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April 28 – May 11, 2016 Talk about language
Tragic scenes
Travel
Spotlight on Aaron
Barriers and bridges
Los Cristianos in mourning
Isla de Sal in Cape Verde
Family’s fight with DMD
Pages 6 & 7
Page 15
Page 19
Page 30
Money laundering
Bravo for Brad and Bourne
Wikimedia / Georges Biard
Hordes of people gathered in front of the Miller Building in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria recently, where there was a casting day for extras in the movie Allied.
Brad Pitt’s recent arrival in Gran Canaria caused quite a stir
The casting was so popular because this upcoming movie, directed by Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future, Forrest Gump, Cast Away), will feature the Hollywood star Brad Pitt in the lead role. The romantic thriller, written by Steven Knight, and set in Casablanca during World War II is based on the true story of two assassins, Max Vatan played by Brad Pitt, and the French underground spy Marianne Beausejour, played by Marion Cotillard. The couple fall in love and get married before Max discovers that his wife had apparently worked as a double agent for the Nazis. Continued on page 3
Italian Mafia in Tenerife The trial continues in the Spanish National Court in Madrid of over a dozen suspected members of the Camorra clan who were arrested in the south of Tenerife in 2011. The Italian Mafia is said to have been active on the island since the 90s when the organisation supposedly took full advantage of the construction boom of residential and vacation properties to hide the profits from criminal activities such as drug trafficking. It’s believed that the money laundering began in 1996 with the founding of a company in Callao Salvaje. The construction and sale of just one apartment complex is alleged to have allowed the clan to whitewash over €8 million. The arrests of the 13 suspects back in 2011 were part of ‘Operation Pozarro’ which involved over 100 members of the security forces in the mop-up manoeuvre. The heart of the Mafia headquarters at the time was an apartment in the Marina Palace complex,
Photo: ©Gerard Zenou 634 173 766
Canarywood!
asking for a total of 210 years in prison for money-laundering and membership of a criminal organisation. Attempts to stop the trial in January this year were foiled by the anti-corruption prosecutors Juan José Rosa and José Grinda. The cases were heard in three courts that specialise in terrorism and organised crime.
Flashback
One Mafia suspect, outside Marina Palace in South Tenerife
Calle El Horno, Adeje; a building which belonged to the late Mafioso Giuseppe Felaco, aka Peppe Nazzaro. At the time the police action took place, he was receiving medical treatment in France, however, his British wife, two of his children and several grandchildren were on the island and arrested. In another house search in Fañabé,
two Ferraris, a motorcycle and two scooters were seized by police and €150,000 in cash was found in the apartment of one of the suspects and confiscated. There are 21 people currently lined up in the dock, allegedly from the Mafia families of Nuvoletta and Polverino, branches of the Camorra. The prosecution is
It’s believed that the Neapolitan Mafia extended its tentacles into Tenerife, and specifically in the boroughs of Arona and Adeje, in the 1990s. The alleged family ‘seat’, Marina Palace (with over 5,000 apartments), was built by Felaco in 2001. In addition the clan is said to have been involved in other activities such as trading in luxury cars and yachts, the hotel business and socalled ‘protection’ extortion. Continued on page two
CANARY ISLANDS
Spain is a Mafia paradise
Adeje Book Fair
Classic and modern literature Photo: Wikipedia
Organised crime
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 037
Adeje council recently held the sixteenth annual Book Fair, with various events taking place from April 15 to 23 to mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare and Cervantes’ deaths. Two of literature’s mightiest heavyweights, Britain’s William Shakespeare and Spain’s Miguel de Cervantes, died one day apart in April 1616, and the occasion is being marked around the world throughout this year to honour the two enormously influential writers. Adeje used its annual Book Fair to celebrate the anniversary; holding various exhibitions, poetry readings, shows and workshops, and for the first time they incorporated a dedicated stand for English-language authors based in the Canaries. Nicki Attree, Lee Bullen, Joe Cawley, Susan Dehmel, John Reid and Margaret Tully were all in attendance with their respective book titles, on hand to sign copies and introduce themselves to the public. Well done to the organisers and Adeje council for stagn ing such a fun and educational event.
Naples, at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, is the cradle of the Italian Mafia
Continued from front page the small town of Marano de as Mogán, has never been cor- they will make mistakes, which The head of the gang was purported to be Giuseppe Felaco. Alleged to be a longtime Camorrista, Felaco was rumoured to have already left a trail of blood in Italy and he took care of the real estate developments in Tenerife. The Camorra is also supposed to have made an attempt to break into the Island’s political arenas. As a ‘business’ it would be perfect to have someone in the right place to approve licences and developments. This role was apparently given to the alleged Mafia lawyer Domenico de Giorgio, who managed to get himself onto the conservative PP list for the local elections. His candidacy was pulled at the last minute, but it is still unclear whether it was on his own initiative, or because the party high-ups had stumbled across his links with the Mafia. Felaco is accused of building a network of companies where black money from the Nuvoletta and Polverino clans’ alleged activities, including drug trafficking, fraud and extortion, became snow white!
History The Nuvoletta are part of the infamous Italian Camorra from Naples, or more correctly from
Napoli. The original branch was founded by Angelo, Ciro, Gaetano and Lorenzo Nuvoletta, four brothers who are now either dead or facing a lifetime sentence behind bars. After the deaths of Lorenzo and Ciro and the arrest of Angelo in 2001, there was a power struggle within the organisation that resulted in the creation by Giuseppe Polverino of his own clan. The Carabinieri opined in 2007 that there is no longer just one family, but three Mafia clans, the Nuvoletta, Simeoni and Polverino. The clans continue to be structured firmly in their Sicilian roots. Giuseppe Felaco is the brother-in-law of Angelo (Lorenzo’s son). It’s alleged that he was previously a member of the Mafia’s troubleshooting assassination group. Together with his son Luigi, it’s suspected that he was also in charge of the smuggling of drugs from Spain to the Italian Marano di Napoli. It’s said that they used a route through France with specially adapted cars with a double chassis. Felaco is also believed to have been the expert investor for the Polverino and Nuvoletta clans and a kind of interface between the two families. The possibility that the clans might have tried to launder their money in Gran Canaria too, in boom tourist areas such
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roborated. However, in 2005, the financial wizard of the Nuvoletta clan Pietro Nocera was arrested in Las Palmas on a series of international arrest warrants. He had spent the best part of two years commuting between Las Palmas and Tenerife and was considered extremely violent. Despite the arrest in 2011 of some important section heads, the Italian mafia is still very active in Spain. At the end of January this year, one clan member with an international arrest warrant was caught during a routine check in Catalonia. Three years ago, the National Police force made 51 alleged Mafia arrests in Barcelona and Adeje, amongst which were Vincenzo Triassi (62) and his wife Felicia Caldarella (55). It’s believed that they were negotiating power-sharing with the Fasciani clan.
A Mafia paradise At least according to the journalist Francesco Forgione, who remarked, “The Italian mobsters like Spain, because the laws are less harsh. For example, you can’t arrest a suspect as a precaution”. In his opinion, the Mafiosi have only one problem: they will eventually get tired of constantly fleeing and being vigilant. “Then Disclaimer: Island Connections Newspaper is published and printed fortnightly by ISLAND CONNECTIONS S.L. Adverts, texts, photos or other parts of this publication are property of the publishers. They may not be used or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any other form or means without the prior written permission of the publishers. This newspaper cannot be held responsible for the contents of articles supplied by our contributors or advertisers claims. The publisher reserves the right to refuse to publish adverts, texts or advertising
will be their undoing.” Journalists rarely stick their necks out. Over in Sicily it’s taken as read that the Mafia controls the legal and political arenas and keeps the press silent. Even so, between 2006 and 2015, over 2,000 journalists announced that they had been threatened by members of the Italian Mafia. Over 30 of that group have permanent police protection and in the last know register of attacks, it was noted that over 400 reporters were targeted. According to the Italian Association for Press Freedom Oddigeno, the threat to journalists is no longer limited to the south, but is nationwide. Attempts to muzzle journalists are made by the sending of cartridges, dummy bombs, threatening letters or phone calls. One of the latest to receive protection is Sandro Ruotolo, who has been under police protection for some months. Apparently the jailed former head of Los Casalesas Michele Zagaria called on the social networks, for him to be, “skinned alive”. For members of the press, there is no Mafia protection zone. They complain of isolation and censorship. “Journalists are seen by many as an enemy and therefore Mafia representatives feel legitimised
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Lee Bullen, author of Beset, and Joe Cawley, author of More Ketchup than Salsa, at the book fair
to threaten, hurt or ridicule them. There is no respect,” says the former anti-Mafia journalist and current politician Rosaria Capacchione who has been under police protection for many years.
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Anyone who believes that the Mafia and their stories are merely material for nostalgic films is mistaken. The Mafia lives – these days without boundaries – and often n among us.
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.
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ISLAND CONNECTIONS 770
Brad & Bourne
since the movie series began with The Bourne Identity in 2002, based on Robert Ludlum’s novel of the same name. Starring alongside Damon are Julia Stiles, Tommy Lee Jones, and Vincent Cassel. The movie is directed by Paul Greengrass who directed two other Bourne films prior to this year’s Jason Bourne release.
British TV’s The Holiday Show recently filmed their pilot episode in Tenerife
Hollywood in the Canaries The Islands have become a popular filming location for Hollywood studios due to the excellent climate, conditions and varied landscapes. In recent years, Fast & Furious 6 had parts of the movie filmed at numerous locations in Tenerife. The action-packed movie starred Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and Paul Walker. The Clash of the Titans remake, released in 2010, was filmed in Tenerife along with the sequel which was produced two years later: Wrath of the Titans.
Richard Armitage during filming in Santa Cruz de La Palma
©YouTube
Filming began earlier this year in London. Some of the scenes from this Paramount and 20th Century Fox picture will be filmed in Las Palmas in early May, where the main venue for the shooting will be the Plaza de Caraisco. The movie is expected to be in Spanish cinemas on November 25. The excitement surrounding Brad Pitt’s arrival in Gran Canaria to film parts of his starring role in Allied brings back memories of Matt Damon’s recent spell in Tenerife to film Jason Bourne, the fifth movie in the Bourne series. Last summer there was also a manic rush to attend casting calls for the hugely-anticipated Bourne follow-up with thousands of hopefuls applying, and a similar buzz will return on July 29 when the film is released in Spain. The first trailer has been released and is available to view on YouTube. Matt Damon plays Jason
Photo: Cabildo La Palma
Continued from front page Bourne for the fourth time
Photo: Web Tenerife
Casting queues
A screenshot from the recently-released trailer for Jason Bourne (2016)
Both movies brought Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes and Gemma Arterton to the island. Ridley Scott’s Exodus: Gods and Kings, from 2014, used parts of Corralejo in Fuerteventura to depict the Sinai Peninsula for the biblical epic. In mid-April this year, Richard Armitage and the crew of US TV series, Berlin Station, arrived on the island of La Palma to film a number of scenes; while ITV’s The Holiday Show recently came to Tenerife to film the pilot for the new television series.
New Star Wars to be filmed in Gran Canaria? Speculation has recently emerged that Gran Canaria may host part of the filming for a new Stars Wars film. Representatives of Disney, who hold the rights for the new trilogy, are reported to be in discussion with island authorities to film key scenes of a new film, the eighth in the saga, expected to be released in 2018 or 2019. Disney has included Gran Canaria on its possible location shooting list after visiting a number of spots n on the island.
CANARY ISLANDS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 037
Promotion
New Conforama in Gran Canaria Conforama, the European furniture, domestic appliance and accessories brand, have recently inaugurated their first store in Gran Canaria, at Arinaga in the southwest of the island. The new store which occupies 5,000m 2 houses over 6,000 items which are available immediately to clients. This addition has created 60 direct jobs, bringing the total number of Conforama staff in the Canaries to 220. The inauguration event on April 20 was attended by the general director of Conforama International Tonino Pereira, the director of this new store Mariano Zamora Molinero, and the mayor of Agüímes Óscar Hernández. The grand opening ended with cocktails and a performance by the samba percussion group Tio Blas. Tonino Pereira said: “We are very proud to open our first store in Gran Canaria, the twenty-seventh in Spain. With this new facility, we continue to advance towards our goal of strengthening our presence in the Canary Islands and principal Spanish cities. Moreover, this new store has generated
Conforama Polígono Industrial Arinaga. Calle Drago Phase IV, 220 35119, Agüímes Gran Canaria
lounge, bedroom and garden furniture, and specialise in sofas and mattresses, all at great prices.
About Conforama
The new Conforama store in Arinaga, Gran Canaria
Conforama has a network of 285 stores, with 204 in France – where the company originated – and 81 internationally, including seven European countries: Spain, Switzerland, Portugal, Luxembourg, Italy, Croatia and Serbia. In 2011, the company was acquired by the South African company Steinhoff International. Conforama sales totalled €3,226 million in 2014/2015, and the company employs over n 13,400 people.
The general director of Conforama International Tonino Pereira at the opening Conforama has many stylish designs and furnishings for your home
60 new jobs, which has added to our fantastic, growing Canarian team.” The opening of the Arinaga store in Gran Canaria joins the three Conforama outlets established in Tenerife, in the towns of Las Chafiras, La Orotava and La Laguna. Conforama, one of the world’s largest home furnishing retailers, has just about everything you need for your home. They stock a wide range of kitchen,
Education
Parents to be ‘quizzed’ The controversial new national testing system being introduced in Spanish schools has brought a surprise for parents, who must answer questions on their own education and background. Details of the survey to be completed by parents under the LOMCE education reform, which is being phased in as of the coming academic year, have been published in the Official State Journal and immediately triggered opposition on the grounds that they are an intrusion of privacy. While their 12-year-olds will be tackling a range of questions to determine their level of achievement against a nationwide benchmark, parents will be asked to give full information on their own education, their occupations and their personal background, including nationality. The education authorities insist that the information is required for a full picture of the, “social and cultural context” of a child’s education but critics say it is a needless imposition. The testing system, along the lines of national assessment in countries such as Britain, has been a source of massive controversy, particularly in the case of younger schoolchildren. The Government says it is willing to rethink some of the features, including the publication of school league tables, a prospect which teachers strongly oppose. n
Banana agriculture
Growers demand action Banana producers have called again on the Canarian government to take steps to prevent the demise of the sector, although their calls have met with a mixed reaction. Sector representatives met with Regional Agriculture Minister Narvay Quintero to demand help to resolve the pressing problems faced by the industry, which employs several thousand people in the Canaries, particularly Tenerife and La Palma, and supports a similar number of indirect jobs in the packaging and transport sectors. Producers say they are forced to sell their bananas at rock-bottom prices due to competition in mainland Spain from fruit from countries such as Honduras and Ecuador. The industry hit the headlines at the end of last year when it was revealed that millions of kilos had been dumped in landfills to prevent prices from falling further. MPs called the strategy, “indecent” and urged the growers to adapt to market realities rather than continue to insist on protection. The bananas, familiar to the millions of Britons who travel on holiday to the Canary Islands each year, are sweeter and firmer than those grown in Central America. The industry received a boost in 2013 when UK supermarket chain Asda announced it would import Canarian bananas to reduce its carbon footprint, given the shorter shipping distance compared to those sourced from across the Atlantic. n
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PROMOTION
CANARY ISLANDS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 037
Cultural encounters
ern University was a town with intellectual oligarchy. The Idea of a Multiversity is a city of infinite variety. This city is more like the totality of civilisation as it has evolved”.
Language barriers The principal thrust of the seminar was to discuss languages, their imagery and limits and how well they translate among other cultures. Finding a ‘common language’ is essential for understanding groups of people or entire populaces, and the subject has taken on extra meaning recently with the current refugee crisis. Some experts consider the Arabic language to be very poetic and that it uses a lot of metaphors and imagery within every-
day speech. This makes it harder to literally translate into other languages, as metaphors often only work in the original language and draw upon connections associated with that cultural background and history. To understand a message correctly you also have to understand everything related to its context. The Austrian philosopher Doctor Leo Hemetsberger, who works as a philosophical practitioner in culture and science at the University of Vienna, said: “There is a limit to translating from one language to another and that must be accepted. Even within the same country there can be different regional interpretations, including accents, different cultures and sometimes, alternative dialects”.
A recent rally under the slogan ‘Syrians against sexism’ in Cologne, Germany Professor Leo Hemetsberger and various experts put linguistic communication under the microscope
One student at HCM said that “for everyone, not only those who live abroad, there is the subject of hermeneutics (a broad discipline which includes written, verbal, and nonverbal communication and the interpretation of text and its meanings) to consider. Understanding other cultures and the associated dangers that can come from mistranslation – both linguistically and in content – is paramount to bridging all barriers”. During the seminar, it was interesting to experience this process and particularly listen to the Arab lecturers explain some crucial insights. All participants learned the importance of interpreting messages in multiple ways and how best to get to the crux of the point without confusing or muddying the underlying point.
Language and religion Religion has helped to form the base for many cultures and forms of speech, enforced by ideological reasoning and interpretation of scriptures – sometimes with absoluteness. One example is the socalled Islamic State (ISIS) and their totalitarian interpretation which the majority of Muslims reject. In political terms, the use of ISIS in
Photo: HCM
The Canary Islands are the perfect intercontinental platform between Europe, Africa and America. Geographically, the archipelago is closest to Africa but has a mixed European and American culture, mentality and character. This position opens up many ecological, economic and cultural perspectives; as discussed recently by Doctor Leo Hemetsberger and Professor Günther Koch from the Humboldt Cosmos Multiversity (HCM) based in Tacoronte, who held an onsite four day seminar recently. As a term, Multiversity was first coined by the president of the Universities of California, Clark Kerr in 1963: “The Idea of a University was a village with its priests. The Idea of a Mod-
Photo: Wikimedia commons
Language: barriers and bridges
speech is being used less in favour of Daesh or Da’esh, which is an equivalent Arabic acronym. Members of this hard-line group claim to have the authority to ultimately interpret the Koran and Muslim law. In reality, they are merely a band of fanatical idealists that use religious scripture to enforce their own agendas. It is only through terrorist action and the spread of fear, while simultaneously benefitting from a skilful media policy which includes online social networks, that they give the impression they represent true Islamic values. In this case, the religious representatives interpret text
through a fundamentalist framework which reduces its meaning to a point of view. By contrast, when applying the philosophical discipline of hermeneutics you can apply multiple interpretations and place into context the historical influences that have altered or radically changed its original intention.
Understanding cultures For the philosopher and artist Doctor Lisz Hirn, it is the combination of language and cultural understanding within the context of the post-colonial relationship between the former occupying power and the once-subjugated society.
People and cultures are influenced by historical events and Dr. Hirn believes that only through a thorough examination of related factors can you empathise with the situation of another person/ group. During the seminar, many interesting aspects were highlighted, not just between languages but also lifestyles and belief systems. There are various large differences within Arabic culture, as emphasised by the Moroccan scientist Professor Fadoua Chaara, who for many years has worked on German literature and philosophical translations into Arabic. Chaara understands fully the limits of translation and how sources can often be variable: “Translation is a cultural mediation. If you say in Arabic: ‘a gazelle is looking at us’ then this refers to a beautiful woman. It’s a metaphor and uses imagery which doesn’t translate well into many other languages.”
tions and replace previous conceptions or reputations. A free media is important in the region and as in Tunisia recently, independent and
Changing times In modern times the Arab world has seen a dramatic transformation with the global media playing a crucial role. However, pluralistic societies can develop from chaotic condi-
losopher Francis Bacon; a principal which remains valid even today. Education is therefore the key for full integration of the refugees in Europe,
CANARY ISLANDS
guage which makes the learning curve that much easier. Some European countries welcomed large numbers of refugees to help with the labour
sberger also indicated that it would be naive to believe that we can transfer Western democratic and cultural values entirely and immediately;
Hemetsberger said that it would be naive to believe that we can reach a ‘common language’ immediately
market. “Germany and Austria are developed countries that need qualified professionals. The higher the education standard among immigrants, the easier it is to train them sufficiently and help integrate them into Western society,” explained Doctor Hemetsberger. “When the war finishes, these are the very people who will probably return to help rebuild the country”. Hemet-
education takes time and even then it has to be accepted and undertaken willingly. “During my last visit to Tehran I experienced how big the gap is there, particularly among women from privileged backgrounds to those at the lower end of society,” he said. People who live abroad for a long period of time often return to their home country and feel the urge to change
certain aspects, and those with enough influence will take the necessary steps to alter the cultural identity. In terms of living together within European structures and pluralistic constitutions based on individual rights, everyone must accept these values to live together harmoniously. The West should also recognise the many different cultures, lifestyles and opportunities in the world and continue to expand its horizons. We have to be careful, however, not to enforce our own interests on others and inherit possible prejudices that would counteract the positive outcome of these changes. Language and communication is going to be very important, but it represents a challenge to get to know something or someone new and comprehend one another. Often, understanding arises from a mutual empathy and drawing on common interests. This exciting conference in Tacoronte, which was supported by the Austria Cultural Forum in Madrid and the Federal Chancellery of Vienna, will hopefully be a launch pad for further debates and discussions on better crosscultural communication and n integration.
Photo: HCM
Photo: HCM
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 770
Photo: HCM
28.4.2016 – 11.5.2016
Professor Fadoua Chaara explains the difficulty of translating some European languages into Arabic Professor Günther Koch is the founder of the Humboldt Cosmos Multiversity
objective journalism is helping to alter misconceptions both home and abroad. The media acts as an important link between different cultures and authorities.
How much Integration is possible? “A prudent question is onehalf of wisdom” said the sixteenth century British phi-
as there are large and rather obvious educational and cultural differences, even within the groups of migrants themselves. Before the war, the education system in Syria was far more advanced than that in Afghanistan, for example; a country which has been war-torn for the best part of three decades. They have a reasonable level of literacy and knowledge of the English lan-
CANARY ISLANDS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 037
May fiestas
Crosses, flowers and fireworks Día de la Cruz in Los Realejos
The first day of May is usually a bank holiday in the Canary Islands, but this year, as it falls on a Sunday, the holiday will be taken on May 2.
A unique fireworks display in Los Realejos
In the Canaries the celebrations can last all month, where the centre of attention isn’t the Maypole, but
Extract from the Santa Cruz May Fiestas programme April 28-May 3 10am to 9pm, Large Garden Festival, with Bonsai Exhibition in Parque García Sanabria. April 29 and 30 11am to 9pm, The Clavel Market, with vintage and custom products. Calle Clavel and Calle Nicolás Estévanez. 9pm, the 23rd Boleros Festival ‘Santa Cruz del Corazón Mundial Bolero’, with Los Sabandeños, Pancho Delgado and Elvis Sanfiel OAF, Plaza de La Candelaria. April 30 9pm, Tajaraste Multicultural Festival, Plaza de La Candelaria. May 1 12pm, Paseo de Romero Tíncer, Romería procession in the south west, from Calle El Cedro through the surrounding streets.
9pm, Baile de Magos (access exclusively in Canarian costume) in Calle La Noria, Calle Afilarmónica Ni-Ni Fú Fá, Campo Castro, Charco La Casona, Plaza de la Iglesia de La Concepción, Plaza de Europa and Bravo Murillo, followed by a big street dance. May 6 to 8 12pm to 10pm, Feria del Vino y los Guachinches (food and wine fair), Calle La Noria. May 8 12pm, Day of Traditions, with a cattle show in the Plaza de la Iglesia de la Concepción. May 12 9pm, XXI Tacoremi International Festival (motto: The Canaries uniting continents). Folklore groups from different countries. Plaza de La Candelaria.
the sign of the Cross, which in Spanish is called La Cruz. Therefore all the communities whose name contains the word Cruz have a local holiday on May 3, and this is the case for Santa Cruz, Puerto de la Cruz and Los Realejos (which has a large neighbourhood called Cruz Santa).
May in Santa Cruz Tenerife’s capital, Santa Cruz offers residents and visitors over 100 free activities during May to celebrate its founding 522 years ago. The Day of the Traditions on May 8 will be celebrated with typical Canarian folklore, costumes, food, wine and more. In addition to the free events, there will be special performances in the city’s theatres and other cultural spaces, for which there is a charge. On May 3, the Rambla forms the exhibition space for the colourful crosses, which have been decorated by different companies and associations with flowers and ribbons, a sight not to be missed. More detailed information is available in the programme which you can find on the website fiestasdesantacruz.com.
The Fiesta of the Crosses is also celebrated in Los Realejos on the north coast of Tenerife, where beautiful crosses can be found throughout the town. There are usually more than 300, all meticulously decorated with flowers, and when the evening descends, at around 10pm, you can enjoy one of the biggest and most magnificent fireworks displays of the year in the Islands, and even in Europe. The centre of the action is on the streets Calle del Medio and Calle El Sol, from where a great spectacle is provided, lighting up the night sky. This unique display, which attracts spectators from all over and usually lasts for hours, has even been declared a ‘tourist interest event’. The origin of this festival goes back to the year 1770. At that time there were no fireworks, but rather the rivalry between the two main streets, Calle del Medio where the landowner lived and Calle El Sol, where the day workers, small farmers and labourers lived. During the procession in honour of the numerous crosses placed throughout the city, the two groups would express their rivalry in the form of large fires. The side with the biggest and most beautiful May fire was the winner. Nowadays this tradition has been replaced by the fireworks display, designed by the two major firework companies in the town which have a contest to provide the most beautiful play of light and colour. If you cannot be in Los Realejos on the night, you can always watch this display online via n www.losrealejos.travel.
An unusual rescue
Runaway mini-pig The Civil Protection unit in Santa Cruz was called out on an unusual mission on the evening of April 20, which caused quite a stir. Some residents in the district of El Rosarito, in the southwest of Santa Cruz, called the local police and they in turn alerted the Civil Protection unit, because a miniature Vietnamese pig was wandering around in the street, apparently frightened and disoriented. The animal also had an injured hind leg. A Civil Protection spokesman said, “We worry in such cases, of course, to ensure the safety of local residents, but especially for the safety of the animals that have escaped or been deliberately dumped.” The little pig was brave and was eventually caught and attended to by the helpers. They called it ‘Prote’. The rescue was circulated through the social networks and after a short time, the owner of the Vietnamese pig responded and the happy little porker and her owner were reunited. Her name is actually Valeria and she had run away from the district of El Draguillo. The rescue of runaway, injured or abandoned animals, whether they are domestic or wild animals is part of the Civil Protection unit’s work. At their headquarters there is a rooster, a duck, and even an iguana, all well maintained and waiting to be collected. The security officers from the neighbourhood praised the Civil Protection staff n on behalf of their latest human and animal clients.
Valeria with her saviour and proud owner
Correction
Kikiriki restaurant Island Connections would like to make a correction to an article published about the Kikiriki restaurant in Los Cristianos, in edition 769. The Kikiriki restaurant only offers a 40 per cent discount to customers on Sundays, from 1 pm to 5 pm, and not on Tuesdays and Saturdays, as stated. n We apologise for any misunderstanding.
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ISLAND CONNECTIONS 770
Gran Canaria
‘Fake’ Italians arrested Police in the Canaries have enjoyed more success in their battle against illegal immigration rackets that use the islands as a hub. Two Albanian women, aged 23 and 49, were intercepted at Gran Canaria airport in the middle of the month as they tried to board a flight to Manchester using fake Italian identity cards. An officer at passport control at the departure gate became suspicious of the authenticity of the documents shown and further inspection confirmed that they had been tampered with. A search of the women’s possessions led police to their Albanian passports and the pair were arrested on forgery charges. The arrests came just over a fortnight after another two Albanians, aged 21 and 18, were detained at Lanzarote Airport as they tried to fly out of the island using fake IDs. The authorities here believe that various mafias systematically arrange to have illegal immigrants smuggled to the Canaries, where they are provided with new identities to allow them to travel onwards within the EU. 15 people, mainly Iranians and Albanians, were arrested last month as part of an investigation launched in December when an Iranian was intercepted at Tenerife South Airport as A search revealed Albanian he tried to fly to Britain on passports (Credit: Fred the n Oyster/Wikipedia a fake passport.
La Gomera
Storage island?
The discovery of another abandoned boat on the shore in La Gomera has added fresh weight to the theory that the island is being used by drug traffickers as a storage facility. The motorised dinghy was recovered in Puntallana, near the small hermitage
on the coast, after locals reported its presence to the authorities. A police source said it contained fuel cans and clothing for two people, which would suggest it had been used very recently to smuggle drugs across from North Africa. Police have
long believed that the island is a regular landing point for consignments of drugs, which are then stored safely locally before being sent on to other parts, particularly Tenerife. The boat is not the first to reach La Gomera with drugs. The most significant
Puntallana (Credit Cabildo La Gomera)
seizure dates back to September 1998, when Guardia Civil officers intercepted over 600 kilos of cocaine on Playa Cabrito as they were being unloaded by five men. n
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 037
Hope for HOP sufferers
Photo: El Día
La Gomera’s unenviable world title By Barbara Belt Anthropological studies on La Over the following half milGomera help explain why this little island in particular is so blighted. They reveal it to be the population with the highest percentage of pre-Spanish ‘aboriginal’ DNA through the
lennium, the wonderful genetic mix-up common to most islands occurred, but DNA comparisons between mummified bodies and present day islanders show
Photo: Nephrology Madrid
According to the scientific Nephrology Madrid periodical, the disease known as Primary Hyperoxaluria, or HOP, is a fairly rare metabolic disorder.
Dr Eduardo Salido, award winning Tenerife pathologist The effects of untreated HOP on the skeleton
The publication cited an incidence of 0.11 to 0.26 per 100,000 live births, with a marginally higher incidence in mainland Spain and higher still in the Canary Islands, especially on the island of La Gomera. Given that HOP is more widespread in non-Caucasians, it’s speculated that this higher incidence is due to the close proximity with North Africa and all the toing and froing between populations from the Maghreb in North Africa and the Canaries.
maternal line, due, in part, to the island’s topography. Spanish conquerors were prevented from ever totally wiping out the original inhabitants, as they did on other islands. The natives, who had welcomed them at first and made treaties with them, soon made themselves scarce once the perfidy of the would-be conquerors became apparent. Those who could took to the island’s forests and deep ravines, using their silbo (whistled) language to communicate and stay clear of the treacherous Spanish.
that the pre-conquest DNA lingers on. Going back to present day HOP, we know the gene affected in HOP sufferers is the AGXT, which requires vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, for proper functioning and that a common feature of the illness is that diagnosis is often made disastrously late, with an average of over three years passing from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis. Only thirty per cent of cases are diagnosed earlier. This leads to unnecessary fatalities, as by the time they’re diagnosed as
Photo: Nephrology Madrid
The offending oxalate crystals
suffering from HOP, patients present high levels of toxic oxalate deposits throughout
the body including, fatally, the cardiovascular system. The only treatments successfully
performed to date with these patients have been transplants, or dialysis. The most frequent early signs of the illness are the formation of oxalate crystals in the urine and kidneys. Symptoms vary according to the age of the sufferer and in some cases there’s acute renal failure. In adults, terminal renal disease often occurs. A simple method of detecting HOP is the measurement of urinary oxalate excretion, but the only reliable test to actually confirm HOP has been biopsy. “We must emphasise the importance of detecting early stage disease, since the effectiveness of treat-
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year and when they told me we’d got it, I couldn’t believe it”, says the professor, whose objective is to: “put an end to the suffering of these Canarian families”. The Department of Anatomical Pathology at the University Hospital is also where samples from tumour biopsies and smear tests are analysed to find DNA mutations. It has eleven personnel, amongst them technicians, nurses and doctors. “Years ago we were only able
lor-made for each patient”, he adds, and the University Hospital has become a centre of some status in the field of bio, or cancer, markers. As well as his investigative work, Dr. Eduardo Salido is a member of Pathologists without Frontiers, an NGO formed to aid investigation through private donation and to offer services to those who would otherwise be unable to receive such personalised therapeutic target treatment.
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 770
Photo: John Jeffay
28.4.2016 – 11.5.2016
Central building of ULL, where Dr Salido lectures Beautiful but deadly Peter Mark, HOP sufferer, in UK news waiting for double organ transplant
ment depends on rapid diagnosis. Populations at risk, such as in the Canaries and the Maghreb, must be routinely screened”, said Drs. Martin, King, et al in their 2011 report, in the Nephrology Madrid publication. Since then, La Gomera’s eight afflicted families have continued to suffer, with every prospect of their passing on the illness to future generations, but further research on HOP has continued quietly at Tenerife’s University Hospital in La Laguna, which is the provincial teaching hospital. There have obviously been promising results as both HOP and the University Hospital are in the news at the moment, with a University Hospital HOP project among the six prize winners in this year’s prestigious Discovery Fast Track Challenge, issued
by Pharma-giant multinational, GlaxoSmithKline. “Primary Hyperoxaluria is produced by an excess of oxalate which produces stones in children and young people. Over time, organs cease to function and a transplant or dialysis are necessary” say GlaxoSmithKline. Doctors Eduardo Salido and Miguel Fernández are in charge of the hospital’s ongoing research and are delighted with the Glaxo award. It means they’ll have two years of backing, with access to the company’s libraries, archives and test results, to help them develop treatments for HOP. “La Gomera is, statistically, the world capital of Primary Hyperoxaluria, with eight families from the nearly twenty thousand population affected”, explains Dr. Salido, who’s professor of Anatomical Pathology
at the University of La Laguna. “At present, our only course of action is organ transplants. If we can’t find suitable donors, this is a fatal illness”. Their prize-winning project was one of three hundred and seventy-eight presented to GlaxoSmithKline from twenty-one European and North American countries. Dr. Salido, who is also head of Anatomical Pathology at the University Hospital, explains that the team started to investigate HOP there sixteen years ago. They’ve since managed to identify the Canarian genetic mutation that produces HOP and have investigated the mechanisms involved in producing the illness. His team are using a genetically modified mouse to test gene therapy. “We presented our HOP target to Glaxo and have got backing. It’s the best news of the
to look at tumour cells, now we look for mutated genes and can customise treatments for each patient”, explains Salido. “We look for therapeutic targets so that chemotherapy treatments can be given that are tai-
As for La Gomera’s HOP sufferers, IC won’t reveal their identity as genetic curiosities. “We’d welcome anything that would get rid of this curse”, one grandmother told me. n “Wouldn’t you?”
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CANARY ISLANDS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 037
Circus Kaos in La Laguna
The Circus Kaos is currently offering performances until May 8 in the Camino de Las Mantecas in La Laguna. Right by the tram stop, the circus tent is easy to reach. But is it actually a suitable outing for the whole family? The Santa Cruz Council certainly has doubts and at a full meeting on April 1, it was agreed that performances by circus companies which use animals are now forbidden in the city. Santa Cruz thus joined around 300 other cities in Spain which no longer welcome circuses which involve animals. After the full meeting in Santa Cruz a press release was published which said, “Children are not aware that the animals entertaining them in the ring are actually suffering. It is up to adults, to explain to this to them. Often the animals have been torn away from their natural environment. They are held in captivity and forced to live an unnatural life.”
Circus Kaos swears by the old traditions combining humans and animals The encounter with this giant takes our breath away White tigers are gems and real rarities
The director of Circus Kaos, Enrique Luna defended the circus by saying, “Our animals do not suffer.” He thanked the town of La Laguna for allowing his circus to be a guest in the urban area. However, the mayor, José Alberto Díaz has,
Photos: Facebook Circus Kaos
The question of animals
during a full council meeting, now agreed to join the Santa Cruz Council in banning circuses which use animals in the future. The Circus Kaos will be the last of
its kind to pitch its big top in La Laguna. A spokesperson for Circus Kaos in Spain, Sergio Peñate, argued that, “The circus is always characterised by three fundamental elements: acrobatics, comedy and the animal show. A circus without animals is like a garden with-
out flowers.” So-called circus groups which do not use animals, such as the Cirque du Soleil, which have often been cited for comparison, are simply not real circuses. The fact that just recently, around 94,000 people flocked to see the guest performances by Circus Kaos in the circus tent in Gran Canaria, is a clear sign that people still love the circus, and good news for those responsible for the Circus Kaos. If you go to see this performance, you will want to laugh, you’ll be amazed, you’ll
have goose bumps and perhaps have your breath taken away for a moment. Peñate insisted that, “Our show lasts for two and a half hours, but our animals are never in the ring for more than about ten minutes. We value our animals and care for them well. We do not believe in animal cruelty, we have never hit an elephant to make him learn to ride a bicycle.” Currently travelling with the Circus Kaos are three white tigers, a white lion, a black panther and an Asian elephant. Visitors could convince themselves that all is well for the animals. There is however, much more to see, including high-speed motorcycles, breathtaking acrobatics and of course side-splitting clowns. If you would like to go to the circus, you can purchase tickets online for €10 to €30, at www.cirkuskaos.es. There is an evening performance on weekdays, and over the weekends there is one show during the n day and one at night.
28.4.2016 – 11.5.2016
Promotion
The latest shop opening in Los Gigantes is also the most chic and up-to-date place to go for ladies’, men’s and children’s day and beach wear. Situated on the main road through the town centre, the well appointed premises sell a wide range of styles and sizes to suit every taste and requirement. Though the theme is, evidently, the beach, the clothes and accessories on offer actually provide everything you need for a day soaking up the rays or any smart-casual trip out. Owners Diane and Steve Warner have lived on the island for the last ten years and wanted to offer the local area something “different”, a goal they have certainly achieved. The décor takes you right back to a traditional British beach resort
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 770
There is a good mix of styles to choose from and new stock arrives almost every month Find bathing wear to suit every size and figure
– complete with stripy deck chairs and beach hut changing rooms – but for the couple it was also about provid-
ing a greater choice than is currently available, with good quality products at reasonable prices too.
Photo: Malaga
Politician rapped over behaviour
Rosell upset staff at the Madrid-Barajas Airport
bag and place it in a separate tray. Security personnel say she demanded the presence of their supervisor and refused to step aside to allow other passengers to be screened. Airport sources say Rosell’s behaviour jeopardised the security procedures at a busy time. Spain’s most senior official in the Canaries, Enrique Hernández Bento, slammed the MP for her conduct and
said that, as a representative of the people, she should “set an example for others and not undermine security protocols”, particularly at a sensitive time in the wake of the Brussels Airport attack. Rosell was in the news in February after she demanded that the airport’s VIP Lounge be opened for her in the early hours of the morning. n
Unmanned pumps
Ghost stations scare authorities Gran Canaria is to step up its efforts to block the arrival of so-called “ghost” petrol stations on the island. The unstaffed stations are becoming increasingly popular with oil firms as they seek to cut the costs of their retail operations but Gran Canaria has joined other parts of Spain in considering introducing regula-
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ladies wear starts at size eight and goes up to size 26. Gentlemen will find sizes from small to double XL and shorts from 30” to 38” waist, and the plus range will soon be extended to include up to 4XL. In addition to well known labels such as Crosshatch and Smith and Jones, The Beach Hut Boutique also offers a Spanish swimwear range from Javier Golmar as well as beautiful clothes from a fair trade company who have been dealing with local family-run businesses in Bali, India and Nepal for 30 years. And that’s just to mention a few. For children there is the Trinitti range of clothing, which is made to order and covers kids from three years old up to age eight, with a variety of items for both boys and girls. There is also a selection of accessories, beach hats, flip flops and beach bags, as well as handmade items such as hand knitted flowers and handbags – each one a unique piece. All in all, this is an exciting new shop and one that is well
worth a visit – or two or three. You can also check out The Beach Hut Boutique’s Facebook page to see new items they have in stock as and when n they arrive.
The Beach Hut Boutique
Bad flyer
A new Gran Canaria MP has been warned by the Spanish authorities that her status does not allow her to be abusive to staff at the island’s airport. Victoria Rosell, a judge who resigned from the benches to stand for the left-wing Podemos party at the general election in December, was involved in another run-in with airport staff as she prepared to fly to Madrid on an early flight. According to security staff, she demanded an explanation for the presence of an unattended trolley with hand luggage and refused to accept their assurance that its owner, who was speaking on his mobile a few metres away, was accounted for. Rosell is then alleged to have become abusive when asked to remove her laptop from her
CANARY ISLANDS
tions to stop them from opening. The island’s governing council is of the view that the automated petrol stations offer few guarantees in the case of an incident as there would be no employees on hand to assist or to raise the alarm. In addition, their presence would inevitably lead to job losses in the sector at a
time when the authorities are doing their best to support employment initiatives. “We do not want a vending machine approach to petrol supplies due to the very real safety issues involved,” said a spokesperson. Several regions in Spain, including Andalusia, have already introduced legislation to block the new format. n
All clothing has been chosen and imported by the owners themselves, mainly from the UK, but also from Europe and the Peninsula, and with new items being stocked nearly every month there will always be something new to see. This means there is a great range to choose from and many lines come in sizes that British visitors are already familiar with. And everybody is catered for:
Feet are catered for too
The Beach Hut Boutique Flor de Pascua, 41. Los Gigantes Open Monday – Friday: 10am - 8pm Saturday: 10am to 6.30pm Tel: 663 630 367
CANARY ISLANDS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 037
Promotion
Operation Bikini Do you hate gymnasiums? Would you like to lose some inches and get fit for the summer? Sophia Wellness Centre uses a power-assisted exercise sys-
On arrival, the first thing you’ll notice is the easy going, friendly atmosphere in the light and bright studio, and the fact you don’t need any special attire, you
exercise programme will be personally designed by Gabriella, based on your health and fitness levels, and what you want to achieve. The posture and support offered by these
Sophia Wellness Centre Edificio Eloy Calle Tagoror s/n. Adeje Open: Monday to Friday Tel: 670 558 208 Facebook: Sophia Wellness Adeje
The bright and spacious studio at Sophia Wellness English client Brenda has been using this studio for eight years
tem, the same one you’ll find at Feelgood Factory facilities not only in the UK but also in the USA, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. The system was designed some 20 years ago for elite sportspeople and over time was recognised as an excellent tool for rehabilitation purposes by medical professionals in the UK. Based on cardio and Pilates workouts it was discovered inches were also reduced. The 30-minute circuit of eight machines is as good for you as an hour and a half in a conventional gym, and you’ll burn off three times as many calories. The owner Gabriella says it is suitable for any age or fitness level – in fact her client age ranges from 16 to 84 years old. Exercising at Sophia Wellness Centre is also extremely efficient in improving several medical conditions.
can come as you are in comfortable clothing. Furthermore Gabriella runs a strict appointment system, so there is no waiting. Your individual
machines is perfect, so you won’t strain yourself. A loss of inches is guaranteed if you attend the three sessions a week which Gabriella recom-
mends. Every six weeks she offers a full check up, recording weight and inch loss, change in body mass and cardio, which allows her to redefine your circuit accordingly. Speaking five languages, Gabriella has many international clients including English, both male and female. Her linguistic skills and experience ensure she is a hands-on personal trainer to all her clients. When we visited the studio, it was buzzing with activity, yet at the same time peaceful and relaxed. People not only come here to shape up and get fit, they also make new friends. We spoke to two of Gabriella’s clients. Brenda, who is English, has used the studio for eight years. She told us, “I’ve been coming since it opened. I had osteoarthritis in my knees, and I was a bit fat around the middle! That’s gone now, and my weight is stable – I can eat and drink whatever I like. If I hadn’t come here, I would probably have had to have replacement surgery by now. There’s no pressure, and I’ve made lots of friends. Gaby has helped in many ways.” Jette, a Danish client told us, “I love it! I’m happy, I’ve made friends, I can exercise when I want and I feel much better and happier. I think it’s fantastic and the social life is almost as important as the exercise.” This is the only Wellness Centre of its kind in the Canary Islands. Situated above the Cultural Centre in the old part of Adeje there is plenty of free parking available. So get fit and lose some inches in time for the summer, with a personal touch in a lovely atmosphere. Call Gabriella and make an appointment for your n free trial session now!
Breast cancer fundraiser
Charity bracelets
The pink room in Adeje for cancer sufferers and their support groups, especially breast cancer victims, is up and running with lots of events organised, but here’s one for your diary. At 4pm on May 18, the Walk for Live team are asking for nimble-fingered volunteers to join them in the pink room to help make a mega-batch of pink bracelets, like the one shown, to be sold at Walk for Life events to raise money for breast cancer charities. Full instruction will be available and all the materials are provided so do come along if you can. If you are interested in volunteering some of your time on a regular basis, or just on the Walk for Life day, please come along and talk to someone from the organisation. As we are also organising a Walk for Life run this year, we’ll need more volunteers than ever! The room is open every Wednesday, from 3pm to 7.30pm at Edificio Escuela de Seguridad y Convivencia, second floor, Calle Beneharo, Las Nieves, Adeje. Keep an eye on our What’s On page for the informan tion on upcoming events, talks, workshops, etc.
All materials will be provided
Santa Cruz
Another old shop closure
Santa Cruz city centre is about to lose one of its most famous small shops, which is following in the footsteps of others to have closed their doors for good recently. Textiles La Galaica, which has sold home furnishings and decorations for over half a century from its 400 square metre premises on the busy Calle Castillo, is set to say goodbye in June for financial reasons. Its owners say the business is, “no longer viable” and the decision to close and lay-off its long-serving staff was a very difficult one. La Galaica follows a well-known sports shop, Deportes Lovero, and shoe shop Calzados Weyler in bringing to an end a presence of many decades on Santa Cruz’s main pedestrian street. Local traders have long warned of the impact on their viability of out of town malls and, in the city centre, the growing number n of franchise retailers and Chinese-owned stores.
Photo: La Galaica
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28.4.2016 – 11.5.2016
TENERIFE GENERAL
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 770
15
Los Cristianos stunned
The day the Islands stood still April 14, 2016 will forever be marked as a black day for Los Cristianos following the shocking scenes of the building collapse in the centre of town.
ing tirelessly since the news broke with full priority given to securing the area, keeping nearby residents safe and searching for trapped people,
after family members and affected neighbours.
the rubble saw the number of victims rise from the initial two to seven. Over 200 rescue and emergency personnel from police
Socking scenes Arona council declared three days of mourning from April 16 to 19, marked with one minute silence taking place throughout the Canary Islands on April 18 at midday. The Canarian government ordered Police and officials salute the hearses from the funeral parade of the first victims. Many officers and local residents were deeply affected by the tragic scenes One Moroccan survivor waited for days for news about his wife, hoping for a miraculous rescue; however, it was not to be While the entire building sank to the ground in a mass heap of dust, debris and rocks, the interior was visibly exposed showing the devastation to residents’ homes
flags on all public buildings to be flown at half mast and the mayor of Arona José Julián Mena addressed the town of Los Cristianos to offer his condolences and thank the community for their support during this difficult period: “I am not here today as the mayor but as one of you; someone who has been deeply touched by this tragedy. In the last few days I have witnessed hundreds of people coming together to help, assist and comfort others. Everyone in the Canaries is proud of the way the town has come together to deal with this ordeal and the fantastic solidarity shown by n the people.”
Emergency teams searched through the rubble for days trying to find survivors and bodies A police dog unit, specially trained for such situations, was used to help locate trapped survivors and those who lost their lives
With an investigation under way and no official reason for the building’s sudden collapse, locals are still pondering whether it was due to a gas explosion, as some witnesses stated, or down to workmen carrying out renovations on the ground floor. The construction team has been questioned by police amid speculation that the unlicensed work contributed to the tragedy. Whatever the cause, Arona borough council has been work-
including those who sadly did not survive. The rescue effort to locate occupants trapped in
services, fire, military and Red Cross were on the scene, as over 30 psychologists looked
© All photos: Gerard Zenou 634 173 766
Clínica Dental El Camisón in Playa de Las Américas offers patients the best possible services and most advanced technology. The practice has three consulting rooms equipped with intra-oral cameras, an operating and an x-ray room. Doctor Daniel Giuffrida, licensed in odontology and a dental implant specialist, advises of the need to visit your dentist frequently, to prevent and avoid future problems, something which the Spanish Dental College Organisation also emphasises on its website at: www. consejodentistas.es. Doctor Daniel, why is care of the mouth so important? “Even at the time when teeth are formed, the mouth can be affected by poor hygiene. This is when decay, and bad patient habits begin. With a healthy mouth, we can avoid and prevent any type of oral and extra-oral problem, such as those related to posturology, digestion, aesthetics or, in more severe cases, cardiovascular problems. That’s why we always advise parents to bring their children to see us when they are very young, so they don’t develop a fear of dentists. For adults, one visit and a dental clean each year is the minimum needed to be able to prevent problems”. What does the Clínica Dental El Camisón offer? “Since November 2013, my brother, Dr. Claudio Giuffrida,
Taking care of your smile Photo: Clínica Dental El Camisón
Promotion
The professional team at Clínica Dental El Camisón
and I decided to work with specialities, so that we could offer a more specific care in all dental fields, from aesthetics to orthodontics, endodontics, surgery and dental implantology, among others. We always give daily attention, and we have highly qualified staff.” Can a patient trust any dental clinic? “The dentist is the person who must convey confidence, not intermediaries, managers or sales staff. Each mouth, each case and each tooth is different. Wherever possible, we must offer alternative treatments, and there is something to suit every pocket. Be very careful and wary of deals that seem too good to be true, where they ask you to sign on the dotted line urgently, alleging a limited supply, and of course, make sure that the person who is going to treat you is a
registered dentist by checking on Tenerife Dental College website, www.dentef.es.” Has the financial crisis affected odontology? “It has affected us in every aspect. Patients have stopped having certain treatments because of the cost. But, above all, the sector has been affected by the appearance of more commercial clinics, many of them franchises, which have taken advantage of the situation, with false offers or offers which are well below production costs to attract new clients, and of course they are now proving that they are not a sustainable model.” So do we need to take care with offers, for example on the internet? “You always have to doubt miraculous offers. We are dealing with dental health, there are no magic formulas
for that. The ‘old school’ dentists, despite their age, invite you to mistrust such offers because each person needs a specialist treatment. My advice is to trust your local dentist, who has no intermediaries, and not the attraction of low prices. If they don’t use top category materials and qualified staff, they are gambling with dental health.” What is the difference between a dental clinic and a dental franchise? “There is a basic difference. Most franchises, like any clinic that looks privately run, but is actually managed by a businessperson, must respond to budgetary requirements, leaving the needs of the patient in second place. A clinic run by a dentist is motivated by clinical interests, because its profitability and time in business will be marked by its good reputation, which is created by good performance and ethical honesty.” “These recommendations are made by the General Dental Council, in which they call for a legislative change so that the majority of corporate assets, and the greater number of company partners, are from within the profession. Additionally, the most striking difference is in prices, and you need to be careful because, as the Tenerife Dental College said in its last campaign, cheap healthcare is eventually expensive, and your mouth n isn’t on offer!”
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 037
Coast road speed limit
Cyclists safety
Santa Cruz’s plans to impose a lower speed limit on the coast road to the Las Teresitas beach during evenings and at weekends have been welcomed by cyclists. The city council and Tenerife’s governing Cabildo are preparing a package of measures aimed at making the popular cycling road safer for those on two wheels, including large signs warning drivers to keep their distance and show consideration for cyclists. The limits, which will restrict traffic to 60 kmh, are expected to be introduced later in the year and will apply on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 9am-2pm, and Tuesdays to Thursdays from 4-7pm. A council source said the change is designed to make life easier for cyclists and encourage more people to take to the roads on their bikes to keep fit. The coast road to Las Teresitas has been the scene of several accidents involving cyclists in recent years and there have been repeated calls for a dedicated cycle lane to be built. Other roads in Tenerife, including the TF-653 between Guargacho and Guaza in the south, will see similar cycling-friendly measures put in place soon. n
Norway pension dispute
Seamen still hope for solution
An estimated 12,000 merchant seamen from Spain, including many from Tenerife and the other Canary Islands, continue to live in hope that Norway will reverse its refusal to pay them a pension even though they contributed to the system while working for Norwegian vessels. The dispute looks set to sour relations between Spain and Norway and is even the subject of a book by an expert in employment law. Among those affected by the refusal is 81-year-old Imeldo Barreto León, who is from Tenerife and has added his name to the collective legal action filed recently by the ex-seamen against the Norwegian government. Interviewed in the La Opinión paper, Barreto who was recruited through Norway’s consulate here - said he remembered vividly his time on six Norwegian ships in the late 1960s and that he paid his taxes on his salary. Norway alleges that the foreign seamen did not come under the national insurance provisions, which were for residents only, and have no entitlement to a pension. The country’s ambassador, Johan Vibe, says that the application had been examined in detail but there was, “no legal basis for a pension or to refund the taxes paid”. n
Photo: Norwegian Embassy
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Norwegian Ambassador to Spain Johan Vibe
28.4.2016 – 11.5.2016
TENERIFE GENERAL
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 770
Readers’ letters
Dear editor,
By
Photo: www.number10.gov.uk/footer/copyright OGL v1.0
The current Brexit possibility seems to have set off an avalanche of xenophobic opinion which, in the light of where it is stemming from, seems absurd. My wife and I were lucky to be able to take early retirement over 15 years ago and fulfil our dream of living permanently in the Canary Islands. Since then we have thoroughly enjoyed our new life, taking full advantage of the wonderful weather, the welcoming peoples and, it has to be said, using the Islands’ medical and other services when necessary. Our friends and associates come from many a different background – some are from here, others from Italy, Germany and Venezuela, to name a few, but the majority are from Britain: though we try our best at Spanish, English is our mother tongue and sometimes it is just easier to chat to others from our homeland. However, recently we have been appalled at the attitudes of some of the Brits living here (not our friends, we may say, they are equally discomfited). We regularly hear the cry of “The UK should send all the immigrants home” amongst other wild and unrealistic statements which are often loudest and most virulently exposed after a few beers. What we find simply amazing is that, without exception, the people who are spouting these views are...immigrants! Yes, people who have lived in the Canary Islands for endless years despite originating from another country. Some have been here decades and barely speak a word of Spanish, some are on benefits, and a few even regularly announce how little tax they pay on their various exploits and seem proud of their evasion. The very things that they are criticising others for doing! Is it just us or is this the highest form of hypocrisy? It is certainly a worrying trend. My wife and I are immigrants, the majority of our friends are immigrants, all of you who are reading this who are not Canarian - are immigrants. It is maybe time to acknowledge this truth. (Name and address withDavid Cameron is leading the held) ‘stay’ campaign in the Brexit vote
This week I must thank Ruth Holmes, who always sends me the most informative information. This edition it’s about a man called Eddie and underlines how strange some true stories can be: Hi Katy, Many years ago, the gangster Al Capone virtually owned Chicago. Capone had a lawyer nicknamed Easy Eddie. He was Capone’s lawyer for a good reason: Eddie was very good! In fact, Eddie’s skill at legal manoeuvring kept Al out of jail for a long time. To show his appreciation, Capone paid him very well. Not only was the money big, but Eddie got special dividends as well. For instance, he and his family occupied a fencedin mansion with live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day. The estate was so large that it filled an entire Chicago City block. Eddie lived the high life of the Chicago mob and gave little consideration to the atrocity that went on around him. Eddie did have one soft spot, however. He had a son that he loved dearly. Eddie saw to it that his young son had clothes, cars and a good education. Nothing was withheld and price was no object. Also, despite his involvement with organised crime, Eddie even tried to teach him right from wrong. Eddie wanted his son to be a better man than he was. Yet, with all his wealth and influence, there were two things he couldn’t give his son; he couldn’t pass on a good name or a good example. One day, Easy Eddie reached a difficult decision and concluded that he wanted to rec-
y Kat
Hi everyone,
tify wrongs he had done. He decided he would go to the authorities and tell the truth
katykennedy@telefonica.net
sion. After he was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realised that someone
Butch O’Hare, Easy Eddie’s son
about Al ‘Scarface’ Capone, clean up his tarnished name, and offer his son some semblance of integrity. To do this, he would have to testify against The Mob, and he knew that the cost would be great. So, he testified. Within the year, Easy Eddie’s life ended in a blaze of gunfire on a lonely Chicago street. But in his eyes, he had given his son the greatest gift he had to offer, at the greatest price he could ever pay. Police removed from his pockets a rosary, a crucifix, a religious medallion, and a poem clipped from a magazine. Many years later, World War II produced many heroes. One such man was Lieutenant Commander Butch O’Hare. He was a fighter pilot assigned to the aircraft carrier Lexington in the South Pacific. One day his entire squadron was sent on a mis-
17
had forgotten to top off his fuel tank. His flight leader told him to return to the carrier. Reluctantly, he dropped out of formation and headed back to the fleet. As he was returning, he saw something that turned his blood cold; a squadron of Japanese aircraft was speeding its way toward the American fleet. The American fighters were gone on a sortie, and the fleet was all but defenceless. He couldn’t reach his squadron and bring them back in time to save the fleet. Nor could he warn the fleet of the approaching danger. There was only one thing to do; he must somehow divert them from the fleet. Laying aside all thoughts of personal safety, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes. Wing-mounted 50 calibre guns blazed as he charged in, attacking one sur-
prised enemy plane and then another. Butch wove in and out of the now broken formation and fired at as many planes as possible until all his ammunition was finally spent. Undaunted, he continued the assault. He dived at the planes, trying to clip a wing or tail in hopes of damaging as many enemy planes as possible. He was extremely lucky not to have been hit and shot down but succeeded in making them follow him. His diversionary tactics had succeeded in shooting down five of the seven planes. The final two took off back to their base. Butch O’Hare and his tattered fighter limped back to the carrier. This took place on February 20 1942, and for that action Butch became the Navy’s first Ace of WWII and the first Naval Aviator to win the Congressional Medal of Honour. A year later Butch was killed in aerial combat at the age of 29. His home town would not allow the memory of this WWII hero to fade, and today, O’Hare Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the courage of this great man. So, if you ever find yourself at O’Hare International, give some thought to visiting Butch’s memorial displaying his statue and his Medal of Honour, it’s located between Terminals 1 and 2. And what do these two seemingly unconnected stories have in common? Butch O’Hare was Easy Eddie’s son. Until next time, take care of yourselves and especially of each other. Send an email to: katykennedy@telefonica.net. Telephone: 616 110 930. n
CANARY ISLANDS
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Puerto de la Cruz
The port in Puerto de la Cruz is moving ahead, little by little, or as they say in Spanish, poco a poco. The Tenerife Island Council and political representatives in Puerto de la Cruz recently signed an agreement over how to proceed with the construction of the new port, which includes the maritime park, fishing port and marina suggested by the Island Council, with a budget of €156.7 million. Of this, the Island Council will provide 60 per cent, or over €72 million, to cover the costs of the port. The company Teleférico del Teide will assume the cost of the shore-side part of the installation. This project has been hanging in the air for over 500 years. In December 1506 when Puerto de la Cruz still only consisted of a few houses, the former Island Council decided to build a port in ‘Araotava’, as
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 037
Port project a little closer as we are now,” insisting that he believes in the future of Puerto de la Cruz. For Puerto’s mayor Lope Afonso, signing the project agreement was an, “historic moment”.
200 metre-long docks will be included. On the opposite side, as with the current port, there will be a protective wall, approximately 160 metres long, leaving a clearance of over 88 metres
The plans for the terrestrial area, the Parque Marítimo, are also very interesting. An area of just under 30,000 square metres will house several plazas where the town’s main public events can be held, while the area at the port, of 110,000 square metres, will also be for public use. The outstanding plan for the maritime park is for an inner salt water channel in which the water will be renewed periodically, and which can be used for water sports or to house for example, a sailing school. There will be parking spaces, restaurants, leisure areas, markets for fresh
Animal dilemma
Guía councillors help out The decision by Guía de Isora council to evacuate three families from their homes in the coastal town of Alcalá after cracks appeared in the foundations threw up an animal welfare dilemma, which two members of the corporation stepped in to resolve. Hours after the collapse of the five-storey block of apartments in Los Cristianos which killed seven people, the three families were ordered to leave their 40-year-old building, which has a restaurant on the ground floor and showed the first signs of serious structural problems back in February. A parrot and a dog owned by the occupants were unable to remain with their owners, who have been accommodated temporarily in a local hotel, and the animals are being n cared for by the two councillors in their homes.
A bird’s eye view of the overall project Areas for swimming and sunbathing in an area protected from the waves. The green areas are for recreational use A sailing school could possibly be established in the inner saltwater channel
Two local councillors stepped in
ITER
the Orotava Valley was called back then. Now, 510 years later, the document which could catapult the dream into reality has finally been signed. Island president Carlos Alonso said, “We were never as close to the target
This is how it will look The fishing port and marina part of the project includes a protective wall, extending from the far west of Playa San Felipe which will be 1,155 metres long. Two
to allow for the docking of four commercial vessels, such as the inter-island ferries, with a capacity for 700 passengers and 120 vehicles, as well as cruise ships up to 80 metres long. The marina will have 780 moorings, including 38 for large yachts and the remainder for recreational vessels, while the fishing port will have a docking area of over 4,600 square metres with a capacity for 24 moorings for boats of six to 12 metres in length. The quay for tourist excursion boats will be on the second dock.
fish, shops and cafes. Bright open air spaces and greenery will invite you to stroll and linger a while. At the moment, the primary goal is that all outstanding studies, permits and other documents are gathered together before the end of 2017, when construction, which is expected to take seven years, can then begin. If everything goes according to plan, Puerto’s largest and oldest dream of having a proper harbour could finally become a reality n by 2024.
Genome sequencing initiative Tenerife’s prestigious ITER technology institute is to work with a Japanese partner to develop a genome sequencing method to aid people who suffer from autism. The initiative, in collaboration with IT giant Fujitsu, has been put forward as a project and still has to receive the formal green light from the funding authorities, although ITER boss Manuel Cendagorta is confident that approval will be obtained in the coming months. “We want to be well placed when genome sequencing becomes a procedure as standard as a blood test in the health sector. At present tests cost around $1,000 but the cost is falling rapidly,” said Cendagorta in an interview in the Diario de Avisos paper, adding that the aim of the ITER/ Fujitsu project will be to use sequencing to verify the extent of the autism suffered by an individual patient. n
ITER is to work with Fujitsu
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TRAVEL
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 770
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Travel
Saluting Sal – paradise perfected Isla de Sal, or simply Sal, is a small, picturesque island in Cape Verde which is part of the Barlovento group of islands in the north of the archipelago. It is a unique destination that affords balmy relaxation and the opportunity to disconnect from life’s heavy load and recharge those often-overused batteries, while enjoying the sun-drenched setting of an authentic Paradise Found! Sal is known for its fantastic beaches and beautiful turquoise waters as well as a friendly community who adore life, music and dance. Most holidaymakers have only fond words to say about the resort, its culture and the charming people.
the island’s culinary crown; along with lobster, goose barnacles and other seafood delicacies. Sal’s traditional dish is La Cachupa; a slow-cooked stew with corn, beans and fish or meat. Restaurant Odjo d’Agua is a must visit with a fantastic location. Barracuda and Fisherman are two other good options to
Fun Quad tours are a great way to meander around the island and discover Sal’s many unique places of interest. With its rich natural splendour, the island is only two flying hours from the Canaries and has the rhythm and flavour of Creole culture... what an experience!
beach resort of Santa Maria. The Saline marshes can be found in the Pedra de Lume crater, situated north of Santa Maria.
can heritage. The majority of people practice Catholicism, reflecting the legacy of Portuguese rule which ended with the Islands’ independ-
of course, the Canary Islands and Cape Verde. If you have a young family, check out their special holiday offers for under-14s.
How to get there Local airline Binter Canarias flies to Sal every Tuesday and Friday and flight time is a little over two hours. The airport to hotel transfer is approximately €16 per person.
Where to Stay CanariasViaja.com provides holiday deals and attractive packages for 5-star luxury resorts to 3-star simple ‘hotelitos’. These include the Meliá Dunas Beach Resort & Spa (5-star), which is a spectacular new hotel complex that’s perfect for family holidays; the Morabeza is a charming hotel that is literally located on the island’s best beach and is a great venue to sit and enjoy the finest Caipirinhas; and Hotel Odjo d’Agua is an intimate beachfront hotel with stunning views.
Where to eat The fresh fish that arrives daily to Pontao is definitely the jewel in
The beautiful beaches around Santa Maria
The old port of Santa Maria The inviting clear waters and marine life make Sal a popular resort for diving, kitesurfing and snorkelling
sample the best dishes on the island, while Restaurant Angela is a fine seafront eatery with live music that is popular with the locals.
ence in 1975. Cape Verde is a member of the African Union.
Don’t miss Scuba diving and snorkelling are popular activities, especially considering the inviting clear waters and marine life at hand. Put on some goggles and a set of flippers and be sure to take a camera, as you’ll make some amazing memories. There are also catamaran excursions, kitesurf schools, fishing tours and traditional evenings that include local cuisine and typical entertainment. Alternatively, lounge like a lizard on the golden sands of the beautiful bays, enjoy a dip in the warm waters or go horse riding along the beach; the sky is the limit!
CanariasViaja.com
General info Sal’s main town, Espargos, is home to an international airport and a large population that grew around salt collection and later shifted to fishing. The main source of income today is based on tourism, and totals around 50 per cent of the archipelago’s entire tourism revenue, particularly at the
Cape Verde spans an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands in the central Atlantic Ocean. Since the early 1990s, it has had a stable democracy and remains one of the most developed countries in Africa. Its economy is mostly service-oriented with a growing focus on tourism and foreign investment. It has a population of around 512,000 which is mostly of mixed European and Afri-
CanariasViaja.com is the specialist online agency offering complete holiday breaks and packages (flight, hotel and excursions) to destinations served by the Canarian airline company Binter, with regular special offers and promotions for Canarian residents. They offer great value for money and work with the leading hotels in the areas Binter flies to. These destinations include: Portugal, The Azores, Morocco, Senegal, Gambia, Western Sahara, and
BinterMás card The BinterMás loyalty card awards customers points when flying with Binter or using the excellent facilities offered by associated companies. Improving your BinterMás level will earn you certain perks such as waiting list priority, discounts, and check-in and attention facilities. The Silver level is attained with 2,500 points and Gold with 8,000. CanariasViaja.com’s clients get one point for every €1 spent on their holiday package.
Contact and bookings Binter is far more than just an inter-island service! For further information and bookings visit: www.bintercanarias. com, or call 902 391 392. For holiday offers and packages available from their travel operator, visit: www.canariasviaja. com or call 922 248 161. n
FOOD
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 037
Restaurante El Bodegón
What a revelation! By John Just once in a while, the winding unknown road less travelled leads you to a little gem. One such is Restaurante El Bodegón in the tiny sleepy village of Santa Catalina which lies just off the main road between Puerto de la Cruz and Icod de Los Vinos. Nearer to Icod than Puerto, you can find the excellent weekend market, packed with people and the freshest of fresh produce. It was after leaving the market one weekend that we turned off into Santa Catalina looking for a bar to have a quick coffee. We passed by this restaurant, firmly closed at that time of day, but there was something about it that intrigued me (perhaps the new windows in an old Canarian house, perhaps the rather upmarket signage?) and I put it on my list for a future visit. Recently, we did just that and it was a complete revelation! Maybe I should be keeping this one to myself? Through the windows we could see candles already lit on the tables, nice napery and glassware, a rather attractive bar area, and professionally dressed staff flitting hither and thither. In we went, admired the bar and kitchen, and were asked if we wanted to dine outside on the covered rear terrace, or in the bar area, or in one of the three small rooms converted from melding two Canarian cottages into one attractive whole. A lot of money has been spent on doing all of that. Blimey! We were not expecting this sort of place out here in the boondocks! Warm bread and a fantastic plate of fine ribbons of butter were put before us. Would we like wine? Of course! The house red wine is from the Ribera del Duero on the Peninsula and the three of us settled on a litre. It far exceeded our expectations as a house wine. We could have
My wife chose more conservatively and took the fillet of pork with apples, sauté potatoes and vegetables, for €10, and pronounced it superb. Service was attentive without being overpowering. Once again, we pondered just how and why this place had come about off the beaten track. We saw no signs towards it from the main road, so it must flourish through repeat business, and no wonder. It has now been open for two years, so they have obviously
La Vinoteca Restaurante El Bodegón
hit a sweet spot. Could I fault it? Well, you can always find something if you try hard enough. In this case, after much deliberation, we could only come up with the comment that the chef likes to sprinkle paprika powder over the edge of every plate. Next time, hold the paprika! And the bill? Only €61 for three of us. I say “only” because, for what we had and the service we received in such a nice place, it was extremely good n value for money.
Avenida 25 de Noviembre, 21, Santa Catalina. La Guancha, Tenerife. Tel: 922 350 236 Closed: Sunday evening, Monday & Tuesday. Kitchen open: 1pm to 3.30pm and 8pm to 10.30pm Loo Score: 6/10
chosen local red or white wines from around Icod (starting at €11 for a Viñátigo) or many more expensive ones from further afield. Our starters were three dishes as follows: one of perfectly ripe beef tomato flavoured with thyme and oregano and dressed with olive oil (€2.75), one of homemade croquettes garnished with crispy serrano ham shards (75 centi-
mos each), and one of bacalao (cod), rice and vegetables sitting on discs of sliced potato (€3 each). This place offers their house speciality of various different types of rice-based dishes, starting from €8 per person, and all looked interesting and slightly different. My friend Peter and I shared one of those specialities, a large bowl of arroz caldoso but served with
a twist for €11. The seafood (calamari, clams and langoustines) had been put into the rice, the whole had been covered with a cheesy topping, and then popped into the oven to bake, so finishing with a drier caldoso than normal, much like a paella with a crusty topping added. None of us had seen the like of it before, but really good it was, with a rich and deep flavour.
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Canary Islands’ attractions for tourists and residents Where to visit
General information
Upcoming events
What’s on
Islands summary
Useful contacts
Spin news
Cultural guide
Pages 22 & 23
Pages 24 & 25
Page 26 & 27
Page 28
On the way to the unknown
Photo: Tonivng CC 2.0
Spanish duo Estopa is currently touring Spain to present their latest album, Rumba a lo Desconocido, and their ports of call include Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Brothers David and José Manuel Muñoz decided to start working together in the 1990s, since when they have enjoyed increasing popularity. Growing up in the Cornellá de Llobregat area, ten kilometres from Barcelona, the youngsters were immersed in a fascinating music scene and began learning to play the guitar whilst still at school. On conclusion of their studies they took various jobs, one of them being at a car parts factory affiliated to Seat - where the name of Estopa was created, apparently from the foreman’s regular cry to his staff to keep working, together with the words for their first hit, La raja de tu
Photo: www.livepict.com CC A-S A3.0 UL
Rumba that’ll rock you
Brothers, David and José Manuel Muñoz Estopa in a 2011 concert in Barcelona
falda (The split of your skirt). In 1998, the brothers entered the Horta-Guinardó talent contest, which they won hands down and walked away from with a prize of over €2,000. The cheeky pair’s speciality is rumba-rock. The first album
they released, in 1999 and simply called Estopa, sold over one million copies in Spain and South America - a record for a debut disc in the country at that time. The seven albums that followed did equally well, and over the years several of their songs have become anthems for the history of music in Spain. During their musical career, Estopa have been awarded numerous
prizes and been nominated for many more. Rumba a lo desconocido (On the way to the unknown) is their latest offering. Produced by the pair themselves, they also worked alongside Rafa Sardina and Cheche Alara - both winners of various Grammy Awards and musical collaborators with many great artists such as Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Elvis Costello. The first single to be released from the album, called Pastillas de dormir (sleeping tablets) is already an enormous hit, and this is one band that is definitely worth seeing. Catch them at the Gran Canaria Arena in Las Palmas on May 6, and at the Santiago Martín Sports Pavilion in La Laguna on May 7, both at 9.30pm. Tickets, priced from €33 to €38 are available from: www.ticketmaster.es, www.taquilla.com and www.tomaticket.es. n
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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
Las Teresitas beach
summer solstices. See: www. piramidesdeguimar.es
Santa Cruz
Playa de Las Américas
Santa Cruz, the vibrant, bustling capital city of Tenerife, is located on the northeast coast. It has a variety of interesting museums and art galleries, a well maintained historical centre, and an important commercial port. See: www.santacruzmas.com.
Currently Tenerife’s main tourist destination, this area has spectacular views of La Gomera. There’s a big night-life scene which attracts younger tourists, but it’s also somewhere you can relax, eat, and go sailing, whale and dolphin watching or golfing.
La Laguna La Laguna, a university city, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. It has a lively night life and a thriving cultural scene.
Puerto de la Cruz The town of Puerto de la Cruz was a popular tourist destination long before the south was. Its attractive and busy town centre has maintained its picturesque fishing-village charm, and nearby is the prestigious, award-winning Loro Parque Zoo. See: www.loroparque.com.
Los Gigantes cliffs
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. Teide National Park
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ISLAND CONNECTIONS 770
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: Stellab
La Gomera
Volcanic cones, Lanzarote
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.
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is Fuencaliente: the place to go in La Palma to see a real volcanic landscape. The western side of this borough has nice beaches and withstood the many volcanic eruptions the island has suffered, the most recent being the Teneguía volcano in1971. La Palma has a lovely variant of Carnival called Los Indianos, where everyone dresses in white and people take to the streets during the day to cover everything, including each other, in talcum powder.
like parts of North Africa than it does the other islands. The interior is mainly empty, with a few sun bleached villages and a surprising amount of goats, but the coast has some lovely towns and villages and kilometres of white sand beaches ideal for sunbathing and surfing. The capital is Puerto del Rosario, a relatively modern port town, rather sleepy and quiet despite the fact that nearly half of the island’s population live there. The two main tourist towns are at opposite ends of the island; Corralejo in the north and Morro Jable in the south.
Gran Canaria 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
Elder Museum, Gran Canaria
Juniper, 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
The capital, Santa Cruz, lies to the east of the island. It’s a pretty city of seafaring tradition, although Los Llanos de Aridane in the west is in fact the biggest city on La Palma. The towns in the north of La Palma are also very beautiful and in the south of the island
ful sand-dunes and all-night bars and clubs. The island also has some spectacular archaeological sites.
Fuerteventura Flat, arid and sparsely populated, this island looks more
declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, and those who take the time to explore the island will find it’s strangely beautiful. The capital is Arrecife, to the east, and the three main tourist resorts are Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise.
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General information for visitors
Useful contacts Tenerife Santa Cruz Tourist Office, Plaza de España Tel: (0034) 922 281 287/922 289 287 Open Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm; Sat, Sun: 9.30am-1.30pm
Time zone: The time zone in the Canary Islands is the same as in the UK and Ireland. Foreign exchange The Spanish currency is the Euro. You can change currency in any bank by showing your passport (Mon – Fri, 8am – 2pm), or in the many exchange agencies in resorts. Can I drink the water? You can drink the tap water in the Canaries, but the change may affect your stomach. If your visit is short, it’s perhaps best to stick to bottled. Discounts Students and senior citizens may receive discounts on ferries, tickets to concerts, museums, etc., so always ask, as long as you can provide ID to prove it. Shopping Normal opening hours in the Canaries are from 10am to 1.30pm and 5pm to 8.30pm. However, in big tourist resorts and shopping centres the opening hours are longer, often from 10am until 10pm, sometimes even later. On Sundays and Bank Holidays only the shops in tourist resorts open. There is a flea market in Santa Cruz, Tenerife, every Sunday morning Duty Free Despite popular belief, it is generally cheaper to buy alcohol and tobacco on the Islands than on the plane or at the airport. Limits are: 200 cigarettes/50 cigars/ 250grs rolling tobacco 1L spirits over 22% or 2L spirits under 22% 2L wine 60ml perfume, 250 ml eau de toilette Medical care All residents of the EU have the right to free medical and hospital care from Tenerife’s Public Health Service whilst on holiday (ie less than three months). To receive this you need to have the European Medical Card or equivalent document, which can be applied for in your home country. It doesn’t cover all treatments; excluding dental treatment, except for emergency extractions, and repatriation due to illness.
If you are ill, find a Centro de Salud or Centro Médico. The ones in the tourist resorts generally speak some English. Make sure they provide care under your insurance policy or EHIC before you sign for anything. Unscrupulous taxi drivers have been known to take back-handers for taking sick people to private clinics so make sure you are in the right place before paying. Safety Only take out credit and bank cards you actually need: leave the rest in the hotel safe, along with your passport and other valuables. A UK driving licence with a photograph is usually accepted as ID for most credit card purchases, a photo credit card will still have to be accompanied by photo ID, daft, but there you are. Do not leave belongings unattended. Particular vigilance on the beach and when you are travelling with luggage is recommended. Take the minimum with you on excursions and lock everything in the boot that you aren’t carrying with you and only access it where you are not overlooked. Do not leave anything in sight. Cars have been broken into for a beach towel before now. If you are at a bar or nightclub, don’t leave your drink unattended and avoid dark streets on the way home. The Islands are safer than many places in Europe, but there are always those who prey on the unaware: relaxing your vigilance could cost you dearly, not just in money but in precious holiday time - reporting the loss of a passport to the police for example and then the visits necessary to the consulates to replace it.
Emergency number: (all Canaries) 112 Guardia Civil (all Canaries): 062
Post Offices Open Monday to Saturday, generally 8.30am - 2.30pm. Some city offices open later.
Blue Badge users Parking for Blue Badge holders in the Canaries is limited to the ‘disabled only’ (Minusválidos) parking spaces in each town. There are no concessions to park on yellow lines or anywhere else normal parking is not allowed. And even if you have a Blue Badge, don’t park in a disabled area which has a registration number marked on it – you will be fined and probably towed away. For further information: www.bluebadgetenerife.com
Consulates British Consulate Tenerife: (0034) 922 286 653 British Consulate Gran Canaria: (0034) 902 109 356 Honorary British consulate Lanzarote: (0034) 928 262 508 Indian consulate: (0034) 922 241 416 Irish Consulate: (0034) 922 245 671 Consulates can issue passports, give information about medical care, education and
legal matters, give assistance to people under arrest, under exceptional circumstances give you enough funds to be repatriated (on loan), and help you in the case of emergency/catastrophe. Inter island transport: Fred Olsen (Ferries): 902 100 107 www.fredolsen.es Naviera Armas (Ferries): 902 456 500 www.navieraarmas. com Binter (Flights) 902 391 392 www.bintercanarias.com Canary Fly: 902 808 065 Airport and flight Information: All Canarian airports are controlled by AENA. www.aenaaeropuertos.es Buses The transport company TITSA has buses that reach all corners of the island. The main bus station is in Santa Cruz, near the Adán Martín Auditorium. Clients can choose to purchase a ticket on the bus for each individual journey or to buy a Bono-bus ticket, a card which can be shared by various people and will mean saving up to 50 per cent of the fare, depending on the route. They are on sale in any of the TITSA bus stations and also in a number of kiosks and small establishments (often newsagents), identified with a green sticker on the window. If your Bono-bus has insufficient credit to purchase your last journey, the difference can be made up in cash on the bus, but not with another Bono-bus card. For information you can call TITSA on: (0034) 922 531 130 or see: www.titsa.com
Taxis Tenerife taxis are white and, unless they are minivans, the maximum number of passengers is four, including children. Eurotaxis have ramps for wheelchairs. Eurotaxis, Santa Cruz: (0034) 609 867 581/607 612 816/629 132 269 Taxi Santa Cruz: (0034) 937 780 030 www.teletaxi.es Radiotaxi San Pedro: (0034) 922 310 000 Parque Marítimo César Manrique (next to the Auditorium) Open every day: Sun-Thurs: 10am-8pm, Fri, Sat: 10amMidnight Adults: €2.50, Children (under 12): €1.50, Over 65s: €1.50 Tel: (0034) 922 229 368 https://es-es.facebook.com/ parque.manrique Palmetum Open Tues – Sun, 11am - 2pm, 4pm-6pm. Adults: €4, Children (under 12): €2.80, Canarian residents €1/1.50 Tel: (0034) 697 651 127. info@palmetumsantacruz. com Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre (Nature and Man) Open Tues – Sat, 9am - 8pm; Sun, Mon, 10am - 5pm. Tel: (00 34) 922 535 816 www.museosdetenerife.org Museo Militar (Military Museum), C/ San Isidro. Tel: (0034) 922 274 224. Open: Mon-Fri 10am-2pm, ecocmar@et.mde.es Castillo de San Cristóbal, Plaza de España Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm www.museosdetenerife.org Auditorio Adán Martín Tel: (0034) 922 568 600 www.auditoriodetenerife.com Teatro Guimerá, Plaza Isla de la Madera. Tel: (0034) 922 609 408/922 609 400 www.teatroguimera.es
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ISLAND CONNECTIONS 770
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
HOLIDAY GUIDE Twin Tickets can be purchased for Siam Park and Loro Parque. www.siampark.net Lost Property Offices Tenerife North Airport: (0034) 922 635 855 Tenerife South Airport: (0034) 922 759 391 Arona: (0034) 922 725 562 Costa Adeje: (0034) 922 710 606 La Laguna: (0034) 922 608 805/922 251 080 Puerto de la Cruz: (0034) 922 378 448
Evangelical Service Centro Apolo, 1ª planta, Los Cristianos, Arona. Tel: (0034) 922 792 007 Services: Sundays at 11am and 6pm Swedish Church Abroad Coronel, s/n, Los Cristianos, Arona. Tel: (0034) 922 75 00 68
Radiotaxi La Laguna (0034) 922 255 555. Puerto de la Cruz Tourist Office, Casa de la Aduana, C/ Las Lonjas. Tel: (0034) 922 386 000. Centro de Información Turística, C/ Puerto Viejo. Tel: (0034) 922 370 243/922 388 777. Taxis: (0034) 922 378 999. Loro Parque, Avda. Loro Parque s/n Tel: (0034) 922 373 841 Open every day from 8.30am to 6.45pm www.loroparque.com
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 Palma La Palma Tourist Office Avda. Blas Pérez González s/n Tel: (0034) 922 412 106 www.visitlapalma.es Taxis: Radiotaxis La Palma: (0034) 922 181 396 www.taxilapalma.com: 686 553868 Radiotaxi San Miguel: (0034) 922 416 070 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
Playa Santiago Tourist Office Avda. Marítima, s/n. Tel: (0034) 922 895 650 playasantiago@lagomera. travel
Taxi rank: (0034) 922 462 001 www.taxilapalma.com / (0034) 686 553 868
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 Taxis: (0034) 928 866 108
Arrecife Tourist Office Parque José Ramírez Cerdá s/n Tel: (0034) 928 813 174 www.turismolanzarote.com
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Morro Jable Tourist Office Avda. Saladar, Jandía shopping centre Tel: (0034) 928 540 776 turismo@playasdejandia.com Taxis: (0034) 928 541 257
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.
Lago Martiánez Avda. De Cristóbal Colón, 1 Tel: (0034) 922 385 955 Taxis: Servitaxi (0034) 922 378 999 La Orotava Tourist Office C/ Calvario, 4 Tel: (0034) 922 323 041
Pickup Point 2nd Home Tenerife C.C. Plaza del Duque
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Superb street tango
If you enjoy tango, you’ll love Tangatos, who will be playing to thrill audiences in Los Cristianos on May 14. Juan Carlos Baeza, who covers double bass, accordion and arrangements, formed Tangatos with Andrés Leoni, responsible for vocals and lyrics, in La Laguna in 2009. This was shortly after their return to Tenerife from their triumphant performance at the World Tango Summit held in the city of Bariloche, Argentina, where they participated with the local string quintet Tango for Five (of which Baeza is the musical director). The successful visit was the first time that the Canary Islands had taken part in such an event. Tangatos was born out of the musicians’ desire to return to the simple, popular roots, to the humble beginnings of tango: the working-class neighbourhood streets. In January 2010, Javier López joined the pair, taking care of guitar and arrangements, and Tangatos thus achieved a suburban, old-school sound which uncovers the feel of the music generated in tenements crowded with families. Juan Carlos Baeza was born in Montevideo, Uruguay. He
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 037
Tangatos
Poetic justice
teaches double bass and musical theory at the municipal schoool in Montevideo, and is licensed in double bass by the Superior Conservatory of the Canaries.
studied with choirs from the age of 11 years, and began singing folklore at the age of 14 in Argentina. Later, in March 2009, his voice was the ambassador of tango from
1998, he has taken part in several folklore and tango music events, accompanying other artists or as a solo guitarist, until 2010 when he joined Tangatos.
He has worked with several orchestras including the Las Palmas Symphony Orchestra, the Zarzuela Festival Orchestra, and the Canaries Baroque Orchestra among others. Andrés Leoni was originally a kitchen chef who later became an actor, and a street and hospital clown! As a singer he
Tenerife and the other Canary Islands, at the World Tango Summit. Javier Musso López was born in Mendoza, Argentina, studied guitar at the Cuyo National University, and for his licence in composition at the Córdoba University, all in his home country. Since
The fabulous trio will be in concert at the Infanta Leonor Auditorium in Los Cristianos at 8.30pm on May 14. Tickets at €12 are available from the Cultural Centre, Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm, or from the box office from two hours before the show begins. n See www.arona.org.
A children’s figure or a band? Popular Canarian indie band Pumuky will perform at the Teatro Guimerá in Santa Cruz on May 19. The group consists of brothers Jair and Noé Ramírez from Icod de los Vinos, as well as Adán Zeús and Guillermo González. In 2015, they released their fourth album, Justicia poética (Poetic justice), which was enthusiastically received by the public, with numerous surveys revealing it as one of the most outstanding albums of the year. Riding on their success, the band went on tour around Spain and are still on the move to date. They also recently re-released one of their most loved discs, El bosque en llamas on vinyl, on which the listener can still hear echoes of their extensive tour of Mexico which included the NRMAL Festival, one of the country’s most prestigious musical events. Since they went fully independent, and despite the insular handicap, Pumuky has gradually become one of those little giants on the Spanish independent music scene, respected by the specialist music press and with a considerable following which continues to grow. They have performed in festivals such as BAM, Deleste, South Pop, Let’s Festival, Keroxen, Monkey Week, WOMAD, and Spanish Rock Invasion in Berlin, as well as a long list of gigs both in and outside of the country. Their name actually pays tribute to an animated children’s literary figure from a German radio and TV series, who was invisible to the whole world, except for the carpenter he lived with. You can see Pumuky at the Teatro Guimerá in Santa Cruz on May 19 at 9pm. Tickets, priced at €5 are available from the box office, or: www.tomaticket.es. See: www.teatro guimera.es. n
Ballads and other songs
All you need is love La Trova will be spreading happiness in La Laguna on May 14 with their All you need is love show. Interpreting the songs of yesterday, today and forever, in their own inimitable manner with a contagious feeling of joy, the group will perform a repertoire which contains both Spanish and English all-time favourites. La Trova was created in 2003 by a group of friends who wanted to develop their musical and artistic abilities. The majority of the
members came from the student music group at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, although some come from folklore, choral, jazz or rock groups. Their mixed backgrounds mean they are able to tackle a wide range of songs, and has given them a characteristic and recognisable sound. They have performed all over the Canary Islands and other areas of Spain, on their own, or accompanying artists such as Braulio, Los Sabandeños, Rosario Flores, Carlos Baute,
and Efecto Pasillo. During their career, they have released six albums, each of which they produced themselves. If you want to see an impeccable performance, which brings back memories of places, moments, life experiences, joy and love, then catch La Trova at
the Teatro Leal, starting 9pm. Tickets, which cost €12 to €15, are available from the theatre box office, Mondays to Saturdays 11am to 1pm and 6pm to 8pm, and on Sundays and bank holidays from two hours before the start of the show. See www.teatroleal.com. n
HOLIDAY GUIDE SPIN NEWS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 770
Ficmec
Capturing the environment This year’s FICMEC Canarian International Environmental Films Festival will take place between May 24 and 30 in Garachico. The centre of activity will be the area around the San Francisco roundabout, and in the former convent of the same name, and the festival will run under the slogan ‘Tiempo para pensar’ (Time to think). This will be the eighteenth year running that the film fest has taken place and, due to popular demand, its duration has been extended from five to seven days. Another novelty is the introduction of the Ecocrea contest, which is aimed at students and involves the creation of items made from recycled materials. During the event there will be two days dedicated to the subject of volcanoes, under the heading Vulcanalia, and these will be coordinated by the Telesforo Bravo geology professorship from the University of La Laguna. This part of the programme will include its own set of films, talks and workshops given by international specialists, as well as parallel activities such as guided geological walks through areas of volcanic interest. In addition to the previously mentioned delights, the festival will include various activities, exhibitions and fairs in line with its environmental theme in the spheres of education, culture and science, as well as a section for short videos on ‘sustainability’ which have been recorded on mobiles. Called Ecomovil, there are some great prizes up for grabs in this competition, including an iPhone 6 and a GoPro. See: www.ficmec.es for more information. n
Cris Raso
A colourful statement The latest exhibition by Cris Raso is on until the end of May in south Tenerife. Originally from Asturias but a long-term resident of the Islands, Cris applies her talents to a range of styles and topics. Eccentric, expressive and evocatively creative, both the art and the artist are colourful and imaginative. See the collection at the Infinito y Más Alla art gallery on Calle Casino, number eight, in San Miguel de Abona. You can visit the exhibition Thursday through to Sunday during afternoons. n
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Arona hiking trails
Nature classrooms There is still time to sign up for one of the Arona council’s wonderful organised walks from a programme that runs until June 18. As well as visiting some of the most beautiful spots in Tenerife, the walks offer the opportunity to learn about each area’s natural, ethnographic, and historical assets, thanks to a guide who will accompany each excursion. To take part it costs just €12 per person. Each walk is of medium difficulty, takes between four and five hours to complete, has a limit of 35 participants, and a fixed time period within which to register to take part. On May 7 and May 21, two ‘Anaga Routes’ will traverse the striking Anaga Mountains in the northeast of the Island on hikes of eight and nine kilometres, respectively. You have until April 30 to register to take
part for the first trip, and must sign up between May 9 and 14 for the second. On June 4, Teide National Park is the scene of the action (register between May 23 and 28 inclusive), and on June 11 the visit will be to the La Matanza area for a walk of approximately 15km, for which you will need to register for participation between May 30 and June 4. The final outing of this year’s programme will take place on June 18 with a visit to a different area of the Anaga region. Sign up between June 6 and 11. The meeting point for all the outings is the Los Cristianos Cultural Centre. Register for the ‘Rutas de Senderismo Aula de la Naturaleza’ in the borough’s SAC Citizen Information Offices, or online via: www.arona.org. You can also phone: 922 761 600 for n more information.
Photo: Julia Freeman-Woolpert / FreeImages.com
28.4.2016 – 11.5.2016
Los Realejos
Foto Natura 2016 Beautiful Los Realejos in the north of Tenerife is currently offering a great photography competition, open to amateurs and professionals alike, and on until May 29 of this year. The topic is ‘Natural Los Realejos in all its contexts’ and photos must have been taken in the borough between the dates of January 1 and May 29, 2016. Participants will take part in one of the two different categories: Youngsters aged between 12 and 17 years old (parental and prior authorisation must be obtained) and the Adult section for both amateur and professional photographers, regardless of nationality and residence status.
Photographs must be original, in colour, not breach any copyright laws, and not have been previously submitted for other contests, or published in print or on any social network or webpage. They may be retouched digitally, but without altering the authenticity of the photo.
The prize for the winner of the Youth section will be a class for themselves and one friend in Paddle Surf, plus a guided trip out with the Ar2SurfProject. The Best Amateur Adult photo will win a trip on a Paraglider for two from La Corona with the Los Realejos Municipal Paragliding Club.
The Best Professional Adult entry will gain a weekend away with breakfast included at the Casa Blanca Hotel Rural in Los Realejos. All works submitted are done so with automatic authorisation for the Los Realejos Council to use them in future promotions. Works must be submitted in a ‘jpeg’ format, smaller than 10 MB, to the following email: fotonaturalosrealejos@aularambladecastro.es before 12pm on May 29. Judging takes place via a jury and Facebook ‘likes’ on various associated pages, so the sooner you enter the better. See: www.aularambladecastro.es or www.losrealejos.es for full n information.
HOLIDAY GUIDE WHATS ON 2016
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 037
April – May
April – May
GRAN CANARIA TENERIFE DIARY DATES
DIARY DATES April 28
April 28 8.00pm: Gran Canaria chamber music orchestra, €15, JS Bach, ExpoMeloneras, San Bartolomé de Tirajana.
cia, 2nd floor, Calle Beneharo s/n, Las Nieves, Adeje, register to book, limited places. 674 352 002. May 5
restaurants, glass of wine plus a tapa, €2.75, Tegueste. www.tegueste.es Tuesdays
April 28 and 30
Tour of Dorada beer factory, Avenida de Ángel Romero, Santa Cruz. doradatour.es.
8.30pm: Nabucco, opera (Verdi), from €15, Teatro Pérez Galdós, Plaza Stagno 1, LPGC.
Thursdays
April 29 8.00pm: Vam Jazz Trío, €5, San Martín Centro de la Cultura Contemporánea, Ramón y Cajal 1, LPGC. 9.00pm: Pasión Vega, Spanish singer/songwriter, from €27, Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, Avda Principe de Asturias, LPGC. www.entradas.com. 9.00pm: Superstition, jazz concert, Free Entry, Plaza Farray, LPGC.
8.30pm: Quantum ensemble, classical trio, from €8, Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín, SCdT. auditoriodetenerife.com. 9.00pm: ST Fusión, jazz music and photography, Free Entry, Patio de las Palmeras, Museo de La Naturaleza y El Hombre, SCdT. www. museosdetenerife.org.
April 29 and 30
April 29
9.00pm: Elvis tribute show, Greg Miller & The Jailhouse Band, American food tastings, €23, Sala Canarias, Infecar, LPGC. entradas.salacanaries.es.
4.30pm – 9.00pm: Cocktail master classes, Gin Tonic competition, cocktail competition, (registration required) CDTCA, Adeje. 5.30pm – 8.00pm: Free beauty advice and makeover, Parque Piedra Redonda, La Postura, Adeje. 8.30pm: Orquesta Sinfónica de Tenerife, invited soloist, trumpet player Ole Edvard, Antonsen, From €24, Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín, SCdT. auditoriodetenerife.com. 9.00pm: Venezuelan Folk music and dance festival, €10, Teatro Leal, La Laguna. www. teatroleal.es.
April 30 8.00pm: Ensemble Bernardino Valle, classical music, €5, San Martín Centro de la Cultura Contemporánea, Ramón y Cajal 1, LPGC. May 1 6.00pm: Elvis tribute Show (see above). May 1 – 15 Maspalomas Pride, now in its 15th year. maspalomaspridegrancanaria.org. May 2 National Bank Holiday, banks and some businesses may be closed. May 3 – 7 International Film Festival of Animation, Visual Effects and Video Games, CICCA, Alameda de Colón, LPGC. www.animayo.com. May 6 – 8 Fimar: Marine fair, ships’ visits, exhibitions and talks, sea and shore tastings, live music, children’s workshops etc., marine activities, La Plaza de Canarias/Edificio Miller/ Santa Catalina, LPGC. fimarlaspalmasgc.com May 6 9.30pm: Estopa, Spanish rock/rumba duo, from €30, Gran Canaria Arena, LPGC. entrees.es. May 7 Hiking: Cañada La Vieja – Alto de Los Moriscos – Artenara – Barranco Grande – El Roque. vallesecograncanaria.com. 9.00pm: Avery Sunshine, jazz, from €15, Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, Avda Principe de Asturias, LPGC. www.entradas.com. 9.00pm: Vocal Siete, popular a cappella local group, Free Entry, Pueblo Canario, Francisco González Díaz, LPGC. May 8
3.00pm onwards: Dragon Battle Race – only for the toughest and fittest, all ages, Los Gigantes, register online. www.dragonbattlerace.com. 4.00pm: 1 Open ‘MTX Canarias’ Villa de Adeje, bodybuilding, €10. 600 562 257. 6.30pm: Veterans football, Armeñime ground, Free entry, Adeje. 8.30pm: Coreógrafos Españoles de Norte a Sur, neoclassic and contemporary dance, from €16, Teatro Guimerá, Avda. Ángel Guimerá, SCdT. www.teatroguimera.es. 9.00pm: Pasión Vega, Spanish singer/songwriter, €18, Auditorio Infanta Leonor, Los Cristianos, Arona. 9.00pm: Essence of Bolero, from €8, Teatro Leal, La Laguna. www.teatroleal.es. May 2 National Bank Holiday, banks and some businesses may be closed. May 3 Day of the Cross celebrated all over the Islands, but is a holiday in Santa Cruz, Puerto de la Cruz and Los Realejos. Innumerable events, beautifully decorated crosses. May in general is a party month for Los Realejos with a lot to see and do, but don’t miss the fabulous firework festival and display, battle of the flowers, flower carpets in front of the altars etc. on May 3. losrealejos.es
3.00pm: Craft workshop by FACT Pink Room, Free Entry, Escuela de Seguridad y Conviven-
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
International Martial Arts meeting, 20 masters from 16 disciplines, masterclasses on13 tatamis, 833 m2, €30, (€10 with Tenerife residents discount, €5 for Adeje residents), Free entry for spectators, Pabellón polideportivo de Las Torres, Adeje. Registration: inscripcionesmeetingadeje@gmail.com.
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.
May 6
Saturday mornings
May 6-8
Events for specific groups, families, seniors, women etc., Activate Sports Club. www.tenerifeactivate.com.
EXHIBITIONS
April 30
May 4
12.30pm: Naji Hakim, classical organ music, €7, Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, Avda Principe de Asturias, LPGC. www.entradas.com.
9.00pm: Macaronesian Jazz Quartet, jazz music and photography, Free Entry, Patio de las Palmeras, Museo de La Naturaleza y El Hombre, SCdT. www.museosdetenerife.org.
Hiking route down the Masca ravine, €45, visit to Masca village, 4-hour hike, ½ hour on the beach, 1 hour food and boat trip, guide, insurance and transfer to and from Puerto de la Cruz, Los Gigantes, Garachico, Los Silos and Buenavista. www.elcardon.com.
Until May 22 8.30pm: Orquesta Sinfónica de Tenerife, invited solist, flautist Clara Andrada, From €24, Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín, SCdT. auditoriodetenerife.com. May 7 8.00am: Hiking with Arona council, Casa forestal de Anaga – Roque de Los Pasos – Degollada de Abicore – El Bailadero – Mirador de Amogoje – Almáciga – Roque de Las Bodegas, register early (before April 30) online or at the SAC offices. www.arona.org. 8.30am: Tough hike in Arico to explore the traditional production methods of the local honey, Plaza de San Pancracio – Piedras de los Valientes – Corchos de La Sorpresa, 10km, tastings, restricted numbers. aedl@ayuntamientodearico.com/922 768 177. 8.30pm: Tak Nara, percussion group, €7, Auditorio Infanta Leonor, Los Cristianos, Arona. www. arona.org. 9.30pm: Estopa, Spanish rock/rumba duo, from €32.70, Pabellón Santiago Martín, La Laguna. ticketmaster.es May 11 4.00pm: Psychological Group Art Therapy, Pink Room, Free Entry, Escuela de Seguridad y Convivencia, 2nd floor, Calle Beneharo s/n, Las Nieves, Adeje, register to book, limited places. 674 352 002. Until April 30 Gastronomy: Wine and tapas route, 26 bars and
Pájaros (Birds) Paintings, Per Lillieström, contemporary of Óscar Domínguez, includes photographs of his studio by Karina Beltrán, €7 general entrance fee, reductions for Oaps, students, residents etc. TEA, Tenerife Espacio de las Artes, SCdT, Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 8pm. Until May 28 Photography, Chema Madoz, national photography prizewinner, Espacio Cultural CajaCanarias, Plaza del Patriotismo, SCdT, Monday to Saturday, 11am – 2pm and 5pm - 8pm.
For regular church, charity and recreational events, please see: www.islandconnections.eu/1000003/1000027/0/41004/living-lifestyle-article.html
28.4.2016 – 11.5.2016
MUSIC
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 770
29
Qfm Music Review
Gay Pride
Sun, pool, and party fun This year, Maspalomas Gay Pride celebrates its 15th anniversary. From May 1 to 15 there will be fabulous parties held at the beach or by the pool. These are mostly for gay men or women only, but some of the events are mixed. In the first week there are more cultural events on the programme, while the second week is almost all taken up with celebrations. It starts in the nightlife district on The party begins May 7 with a Pool Party at the Axel Beach Hotel at 12pm. On May 9, everyone can dress up like cowboys and have some fun in the saloon at the Sioux City theme park. Last year’s Wet & White Party at Amadores Beach Club was a complete sell out and this year, an even better spectacle is expected. It takes place on May 12, from 1pm to 8pm at the Amadores Beach Club. At 8pm, it moves, almost seamlessly, to the Yumbo Centre and continues with the High Heels Race. Further information about the programme and reservations can be found at: www.gaypridemaspalomas.com. n
Maspalomas Gay Pride is known far beyond the island throughout the gay community
When music becomes poetry bass, Iván Rojas and José El Gallego on guitars, and Eilin Shaw on violin. This incredible line up allowed the author of
Eight years ago, guitarist and vocalist Gabriel Báez set out to record his first album. This Tenerife based artist has since recorded his second album which we will review later this year, but his debut album, Historias De Otro Mundo is far too impressive to skip. The first step this young genius took was to surround himself with seasoned pros. The album is blessed by collaborations from artists including Cristobal Montes de Oca on piano, keyboards and accordion, Kike Perdomo on sax (Kike also mixed the album), Ramón Díaz on drums, Luismo Valladares on electric bass, José Pedro Pérez on percussion, Pere Loewe on upright
tic rock, laced with his own flavour of poetry. When Gabriel Báez performs live, which he does frequently
pure improvision. Listen to tracks from Gabriel Báez on Qfm 94.3 and www.Qmusica.com. The album is available to purchase from www. n zarandarecords.com.
Tracklist
the 12 album tracks to demonstrate his chameleon-like versatility, with songs seamlessly embracing folk, jazz and acous-
in Tenerife, his concerts often incorporate dance and video sequences to accompany some songs, whilst other pieces are
1 - Historias de otro mundo 2 - Esto puede ser 3 - Con barrito en los pies 4 - Blanco y negro 5 - China 6 - Mariu 7 - Mar de palabras 8 - Besos piadosos 9 - Jorketa 10 - Zapatero a tu zapato 11 - Historias de gente 12 - Por el mundo
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SPOTLIGHT
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 037
Spotlight on Aaron Tyler Bannister
Family’s fundraising fight against DMD Carl and Gwen Bannister, parents of 10 year old Aaron, recently staged a fantastic fundraiser at Harvey’s Bar in Los Cristianos on April 9, to raise funds for equipment to aid their son in his fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). The charity day was initially organised to raise money for an electric wheelchair, however, the day before the event Aaron was donated an old model in need of some repair. This meant that funds raised at the Harvey’s Bar event will go towards fixing up the chair as well as other equipment and treatment Aaron is going to need as his condition progresses, including at some point, a vehicle adapted for his mobility needs. Aaron has battled DMD his whole life. The condition is a rare and 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. It eventually moves on to the body’s organs. Though Aaron can still walk at this stage, the short distance he is capable of is decreasing rapidly and he now struggles with stairs. As well as his mobility problems he was recently diagnosed with severe osteoporosis, caused by the heavy medications he is taking for DMD. This means that his spine is beginning to coil and spinal fusion treatment will be needed in the future. Since diagnosis, Aaron has been using steroids to pro-
vide enough body strength so as to perform everyday tasks, however, long-term effects have taken their toll and osteoporosis is another battle the family faces.
make sure that he will be able to have as much independence as possible. “I’d very much like to thank Mandy Shaw and Mark Clarke at Harvey’s Bar for staging the
thanks to them. We raised a total of €2,400 to go towards our ultimate goal of making Aaron’s journey as long and as comfortable as possible.” With the help of Kellie Rea-
a barbecue and a prize-draw raffle. The fun started at 2pm and continued until late. “We’d also like to thank the performers who gave up their time to entertain everyone at the fun-
for all poster designs and tin wraps. Thanks to Arona foods for donating food for the barbecue, One Stop for supplying the outside bar, all the hard working staff who donated their tips, the
gan, Aaron’s mother Gwen had her hair shaved to raise money, and people who came along enjoyed a party atmosphere. As well as a fabulous line-up of entertainers there was also
draiser. Gordon King and Derrick Lynes were the compères and featured acts included the Typsy Kings, Adam See, Michael Leavy Jr, Kerry Railton, Teresa Keene, Hayley Butler, Dylan Tennant, Paul Monroe, Luke Carey, Lee Rutler, Scotty T and Papa G, Stuart Beagley, Deborah Overton, Dragalicious, Mystica, and Chrissy Deans. Zoe Armstrong and the Tenerife Tigers dance academy also came along to entertain the guests. A special mention to Steve at the T Shirt Factory for the DMD wrist bands, and Gary Hill of Eclipse Print
many people who donated raffle prizes, and everyone who came on the day and generously gave cash or gifts!” said Carl. There are plans for more fundraisers in the near future which Island Connections will announce in coming editions. For anyone who wishes to donate to Aaron Tyler Bannister’s struggle with DMD, you can contribute directly to the dedicated bank account: Aaron Tyler Bannister, La Caixa Vilaflor, IBAN: ES32 2100 6759 1301 0003 8857. BIC/Swift: CAIXESBBXXX. For any further information, email Carl at: carlosbannister@hotmail.com. n
Brian from the Lions Club presented Carl and Gwen with a cheque for €500 Aaron’s older sister, Kitty The brave young man, Aaron Tyler Bannister
“He got pushed over at school the other day and couldn’t get up. It was such a worry,” explained Aaron’s dedicated father Carl, “because even a little break can lead to big problems, and he had to be lifted into the ambulance very carefully. Even something as small as a playground tumble can cause a great deal of concern.” Luckily, the brave young man has a loving and supportive group around him, including his slightly-older sister Kitty, and fundraising has begun to
event,” said Carl, “and there was an amazing surprise when Brian Belshaw, the president of the Lions Club Costa del Silencio, suddenly turned up with a cheque for €500! Enormous
28.4.2016 – 11.5.2016
BLEVINS FRANKS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 770
31
Fighting tax evasion in Spain By Paul Montague, Partner, Blevins Franks
Alongside other European authorities, the Spanish government has been stepping up its crackdown on tax evasion over recent years. It has implemented new measures to find those who are not declaring all their income and assets as required under Spanish tax law, and not paying all the tax they should be. The internet and technological developments now make it easier for the Spanish tax office (Agencia Tributaria – commonly known as Hacienda) to get information from and about taxpayers. It receives data from about 800 different sources, ranging from tax returns to mandatory data provided by employers, banks and utilities providers.
detect and prevent tax fraud. We produce a trail of data in our daily lives that can be used by the tax office for this specific purpose; for example if you are paid a salary, buy or sell a property, register a car etc. Electricity companies are obliged to provide information to the Hacienda regarding the electricity consumption of every property in Spain. The authorities use this data to determine if a property that is declared as empty is in fact being rented out or used for business purposes, or to catch people who are living in Spain permanently but have not registered as such and have not been paying tax in Spain.
Highest fraud takings in history
Between June 2012 and 2015 it is estimated that the Spanish tax office has collected a record €40bn in its fight against tax fraud. Data tracking Additionally, since 2012, it has been able to track your overseas The tax office analyses and assets with the Modelo 720, cross-references this data to which Spanish residents with
the Common Reporting Standard, your local tax authority now receives information about your worldwide assets every year, without asking for it, regardless of how compliant or not you are.
Tax law reforms
Between June 2012 and 2015 it is estimated that the Spanish tax office has collected a record €40bn in its fight against tax fraud assets outside Spain exceeding €50,000 are obliged to fill in each year. With this informative return, it has already detected more than €12bn in assets abroad.
Modelo 720 will continue to play a major role in the search for offshore wealth, but the tax authorities also have the new automatic exchange of information regime. Under
The authorities have also created a new aggravated offence for more than €600,000 tax fraud. The prison term for this type of offence was increased to six years and the statute of limitation lengthened from four to 10 years. The tax office has renewed the 2015 Tax Control Plan this year to improve results in the fight against tax fraud. In 2015, it collected €15,600mn – 27 per cent more than expected – and similar results are expected in 2016. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with all the Spanish tax regulations if you are resident in Spain. The same applies if you are not resident but own prop-
erty here or receive an income from Spain. Any tax planning you use needs to be fully legitimate. Spain is still a tax efficient country for retired British expatriates, if you take expert advice. Using compliant tax planning structures can save you tax and provide peace of mind. Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual is advised to seek personalised advice. 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
BUSINESS
Be prepared
Back to front EHIC!
Sponsored by the Free Advice Centre Tenerife Most people know that the EHIC card, which stands for European Health Insurance Card (not to be confused with IGIC which is a local tax but sounds similar!), is the card that tourists bring with them to cover them for emergency health cover when they come on their holidays or are here for a short stay. Less well known is the fact that anyone registered with the health care system here should in theory get an EHIC card from Spain for cover when they visit the UK. So if you have a Green NIE card and are registered with a doctor in Tenerife either by working here or by being entitled through an S1 as a pensioner from the UK, in theory, you are no longer automatically entitled to free healthcare in the UK. Whether this ruling would
El Hierro
El Hierro’s sustainable energy drive continues to reap dividends. The most westerly and smallest of the Canary Islands has saved over 3,200 tonnes of fuel thanks to its new power station, which harnesses wind and water energy to provide electricity for its population of 7,000. Although it has not been in operation for a full year yet, the Gorona del Viento station is calculated to have also spared the atmosphere approximately 11,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions, which would have been given off if the conventional power station had been used. El Hierro has become the focus of attention for various other parts of the world due to its innovative approach to energy self-sufficiency, including not just the Gorona
Anyone registered with the health care system here should get an EHIC card from Spain for cover when they visit the UK or other areas
be strictly applied in the UK is a different matter, as it would appear there are not as many administrative controls as in Spain. On the plus side, you can now apply for your Spanish EHIC card on-line rather than an appointment at the social security offices. The website is www.seg-social.es and you
need to click on ‘Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea’ in the bottom right list, and then ‘solicitar’. The website does give you the option to change it to English, but unfortunately that doesn´t filter all the way down to the application! You will need to enter your full name, your social security affiliation number starting with 38,
which you will find on your documentation, and your address. It´s very important that you get the address in the same format as it appears on your social security documentation, otherwise it will be denied. At the end of the process you will be given a reference number, and your EHIC card will be sent to your home by post within 10 working days. Better to be safe than sorry! If anyone has trouble managing the on-line application, you can call in to the Free Advice Centre for assistance any morning, Monday to Friday. 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 pop in to n the Fact office.
Renewables help atmosphere
Gorona del Viento harnesses wind and water power
del Viento facility but the use of electric vehicles. The island has become a kind of open-air laboratory for a
range of environmental initiatives and delegations from Japan, Taiwan and the Faroe Islands have already paid
fact-finding visits to explore how the power station’s technology could be adapted to n their own needs.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 037
Timeshare
Multi-million euro payouts A major timeshare group in Gran Canaria faces the prospect of paying out millions of euros to clients if it loses more court cases over the validity of its contracts. A firm of lawyers which is handling the majority of the cases, says that the Anfi Group, which owns timeshare resorts such as Anfi del Mar, could suffer losses of up to €13 million if judgements continue to go against them, as has occurred in a number of test cases in recent times. The Canarian Legal Alliance says it has 200 individual cases already in the system and is preparing a further 140, many of them suits brought against the timeshare firm and developer for failing to comply with legal provisions in issuing contracts to a vast number of its European clients. In one case against the Gran Canaria-based Group, judges ruled that, “in perpetuity” clauses broke a Spanish law which states that no timeshare agreement signed after January 15 1999 can last more than 50 years. This rendered the whole contract invalid and the court ordered Anfi to refund all payments as well as interest and n legal fees. Photo: W. Edlmeier/wikipedia
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Anfi del Mar
Tax haven admission
Soria forced to resign The Canary Islands’ only minister in the Spanish government says he has tried to, “save his party embarrassment” by resigning in the wake of revelations that he and his family used offshore companies to avoid paying tax. Having survived widespread calls to step down over permission given for oil drilling off Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, José Manuel Soria decided to tender his resignation to acting Spanish premier Mariano Rajoy just before he was due to appear before Parliament to explain the presence of his name on company documents published as part of the Panama Papers scandal. Soria’s name emerged as a director of a Panama-based shell company more than two decades ago and the now former industry and tourism minister denied the allegation, insisting he had never had, “any links with a company based in Panama or other tax havens”. However, later the same week, El Mundo published a document appearing to show he had served as a director of a Jersey-based company as recently as 2002. In his resignation letter, he admitted to a succession of errors over the past few days regarding explanations of his business activities before he entered politics in the mid-1990s. Soria announced his withdrawal from all political life, including his role as leader of the Popular Party in the Canaries. However, the offshore scandal may still haunt him as Spain’s Tax Office has said it intends n to look into the activities of his family.
28.4.2016 – 11.5.2016
BUSINESS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 770
33
Tax advice
Non-residents with real estate By Octavio Cabrera, the owner (physical or juridical)
We believe that many people with a second home in Spain lack a proper approach and comprehension of Spanish tax obligations regarding the effective ownership of their property. Non-compliance always means problems, either in the short term or the long term, and accurately complying does not necessarily mean facing huge payments but reasonable ones which are compensated by the knowledge that you are doing right for you and ultimately, your heirs. Non tax residents in Spain, both individuals and entities, and owners of real estate in Spanish territory are liable every year for Non Resident Income Tax (hereafter IRNR, as per the Spanish acronym). The following sources of income are subject to IRNR: • Effective income derived from renting of properties located in Spain or rights related to those directly or indirectly obtained. • Estimated income attributed to individual taxpayers and owners of properties located in Spanish territory. • Capital gains derived directly or indirectly from real estate. The income subject to taxation will be determined depending on the use or destination that has been assigned to the property, the legal personality of
1.2. Income from real estate for the personal use of its owners: income imputation. The owners must declare the amounts derived from the ownership of real estate located in Spanish territory that have not been leased or transferred to third parties, which correspond to the result of applying the following percentages to the catastral value: - On a general basis - 2 per cent. - In case of real estate with cadastral values reviewed from January 1, 1994 - 1.1 per cent. This income is accrued once a year. Also, the owner must proceed to file the proportional share of the income when, throughout the year, the
member state of the EU can apply the exemption for reinvestment in the main residence, applicable to capital gains accrued from January 1, 2015. The tax rate applicable on the basis of the generated capital gains (table 3). In the case of a transfer of property by non-residents, the acquirer has to practice withholding on the agreed consideration. The acquirer is obliged to withhold and pay 3 per cent of the price in the concept of withholding or payment on account of the IRNR that corresponds to the non-resident.
Photo: Matt Banks freedigitalphotos.net
Director of Cabrera Rodríguez Lawyers & Tax Advisers. Lawyers, Accountants, Experts in tax and business planning, international transactions and investments.
and the nature of the event to be taxed (rental income, second home use or eventual capital gain on a sale). 1.1. Income from the renting/ leasing of real estate located in Spanish territory. The income obtained from leasing or renting to third parties of real estate in Spain is subject to IRNR, without the possibility to deduct any expenses. However, in the case of IRNR taxpayers, residents in a member state of the European Union – and from January 1, 2015, also Iceland and Norway – the expenses may be deducted. With regards to the applicable tax rate for the IRNR, we will detail the existing rates for the years 2015 and 2016, and it is worth pointing out that a reduced rate is applied to those taxpayers in a member state of the EU (table 1).
property has been transferred or leased (table 2).
tax shall consist of the difference between the acquisition
Many home owners in Spain do not fully understand the tax obligations regarding property
Table 1. TAX RATE 2015
2016
Residents of EU, Iceland and Norway
Rest of taxpayers
Residents of EU, Iceland and Norway
Rest of taxpayers
Until 11/07/2015: 20% From 12/07/2015: 19.50%
24%
19%
24%
Table 2. TAX RATE 2015
2016
Residents of EU, Iceland and Norway
Rest of taxpayers
Residents of EU, Iceland and Norway
Rest of taxpayers
19.50%
24%
19%
24%
Table 3. TAX RATE 2015
2016
Until July 11th
From July 12th
All taxpayers
20%
19.5%
19%
1.3. C apital gains from the transfer of real estate. Capital gains obtained from properties located in Spanish territory are subject to IRNR. The capital gain is subject to
value and the transfer value of the property. It should be noted that from January 1, 2015, the coefficients used to update the acquisition value of the property in order
to determine the capital gains generated have been removed. However, a transitional regime in the application of those coefficients for the case of capital gains from transfers of assets acquired prior to December 31, 1994, is applied. It is important to mention that, under certain requirements and limitations, the capital gains are exempt up to 50 per cent, when the same are derived from the sale of urban real estate located in Spanish territory that had been acquired from May 12, 2012, until December 31, 2012. We should also highlight the possibility that taxpayers in a
2. Wealth tax In general, the Wealth Tax is to be paid annually, to assess the net wealth that the individuals have by December 31 of each year. It is regulated by the Law 19/1991 of June 6, of the Wealth Tax. Non-residents in Spain will pay tax for the assets and rights that they have when these are located, practised or fulfilled in Spanish territory (real tax). Those taxpayers, whose tax quote results in an amount to pay, are required to submit the declaration or, when these circumstances are not given, when the value of their assets or rights is superior to €2,000,000. The tax quote will result in an amount to pay by taxing the difference between value of assets and liabilities, with an exemption n limit of €700,000.
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HEALTH
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 037
Old and new healing knowledge
Photo: boigfoot / freeimages.com
Healthy infusions
Simply delicious: tea always goes down well
Chamomile is a popular plant for infusions
substances accumulate mainly in the nuclei. Scientists have shown that the polyphenols actually react with cellular components. Using various methods, they examined whether and how individual polyphenol molecules interact with the DNA cell nucleus. Two of the most common tea polyphenols bond more often with the DNA strands and proteins that sit on the end of chromosomes (telomeres). These pieces of DNA are responsible for the stability of chromosomes and they protect them from decay. With each cell division, the telomerase enzyme cuts off a piece of the telomere. Once it has fallen
©2014 FLN
No matter what time of the year it is - a cup of tea always goes down well, and not just in Britain, where tea is part of the national culture. Tea is now being used throughout the world as a trendy drink for a variety of reasons. It’s not only refreshing and delicious, but many varieties are also an important aid for all kinds of complaints. Tea drinkers suffer from less cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. The effect is mainly attributed to the so-called polyphenols contained in the tea. These are antioxidant substances that render free radicals harmless. In the tea plants, these
Photo: Valerij / Zhugan / freeimages.com
Drinking tea is a well-loved ritual for many people
below a critical length, the cell can no longer divide and it dies. The polyphenol compounds from the tea which are bound to the telomere prevent or slow down this shortening process and prolong cell life. Scientists believe that these positive stabilising effects on genetic information improve the health and life expectancy of the whole organism in the long run. This stabilising effect has only been demonstrated in the laboratory so far, now the researchers want to find out how the
tea polyphenols behave in the human body. They want to see whether the polyphenols accumulate in the cell nucleus with regular tea consumption. Many other effects of various infusions have been known for a long time - especially those of chamomile and mint tea, and there are others…
Healthy teas Chilli tea can work wonders after a hearty meal: The piquant pod ensures that the metabolism is stimulated
and that gets the fat-burning process started. It also increases the production of gastric acid, which affects digestion and banishes
your teeth and gums. There is another positive side effect: Chilli makes you happy because spicy food makes the body distribute more happi-
seeking children? Then hop tea will be beneficial because it’s good for the nerves. The essential oils contained in the infusion not only smell good, they
cially in the spring, because the nettle tea’s diuretic function helps to flush out pollutants. It’s therefore a great companion when you decide to take
Tea is also a great idea as a souvenir or gift
HEALTH
35
Drinking three cups of this tea a day will give you up to 48 per cent of the recommended daily amount of Vitamin C, and this will help to strengthen your defences. Aromatic rosemary tea has an invigorating effect by stimulating blood circulation in the brain and can thus improve mental performance. It also has a calming effect on the nervous system, so it’s also helpful for stress, anxiety and muscle tension or cramps. It’s also a diuretic, so it increases the excretion of acids and toxins in the urine, strengthening
the liver. Rosemary has general antiseptic, antibacterial and antispasmodic properties and is good for the circulation, which means it has a wide range of possibilities. Sage tea has a bitter taste and it is therefore not one of the most popular herbal teas, however, it’s a true all-rounder: Its effects range from disinfectant or anti-inflammatory to antispasmodic. If you have any kind of inflammation of the mouth or throat, or even gingivitis, a rinse and / or gargle with sage tea is effective. For stomach and intestinal prob-
Photo: Marta Rostek / freeimages.com
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 770
Photo: Henrique Schaefer / freeimages.com
28.4.2016 – 11.5.2016
Photo: Salomé / freeimages.com
Tea with chilli: the best of two worlds
unhealthy pathogens from the intestine. In addition, the sharpness of chilli boosts the flow of saliva in the mouth - which in turn is good for
ness hormones like adrenaline and endorphins. Do you suffer from stress in the office, have trouble with your neighbours or maybe attention-
Chris Hutchinson / freeimages.com Photo: Tomasz A. Poszwa
A classic cold remedy, tea with lemon
A healthy but acquired taste, sage tea
are also rumoured to have a calming effect. If hop resin is included, that also stimulates the appetite and digestion. Citrus fruit make sensational infusions, contain large amounts of essential vitamins and few calories. Most citrus teas contain aromatic peel which is rich in phytochemicals called flavonoids. These protect the cells against free radicals, thus slowing down the aging process and reducing the risk of cancer. And if a citrus fruit tea is not available, you can always make do with a cup of normal tea with lemon instead of milk. Few people know that the nettle can be good for your health. It can make an important contribution to our wellbeing, espe-
a detox week or if you want to go on a diet. Most Mums with young children already know that fennel tea is a great remedy for indigestion and bloating. It also works on adults! Rose hips contain ten times more vitamin C than lemons which is what makes this red fruit so valuable. Rosehip teas can be made from this particularly healthy fruit which are also very tasty. To ensure that the vitamins (which include large quantities of the provitamin A, and vitamins B1, B2 and E) are not lost after processing, the ripe fruit are dried immediately after harvesting. A cup of ready-to-drink rosehip tea contains between three and 12mg of vitamin C.
Tea and biscuits for the perfect break
lems, sage tea helps with its disinfectant and antispasmodic effect. Its application areas are so diverse that it can quite rightly be described as a universal remedy. All of which gives us plenty of good reasons to regularly say, “Put the kettle on – it’s n teatime!”
HEALTH
36
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 037
+34 697 888 666 • m_delaflor@hotmail.com
They landed on the market as a replacement for barbiturates in the early 1960s. Barbiturates were notoriously sedating, had a high abuse potential, and could easily be overdosed. Marilyn Monroe’s fatal downfall is a known case of its misuse. By 1963, Diazepam (Valium) showed up on pharmacy shelves and it rocketed to stardom faster than Elvis. Other relatives, like lorazepan and alprazolam arrived a couple of decades later. ALL BZs have a short and long-term benign side effect profile. In therapeutic dosages and avoiding the tempestuous marriage with alcohol or illicit drugs, you’ll enjoy its propitious effects for decades to come! Best wishes. “It is better to rise from life as from a banquet - neither thirsty nor drunken.” Aristotle.
Milk thistle drops are sometimes used for liver complaints
Dear Dr. De La Flor,
I play Golf regularly. Last year I had two cortisone shots on my right elbow. The doctor now won’t give me more. Can I use cortisone in tablets as a pain reliever? Thank you. Dear Dr. De La Flor, Your consultant is wise and prudent. Complications are scarce but multiple intra-joint injections can end up being detrimental. Corticosteroids are not pain relievers per se. They are a family of medications that are related to cortisone, a steroid itself. They tend to swiftly and effectively reduce inflammation, offering fast-acting relief of inflamed muscles, joints, tendons (tendonitis), and/or bursa (bursitis). Bona diagnosis, bona curatio. It’s essential to dig deeper into the cause of your repetitive injury. Please rest the joint adequately, try some physiotherapy, and have a knowledgeable coach check your technique. Best regards. “How poor are they that have not patience! What wound did ever heal but by degrees?” William Shakespeare, Othello
Dear Dr. De La Flor,
assume that you’re taking milk thistle as a supplement. Word’s etymology can be quite illuminating. In Latin, supplementum comes from the verb supplere which means ‘to fill up or complete.’ The Oxford dictionary sheds further light by stating that is a substance taken to remedy the deficiencies in a person’s diet. Therefore, ruling out any type of deficiency is key. Not sure about you, but things adopting the shape of a tablet do make me a bit apprehensive. However, home remedies like soups or broths, stews or grandma’s rice pudding seem to cause a prompt beneficial effect on my overall health. Generous daily amounts of fruits, vegetables and legumes will deliver to your liver all necessary remedies to keep it alive and kicking! Best regards. “A good gulp of hot whisky at bedtime—it’s not very scientific, but it helps.” Response when questioned about the common cold: Sir Alexander Fleming, Scottish biologist and pharmacologist.
Dear Dr. De La Flor,
I’ve been taking milk thistle drops to help my liver. What’s your opinion? Thanks for your help, M.L.
I´ve been taking a tablet of Lorazepan at night for years. Should I be concerned about side effects? Thanks for your help, J.D.
Dear M.L. Since you do not mention any current or past liver condition, I
Dear J.D., Lorazepan belongs to the Benzodiazepine family (BZ).
Dr. De La Flor Facts
Thumbs Up By Dr. De La Flor
Sneaky depression triggers
(2 of 6) As decades go by men’s bodies produce less of the vital sex hormone testosterone. Low levels can cause depression, as well as erectile dysfunction and/or decreased interest in sex. Ask your trusted GP to test your blood testosterone levels.
Live better, longer,
fuller… “If you’re not making mistakes, then you’re not doing anything. I’m positive that a doer makes mistakes. Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” John Wooden. The Pyramid of Success.
Windows
The HIV virus may be in a symptomless window period for years. Some only get temporary flu-like symptoms for one to two months after infection:
fever, headaches, swollen submandibular glands and fatigue. A blood test is the best way to learn our status. If uncertain, be prudent and talk to your trusted GP.
A nutty plan for longevity
You and I should follow Mayo Clinic’s advice: three to four servings of nuts per week as an easy, convenient and healthy way of galvanizing cardiovascular health and boosting longevity. There’s a plethora of options. However, raw or dryroasted is the most beneficial of options.
Coaching Corner By Dr. De La Flor Hey, what were you doing in 1978? For me it was a catchy year. It was the year of the Viking and the Pirate boat. It was about Björn and Hans, or if your prefer last names, the year of Mr. Borg and Mr. Beck. The Ice-Borg and the toymaker. The playboy and the Playmobil®. The Ice-Man from Stockholm and the Playpeople from Zirndorf. One added chic to tennis, the other add zing to playmaking. Björn played and reigned supreme at Wimbledon’s holy pastures, while Hans’ novelty toys allowed home bathtubs a whole new meaning.
ReSOLUTION By Dr. De La Flor For the next fortnight, you and I can ponder on how often and how well we play. Play, true play, should be like one of Borg’s topspin forehands! All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. No play effects are a myriad. The hour becomes dull, the day dim, the week dense, and the voyage uneventful. God bless you for the next two weeks. “The true object of all human life is play.” G.K. Chesterton, English writer
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: +34 697 888 666 or email him to register.
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Tel. 699 521 649
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©2014 FLN
Photo: JoJan CC A-S A 3.0 UL
Dear Dr. De La Flor
28.4.2016 – 11.5.2016
FASHION
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 770
All photos: www.beautypress.de
A colourful summer Wearing makeup in midsummer temperatures can be a real challenge and you need to take into special consideration the textures of the products you use.
Convenient for in-between touch-ups: the Babor blush stick
Different tones for perfect contouring. Rouge by Artdeco
Nail polish(es) in the most beautiful summer colours by Alessandro
A gentle bronze for tanned skin. From Reviderm
Perfectly nice - even on hot days. The Sandy Beach Arabesque make-up line
A perfect combination of skincare and beauty: Bronzer with anti-aging serum. From Bare Minerals A great makeup for evenings: a light foundation with an airy mousse texture. From Alverde
Gentle, natural tones for eyelids. From Catrice
Makeup artists advise, especially during those hot summer days, that you forego your foundation and instead use a bronzing powder that gives your skin that coveted ‘sun kissed’ look. That is why this little magic dust takes centre stage in almost every midsummer makeup line. Otherwise? Anything goes: try gaudy Aqua colours or dark earthy tones for the eyes, shimmering peach or shining coral for the lips and if you
like, you can contour your cheekbones with a touch of blusher. Incidentally, modern waterproof products do deliver what they promise. They can withstand anything from shopping sprees, to soaking up the sun, and even an afternoon on the beach. n
37
A range of colours: Look here for the right tone for every taste and occasion. From Kiko Milano
38
PETS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 037
Adopt, don’t buy
Animal charities’ round up Cats Welfare Tenerife A member of the public was recently distressed to come across a box of five kittens in a bin. They removed them and contacted us and we’ve taken them into foster care. This is not an isolated incident and it happens a number of times a year, not just with kittens but with puppies too.
Boris is a beautiful ginger Tom who was found in Vilaflor. He was dragging his leg behind him and was very frightened, hungry and thirsty. He was caught and we were contacted. He has made a full recovery and is the friendliest, most affectionate cat you will ever meet! Boris is castrated, vaccinated and is leukaemia negative, so what are you waiting for? As always, cats go on a two week trial so you can be sure they are right for you before making a commitment. Full details and pictures of all those currently available can be found on our website: www.cats-welfaretenerife/pets. If you would like to adopt one or find out more about our fostering programme, please call or WhatsApp Theresa on: 680 475 500 (9am to 6pm, seven days a week) or message us on our website: www.cats-welfaretenerife.com/contacts.
Hey Jessie! Isn’t Jessie gorgeous? She was dumped on El Médano beach at just three months old and has been with us ever since. She is now five months old, medium sized and has lots of energy. Please consider adopting her. You can have a week’s trial to see how things go. For more information call Sue on: 629 388 102. Jessie is currently at Live Arico (PAWS) waiting for a home
Bag a bargain at our shops in: San Eugenio (Open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm); Los Cristianos (Calle Reverón, near the Thistle and Dragon Bar. Open daily, 10am to 4pm); Golf del Sur (Golf Park, just before the lottery kiosk. Open Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm, Sunday 10:30am to 3:30pm). Find us at: www.livearico.com, on Facebook, or join us on Twitter: twitter.com/live_arico.
Lana and Jean recently spent a day helping out at Acción del Sol
Boris is at Cats Welfare waiting for a loving owner to come along and take him home
Live Arico adoption
If you have good quality items to donate please consider them for our charity shop. Smaller items can be dropped into the shop on San Blas in Golf del Sur (Behind Hiperdino). It is open seven days a week, 10am to 6pm. Saturdays, 11am to 4pm. If you don’t have transport or have large bulky items such as furniture and household effects, please ring Mark on 636 590 557 and he will arrange collection from you. We recently received a wonderful message which we wanted to share with you: Hello Sharon, Theresa and co. I know you see a lot of us cats, and I don’t expect you to remember me, but I had to send a big thank you. I was a stray in a terrible state; hungry, dirty, full of hormones I didn’t want, until my Auntie Michelle found me and gave me some food. As I was unhappy I wouldn’t let her near me and I would hiss and attack. I didn’t understand that she only wanted to help. Since my trips to the vet I have felt so much better. It took me months but finally I began to
Acción del Sol
A box of kittens was found by some bins and handed to Cats Welfare Tenerife
trust her and let her touch me, and only this week she has been able to stroke me. Today I made a funny sound called purring. Auntie said it’s the first time she has heard me do it. Thanks again, with your help I now have a happy future to look forward to! Lots of love Tom xxx
Live Arico (PAWS) On May 7 we have a fundraiser at Amanda’s Bar near our charity shop in San Eugenio, opposite Hotel La Nina. The event starts at 2pm, so come along and have fun in the sun and help raise much needed funds. There will be lots of top acts as well as a raffle, tombola and more. Hosted by Derrick Lynes, you will be entertained by such names as Suzy Q, Kerry Rail-
ton, Simon King, Suzi Moore, Steve Delsey, Emma Blacka, The Mighty Wadds, Uproar, Luke Towler, Jon Gibson and Indianna. We will also have some designer clothes on sale.
Two of Acción del Sol’s avid supporters, Lana Bellamy and Jean Warren, recently rolled up their sleeves and spent the afternoon bottlefeeding the puppies that had been dumped and brought to the refuge. They both had a great time, the older generation especially enjoy the animals, as physically and mentally it is great stimulation for them. Both Lana and Jean have adopted dogs from the refuge which provide great comfort to them, ensuring they are never alone – as well as it being great for the dogs! At our Spring Clean Event on April 23, we asked friends of
the refuge to help us bathe 200 of the dogs we have here. The helpers were all assigned a dog and a brush and were sent to work! The dogs loved the attention and it was a welcome break from their life in the kennels. We are always in need of dog food, blankets, towels, dog toys, etc. The refuge is situated directly under the Eolica Park where the wind turbines are, at Exit 52 on the TF1 north bound, which is after the El Médano junction. 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 Wednesdays and public holidays. Email: teneriffa@aktiontier.org. Or visit the Facebook page: ‘action tier Acción del Sol’.
K9 Our shop on Alcalá Plaza is in continual need of donations. If you have anything suitable please take it to the shop. The kennels are open every day from 11am until 2pm. If you have any enquiries or are looking for a dog or cat, the number n is: 667 638 468.
FARMERS MARKET
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 770
Farmer’s Markets Adeje Calle Archajara, s/n, in front of Makro Saturday/Sunday 8am – 2pm / Wednesday 4pm – 8pm Telephone: 922 775 200 Alcalá Plaza de Llano Monday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 850 100 Arafo Plaza San Juan Degollado Thursday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 511 711 Arico Porís de Abona Sunday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 676 159 034 Arona Valle San Lorenzo, Carretera General 122 Monday/Friday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 767 138 Buenavista del Norte Plaza de San Sebastián Opening times: Saturday 8.30am – 2pm Telephone: 922 129 030 Candelaria Wednesday 8am - 2pm Next to council offices Saturday 8am – 2pm. Plaza del Centro Comercial de Punta Larga Telephone: 922 505 014 El Médano Plaza Principal Wednesday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 759 966/62 El Rosario Carretera General del Norte, la Esperanza Saturday/Sunday/festivals 8am – 4pm Telephone: 922 010 160 El Sauzal Hoya de la Vida, next to the church, Ravelo Friday/Saturday/Sunday 7.30am- 2pm Telephone: 922 584 657
Güímar Plaza del Ayuntamiento Sunday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 526 105
side behind Titsa Depot) 8am – 3pm closed Mondays Tel 922 076544
Guía de Isora Plaza del Pueblo de Garachico Friday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 850 100
Playa de San Juan Plaza de la Iglesia Wednesday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 850 100
Icod de Los Vinos Calle Key Muñoz 5 Monday/Friday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 815 700 / 922 447 938 La Guancha Carretera General TFS km 49 Saturday/Sunday 8am – 3pm Telephone: 922 360 788 La Laguna Plaza del Cristo Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday 6am – 2pm Telephone: 922 601 100 / 922 253 903 La Matanza de Acentejo Ctra. General del Norte Saturday 8am – 3pm, Sunday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 577 120 La Orotava Calle Educadora Lucía Mesa Saturday 8am – 1.30pm Telephone: 922 336 804 / 681 277 633 Los Realejos Camino Viejo de San Benito, Finca el Llano, Realejo Alto Saturday/Sunday 9am – 2pm Telephone: 922 346 234 Los Silos Plaza de la Luz, Los Silos Sunday 9am – 2pm Telephone: 922 840 004 Parque de la Reina – El Cho Calle Infanta Elena, 32 (before Karting on right hand
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Farmer’s Markets
Island support!
Puerto de la Cruz Avenida Blas Pérez González, 4 Wednesday to Saturday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 386 158 San Isidro Mercado del Agricultor de Granadilla Off the roundabout leading to El Médano Saturday/Sunday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 759 966 San Miguel de Abona P.I. Las Chafiras, San Miguel de Abona, next to the fire station Saturday/Sunday 8am – 2pm Wednesday 2pm – 7.30pm Telephone: 922 735 386 Santa Cruz de Tenerife Avenida José Manuel Guimerá Sunday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 606 000 Santa Úrsula Carretera General, near the town hall Saturday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 301 640
Photo: by Frank C. Muller
28.4.2016 – 11.5.2016
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
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
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.
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-
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.
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.
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
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HOROSCOPES | CLASSIFIEDS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 037
Horoscope for period: April 28 to May 11 Aries 21.3 - 20.4 You should be entering a much more harmonious and supportive phase. Emotionally you will be feeling very sensitive, but those close to you will rally around to nourish you. It’s a time for bonding and especially important for your love interests.
Contacts
Taurus 21.4 - 20.5 A dreamy time of treading water for you, unusual for someone who, well, normally goes at things like a bull at a gate! Relax, enjoy the spiritual journey, encourage your latent psychic abilities, and follow your instincts.
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.
Cancer 22.6 - 22.7 This year is proving to be more challenging than you wanted or expected. Be patient, your time for growth and happiness will come, but probably not until the second six months. Use any free time to develop your creative and artistic side.
Virgo 24.8 - 23.9 The depression that has been dogging you since around the end of last December should finally be beginning to lift. However, don’t expect to get your own way all the time or you will end up frustrated and making mistakes. Libra 24.9 - 23.10 All your hard work and sense of responsibility is paying off. The pressure should be easing soon to allow you to enjoy a fuller life and time with friends, family and loved ones. If you are away from those closest to you, it may be time to visit. Scorpio 24.10 - 22.11 It is time for a complete change in circumstances. However, that doesn’t mean you will have to give up your creature comforts. Carry on working hard and you will find the balance between expanding your material wealth and home happiness. Sagittarius 23.11 - 21.12 The shackles that recently held you back are off! This is your time for growth and fortune. However, avoid relationships that seem too good to be true; you are open to deception right now and may get conned if you are not fully aware. Capricorn 22.12 - 20.1 A new romance may be on the cards, or it could be a new career challenge. Expect support from all those around you and a warm home background. You should be feeling a new surging optimism at the moment. Enjoy! Aquarius 21.1 - 20.2 There’s more balance in your personal relationships. Family and close friends continue to be drawn to your side and entertaining them at home will be fulfilling and mutually supportive. This is a good time for being able to count on those close to you. Pisces 21.2 - 20.3 It seems that all you’re finding at the moment are obstacles in every phase of your life. People seem determined not to make things easy for you. Your charisma and social skills should win them around in the end if you can stay calm.
Los Cristianos, Patricia from Venezuela returns. Beautiful. 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, Anahi, age 25, no limits, French, positions, kisses, Greek, private apartment in Calle Noruega. Tel: 672 970 209.
Gemini 21.5 - 21.6 You seem to be lacking in energy and drive – don’t worry, your flipside will soon be kicking in and you’ll be raring to go again. After a possibly slippery start, relationships will improve and you can count on a solid support base at home.
Leo 23.7 - 23.8 Roaring through life isn’t always the day-to-day answer. You had a great 2015, with some solid gains both at home and in your career goals. It’s time to relax a little and enjoy the fruits of all that effort. An old passion may rekindle or a new one begin.
ing sensual session. I know exactly what to do, and love to do it. I’m a Colombian brunette. Outcalls are possible. Tel: 673 631 177.
Los Cristianos, Margaret, 28 years old, beautiful, slim, white, dominant, erotic massages, natural French, horny, adventurous, spectacular hips, explode in my mouth, private apartment, discreet, 24 hours. Tel: 692 506 973 / 687 129 426. Transsexual, 35 years old, beautiful, tall, fat, blonde hair, long big penis, active/passive. €60 half hour, €100 one hour. Apartments Royal, in front of the bus station, Los Cristianos. SMS info. Tel: (0034) 602 626 848. Las Américas, blonde Colombian, slim, beautiful, sexy body, all services, natural French, massages, erotic toys, threesomes, accompaniment to swingers club, private apartment, hotel visits, make your fantasies come true! I speak English. You will repeat this experience. Tel: 649 879 663. Would you like a sexy, charming, attractive and friendly girl with a warm nature and dark hair? My mysterious Tantric erotic massage is something very different. Looking for ultimate relaxation? Tantra body massage is the answer, come and see for yourself. I can promise you will get an amaz-
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. Home/hotel visits available. Tel: 605 072 917. 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.
Only for ladies: Excursions, wellness, shopping, erotic massages with Marc from Germany. I speak English well, have my own apartment and car. My visit to your location is also possible. Tel: (0034) 630 759 974. Tantric and Thai massage with a happy ending (no sex) at Las Cardones, San Isidro, second exit after the airport. Shower and tea service offered. There’s the possibility of a 4-hands massage. For appointments call 631 801 293. Los Cristianos, Latin redhead. Real beauty with no limits. 23 years old. Calle Noruega, near Supermarket Altavista, Los Cristianos. Tel: 672 518 835. New trans, Zoraya, brunette, very affectionate and feminine, 24 hours, I do natural French, erotic games, I can be very active or passive, I’m well endowed and I like to give pleasure. 25 years old. Tel: 631 207 239. Large, plump, bubbly Irish girl, all services. Special rates for senior citizens. Own apartment on Golf del Sur. Ring Julie on 619 226 004.
Los Cristianos, Ukranian, provocative blonde, escort, great body only for demanding men. Incalls or outcalls. All my services will fulfill your dreams. Just call me. Tel: 602 631 367. Erotic massages, also other services and Tantric. Attractive German lady. No haste. Nice location. Jacuzzi. Tel: (0034) 619 614 380. Liberal German couple invites singles/ couples to erotic parties, also threesomes. Tel: (0034) 648 245 425.
To advertise your services with us, please call 922 75 06 09
28.4.2016 – 11.5.2016
The deadline for edition 771, which is published on 11th May, is 9th May. 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.
Island connections media group s.l. www.islandconnections.eu
Island Connections Online: www.islandconnections.eu
Classifieds Deadline Next Edition
CLASSIFIEDS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 770
41
General Services 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). Spanish native teacher and interpreter gives Spanish lessons at reasonable prices. Tel: 747 790 001. k.arim555@ live.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
MASONIC MEETINGS Logia Ave Fenix Nº 73
Spanish and English Lawyers
Conveyancing • Inheritance & Wills Family Law • Criminal Law Civil Litigation & Personal Injury Timeshare • Tax & Commercial law available to contact on Tel: (+34) 922 178 091 or Email: ave.fenix73@gmail.com You’re invited!!! FREE BEAUTY SESSION. This is your time to relax with friends or on your own, share the excitement of trying new products, learn about the latest techniques and trends and of course, earn fabulous rewards. More info: 642 601 553 Maggie. Are you looking for an opportunity with financial independence and personal fulfillment? Become an Independent Beauty Consultant!!! More Info: 642 601 553.
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.
BLOCK BUSTERS WE UNBLOCK ALL TYPES OF DRAINS
Edificio Simón, Los Cristianos. Meetings every fourth Tuesday. We are back in October!
internal and external using our high pressure jets and cameras.
All Visitors welcome Contact John Donaldson (Secretary):
Call
(+34) 922 178 091 or ave.fenix73@gmail.com
647 928 223
We sell furniture suitable for bar/restaurant (tables, chairs, kitchen accessories, decoration etc.) in excellent condition. Price negotiable. Tel: 922 717 613 or 671 912 301
T: E:
922 719 520
tenerife@decottalaw.net
Av. de Los Pueblos, Residencial Villaflor B-20, San Eugenio
www.decottalaw.net
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Rental Classifieds Storage Rooms For Rent, Los Cristianos, Torviscas And Fañabé, from 7m2 to 12m2. 24 hour video surveillance, easy access. 3 months: €150 pm, 6 months: €100 pm, 1 year: €65 pm. Call Luis on 617 872 957. Restaurant for traspaso. Newly completed and fully furnished, beautiful and wellestablished restaurant in Los Cristianos available for traspaso. Perfect location. Price negotiable €70,000. Tel: 611 205 058.
Apartment for rent, 1 bedroom, fully equipped, near Playa Martiánez, in Puerto de La Cruz, €470 /month + electricity. Tel: Theresa on 606 105 101. 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 Studio for rent, in quiet Bio Finca, 25 sqm, in Los Realejos, close to Restaurant Monasterio, furnished, balcony, parking, garden, terrace, SAT TV, Internet, €280/month, incl. additional costs. Tel: 616 802 861 or 699 044 668.
CLASSIFIEDS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 037
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. Apartment and Villa for rent in Tenerife south. Tel: (0034) 662 507 191.
SALEs Classifieds 160m2
For sale, Bungalow 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
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
Property for Sale Playa Honda
Beautiful seafront apartment for private sale. One bedroom,
garage, sea views and in a sunny position. Price: €120,000. No agents. Tel: 922 752 759. Mobile: 608 425 426.
Villa for sale in San Isidro, 11,500 m2, living area 400 m2, 4 bedrooms, living room, 4 bathrooms, kitchen, dining room, office, double garage, utility room, hobby room, pool, sauna. Telephone 922 390 951, email: horstbrett@gmx.de. Price: €990.000 (negotiable) possibility of payment terms. Website: horstbrett.de German couple looking to buy a 1 bedroom apartment in the south of Tenerife - up to €100.000 cash (we speak English). Tel.: (0034) 662 50 71 91
Urb. Oasis Dakota, Playa Fañabé
3 Bed Semi Detached. Toilet, complete bathroom, separate kitchen, totally equipped, furnished, 35m2 terrace, secure access to pool, infant park, good views, beside commercial centres, 800m from Playa Fañabé, community fees
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
30€/month
Tel 629 244 958 € 155,000
www.teneriffa-fincas.net
Apartment Tabaiba Alta For sale, only five mins away from the German school,
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
Wonderful rustic house available for holiday rental in San Miguel de Abona. 4 bed rooms, independent flat on the roof. Very well furnished with amazing views. Please call for further information. €70 per night for 2 people. €15 per extra person maximum 5 people. Close to the local town, restaurants, bars, cultural centre.
Tel. 616 460 728
British Style Bar
Playa de Las Américas Located just off front line, excellent reputation, regular clientele. Terrace for approximately 10 tables and refurbished interior in timber. Bar walls adorned with memorabilia. Includes store room and Ladies & Gents toilet facilities.
€ 25,000
Alan: 634 098 838
28.4.2016 – 11.5.2016
CLASSIFIEDS | PASTIMES
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 770
43
International Bookshop for sale
Business opportunities
located on one of the Los Cristianos’ busiest streets. Very well established, lots of regular clients and tourist trade. Attractively decorated.
For info call 631 596 309
Vacant / wanted
Instructor required to teach essential life skills and thinking for young kids, in south Tenerife. Diplomas not needed. Please send CV to lin@ rebl.biz. Tel: 696 713 635 Lin.
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)
Situations
Veterinary practice for sale / Tenerife south Fully equipped veterinary 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.
Vehicles To advertise please call 922 75 06 09
Porsche Panamera 2012 / 36.000 km 3.0L- 3.0 D/ Automatic Diesel /Sport 4doors / Color : White 1 Owner
€69,000
Instructor required to teach essential life skills and thinking for young kids, in south Tenerife. Diplomas not needed. Please send CV to lin@ rebl.biz. Tel: 696 713 635 Lin.
Advert Placement www.islandconnections.eu
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
Across
1 - young aquatic bird (8) 6 - chop finely (4) 8 - common bird (6) 9 - arthropod (6) 10 - signal booster (3) 11 - children (4) 12 - keeps (6) 13 - song words (6)
15 - outcome (6) 17 - view of the world (6) 20 - cement (4) 21 - note down (3) 22 - deep blue (6) 23 - spiny tree (6) 24 - bowed stringed instrument (4) 25 - explode (8)
Down
2 - service (7) 3 - hinge joints (5) 4 - internal organs (7) 5 - clutches (5) 6 - dictators (7) 7 - storage space (5) 14 - first (7) 15 - unpleasant person (7)
16 - eye specialist (7) 18 - dissatisfaction (5) 19 - inlet (5) 20 - small particle (5)
MOTORING
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 037
Everyday motoring
Preventing car crime By Wheeler Dealers
Photo: Alicja Michalik / FreeImages.com
Guardia Civil
Timing transport
Photo: Matej Frano / FreeImages.com
It’s an unfair cop Long has been the cry “There go the Guardía Civil, stopping motorists because it’s the end of the month and they have their quotas to fill.” Not an urban myth, the controversial DGT points system for Guardía Civil traffic agents measures if they have earned their monthly ‘bonus’ of €143 or not. Brought into force to replace the highly unpopular RAI system, which was annulled by the courts in 2014, far from being an improvement, the new regulations blatantly reward the passing out of fines over assisting motorists in trouble. The system involves the use of a table of point values for 26 possible actions that the 9,242 traffic agents can make whilst interacting with the public on a daily basis. If any individual does not reach the required number of
Watch out, they are out to get you
points each month, they will first receive two warnings and on the third failure will not receive that extra pay. The Guardía Civil Unified Association (AUGC) has always spoken out against a reward structure such as this, stating that it puts pressure on agents to punish minor infringements which, ultimately, do not improve road safety. The lat-
stopped at traffic lights. Prestige models may well have a tracking device. This has led to a trend of pinch and park thefts, where the car is stolen, then parked up nearby for a few days to see if it is detected by the tracker. If not, the thieves know they are safe to return and pick it up. A few simple safeguards like this may prevent a costly and inconvenient theft, so keep your pride and joy safe! Based on their years of experience in the car industry, Wheeler Dealers will be providing useful advice and in-depth information for the coming editions of Island Connections. Wheeler Dealers, Las Chafiras. Call them n on: 605 318 143.
est legislation continues to cause an outcry, as agents can achieve ten times more points for sanctions than for helping. For example, giving information to a motorist receives 0.10 points, carrying out a rescue carries 1.5 points, but handing out a fine can merit up to three points, with two more points available if the infringement involves alcohol. n
Older drivers – are they safe? According to information from the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico), in Spain there are approximately 3.6 million drivers over 65 years old – around 14 per cent of the total - with almost 1.3 million being over the age of 74. Currently there is no upper age limit for driving in Spain, though the maximum time for renovation of groups B, A1 and A2 drops from every 10 years to each five after the driver reaches the age of 65. Professional categories reduce from every five years to each three after the same age. These standard periods can be reduced, or a license be completely revoked, if someone develops a certain con-
dition, such as epilepsy or a significant deterioration in eyesight , which would seriously affect their ability to take control of a car. Nevertheless, on a yearly basis, older drivers currently account for roughly 16 per cent of serious accident injuries and 29 per cent of deaths on the road in Spain. Though generalisations cannot be made, it is a well documented fact that from the age of around 50, faculties such as eyesight, hearing, reflexes, reaction times and cognitive capacities decline. At the moment, the DGT has confirmed that the government does not have any plans to change any of the age or time limits but has stated
that it will be introducing ongoing education to make older drivers aware of changing risks. Apparently, many of the accidents caused by more mature drivers are not down to any lack of faculties per se, but rather an inability to modify the way they drive as they age. So, if you are an older driver, maybe it is time to alter the way you approach it? Keep speed to a manageable level and try to allow added time for journeys so rushing isn’t necessary. Leave extra stopping distances between yourself and the car in front to compensate for reduced reactions, and generally take into account that it is time to slow down all round! n
©2016 FLN
You would think that, living on a tranquil island like Tenerife, auto theft would not happen much, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to be prepared. Thieves are having to evolve new ways to relieve you of your prized car, because modern security systems such as alarms and immobilisers are great deterrents. On the other hand, what this means is that they are more likely to try to steal the vehicle using the keys. Beware of leaving the car keys anywhere near open windows or doors, or anywhere in plain sight, in fact, even when at home. Do not leave your car keys on the bar or restaurant table. It’s simple to identify which car the keys belong to with the central locking button. Beware of distractions, such as someone
putting something on your table, and then removing it again, including your car keys! Make sure when you leave the car that the central locking has been activated. Sophisticated thieves have developed electronic systems to jam the signal, so you are basically leaving the car unlocked. Don’t leave valuables in the car where they can be seen. This seems an obvious one, but many rent-a-car companies remove the parcel shelves to discourage opportunistic thefts on the premise that people then won´t leave phones, bags or expensive clothing in the car, but it does happen. Don’t put your handbag or laptop on the back seat unless your car automatically locks itself as you pull away. Otherwise you could leave yourself as a target in traffic or when
SPORTS NEWS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 770
Spain manager praise
Photo: Илья Хохлов CC A-S A 3.0 UL
Las Palmas manager Quique Setién says he is honoured to have been mentioned by his counterpart in the national side as a possible future successor. In an interview on Spanish TV, Vicente del Bosque - who is due to stand down from the Spain job after the European Championships in the summer - listed Setién alongside Rafa Benítez among the coaches who have proven their worth in the top flight and could fill his shoes when he retires. The accolade stunned the Las Palmas manager, who expressed his appreciation to Del Bosque. “It is an honour for me to be mentioned by him as a potential successor. The important thing is that anyone who takes over from Del Bosque must remain faithful to his philosophy and ensure the team is remembered for its playing style, not just results” said Setién, whose transformation of Las Palmas from near certainties for relegation into one of the in-form sides of the second half of the n season has not gone unnoticed by major clubs.
Basketball side Iberostar Tenerife have made a surprise signing to boost their chances of reaching the play-offs in Spain’s ACB premiership. The club announced the arrival of playmaker Dani Pérez for the last seven games as backup to cover for Davin White, who has had a few injury issues in recent weeks. The signing of Pérez, who has just completed an impressive season at second-tier Palencia, winning the league and cup double, means that Iberostar Tenerife coach Txus Vidorreta no longer has to play star player Nico Richotti out of position to ease the pressure on White. A top eight finish and qualification for the play-offs would be a miraculous achievement for Vidorreta, who took over at the La Laguna club after it
Nano’s rise
Vicente del Bosque tipped the UD Las Palmas coach as a possible successor
Film award
Surfing the Canarian way
Photo: Promotur
A €50,000 prize is on offer to the best water sports movie filmed on the Islands as part of the Canary Islands Surf Film Award competition which is open until August 1, 2016. Promotur Turismo de Canarias will award the prize to the best sports movie based on riding the Islands’ wind and waves. All films about bodyboarding, windsurfing or kitesurfing and filmed in the archipelago will be eligible to enter. Promotur Turismo de Canarias is a government agency that has initiated a series of promotions to raise awareness and excitement for the upcoming surf season. The unique Atlantic location of the Canary Islands brings regular swells to our coastlines and waves that are often in the two to four metre range. The islands’ varied and constant currents give powerful conditions n throughout the year and guarantee high speeds.
Make your stunning surf film and win a €50,000 prize!
The hottest footballing property in Tenerife at the moment is keeping his feet firmly on the ground despite being in the spotlight. Alexander Mesa, popularly known as Nano, has taken full advantage of the chances given to him by Pep Martí and has found the net on average approximately once every 100 minutes, notching up eleven goals as the last stretch of the season approached. His goals, including a brace in the 2-2 draw at leaders Alavés and the winner against Albacete, have been instrumental in helping Tenerife pull well clear of the relegation spots in the second division and he is already attracting interest from bigger clubs. However, Nano insists he is very much a local lad and his first priority is to stay with the club that has seen him grow as a player ever since he was tempted away as a young boy from neighbours La Laguna. His rise to goal-scoring stardom is nothing short of spectacular bearing in mind that he was very much a fringe player at the start of the sea-
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Iberostar sign playmaker
Photo: D. Iván López
Back-up boost
Setién ‘honoured’
Iberostar Tenerife signed Dani Pérez for the last seven games
opened the season with a losing sequence of 0-5. Meanwhile, speculation is growing that Blagota Sekulic will not
be at the club next season. The Montenegran international had an impressive early part of the year but has performed
poorly in the second half and has been criticised by fans and the media for appearing disinn terested on court.
Feet on the ground for new star
Photo: CD Tenerife
28.4.2016 – 11.5.2016
son. “Our technical director Alfonso Serrano said I would play an important part this season and, although it did not look like it initially, it has come true” said the striker. Nano listed Cristiano Ronaldo and Ayoze Pérez, his former youth team colleague who is now at Newcastle, among his n football idols.
Nano’s first goal against Alavés
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SPORTS NEWS | POOL LEAGUE
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 037
Rugby
Ñandú finish on a high his first start as inside centre and beat a total of 9 players in two runs. Special mentions must go to Jacob Oakenfold, who scored 29 points, and Gabriel Mendez, who scored a total of 21. This puts the players on par with Facundo Patsouris and Tomi Jacob who have all scored more than 20 points in a single game.
Donations needed
Ñandú showed the flair of the All Blacks!
Ñandú v Fuerteventura Final Score: 75-5 The final match of the league phase arrived and the boys were geared up and ready for the challenge. The game was against Fuerteventura; the only team to have broken the Ñandú defence in the league so far. Post-match analysis of the previous game against The Boat-
Team results
men revealed areas that required focussing on in training. The backline needed to improve decision making and develop more tactical control. Over the course of the week, the senior leaders grouped their units together and worked tirelessly to ensure that progress was made. Difficult questions were asked, and they were
The boys confronted the challenge with effort and enthusiasm
all answered as Ñandú put together a scintillating display of attacking rugby. A style that even the All Blacks would be proud of! The first try was scored by fullback Francisco Ferryera, who crossed the line after the ball was sent wide and popped back inside to open up the space. The first half saw Ñandú’s
delivered the ball to the backs who then executed perfectly timed passes and offloads to put Gabriel Trujilio through. After a stuttering display in their last match, the backline was under pressure to perform. They started the match calm and collected, and made daring runs across the gain line. Toby Denholm-Smith made
Tenerife Pool Super League
Division one results Legends A continued their impressive form with a wellearned victory over Scruffys, 6-4. Legends B hosted Summerland Elite with both teams challenging for the runners-up position. After last week’s surprise exit from the cup competition, Elite were back on form grinding out a 6-4 win which moves them five points clear of Legends B. Marius & Lo were good value for their 8-2 scoreline against Polygon Legends, with father and son Andy and Sam winning both their singles matches. They managed to cope without young Zac, and the win keeps them a close third in the table. The thrashing of the night was at Dos Hermanos who only managed to win one pairs game to stop the whitewash. The ever reliable Neil had an off-night and the team cer-
finest try, with some claiming it as the finest ever scored by a Ñandú team. A perfectly delivered lineout ball provided Mateo Paolin (the scrum-half) with a quick ball to launch the powerful pod of Gregorio Prieto, Axel Morano and Facundo Patsouris into the midfield. Inter-play and switching between the players
The Ñandú Under 18 side has been invited to a National Championship Tournament in Villajoyosa from May 7 to 8, which is an amazing opportunity to play high-level rugby. Obviously this costs a lot so the club is trying to raise funds through sponsorship, donations, etc. If a number of companies can donate €250 to €500, the club will include their logo on a special banner being made for publicity shots. For further information or to make a donation, contact Paul on 664 361 058. Alternatively, email him at: nandurugbytenerife@gmail.com. n
James Place recorded a fine win against Summerland Shooters
tainly looks doomed for the second division after losing 9-1 against Sloops; who are still in the shake up for second place but the games are running out. Legendry Jokers travelled to Palm Mar to play Clouseaus, defeating them 7-3. They must be on a high after victory in the semi final of the cup last week. They’re still not sure of their opponents as the other game was postponed. Note that the finals will be held at Bar Nauta.
Division two results Champions elect Boothen Bar played bottom of the table Scruffy Macs and suffered a shock first defeat of the season, losing 7-3. Not taking anything away from Scruffy Macs but with the recent tragedy in Los Cristianos it’s possible their minds may have been elsewhere. Our prayers and condolences go out to the families who lost loved ones. Bar Nauta are steadily climbing
the table after victory against Bar Leones, 7-3. Palms Pool Bar lost at home to the Tavern, 7-3. Summerland Shooters were beaten 6-4 by James Place, with the impressive form of their captain, James, moving him into second place in the singles stats. Bar 180C earned a point at home to Lupain Properties, who were 5-3 in front but lost the final two singles matches. That is consecutive draws for Lupain, who seem to be in freefall. The Hunters game was cancelled by n Grandee O’Donnell’s.
Tenerife Pool Super League Powered by EXPRESS BAR DELIVERIES S.L. Information supplied by Tenerife Pool Super League www.tenerifepoolleague.com
1st Division - Tenerife Pool Super League Standings
2nd Division - Tenerife Pool Super League Standings
CD Tenerife
FOOTBALL AND SPORTS NEWS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 770
Tenerife still on track for play-offs
By Chris Todd
17/04/2016 Tenerife 1 Albacete 0 It took a while to make the breakthrough but the blanquiazules thoroughly deserved their win against a struggling Albacete at the wrong end of the table. The first half, as is often the case in the Heliodoro, can be a cagey affair with both sides preferring not to concede rather than go for broke. Having said that, Tenerife have been playing some good football and under Pep Marti this is a different side; confident and spirited with a game plan to rival the best in the league.
Photos: CD Tenerife
The blanquiazules recently continued their great run of form and a late push into the play-off zone is a realistic possibility. CD Tenerife is now unbeaten in 10 games and has kept clean sheets in seven out of their last eight games. The maths are simple; they are sitting pretty in the league with 50 points. The amount calculated to gain a place in the play-offs is 62 points, so another four wins are needed from the remaining eight matches to guarantee a place.
was never in doubt despite the slim lead.
Fans are slowly but surely returning to Santa Cruz. A crowd of 11,769 turned up for this match, the highest in the league that weekend, and the bond between the players and the fans is as high as ever. The only thing to spoil the first half was the referee with his constant whistleblowing and favouritism towards the away side, it appeared. When goalkeeper Dani was clattered just before the break, not even a yellow card was shown. After treatment Dani played the rest of the half but he left the pitch just after the break unable to play on. On his way off he muttered a few choice words to the referee to force his fifth yellow card, which will mean a suspension. The goal was on its way and what a beauty it was! Choco
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24/04/2016 Córdoba 0 CD Tenerife 0 This was a decent point for Tenerife and the last time they tasted defeat on their travels was way back in February. It was a match mainly played in the centre of the park rather
players can step in and do a job; that will be crucial for this potentially thrilling run-in. Tenerife had the ball in the net on the half an hour mark but it was disallowed. It was first thought that Choco had fouled the opposition keeper but later the officials claimed that it had been cancelled for offside. Replays clearly showed
against a well organised Tenerife defence. Carlos Ruiz in the heart of the defence was outstanding as ever and it was his goal line clearance that saved the day for the blanquiazules when a goal looked certain. The 0-0 result keeps both teams in the hunt but Tenerife will be the happier side. The unbeaten run continues and
than in the penalty areas, with a lot of respect shown from both sides. Ever present goalkeeper Dani and right back Camera were missing through suspension and their places were taken without any dramas by Roberto and Cristian respectively. It is good to know that the backup
it was not offside but it was accepted by our fans who appreciated that we enjoyed a tight decision in our favour a few weeks ago when Suso scored. Cheered on by almost 14,000 supporters, Cordoba took control of large parts of the second half but could only muster a few half chances
a tricky away match has been dealt with. Next up is another tricky away game at promotion chasing Girona. If we can grab points there it will be fantastic and will set up the following home game against Elche as one of the biggest games on the island for a long while. The dream is still alive! n
The fans are getting right behind Tenerife CD Tenerife in action against Albacete
had been quiet but his superb control and simple through-ball found Nano and the youngster prodded the ball under the stranded visiting keeper, 1-0! Tenerife were showing their swagger again and chances were being created through the winger Suso, who is enjoying a second wind. As the cries of “Sí se puede” (yes, we can) echoed around the stadium in the hot spring sunshine you just had the feeling that perhaps this could be our year. Albacete was hardly able to launch an attack as Tenerife dominated and the victory
Photos: CD Tenerife
28.4.2016 – 11.5.2016
Local football fun
Nomads FC’s latest champions! Sponsored by: Foreign Language News & www.windowsplus.co.uk Nomads FC’s Under-8 team are league champions! What a great achievement for our youngest team, winning a tough league in their first season of playing competitive games. Well done to all the kids, coaches and parents, as it was very much a joint effort by all. Also our Nomads Under-14 and Under-12 sides have done very well in their leagues, finishing in third place. All teams now advance to an end of season cup format, so good luck to everyone involved. A new top-quality surface has been installed at the Los Cris-
Nomads FC’s Under-8 side are the league champions
tianos football pitch. Nomads FC is proud to announce that their facilities – where the
children’s teams train, adult league games take place, and private football groups play –
has just got even better, with a specially-fitted, top of the range playing surface.
During the past few weeks, Premier Football Services has taken an American team on a tour of Spain, and the under 11 side from Malaga recently played against Scottish Premier League academy teams. This is our real speciality: taking teams abroad to experience local football and cultures. If any players or teams want to travel with us in the future, please get in touch. The Nomads Football youth teams will go on 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. More info on the trips can be found at: www.
nomadsfc.com. We are starting a new first and second division 6-a-side league, so if any players would like to join then please let us know. We will find a team that best suits your level and availability. Nomads Youth Football Club still needs a few extra players for the Under-10s, 12s and 14s teams. We are looking for players to join and we provide weekly football sessions at our training facilities in Los Cristianos. 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: n www.premfs.com.
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PROMOTION
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 037