns of Puerto de Santiago and Los Gigantes. The first was originally home to just a row or two of fishermen’s dwellings but now stretches along the coast to the beach at Playa de la Arena, and incorporates various hotels, residential areas, bars, shops and restaurants, and has turned into a popular and busy resort. Tucked under the giant sea cliffs after which it was named,
The lido at Los Gigantes – set in one of possibly the best climates in the world
and local businesses, supermarkets and second-hand car salesrooms, as well as a brand new rural hotel, Tamaimo is fast
small town of Arguayo, perched at an altitude of 900 metres. Still unspoilt and relatively isolated, Arguayo’s landscapes are an artist’s dream – verdant meadows, pretty parks, plen-
turning into a thriving centre of activity and an attractive stopping point for both residents and tourists alike. Down near the coast, you pass a cluster of houses called La
Los Gigantes is a pretty village, with a sports harbour and thriving commercial centre, as well as a reputation for having one of the best climates, not only in Tenerife, but in the world. Back in the early 1960s, one of the initial developers of the area, Juan Manuel Capdevielle, positioned measuring stations at various points, for a period of three years. He consistently took readings for air and sea temperature, humidity, solar hours, wind and precipitation – and came to the conclusion that Los Gigantes’ microclimate is one of the very n best on the planet.
Photo: Florival fr CC A-S A 3.0 UL
The area of Santiago del Teide was originally called Valle de Santiago but, according to official records, due to confusion with a district on the island of La Gomera, in 1916 it was ceremoniously given the name it is known by today. Though populated right back to the Guanche original inhabitants, the whole region was relatively isolated right until 1930 when the first main road arrived. The location and development of underground water supplies at the beginning of the 1950s introduced a new era, as did the start of tourism in the 1960s. Notwithstanding the relatively recent influx of other nationalities, tradition still thrives in the area, particularly in the mountainous zones. There you will find centuries-old buildings, fields tilled by hand, traditional harvesting methods and a warm welcome from the local residents. As ever, the populated districts are still mostly situated in the long and wide Santiago valley. Taking a trip down through the towns and villages, you start at Valle de Arriba, which sits in a sheltered basin at around 1,015 metres of altitude. Though dry in high summer, it is more often surrounded by verdant fields of vines and other crops: The moist air that sweeps over the mountains and down from the north, along with its unique position, make for some of the best natural growing conditions around. Right next door is the town of Santiago del Teide itself. As the seat of local council, the Town Hall is situated there,
The region was relatively isolated until 1930 when the first main road arrived The beautiful picnic area in Santiago del Teide is surrounded by fragrant eucalyptus trees The church in Santiago del Teide
around a pretty plaza with a distinctive church, dating back to 1679, which features a distinctive domed roof. Just over the road is a popular picnic and barbeque area which is surrounded by fragrant eucalyptus trees. Opposite is the Casona del Patio rural hotel. Carrying on down the valley are the villages of Las Manchas, El Molledo and El Retamar- all at a height of around eight or nine hundred metres. With only tens
of houses each, they have managed to preserve a quaint and timeless feel, despite the main road over to the north of the island running right through the middle of the latter two, and El Retamar having been home to a large petrol station and cafeteria for several decades. Travel up and over the side of the Santiago valley for a moment, along a winding, steep road with incredible views, you come across the
Unless otherwise stated, photos by Xena Fox
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TENERIFE GENERAL
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 766
Letter to the editor
All care and no scare
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The Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria in Santa Cruz
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Hi everyone, katykennedy@telefonica.net
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People seem quick to complain about the Tenerife health service so I’d like to share my account of the first class treatment I recently received. I have lived here for 13 years after being a regular visitor, and I’m a paid-up member of the local public health programme. I’m now 76 years old, have had regular checkups with Canarian Doctor Imaculada in Los Cristianos, and haven’t had any serious worries. All that changed when I recently collapsed at home after struggling for breath. I had been feeling a little off colour but had no pain. A neighbour hadn’t been able to get me on the phone so called round and then rung the 112 emergency services. I was taken firstly to the Green Clinic in Playa de Las Américas and then transferred within hours to Candelaria Hospital in Santa Cruz. It turned out I had a chest infection and they kept me in for two weeks in a two-bed room, most of the other rooms were the same size. With the help of medication I was soon feeling better and ready to discharge myself before the second weekend but they insisted I stay a few more days for the result of blood tests. It could have been a very worrying time for me but all the staff, medical and orderlies, were very friendly, there was no clipboard on the bed with my name but they all greeted me by my first name and with a smile. I felt relaxed and well looked after at all times and was encouraged to walk around to help my recovery. It’s an impressive hospital, very clean, the staff was always active, and they have a café-restaurant that is open 24 hours a day. I kept joking with the doctor that it was like being in a 5-star all-inclusive hotel. After leaving I had a follow-up appointment arranged at the El Mojón Clinic in Los Cristianos for the result of heart tests. I am very grateful for the kindness and dedication they showed me, I can’t fault them on anything. Jane Lally, Los Cristianos
By
y Kat
I looked forward to playing golf with my grandson James - until he started beating me!
As I write my column, the sun has at last got his hat on. Poor old Los Gigantes had to do without their fiesta due to adverse weather in late-February, but they had it in March instead. Fiestas here are superb, especially in Santa Cruz. People can do mad things, particularly when they’ve had a drink or three. I remember in my ‘salad days’ in Sunderland my husband and I were newly married and we went out to a do on New Year’s Eve where the champagne was plentiful. I’d never had it before and thought it was like pop. When it was very late and time to go home my husband said that we’d better take a taxi, which was something we’d never done before as they were very expensive. I don’t remember a lot about the journey but I do remember that a lot of police were out hoping to catch drink-drivers but as we were in a taxi cab they just waved us through. We finally arrived home safely without any further incidents. This was both a great relief
and a surprise because I had never driven a taxi before. I don’t even know where I got it from and now that it was parked securely in my garage, I didn’t know what to do with it. We sold the house shortly after and for all I know it’s still there! Now that I’m ‘on’t badly bus’ and need new knees as well as another hip replacement, I miss all the fun of tenpin bowling and I especially miss playing golf. When my grandson James was about 10 years old I bought him some lessons at Los Palos and he took to the game like a chubby to chocolate. One of his favourite days was when he progressed enough to convince the pro he was good enough to tackle the beautiful course at Las Americas. We set off in a buggy and by the third hole we swapped places and he drove the rest of the way, well, unless we were in sight of an official. He loved the water holes as we had a ball retriever and he’d be delighted to rescue a few from a watery grave. I looked
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forward to taking him on these trips… until he started beating me that is! All my four grandchildren loved the little train. We’d go on it on my night off before we went for
alone that evening and the man and his daughter sat in the two remaining seats next to us. James asked the man what he had in his pockets as there was rather a large bulge in his shorts and every time the train jolted, the man’s pocket fetched my lad a wallop on his thigh. The man smiled and replied that he’d been golfing and they were golf balls. I nearly died when James, in all innocence, asked if golf balls were as painful as tennis elbow. My cheeks are reddening and I’m laughing fit to bust as I write this. Ah, such happy days when the kids were young. James in now 27, and gets married at Christmas. Charlotte, 22, is in the police force, and Joshua and Abigail are both at university. Hopefully in late summer or early autumn of 2017, James
Photo: artur84 freedigitalphotos.net
3.3.2016 – 16.3.2016
The Wally Trolley!
a meal. We’d all be sitting and waving at everyone and when we passed bars I did my cabaret spot in, the compère would point and make the audience wave at us and shout, “Katy Kennedy’s on the Wally Trolley!” One summer, the little train was full and a man with bulging pockets got on with his little girl. James and I were
and Emma will make me a great-grandma. I am grinning like mad at the thought of it. My advice to all of you grandmas is to smile while you still have teeth! Send an email to: katykennedy@ telefonica.net. Telephone: 616 110 930. Until next time, take care of yourselves and espen cially of each other.
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TENERIFE GENERAL
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 033
Promotion
Water is life When you remove the item, the information remains in the water, so it could be transferred to your body when you drink it – no matter how pure you think it is! The late Austrian scientist Viktor Schauberger studied the effects of nature, particularly water and its energy. He said:
and negative, aimed at a volume of water, influenced the ice crystals in it. The results revealed clusters in very different shapes and forms, indicating that water can also absorb emotional information, both positive and negative. Emoto published several books on water and its secrets.
Photos: freeimages.co.uk
Where there’s water, there’s life, and without it there would be no life on Earth. This is what leads space agencies around the world to launch probes and manned missions in search of other planets where water exists. All life, plant, animal or human, begins in water: after all we humans each spent our first nine months of life in it. On average, 70 per cent of the human body (depending on age) consists of water. This clear liquid also forms a major part of the food that we eat. Water regulates body temperature, keeps our eyes, amongst other things, moist, our joints flexible, and via the blood, which is 92 per cent water, transports essential vitamins and minerals around the body, and takes waste materials to the kidneys for disposal. Our brains are also mostly water, on average 80 per cent, and that explains why we feel light headed if we are dehydrated, or suffering from a hangover. With the climate in the Canary Islands, we need to drink two and a half to three litres of water each day, half a litre of which comes from food, and the amount we need really depends on how active we are, our weight, and the season. We should all take a big glass of water before going to bed to help our bodies to clear out waste and regenerate while we sleep. Water is also an information carrier. Every substance has its own frequency or blueprint, for example wood, steel or water. Water is alive, and if you place something in it, it takes on the frequency of that material.
“If water or air is rotated into a twisting form of oscillation known as ‘colloidal’, a build up of energy results, which, with immense power, can cause levitation. This form of movement is able to carry with it its own means of power generation.” Who would have thought that water could have these properties? But if you think of a thunderstorm forming, or a fish such as a salmon seemingly being able to climb up a waterfall, the idea doesn’t sound so silly. He also discovered that when rain falls, it is filtered by layers of sediment, but if you create friction with the water, the information contained in the water can be cleared. The late Japanese scientist Masaru Emoto made a study of how words, prayers, sounds and thoughts, both positive
Water is essential to all forms of life Water retains information and has its own energy No more heavy bottles to carry, just water as and when you need it
Island Connections recently spoke to Eric Blad, of Vivagua. Eric has worked with water, importing and selling filter systems since 2002, first in the Peninsula, then in Holland. In Holland and Spain, he worked on his project to help disabled children with dolphin therapy, and in the Bahamas, he tried therapies with wild dolphins. He now plans to try simulated therapies based on an idea by Horrace Dobbs, who was a pioneer in the field of dolphin therapy with wild examples of the marine mammals.
Nowadays he lives in Tenerife with his family and has been working to find a way of filtering water which can also clean out the information it holds. Vivagua now offers you an ecological kit with five to six filters, which separates the clusters, removes information, leaving the minerals intact, and provides energised water which even tastes superb at room temperature, with a cooler available too. If you are resident here, you could take advantage of an offer to try 10 litres of water at home, free of charge. Just think, with the Vivagua water filtering system, there would be no more carrying heavy bottles, no more plastic bottles to dispose of, just vitalised and clear water to use as and when you need it. The kit is free of charge, all you have to pay for is maintenance, and replacement filters. If the Vivagua business goes well, Eric would like to use any profits to finance his dolphin therapy projects. To find out more, call Eric Blad on 663 n 722 072.
3.3.2016 – 16.3.2016
TENERIFE GENERAL
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 766
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Promotion
Restaurante Bar Miguel Ángel By Theresa Willson When my companion and I visited the extremely spacious Bar Miguel Ángel restaurant, we were heartily greeted by the owner, Danny, who stood at the entrance with a big smile. Looking around, we noticed that the tables, both inside and on the large terrace which occupies the front and side of the restaurant, were all well spaced apart, each dressed in brown and red, with fabric napkins, and a vase of beautiful flowers in the centre. In total, there are 31 tables, all with comfortable stylish chairs, and Danny told us that depending on how they are arranged, it is possible to seat around 100 diners. There is a large and attractive fully stocked bar and, further towards the back of the restaurant, an open plan kitchen. Right at the back there is an enormous wine rack, alongside which you’ll find the entrance to the bathrooms, which are nicely clean, with plentiful supplies. Also of special note, there is a large and spacious toilet for disabled people. Free WiFi service for customers and live music on most evenings complete the picture. We were seated at a table on the large terrace, which has been well equipped with windbreakers and tall heaters for chilly evenings. With no live music that night we appreciated the low-volume background music. Danny brought us a whole series of menus – for cocktails, smoothies, smoothie cocktails (with alcohol), wines, breakfasts, lunches, tapas, and a cute menu for children. The restaurant also has a well priced three course special offer menu with a wide range to choose from. With six starters and 10 main courses, including Italian dishes, steaks and fish to choose from, there is something for everyone, no matter how big your appetite or your pocket! The breakfast menu includes typical tasty English and Spanish ways to start your day, such as the full bumper English breakfast, churros (sort of long pieces of doughnut) with chocolate or a Spanish omelette, and the lunch menu is equally varied and well priced. If you fancy something smaller, then ask for the tapas menu.
and Canarian style sauces. The pork provençale with a pleasantly tangy sauce was garnished with creamed potatoes and extremely fresh and crunchy seasonal veg-
The exterior of the spacious restaurant
The garlic prawns were cooked perfectly
Who could resist a slice of white chocolate Toblerone cheesecake?
The extensive wine list includes options from young examples to Crianzas, with varieties from Ribera del Duero, Catalonia and Rioja, local wines from Tenerife and Lanzarote, and a house wine available by the glass. The restaurant also has a full range of spirits, beers, soft drinks and juices, not to mention coffees and liqueur coffees, available. The main menu has versions in English, French, Spanish, Finnish, Russian, Swedish, Dutch and German, and to say that it is extensive would be an under statement. It includes 10 different breads, five soups, six salads, seven cold starters, 13 hot starters, 14 pasta dishes, four paellas including a vegetarian version, eight chicken dishes, two duck, four fajitas and four skewers: each one sounding delicious. In the fresh meat section there are three sirloin and five fillet steak options, two fillet mignon, four pork dishes, lamb chops and melt-in-the-mouth
The Provençale pork was delightfully tangy
oven roasted leg of lamb with gravy and mint sauce for one person. But if you really have a healthy appetite, you could order a fresh T-bone steak weighing at least 800 grams. Moving on to the fish and seafood, you can choose from salmon, king prawns, squid, tuna, gold bream or sea bass, and sole. The restaurant has eight fish specialities of the house, and four very special dishes for two people, including chateaubriand, and a lobster and king prawn paella. No closer to having made a decision as to what to order, we asked Danny to help us out – and he is very good at this. Eventually, we ordered deep fried Camembert and the garlic prawns for starters. The dishes were beautifully presented, and served with warm bread with alioli. The bread was excellent, even on its own. The Camembert was coated in a thin batter which was wonderfully crispy, forming a contrast with the soft cheese inside, and the garlic prawns were delicious, and cooked perfectly. Next came the problem of what to order for our main course. My companion had already suggested the meat fajita, and at Danny’s suggestion I ordered the pork Provençale. These dishes were also beautifully presented, and extremely tasty. The beef fajita was served with separate pitta breads, crispy golden chips
The tender oven roasted leg of lamb is just the right size for one person
The beef fajita is served with separate pitta breads
etables including carrots, leaks, courgettes and cabbage.
For dessert, Danny suggested we try a cheesecake. There is a surprising range to choose from, particularly suitable for chocoholics and others with a sweet tooth! We chose a mind-blowing Toblerone white chocolate cheesecake which took both of us to seventh heaven! Back down on Earth, we found it easy to understand why the Miguel Ángel Restaurant is so highly recommended by TripAdvisor, from which it received their 2015 certificate of excellence. We also now know why customers return time and time again. It is not only the great food made with fresh meat and vegetables that they come back for, but also the easy going atmosphere and the friendly and efficient service with a smile. Danny took on the restaurant just over a year ago, and has invested heavily in the open plan kitchen, as well as awnings, windbreakers, heaters and
a music system for the terrace. We think this is a winning combination. It is in a central location in Torviscas Bajo, just down the hill from the Mareverde development, and opposite the taxi rank and fountains, with a large chemist and a car park just around the corner at the entrance to the former Skypark. There is also a new car park which is accessed from the road which runs parallel with the TF1 motorway, from where you can just walk down the steps at the back, and around the corner to the restaurant. Visit soon and find out what n you’ve been missing!
Restaurante Bar Miguel Ángel C.C. Rio Center, Local 123 · Torviscas Bajo Costa Adeje Open from 11am to 11pm every day Tel: 922 70 23 60
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FOOD
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 033
Recipe ideas
The hearty pie – great variety The humble but versatile pie comes in a tantalising choice of sweet versions and a dazzling array of savoury styles which means it can be great for a whole range of main courses and also for tucking into on a coffee break. Italian pizza and the French classic, a tasty Quiche Lorraine, have both found their way into international cuisine, far beyond their own borders. And savoury pies and tarts have also found wide-spread fame. The following are ideal as a quick meal: open-topped, with the dough prepared in the morning, ready to be covered and baked in the evening. They can be served as an appetizer, or as a main accompanied by a mixed salad, for example. They can even make an uncomplicated yet tasty contribution to a party – just use your imagination. Here are a few to try your hand at, and a tip: these tasty treats go well with either a cool glass of beer or a glass of red, white or rosé wine, according to individual preference.
Preparation: Simply roll out and put the dough into a springform tin, giving some shape to the edge. Then distribute the onionapple-cream mixture on top and sprinkle with walnuts. Bake it in the oven, pre-heated to 180 degrees, on the lowest shelf, for around 40 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle with the chives.
the top, but try to keep some back for decoration just before serving. Then whisk together four eggs, 400 millilitres of sour cream and a pinch of salt, and pour evenly over the base. Bake it in an oven pre-heated to 180 degrees, and after only 25 minutes your delicious tart is ready.
bake in the oven, pre-heated to 180 degrees. After only 30 minutes the dish should be ready and smelling delicious.
Alsatian tarte flambé, Canarian style The Alsatian tarte flambé with bacon and onions is an old and favourite classic, but even this can be made in a Canarian style. For the dough, you only need 200 grams of flour, two tablespoons of oil, 125 millilitres of water and some salt. The dough should not be sticky, so it can be rolled out to fit a baking sheet. Then distribute 200 grams of slightly salted sour cream over the base, followed by around 200 grams of onion and 100 grams of diced bacon. For the Canarian version, add about 200 grams goats cheese, then sprinkle the whole with freshly chopped rosemary. Finally, bake in an oven pre-heated to 200°C for n about 20 minutes.
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Apple-onion quiche A fruity, delicious variety is the apple-onion quiche, which is often popular with children as well as adults. For the dough: mix together 200 grams of flour, half a teaspoon of salt, a teaspoon of baking powder, 100 grams of cheese and four tablespoons of milk and olive oil. Knead the dough and leave it in a cool place for at least 20 minutes. For the topping, you need: 150 grams of diced bacon, 400 grams sliced and sautéed onion cut in strips, three sour, quartered apples, 200 millilitres of sour cream, four tablespoons of crème fraîche, three eggs, 80 grams of grated Emmental cheese, salt and pepper to taste, 50 grams of chopped walnuts and a tablespoon of chopped fresh chives.
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3 Chive tart This is even quicker to prepare. The base is like a Quark-oil dough, but made of 150 grams of cottage cheese, an egg, six tablespoons of milk, 1/8 litre of oil, a pinch of salt, 400 grams of flour and three teaspoons of baking powder. The dough is kneaded well and then rolled out to fit the baking sheet. For the topping: add 150 grams of salami, bacon and ham cut into thin strips or cubes and spread on the dough, followed by four bunches of chives, finely cut and scattered over
Quiche with goats cheese and spinach This version could almost be Canarian – so the ingredients are nice and easy to find. The dough in this case is a short pastry, as with the traditional Quiche Lorraine. You will need 100 grams of soft butter, 160 grams of flour, three tablespoons of water and a pinch of salt. Thoroughly knead the dough and then leave it to stand for about an hour in the fridge. It can also be prepared in the morning and used in the evening.
The topping consists of: three slices of bacon, cut in strips, two diced onions, a clove of garlic, 200 grams of blanched, fresh spinach, four dried tomatoes preserved in oil, three eggs, 150 grams of sour cream, 100 grams of goats cheese, three tablespoons of grated hard cheese, as well as salt, pepper and nutmeg to taste. After the resting period in the fridge, the dough is rolled out and placed in a springform tin, with an approximately two centimetre high rim. Brown the strips of bacon, garlic and onions in a pan with butter, then add the spinach and dried tomatoes. In the meantime, cream together the eggs, the sour cream, the goats cheese and spices. This is mixed with the fried vegetables
and distributed directly onto the pie pastry. Now sprinkle just a little grated cheese on top and
1. Apple-onion quiche is a very simple modification that even children like very much 2. Savoury pies and tarts are characterised by their variation and variety 3. The chive version is cooked on the baking sheet and is therefore thinner 4. The Alsatian tarte flambé, modified to Canarian style
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Canary Islands’ attractions for tourists and residents Where to visit
General information
Upcoming events
What’s on
Islands summary
Useful contacts
Spin news
Cultural guide
Pages 22 & 23
Pages 24 & 25
Page 26 & 27
Page 28
Saturday, March 12 Hotel H10 Taburiente Playa 7.30pm: Festival opening and photo exhibition by Aaron Ramos 8pm: Concert by the L’Rollin Clarinet Band Sunday, March 13 Hotel Las Olas 8pm: Brasileando Monday, March 14 Hotel H10 Taburiente Playa 8pm: Bas Van Dijk Quintet Tuesday, March 15 Hotel H10 Taburiente Playa 8pm: Idafe Pérez & José Vera Proyect Wednesday, March 16 Hotel Las Olas 8pm: Touché! Thursday, March 17 Hotel H10 Taburiente Playa 7pm: Manolo Brito Trio 8.30pm: Franco Contreras Quartet Friday, March 18 Hotel H10 Taburiente Playa 7pm: Flute ‘n Trio 8.30pm: Yul Ballesteros Group 11pm: Jam Session on the Tiuna terrace Saturday, March 19 Hotel H10 Taburiente Playa 7pm: Macaronesian Jazz Quartet 8.30pm: Deborah Carter Quintet 11pm: Jam Session on the Tiuna terrace
La Palma jazz festival
Star guests at Semilla The III Semilla Jazz International Festival takes place from March 12 to 19 in Breña Baja, La Palma, and this year features guest stars Deborah Carter and Yul Ballesteros. “This is the third year that the festival has taken place in the winter season and both residents and tourists have come to love the event”, said councillor for tourism Alicia Vanoostende. “We´re very fortunate this year that two principal hotels in Breña Baja, the H10 Taburiente Playa and Hotel Las Olas, have joined forces with the organisers. The hotels are in the tourist area of Los Cancajos, which is close to the port, airport and capital city”, stated deputy mayor Juan Manuel Pérez. The festival director Alberto de Paz pointed out the high quality line-up expected this year, especially with the two headliners mentioned above. The festival will also feature the groups: L’Rollin Clarinet Band, Flute ‘n Trio, Macaronesian Jazz Quartet, Bas Van Dijk Quintet, Touché!, and Brasileando. There
Photos: Cabildo La Palma
The III Semilla Jazz International Festival in La Palma
Deborah Carter headlines this year’s festival
will also be a jazz photo exhibition by the Canarian photographer Aaron Ramos. The magazine Music Maker defined Deborah Carter as “an absolute topclass musician and one of the most exciting jazz singers of the current European scene”. The North American grew up in Hawaii and Japan; however, her musical career developed in Europe. Whilst still young, she founded her own jazz trio and
Yul Ballesteros is one of Spain’s top jazz musicians
performed at numerous festivals. Deborah has appeared on many TV shows, in the UK, Spain, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Latvia, and Azerbaijan. With her powerful voice, she expresses contemporary jazz like no other. Guitarist Yul Ballesteros comes from Gran Canaria and is undoubtedly one of the great Spanish jazz musicians at present. His last album Minor Things was recorded in New York in 2009 and featured many
renowned musicians, such as Kike Perdomo, Ari Hoenig, Gary Versace, John Muller and Josh Dion. The album includes nine original compositions which the artist modestly describes as “small ideas”. For jazz lovers, it is an important collection of Ballesteros’ fine work and abilities. In 2015, the Spanish newspaper El País named it among the ten best Spanish jazz albums. All concerts for the III Semilla Jazz International Festival are free. n
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HOLIDAY GUIDE
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 033
The Canaries have what is considered one of the best climates anywhere on the planet, making the Islands the perfect destination for all year round tourism.
ous luxury hotels and some very nice, small white sand beaches. In the foothills above these towns you will find three great places to visit. Siam Park (The Water Kingdom), recently declared the best in the world, has something for everyone, from beach lovers to adrenaline freaks. See: www. siampark.net Aqualand, on Avenida de Austria, a water park with a dolphin show. See: www.aqualand.es. The Jungle Park, at Las Águilas del Teide, is great fun for kids of all ages. See: www.aguilasjunglepark.com
Tenerife Teide National Park 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
El Duque beach
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.
El Teide National Park
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 Gaviotas beach
3.3.2016 – 16.3.2016
Other islands La Gomera Only a 45 minute ferry ride from the port of Los Cristianos, La Gomera is a small, peaceful island with amazing hiking and a 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
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.
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 766
Gran Canaria Garajonay National Park, La Gomera
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
Los Indianos, 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
Elder museum, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
The capital, Santa Cruz, lies to the east of the island. It’s a pretty city of seafaring tradition, although Los Llanos de Aridane in the west is in fact the biggest city on La Palma. The towns in the north of La Palma are also very beautiful and in the south of the island
ful sand-dunes and all-night bars and clubs. The island also has some spectacular archaeological sites.
Fuerteventura Flat, arid and sparsely populated, this island looks more
declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, and those who take the time to explore the island will find it’s strangely beautiful. The capital is Arrecife, to the east, and the three main tourist resorts are Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise.
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General information for visitors
Useful contacts Tenerife Santa Cruz Tourist Office, Plaza de España Tel: (0034) 922 281 287/922 289 287 Open Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm; Sat, Sun: 9.30am-1.30pm
Time zone: The time zone in the Canary Islands is the same as in the UK and Ireland. Foreign exchange The Spanish currency is the Euro. You can change currency in any bank by showing your passport (Mon – Fri, 8am – 2pm), or in the many exchange agencies in resorts. Can I drink the water? You can drink the tap water in the Canaries, but the change may affect your stomach. If your visit is short, it’s perhaps best to stick to bottled. Discounts Students and senior citizens may receive discounts on ferries, tickets to concerts, museums, etc., so always ask, as long as you can provide ID to prove it. Shopping Normal opening hours in the Canaries are from 10am to 1.30pm and 5pm to 8.30pm. However, in big tourist resorts and shopping centres the opening hours are longer, often from 10am until 10pm, sometimes even later. On Sundays and Bank Holidays only the shops in tourist resorts open. There is a flea market in Santa Cruz, Tenerife, every Sunday morning Duty Free Despite popular belief, it is generally cheaper to buy alcohol and tobacco on the Islands than on the plane or at the airport. Limits are: 200 cigarettes/50 cigars/ 250grs rolling tobacco 1L spirits over 22% or 2L spirits under 22% 2L wine 60ml perfume, 250 ml eau de toilette Medical care All residents of the EU have the right to free medical and hospital care from Tenerife’s Public Health Service whilst on holiday (ie less than three months). To receive this you need to have the European Medical Card or equivalent document, which can be applied for in your home country. It doesn’t cover all treatments; excluding dental treatment, except for emergency extractions, and repatriation due to illness.
If you are ill, find a Centro de Salud or Centro Médico. The ones in the tourist resorts generally speak some English. Make sure they provide care under your insurance policy or EHIC before you sign for anything. Unscrupulous taxi drivers have been known to take back-handers for taking sick people to private clinics so make sure you are in the right place before paying. Safety Only take out credit and bank cards you actually need: leave the rest in the hotel safe, along with your passport and other valuables. A UK driving licence with a photograph is usually accepted as ID for most credit card purchases, a photo credit card will still have to be accompanied by photo ID, daft, but there you are. Do not leave belongings unattended. Particular vigilance on the beach and when you are travelling with luggage is recommended. Take the minimum with you on excursions and lock everything in the boot that you aren’t carrying with you and only access it where you are not overlooked. Do not leave anything in sight. Cars have been broken into for a beach towel before now. If you are at a bar or nightclub, don’t leave your drink unattended and avoid dark streets on the way home. The Islands are safer than many places in Europe, but there are always those who prey on the unaware: relaxing your vigilance could cost you dearly, not just in money but in precious holiday time - reporting the loss of a passport to the police for example and then the visits necessary to the consulates to replace it.
Emergency number: (all Canaries) 112 Guardia Civil (all Canaries): 062
Post Offices Open Monday to Saturday, generally 8.30am - 2.30pm. Some city offices open later.
Blue Badge users Parking for Blue Badge holders in the Canaries is limited to the ‘disabled only’ (Minusválidos) parking spaces in each town. There are no concessions to park on yellow lines or anywhere else normal parking is not allowed. And even if you have a Blue Badge, don’t park in a disabled area which has a registration number marked on it – you will be fined and probably towed away. For further information: www.bluebadgetenerife.com
Consulates British Consulate Tenerife: (0034) 922 286 653 British Consulate Gran Canaria: (0034) 902 109 356 Honorary British consulate Lanzarote: (0034) 928 262 508 Indian consulate: (0034) 922 241 416 Irish Consulate: (0034) 922 245 671 Consulates can issue passports, give information about medical care, education and
legal matters, give assistance to people under arrest, under exceptional circumstances give you enough funds to be repatriated (on loan), and help you in the case of emergency/catastrophe. Inter island transport: Fred Olsen (Ferries): 902 100 107 www.fredolsen.es Naviera Armas (Ferries): 902 456 500 www.navieraarmas. com Binter (Flights) 902 391 392 www.bintercanarias.com Canary Fly: 902 808 065 Airport and flight Information: All Canarian airports are controlled by AENA. www.aenaaeropuertos.es Buses The transport company TITSA has buses that reach all corners of the island. The main bus station is in Santa Cruz, near the Adán Martín Auditorium. Clients can choose to purchase a ticket on the bus for each individual journey or to buy a Bono-bus ticket, a card which can be shared by various people and will mean saving up to 50 per cent of the fare, depending on the route. They are on sale in any of the TITSA bus stations and also in a number of kiosks and small establishments (often newsagents), identified with a green sticker on the window. If your Bono-bus has insufficient credit to purchase your last journey, the difference can be made up in cash on the bus, but not with another Bono-bus card. For information you can call TITSA on: (0034) 922 531 130 or see: www.titsa.com
Taxis Tenerife taxis are white and, unless they are minivans, the maximum number of passengers is four, including children. Eurotaxis have ramps for wheelchairs. Eurotaxis, Santa Cruz: (0034) 609 867 581/607 612 816/629 132 269 Taxi Santa Cruz: (0034) 937 780 030 www.teletaxi.es Radiotaxi San Pedro: (0034) 922 310 000 Parque Marítimo César Manrique (next to the Auditorium) Open every day: Sun-Thurs: 10am-8pm, Fri, Sat: 10amMidnight Adults: €2.50, Children (under 12): €1.50, Over 65s: €1.50 Tel: (0034) 922 229 368 https://es-es.facebook.com/ parque.manrique Palmetum Open Tues – Sun, 11am - 2pm, 4pm-6pm. Adults: €4, Children (under 12): €2.80, Canarian residents €1/1.50 Tel: (0034) 697 651 127. info@palmetumsantacruz. com Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre (Nature and Man) Open Tues – Sat, 9am - 8pm; Sun, Mon, 10am - 5pm. Tel: (00 34) 922 535 816 www.museosdetenerife.org Museo Militar (Military Museum), C/ San Isidro. Tel: (0034) 922 274 224. Open: Mon-Fri 10am-2pm, ecocmar@et.mde.es Castillo de San 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
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La Laguna Tourist Office, Casa Alvaro Bracamonde, C/ La Carrera. Tel: (0034) 922 631 194/922 601 106. The tourist office offers a free guided route around the city. Call to make a reservation.
Tenerife South Playa de Las Américas Tourist Office Plaza del Centro Comercial City Centre, Avda. Rafael Puig, 19. Tel: (0034) 922 797 668
Museo de Historia y Antropología de Tenerife, Casa Lercaro, C/ San Agustín. Open Tues - Sat: 9am-8pm; Sun, Mon, Bank holidays: 10am 5pm. www.museosdetenerife.org.
Oficinas de Turismo: Avda. Juan Carlos I (Bus station) Tel: (0034) 922 730 133 Paseo Marítimo Playa de Las Vistas Tel: (0034) 922 787 011
Taxis: (0034) 922 715 407
25 Twin Tickets can be purchased for Siam Park and Loro Parque. www.siampark.net Lost Property Offices Tenerife North Airport: (0034) 922 635 855 Tenerife South Airport: (0034) 922 759 391 Arona: (0034) 922 725 562 Costa Adeje: (0034) 922 710 606 La Laguna: (0034) 922 608 805/922 251 080 Puerto de la Cruz: (0034) 922 378 448
Evangelical Service Centro Apolo, 1ª planta, Los Cristianos, Arona. Tel: (0034) 922 792 007 Services: Sundays at 11am and 6pm Swedish Church Abroad Coronel, s/n, Los Cristianos, Arona. Tel: (0034) 922 75 00 68
Radiotaxi La Laguna (0034) 922 255 555. Puerto de la Cruz Tourist Office, Casa de la Aduana, C/ Las Lonjas. Tel: (0034) 922 386 000. Centro de Información Turística, C/ Puerto Viejo. Tel: (0034) 922 370 243/922 388 777.
Taxis: (0034) 922 747 511 Tourist Office Costa Adeje Avda. Litoral Playa Fañabé Tel: (0034) 922 716 539 Jungle Park: Urb. Las Águilas del Teide, s/n Tel: (0034) 922 729 806. www.aguilasjunglepark.com. Aqualand Avda. Austria, 15 Tel: (0034) 922 715 266. www.aqualand.es Twin tickets can be purchased for Aqualand and Jungle Park, see websites. Siam Park (The Water Kingdom) Avda. Siam Park s/n. Tel: (0034) 822 070 000.
Santa Cruz: (0034) 922 606 354 Religious Services In Spain, Catholicism is the main religion and almost all towns and cities, including tourist resorts, have churches where mass is frequently held. Below is information about Catholic services held in languages other than Spanish and services for other faiths. Holy Communion Anglican Church, Iglesia de San Eugenio, Las Américas. Tel: (0034) 922 793 143 Services: Sundays at 10.15am Anglican church, Puerto de la Cruz www.allsaintstenerife.com/
San Sebastián Tourist Office C/ Real, 4. www.sansebastiandelagomera. org/turismo/ Taxis: (0034) 922 870 524
Tourism Board C/ Triana, Las Palmas. Tel: (0034) 928 219 600. www.grancanaria.com/patronato_turismo.
Valle Gran Rey Tourist Office C/ La Noria, 2, La Playa. Tel: (0034) 922 805 458 www.lagomera.travel/islascanarias/la-gomera/es/acerca/ visitar-valle-gran-rey/
Las Dunas Tourist Office Avda. De Tirajana (Hotel Riu Maspalomas), Playa del Inglés. Tel: (0034) 928 765 242.
Museo de la Ciencia y el Cosmos, Avda. Los Menceyes. Tel: (0034) 922 315 265. Open: Tues-Sat: 9am-8.pm. Sun, Mon, Bank holidays: 10am - 5pm. www.museosdetenerife.org.
La Gomera
Gran Canaria
Las Canteras Tourist Office Paseo de la Playa de Las Canteras (opposite the Hotel Meliá) Tel: (0034) 928 446 824. www.lpavisit.com.
There is plenty to celebrate when holidaying on the Islands
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
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HOLIDAY GUIDE SPIN NEWS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 033
Love and betrayal
Haunted by Giselle
Giselle is considered to be a master work in romantic ballet, and is a tale of betrayal, the supernatural and love that transcends death. First shown in 1841 at the Opera de Paris, the Moscow Ballet will reproduce the story for a 2016 audience in Los Cristianos on April 1. The exquisite dancers will
include some of the very best Russian soloists, including the outstanding Cristina and Alexei Terentiev. The Moscow Ballet was founded in 1989 by Russian choreographer and dancer Timur Fayziev. The company is made up of some of the leading dancers and choreographers from across the Russian ballet com-
panies, and today it is one of the largest companies in the country. Since its foundation it has offered over a thousand performances and made over 60 tours around the world, which have included Japan, China, Taiwan, Italy, Switzerland, England and Spain. In 1991, the company was chosen by the great Rudolf Nureyev
I Love Music Festival
Party weekend! The spectacular I Love Music Festival will return to the south of Tenerife this Easter. As usual during this electrifying electronic music event, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the best of its kind around, spread across two stages, and from some of the greatest established artists and most promising up and coming DJs too. The bill includes Rudimental, Loco Dice, R3hab, Quintino, Lady Bee, Moksi, Cassy, Childsplay, Deborah De Luca, Hector Couto, Gioli, The Partysquad, Radio Slave, Genairo Nvila, Edu Imbernon, Caleb Calloway, Hanfry Martínez, Trash, Javier Carballo, Deff Pete, Fran Cabello, Rayco Santos, Groove Muse and Bobby Bob. The festival takes place at Siam Park, Costa Adeje, over March 24 and 25. Tickets, priced from €56 to €112 are available from www.farraworld.com/entradas, or Jack & Jones shops at CC Meridiano in Santa Cruz and CC La Villa in La Orotava; Fitenia Surf Shop in La Laguna; Sinatra Store in Santa Cruz; or the cinema box office at CC Gran Sur in Costa Adeje. For more information, see: www.ilovemusicfesn tival.com or the Facebook page of the same name.
for his last tour of Europe. The Moscow Ballet will be performing Giselle at the Infanta Leonor Auditorium, starting 8.30pm. Tickets, priced at €38, can be purchased online at: www.4tickets.es/balletdemoscu. For groups of 12 or more, please email info@factoriacultural.com. See: www.arona.org n for more information.
Exquisite jazz
Timeless duets Noa Lur, from Bilbao, Spain, is considered by the top specialist magazines to be the best female jazz vocalist on the current national scene. Snapped up by some of the best jazz clubs in Madrid, Bilbao and Barcelona, she has also accompanied both Al Jareau and Bobby McFerrin as warm-up artist on their tours of Spain.
Lur, whose career is booming on a European level, now teams up with one of the best examples of a singular and unique guitar style: Canarian musician Eliseo Lloreda – a jazz legend across the Islands. The Timeless Duets tour by Noa and Eliseo, who began his career in Tenerife, offers a quality of concert which few artists in this genre are
able to reach. Eliseo’s exceptional expertise, his exquisite melodic taste, personal sensitivity, and virtuosity, create a perfect harmony with Noa’s sweetness, absolute control and superb vocal technique, not to mention her irresistible personality. With Timeless Duets, they are said to have became the only jazz duo in Spain to have reached
the heights of demanding refinement and technique previously only attained by artists such as Tuck Andrés and Patti Smith. The exquisite, not to be missed, show for jazz fans will be at the Teatro Leal in La Laguna on March 18 at 9pm. Tickets, priced at €10, are available from www.entrees.es. See www. n teatroleal.com.
HOLIDAY GUIDE SPIN NEWS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 766
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Voice and timple
Little Red Riding Hood
Who’s afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? The popular European fairytale Little Red Riding Hood was first published by Charles Perrault, but this traditional tale has been subjected to numerous adaptations over its centuries of history. The original story is about a young girl, named after her red-hooded cloak, and the Big Bad Wolf. One day, she is walking through the woods to take food to her sickly grandmother, but the Wolf, who wants to eat the food in her basket – and her - for dinner, secretly stalks her behind trees, bushes, shrubs, and short and tall grass. He approaches Little Red Riding Hood and she naïvely tells him where she is going. The wolf suggests she picks some flowers for her grandma – whilst he sneaks off to the grandmother’s house and gains entry by pretending to be the girl. He then swallows the grandmother whole, and waits disguised as grandma for Little Red Riding Hood. And it is what happens next where the stories start to differ the most. The La Ratonera theatrical group will be performing a brand new version of Little Red Riding Hood, or Caperucita Roja as she is called in Spanish. Their musical begins with the finding of the red cloak, but has a mysterious and unexpected outcome. The children’s show will be at the Teatro Guimerá in Santa Cruz on March 12 at 5pm and 7pm, and on March 13 at 12pm and 5pm. Tickets, costing €10 to €15, are available from: www.tomaticket.es or the theatre box office. n See: www.teatroguimera.es.
Women and the history of music The show Mujeres: de la Voz al Mundo (Women: Voice to the World) is based on the role played by females in the history of music, as a reflection of social and cultural realities across the five continents. During said concert, by vocalist Claudia Álamo, from El Hierro, and Tenerife’s timple player Beselch Rodríguez, you will be able to hear a mix of songs ranging from the most conventional to bang-up-todate soul. For the show, Rodríguez will not only play the traditional acoustic timple, but also his unique electric version, which he actually made himself. The pair will be accompanied by Fede Beuster on drums, Carlos Perdomo on double and electric bass, Jeremías Martín on piano, keyboards and accordion, and Álvaro Jiménez on electric guitar – in an ethnic yet current set that will
Photo courtesy of Beselch Rodríguez
3.3.2016 – 16.3.2016
include songs which, in Álamo’s words, “have made such a mark they’ve almost been turned into hymns.” The two stars have worked on various projects together before, including Rodríguez’s second album. Álamo’s fusion of Canarian folklore with other
styles such as pop-rock, blues and bossa nova, fits perfectly with Rodríguez – known as one of modern time’s greatest Canarian timple players, who has introduced a contemporary twist to the music that has attracted a further generation to the instrument.
The next stop for this show will be at the El Sauzal Auditorium, in Calle Constitución No. 3, on March 11 at 8.30pm. Tickets cost €9, with discounts for students and the elderly, and are available from www.tomaticket.es or at the box office. n See www.elsauzal.es.
Surrounded by snow and mystery
Photo: Javier Naval
An Agatha Christie classic
DO YOU WANT TO ADVERTISE YOUR COMPANY HERE 922 750 609
The Mousetrap is a murder mystery play written by Agatha Christie which opened in London’s West End in 1952 and has been running continuously ever since: becoming the longest show from first performance of any type in modern times. The play is based on a short story called Three Blind Mice which Agatha Christie didn’t want published until the West End run of the play ended. The story tells of the young couple Mollie and Giles Ralston who inherited a mansion, Monkston Manor, which they converted into a guesthouse.
On a cold winter’s night, several guests arrive for a weekend stay. An eccentric young man, Christopher Wren; Major Metcalf and wife Mrs. Boyle (a constant complainer); the rather masculine Miss Casewell; and
a mysterious man with a foreign accent, Mr. Paravicini. These are soon joined by a young policeman who informs the household that one of them is linked to a murder previously committed in Lon-
don. The guests are snowed in, the atmosphere is one of mistrust, and many strange events follow: it has become a mousetrap. The story has gained a certain reputation for the strange twist that forms its ending, and the audience is usually asked not to reveal it after leaving the theatre so as not to spoil it for future spectators… The Spanish version of the story, called La Ratonera, will be at the Teatro Guimerá in Santa Cruz on March 20. The show starts at 7pm, tickets are priced at €5. See www. n teatroguimera.es.
HOLIDAY GUIDE WHATS ON 2016
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 033
March
March
GRAN CANARIA TENERIFE DIARY DATES
DIARY DATES
Carnival continues in the main tourist areas and smaller boroughs. Check out local town halls for full details of the, mainly free, entertainment near you.
Carnival continues in the main tourist areas and smaller boroughs. Check out local town halls for full details of the, mainly free, entertainment near you.
March 4-6
March
TransGranCanaria Endurance race, 17-125km, various routes around the island starting at Agaete, Fontanales (Moya), Tunte, Ayagaures, El Garañón and finishing at Meloneras. If you wish to travel anywhere in these areas on these days, check with local police as roads may be closed on certain routes at specific times. www. trangrancanaria.net.
Details to be confirmed, Guided accessible marine route for the mentally and/or physically challenged, Las Galletas. Information and registration 922 761 600. Take part in Adeje’s amazing recreation of the Passion of Christ as a volunteer actor, register up to March 18. www.adeje.es
March 10-12
6pm: Women’s breathing workshop by Berta Pérez Gómez, prebooking necessary, Centro Cultural, Adeje. www.adeje.es.
El Corte Inglés 40th Canary Island Rally, Cenobio de Valerón, Moya, Tejeda, Santa Lucia, Ingenio, Gáldar, Valleseco. Roads all over the island will inevitably be closed during these events. Check with local police for travel advice. www.ralleyislascanarias.com. March 11
7pm: Women’s spa visit, pre-booking necessary, Centro Cultural, Adeje. www.adeje.es. March 5
March 11-20 VI Primavera Sur Handicrafts fair, Faro de Maspalomas, San Bartolomé de Tirajana. www. fedac.org. March 12 Hiking, Pico de La Gorra – Lomo Guaniles – Barranco de Guayadeque, Ayuntamiento de Valleseco. 928 618 022 ext 221. 9pm: Las Minas Puerto Flamenco, music and dance, from €14, Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, LPGC. www.auditorioteatrolaspalmasgc.es.
9pm: Huaracheros concert, boleros, from €8, Teatro Leal, La Laguna. www.teatroleal.es March 6 12pm: Chi Mimí y Floon, clowns, magic, songs, acrobats, from €5, Teatro Leal, La Laguna. www.teatroleal.es. 5pm: Charity concert in favour of Fundación CAPP (Palestine). Mohanad Mansour, Dr Najeh Bkirat, exhibitions, charity auction, conference, Palestinian music, Free Entry, Auditorio Infanta Leonor, Los Cristianos. March 10-12
March 13
Tuesdays Tour of Dorada beer factory, Avenida de Ángel Romero, Santa Cruz. doradatour.es. Thursdays Hiking route down the Masca ravine, €45, visit to Masca village, 4-hour hike, ½ hour on the beach, 1 hour food and boat trip, guide, insurance and transfer to and from Puerto de la Cruz, Los Gigantes, Garachico, Los Silos and Buenavista. www.elcardon.com.
March 4 - 6 Martial arts technical workshop, M3 space, El Médano, Granadilla de Abona. 629 071 908/ luchadelgarrote@terra.com.
8.30pm: Claudia Álamo, Beselch Rodríguez, voice, timple and band, €9, auditorium, El Sauzal. www.elsauzal.es. 8.30pm: Las Minas Puerto Flamenco, music and dance, from €15, Teatro Guimerá, SCdT. www.teatroguimera.es. March 12 8am: Hiking route, Cruz del Carmen – Chinamada – Punta del Hidalgo, €12, organised by Arona Cultural Department, 10.5 km appx, 4-5 hours, medium difficulty. Register before March 5 at Arona SAC offices. 9am – 3/5pm appx: Spanish Judo Cup (Infantil A and Cadete A), Pabellón Municipal de Deportes, Granadilla de Abona. www.judogranadilla.com. Hiking route, Chanajiga – El Asomadero – Los Realejos, €10 includes guide, insurance, transport. 922 700 000 ext 1297/1242. 8.30pm: Gospel concert, €10, Cultural Centre, Adeje. 8.30pm: Werther, opera, Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín, SCdT. auditoriodetenerife.com.
Saturday mornings Events for specific groups, families, seniors, women etc., Activate Sports Club. www.tenerifeactivate.com. Sundays Secrets of Teno, 4-hour hike, 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 March 3
6pm: Workshop on motivating your children to improve learning skills and study efficiently, Centro Cultural, Adeje. www.adeje.es.
9pm: Manolo Tena, pop/rock singer/songwriter/ composer, from €20, Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, LPGC. www.festivalmarabierto.com.
March 18
Until March 13 Gran Canaria International Film Festival, presentation and projection of various films from all over the world, many shown in their original language, no details available as of going to print, but more information at: lpafilmfestival.com closer to the time.
Folklore exhibitions, Pueblo Canario, Francisco González Díaz, Free Entry, LPGC.
Canarias Folk Fest, parade, regional costumes, traditional dancing, singing and crafts and tastings in Las Galletas and Los Cristianos. Thursday – Rambla Dionisio González, Las Galletas, Friday – Avenida Las Américas (Golden Mile), Playa Las Américas and Saturday – Plaza de la Pescadera and PaseoMarítimo (Avenida Juan Alfonso Bautista), Los Cristianos. Thursday and Saturday, 5pm - 8.30pm, Friday 8.30pm.
March 16
March 19
Sundays
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
March 13 11am: Pet fancy dress competition, part of Los Cristianos International Carnival, pre-registration necessary, in front of the Valdés Center, Los Cristianos. Information SAC offices and 922 761 600.
Hiking, Barranco del Draguillo (Ingenio), adults €9, children €5, includes transport, guide and insurance. Register Monday to Friday, 8am – 2pm, 928 158 800 ext 1201/cultura@mogan. es. Arguineguín open race, Mogán. 5/10km race, children’s race, charity walk. Register and more information, www.mogan.es.
Monday to Thursday Arts and crafts workshops, €50 children, €63 adults per quarter, includes tuition and materials, Mercado Municipal, La Casa de la Cultura, Escuelas Artísticas Municipales, Los Realejos. Escuelasmunicipales.com.
March 3
March 4
8pm: Black Tea, jazz concert, San Martín Centro de Cultura Contemporánea, Vegueta, LPGC. www.sanmartincontemporaneo.com
March 11
Los detalles marcan la diferencia (the difference is in the details), photography by Jonás Hernández Ramos, Casa de la Juventud, Avenida de los Vientos, Adeje, Monday to Friday, 10am-1pm and 5pm – 8pm. www.adeje.es. Until March 6
International Gospel workshop, €35/3 days, March 10 & 11, 6pm – 10pm, March 12, 10am – 2pm, Cultural Centre, Adeje. Information and registry at tlgospelchoir@yahoo.com.
9pm: UB40 concert, pop/rock, from €49, Pirámide de Arona. www.legendslive.es. 9pm: Manolo Tena, singer/songwriter and composer, pop/rock, €20 prior booking, €23 on the day, Auditorio Teobaldo Power, La Orotava. www.festivalmarabierto.com. 9pm: Noa and Eliseo, jazz duo, €10, Teatro Leal, La Laguna. www.teatroleal.com.
Photography by Janek Zamovski, TEA, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 8pm. www.teatenerife.es. Until March 7 Acrylics by Paco Rossique, Galería de Arte Magda Lázaro, C/Numancia 24, SCdT, Wednesday to Friday, 5.30pm – 8.30pm.
For regular church, charity and recreational events, please see: www.islandconnections.eu/1000003/1000027/0/41004/living-lifestyle-article.html
3.3.2016 – 16.3.2016
MUSIC
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 766
29
The Qfm Music Review – Your guide to music created in the Canary Islands
Great live music venues Where can we see all these talented artists perform live? That is the question we are asked so many times on Qfm. We support dozens of independent local artists on air, and over the past year we have written a review for an album cre-
Veinte 04
ated within the Canary Islands in each issue of this publication. In this edition we are going to disclose which venues genuinely support this alternative, non-mainstream, live music. Our choices are totally editorially based, and are not influenced commercially with either Qfm or Island Connections. The majority of these venues subsidise the costs of these concerts purely to support our local
free. A great ‘surf–groove’ atmosphere with a fantastic terrace and the added bonus of a unique menu.
The Chirinstones venue
Café Quilombo
alternative music culture. This is the first part of our top ten recommended venues, which we list in no particular order. Our five venues for this edition of Qfm’s Music Review are:
Veinte 04 Surf Café This one, based at El Médano’s main plaza, has in the last few years become a reference for live jazz, funk, indie, blues, and world music. Concerts
Be Flat Jazz & Blues Club
The Búho Club
take place every Thursday at 9pm (usually jazz), Saturdays at 9:30pm (everything else), with some special concerts on some Fridays. Entry to the concerts is generally
The brainchild of Diego Cano, within just two years this jazz club became legendary, not only supporting local artists, but also bringing some of the world’s finest international artists within the reach of South Tenerife’s extensive jazz community. Due to red tape, the venue is currently, in Diego’s own words, “in exile”. But not
for long. We can look forward to Be Flat’s return this year, listen to Qfm for details!
Búho Club, La Laguna Without doubt one of this island’s funkiest looking music venues, with great live music every weekend. This smaller capacity club always has a vibrant atmosphere, and its concerts include jazz, blues, funk, rock, electronic and fusions. Concerts cost very little or entry is free of charge. Don’t expect seating space, not that you will want it!
Chirinstones, El Médano Having just had a make-over, this venue has reopened its doors with free-entry concerts and its unique ‘surf-rock’ theme. Enjoy live alternative acoustic rock every Thursday, rock every Friday, special concerts every Saturday, and the legendary open jam sessions every Monday. Concerts start
at about 10pm, but the venue is open until very late. Check out the special Tenerife limited edition real ales!
Café Quilombo, La Orotava One of North Tenerife’s most distinguished venues, where many local artists launch their albums. The club also presents some great national artists, including genres such as jazz, blues, acoustic pop and electronic. This venue lends itself to seated concerts, and reservations are recommended due to limited availability. In our next edition, there will be five more essential music venues! For more information about concerts at the above, listen to Qfm’s daily cultural guides, which you can hear between 6am and 8pm every hour, seven days a week. Qfm can be heard on 94.3 in South Tenerife or worldwide on www. n qmusica.com.
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SPOTLIGHT
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 033
Spotlight on Joe Cawley
Fish, fame and far-flung travel Former musician and Tenerife bar owner Joe Cawley is now an award-winning travel writer and author whose first book, More Ketchup than Salsa, was voted Best Travel Narrative by the British Guild of Travel Writers.
well as the novel Walter and subsequent film screenplay, which starred Ian McKellen in the title role. His brother David is also a travel writer. After performing in various school bands, Joe joined The Hipsters, a powerful threepiece in the mould of The Clash, who performed original material and went on to cut a
company and recorded material in Aerosmith’s studio, but when the guitarist ran into legal problems and was sent back to the UK, Joe and the frontman followed him back. The band soon split and Joe had a new decision to make: swap his blossoming career on a cold Bolton fish market for a new life as a bar owner on
writer, which first took him to Peru. Joe, a huge Bill Bryson fan, read about a sponsored
island. At the same time he started writing the initial chapters of what would go on to
trip that the famous writer was organising and immediately signed up for the South American adventure. The trip led to a widely-published series of articles. Having been bitten by the travel-writing bug, Joe went on to have countless articles feature in many renowned publications, including assignments tracking wolves and bears in Transylvania for The Sunday Times, enjoying a family cruise in the Caribbean for the Daily Express, and experiencing the Lapland Arctic Adventures tour for The Independent. Joe also wrote for The Times, New York Post and Taipei Times, among others. In 2004, shortly after the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, Joe launched the charity Healing Hands to Matara, which sponsored orphaned children in Sri Lanka, and he flew out days after the disaster to cover volunteer efforts in the stricken region. Following the birth of his two children, Molly Blue in 2002 and Sam in 2004, Joe gave up travel writing and took a job as the editor of Living Tenerife, a lifestyle magazine that had recently launched on the
be More Ketchup than Salsa and began to tentatively send them to publishers to gauge interest. On the strength of just four chapters, Summersdale Publishing bought the
Joe Cawley, award-winning travel writer and author The cover for More Ketchup than Salsa Joe with Stella Morris, owner of Sweetens Books in Bolton
A resident of Tenerife for over 25 years, Joe’s debut novel and its 2013 follow-up, Even More Ketchup than Salsa: The Final Dollop, captured the imagination of keen book readers and is currently in talks for a possible TV series following a successful run on online publishing platforms such as Amazon. Combined, the books have gone on to sell over 100,000 copies. Originally from Bolton in the UK, Joe’s early-artistic forays were as a rock drummer despite having a famous playwright uncle, David Cook, who wrote numerous episodes for the BBC series Hetty Wainthropp Investigates as
7” single in 1987 called Black Chevrolet. The group later toured the US when Joe went to live and work with his dad just outside Boston and the other band members joined him stateside. They were quickly picked up by a management
a sub-tropical island. He had recently met Joy, the person he would spend his life and share two children with, and they had been offered the opportunity to buy a bar in Tenerife, but be loaded with a £165,000 debt – no paltry sum back in 1991. Along with David and his wife, the foursome purchased the Smugglers’ Tavern near La Caleta and ran it for over eight years, eventually selling up in 1999. The experiences of this period form the humorous narrative behind his two best-selling novels. It was the start of a new millennium as well as a new career path when Joe began writing humorous essays about life in Tenerife and had them published online. He sent some material into Island Connections and soon had his own regular column, which was enormously popular and ran for several years. This was followed by a freelance career as a travel
book and Joe spent the next six months working full-time to complete it. It was published in 2006, with the novel going on to win the Best Travel Narrative as voted by the British Guild of Travel Writers the following year. After two print runs, Joe reacquired the book’s rights in 2010 and thought to himself: “Kindle eBook readers are coming to the fore, I’ll put in on Amazon.” Now an independent author, Joe had the control to market More Ketchup than Salsa how he liked and it became an instant online success. The sequel, Even More Ketchup than Salsa: The Final Dollop, was published three years later and a third book is currently in the works. Both are available in eBook and paperback. Joe has had talks with film producers regarding the Ketchup series but was recently told by a successful TV producer that the concept would work better for television, and together they are working on scripts and holding talks with production companies about adapting the idea as a comedy drama series. For more information on Joe Cawley and his published works, visit his author profile at Amazon or go to his website: n www.joecawley.co.uk.
3.3.2016 – 16.3.2016
BLEVINS FRANKS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 766
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Investor behaviour and opportunities spread out entering the market over time. As history has shown, markets always recover eventually. If you look at the last five decades, declines have been followed by upturns which on average have been longer lasting, with gains larger than the losses preceding them.
By Paul Montague, Partner, Blevins Franks
Most times in life, when we are looking to buy something we view falling prices as a positive factor. If we want to buy a new TV, furniture etc, we often wait for the sales to get better value for money. Many people will take advantage of falling property prices to make the purchase then. When it comes to equities, however, people can behave very differently. Falling prices make them fearful and they refrain from buying shares – they may even sell the ones they have. Emotions play a large part in investor behaviour. As the price of an asset rises, investors are attracted by the returns they have seen and buy it. However, if you have seen the ‘cycle of market emotions’ graphic, the point of ‘euphoria’, when prices are highest, is also the ‘point of maximum investment risk’ because that is when prices are most likely to start to come down. Likewise, as markets fall, inves-
We cannot know when markets will hit the bottom. If you keep waiting you will probably miss the upswing, which is often when price increases are sharpest. Do not risk waiting too long, but be prepared for further short-term volatility and, importantly, to hold your investment for the longer-term. We do not generally advocate ‘timing the markets’ – it is ‘time in the market’ that counts – however this does not mean the ‘point of maximum finan- more shares with your money; that those with capital to invest cial opportunity’. shares that will rise in price once should ignore the opportunities Although stockmarket volatil- the downturn ends. presented by falling markets. ity can be uncomfortable, it can bring value back to the mar- If you are concerned the market If you are invested for the longkets and create opportunities. If may fall further - even though term your portfolio should ride you have capital to invest, share it could instead rise - you could out temporary market volatilprices falling can be a good time apply the principle of ‘pound ity. A chart from Blackrock to buy. You can potentially buy cost averaging’, where you shows how a £10,000 hypo-
“Although stock market volatility can be uncomfortable, it can bring value back to the markets and create opportunities” tors become fearful about losing money. Many sell their shares, causing further falls. People with money to invest sit on the side lines, waiting until they feel confident that prices are back on an upward path. However, when markets are lowest, the point of ‘despondency’ is also
thetical investment in the FTSE All-Share Index would have grown to £71,602 in the 25 years 1989–2014 - in spite of major events like September 11, subprime crisis, Lehman Brothers and European sovereign debt crisis. That said, as always, your investment strategy and choices should be dictated by your specific personal circumstances, objectives, time horizon and attitude to risk and you must take specialist advice. This article should not be construed as providing any personalised investment advice. To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www.blevinsfranks.com Blevins Franks provides tailormade advice on investment strategies, tax mitigation and estate planning. It has decades of experience advising British expatriates in Spain. Contact Paul Montague on 922 716 079 or paul.montague@ blevinsfranks.com
MOTORING
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 033
Your questions answered
Everyday Motoring
Motorsport
Worten for winners The popular electrical appliances chain of stores, Worten, recently became the latest corporation to provide official support for the winning Canary Islands Copi Sport team. With this move, Worten is now another of the prestigious backers of the Campeón de Canarias de Rallyes y Montaña brand – the most successful team in the history of motorsport in the Islands. Worten will bring the group’s extensive technological knowledge to the squad and will provide input in the areas of connectivity between members as well as public accessibility to sound, image and WiFi. They will also provide particular support for driver Enrique Cruz during his Campeonato Autonómico de Montaña challenge. And all we can say is: Good luck for these year’s competitions, sounds like a winning team! n
By Wheeler Dealers used your windscreen wip- tial rain can lead to potentially time you go to your local garage dangerous road conditions, especially as the roads here have no camber, and as there is little earth to soak excess water up it collects on the road surfaces leading to problems with braking, and with aquaplaning a real possibility. Car maintenance is one of those things that many of us choose to ignore until something goes wrong, but this is definitely a case of prevention being better than cure. Next
to check your oil and water levels, ask them to check your windscreen wipers and tyres too, and keep yourself safe.
Based on their years of experience in the car industry, Wheeler Dealers will be providing useful advice and indepth information for the coming editions of Island Connections. Wheeler Dealers, Las Chafiras. n Tel: 605 318 143
SEAT sport
Leon Cup Racer ready to go SEAT is continuing its longstanding commitment to motorsport as it prepares for the 2016 SEAT Leon Eurocup to take to some of the continent’s most fascinating race tracks, over seven weekends across six European countries. On the starting line is the SEAT Leon Cup Racer, a top-flight motorsport machine with 330 PS and state-of-the-art technology. It is already one of the most successful racing touring cars on the circuit right now, with more than 100 of them currently used across a diverse array of racing series, by teams from 22 different countries – with great success, including in the new TCR International Series. The Cup Racer has been further developed for even faster
All kitted out and ready to go for the 2016 SEAT Leon Eurocup
and more thrilling motorsport this year, and new for this season is a second version of the Cup Racer TCR. With a sequential transmission instead of the DSG, it is specifically configured for endurance racing and all TCR championships.
The SEAT Leon Eurocup is one of the most attractive singlebrand trophy series in Europe. In this, its third year, the race calendar comprises seven dates on Europe’s best race tracks: April 23/24 in Estoril, Portugal; May 14/15 at Silverstone
in the United Kingdom; Paul Ricard on June 4/5 in France; July 16/17 in Mugello, Italy; September 10/11 at the Red Bull Ring in Austria, followed on September 17/18 at Nürburgring, Germany; and last, but not least, October 29/30 at Montmelo in Spain. Since 1970, the Spanish brand has built a rich automotive heritage, winning two World Touring Car Championships (2008 and 2009) and three titles in the World Rally Championship two litre category (19961998), in addition to organising successful single-brand competitions around the world. Through other international and regional programs, SEAT Sport has also won over 25 rally n and touring car titles.
General Director of Worten Canarias S.L. Carlos Rodríguez Hernández (L) shakes on the deal with Fernando Capdevila García, administrator for Copi Sport S.L.
Canary Islands motorsport
Rallying round
Two of the Islands’ biggest rally events are just around the corner. The 40th Rally Islas Canarias El Corte Inglés, the second tarmac rally of the season in the FIA European Rally Championship, will take place in Gran Canaria on March 10, 11 and 12. The first date will see the qualifying stages which will decide the starting order for the ERC1 and ERC2 teams. The next day will be taken up with the Moya stage – the longest of the competition, covering 24.73 km, to be followed on the last day with the Ingenio, Gáldar and Valleseco runs. More information can be found at: www.rallyislascanarias.com. Meanwhile, the 26th Villa de Adeje Rally will come to Tenerife on March 17 - 19. The rally covers almost the whole of the south of the island, broken down into various sets and stages, as follows: Arico, Granadilla, San Miguel, Vilaflor to Arona, and Adeje to Santiago del Teide. n See: http://rallyevilladeadeje.com for full information.
Photo: Krzysztof Kozerski / FreeImages.com
ers for some time, and then just when you need them you find they are shredded or stuck to the windscreen. This can be caused by lack of use, or continuous sun damage over time, so it’s always worth checking them regularly. You are responsible for ensuring your visibility is unimpaired and that you can drive safely. Inclement weather also highlights the issue of tyres. Torren-
©2016 FLN
Motoring everywhere in the world brings its own challenges, and Tenerife has some unusual ones indeed, so in each edition we´ll be looking at what we can do to make our motoring lives safer and more comfortable. One issue that is definitely topical at present is the change in weather. Recent rain has highlighted the fact that you probably haven’t
3.3.2016 – 16.3.2016
HEALTH
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 766
Free advice
And that’s a Fact!
Photo: Shho / FreeImages.com
The Free Advice Centre Tenerife (FACT) is a new information source started in Las Chafiras by Sue McDonald, who has been in business in Tenerife for more than 25 years. Sue has owned, run and sold on various businesses, including a car repair business, a rent-a-car and a furniture shop, and will now be writing for Island Connections about issues of interSue McDonald will be writing est to us all. “I’m not a lawyer or a ges- about issues that affect us all tor”, Sue explains. “But over the years, I’ve built up a lot of knowledge about the island and how it works, and more importantly, a network of professional and reputable people who I am prepared to be affiliated with. The advice is free as the name suggests, and if further action is needed, you will be referred on to someone trustworthy and highly recommended”. Whether you’ve just arrived on the island or have lived here for years, everyone has admin issues that need sorting out. It might a problem with official paperwork, a utility bill that you know is wrong, or you might need someone to change your address on all your documents because you’ve moved house and simply don’t have the time to do it yourself. Who do you turn to for these issues, when they are not important enough to bother a gestor or a lawyer, but do need to be dealt with? We all know that admin here can be a nightmare and defy all logic if you don’t know where to go or how the system works, and of course this is compounded by the language complications. Sometimes all that is needed is a quick confidential chat, face to face, at the office, and to be pointed in the right direction. FACT operates from an office inside Wheeler Dealers in Las Chafiras, and in each edition Sue McDonald will be writing about issues that affect us all living in Tenerife. If you have something you would like to discuss, write to Island Connections at: editorial@ic-news. com or call in to the Fact Office at Wheeler Dealers any morning, Monday to Friday. n
The Free Advice Centre Tenerife can help you with your paperwork
33
Promotion
Liberty Seguros Insurance: The expats No.1 choice Of the many thousands of expatriates living either temporarily or permanently in Spain, Liberty Seguros is the favourite of many who are seeking professional insurance at a sensible price. Currently, Liberty Seguros have around 175,000 expatriate clients just like you, serviced by over 300 brokers and agents who speak your language. It’s so pleasant to have a face-toface chat with a dedicated expert about all your insurance needs, rather than an impersonal, over the telephone conversation, with someone you’ll probably never meet. As Iván Ortego, Expatriate’s Experience Director at Liberty Seguros explains:
insurer, there is some ‘small print’ as the saying goes, but we like to keep this to a bare minimum to ensure our customers have not had the ‘wool pulled over their eyes’ so to speak, and to be as transparent as possible. Our brokers/agents can explain this type of detail at the time of contracting the policy in their offices”
“We endeavor to provide the best insurance cover at the best price, so that our customers are covered for as many eventualities as possible. Like every
Liberty Seguros not only covers your main insurance needs for car and home, but also provides Life cover, Marine, Commercial (office and industrial), Pet, Leisure such as Golf and other pastimes, and Sports, Personal and Public Liability too.
Our advertising campaign sums up our philosophy: Better Care, Better Cover, Better Insurance from the market leader. To contract insurance from Liberty Seguros, you can telephone 902 255 258 for an instant quote and the name of your nearest broker or agent, or visit: www.libertyexpatriates.es. Alternatively, if you know where your nearest broker is, go along and be sure of a great reception and all the help you need. n
PC International PROMOTION
And the lucky winner is… PC International’s recent competition to win a NanoSmart Android Watch saw lucky reader Angela Lawlan walk away with the exciting prize. Angela, from Evesham in the West Midlands, UK, has been spending several months a year in sunny Los Cristianos for well over two decades. She was thrilled to receive the chic mini GSM phone from Adam Cairns, Managing Director of PC International. Angela said of her prize from the top IT store: “I have used PC International in the past and been very pleased with their service. I am delighted to have won the competition, now all I have to do is work out how it
Adam Cairns (Managing Director of PC International) presents the watch to Angela Lawlan
operates!” With Bluetooth and Smart Watch technology, the NanoSmart Android Watch can be used with any standard SIM card, without having to subscribe to a contract, and may be worn as a super cool watch, hung around the neck, hooked to a keychain, or clipped onto clothes. It is a versatile accessory and is particularly useful for those who travel regularly or who have more than one SIM card. See: pcinternational.es for more information on the NanoSmart and many other products and services that PC International can help you with. Alternatively, just pick up the phone and call them on: 922 721 535. n
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HEALTH
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 033
Sport, nutrition, wellness
Fit for spring When choosing the right programme for you, a coach is a great help, but keep the following tips in mind: For those whose motivation is not 100 per cent, consider a subscription to a gym. Once there you’ll realise very quickly that sport can be fun. However, don’t overdo it. Scientists have now confirmed that rest is vital as part of your training, to melt the pounds
figures in the summer than in the colder months, but also because people move around less in the winter than they would normally do, and the mild spring temperatures and sunshine tempt us out to start looking after ourselves again. At the top of the ‘to do’ list is to take care of physical fitness. In the Canaries, there are a wide range of advanced
pean countries have a healthy diet with plenty of fish, vegetables, lots of water with just a little meat and what there is of it tends to be good quality. That’s a great starting point, but you can do a lot more for yourself and your body. Take moringa for example. Ten-
Discover the Islands by bike. Cult brand Scott at Bikronos
beautiful and unique Islands’ landscapes will help you to stay healthy and fit. Physicians know that just a 10-
Photo: Bas Silderhuis/freeimages.com
gyms where you can drawup your own personal training programme, such as Tenerife Top Training where the facilities include both indoor and outdoor gyms, a spa, Tennis and paddle courts, and an Olympic-standard swimming pool. Whatever your personal fitness favourites are, you’ll find them here. There is also the Forever Fitness Studio, which opened in Torviscas in
Photo: Peter Skadberg/freeimages.com
Although the weather in the Canary Islands is clearly milder and more pleasant than it is, for example, in England or Germany, here too in winter people have a different pace of life than in the summer months. And, just as in the rest of Europe, spring is the season in which that life’s pace is due a kick-start. Of course, this has a lot to do with the fact that we all show a lot more of our
endorphins. And a walk by the sea always makes your head feel clear and clean. Talking of stress, it’s a myth that those who live in areas which are chosen by others as a holiday destination are not under any stress. Often the opposite is true: taking care of your own livelihood and that of your family in a foreign country, can be considerably more stressful than in your native land. If taking a stroll by the Atlantic doesn’t help you fully regain your inner balance, maybe you should consider trying yoga. This discipline’s positive effect on the physical and mental well-being of its practitioners has been well demonstrated. It trains muscles, tones the body, improves mobility and flexibility, helps to pro-
Walk on the beach to boost happiness hormones Regular gym visits to tone your muscles and your body
April and is carving out a name for itself as another top health address. Brand new equipment and classes in the latest fitness trends can be made the most of here for just €20 a month. There is even a protein and vitamin bar where you can enjoy made to order shakes to complement your workout, plus a beauty room where various therapies are available.
away and build muscle. After a hard workout, your muscles require 48 hours rest and it is important to alter your training programme every six to eight weeks as your body gets used to certain regimes and will react better when there is a regular change in your routine. Diet is of course an essential part of any fitness programme. In principle, southern Euro-
erife has two farms where the miraculous Moringa oleifera tree is cultivated. For some time, health experts have been extolling the virtue of this plant. Moringa powder, which is obtained from the leaves, contains amongst other things, seven essential vitamins and 14 minerals, plus trace elements. It’s 22 per cent protein and has a high number of anti-oxidants which play a major role when it comes to achieving a young and healthy look. Anti-oxidants fight free radicals, the harmful oxygen compounds that can attack and damage cells. When your skin is exposed to high levels of sunshine, it’s even more important to include foods with a high anti-oxidant content in your diet as sunlight promotes the formation of free radicals. For centuries, moringa has been given in Indian medicine as a real panacea for help in over 300 illnesses. What makes people increasingly accept themselves as couch potatoes and renounce that unique ‘Fit for Spring’ feeling? Simply taking a walk by the Atlantic or cycling through some of the most
Moringa contains multiple active ingredients. Shown here blended by Moringa Garden with flax seed oil
minute walk a day can do wonders. It boosts the circulation, helps reduce stress hormones and promotes those happiness
mote concentration and aids in the search for inner peace and balance. This is why yoga is particularly recommended for
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 766
those with a stressful job or life pattern. If you are a beginner, it’s advisable at first to practice not just at home but to see a trained teacher who can help you perform the exercises cor-
rectly and safely. Once you’ve learned, you can, in principle, practice yoga anywhere, depending on your mood! Interestingly, several years ago American researchers in Seattle
HEALTH found that people who practice yoga regularly found it easier to stay slim than others. The scientists said that this was due in part to the better body awareness which yoga gives you. A
Photo: Stephanie Berghaeuser/freeimages.com
3.3.2016 – 16.3.2016
Organic Aloe vera cultivation in Lanzarote where Lanzaloe was developed Yoga can be performed in magical settings in the Canaries Moringa can be taken as a capsule, in tea or powder
Bettenhaus Hammerer
Bettenhaus Hammerer Calle Toscal, 7. La Longuera. Los Realejos Tel: 922 362 408 • www.bettenhausteneriffa.com
Moringa Garden Tenerife Apartado de Correos 194, Güímar Tel: 922 515 074 • www.moringagarden.eu
Tenerife Top Training Avenida de los Acantilados, s/n. 38679 La Caleta de Adeje • Tel: 922 782 933 • www.tenerifetoptraining.com
The Forever Fitness Studio Avenida Ernesto Sartí s/n, Torviscas. Adeje Tel: 922 702 465
Moringa Suerte S.L.U. Lugar Las Marreras Nr. 9. 38617 Granadilla de Abona Tel: 678 403 844
Bikronos Avda. Islas Canarias 104, CC Bordón. Las Chafiras Tel: 922 736 772 • www.bikronos.com
studio in Los Cristianos, Yoga ZenTher, offers a good opportunity for those who want to discover yoga for themselves, with trained staff offering programmes for both beginners and those at a more advanced level. The studio also offers a series of massages which combine perfectly with your yoga sessions. Generally speaking, your spring makeover should include a massage. Why? Because they eliminate the stiffness and tension that are inevitably induced by modern everyday life: as 21st century mankind spends far too much time sitting down. Massages also stimulate blood flow and thus are wonderful for skin tone. After a winter spent in longsleeved sweaters and jeans, even in the Canaries, you are ripe for a special beauty programme. Kick-off with a top-totoe exfoliation which is applied in the shower. The fine abrasive particles remove the dead skin cells and after you’ve rinsed off in warm water and patted yourself dry, your skin is ready for moisturising. The deep cleansing leaves the perfect base for a body lotion or cream and all over the Islands you will see the ideal plant to revitalise your skin – Aloe vera. In Lanzarote there is an organic Aloe vera farm where the active ingredients of this ‘desert lily’ are treated to make products which will leave your skin soft to the touch and with optimum moisture. You can find Lanzaloe toi-
35 letries in the Botánico health food shop in the Canary Centre in Puerto de la Cruz. Finally, when enjoying your own spring makeover, don’t forget your home. Scientists found out long ago that bright, cheerful colours in our living spaces can have a positive effect on our wellbeing. This applies to your walls, but also to accessories such as bedding. A wide range of fresh ideas for spring can be found at the bed specialists Bettenhaus Hammerer in Los Realejos and they can also of course help you choose the correct mattress and the perfect pillows for your pleasn ant spring dreams…
HEALTH
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 033
m_delaflor@hotmail.com
Dear Julia, Alzheimer’s is a disease; dementia is a group of signs and symptoms that include loss of memory, thinking, and other cognitive skills. Dementia isn’t always secondary to Alzheimer’s disease; it can be secondary to a myriad of conditions: i.e. alcoholism. As a rule of thumb, we need to bear in mind that memory changes can be age-related; however, memory problems that interfere with daily life are not ok. Customary early signs of any dementia can be very subtle, and they may include: memory loss; repetition (i.e. keep asking the same questions); language problems (i.e. struggle remembering even basic words); personality changes: (i.e. sudden mood swings or stop doing things they usually enjoy); disorientation and confusion (i.e. trouble completing basic and familiar tasks, like shaving); odd behaviour (i.e. placing objects in odd and inappropriate places or lack of hygiene). If your loved one is exhibiting any of these warning signs, don’t panic. Please schedule an appointment with his/her trusted GP for further evaluation. Warm regards. “You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear, as young as your hope, as old as your despair.” Douglas MacArthur, American five-star general
Dear Dr. De La Flor,
I’ve been taking vitamin B12 for several weeks. The tingling and restless legs I was taking it for seem to have gone. Should I stop the treatment?
Any suggestions? Thank you, Luke Dear Luke, Few people need B12 supplements for life. In most cases, it is a transitory therapy. Our body needs vitamin B12 to manufacture red blood cells as well as keep our neurons functioning properly and effectively. Deficiency decreases the amount of oxygen our blood can transport through the circulatory system, leaving us helplessly tired. As we all age, we produce less of a protein called Intrinsic Factor, which helps us process this essential nutrient. Have your GP check your current B12 levels before you drastically stop the treatment plan. Best regards. “Leave your drugs in the chemist’s pot if you can heal the patient with food.” Hippocrates
Dear Dr. De La Flor,
I’ve been taking eight tablets a day for a few years now. Can prescription tablets be causing muscle cramps? Thank you, L.M. Dear L.M., Tablet safety is as simple as ABC - Always Be Careful. In your case, you do need to sit down with your trusted GP and rule out that possibility. There are several wellknown and widely prescribed drugs that can cause muscle cramps. Some usual suspects are medications like diuretics (furosemide), and for treatment of Alzheimer’s and osteoporosis, as well as asthma inhalers and certain cholesterol-lowering tablets. The good news is that your GP can effectively replace it for more suitable one. Best wishes. “Medicine is not only a science; it is also an art. It does not consist of compounding pills and
Non-prescription tranquiliser
My wife says that red wine is very healthy and safer than beer. She normally drinks a bottle with dinner. Isn’t that a bit too much? Cheers, Martin Dear Martin, A bottle of wine is a fabulous serving size… at a dinner for three or four people. The quote: “From man’s sweat and God’s love, beer came into the world” has been attributed to St. Arnulf, a seventh-century bishop of Metz, in what later became France. Much beloved by his parishioners, Arnulf is said to have preached against drinking water, which in those days could be extremely hazardous owing to unsanitary sewage systems, and encourage fellow churchgoers to recur to beer. Fortunately enough, these days we can compensate water defectiveness by purchasing bottled water, as well as preparing healthful teas or concocting delicious home smoothies. Protocols recommend three units of alcohol per day for men and two units for women. A unit is about a 1/2 pint of beer, or small glass of wine or sherry. As Epicurus, the ancient Greek philosopher advices… better to be moderate in order to taste the joys of life in abundance. In my case, I love to save gastric space for a nice dessert… Best regards. “Any man who eats dessert is not drinking enough.” Ernest Hemingway
Dr. De La Flor Facts
Thumbs Up By Dr. De La Flor
Inmuno-tuning…
Music is processed by the Amigdala, a part of the socalled Limbic System. It works like a mood thermostat juggling emotions and imagery. The right upbeat tune releases
(to be prayed as needed) “God give us the grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, the courage to change the things that should be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.” Reinhold Niebuhr
… Warning signs of heart
attacks Chest pain or discomfort; pain in the arm, jaw, or neck; breaking out in a cold sweat; extreme weakness; nausea and/ or vomiting; feeling faint; or being short of breath are some of the most common signs of a coming heart attack. Let’s practice daily physical activity to keep our cardiovascular engine in tiptop shape.
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
… Yellow cards!
Any blood pressure readings constantly above 140/90, it doesn’t matter how ‘little’ the elevation might be, should be taken seriously. Even prehypertension stages are a warning sign, kind of a yellow card from the ‘bottom of our heart’. Let’s raise the bar and pamper our hearts!
Life-work-family-leisure bal-
ance No more procrastination for you and I. We recently started a brand new year and it should be a fitting opportunity for us to re-examine our life priorities, don’t you think? “One of the symptoms of an approaching nervous breakdown is the belief that one’s work is terribly important.” Bertrand Russell.
Pedro Alegre Alonso Pilates trainer ä Physiotherapist ä
Tel. 699 521 649
pedroalegrealonso@hotmail.com
Live better, longer, fuller… “Failure is not fatal, but failure to change can be.” John Wooden, 1910-2010, The Pyramid of Success
Dr. De La Flor, licensed G.P. (6089). In dealing with his patients he is highly influenced by Humanistic Psychology - an encompassing way of approaching patients through the study of their strengths and virtues to enable them to thrive and lead fulfilling lives, accept the past, find happiness in the present, and hope for the future. Call him today on: 0034 697 888 666 or email him to register.
©2014 FLN
How do you know if memory problems are ok or due to Alzheimer’s? Thanks for your help, Julia
Dear Dr. De La Flor,
DO MORE THAN HOPE FOR THE BEST
902 886 226
www.todocancer.org
Join us and combat cancer
Dear Dr. De La Flor,
endorphins, causing beneficial muscle relaxation and pain reduction. Listening to just 20 minutes of pleasant music can boost our salivary concentration of Inmonoglobulin A!
aecc
Memory problems that interfere with daily life should be investigated
plasters; it deals with the very processes of life, which must be understood before they may be guided.” Paracelsus, Doctor and Father of Toxicology, 1493-1541
©2014 FLN
Photo: Mauricio Valle / FreeImages.com
Dear Dr. De La Flor
3.3.2016 – 16.3.2016
FASHION
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 766
37
The new makeup colours
Have a look! Get the blues this summer because blue in all its myriad shades from turquoise and aqua to navy is the trending colour for your makeup palette right now. This comes as no surprise to many people, as blue is a wonderfully sexy and extravagant complement to your summer tan. The 2016 make-up designer trends are based around the fascinating world of water.
The Blush Stick sees a renaissance this su mmer, practical even on the go (from Babor)
Coral is the nuance for lips and cheeks, but delicate pink tones on your lips are also back in vogue. Almost transparent, they are a perfect fit for the lively, new, cheerful summer look. Subtle is the watchword, so those looking for a more dramatic makeup effect will have to wait out the summer season. Eyelashes remain irresistibly attractive, underlined by metallic eye shadow in bronze or petroleum tones. n
Coral tones adorn the cheeks and lips.
Summer Trend - transparent pinks for lips from Sothys
P2 offer an extravagant eye makeup choice for those who like to stand out A limited-edition eyeshadow collection from Artdeco for imaginative colour play
Varied Artdeco rouge tones are particularly vivid this summer
For the natural sunkissed skin look – bronzing powder from Arabesque Metallic effect eyeshadow from Arabesque makes your look shimmer
Cool, water-blue for the eyes from Beauty is Life on parfumdreams.de
Light blue nail polish from London Town, great for suntanned hands and feet
38
PETS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 033
Adopt, don’t buy
Animal charities’ round up
Hey Jude! Look at Jude, she is so gorgeous. This German Shepherd and Husky cross is crying out for a home of her own, look at how she just wants a cuddle. Please, give her a chance. For more information call Sue on 629 388 102. n Cuddly Jude is waiting for a home at Live Arico (PAWS)
Cats Welfare Tenerife There are many reasons to adopt a cat rather than a kitten. Adopting a cat from Cats Welfare not only supports our work and gives an abandoned cat a home, but it will be neutered, vaccinated and will also come with a microchip and health book. That’s just the start. Here are ten of our other favourite reasons for adopting a cat: 1. Independence. Once your kitten has gained some confidence you can leave the house for an entire day, even overnight, knowing that they will be fine. 2. Cuddles. Cats can be cuddle fanatics. Nestled into a warm spot against you or lounging across your chest and demanding an ear scratch, you will find that cats are extremely affectionate. 3. Self-grooming. Having a pet that cleans itself is an amazing benefit, and they are so good at it too. No need for costly grooming salons. 4. House trained. All you need to do is set up a litter tray, introduce the cat to the box, and you are done. 5. Hunting skills. Cats will keep your home and garden clear of rats, mice and other unwanted animals. Do not allow your cat to actually ingest any of its kills. 6. Self-entertaining. Given a variety of toys, cats can entertain themselves whenever they get bored or need to let a little energy out. 7. Couch-potato companion. Cats spend an average of 15 hours a day sleeping! Your cat won’t be trying to get you to play or run around or take him for a walk because he will be
Live Arico adoption
Acción del Sol are arranging a dog walk to the coast Mr. Meowgi is at Cats Welfare Tenerife, hoping for a home
We are always looking for donations for our charity shop. If you have anything please call Mark on 636 590 557, and he will arrange collection from you. Our shop is on San Blas in Golf del Sur (behind Hiperdino). It is open seven days a week, 10am to 6pm. Saturdays is 11am to 4pm. Pop in for a browse and help us help the cats.
Live Arico (PAWS) happy to have your warm body to snuggle up with. 8. Saving a life. By adopting a cat from Cats Welfare you will be single-handedly saving a life! 9. Saving your life? Living with a pet has been attributed to significantly lowering blood pressure, the risk of heart disease and the risk of depression and anxiety.
10. They’re awesome. Cats are the most popular pets in the world. They’re soft, adorable, affectionate and easy-going companions that are capable of bringing great joy into your home. So what are you waiting for? Pictures of all our cats and kittens awaiting adoption can be found on our website: www. cats-welfare-tenerife.com/pets. This page is updated daily so it always has the latest availability. For general cat information you can also follow us on Facebook. If you’re looking to adopt, take a look and contact us to arrange a no obligation visit. All cats and kittens go on a one week trial so you can be sure you have made the right decision.
The Good Friday Easter Egg Hunt takes place on March 25.
Join us on the Top Square in CC San Blas in Golf del Sur from 8pm. Kids can hunt Easter eggs and there will be a night full of entertainment hosted by Suzy Q and Colin Stevens. Come on down. Bag a bargain at our shops in: San Eugenio (opposite Hotel La Niña. Open Monday to Saturday, 10 to 4pm); Los Cristianos (Calle Revron, near the Thistle and Dragon Bar. Open daily, 10am to 4pm); Golf del Sur (Golf Park, just before the lottery kiosk. Open Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm, Sunday 10:30am to 3:30pm). Please don’t throw things away! We can always use it to sell and help the dogs. Find us at: www.livearico.com, on Facebook, or join us on Twitter: twitter.com/live_arico.
Acción del Sol After the great success of our last event when we gave the dogs a day of fun, we have decided to organise a walk down to the sea with our fourlegged friends. Please call or email the refuge to request a small, medium or large dog and to register yourself for the walk. The dogs have a great time and if you would like to volunteer then please come and join us
and make one very happy. With the summer fast approaching we are planning our summer camp which runs from August 15 to 18, 8am till 4pm. The age groups are eight to 15 year olds. The children will learn about animal care as well as take part in various excursions, games and much more. This is a very special opportunity. Please contact us by phone or email for more information and to enrol your child. 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 on public holidays. Email: teneriffa@aktiontier.org. Or visit the Facebook page: ‘action tier Acción del Sol’.
K9 Our shop on Alcala 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.
3.3.2016 – 16.3.2016
FARMERS MARKET
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 766
Farmer’s Markets Adeje Calle Archajara, s/n, in front of Makro Saturday/Sunday 8am – 2pm / Wednesday 4pm – 8pm Telephone: 922 775 200 Alcalá Plaza de Llano Monday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 850 100 Arafo Plaza San Juan Degollado Thursday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 511 711 Arico Porís de Abona Sunday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 676 159 034 Arona Valle San Lorenzo, Carretera General 122 Monday/Friday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 767 138 Buenavista del Norte Plaza de San Sebastián Opening times: Saturday 8.30am – 2pm Telephone: 922 129 030 Candelaria Wednesday 8am - 2pm Next to council offices Saturday 8am – 2pm. Plaza del Centro Comercial de Punta Larga Telephone: 922 505 014 El Médano Plaza Principal Wednesday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 759 966/62 El Rosario Carretera General del Norte, la Esperanza Saturday/Sunday/festivals 8am – 4pm Telephone: 922 010 160 El Sauzal Hoya de la Vida, next to the church, Ravelo Friday/Saturday/Sunday 7.30am- 2pm Telephone: 922 584 657
Güímar Plaza del Ayuntamiento Sunday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 526 105
side behind Titsa Depot) 8am – 3pm closed Mondays Tel 922 076544
Guía de Isora Plaza del Pueblo de Garachico Friday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 850 100
Playa de San Juan Plaza de la Iglesia Wednesday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 850 100
Icod de Los Vinos Calle Key Muñoz 5 Monday/Friday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 815 700 / 922 447 938 La Guancha Carretera General TFS km 49 Saturday/Sunday 8am – 3pm Telephone: 922 360 788 La Laguna Plaza del Cristo Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday 6am – 2pm Telephone: 922 601 100 / 922 253 903 La Matanza de Acentejo Ctra. General del Norte Saturday 8am – 3pm, Sunday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 577 120 La Orotava Calle Educadora Lucía Mesa Saturday 8am – 1.30pm Telephone: 922 336 804 / 681 277 633 Los Realejos Camino Viejo de San Benito, Finca el Llano, Realejo Alto Saturday/Sunday 9am – 2pm Telephone: 922 346 234 Los Silos Plaza de la Luz, Los Silos Sunday 9am – 2pm Telephone: 922 840 004 Parque de la Reina – El Cho Calle Infanta Elena, 32 (before Karting on right hand
39
Farmer’s Markets
Island support!
Puerto de la Cruz Avenida Blas Pérez González, 4 Wednesday to Saturday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 386 158 San Isidro Mercado del Agricultor de Granadilla Off the roundabout leading to El Médano Saturday/Sunday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 759 966 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.
40
HOROSCOPES | CLASSIFIEDS
Horoscope for period: March 3 to March 16 Aries 21.3 - 20.4 Sometimes you tend to only see things in black and white, ignoring all the shades of grey. In this way, you not only miss new perspectives, but you also run the risk of overlooking important developments. Pay more attention to the details. Taurus 21.4 - 20.5 If you want to restart, you will have no choice but to correctly eliminate contaminated thoughts first. Otherwise you will always fall back into the same behaviour pattern and repeatedly make the same mistakes over and over again. Gemini 21.5 - 21.6 Sometimes, with no ifs and buts, you can be proud of your own performance. This has nothing to do with self-praise, but is a healthy view of what you have achieved. So just rejoice over this, rather than practicing a false modesty that serves you ill. Cancer 22.6 - 22.7 Small setbacks don’t upset you in the least. You know exactly where you are going and you steer the boat of life confidently through the shallows. There is no reason not to do this: you will eventually find out that there can be obstacles there too. Leo 23.7 - 23.8 Although longer conversations do not bear fruit, you should consider again whether these debates are at all meaningful. Sometimes your position is so stubborn that all attempts to communicate are doomed to failure – and you end up talking for the sake of it. Virgo 24.8 - 23.9 Sometimes it is easier to dream about a change than to put one into practice. This has disadvantages, but it also has the advantage that you can reconsider certain things again at your leisure. The first idea is not, in fact, always the best. Libra 24.9 - 23.10 Really, you would be quite happy to settle down. On the other hand, you might feel that you are not sure whether you have actually arrived at that point yet as you still have so many things to do. Take your time with your decision. Scorpio 24.10 - 22.11 Finally you have made the verdict that you are happy, and before you have even announced this, almost everyone around you tells you that you should know better. Don’t let this put you off, you have reflected enough – it is they who are not content. Sagittarius 23:11 - 21.12 You are remembering how a counterpart looked at you. Although time will not alter that, it remains that his expression was a response to your reaction: you’ll feel more confident if you acknowledge his competence and ignore his looks. Capricorn 22:12 - 20.01 Your life may not be easy right now, but in typical fashion, Capricorns climb undauntedly even over very stony paths. But in the long run, it will also pay you to be fair, even under adversity: A sound outcome is sure. Aquarius 21.1 - 20.2 You have every reason to be proud of yourself: you have passed a crisis in your professional life with flying colours and it also made someone from upstairs pay attention to your skills. If you play your cards wisely, you could take another step up the career ladder. Pisces 21.2 - 20.3 Peace, joy and love. These three words are the best way to describe what’s going on in your life right now. It’s amazing how everything just turns around. Enjoy this phase, but get ready now for new challenges.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 033
Contacts To advertise your services with us, please call 922 75 06 09 Transsexual, 35 years old, beautiful, tall, fat, blonde hair, long big penis, active/passive. €60 one complete hour. Apartments Royal, in front of the bus station, Los Cristianos. I will send you all the information. Tel: (0034) 602 626 848. Los Cristianos, 2 girls: well built Russian 35 years old, and a slim Ukranian 23 years old. Peaceful, discreet apartment. Edificio Royal, in front of the bus station, Los Cristianos. Call first. We speak a little English. Tel: 626 712 090. Los Cristianos, Patricia from Venezuela returns. Big breasts, French, positions, kisses, vibrators, massages, private apartment in Calle Noruega, near the Altavista supermarket in Los Cristianos or I can come to you 24 hours a day. Tel: 650 442 665. Los Cristianos, Lucia, 23 years old, Colombian, full figured, 140cm breasts, no limits, French, positions, kisses, Greek, private apartment in Calle Noruega. Tel: 665 303 382. Los Cristianos, Paula, Latin girl. Enjoy my kisses, body, vibrators, no limits. Available 24 hours in my private apartment, or I can come to you. Tel: 604 115 052. Los Cristianos, Margaret, 28 years old, beautiful, slim, white, dominant, erotic massages, natural French, horny, adventurous, spectacular hips, explode in my mouth, private apartment, discreet, 24 hours. Tel: 692 506 973 / 664 077 390.
Come and enjoy our erotic body to body massages with a happy ending! Unforgettable experience, beautiful Polish ladies. Opening hours 10am to 10pm, Playa Paraiso, Costa Adeje area. Tel: (0034) 662 960 065. www.edentenerife. com. 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. I’m Diana, a pretty Latin girl, 23 years old, good body, pleasing, French, positions, massages, available 24 hours. I’m waiting for you in my private apartment in the centre of Los Cristianos. Tel: 605 072 917.
Los Cristianos, provocative Ukranian blonde, escort, great body only for demanding men. You come to me or I can come to you. All my services will fulfill your dreams. Just call me. Tel: 602 631 367. You won’t regret it. Deborah, transsexual, young, childlike, but well endowed, brunette. Come and enjoy the adventure of being with me. I’m waiting for you in Las Américas. Tel: 617 796 254. New, hot transvestite, active and passive with 22 real centimetres, kissing, sweet, affectionate, dominant, 24 hours. I do all types of services with no limits. Los Cristianos. Tel: 605 710 438.
Tantric and Thai massage with a happy ending (no sex) at Las Cardones, San Isidro. Includes shower and tea. For appointments call: 631 801 293.
Miranda, captivating, chest size 100, cute pert butt, professional massage, relaxation, body to body with oil, loving, sweet as a girlfriend, or I can get nasty or perverse if you want. Los Cristianos. Tel: 631 219 178.
Los Cristianos, Silvia, blonde, Spanish and complete. My services are inclusive. I’m waiting for you in my apartment, or I can come to you. Tel: 617 035 582.
Los Cristianos, 2 lovely, busty Latin girls, affectionate, erotic massages, kisses, couple and lesbian service. Calle Monaco, Edificio Marte. Tel: 602 461 577 or 602 420 980.
Los Cristianos, Susana, young Canarian, 20 years old, natural breasts, I love kissing, I will do all that you ask. You’ll enjoy it. I’m waiting for you in my private apartment, or I can come to you. Tel: 674 557 114.
Hi gentlemen, I’m Claudia, Canarian, 24 years old, slim, white skinned, red hair, green eyes, really pretty, exquisite woman, elegant, sexy, affectionate, obliging, discreet, your perfect lover. I can visit you in hotels or your place. I speak English. Tel: 672 889 486.
English model, showgirl, professional striptease, quality service, general entertainment, stag nights, dominatrix, fetish, luxury conditions, visits 24 hours, escort service available. Tel: 697 227 139. Canarian girl, 27 years old, private apartment, redhead, green eyes, slim, porcelain skin, all natural. Sexy, adventurous, affectionate, elegant, educated. Also escort, couples, parties and more. Tel: 672 889 486.
Ladies only, attentive English gentleman escort. Very special massage, your place or mine. Tel: Dennis on 605 137 507. Cockney girl, Ana, just what you need to get pampered. Stunning hot brunette. Busty and curvy. Let my pleasure be your pleasure, owo, French kissing. Los Cristianos, opposite the bus station. Tel: (0034) 611 203 925.
3.3.2016 – 16.3.2016
CLASSIFIEDS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 766
41
Island connections media group s.l. www.islandconnections.eu
Island Connections Online: www.islandconnections.eu
Classifieds Deadline Next Edition The deadline for edition 767, which is published on 17th March, is 15th March. No classifieds will be taken after this date.
Head Office: Calle Francisco Feo Rodríguez 6º- first floor. Pol. Industrial Las Chafiras 38620 - San Miguel de Abona. Tel.: 922 75 06 09 Fax: 922 795 810 Office Hours: Mon-Frid 9:30 -16:30 hours
Classifieds Info: For personal and professional help in placing your classified in Island Connections all you need to do is pop along to our new offices in Las Chafiras and speak to our Staff. Not only is Island Connections here to ensure that your advertisement reaches its target market, we will also advise on sizing requirements for maximum exposure, with prices to suit your pocket.
Rates: * Lineage classifieds: From 16 € * Small & Long Term: Ask for long term advertising (3, 6, 12 months) and our special discounts. * Further Options: color / boxed adverts. To Place your advert call: 922 75 06 09 You are welcome to come to our offices in Las Chafiras to place small ads. Card payment facilities are available.
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.
General Services For sale: 3 electric sun blinds, orange, new / 1 x 5.60m wide x 4.00m long, new €1,200, now €700 / 2 x 2.70m wide x 3.00m long, now €700 / 1 new A/C unit, new €850, now €450. Tel: 922 797 565 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 Rocket Café - An American style diner selling 100 per cent beef homemade burgers; homemade cakes; the best coffees; and exquisite cocktails. C/ Luis Álvarez Cruz, 5 (Opposite the post office), Las Galletas: 922 731 847 For sale. Home-produced ecological vegetables, Tenerife south. Interested businesses, call 650 323 751 (Spanish only), send WhatsApp or email to: michelteide@hotmail.com www.mascuidados.com Website for our massages, dedicated to bringing the benefits of therapeutic massage to your home or hotel, no charge for travel. Do you want a massage? www.mascuidados.com Tel. 663 190 727 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).
MASONIC MEETINGS Logia Ave Fenix Nº 73 Edificio Simón, Los Cristianos. Meetings every fourth Tuesday, January to April, October and November. All Visitors welcome Contact John Donaldson (Secretary):
(+34) 922 178 091 or ave.fenix73@gmail.com
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 Nageltanten Onkel Tenerife (Facebook). Gel nail artist using German products to strengthen natural nails, help with splitting/split nails, breakage and soft nails. Creative airbrush designs. Info and appointments, call Heidi on 667 802 156, nageltanten. onkel@gmail.com.
Lamp Factory Buy during your holidays We deliver to your home country
Integrated Tax Planning and Wealth Management since 1975
Ctra. General C-820, Travesía la Panadería, 1 38440 Santo Domingo (La Guancha) Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Tel / Fax: 922 130 301
922 716 079
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday 9 am to 2 pm & 4 pm to 9 pm
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BLOCK BUSTERS WE UNBLOCK ALL TYPES OF DRAINS
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Call
647 928 223
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, Petras Deutscher Bücherstand in Puerto de La Cruz.
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Rental Classifieds 80m2 premises for sale on the first floor of the Santiago Commercial Centre, Puerto de Santiago. Price is from €40,000. Phone: (0034) 609 531 178.
CLASSIFIEDS
Apartment and Villa
for rent in Tenerife south.
Tel.: (0034) 662 507 191 Los Cristianos Cactus 2,
for rent attractive two bedroom apartment, sea views, pool, satellite TV, large terrace, unsuitable for children. 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 Looking to exchange or rent: Luxury 85m2 apartment in Travemünde (on the Baltic Sea, Germany) in exchange for 2/3 bedroom apartment in Tenerife for 4-6 weeks January/ February 2017. Our property is located on the 2nd floor overlooking the sea and the city and furnished to a very high standard. There is a Wellness and Spa on resort and underground parking. We are looking for a 2/3 bedroom apartment in Tenerife in a nice complex with heated pool and Spa facilities. Email: m.perling@gmx.de or 0049 179 51 75 987. 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 20 53 50 / 699 424 501. Apartment for rent, 1 bedroom, fully equipped, near Playa Martiánez, in Puerto de La Cruz, €470 /month + electricity. Tel: Theresa on 606 105 101.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 033 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 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
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 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
For Rent Playa de las Americas 1 Bedroom apartment. Wellfurnished and equipped, central location, quite area close to beach. No Finder’s fee. €570 all in. Call 620 230 871 / 922 75 11 13
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
Winter letting Puerto de La Cruz Studio apartment, 24 hour concierge, pool, sea views. Minimum three month contract. €500 per month. 669 652 149
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
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. FOR SALE Beautiful apartment in Los Cristianos 1 bed 1 bathroom, living area, fully furnished with panoramic views of the sea. New pool area and garage. Tranquil area 120,000€. Without agent 922 75 27 59 / 608 425 426 www.teneriffa-fincas.net 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
Property for Sale 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. www.teneriffa-fincas.net 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.
Urb. Oasis Dakota, Playa Fañabé
Golf villa for sale
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 For sale, rural complex near the sea, made up of 5 bungalows, swimming pool, gym, BBQ, sauna, etc. 5000m2 plot. €1,000,000 negotiable. Phone: (0034) 609 531 178.
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
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 Los Cristianos, central apartments, 1 and 2 bedrooms, furnished, Tel: 649 142 612 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
www.villatenerifenorte.com
€690.000
8% Commission to intermediaries
The easy way to sell or rent properties Private Sale 10.800 m2 Tel. (0034) 682 392 956
3.3.2016 – 16.3.2016
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 766
CLASSIFIEDS
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CLASSIFIEDS | PASTIMES
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 033
Situations Vacant / wanted
Sales staff needed to represent a printing and design company in the south of Tenerife, applicants must be presentable and have their own transport. For more details please call Jon on 604 103 048 B Funky Fashion Shows
Veterinary practice for sale in the south of Tenerife Fully equipped vet-
erinary practice (small animals) for sale leasehold, due to health issues. The practice is located on the busy main street of a small town in the South of Tenerife. It measures 85m2 and has a spacious waiting area, a small shop, a consulting room, toilet, laboratory, operating room, etc. It is sold including stock, furniture, equipment and instruments. The only vet in town. Good customer base. All licenses and permits are fully up to date. Interested? Contact 667 811 462 or veterinariotenerifesur@outlook.com.
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
publisher@icmedia.eu
751 021
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)
Looking for a new career?
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.
Across
1 - net (anag) (3) 3 - perceive (3) 5 - ask for (5) 8 - tiny amount (4) 9 - walking supports (8) 11 - animation (10) 13 - mental infirmity (6) 14 - induce (6)
17 - flat wood with rollers (10) 21 - changing shape (8) 22 - young female (4) 23 - message (5) 24 - fix together (3) 25 - sense of self (3)
Down
1 - tone (5) 2 - birth of Jesus (8) 4 - trip (6) 5 - courses (5) 6 - reflect sound (4) 7 - make inactive (7) 10 - garden pest (4) 12 - perfume stabilizer (8) 13 - dedicates (7)
15 - young child (4) 16 - aches (6) 18 - money pot (5) 19 - dance hall (5) 20 - ballpoint pen (4)
SPORTS NEWS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 766
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Transgrancanaria endurance race
Valerón’s Barcelona disappointment
Photo: Doxcumenta CC0 1.0 UPDD
Long-serving Las Palmas star Juan Carlos Valerón was the focus of attention at his side’s home game against the mighty Barcelona but ended up doubly disappointed, not only because the yellow and blues lost 1-2 but because he missed out on a chance to join the ranks of select players to have chalked up 400 appearances in the top flight of Spanish football. The talented midfielder, now 40, was once described as the most elegant player in the country during his time at Deportivo La Coruña, where he spent 13 seasons, and he featured in almost every Spanish newspaper on the eve of the landmark occasion but surprisingly remained on the bench, with manager Quique Setién opting for three team mates as his second-half substitutions. Valerón returned to Las Palmas - then in the second division - in July 2013, 16 years after he left the club to move to Majorca, where he made his first division debut in 1997. He played in the top flight for Atlético de Madrid for two seasons. Capped 46 times by Spain between 1998 and 2005, he appeared in the 2002 World Cup and in two EuroQuique Setién kept Valerón on pean Championships. n the bench against Barcelona
Spanish Cup
So close for Herbalife One of the Canaries’ two top flight basketball teams nearly pulled off a massive upset in the Spanish Cup held in La Coruña at the end of February. Herbalife Gran Canaria beat hot favourites Valencia in the quarter finals and then turned in one of the most stunning performances of the prestigious competition in recent years, overturning a 19-point deficit in the second half to dispatch Dominion Bilbao in the semis to set up a mouthwatering final against Real Madrid. A magnificent showing saw the islanders push the current Spanish and European champions all the way, losing by just four points (81-85) in a thrilling game. The winning Real Madrid side featured Tenerife-born Sergio Rodríguez, who n scored 11 points during his 24 minutes on court.
A special challenge This year’s Transgrancanaria cross-country race, taking place in Gran Canaria between March 3 and 6, has special significance for one competitor, who is using the gruelling event to honour the memory of his late son and raise money for vital medical equipment. Fernando Llopis from Valencia lost his young Ángel to a rare condition around a year ago and immediately set about using running as a means to help other children. He trained for three months immediately after the boy’s death to run the 500 km from Valencia to Madrid, between the two hospitals where his son was treated, and raise €12,500 in sponsorship. Llopis has set himself the target of funding a gene sequencer for a medical research institute in his home city. He is taking part in the toughest category of
sponsor him by paying a small amount for every kilometre completed as he crosses the island. “My son had a malformation in one of the veins in his brain and it is believed only around six to 10 children die from this each
year. He has now departed, but in a way he is still with me as I am taking on these challenges”, said Llopis. For further information on the race visit: www.transgrancan naria.net.
Romina heads for Kazakhstan Tenerife-based volleyball player Romina Lamas has left her La Laguna club, CV Aguere, for pastures new in mid-season, after receiving an irresistible offer from Kazakhstan. Lamas, who is originally from Argentina and has many years’ experience in Spanish volleyball, was contacted by the Altay Club, which wants to strengthen its team in a push for the Kazakh league title, and she immediately received the blessing of her Tenerife bosses.
Classified Agent for Photo: DxDaniSpain CC A-SA 4.0 IL
the Transgrancanaria challenge on the first weekend in March and hopes to raise money by completing the 125 km race in a good time. The Cazarretos charity to which he belongs is asking people to
Volleyball
Place your advert at
Tenerife-born Sergio Rodríguez scored 11 points for Real Madrid in the final
This year’s Transgrancanaria endurance race has special significance
Books, Cards, Internet Pto. Colón 1st floor Las Américas 922 715 682 bookswop@spantel.com
Photo: CV Aguere
UD Las Palmas
Photo: Transgrancanaria.net
3.3.2016 – 16.3.2016
Romina Lamas (in yellow) has left for Kazakhstan with CV Aguere’s blessing
“We are in a safe position in the table and felt that Romina should be free to pursue her career elsewhere as she wishes. We are very grateful for all she has done for us and wish her every success”, stated Aguere in a statement. The Kazakh adventure is not her first foray into the world of volleyball in a former Soviet Republic. Two seasons ago, Lamas played in Baku in n Azerbaijan.
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SPORTS NEWS | POOL LEAGUE
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 033
Rugby
Ñandú overcome stiff challenge carried the ball with determination and accuracy. The deadlock was broken early, with Gabriel Trujillo scoring out wide to seal off an exciting passage of play which ebbed and flowed through the back line. He then went on to score the conversion, taking his tally to seven. Within minutes the back row combination of Juan, Mel and Facundo forced a Mahoh knock-on from the restart; seceding possession to Ñandú. The resulting scrum provided Mateo with a clean ball as he scored his second try of the season with his trademark move; exploiting the gap between the scrum and first defender. The Tenerife side dominated play against Mahoh of Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura v Ñandú – 20.02.16 Final Score: 7 - 45 Are we in the Canaries, UK or Antarctica? That was the question being asked by the Ñandú contingent as they touched down in Fuerteventura for the third game of the season, such was the weather that awaited them. So far it has been two games played and two games won. Now was the challenge of Mahoh (Fuerteventura), a team the Ñandú boys had yet to face. The whistle blew and the torrential rain began. The ball proved to be a slippery character, as both teams vied for con-
Team results
First division results Marius & Lo won the first four singles matches and shared the pairs to storm into a 51 lead. Thinking the comeback was on, Dos Hermanos won the first singles match in the second session only to wilt and lose the last three to give Marius & Lo all three points. Young Zac and his brother Sam were unbeaten on the night which resulted in an 8-2 victory, keeping them in second place in the table twelve points behind leaders Legends A, who themselves were comfortable winners against stable mates Polygon Legends, 6-4. Summerland Elite kept the pressure on for second place with a fine win away to Toby Jug
trol of the game. The Ñandú pack of forwards kept the ball tight and attacked the fringes of the ruck, hoping to find a gap. Mahoh held strong and provided a stern challenge as they tackled low and forced errors upon the visitors. Ñandú responded through the halfbacks as Oakenfold and Paolin changed tactics to pile the pressure on the Mahoh players. Their tactical knowhow converted pressure into territory and points. Ñandú stamped their authority in the lineout as they stole most of the opposition ball. Mel and Facu forced the Mahoh lifters into mistakes, leaving William and Axel poised to attack
Ñandú stamped their authority in the lineouts
from the turn over ball. William Jesus played in his third ever
game but looked as if he had been playing for years as he
As the rain turned into hail, Ñandú faced the challenge
head on. There was no giving up, no excuses; the space was out wide and it was paramount that the ball be delivered. The centre partnership of Cox and Trujillo adapted well and fed the ball to the marauding full back, Thomas Jacob, who used the space wisely and finished off deft passing moves. He ended the game with a total of four tries and a superb overall performance which epitomised the philosophy of the team – to work hard and support each other. The last player to score was Mel Dehabre, who launched onto a quick ball to overpower the defenders and touchdown for his second try of the season. The final score of 45-7 was a testament to the hours of training the boys have put in and the intelligence which they have developed to adapt and respond to the ever changing nature of the game – especially as no one had ever played in weather conditions such as these. Wingate teachers and coaches Jamie Whelan and Rachael Watson spoke of their pride in the boys’ attitude and focus. There is so much more to come from this team over the course of the season as they now prepare to battle with the Spanish Champions; Valladolid Rugby Club in a tournament taking n place in March.
The Tenerife Pool Super League Brothers Zac and Sam were unbeaten on the night
Saints, 6-4. Legends B remain in fourth position, gaining maximum points at Atmosphere. Sloops’ slump continues after losing at home to Scruffys 6-4. Mad Hatters had a comfortable win at home to Bad Bobs, 73. The only draw on the night was at Clouseau’s thanks to George winning the final frame for the home side to level the game 5-5.
Second division results Grandee O’Donnell have almost certainly sealed a top-two finish for the season with maximum points over James Place but they are still six points behind Boothen Bar. Bar 180B are third in the table after their demolition of the Tavern, 8-2. Lupain Proper-
ties have dropped down to fifth after defeat at Camping Nauta, who leapfrogged them with a fine 7-3 victory. Palms Pool Bar won at home against Boothen Squad, 64. Bar 180C equalled the B team’s score against Britannia Bar (Silencio). Scruffy Macs defeated The Hunters of Callao by 6-4, and The George Bar drew at home to Leones, 5-5. The last eight of the Express Bar Deliveries Cup sees The Boothen Bar host The Tavern; Marius & Lo will be at home to Dos Hermanos; Summerland Elite are playing second division James Place, and the final match of the evening will see Legendry Jokers play Legends B in what should be quite a match.
The Plate Competition is also at the same stage, with Atmosphere at home to Bad Bobs; second division Bar 180B play first division Clouseaus; Bar Nauta are at home against Summerland Shooters, and Scruffy Macs host Palms Pool Bar. Good n luck to all teams!
Tenerife Pool Super League Powered by EXPRESS BAR DELIVERIES S.L. Information supplied by Tenerife Pool Super League www.tenerifepoolleague.com
3.3.2016 – 16.3.2016
FOOTBALL AND SPORTS NEWS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 766
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CD Tenerife news
Photo: Ahmedd CC A-S A 3.0 UL
Nano leads Tenerife revival
Nano is the first player to score two goals in successive matches since Juan Antonio Pizzi (above) in 1997 Photo: Nano CD Tenerife
Nano and the players returned to the island in buoyant mood
By Chris Todd found themselves two goals utes to open the scoring and 10 21/02/2016 CD Tenerife 3 Llagostera 1 After five weeks without a win the blanquiazules earned a welcome victory against a Llagostera side currently fighting relegation. The Catalans had picked up few points on their travels this season and they
down early on as Tenerife came flying out of the traps. Blanquiazul striker Nano hails from La Laguna and the local youngster has certainly taken his chances when asked and is the most lethal striker in the whole second division on minutes to goals ratio. Nano pounced after just two min-
minutes later he ran half the length of the pitch to make the score 2-0, with superb effort. Now, there is a reason why CD Tenerife are mid-table this year and it is because they can take their foot off the pedal during games, or they play one good half and one bad. On the half an hour mark Llagostera pulled
a goal back against the run of play and the score sat at 2-1 going into the break. The second half saw the visitors press hard but they failed to gain any clear chances. Tenerife decided to play on the counter attack, with Suso and Lozano guilty of missing excellent opportunities to seal the game. In the very last minute the excitement levels were switched to maximum as Llagostera almost equalised. Dani in the Tenerife goal smothered
28/02/2016 Mirandes 1 CD Tenerife 2 Tenerife pulled off an unlikely win against promotion chasing Mirandes with Nano bagging another two goals, taking his season tally to eight. He is the first blanquiazul player to have scored two goals in successive matches since Juan
Antonio Pizzi, who notched against Rayo and Real Madrid back in 1997. Despite local weather warnings for blizzards, the match went ahead and even though the conditions may have suited the home side it was Tenerife who were sharper and more aggressive, perhaps playing their best away game of the season. It only took Tenerife seven minutes to open the scoring when Nano latched onto a through ball from Suso. The home team were numbed, they could have gone third in the league with a victory but they had come up against a well organised and determined Tenerife side. Nano made it 02 after the restart with a team goal of some class; FC Barcelona eat your heart out! In the final stages a late Mirandes penalty meant that Tenerife had to defend with great concentration for the rest of the game but they held on for a fine 1-2 victory. The next match is against Almeria in the Heliodoro Stadium. Three wins on the trot? If they can manage that, the play-off dream may well be n back on!
in touch. We will find a team that best suits your level and availability. Nomads Youth Football Club still needs a few extra players for the under-10s, 12s and under-14s teams. We are looking for players to join and we provide weekly football sessions at our training facilities in Los Cristianos. We have regular group of kids from all walks of life, such as young players from Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, Scotland, Spain, Uruguay, Italy, UK, Russia and
more. More importantly, they are making friends, getting exercise and learning about teamwork and disciplines. Well done to all our teams who are playing well and advancing up the league tables. Each team has its own webpage. For more information visit: www.nomadsfc.com. Alternatively, email: info@ premfs.com or visit: www. premfs.com. Call/message: +34 654 200 470. Also visit our international website: www. n premfs.com.
the ball on the line leading to protests from the away team that it had gone over. Video later showed that it was a very close call but the whole ball had not crossed the line. As the chaos ensued a quick throw found Suso, who ran through to score the third goal for Tenerife which ensured the three points.
Nomads Football Club
Trips, tours and teams Sponsored by: Foreign Language News & www.windowsplus.co.uk The Nomads Football youth teams and friends will be organising football, cultural and fun trips to Granada and the Costa del Sol in early July 2016, and the following week they will participate in a UK competition against professional academy teams. These trips are an amazing opportunity for young players and provide them with excellent expe-
rience and enjoyment. More info on the trips can be found at: www.nomadsfc.com. We are getting more requests to provide daytime football games and bookings for night time workers, so if you and your friends want to use the pitch or organise a friendly game during the day, please call Darren on 650 705 120 or 654 200 470 for more details. We are starting a new first and second division 6-a-side league so if any players would like to join then please get
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CANARY ISLANDS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 033
Tenerife Bluetrail 2016
New date, same challenge The Tenerife Bluetrail mountain run has been rescheduled to take place earlier in the year than customary and already has 800 runners registered to participate in the gruelling endurance event. Hundreds of athletes from across Spain and further afield are gearing up for the tough Tenerife Bluetrail race which will take place on June 11. There are places for 2,350 runners across the five categories: Ultra (97 km), Trail (66 km), Marathon (43 km), Half Marathon (21 km) and the Bluetrail Challenge (8 km). Tenerife president Carlos Alonso said at the recent presentation that “this race has generated a lot of expectation and is a major challenge for runners”. The date has been brought forward from the traditional autumn run to early summer to allow for better conditions. Alonso also stated that “the Tenerife Bluetrail isn’t just a sporting event but also an important element for island promotion, especially in relation to outdoor activities.” Bluetrail director Fernando Ordonez stressed that the event is growing in popularity and the change of date will allow runners, especially those from overseas, to adapt better – possibly attracting more international competitors to the race. He also stated that over a hundred people registered for this year’s run are repeating the event. José Antonio Valbuena, head of security, said that the race is one of the most important for the island. With its routes through the Teide National
the postponed event’s rescheduled date will also receive a special rate. The Ultra route has 400 places available, the Trail route has 550 and the Marathon has 650 spaces. The Half Marathon circuit has 700 places and the Bluetrail Challenge is available for 50 participants. Adults are categorised as those between 18 and 39 years of age; Veteran As are anyone over the age of 40; Veterans B are those over 50, and Platinum contestants are those 60 years or over. The Tenerife Bluetrail is open to anyone over the age of 18 that meets all the requirements and completes the registration procedure. Participants in the Ultra category need to provide a medical certificate issued during 2016, to prove that they’re up to the physical challenge of such a course. They also need to show that they have completed a mountain run of no less than 70 kilometres in the time since n January 1, 2014. Park, it is also one of the most attractive! The 2016 Bluetrail offers five different routes to suit varying levels of fitness and endurance. The Ultra category covers a distance of 97 kilometres and departs from Los Cristianos. The Trail category has a distance of 66 kilometres, setting off from Vilaflor. The Marathon run leaves from La Orotava and is 43 kilometres. The Half Marathon category is just over 20 kilometres and starts in Los Realejos. The Bluetrail Challenge consists of an eight kilometre circuit.
The Tenerife Bluetrail has been moved to June for this year’s event The Tenerife Bluetrail has routes that go through the Teide National Park
It costs €100 to register for the Ultra Trail; €60 for the Trail category; €45 for the marathon; €30 for the Half Marathon; and €15 for the Bluetrail Challenge, although discounts are offered for early registrants. Those who enrol before April 11 will receive a 10 per cent discount, and anyone who registered for last year’s race but was unable to participate in