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July 7 – July 20, 2016 July fiestas
Glastonbury
Going out guide
Out there
Puerto’s celebrations
Down on the farm again
Tenerife’s coolest nightspots
Vine and pine combine
Page 8
Pages 10 & 11
Pages 13, 14 & 15
Page 19
Diving for wine
A nice drop in the ocean Ocean and land are currently combining to help produce extra special Canarian wines. The company Bodega Submarina de Canarias (Canarian Submarine Wine Cellar), based in the south of Tenerife, launched the Islands’ first complete underwater wine storage system a year ago, and their first tasting event took place recently at the Casa del Vino in El Sauzal with great success. Owner, Roberto González Gil, killed two birds with one stone when he set up the business – providing the Islands with one of the world’s largest underwater systems of its kind, catering for wine producers and connoisseurs alike, as well as installing a new tourist attraction in the south of the island.
Ingenious inception During the financial crisis, Roberto went through a tough period. He lost his job as a certified diver, and as a father to two small children was forced to take any work he could find
already signed deals with prestigious labels such as Ferrera, Acevedo, Reverón, Cumbres de Abona, Presas Ocampo, and Prodiflora, who can dunk their wines into underwater cellars for between three months and a year. Not only that, he has now joined an elite sector – there are only a handful of installations like this around the world, including those in Chile, France and the Basque region of Northern Spain.
What is an underwater wine cellar?
A very unusual idea has taken shape on the seabed - the Islands’ first underwater bodega, and the biggest in Europe
just to get by. Then one day while listening to the radio he heard about an underwater wine cellar in Chile. “The idea excited me immediately”,
he said. “I was hooked and couldn’t let go. I made enquiries and registered for the necessary licences, etc. A few private investors became inter-
ested and after three years we were open for business”. The bodega has a capacity of up to 5,000 bottles and González has
The so named ‘Bodega Submarina’ matures wine on the seabed at a depth of 18m, around 200m from the coast of San Miguel de Abona. The bottles are encased in a specially designed structure where new wines remain for around three months and Crianza wines up to half a year.
Continued on page two
CANARY ISLANDS
Atlantic wine cellar Continued from the front page González, who is now quite the connoisseur, explained what happens to the wine during its time underwater: “It is subjected to steady pressure and a constant tem-
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A bodega with a difference “Among the first bodegas who dared to try the new method was Ferrera from Güímar. They have marketed the wine as Vino Atlántico and even designed a special label for it. Prodiflora has entrusted us with their Malvasia, the Bodega Reverón is taking part, and
ment, and you have to take into account that for any diver’s safety there is a maximum of 50 minutes that he can stay under water. In addition, the installation weighs 15 tons and is therefore not something that can be easily stolen.” No wonder he is convinced that the
What about the environment?
Underwater wine tasting – cheers! Bottles are stored in a specially designed structure from three months up to a year
perature of 15 to 17 degrees Celsius. In combination with the tides and gravity this produces a positive effect on the tartaric acid, giving it flavour and mildness. Mature wines even change their character and become more balanced. During the first wine tasting we organised in the Casa del Vino, we had a blind test with a bottle from the sea and one of the same wine that had remained on land. Seventy per cent preferred the wine which had been stored in the Atlantic. “There is a small underwater bodega in the Basque Country, but due to the roughness of the sea it can’t be used all year round. Nevertheless, those wines are already traded at prices of up to €150 and more. We are still quite reasonable at the moment as our prices are around €25 per bottle.
Popping down to the cellar
recently the Bodega Monje has sunk its first bottles. So far, the winemakers who work with us have had very good feedback. The quality of wines is improving, the prices per bottle are slightly higher and, above all, most were almost sold out before they were barely back on land. The idea has been well received and is garnering interest in larger circles”. Luckily, the owner is not afraid of theft from his sub-aquatic beverage stash. “The module they are stored in is well secured, it is only possible to open it with special equip-
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entrusted wines are absolutely safe.
A tantalising tourist attraction Bottles matured in this novel manner provide wine lovers on land with a very special taste experience, and some restaurants are already offering them to the public, much to their delight. González can also take divers on guided trips to see the underwater cellar for themselves. They can even choose a bottle of wine and take it back
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to shore. Once in San Miguel again the divers can make full use of their ‘treasure’ at a local restaurant where they will also be served tapas. It’s definitely a dive with a difference, one that is proving popular with wine aficionados, but it is also one full of beauty as the storage unit is picturesquely embedded in a natural sand basin. From around September onwards boat trips are also planned for those who cannot dive but are interested in the attraction. They will be able to follow the action on camera as their chosen bottle of wine is retrieved from the seabed and brought to the boat. For certain groups it is even possible to go down in a capsule filled with oxygen to conduct a very special wine tasting indeed. Collaboration with local craftsmen is planned, to give the ‘sea
bottles’ even greater exclusivity. One idea is to use amphorae made in the same style as the Islands’ coveted original pottery. Once the wine has been savoured, the vessel remains as a souvenir.
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Of course, the protection of the environment must be considered in such cases. No one can just sink anything they like on the seabed. “The fact that we are so far away from the coast has meant that there haven’t been any worries of that kind. On the contrary, I would even say that there are benefits to the environment. On night dives we have already encountered juvenile squid making the most of the safety the unit provides so they can develop in peace. Various different crustaceans have also recognised the opportunity and even the rare Canary lobster has apparently found a new habitat”, Roberto says enthusiastically. As a professional diver he holds the ocean ecosystem particularly dear and is pleased that his business idea and the Atlantic form such a harmonious symbiosis. From an initially negative situation, such as unemployment, he has created a new project that offers positive and sustainable development for many of those involved on both water and land. Anyone who wants to know more about the process or buying some of the wine can visit the website at: www.bodegasubmarinadecanarias.com. n Credit all photos: Bodega Submarina de Canarias
European Union European Regional Development Fund
“Creating Europe” This company has qualified for subsidies from the Spanish Government, cofinanced by funding from the European Regional Development Fund, for the transport of merchandise in the Canaries.
7.7.2016 – 20.7.2016
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Luxury services
Superyachts for Santa Cruz
The company Palumbo Superyachts has announced the opening of a base station in the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The company currently has offices in Naples, Mesina, Malta and Marseilles, and the Tenerife branch will be the first outside the Mediterranean region. In Naples and Mesina, Palumbo offers the construction, repair, maintenance and renovation of boats and cruise ships. In Malta and Marseilles, the company has specifically focused on super and mega yachts. Tenerife will be an innovative logistics platform in the Atlantic for the different services it will offer in this area. Palumbo’s spokeswoman, Daniela Spinelli said: “Medium and long term, the station in the port of Santa Cruz will become a reference in the Canary Islands. For us, the Islands offer an ideal location. They are connected by more than 30 shipping companies, with more than 500 ports around the world. We also have other modern ports available, which have good storage and plant capacities.” Cutting edge technology, repair services and other essential services will be offered to sailors from around the world via this platform. n
Comprehensive services for luxury yachts will soon be available in Santa Cruz
Show of solidarity
Maspalomas is Orlando In a recent show of solidarity, the LGBT community in Gran Canaria recently celebrated the 47th anniversary of the first gay demonstration. The landmark protest took place in New York on June 28, 1968. At that time, homosexuals were tired of being repeatedly attacked and discriminated against by the local police in their local Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street. They called for tolerance, a requirement that is still extremely relevant 47 years later, bearing in mind the attack on June 12 in Orlando, which left 50 dead and over 50 injured. Throughout the day people held posters on the Plaza de la Diversidad Dario Jaén, in front of the Yumbo Shopping Centre in Maspalomas, and statements were collected. During the ceremony the mayor of San Bartolomé, Marco Aurelio, called for more tolerance. In an emotional speech, he stressed: “I stand for respect and call for us to strengthen the diversity
Many people joined the demonstration in solidarity with Orlando in Maspalomas
that unites us. This is characteristic of today’s society in which we move and evolve. Maspalomas is Orlando - we are all Orlando”. The initiative was launched by 33-year-old Brian Jenkins. The North American was born in Orlando and has lived in
Gran Canaria since 2012, where he runs an ecological paper business. Jenkins said that “this initiative is a sign of love and solidarity with the people of Orlando after the attack. In the US, they should know where Gran Canaria is. For me, Maspalomas is one of
the finest and most respectful tourist areas in the world and has the largest LGBT community in Europe”. With these words, he sent clips, Facebook extracts and many video messages that were collected during the day, back home to n Orlando.
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Starmus 2016 Starmus: Tribute to Stephen Hawking – Beyond the Horizon was announced by Garik Israelian, Brian May and Stephen
as a musician, notably with the 90s pop band D:Ream, then as a physicist, and more recently as a TV presenter of predominantly science related shows. The following day, some of the featured speakers included
ery that used family footage, Hawking took the enchanted audience on a journey through his early life in 1940s London up to the present day, acknowledging personal and career highlights during his illustrious lifetime. Brian Eno delivered his speech titled At the Crossroads of Art and Science, which was followed by talks by Joseph
Stephen Hawking on stage Bono and The Edge supplied a musical tribute to Starmus
Photo: ESO/G. Huedepohl CC A 4.0 IL
Brian May during a visit to an astronomical observatory
ates, Adam Riess, Eric Betzig, and Robert Wilson, as well as the famous physicist, Brian Cox. The latter famously started life
The Sonic Universe concert at the Tenerife Auditorium in Santa Cruz concluded the Starmus Festival. Sarah Brightman was joined on stage by the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra, who delivered a brilliant spine tingling performance.
Neil deGrasse Tyson and Jill Tarter, who held a discussion on Intelligent Life in the Universe, as well as Roger Penrose and Chris Rapley, among many others. Brian Eno and Anathema performed a short acoustic musical set for the evening’s special Star Party. June 29 was a big day in the programme. Hosted by Brian Cox, it started with a special presentation by the honoured guest, Stephen Hawking. In a charming and humorous deliv-
Sarah Brightman gave a wonderful performance with the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra
Hawking in April 2015, at a press conference in London. Most of the events were staged at the Pirámide de Arona concert
Sonic Universe
The Stephen Hawking Medal awards followed with the professor on stage and Brian May and the Russian cosmonaut Alexei Leonov officiating. The audience was treated to onscreen delights including a live transmission from the International Space Station and musical tributes from Bono and The Edge (U2), and Peter Gabriel with Sting, all watched closely by Stephen Hawking. The final part of the evening was completed by performances by the group Anathema, Chris Hadfield and Rick Wakeman with three David Bowie hits, a speech by the astrophysicist Kip Thorne on black holes, which was supported with visual effects by Paul Franklin, and music created for the occasion by Hans Zimmer and Brian May. For full information on the Starmus event, see the organiser’s website at: www.starmus. n com.
A stage of Starmus stars, including Stephen Hawking, Brian May, Brian Cox and Neil deGrasse Tyson
A brief history Starmus was conceived by Garik Israelian and Brian May, guitarist with legendary rock group, Queen. In 2007, May finished his PhD dissertation on zodiacal dust, which he had to put on hold in 1974 when Queen began to achieve significant success. Garik, also a musician, became May’s advisor when he came to Tenerife to study. The pair struck up a friendship which led to the idea of a science event incorporating art and music. In the past, Starmus has featured celebrated astronauts, scientists and artists such as Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Richard Dawkins. This year, the organisers managed to top the first Starmus in 2011 and its follow-up in 2014 with an even more explosive event of science and music.
venue in South Tenerife, with the closing ceremony and Sonic Universe concert held at the Tenerife Auditorium in Santa Cruz. Starmus 2016 started on June 27 with an opening ceremony and talks by three Nobel Laure-
Photo: www.qmusica.com
The third Starmus festival went off with a big bang, making the popular international event the brightest one yet. Between June 27 and July 2, Starmus: Tribute to Stephen Hawking – Beyond the Horizon took place at various locations in Tenerife, featuring star names such as: Brian Cox, Brian May, Brian Eno, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Hans Zimmer, and of course Stephen Hawking himself. The Festival celebrates the wonder of the cosmos and the scientific progress being made to understand where we came from and what’s out there. It is open to anybody and attracts people from all walks of life who share a passion for astronomy, science, art and music – which the event combines in a very polished and entertaining programme.
Star-filled Starmus
Photo: www.qmusica.com
Another big bang
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Photo: Gerard Zenou
Stiglitz, Martin Rees and David Gross, among others. Evening events included a discussion on Evolution between Richard Dawkins and Steve Balbus, and Brian May introduced his presentation entitled: The 3D Universe. On June 30, there was a live transmission from the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory in La Palma and a Round Table discussion, followed by the highly-anticipated final day celebrations.
Since the predominantly Conservative and UKIP ‘Brexit’ campaign registered 52 per cent of the vote during the EU referendum held on Thursday June 23, division has split the UK with many harbouring strong views about the result. Scotland and Northern Ireland both voted to Remain with England and Wales opting for Leave. The latter was the final outcome. However, the fallout from the vote has yet to calm down and David Cameron’s decision to resign as Prime Minister has been followed by heat on other Remain campaigners, including Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. Clearly, the aftermath of the vote will rumble on for some time, as negotiations to leave the union and global trade deals are thrashed out. Simon Manley, the British Ambassador to Spain, said after the referendum: “I am very aware from the questions and uncertainty about what the result means for Britons. There is no immediate change and you still have exactly the same
Brexit blues or patriotic pride? rights and access to Spanish healthcare and other public services just as before. Leaving the EU will be a gradual process and the UK will only begin negotiations after we have a new Prime Minister. Until they are concluded, the UK remains a full member of the European Union.” Here are some reactions from British residents in the UK, Canary Islands and further afield. “I am very angry, and desperately sad.” Lyn, Malmesbury. “I think Brussels was getting too big for its boots. I wouldn’t want to live in the UK but it’s good to know that there’s a corner of Europe that sticks up for freedoms that are denied to other EU members. Up with Europe, down with the EU.” Billy, Bognor. “I’m not British (my ancestors were, however) but based on what I understand, it is not a bright move. Humans on this planet need to find a way to circumvent politics, greed, immorality, and the neglect
of our environment. Oh, and rather stupidly, be able to come together not move further apart!” Creighton, USA.
tar? And what will happen to all the Brits living abroad, like me and many friends?” Chatchi, Manchester.
“The people of the UK have had their whole communities cut beyond tolerance. This
“The people have decided – democracy at work. Perhaps time will tell but let’s just get on with it now!” Anthony, Costa Adeje.
David Cameron resigned after the Brexit result
result is just the beginning of a revolt against the elitists and EU bureaucrats who lord it over every European nation.” Stephen, Surrey. “Together is stronger I believe. It is a total disaster as far as I understand it. Did people really understand what it would mean? Now what will happen to Scotland, Ireland and Gibral-
“I really don’t think that the people who voted to leave realise what they have unleashed. Some say it was a protest vote.
Astral Media CC A 2.0 GL
UK to leave EU
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Photo: Tom Evans OGL v3.0
7.7.2016 – 20.7.2016
Nigel Farage was an important figure for the Leave campaign
Should this not be done in a local council or general election and not in such an important widespread subject as our EU membership? Many who voted leave now regret it. As a Scot who will soon be living in Tenerife, the feeling here is very strong with the polls
showing a large increase in independence support. We are being taken out of the EU against our will. Interesting and sad times ahead.” John, Edinburgh. “It was the right result. Merkel, Schöbel and MEPs can play a hard game with the UK post-Brexit trade deal but if VW can’t sell their cars into UK, German voters will have their say next!” Steve, Granadilla. “I am from Spain and have lived in the UK for 13 years. My wife and family are here, my kids at school. Now I no longer know where our future lies. We are just dragging ourselves through each day, it’s so depressing.” P. González, Cheshire. “Britain and the whole of Europe needed shaking up. It’s the best thing that could have happened. Maybe politicians will realise that the public is not happy with their tricks and lies anymore.” M. Rogers, Sheffield. “I am gutted about the outcome. I feel like we have gone
back 40 years. Whatever happened to solidarity?” C. Dunn, Brighton. “At least Brexit means that the people of Britain can have their own say. The UK government isn’t perfect, but at least we can talk to them directly now.” S. Shaw, Yorkshire. “I believe that the older generation has selfishly taken a lot of opportunities away from the younger generation.” Marion, London. “Democracy has spoken – and what a sweet voice!” Bryan, San Miguel. “I believe that the EU referendum was more to give the masses the illusion of choice where in reality there is none: right and left wings belong to the same bird. Where are the referendums on money reform, healthcare and education reform? Asking the people to vote on things they have no idea about leaves it wide open to manipulation by media spin.” Ross, El n Médano.
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International convention
The route to Africa words with Dr. Oleg Parfentyev from Russia as he chatted to Mikhail Gordin of the Russian National Research Centre and Stephan Hannemann of Holland’s Embraer Commercial Aviation. Dr Parfentyev, a pilot and designer of versatile biplanes, had flown in on a seven hour direct Aeroflot flight from Moscow. A fellow passenger on that journey was The convention highlighted the current wealth of business openings in the African market This year’s Routes Africa convention was represented by 26 airlines and 70 airports
By Colin Kirby When 190 travel professionals get together you can be sure that it will spark new ideas, new partnerships, and new opportunities. That’s what happened when the Bahia del Duque Hotel recently hosted the Routes Africa convention, with 26 airlines and 70 airports represented. Not only did it put the spotlight on the wealth of business openings in the booming African market, it also enhanced Tenerife’s growing reputation for conference hosting. People make things happen, the forums and summits were keenly attended, and informal face to face meetings and receptions encouraged the free flow of ideas. Delegates were also offered a series of tours to see some of the many attractions that Tenerife has to offer. Although the focus was on Africa, visitors were attracted from all over the world. At the welcome reception at the
hotel beach club there were delegates from Russia, mainland Spain, and all corners of Africa, as well as media from the United States. Arona Mayor José Julián Mena presented a cake to Adrian Newton, Group Director of organisers UBM-EMEA to mark the tenth year of Routes Africa. Hendrik Hogervorst, representing Frankfurt Airport, told me that he had been to previous gatherings and was looking to establish some useful new
contacts. The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe covered plenty of ground with their six delegates, while Emir Rogers of Sierra Leone shared his hopes for expansion with Baboucar Cham of Gambia. Conversations were breaking down geographical barriers and that mood was matched by the anarchic procession of the 101 Brass Band with a different take on some modern favourites. During a musical lull I grabbed a few
Alexei Leonov, the first man to space walk, on his way to the Starmus Festival. All eight airports from the Canary Islands were represented, including Tenerife North and South, which are linked to 150 national and international airports. There are 200 Canarian companies operating in Africa and that is expected to grow rapidly with Tenerife established as a business hub and gateway linking Africa to four continents. n
Joseph Stiglitz
Trickle-down economics “doesn’t work”
By Lorena Cabrera
In his conference ‘Growing Inequality: Laws of Nature or Laws of Men’ at the recent Starmus festival, economist Joseph Stiglitz analysed the various aspects of growing inequality that divide society. The Nobel Prize winner criticised wage inequality with examples of the exorbitant bonuses of bankers “that almost brought the system to ruin”. Whilst proffering the Scandinavian countries and Canada, “the Scandinavian US”, as good examples to follow, he stressed that the unequal distribution of global wealth is a much greater problem than just wage inequality. “If the 62 richest people in the world own the same as the poorest half of the world’s population, it demonstrates that ‘trickle down economics’ does not work”, he stated. He also presented alternative interpretations to the growing inequality being changes in supply and demand and the intergenerational transmission of advantage, adding: “There is a growing recognition that inequality in our society not only weakens the economy but undermines democracy and divides society, with consequences that are already evident”. He reminded us that this situation is not an inevitable one - since it is not the laws of nature but the laws of man that have led us to this condition. Evidently, all we have to do is change the ‘rules of the game’ when it comes to the power exercised by large firms on the market (the TTIP Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership is a series of trade negotiations being carried out mostly in secret between the EU and US) and the currently weakened bargaining power of workers. There is certainly a growing sense of social injustice and a lack of trust in institutions, including those that have been committed to creating and maintaining a fair society. When IC-Media had the opportunity to ask his opinion on the policy of the Partido Popular and the acting government in Spain, Stiglitz replied: “As there is still such a high rate of unemployment in Spain since the crisis began in 2008, I call it a failure. These are eight years of suffering for many people. Every economy recovers but this is one of the slowest recoveries one has seen. I think it is the austerity policies that Rajoy and Europe have pursued. So, to those who form the government: I hope you have learned your lesson and that if you continue with these austerity policies there will be continued economic failure.” n
Photo: Lorena Cabrera
Joseph Stiglitz (right) with cosmologist Martin Rees
7.7.2016 – 20.7.2016
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suspect in Gran Canaria
Tragic trial Antonio Ojeda Bordón, also known as ‘Juan el Rubio’ is suspected of abducting and possibly murdering seven-yearold Yeremi Vargas in March 2007. In the latest, and hopefully final, development in the case that has baffled investigators since that fateful day, Ojeda has been returned to his home island with approximately 55 other prisoners. As reported here, Yeremi was playing together with his cousins near the family home in Vecindario when he disappeared, and his family has never given up campaigning, or hope, for his return. Ojeda came under suspicion whilst in custody in Algeciras in the Peninsula, accused of the sexual abuse of another boy in December 2012 in El Doctoral, also in Gran Canaria. He had been transferred off the Islands as there was concern that other inmates would attack him due to the nature of the offence,
Yeremi Vargas disappeared on March 10, 2007
but had requested that the prison authorities allow him to return. Several weeks ago, before he could be moved, strong links were found which could tie him to the Yeremi case, and he has now been brought back to the Islands to answer the charges. Landing at the Gando military base in a plane that was specially chartered, the 56-yearold suspect was then taken to the Las Palmas II Prison in San
Bartolomé de Tirajana. Yeremi’s family was there to see the military escort pass. The young boy’s maternal grandfather José Suarez spoke to the press: “We have been torn apart by everything that has happened. If this man has any honour left he should tell us as soon as possible where we can find Yeremi, so the ordeal we have been living for more than nine years can finally be over, please do not let us suffer any longer”, he begged. “We are devastated. We have been living in limbo all this time, we need him to tell us where he is”, added Yeremi’s mother. The date of July 13 has been scheduled for the first judicial interrogation of the suspect in San Bartolomé de Tirajana. The trial for sexual abuse in El Doctoral will be conducted before a court in Las Palmas. So far, the accused has refused to comn ment on either case.
Sick step father
Brave brother records sister’s abuse A 42-year-old from La Gomera was recently detained under suspicion of sexually molesting his partner’s eleven-yearold daughter. The family is based in Hermigua in the north of La Gomera, and the victim’s brother had apparently suspected the boyfriend of abusing his sister for some time. He then took the brave step of making an audio recording whilst the girl and
‘step father’ were supposedly in the house alone. On it can evidently be heard sounds of the accused approaching the victim and undertaking abuse. According to the local law enforcement agency, the mother of the youngster was the one who reported the incident to Guardía Civil in the island’s capital, San Sebastián. A medical exami-
nation of the girl apparently revealed lesions concurrent with her having been sexually assaulted. The suspect was interrogated and detained. He was then transported by boat to the harbour in Los Cristianos and from there to the Tenerife II Prison. The recording was handed over to the prosecutor’s office in Madrid for forenn sic analysis.
Fountain restored
Water nice surprise! A monument to tourism in Caleta de Fuste that has lain abandoned and in a deteriorated condition for several years has now been restored to its former glory – with aplomb. The Fuente al Turista (Tourists’ Fountain), designed by artist Pepe Melián from Antigua, was
The fountain in Caleta de Fuste has been restored to its former glory
inaugurated in June 2002. Unfortunately, it had since suffered neglect and become an eyesore rather than a tribute. The monument is now not only in action again but has an added bonus for those passing – a musical backdrop to the impressive cascading n water and light show.
Habitual thief tale
Car ‘kidnapper’ caught A man has been arrested in Puerto de la Cruz for multiple counts of car theft and extortion. The habitual thief is accused of stealing five vehicles, three uses of stolen identities and 24 thefts from inside various cars. He is also being held for various cases of extortion: where he stole the cars and demanded a ransom from the owners for the privilege of having them
returned unharmed. Three of the schemes had already been successful and monies paid, and a further two were ongoing. He is said to have also set fire to one vehicle when the owner refused to pay up. The man appeared to have perfected a method of interfering with and decrypting the locking systems of cars so he could produce duplicate keys. According to the National Police, dur-
ing the search of the suspect’s apartment various potential pieces of evidence were found by investigators. These included blank keys, wave signal inhibitors, gadgets for electronic immobilisation disconnections, voice distortion equipment and weapon ammunition of various calibres. Apparently, the accused already has a record of 41 arrests and was thus taken n into custody.
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July fiestas
A wet and merry celebration
Falling off the tree trunk is not always elegant but fun is guaranteed!
In July, the northern metropolis of Puerto de la Cruz is in great party mood. The Fiesta del Carmen, in honour of the patron saint of fishermen and sailors, is one of the highlights. The town’s councillor for festivals, Ruymán García said: “The July festival symbolises our roots. It is a heritage which is passed on from generation to generation”. At the start of the festivities on Thursday July 7, there will be a grand gala commencing at 9.30pm in front of the town hall in Plaza Europa, to select this year’s Queen of the Fiestas. The gala director, David Hernández, said: “It is a great show which is elegant and dynamic. The theme is the famous Spanish TV series from the seventies, Vacaciones en el Mar, and its connection with Puerto de la Cruz and the ocean”. Hernández announced that the real stars will be the nine candidates for the coveted beauty title. Mayor Lope Afonso added that “the town has seen “a brilliant past and some difficult years but if we are guided by our
trademark of elegance and dynamism, we will recover the image that we want to project to our residents and visitors”. Over the 31 days of July there will be over 100 activities to suit all ages, with plenty of sports, concerts and dancing.
Fiesta del Carmen After the election of the Queen it is traditional that the second Tuesday in July is the great day of the patron saint, the Virgen del Carmen y de San Telmo. This year it falls on July 12. This exciting day starts around 10am with a breakfast to suit those with a sweet tooth; the Chocolatada, or hot chocolate. At around 11am the folk groups arrive to accompany the fishing competition for children and adults. The Gran Cucaña, during which many people take a cheerful dip in the sea, lasts until around 5.30pm. The participants have to balance on an oiled tree trunk to capture the flag at the end. It is a difficult and slippery task, which usu-
ally ends with a big splash in the harbour for most! Spectators and adventurous young flag hunters have an equally good time while they wait for the most important part of the celebrations: the procession of the patron saint. At 5.30pm a mass is held which culminates in a grand procession to the harbour. The statue of the Virgen is taken out on a fishing boat to the open sea surrounded by reverent yet enthusiastic crowds. On their return there is a fireworks display. This devotion to the Virgen is touching and yet so full of energy, and totally indicative of the Canarian way of life.
Party time Other highlights include the giant paella on Wednesday July 13, at 12 noon at the port of Puerto de la Cruz. On Saturday July 16 at 10pm, the big party called the Fiesta de Blanco Puretas takes place in the Plaza Europa, with fun and dancing which continues into the early hours of the morning.
From 10am on Sunday July 17, there are religious, traditional and entertaining events around the harbour area. Throughout the day, non-perishable foods, babies’ and children’s clothing as well as other items are collected for charity. At 2pm, visitors can enjoy a plate of paella for just one euro, with the proceeds going to a local foundation that helps cancer sufferers. At 6pm, we can see a smaller version of the boat procession with the beloved patron saint. During the following week there is folk music almost every day in the town centre and on Saturday July 23, the entire day will be dedicated to sports, including water volleyball, underwater fishing, Zumba, races, spinning, cross training and plenty of music will accompany this extremely active day. On Sunday July 24, the town celebrates the day of the bicycle. Everyone meets at 11am in the Plaza de los Reyes Católicos and from there they cycle through the town. On the last Saturday of July, at 9pm the local singer songwriter Ángel Perrera will be performing at the Casa de la Juventud. The fiestas come to an end with a feast at 8pm and a concert by the group El Chirato in the Plaza Europa. There is more information and the full programme for the fiestas at www.puertodelacruz.es/ web/images/FIESTAS%20DE %20JULIO%202016-PROGRAMA.pdf. The fiestas in honour of the patron saint, the Virgen del Carmen, are also celebrated in other typical fishing villages with a boat procession, but none of these have the same passion as the parties in Puerto de la Cruz, where it is a big part n of the July festivities.
La Oliva Biological Station
Vulture breeding success
The eastern Canary Islands are home to their very own subspecies of Egyptian vulture, and on June 15 the first chick to be born in captivity made a welcome appearance at the La Oliva Biological Station in Fuerteventura. The parents of the prodigious youngster are permanent residents of the centre as both suffer from injuries that mean they cannot be reintroduced into the wild. The pair has been trying for offspring since 2011 but encountered several failures when eggs were not fertilised or were unfortunately broken. The most recent attempt was earlier this year in March. Disappointment abounded for all concerned, but on May 2 the tenacious couple once again prepared their nest and an egg soon appeared. This time, biologists gave them a helping hand and cared for the potential youngster with artificial incubation, and after a tense 45 days the beautiful bird hatched without incident – but not without some tense moments beforehand. Firstly, the egg was considerably smaller and lighter than those found in nature, and the birth itself was not without complications. Luckily, a veterinarian was on hand at all times throughout the process. After 24 hours it was clear that the chick would not be able to finish the process on its own so staff gently helped the youngster crack open the egg. At birth it was well underweight at only 62.1 grams, fostering doubts as to whether it would survive, but after just one week its weight had increased by a quarter. Hopes are high for its future as it is now active and feeding easily, not to mention winning the hearts of its carers. Though there is still a long way to go, keepers are feeling confident, and if all continues as it should the young bird could be taking its first flight in the wild by the end of the year. The Neophron percnopterus Majorensis subspecies of Egyptian vulture is found only in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote and is on the endangered list. At last count (as of 2015) the population consisted of only 277 examples, of which just 124 are capable of procreation. Out of the 62 nesting sites that were catalogued, 56 are located on Fuerteventura and the rest in Lanzarote and surrounding islands. The birds have been a protected species for over a decade, and the population has recovered a little but extinction is still a serious threat. Therefore, in 2006, the island’s Environmental Protection Agency granted permission for breeding in captivity. Thanks to the dedicated care of biologists, this dream has now become a reality. n
The tiny vulture weighed only slightly more than 62 grams at birth
7.7.2016 – 20.7.2016
CANARY ISLANDS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 775
PROMOTION
Continental Wealth Management Continental Wealth Management, with over 26 years of experience, can advise and help you with a myriad of financial matters including pensions, life insurance, medical and health plans, vehicle and home insurance, mortgages, savings plans, international money transfers, Spanish portfolio investment bonds and much more. The company has its head office in Spain with extensive offices throughout Europe and Australasia, and can offer a committed, local service here in the Canaries. One of their specialities is pensions and QROPs (qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme). Their professional consultants offer the best advice to suit your individual situation, along with modern financial solutions and personal attention. Even four years ago, it was estimated that there was around £3 billion worth of lost or forgotten pensions, mostly in small amounts of around £5,000, so just imag-
ine what that figure could be today, and one of those lost pensions could be yours!
have one or more private, company or contracted out (SERPS) policies. Once you have moved
While the clock is ticking, you need to locate them all and decide what to do with them.
The clock is ticking, so get prepared for your retirement with CWM
If you have lived or worked in the UK, and have joined private pension schemes with one or several companies, you may
home a few times, or moved from the UK to the Canaries, it becomes very easy to lose track of your private pension funds.
That is where Continental Wealth Management can help you, with their pension tracing service which is absolutely
free. Their professional and friendly advisors are on hand to provide face to face consultations, and all you’ll need to do is provide them with as much information as you can about your former employers who may have provided a pension scheme. Continental Wealth Management’s dedicated pension tracing team will do the rest for you, and once they have located your lost funds, your advisor can give you reliable advice based on your own circumstances, as to what would be the best thing to do: to leave it where it is in the UK, or transfer it to a recognised overseas pension scheme. Some Continental Wealth Management clients have found pension funds that they didn’t even know about: Richard Matthews from Playa Honda in Lanzarote says, “Continental Wealth located a work related UK pension worth £125,000 that I was completely unaware of. Upon receiving professional advice
and after careful consideration I decided to transfer to a QROPs which has allowed me to take a lump sum and leave the remainder in a pension that best suits my plans for retirement.” Karl Tabb from Parque De La Reina, Tenerife says, “I knew that I had a small private policy in the UK but had lost track of the paperwork and could not remember the name of the provider. Continental Wealth found the policy and also found another company pension. I was surprised to find that the policies were valued at nearly £28,000. I have since decided to transfer to a QROPs for which CWM have guided me and without charging any upfront fees. You never know, you could have a lost pension fund with a high value too. Don’t waste any time, contact CWM now and be well prepared for your retirement. For more information, see www.continentaln wealth.com.
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CANARY ISLANDS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 042
Glastonbury
Down on the farm again
Photo: Peter Ball
Photo: Peter Ball
Happy and hairy, 1971 The main pyramid stage arena with the ‘71 crowd
Farmer Michael Eavis turned his cowshed into a pyramid stage Photo: Paul Holloway CC CC A-S A 2.0 GL
It’s June and time to leave peaceful La Gomera for the Glastonbury Festival. I’ve worked there for years and before that I was a festival-goer at what was once a small-scale gathering in a field. Our buses and tents were under a tree in the main pyramid stage area then. These days it’s standing room only there for a view of big relay screens and the distant stage. Worthy Farm was nearby for us Dorset dwellers. We had a great time and our growing band of small kids loved it. We’d pull in with a full trailer, set up camp round a fire and enjoy a weekend of congenial outside life and music. I spent more time in the kids’ area than anywhere else for a while, but that was fine too. Pleasant people organised excellent activities for our happy kids while we relaxed on the grass watching little fluffy clouds making their way over a stunning landscape, a favourite pastime of mine. Children would disappear through gaps in hedges and need hunting down for lunch. They played with fire, spilt hot wax on themselves, frolicked about in mud that they devised special adjectives for, confusingly appeared in different disguises, were always in a hurry to go somewhere, and were usually dirty and rarely unhappy. We’d be prosecuted now for irresponsible parenting. Of course there aren’t always little fluffy clouds. Glastonbury traditionally enjoys the worst weather British summer time can offer. Endless rain isn’t enchanting; the effects can be challenging. I was always happy back then to be dryly installed in our old ambulance, even when everyone else muddily crammed in there too. Lots of people crossing wet fields equals mud and sometimes, well, mud rules. Before the introduction of metal trackways, making progress through the quagmire to see a band rarely seemed worth the effort. It can still be like that now but these days I’m safely ensconced in a caravan backstage with a music bar, the stage and lots of friends on hand and I don’t leave if the weather’s foul.
Photo: Geffrey Bowler
By Barbara Belt
Early Sunday afternoon crowd at the Pyramid
Very heavy rain and mud still cause chaos, despite modern infrastructures. White-suited
David Byrne was lost somewhere in the mud when our Land Rover drivers got stuck
trying to get him through. His impeccable set later made us forgive his histrionics. We meet traumatised groups of foreign musicians with unconcerned smiles and shouts of welcome, we then tie black plastic rubbish sacks over their snazzy stage shoes and tell them it’ll be lovely, and it generally is. “Ma’am, is this for real? Do we really have to step down into that?” said an LA muso after being evicted from a luxury bus to a muddy Landie and driven through thousands of mad Brits carousing in weather so hostile it was surreal. I arranged to meet presenters from Spain’s Radio 3 when they covered the festival. They’d asked for advice on what to take and told me afterwards they thought I’d been exaggerating, but were on a generous budget and fancied a bit of English County. They kitted themselves out splendidly with Barbours, Arran sweaters, waterproof trousers and Hunter wellies. It rained like hell. They were both thrilled with their gear and astonished. “How can all these crazy people enjoy this weather? Why don’t they wait till it’s better?” they asked. These questions are understandable if you’re Spanish whereas the British know bad weather’s an integral part of any outdoor celebration and know the protocol: treat it as
Photo: Yvette Mata
After heavy rain at the 1988 festival
One of this year’s headlining acts, Muse
a nasty surprise at small events where providing shelter is bad form, and ignore it as a matter of pride at bigger events. We used to deal with Glasto mud with straw. This and lots of other rustic practices are now forbidden by health and safety. I’ve no idea if the pernickety health and safety procedures at
I had no idea what I’d be doing but I was so excited I couldn’t sleep. The farmer/organiser Michael Eavis was charming and asked me what kind of music I liked. World music, I said and ended up working on what was then the Jazz/World stage. I borrowed camping gear and spent my last forty pounds on supplies to feed us during the
from ‘Arabella over in Theatre and Circus’. Nobody else volunteered. I eventually found Arabella, who invited me for champagne and we passed a pleasant hour and a half. Then I remembered the mission and asked for a hundred passes for Jazz/World. “You’d better take a hundred and fifty”, she said and off I went, worrying I’d been
Coldplay performed at Glastonbury 2016
Photo: Mike Atkinson
Lots of rustic wonders in the Green Field
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Swampa CC A-S A 2.0 GL
something as mad as a festival make any difference but I think not, apart from the extra form filling and safety talks when I’m cautioned not to snort derisively. My daughters were small when I worked the festival for the first time and now they’re in their thirties. It used to constitute our annual summer holiday back when money was very tight, when we first lived here. Flying from La Gomera, as well as buying tickets, was beyond me so I got a job there.
CANARY ISLANDS
Photo: Yahoo! Blog CC A-S A 2.0 GL
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 775
Photo: Mike Atkinson
7.7.2016 – 20.7.2016
The Tipi Field in 2005
five days of work. It took me two days to realise there was crew catering and even less to see the work was about common sense and people skills. I volunteered when I understood and watched when I didn’t. Rustic, Gomera solutions to problems worked. Why, for example, waste time finding the owner of a car when six men can move it out of the way? On day one, my first mission was to procure fifty passes
too long and reflecting on little fluffy clouds and pleasant working conditions. Acclaim! That was all long ago. Winston’s granddaughter Arabella Churchill has since sadly died, as have other Glasto stalwarts. We’re getting old but there’s plenty of new blood. It’s still a great festival. Tickets sell out within an hour these days. Michael is resting his fields next year so register now to n buy 2018 tickets.
CANARY ISLANDS
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 042
Promo - Liberty Seguros
What you should do in an accident
Blow to cartel Thanks to a month of investigation work by the National Police, led by the drugs and organised crime unit (Udyco) in Seville, the 23 members of a large scale drug trafficking gang were arrested in Huelva, Tenerife, Castellón and Madrid. A large quantity of drugs were seized, evidence was secured and 31 bank accounts were blocked. The operation began with an investigation into a vehicle workshop located between Valencina de la Concepción and Santiponce in Seville. Here, vehicles were converted with double floors which opened hydraulically so that they could be used to transport hidden drugs. From there, the officers’ attention was centred on one vehicle which had passed through the workshop and was on its way to Lisbon. Thanks to international collaboration with the Portuguese authorities, it was intercepted and the driver was arrested. The officers found 28 kilos of hashish, perfectly camouflaged in a hiding place.
There are a number of important procedures to know in the case of an accident
young children need safety harnesses. Using mobile phones are a definite no, including texting which is probably worse than conversing. Should the unthinkable happen, here are some tips that everyone, from a new driver to an experienced one, should remember in the case of an accident:
• Stay calm and wear the reflective vest • Get to a safe area near the accident scene, turn on your emergency flashers and use the two triangles • Make sure everyone is okay and call 112, if necessary • When it is safe, take pictures of the vehicles involved, damage, road signs, etc.
• Get statements and contact information from any witnesses • Complete the accident report: write down the other driver’s licence number, insurance details, vehicle information and phone number. Remember it has to be signed by both drivers and reported within seven days. If you
need road assistance, call immediately to 900 101 369. This is a Liberty Free Phone Number where you will be attended in your own language. Liberty Seguros Car Insurance is tailor-made with you in mind and is perfect for expats in Spain. It offers total coverage to both the driver and
passengers in case of an accident, as well as roadside assistance from kilometre zero. It also includes help with legal defence, bail bonds and even a courtesy car as standard. You can select a vehicle repair shop of your choice should you ever need one, and good drivers will be rewarded with noclaims discounts of up to 65 per cent. Liberty Seguros brokers, with many years of experience, can give you in-depth information about the different policies on offer and advise you on the best cover to suit your family, be it in English, Spanish, German, Dutch or Scandinavian. With Liberty Seguros you will always be in safe hands. With over 175,000 international clients and over 300 brokers, they are the leading expatriate insurance provider in Spain, with a wide range of products to protect all that really matters. Call Liberty Seguros on 902 255 258 for further information, or visit: www.libertyexpatriates.es to find out the name of your nearest broker. n Happy holidays!
Drugs, money and converted vehicles Photo: National Police
Summer is now here in beautiful, sunny Spain. With temperatures soaring it’s a great feeling, although a tad hot at times for all expats that live and work in this tranquil environment; until the influx of tourists from many countries around the world, especially from Britain and the rest of Europe. Now, more than other times during the year, one needs to be even more careful than ever on the roads. With all these extra cars and drivers, who are perhaps more used to driving on the left, an increase in the risk of traffic accidents is inevitable. Always make sure your tyre pressures are correct by checking them at least once a month. Also check your car’s radiator level is topped up; the last thing you want is to overheat and have to wait for a breakdown truck on the edge of a busy motorway. It’s also illegal to run out of screen wash, so make sure this is topped up too. And driving with flip-flops or shoes with no back is not permitted either. Needless to say, seat belts must be worn all round, and
The drugs were hidden so well in double floored vehicles that they were almost undetectable
The second phase of the investigation began when another vehicle which had passed through the workshop went to Tenerife and months later returned to the
Peninsular. It was intercepted in the province of Huelva and found to be carrying over 57 kilos of cocaine hidden in a secret compartment. The police
traced the trail back to Tenerife and raided two apartments used by the gang in Arona. Another 90 kilos of cocaine and over €400,000 in cash were seized. Four people were arrested and a search of another vehicle revealed packaging systems for drugs, mobile phones and GPS equipment. Moving ahead with the investigation, it was learned that more members of the gang were based in Seville and that they used different ways of hiding drugs to transport them from Madrid. This triggered the third phase which resulted in six more arrests and the seizure of almost 10 kilos of cocaine, mobiles and cash during five home raids and four vehicle searches. It had been discovered that the drugs were being brought to Castellón in Spain on container ships from South America then funnelled through Madrid to Seville, before being circulated throughout the country. The final phase focused on activities in Madrid, Seville and
Castellón, to uncover the head of the cartel and the workshop. This was a success. Another twelve people were arrested and five more vehicles were found to have been adapted with double floors. Searches were made of five apartments in Madrid, six in Seville and two in Castellón, where officers seized two kilos of heroin, 10
kilos of cocaine, 105 balls of hashish, 22,000 Ecstasy pills and 650 grams of amphetamine containing MDMA. They also found other evidence including firearms, exclusive brand watches, mobile phones, electronic materials and cash. There was also plenty of money left in the 31 banks accounts n which were blocked.
7.7.2016 – 20.7.2016
summer special
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 775
Summer is officially taking over and already the streets are getting busy while the tarmac feels tacky beneath our feet. There’s so much to do and see before the season changes again, taking away this blissful, lazy feel to everyday life. It seems like there’s not enough hours in the day to indulge in every little guilty pleasure available. As the air gets that moist and salty touch to it, people from all over the world find themselves roaming the streets, looking for the perfect refuge to rest their weary bodies from the sun. If you’re one of them, here is a useful guide to some of the best and most sought-out chillout bars and restaurants in the south of Tenerife. Are you ready to take your island experience up a notch and try some of the best summer treats at your disposal?
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GOING OUT TENERIFE
Tenerife’s coolest nightspots Text and photos by Alyssa Alexandre, www.picsarama.com
Magic Lounge Club Where to find ... Mare Nostrum Resort Avda. Las Américas Playa de Las Américas South Tenerife magictenerife.net
For daily news, updates and event information
visit
If you’ve been living on the island for a long time then you might remember when Magic still resembled a page taken out of Arabian Nights. Colourful interior, exotic lanterns and the kind of furniture you’d expect to see in a tent in the middle of a scorched desert. After the stylish makeover, however, Magic is no longer a shout-out to the famous lovechild of Disney, but a sleek and modernised version of itself. Swapping dusty carpets for polished floorboards, and bohemian-looking pouffes for the see-through furniture decorating the lounge, it’s pretty clear that Magic is not afraid to write its own story. Visit during the day and chill with a beautifully prepared mocktail, or during the night time to grab a stronger drink and listen to live music—possibly before popping in to see the latest show at the Pirámide de Arona, currently Antología by Carmen Mota or one of Legends Live’s numerous big-name concerts taking place throughout 2016. After all, the ticket booth is only a few metres away.
14 One of the most beautiful sea view restaurants and chillout bars in Tenerife, La Terrazza del Mare will appeal to anyone who loves a touch of sophistication. With its glamorous yet relaxing atmosphere, La Terrazza has many things to offer, not all of which are listed in the menu. Good Italian-Mediterranean food, DJs and luxurious design are precisely what you can expect to see in this restaurant by day/club by night. On top of that, it’s popular opinion that the cocktails are to die for and the staff is extra friendly. Come by any day of the week to see for yourself.
summer special
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 042
Terrazza del Mare
Where to find ... CC Salytien Avda. Rafael Puig Lluvina Playa de Las Américas South Tenerife laterrazzadelmare.com
Hard Rock Cafe Tenerife
Roof Terrace
Ever wondered where to spend that golden hour right before the night settles in? If it’s the view you’re after, look no further because Hard Rock Cafe’s roof terrace has some of the most spectacular views in Playa de Las Américas. Overlooking the singing fountains and the freshly renovated Golden Mile, the memory of having that long chilled drink will stay with you for weeks to come. Also, make sure you get a nice seat with views to the mountains because the moment the sun begins to set, you wouldn’t want to swap it for anything else.
Where to find ... Pirámide de Arona Avda. Las Américas Playa de Las Américas South Tenerife hardrock.com/cafes/tenerife
7.7.2016 – 20.7.2016 Anyone who‘s ever been to Tenerife knows that Papagayo is the kind of place everybody visits at least once. It possesses a beautiful bright terrace, amazing views and impressive night shows that walk the line between chilling and clubbing. If you prefer a more relaxing pastime, open air terraces are at your disposal every day from 10:30am until nightfall. However, if you‘re more of a clubber, come by around midnight and enjoy the beats and exotic shows. Papagayo‘s lovely dancers rarely bring clothes (or inhibitions) to the dance floor. Need a visual clue? Well, expect a lot of body paint and a touch of glitter!
summer special
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 775
15
Papagayo Beach Club
Where to find ... Avda. Rafael Puig Lluvina Playa de Las Américas South Tenerife papagayobeachclub.com
Gula Restaurant & Chillout Bar
Where to find ... Avda. Litoral Playa de Las Américas South Tenerife gulatenerife.com
One of the most elegant and most well-established restaurants in Las Americas, Gula possesses a unique charm and a family-friendly atmosphere that’s instantly recognisable. Situated in the centre of Parque Santiago IV, you’ll find that it’s in a geographical sweet spot where you can overlook the town in all its tea-light splendour and glimpse the ocean that is but a short walk away from the open air lounge. Aside from the delicious food, sharply dressed staff and hip live music, Gula has many things going for it. After all, it’s flanked by some of the most fashionable boutiques and shopping centres in the area. But what makes it especially great for families is the proximity to a children’s playground set in the middle of the evergreen lawn. There is also a soothing fountain, aimed to calm the nerves of tired parents on vacation. Tourist-oriented yet classy.
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PROMOTION
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 042
Restaurant Kikiriki
Established experience With nearly 20 years serving the public, there’s no doubt that one of the finest roast chicken establishments on the island is the much-loved Kikiriki in the heart of Los Cristianos. Kikiriki serves superb grilled and roast meat dishes, as well as fish, seafood and vegetarian options, while their most popular range is the chicken – hence the restaurant name, which in English translates to Cock-a-doodle-doo. Their client-base is mostly British and Northern European, demonstrating that Antonio and Carmens’ business strikes a chord with the most demanding and passionate chicken-lovers on the island. It’s no coincidence that since first opening in Cabo Blanco in
1998 the restaurant has grown from strength to strength. They moved to the Apolo Center in Los Cristianos and within a short space of time moved again to much bigger premises on the front line of the same centre where they can cater for up to 80 guests. Kikiriki has a friendly family appeal, with a large, airy terrace fitted with comfortable chairs and screened with plants, and is a great place to
visit with the kids. The restaurant becomes busy after sunset with the pleasant chink of cutlery and the buzz of happy chatter, adding a nice social ambience to the great food that’s served. Inside, the warm
23 different pizza choices. To round off your meal, some fabulous home-made desserts are displayed for you to admire, select and devour! Suckling pig and succulent roast lamb are also available
Restaurant Kikiriki
CC Apolo Center Los Cristianos Tenerife Tel: 647 955 831 / 922 753 074 Open: Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm to 11pm Sunday, 1pm to 11pm
tones provide a more intimate atmosphere, with the tables dressed in red and white and a sense of privacy for romantic dining. There is an amazing choice right across the menu, from six types of savoury breads, through soups and crispy salads, meat, fish, shellfish, specialities which include gratinated spinach cream, puff pastry with spinach and blue cheese, onion cake with smoked salmon, plus
at Kikiriki, although they are not listed on the menu, so be sure to ask one of your friendly waiters if one of them appeals to you on the night. The gratinated spinach cream starter, for example, is served warm with fresh ground black pepper and sprinkled with enough cheese to add piquancy but not overwhelm. The chicken is spit roasted follow-
result is crisp skin, succulent meat and a taste sensation that will leave you wanting more.
ing a lengthy period marinating in Kikiriki’s secret sauce, and then cooked with the marinade and its own juices. The
Like all the main course meat and fish dishes it comes with a choice of Canarian potatoes, chips or thick slices of potato
fried with garlic. The dish automatically comes with a choice of sauces: hot tomato with chillies and garlic, creamy pepper sauce for a full but not overpowering flavour, soft Roquefort creamy cheese which beautifully accompanies meat dishes, and the house sauce, Kikiriki: a delicious blend of fresh tomatoes with cream and tarragon. Being served such a wonderful selection of homemade sauces shows Antonio and Carmens’ attention to detail and customer service. If you save room for dessert they offer delights such as creme caramel with cream and walnuts, chocolate mousse, lemon
or almond cake, and many more scrumptious options. Beers, soft drinks and spirits are available from the wellstocked bar, with San Miguel on draught and Reina, Heineken and Dorada beers available by the bottle. Wines can be bought by the bottle, carafe or glass. There’s a careful selection in addition to the house wines, with some old favourites and some great choices such as Ribera del Duero. Some wines are available off the list for a limited period. Many clients visit the restaurant regularly, some have been enjoying the food since the Cabo Blanco days, and it is the unique brand of value and quality that brings them back time and again. It is a great venue for a meal with family and friends as the food is excellent, the service is second to none, and there’s the bonus of a 40 per cent discount during the daytime on Sundays. Visit this restaurant soon. You’ll no doubt want to make it one of your regulars too. To make life easy, there’s a car park at the Apolo Center and a bus stop right outside. Kikiriki really is something to crow about! n
TENERIFE GENERAL
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 775
Letter to Editor
Dear Editor,
By
Photo: Billy Fowks / FreeImages.com
I’m just writing to get something off my chest. But before I start let me say that I am British, have lived in the Canary Islands for 18 years and I absolutely love it here. So what is my gripe? English people - those that insist on shouting at the Canarians as though that will help them understand or talking in groups at the top of their voices in bars and other public places, totally dominating the atmosphere, or speaking really loudly on their mobile phones on the bus. Quite frankly, it’s just rude. I cringe when I hear braying groups of expats (and they are often drunk) and seeing the sideways glances between the locals. Please, please, don’t do this. You are in someone else’s land. If you can’t be bothered to learn the language, at least try and be a little considerate. You have been welcomed with open arms here, a little respect in return would probably be most welcome too. Thoroughly cheesed off, Costa Adeje
It’s often with a drink that people are loudest
DO YOU WANT TO ADVERTISE YOUR COMPANY HERE 922 750 609
DO MORE THAN HOPE
FOR THE BEST
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Hi Everyone, I hope you’re all well. I once received an email asking me “Why do women always go to the loo in pairs, and why do they take so long?” Most men have asked this question at one time or another for many years, so I’ll play Agony Aunt this week and take the mystery out of the phenomenon: It’s mostly the fault of our mothers. From being young enough to visit the loo on our own, we’ve been plied with advice, to be ignored at our peril. As soon as we enter, we look for shoes poking out from beneath the doors. When we find one that looks empty, we go in. Then our mother’s voice enters our subconscious. “Make sure the door locks”. Well it doesn’t usually so we hear her next bit of advice: “Hang your bag on the hook, not on the floor, firstly because of the germs, and secondly because it’s easily stolen”. “Yes Mum”, we think, but of course there’s no hook! So we follow the advice from years ago and hang it round our necks. As we struggle with tights, trousers and everything, we remember her instructions “never to sit down on a public toilet seat”, so we inelegantly and athletically straddle the seat, wishing we could shut her voice out of our head. It’s then that we discover there’s a marked lack of loo paper, and we curse as we remember rule number five of mum’s Toilet Training Manual, “always cover the seat with toilet paper”. If we’d done her rules in the correct order, we’d have known there wasn’t any paper. And because there’s no lock, someone else tries the door because they didn’t know the rule of “look under the door for shoes”, and they knock us sideways into the cubicle door, thus spilling the contents of our handbag all over the floor (it was open because we were looking for tissues). When we finally get everything picked up safely, our clothes back in the right order, taking especial note if we’re wearing a dress that the hem at the back isn’t tucked by mistake into the leg of our knickers, we thankfully exit the cubicle. We wash our hands, but of course the hot air drier isn’t working and we wait while our friends go through the same routine. So you see, we need a friend to hold the broken door closed, pass through tissues when and
y Kat
Hi everyone,
if needed, hold our handbag if there’s no hook, and check that our knickers aren’t on show when we come out. That’s why we take so long. And if any of you gentlemen have any other questions
17
katykennedy@telefonica.net
war ‘public enemy number one toilet paper’ - Izal. I don’t know whether any of you remember the dreaded Izal, but it was sharp and exceedingly scratchy, and was only one step up from the Sunderland Echo cut up
head master and more especially, the Nit Nurse. We would be regaled with tea and biscuits, and were even given a penny each, (no doubt from the slots on the doors) and could even spend a penny for
Photo: Maxim Lachmann / FreeImages.com
7.7.2016 – 20.7.2016
A simple trip to the Ladies’ can be more complicated than you think
regarding the mysteries of the fairer sex, I’ll gladly answer them for you. On the same subject, when I was a little girl in Sunderland I thought my Aunty Amy had the best job in the world. She lived in what was known as The Fishermen’s Cottages in Whitburn. Her husband was a fisherman, and the wages were seasonal and minimal, but Aunty Amy got herself a job to help eke out the family income. She applied to the council and was successful in obtaining the position of Toilet Attendant in the public loo at Seaburn. There were eight cubicles, each with a container for the post-
into squares and hanging on a nail on the wall. Aunty Amy was proud of her toilets and washed both floors and porcelain down religiously, keeping them spotless. She then retired to her own little cubicle, complete with curtained glass door, table and two chairs, gas ring, kettle, a jar of condensed milk and a caddy of tea next to the biscuit barrel. My little brother and I would duly visit nearly every day. We couldn’t go to school for weeks on end as we had no shoes, and our clothes were normally both ragged and very dirty. We were also terribly afraid of both the
free as Aunty Amy had a special key. Friends of hers would pop in for a cuppa many times during the day, and she held that job for over 10 years until the council decided attendants were no longer needed. As kids we thought it must be the best job in the world. And as little raggedy children we found the tea and biccies, as well as the pennies, a lifesaver. If you have any special memories, then send me an email on: katykennedydj@yahoo.co.uk or ring me on 616 110 930. Until next time, take care of yourselves, and especially of n each other.
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TENERIFE GENERAL
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 042
PROMOTION
Koala, a success story The Koala pet store business in Tenerife was one which was born from a personal passion for pets, into a market where there was a competitive advantage.
company, part time at first, but it wasn’t long before they became full time members. With the growth they were experiencing, it wasn’t long
basic design that other stores will follow in the future. All Koala stores stock everything you need to care for your pet family, be it dogs, cats,
The new Adeje store, where you’ll find everything you need for your pet
and other accessories for your pet’s pleasure and comfort. Koala even has its own exclusive range of food for birds and rodents made with high quality natural ingredients and soon it will be available for dogs. At Las Chafiras, Koala’s instore veterinary clinic can offer your pets the best health care, and this service is coming to
give your pet a bath. This selfservice pet wash will soon also be available in Añaza. At the Adeje store, you’ll also find a boutique stocking select products including beds, clothing, carriers, collars and other accessories for your pet. If you are looking for a small pet, there is a wide range, all living in optimum conditions
You can not only select your pet but you can also purchase the appropriate cages or tanks that you’ll need. All possible accessories for their new homes are available at Koala, to give them a living environment as close as possible to that which they are accustomed to, and friendly and helpful staff are always on hand to advise you. On the first Saturday of every month, the company collaborates with several animal rescue and refuge associations by holding a food collection at all three stores. Koala offers regular clients a customer card with which you can obtain great discounts and take advantage of special offers. Visit their website or Facebook page, or enquire at n one of the stores.
The new Koala store in Adeje
Koala Añaza
Avda. Principal Anaza, Trasera CC Santa Cruz Tel: 922 445 480 Open: 9.30am to 9pm
You can find your pet and a wide range of cages and accessories at Koala
Koala Las Chafiras
Avda. Modesto Hernández González 44 San Miguel de Abona Tel: 922 733 297 Open: 9am to 8.30pm
Koala Adeje
Some 20 years ago, Elena Dorta decided to open a small 30 square metre shop in Las Galletas. Now the Koala group of pet shops is a leader in the sector. Starting the business in Las Galletas wasn’t a strategic move. Elena is from Arico so the south of the island was easy for her to access and she just had the idea that it was a good area to open a pet store. The opening was a success, and soon afterwards the first additional member of staff, who is still with Koala today, was taken on. Later, a dog groomer joined the team and as the years passed Elena felt that they needed larger premises. Koala moved to Guargacho, into much larger premises of 150 square metres fronting the main road. Koala gained new customers who requested more things for their pets. The business continued to grow and over time another person was taken on, and Celia Dorta and Roberto Rodríguez joined the
before Elena decided that something more like a warehouse premises was needed and that the business needed to grow like a company. Well, we all know that our pets are demanding creatures! Some said that she was crazy because no one had done that before in Tenerife! But Elena had seen similar ventures during a visit to Germany where such things were common, so the decision was taken to move Koala into an 800 square metre premises in Las Chafiras. Opening another store in Añaza, just outside Santa Cruz, occupying 700 square metres, was a much more costly move. The Santa Cruz area was unknown territory for Elena, and also an area where several pet stores were already well established. However, Koala was welcomed with enthusiasm. Now the third large Koala store has opened at the Centro Comercial El Galeón in Adeje. It occupies a massive 1,300 square metres and has the
Koala has a wide range of freshwater and tropical fish
birds, rabbits, or more exotic creatures. This includes a wide range of top branded foods, including specialist and prescription products, treats, toys
Adeje soon. Dog groomers are on hand to keep your pet smart and cool and the Adeje store even has a special fully equipped area where you can
at Koala. There are birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, small reptiles such as chameleons, iguanas and lizards, as well as freshwater and tropical marine fish.
CC El Galeón, Local 3 Calle Botavara s/n. Tel: 922 109 070 Currently open: 9am to 8pm Monday to Saturday From July 16, 10am to 10pm, Monday to Sunday www.koalasur.com www.facebook.com/ koalasur
7.7.2016 – 20.7.2016
OUT THERE
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 775
19
Tenerife’s highest village
Vine and pine combine at Vilaflor By Colin Kirby known to creep uncomforta- high up I was but when the trail I descended through a leafy cor- As the trail worked its way advance permission is needed. www.colinkirby.com bly close to the village, while opened into a clearing I peered ridor. It wasn’t all green though, lower I could see a large res- We exchanged cheery waves Was a surge of water about to come sweeping down on me? Hardly likely in the tinder-dry forest above Vilaflor but the sound of the breeze rustling through the pine trees conjured up that image in my mind. The cooling flow was most welcome on a scorcher of a day as I set off on the sweeping circular route that would lead me from the top end of Tenerife’s highest village (at 1,400 metres above sea level) to the southern approach. A 45-minute journey from Los Cristianos had taken me the 24 kilometres up the TF-21 to crisp air tinted by the dust of the calima that was cranking up the temperature well past the 30 degree Celsius mark. A steep slip road led me past the football ground to a dusty track and an eerie silence as I passed stone wall shielded terraces nurturing young vines. Vilaflor is another stronghold of quality wines; several bodegas on the main road had tried to seduce me with the promise of tasting and I made some purchases to quaff at home. There were a couple of early path choices to be made. The old concrete reservoir and iron water pipes and a general upward direction were good indicators that I was on course. You can’t beat a majestic pine tree; the Corona Forestal Nature Park had plenty to keep me company with huge fir cones littering the dry, dusty floor. A few of the trees had charred trunks from fires over recent years. Vilaflor is used to the extremes of nature and summer fires have been
winter snow has encroached down from Mount Teide and
over a sheer drop into a chasm where an army of pine trees
sun bleached pine needles and cones had turned a blue tinge
ervoir amid a tangle of pipes at the junction of a few paths. Getting closer, it looked almost empty and forlorn but the gurgle from within the old metal arteries told another story. The shade around this dip encouraged me to break out my sarnies and plentiful supply of water. As I topped up
and carried on, enjoying the day in our own ways. Pushing onward and upward I saw several dried up water courses and could hear the flutter of a few pigeons perched on high. The trail twisted and turned more at this point and just around a high corner I spotted the abandoned remains of The abandoned remains of Finca Tabaluga
The borough of Vilaflor is home to Tenerife’s highest village - at 1,400m above sea level
Many paths and tracks are well-maintained The welcoming statue of Hermano Pedro, Vilaflor’s famous son
made the crossroads a gathering point for the curious wanting to play with the rare white visitor. Even where trees had succumbed to the flames, new growth was emerging under the flaking bark and flowers were smiling defiantly in their shadows. Nature is well versed in the long game. Glimpses through the branches gave me some indication of how
The Corona Forestal Nature Park is full of majestic pine trees
my energy, three trail bikers came buzzing along the path ahead with a dusty cloud in their wake. Powered riders are allowed to use the walk but there are strict limits displayed on engine strength, tyres, and
marched towards the horizon. It was also a reminder of what a tall order maintaining these walks is, blessed are the path makers, rough steps had been hewn into the rock further on as
of silver – no need to spray these at Christmas time. I was quite struck by the dried resin of the pines that had set into an emerald glue on branches and cones.
an old dwelling. When I first passed this way a friendly, elderly lady lived in near self sufficiency at Finca Tabaluga, however, it saddened me to see it now partly destroyed. It must have been a serene and relaxed place to live but maybe harsh in the winter months. The trees were thinning out as I entered the last leg and the landscape was giving way to rows of vines. A series of small reservoirs kept them from going thirsty, they too were at quite low levels but it didn’t deter the colourful dragonflies that skimmed over the surface. I emerged on the main road three and a half leisurely hours after my first step. It was just a few metres below the welcoming statue of Hermano Pedro, Vilaflor’s famous son, and the even more welcoming cold beer at n a nearby café.
OUT THERE
20
Restaurant San Diego
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 042
Down on the corner
By John and an open plan kitchen, all besides were all tossed in a is possible from this large and thought was reasonable for the and green peppers for €12.75. A very nice English couple, newly moved to Tenerife, told me that they had enjoyed a very good lunch at a restaurant named San Diego, and that it was worthy of my penning a review. I took them at their word, and so three of us went there for dinner one Thursday evening. Down a long, long road to the area below La Orotava known as El Rincón we drove past numerous fincas, with their seemingly never ending banana plantations, and there was our target, right at the end T-junction, set in a surrounding sea of green. Is this the greenest part of the north? We espied a private car park for the restaurant but our driver chose instead to park at the side of the road in what may charitably be called the islands’ largest pothole. After extricating ourselves, we crossed over the road and entered through the front door, after having noted the extensive menu in three languages pinned up outside. That front door led to a bar area, deserted but for two taciturn locals, their chins deep in their Doradas. One grunted and nodded his head in the direction of a staircase which led upwards to the next floor, revealing a large dining room with no tables laid nor lighting switched on. We cast around in the gloom, pondering if we had made some bizarre error and the place was closed down. But no! A smartly clad waiter hove on the scene and guided us up yet another flight of stairs which led to the restaurant proper. What a revelation! Nicely laid tables, good glassware, a picture window (being hogged by a courting couple)
stainless steel with a large tray of fresh fish on ice for us to choose from.
honey dressing with a touch of balsamic. Even our dear friend Peter, he who professes not to
gleaming kitchen with at least three chefs that we could see? Our waiter, quite possibly the
quality, size, and tenderness. Peter had the freshest of hake with chippings of pan fried gar-
That octopus was very good, very tasty, and very filling; but cabbage? Although various meats are offered, I reckon that, from the extensive list of different pescatorean delights on the chalk board, most visitors will go for the fish. The menu offers half a dozen dishes suitable for sharing, and five hearty soups (fish or vegetable) too. Meat eaters are covered by variations of chicken, rabbit, pork and beef steaks in various guises, cooked on the brazier. Certainly we shall be going back soon, and so, to that kind English couple, another thank you for the introduction to San n Diego.
San Diego Restaurante
lic over the top (€13.50) and I enjoyed my dish of roasted marinated octopus, despite it sitting on a bed of cabbage
This is quite a smart place, much better than we had been expecting! Bread and ali-oli with an avocado dip got the proceedings going, with a jug of potent local red wine (€4.50 for half a litre), until their large special house salad made a grand entrance. Different lettuces with tomato, beetroot, halves of avocado and lots
like rabbit food, tucked into his share with gusto. There was more than enough for the three of us for the price of €6.50. Main courses proved a bit of a problem for my good lady who is seriously allergic to peppers in all its forms. Could she have either this or that, please, but without the peppers? No, sorry, not possible. Well then, what
owner, came up with the original thought of – wait for it – a steak! And so we ordered the aforesaid steak which turned out to be absolutely superb, accompanied by a helping of very hot chips and sliced aubergine topped with melted cheese (pronounced delicious). It hit the bill at €14.50 which I
El Rincón, La Orotava, Tenerife Tel: 922 331 242 Open: Daily from 12pm to 10pm (Saturday and Sunday to11pm) Loo Score: 8/10
042
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
Arona Summer Festival
Electronic extravaganza! and DJ Nano, The Zombie Kids, B-Jones and Sad Funk. Meanwhile, the Burn Underground Stage will play host to American house and techno producer Claude Vonstroke; Russian DJ, producer, and singer Nina Kraviz; and US house stalwart Jus-Ed, amongst others. This year also sees the creation of the ASF Project which will include various cultural and artistic events which will take place between July 19 and 22 at the Los Cristianos Cultural Centre and the Infanta Leonor Auditorium. There will be an exciting range of workshops, talks, exhibitions, master classes and film showings, with Canarian artist Pepe Dámaso making a guest appearance on the first day to open the celebrations, which this year pay tribute to the man himself one of the archipelago’s main
artistic influences of the 20th and 21st centuries. Born in Gran Canaria in 1933, he is one of the most successful artists to come from the Islands. His long and flourishing international career has seen him exhibit in countries as far and wide as New York, Paris, Cuba and Israel. His work is also prevalent in many public places across the Islands and has now provided the backdrop to this year’s fest. Examples of ticket prices for the two-day danceathon are €35 for one day of the main festival, or €70 for the Friday if you want free drinks included. Alternatively, you can pay the discounted price of €65 for both days, and you can even have camping included for just €85. There are many other combinations, as well as backstage tours and travel packs available, and there will
be a free bus running from Los Cristianos bus station. Prices are set go up nearer the time so do book your mad weekend’s fun soon. Tickets can be bought online or from various shops in Tenerife and Gran Canaria. See: www.aronasummerfestival.com for full n details.
Photo: Bas van den Eijkhof/FreeImages.com
The Arona Summer Festival is almost upon us and it’s bigger and better than ever. The annual dance fest is set to take place on July 22 and 23 at the Los Palos Golf Course, with a whole host of parallel activities lined up from July 19 onwards. Festival goers will be entertained by some of the very best music mixers on the international scene along with plenty of funky turntable talent from around Spain. DJs will play on two different stages - providing plenty of top dance sounds in the perfect environment for a summer party. The line up for the Main Stage includes: Canadian progressive house music producer and performer Deadmau5; sexy Australian sisters, Nervo; Dutch DJ Don Diablo; Spanish and electro house specialist Danny Avila; Swedish DJ Otto Knows;
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HOLIDAY GUIDE
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 042
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
Benijo 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.
which is popular with European, Russian and national tourists. There are vari-
La Laguna
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
Las Gaviotas beach
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.
7.7.2016 – 20.7.2016
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 775
Other islands Only a 45 minute ferry ride from the port of Los Cristianos, La Gomera is a small, peaceful island with amazing hiking and a prehistoric rainforest which is a UNESCO world heritage site and the only one of its kind left in the world. The ferry will take you to the capital, San Sebastián, famous for being Christopher Columbus’ last stop before crossing the Atlantic on his voyage of discovery. Valle Gran Rey, in the southwest of the island, and Playa
Photo: siulesoj
La Gomera
La Gomera laurel forest
Gran Canaria
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
23
is Fuencaliente: the place to go in La Palma to see a real volcanic landscape. The western side of this borough has nice beaches and withstood the many volcanic eruptions the island has suffered, the most recent being the Teneguía volcano in1971. La Palma has a lovely variant of Carnival called Los Indianos, where everyone dresses in white and people take to the streets during the day to cover everything, including each other, in talcum powder.
like parts of North Africa than it does the other islands. The interior is mainly empty, with a few sun bleached villages and a surprising amount of goats, but the coast has some lovely towns and villages and kilometres of white sand beaches ideal for sunbathing and surfing. The capital is Puerto del Rosario, a relatively modern port town, rather sleepy and quiet despite the fact that nearly half of the island’s population live there. The two main tourist towns are at opposite ends of the island; Corralejo in the north and Morro Jable in the south.
Gran Canaria The capital, Las Palmas, is a much bigger city than Santa Cruz de Tenerife and has a nice historical quarter, a good night-life and Las Canteras - a long, yellow sand beach with areas for supervised swimming - and another beach for surfers of all levels. The main tourist areas are Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas, with its beauti-
Photo: Kai Gieseler / FreeImages.com
Photo: Sizters / FreeImages.com
green and rugged, with breathtaking sights and one of the best places in the world for star gazing, hence the location of the world’s most important astrophysical observatories on its Roque de los Muchachos.
HOLIDAY GUIDE
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
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
Lanzarote
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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HOLIDAY GUIDE
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 042
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.
Las Teresitas beach, Tenerife
If you are ill, find a Centro de Salud or Centro Médico. The ones in the tourist resorts generally speak some English. Make sure they provide care under your insurance policy or EHIC before you sign for anything. Unscrupulous taxi drivers have been known to take back-handers for taking sick people to private clinics so make sure you are in the right place before paying. Safety Only take out credit and bank cards you actually need: leave the rest in the hotel safe, along with your passport and other valuables. A UK driving licence with a photograph is usually accepted as ID for most credit card purchases, a photo credit card will still have to be accompanied by photo ID, daft, but there you are. Do not leave belongings unattended. Particular vigilance on the beach and when you are travelling with luggage is recommended. Take the minimum with you on excursions and lock everything in the boot that you aren’t carrying with you and only access it where you are not overlooked. Do not leave anything in sight. Cars have been broken into for a beach towel before now. If you are at a bar or nightclub, don’t leave your drink unattended and avoid dark streets on the way home. The Islands are safer than many places in Europe, but there are always those who prey on the unaware: relaxing your vigilance could cost you dearly, not just in money but in precious holiday time - reporting the loss of a passport to the police for example and then the visits necessary to the consulates to replace it.
Emergency number: (all Canaries) 112 Guardia Civil (all Canaries): 062
Post Offices Open Monday to Saturday, generally 8.30am - 2.30pm. Some city offices open later.
Blue Badge users Parking for Blue Badge holders in the Canaries is limited to the ‘disabled only’ (Minusválidos) parking spaces in each town. There are no concessions to park on yellow lines or anywhere else normal parking is not allowed. And even if you have a Blue Badge, don’t park in a disabled area which has a registration number marked on it – you will be fined and probably towed away. For further information: www.bluebadgetenerife.com
Consulates
Auditorium, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
British Consulate Tenerife: (0034) 922 286 653 British Consulate Gran Canaria: (0034) 902 109 356 Honorary British consulate Lanzarote: (0034) 928 262 508 Indian consulate: (0034) 922 241 416 Irish Consulate: (0034) 922 245 671 Consulates can issue passports, give information about medical care, education and
legal matters, give assistance to people under arrest, under exceptional circumstances give you enough funds to be repatriated (on loan), and help you in the case of emergency/catastrophe. Inter island transport: Fred Olsen (Ferries): 902 100 107 www.fredolsen.es Naviera Armas (Ferries): 902 456 500 www.navieraarmas. com Binter (Flights) 902 391 392 www.bintercanarias.com Canary Fly: 902 808 065 Airport and flight Information: All Canarian airports are controlled by AENA. www.aenaaeropuertos.es Buses The transport company TITSA has buses that reach all corners of the island. The main bus station is in Santa Cruz, near the Adán Martín Auditorium. Clients can choose to purchase a ticket on the bus for each individual journey or to buy a Bono-bus ticket, a card which can be shared by various people and will mean saving up to 50 per cent of the fare, depending on the route. They are on sale in any of the TITSA bus stations and also in a number of kiosks and small establishments (often newsagents), identified with a green sticker on the window. If your Bono-bus has insufficient credit to purchase your last journey, the difference can be made up in cash on the bus, but not with another Bono-bus card. For information you can call TITSA on: (0034) 922 531 130 or see: www.titsa.com
Taxis Tenerife taxis are white and, unless they are minivans, the maximum number of passengers is four, including children. Eurotaxis have ramps for wheelchairs. Eurotaxis, Santa Cruz: (0034) 609 867 581/607 612 816/629 132 269 Taxi Santa Cruz: (0034) 937 780 030 www.teletaxi.es Radiotaxi San Pedro: (0034) 922 310 000 Parque Marítimo César Manrique (next to the Auditorium) Open every day: Sun-Thurs: 10am-8pm, Fri, Sat: 10amMidnight Adults: €2.50, Children (under 12): €1.50, Over 65s: €1.50 Tel: (0034) 922 229 368 https://es-es.facebook.com/ parque.manrique Palmetum Open Tues – Sun, 11am - 2pm, 4pm-6pm. Adults: €4, Children (under 12): €2.80, Canarian residents €1/1.50 Tel: (0034) 697 651 127. info@palmetumsantacruz. com Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre (Nature and Man) Open Tues – Sat, 9am - 8pm; Sun, Mon, 10am - 5pm. Tel: (00 34) 922 535 816 www.museosdetenerife.org Museo Militar (Military Museum), C/ San Isidro. Tel: (0034) 922 274 224. Open: Mon-Fri 10am-2pm, ecocmar@et.mde.es Castillo de San Cristóbal, Plaza de España Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm www.museosdetenerife.org Auditorio Adán Martín Tel: (0034) 922 568 600 www.auditoriodetenerife.com Teatro Guimerá, Plaza Isla de la Madera. Tel: (0034) 922 609 408/922 609 400 www.teatroguimera.es
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ISLAND CONNECTIONS 775
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
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
Photo: Gianni Testore / FreeImages.com
Taxis: (0034) 922 715 407
HOLIDAY GUIDE 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
Taxis: (0034) 922 747 511 Tourist Office Costa Adeje Avda. Litoral Playa Fañabé Tel: (0034) 922 716 539 Jungle Park: Urb. Las Águilas del Teide, s/n Tel: (0034) 922 729 806. www.aguilasjunglepark.com. Aqualand Avda. Austria, 15 Tel: (0034) 922 715 266. www.aqualand.es Twin tickets can be purchased for Aqualand and Jungle Park, see websites. Siam Park (The Water Kingdom) Avda. Siam Park s/n. Tel: (0034) 822 070 000.
Santa Cruz: (0034) 922 606 354 Religious Services In Spain, Catholicism is the main religion and almost all towns and cities, including tourist resorts, have churches where mass is frequently held. Below is information about Catholic services held in languages other than Spanish and services for other faiths. Holy Communion Anglican Church, Iglesia de San Eugenio, Las Américas. Tel: (0034) 922 793 143 Services: Sundays at 10.15am Anglican church, Puerto de la Cruz www.allsaintstenerife.com/
San Sebastián Tourist Office C/ Real, 4. www.sansebastiandelagomera. org/turismo/ Taxis: (0034) 922 870 524
Tourism Board C/ Triana, Las Palmas. Tel: (0034) 928 219 600. www.grancanaria.com/patronato_turismo.
Valle Gran Rey Tourist Office C/ La Noria, 2, La Playa. Tel: (0034) 922 805 458 www.lagomera.travel/islascanarias/la-gomera/es/acerca/ visitar-valle-gran-rey/
Las Dunas Tourist Office Avda. De Tirajana (Hotel Riu Maspalomas), Playa del Inglés. Tel: (0034) 928 765 242.
Museo de la Ciencia y el Cosmos, Avda. Los Menceyes. Tel: (0034) 922 315 265. Open: Tues-Sat: 9am-8.pm. Sun, Mon, Bank holidays: 10am - 5pm. www.museosdetenerife.org.
La Gomera
Gran Canaria
Las Canteras Tourist Office Paseo de la Playa de Las Canteras (opposite the Hotel Meliá) Tel: (0034) 928 446 824. www.lpavisit.com.
Lanzarote
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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HOLIDAY GUIDE SPIN NEWS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 042
Easy evolution
Naturally different
The borough of Santiago del Teide is currently offering a programme of free workshops and activities around the theme of environmental awareness and education. The programme of events, which will continue until December 10, has been organised in collaboration with the
Los Realejos Rambla de Castro Natural Environment School. Events coming up for the next couple of months include celebrations for World Population Day on July 14 - an annual event that takes place on July 11 and which aims to raise awareness on global population issues. It was established by
the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme in 1989, after the overwhelming public interest that was aroused by Five Billion Day on July 11, 1987: the moment when the world population was considered to have arrived at that staggering figure. Only 28 years later, the
population is approximately 7.5 billion and growing at a rate of around 220,000 people per day - about 80 million people a year - a problem that is a major factor in almost all of the world’s current serious threats to humanity and the environment. On a lighter note, on July 30 there will be a guided walk down the Masca gorge, finishing with a kayak trip along the bottom of the Los Gigantes Cliffs to the marina of the town of the same name. August 16 sees International Homeless Animals Day, started in 1992 by the International Society for Animal Rights, being used to highlight issues such as the importance of spaying or neutering pets and the advantages of adopting rather than buying. On the 27th there will be another free guided hike, this time in the beautiful Anaga Mountains. Call: 922 863 127 (extension 234) to sign up for the walks or see more about ‘Santiago del Teide: Diferente por Naturaleza’ at: www.aularambladen castro.es.
Rocking rumba
One of the biggest stars on the Spanish music scene will be playing in Tenerife on July 30. Melendi is a Spanish pop singer with rock, flamenco and rumba influences. Born in 1979 in Asturias, one of his first claims to fame was being in the same school as Formula One race car driver Fernando Alonso, to whom he later dedicated a song called El Nano. After brief stints as a racer and footballer, he joined a band in 2001 named El bosque de Sherwood (after the famous forest). He released his first solo disc (Sin noticias de Holanda) in 2003 and really started
Photo: www.livepict.com
More Melendi
Melendi, in the middle, during a previous concert
gathering public acclaim when his song Con la luna llena was chosen as the official theme for the 2004 Vuelta a España bike
race. Many awards and successful albums later, Melendi is one of the most popular singers around and has also cre-
ated his own recording enterprise called the Blue Donkey Music Company to help young performers kick-start their careers. Last seen in Tenerife in 2013, Melendi will play here once again on July 30 at the Pabellón Santiago Martín in La Laguna. The concert starts at 9pm and tickets, costing between €18 and €30, can be purchased via: www.tomaticket.es or from Mr Snack shops in La Laguna. Under 16s must be accompanied to the concert by an adult. Check out more about the singer at: www.melendion ficial.com.
Grand Granadilla
Cultural Fridays
While most people won’t be feeling they have reached their ‘third age’ by 55, that’s how old you need to be to take part in a great offer from Granadilla council. A trio of excursions are still available for residents of the borough over that age to take part in for an incredibly low price – as long as they have their grandchildren under the age of 14 with them! On July 15 there will be a visit to the Museum of Science and the Cosmos. The following week on July 22 the trip is to the Museum of Nature and Man, and on July 29 it is the turn of the Almeida Military Museum. To top it off, all of the excursions will finish with a visit to the Parque Marítimo César Manrique, for which there is a small charge of €1.50 per person for entrance, so you can finish a hectic day with the grandkids with a nice relaxing dip. You have until July 21 to register for the excursions. Call: 922 759 990 or see: www.granadilladeabona.org n for more information on the ‘Viernes Culturales’.
Contemporary dance
The promise
A free contemporary dance show will take place at the Teatro Leal on July 22. In Me comprometo, a duo of dancers - Susana García and Cristina Hernández - plus the actress Carmen Macías will be directed by Laura Marrero in an improvised presentation that will be based on fluidity and space. A live performance with a difference, the show will be created right there on the stage for the audience to marvel at and enjoy. All you have to do to make sure you don’t miss this unusual show is turn up at the theatre slightly before the doors n open at 9pm. Check it out at: www.teatroleal.com.
7.7.2016 – 20.7.2016
HOLIDAY GUIDE SPIN NEWS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 775
Charity concert
Peace holidays For a great evening’s entertainment and a chance to do your bit for charity, visit the Teatro Leal in La Laguna on July 24. Music and humour are the axis for a show which will raise funds for the annual summer holidays here in Tenerife for children from the Sahara. Kike Pérez and Aarón Gómez, two of the newest stars on the Canarian comedy scene, will have the audience in stitches with their realistic and ironic view on reality, followed by the multitalented Arístides Moreno with his mix of music, wit and profound thinking. Then it will be the turn of a group of young singers – the Jóvenes Cantadores – to set the theatre alight with their talent. Entrance costs just €10. Tickets can be bought from the theatre’s box office between 11am and 1pm and 6pm and 8pm, Monday to Saturday, or two hours before the show begins. Alternatively, they can also be purn chased via: www.teatroleal.com.
Santiago del Teide
Arts and craft fair Get your purses and shopping bags out ready for grabbing yourself a handmade bargain in Puerto de Santiago on July 10. Santiago del Teide’s annual craft fair has been going for the last 35 years and takes place in a different village around the borough each time. Artisans from all over the island take part in the popular event and, as ever, a range of arts and crafts will be available that include pottery, metalwork, leather artefacts, basket weaving, crochet, and wooden ornaments and utensils. There will also be plenty of drinks and snacks to choose from. Visit the Feria de Artesanía Popular between 11am and 8pm on the Avenida Marítima in Puerto de Santiago and see: www.santiagodelteide.es for information on this n and other events in the borough.
27
Musical must
Jazz&Más Heineken Festival The long awaited annual Jazz&Más Festival will be thrilling audiences around the archipelago right up until July 24. The fabulous music fest offers the chance to see a total of 27 different concerts, staged at a dozen town squares, four auditoriums and three theatres across the islands of La Palma, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Tenerife. The long running Jazz jamboree is now in its 25th year and will be celebrating its silver anniversary in style with a bill that includes internationally acclaimed artists alongside a host of up-and-coming groups and an interesting line-up of national and local musicians. Headliners include British acid-jazz band Incognito, celebrating more than thirty years on stage; plus American Charles Lloyd, one of the best saxophonists and flautists around, and multi-instrumentalist Hermeto Pascoal who has 40 albums under his belt and is one of the most important figures in Brazilian music. Tenerife concerts kick off on July 8 with the Samuel Labrador Trío and Big Band de Canarias from 9pm onwards at the Arafo Auditorium. Then, on July 13 at the Adán Mar-
Church choir Lovers of choral music are in for a treat when the Ensamble Vocal Contemporáneo fills the Los Cristianos auditorium with their virtuoso voices on July 16. Founded in 2009 for a special recording for the 50th anniversary of the Basílica de Candelaria church, the choir has since performed at various religious celebrations and
tín Auditorium in Santa Cruz, you can see China Moses, one of the most distinct voices of contemporary jazz, present her latest disc entitled Breaking Point. She will be followed by the magnificent Charles Lloyd New Quartet. The next evening on July 14, the Jorge Pardo (Huellas) Quartet starts off the show at 8pm at the Teatro Leal in La Laguna, followed by the Hermeto Pascoal Group. For July 15, Carme Canela, one of the most well-known vocalists on the Spanish jazz scene, plus Banda Magda, founded by Greek-born singer, film scorer, and composer Magda Giannikou, will perform in the Plaza ATFE, Santa Cruz. The action continues in the same plaza on the following night with the Carlos Miyares Quartet, led by the renowned Cuban saxophonist of the same name, followed by guitarist and vocalist Ruthie Foster, one of the most acclaimed blues singers of the 21st century. After a short break, concerts begin again on July 21 in the Plaza Europa, Puerto de la Cruz, with the eclectic and multi-talented Jon Cleary in the first half, and jazz fusionist Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah presenting his latest album Stretch Music in the second.
Same venue, next evening, piano and guitar duo Bailly & David Minguillón kick off the show then it’s the turn of Jose James from New York, followed by Carolyn Wonderland with her glorious Janis Joplinlike voice. Except for the first one, all of the above concerts begin at 8pm but the very last show to be held in Tenerife will start at 9pm, on July 23, also in the Plaza Europa, and will be Incognito - who will close the festival in their inimitable, funky way. That may be it for Ten-
erife but there is also plenty to see at venues in La Palma (Los Llanos de Aridane), Arrecife in Lanzarote, Puerto del Rosario in Fuerteventura and three great spots in Gran Canaria: Vecindario, Santa Brígida and Las Palmas (See page 28). This is an exciting chance to catch some of the most distinguished jazz musicians around, as well as a whole host of up and coming ones – and several of the concerts are free. Visit: www.canariasjazz.com to make the most of the incredn ible opportunity.
Celestial voices cathedrals across the Islands and Spain. Deemed to be one of the greatest ensembles of its kind, the talented singers will be accompanied by Javier Lanis on piano in a concert that will take place at the Infanta Leonor Auditorium, starting at 8.30pm. Tickets cost only €7. See: www. arona.org for more information on how to purchase them. n
HOLIDAY GUIDE WHATS ON 2016
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 042
July
July
GRAN CANARIA TENERIFE DIARY DATES July 9 11pm: Africa Night, Djarabikan Balafon and Spyrow, Plaza de Santa Ana, Las Palmas, free entry. XXV Canarias Jazz&Más Festival (see more below). www.canariasjazz.com July 13 8pm: Jorge Pardo (Huellas) Cuarteto and Hermeto Pascoal Group, Teatro Pérez Galdós, Las Palmas, tickets from €25. www.canariasjazz.com July 14 8pm: China Moses and Charles Lloyd New Quartet, Teatro Guiniguada, Las Palmas, €25. www. canariasjazz.com July 15 9pm: Carlos Miyares Cuarteto and Ruthie Foster, Plaza de San Rafael, Vecindario, free entry. www.canariasjazz.com
DIARY DATES We are entering a busy time for local fiestas, most of which have plenty of varied events for all ages and tastes leading up to, on, and after the local patron saint’s day. Banks and some businesses may be closed on the actual day. For more information see the events’ programmes on local council websites. July 6 - 16 Los Olivos Fiesta, Adeje. Various activities, children’s games, religious parades, dances and parties into the night. www.adeje.es July 7
July 15 All day: visit to the Museum of Science and Cosmos and Parque Marítimo César Manrique. For 55 years old and over accompanied by grandchildren under 14, €1.50. Register before July 21: 922 759 990 / www.granadilladeabona.org 8pm: Piano recital, Antiguo Convento de San Francisco, Garachico, free entry. www.consorcioislabaja.com July 15
Until July 28 Every Thursday: group therapy sessions for women with any type of gynaecology-related cancer, with Alejandro San Blas, 6pm – 7.45pm, free entry, Escuela de Seguridad y Convivencia, 2nd floor, Calle Beneharo s/n, Las Nieves, Adeje.
7pm: Blues by the Popa Chubby band, Paseo las Canteras 77, Las Palmas, €15. www.entrees.es
8pm: El Buzo Ruso, Jose James and Carolyn Wonderland, Plaza de Santa Ana, Las Palmas, free entry. www.canariasjazz.com July 22 8pm: Luis Merino, Jon Cleary and Patax. Plaza de Santa Ana, Las Palmas, free entry. www. canariasjazz.com July 23 8pm: Jazz Coming, Touché, José Carlos Díaz Croup and Perinké Big Band, Plaza de Santa Ana, Las Palmas, free entry. www.canariasjazz.com 8.30pm: Juan Carlos Bueno sings music of yesterday and today, Teatro Guiniguada, Las Palmas, €20. www.entrees.es
July 8 – 24 See page 27 for a round up of acts for the XXV Canarias Jazz&Más Festival. Top names include British acid-jazz band Incognito, Charles Lloyd and Hermeto Pascoal. www.canariasjazz.com July 9 8pm: Free concert by the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra, Exconvento de San Francisco, Adeje. www.adeje.es Until midnight: Nuit Blanche, exhibitions, bouncy castles, live music and entertainment, late-night shopping, discounts and special deals, Buenavista del Norte July 10
Folklore exhibitions, free entry, Pueblo Canario, Francisco González Díaz, LPGC. Until August 28
July 14
Photos based on descendants of Canarians in the USA. Casa de Colón, Las Palmas. Monday 10am - 9pm, Saturday 10am – 6pm, Sundays and holidays 10am - 3pm. www.casadecolon.com
9pm: Swan Lake by Moscow Ballet Company at the Infanta Leonor Auditorium, Los Cristianos, €38 or €20pp for groups of 12 or more. www.arona.org
8pm: Incognito, Alfredo Kraus Auditorium, Las Palmas, €30. www.canariasjazz.com
Exhibitions Sundays
July 30
8.30pm: Jesus Christ Superstar (in Spanish) Adán Martín Auditorium, Santa Cruz. 7pm start on July 10. auditoriodetenerife.com
10am onwards: Traditions Day in Chirche, regional costumes, traditional crafts, cooking, games, re-enactments. Free entry, free bus every 30 minutes from the centre of Guía de Isora (opposite Guardia Civil station) between 10am and 4.30pm. See: ‘Chirche’ on Facebook 11am to 8pm: Arts and craft fair, Avenida Marítima, Puerto de Santiago. www.santiagodelteide.es 8.30pm: Afrojazz concert. Infanta Leonor Auditorium, Los Cristianos, free entry. www. arona.org
July 24
July 23 Saturday
7pm: Peace solidarity concert, Teatro Leal, La Laguna, €10. www.teatroleal.com
July 17
July 21
All day: Paddle Surf and Banana sea excursion run by San Miguel council, €25. Must register by July 19. www.sanmigueldeabona.es 8pm: Opera and Operetta, Antiguo Convento de San Sebastián in Los Silos, free entry. www. consorcioislabaja.com
July 24
July 7 - 10
8.30pm: SwingStar in concert, Centro Cultural de Maspalomas, San Bartolomé, from €12. www.entrees.es 9pm: Carme Canela and Banda Magda, Parque Munic, Santa Brígida, free entry. www.canariasjazz.com
8pm: Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, CICCA, Las Palmas, €12. www.canariasjazz.com 9pm: Julio Iglesias in concert at the Mar Abierto Festival, Gran Canaria Arena, Las Palmas, from €37. www.entrees.es
July 23
9.30pm: Julio Iglesias in concert at the Mar Abierto festival, Santa Cruz port. Entrance from €32. www.entrees.es
6.30pm: Free concert by the Santa Cruz Municipal Band, music from films, Plaza de la Candelaria. www.santacruzdetenerife.es
July 16
July 20
music, various international Djs. Campo de Golf Los Palos. Entrance from €35. www.aronasummerfestival.com (See article on page 21)
9pm: Swan Lake by Moscow Ballet Company, Teatro Leal, La Laguna. From €28 euros. www. teatroleal.com
9pm: Concert by top Spanish pop star Melendi, Pabellón Santiago Martín, La Laguna. Tickets cost between €18 and €30. www.tomaticket.es
July 16
Throughout summer
7pm: Concert by Venezuelan band Desorden Público, Espacio Cultural Aguere, La Laguna, €15 Euro. www.entrees.es 8.30pm: Choral music, ‘El Ensamble Vocal Contemporáneo de Tenerife’, Infanta Leonor Auditorium, Los Cristianos, €7. www.arona.org
Children’s swimming classes: Most boroughs offer subsidised sessions for non-swimmers through to advanced classes. Ask at your local town hall or pool.
July 17
Open air cinema at the Magma Centre, Adeje, from €4 for residents, many films in the original language. See: www.openaircinematenerife.es for programme and non-resident prices.
7pm: Charity concert. Music and imagery, organised by the Dtproject in aid of developing countries. Infanta Leonor Auditorium, Los Cristianos, €5. www.arona.org July 21 - 31 Fiesta in El Sauzal. Various activities for young and old alike. www.elsauzal.es July 22 All day: visit to the Museum of Nature and Man and Parque Marítimo César Manrique. For 55 years old and over accompanied by grandchildren under 14, €1.50. Register before July 21: 922 759 990 / www.granadilladeabona.org 9pm: Free contemporary dance show ‘Me comprometo’, Teatro Leal, La Laguna. www.teatroleal.com July 22 & 23
Until further notice
Saturday mornings Events for specific groups, families, seniors, women etc., Activate Sports Club. www.tenerifeactivate.com.
EXHIBITIONS July 9 – 24 Showing of works from students of El Sauzal council’s art school. Sala de exposiciones, Town Hall, Wednesday to Sunday, 5pm to 8pm. Until September 11 ‘Limbo’, photographs by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, TEA Tenerife Espacio de las Artes, Santa Cruz. Free entry, 10am to 8pm, Tuesday to Sunday. www.teatenerife.es
Arona Summer Festival. Dance and electronic
For regular church, charity and recreational events, please see: www.islandconnections.eu/1000003/1000027/0/41004/living-lifestyle-article.html
7.7.2016 – 20.7.2016
MUSIC
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 775
29
Sito Morales
The soundtrack of North Tenerife Qfm 94.3 or Qfm2 Rock. Look for Qfm Cool Jazz in the App store or follow the link from Qmusica.com, and you’ll be able to listen to Qfm and Qfm2 in any part of the world. n
TRACKLIST The Qfm Music Review is a comprehensive guide to music created in the Canary Islands. Sito Morales is one of the most relevant figures in the history of rock in the Canary Islands, having commenced his musical career in 1986. When an ex-vocalist of a renowned group launches a solo project, it’s make or bust.
So when Sito Morales, ex lead singer of Servicio Público and Tractores, recorded his first solo album, El Acantilado de Judas (1992), he took the risk of spinning his career backwards. Although his subsequent five releases achieved various levels of commercial success and critical acclaim, the Tenerife born artist stayed true to his own original style. His latest album, Antecedentes
Carnales, which was released in 2014, demonstrated an accumulation of his experience and an evolution of his skills as an author. The album was recorded in Estudios Arena Digital and El Hangar (both located in La Laguna) between 2012 and 2013, and features guitarist Álvaro Jiménez, pianist Julio Tejera, cellist Cristina Padrón and a host of other guest musi-
cians. The result is a collection of 11 tightly produced pop-rock tracks, each very different whilst sharing Morales’ distinctive haunting vocals and thought provoking poetic lyrics. Anyone who is remotely familiar with La Laguna’s nightlife will instantly recognise the area’s influence on the album, a sublime harshness which grows on us from the open-
ing track. There’s more info at: www.zarandarecords.com.
Qfm Don’t forget to tune in to Qfm 94.3, or listen online at: www. qmusica.com. Qfm now has a new app for Android and iPhone. The apps are free, take up very little memory, and you can choose whether you want to listen to
1. Viejo Ciprés 2. Armónicas de Oro (feat. Carlos Goñi) 3. No Te Fallaré 4. Solo 5. Las Campanas de la Catedral 6. Acaso 7. Rebeldes 8. Mensaje 9. Déjame Intentarlo 10. Río Seco 11. Gitana Brillante
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SPOTLIGHT
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 042
SPOTLIGHT ON STUART BEAGLEY
Ed Sheeran or Michael Bublé? art has recently introduced a new Ed Sheeran show which is not, at least for now, intended to replace the Michael Bublé act. The only problem facing him was that he is fair skinned with ginger hair, and he had been dying his hair to become Michael Bublé. What to do now that the fair haired Ed Sheeran Stuart performs Michael Bublé favourites Here he sports a more natural look as Ed Sheeran
songs to begin with: a repertoire of 60 with backing tracks. Since then he has whittled that down to around 30 of Buble’s most popular numbers. Stuart remembers the date of his
first Michael Bublé show: May 4, 2011. It was a significant day for him, when at last he achieved what he came here to do: work in entertainment. Fast forward to 2016, and Stu-
had entered the equation? The answer was simple, go natural and let Bublé be the one to have a change of hair colour.
©2015 FLN
Stuart Beagley is a very talented artist who has been working on the Tenerife circuit since May 2011. Born in Edinburgh, he moved to Aberdeen when he was nine years old. Aberdeen became his home for the next 20 years and his family still lives there. He went to school in Aberdeen and began university studies at the age of 25. Due to family commitments, he couldn’t complete his computer science studies and he ended up working in the retail sector. Even though he wasn’t a butcher, he did become a butchery manager at Macro, and for around a year he also ran Karaoke discos. Not really enjoying his work in Aberdeen, he was looking for a change in his life and moved to Tenerife in 2008. Stuart was hoping to work in entertainment but achieving that took a while. In the meantime, he worked in timeshare for a year, compered Karaoke during evenings on and off for another two years, and took PR jobs as well to earn some money. This artist has had no official musical training, so everything that you see on stage nowadays is self taught and began with his first guitar and a tutorial book. Stuart started his stage career in Tenerife with his Michael Bublé Experience show. He told us that it took ages to prepare, maybe because he had tried to learn too many
Imitating Ed Sheeran is not as easy as it looks, as he uses a looping system. The famous singer was the first artist to appear totally live at Wembley, just one man with his guitar, a microphone and his looping kit. For Stuart, this meant that he couldn’t use backing tracks on stage as Ed Sheeran either. So he bought a looper and says he enjoyed the mental challenge of learning how to use it. Loopers are basically miniature recorders which can play back a sample track, instrumental or vocal, again and again. A looper effects pedal is indeed a powerful tool for any creative musician. Stuart told Island Connections that it took a lot of practice to put the show together with the looper and that most of it was a matter of trial and error. Most artists, at least in Tenerife, use
backing tracks so when they arrive at a venue all they have to do to set up is pop a pen drive into the resident computer and they’re ready to go. When Stuart arrives at a venue, it takes five to ten minutes to set up the looper, but once that’s done the result is amazing and it sounds as though he’s working with a live band. It is also fascinating to watch how it’s done. We asked Stuart what was the funniest thing that has happened to him on stage and he mentioned two occasions. He told us that he split his trousers on stage as Michael Bublé some time ago, and that only a few weeks back as he was setting up the looper at the start of his Ed Sheeran show, he broke a guitar string. This talented musician got through it by rapping and singing while he replaced the string using pliers and wire cutters and said that it was one of his “most bizarre experiences”. Stuart gets most of his work by recommendation. You can see him as Ed Sheeran at the Bahía Beach, Puerto Colón on Mondays at 9.45pm, Bojangles in Los Cristianos at 11pm, and the Whiskey Jar in Playa de las Américas on Tuesdays at 11pm. On Wednesdays he becomes Michael Bublé at the Wali Hai in San Eugenio at 10pm, Amanda’s in Torviscas at 11pm, Restaurante Margarita in Los Cristianos on Thursdays at 10pm and the Irish Rover in San Eugenio on Fridays at 11pm. For further information you can contact Stuart via www.facen book.com/sbeagley.
7.7.2016 – 20.7.2016
BLEVINS FRANKS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 775
31
Estate planning
What will happen to your legacy? By Paul Montague, Partner, Blevins Franks
Many readers are enjoying their retirement years here in Spain, taking advantage of all the benefits living in the Canary Islands has to offer. You are reaping the rewards of all your hard work advancing your career, perhaps building up and selling a business, and the effort you put into accumulating your savings, investments and pension funds. Even if you have put a lot of thought into your wealth management in the past, there comes a time when we need to look at our financial planning again in terms of multi-generational wealth management. How will your wealth be passed down to your children, grandchildren and any other chosen heirs? How will they handle your legacy? How much will they actually receive and how much will go to the taxman?
“How will your wealth be passed down to your children, grandchildren and any other chosen heirs?” Complex family situations need particular consideration – for example, if you have children from previous marriages. You may also wish to establish a way to gift with certainty, where you have some control over when heirs receive their funds and how they use it.
Taxation is another essential component of estate planning If you live in Spain or you have Spanish assets you need to plan to protect yourself and your heirs from Spanish succession and gift tax. It is due when either the assets are located in
Spain, regardless of where the recipient lives, or if the recipient of a gift or inheritance is resident in Spain, regardless of where the assets are. UK nationals are also faced with UK inheritance tax. Determined by domicile rather than residence, it continues to affect
many British expatriates living here. For wealthier families, the tax bills can be considerable. It is not just inheritance tax you need to think about. If you are leaving your heirs savings and investments, once they receive the funds they will pay tax on the income and gains. So plan how to hold your capital so that it is tax efficient for them. Also consider how these investments will pass on to chosen heirs – can ownership easily change hands? Finally, do not forget your own needs. You may want the best for your heirs but you also have to ensure you and your spouse benefit from your wealth in the meantime. Writing your last will and testament is one key step in estate planning. You may need one in Spain covering your Spanish assets and one in the UK covering UK assets. But wills can only go so far. If you are looking to gift with control and reduce taxation you need to employ other arrangements as well.
Cross-border estate planning is complex and needs to take multi-jurisdictional succession law, inheritance taxes and probate into account. There are compliant opportunities available in Spain that allow you to do all this and which provide significant tax advantages. Take specialist personalised advice to ensure you get it right. 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
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BUSINESS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 042
Linea Directa
A historic referendum
What happens after Britain exits the EU? Through the withdrawal negotiations, nothing will change for British expats in Spain because the UK will remain part of the EU during this transitional period. However, what happens after Britain has left the EU and how this may affect you is still unclear.
Legal Assistance Service Whilst many questions remain unanswered, Linea Directa would like to remind all its customers that its Legal
cialist legal advice for emergency incidents relating to you, your family or your home.
In English
Shho / FreeImages.com
On Thursday June 23, the people of Britain voted in a historic referendum for a British exit from the European Union. This decision has prompted jubilant celebration in many parts, whilst sending shockwaves through the global economy. Over the next two years or so, Britain will negotiate its exit under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union.
Linea Directa can provide sound legal advice for expatriate customers living in Spain
Assistance Service comes as standard in all their insurance policies. If you have a query you can call one of our lawyers. They offer information and advice on a wide range of matters such as taxes, purchase and rental of property, inheritance, family, etc. As the Brexit negotiations evolve, our legal team will keep abreast of all the latest developments relating to events occurring in the Spanish territory and those
to which Spanish legislation is applicable.
24-hour assistance for emergency legal consultations Should you require an immediate legal consultation, which due to the gravity of the matter in hand cannot wait, we offer a 24-hour legal advice service. Regardless of the time of day, we can provide immediate spe-
The service is entirely in English; from the drafting and revision of legal documents to negotiations with third parties and/or opposing parties. We can’t provide all the answers to the questions raised by the Britain’s exit of the EU, but we can provide sound legal advice for our expatriate customers living in Spain. We hope the information provided in this article is of interest. If you would like to contact Linea Directa please call 902 123 151. More information on Linea Directa online at: www. n lineadirecta.com.
Promotion
We’re out! Sponsored by the Free Advice Centre Tenerife The Brexit vote won, and inevitably this has brought about great discussion on how it will affect expats. The reason everything is uncertain of course, is that this is unprecedented. Whilst it would be foolish to suggest that there won’t be any change at all, it’s also true to say that we don’t need to panic. Firstly, an exit from the EU can take up to two years, and probably all of that time will be needed to implement new agreements negotiated between the UK and each individual EU member state. So nothing will change with regard to your day to day living or administrative procedures for the foreseeable future, and probably not for the full two years. It is also likely that, since our passports are issued by the UK government, they will run until their expiry date, and then be replaced with a British rather than an EU version. The UK and Spain will need to make a ‘convenio’ agreement that will offer British pensioners free healthcare, amongst other things, and there are already precedents for this with other non EU countries. What may change is the opportunity to travel freely, in the sense that it may be more difficult for people to live here ‘under the radar’, without registering, without paying tax or working illegally. If passports are stamped on entry and exit it will also be harder to deny that you have been in the country more than the period of days at which point you should technically apply for residency. For anyone who is worried there are some excellent online videos issued on June 24 by the British Embassy in Madrid which will help put your mind at rest. One thing is clear, eventually the administrative procedures will become even more bureaucratic as we will have to join the non-EU queue, both at Passport control and when it comes to applying for paperwork. The best thing to do is to keep well informed as things develop, and don’t waste any time getting your paperwork in order. For free paperwork checks, call in to the Free Advice Centre Tenerife at the Wheeler Dealer premises in Las Chafiras. n
7.7.2016 – 20.7.2016
BUSINESS
33
What happened next? Why did this case take so long to come to a trial? “The former mayor Isaac Valencia was in office for almost 30 years. He tried to get the case filed four times. There are always new judges. The matter
a mayor takes possession, he should be checked.”
which are poorly paid, with bad working conditions.”
Apart from the way the shopping centre was implemented, was the project checked for other questionable reasons? “Many cities and commu-
The centre has been built – what do you expect from this process? “It’s not intended that someone is imprisoned but that
was complicated, so lawyers had to be brought in again at regular intervals. This was time consuming and tedious.”
nities strive for these large shopping centres. In my view, they are more harmful than beneficial. At the time, Isaac Valencia argued that the centre would create jobs for residents. The fact is that unemployment in La Orotava is still above the average level and the quality of jobs is bad. In the town centre, many shops were forced to close. A lot of staff had been there for many years, employed with fixed contracts. In the modern centres often only temporary contracts are issued,
someone takes responsibility. Until now, the mayor has not apologised once to the public for the arrogance with which he performed his job. I think that Isaac Valencia at least owes his citizens an admission of his wrongdoing and guilt, and an apology. After all, he is a political and social example, and he and the others involved will, in retrospect, get justice. That to me is a question of ethics and morality. A public office is a service to the citizens and not a carte blanche for officials to n enrich themselves.”
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 775
Interview with José Manuel Hernández
The El Trompo case Was the shopping centre built illegally? This question recently went to the Supreme Court in Santa Cruz. The accused are primarily the former mayor of La Orotava, Isaac Valencia, as well as the contractors Ambrosio Jiménez and former town secretary, Juan Carlos de Tomás Martí. The prosecutors requested a sentence of eight years’ professional disqualification from working in the public sector, three and a half years in prison and a fine of €6,000 each for the ex-mayor and ex-town secretary, and two years in prison plus a fine of €6,000 for the building contractor. This case refers to the El Trompo shopping centre, which is next to the La Villa centre in La Orotava. The parties are accused of disregarding urban regulation laws and abuse of office. The leftist politician José Manuel Hernández (formerly with the IPU party, currently Unidos Podemos) has been fighting against the construction for the last 14 years. Why has the shopping centre been such a problem? “Immediately after the completion of La Villa in 2002, the construction of El Trompo began. At that time, the plot was not declared as ‘urban’, but as ‘rústico posiblemente productivo’ (farmland which could possibly be cultivated). Also no building permit or project had been approved. Finally, it is not about an insignificant area or a private individual, but a project that occupies 80,000 square
metres. Immediately after the construction began, the local police found that work was being done without permission and they requested a construction freeze at the town council. The correct thing to do would have been to formally plan the project, announce a tender and then begin, but in this case that was not done. Instead, some underhand wheeling and dealing went on. The local police request to freeze the work was not even considered. A Canarian Environmental Protection Agency specification had not been adhered to.” But then wasn’t a new town regulation plan introduced, under which the land in question subsequently became legal urbanised building land? “Yes that’s true, but even in this post-legalisation effort, which in itself was question-
able, the technicians miscalculated by about 2,000 square metres. This is precisely the difference that will now be
José Manuel Hernández has been fighting for justice in the El Trompo case for 14 years The shopping centre was built illegally and later attempts to legalise it were deficient The town has suffered from the politician’s view of large shopping centres and many shops were forced to close
demolished. Their private postlegalisation plan was made so badly, that even then it didn’t put the situation to rights.”
Had the mayor been involved in corruption before? “We have no evidence. The fact is that he has always been surrounded with entrepreneurs and large landowners. The suspicion that he benefitted is obvious. He has put important areas such as waste collection, water supply and other essential town tasks into private hands. At the time when
HEALTH
Summer health
It’s the time of year when thoughts turn to the beach, lazing around in the sun or generally enjoying the warmer weather and balmy evenings. People flock to the Canary Islands for their annual sunshine boost, but some of them are inadequately prepared for just how hot it gets here and how dangerous it can be for health. On the other hand, for those who live on the Islands, dealing with the constant heat for months on end can be a challenge in itself. But, don’t worry, there are many ways you can make these summer months more comfortable and safer too.
Beat the heat
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 042
Photo: Tallia22 / FreeImages.com
34
Wonderful water
Don’t burn out It can both look and feel good to have a tan but the associated darkening of the skin is actually its response to damage and a way of trying to protect itself from further injury. Tan if you must, but try to do it responsibly. Protecting your skin from sun damage is important all year round, especially as tempera-
It can look and feel good to have a tan but sunbathing should be done responsibly
tures rise. You don’t have to avoid the sun and its damaging ultraviolet rays altogether but there are several steps you can take that will help keep you happy and healthy. The skin is the largest of the body’s vital organs and plays a central role in defending us from heat and cold, chemicals, ultraviolet radiation, bacteria and other biological contaminants. Damage can have far reaching consequences that include various serious conditions. Not surprisingly, skin cancer is very common in the archipelago. Most of these types of cancers can be treated quite easily if caught early enough, but some – such as melanomas which cause 75 per cent of all skin related deaths globally – are more difficult, and long term over-exposure to the
sun’s rays most definitely puts you at risk. One of the most important ways to avoid harming your skin is to stay out of the sun between 12pm and 4pm when it is at its strongest – or even longer if you can. And that includes on cloudy days: ultraviolet rays can still burn you despite the darker skies. For the rest of the time, the best way to avoid sunburn and over-exposure to UV is to simply wear clothes – at least during the hottest part of the day. The tighter the weave of the fabric, the better protection it provides as it prevents more of the damaging rays from penetrating the material. By holding a garment up to the window or light you can easily check the weave – the less light that comes through, the better.
Loose fitting clothes are also good as they not only allow the air to circulate and keep you cooler, but tight garments stretch as you move, allowing the rays to break through where the weave has opened. Clothes in darker colours absorb UV to some degree, so provide more protection than fabrics of the same material in lighter shades. Hence, a dark coloured denim (and therefore tightly woven) top will provide much more protection than one made out of white T-shirt material. There are also clothes that are specially designed to keep UV rays at bay, and these are especially good for young children during beach visits. Each is given an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) and the higher the number, the more effective
Photo: Christian Nielsen FreeImages.com
One of the most important ways you can look after yourself during the summer is to drink plenty of water. Even when you are just lazing around by the pool on a hot day you need to take in around two litres. If working or exercising, this can go up to an incredible five litres depending on conditions. And, no, beer, wine, coffee or fizzy drinks do not count when the heat is on. Dehydration is extremely dangerous. Mild to moderate cases (when the body’s fluid levels have fallen by one to three per cent of body mass) can cause a dry, sticky mouth, headaches, muscle tiredness, sleepiness, dark yellow or brown urine, and constipation. Fortunately, this can be cured by drinking water. However, severe dehydration - characterised by lack of sweating, sunken eyes, shrivelled and dry skin, low blood pressure, increased heart beat, fever, delirium and, if left untreated, unconsciousness - is a life threatening condition so anyone suffering from it should go to their nearest hospital immediately.
Take precautions to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays
they are. For example, UPF 30 allows only one thirtieth of UV to penetrate. Wearing a hat at all times, preferably a broad brimmed one, is also good advice. This will protect the neck, ears, scalp
and face against over-exposure – areas which are prone to developing UV related conditions. It will also hold wrinkles at bay for longer: an added bonus.
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Sunscreen creams and sprays are a useful tool but it is important to understand exactly what they can - and can’t - do, and how to use them effectively. The ‘Sun Protection Factor’ (SPF) ratings that you see on bottles refer to the substance’s ability
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to block ultraviolet B but not, unfortunately, the UVA rays that are more closely linked to deeper skin damage. However, they are definitely better than nothing as both kinds are long term contributing risks for skin cancer. On the one hand, the SPF number is an estimate of the
SPF 30 they may be able to stay 30 times more. Remember, in very strong, direct sunlight, it can take only minutes to burn, depending on your skin type, so creams often don’t provide as much extra time as people tend to think. The numbers also refer to the amount of UVB that is blocked.
be receiving full protection that way. Don’t forget sensitive areas such as your lips, ears, scalp and the top of your feet and hands, and always apply it 15 to 30 minutes before leaving the house. You will need to reapply it regularly, probably around every two hours, especially if you swim, sweat, or are outdoors for
35
Photo: Marcus Österberg FreeImages.com
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 775
Photo: darcache FreeImages.com
HEALTH
7.7.2016 – 20.7.2016
On really hot days, close the doors and windows and sit by the fan
Photo: Dmytro Samsonov / FreeImages.com
Sunburn can be extremely painful and cause long term damage
Don’t forget to use sunscreen on ears, nose, lips and the tops of feet and hands
An SPF 15 product is said to obstruct around 94 per cent; SPF 30 about 96 per cent; and SPF 45 approximately 98 per cent. The way you apply sunscreen is also important. You need to use it liberally: don’t try to eke your cream out as you won’t
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a long time, and this includes for waterproof varieties. An incredible 95 per cent of the UV radiation we are exposed to is UVA. Some sunscreens say they can also block these rays (often called ‘Broad Spectrum’ creams), but ultimately their effectiveness is minimal so covering up and staying out of the sun as much as possible are the only truly efficient ways to avoid harm. Skin damage can take place well before burning but if you have overdone it, make sure you treat your skin with soothing after-sun products to restore moisture and slow further damage. Creams with aloe vera or vitamin E are excellent for this. Children, and especially babies, are particularly at risk of burning and overheating so it’s important to ensure that they spend as much time in the shade as possible, wear suitable clothes and/or that sunscreen is worn at all times.
Pascal Thauvin FreeImages.com
time it would take an individual to burn whilst wearing the cream, as opposed to if they weren’t using any. Again, the higher the number, the better. For instance, an average person wearing SPF 15 would be able to stay in the sun 15 times longer than usual, whilst using
Wearing a hat will protect your face
Extreme heat When the hot, sandy winds known as calimas hit the Islands, temperatures can soar to 40 degrees Centigrade and above so it is even more important to prevent sun burn, overheating and other calima-related conditions such as breathing difficulties. It is a well known fact that local health centres receive an influx of sufferers during these periods so they are always on emergency alert. The best approach is to simply stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day, with the windows shut
Always use sunscreen and make sure it is applied correctly
and curtains closed to avoid both the heat and the heavy dust that accompanies it. The elderly, very young or those with pulmonary conditions are especially at risk.
Staying cool When it is very hot there is no escape from the heat unless you have air-conditioning. For those who don’t there are a few simple tricks for staying cool whilst at home. Keep windows and doors closed during the day and open them as soon as the temperature drops (if it does). Make sure you create as much air flow as possible.
Heat can build up in cupboards, especially wardrobes, which is then radiated and further warms any rooms they are located in. A good idea is to open their doors during cooler moments to allow some of the heat to escape. A neat little move is to place a container holding a frozen water bottle or something similar in front of your fan. This will significantly cool the air that is being blown around, rather than the heat just being moved from one place to another. When it is very hot you can also try using a spray to cover any exposed parts of your body with a fine mist – as it evaporates, this will also cool you down. This can be particularly useful for pets too. Alternatively, take plenty of showers and don’t dry yourself off properly as this will n have the same effect.
36
GARDEN
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 042
Grow your own
Tasty tomatoes
Getting started
Transferring tomatoes Once the plants are around 15cm to 25cm tall it is time to re-pot or move the tomatoes into the garden. Before you start, water the plants around the roots to encourage the soil to stick to them. Then place a small utensil such as a table knife under the root system and gently lever the seedlings out whilst holding the leaves – never squeeze the stem as they are easily damaged. Photo: James Lin / FreeImages.com
The first step is to germinate the seeds. This works best at tem-
compress this down very gently. Sprinkle water over the soil whenever it appears dry but don’t overwater as the seeds may rot. Once leaves start to appear – after around seven days – turn the pot daily if it’s placed on a windowsill.
Photo: Kelvin Silburn / FreeImages.com
If anyone were asked to name two crop plants belonging to the Canary Islands, bananas and tomatoes would undoubtedly be the ones that spring to mind. Now, those delicious bananas may not be a beginning gardener’s choice, but tomatoes are a great plant to start with as they do well in the climate here and can be grown in the ground, a container or even a grow bag. They are easy to start from seed, just two plants will give you an ongoing crop, and they can be a great project for kids as it only takes around 12 weeks for the first fruits to appear so they can see results quite quickly.
There’s nothing like freshly picked tomatoes off your own plant Growing tomatoes is a great project for kids
peratures between 15 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius for many varieties, so at this time of year you may want to do this indoors in an area with plenty of ventilation and light but no direct sunlight. You can sow them straight into a large pot if they are to be grown that way, or into one that is at least 7.5cm to 10cm across and tall so the seedlings can grow to a healthy size without their roots being constricted. Fill the containers with potting mix to within a couple of centimetres of the rim. Put two seeds on top of the soil in the centre of each one - in case one doesn’t take. You can remove the smaller, weaker one if they both sprout. Then cover them with around half a centimetre of soil and
Place the plants into their new spot (with the soil slightly higher up the stem than it was before, right up to their first set of leaves if you wish) and gently firm the soil around them. Lightly water and keep out of bright sunlight for a day or two whilst they get over the shock. Fertilise every seven to 10 days (according to instructions) with a general liquid fertiliser or one specifically for tomatoes. A high potash one is useful once the fruits start to grow. To assess soil moisture, gently push one finger into the earth each morning to a depth of between 2cm and 3cm. If the soil isn’t damp, it is time to water. During a heat wave you may need to water up to twice
Photo: Arcelia Vanasse / FreeImages.com
Seedlings can be thinned out if all of them germinate
a day. If it is extremely hot, it may be best to pick tomatoes that show any sign of ripening and end the process indoors. You can do this on a window sill but placing them away from direct light in a paper bag will give a nice all-over finish.
Outdoor organisation If you are transplanting into the garden you will first need to ensure the area has sufficient drainage. Dig the earth over, breaking up any compact lumps and, if necessary, mix in some compost or fertiliser. If you are sowing straight into the garden you will need to give extra attention to the top two or three centimetres. Here you will need to rake the soil really well as the tiny tomato seeds need it very fine. Then water the area well before thinly scattering the seeds and covering them.
Tall and proud As your plants mature, there should be around a 45cm space between each of them to allow the sun to reach the ripening fruits (though individual varieties will vary). They will need supporting as they grow, so while they are still young drive a stake which is approximately 2cm in diam-
eter into the soil next to each plant. Use soft twine to tie the stem loosely to the stake, and check the ties regularly as the plant grows, loosening the string as needed to prevent damage. Water the plants regularly (keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged) as allowing the soil or compost to dry out and then flooding it will cause the fruit to crack.
As the plants develop, nip out any side shoots that appear between the leaf and stem to encourage fruit growth, and once the plants have between four and seven trusses (vertical layers) of fruit, remove the growing tip of the main stem at two leaves above the top truss.
The heat is on Though tomatoes like warmth, the mid-summer temperatures here can slow production down so it is important to take steps to protect your plants. Choose a spot for them which receives full sun in the morning and then filtered sun or gentle shade for the rest of the day. If necessary, build artificial cover using shade cloth, sticking to the same rule as above. Adding a 5cm to 8cm layer of mulch around the plants will help keep soil moist. This can be made of any organic material such as shredded bark, chopped leaves, grass clippings or even pebbles. You can also look out for heathappy tomato varieties such as Summer Set, Heatmaster and n Solar Fire.
7.7.2016 – 20.7.2016
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 775
BEAUTY & FASHION
37
by the military, designers have now rediscovered the Bermuda. They combine high-heels and
delicate tops with it - a trend that will make our summer legs n look great!
Short stories The hot season has begun and with it the time of hot outfits. This of course includes shorts and minis.
All photos: www.prshots.com
Airy alternatives
Hot Pants are also back in fashion. From Pretty Little Thing
While many people know that the short skirt was made famous by the legendary British designer Mary Quant in the 1960s, few know how shorts actually originated. When the British army was stationed in Bermuda in the early 20th century, the soldiers became extremely hot and sweaty and without further ado, cut their trousers off at knee level. The islanders observed this airy alternative and it soon became a must for all fashion conscious men. Tourists then spread the trend around the world. In the 50s, the Bermuda became the favourite piece of leisure clothing. Initially conceived as a pair of beach pants for men, the Ber-
A touch of the 50s! Slightly flared shorts. From Glamorous Made of lightweight fabric and with side pockets. From M & Co.
saw the pants only in schoolyards and on hiking trails, but a century after the invention
Shorts in ethnic style with frayed borders. From Primark
muda soon appeared on female models. In 1968 the Bermuda disappeared when Yves Saint Laurent designed a Haute Cou-
ture tuxedo with knee length trousers. Then along came hot pants, the mini version of the shorts. A little later and Ber-
mudas were worn daily to city offices: the joint presentation with the blazer appealed to the yuppie-minded. In the 90s we
Combined tone on tone effect makes these shorts really classy. From White Stuff
38
PETS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 042
Adopt, don’t buy
Animal charities’ round up Cats Welfare Tenerife Make it a double! If you’re thinking about bringing a kitten into your life, there are many reasons why you should actually consider doubling up and bringing home a pair, as starting off with two may actually be much easier and more beneficial all round. For a start, many people adopt and then a couple of years later realise they want a second cat. Since adult cats are territorial, the introduction process often requires care and lots of patience. Some people do consider adopting two at once but are concerned about the added work and costs. In reality, a second kitten won’t add much extra effort or outlay and the benefits of companionship will greatly enrich both their lives. Kittens learn from their mother, their environment and from each other. Kitten-to-kitten interaction and playtime are valuable educational opportunities for developing important skills for later life. They learn how to communicate and interpret each other’s signals, how hard to bite during playtime and how to share territory. In the case of a litter, the siblings are well into this process. They’re already bonded by the time you come along: what a great way to start! In the case of rescues they have been without their mother and are too young to be away from their litter mates. If you adopt a pair, the socialisation can continue and they can gain security and comfort from each other. Kittens are constantly on the go. When jumping, they are learning how to gauge distances. When walking along narrow objects, they are learning balance. Stalking, playing, climbing, tumbling, using their claws, etc.: What looks to be mere play or curiosity is actually an important part of education. Since they also learn by observation, a pair of kittens will help each other. This applies to everything from using the litter tray to which objects are safe to land on or
not. An inquisitive kitten may also help a more reluctant one to blossom. In addition, you probably have to work and spend time away from home and a little kitten can get lonely and even scared. Cats aren’t actually solitary and most truly benefit when they have a feline buddy around. Not only that, but you will get twice the
Beautiful Barney
This wonderful male dog is small, cute, energetic, loving and needing a home of his own after being abandoned. Could you give him a chance? Call Sue at Live Arico on: n 629 388102 for more information.
Pip Brown was the lucky winner of Cat Welfare’s hamper of delicious goodies Bless them! There are many advantages to adopting two or more kittens at the same time
love and cuddles, and watching two kittens playing together is highly entertaining! We will even help with the extra cost: if you adopt two kittens we will pay for the first year’s injections, microchip and neutering for the second one. We would also like to say congratulations to Pip Brown, the winner of our Raffle Hamper with ticket number 383. The raffle raised €160, and we are thrilled. Thank you to everyone that bought a ticket and also to Michelle Bentley for making and donating the hamper. We do not receive any government funding so are always looking for raffle and potential hamper items for fundraising. If you have anything suitable please drop it into our charity shop on San Blas in Golf del Sur (Behind Hiperdino). It is open
Looking for love
K9
seven days a week, 10am until 6pm, but on Saturdays is open from 11am until 4pm. If you don’t have transport or have large bulky items, please ring Mark on: 636 590 557 and he will arrange collection. You can also contact us via our website: www.cats-welfare-tenerife.com.
Acción del Sol Adopted dogs from our refuge make such lovely pets and it gives them a new start in their lives. We have dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes. You can be assured that every one of them is fully micro-chipped, injected, treated for heartworm and has a clean bill of health and passport. We do not charge for our adoptions but donations towards the ongoing costs of
running the refuge are always welcome. Please call us on: 922 778 630 if you can help in any way. We are always in need of tinned dog food for our older dogs, plus blankets, towels, sheets, dog toys, and collars and leads for everyone. If you have any of the above to spare they would be very much appreciated, or visit the refuge on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons from 2pm to 5pm and Saturdays 1pm to 4pm. We are situated directly under the Eolica Parque’s wind turbines at exit 52 on the TF1 northbound, which is after the El Médano junction. Just head for the wind turbines on the coast and you will see our buildings on the right. Alternatively, email the refuge at: teneriffa@aktiontier. org or visit our Facebook page: action tier Acción del Sol.
Our shop on Alcala Plaza is in continual need of donations. If you have anything suitable please take it to the shop. The kennels are open every day from 11am to 2pm. If you have any enquiries or are looking for a dog or cat, the number is: 667 638 468.
Live Arico (PAWS) Thanks to one and all for the great success we had with our Early Summer Dinner Dance held at the Rendezvous Function Room, Winter Gardens, Golf del Sur. It was a full house which raised €566 for both ourselves and the Sangha Animal Sanctuary in San Miguel where there are fencing improvements going on at the moment. Derrick Lynes hosted a night of superb entertainment from
ABBA Twist, Suzie Moore, Alfie B, and Jay Francis as George Michael. Thanks to all the entertainers, Stuart and his team at Rendezvous, and everyone who came and supported the evening, it really was a fantastic atmosphere. For some of the best charity store chic around, bag a bargain at our shops in: San Eugenio (Opposite Hotel La Niña. 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). Don’t throw things away! Call us on 629 388 102 and we can sell it to help the dogs. Find us at: www.livearico.com, on Facebook, or join us on Twitter: twitn ter.com/live_arico.
FARMERS MARKET
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 775
Farmer’s Markets Adeje Calle Archajara, s/n, in front of Makro Saturday/Sunday 8am – 2pm / Wednesday 4pm – 8pm Telephone: 922 775 200 Alcalá Plaza de Llano Monday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 850 100 Arafo Plaza San Juan Degollado Thursday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 511 711 Arico Porís de Abona Sunday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 676 159 034 Arona Valle San Lorenzo, Carretera General 122 Monday/Friday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 767 138 Buenavista del Norte Plaza de San Sebastián Opening times: Saturday 8.30am – 2pm Telephone: 922 129 030 Candelaria Wednesday 8am - 2pm Next to council offices Saturday 8am – 2pm. Plaza del Centro Comercial de Punta Larga Telephone: 922 505 014 El Médano Plaza Principal Wednesday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 759 966/62 El Rosario Carretera General del Norte, la Esperanza Saturday/Sunday/festivals 8am – 4pm Telephone: 922 010 160 El Sauzal Hoya de la Vida, next to the church, Ravelo Friday/Saturday/Sunday 7.30am- 2pm Telephone: 922 584 657
Güímar Plaza del Ayuntamiento Sunday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 526 105
side behind Titsa Depot) 8am – 3pm closed Mondays Tel 922 076544
Guía de Isora Plaza del Pueblo de Garachico Friday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 850 100
Playa de San Juan Plaza de la Iglesia Wednesday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 850 100
Icod de Los Vinos Calle Key Muñoz 5 Monday/Friday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 815 700 / 922 447 938 La Guancha Carretera General TFS km 49 Saturday/Sunday 8am – 3pm Telephone: 922 360 788 La Laguna Plaza del Cristo Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday 6am – 2pm Telephone: 922 601 100 / 922 253 903 La Matanza de Acentejo Ctra. General del Norte Saturday 8am – 3pm, Sunday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 577 120 La Orotava Calle Educadora Lucía Mesa Saturday 8am – 1.30pm Telephone: 922 336 804 / 681 277 633 Los Realejos Camino Viejo de San Benito, Finca el Llano, Realejo Alto Saturday/Sunday 9am – 2pm Telephone: 922 346 234 Los Silos Plaza de la Luz, Los Silos Sunday 9am – 2pm Telephone: 922 840 004 Parque de la Reina – El Cho Calle Infanta Elena, 32 (before Karting on right hand
39
Farmer’s Markets
Island support!
Puerto de la Cruz Avenida Blas Pérez González, 4 Wednesday to Saturday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 386 158 San Isidro Mercado del Agricultor de Granadilla Off the roundabout leading to El Médano Saturday/Sunday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 759 966 San Miguel de Abona P.I. Las Chafiras, San Miguel de Abona, next to the fire station Saturday/Sunday 8am – 2pm Wednesday 2pm – 7.30pm Telephone: 922 735 386 Santa Cruz de Tenerife Avenida José Manuel Guimerá Sunday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 606 000 Santa Úrsula Carretera General, near the town hall Saturday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 301 640
Photo: by Frank C. Muller
7.7.2016 – 20.7.2016
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
40
HOROSCOPES | CLASSIFIEDS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 042
Horoscope for period: July 7 to July 20 Aries 21.3 - 20.4 You really need some time to yourself. The problem is that you don’t know when to say no sometimes. It can be one of the hardest things to do so try starting with small refusals, said in a positive way, and work your way up. It’s the only way.
Contacts
Taurus 21.4 - 20.5 Finances feature highly right now. For the lucky ones you will receive a windfall, whilst others may have to tighten your belts. Don’t worry, everything passes and all of you will be receiving some sort of bonus soon – either moneywise or emotionally.
Los Cristianos, Steffany, spectacular blonde, beautiful, affectionate, pleasant, sensual, shaved, hot kisses, French, Greek, 69 positions, deep throat, erotic massages. Very obliging. Private apartment. Tel: 602 635 205.
Gemini 21.5 - 21.6 The duality of your sign is at the forefront at the moment: as some of you are feeling truly confident whilst others are struggling with the existential questions. Either which way, don’t lose sight of the bigger picture – it is your friends and family who are important. Cancer 22.6 - 22.7 Confusion can be one of the worst stages of life - once we know what we need to do we can take steps to move forward. Some of you are definitely lost in this mire right now, but have heart: ride it out and the answer will come to you as if out of nowhere. Leo 23.7 - 23.8 It is definitely a time of reassessment for you as the next few weeks will bring up some interesting and novel situations. Remember to try not to judge too quickly and you will be surprised by the positive results that arise from giving people a chance. Virgo 24.8 - 23.9 You are very lucky to have the friends that you do. Don’t forget to tell them that you appreciate them every now and again. They have your best interests at heart and will support you wholly in any new adventure. Make the most of it. Libra 24.9 - 23.10 Hopefully you have been practising your listening skills – something we all have to do in the end. Change is coming up for you but your actions will decide the outcome. Don’t immediately believe everything you are told: look carefully at all aspects. Scorpio 24.10 - 22.11 Slow down, you’re moving so fast – either mentally or physically – that you aren’t getting any time to relax or think. That will surely lead to you make mistakes that you could easily have avoided otherwise. Make some time for yourself, it’s vital. Sagittarius 23.11 - 21.12 Don’t get lost in the small details. Concentrate on the bigger plan and everything else will fall into place. However, if you start stressing about everything little thing you are bound to miss something important. Take a deep breath before making any decisions. Capricorn 22.12 - 20.1 Not one of life’s greatest socialisers generally speaking, the signs are still good that mixing with new people is what you need to be doing right now. An interesting work or personal proposition will be made to you very soon. Have faith and all will be well. Aquarius 21.1 - 20.2 Be encouraging to those around you and you will find that it pays off in unexpected ways. Helping others to make the best of themselves will show you a side of yourself that you were unaware of. And if you are already a carer your rewards are on their way. Pisces 21.2 - 20.3 Money features highly right now, especially as you will have unexpected outgoings. It is all for the good, however, as you will see if you can stick to your plans regardless of everything that is going on around you. The outcome looks good. Go with it.
Hello Lovely! I’m a beautiful sexy escort offering outcalls for your needs and pleasures. Good English spoken and very welcoming. Tel: 602 557 512. Transsexual, 37 years old, beautiful, tall, fat, blonde, long big penis, active/passive. €60 half hour, €80 one hour. Apartments Royal, in front of the bus station, Los Cristianos. SMS/ WhatsApp for info. Tel: (0034) 602 626 848. Outcall same price: Tantric massage for impotence, premature ejaculation, sagging, prolong your erection and enjoy an incredible experience. I’m Amaia from Columbia. I’m a very exotic woman. I offer you two orgasms, internal and external, prostate massage, body to body, couple massage. Full body relaxation. More than pleasure. For more about me, see www.sensemassagetenerife.com. Tel: 0034 673 631 177. Also by WhatsApp. Los Cristianos, Patricia from Venezuela returns. Beautiful. Blonde. 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. 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.
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.
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.
Las Américas, Verónicas, 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. 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. Los Cristianos, Silvia, blonde, Spanish. No limits. My place or yours. Tel: 608 103 319. Erotic massages, also Tantric and other services. Attractive lady. Without rush. Nice location. Jacuzzi. Tel: (0034) 619 614 380. Erotic private parties for singles and couples, also quickies and threesomes. English and German speaking. Tel: (0034) 648 245 425. 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.
PAMELA, brunette, Las Chafiras. Massage service available for gentlemen only. No limits, French positions, private apartment, HH Franciscano street, beside the large park, Las Chafiras. Tel: 608 285 035.
For ladies: Excursions, wellness, shopping, erotic massages and more with Marc who speaks good English. I have my own apartment and car in Tenerife South. My visit to your location is also possible. Tel: (0034) 630 759 974. Cockney girl, Ana, just what you need to get pampered. Stunning hot brunette. Let my pleasure be your pleasure, owo, French kissing. Los Cristianos, opposite the bus station. Tel: (0034) 611 203 925. Busty curvy. Tantric and Thai massage with a happy ending (no sex) at Las
To advertise your services with us, please call 922 75 06 09
7.7.2016 – 20.7.2016
The deadline for edition 776, which is published on 21st July, is 19th July. 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 775
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
Integrated Tax Planning and Wealth Management since 1975
922 716 079 www.blevinsfranks.com
Spanish and English Lawyers
Conveyancing • Inheritance & Wills Family Law • Criminal Law Civil Litigation & Personal Injury Timeshare • Tax & Commercial law
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.
Are you looking for an opportunity with financial independence and personal fulfillment? Become an Independent Beauty Consultant!!! More Info: 642 601 553. For sale, cooker with three burners, spit roaster for chickens, three freezers, chairs and decoration. Tel: Carlos on 676 243 558.
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 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.
MASONIC MEETINGS Logia Ave Fenix Nº 73
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
41
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
42
CLASSIFIEDS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 042 store rooms, price €180,000, mob. 686 798 367, email eoptenerife@gmail.com
king, garden, terrace, SAT TV, Internet, €280/month, incl. additional costs. Tel: 616 802 861 or 699 044 668.
Rental Classifieds
Apartment for rent in Los Cristianos, 60m2, 1 bedroom, sofa bed, big balcony, beautiful sea views, pool, 50 metres from the beach, fully equipped, wifi, TV, parking. €400 per week. Tel: 0034 604 239 167. 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. Studio for rent, in quiet Bio Finca, 25 sqm, in Los Realejos, close to Restaurant Monasterio, furnished, balcony, par-
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 Apartment and Villa for rent in Tenerife south. Tel: (0034) 662 507 191. Garage to rent, double width. Victoria Court 1, Los Cristianos. Close to Sunday market. Very secure lock-up. Tel: 679 919 623. Large villa for rent, San Isidro. 4 beds, garage, large terrace, 3 bathrooms, sea views. €750 per month. Tel: 669 831 439 or 686 290 903. Email richard@larkinproperty.com.
SALEs Classifieds
For sale, Bungalow 160m2 Costa Sauzal, situated front row with guaranteed spectacular sea-views, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, living room with panoramic windows, modern kitchen, dining room connected to the terrace, including a heated 4 x 8 m pool, all on same level, garage and a marvellous tropical garden with 800m2 landscaped with various plants and lots of fruit-trees. Private sale contact: info@ simonsananes.com. Tel.: 00 34 699 444 879 For sale
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.
Playa Honda Las Américas
Property for Sale
One bedroom apartment, tiled throughout, American-style kitchen, separate bedroom and terrace. Located in the center of Las Americas within 3 minutes walk from the beach.
€ 122,000 Alan: 634 098 838
Urb. Oasis Dakota, Playa Fañabé
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
3 Bed Semi Detached. www.teneriffa-fincas.net
Apartment Tabaiba Alta For sale, only five mins away from the German school, roughly 102ms, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, living room, utility room, garden, big terrace. Spectacular views of the sea and mountain, big garage with 2 spaces, 2 closed
Toilet, complete bathroom, separate kitchen, totally equipped, furnished, 35m2 terrace, secure access to pool, infant park, good views, beside commercial centres, 800m from Playa Fañabé, community fees
30€/month
Tel 629 244 958 € 155,000
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 Servihabitat.com
902 15 01 02 your office at “la Caixa”
The easy way to sell or rent properties
CLASSIFIEDS | PASTIMES
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 775
Situations 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.
Vehicles To advertise please call 922 75 06 09
Ford Fiesta 1.6, 2007. ITV until February 2018. Good condition. 87,000km. €4,750. Tel: 922 861 332 / 609 227 562. MG Sport 1.6 Convertible 2003, ITV to October 2016, one owner, excellent condition, only 25,000km. €8,500. Tel: 922 861 332 / 609 227 562. Mercedes 420 Elegance, 1996. 115,000km. ITV to November 2016. €4,500. Tel: 922 861 332 / 609 227 562.
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
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. Place your advert at
Advert Placement
Classified Agent for
www.islandconnections.eu
Across
LA PEPA FOOD MARKET Av. San Francisco, Los Cristianos, Arona, Tenerife South
43
(For Crossword and Sudoku solution see pag 40)
7.7.2016 – 20.7.2016
Books, Cards, Internet Pto. Colón 1st floor Las Américas 922 715 682 bookswop@spantel.com
1 - stirring (8) 6 - Japanese beverage (4) 8 - cooking spice (6) 9 - walks slowly (6) 10 - clumsy person (3) 11 - jealousy (4) 12 - sweet dish (6) 13 - warts (anag) (6)
15 - step down (6) 17 - sticky saps (6) 20 - no longer alive (4) 21 - road vehicle (3) 22 - wrongdoer (6) 23 - chief journalist (6) 24 - fuse together (4) 25 - therapists (8)
Down
2 - head piece (7) 3 - popular sport (5) 4 - intrusions (7) 5 - animal tissue (5) 6 - sends in (7) 7 - ring (5) 14 - brought in check (7) 15 - inhibit (7) 16 - glitz (7)
18 - strike out (5) 19 - set piece in rugby (5) 20 - propel forwards (5)
MOTORING
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 042
EVERYDAY MOTORING
Calima car care We all know that the sandy winds of a calima bring with them copious amounts of heat and dust, but have you thought about how it affects your vehicle? Dust is not only tiny particles of earth, it also contains any material in a finely powdered form so it is actually present all the time, such as particles from tyres and road grit as well as airborne dust and grime. The calima just makes it worse. Cars ingest huge volumes of air and if it is not properly filtered, the particles of dirt pollute the air-fuel mixture and reduce efficiency. They degrade lubricating oil, clog jets and increase engine wear by acting like sandpaper inside the engine. Ensure that you check your filters, especially after a calima. Air filters, even in good condition, are not perfect. Some fine particles will still get through but they are burned off in the combustion process. However, this can leave a residue
Photo: Keran McKenzie / FreeImages.com
By Wheeler Dealers
Have your car commercially washed with professional products and equipment after a calima
which pollutes the oil, so your oil should be changed more frequently in dusty conditions, or if there have been several episodes of calimas. Grease on your car is intended to reduce wear and tear between moving parts but if too much dust mixes together
with the grease this can act like a grinding paste, causing damage and shortening the lifespan of these moving parts. These include not only joints and engine parts but also hinges, latches and linkages, including those for doors and windows.
When washing your car after a calima, make sure you use sufficient water or the dust will act like a scouring powder. Using high pressure jet washers will achieve this, and also remove dust from areas that are folded over creating pockets. In summary, take good care of your car after a calima. Build up a good relationship with your garage where you can ask them to check your vehicle on a regular basis, and get your car commercially washed with professional products and equipment. All these services are available at Wheeler Dealers in Las Chafiras. Based on their years of experience in the car industry, Wheeler Dealers will be providing useful advice and indepth information for the coming editions of Island Connections. Call Wheeler Dealers, Las Chafiras, on: 922 73 64 51. n
Biking event
Tasty Triumph run The latest trip organised by Gubra Canarias for Triumph motorbike fans is coming up on July 16. There’s nothing like a run on two wheels round Tenerife’s roads for a thrilling day out full of stunning scenery, curvaceous corners and blissful biking. Not to mention, of course, a whole heap of fun with likeminded people. If that sounds like your thing then why not hook up with the Triumph gang at 9am outside the Triumph Canarias shop situated on Carretera La Cuesta in
It will be a great ride out
Taco, La Laguna and make the most of this great opportunity. The route for the day will first take in La Esperanza before heading off to the lighthouse at El Teno via the El Teide National Park, Masca and El Palmar, where there will be a meal in the La Zahorra restaurant. From there it will be back along the coast, finishing in the Motart café in Puerto de la Cruz. Visit: Ruta Triumph Tenerife on Facebook events for updates nearer the time. n
La Orotava shines
Classic cars and friends The second running of the Encuentro Amigos de los Clásicos (Friends of Classic Cars), an event restricted to pre1980’s vehicles, recently took place in La Orotava. On a lovely sunny day, what an eclectic gathering of wonderfully preserved (and a few not quite so wonderful) old vehicles. Yes, it is easy for the eye to be seduced by an E-Type Jaguar, or even a DeSoto in immaculate condition, but it would be unfair to the entrants to pick one car over another. A 220 Fintail presented in very nice nick, and another, a 220S saloon, themselves both worthy of at least a second glance, were completely overshadowed by what I believed to have been a prior 220 convertible, looking fresh out of the box. Sadly I could find no owner to confirm which model and year it was. Which leads me to a question: why on earth do the owners, obviously so proud of their cars, not do two things? First, make the organisers advertise the event, and second is to put a smart printed card in the side window telling us the full details of that particular vehicle? As this was a static ‘do’, I can only list and picture some of the entries. In previous years at similar events, owners took to the streets around the local industrial estate and demonstrated their prowess at the wheel. It draws big crowds when the inevitable happens and over-enthusiasm gets in the way of limited skill and the car does a pirouette in the road! I noted a very tidy Triumph GT6 Mark 3 in green, and it sounded healthy when fired up. I have always been a big fan of the incomparable Citroen Goddess, the DS, so far ahead of its time with that amazing suspension. A maroon one was presented in Pallas trim. Ex-pats might have hankered after the Morris Minor convertible in cream with a black hood. This was a full screen version, not the more elderly split-screen one. Two BMW 2002’s caught the eye. One was a ‘ti’ and the other, complete with Cibie’s and riveted wheel arch extensions, was a ‘tii’ and therefore the most sought after variant. A whole row of Fiat/SEAT 500’s and 600’s gleamed in the sunshine. No event such as this would be complete without the presence of a Porsche. Here we had a lone example, a 911S – the best engine specification of them all for that period. It sat on its original Fuchs. There were also some interesting stalls selling old or difficult to source parts. It was a very good day, and I was really pleased that so many people continue to cherish their old cars, the like of which we shall never see manufactured again.. n
Ex-pats might hanker after a Morris Minor convertible in cream with a black hood
©2016 FLN
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SPORTS NEWS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 775
Alexandra races towards great future
At just 17 years of age, Alexandra Sánchez Clark from Caleta de Fuste, in the borough of Antigua in Fuerteventura, has a fantastic sporting future ahead of her. Fernando Estupiñán, the local councillor for sports, praised Clark’s performances in open water swimming events after excelling in a number of island, provincial, and national competitions. In the recent Spain and Catalonia Open Water Swimming Championships held in Barcelona, the teenager finished in an impressive fourth position. Last year she took part in the open water race between Puerto del Rosario and El Castillo and finished third, just one minute behind the eventual winner. In the Regional Winter Championships she earned second place. The Antigua council congratulated Alexandra and said that her achievements were “the result of continual training, hard work, discipline and personal drive”. Fernando Estupiñán also praised Alexandra’s loyal family and friends, saying that they are “a vital source of energy and motivation.” n
Training with a world champion “I´m very happy to be in Adeje”, said the former world champion, “this is my first time in Tenerife and everyone has been so incredibly welcoming”.
Since the former gymnastics world champion Alina Maksymenko retired from competitive events three years ago she has ventured into coaching and now passes on her extensive knowledge and vast experience to budding young gymnasts. “These days I travel a lot and work with many different international athletes and gymnastics schools and academies. I
would like to open one myself in the future”, Alina said. Her expertise is helping a great many gymnasts to improve their technique and performance, significantly bettering their personal development in the sport. For this reason, she was recently invited to coach a training programme to over 100 gymnasts at the El Galeón sports centre in Adeje.
The swimmer from Fuerteventura has a great future ahead of her
Rhythmic gymnastics
Photo: Ayuntamiento Antigua
Glorious Giselle
Alexandra preparing before a race
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The Mayor of Santiago del Teide, Emilio Navarro, recently held a reception for one of the borough’s bright young prodigies. Giselle Trujillo from Tamaimo is the Spanish champion in rhythmic gymnastics for nine to 10 year olds. The young sports star is part of the team Adoney, which won the Reina Cup for the second consecutive year, making Giselle a two-time national champion. The competition was recently held in Gijón in Asturias and the starlet was overjoyed by her visit to Santiago del Teide’s Town Hall. Giselle was accompanied by her proud mother and grandmother. Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport in which individuals and groups perform with one or two pieces of apparatus, including rope, hoop, ball, clubs, ribbon and freehand. It is a sport that combines elements of ballet, gymnastics and dance. The winner is the participant who earns the most points, determined
by a panel of judges. Points are won for leaps, balances, pirouettes, apparatus handling, and overall execution. The choreography must cover the entire floor and each movement involves a high degree n of athletic skill. Giselle Trujillo on her recent visit to Santiago del Teide’s Town Hall
Cup 2011. At the 2011 Universiade held in Shenzhen, she won the silver medal in the hoop final and bronze in the clubs final. Maksymenko also helped Ukraine win the
Photo: Ayuntamiento Adeje
Photo: Ayuntamiento Antigua
Alina Maksymenko during her time in Adeje
New and second hand books
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Gymnastics
Open water swimming
Photo: Ayuntamiento Adeje
7.7.2016 – 20.7.2016
Alina came to Tenerife to pass on invaluable advice to young local gymnasts
During her illustrious career, Alina Maksymenko won three gold medals and one silver medal at the Deriugina World
team bronze medal at the 2011 World Championships and she qualified for the Lonn don 2012 Olympics.
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 042
Alternative Sport
Are you ready for Infinity Xtreme? two types of races: Infinity Xtreme Sprint 5km, and Infinity Xtreme Radical 10km. Each race allows for 400 runners, with over 300 places already reserved since the registration period started on April 25. Local councillor for sports, Javier González, emphasised that “everyone is enormously satisfied with the collaboration, organisation and ideas that have gone into Infinity Xtreme 2016, one of the most important events in the Canarian sports calendar. Special thanks to Club Deportivo CanaryPol for helping to organise such a cutting-edge endurance race. The excitement surrounding the More than just a race!
The eighth consecutive Infinity Xtreme race takes place on July 16 in Puerto de La Cruz, with excitement building for the popular endurance event. Since its inception in 2008, the competition has grown every year to become one of the
toughest races on the island, with the 2016 event including more categories and features than previous years. To cater for the growing number of participants, the organisers have created a comprehensive programme that includes
event is very gratifying and we hope we can meet people’s high expectations”. Moises Garcia Marrero and Antonio Martinez, president and vice president respectively of Club Deportivo CanaryPol, also showed their satisfaction with the planning and urged all potential participants to “register early as places are being reserved fairly quickly”. All runners must collect their number and runner’s bag from the Miguel Ángel Díaz Molina sports hall on July 15 between 5pm and 9pm. Events and activities for the big day begin at 4pm with the Infinity Xtreme Sprint 5km, a
Fencing
Two medals for Dianicely Dianicely Marín Castillo of San Bartolomé in Gran Canaria recently won two medals at the Spanish Fencing Championships. In the Primary category, Dianicely took gold, and in the General category, the Canarian lost out in a closely-fought final against Rosa Cano of Madrid. The fencer’s success at national level brought enormous pride to her Maspolamas hometown, and was even more remarkable considering she was suffering with a n knee problem prior to the Championships.
Photo: Ayuntamiento San Bartolomé
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Dianicely was overjoyed to win gold and silver at the national championships
one hour circuit. The Infinity Xtreme Radical 10km race, a two hour contest consisting of two laps of the circuit, sets off at 5.30pm. The trophies and awards ceremony takes place at 7.30pm. The circuit includes asphalt and natural surfaces with a number of obstacles and muddy areas to tackle. Due to the mix of running conditions and endurance needed, only hardened athletes have a chance of finishing the race but everyone is invited to give n it a good try!
Arona athletics
The talented kids of the Arona Athletics Club recently amassed an impressive 12 medals at the Canary Islands Championships held in Arrecife, Lanzarote. The 12 boys and girls of varying age groups and athletic disciplines brought home six gold, two silver and four bronze medals, demonstrating the hard work and dedication by members of the South Tenerifebased club. Arona councillor for sports, Juan Sebastián Roque, also pointed out that the club’s under-14 girls team recently participated in the National
Championships held in Castellón de la Plana on the Peninsula, and finished in an impressive 21st position with a 445.5 points total. Both the sports club and council members congratulated the young group of athletes on their achievements in all competitions, and thanked parents for their efforts and continn ued support.
The young athletes of the Arona Athletics Club before the Canarian Championships
Photo: Ayuntamiento Arona
12-medal haul at championships
7.7.2016 – 20.7.2016
FOOTBALL AND SPORTS NEWS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 775
47
CD Tenerife
New signings and presidential election By Chris Todd
a slick project, strong youth policy, and believes in taking the club “back to the fans”. 3) Juan Antonio Quintero – Quintero’s project is based on a very ambitious new stadium and complex plan, with the backing of Indian promoters to the tune of €300 million. He also wants to set up a major deal with the Canadian sportswear firm Dryworld Industries for €1 n million per season.
Pier Cherubino is the fans’ favourite to be the new club president
Photo: Alasdair Middleton CC A 2.0 GL
CD Tenerife has been busy in the transfer market ahead of the new season. Following the captures of Alex García and Edu Oriol, the blanquiazules signed the former Celtic and Lyon player Marc Crosas on a one year loan. The 28 year old midfielder has been playing the last few years in Mexico, last season he was with Cruz Azul. The fourth player to join the club has been announced as Iñaki Saenz from Alavés. It is hoped that main striker Choco Lozano will return to the club after his participation in the Copa America with Honduras. However, the main transfer news has been the interest of Southampton in young Tenerife striker Nano. According to press reports, Nano recently travelled to London with his agent to talk to The Saints, but Tenerife is adamant to hold out for the €4 million ‘buy-outclause’ on his contract. Local boy Nano is very happy to stay at CD Tenerife for another season but it is a good bet that he will follow in the footsteps of another local player, Ayoze
dency has been heating up. It is possible to briefly sum up the three candidates as follows: 1) Current president Miguel Concepción - sound financial control, steady team, backing of politicians and main shareholders. 2) Pier Cherubino – a very popular ex-player and the fans preferred choice (in a recent poll over 70 per cent chose Pier compared to 14 per cent for Concepción). Pier has
Marc Crosas has joined CD Tenerife on a one year loan
Pérez who is currently at Newcastle United. It would be nice to think that one day all these top Canarian players could return to the club. Pedro of Chelsea
FC recently declared that he will almost certainly “spend his last few years playing at CD Tenerife”. Meanwhile, off the pitch, the race for the CD Tenerife presi-
Juan Antonio Quintero with Island Connections’ football columnist, Chris Todd
Nomads FC
New installation in Los Cristianos Sponsored by: Foreign Language News & www.windowsplus.co.uk We have recently installed a new football pitch in Los Cristianos. The state-of-the-art artificial grass field is made by a top Dutch manufacturer and is similar to what is known as 4G. Not only is it a great surface, it is very soft on the knee and ankle joints. Come along and play kids or adult social football on our great new surface!
Calling all the golden oldies! We are starting an over 35s night. If you want to play on
Nomads FC’s recently-installed football pitch in Los Cristianos
league and we are looking for teams to make Thursday night football a true ‘old man’s football night’!
Summer training Help to make Thursday evenings a true ‘old man’s football night’!
our newly-planned Thursday night, consisting of several
over 35s games, then please get in touch and we will add
you to a team. Our objective is to create a 6-a-side senior
Nomads Football youth teams will continue to train during the summer months. If your kids need some exercise and
fancy playing football some evenings, we meet on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5.30pm. Contact us for further information. After the summer, if any of your kids would like to join one of our Nomads FC youth teams that perform in the local leagues, simply let us know.
Contact Nomads FC For more information visit: www.nomadsfc.com. Alternatively, email: info@premfs.com or visit: www.premfs.com. Call/ message: +34 654 200 470 or 650 090 737 . Also visit our general website: www.premfs. n com.
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PROMOTION
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