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March 17 – March 30, 2016 Easter special

Eco activist

Flying high

Fashion

Experience the passion

Award winner murdered

Binter travel special

Perfect pool days

Pages 6 & 7

Page 13

Page 19

Page 37

Ethical market economy

Madrid Government slammed

wikimedia / Irish Defence Forces

Harsh criticism has been aimed at the Spanish administration by the Canarian Government’s vice-president Patricia Hernández over the lack of action on refugees.

The Canaries, together with ten other autonomous communities, signed a statement to promote the admission of refugees, in which it says they are concerned that the Madrid Government is “looking the other way and seems paralysed” in the face of the current catastrophe.

“We have made it clear from the start that we are willing to take Syrian refugees”, declared Hernández.

Many of the refugees make a risky journey across the ocean

Continued on page two

Changing the world © www.uschioswald.at

Refugee policy

By Sabine Virgin of a beautiful ideal world, but the Current economic models include the free market economy, as practiced in the United States, as well as the social market economy that prevails in Europe and, now, if a gentleman called Christian Felber has his way, there will soon be an ‘ethical market economy’.

The young pioneer is breaking ground to create a new life order which is fairer and more socially responsible and economically efficient. Within his model, ecology, economy, successful entrepreneurship and satisfied employees join together to complement, rather than contradict, one another.

As the name suggests, welfare economics has the common good as its focus. It sounds like a vision

reality is far closer than expected.

One example is the Spanish village of Orendain which has been directing community affairs along the common good principle since 2013. Approximately 90 per cent of all villagers aged 16 and over are in favour of the format and are now having their say in community affairs. According to the local mayor Gorka Egia Arregui: “Our community is very small, but maybe that’s just as well for the new system experiment. There are no party interests to take priority.

We are still in the process of learning by our mistakes; however, I can say that 85 percent of our voting citizens participate in decisions.

Where else can that be claimed?

For example, we have a budget we

create together. We announce it to the city and then projects that will be implemented are voted on via questionnaires. On the list are suggestions both from the municipal administration and ideas promoted by individuals.”

Following the principles of common welfare, sustainable ecology, coexistence and solidarity, citizens

are placed at the centre of political thought and action. “I don’t know how it will develop and whether much has changed in the lives of individuals – but the political level has already altered in the areas of transparency and participation”, the mayor continued.

Continued on page two

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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 034

A social conscience

A fairer economic model for the future?

Italy. There are entrepreneurs from various industries interested in the new approach, and the University of Valencia has even decided to set up a Chair of Common Welfare Economy.

Elsewhere, the King of Bhutan has voluntarily waived a portion of his power and prosperity. For decades, a rethinking has been taking place there. He has set gross national happiness as top

Continued from front page Other municipalities and districts, such as Navalagamella in Madrid, Alboraya in Murcia, Muro de Alcou in Alicante and Rubí in Barcelona, have followed suit. The response is positive, and various research groups from universities, and even Brussels, are actively promoting the ethic. Christian Felber, one of the pioneers of this form of economy, recently lectured at the University of La Laguna. He gave us an insight into the exciting model. © www.uschioswald.at

Refugee crisis concern

Happiness comes before profit What would change within a company that is oriented to the common good? Such a concern would continue to have a boss and employees: a hierarchy. However, the paramount aim is not to maximise profit but maximise welfare. This also means that the boss and employees, depending on performance and qualifications, will continue to earn at different levels, but the gap is not as big.

A company is assessed according to various criteria, for example, on innovative, sustainable and ethical grounds. Do workers have democratic rights? Are working hours complied with?

Are raw materials sustainable, and is the company not being financed by money from speculative banks? It is expected that the business would closely cooperate with local manufacturers and producers. Fair prices and social commitment are further criteria. Depending on results, the company could receive tax breaks and subsidies. The more ethical the concern, the more benefits it receives. “Our current economy is based on avarice, greed, ruthlessness and profit.

We aim for the exact opposite by rewarding aspects such as cooperation, respect and generosity”, Felber explained.

“According to our model, there would be basic security and jobs for everyone. We want a

A university lecturer, Christian Felber has also authored numerous books

working week of 20 to 30 hours to strengthen the work-life balance. People would have more time for family life and community involvement. Every ten years there should be a sabbatical. Overall, companies would be fairer, socially responsible, liberal and inclusive. People would have a better quality of

life”, clarified Christian Felber, “resulting in happier, more engaged employees and fewer sick days.”

Happiness as a programme Social thinking instead of consumerism, welfare instead of profit, transparency and

Christian Felber: a short biography A university lecturer, Christian Felber is a frequent speaker at home and abroad, co-founder of Attac Austria, author of numerous books, and a contemporary dancer. He regularly contributes to numerous Austrian daily and weekly newspapers.

Publications: 50 Suggestions for a Fairer World, New Values for the Economy, Let’s Save the Euro, Change Everything: Creating an Economy for the Common Good, and Money - The New Rules of the Game. The latter was honoured as Business Book of the Year, 2014.

Since 2008 he has been a lecturer at the Vienna University of Economics. He initiated the construction of the Common Welfare Economy and the Bank of Welfare project.

Born in 1972 in Salzburg, he studied Spanish, psychology, sociology and political science in Madrid and Vienna, where he now lives.

For more information on Christian Felber, visit: www.christian-felber.at. For further details on the Common Welfare Economy, visit: www.ecogood.org. To learn more about the project to establish a bank of Welfare, go to: www.mitgruenden.at.

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priority and made that the task of the state. Although Bhutan is a small kingdom between China and India, the experiment could set an example to others.

In just five years, the movement has spread to over 40 countries and seeks the democratisation of international law towards human rights, development and sustainability goals. n

Print: Artes Gráficas del Atlántico S.A., Agüimes, Gran Canaria

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democracy instead of corruption and nepotism, as well as equal opportunities for all - these are the basic principles of this liberal market economy. According to Felber’s model, every individual would contribute his abilities and volunteer in the community in areas such as child care and concern for the elderly. Food importation would be greatly reduced to avoid environmental pollution from transportation, encouraging a responsible use of the earth’s resources. Likewise a budget would be created, for example, that would also regulate travel.

“Flying is polluting from an environmental perspective and it would no longer happen as often as it does at the moment”, admits Felber.

He also set new tones in the financial system. In December 2014, an association was founded to be the first ‘common good’ bank and will later initiate the establishment of public service exchanges and promote meaningful, practical and ethical companies.

Currently, the movement is finding a great response, especially in Spain, Austria, Switzerland, Germany and Northern features. Advertisements once contracted cannot be cancelled and have to be paid in full.

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Continued from front page Canarian Regional Government vice-president Patricia Hernández explained that: “After our talks last year we made an inventory of existing resources and prepared the necessary protocols. You can’t improvise in a case like this”, she stressed.

Despite the willingness on the part of the Canaries, there has been no action taken on the refugee question since the discussions. “There are fundamental values on which the European Union is founded being questioned here.

The solidarity amongst its members, the search for peace, shared democratic values and the preservation and protection of human rights”, Hernández insisted.

During the visit last month of Francesca Friz-Prguda, the Spanish representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Canarian leaders again signalled their willingness for a joint reception of the refugees. Hernández underlined their unease with the behaviour of the Spanish Government. “We are deeply concerned and consider the lack of commitment of the Spanish Government as scandalous.

Since the first meeting last year there has been no further communication.”

Human rights are protected under the Geneva Convention, asylum being one of them. Signatory countries are obliged to stand by that agreement, but the Spanish Government appears to be conspicun ous in its absence when it comes to offering aid.

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

European Union European Regional Development Fund

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

17.3.2016 – 30.3.2016

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 767

CANARY ISLANDS

at all in that eye. They told me it’s irreversible but somehow can’t seem to tell me why it happened!” the man recalled.

Meanwhile, he has adapted to only seeing with one eye but had to give up his favourite sports: skiing and mountain climbing.

The Canarian physician who expressed concerns about the product is now part of a commission investigating the cases, and is joined by two specialists from the Spanish Agency of Medicine and Sanitary Products (AEMPS) and a member of the IOBA Institute in Valladolid.

The manufacturers claim that the product is not to blame while some experts point the finger at AEMPS. Reports of eyesight loss following treatment with perfluorooctane were highlighted in Spain and Chile back in 2013, with a different product made in Turkey which was subsequently banned.

However, perfluorooctane returned shortly afterwards as Ala Octa, manufactured in Germany, until it was also recalled in July last year.

Victims are suing for compensation, with experts estimating that pay outs will amount to between €200,000 and €400,000 if successful. n

Pharma scandal

Blinded by drugs According to a review by the Canarian University Hospital (HUC), an ophthalmic product has been administered in the North Tenerife hospital, as well as numerous public and private clinics throughout Spain, which has caused blindness in many patients.

The cases took place between June and December 2014 and involve the product Ala Octa, made by Alamedics in Dornstadt, Germany. The product is used on eye retinas during surgery and is reported to contain the substance perfluorooctane.

The controversial treatment is said to severely damage the optic nerve, leaving the patient blind in that eye. Ala Octa has been in use in Spain (including the Canary Islands), Germany, Belgium and France.

In the Canaries, 32 people are known to have been affected by the batch of Ala Octa, with close to 50 victims throughout Spain, although some believe the number of cases

Cases of blindness caused by products with perfluorooctane are currently being investigated

to be much higher. Those patients who were operated on both eyes lost their eyesight completely and those who underwent operations on one eye only were blinded on that side.

The review was led by the head of Ophthalmology at the HUC,

Miguel Serrano, who noticed the alarmingly high number of negative results and voiced his concerns to health authorities, prompting the HUC to stop using perfluorooctane.

The product was withdrawn throughout all of Spain in July 2015.

One 25-year-old patient from San Sebastián accidentally struck his eye on a car door and doctors diagnosed a detached retina. He had to undergo surgery several times to rectify the problem, with the controversial perfluorooctane used on the last occasion. “The next day I couldn’t see anything

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Routes 2016

The African connection

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 034

Tomato sector

Massive fine quashed One of the Canaries’ most important export industries is breathing a major sigh of relief after being spared a huge fine for allegedly breaching subsidy rules.

The tomato sector faced the possibility of ruin after being ordered to pay back €12 million in funding received from the Spanish Government to help cover the shipping costs to allow the tomatoes to reach export markets. The Government imposed sanctions of over €8.5 million together with interest of €3.5 million after finding that the sector had inflated the sums paid to chartered cargo ships during the period 2002-03. It turned out that the boats used belonged to the tomato industry, which was thus able to set its own tariffs rather than be bound by more competitive prices elsewhere. The crippling sanctions were upheld by a Canarian court but Spain’s Supreme Court has now quashed the decision on the grounds that the Government was not legally entitled to unilaterally claim the subsidies back without carrying out an independent study of the market prices for the shipping. The news has been warmly welcomed by tomato farmers across the n Canaries as well as by the Canarian Government.

La Gomera victory

Forest fire helicopter granted

It is hoped that the Canaries will be established as the key hub linking Africa, Europe and America

Routes Africa, the only travel route development forum for the African region, will be hosted by the Tenerife tourist board and Canary Islands Government this summer, with the international fair taking place between June 26 and 28 at the Gran Hotel Bahía del Duque Resort.

The prestigious event celebrates its 10th anniversary this year with representatives from the Islands participating in the fair since 2011. Primarily focussing on air links, Tenerife has won the European award for the Best Destination for New Routes in 2013, and came runner-up last year.

In 2013 and 2014 Tenerife came second in the world for establishing new air links to the

African continent. Island president Carlos Alonso was proud that Tenerife was selected to host this year’s event, saying that “this is a great opportunity to showcase our island to aviation industry leaders from across the world as a business hub for Africa and a gateway between continents.”

Around 250 route development professionals are expected to attend the annual forum, including representatives from major international airlines such as United, Qatar, Delta Airlines, Etihad, Kenya Airways and EasyJet. Tourism minister Alberto Bernabé said: “Four years ago we barely had a connection to Africa, and now we have reg-

ular direct flights to Casablanca, Marrakech and Agadir in Morocco, Dakar in Senegal, Banjul in Gambia, Laayoune in Western Sahara and Praia and Isla de Sal in Cape Verde.

Soon we will be expanding our routes to Cape Verde, Mauritania and Senegal.”

Close connections with our African neighbours is important for the Islands, and the Canarian airline Binter has established many routes to the continent (see page 19 for more details).

Positioned just 300 kilometres from the Moroccan coast, the Canaries is much closer to Africa than it is to Europe, and growing important business relationships there is a priority for local officials. Over

200 Canarian companies work alongside African partners, and between January and November 2015 products worth around €224 million were exported to the continent.

With its perfect situation, having excellent flight routes from the Canaries is vital and offers an ideal logistical platform. “West Africa is a major trading partner for Tenerife and there is enormous potential to accommodate more scheduled flights there. The Islands are an ideal hub between West Africa, Europe and North America”, said Katie Bland, director of Routes Africa.

For more information visit the website: www.routesonline. n com.

La Gomera has won its battle to have a helicopter based permanently on the island again during the summer months to tackle forest fires.

The good news was announced by the president of the Canaries, Fernando Clavijo, who informed MPs from the small island that the government had reconsidered its decision to withdraw the air support La Gomera once enjoyed.

The U-turn came after officials accepted that the argument used to withdraw the helicopter many years ago that it only took 20 minutes for one to reach the scene of a blaze from Tenerife - was flawed. Records of interventions in recent times showed that the average time taken to reach La Gomera was 50 minutes, not 20, and the government has now agreed to station a helicopter on the island for four months, from July 1 until November.

It also announced that a fuel storage facility will be built as soon as possible to ensure the battle to put out fires is not impeded by the helicopter being forced to fly over to Tenerife South Airport to refuel.

In August 2012 La Gomera suffered a massive forest fire which destroyed over 11 per cent of the island, including n large parts of its iconic Garajonay National Park.

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PROMOTION

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Easter in earnest

Passion and symbolism As with most religious ceremonies in the Canaries, Easter is ripe with rituals, street processions and marches, with public participation part and parcel of the week leading up to Easter Sunday.

From small villages to larger towns and cities, no one will be left in any doubt as to what the celebration is. This year Palm Sunday is on March 20; Maundy Thursday, March 24; Good Friday is on March 25; and Easter Sunday, March 27.

Maundy Thursday remembers the Last Supper and Good Friday represents the day Jesus was crucified. Christians believe that this was when he took upon himself the sins of the world. After his death Jesus was buried, though later rose from the dead and this resurrection is celebrated on Easter Sunday.

The date of Easter Sunday (and thus all other events) changes as, in Western Christianity, it falls on the first Sunday after

the Paschal Full Moon following the March equinox.

again to José Antonio López for the tenth consecutive year - and Island Connections spoke to him as he prepared for the special day. “It’s only a hobby”, he told us, “but it’s one I take very seriously, even after a decade, and I’m happy to keep doing it as long as the organisers want me.”

Easter in the Canaries Here in the archipelago, religious celebrations take place on every island and although the acts are traditionally spiritual occasions, they also play a significant cultural, social and artistic role.

The most impressive celebrations take place in Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Three of the most popular in Gran Canaria are in Las Palmas, Teror and Ingenio; while in Tenerife, the towns of La Laguna, Puerto de la Cruz, Garachico, Icod de los Vinos, La Orotava and Adeje hold the biggest events.

summer. The same group are involved in the town’s annual Easter re-enactment.

To prepare for the Passion Play, José and his colleagues begin to draft guides, posters and start rehearsals two months prior to Good Friday, with extensive rehearsals taking place on the four evenings

Pasión de Adeje Some towns have developed a tradition of staging Passion Plays in the street, including Adeje in the south of Tenerife, which is more than worth

José Antonio López as Jesus during a previous Pasión de Adeje event An interpretation of Christ’s crucifixion during ‘La Pasión de Adeje (archive images)

a visit. This is an extremely professional production performed by more than 300 local actors, the majority of them amateurs.

The stages are set all along the Calle Grande and great effort is put into this annual event.

The standard of the individual stage sets and costumes is nothing short of amazing and somehow manages to improve each year. The performance begins at midday on Good Friday and lasts for approximately two hours. Visitors come from far and wide to see the dress rehearsal the evening before the performance, as well as on the day.

The ‘Pasión de Adeje’ has become so popular that it is covered by several national and international television channels, including TVE, Antena 3 and Televisión Canaria.

Adolfo Alonso, the Head of Creative Development, said: “A big thank you must go to the involvement of all the people who unselfishly engage in this cultural event and help make it what it is.”

You will need to arrive early in order to secure a parking place and a good vantage point.

José Antonio López The role of Jesus Christ in the Pasión de Adeje goes once

This is the tenth consecutive year that López has performed the role of Jesus

José is a teacher at the Asociación San Juan, a Pedealogical and Social Therapy centre in Adeje that works with children and adults with disabilities, and he also serves as a councillor for the town of Armeñime.

In his spare time he performs with local theatre groups, and to mark the 400th year since William Shakespeare’s death, a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be performed by the Escuela Municipal de Teatro de Adeje (Adeje Municipal School of Theatre) in the

immediately before the big day.

“It is a special opportunity for Adeje with far-reaching appeal, and it’s a particularly proud moment for the people of the town who really work together to make it as spectacular as it is”, José said, adding: “It’s also important to say that the entire group from the Escuela de Música y Danza de Adeje (Adeje Music & Dance School) contributes to the re-enactment and there are songs and compositions written exclusively for the event, accompanied by specially-prepared dances. Literally, the entire community of Adeje becomes involved and works together to make the Passion Play – and Adeje in general – as best as we can.”

La Laguna La Laguna comes alive for Holy Week, and all religious structures and various other buildings are decorated extravagantly. A number of formal

17.3.2016 – 30.3.2016 processions take place, notable for their solemnity and popularity: Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are the best two days to visit the town for the celebrations.

The main procession carrying the image of Santo Cristo de La Laguna takes place at dawn: the smell of incense fills the town as the figure is borne through the streets to the town’s cathedral, accompanied by religious attendees and hundreds of people. On Good Friday afternoon the image of Christ is once again paraded through the streets, this time to the Santo Domingo Temple.

Easter around the world Services often incorporate highly festive elements, including joyous music, and worship areas are decorated with banners and flowers.

As well as the religious practices, there is a variety of ways of celebrating the season. In Cyprus and other areas many light huge fires. In northern and eastern regions of the Netherlands fires are lit on Easter Day at sunset, while in Florence, Italy, a fire is started using stone shards from the Holy Sepulchre, which is used to ignite a rocket in the form

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Thousands are drawn to Adeje for the annual performance

of a dove, that in turn lights a cart containing fireworks.

Decorating eggs is a pastime in countless regions and many central and eastern European countries take it to a higher art form thanks to the beautiful and intricate designs they produce. In Germany, decorated eggs are hung off trees and bushes, while in Northern Ireland, Scotland and the north of England decorated eggs are still rolled down steep hills.

In certain areas of the United States egg knocking contests are very popular: competitors tap the tips of eggs together until only one person with an unbroken one remains.

Many Polish Catholics form butter into the shape of a lamb for the Easter meal, and in

Hundreds of actors are in involved in the Pasión de Adeje

Bermuda people fly kites to symbolise Christ’s ascent. In Norway, reading or watching

The symbolic representation of Easter

In Eastern Europe, Easter egg painting has become an art form

murder mysteries is a traditional Easter activity, and in Finland, Sweden and Denmark, small children dress up as witches and carry decorated pussy willows which they exchange for treats when visiting neighbouring houses.

Some of the stranger practices include the spanking

or whipping of women in the Czech Republic and Slovakia on Easter Monday. Men strike the ladies with a special handmade whip consisting of eight, 12 or even 24 willow rods decorated with coloured ribbons at the end. Though it sounds a bit heavy-handed, it is purely symbolic and can actually be a way of men showing their appreciation.

Women often give the man a coloured egg or a few coins to say thank you. In some regions, the women have an opportunity for revenge: that day or the following one they can douse any man with a n bucket of cold water!

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St Patrick’s Day

Early bird readers will currently be in the throes of celebrating St Patrick’s Day. This special date of March 17 honours the patron saint of Ireland, is commemorated around the world by those from the Emerald Isle as well as their many friends. People in the south of Tenerife are particularly good at getting into the party swing. Visitors to the area could well be forgiven for thinking they have stepped into a space-time warp as they wander through streets bedecked in green for the occasion. Balloons fly proudly from almost every bar and restaurant, shamrocks abound, thousands of merry revellers roam the streets in jolly costumes, and many a glass of Guinness is raised in a toast to old Patrick. The festivities are accompanied by

Photo: Chris Chidsey / FreeImages.com

Enjoy the craic!

May the luck of the Irish enfold you!

traditional Irish music all the way, with the sound of bodhrans, harps, harmonicas and vibrant voices ringing out loud and clear from every corner.

Amongst other feats, St. Patrick is credited with introducing Christianity to Ireland and clearing the island of snakes (though many believe

there probably weren’t any to start with and this is merely a symbolic claim). That last minor point aside, the humble Patrick has certainly had a lasting effect on the country and all its inhabitants, past and present. From the United States of America, throughout Europe and as far as Australia, St. Patrick – and all things Irish - are remembered with pride.

And as we too are joining in the celebrations, we leave you with a traditional verse that tells you all you need to know about why the Irish are so proud of their country: May the Irish hills caress you, May her lakes and rivers bless you, May the luck of the Irish enfold you, May the blessings of St Patrick behold you. n

Counting the cost

Casinos suffer drop in profits Tenerife’s three publicly-owned casinos posted lower profits for 2015 although they still managed to keep their heads above water.

The casinos (Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz and Playa de Las Américas) have been the subject of much speculation over the past year or so due to the attempts by the Tenerife Council to sell them off to private investors. No bidders have come forward to take all three on as a package and the news of falling revenue may not aid the ongoing efforts. According to the corporation’s finance chief, Juan Carlo Pérez, the trio generated combined profits of just under half a million euros last year, less than 50 per cent of the figure for 2014, which was the first profit for a number of years and stemmed from a significant restructuring process.

The most worrying case is the flagship Santa Cruz casino, where profits plummeted by nearly 90 per cent to just under €38,000. The Taoro Casino in Puerto de la Cruz continues to head the table, with an in-the-black figure of €321,000, well ahead of Playa de Las Américas, whose figure of €117,000 is, however, a big increase on 2014.

Under tight new financial regulations, local governments are obliged to rid themselves of loss-making entities and, even though the profits are disappointing, the fact that the casinos are paying their way relieves the presn sure to some extent for an immediate divestment.

Who really cares?

The death of a vagrant in Los Cristianos has raised questions

presence had apparently been received from local shops and businesses, and social services

say they were aware of his case.

It emerged that the Austrian had spent a short time at the

Psychiatric Unit in Candelaria Hospital but discharged himself to return to his street life.

Arona police said he had been offered a place in a homeless shelter several times but had always refused to be helped.

Back in August the death of a 53-year-old English woman who was living rough on the streets of the Tenerife capital, Santa Cruz, also sparked a war of words between a local charity and the city n authorities.

Photo: Rasto Belan/ freeimages.com

Questions are currently being asked regarding the standard of care on the Islands since a man who had been living on the streets was found dead in Plaza de Los Caídos in Los Cristianos.

The deceased, from Austria and in his early 60s, had been using the gardens next to the plaza - an area frequented by tourists - as his base for the previous 18 months, according to a police report. Numerous complaints at his permanent

Photo: José Luis Navarro/freeimages.com

Death in paradise

Casinos in Tenerife are not so lucky at the moment

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Whooping cough and chicken pox increase

Vaccination worries

Photo: Biswarup Ganguly wikipedia

The number of cases of whooping cough and chicken pox has risen considerably in the Canaries in the last two years, with the increase in the latter attributed to the decision to do away with mandatory vaccines for children.

Although flu remains the biggest single health threat, with nearly 44,000 cases in 2015 alone (15 per cent up on the previous year), the rise in the incidence of whooping cough and chicken pox is causing concern at the Department of Health, even if the situation is officially described as nonserious for the moment. A combined total of 10,394 cases, the vast majority among children, were reported during the two-year period to December 31, 2015, more than double the number for 2012-13. The figures were revealed as part of the compulsory reporting system for infectious diseases put in place recently by all Spanish regions. n

Child with chickenpox

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La Gomera

Cleaners exploited?

The socialist delegate for La Gomera, Jesus Ramos, recently declared: “Without the women who clean the rooms in our hotels, we could not maintain quality tourism. We are therefore calling for better working conditions for hotel cleaning staff”.

Many women who are employed as room cleaners at hotels are single mothers, and they form a particularly vulnerable target group. In some cases, they are shamelessly exploited by the hotel operators. The workers have to clean up to 15 rooms a day,

and as many as 20 rooms during high season. The constant overload and the use of highly aggressive cleaning agents eventually lead to physical impairments.

Ramos added “thus, in the long run, high tourism standards cannot be maintained.” In his

Cleaners on La Gomera aren’t the only ones with complaints – for International Women’s Day, ladies in Fuerteventura also highlighted their plight

view, the consequences should be brought out into the open, to bring better working conditions n for cleaning staff.

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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 034

Ibiza dance feel

Itchycoo in La Palma Breñas too, but the real attraction was the music brought in

by Itchycoo, and featuring DJ Omar Salinas, well known for decades on the Dance scene, and singer Ann Shine, of whom more later.

Salinas has taken his distinctive blend of House Underground,

Photo: Itchycoo

Bodeguita Tasca and the Peluquería Azul salon, where from early evening two giant screens projected the latest in digital art, infographics and 3D visuals. This multi-faceted occasion also featured a fashion and hair show and there was an exhibition of contempo-

Ann Shine together with DJ Omar Salinas

By Barbara Belt siderable coup in cool for local Itchycoo Events is a London and Spain-based events and record company which focuses primarily on Electronic music, from Dance to House and Breakbeat but, “… this does not preclude any genre.

We embrace all music and our philosophy is quite simple: if we love the music, we’ll release it”, they say.

Itchycoo has over thirty years of experience in deejaying, events promotion, production, distribution and licensing and has brought this experience to bear in making itself the home of choice for an eclectic bunch of DJs and artists.

The island of La Palma was the scene of a recent Itchycoo event, which constituted a con-

organisers: the culture department of Breña Baja borough council.

Discerning music fans from near and far who’d managed to find out about the event publicity wasn’t exactly high profile and this was very nearly a well kept secret - got on over there and a good time was had by all. It’s not every day such delights come to town.

“This is a pioneer cycle of Chill Out activities, the first of which took place on March 5 in Breña Baja, to be followed by others on April 9 and May 14 in the tourist destination Los Cancajos”, the culture councillors were pleased to announce before the first bash. “The organisers, Itchycoo Events, with more than thirty years of experience

Ann Shine

in tourist animation in Spain, brought a little bit of Ibiza for

us to enjoy”, they enthused.

The event took place in La

rary art organised by the Asociación Amigos Pintores Las

Tribal, Latin Dance and Breakbeat to many countries, spending

17.3.2016 – 30.3.2016

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 767 Spanish TV’s dreadful La Voz (the Voice) talent competition.

Don’t let that put you off!

Ann performs with Omar Salinas - a powerful package given her high energy and strong voice. She blends music styles like Jazz, Soul, Funk,

CANARY ISLANDS

11

cess, before making it through the throng of fifteen thousand hopefuls to compete on Channel 5’s La Voz in 2013.

She was the blonde singing a scorching version of the Aretha Franklin classic Natural Born Woman.

Chill Out events because, apart from highlighting a different cultural aspect, they’ll energise the tourist area of Los Cancajos”.

“We’re sure these events will be enjoyed by local people and tourists alike” he said and the

Last year found her in Rio de Janeiro and Ibiza, and this year in the Canaries for the Itchycoo gigs with Omar Salinas, bringing a distinctly Ibizan dance flavour to the proceedings.

Before the events, Councillor for Culture, Juan Manuel Peréz, affirmed: “The local council is supporting these

first date proved him correct.

For those of you who are music fans, or like to cut a shape, it’s well worth pencilling in the events to come, both on Saturdays, as the time to be on La Palma. La Isla Bonita’s just across the water there and very beautiful, so go for the n weekend.

Photo: Covermix

Itchycoo Ibiza nights

more time recently in the Canaries again. His story pretty much reflects the story of how Dance music itself has evolved.

While you may not recognise his name/s, if you’ve been at a Dance venue anywhere in

In 1988, as ‘Shark Master Beat’, he played sessions in Miami’s D Club, in Studio 54 and Ozono in Barcelona and Colossos in Lloret de Mar, also editing the groundbreaking Samba House album for Metropol Records. A

Breña Baja is on the eastern side of the island

Europe over the last twenty years, you’ll recognise his tracks. I’ve heard him on Central American radio and booming out of cars - all tuned and bass boxed up for optimum cruisin’ - in both Latino and Anglo areas of the US.

few years later, he shortened his professional name to DJ Shark to work at the Sky venue in Hamburg and Cartouche in Amsterdam.

Influenced by the techno music there, he produced the wellknown El Himno track for the

radical DJs of Valencia’s After Hours, again for Metropol, but this time under the name Tupak Amaru. It was picked up

by EMI and released and the Valencian techno anthem was all over Europe’s clubs. You’d know it if you heard it.

His association with the Canaries dates back to ‘96, when he directed and presented a TV programme called DJ World, then stayed on to organise DJ events and concerts on various islands.

The single Mind Dance was the result of a move to London to create the label Coco Loco Latin Dance with Greg Charvey.

It was picked up by the burgeoning Japanese underground scene. One thing generally leads to another, and Salinas is nothing if not prolific, with another own label ‘DJ World Music’, more releases; Dutch record company releases, and work both in the Canaries and all over Europe, honing his style from radical Afro Latin rhythms into Tribal, famous for its “low, dark base”.

His fusion sessions with DJ music and live musicians, together with voices from the Soul and Funk scene, are some of the best sets around. Locals and visitors in La Palma who either found out about, or happened upon, the March gig had a great time. The April and May gigs will draw crowds.

This success was also due to co-performer Ann Shine. She’s another reason to get over there for the future events. You may have seen her competing in

Gospel, or Blues, with Dance, Deep House, House and Electronic: the queen of fusion to Omar’s king.

Ann had sung at most of the prestigious venues on the Mediterranean in Spain, from Barcelona to Benidorm, and released predominantly Deep House tracks with some suc-

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PROMOTION

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 034

Legal and fiscal advice

Tax compliance and planning

By Octavio Cabrera, Director of Cabrera Rodríguez Lawyers & Tax Advisers. Lawyers, accountants, experts on tax and business planning, international transactions and investments.

In my position as director of Cabrera Rodríguez Lawyers and Tax Advisers, I would like to begin by introducing ourselves. We are a consolidated Canarian company with over 20 years of experience, with a professional team specialised in the sector of Tax Planning and Legal Advice.

Our strength lies in tax planning and fiscal advice in connection with international transactions and investments.

We are a dynamic team made up of various professionals and consultants, skilled and competent in both the English and Italian languages, among others, with a wide range of international experience.

At present, we have two offices in Tenerife. One is located in the centre of Santa Cruz and the other is in Adeje, in the south of the island. We also have relevant associate companies in Gran Canaria and mainland Spain.

Being based in the Canaries means we have an accumulated knowledge of the special features concerning the Economic and Fiscal Regime of the Canary Islands, provided by the EU. The special taxation regime on business income is one of the most attractive aspects of it, of which the Special Canary Zone (ZEC) is the most relevant, but not the only one. This singular corporate tax

value of assets or rights owned abroad is superior to €50,000 within three different sections: bank accounts, investments, and properties and rights to

€700,000 include all asset information which the 720 refers to. This requirement has been in place a long time, leaving aside the period between

Cabrera Rodríguez has offices in Santa Cruz and Adeje

2008 and 2010. The only difference is that the 720 requires an extra degree of specification and detail but, in principle, the essence is absolutely the same, although the Wealth Tax refers to worldwide wealth, including all Spanish assets.

Spanish non-tax residents also fall into the obligation of the Wealth Tax, not the 720, with exclusive reference to Spanish assets and with the same allowance of €700,000 net wealth.

The 720 should not frighten or create unnecessary stress.

There is always a proper strategy to regularise any foreign wealth structures, and there is no better moment than the current economic and tax environment to approach that challenge. Using the right tools and procedures will definitely provide an updated and well designed wealth and inheritance tax plan, which will take

Cabrera Rodríguez Lawyers and Tax Advisers

status is unique in Europe, and the right combination of these tax tools provides a wonderful scenario for entrepreneurs or international companies planning to start new projects on the Islands.

Our pattern has always been the same: legal certainty together with achieving a high level of tax efficiency. We offer our clients different ways to embody their investments by using the right tax structures, as well as providing the appropriate and suitable legal instruments. All of the above is achievable by always serving our clients’ interests and

designing the most advantageous configuration for optimal tax results.

On this occasion we would like to focus on the famous model 720, which has become a worrying topic for many people.

We are very conscious about the current concern between the taxpayer and the obligation to declare relevant information to the Spanish Tax Office. This has been in force from 2013, and requires that individuals provide the Spanish Tax Office with specific information about the goods and rights owned in foreign countries. The presentation is required if the

them. The declaration has an informative purpose, the final date is on March 31 each year, and it applies not only to owners but also to the beneficiary of a trust. The controversy arising from this obligation is due to the penalties which become applicable due to the noncompliance of its presentation. The amount of these penalties has recently been considered excessive by the EU, and consequently this is under investigation by the EU Commission.

In spite of all this, the process is no more than an informative declaration. Do not forget that the Wealth Tax declaration, to be filed every May/June by all Spanish residents, requires that those whose net wealth exceeds

Yeremi Vargas

Renault 5 link?

On the ninth anniversary in mid-March of the disappearance of Yeremi Vargas from Gran Canaria, police issued a plea for information on the driver of a Renault 5 car which was in the area at the time.

Senior officers disclosed that the investigation into the case of the missing youngster, who was snatched from the streets in Vecindario, is still ongoing and a new lead is being fol-

lowed up. “Our focus is on a man in his 30-40s who was seen driving a white Renault 5 Oasis car and wearing a baseball cap. Several people have told us they saw him and the vehicle in Yeremi’s street moments before the youngster went missing and we are anxious to locate him” said the officer leading the inquiry, Miguel Hidalgo.

The task of tracking the car

is huge as there were an estimated 30,000 Renault 5s in Gran Canaria at the time, police have admitted. Reacting to the news, Yeremi’s family said they were hopeful that the lead would bring police to his abductor. “We are being updated on all new developments. Finding the car will help find the person responsible for snatching Yeremi”, said grandfather José Suárez. n

Police are looking for the driver of a Renault 5 seen in the area at the time

away worries about current tax liabilities and create the right starting point for optimising future taxation, and even succession by heirs (Wealth tax and Inheritance tax).

Filing tax returns requires not only accurate submission, but also a clever approach and valuation of every individual tax and wealth position. No individual tax position is equal to another. Every situation is special and each one requires its own personalised tax and wealth structure which needs to fit the general requirements of the Tax Law for obtaining the right efficiency and optimisation. It also has to meet any specific economic needs and demands of the individual and his/her family. From that point onwards it is just a matter of compliance and periodically adjusting or improving the package.

Cabrera Rodríguez Lawyers & Tax Advisers: during the coming editions we will continue to inform readers about tax and legal topics of general interest, which will contribute to providing a good overview of the current tax situation in the Canaries and Spain. We also hope to generate proactive reviews from readers on their personal wealth and tax positions, which may eventually help to create opportunities or provide the right support to face certain economic decisions. We are available for consultation, please contact us by email: info@cabrerarodriguez. com. Alternatively, you can visit the company website at: www. n cabrerarodriguez.com.

17.3.2016 – 30.3.2016

Death before honour

A Honduran environmental activist due to accept an honour at the annual Ficmec festival in Garachico has been murdered just weeks before she was due to collect her award.

The International Film Festival, now in its 18th year, shows feature films and shorts from around the world on environmental topics. This year, campaigner Berta Cáceres Flores was chosen for the Environmental Activist Award by the Ficmec panel of judges. On hearing of the award Berta said “I am very honoured, thank you for thinking of me. I accept, appreciating that it’s recognition and national and international backing for the great communal cause of COPINH and its work in a country like ours full of repression, injustice, insecurity and crime.”

Berta co-founded the Council of Popular and Indigenous Organisations of Honduras in 1993 and

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 767

Murdered activist Berta Cáceres Flores

the award was for their decadeslong fight against the destruction of nature in their homeland and the protection of human rights. It

will now be given posthumously as Berta was killed in early March at her home in La Esperanza, Honduras.

Air defence exercise

The Canaries are considered by the Ministry of Defence to be the ideal location for the exercises given the Air Force base in Gando (Gran Canaria), the military airfield in Lanzarote and the availability of a large area of air space which civilian aircraft are not allowed to use. The two week drill, which ended on March 11 and was designed also to test the defence reactions of planes based permanently in the Canaries, involved not just Spanish pilots but a small number from other NATO countries such as France, Germany, Belgium and Canada. On one of the days, plane spotters and

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continued with the plans, so COPINH and the resident natives blocked the access roads and froze construction. For her role in fighting this dam, Berta was awarded the Goldmann Environmental Prize in 2015. According to the organisation’s website, Berta “waged a grassroots campaign that successfully pressured the world’s largest dam builder to pull out of the Agua Zarca Dam”, a project that threatened to “cut off the supply of water, food and medicine for hundreds of Lenca people and violated their right to sustainably manage and live off their land”.

Berta took on some tough opposition; the dam project was funded by the Corporación Financiera Internacional, the private arm of The World Bank.

Several of the activists received warnings of potential violence towards them, and Berta had complained of death threats from police, the army and landowners’ groups. She ticked all the boxes for assassination - as a woman, an indigenous native

and an environmentalist activist - and she was murdered by gunmen who broke into her home and shot her four times.

Her brother was also injured in the attack.

Some reports speak of two attackers, others claim at least 11, the local police wrote the murder off as the result of a foiled robbery, but her supporters have demanded an independent inquiry.

Austra Flores, Berta’s 84-yearold mother, said she hoped her daughter’s murder will not go unpunished and that the international attention will pressure Honduran authorities to find those responsible.

Her daughter Olivia declared: “My mother died because she defended the land and rivers of her country”.

Over a hundred activists have been killed in Honduras since 2002.

Ficmec organisers condemned the murder in the strongest terms and announced there will be a tribute to Berta during the opening ceremonies of this year’s fesn tival on May 26.

Activist murdered

Canarian skies

People in several parts of the Canaries will no doubt have been puzzled at the recent activity of fighter jets in the skies over the islands.

Despite fierce opposition from pacifists, who once again protested at the use of the Islands for military purposes, the Spanish Air Force went ahead with its tactical combat exercise known as DACT 2016, which saw squadrons of fighters fly down from the mainland to be put through their paces in simulated combat.

CANARY ISLANDS

The Canarian skies are deemed ideal for training

professional photographers were invited to the Gando Base to get a close up of the fighters and other planes taking part n in the intensive drills.

One of her last projects was a fight against the construction of the huge Agua Zarca reservoir to feed what would have been the largest hydroelectric plant in Honduras.

Despite overwhelming opposition from the local Rio Blanco community, the Government

CANARY ISLANDS

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 034

Delayed justice

El Hierro

Drugs trial The slow workings of the Spanish justice system are again in evidence with the trial taking place in Gran Canaria of a gang accused of cocaine trafficking more than a decade ago.

A total of 15 people are in the dock charged with an elaborate plan to ship 450 kilos of the drug, worth €16 million at the time, from South America to the Canaries. The wellorganised gang, including two women, are said to have bought a yacht in Miami for the shipment, which was intercepted in the mid-Atlantic in 2004 in an international operation launched when the Spanish authorities began to suspect the ringleaders’ frequent trips to South America, particularly Venezuela, were drugs-related.

Island space mission?

The smallest of the Canary Islands could be set for a totally new purpose if a Spanish satellite launcher company gets its way.

PLD Space is currently developing mini-launchers to send small satellites and other payloads into space in years to come and it has reportedly set its sights on using El Hierro as a launch site.

The company’s co-founder and CEO Raul Torres revealed that it is considering using the tiny island for its Arion 2 launcher, currently under development. “El Hierro is the westernmost part of Spain and the nearest point to the Equator. It offers ideal conditions for launches and could well be the Spanish Cape Canaveral”, said Torres, although he admitted that it was “just an idea” at the moment and no formal steps have been taken yet to n secure the required authorisations for a small site.

Library image of Guardia Civil yacht search

Some of the defendants are charged with fronting fake companies which were set up to launder the proceeds of the trafficking.

The interception at sea was followed by a series of raids on homes and business premises in Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote.

Lawyers acting for the defendants say the case should be thrown out due to the extraordinary length of time it has taken n to come to trial.

Photo: PLD space

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Arion 2

Government promises

One hour earlier in the Canaries

The Spanish Government’s top official in the Canaries has promised to sit down with councils around the Islands as soon as possible to investigate the reasons why tons of food donated for needy families had to be destroyed in the past year.

Enrique Hernández Bento said it was ludicrous that food that should have gone to remedy the plight of people suffering hardship should have ended up on the scrap heap, and promised to get to the bottom of the matter. The problems have occurred mainly in Lanzarote

The reason why the Canary Islands do not have the same time as the rest of Spain is the subject of a month-long exhibition in the Elder Museum in Las Palmas.

This year sees the 94th anniversary of the official decision to split the Islands from the mainland in clock terms and it has now emerged from old documents that Britain played a key role in the decision.

According to the museum, the Spanish Government simply forgot to set a time zone for the Canaries when it passed a Royal Decree for the country in 1901. The oversight went unnoticed until the Admiralty of the Royal Navy wrote to Spain in 1922 to seek clarification as to which time Navy ships should be on when sailing in the waters around the Canaries and calling in on individual islands. The Spanish Navy investigated the situation and was forced to admit that no legal provision had been made for the Canaries. Various Spanish ministries became embroiled in the discussion and, after several months, the government decided to put the Islands an hour behind Spain, triggering the famous “One hour earlier in the Canaries” expression used ever since by radio and TV broadcasters when giving the time on air. To mark the occasion, the Elder Museum is adopting a free-entry policy for one hour on a Friday evening every week. n

Photo: Sarefo/Wikipedia

Food aid destroyed

A weevil, a tiny destruction weapon

and Fuerteventura, although some towns in Gran Canaria

are also thought to have been affected.

The revelations about the waste have sparked a bitter row, with church charity agency Cáritas insisting that the lack of proper storage premises has allowed the food to become contaminated with insects. “This has nothing to do with neglect or irresponsibility as some have made out. The fact is that once food such as rice is infested with weevils it has to be destroyed”, said Father Juan Carlos Medina. In the latest destruction order, seven tons of foodstuffs had to be burnt n in Puerto del Rosario.

Time out?

17.3.2016 – 30.3.2016

TENERIFE GENERAL

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 767

Fundraiser

Daring Daisy After the success of the Swallows’ productions of Oh What a Lovely War and The Boyfriend, their third offering, Daisy Pulls it off, was performed in the basement theatre of the Tryp Tenerife Hotel in Los Cristianos at the beginning of March.

Mike Huntington directed Denise Deegan’s humorous play, which is set in Grangewood Boarding School for young ladies, in the 1920s.

It is a play inside a play, and a trip down memory lane to the school-girl comics of the 1950s and 60s.

Daisy, intelligent and daredevilish, and the school’s first ever scholarship girl from elementary level, has the daunting task of surviving the taunts and fiendish tricks of her snobby classmates Sybil and Monica, played by Linda Merritt and Joan Roberts, who kept the audience laughing with their 1920s’ antics and attitudes.

Angie McLean and Tracey Cutting gave lively performances as Daisy and Trixie, the heroines, with their ‘spiffing’ and ‘topping’ vocabulary, taking risks to ensure that jus-

tice prevailed. The other ‘schoolgirls’, played mostly by senior citizens, supported by staff and parents, created an evening of pure fun. Paul Halkyard made a splendid guest appearance as the bagpipe player as the girls celebrated their success.

Run by Carole and Mike Hart, the Swallows are a society of expats who raise money for cancer research and the free bus to take cancer patients to the hospital in Santa Cruz. The production of Daisy raised €2,814 for the charities. n

The Swallows’ group in Daisy Pulls it off

Bajamar loyalty

Monument to stray dog planned A stray dog adopted for almost 15 years by residents of a north Tenerife coastal town is set to have a monument erected in its honour.

Locals in Bajamar, including the owners of bars and cafeterias in the popular seaside town, are considering raising funds for a permanent tribute to Canelo, the dog that lived on the streets as a per-

manent fixture for well over a decade.

News of Canelo’s recent death due to old age has saddened the entire Bajamar community, including youngsters who have grown up playing with the town’s unofficial mascot and were often accompanied by it to the bus stop in the morning on their way to school.

Two of the residents who fed and cared for the dog on a daily basis have decided to organise a collection among the locals to pay for the monument, which is likely to take the form of a small statue.

Canelo’s life in Bajamar merited an extensive feature in Tenerife daily La Opinión in n October 2013.

Curious Catholic case

Street confessions stir opposition A confession box erected by the church in La Laguna has attracted attention near and far, including local criticism for the use of a public road for a religious purpose.

Media pictures of a priest sitting in the curiously-shaped box in full priestly gear waiting for people to make their

confessions triggered a lively debate in the media, with the local Bishop’s Office stressing that the one-off was designed to facilitate matters for parishioners during the run-up to Easter.

However, despite the insistence that the mobile confession box was no different to

15

those used for major open-air events organised by the church such as World Youth Day, its presence on one of La Laguna’s old streets did not meet with unanimous approval. Some even used the opportunity to challenge the church’s right to use the city streets for Easter n processions.

Enabling Aaron A fundraising event to raise monies towards an electric chair for a young man suffering from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy will be taking place on April 9 in Los Cristianos.

Ten-year-old Aaron Tyler Bannister has battled DMD his whole life. The condition is a rapidly progressive form of muscular dystrophy that occurs primarily in boys. Individuals experience increasing loss of muscle function and accompanying weakness that normally begins in the lower limbs, spreading with time and usually leaving youngsters needing a wheelchair before their teens.

Though Aaron can still walk at this stage, the short distance he is capable of is decreasing rapidly, and to add to his mobility problems he was recently diagnosed with severe osteoporosis, caused by the heavy medications he is taking for DMD. Luckily, the brave young man has loving family and friends supporting him, and now is your chance to help as well.

Electric wheelchairs are expen-

sive items, so fundraising has begun to make sure that Aaron will be able to make the most of his days and have as much independence as possible.

All you need to do to show your support is visit Harvey’s Bar in

Los Cristianos on April 9 and join in the party. As well as a BBQ, there will be a raffle with exciting prizes and a fabulous line-up of entertainers. The fun starts at 2pm and will continue n until 8pm.

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CANARY ISLANDS

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 034

Lost Russian holidaymakers

Tenerife priest defends decision

Photo: Guardia Civil

The women were suffering from hypothermia and exhaustion

Photo: Guardia Civil

Snow rescue

Lesbian couple baby baptism

Specialist forces from the GREIM Guardia Civil mountain rescue team were called out in the first week of March to look for two missing Russian hikers on Mount Teide.

The 51 and 31 year old women, mother and daughter,

were reported missing at 8pm, too late and too dark on Teide for the helicopter to be called out, so the security forces were deployed.

It seems that the women had lost their way on the plateau near the cable car and they

were located just after midnight about a kilometre from the Altavista mountain refuge. It was freezing cold and their clothing was completely inadequate for the conditions – a dangerous situation. Their rescuers decided to take the

women to the refuge where they were given warm clothes etc. They were flown to the HUC hospital in La Laguna by the UHEL 11 helicopter and crew at dawn the following day, suffering from hypothermia and exhaustion.

This isn’t the first time that people have got lost on the Teide summit and it won’t be the last. Visitors to the National Park should always wear sturdy shoes and take warm clothing as temperatures can drop dramatically, especially at night, even in the summer. A rough guide for colder temperatures is that the thermometer can drop up to seven degrees Celsius for every 1,000 metres of altitude. Teide’s peak is 3,718 metres high, so even if it’s bikini weather on the beach, you will need to wrap up on the mountain. Better to take warm clothing than catch n a cold, or worse.

El Teide

Snow Bus initiative likely to be repeated The success of the Snow Bus service launched by the Tenerife authorities to allow people to travel to Mt Teide to experience the phenomenon without clogging the roads is almost certain to lead to a repeat the next time the mountain gets a white blanket.

For years the authorities have racked their brains on how to implement measures to avoid accidents and gridlock in freezing temperatures. The standard solutions have tended to be road closures or one-way systems forcing drivers to go up Teide one route and down another. The snowfalls at the

end of February prompted a different approach, not least because the Island Council soon realised that snow seekers were largely ignoring the restrictions.

A fleet of buses was laid on from towns such as Vilaflor in the south and La Esperanza in the north to ferry passengers

directly to the Teide National Park to spend the day in the snow and back down again in the evening. Thousands of people, including whole families, signed up for the day trips, which also saw extra ambulances sent to Teide and a field hospital set up to deal with emergencies. n

The small town of Tejina in north Tenerife rarely gets a mention in the news, particularly for religious matters, but the decision by the local parish priest to baptise the daughter of a lesbian couple has triggered extensive coverage.

Father Juan Carlos Alameda said he “did not think twice” before agreeing to the request by the couple, who married in 2012 and had their baby daughter back in December.

The baptism has led to a heated debate on the position of the Church with regard to ceremonies involving homosexual couples but Alameda says he received full support from the Bishop of Tenerife when he took the query to him.

“A large percentage of baptisms nowadays involve what might be viewed as ‘irregular’ relationships but I have no problem whatsoever as the mothers and godparents are Christians. The mothers asked me what I thought about it and I replied that my opinion did not matter. My view is that we need to adapt to the growing reality of our society and remember that people do not have to be excluded from the Church because of their personal circumstances” explained the priest.

Not all locals in the traditionally conservative town shared the view, however, with some taking to newsn paper letters pages to express their opposition.

Drugs test avoidance

‘Urine switch’ naval officer gets lighter sentence A woman sailor who tried to cheat her way out of a drugs test has had her sentence cut by Spain’s Supreme Court.

The sailor worked in weapons maintenance and repairs at Navy Headquarters in Las Palmas and was spotted acting suspiciously by a female captain when she was asked to provide a routine urine sample to test for drug-taking.

According to the captain, she provided a specimen which was “very unlikely to be urine just passed” due to the temperature. The sample tested negative but the officer’s suspicions that she had been handed a previously-filled container concealed on the accused’s person led to the ordering of a second sample almost immediately - which did show evidence of marijuana consumption.

The sailor was convicted by a military court of gross misconduct and could have faced up to six years in jail, although she was eventually given just one year. However, on appeal, the Supreme Court has now cut the term to just six months after amending the conviction to dereliction of duty. n

17.3.2016 – 30.3.2016

TENERIFE GENERAL

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 767

Letter to the editor

Voluptuous volcanoes

Photo: GEOMAR

I enjoyed the recent Island Connections front page article on the underwater volcano expedition just off the coast of El Hierro.

I recently learned that the Canary Islands lie above an area of magma which is able to break through to the surface when the African Plate on which the Islands sit shifts. Most of the Islands are still active and there has been speculation that a smaller, undetected fault line runs under them.

Prolonged volcanic activity has caused El Hierro to swell, although the last time it erupted was in 1793. Some 50,000 years ago, it is believed that massive landslides triggered by earthquakes caused a large part of the island to splinter and fall into the Atlantic, in the process creating the El Golfo valley. It is also speculated that this caused a 90 metre high tsunami that could have reached the American coast.

This gives weight to the theory that volcanic activity on La Palma, the most tectonically active island, could trigger another massive tsunami.

Although never officially confirmed, these claims could mean that the island could cause a major landslide that would then spark a tsunami, resulting in extensive damage all down the Atlantic Coast of the US, the Caribbean, Western Europe, West Africa and the east coast of South America.

Crikey! Let’s hope these theories are only the result of mad scientists and Hollywood writers!

Yours sincerely, Nicholas Drake, Los Gigantes

Scientists investigating the underwater volcano just off El Hierro recently

By

I know many of you will remember Yvonne, who for years was the immensely popular and successful compere at Ben’s Bar in Torviscas, opposite Island Village.

She became very ill and had to go to hospital in Candelaria for an operation. I remember driving up there to see her the following day but she was so ill they wouldn’t let me in.

When she was discharged, she decided to go home and underwent more operations there.

Just as she was finally better, her husband Mark was diagnosed with cancer and sadly passed away. Here’s what she had to say about their time together: “We met in Kent in 1994 in the pub I was working in at the time. That day I told my friend that I had just seen the man I was going to marry and sure enough in 1999 I did marry him. Mark had been in the Royal Navy for 22 years, serving in the Gulf, Northern Ireland and Falklands. Injury ended his Navy days which affected him badly and he turned to the demon drink, which was not an easy thing to live with and was the cause for a sometimes rocky relationship. In 2006 we parted but then I was taken ill and admitted to hospital in Tenerife and spent three months feeling very poorly. It was in this time that we both had the opportunity to reflect and realised just how much we missed each other. He visited everyday and stopped drinking to save our marriage. We came back to the UK for more treatment, and when I came out of hospital we never looked back. We started over and had a wonderful life because I had my love, my

y Kat

Hi everyone,

17

katykennedy@telefonica.net

Mark and Yvonne

soul-mate and my best friend right by my side, caring for me.

We were hit with the news that Mark had cancer in September 2014 and were devastated. He underwent surgery in January 2015 which was a success. I had now become my carer’s carer! On Christmas Eve last year we were called back to the hospital to hear that the cancer was back and had spread.

He had become so ill it was no shock to us. I eventually lost my darling on Feb 1 this year, just four days before his 61st birthday. We had laughs, tears and joy in our lives and he was a fantastic dad to my girls, a fantastic granddad to

our four grandchildren and great-grandson, and he will be missed by us all. We have wonderful memories that will get us through this awful time.

I want to thank my family and friends who have been in touch all the way through this, especially you Katy.

I’m going to dry my tears now!

Love Yvonne.”

Yvonne’s letter made me sad but when I spoke to her this lovely lady found a way to smile through the tears. Mark was cremated and the family went to a little cove, which Mark often visited and adored, to scatter his ashes. They all shared a special moment and

spoke of happier days, when they suddenly felt very cold and realised that the tide was coming in and was lapping round their ankles and threatening to cut them off! So they had to leg it to the headland, giggling all the way because they could almost hear Mark laughing and shouting at them: “Trust you lot to get things in a muddle!”

Yvonne, so many of your pals and cabaret artistes remember the happy days at Ben’s Bar and wish you well.

Send an email to: katykennedy@ telefonica.net. Telephone: 616 110 930. Until next time, take care of yourselves and espen cially of each other.

18

TENERIFE GENERAL

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 034

Loro Parque Foundation

Ocean awareness

A classroom break but still learning

Sixteen schools throughout the Canaries are taking part in a Loro Parque Foundation project to improve their knowledge about preserving the ocean’s fragile ecosystem.

The special classes will continue until the end of April in various centres on the four largest islands, thanks to an altruistic agreement signed between the Foundation, the Ministry of Education and the Canarian public Universities.

The Regional Minister for Education Soledad Monzón underlined the importance of the programme, stating: “In the Canary Islands, more than in other communities, it’s essential to raise awareness among young people about the ocean’s key role in climate, temperature moderation and many other aspects.”

The initiative is taking place in REDCICE schools and institutes, which are an organised

material transported by the LPF and the students will also be taking marine samples

The course involves hands-on skills

group of educational centres which aim to attract students into continuing their education for a longer period. The one-week course uses specific graphic and exhibition

and using IT apps specially designed for the project. Loro Parque will hand out 3,000 free entrance tickets to the Parque amongst the participating centres.

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vape ?

SMOKE or

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The youngsters will learn about the risks that threaten the integrity and sustainability of the sea and how to preserve it. Classes will be integrated into the syllabus and include information on marine pollution, over-fishing and threatened species. The project aims to trigger enthusiasm for the marine environment and all animal species.

With this initiative, the Loro Parque Foundation reinforces its commitment to raising awareness in the Canarian community about the need to be informed, protect and conserve the environment and animal species – an endeavour that has been undertaken by the non-profit international foundation for environmental education, research and biodiversity conservation since 1994. n

Public safety

Fire brigade coordination Plans to ensure adequate fire service cover for Tenerife’s smaller towns are moving forward at a reasonable pace, following the decision by another two towns to sign up to the Council’s offer to provide cover using the island’s fire brigade.

The corporation is keen to have all towns with populations of less than 20,000 to join its consortium to streamline resources and avoid duplication of services.

Although the Island Council will provide the actual cover, it wants participating towns to contribute an annual fee to meet the cost of the fire service, and some mayors are reticent due to the amount they will have to pay.

After months of stalemate, progress has been made in recent weeks with the decision of Garachico and Buenavista del Norte to reconsider their earlier decision not to be included in the consortium. Only two towns, La Victoria and neighbours La Matanza, are still holding out, though the signs are that at least the former is prepared to sign up to the scheme in the near future. Council officials are at pains to impress on all town councils that being part of a single service will lead to considerable savings, amounting to more than €100,000 in some cases. n

Montaña Roja

Campsite reopening delayed The popular Montaña Roja campsite in El Médano looks set to remain closed at least for another few months until improvements ordered by the Tenerife authorities are carried out.

The 22,000 m2 site, which can accommodate up to 200 people and has been in operation for a decade, is something of an icon for caravaners and campers in the south of the island. It was shut on October 1 when the operating licence of the management company was withdrawn due to what the authorities called “deficiencies” in the standard of the amenities and facilities. A new tender was organised to attract another company to run the site but the anticipated reopening date of January 1 came and went without progress. Sources at the Island Council say they hope the issue will be resolved within three months.

Critics of the closure say Montaña Roja has been treated very differently to other sites on the island, where standards are not scrutinised so closely. n Higher standards required?

17.3.2016 – 30.3.2016

Promotion

Most of us know Binter as the local inter-island airline, and we use them a bit like a bus service for island hopping.

However, there is much more on offer from this Canarian airline.

For example, did you know you can nip off to Senegal for a mini break without flying via the mainland? You can journey direct to Madeira or the Azores for a change of scene too. How about a trip to Banjul, the capital of Gambia? You can visit this beautiful destination on Africa’s ‘Smiling Coast’ direct from the Canaries, and it is only a two hour flight!

Yes folks, it is time to appreciate Binter for what it is – an international airline based in the Canaries. In fact, the latest addition to their international service is a direct flight from Tenerife to Agadir in Morocco.

So, there is simply no reason to suffer island fever anymore. Why? Because when life on the rock becomes too much there are several attractive destinations readily available and easily accessible, thanks to Binter.

In the coming editions we will be exploring the services and destinations that Binter and CanariasViaja offer to residents in the Canary Islands.

Destinations Binter operates connections with Madeira, the Azores, Cape Verde and Lisbon as well as several African options. These include Agadir, Marrakech and Casablanca in Morocco, Dakar in Senegal and Laayoune in Western Sahara, alongside charter flights to Nouadibou and Nouakchott in Mauritania.

TRAVEL

19

An eight day/seven night stay at the four-star Hotel Iberostar Founty Beach, with prices starting from a discounted €588. This includes flights, double room and is all-inclusive! Accommodation for children under 14 years of age is free, meaning parents only need to pay for flights if taking a minor.

For more information visit: www.canariasviaja.com, or call: 922 248 161.

Improving your BinterMás level will offer certain perks such as waiting list priority, discounts, and check-in and attention facilities. CanariasViaja’s clients obtain one point for every €1 spent on a holiday package.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 767

Flying high with Binter Binter currently operates the following services: • Portugal: Madeira and Lisbon.

• The Azores: Ponta Delgada.

• Cape Verde: Praia and Isla de Sal. • Morocco: Agadir, Casablanca and Marrakech.

• Senegal: Dakar.

• Gambia: Banjul.

• Western Sahara: Laayoune.

• Canary Islands: El Hierro, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria,

to Agadir also available from Gran Canaria.

Binter has also recently rescheduled their connection with Dakar in Senegal, which now departs from Ten-

to Binter’s destinations, with regular special offers and promotions. Their goal is to provide the best deals for Canarian travellers, whether visiting another island or venturing fur-

Binter Blogging For testimonials or to leave comments regarding a Binter/CanariasViaja trip, visit:

Routes to Agadir in Morocco have been increased recently, leaving from both Tenerife and Gran Canaria Why not hop on a Binter flight and enjoy a city break in Lisbon?

Discover nearby international destinations, such as Isla de Sal in Cape Verde Binter is far more than just an inter-island service

Awards La Gomera, La Palma, Lanzarote, Tenerife (North and South Airports) as well as the small island of La Graciosa (via Lanzarote).

Out of Africa Binter has recently expanded its routes to Africa with new direct flights to Agadir in South Morocco. This direct connection operates every Wednesday from the Tenerife North Airport and the flight time is just under two hours, with options

erife North on Wednesdays at 10.45am, returning at 1.50pm. Flights from Gran Canaria will depart on Mondays at 10.15am and return from Dakar at 1.05pm, and on Fridays it leaves at 11.15am, returning at 2.15pm.

ther afield, and all residents receive a discounted rate.

CanariasViaja works with the leading hotels in those areas and provides the best packages with the aim of offering real value to their customers.

CanariasViaja.com

Agadir offer – March/April 2016

CanariasViaja is the official tour operator for Binter and an online agency offering complete breaks and packages (flight, hotel and excursions)

To promote the extended routes to Agadir, Binter and CanariasViaja are running a special offer which is available until April 30.

Binter was named Europe’s best regional airline in 2005 and has won the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) Gold Award for the Best Airline of the Year an incredible five times, with the most recent in 2013.

BinterMás card The BinterMás loyalty card awards customers points when flying with Binter. The Silver level is attained with 2,500 points and Gold with 8,000.

www.viajerosyaventureros. com. The website is dedicated to traveller feedback and blogs regarding Binter’s current list of destinations and the services provided.

Contact and bookings So you see, Binter is far more than just an inter-island service! For further information and flights visit: www.bintercanarias. com, or call 902 391 392. Their website is available in English, Spanish and French.

For holiday offers and packages available from their travel operator, visit: www.canariasviaja. com. Alternatively, telephone: n 922 248 161.

FOOD

20

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 034

Nothing pedestrian about this place!

Bodega Julián. By John

Everyone stopped eating and there was huge applause at the end. Just two songs, but it made a difference to everyone’s evening, so much so that we ordered another half litre of wine. There was a real buzz as

Down one of the recently pedestrianised streets in Puerto de la Cruz lies a hidden gem of a restaurant. We have noted it before, and walked on by.

However, it recently jumped to number one in the list of TripAdvisor restaurants in Puerto, voted up there in preference to many of the heavier hitters.

So, time to see what is going on. I booked the day before, and three of us descended on the place on a Thursday evening at 8.30pm on the

the bar, some of them remarkably in tune!

We could have had a tuna belly salad (€5.50) or cod with sweet potato (€10 for two people and probably their signature dish by the amount of them ordered

A delicious ‘prawn symphony’ The squid was excellent

Three different types of tasty croquettes The lamb was enough for two people

dot. Our table awaited us, held clearly with a ‘reserved’ sign. A good start, when many others seem to ignore that courtesy and let the table anyway.

The owner rushed to greet us, wafting menus around and telling us that some of the dishes (he informed us which ones) were quite sufficient for two people even if only selected for one. Another good point! Warm bread accompanied by a quite

delicious pot of cream cheese doused with honey and toasted sesame seeds (how simple, cheap and easy – I’m going to adopt that one for myself) was quickly to hand, as was half a

litre of the house red wine and a large bottle of water.

My wife – she of the peppers allergy – had to check on a number of the dishes. Nothing was too much trouble for them to look after her. Some extra dishes, not on the menu, were also explained. And then the fun began.

We started with some homemade croquettas (€8 for the plateful). There were three spinach ones, three lightly flavoured chorizo ones, and three mushroom. With them came a pot of delicately flavoured curry mayonnaise, the perfect accompaniment.

Then arrived what they call their prawn symphony (also €8 for the plateful). In three guises, we tucked in to oddly and differently shaped prawn parcels with good tasty prawn chunks in them all, accompa-

nied by a Spanish Marie Rose sauce.

Taking them at their word, my friend Peter and I ordered one dish of lamb between us. One plateful was enough for both of us – so quite a saving as lamb is generally not cheap on this island. Tangy and tasty from its marinade, it melted in the mouth (€16 for two people).

My wife ordered an ‘extra’ to the standard menu and went for squid (calamares), which turned out to be much smaller versions of those large rubbery rings that grace so many tables directly from the nearest freezer. We all tried some, and they were outstanding. Really outstanding. And proudly accompanying the calamares was an enormous tomato!

Then the gaffer broke out in song. Out came his guitar, and he and his daughter serenaded us in a lovely melody which brought the house down.

everyone enjoyed their meal, and some locals propped up

during the evening), or toasted cheese with honey, or a number of dishes, amounting to 12 in all, some with great names in English such as House Braves or Noise Eggs.

The bill was ridiculous. It came to only €48, including IGIC, for three. A real find, and no wonder it is number one. What is so daft is that it has taken us so long to go there. But, as Arnie famously n said… we’ll be back!

Bodega Julián Calle Mequínez 20, Puerto de la Cruz. Tel: 686 556 315 Open: Daily from 18:00 to 23:00. Closed Sunday.

Loo Score 6/10 (upstairs)

034

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

From copla to pop

Pasión Vega is a singer and artiste who was originally born in Madrid.

Having been brought up in Málaga on the south coast, this is where the enigmatic performer considers home and where the silky-voiced young lady first began her career.

Starting out with a repertoire that mostly consisted of coplas, Vega later ventured into more ‘hip’ material, but without forgetting her initial audience.

Her ability to create a close connection with her audiences, as well as her story-telling skills, both probably originate from her days of copla singing. With a great capacity for expression and an extraordinary vocal warmth, Vega has created a very singular style: gentle, strong and without pretense.

Nowadays, her range includes an impressive array of modern compositions in a challenging and wonderful fusion that is simply a delight.

The silky voice of passion

In 2011 she published her popular album Sin Compasión, and went on tour in 2012 - when she was nominated for a Latin Grammy award for the best traditional pop album. Later that year she released a compilation of her greatest hits. Also in

2012, she took part, along with Diana Navarro, Pastora Soler and Manuel Lombo, in a production called Azabache which commemorated the twentieth anniversary of the show of the same name which premiered in 1992. For the rest of that

year and the next, she toured Spain with Azabache.

She continued to collaborate with great artists, including Miguel Ríos, Ana Belén, Víctor Manuel, Sergio Dalma, Estrella Morente, Miguel Poveda and Soledad Giménez, recording a

single with Joan Manuel Serrat, the profits of which went to charity.

More recently, in December 2015 she released a special edition of her album Pasión por Cano, on which she is joined on some of the tracks by sing-

ers such as Estrella Morente, Noa, Miguel Poveda, India Martínez, Joan Manuel Serrat and María Dolores Pradera.

She was awarded a gold disc for this album in February of this year.

Vega presents a brilliant stage show, and this, together with her excellent musical direction, usually brings audiences to their feet. She is currently touring Spain, having already visited Córdoba, Zaragoza, Madrid, Cartagena and Melilla among others.

You will have the chance to see her at the Infanta Leonor Auditorium in Los Cristianos on April 30 at 9pm. Tickets, which cost €18, are on sale at the Cultural Centre, weekdays from 9am to 2pm, or on the day of the performance from the box office, from two hours prior to the show.

Alternatively, they can be purchased from: www.arona.org, where you will also find more n information.

22

HOLIDAY GUIDE

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 034

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 Teide

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.

Adán Martín Auditorium

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.

El Duque beach

17.3.2016 – 30.3.2016

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 767

Other islands Only a 45 minute ferry ride from the port of Los Cristianos, La Gomera is a small, peaceful island with amazing hiking and a prehistoric rainforest which is a UNESCO world heritage site and the only one of its kind left in the world.

The ferry will take you to the capital, San Sebastián, famous for being Christopher Columbus’ last stop before crossing the Atlantic on his voyage of discovery.

Valle Gran Rey, in the southwest of the island, and Playa

Photo: Ana Valien / FreeImages

La Gomera

El Peñón, 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.

HOLIDAY GUIDE

23

is Fuencaliente: the place to go in La Palma to see a real volcanic landscape. The western side of this borough has nice beaches and withstood the many volcanic eruptions the island has suffered, the most recent being the Teneguía volcano in1971.

La Palma has a lovely variant of Carnival called Los Indianos, where everyone dresses in white and people take to the streets during the day to cover everything, including each other, in talcum powder.

like parts of North Africa than it does the other islands. The interior is mainly empty, with a few sun bleached villages and a surprising amount of goats, but the coast has some lovely towns and villages and kilometres of white sand beaches ideal for sunbathing and surfing. The capital is Puerto del Rosario, a relatively modern port town, rather sleepy and quiet despite the fact that nearly half of the island’s population live there.

The two main tourist towns are at opposite ends of the island; Corralejo in the north and Morro Jable in the south.

Gran Canaria The capital, Las Palmas, is a much bigger city than Santa Cruz de Tenerife and has a nice historical quarter, a good night-life and Las Canteras - a long, yellow sand beach with areas for supervised swimming - and another beach for surfers of all levels. The main tourist areas are Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas, with its beauti-

Lanzarote Lanzarote is known as the ‘Isla de los Volcanes’, with over 300 volcanic cones. Like Fuerteventura, it’s flatter than the other islands and there’s very little rain, even by Canarian standards. The whole island was

El Hierro

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

Lanzarote

The capital, Santa Cruz, lies to the east of the island. It’s a pretty city of seafaring tradition, although Los Llanos de Aridane in the west is in fact the biggest city on La Palma.

The towns in the north of La Palma are also very beautiful and in the south of the island

ful sand-dunes and all-night bars and clubs. The island also has some spectacular archaeological sites.

Fuerteventura Flat, arid and sparsely populated, this island looks more

declared a Biosphere Reserve

by UNESCO, and those who take the time to explore the island will find it’s strangely beautiful. The capital is Arrecife, to the east, and the three main tourist resorts are Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 034

24

General information for visitors

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

Time zone: The time zone in the Canary Islands is the same as in the UK and Ireland.

Foreign exchange The Spanish currency is the Euro. You can change currency in any bank by showing your passport (Mon – Fri, 8am – 2pm), or in the many exchange agencies in resorts.

Can I drink the water?

You can drink the tap water in the Canaries, but the change may affect your stomach. If your visit is short, it’s perhaps best to stick to bottled.

Discounts Students and senior citizens may receive discounts on ferries, tickets to concerts, museums, etc., so always ask, as long as you can provide ID to prove it.

Shopping Normal opening hours in the Canaries are from 10am to 1.30pm and 5pm to 8.30pm.

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

There is a flea market in Santa Cruz, Tenerife, every Sunday morning Duty Free Despite popular belief, it is generally cheaper to buy alcohol and tobacco on the Islands than on the plane or at the airport.

Limits are: 200 cigarettes/50 cigars/ 250grs rolling tobacco 1L spirits over 22% or 2L spirits under 22% 2L wine 60ml perfume, 250 ml eau de toilette Medical care All residents of the EU have the right to free medical and hospital care from Tenerife’s Public Health Service whilst on holiday (ie less than three months). To receive this you need to have the European Medical Card or equivalent document, which can be applied for in your home country. It doesn’t cover all treatments; excluding dental treatment, except for emergency extractions, and repatriation due to illness.

La Laguna, Tenerife

If you are ill, find a Centro de Salud or Centro Médico. The ones in the tourist resorts generally speak some English.

Make sure they provide care under your insurance policy or EHIC before you sign for anything. Unscrupulous taxi drivers have been known to take back-handers for taking sick people to private clinics so make sure you are in the right place before paying.

Safety Only take out credit and bank cards you actually need: leave the rest in the hotel safe, along with your passport and other valuables. A UK driving licence with a photograph is usually accepted as ID for most credit card purchases, a photo credit card will still have to be accompanied by photo ID, daft, but there you are. Do not leave belongings unattended. Particular vigilance on the beach and when you are travelling with luggage is recommended.

Take the minimum with you on excursions and lock everything in the boot that you aren’t carrying with you and only access it where you are not overlooked.

Do not leave anything in sight.

Cars have been broken into for a beach towel before now.

If you are at a bar or nightclub, don’t leave your drink unattended and avoid dark streets on the way home.

The Islands are safer than many places in Europe, but there are always those who prey on the unaware: relaxing your vigilance could cost you dearly, not just in money but in precious holiday time - reporting the loss of a passport to the police for example and then the visits necessary to the consulates to replace it.

Emergency number: (all Canaries) 112 Guardia Civil (all Canaries): 062

Post Offices Open Monday to Saturday, generally 8.30am - 2.30pm. Some city offices open later.

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

Consulates

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

British Consulate Tenerife: (0034) 922 286 653 British Consulate Gran Canaria: (0034) 902 109 356 Honorary British consulate Lanzarote: (0034) 928 262 508 Indian consulate: (0034) 922 241 416 Irish Consulate: (0034) 922 245 671 Consulates can issue passports, give information about medical care, education and

legal matters, give assistance to people under arrest, under exceptional circumstances give you enough funds to be repatriated (on loan), and help you in the case of emergency/catastrophe.

Inter island transport: Fred Olsen (Ferries): 902 100 107 www.fredolsen.es Naviera Armas (Ferries): 902 456 500 www.navieraarmas. com Binter (Flights) 902 391 392 www.bintercanarias.com Canary Fly: 902 808 065 Airport and flight Information: All Canarian airports are controlled by AENA. www.aenaaeropuertos.es Buses The transport company TITSA has buses that reach all corners of the island. The main bus station is in Santa Cruz, near the Adán Martín Auditorium. Clients can choose to purchase a ticket on the bus for each individual journey or to buy a Bono-bus ticket, a card which can be shared by various people and will mean saving up to 50 per cent of the fare, depending on the route. They are on sale in any of the TITSA bus stations and also in a number of kiosks and small establishments (often newsagents), identified with a green sticker on the window.

If your Bono-bus has insufficient credit to purchase your last journey, the difference can be made up in cash on the bus, but not with another Bono-bus card.

For information you can call TITSA on: (0034) 922 531 130 or see: www.titsa.com

Taxis Tenerife taxis are white and, unless they are minivans, the maximum number of passengers is four, including children. Eurotaxis have ramps for wheelchairs.

Eurotaxis, Santa Cruz: (0034) 609 867 581/607 612 816/629 132 269 Taxi Santa Cruz: (0034) 937 780 030 www.teletaxi.es Radiotaxi San Pedro: (0034) 922 310 000 Parque Marítimo César Manrique (next to the Auditorium) Open every day: Sun-Thurs: 10am-8pm, Fri, Sat: 10amMidnight Adults: €2.50, Children (under 12): €1.50, Over 65s: €1.50 Tel: (0034) 922 229 368 https://es-es.facebook.com/ parque.manrique Palmetum Open Tues – Sun, 11am - 2pm, 4pm-6pm.

Adults: €4, Children (under 12): €2.80, Canarian residents €1/1.50 Tel: (0034) 697 651 127. info@palmetumsantacruz. com Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre (Nature and Man) Open Tues – Sat, 9am - 8pm; Sun, Mon, 10am - 5pm. Tel: (00 34) 922 535 816 www.museosdetenerife.org Museo Militar (Military Museum), C/ San Isidro.

Tel: (0034) 922 274 224.

Open: Mon-Fri 10am-2pm, ecocmar@et.mde.es Castillo de San Cristóbal, Plaza de España Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm www.museosdetenerife.org Auditorio Adán Martín Tel: (0034) 922 568 600 www.auditoriodetenerife.com Teatro Guimerá, Plaza Isla de la Madera.

Tel: (0034) 922 609 408/922 609 400 www.teatroguimera.es

17.3.2016 – 30.3.2016

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 767

La Laguna Tourist Office, Casa Alvaro Bracamonde, C/ La Carrera.

Tel: (0034) 922 631 194/922 601 106.

The tourist office offers a free guided route around the city.

Call to make a reservation.

Tenerife South Playa de Las Américas Tourist Office Plaza del Centro Comercial City Centre, Avda. Rafael Puig, 19.

Tel: (0034) 922 797 668

Museo de Historia y Antropología de Tenerife, Casa Lercaro, C/ San Agustín. Open Tues - Sat: 9am-8pm; Sun, Mon, Bank holidays: 10am 5pm. www.museosdetenerife.org.

Oficinas de Turismo: Avda. Juan Carlos I (Bus station) Tel: (0034) 922 730 133 Paseo Marítimo Playa de Las Vistas Tel: (0034) 922 787 011

Taxis: (0034) 922 715 407

25 Twin Tickets can be purchased for Siam Park and Loro Parque. www.siampark.net Lost Property Offices Tenerife North Airport: (0034) 922 635 855 Tenerife South Airport: (0034) 922 759 391 Arona: (0034) 922 725 562 Costa Adeje: (0034) 922 710 606 La Laguna: (0034) 922 608 805/922 251 080 Puerto de la Cruz: (0034) 922 378 448

Evangelical Service Centro Apolo, 1ª planta, Los Cristianos, Arona.

Tel: (0034) 922 792 007 Services: Sundays at 11am and 6pm Swedish Church Abroad Coronel, s/n, Los Cristianos, Arona.

Tel: (0034) 922 75 00 68

Radiotaxi La Laguna (0034) 922 255 555.

Puerto de la Cruz Tourist Office, Casa de la Aduana, C/ Las Lonjas.

Tel: (0034) 922 386 000.

Centro de Información Turística, C/ Puerto Viejo.

Tel: (0034) 922 370 243/922 388 777.

Tourist Office Costa Adeje Avda. Litoral Playa Fañabé Tel: (0034) 922 716 539 Jungle Park: Urb. Las Águilas del Teide, s/n Tel: (0034) 922 729 806. www.aguilasjunglepark.com.

Aqualand Avda. Austria, 15 Tel: (0034) 922 715 266. www.aqualand.es Twin tickets can be purchased for Aqualand and Jungle Park, see websites.

Siam Park (The Water Kingdom) Avda. Siam Park s/n. Tel: (0034) 822 070 000.

Santa Cruz: (0034) 922 606 354 Religious Services In Spain, Catholicism is the main religion and almost all towns and cities, including tourist resorts, have churches where mass is frequently held.

Below is information about Catholic services held in languages other than Spanish and services for other faiths.

Holy Communion Anglican Church, Iglesia de San Eugenio, Las Américas.

Tel: (0034) 922 793 143 Services: Sundays at 10.15am Anglican church, Puerto de la Cruz www.allsaintstenerife.com/

San Sebastián Tourist Office C/ Real, 4. www.sansebastiandelagomera. org/turismo/ Taxis: (0034) 922 870 524

Tourism Board C/ Triana, Las Palmas. Tel: (0034) 928 219 600. www.grancanaria.com/patronato_turismo.

Valle Gran Rey Tourist Office C/ La Noria, 2, La Playa.

Tel: (0034) 922 805 458 www.lagomera.travel/islascanarias/la-gomera/es/acerca/ visitar-valle-gran-rey/

Las Dunas Tourist Office Avda. De Tirajana (Hotel Riu Maspalomas), Playa del Inglés.

Tel: (0034) 928 765 242.

Taxis: (0034) 922 747 511

La Gomera

Gran Canaria

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

Museo de la Ciencia y el Cosmos, Avda. Los Menceyes.

Tel: (0034) 922 315 265.

Open: Tues-Sat: 9am-8.pm.

Sun, Mon, Bank holidays: 10am - 5pm. www.museosdetenerife.org.

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

Island Tourist Board Avda. España (Yumbo shopping centre), Playa del Inglés.

Tel: (0034) 928 771 550. www.grancanaria.com/patronato_turismo.

El Portón Tourist Office El Portón Shopping Centre, Playa del Inglés. www.turismo.maspalomas. com.

Lanzarote

Taxis Valley Gran Rey: (0034) 922 805 058

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

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

Los Llanos de Aridane Tourist Offices: Avda. Dr. Flemming, s/n Tel: (0034) 922 402 583 / (0034) 922 402 528 www.lapalmacit.com Llano de Argual, 31 (also handicraft shop) Tel: (0034) 922 401 899

Taxis: (0034) 922 895 698

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

Fuerteventura Puerto del Rosario Tourist Office Avda. De la Constitución, 5 Tel: (0034) 928 530 844 Taxis: (0034) 928 850 059 / 928 850 216 Corralejo Tourist Office Plaza Grande de Corralejo Tel. (0034) 928 866 235

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

Residents choose

Rani Tandoori

Fuencaliente Tourist Office Plaza Minerva, s/n (Minerva Square) Tel: (0034) 922 444 003 Taxis: (0034) 922 434 071 www.taxilapalma.es Caldera de Taburiente National Park www.visitlapalma.es/recursos/recurso-parque-nacionalde-la-caldera-de-taburiente / www.reddeparquesnacionales. mma.es Theme Parks Maro Parque, Breña Alta.

Tel:(0034) 922 417 782. www.maroparque.com Palmex Cactus, El Paso Tel: (0034) 922 464 862 Paraíso de las Aves, El Paso Tel: (0034) 922 485 701 All information was correct at the time of going to press.

Please confirm before travelling.

Exquisite Indian Cuisine

Lago Martiánez Avda. De Cristóbal Colón, 1 Tel: (0034) 922 385 955

C.C. Pueblo Canario · Loc. 308 Opening times: 38670 Playa de Las Américas Every day 6.30 pm – 11.30 pm Adeje · Tel.: 922 798 943 Director & Chef: Yoguendra „Michael“ © 2015 FLN

Taxis: Servitaxi (0034) 922 378 999

Taxis: Radiotaxis La Palma: (0034) 922 181 396 www.taxilapalma.com: 686 553868 Radiotaxi San Miguel: (0034) 922 416 070

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

Taxis: (0034) 922 378 999.

Loro Parque, Avda. Loro Parque s/n Tel: (0034) 922 373 841 Open every day from 8.30am to 6.45pm www.loroparque.com

La Palma Tourist Office Avda. Blas Pérez González s/n Tel: (0034) 922 412 106 www.visitlapalma.es

Playa Santiago Tourist Office Avda. Marítima, s/n.

Tel: (0034) 922 895 650 playasantiago@lagomera. travel

Taxis: (0034) 928 866 108 Arrecife Tourist Office Parque José Ramírez Cerdá s/n Tel: (0034) 928 813 174 www.turismolanzarote.com

La Palma

Check out our reviews on Tripadvisor

Pickup Point 2nd Home Tenerife C.C. Plaza del Duque

Seven voices

Who needs instruments?

The latest album released by Vocal Siete called Con Voz Propia (With their own voices) is a project consisting of seven very unusual musicians and one rather clever sound engineer.

The artistes make all the music with their own voices and bodies, without the need for any traditional instruments. Truly a capella!

Their complete repertoire is performed in this way, as they recreate sounds including the bass, percussion, trumpets, pianos and guitars. Each member of the group plays his part in every arrangement, as with an orchestra, but using the human voice – an element which currently differentiates them from any other group in the Canaries.

Their latest album, produced by Multitrack, combines a number of different genres, musical styles and times, from the merengue of Juan Luis Guerra, the pop of the 80s and 90s, the rock of Bono, to the reggae of Bob Marley, and much more, right up to present day

Broken hearts

Rocking with Mikel and his guitar The wonderful Mikel Erentxun will be giving a concert in Santa Cruz on April 9.

Erentxun was born in Venezuela, though has been resident in San Sebastián, northern Spain, since 1973. Best known as the vocalist with Duncan Dhu, one of the greatest Spanish rock groups of the eighties, he was active with that group until 2001, and has collaborated with many other popular groups and artists.

Since beginning work as a solo artist, he has released several successful albums.

His solo career continued until he linked up with the group Malas Influencias and released

an album with them in 2009 which was mixed in London

by Cameron Jenkins. Another album followed in 2012.

Now, Mikel Erentxun is working on his own again, and is coming to Tenerife to present his latest album, Corazones (Hearts), which contains some of his very best rock music.

The album takes the listener through music influenced by The Beatles, Wings and Bob Dylan, and during the show he will also perform some of his best known solo hits.

Speaking about Corazones, Mikel apparently said: “One morning I woke up in the bro-

Photo: Teatro Guimerá

songs by the Canarian group Efecto Pasillo with their fusion of rhythms. As well as these cover versions, the album also contains three compositions by the group’s musical director and tenor, Manuel Estupiñán.

Vocal Siete began in 2007, and made their first public appearance the following year with an entertaining stage show. Since then, they have released discs, toured the Canaries, performed concerts in Vienna, and taken part in TV and radio advertising campaigns.

Vocal Siete consists of the tenors Manuel Estupiñán, Domingo Quintana and Rubén Sánchez, baritones Félix Padrón and Ubaldo García, bass Felix López, and vocal percussionist Lucas Arencibia.

Vocal Siete, a group well worth watching, will be in concert at the Teatro Guimerá in Santa Cruz on April 2 at 8.30pm.

Tickets, which cost €9, €10 and €12, can be purchased from the box office or online via: www.tomaticket.es. n

ken hearts ward, dancing on the ledge of life. Feelings, memories, images, smells and sounds crossed my mind.

That’s when the idea of this album came to me.”

Erentxun will be in concert

at the Teatro Guimerá, starting at 9pm. Tickets, costing €14, €16 and €20, are available from the box office, or from www.tomaticket.es. See www.teatroguimera.es for more n information.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 034

Beating a rhythm

Black is back Fans of funky ´black´ music should make their way to the Monkey Beach bar in Las Américas on March 26.

There you will find an evening of entertainment that cannot be beaten. With a line-up that includes Deejay Dario, Jekey, Groodboy, Revilbeat and Dj Tan Fx, the Black ‘n’ Beat session is sure to please.

The evening starts at 5pm and the show goes on until midnight. Entrance costs €15 with one drink included.

Find the venue on Avenida de Las Américas, in the Oasis Commercial Centre, Arona. Call: 922 788 306 for more info. n Photo: Ruben Shito / FreeImages.com

HOLIDAY GUIDE SPIN NEWS

26

Santiago del Teide

Exhibiting talent Local art teacher Natalia Flores and various pupils are currently showing a number of works – not to mention a great deal of talent – in Puerto Santiago.

Held in the Fisherman’s Museum, visitors will be able to see a whole range of subjects and techniques used for the exhibition, from some of the more than 50 students that Flores tutors from her base in Los Gigantes. From absolute beginners to advanced, the show is a testament to the abundance of artistic aptitude in the area.

On until April 4, the exhibition can be visited Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 1pm and 4pm to 7pm. Alternatively, the centre is also open on Saturdays from 10am to 1pm. n

People and their surroundings

Real or unreal

A current exhibition by a local artist in Adeje has brought an interesting perspective to view.

Alba González Fernández originates from the south Tenerife town and began her artistic training with two courses at the Fernando Estévez superior art and design school in Santa Cruz.

She is now continuing her studies in the Fine Arts grade at the University of La Laguna, where she is specialising in painting. In recent years, she has taken part in several artistic contests and was selected to display her work at Arte Isora, and in the two most recent editions of the Enrique Lite painting prize at the university.

The photographs in the exhibition, called Paintings 20132015, show some of the 21-year-old’s latest works, and are centred around themes linked to the relationship between people and their surroundings. For example, empty spaces with clear absences, intimate corners, places used for transit, and games with mirrors in which reality becomes confused with the reflection that we see.

Her most recent paintings reflect a greater interest in bodies and the contrast between that which is organic and non-organic.

The exhibition is open at the Casa de la Juventud in Avenida de los Vientos, Adeje, until April 3, weekdays from 10am to 1pm and 5pm to 8pm. See www.adeje.es. n

Photos: www.adeje.es

HOLIDAY GUIDE SPIN NEWS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 767

27

Evenings on the patio

Jazz and photography hand in hand NaturaJazz, the event based on art, science, nature photography, the biodiversity of the Canary Islands, and music, is returning to the Museum of Nature and Man in Santa Cruz.

This year’s programme will include several activities such as thematic concerts, beginners’ and master classes in photography, debates on photography and nature in the Canary Islands, and various conferences. The event will take on an international character, not only regarding its diffusion, but also with the origin of some of the music featured.

Amaya Conde, councillor responsible for the network of museums owned by the Tenerife Island Council, says there will be three musical styles that all use string instruments which are closer to World music than classic jazz: the African kora, the Japanese shamisen and the Canarian timple.

As in previous editions of the event, professional photographers are invited to join in.

Those interested can read the rules and regulations, and register online at www.museosdetenerife.org before March

Old and new sounds The cheeky and cheerful Quantum Ensemble will be giving a concert in Santa Cruz on March 31.

For the fifth of their series of shows, the theme will be composers from the former Republic of Czechoslovakia, including H.I.F. von Biber, Bohuslav Martinu, Antonin Dvorak and Leos Janacek, in a set which will share the charm of Baroque music right through to twentieth century pieces. Quantum Ensemble has a stable core

Photo: webtenerife (K.Blanchard)

17.3.2016 – 30.3.2016

27. The projects selected will be exhibited during the NaturaJazz sessions, and two of them will be chosen for purchase by the museum for the sum of €500.

Talks about biodiversity within the archipelago and on the current situation of nature photography will begin in mid-April, during which opinions and experiences will be exchanged between profes-

sionals. Throughout May, and alongside the concerts, there will be four conferences in master class format, given by some of the most relevant photographers in the Canaries. They will tackle subjects such as submarine, macro, astrological and travel photography. Professional photographer Oliver Yanes will also be giving a three-day beginners’ course in photography at the end of April.

The NaturaJazz Festival is focused on the ecological wealth of the Canaries, as well as Macaronesia and the rest of the planet. As has been the case in previous years, the resident band at the Museum of Nature and Man, the Macaronesian Jazz Quartet, will be performing the opening and closing concerts of the event. The members are Eliseo Lloreda on guitar, Fran Rodríguez on tenor saxophone, Jorge Miguel Méndez ‘Churchi’ on drums, and Ruimán Martín on upright bass. Those providing the most exotic sounds will be the World Kora Trio, ST Fusion and the Toñín Corujo Quartet.

The concerts will take place every Thursday at 9pm on the Patio de las Palmeras within the museum, in Santa Cruz from April 7 to May 26 and entry is free. See www.museosdetenerife.org for more information and how to register. n

Go Quantum

of members formed by three renowned musicians - David Ballesteros (violin), Cristo Bar-

rios (clarinet) and Gustavo Díaz-Jerez on piano - who are regularly joined by other pres-

tigious artists. For this show, Hiro Kurosaki, one of the most important baroque violinists in Europe, and the internationally recognised Canarian pianist Ivan Martin will take the stage with the happy group.

Entitled Bohemians, the set will take place at the Adán Martín Auditorium, starting 8.30pm. Tickets, priced between €5 and €10 are available from the auditorium’s box office or via: http://auditorion detenerife.com.

HOLIDAY GUIDE WHATS ON 2016

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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 034

March

March

GRAN CANARIA TENERIFE DIARY DATES The Easter period is celebrated over about 10 days across the Islands. Maundy Thursday and Easter Friday, March 24 and 25, are national holidays and banks and some businesses may be closed. Look out for processions in all towns, but particularly spectacular are the costumed brotherhoods in Teror and the Vegueta neighbourhood of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Until March 20 VI Handicrafts fair Primavera Sur, Faro de Maspalomas, San Bartolomé de Tirajana. www. fedac.org.

DIARY DATES Look out for Easter processions in all the towns, but particularly good are the costumed brotherhoods in Puerto de la Cruz and La Laguna and the impressive recreation of the Passion of Christ in the streets of Adeje. If you can’t be there on the day there is a full dress rehearsal the day before or it will be shown live on Canarian Television. www.adeje.es.

March 17 – 19

March 18 8pm: Revamp, jazz quartet, from €2.50, San Martín Centro de la Cultura Contemporánea, Ramón y Cajal, LPGC. www.sanmartincontemporaneo.com.

8.30pm: Sangre de Condor, Latin American folk music, €12, Teatro Guiniguada, Plaza Mesa de león, LPGC. entrees.es.

8.30pm: El Afecto Ilustrado, Baroque religious music, Free entry, San Antonio de Padua church, LPGC.

8pm: Traditional Easter dishes tasting, Plaza Hermano Pedro after the mass and procession of the Virgén de la Piedad, Adeje.

8pm: Wine tasting and Spanish omelette competition, Centro Cívico y Social, San José, Calle Rafael Ramos, El Sauzal.

9pm: UB40, 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.

March 19

XXVI Adeje Rally, routes through various boroughs, there may be some traffic diversions or delays. rallyevilladeadeje.com.

Morning: Canyoning in the Garajao ravine, Fasnia, abseiling (good for first-timers), organised

by Adeje’s Youth Department. www.adeje.es.

March 17-20

March 20 10am and 8pm: Palm Sunday, blessing of Palms (morning only) and international Catholic Mass, Playa del Inglés, Templo Ecuménico, San Bartolomé de Tirajana.

9pm: Gente de Zona, Latin pop concert, from €18, Gran Canaria Stadium. www.entradas.com.

March 22 – 27 International Bach Festival, concerts at 12pm and 8pm, mainly in the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, LPGC. bachfestivalcanarias.com.

Tenerife Fashion Fair, €2, Recinto Ferial, SCdT, Thursday to Saturday, 11am – 10pm and Sunday 11am – 8pm.

Around 20 restaurants in Adeje are offering a special, traditional Easter dish. www.adeje. es.

March 17

March 23 – 27

5pm – 7.30pm: Children’s Activities, Free entry, Avenida de Los Vientos, El Galeón, Adeje.

6pm: Family classical music concert, Orquesta Sinfónica de Tenerife, Free entry, Teatro Leal, La Laguna.

Disney on Ice, from €15, Pabellón de Deportes de Tenerife Santiago Martín, La Laguna. www. disney.es.

March 25 12pm: Passion of Christ, over 300 actors in a street theatre recreation, Calle Grande, Free entry. Adeje.

Events for specific groups, families, seniors, women etc., Activate Sports Club. www.tenerifeactivate.com.

Until April 3 Archaeology, results of dig on the Islote de Lobos, Fuerteventura, Roman remains, €5, residents €3, Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre, SCdT, Tuesday to Saturday, 9am - 8pm, Sunday and Monday, 10am - 5pm.

Until April 15 Anne Frank – a History for Today, travelling exhibition from the famous Amsterdam House/ museum, Fundación Mapfre Guanarteme, Plaza de San Cristobal, La Laguna, Monday to Sunday, 10am – 1pm and 6pm – 9pm. www.annefrank.org.

Until May 28 Photography, Chema Madoz, national photography prizewinner, Espacio Cultural CajaCanarias, Plaza del Patriotismo, SCdT, Monday to Saturday, 11am – 2pm and 5pm - 8pm.

March 26

Folklore exhibitions, Pueblo Canario, Francisco González Díaz, Free entry, LPGC.

EXHIBITIONS

Photographs of contemporary Cuba, Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno, Los Balcones, LPGC, Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 9pm, Sunday 10am – 2pm.

March 24 and 25 I Love Music Festival, electronic music, two stages, top artists and DJs, from €56, Siam Park, Adeje. ilovemusicfestival.com.

Sundays

Until May 22

Saturday mornings

EXHIBITIONS 8.30pm: Werther by Massenet, opera, Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín, SCdT. auditoriodetenerife.com.

9pm: Gente de Zona, Latin pop concert, Adeje’s football ground, doors open at 7pm, from €18. www.entradas.com.

Until March 27

8am: Hiking, Valleseco – Las Madres. vallesecograncanaria.com.

10pm: The burning of Judas, traditions, followed by a street party, Plaza de Sintes, Teror.

Scalextric – Little cars with big speeds, Museo Elder de la Ciencia y la Technología, Parque Santa Catalina, LPGC, Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 8pm.

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 Paseo Marítimo (Avenida Juan Alfonso Bautista), Los Cristianos.

Thursday and Saturday, 5pm - 8.30pm, Friday 8.30pm.

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.

March 26

Until March 25

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays

Sundays

March 19 11am: Potato Festival, hiking, zumba, traditional music and dancing, Plaza de San Roque, Firgas.

8pm: Jorge Robaina, piano concert, Expomeloneras, San Bartolomé de Tiranjana www.entradas.es.

9pm: Manolo Tena, singer/songwriter and composer, pop/rock from €20, Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, LPGC. www.festivalmarabierto.com.

9pm: UB40, pop/rock, from €48, Gran Canaria Arena. entrees.es.

9pm: Abba Tribute, from €10, Teatro Victor Jara, Vecindario, Santa Lucía de Tirajana. www. entradas.com.

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.

8pm: Ex Machine, cinema, original version, Free entry, Museo de la Ciencia y el Cosmos, La Laguna.

March 18 5pm – 7.30pm: Children’s Activities, Free entry, Plaza César Manrique, La Postura, Adeje.

6.30pm: Puppets (in Spanish), Free entry, Plaza del Colegio, Las Galletas, Arona.

8.30pm: La Parranda Chasnera, Canarian/Latin American music, Square next to the Las Galletas school, Arona.

March 29 – April 2 Tenerife Walking Festival, talks, walks, tastings. www.tenerifewalkingfestival.com/ Thursdays Hiking, Masca ravine, €45, visit to Masca village, 4-hour hike, ½ hour on the beach, 1 hour

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

17.3.2016 – 30.3.2016

MUSIC

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 767

29

The Qfm Music Review – Your guide to music created in the Canary Islands

Tenerife’s greatest music venues, part 2 In the last edition of the Qfm Music Review, we outlined

five outstanding music venues which we believe have contrib-

Opera draw winners

Wonderful Werther

l-r: Susanne Röhm, Alejandro Abrante (artistic coordination director for Ópera de Tenerife), Mr Hoedl, Mrs. Goodman, Mrs. Monika Hoedl (winner) and Mr. Ian Goodman (winner).

In the last edition of Island Connections, we invited readers to enter our draw to win two tickets to see the premiere of the romantic opera Werther at the Tenerife Auditorium in Santa Cruz on March 12.

Our sister newspaper, the German language Kanaren Express, also held a draw with two tickets for the show up for grabs.

We would like to thank everyone who entered, and to offer our congratulations to the Island Connections winners, Mr. and Mrs. Goodman, and to Mr. and Mrs. Hoedl who were drawn from the Kanaren Express competition. We know they were delighted to find out they had won, and we do hope they all enjoyed the performance of the operatic masterpiece. n

uted to the live music scene in Tenerife.

This week, we will complete this list with five more places where we can regularly enjoy top notch alternative music such as jazz, rock, electronic, Flamenco, blues, ethnic, soul and reggae. So here is the second part of our top ten recommended venues, which we list in no particular order. Our five for this edition of Qfm’s Music Review are: Café Siete, La Laguna. This small café in the centre of La Laguna has recently expanded its terrace to allow more live music to take place. Concerts are held inside or outdoors, depending upon the weather.

The venue offers a huge variety of live music, and seating space is limited, so reservations for the main concert nights are recommended. See www.cafesiete.es.

Teatro Guimerá, Santa Cruz.

The first concert took place in this historic building in 1851. After three different partial reconstructions, the last of which was completed

in 2010, this theatre which is run by the Santa Cruz City Council is now one of the Canary Islands’ major venues for musical events. In addition to classical music and theatrical performances, the venue hosts some major concerts

can be purchased online. See www.teatroguimera.es.

Aguere Espacio Cultural, La Laguna. This ticket-only venue

The Aguere Espacio Cultural has several concert halls

Sito Morales performing at the Café Siete in La Laguna

Five levels of seating overlook the stage at the Teatro Leal

Local, national and international artists can be seen at the Teatro Guimerá

for local, national and international artists. Dependent upon the type of activity, there can be either seating for 80 or standing space for 179. Tickets

has several performance halls and offers some of the more alternative forms of music available on the island. Many breaking artists can be seen here, and tickets generally cost less than the larger theatres. Seating is the usual, except for special concerts or festivals. See www. aguerecultural.com.

The University of La Laguna has its own Paraninfo (theatre hall) which, since its last reconstruction in 2009, is now once again open to all of the public. An average of three concerts are scheduled each week, also many musicians’ new talent competitions and festivals are held there. Seating and standing space are available. See www.ull.es.

Teatro Leal, La Laguna.

Another historic building, constructed in 1917 and having gone through various refurbishments, this emblematic theatre hosts some of the larger formations and groups due to its large stage and technical installations.

There are no fewer than five levels overlooking the stage, and aside from attending great concerts, the venue is worth a visit just to admire the architecture and art. See www.teatroleal.com.

Listen to Qfm 94.3’s hourly cultural guides and keep up to date with the live music scene in Tenerife. n

30

SPOTLIGHT

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 034

Spotlight on Obsession Duo

Groovy guitar and sassy sax Obsession Duo is a multi-instrumental vocal act featuring Ray Davies and Chrissie Crook.

saxophone along with percussion. She calls herself “the half of the duo that’s always pushing the boundaries!”

Ray Ray Davies was a member of the band Mungo Jerry for many years and went on to enjoy a short spell with David Essex, including featuring in the 1973 film That’ll Be the Day as well as playing bass on the smashhit single Rock On. He is an accomplished bass guitarist/ vocalist who has also worked with top artists such as Culture Club, Paul Young and Jet Harris, and featured on many worldwide hits, such as In the Summertime from 1970.

During that decade, Ray also joined the five-piece band Magic, who went on to become of the country’s top Queen tribute bands and still perform to packed arenas worldwide today.

He toured with Marvin Gaye in a support band called UK Players, who enjoyed a UK Top-40 hit in 1983 with Love’s Gonna Get You. The track was produced by Cultures Club’s Steve Levine and videos for the single are available on Obsession Duo’s website as well as YouTube – Ray is the singer the girls are screaming at!

Ray was also involved with the music for the eighties’ chil-

Obsession Duo Ray Davies and Chrissie Crook joined forces in 1995 and have enjoyed a rollercoaster ride that has taken them from the Middle East to the Far East and beyond. Their name comes from their mutual passion for music which dominated both their lives from a young age.

Obsession Duo

dren’s television programme Wizbit with Paul Daniels, while his cameo television roles include: Howard’s Way, Campion and Dr. Who. He has also performed as a voice-artist for many radio stations and record-

set perfect for sunset or lunch.

The duo has also organised numerous cabaret shows, booking known and accomplished acts they’ve performed with in the past, including oriental illusionists, comedians and even ventriloquists. Whether it is a cocktail party, a lively function or an evening of great music, Obsession can fit and fill the bill for you!

Ray and Chrissie have been based with TUI in Los Gigantes for the past couple of years but now operate independently

Ray Dorset of Mungo Jerry with Ray and Chrissie

ing studios. Recently, Ray enjoyed several years working overseas and on luxury cruise liners such as the QE2, Caribbean Cruise Line and P&O performing with the Joe Loss Band and the Angie Page Trio.

In 2015, Ray and Chrissie teamed up with Mungo Jerry for a reunion tour at The Concorde Club in Southampton to raise money for a children’s charity.

Alongside his shows, Ray also teaches guitar, bass and vocals and gives lessons to anyone in Tenerife looking to start out in the music business or brush up on their skills.

Chrissie Chrissie is a female saxophonist who has performed around the world for over two decades, including Japan for four years, UAE, Europe and on a host of cruise ships.

She began her musical career as a child, learning the guitar and, when she was a member of youth wind bands, the oboe. Her musical tastes took a diverse turn in the eighties when punk music influenced her direction and she took up the saxophone. Toyah Willcox was her icon and her bright

Obsession Duo in action

pink hair mirrored the personality and image of this notorious actress, singer and presenter.

She played in multiple bands committed to their own repertoire, including a seven-piece reggae crew, and groups working in UK clubs, pubs and private functions. At this time, she supported Billy J. Kramer and various other stars from the 60s on a nationwide tour.

Her overseas work with Obsession Duo has given her the opportunity to record voice-over work for the renowned Dubai Shopping Festival. Chrissie plays Alto, Tenor and Soprano

The duo aims to provide entertainment for all musical tastes, and with a repertoire exceeding 1,000 songs they can easily read a crowd and adapt their set to create the best experience for the audience possible. Using radio microphones for vocals and saxophone, their show is interactive and Obsession is renowned for building a lively rapport with the crowd.

This year, Ray and Chrissie offer multiple shows, including: Music and Dance Nights, A Tribute to Sax (featuring classics such as Baker Street and I Feel Good), and Sax ‘n Bass, a

around the island. They will feature at a charity event for underprivileged children on behalf of the Gillian Banks Theatre School Charity, which is being staged at Kaluna Beach Club in Costa Adeje on April 2.

Alongside music they also run an online Music Jewellery business, sending music-themed jewellery and gifts worldwide.

Their products can be viewed at: www.musicjewelleryonline. com.

For further information visit the duo’s websites: www.obsessionduo.com and www.obsesn sionduo.co.uk.

17.3.2016 – 30.3.2016

BLEVINS FRANKS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 767

31

Form 720. What do you need to do in 2016?

By Paul Montague, Partner, Blevins Franks

We are fast approaching March 31, the deadline by which residents in Spain need to submit their annual Modelo 720 (Form 720) listing their overseas assets.

Besides confirming what you have to declare this year, this is also a good time to consider whether you are holding your assets in the most tax-efficient vehicles for Spain. If you set up investments with UK taxation in mind, you may be paying more tax than you need be.

Summary of the rules There are three reporting categories, based on bank accounts, investments and immovable property. You have to report all assets in a particular category if the value of your total overseas assets in it amounts to over €50,000. You need to report

Penalties

authorities, omissions and inac- they are in the best structures curacies will easily be uncovered going forward. by the Spanish tax office.

Tax rates, scope and reliefs may Challenge to Form 720’s change. Any statements concernlegality ing taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxaYou still need to submit Form tion laws and practices, which 720, even in light of the recent are subject to change. Tax inforinvestigation by the Euro- mation has been summarised; an pean Commission (EC). This individual is advised to seek perfocused on the disproportionate sonalised advice. penalties imposed and whether having no statute of limitations To keep in touch with the latinfringes on EU law. We still est developments in the offhave to see how Spain responds; shore world, check out the in the meantime, submit your latest news on our website form as required. www.blevinsfranks.com

Residents of Spain are legally obliged to report all overseas assets on Modelo 720. There are severe penalties for failing to do so.

We have always stressed the importance of correctly declaring your income and assets in Spain on Modelo 720 or on your tax returns. With the new global automatic exchange of information between tax

Many Spanish residents are paying higher taxes as a result of Form 720. However, Spain actually remains a taxefficient country for British retired expatriates if you take specialist advice. Using compliant tax planning structures to hold your investments can save you tax and provide peace of mind. You should review your assets now to make sure

2016 declaration For your 2016 Modelo 720, you declare the assets owned as at the end of 2015.

If you have already submitted Form 720 in the past few years, you only need to report again if: • The value of an existing asset grew by more than €20,000, or • You sold an asset/closed an account, or • You obtained a new asset.

“Residents of Spain are legally obliged to report all overseas assets on Modelo 720. There are severe penalties for failing to do so.” even if your personal share of assets is less than €50,000.

You are obliged to report assets if you are the owner, settlor of a trust, beneficiary from a trust, authorised signatory, or have the authority to dispose of the asset. This includes assets

held by a companies, trusts etc. In most cases, assets are valued using the wealth tax rules as at December 31. For bank accounts you also need to declare the average balance over the last three months of the year.

Blevins Franks provides tailor-made 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. www.blevinsfranks.com

MOTORING

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 034

Everyday Motoring

By Wheeler Dealers Motoring here in Tenerife can be great fun, with so much diverse scenery to see, and almost completely different eco-climates within an hour’s drive.

With the snow, many people have made the effort to go up to Teide, and with the new motorway now fully open from Adeje to Santiago del Teide, other areas such as Masca, Icod and that whole region are far more accessible than they previously were. They are worthwhile trips to see different areas of ‘The Small Continent’, as Tenerife is often affectionately referred to.

Given that we have had some cooler weather recently, this article is focused on something

Full speed ahead!

A recent announcement by the Traffic section of the Guardia Civil will no doubt be considered very good news by some.

From now on all mobile radar traps will be “visible, for a short duration, positioned in varying

often thought of as a joke here in Tenerife, namely the addition of anti-freeze or coolant in the water system instead of tap water.

Obviously it´s not likely that your engine is going to freeze here in Tenerife, but the high level of calcium in the local water can harm engines and erode aluminium parts such as water pumps, radiators and the heater matrix. Ask any mechanic in Tenerife, and they will tell you that a high percentage of their work is related

to overheating, or the failure of cooling systems.

The engine overheating can cause serious damage, particularly if the head gasket becomes compromised, and as always, prevention is better than cure.

Sometimes if you have a water leak inside the car, this is because the aluminium heater matrix has corroded through the use of tap water. Many old cars have had the heater matrix bypassed to solve this problem, so if your

heater doesn’t work on the odd occasion that you need to use it here, that might be the reason.

A good recommendation, if you are not sure, is to go to your local garage and ask them to drain your system of water, flush it through and refill it with coolant, as this is a cheap remedy for peace of mind. Head gasket replacement is obviously a lot more costly.

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

Advance warning of mobile radar positions locations, and will be preceded by a warning sign.” Radar carrying vehicles will no longer hide down side roads, be positioned behind bushes or under bridges, or in any other way be obscured from view.

Their positions will even be previously announced on the DGT’s (General Directorate of Traffic) website. During the official announcement, made by head of the DGT Maria Segui, the move is

not only part of the office’s aim to improve transparency, but was also used to defend recent accusations that the traffic cops were encouraged to give out n fines.

Canary Islands

€300 million in vehicle taxes in 2015 The automotive sector in the Canary Islands generated €300 million in taxes for various public administrations during 2015, as reported by the Canarian Regional Federation of Vehicle Importers and Dealers (FREDICA).

According to the group’s calculations, vehicle sales contributed a total of €95 million in revenue from IGIC alone.

Around €52 million of this comes from the purchase of new vehicles, with the rest being supplied via the sale of used vehicles – with approximately €27 million having been collected for transfer fees.

Registration taxes generated around €9 million, which is a significant increase on 2014. The after-sales care market and spare parts provided a revenue of €33.5 million.

Yearly road tax – collected on a local level and paid for approximately 1.5 million vehicles in the Canary Islands was said to have raised around €120 million in 2015.

If you add to that the revenues generated from the sale of fuel, the total figure would exceed €500 million, claims the federation.

The monies go towards funding almost every area of administration, from local through to national, and are being seen as an indicator of the current economic improvements, thanks to the higher figures compared to 2014.

February’s sales across the Islands also speak of a recovery.

Compared to the same month last year, there is a 28.8 per cent rise nationally, though much of this is attributed to sales within the commercial sector. Nevertheless, nationwide, an incredible 97,650 vehicles were sold to the domestic market in February, with the Canary Islands topping the charts with an improvement on last year of over 26 per cent. n

The automobile industry earns big bucks for governments and councils

Tenerife Motor Week

Cancelled!

This year’s tantalising Tenerife Motor Week, held in south Tenerife, was set to take place between March 23 and 27 dates having already been shuffled so the show could once again be linked with the coming Villa de Adeje Rally.

However, for reasons so far not revealed, the organisers have recently announced that the event has been cancelled.

The show, which normally includes second-hand car sales, exhibitions, plenty of accessory shopping opportunities, and lots of related games and activities, would have taken place at the Magma Art and Congress Centre in Costa Adeje.

See: www.tenerifemagma.com to keep up to date with news on the event. n

©2016 FLN

Your questions answered

Photo: Svilen Milev / FreeImages.com

32

BUSINESS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 767

How to negotiate roundabouts If you are unsure about the correct way to negotiate roundabouts, here are some simple rules to help you enter and exit roundabouts safely and in the right lane.

Approaching roundabouts It’s important to remember to give way to traffic already on the roundabout. If the roundabout is outside urban areas of towns or cities, keep right.

If the roundabout is in a built-up area inside a town or city and the lanes are clearly marked, you should use the lane that best corresponds to the exit you need to take.

Leaving roundabouts This causes the most confusion amongst drivers. Which lane to choose? Why do I get beeped at if I’m in the right lane? Drivers must exit roundabouts from the right hand lane, because the only way to leave the roundabout is by turning right. This doesn’t mean we always have to enter the roundabout from the right hand lane. It depends on the exit we need to take. However, this simple rule, in practice, can be more complex. Let us see some examples.

1st exit right Enter roundabout keeping to right hand side lane. Stay in lane until exit is reached. Indicate and exit roundabout.

Continuing straight on (e.g. 2nd exit straight ahead) Enter roundabout keeping to right hand side lane. Stay in lane until exit is reached. Indicate prior to exit and leave roundabout.

Turning left or changing direction (e.g. 3rd or final exit) Enter roundabout keeping to left hand side lane. Stay in lane until you have passed the exit before your turn off, then change lane by indicating right and giving other road users sufficient time to anticipate your manoeuvre. Don’t forget that drivers circulating in the outside lanes have priority, so use your mirrors to ensure you are not blocking them as you change lanes.

We hope the information provided in this article is of interest.

If you would like to contact Línea Directa please call 902 123 151 More information on Línea Directa online at www.lineadirecta. n com.

33

Fiscal identity

A state of change!

Free information service

by FACT The administration that accompanies living or owning a property here can be confusing to say the least, but the other reason that sometimes it’s hard to get a straight answer is that things change so frequently!

A good example is the NIE number certificate for nonresidents. The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is probably the most important document, other than your passport, that you will need while you are in Spain, as it will be used to identify you in any fiscal or legal matter.

Spanish residents have their DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) and a NIF (Número de Identidad Fiscal).

Whether you want to buy a house, car or boat, rent a property long term, open a bank account or get a job, you will need an NIE number.

Getting the number is not difficult, as it is obtained at the National Police Station in Las Américas with the presenta-

Whether you want to buy a house, car or boat, rent a property long term, open a bank account or get a job, you will need an NIE number

tion of a few documents and the payment of a tax, and the number you get stays with you for life. Where some confusion has arisen is that the white NIE certificates for non-residents have only been valid for three months. However, that doesn’t mean the number expires, or that you need to go through the procedure regularly, only that if you wish to do one of the above mentioned things, such as buy a car, you would need to renew your certificate

Photo: Roland Maier / FreeImages.com

17.3.2016 – 30.3.2016

at the police station so that it is ‘in vigor’, or current.

But now it’s all change again, and it appears that the nonresident NIE certificates issued from now onwards will not have an expiry date. So if you have a white NIE certificate with an expiry date at the bottom, or valid for three months, it might be as well to renew it now, and obtain one of these permanent certificates before it all changes back again!

Feel free to visit the Free Advice Centre Tenerife for clarification or further advice.

FACT operates from an office inside Wheeler Dealers in Las Chafiras, and in each edition Sue McDonald will be writing about issues that affect all of us 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 mornn ing, Monday to Friday.

Tenerife ‘sea to summit’ trail

Massive investment promise A challenging hiking trail billed as the highest in Spain is to receive investment of nearly half a million euros to make it an even more popular attraction.

The route, known as Trail 040, runs from the coast at El Socorro in Los Realejos

and snakes its way up the mountains to the peak of Mt Teide, Spain’s highest point at 3718 metres. “Nowhere in Spain offers an established trail that goes from sea level to nearly 4000 metres and it is time we promoted it much more” said Tenerife tourism

chief Alberto Bernabé. Half of the €470,000 will be spent on making improvements to the surface to make it more accessible to hikers and runners, while the other half will be spent on signage, says the island’s governing council, the Cabildo.

The 27-km route is very popular with endurance runners, regularly attracting top athletes for mountain race training. It is believed it will form the centrepiece of the council’s new Tenerife No Limits marketing drive, due to be n launched next year.

34

HEALTH

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 034

Skin diseases

Nowhere to hide

Contact dermatitis This term is used when the inflammation is caused by con-

Photo: Tracy Ab / FreeImages.com

Cosmetics can be used to hide any scarring

Items such as detergents and adhesives leach the natural oils out of the skin, and can often cause irritant dermatitis over time. It is particularly common in people who work with chemicals and/or water: for instance, nurses, hairdressers and those in the catering industry.

An allergic reaction, meanwhile, is when the immune system comes into contact with a substance that it sees as a foreign body and thus attacks.

Avoiding or reducing exposure to any obvious irritants will normally minimise effects, but any possible allergies would have to be confirmed by patch testing (the controlled introduction of various substances to find any reactions).

Even mild acne can be a horrific experience for teenagers Many people with skin diseases want to hide themselves away but there is nothing to be ashamed of Our skin is the body’s largest organ – and the protective layer between ourselves and the rest of the world

It is not catching, and the main problem is the intense itching and the need to scratch which can worsen the effects and cause open wounds.

Atopic dermatitis The term atopic is ascribed to illnesses - such as asthma, seasonal rhinitis and hay

affect any part of the body, but areas most commonly covered are the elbows and knees, wrists and neck.

The condition usually comes and goes, and attacks, or ‘flare ups’, may be induced by factors such as exposure to or contact with dust and chemicals, as well as contracting another illness such as a common cold, or allowing yourself to become overheated or stressed.

Your doctor may test for underlying bacterial or viral infections.

Though there isn’t a cure as such, there are many ways of controlling the condition, or at least making it more comfortable to bear: the most basic being the use of prescription creams and avoiding known allergens where possible.

The majority of children with atopic eczema suffer less from it as they get older, with seventy-five per cent of them growing out of it by their teens.

Photo: Philip Mason / FreeImages.com

Dermatitis (otherwise known as eczema) refers simply to ‘an inflammation of the skin’.

Symptoms include itching (often intense), sore, red skin, painful cracked areas, open wounds, rashes and possibly tiny blisters.

The names dermatitis and eczema are both used to refer to the same skin conditions, and the two main categories they fall into are as follows:

fever – in which certain people have an allergic hypersensitivity.

Atopic dermatitis usually starts in infancy, though adults can also develop it. Symptoms can

Photo: Sebastian Fissore / FreeImages.com

Dermatitis and eczema

tact with something in the surrounding environment. There are two main classifications: that caused by irritants and that which is based on one or several allergens.

Photo: Dave Dyet / FreeImages.com

Skin disorders are so common that they affect literally millions of people.

There is a wide range of symptoms as well as a variety of conditions. Though the majority are more uncomfortable and unsightly than serious threats to health, even with those the associated itching can be bad enough to interfere with work, daily activities and sleep patterns, leading to tiredness, irritability and anxiety.

Another one of the great disadvantages with skin diseases is that they are often very much on show, and therefore can sap a person’s confidence. There is no need to suffer in silence, however: there are many effective treatments on the market and most of these conditions can be diagnosed by a simple visit to your GP. Here is a roundup of some of the more common types, their symptoms, and possible ways to help manage them.

Sometimes insect bites – and scratching there of – can lead to skin infections

Acne Acne is known as the bane of teenagers’ lives, as this common condition often starts during puberty. It usually affects the face (though also the back and chest at times), and can vary in intensity from a few red spots to numerous blackheads, whiteheads and pus-filled pustules. Though harmless, it can damage self-confidence, and in severe cases may leave scars.

Nevertheless, many find that by their early twenties the condition has improved, though it is possible to also develop it for the first time in adulthood.

It occurs when the oil-producing (sebaceous) glands are over sensitive to the hormone testosterone, which makes them produce excessive amounts of oil – in turn creating the perfect environment for the acne bacteria (which everyone has living on their skin but usually without any problems) to multiply out of control. Dead skin cells are often not being shed at the correct speed either, which leads to further blocked pores.

There is no cure for acne, as such, though current treatments can be very good at discouraging the formation of new outbreaks and reducing scarring.

Ichthyosis This category of complaints is used to describe ongoing and widespread scaling of the skin.

Acquired ichthyosis can develop at any age due to a number of medical problems which include kidney disease.

There are also inherited forms which, though rare, are normally present from infancy and will be a condition throughout life that requires prolonged medical care.

Some of the inherited kinds may even be life-threatening to young infants, including Xlinked recessive ichthyosis, which only occurs in males; Harlequin ichthyosis and Netherton syndrome.

Of all the inherited types, the most common form is Ichthyosis vulgaris which, thankfully, is usually a relatively mild condition and easily cured. It affects around one in every 250 people, normally develops in early childhood, and is characterised by fine, light lines and scales on, usually, the arms and legs. It tends to be worse in cold weather but can often be cured with the regular use of moisturisers.

Impetigo This is the most widespread type of skin infection seen in young children and is caused

Keratosis pilaris This is a common, harmless and non-contagious skin condition that may affect as many as one in every three people.

The word ‘keratosis’ refers to the fact that too much keratin – which makes up the tough

Though no actual cure is available, creams can reduce any itching and the condition will often improve significantly, or disappear altogether, as patients get older.

Psoriasis This common inflammatory disease is not infectious but can develop at any stage throughout life.

During an attack, the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin) is replaced at an abnormally fast rate. This natural process usually takes around three to four weeks, but with psoriasis it can be speeded up to every few

before or during adolescence. It tends to extend slowly, or may cease altogether, but patches may continuing growing gradually, changing shape and size over the years. Interestingly, areas of vitiligo on each side of the body can often mirror each other.

Once diagnosed, patients will sometimes be tested for other autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disease.

If the condition doesn’t clear itself, sometimes the only solution is to use cosmetics to cover any areas which may be considered embarrassing.

35

which eventually causes the skin to turn thick and leathery. Though not life-threatening or contagious, the intense itching can disrupt sleep and quality of life in general.

on the market that can help relieve any discomfort.

A basic rule when it comes to skin complaints is that they should be checked out by your local doctor. Whilst

This condition generally begins with one patch of - usually raised, rough and/or red - itchy

beta blockers, can also worsen symptoms. Many sufferers have noticed a correlation between particular foods and outbreaks, though this seems to be a very personal reaction. Being heavily overweight also seems to be a key factor, so getting the correct amount of exercise, reducing stress and improving your diet can often make a difference.

Although psoriasis is usually a long term condition, various treatments are available to help reduce symptoms.

With vitiligo, certain areas of skin lose their usual pigment levels and thus turn white. The substance which gives skin its normal colour is called melanin, which is made by cells known as melanocytes. Definitely not contagious, it is not known if it is hereditary, nor are the causes fully understood.

Nevertheless, it’s thought that the body produces antibodies which attack and destroy the melanocytes.

The white patches most often appear on areas which are regularly exposed, such as the hands and face, as well as parts such as the eyes, nostrils, mouth and genitals, and in ‘folds’ such as the armpits and groin. Skin that has been previously damaged is also prone to losing its colour. It can begin at any age but many develop it

skin, often on the neck, wrist, forearm, thigh or ankle, which starts a cycle of itch-scratch

Photo: Ryan Aréstegui / FreeImages.com

Neurodermatitis

There are many medicated creams and potions available to help reduce symptoms

Vitiligo

Skin that has otherwise been damaged can be susceptible to developing a skin disorder

blisters which break, leaving open patches that increase in size and/or multiply.

With specialised medication it will usually clear quickly and without leaving scars, unless it has been caused by a separate condition such as scabies, which will need dealing with appropriately.

days. Affected skin becomes red, often with silvery-white scales, and is usually itchy and sore. If particularly severe, skin can develop painful cracks which may bleed.

It can also affect the nails (eventually lifting the nail plate from the bed) and the joints - about one in three of those who have a moderate to severe case will go on to develop psoriatic arthritis, as well as have an increased risk of anxiety and depression, heart disease and stroke.

Though the hereditary factor isn’t quite understood yet, it does tend to run in families, and it’s known that environmental issues can also have an influence. Infections, stress, and over indulging in alcohol and/or heavy smoking can all trigger a flare.

Certain medications, such as Pascal Thauvin / FreeImages.com

outer layer of skin - is being produced. Sufferers will notice many tiny raised and blocked hair follicles on the upper and outer sections of their arms and thighs. The skin often feels rough (like coarse goose bumps) but isn’t always itchy.

It is an inherited skin condition which usually first appears in infancy, often flaring during adolescence, only to clear in adulthood.

Photo: Ginny Warner / FreeImages.com

by bacteria on the skin’s surface - usually Staphylococcus aureus in colder climes or Streptococcus pyogenes in hot climates. Highly contagious, it can be caught via skin-toskin contact or, more rarely, by sharing bedding, clothing and towels.

Impetigo causes sore and itchy skin, especially on exposed areas such as the face and hands. It will often start with pus-filled

HEALTH

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 767

Photo: Beth Tusch / FreeImages.com

17.3.2016 – 30.3.2016

Though the exact cause isn’t known, environmental factors, stress and links with other skin conditions have been noted.

There are many creams etc.

Some skin conditions can leave mild scars

many are merely temporary and mild conditions, it is possible that they are a symptom of a more serious underlying n problem.

HEALTH

36

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 034

m_delaflor@hotmail.com

Dear Dr. De La Flor

 Faq: how many calories are An average can of fizzy pop can contain the equivalent of up to 6-8 teaspoons of sugar

Dear Dr. De La Flor,

I’ve had H. pylori twice in the last four years. I’m frustrated since I finished the course of antibiotics but it keeps coming back. Any advice? Thank you, Paolo Dear Paolo, To survive and, for some, even thrive, in the stomach’s acid landscape is an incredible feat.

Helicobacter pylori is unique because of its ability to produce an enzyme that allows it to stay alive and kicking in such an adverse, harsh and frightful acid environment. A lingering discomfort or pain in the belly region can often be the only nagging complaint. Some patients describe it as a gnawing or burning pain. The socalled triple therapy regimen is required to last approximately two weeks. However, to be sure of its effectiveness, your GP will do a simple diagnostic test a while after the course is over. Regrettably, some individuals are re-infected at a rate of about 20 per cent after three years. Arm yourself with the shield of patience and re-visit your GP. In the meantime, remember to keep eating with prudence and drinking sensibly. Best regards.

“There is no sight on earth more appealing than the sight of a woman making dinner for someone she loves.” Thomas Wolfe, novelist

Dear Dr. De La Flor,

I’ve been suffering kidney problems for years. Any nutritional advice? Thanks for your help, Julia

Dear Julia, Our kidneys serve a myriad of essential regulatory body roles but, in essence, they are hightech flushing devices. These bean-shaped structures remove waste from the system and reabsorb any substances worth keeping. For us to help them perform their roles effectively, appropriate eating and drinking habits are vital. In order for your GP to give you further personalised advice, the first step will be to keep a nutritional log for about a month. I’ll suggest three kidney-friendly guidelines: limit products with added salt (canned and/or processed foods and vegetables). Choose lower potassium foods (apples, grapes, blueberries, cabbage, carrots, beans) instead of high ones (bananas, oranges, potatoes, spinach and tomatoes).

Limit the amount of high-protein foods (meats, eggs, milk, cheese) and go for more lowprotein foods such as vegetables, legumes, fruits, breads and cereals. Best regards.

“The greatest delight the fields and woods minister is the suggestion of an occult relation between man and the vegetable. I am not alone and unacknowledged. They nod to me and I to them.” Ralph W. Emerson, essayist and poet

Dr. De La Flor Facts

Thumbs Up

By Dr. De La Flor

 … Not fishy at all!

A top food for heart health, salmon comes packed with omega-3 that lowers the risk of heart-rhythm disorders, decreases blood triglycerides and reduces overall body

in one pound of fat?

3,500 calories. However, research shows that the amount of calories you and I must burn ‘to get rid’ of that same pound varies widely. A myriad of factors will alter the equation (gender, nutritional habits, exercise type and intensity…).

 Healthy targets …

“Don’t aim at success - the more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are going to miss it. For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue... as the unintended side-effect of one’s personal dedication to a course greater than oneself.”

Dr. Viktor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning

Coaching Corner

By Dr. De La Flor In 1714 Queen Anne offered an astonishing £2 million prize to anyone who could devise a more accurate timepiece to calculate longitude at sea.

The most effective clocks at the time were accurate to only one second per day. This apparently insignificant second had a sinister cumulative effect in the grand scheme of distant sea voyages and many magnificent trade ships fed the ocean’s voracity with their precious cargo and lives.

John Harrison was a carpenter, not a trained horologist, yet his initial time-measuring creation

Pickup Point GP SURGERY DOCTOR DE LA FLOR SAN EUGENIO (Pass Casino, next to church)

ReSOLUTION

By Dr. De La Flor Mr Harrison’s timing was ahead of his time. His mindset was ageless, his way of discerning time-pieces timeless. He approached the anatomy of a clock as an ecosystem. A living tissue made up of minuscule parts - wheels and stop pins, rack tails and pendulums, stop levers and rack hooks and barrels - all creating a balanced symphony of enduring asynchronic beauty. Thus, since its embryonic conception, every mechanism he designed was complemented with a counterbalancing system to minimise its inaccuracy.

For the next two weeks, you and I can spend a few minutes pondering about the health of our own internal time-clock.

You and I already know by personal experience that to strike perfect equilibrium is a dream.

We might miss five-eighths of a second here and there but The Master Horologist won’t.

He records our striving to balance and counterbalance all our daily undertakings. He records every single gesture of appreciation, gratitude and magnanimity you and I produce, no matter how incalculable, unperceivable or clandestine that act or deed might seem to you and me.

Let’s enjoy the voyage! Talk to you in a couple of weeks.

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” … a carpenter from Nazareth

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.

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

Pedro Alegre Alonso Pilates trainer ä Physiotherapist ä

Tel. 699 521 649

pedroalegrealonso@hotmail.com

©2014 FLN

lems Foods and fizzy drinks with added sugars should always be dealt with as treats. An average can of fizzy pop can contain up to 6-8 teaspoons of vicious artificial sugar: a true devastating punch to the pancreas and a highly effective recipe for longterm metabolic mayhem.

DO MORE THAN HOPE FOR THE BEST

902 886 226

www.todocancer.org

Join us and combat cancer

 Added sugar = added prob-

would only miss about one second a month. Abundant in ideas and audacity, he claimed that he could drop it down to one to two seconds per year! Expert horologists of his era scorned his methods, and viciously coined his devices as rudimentary and rubbish. In April 2014 one of Harrison’s masterpieces was put to the test at the prestigious Royal Observatory in Greenwich. It lost only five-eighths of a second after 100 days of testing! It was all within the range he predicted two hundred years ago…

aecc

Photo: George georgiades / FreeImages.com

inflammation levels. Two servings of salmon or any other oily fish per week is the recommendation. Are you doing it already?

17.3.2016 – 30.3.2016

FASHION

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 767

37

The latest swimwear

Pool position shape, you can pretty much wear any swimsuit.

With a pear-shaped figure, weight is concentrated more on the lower body, that’s to say on the hips and thighs. To balance this, attention is drawn to the upper part of the torso via interesting, feminine details, while the lower half uses darker colours and has high-cut legs.

Women with an inverted triangle figure have a broad chest, and may have a larger bust,

Geometric patterns for a skimpy bikini. From La Redoute

requiring additional support.

Tank tops are good choices because they give support and also provide a great cleavage.

Feminine bikini with wide ornamental straps.

From New Look

Cross strap bras are a real eye-catcher. From Marks & Spencer

Exotic blossoms decorate this bikini and sarong. From M & Co

It’s going to be a hot summer, especially on the Atlantic coasts or by the pool, and not just because of the high temperatures: The latest swimwear ensures tremendous ‘wow’ effects.

This year’s bikinis are just as trendy as sporty swimsuits, or swimsuits made for feminine figures with a touch of Hollywood flair created with ruffles and pretty details.

It’s a fun trend. Turquoises and reds, exotic floral or geomet-

The black insert guides the eye to the waist. From Matalan

ric designs, elegant black or crisp whites: the diversity in the new swimwear certainly sets the tone. However, when you are choosing the right outfit for the beach and pool, it’s not just personal taste that plays a major role, but also your figure.

Hourglass figures are feminine and curvy. They are characterised by the fact that the bust is as wide (or at least almost as wide) as the hips, and often with a narrow waist. With this Swimsuits or bikinis with a waistband that can be tied at the back, and halter neck varieties that can be adapted to a form, are both great.

An athletic or a boyish figure is distinguished by having little waist definition, narrow hips and broad shoulders. Since the curves of a well-defined waist are missing in this type of figure, attention should be paid to high leg designs. A swimsuit with a waistband creates the effect of a waistline, and a curved seam on each side of the body gives additional balance.

If you prefer to wear a bikini, you could wear a chain accesn sory around the waist.

A one-piece in Hollywood style.

From Marisota

Trend: Metallic tattoos They sparkle and shimmer in the sunlight as well as in party lights at night: temporary Bohemian jewellery tattoos are easy to fix, completely waterproof and last up to five days. Ideal for those looking for a unique piece of jewellery for hot summer nights.

PETS

38

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 034

Adopt, don’t buy

Animal charities’ round up Acción del Sol Many of our readers might be surprised by the photo submitted, as it is normally a photo of dogs looking for a new home, but this week’s picture is very special. Children from Granadilla School were set a task by their teacher following their educational visit to the refuge, and they were asked to draw and write what they learned about dog care. The picture basically states that every dog needs clean water, food, exercise, regular injections, flea and worm control. Also, they must not be maltreated and instead receive affection and be kept in a clean environment.

We are so happy that the children are learning through our educational programme and hopefully in years to come animal abuse and cruelty will be vastly reduced.

Please contact us by phone or email for more information.

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’.

Live Arico (PAWS) Thank you Clouseaus! We raised €1,250 at our recent even there so a big thank you to all who came and supported us.

Special thanks also go to Derrick Lynes for presenting, Vikki Lynes for organising and selling the tombola, Sandra Coats for

Tierhotel Lilly We look after your pet while you are away

(short or long term)

Tel: 697 826 738 (D/E), 659 131 382 (SP, Trainer)

www.tierhotel-lilly.com

getting us so many raffle prizes then selling the tickets, and of course to the management and staff of Clouseaus for having us. A wonderful €625 goes to Madat refuge to help with their building work.

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 of entertainment hosted by Suzy Q and Colin Stevens.

Bag a bargain at our shops in: San Eugenio (opposite Hotel La Niña. Open Monday to Saturday, 10 to 4pm); Los Cristianos (Calle Reveron, near the Thistle and Dragon Bar. Open daily, 10am to 4pm); Golf del Sur (Golf Park, just before the lottery kiosk. Open Monday to

Live Arico adoption

Foxy fondness

Look at Foxy. He is a cheeky young chap and just desperate for a home of his own. He is a terrier cross, vaccinated, sterilised and good to go. Please, give him a chance. n For more information call Sue on 629 388 102.

Foxy is waiting for a home at Live Arico (PAWS)

cat box! Sadly, not only did he have a terrible injury to his tail he was also positive for Leukaemia and Feline Aids so regretfully he was put to sleep.

If you are looking to adopt a furry companion look no further than our website: www. cats-welfare-tenerife/pets. It is

Schoolchildren have been learning about dog care following a visit to Acción del Sol Cats Welfare Tenerife recently received a generous donation of €408 If you are looking to adopt a furry companion like Scamp, look no further than the Cats Welfare website

Please do, as it gives us a regular income and means we can plan more effectively: http://teaming.net/catswelfaretenerife.

We always require old towels, blankets for bedding, along with donations of cat food and biscuits, pet carriers, etc. If you have anything for donation including furniture and household effects, ring Mark on: 636 590 557 and he will arrange collection from you.

Our shop is on San Blas in Golf del Sur (behind Hiperdino) and is open seven days a week, 10am until 6pm. Saturdays is 11am until 4pm.

K9

Friday, 10am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm, Sunday 10:30am to 3:30pm).

Find us at: www.livearico.com, on Facebook, or join us on Twitter: twitter.com/live_arico.

Cats Welfare Tenerife The good, the bad and the ugly.

The good: We are thrilled to have recently received a generous donation of €408 to help with our work. Nick Krotke, the new auctioneer at Los Abrigos auction rooms, and Peter Martinelli MBE presented the cheque to Sharon Leighton, the owner of Cats Welfare and some of her team. The money was raised at Peter’s 85th birthday party at Seven Islands Bar in Golf del Sur. Thank you very much.

The bad: It is very upsetting that someone stole a large box of golf balls for sale from outside the Cats Welfare shop in San Blas, Golf del Sur. There were at least 30 bags of six balls in the box and we sell them six for €3. Therefore €90 has been stolen from us. It might not sound like much money to some people but we receive no government funding and every cent we raise has to come from our shop and donations.

The ugly: We come across many ugly situations in the course of our work and we are so grateful to all Cats Welfare volunteers, without whom we would not be able to help many hundreds of cats each year. A special mention goes to Sharon Leighton the owner of Cats Welfare who recently had an email from a

holidaymaker saying there was a cat at their hotel with only half a tail and that it was a fresh wound. Luckily, Sharon was in the area and was able to go immediately. The cat was wild and needed to be trapped but Sharon has welding gloves to catch wild cats and was able to bundle it into a

updated daily and all cats go on a one week trial. Contact Theresa on 680 475 500 (9am to 6pm every day).

For just €1 a month you can join our group of ‘Teamers’.

Our shop on Alcalá Plaza is in continual need of donations.

If you have anything suitable please take it to the shop.

The kennels are open every day from 11am until 2pm. If you have any enquiries or are looking for a dog or cat, the number n is: 667 638 468.

FARMERS MARKET

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 767

Farmer’s Markets 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

Photo: Kelvin Yu FreeImages

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

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

Photo: by Frank C. Muller

Adeje Calle Archajara, s/n, in front of Makro Saturday/Sunday 8am – 2pm / Wednesday 4pm – 8pm Telephone: 922 775 200

39

Farmer’s Markets

Photo: Carlos Paes FreeImages

17.3.2016 – 30.3.2016

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 17 to March 30 Aries 21.3 - 20.4 To say that you’re on the winning track really is an understatement: Actually, you are already on the podium. Whatever you begin right now, your efforts are bound to bring success. This applies to your job as well as your private life, so make the most of it.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 034

Contacts To advertise your services with us, please call 922 75 06 09

Taurus 21.4 - 20.5 Although the situation you are experiencing right now is not particularly nice, you are not entirely innocent of blame. After all, you’ve played your cards and failed several times. Unfortunately, the result is that it is now difficult to deal with the consequences, but you have no choice.

Leo 23.7 - 23.8 Normally you don’t have a problem with just saying what you think.

Why then is it so hard this time? What is certain is that if you give constructive criticism, no-one will be offended. Just think it through carefully before you end up acting on impulse.

Virgo 24.8 - 23.9 You can twist and turn as much as you like - and you have indeed already done so. Some things in your life need to change. So just start. Today. The more you push everything onto the back burner, the less happy you will be.

Libra 24.9 - 23.10 Ironically you are currently sentenced to continuing at a standstill, when you prefer to be constantly on the move. Think of it positively: This has finally given you time to focus only on yourself and your loved ones- don’t waste it.

Scorpio 24.10 - 22.11 You are at peace with yourself. And probably not many people can say that about themselves. Therefore, don’t take it to heart if some of your contemporaries do not agree with your decisions, they may be talking out of jealously.

Sagittarius 23:11 - 21.12 Most of all, you would like to close all the doors behind you and start again from scratch - as far away as possible. But remember, wherever you go, your problems go with you. So escaping makes little sense, even if it sounds enticing.

Capricorn 22:12 - 20.01 Of course you have a lot to work out. But you also know what you are working towards. So get on with it. Bit by bit you will approach your destination, but don’t forget to make time for the rest and recuperation that you need along the way.

Aquarius 21.1 - 20.2 As the saying goes: “pity gets you paid, envy must be earned.” Many of those in your close environment may try to put obstacles in your way, but just laugh about it and do your own thing – the results will speak for themselves.

Pisces 21.2 - 20.3 Sometimes you almost appear to your fellow men to be a little scary.

It seems as though you can read their feelings and thoughts. In reality you currently only have very fine instincts. And you know how to listen, with quite amazing results.

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.

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.

Gemini 21.5 - 21.6 As before, you have an amazing wealth of good ideas. You also have the ability to base creative output on their feasibility. Additionally, your suggestions are distinguished by the fact that they can be implemented smoothly – what are you waiting for?

Cancer 22.6 - 22.7 Take a deep breath, relax and slowly count to a hundred. Right now you are making mountains out of molehills. In most cases this really is unnecessary – you must learn not to be so bothered by the little things, and concentrate on what is important.

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.

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. Apartments 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, 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.

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.

Erotic massages, also Tantric and other erotic services with attractive German lady. Without rush. Nice location. Tel: (0034) 619 614 380. Liberal German couple invites you to erotic parties, also threesomes.

Tel: (0034) 648 245 425.

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.

Las Chafiras, Pamela Black, very loving, all services, relaxing pain relieving and prostrate massage, medium breasts. www.canarias69.com ‘Pamela’.

Tel: 635 801 105.

South Tenerife, 3 girls, mature and young, different nationalities, who really want you to have a good time. Massages with a happy ending, all types of erotic toys to have fun with.

Discreet. Tel: 612 444 285.

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.

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.

Ladies only, attentive English gentleman escort, age 45, fit and attractive. Special massage service also available, your place or mine. Call Dennis on: 605 137 507.

To advertise your services with us, please call 922 75 06 09

17.3.2016 – 30.3.2016

The deadline for edition 768, which is published on 31st March, is 29th 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

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.

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.

General Services

Island Connections Online: www.islandconnections.eu

Classifieds Deadline Next Edition

41

FOR SALE

Ikea spring based bunk beds (metal silver) Full size double on bottom with single above. Good quality mattresses included. €250.

Two electric radiators as new €30 for both.

Tel 922 72 96 24 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).

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

CLASSIFIEDS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 767

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

Lamp Factory Buy during your holidays We deliver to your home country Ctra. General C-820, Travesía la Panadería, 1 38440 Santo Domingo (La Guancha) Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Tel / Fax: 922 130 301 OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday 9 am to 2 pm & 4 pm to 9 pm

BLOCK BUSTERS WE UNBLOCK ALL TYPES OF DRAINS

internal and external using our high pressure jets and cameras.

Integrated Tax Planning and Wealth Management since 1975

922 716 079

Call

647 928 223

www.blevinsfranks.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

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.

Spanish and English Lawyers

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

T: E:

922 719 520

tenerife@decottalaw.net

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

www.decottalaw.net

CLASSIFIEDS

42

Rental Classifieds

for rent Playa de las Américas Large bungalow (near Hotel Tenerife Sol).

30m from the beach, inside 95m2, outside 120m2 garden/terraces, partly furnished, 2 bedrooms, ideal for family with domestic animal.

€1,100 net/month Free from April

Tel.: 922 797 565 or privat3001@yahoo.de

For rent, luxury one bedroom apartment in Los Cristianos. Available mid-April to October 31.

Fully equipped to very high standard, international TV channels, WiFi, secured off-street parking. Terrace, 3rd floor, lift and communal pool. One minute walk to beach and amenities.

No pets. Mature couples only. €850 per month, bills included. Tel: 637 268 337.

close to all local amenities. €550 per month plus bills.

Telephone 659 489 690.

SALEs Classifieds

Apartment for rent, 1 bedroom, fully equipped, near Playa Martiánez, in Puerto de La Cruz, €470 /month + electricity. Tel: Theresa on 606 105 101.

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.

Amarilla Bay, Costa del Silencio, large, two bedrooms, two bathrooms apartment to rent. Fully furnished, English TV, three balconies, community swimming pool,

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 For sale www.teneriffa-fincas.net

Playa Honda Las Américas

One bedroom apartment, tiled throughout, American-style kitchen, separate bedroom and terrace. Located in the center of Las Americas within 3 minutes walk from the beach.

€ 122,000 Alan: 634 098 838

Urb. Oasis Dakota, Playa Fañabé

Property 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

Stylish Bar

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

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 034

Las Américas

One bedroom apartment, tiled throughout, American-style kitchen, separate bedroom and terrace. Located in the center of Las Americas within 3 minutes walk from the beach.

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 Fantastic apartment with sea views in Poris de Abona.

2 bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, living and dining room, terrace, garden, €220,000. www.ick. immobilien.com. Tel: 646 830 845. Villa for sale in San Isi-

dro, 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

€ 25,000

Alan: 634 098 838

Freehold

Roadside Cafe Bar High profile main road bar located opposite one of Tenerife major parks and situated on the side of a busy main thoroughfare to one of the South’s largest residential areas.

€ 188,000

Alan: 634 098 838

Tel. 616 460 728

17.3.2016 – 30.3.2016

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 767

CLASSIFIEDS

43

CLASSIFIEDS | PASTIMES

44

Situations Vacant / wanted

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 034

B Funky Fashion Shows are looking for international girls to model swimwear in the south of Tenerife for an immediate start.

Must be presentable and speak good English, other languages are an advantage. PR experience essential. Daily work, salary, commissions paid and contracts given. Call

José, between 11am and 5pm on 606 181 946 or 922 751 021

(For Crossword and Sudoku solution see pag 40)

Advert Placement www.islandconnections.eu

Island Connections Pickup Point publisher@icmedia.eu

LA PEPA FOOD MARKET Av. San Francisco, Los Cristianos, Arona, Tenerife South

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.

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

Vehicles Mercedes-Benz

P320 CDI DPF 7 G-tronic 2007/12/15 mod 2008 ABS, kamera, NAVIGATION SYSTEM COMAND+DVD MULTIMEDIA+ 6 FACH CD / 1 owner full service absolutely as good as new, Año:2008 Kms:89.000 Diesel

€26.900 655 988 367

Across

1 - spread out (8) 6 - burn (4) 8 - allows (6) 9 - sufficient (6) 10 - net (anag) (3) 11 - graph line (4) 12 - savours (6) 13 - assessments (6) 15 - put in (6)

17 - duplicator (6) 20 - test version (4) 21 - soft-finned fish (3) 22 - clothing (6) 23 - experience (6) 24 - linger (4) 25 - disbelieves (8)

Down

2 - records (7) 3 - gatherings (5) 4 - female siblings (7) 5 - passed (5) 6 - domestic partners (7) 7 - standpoint (5) 14 - make sour (7) 15 - flow (7)

16 - wince (7) 18 - group of eight (5) 19 - rocks beneath the water (5) 20 - identification (5)

Place your classified advert at one of our agents

Ocean Golf and Country Club, Golf del Sur 922 736 502 www.nowtenerife.com

C. Juan XXIII, 29º Los Cristianos 922 79 7542 www.libreriaredhound.com

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SPORTS NEWS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 767

Physical, less tactical and a bit mad!

A Canarian player from the junior ranks of football here has made an appearance in one of Spain’s top sports papers this month due to his unusual career move.

David Machín, from Lanzarote, is now plying his trade in the Cape Verde Islands, reversing the usual trend of footballing emigration which generally sees players from there and Africa leave home for fame and fortune in Europe.

The 27-year-old was spotted playing for Teguise in the Canarian group of the Spanish third division and received an offer a few months ago to move to the archipelago off Africa’s west coast.

Interviewed in the top selling Marca sports daily, Machín says the adjustment to the new style was hard at the beginning: “When I saw how they warmed up my jaw dropped.

I hadn’t a clue what they were doing. The football played here is physical, less tactical and a bit mad”, admitted Machín, who plays for Sporting Club Brava.

However, he does not regret his decision for one minute.

“It was an offer I could not turn down and even the language barrier proved to my advantage when I let fly at a referee after I was elbowed in the face before his eyes. n Luckily, he didn’t understand what I had said.”

Volleyball

Star’s daughter playing in Tenerife

The daughter of one of the biggest names in NBA basketball history has moved to Tenerife to begin her professional career, although not in the sport that made her father famous.

Taylor Pippen, the 21-year-old offspring of Scottie, a member of the near-invincible Chicago Bulls and the US Olympic gold Dream Team of the 1990s, has signed for ladies’ volleyball side CV Haris. Her arrival caused a flurry of media interest, last seen when Luke Sikma - son of NBA legend Jack - signed for Iberostar Tenerife a few years ago.

Taylor, a middle hitter, says she is delighted at the chance to take her first steps in the professional game after finishing her time at Southern Illinois University, where she holds three all-time records in different categories, including highest hitting efficiency.

CV Haris chairman David Martín, who is also the coach, said he was “staggered” by the media repercussions of n the signing.

Tennis

Suárez sixth in rankings

The best tennis player in the history of the Canaries is proving as good as her word in the early part of 2016.

Carla Suárez vowed to begin the year in solid fashion after the disappointment of the latter part of 2015, when she suffered a loss of form and slid down the rankings. However, 2016 is proving very different and the Las Palmas player began March in her best ever position in the WTA rankings.

Suárez rose to sixth spot courtesy of her win in Doha, her second ever top-tier tournament victory, which moved her up five places in the rankings. The Qatar Open win was all the more sweet as she gained revenge on Jelena Ostapenko, who beat her at Wimbledon last summer.

Suárez set herself the twin targets for 2016 of getting back into the Top 10 and winning a tournament, both of which she achieved in Doha, where she pocketed a winner’s cheque of $500,000 (approximately €455,000). n

Olympic qualification failure

Swimmer fury at Federation A top synchronised swimmer from the Canaries has vented her anger on the Spanish swimming authorities following the failure of the national squad to qualify for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics this summer.

Thais Enríquez hit the headlines just hours after a new-look team missed out on qualification and the chance to defend the bronze medal won in London in 2012.

The Gran Canaria swimmer controversially stepped down from the team before last year’s World Championships in protest at a number of decisions taken by the Swimming Federation, including the termination of the con-

The Spanish side won bronze at the London Olympic Aquatic Centre in 2012

tract of the team coach. “It is no coincidence that four of our medal-winning squad in London suddenly decided to retire within a year of the Games. Our former head coach was sacked and is now coaching Ukraine, who

are a medal prospect in Rio, while another coach who was badly treated is set to win gold with China”, said the furious Enríquez, who blamed the Federation for allowing the most successful squad in history, with a string of world

and Olympic successes to its name, to fall apart.

“Welcome to Spain, where some are bent on destroying what we have given up our lives for”, concluded the swimmer in her open letter to n the Federation.

La Liga

Survival hopes for Las Palmas After months of doom and gloom, hopes are rising at Las Palmas that the team can avoid the drop back into the second division after just one year in the top flight.

A purple patch of three wins on the trot, two of them away from home, in a period of just seven days, injected optimism among fans and there is now a belief that the islanders have a genuine chance of pulling clear of relegation in the final stretch of the sea-

Place your advert at

Classified Agent for

Books, Cards, Internet Pto. Colón 1st floor Las Américas 922 715 682 bookswop@spantel.com

son. The wins on the road included one of the shocks of the year so far when Las Palmas took all three points at fourth-placed Villarreal, who were one of the on-form sides going into the game and are favourites for a Champions League spot. Commenting on the game, top sports daily Marca paid the Canarians the ultimate compliment by describing them as a team that “takes to the pitch as if there were no league table

Photo: Doxcumenta

African archipelago experience

45

Photo: Dineshraj Goomany CC A-S A 2.0 GL

17.3.2016 – 30.3.2016

or points at stake” and “a privilege” for the rest of the division.

Despite the plaudits, manager Quique Setién knows he has a tough job on his hands, with difficult games against Real Sociedad and Valencia on the horizon before the crunch relegation fixture against Sporting Gijón n in mid-April.

UD Las Palmas manager Quique Setién has a tough period coming up

46

SPORTS NEWS | POOL LEAGUE

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 034

Rugby

Ñandú welcome the Dundee Eagles In mid-February Ñandú was proud to welcome the first ever Scottish touring side to Tenerife.

The Dundee Eagles brought their excellent Under-18 team, fresh from the Scottish Cup final at Murrayfield. They were looking for winter sun, some rugby and, of course, all the experiences that a rugby tour entails!

The teams enjoyed an excellent festival of rugby at the marvellous T3 facilities in La Caleta on one of the days. T3 continues to be a source of great help and support to Ñandú, for which the club is always grateful.

The day started with a stirring display of the bagpipes, with both teams getting to know each other. As the Dundee Eagles were, on average, two years older than the Ñandú players, the rugby began with the teams mixing for a 10s tournament, which was a great way for the players to interact and swap tactics and skills.

The experience culminated in a full 15-a-side, 30 minutes per half game. The Ñandú players were once again superb, with

Pool results

The Dundee Eagles visited Rugby Club Ñandú in February

Gregor P scoring a memorable try. The visitors’ superior age and size saw them emerge victorious with some great plays of their own. The real winner though was rugby, with friends and contacts made for life.

Over the four days that Dundee toured, they experienced Siam Park, went Whale watching, and will take home some

wonderful memories. Adeje councillor, Adolfo Alonso Ferrera, also presented the team with a commemorative plaque to adorn their trophy cupboard.

They all returned tanned and tired but vowing to revisit!

The next match sees Ñandú return to league action as the season picks up pace, with the Canarian club once again set-

Match Report El Salvador v Ñandú – 07.03.16 Final Score: 7 – 56 The weekend of the big trip arrived with 40 children aged between nine and 18 all want-

ing to play against some of the best teams in the country. It was a great opportunity to experience rugby in all its glory.

The Under 17s group played against the second best Spanish team: El Salvador. The club which is rarely on the losing side were primed to make mince meat of the team from the Canaries. However, they

The cup and plate heat up

Cup results The quarter final results of the Express Bar Deliveries Cup competition saw Marius & Lo seal their semi-final place with an emphatic 9-1 trouncing of Dos Hermanos. Also through are Summerland Elite, who were too classy for second division team James Place from La Caleta. Elite won the first five frames, James Place managed to win the second pairs frame to stop the rot but Elite finished worthy winners 8-2. The closest match of the night was also at Legends where the Jokers were pitted against Legends B, who on paper were the favourites. It was a tense night and the match went to an extra frame with the Jokers emerging the winners, going through to the semi finals thanks to their wild card. The Tavern had their work cut out away to Boothen Bar, the runaway leaders of the second division. They put up a good show but lost 64. The semi-final draw for the Express Bar Deliveries cup is as

ting the example both on and off the pitch.

were to be proved very wrong, and after five minutes Ñandú smashed through the line to score and never looked back.

A calm and collected performance saw Ñandú score 56 points to El Salvador’s seven.

This was certainly an unfamiliar position for the home side.

Special mentions must go to Axel (Moran) and Facundo (Olivera) who scored their first tries for the club. The whole team celebrated those special moments.

The younger boys, who are coached by Gotzon and German, played with ambition and skill to compete against teams that have been together for years. All of them enjoyed the experience of playing against strong opposition and showing off their skills in front of their parents. The club is proud of the next generation of players coming through the ranks.

This weekend was all about building memories and forming the kind of bonds that make us such a strong team. This was certainly the outcome as each and every player represented the club, their parents and the sport of rugby with pride. n

follows: Summerland Elite v Legendry Jokers, and Boothen Bar v Marius & Lo.

title with a hard fought victory over Toby Jug Saints. Things started well for the Saints with Gary beating Graham to put them one frame up but Leg-

ing the semi-finals of the Cup, Legendry Jokers travelled to Playa Paraiso to play Britannia Inn, winning by 6-4. Scruffy Macs, who have reached the

ends prevailed and the assistance of a wild card saw them record a 6-4 victory. Their closest rivals, Marius & Lo recorded a win away to Atmosphere, who are currently finding it difficult to field a team.

Sloops Bar managed a point against Summerland Elite, drawing 5-5. Legends B were also given the points as Bad Bobs could not field a team.

Dos Hermanos lost at home to Clouseaus by 6-4. After reach-

semi-finals of the Plate competition, had no opponents as Mad Hatters failed to send a team, resulting in maximum points for the home side.

In the Cup competition, Summerland Elite eliminated James Place The Legendry Jokers beat Legends B to reach the Cup semi-finals

Plate results The Plate competition has also reached the same stage and it was a walkover for Bad Bobs as Atmosphere bowed out. Bar Nauta hosted Summerland Shooters and after ten frames of pool it was all square at 5-5. The tie break was won by the Shooters who will be in the hat for the semi final. Joining them will be Scruffy Macs who had a resounding 8-2 victory over Palms Pool Bar from

Golf de Sur. Bar 180B were beaten at home by first division Clouseaus by 6-4.

The semi-final draw for the Plate competition is: Summerland Shooters v Bad Bobs, and Clouseaus v Scruffy Macs to be played on April 12. Good luck to all participants.

Division one league results Legends A kept up their relentless surge on the first division

Division one league results There was no stopping Boothen Bar as they travelled to Camping Nauta, losing just one game during a resounding 9-1 victory. Hunters managed to halt their run of defeats with a draw

at home to the on-form Bar 180C. Things are going from bad to worse for Lupain Properties; they were third in the table a month ago but have now dropped to seventh and are in freefall after another defeat, this time away to Britannia Bar (Silencio), losing 6-4.

Bar Leones had a great win at the Boothen Squad, 7-3. The Tavern moved into the top five in the table after defeating Summerland Shooters by 6-4.

Palms Bar on the Golf ground out a deserved win at home to Scruffy Macs, and James Place n beat The George 7-3.

Tenerife Pool Super League Powered by EXPRESS BAR DELIVERIES S.L. Information supplied by Tenerife Pool Super League www.tenerifepoolleague.com

17.3.2016 – 30.3.2016

FOOTBALL AND SPORTS NEWS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 767

47

CD Tenerife news

Tenerife shocks league leaders

The Butarque Stadium was packed to the rafters with just over 8,000 supporters, including about 150 from Tenerife. The stadium is a place of great memories for Tenerife as it was here that the blanquiazules gained promotion to the top flight in 2001 with a certain Rafa Benitez as manager. On that day, our current coach Pep Marti was the team captain and some of the magic from that moment must have rubbed off, ensuring a superb and determined performance. With main striker Choco Lozano suspended, new boy Javi Lara made his mark on his starting debut by scoring a tremendous free-kick from outside the box on 63 minutes. The home side were stunned and

soon after Tenerife should have made it 0-2 but Vitolo missed from the penalty spot – it was the blanquiazules first penalty of the whole season!

The last few minutes of the match were chaotic as Leganes piled on the pressure. Dani pulled off a fantastic close range save in the final minutes and straight after Tenerife missed a golden chance to seal the game but somehow failed to find the back of the net. However, it didn’t matter and Tenerife won on their travels once again, meaning that they’ve now won the last three out of five away games.

This was a brilliant win and the dream of a run into the higher reaches of the league is rife.

Next up, the biggest crowd of the season is expected for the visit of Real Zaragoza. A win would take the blanquiazules to just two points from n the play-offs.

or 654 200 470 for more details. We are starting a new first and second division 6-aside league, so if any players would like to join then please get in touch. We will find a team that best suits your level and availability.

N o m a d s Yo u t h F o o t b a l l 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 groups of kids from all walks of life, such as young players from Iceland, Sweden, Den-

mark, Spain, Uruguay, Russia, Italy, UK 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, especially the talented under-8 side (see photo).

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 general website: www. n premfs.com.

The Butarque Stadium has been a good venue for CD Tenerife over the years CD Tenerife players celebrate after the Leganés win

Photo: Suso Santana

06/03/2016 CD Tenerife 0 Almería 0 The blanquiazules went into the game against struggling Almería in fine form having won their previous two matches. For the fourth time this season Tenerife were attempting to make it three wins on the bounce but that feat had eluded them on the other occasions and this game would prove to be equally difficult.

Despite spending the last two years in La Liga and having one of the biggest budgets by far in the second division, Almería are not doing so well this time around. During the early stages, Carlos Cuéllar the exAston Villa and Sunderland defender was being run ragged by the Tenerife forwards and he succumbed to an injury after 20 minutes. The referee by this time had already dished out soft yellow cards and that was to be the story of the game with 10 players being cautioned on the day.

The encounter was turned on its head just after the break when Tenerife defender Raul Camera received his second

Photo: Zarz CC A-S A 4.0 IL

By Chris Todd

yellow card and was sent off.

A bit harsh to say the least but Camera should have stayed more focused. Tenerife played the rest of the game with great passion despite being a man short and they almost snatched an unlikely win with Nano inches away from prodding the ball home late on.

Ex-Manchester City youngster Pozo was introduced into the

fray for Almería with ten minutes remaining but it appeared that both teams were more or less happy with the point due to the circumstances. It was a spirited effort by the blanquiazules and all in all a good point earned.

13/03/2016 CD Leganes 0 CD Tenerife 1 Make no bones about it, this win

for Tenerife sent shockwaves throughout the whole division.

It was a thoroughly deserved win to boot and it could have easily been by a wider margin.

Just to put this into some context, CD Leganes from Madrid were the clear league leaders and had gone a whole calendar year unbeaten at home. They had also won their previous eight out of nine games.

Local football fun

Nomads on the move!

Sponsored by: Foreign Language News & www.windowsplus.co.uk The Nomads Football youth teams will go on 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 experience and enjoyment. More info on the trips can be found at: www.nomadsfc.com.

We are getting more requests to provide daytime football

Nomads FC’S under-8s side

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

CANARY ISLANDS

48

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 034

Promotion

Welcome Namaste

By Theresa Willson For our main courses we ordered garnished with pieces of mango have now tried several dishes Namaste is one of the newest, and tastiest, Indian restaurants in the south of Tenerife.

When we visited, we were delighted to find a sparkling white, air conditioned restaurant with a long bar to one side, and a squeaky clean kitchen at the back which is open for everyone to see. The ample terrace has plenty of tables for diners, and an elegant chill-out lounge area, as well as heaters for those extra chilly nights!

There were four of us in our party, and once we had ordered our drinks, our waiter brought us papadums with four wonderful sauces and an onion salad.

The menu is extensive, with some 29 starters and 30 curries, as well as special Indian dishes to choose from - and you can order most of them at a heat level to suit you. There are also 10 side dishes, vegetarian options, selections of Biryanis, pizzas and kebab rolls, and a children’s menu.

It all looked delicious, so for starters we decided to order three different dishes to share.

Soon, our Chicken Barra Kebab, Murg Malai Tikka and Garlic King Prawns arrived, all beautifully presented. Tucking in, we agreed that the king prawns, served with freshly cut ginger and garlic were absolutely delicious, and the sauce quite amazing: Any leftover was quickly scooped up and popped on top of pieces of papadum. The Murg Malai Tikka was mildly spiced and mouthwateringly tender, in true Namaste style, as was the Chicken Barra Kebab.

a Lamb Pasanda Badami, a Lamb Pathia, Chicken Karahi, and one brave soul in our party really went for it and ordered a Chicken Tikka Phal. To accompany these dishes we asked for a Peshwari naan, a chilli corian-

and coconut – a memory to be savoured. Finally, our friend with the phal began to glisten somewhat. He said that it was eye-wateringly hot, as it should be, but that the heat of the dish had not overpowered the won-

on the menu – and they were all excellent. The portions are generous, so to date we have not had space left to try an Indian dessert. There are

Mouthwateringly delicious starters Belly dancers bring an exotic touch to the restaurant on Saturday evenings Namaste has a large open plan kitchen and a long white bar Where to begin?

Exquisitely crunchy papadums and sauces

der naan, Pilau rice and Kashmiri rice. Shortly, this wonderful array of food was brought to our table, together with clean, warmed plates. The Lamb Pasanda Badami was succulent and mildly spiced, with a smooth, yet tangy and creamy, almond and mace sauce. The Chicken Karahi was deliciously spiced, with plenty of coriander, ginger and garlic, and the Lamb Pathia was sweet and sour and

derful taste of the chicken tikka.

We shared the rices, which were aromatic and beautifully cooked, and the naan breads.

The Peshwari naan, filled with sultanas and coconut, and the chilli and coriander naan were delicious, soft and warm.

For two of us, this was our second visit to Namaste, so we

three Indian ice creams on the menu, mango, pistachio or Malai kulfi, plus Gulab Jamon and Kheer.

There is also a well stocked bar with a good range of beers, including the two Indian varieties, Cobra and Kingfisher, and Dorada and Heineken. You can also choose from juices, soft

drinks, spirits and liqueurs, or from a good wine list.

Namaste offers special lunch and dinner menus, which are listed on the board on the terrace, home deliveries within 20 kilometres, and a takeaway service. If you don’t want to eat, you are always welcome to simply hang out at the bar.

We were told that very soon they will also be able to offer the traditional ending to any Indian meal: the hookah pipe!

The restaurant is now showing Spanish and English football matches from all major leagues on a large screen, and if you would really like to experience some traditional entertainment, then go along on a Friday evening for Bollywood night, or on a Saturday evening when a belly dancer

brings an exotic touch to the proceedings. Namaste could also be the perfect venue for your corporate or private parties and events, all you have to do is discuss your requirements with them.

The friendly staff at Namaste work to a very high standard and we once again found the service impeccable, and the prices very reasonable.

To find this fabulous restaurant, go up the escalator in CC Siam Mall, in front of the large supermarket, turn left and walk back towards the stage. Turn right, and Namaste is at the end on the right.

Absolutely wonderful, there is no wonder this restaurant is highly recommended by Tripn Advisor – and by us!

Namaste Indian Tandoori Restaurant CC Siam Mall, first floor · Costa Adeje Open: 12.30pm to 11.30pm Tel: 922 751 615 or 667 221 962 Email: namastetenerife1@gmail.com Web: www.namastetenerife.com