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1984-2017
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December 22, 2016 – January 11, 2017 HARD ROCK HOTEL
TENERIFE MASONS
CHRISTMAS EDITION
A MUSICAL GIFT
Village of the 80s
A helping hand
Santa Cruz concert
Page 6
Pages 10 & 11
Page 17
UK MEDIA
RECORD YEAR
Gloomy prophesising Two months after forcing Canarian authorities to call for calm amid the “irresponsible panic” caused by the British media surrounding stories that Mount Teide was on the point of erupting, the UK press has been at it again in December, gloomily resurrecting the theory that a mega-tsunami could be generated during an eruption of Cumbre Vieja on the island of La Palma, devastating the coasts of Europe, Africa and America. Quite what has led the UK media to turn its attention to the Canaries in recent months is unclear; however, it seems that the apocalyptic narrative is already becoming a little stretched to say the least.
Danilo Rizzuti freedigitalphotos.net
Continued on page two
The kind of images that accompanied the rehashed story of a La Palma created tsunami
Island Connections will be back on January 12. Happy Holidays!
Two sides of the tourist boom A boost in tourism nationally and from abroad has meant that the Canaries experienced record visitor numbers this year. According to the Canarian Office of Statistics (Istac), by the end of the year the Islands are expected to crack the 14 million tourists mark and even approach 15 million. By the end of October alone, 12,353,119 visitors had come to the Canaries. Of these, 1,434,244 were from other parts of Spain and the remainder from abroad. Tenerife benefited most, with 4,757,652 tourists, followed by 3,410,312 guests who opted for Gran Canaria. It’s not just the numbers of tourists that have increased but the turnover has too. The average guest stay is 8.3 days, a little shorter than last year but their spend-
Canarian Tourism Minister María Teresa Lorenzo sees the increase as the result of several years of efforts to improve the air connections and the diversity of the tourism on offer to make the Islands more attractive to a wider public.
Warning voices
Residents are asking that noise levels be respected
ing in the resorts is up by 11 per cent. Despite Brexit, British tourists spent 9.3 per cent more and accounted for over 21 per cent of sales. The Germans were 22 per cent more buoyant and rep-
resented a total of 14.6 per cent of the total volume. The Scandinavian countries increased their spending by 11.4 per cent with only France showing a spending decline of 3.5 per cent.
Despite these great statistics, a recent report by experts at BBVA warns that about half the new Canary Island visitors over the last six years are only “borrowed” from other destinations around the Mediterranean which are suffering from political unrest. This applies not only to the Canary Islands, but to the entire Spanish holiday market. Continued on page two
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ONLINE OPPORTUNISM
Tourism highs and lows Continued from front page Canaries, Gran Canaria gained ence is becoming increasingly warning that increased levels ent properties. Prospective holi- tice in Santa Cruz, the landTunisia and Egypt have lost more than a third of their guests since 2010. After the recent attacks and the attempted coup, Turkey also dropped 30 per cent of their bookings and even Greece has not recovered its holiday trade after many were put off by their social conflicts and problems with the EU. Even the most visited country in the world, France, lost 16 per cent of its visitors after the terrorist attacks in Paris and Nice. The Balearic Islands and the Canaries benefited from this growth of 63 per cent and 56 per cent respectively. In the
more than 68 per cent of its new tourists from these currently unstable areas. Tenerife has only about 33 per cent of these ‘borrowed’ holidaymakers. The experts warn against authorities and companies relying on this boom and insist that more should be done to improve destinations and create client loyalty. An improved Internet showing is also important. In this age of digital information sources, more and more people are booking and receiving information from the global network. Many people rate user opinions higher than official certificates and awards and having a good online pres-
important.
The downside For residents in tourist areas, however, the boom can cause problems. For example, around Plaza del Charco in Puerto de La Cruz, where every night loud, overlapping, live music flows from many bars, often into the small hours. For the people who live there this can be a nightmare. They claim the permissible decibel limits for acoustic pollution are regularly exceeded and nobody does anything about it. Specialists from the BBVA Property Department are also
of private vacation lettings are raising the price of the normal living spaces intended for local residents. They are often unable to afford the prices and leave the suburbs. The inner cities are also affected in many Spanish holiday boroughs during the off season. In the Canaries, filling private homes with short-term tourists in the town centres is supposedly forbidden. Unofficially however, apartments are rented to tourists.
Property scam Sadly, not all online holiday lets are above board. There has been a spate of lettings for non-exist-
daymakers are offered big discounts if they pay up front and the next thing they know, the website advertising their holiday home has vanished – along with their money. Two sites in particular seem to have been active, Canarian Villa Rental and Spain VIP Area. Properties have been advertised as being in Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria and there are many denouncements on TripAdvisor, but it’s unclear how many people have been taken in overall. Often the non-existent properties were booked to several renters for the same time period. One of the so-called luxury villas was a veterinary prac-
lord (Davide Palma) didn’t seem to exist and the serious-looking businessman on the profile turned out to be a marketing lecturer from a law school in Zurich who is unlikely to have given permission for his image to be used by the fraudsters. He found out about the photograph after several enquiries were directed to him. Whilst some people decided to go ahead with their holiday in other properties on the Islands, scams like these can only harm the image of the resorts and holidaymakers should take precautions as fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated. n
PRESS SENSATIONALISM
Tsunami theory back again Continued from front page “If a tsunami hits the south hit UK: Disaster expert warns threat of mega-tsunami gen- fusion” from “sensationalBackground The island of La Palma has been a popular subject of scientific speculation following the publication of a research paper by two London scientists in 1999 and a BBC Horizon programme in 2001 which narrated a hypothetical scenario of tsunami devastation caused by the collapse of Cumbre Vieja – an active although dormant volcanic ridge that erupted twice in the 20th century (1949 and 1971). The mega-tsunami concept has a tendency to reappear in the news every few years, with the latest warnings coming from Dr. Simon Day from University College London, who said that the UK needs to prepare for a natural disaster that could wipe out entire towns and travel several miles inland. “It could be several metres high, it depends where you are and how much energy the wave has", he said.
west of England or Ireland, you have a lot of tourists on the beaches."
British media Never one to miss out on a sensational narrative, the Daily Express led the story at the beginning of December with the headline “Britain’s tsunami threat: Underwater landslides could devastate UK's coast”. The Daily Mirror’s stark headline read: “UK facing tsunami threat from unstable Canary Island as three-metre waves could devastate British coastal towns”. The no holds barred opening paragraph continued: “Scientists have warned that the possible giant wave could destroy much of southern Britain as well as the eastern seaboard of America”. A terrifying Daily Star online story proclaimed, alongside a graphic image of London’s Tower Bridge being flattened by a tidal wave, “Killer tsunami to
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monster wave 'several metres high' coming”. The opening paragraph was equally unreserved: “A huge tsunami is set to hit the British coast at any moment, wreaking havoc and destruction”. The Sun seized on the blatant scaremongering by publishing a Tsunami Special, while regional UK newspapers and websites, such as Cornwall Live, also ran the story, predicting that their stretch of coastline “could be wiped out” should a large portion of La Palma suddenly find itself sinking into the Atlantic Ocean.
The reality Many experts believe that the level of support for the megatsunami hypothesis is lacking within the scientific community and has been widely criticised as ‘far-fetched’. There is a nice evaluation by Dr. George Pararas-Carayannis, which concludes: “The Disclaimer: Island Connections Newspaper is published and printed fortnightly by ISLAND CONNECTIONS S.L. Adverts, texts, photos or other parts of this publication are property of the publishers. They may not be used or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any other form or means without the prior written permission of the publishers. This newspaper cannot be held responsible for the contents of articles supplied by our contributors or advertisers claims. The publisher reserves the right to refuse to publish adverts, texts or advertising
eration from collapses of oceanic island stratovolcanoes has been greatly overstated. No mega-tsunamis can be expected”.
October’s headlines The UK media’s latest narrative on the Islands follows the same apocalyptic theme that was seen several months ago when stories regarding Teide’s imminent eruption were slammed by Canarian authorities. In October, a source from the Tenerife Tourism Corporation said: “Newspapers that warned that an eruption was imminent alongside a dramatic photograph of lava flowing were just irresponsible and a downright lie”. A number of reports in the British press citing ‘panic’ and warning holidaymakers of an imminent eruption prompted the Tenerife government to round on the media, saying journalists should avoid “unnecessary fear and confeatures. Advertisements once contracted cannot be cancelled and have to be paid in full. The publishers can not be held responsible for variation on colour printed in this newspaper. Advertising conditions are to be obtained in our offices.
Office hours: Monday – Friday 9.30am – 4.00pm
ist articles”. Although at the time seismologists recorded nearly 100 mini-quakes in the area around Teide, none were strong enough to be felt by islanders and experts said that the movements were simply due to low intensity tectonic shifts rather than swelling magma.
Publishers: Tina Straub Schacher, Joe Schacher Design team: Javier Gómez, Maribel Rodríguez Editor: Andrea Abrell editorial@ic-news.com Deputy editor: Lee Bullen Editorial team: Xena Fox,Theresa Willson, Sheila Collis, Barbara Belt Contributors: Chris Todd, Katy Kennedy, Sabine Virgin Sales manager: Jamie Lee Armstrong Tel. 616 460 728 · sales@icmedia.eu Classifieds: classifieds@ic-news.com
The next big scoop In early 2017 it is widely speculated that the UK media will announce that the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse hail from the Canary Islands, and experts believe that their impending appearance will bring travel chaos to the UK. n
European Union European Regional Development Fund
“Creating Europe” This company has qualified for subsidies from the Spanish Government, cofinanced by funding from the European Regional Development Fund, for the transport of merchandise in the Canaries.
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ROCKING 2017
Aerosmith in the Canaries? News just leaked, but not yet confirmed, suggests that the legendary rock band Aerosmith, which will be touring Israel next year with some stops in Europe, may give a concert in the Canaries. Their tour begins in May 2017 and the suggested date for a possible concert is July 8. The tour will be their final one before the group breaks up for good after a 46 year career. A concert in Madrid is planned on June 29, followed by a performance in Barcelona on July 2 where the band was last seen and heard seven years ago. According to the organisers, there are possibilities in Gran Canaria and Tenerife, and probably the largest Canary Island will be favoured. The final decision has not yet been made, but the likelihood that the musicians will be enjoying their final concert of their farewell tour in the Canaries is obviously quite big. The group’s vocalist Steven Tyler personally announced that they would dissolve after the tour. Will the last time we hear I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing live be in Tenerife? Aerosmith originates from Boston and they are also known as The Bad Boys from Boston. The group was founded in the 70s and involved in the establishment of hard rock and heavy metal. No other American group has achieved so many gold and platinum discs. Aerosmith have sold more than 150 million albums in the course of their career to date. n
Singer Steven Tyler and Joe Perry during a concert in 2010
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UNDERWATER MUSEUM
Last sunken heroes
The figures tell a story of the people who have come from far afield to make Lanzarote their home
The very last sculptures creating Lanzarote’s underwater museum are now being sunk into place in a second and final phase of works. The life-sized figures, by British artist Jason deCaires Tay-
lor, are meant as homage to the difficulties of migration and depict a selection of varied and ordinary people, set into the seabed at a depth of 12 metres just off the coast of Playa Blanca
The exhibition on the Bahia de Las Coloradas beach will be an attraction for divers and snorkelers on the seabed and is the first submarine museum in Europe. With the anchoring of the last figures the installa-
tion will be completed, but the Museo Atlántico will remain closed until December 31. The exhibition covers around 2,500m2 of seabed, and two per cent of revenues will be spent on the investigation and conservation of marine life in Lanzarote and the other islands. For more information, visit: www.turismolanzarote.com. n
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LARGEST OPERATION YET
Drugs ring smashed The biggest drugs organisation in the archipelago to date has been busted thanks to a largescale investigation spanning Spain, the Canary Islands, Europe and beyond. A total of 27 people have been arrested and 15 different abodes and warehouses searched. Police confiscated around eight kilos of heroin, 13 kilos of cocaine, and almost 5.5 tons of chemical substances used to cut drugs. The detainees include the Spanish owner of a chemical business in Bilbao, one of the company employees, and 25 Nigerian gang members, including the head of the criminal organisation. The highly organised group had contacts in most of the main cities in Spain, and one gang member was arrested in Turkey. The Nigerians employed human couriers to bring the pure narcotics in from Europe and the Near East. The deal-
ers then mixed the high-quality heroin and cocaine with other chemicals before selling it on. The value of the seized narcotics has been estimated at €3.6 million.
the streets of Tenerife, particularly in areas such as Taco near Santa Cruz, El Cardonal (La Laguna) and El Fraile in Arona. Investigators managed to track packages as
The Nigerian drug ring was shattered after a successful year and a half of investigations
In-depth investigation The inquiry into the gang’s activities began in July 2015 when highly-cut heroin and cocaine began to appear on
they were moved from the island to Madrid for storage, along with cutting substances which were found in a warehouse in Alcorcón. The gang also had an operations base in Fuenlabrada.
From Spain, drugs were camouflaged in packages of African food specialities which were sent by mail or human couriers to the rest of Europe. Among other countries, said deliveries were intercepted in Great Britain and Sweden. It was eventually found that the substances used for cutting were being supplied by the company in Bilbao, with the owner selling not only to the captured gang but also to other drug cartels on a national and international level, as far reaching as the United States. Amongst the confiscated material there were over 100 kilos of ephedrine and red phosphorus, and more than 5,000 kilos of phenacetin – which is known to cause serious health problems. Customs and police officers across Spain and Europe coordinated their enquiries to enable the extremely successful investigation to take place. n
CLASSIC ENTERTAINMENT
Puerto’s brilliant Bach festival The famous and popular Bach Festival in Puerto de La Cruz will run until January 15, 2017. A variety of activities include an exhibition called ‘Music in its time: Tenerife in the era of Bach’ which can be visited until January 13 in the town’s Tomás de Iriarte public library. In addition, the Reyes Bartlet Cultural Association, which plays a key role in organising the annual cultural contribution, is offering several highcalibre concerts beginning on
The Reyes Bartlet Cultural Association is offering several high-calibre concerts beginning in January
January 1 with the cello-piano band Dúo Vilyör and a matinee show at the Teatro Timanfaya, starting at 12pm. The two artists will be playing a number of
works by Antonio Vivaldi, Benedetto Marcello and Johann Sebastian Bach. On January 2 there will be a concert by the Academia de Los Afectos group in the Iglesia de La Peña de Francia. The concert, which starts at 8.30pm, will feature works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Marin Marais, Louis Couperin and Joseph Bodin de Boismortier. The same venue and time is given to the Tenerife Antigua Baroque Orchestra with the programme ‘Delectare et
Movere’ on January 8. Finally, on January 15 at 12pm, pianist Javier Laso will play the famous Goldberg Variations in the Teatro Timanfaya. Tickets for the individual concerts are available for €10 from the town’s Librería Masilva bookstore, the CIT offices, and at the venues up until one hour before the beginning of each concert. Reservations are accepted by email at: mail@reyesbartlet. com or by phoning: 696 227 636. n
SPARKLING ITALIAN WINE
Perfect for celebrations
Bestco Canarias SL is a wholesale company supplying the Canaries, and one of their latest successes has been with Canti Prosecco, the sparkling Italian white wine which is ideal as an aperitif or to sip during your meal. The best news for those watching their weight is that a bottle of this delightful wine contains only 80 calories! Canti Prosecco is made from the Glera grape, and has a denomination of origin. Dry and pleasantly fruity, its alcohol level is 11 per cent. It even looks attractive with its light straw yellow colour and fine bubbles. The recommended serving temperature is seven to eight degrees Celsius, and it comes in pretty green 75cl bottles with gold labelling, resembling a miniature bottle of champagne. It is an absolute must for the festive season! Bestco Canarias SL is based in San Miguel. They are currently supplying over 200 bars and restaurants with Canti Prosecco, and their customers are loving it, in fact some are ordering several cases every week. Order yours now in time for the festive celebrations by calling Mike on: 626 577 053, or see the Facebook page: Bestco Canarias, where you can leave a message to ensure that your customers enjoy a great holiday season! n
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PROMOTION
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HARD ROCK HOTEL
ORGANISED CRIME
Village of the 80s
Chinese business owners targeted
Blackbox, C+C Music Factory and Rozalla, Hard Rock’s first hotel in the Canaries and second in Europe was launched with a grand opening party attended by hundreds of revellers and a heavy dose of colour, lights and thumping music. The theme of the night was Children of the 80s, with everybody wearing their best attire from the decade with many choosing to dress up as their 80s idols, such as Madonna, Boy George The evening started with Guitar Smash, featuring representatives from the Hard Rock Internacional & Palladium Hotel Group
Photos: ©Gerard Zenou 634 173 766
Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife’s official inauguration was very wellattended
Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife’s official inauguration took place on
December 10, with a host of live acts and a fun 80s-themed party.
Featuring much-loved artists such as the Village People,
and Freddie Mercury. The evening started with Guitar Smash,
During the last two months, Chinese business owners based in tourist areas of the south of Tenerife have been suffering from a series of robberies at their homes. The National Police in the south of the island received reports of nine burglaries at the homes of Chinese entrepreneurs recently. The majority of these robberies have been committed in broad daylight when no one was at home, and the main objective has been to steal safes. This suggests that the perpetrators had been specifically spying on their victims and knew exactly what their daily routine was. Due to the characteristics of these home robberies and the absence of usable traces or evidence left at the crime scene, all information points to the fact that the robberies have been planned by an organised criminal gang. The burglaries reported to date have taken place in the coastal areas of Los Cristianos and Playa de Las Américas, as well as Costa Adeje and La Caleta. So far the burglars have got away with an amount ranging from €2,000 to €10,000 during each robbery. Burglaries of this type are not uncommon in Spain. Just over a year ago in a suburb of Madrid, the Guardia Civil busted a gang which also concentrated on Chinese business owners. In this case, the perpetrators carried out their robberies disguised as National Police officers, and they didn’t just rob homes but also businesses and luxury vehicles as well. By the time they were arrested, they had got away with a total of €250,000. They also acted in a fast and organised manner. n
featuring representatives from the Hard Rock Internacional & Palladium Hotel Group, a tradition at the opening of Hard Rock hotels and casinos around the world. The Dream Team Reload DJs took to the stage to start the night’s entertainment, warming up the crowd with a host of dance favourites. African singer Rozalla followed, becoming the first artist to perform at Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife. Hits such as Everybody's Free was appreciated by all, as Freedom Williams from the dance group C+C Music Factory came on next, maintaining the same energy with popular songs such as Things That Make You Go Hmmmm and Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now). The Italian dance act Blackbox
followed, performing a short set that included 1989’s smash hit, Ride on Time. Headliners, the Village People, raised the roof with their performance of classics such as YMCA, In the Navy, and Macho Man. Dream Team Reload filled in during the acts, keeping the audience moving by playing floorfillers from the 80s and 90s. The evening finished at 11pm with a fireworks show that illuminated the coastline of Playa Paraíso, Costa Adeje. Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife has 624 rooms, including 260 suites, Split across two impressive towers: Oasis and Nirvana. For further information, visit: www.hardrockhotels.com/ tenerife. n
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 053
PROMOTION
Professional tattooing by Ink Bandit If you are looking for a tattoo artist who can provide you with professional and unique body art then look no further than Ink Bandit in Los Abrigos. Ink Bandit, which opened in March, is fully licensed, insured and has a fully qualified team from the UK. The large premises contain two treatment rooms and one soon to be added. Everything inside is clinically clean and pleasing to the eye. What's more, you will feel relaxed in the knowledge that all the artists are fully licensed and insured. Tattooists Richard, Ross and Craig, all believe that professionalism is more important than anything else, and all of them can draw exceptionally well. They are passionate about their work and to them it is an art-form about placing a work of art on someone's skin. Ink Bandit’s amazingly talented designers can work with you to create a custom tattoo and meet all of your tattooing needs. Richard, who had his own business in the UK for many years, loves to do colour designs and scripts but at the same time is also passionate about Japanese designs and portraits. Due to
Ink Bandit Local No.1, C/ Marina 17 Los Abrigos Granadilla de Abona Tenerife Open: 11am to 7pm Mondays to Saturdays Coming soon: Late night on Thursday Facebook: Ink Bandit and Addictive Permanent Make Up Tenerife Tel: 922 170 139
of the business: Addictive at Ink Bandit. Anja arrived in Tenerife with her family in December and will start working on January 9 in her own treatment room, offering cosmetic and medical tattooing. Her specialities are many and include areola
The Ink Bandit team are looking forward to meeting you Anja can give you perfect lashes and brows An amazing design by Richard
his many years experience in tattooing, his portfolio is vast. Richard will always prepare the design together with the client and nothing is ever too much. He also does all kinds of body piercing. Craig who has worked in many countries around the world, and also ran his own business in the UK, loves to design tattoos with his passion for realism, such as portraits and animals. He also draws straight onto the skin to make the tattoo flow with the body. All his work is done freehand and he is always honoured to be able to work on someone's body
and fulfil their wishes. Craig sees cover ups as a challenge and always takes his time to decide what the final adjustment will be. One of Ross's favourite tasks is also cover-up tattooing. With his many years' experience in the tattoo world he is versatile and will, like Richard and Craig, undertake any kind of work. Ross also speaks fluent German and English and has a great number of loyal repeat clients. They are all great artists and perfectionists with over 50 years' experience between them. Vouchers are available all year around but they have special Christmas ones for the festive season. Anja, the latest to join the Ink Bandit team, is German but lived in the UK for many years and had two businesses there. She is calling her part
reconstruction tattoos which can be permanent and perfect for ladies (or men) who have had drastic surgery for breast cancer and were left without nipples or had bad reconstruction work. The results are not only breathtaking, but they can be life changing too. She also offers the dry needling MCA technique which is used to relax scars and fine wrinkles by stimulating the body's own collagen in the area. This flattens scars, calms other skin problems and improves the physical appearance, restoring self confidence. Anja also offers non-laser tattoo removal which works on professional and homemade tattoos. She is trained in correction and removal of permanent makeup. Semi-perma-
nent make-up is another of her specialities, with colour top ups needed after one to two years. As it is semi-permanent and fades gradually, it allows for changes of colours or taste as we age. This is ideal for people with an active lifestyle, allergies to make-up, hay fever or alopecia sufferers, thinning brows, or those who simply don't have time for make-up. This can include perfect eyebrows (there are Christmas offers available), eyeliner, lash enhancement (amazing for guys) and lips, all perfect when you wake up in the morning. Anja also loves what she does and feels that she gives and shares happiness. She uses only quality German products, and appointments can be made with her from January 9. If you book now, you can still take advantage of the Christmas offer. Anja is also qualified in body piercing. In fact Richard and Anja will offer children's earlobe piercing during which
both ears would be treated simultaneously with one person working on each side, reducing stress on the child. This system has proved very popular in the UK. Anja was originally trained as a chartered accountant, and she will be managing the shop together with the owner Richard and mainly dealing with paperwork and marketing. The Team at Ink Bandit is excited to meet new clients and will continue to expand their portfolio to best look after their clientele. The 2017/18 plan includes offering Botox/ fillers as well as laser treatments (tattoo removal and beauty enhancements). Ink Bandit can offer you everything you are looking for in a highly professional environment, where you'll feel comfortable and in good hands. Make your appointment soon, or buy Christmas vouchers which would make ideal gifts and can be used in the new year, or just pop in for a chat and meet the team. n
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PROMOTION
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ASOCIACIÓN SAN JUAN
A charitable helping hand Christmas came early for the Adeje based Asociación de San Juan, which was delighted to receive a cheque for €1,000 on December 9, presented by members of the Ave Fenix Masonic Lodge based in Los Cristianos, South Tenerife. Former Grand Master, Bob Sturgess, was present with the current Grand Master, Steve Grant, and several representatives from Ave Fenix, to hand over the donation, aimed at helping the San Juan association with their esteemed and invaluable social care. Masons belong to the oldest and largest fraternal organisation in the world, with over seven million members. Here in the Canary Islands there are many Spanish and English speaking lodges meeting on a regular basis. Apart from focussing on members’ individual development, the organisation is deeply involved in helping others and supporting charitable causes. The money was
raised by contributions from lodge members.
Asociación San Juan Since 1994 the Asociación San Juan has been running their Pedealogical and Social Therapy centre, working with children and adults who are suffering handicaps. Today they care for more than 30 persons with special needs via their education and assistance
The Ave Fenix Masonic Lodge donated €1,000 to the Asociación de San Juan Bob Sturgess (right) presented the cheque
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ISLAND CONNECTIONS 786 them into ‘neuro-normal’ life. With this donation, gratefully received, they are planning a number of changes and reforms to their facilities. The association is situated
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without, join together in crafts and expression classes, whilst older members ride ponies, make music, tend to goats and sheep, grow vegetables, form pottery, take part in a range of
and social therapy. It is partly paid for by the council, in part supported by private payments, and substantially funded by its own hard work, including fundraising events and the sale
Masonic representatives with José Antonio López (centre) of the Asociación de San Juan
Association members performed several Christmas songs for their Masonic guests
The association’s Pedealogical and Social Therapy centre works with children and adults who are suffering handicaps
day care centre and over 50 students work on integration projects in the Farm School.
The association works with those who, for a number of reasons, find themselves on
the margin of society and need some kind of help and appropriate intervention to integrate
Rugs and clothes are woven from wool from the association’s own sheep
in the heart of Adeje, tucked down a backstreet off one of the main roads and set in beautiful surroundings. The centre is like walking into another world and boasts trees, wooden benches, sculptures, a water feature, flowers, and plenty of greenery and open land. Here, preschool children, those with learning difficulties and those
other crafts, and even weave carpets made entirely of wool shorn from the association’s sheep. Healing and growth is constantly encouraged through contact with nature and artistic self-impression. The association belongs to the worldwide organisation of Waldorf centres and follows the ethos of curative education
At the Asociación de San Juan, everyone who can works in the fields
of homemade products. The involvement of parents and carers in the lives of their charges is actively encouraged, talks and conferences also take place, and professional training is available as well. For more on the Asociación de San Juan call 922 781 160 or visit their website: www.asociacionsanjuan.es. n
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SHEPHERDS AND GIFTS
La Gomera’s Christmas Carol the world and language they knew to come to a small foreign island. I cried then, as is traditional though discreetly - and it still tweaks an emotional response
A children’s nativity play Adoration of the Shepherds by Gerard van Honthorst
from me, though I confess to a correlation between said emotional response and Christmas cheer imbibed, which is often the delicious seasonal liqueur, mistela, to which I’m partial.
By Barbara Belt tering a bit until some bright of it in mainland Spain, but version, which could well be To get you in Canarian festive mood, here’s what the kids in Valle Gran Rey in La Gomera sing at this time of year. It’s a lively Christmas carol that goes on for ages and requires forehead-wrinkling concentration, interspersed with great gulps of air. I love the way they rattle through it, starting off at a cracking pace, and then fal-
spark leads into the next verse and names a village, and they’re off again. It’s easy to remember the next bit because it has to rhyme with the name of the village. It’s a lovely carol of unknown origin, to me at least, which is sung throughout most of the Canarian archipelago and is similarly adapted for other villages and neighbourhoods on other islands. I’ve never heard
I’ve spent little time there in December so it’s hardly surprising. This La Gomera version doesn’t feature anywhere online. There’s nothing available on social, or any, media so you’ll just have to pop over here to hear our version, but the following links will let you hear the island of La Palma’s Yo Soy Un Pastor Palmero (I’m a Shepherd from La Palma)
the original: www.youtube. com/watch?v=LsNk4sypFIs o r w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / watch?v=ksR2QDTukHc. I’m especially fond of Yo Soy Un Pastor Gomero because my daughters, now 35 and 31 years old, came home all tiny and dishevelled, singing it with great gusto the first Christmas we had here, only a few months after their heartless mother had suddenly removed them from
Each verse mentions a hamlet of Valle Gran Rey. The first is the picturesque La Calera: Yo soy un pastor gomero (I’m a shepherd from La Gomera) que vengo de La Calera (who
comes from La Calera), al niño Jesus le traigo (to baby Jesus I’ll bring) una cestita de peras (a small basket of pears). Now, as far as I can discover, there aren’t actually any pears growing in La Calera, which is not far above sea level and as we all know, hard fruits thrive here at around 600 metres.
22.12.2016 – 11.01.2017
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 786 try to think of an English version but failed miserably. Few matches for UK place names and presents for baby Jesus sounded appropriately biblical. A tea set from Dorset, a rattle from Battle, or a cot from Didcot just don’t do it. The La Gomera version is a
CANARY ISLANDS
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Most carols sung in Canarian churches seem far livelier than carols I sang in church, although my memory is unreliable. Hear them for yourselves. Ask about carols, or villancicos, at the local church. There may not be carol services as such, but going to any Misa
same time. December 25 is a public holiday but it’s mostly for recovering after the previous night’s festivities. Should you not hear carols before Christmas, fear not. New Year’s Eve, or Noche Vieja, is by no means the end of the festive season, no matter how
de Gallo (the Cockerel Mass, because of the late hour) on Christmas Eve is generally a musical treat. Christmas Eve, or Noche Buena, is the main Christmas celebration in Spain, when families get together for dinner at home in the evening. The tradition was first dinner then mass, but although the Misa del Gallo still packs churches, there’s now generally a fiesta swinging into action at about the
jaded you’re feeling. Just as the UK untangles its tinsel and packs the lights away, off we lurch again on January 6 with Reyes, still the presentgiving-and-receiving event in this part of the world, despite the inroads of globalisation and the whole Christmas commercial fest. We’ll be in festive mode till then, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy a selection of Canarian carols wherever you are on the islands. Feliz Navidad! n
Children visiting a nativity scene Celebrating ‘Noche Buena’ Music and tradition Each verse of the carol mentions a hamlet of Valle Gran Rey Presents for the baby Jesus
relatively recent adaptation. When I asked my son-in-law’s mother if she knew any other verses, she told me her generation had learnt and sung the La Palma carol as the Pastor Gomero version didn’t exist then, so perhaps my daughters coincided with the birth of the local carol nearly 30 years ago.
What La Calera has are papayas, bananas, guavas and so forth, all of which rhyme perfectly with La Calera just as well in Spanish as in English, but never mind. Then this is the chorus, which repeats after each verse: Venid pastorcillos (Come, little shepherds), venid adorer (come and adore) al rey de los cielos (the king of the heavens), que ha nacido ya (who’s just been born), que ha nacido ya (who’s just been born),
venid pastorcillos (come little shepherds) Venid adorer (come and adore). And then loads more verses follow, each one featuring a different hamlet, whose shepherds bring a gift which rhymes with the hamlet’s name, such as this innovative one: Yo soy un pastor gomero (I’m a shepherd from La Gomera) que vengo de Las Orijamas (who comes from Las Orijamas), al niño Jesus le traigo (to baby Jesus I’ll bring) este bonito
pijama (these lovely pyjamas). Perfect. Las Orijamas/pyjamas. And so on. The shepherds from La Playa take una cesta de caballas, or a basket of mackerel; from Los Granados they take pañales bordados, or embroidered nappies; from La Puntilla, pan de semillas, or seed bread; and from El Hornillo, bizcocho fino, or fine sponge cake. It’s a joyful carol with a snappy tune and can be adapted for nearly anywhere, although I did
TRAVEL
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 053
NEW DESTINATION IN 2017
The music and rhythm of São Vicente Just over two hours flying time from the Canaries and you arrive in the stunning archipelago of Cape Verde. Mindelo, the capital of São Vicente, has a vibrant, colonial air that moves to the sounds of the Creole culture made up from over 60 African and European countries. It is also home to the singer, Cesárea Évora.
São Vicente is a charming, thriving city with a beautiful bay and colonial architecture
The port of Mindelo
São Vicente is a quiet island that flows at a relaxing pace, perfect for a luxurious holiday to disconnect and experience the island life. The climate is warm all year round, and the Islands are close at hand. Discover Mindelo and feel the rhythm of São Vicente. Mindelo, or Porto Grande, is home to 93 per cent of the entire island’s population. The town is known for its colourful and animated carnival celebrations, with roots in Portuguese traditions and some Brazilian characteristics. It is a charming, thriving city with a beautiful bay and colonial architecture, and is considered the most welcoming and attractive city of the Islands. One of the ‘musts’ of Mindelo is to visit the Cinema Eden on the Plaza Amílcar. For over 40 years the theatre has shown mainstream movies every day. The town is also excellent at night, with plenty to do and a mild climate to enjoy the sights. São Vicente also has some excellent beaches, such as Baia, Calhau, San Pedro and La Jinha.
The Municipal Market
centre. All the hotel rooms have a balcony overlooking the swimming pool or the city’s main plaza. It is also home to the Pérola do Atlántico restaurant, specialists in local, Portuguese and international cuisine.
Where to eat in São Vicente
How to get to São Vicente Local airline Binter Canarias flies to Cape Verde every Tuesday and Friday from Gran Canaria with connections from all the Islands. The flight time is around two and a half hours.
Where to stay in São Vicente Hotel Oásis Atlântico Porto Grande: Situated in Mindelo, this stunning hotel is just 10 minutes from the airport and a five minute stroll to the city
Café Mindelo: This charming, cosy establishment is ideal for enjoying a coffee or local snack and whiling away the time. They also specialise in fresh fish and rice dishes. Funalha: This is one of the most popular restaurants in Mindelo, and ideal for local gastronomy. They also have live music on Saturdays and Sundays. Matigim: This intimate eatery is very central and specialises in Portuguese cuisines such as the grilled Chorizo da Terra.
Like most venues in Mindelo, there is frequently live music on offer.
What to do in São Vicente Monte Verde: A visit to the Monte Verde National Park is a popular excursion. A cobblestone road leads up the misty heights of the beautiful natural area with a large number of endemic plant species. Calheu: This fishing port under a volcano has a quaint hamlet built around the area’s beaches. The uninhabited island of Santa Luzia in the near distance forms a memo-
rable backdrop. Baia Das Gatas: This summer village of modern houses, restaurants and picturesque bays is perfect for scuba diving or enjoying a day on the white sands of the beaches there. The music festival every August is considered the most important in the country. São Vicente has always been considered a diverse island, with Mindelo the cultural capital of Cape Verde. In addition to the islanders’ love for music, the theatre and local literature are popular pastimes, and there is an annual carnival, August festival, and plenty of New Year’s Eve parties.
22.12.2016 – 11.01.2017
TRAVEL
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 786 Mindelo, or Porto Grande, is home to 93 per cent of the entire island’s population
15
BINTER CV
Spain’s first African internal airline Binter recently launched its subsidiary company, Binter CV, the first Spanish airline operating regular internal flights in Africa. Since last month, Binter CV now operates between the Cape Verde islands of Santiago, Sal and São Vicente, having received the necessary permits from the African country. Canarian airline Binter flies to Cape Verde every Tuesday and Friday from Gran Canaria with connections from all the Islands, and flight time is around two and a half hours.
First flight
Visit the Municipal Market built in 1882 and expanded in 1930. The Parça Nova area has historical buildings and is home to the magnificent Museum of Traditional Art. The Fish Market is also a popular spot, while the Belém Tower is a replica of the famous Lisbon monument. Laguinha is Mindelo’s main beach and is a hub of activThe Kalimba Beach Club in the Hotel ity, including all water and Grande Porto Oásis Atlântico beach sports. It is very busy and safe for swimming. On If visiting the island, it’s rec- December 31 at midnight it is ommended that you see the customary to take a dip in the historical centre of Mind- ocean and cleanse yourself in elo and enjoy the beautiful preparation for the new year. beaches of Baía das Gatas, Calhau and São Pedro. Also, CanariasViaja.com enjoy the local food: São Vicente has many typical CanariasViaja.com is the spedishes and excellent seafood. cialist online agency offering Besides meat stews and the complete holiday breaks and well-known Cachupa, there is packages (flight, hotel and a local rice dish with shellfish excursions) to destinations called Á Dadal that simply served by the Canarian airhas to be sampled! line Binter, with regular spe-
The Hotel Oásis Atlântico Porto Grande
Freshly caught fish makes up the basis of local cuisine
cial offers and promotions for residents. Their Cape Verde packages offer great value for money and quality. There are connections from all the Islands for the international flight, which has an onboard service.
Island hopping If you would like to visit more than one island, CanariasViaja.com also offers combinations: Sao Vicente plus nearby Santo Antão –a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. There
are also options that include spending some relaxing beach days on Sal Island too!
Father José Constantina Benito blessed the aircraft
Cape Verde and Canarian government officials met with Binter representatives at the Nelson Mandela de Praia International Airport on Santiago Island to baptize the plane that made the first inter-island domestic flight. Father José Constantina Benito blessed the aircraft while many local businesses from the two archipelagos were also present at the event. President of Binter, Pedro Agustín del Castillo, commented: “Binter has 27 years of experience in uniting islands. Binter’s work throughout this period, and in particular since it was bought by Canarian entrepreneurs in 2002, has helped bring the Canaries closer together. As islanders, we appreciate the need for such a service and that is what we want to contribute to Cape Verde”. Canary Islands president, Fernando Clavijo, said: “Binter CV is the clearest example of the strategic alliance between the Canaries and Cape Verde. Binter is arguably one of the biggest Canarian companies with a presence abroad and continues to prove its importance in connecting people and businesses”. n
Contact and bookings Binter is far more than just an inter-island service! For further information and bookings visit: www. bintercanarias.com, or call 902 391 392. For holiday offers and packages available from their travel operator, visit: www. CanariasViaja.com or call: 922 248 161. n
Officials met at the Nelson Mandela de Praia International Airport to commemorate the first flight
CANARY ISLANDS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 053
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
The Los Realejos council has come up with an ingenious initiative which is proving to be a pioneering idea in Spain. The aim of the camel taxi is to encourage people to leave their cars at home when they do their Christmas shopping in the town. This does not mean that you'll be going shopping on one of the Three Kings' camels, as a more modern option will replace your car: camel taxi. This new project was presented by Mayor Manuel Domínguez recently. It is a one-of-a-kind campaign, already a big hit in the whole of Cuba, to encourage people to shop locally while at the same time providing them with a simple way to get there and back. Domínguez said that the main aim is "that people will leave their cars at home and do their Christmas shopping
Photo: Ayuntamiento Los Realejos
Forget your car, take the camel taxi
The aim of the camel taxi is to encourage people to leave their cars at home when they do their Christmas shopping
locally, travelling like kings on our free taxi service." People can look for gifts in all parts of the town, during the morning or afternoon, and can easily move between the different zones without having to spend even €1 on fuel or parking fees, without the hassle of parking, and without the annoyance of
traffic jams. The 'Camellos Taxi' will run between the five districts of Realejo Alto, La Cruz Santa, San Agustín, Icod el Alto and Toscal Longuera, in three lines, just like a metro service. The first line is marked green and runs between Icod el Alto, Realejo Alto and San Agustín.
The second in fuchsia takes the route between Realejos Alto, La Cruz Santa and San Agustín. The third blue line serves the route between Toscal Longuera, San Agustín and Realejo Alto. Along the route, there will be specific and specially marked stops where customers can wait for a taxi or simply board. If you see a free camel taxi on the way, it can be flagged down and the trip will cost you nothing. The local council is providing this service to its inhabitants in coordination with Servitaxi and Radiotaxi to support local business owners. The service is offered from December 23 to January 5, except December 25 and January 1. The camel taxis will be running during shop opening hours from 9am to 1.30pm and from 4pm to 8.30pm. On December 24 and 31, they will only run in the morning. n
BREAST CANCER CHARITY
Paradise painted pink The massive annual event for breast cancer in the south of Tenerife just keeps on growing. An estimated 3,400 people gathered together on December 11 for a 3.5 km walk and a first-time run from Arona to Adeje to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer. Many wore signs provided by the organisation to show who they were walking for. A grand total of €17,816 was raised, which includes an amazing donation from the jewellery company Tenerife Pearl of €1,500 plus the amount raised by their bucketwielding representatives on the day and a further €1,651 was made at the Swim for Life event at the Tenerife Top Training Centre recently. All the funds will be divided between the Spanish Cancer association AECC, the Tenerife breast cancer association Amaté and the soon to be set up Walk for Life Foundation, for programmes, events and investigation to support breast cancer patients and their families. Thanks as always go to the councils of Adeje and Arona and their employees, the talented entertainers and the enormous number of sponsors who help this event happen, too numerous to mention here, but they can be found on the WFL website. All the cash raised goes to the cause as everyone who works on this is a volunteer. The list of unclaimed raffle ticket winners can also be found on the website. Thanks to all involved. n Photo: Sir Old Golfer Bill
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CYBER-MOBBING
Two teenagers arrested Guardia Civil officers based in Puerto de La Cruz arrested a 16 year old boy and a 15 year old girl in the first week of December. They are said to have seriously offended and threatened a classmate because of her sexual inclination. For about a year and a half, since the middle of 2015, they have terrorised the girl through
the social network ThisCrush with the most damning insults, as well as murder threats. During the investigation, the officers were able to identify the two alleged authors of the malicious attacks. They were arrested and the case was handed over to the juvenile prosecutor. The number of cases in which the anonymity of social net-
works is used to denounce and humiliate others is on the rise. The perpetrators, as well as the victims, are also getting younger and younger. For those who are attacked in this way, the journey to school or workplace is often a walk to hell and the victims usually suffer in silence without their parents noticing anything. For
this reason, the commitment of teachers and parents is being sought to educate young people not only about the possible serious consequences for the victim, but also about the possible prosecution of the perpetrators. The subject of social competence and respect for each other must be taught by schools and families. n
Thousands walked in support
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SANTA CRUZ
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 786
A musical gift
CANARY ISLANDS
Summary
At Christmas the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife becomes one of the most important open air venues of classical music in Europe as the Ports’ Authority presents a free concert which is followed by over 20,000 people in attendance and transmitted live on television and online. This is an incredible event of great international interest for both residents and tourists which will be celebrated again this year on the Los Llanos dock from 9pm on December 25. It’s the 23rd anniversary of the concert and its main protagonist this year is Ainhoa Arteta, a Spanish soprano who is recognised as one of the best classical artists in the country.
Photos: puertosdetenerife.org
XXIII Concierto de Navidad 25 de diciembre 21:00 (Free entry) Dársena (dock) de Los Llanos Santa Cruz de Tenerife www.puertosdetenerife.org
Popular folklore group Los Sabandeños onstage with the Tenerife Symphonic Orchestra
A special concert for a special day
Last year’s epic event saw a full house for the performance of Carmina Burana, the scenic cantata by Carl Orff, a work selected for the occasion by the Tenerife Symphonic
Orchestra and its conductor Michal Nesterowicz. Ricardo Melchior, the muchloved ex-president of Tenerife’s Island Council and current president of the Port’s Authority, com-
mented that this concert is a gift to the city which has served as an example to the island every year, bringing classical music to every family and corner of Tenerife on such a special day. n
Every year the crowds flock to the port’s free concert
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CANARY ISLANDS
By
had hit the liquor cupboard and there was nothing left to drink. Now very cross indeed, Santa dropped the coffee pot, which broke into hundreds of little pieces over the kitchen tiles and scalded his feet at the same time! Just then the doorbell rang and he swore furiously under his breath on his way to the front door. He opened the portal and there in front of him was a petite angel with a great big Christmas tree. And the angel said in her sweet voice: “A very merry Christmas to you Santa, isn’t it a lovely day to deliver presents? I bet this is your favourite time of year. Now where would you like me to put this Christmas tree?” And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how the custom of having a little angel on top of the Christmas tree came about!
Hi everyone,
an adult, of this interesting piece of information. Gabriela Quiros reported on the fact that reindeer can perform a feat no other adult mammal can do. “In about three months
katykennedy@telefonica.net
to scientists, who are investigating this ability in order to return mobility to damaged human limbs.” Male deer, elk, reindeer, and all other members of the cervi-
into cartilage and finally bone. While they’re growing, the antlers are soft and vulnerable. Deer know to keep them out of harm’s way. That’s because nerves in the velvet give them
Photo: Pasi Widgren / FreeImages.com
Hi everyone, I’d like to wish you all the very happiest Christmas possible. I’ve just received a Christmas card from my friend Mel and this is the story inside it: Santa was getting ready for his annual toy delivery. But there were problems everywhere; four elves were sick, and the trainee elves didn’t produce the toys as fast as needed so Santa was beginning to feel the pressure of being behind schedule, and then Mrs. Claus told Santa that her Mum was coming to visit, which stressed Santa even more! When he went to harness the reindeer, three of them were about to give birth and two had jumped the fence and were out and about heaven knows where – causing poor Mr. Claus even more stress. And then, loading the sleigh, a foot board cracked and a toy bag fell off and scattered all the children’s toys over the floor. Frustrated, Santa went into the house for a cup of coffee and a small tot of whiskey, ready to start again. But the elves
y Kat
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 053
Rudolph’s antlers This year when telling young children tales of Rudolph guiding the sleigh on Christmas Eve, you could think, as Reindeer are not only kind enough to pull Santa’s sleigh, their unique horns may hold the key to regrowing damaged nerves in humans
they grow an entirely new set of antlers, which is their iconic crown of bones.” Manuel Nieto-Díaz, a palaeontologist-turned- neuroscientist based at the National Paraplegic Hospital in Toledo said that “among mammals, it’s a unique process of complete regeneration. The nerves involved in this regeneration grow back at the same rate as the antlers. Their speed and ability to grow on their own make these nerves of great interest
dae family use their antlers to fend off competitors and woo females, then shed them once the mating season is over. New antlers start growing right away, sprouting from two knobs on the deer’s forehead called pedicles, and growing as heavy as 27 kilos in the case of moose. A fuzzy layer of skin and fur called velvet carries blood rich in calcium and phosphorous to build up the bone that makes up the antlers. Antlers start out as special cells in the pedicles that grow
sensation in their developing antlers and prevent them from banging or scratching them before they’ve branched out and hardened. They don’t get in any fights and are very careful with their environment. If they touch something, it hurts them. When the bone is completely sturdy, after about three months, blood flow stops and the velvet cracks. The process makes the males itchy, so they scratch their antlers on leaves and branches and the velvet peels off in
bloody sheets. The part of the nerve that grows in the deer velvet while the antlers are developing is especially interesting to scientists. These long nerve sections are called axons, and they can grow to be more than one metre in length. “Axons are the wiring”, said Nieto-Díaz. “When we talk about nerves, we’re really talking about axons. They’re the part of the nerve that transmits information.” The axons in developing antlers are unique because they regrow year after year and they do so very fast. Usually, in humans and most other animals, the formation of new nerves doesn’t happen. So now scientists and surgeons are experimenting to try and combine the axons from the velvet of the antlers with proteins to help those who lose movement from an accident, so that they can eventually regain movement of the limb or spine. The spinal cord secretes substances that impede nerve re-growth. Now that is a very noble cause indeed so we wish them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and a speedy result from their experiments. My New Year’s resolution: I promise to go to the gym three times a week and to the slimming club twice a week. I’m just not promising to actually go in! And here’s another laugh to finish off with: “We’re having Grandma for Christmas dinner this year.” “Really? We’re having turkey!” Merry Christmas everyone and a happy and healthy New Year. Keep in touch in 2017. Email me at: katykennedy@ telefonica.net or call me on: 616 110 930. n
22.12.2016 – 11.01.2017
FOOD
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 786
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RESTAURANTE EL GRECO
It’s all Greek to me Mimi and Marko On this El Greco platter there are different specialities for you to try
The young couple Mimi and Marko have lived in Tenerife for two years. After completing their professional gastronomy training in Germany they decided to gain some experience in Tenerife, so they opened their first joint restaurant with Greek and Mediterranean specialities during the summer. Both have German, Greek and Serbian roots, so it comes as no surprise that they have specialised in a cuisine that follows these family roots here in Tenerife. This is a welcome change for those who, so far, have missed good Greek food on the island.
Tenerife goes Greek Marko cooks the delicious specialities while Mimi pampers their guests, ensuring that everyone feels immediately welcome. They invite you to relax in their cosy restaurant, decorated in Greek style or on the sheltered terrace with a view of the pedestrian zone and the town centre. In the background, Greek music and decoration provide the right setting to try the wonder-
El Greco
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ful dishes on the menu. Just sit back, relax and enjoy. When you look at the menu, it is difficult to choose. How about a starter with a fresh Greek style salad, or perhaps a Poseidon salad with glazed strips of turkey? Tempting cheese specialities are, for example, the baked sheep's cheese with tomatoes and onions or the fried feta cheese, Saganaki. If you like, you can also opt for Tzatziki, Fetacreme or pickled olives. The main courses include Bifteki, Suflaki, Gyros, Cevapcici, Moussaka and Mediterranean lamb chops. There are fries, potato specialities or tomato rice. If you just cannot decide, why not try the El Greco grill which contains a little of everything. In addition, the daily dishes are constantly changing and
include fried liver or stuffed puff pastry. Finally, the typical Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts must not be missed. All dishes are available for takeaway. Many guests will surely return to this restaurant to try what they didn't order on their first visit. To crown your feast, Greek Metaxa and Ouzo are available.
El Greco Christmas special Mimi and Marko are also opening their restaurant over Christmas for their guests. If you are alone or with family and friends, maybe you would like to book a festive table and try something different. El Greco opens on all the bank holidays and on New Year's Eve and guests will definitely be spoiled by the Greek festival.
At Christmas the festival menu is available on request and upon prior reservation. Seeing in the New Year can have a Greek flavour too, and you'll find that it is quite different. After the aperitif, you'll be served with a delicious chicken-lemon soup followed by Saganaki and a Greek style salad. The main course consists of lamb with potato slices and vegetables. To finish the menu and the year, the feast is topped with a puff pastry dessert, filled with apples, raisins and walnuts. Following your festive meal, you can see the New Year in with enthusiasm and those who want to dance can do so just around the corner in the Plaza del Charco until the early hours. A timely reservation is required. n
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 053
RESTAURANT REVIEW
Raul‘s is rocking! By Francis W. from the coast, so we parked as old fashioned coat hangers, cheese sticks (€2 per portion). herbs, and the crunchy outer sweet tooth you may wish to There’s a great new vibe in Santiago del Teide with the opening of the café diner Bar Raul in Tamaimo. Tucked away in the hills above Los Gigantes, the village of Tamaimo is fast becoming the place to visit for those who wish to sojourn into the mountains for something a little different. A 15 minute drive from the coast, the up and coming town forms the crossroads between the lower-lying areas of the borough, its higher villages and the route to the new section of the TF1 which travels straight to Las Américas and beyond. As well as offering the chance to stroll round a traditional Canarian settlement, Tamaimo is also the starting point for several local walks, and has a rural hotel and a range of shops. It is now also home to
The prawn cocktail was absolutely delicious
Bar Raul, which is run by a young couple from England, Gary and Michelle. Having been informed by several friends that the new venue was worth checking out, my companion and I were quite excited on the evening we visited. It wasn’t difficult to find as it’s right at the top of the road that dissects Tamaimo
the car and strolled down to the bar. Though there were seats available on the terrace, we decided to sit inside in one of the comfy-looking corners.
a vintage dress and an array of trailing plants. Once settled with our drinks, Gary talked us through the menu. Gary has been working in the trade for the last
A beautiful apple rose sitting atop homemade chocolate ice-cream
There’s plenty to celebrate at Bar Raul in Tamaimo
Perfectly cooked chistorra sausage and chips
Though the deep leather sofa was tempting, we took a pew on one of the bench seats and relaxed. The décor is certainly different to what one would normally expect in the area. The walls are lined with intricately decorated blackboards adorned with butterflies, as well as various works of art, and interesting touches such
The prawn cocktail was beautifully presented and the generous portion of king prawns cooked in a hint of garlic butter was absolutely delicious, possibly the best we have ever tasted. The mix of sides was also delightful, and one of the great things about having them together was being able to
The lemon cheesecake was tangy and tasty
10 years and was the original chef from Bar 108 in Los Cristianos. He exudes gastronomic enthusiasm and speaks of his creations with an obvious love of his work. On his recommendation we decided to start with a prawn cocktail (€7) and a medley of side dishes –onion rings, chicken strips and mozzarella
of the chicken sticks was crisp and tasty. They were accompanied by a small salad and a dish of green mojo, honey mustard and BBQ sauces, perfect for dipping. For main course I had chosen one of the house specialities – the ‘Loco ribs’ at €8.50. These can be ordered as they are or cooked in any of the above sauces, and come with a salad garnish, bread and a hearty cone of chips. Vacuum packed, slow cooked in a water bath for three hours, and finished in the pan and oven, the meat simply fell off the bone. My friend had chosen the chistorra sausage (€8.50) which came with the same side dishes and was, I am told, also well done and suitably tasty. As well as the above, guests can choose from delights such as Thai prawns, garlic mush-
A medley of side dishes for a starter
appreciate the care taken with each one: no mass produced food here. Though all three came in a batter-like coating, it was very different on each. The onion rings had a batter that was light and crunchy: a mere glaze on the thinly sliced onion. The wheat and rice flour coating on the mozzarella sticks was seasoned with
rooms, chicken wings, pork belly, Caesar salad or paella. Everything is freshly prepared on the premises, using locally sourced produce whenever possible. Even the sauces are handmade, with the exception of the ubiquitous ketchup and mayonnaise. The desserts are particularly good, so if you have a
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indulge in Trifle with a Twist (a mousse and jelly combination topped with biscuit, fresh cream and chocolate shavings), fresh banana, vanilla or strawberry ice-cream, or maybe something from the selection of crepes. We chose the lemon cheesecake (wonderfully tangy, €2.50) and chocolate ice-cream with an ‘apple rose’ (€3). The latter consists of fine slices of apple crafted into the form of said flower and placed neatly into a light pastry base. Delicate and delicious, it was almost too good to eat. Whilst enjoying our meal we were attended courteously, professionally and – my favourite – with a big smile from all concerned. Bar Raul is warm and welcoming, plays a good mix of background music, and is great for a family visit or a night out with friends. They will be open on Christmas Day, when you can enjoy between one and three courses of a traditional festive meal for between €20 and €30, though you will need to make a reservation beforehand. They will also be hosting a New Year’s Eve party from midday onwards, but every day is a good time to visit for a snack, full meal or simply to enjoy a drink. n
Bar Raul Avda. Coronel Gorrín, 18 Tamaimo, Santiago del Teide Open: 12pm – 12am except Monday Tel: 611 233 833 Facebook: Bar Raul Free WiFi
22.12.2016 – 11.01.2017
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tried the Texas burger. Others available are a gourmet or a house BBQ burger. Our homemade Texas burger was mouthwateringly delicious and served with goat's cheese, rocket, and a chilli and honey dressing which was just hot enough to leave a warm glow. There was also a small portion of wonderfully crispy fries which could be dunked in a tangy basil dressing. Next on the menu are the typically Swedish fish dishes: Gravalax with creamed dill potato, a fish stew with saffron alioli, and red snapper with ginger sweet chilli and vegetables cooked in a wok. We tried the fish stew, which is actually fish and seafood as we found that it contained prawns and mussels
too. What a delightful combination of flavours! The Swedish Corner also serves a range of meat dishes including sirloin beef, pepper steak, Jack Daniels baby back ribs, planked steak, steak with goat's cheese and rocket, chef's marinated venison fillet and a mixed grill to choose from. There's also a three course menu of the day for only €10. Sadly we had no space left for dessert, but we could have chosen from pancakes or ice cream with strawberry jam and whipped cream, chocolate soufflé or Swedish Daimcake, both served with whipped cream and chocolate sauce, or Nina's homemade apple pie with vanilla ice cream. The menu also contains a list for those who suffer from allergies, with vegetarian and vegan dishes. Service is given with a big smile, and we cannot wait to return because we know we won't be disappointed! The Swedish Corner is also offering a special three course Christmas Eve menu with traditional Swedish dishes and drinks included, and a traditional New Year's Eve Menu, also including drinks, for which bookings are now being taken. Make your way to the Swedish Corner soon, Tina and Pele will make you feel more than welcome. n
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 786
PROMOTION
Down on the corner It is unusual for us to have the pleasure of visiting such a delightful restaurant, where we were given a warm welcome by owners Tina and Pele, and sample wonderful food which was very different from that usually found in a predominantly tourist area. The Swedish Corner is centrally located in Los Cristianos in one of the narrow pedestrian streets which lead to the seafront. It occupies a prime corner position, sheltered from the wind, with seating outside, and indoors too for those cooler evenings. The well priced menu is diverse with many fish and seafood dishes, typical of Sweden which benefits from seas that are rich in life, and it is quite difficult to choose from so many tempting specialities. The list of starters includes garlic bread and several varieties of bruchettas. These are delicious concoctions served on top of toast, for example, a typical bruchetta with tomatoes and herbs, smoked salmon with mustard sauce, Serrano ham, goat's cheese with walnuts and balsamic vinegar, and the very special Skagen toast which is topped with a classic Swedish sauce with dill and prawns. We shared platters of bruchettas and each and every one was delicious with a perfect balance of flavours. Small dishes are available, such as deep fried onion rings, club sandwich with chicken, a trucker's sandwich with Swedish sausage and egg, Bookmaker toast with fillet of beef and horseradish, chicken or falafel wraps, deep fried shrimps, ultimate
nachos with ground beef, and homemade falafel with salad. Other salads include Greek,
veggie burger with carrot and squash and feta cheese, and a homemade pulled pork burger
with BBQ fried potatoes and onion rings. We chose from the Angus meat burger list, and
The restaurant occupies a prime corner position
couscous and bean with Tahini dressing, beetroot and goat's cheese, and Gravalax salad with smoked salmon. The Swedish Corner serves four pasta dishes: Arrabista with tomato sauce (you choose how spicy you want it to be), pasta carbonara, chicken pasta with mushrooms, tomato and cream sauce, and seafood pasta with cream sauce. The wonderful Swedish specialities include Swedish hash with chopped potatoes, beef fillet with beetroot and fried egg, jacket potatoes with that special Swedish Skagen sauce, homemade meatballs served with mashed potatoes and wild cranberry, or Swedish sausage with fried egg and potatoes. There is a great list of burgers including a plain burger, a classic Swedish burger with roasted onions, a homemade
Delicately flavoured smoked salmon and Skagen bruchettas
A delicious blend of fish, seafood, and saffron alioli
Swedish Corner
The Texas burger with goat’s cheese, rocket and a chilli and honey dressing
Bruchettas with tomatoes and herbs, Serrano ham and goat’s cheese with walnuts
Paseo Pablos Abril No.2 Los Cristianos Open 12 noon to midnight every day Tel: 922 788 525 www.swedishcorner.es
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FOOD
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 053
PROMOTION
Straight from the heart Jason and Sarah Lawrence had been holidaying with their family for six years in Tenerife, before that almost magnetic attraction of the island made it seem more like home to them than the UK. So they decided to move to Tenerife, but first they had to search for a restaurant or bar which they could call their own. They probably never dreamed that they would end up with both! Jason had a background in banking and took voluntary redundancy when the TSB merged with Lloyds. He decided to set up on his own as an entertainer, and did all kinds of gigs in the UK using his own equipment which included a big lorry converted to a stage for outdoor settings. He also became an entertainment manager at a holiday park on the coast. Jason, the DJ, met Sarah, who was a barmaid, at a nightclub they were both working at over 15 years ago and they have been together ever since. Sarah continued to work in the hospitality sector in bars and restaurants. Between them they have four children, one is attending university in London, but the other three, aged 17, 13 and two years old, are with them in Tenerife. Until now, they had never had the opportunity to have their own restaurant or bar, and that was what they really wanted. They came to Tenerife in February and looked around, but they didn´t see what they were looking for: a family oriented business. Sarah had noticed from her own experience on holidays that most establish-
Jason and Sarah have put their hearts and souls into El Corazón
Some of the delicious food on offer at Restaurante El Corazón
ments here don’t really cater for young children. She found that she always had to take her own bowls and cutlery to restaurants for her little daughter to use. When they were finally matched up with the Restaurante El Corazón based inside the Chayofa Country Club, they both fell in love with it. It would basically mean that they would be running two businesses at once, because it includes the Sioga Pool Bar.
After purchasing it, Jason and Sarah moved to Tenerife, selling almost everything back home, and took over on May 12 this year. As is common, all wasn’t quite as it had seemed. Although the restaurant is extremely spacious with plenty of seating, breakfast buffet and carvery serving areas, plus pillars and a delightful beamed ceiling, the standards were not up to date and the staff was poorly trained. Jason spent 17 hours jet washing the floor, and
they had to renew almost everything, including most of the staff. It took the couple two months to get the restaurant clean and running properly, and eventually they took on a chef and opened the doors on July 6. However, the chef left two days later. Now with their new chef, their aim is to provide simple and well presented, quality food that is not overpriced, in an environment where everyone can feel at home, chill out and create some lovely memories. They still have plenty of work to do to bring the premises up to
standard, such as decorating the walls and putting new flooring in the children’s area inside the pool bar, not to mention improving the restaurant dining area outside on the patio and giving it a more romantic touch. Restaurante El Corazón offers a delicious and well priced full evening menu which includes vegetarian and children’s dishes, a selection of very tempting desserts, Continental or English breakfast buffet, the Sunday carvery which is becoming very popular, takeaway food, and a curry and quiz night every Thursday during which clients can
either have a curry or choose from the menu. An impressive 85 per cent of their food is homemade including many of the sauces. With Christmas just around the corner, Jason and Sarah have created some very special menus. There will be a traditional Spanish tapas night on Christmas Eve when you can create your own menu from a choice of over 40 mouthwatering, homemade delights. There’s a traditional English menu for Christmas Day, a totally different but very special menu for Boxing Day with something to suit everyone, and a luxury buffet planned for New Year’s Eve in the restaurant, plus live entertainment in the Sioga Pool Bar to see the new year in. Bookings for all these are being taken now. Jason and Sarah have put their hearts and souls into this restaurant and pool bar, and they continue to do so, because they really do love their customers! This wonderful venue has lifts for the disabled, and is totally child friendly, so why not bring the whole family along to enjoy a delicious dinner? n
Restaurante El Corazón at the Chayofa Country Club Calle El Morro Chayofa, Arona Tel: 681 690 012 Open every day from 8.30am to 10.30am for breakfasts Monday to Saturday 7pm to 10pm Sundays 2pm to 10pm
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FOOD
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And then we were abandoned completely! Did we want a dessert and coffee? Only we knew that, because the waiter never came near us again. Yes,
to report back on? Yes, nice enough, probably better with more customers to fill it and provide some atmosphere. But me? No, thank you. n
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 786
EL PADRINO SAN AMARO
Second time lucky? By John We eat out every Thursday evening with our old friend Peter. On this occasion, I thought that we might revisit a restaurant that I last reported on some months ago, and which I said at the time that we should go back to when the weather was warmer so that we could make proper use of their terrace. I also hoped for better service than we had received last time, too. Am I just unlucky, or was the problem that there was a football match on? None of the three of us are football fans (I prefer horse racing and motor racing). The local bar that we sat in for pre-dinner drinks was clearly gearing up for a big match, with televisions blaring out the warm up, but equally, and not to be outdone, was the chap who had brought along his DJ sound equipment to offer a tumultuous alternative. We beat a hasty retreat and made our way to the restaurant. El Padrino San Amaro was empty. Totally, completely and utterly empty. The lights were on, but was anybody at home? Talking of lights, yes, they still have glaring lighting akin to an operating theatre. We wandered around and moved out to the terrace, passing a taciturn and unsmiling waiter. With a choice of seating, though there are no views, we arranged ourselves and perused the extensive menu, identical to the highly regarded sister restaurant in the town centre of Puerto de La Cruz, where the food and service is superb.
I found it odd that we needed to select our choices by number. Twice I needed to say 24 to the waiter. And he still got it wrong, needing to return to our table to confirm that I wanted something completely different. Oh, and a smile? No, sadly lacking. A chap leaned over an apartment balcony above us, puff-
ing contentedly on his pipe, no doubt wondering what we were doing there, down below, dining in solitary splendour. When our meals came, I should say that my wife had a perfect fillet steak (€16.50), Peter enjoyed the dish of the day, a superb entrecote with fried onions and sliced apple (€11.90), and I drew the short
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straw at €9.50, a fish dish that I have enjoyed many times down at the other El Padrino. The fish was not the same type as I had ordered, and it was quite grossly overcooked. Nor was it very warm. I left it, and I was not asked if I had enjoyed my meal. Any smiles yet? Still no, and we were all beginning to get irritated.
he popped in and out of the kitchen, in the far distance, but completely ignored us. Finally, having left it as long as we could bear in the hope of some reaction, we rose to signal that we were leaving. A bill appeared like magic, and I, for one, was glad to be out of the place. And that terrace which I had promised
Restaurante El Padrino Calle La Haya 2, La Paz Puerto de La Cruz, Tenerife Tel: 922 370 794 Open: Daily for lunch and dinner Loo Score: 7/10
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GENERAL INFORMATION
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 053
General information for visitors 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 treat-
ments; excluding dental treatment, except for emergency extractions, and repatriation due to illness. If you are ill, find a Centro de Salud or Centro Médico. The ones in the tourist resorts generally speak some English. Make sure they provide care under your insurance policy or EHIC before you sign for anything. Unscrupulous taxi drivers have been known to take back-handers for taking sick people to private clinics so make sure you are in the right place before paying.
Safety Only take out credit and bank cards you actually need: leave the rest in the hotel safe, along with your passport and other valuables. A UK driving licence with a photograph is usually accepted as ID for most credit card purchases, a photo credit card will still have to be accompanied by photo ID, daft, but there you are. Do not leave belongings unattended. Particular vigilance on the beach and when you are travelling with luggage is recommended. Take the mini-
mum 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.
Consulates British Consulate Tenerife: (0034) 922 286 653 British Consulate Gran Canaria: (0034) 902 109 356 Honorary British consulate Lanzarote: (0034) 928 262 508 Indian consulate: (0034) 922 241 416 Irish Consulate: (0034) 922 245 671 Consulates can issue passports, give information about medical care, education and legal matters, give assistance to people under arrest, under exceptional circumstances give you enough funds to be repatriated (on loan), and help you in the case of emergency/catastrophe.
Inter island transport Fred Olsen (Ferries): 902 100 107 www.fredolsen.es Naviera Armas (Ferries): 902 456 500 www.navieraarmas. com Binter (Flights) 902 391 392 www.bintercanarias.com Canary Fly: 902 808 065
Airport and flight Information All Canarian airports are controlled by AENA. www.aenaaeropuertos.es
Buses The transport company TITSA has buses that reach all corners of the island. The main bus station is in Santa Cruz, near the Adán Martín Auditorium. Clients can choose to purchase a ticket on the bus for each individual journey or to buy a Bono-bus ticket, a card which can be shared by various people and will mean saving up to 50 per cent of the fare, depending on the route. They are on sale in any of the TITSA bus stations and also in a number of kiosks and small establishments (often newsagents), identified with a green sticker on the window. If your Bono-bus has insufficient credit to purchase your last journey, the difference can be made up in cash on the bus, but not with another Bono-bus card. For information you can call TITSA on: (0034) 922 531 130 or see: www.titsa.com
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PROMOTION
The richest dreams of gourmet connoisseurs come true in Puerto de La Cruz, the city where Spanish tourism was born. There, lodged in the charm of the old fishing village of Punta Brava, is Brunelli’s - a steakhouse which is able to satisfy the most demanding of palates, offering a special selection of the best quality meat at a unique location just a few metres from the Atlantic Ocean. The Brunelli’s experience starts as you enter the distinguished establishment, where wooden furnishings dominate and give the perfect background to significant works of art. The pristine kitchen can be clearly viewed behind the large window and visitors can’t help but see the enormous fridge where the wide selection of top quality cuts are on display whilst being kept at a perfect, controlled temperature. The best meat deserves the best preparation and Brunelli’s is up to the challenge with the Southbend - a gas induction
STUDENT ASSESSMENT The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is a triennial international survey which aims to evaluate education systems by testing the skills and knowledge of 15 year old students. It is the first time that all the Spanish communities participated in the study. In total, 37,000 Spanish students took part, most of them in 4º ESO in 960 schools and colleges. The Canaries didn’t fare too well in the recent assessment, with the Islands coming near the bottom in reading
CANARY ISLANDS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 786
An 800ºC experience!
A unique panorama, right by the sea
oven, unique in the Canaries, which heats up to 800ºC. This closed broiler allows the chefs to sear the meat rapidly on the outside, but leave the inside tender and juicy to the clients’ requirements. The power of the oven and the fast preparation means that the meat is always perfectly cooked, a true taste experience, and the choice of cuts is an ode to good eating! From the spectacular fillet steak and the juicy beef chop to the tasty 350 gram T-bone
or Brunelli’s special 250 gram hamburger, all dishes are perfectly matched with a wide selection of wines. The menu is a tribute to the culinary arts. Apart from the amazing selection for meatlovers, there is always a choice of farm-fresh vegetables, in a salad or off the grill, carpaccios, or fresh fish and rice dishes. Younger members of the family aren’t forgotten, they have their own appetising and tasty menu to enjoy. And the icing
on the cake after a fabulous meal is the delicious desserts, for example, choose a rum and raisin cheesecake or a combination of three chocolates with crispy almonds. Yet another factor that enhances the Brunelli’s experience is the restaurant design. A good example is the gigantic panoramic window of 9.3 by 2.8 metres which disappears at the touch of a button to transform the restaurant into a wonderful outdoor terrace bathed by the sea-breeze. The essence of this steakhouse is to make sure that clients enjoy a unique gastronomic experience in a harmonious family atmosphere with professional and attentive service.
Christmas and New Year menus This yuletide, Brunelli’s has some very tempting menus on offer but you will need to book as soon as possible. Both menus include half a bottle each of two
excellent wines chosen to match the food: Palestra Blanco Rueda Verdejo 2015 and Castillo de Tornos Tinto Gran Reserva Cariñena 2009. For Christmas Eve, you will be greeted with a special Christmas punch, foie gras on toast with grated truffle, caramelised onion, vegetable chip and a poached egg. This is followed by lobster au gratin with hollandaise sauce, endive salad and mango, then a gin and tonic sorbet to cleanse the palate before tucking into a rib-eye steak with seasonal vegetables, shiitake mushroom sauce and potatoes. For dessert, a white streusel crumble with milk chocolate mousse and a yuzu fruit and green tea sponge interior. It’s an amazing gastronomic experience for just €75 per person including tax. The New Year’s Eve menu is equally spectacular with a Bellini cocktail to welcome you and grilled scallop on truffle and parmentier potatoes to start with, followed by cream
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Brunelli’s Steakhouse
Calle Bencomo 42 (In front of Loro Parque) Puerto de La Cruz / Punta Brava Tel: 922 062 600 Open daily 1pm to 3.30pm and 6.30pm to 11pm Web: www.brunellis.com of pumpkin soup with a softboiled egg and caviar. A lime sorbet with champagne ‘beads’ freshens the palate before the main course of fillet or rib-eye steak with pineapple chutney, dauphinoise potatoes and béarnaise sauce. To crown the experience, a chocolate sablé biscuit with white chocolate mousse, cherry compote and pistachio sponge cake. The all-in price of €117 also includes the typical hats, streamers and the traditional 12 grapes to eat as 2017 is chimed in, as well as a glass of Pol Roger champagne! Enjoy a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and remember: at Brunelli’s you don’t talk about the experience, you taste it! n
Public schools ‘must do better’ (483 points) and science (475 points) and last in mathematics (452 points).
Reading Castilla y León led the way in reading, with 522 points. Madrid followed (520) with Navarra (514) coming in third place, above the national average of 496. At the bottom of the list were: the Basque Country and La Rioja (491), Murcia (486), the Balearic Islands (485), the Canary Islands (483), Andalusia (479) and Extremadura (475).
Science The Spanish region with the highest total in science was Castilla y León (519 points) followed by Madrid (516 points) and Navarra y Galicia (512 points). Below the Spanish and international average were the Basque Country (483), the Canary Islands (475), Extremadura (474) and Andalusia (473).
Mathematics In mathematics, Navarre leads the table with 518 points, well
above the Spanish average of 486. In second place was Castilla y León (506), followed by La Rioja (505) and Madrid (503) in third position. Below the Spanish average were the Valencian Community (485), the Balearic Islands (476), Extremadura (473), Murcia (470), Andalusia (466) and the Canary Islands (452).
PISA In 2015 over half a million students representing 28 million 15 year olds in 72 countries took the two hour test. Stu-
dents were assessed in science, mathematics, reading, collaborative problem solving and financial literacy. The results of the assessment were published on December 6, 2016. PISA is compiled by The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a unique forum where the governments of 34 democracies with market economies work with each other, and with over 70 non-member economies, to promote economic growth, prosperity and sustainable development. n
The Canaries didn’t fare well in the recent PISA study with the Islands scoring low in reading, science and maths
SPIN NEWS
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 053
FESTIVE FUN
Christmas in Adeje
Adeje is a great place to spend at least some of the festivities, with a whole range of free activities for young and old over the holiday period. On December 22 at 8pm in the town centre’s Plaza de España there will be a Christmas Unity concert by the Adeje School of
DANCE AND ENJOY For a fabulous festive flamenco show, head for Los Cristianos on December 30. The well known flamenco family headed by Antonio de Verónica and Saray Cortés will take audiences on a journey through some of the various styles of the genre, from its traditional roots to its more modern counterparts, in an action packed show that is sure to delight. Antonio de Verónica and Saray Cortes began their dance company in 2005 with the aim of providing classical flamenco across Spain and further afield. Four generations of the same family are involved in the project, which has grown in popularity since its first performance.
Music and Dance with several borough folklore groups, the Adeje Municipal Band, and Ballet Beanky. On the following night there will be a Carol Concert at 7pm in Callao Salvaje and at 8pm there will be Carol singing with the Adeje Municipal Band back in Adeje,
on Calle Grande. Christmas Eve on December 24 will be a very special night indeed, with Carol singing with the Santa Úrsula choir in Calle Grande from midnight onwards. The fun starts again on December 26 with a cinema showing of the film (in Spanish) El viaje de Arlo at 7pm in the Plaza de España, and the movie Mortadelo y Filemón contra Jimmy el Cachondo will be shown in the same place at 7pm the next evening. December 28 is a date for the young ones with La Ruleta Fantástica children’s theatre at 6pm at the Cultural Centre Theatre. There is a small charge of one new toy for entry, for distribution to families in need. At 8.30pm on the same day there will be adult storytelling with Óscar Bacallado at the Canarian Library in Calle Grande. On December 29 there will be a concert, Alma de Bolero, on Calle Grande starting 8.30pm, and you can spend New Year’s Eve dancing along to music from the Grupo Millenium
and Maquinaria and Sensación Gomera orchestras from 11pm in the Plaza de España. It’s far from over then, however. On January 3 between 5pm and 7pm there are children’s workshops, bouncy castles and the traditional delivery of letters to the gift providers here in the Islands: Their Majesties, the Three Kings, in Plaza Los Olivos and Plaza La Hoya. January 5 sees the arrival by helicopter and official welcome of the Three Kings of the Orient at the Municipal Football Stadium in El Galeón. There is a small charge for entering the stadium of just €1 per person. These can be bought in advance from the Adeje Cultural Centre or on the day itself at the entrance. Places are limited so book ahead to avoid disappointment. At 7pm the Kings will make their annual parade along Calle Grande, accompanied by special guests from the world of children’s cinema and television. The full programme can be consulted on the council’s website at: www.adeje.es. n
Flamenco festivities
Catch the show at the Infanta Leonor Auditorium starting 8.30pm. Tickets cost €12 and can be purchased from the town’s cultural centre
between the hours of 9am and 2pm, Monday to Friday; from the auditorium’s box office two hours before the show on the day (up until 8.15pm);
or online via: www.arona.org. Enjoy the evocative and emotional world of gypsy dance, rhythms and music, with some of the Islands’ top stars. n
ARONA
Free festive gigs There are a couple more free concerts coming up in Los Cristianos, perfect for an evening’s festive entertainment. Both will take place at the Infanta Leonor Auditorium, the first being on December 21 with the NavidArte Christmas Concert from various members of the Arona Municipal Music and Dance School. Starting 7pm, the show will include performances from chamber bands, string orchestras, youth bands and contemporary dance groups. The next is on December 23 with the official Arona Music Band bringing the theatre to life with a selection of music in celebration of the 28th anniversary of the creation of the area’s official music organisation. Also starting at 7pm, the evening´s delights will include pieces from soloists Tina Riobo and Sara Cabrera. Though entrance is free, places are limited so you may wish to arrive early to ensure your seat. See: www.arona.org for more information. n
The Arona Music Band
CHRISTMAS EVE
Dance of the child A singular folklore exhibition takes place once a year during midnight mass on Christmas Eve in a few parishes in Tenerife. The tradition started in La Matanza de Acentejo over four centuries ago. The Dance of the Child (Baile del Niño) was one of the representations in the festivities organised by the Brotherhood of the Sweet Name of Jesus and its origins date back to the creation of the parish of El Salvador in 1615. It is performed by over 20 children, teenagers and adults after the parish priest presents the image of the new-born Christ child to the congregation. Dressed as shepherds or in black trousers and white shirts with cummerbunds, the dancers wait for the start to be announced by a series of whistles and then the drum and tambourine join in followed by the flute and castanets (and in Ravelo, a small accordion), and the artists dance the ‘tajaraste’ around the church in homage to the Baby Jesus. The dance is still carried out in the parish church of La Matanza every year and has also been represented in Taganana and Ravelo. In many parishes the midnight mass has been brought forward to earlier in the evening, it’s advisable to check the details with the local town halls. n
Tajaraste for the Baby Jesus (Credit Enrique Hernández)
22.12.2016 – 11.01.2017
SPIN NEWS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 786
DANCE GALA
Sylphs and flamenco The Ballets de Tenerife dance company will be performing a special gala for Christmas at the Infanta Leonor Auditorium in Los Cristianos. The annual show, as ever, will be performed in three distinct parts. The action will begin with Intimior Mei Animi by G. Mahler. A sweet and emotional dance based on a number of inspirational poems, the choreography speaks of the heart and soul. The evening continues with Viens Avec Nous by French composer Leo Delibes, which speaks of the loneliness of a woman who eventually finds solace in the company of other females. To close, the audience will be treated to a creation entitled Locos por El Vals, which once again touches on the human condition and how all our works, large and small, can make a difference to the world and ourselves. See it on December 29 at 8.30pm. Tickets are priced at €10 and are available from the Los Cristianos Cultural Centre, Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am and 2pm; from the auditorium’s box office two hours before the show on the day (up until 8.15pm); or online via: www.arona.org. n
GARACHICO
Start the year in style
Children’s fun Head north for free fun and games with the kids after Christmas in El Sauzal. On December 27 in Ravelo, the municipal Parque Infantil y Juvenil is hosting bouncy castles, children’s workshops, music, sports, entertainment and a show, in Spanish, entitled Save Christmas. The following day on December 28, all the fun will be transferred to La Pirámide next to the municipal market in the main town. The show there, also in Spanish, is A Frozen Story. Both events start at 4pm and continue until 9pm, and each evening at 7.45pm the Wise Men’s pages will arrive bringing their magic letterbox to speed children’s Three Kings Day desires to their majesties. n Children love bouncy castles
to Spanish parents, but moved to Spain when she was five. She has enjoyed tremendous national and international success for 23 years as the leader of the jazz group Presuntos Implicados, and since 2006 in her solo career. She has worked with the best in the business and her truly amazing
Mega-concert from one of Spain’s best
Wandering through Garachico our reporter was delighted to see a huge poster at the bus stop announcing a free mega New Year’s Day concert. The legendary Sole Giménez is coming to town, invited by the Big Band de Canarias which will be conducted by the gifted musician Kike Perdomo. The Big Band de Canarias brings together some of the most interesting jazz musicians from the Islands. The Canaries has always been a hub for various cultures, American, African and European, and the music created here reflects that well. Many local musicians have studied at some of the best
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QUANTUM ENSEMBLE The resident chamber music group at the Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín offers a collection of works by composers branded as anti-Soviets in 1948. Quantum Ensemble, a popular eclectic music-style group, is once again joined by the international soloist Asier Polo in its choice of works by Jachaturián, Shostakovich,Schnittke and Prokófiev. There is a short introduction beforehand to explain the programme. Catch it on December 22, starting 7.30pm. Tickets can
jazz schools in the world before returning home to delight local audiences. Regular band leader Kike Perdomo was self-taught initially due to the dearth of teaching here at the time, but he eventually entered the Berklee College of Music in Barcelona, specialising in jazz, and has studied at the feet of the likes of Dave Schnitter, Greg Lyons, Eric Marienthal, Bill Evans, Greg Badolato and Maximiano Vera. His skills as a saxophonist and composer have been in demand all over the world. The lovely and talented Sole Giménez was born in France
voice is deservedly renowned. Well worth the trip north if you aren’t already in the area. See it on January 1, 2017, at 6pm in the Glorieta de San Francisco in front of the town hall. Get there early for a good seat and enjoy a superb concert in one of the prettiest towns in Tenerife. n
A fun evening for all the family
Anti-Soviets!
Popular classical music artists
be purchased from the Carrefour Commercial Centre, Halcón Viajes shops, online at:
www.auditoriodetenerife.com or from the box office. The standard price is €11 but there
are discounts for under 26s, large families, groups, and the unemployed, etc. n
WHATS ON 2016
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 053
DECEMBER / JANUARY
DECEMBER / JANUARY
GRAN CANARIA
TENERIFE
DIARY DATES
DIARY DATES
December 30 5.30 & 9.30pm: Musical, Mamma Mia, Adán Martin Auditorium, Santa Cruz, from €25. www.auditoriodetenerife.com 8.30pm: Festive flamenco show, Infanta Leonor Auditorium, Los Cristianos, €12. www.arona.org
December 23
December 22
December 31
12.30pm & 5pm: Children’s theatre, ‘El club secreto de los Diverlocuelos’, Teatro Guiniguada, Las Palmas, €10. www.gobiernodecanarias.org
6pm: Concert by the Guillermo González Music School, classical, jazz and World music, various bands, Teatro Leal, La Laguna, free entry. www.teatroleal.es / www.aytolalaguna.com 7.30pm: Quantum Ensemble, chamber music, Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín, Santa Cruz, €11, also discounts. www. auditoriodetenerife.com 8pm: Christmas Unity Concert by the Adeje School of Music and Dance with several borough folklore groups, the Municipal Band, and Ballet Beanky, Plaza de España, Adeje, free entry. www.adeje.es
11pm: New Year’s Eve parties will take place in all of the main towns and many of the smaller villages. In the south of the island especially good are those in Adeje, Los Cristianos, El Médano and Los Gigantes. Contact your local council for information.
December 28 8.30pm: Concert by Sixto Armas and los Irresixtibles, CICCA venue, Las Palmas, €10. www.generaltickets.com December 29
December 23
8.30pm: Concert by Link Floyd, CICCA venue, Las Palmas, €12. www.generaltickets.com December 31 11pm: New Year’s Eve parties will take place in all of the main towns and many of the smaller villages. Contact your local council for information. January 2 - 5 All day: Arts and crafts fair, Parque San Telmo, Las Palmas. www.laspalmasgc.es January 5 From around 5pm onwards: Most towns and villages will welcome the Three Kings to distribute presents to the little ones in a public area. Music, dancing, food and drink galore for the adults. See your local council for details. Until further notice
5pm: Music festival and activities, Plaza de la Cultura, San Isidro, free entry. www.granadilladeabona.org 7pm: Concert by the Arona Banda de Música to celebrate the 28th Anniversary of the creation of the council Music Department, invited artists include Tina Riobo and Sara Cabrera, Infanta Leonor Auditorium, Los Cristianos, free entry. www.arona.org 7pm: Carol Concert, Callao Salvaje town centre, free. www. adeje.es 8pm: Carol singing with the Adeje Municipal Band, Calle Grande, Adeje, free. www.adeje.es 8.30pm: Ida Susal in concert, songs by Tenerife composer Julia Botanz Guimerá, various styles, Teatro Unión, Tejina, €7 in advance, €10 from the box office on the day. Tel: 922 265 433 / 922 601 173 December 24 12am: Carol singing with the Santa Úrsula choir, midnight onwards, Calle Grande, Adeje, free. www.adeje.es December 26
Thursday – Sunday: CamBuyon Market, art, second hand, vintage and antiques, Mercado del Puerto, LPGC, Thursdays and Fridays 7pm – 11pm; Saturdays 6pm – 11pm; Sundays 12pm – 3pm.
December 27
EXHIBITION
Photo: CAAM Las Palmas
Until January 15 Mapas de Accion, feminist collection with a socio-political message, by Yolanda Domínguez. Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno (CAAM), Las Palmas, free entry, Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 9pm, Sundays 10am - 2pm. www.caam.net
7pm: Showing of the film El viaje de Arlo (in Spanish) in the Plaza de España, Adeje, free entry. www.adeje.es
4pm - 9pm: Children’s activities, bouncy castles, workshops, music, sports, entertainment and a show in the municipal Parque Infantil y Juvenil, Ravelo, El Sauzal, free entry. www. elsauzal.es 7pm: Showing of the film Mortadelo y Filemón contra Jimmy el Cachondo, Plaza de España, free entry. www.adeje.es 8.30pm: Musical, Mamma Mia, Adán Martin Auditorium, Santa Cruz, from €25. www.auditoriodetenerife.com
January 1 6pm: Concert, Sole Giménez and Big Band de Canarias, conducted by Kike Perdomo, Jazz and World music, Glorieta de San Francisco in front of the town hall, Garachico. www.garachico.es 6pm: New Year classical string concert, Iglesia del Convento Franciscano de San Luis Obispo, Granadilla, free entry. www. granadilladeabona.org 8pm: Musical, Mamma Mia, Adán Martin Auditorium, Santa Cruz, from €25. www.auditoriodetenerife.com January 2
5pm & 8.30pm: Musical, Mamma Mia, Adán Martin Auditorium, Santa Cruz, from €25. www.auditoriodetenerife.com 8.30pm: Open air cinema showing of the film London has Fallen, El Médano plaza, free entry. www.granadilladeabona.org January 3 5pm - 7pm: Children’s activities, Plaza Los Olivos and Plaza La Hoya, Adeje, free entry. www.adeje.es January 5 From around 5pm onwards: Most towns and villages will welcome the Three Kings to distribute presents to the little ones in a public area. Music, dancing, food and drink galore for the adults. See your local council for details. Until further notice 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.
December 28
Every Saturday morning
4pm - 9pm: Children’s activities, bouncy castles, workshops, music, sports, entertainment and a show, La Pirámide next to the municipal market, El Sauzal, free entry. www.elsauzal.es 6pm: Children’s theatre, La Ruleta Fantástica, Adeje Cultural Centre Theatre, an entrance charge of one new toy per person will be distributed to families in need. www.adeje.es 8.30pm: Adult storytelling with Óscar Bacallado at the Canarian Library in Calle Grande, Adeje, free entry. www.adeje.es 8.30pm: Musical, Mamma Mia, Adán Martin Auditorium, Santa Cruz, from €25. www.auditoriodetenerife.com
Events for specific groups, families, seniors, women etc., Activate Sports Club. www.tenerifeactivate.com
December 29 5.30 & 9.30pm: Musical Mamma Mia, Adán Martin Auditorium, Santa Cruz, from €25. www.auditoriodetenerife.com 8.30pm: Christmas gala by the Ballets de Tenerife Company, Infanta Leonor Auditorium, Los Cristianos, €10. www.arona.org 8.30pm: Concert, Alma de Bolero, Calle Grande, Adeje, free entry. www.adeje.es
EXHIBITION Until December 31 Retrospective collection of surreal images by 20th century painter Óscar Domínguez: Entre el mito y el sueño (Between the myth and dream), TEA Tenerife Espacio de Las Artes, Santa Cruz, free entry, Tuesday - Sunday, 10am - 8pm. www. teatenerife.es Until further notice ‘Inédito’ (Unpublished), collection of works by, and information on, Alfredo Reyes Darias, founding member of the PIC Canarian Independent Painters movement, Museo Etnográfico, Calle Arquitecto Marrero Regalado, Granadilla de Abona, free entry, Monday - Friday, 8am - 3pm. www.granadilladeabona.org
For regular church, charity and recreational events, please see: www.islandconnections.eu/1000003/1000027/0/41004/ living-lifestyle-article.html
22.12.2016 – 11.01.2017
BLEVINS FRANKS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 786
29
COST OF LIVING
Make sure your money lasts By Paul Montague, Partner, Blevins Franks
Most people today can expect to live into their 70s and beyond. However, as life expectancy increases, so does the length of time needed to stretch your income in retirement. Can you afford the cost of living longer? Check if your resources are on track to last your lifetime by considering some key questions.
How long will you need your money to last? This is sobering and difficult to answer with certainty. Underestimate this, though, and your money could run out early, leaving you unable to live the lifestyle you want. No one wants to have to reduce their quality of life, especially in their later years.
How much will you need? You may want just enough to live comfortably or extra to enjoy some luxuries. You might even settle for a modest income so long as you have ‘rainy day’ funds. If you are still employed, you need to consider what happens when you stop working. Will your pensions or savings be enough to sustain your existing lifestyle? Do they need to, or will you cut back when you retire? Remember that inflation reduces your spending power over time. Assuming three per cent inflation per year, today’s €5,000 will cost about €6,720 ten years from now, and €9,030 in twenty years.
– without compromising your quality of life. You can make your gift go further by taking steps now to reduce the inheritance tax your heirs will have to pay.
mately minimise taxation and help your money go further. To get the best results, it is essential to take personalised, professional advice. Good financial planning can provide you with what you want for as long as you need, so you can focus on enjoying a long and comfortable retirement.
Making your pensions last
If you depend on your pension for your retirement income, be careful of decisions you make now. For example, just because you are able to withdraw your pension savings as cash, it does not mean that you should. Take regulated advice on the best approach for your particular cient opportunities in Spain or objectives and circumstances. are you holding on to UK assets that may cost more in taxes? Making your investments While it is tempting to choose last low-risk investments in later years, remember your capital How much do you want You should ensure that your still needs to keep pace with to leave behind? savings, investments and assets inflation – bank deposits are are working as hard as they can, unlikely to do this. Your finanIf you want to leave a legacy, while being protected from cial adviser can recommend an you need to ensure you do not unnecessary taxation. Are you appropriate, diversified investspend it in your own lifetime taking full advantage of tax-effi- ment strategy tailored for you.
“Can you afford the cost of living longer?” Limiting the effect of taxation Rising life expectancy tends to go hand-in-hand with tax increases, as the government needs to find more revenue to cover state pensions and healthcare services. However, opportunities are available to expatriates in Spain and the UK to legiti-
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 053
PAPERWORK
Admin resolutions So the New Year is upon us and we’ve all made resolutions to be better in lots of ways. Perhaps one of the things you should think about is getting your admin in order. If you work here or you own a property (whether you live here permanently or not), you will have lots of paperwork! One of the easiest ways of organising everything is to invest in a file and clear, plastic folders. Keep all your documents such as deeds, contracts and utility bills separated, and each time a bill comes in put it in the appropriate folder. That way everything is in one place, and you won’t be searching the house whenever you need to refer to something. For extra security, consider having important documents such as your passport and NIE number and even your car documents copied and
Photo: Carl Dwyer/Freeimages.com
Sponsored by the Free Advice Centre Tenerife (FACT)
An organised system will help manage your paperwork
stamped by a notary. Everyone in Spain should carry their official documents on them at all times but unfortunately our passports are not as convenient a format to carry around as the Spanish DNI card, and there is always the worry of
losing it. If the police wanted to enforce the law to the letter, a photocopy of an official document would not be acceptable. Also, if your car got stolen or towed away, for example, where are the documents? In the car of course!
If you own property here, again whether resident or not, you have obligations to the Tax Office and they are not required to remind you of them. An appointment with a reputable fiscal representative or accountant costs very little and could save you a hefty fine for non-compliance. If official documents are lost, there are of course ways of replacing them. You can apply for a duplicate copy of deeds that have been signed at a notary, and if you lose your green NIE card or paper, you have to declare it as lost or stolen before you can apply for a replacement. Why not make it one of your New Year’s resolutions to get organised? Anyone in need of assistance to identify documents, or whether they have everything they need, can refer to the Free Advice Centre Tenerife (FACT) at Wheeler Dealer in Las Chafiras on 922 738 500. n
THE SALISH ORCA
Natural gas ferry stops in Tenerife The North American ferry company British Columbia Ferries (BCF) recently launched its new natural gas powered ferry, the Salish Orca, which stopped at the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in early-December to refuel and pick up supplies as it crosses the Atlantic Ocean towards Panama City, eventually arriving in Canada early in the new year. The ship is one of three being built in Poland and the Salish Orca is the first to be completed. After making a stop in the Canary Islands, the ferry will arrive in British Colombia and be in service between Comox and Powell River by spring 2017. The Salish Orca’s 45-55 day transatlantic voyage will cover 10,440 nautical miles. BCF is currently introducing its Salish Class Ferries (SCF) line: the Salish Orca, the Salish Eagle, and the Salish Raven. These new vessels are capable of running as dual-fuel on either natural gas or ultra-low Sulphur diesel. The ferries’ use of natural gas will result in the reduction of an estimated 9,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, which is the same as taking 1,900 passenger vehicles off the road annually. n
The new natural gas powered ferry, the Salish Orca, recently stopped at the port of Santa Cruz
MOTORING
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 786
GEM MOTORING ASSIST
Don’t drive drugged Road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is warning motorists about the dangerous effects medication can have on driving, especially at this time of year when it’s customary to have one or two more drinks than you are used to. Some cold and flu treatments, painkillers and other prescription drugs can cause drowsiness, reducing a driver’s ability to concentrate on the task. Not only that, but driving under the influence of drugs, even some prescribed by a doctor, can be a criminal offence. GEM road safety officer Neil Worth said: “It’s very important to read labels and seek advice from healthcare professionals before driving. If you face the risk that your driving may be impaired then either don’t take the car out or ask for a medicine that won’t cause drowsy side-effects”. Research shows that even everyday medical remedies can cause drowsiness, affect your concentration, increase your reaction times and impair your overall ability. This includes many of those issued by GPs as well as over the counter drugs. On the list of treatments that affect your central nervous system (and thus driving ability) are antihistamines and even some eye drops. All medicines that may cause drowsiness or otherwise adversely affect your driving will carry a warning. However, it can sometimes be difficult to find, especially if you do not understand the language. Before taking any meds it is vital to check with your doctor or pharmacist that you will be safe to drive. And be aware that mixing several different drugs can create an adverse effect they may not have on their own. And don’t mix drink with pharmaceutical drugs, ever. n
EVERYDAY MOTORING
By Wheeler Dealer Now the festive period is here, it’s perhaps more likely that you will be out and about, and you will drive at night, so here are a few tips to keep you safe. Firstly it’s Christmas, and whilst you might drink responsibly, it’s possible that others don’t. Keep your distance, and don’t rush. While only a quarter of all driving is done at night, more than half of all driving fatalities occur then. Your depth perception, ability to distinguish colour, and peripheral vision are all worse in low-light conditions. You also tend to be more tired. Adjust your headlights so they do their job illuminating your path without blinding drivers coming the other way. Be sure to clean the road grime from your headlights often. If you have an older car with plastic lens covers, those covers might have yellowed or faded over the years. The best fix is to clean the lenses yourself (try toothpaste), or have them professionally done.
WHAT’S IN A NAME? New research reveals that almost one in seven drivers name their car – and that women are more than twice as likely to christen their motor. Motorists were recently quizzed by specialist online car seller BuyaCar.co.uk to learn more about the emotional attachment people have to their cars. The results revealed that the name most often chosen for the family motor is ‘The Beast’.
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Night Driving Photo: Jose Bernalte / FreeImages.com
22.12.2016 – 11.01.2017
Only a quarter of all driving is done at night, but more than half of all driving fatalities occur then
Cars come with dashboard dimmer switches for a reason. If you’re driving around with the dash light on max, you could be compromising your forward vision. Inside the car, your eyes are used to the dim glow of the instrument panel and the dark road ahead. It’s very easy to become distracted and stare into a bright road sign or the headlights of a truck headed your way
without even realising it. Turn your gaze away from other lights on the road, and don’t look at oncoming high beams. If a car behind you has its high beams on, often you can move your rear-view mirror to reflect light backward to alert the driver, and to get the reflection away from your own eyes. Windshields that appear clean during the day may
reveal streaks that can cause glare at night. A professional car cleaning trick is to polish glass with newspaper to remove residue. Try not to touch the inside surfaces of your windshield, side windows, or mirrors with your hands, even if it’s to wipe off mist. The oil from your skin will smear, and light will glare when it shines through any place where you touched the glass. Instead, keep a cotton or microfiber cloth in your door pocket. Get your local garage to help you with the standard maintenance for your car, and above all, drive carefully, take your time, and stay safe. Based on their years of experience in the car industry, Wheeler Dealer will be providing useful advice and indepth information for the coming editions of Island Connections. Call Wheeler Dealer, Las Chafiras, on: 922 736 451. n
Pet personalities Also topping the list of favourite motor monikers are Arnie, Pixie, Leo and Suzi. The names chosen suggest that girls are the most zany when it comes to christening their vehicles. The 139 names revealed in the survey were classed as ‘male’, ‘female’ or ‘silly’. Men chose equally between the three categories, meaning that they were just as likely to name their car
something like Doris or Hugo as a more abstract or comic name like Tardis or Vlad the Impaler. Women were more likely to choose less conventional names for their car – apparently favouring cartoon characters in particular, such as Asterix or Bambi. The findings suggest that people still attribute personality to their cars, despite modern vehicles often being accused
of lacking the character of their older counterparts. We may not name our fridges or even our bicycles, but there is something about cars that makes them feel almost like a living thing with a personality. Research has often shown that drivers report a sense of having a relationship with their car and even talk about them in a similar way to how they might describe a person. n
GARDENING
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 053
between June and the middle of August, but when cared for in a garden environment they can begin to flower as early as the beginning of May and have been known to continue until mid-October. Dragon trees are easy to grow and need little care, so why not do your bit for keeping this iconic symbol going and pop one on your balcony or in your garden.
Once plants have grown to between five and eight centimetres, or have more than six leaves, they are ready to be transplanted, taking care not to damage the roots. Dracaena draco is happy in a wide range of soils (sand, medium clay, chalk or loam, and through the Ph. breadth) as long as it is moist but welldrained. However, for sowing, a mix of two parts potting com-
The Dragon tree of La Palma is slightly different to the Tenerife species. This one is near Puntagorda
post with one of perlite and another of peat moss is ideal. They will do very well in the garden or a container and will even tolerate lower light levels for indoor growing. Outdoors, they will appreciate full sun (at least six hours) in a southwest or east-facing area, but do need shelter from the wind and sufficient space. If in the house, make sure they have plenty of ventilation and light. They aren’t prone to any diseases in particular and will not require pruning or special care, other than taking off any dry leaves. Don’t remove aerial roots as they are necessary for the plant’s integrity, especially in later life. Happy dragon breeding! n
Photo: Zyance / Creative Commons A-S A 2.5 GL
The magnificent Dragon tree, officially known as Dracaena draco, is a subtropical plant that is native to the Canary Islands and can also be found in the wild in Madeira, Cape Verde and the Azores. The most famous example of this majestic monocot is the one found in Icod de Los Vinos in the north of Tenerife. Though the argument still rages about its actual age – some say it’s thousands of years old – it’s been growing for at least several centuries and is generally recognised as the oldest living plant of its species. Its massive girth is made up of clusters of aerial roots that grow down to the soil from the lowest branches, clinging tightly to the trunk and integrating into one massive whole. Along with the distinctive blue chaffinch, the tree is one of the two natural symbols of Tenerife. Dracaena dracois a slow-growing evergreen. It can take about ten years to reach a height of just 1.2 metres, but some of the largest examples have eventually wended their way up to eight metres, spreading across a four-metre width. Its leaves are linear to lanceshaped, reaching up to 60cm in length, and until it’s around 10–15 years of age it grows as a single stem. This then produces its first flower spike, with beautiful greenish-white blooms that are somewhat lilylike, followed by coral coloured berries. Soon after, a crown of terminal buds develops and the plant starts to branch. This pattern continues, with each limb growing for around 10–15 years before re-branching, creating a shape reminiscent of an umbrella.
Breeding dragons
The famous Dragon tree at Icod de Los Vinos
Interestingly, Dracaena dracos have been the source of a substance used for medicinal purposes for many centuries. When the bark or leaves are cut they secrete a reddish resin known as dragon's blood! They are widely cultivated abroad as ornamental trees for parks and gardens, especially in areas which need drought tolerant plants. They can also be grown in greenhouses, and thus grace many a glass-roofed garden in more temperate climes. Here in the
wild they generally grow at altitudes of between 30m and 800m and can most often be found perching on mountain sides and in vertiginous valleys. There are thought to be less than 800 natural examples left so they’re a protected species, listed as ‘threatened’ in the Canary Islands’ register of flora. By far the greatest numbers are found in Tenerife, mostly in the Anaga Mountains (where there are around 445), the Teno area (84)
Wesisnay /Creative Commons A-S A 3.0 UL
SAVE THE TREES
Photo: Dracaena draco, GFDL, Wikimedia Commons
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and in the Adeje Mountains (162). Left to themselves they tend to flower and fruit at irregular intervals, though when they do it is a striking sight. Normally, this would be
Another fine example in La Orotava
Grow a dragon It’s possible to find tiny Dragon trees on sale as souvenirs, or you can start from scratch and grow from seeds. These can be sown all year round except during summer, although the ideal temperature for germination is between 18°C and 21°C. Seeds can begin to germinate after 40-50 days, though it can take up to three months or even longer.
22.12.2016 – 11.01.2017
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 786
Festive greetings from the Editor So here we are again, that special time when the Christmas holiday approaches and the current year nears its end. It’s time to look forward to a positive 2017 and hopefully leave any bad vibes from 2016 behind. This is always a good time for some contemplation. Above all, Christmas is a celebration of love - a time that we hopefully can spend with family and friends. However, we have to remember that some people are also quite alone and living with the memory of past holidays. Any news buff will know how privileged we are in our latitudes, how hard people fight for survival elsewhere, and how many have lost their families. Our compassion should particularly apply right now and we should be working together instead of against each other. Only in this way can the crises of life be overcome. Reaching out for each other‘s hand, we can give each other support. Like no other festival, Christmas brings people together and allows us to express our feelings. For some reason, at this time of year, it’s easier to tell our loved ones how very special they are to us, to be open, love our neighbour, respect and tolerate each other, be willing to forgive and take pleasure in the joy of being close to each other. All of these values are especially with us during the festive season, filling us with happiness and reminding us how lovely it is to greet each other in friendship. This is the true magic of Christmas and we wish for all our readers to experience it throughout the New Year. May 2017 bring health, happiness, satisfaction and lots of new experiences, and may those who are dear to you be close enough to reach out a hand when it’s necessary or simply be with you to laugh together and enjoy life. We are looking forward to coming back next year with exciting, heart-warming and informative stories and to keeping you company throughout 2017. Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2017! The Editor
CANARIAN CHRISTMAS
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CANARIAN CHRISTMAS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 053
FESTIVE GOODIES
Canarian Christmas baking
The nativity scene in La Orotava is worth a visit
Mince pies don’t feature in the Canarian Christmas, although your neighbours may appreciate a few! The sweet treats that are the Top of the Pops in the Canaries and all over Spain are usually bought from the supermarket in the form of Turrón or Polverones. Turrón can be made from nougat, chocolate, marzipan or any other variety of calorie-rich ingredients. They come on their own, or stuffed with chocolate chips or pieces of dried fruit and/or nuts. Polverones tend to be a drier and simpler treat, made from sugar, fat and a variety of flours including pure almond powder, blended, for example, with lemon, chocolate, wine or coconut; the perfect complement to a mulled wine. A special kind of pumpkin is magically turned into Angel’s Hair, a fine, stringy, sweet filling for ‘Truchas’ a fried pastry treat dusted with icing sugar, and some families still make their own ‘Quesillo’ – an almond treat which looks like a small cheese, but tastes of marzipan. No Three Kings table is complete without a Roscón de Reyes, a sweet pastry ring decorated with crystallised fruit and a paper crown and filled with cream, chocolate, truffle, mocha or confectioner’s cream. Watch out when you’re eating it though, it may also contains figurines of Saint
Joseph, the Virgin Mary and a bean - and whoever gets the bean is supposed to pay for the cake!
Christmas preparation The Spanish are crazy about their Belenes – a representation of the nativity scene. There, they let their imagination run wild and create entire landscapes
bout in front of the town hall in La Matanza. A recent addition, but very spectacular and popular is the sand Belén created by international artists on the beach at Playa de Las Canteras in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The tradition of decorating a Christmas tree also found its way to these shores, bringing cosiness to your home even before Christmas Eve. Our mild climate means that the poinsettia isn’t
Playful Christmas atmosphere in Guía de Isora
Adeje are running a TV campaign to encourage people to buy locally
Arrival of the Three Kings in Puerto de La Cruz
in corridors, gardens or wherever the space allows. There are even competitions in many boroughs for the most beautiful nativity scene. Check out the Plaza de Candelaria in Santa Cruz, the Cabildo building, the amazing sound and light show at the Hospital de San Juan in La Laguna, the life-sized figures in the square in front of La Orotava’s town hall and the nativity scene at the rounda-
only a pot plant, but c a n be enjoyed in outdoor settings in homes and public gardens all over the Islands.
Canarian Christmas table Christmas may be coming and the geese may be getting fat, but you’ll see few of them in the Islands. Look for turkey or chicken for home but in a Canarian house you are more likely to see roast pork or suckling
22.12.2016 – 11.01.2017
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 786
New Year’s traditions All through Spain on New Year’s Eve, households prepare their 12 grapes. It has become the tradition to eat
CANARIAN CHRISTMAS
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a grape for each strike of the bell tolling the last dongs of the year. If you manage to eat all 12 grapes within the time scale, you will have luck on your side in the New Year. If you’re looking for fortune in
love, however, you’ll need to go a bit more undercover. Spanish tradition has it that wearing red underwear on this evening will bring you the partner of your dreams! Happy New Year! n
THE MOST IMPORTANT CHRISTMAS EVENTS There are lots of entertainments in the different cities and municipalities. Ask locally what’s happening near you. Here are some of the highlights around Tenerife. Most events are free.
Adeje December 22 Concert ‘Unidos por la Navidad’, Plaza de España, 8pm. December 23 Christmas Concert, Calle Grande, 8pm. December 24 Christmas carols from the Santa Úrsula church choir, Calle Grande, 11.55pm.
The nativity scene set up by Domingo López López en El Rosario now bears his name
December 26 Christmas film El viaje de Arlo, Plaza de España, 7pm. December 27 Christmas film Mortadella y Philemon, Plaza de España, 7pm. December 29 Concert, Alma de Bolero, Calle Grande, 9.30pm. December 31 Fabulous New Year's Eve celebration with live bands, Plaza de España, from 11pm.
Nativity scenes are created with great attention to detail
Christmas choreography in Arona
lamb and a leg of Serrano ham. This last delicacy is a Christmas must in the homes that can afford it, sliced thinly to serve, it sits in its special holder with the knife in pride of place, and many are the slices that are sneaked off by those who can get away with it! Local goat cheese and wine can’t be missed off the menu either.
Events on the Islands The Christmas Day concert in the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is one of the biggest and best events over the holidays
and it’s free! For more information see page 17. The main shopping centres on all the islands are beautifully decorated and many of them have temporary markets with artisan goods for sale – well worth a visit. Shops on the night before Three Kings, January 5, are generally open until midnight for last-minute buyers. On the same evening, the Three Kings will parade through many villages and cities. Particularly popular in Tenerife are the traditional procession and recreation of the Christmas story in Garachico, complete with camels and tar torches where the whole village provides the scenery. The Adeje parade has
January 5 Arrival of the Three Kings by helicopter at the El Galeón football pitch at 5pm, and from 7pm grand parade along the Calle Grande.
Arona
decorated floats and cartoon characters. However, if crowds aren’t your thing, the smaller villages have their own celebrations and the delight in the children’s faces will shine just as bright.
December 23 Christmas festival with choreographed dance routines, Civic Centre, San Lorenzo, 7pm.
Who brings the pressies?
January 5 Three Kings’ parade, from the centre of Los Cristianos to the cultural centre, 5pm.
Santa is creeping into the culture, but on Christmas Eve in most Canarian households there is a big family meal with possibly one or two small gifts under the Christmas tree. As in many Latin cultures, the generous gift-givers in Spain are the Three Kings, who arrive on January 6. Children who have been good will get their heart’s desire, as much as the family budget allows, and those who have been bad will get a lump of coal!
December 31 Mega New Year's Eve party with two stages and live music, in front of Los Cristianos’ cultural centre from 10.30pm.
Guía de Isora December 23 A musical parade through the centre of the old quarter of town, 6.30pm. December 28 Youth band’s Christmas concert, Auditorium, 6pm. December 29/30 Christmas market in Playa de San Juan, 6pm to 10pm.
January 4 Young voices sing Disney, Auditorium, 8pm, admission €6. January 5 Three Kings’ parade, town centre, 7pm, alternatively at 6.30pm in Chio and 6pm in Playa de San Juan.
Candelaria December 23 Fashion show, Rambla de Los Menceyes, from 6pm to 9.30pm. Las Candelas chamber orchestra, Monasteria Padres Dominicanos, 7pm. December 30 Christmas concert, Basílica de Candelaria, 7pm. December 31 New Year’s Eve party with live music, Plaza de La Patrona de Canarias from 11pm. January 5 Arrival of the Three Kings at Pabellón de Punta Larga, 6pm, admission €1 (money goes to charity). Big parade to Plaza de La Patrona de Canarias from 7.30pm.
Los Realejos December 23 Chamber choir concert in the church of Nuestra Señora de La Concepción in Realejo Bajo, 8pm. Christmas concert in the Nuestra Señora del Buen Viaje in the church at Icod el Alto, 8.30pm. December 29 Christmas festival with the Funky Girls, Casa de la Cultura, 6pm. December 30 Christmas concert with Tigotán, Nuestra Señora de La Concepción de Realejo Bajo, 7.30pm, at the same time Christmas carols in the Santiago Apostol church.
Puerto de La Cruz December 22 Christmas music from the folklore group Los Dóniz, city centre, 8pm. December 23 Christmas music from the folklore group El Chaboco, city centre, 8pm, concert by the Gospel Choir Gospel Shine Voices in front of the
Casa de la Aduana at the same time and a Concierto de las Nueve Lecturas from the Reyes Bartlet choir in the Iglesia de la Peña de Francia, 9pm, admission €10. December 24 Midnight fair in the church of Peña de Francia. December 26 Christmas music from the folklore group El Chaboco, city centre, 8pm. December 27 Christmas music from the folklore group Los Dóniz, city centre, 8pm. December 31 Mega New Year's Eve party at the Plaza del Charco. January 2 Puerto de La Cruz Bach Festival, Iglesia de la Peña de Francia, 8.30pm, admission €15. January 5 Arrival of the Three Kings at the Castillo de San Felipe, procession to Plaza Europa. Concert by the Children's Choir of the British School Tenerife conducted by Jessica Patterson.
Santa Cruz December 22 Dixie music train, city centre from 7pm. Christmas concert, Teatro del Círculo de Amistad XII de Enero, 8.30pm. December 25 Extraordinary concert of the Tenerife Symphonic Orchestra at the harbour, 9pm. December 30 Dance entertainment, Canarios Dentro y Fuera, Plaza Isla de La Madera (in front of the Teatro Guimerá), 5pm to 9pm. December 31 Mega New Year's Eve party with live music, Plaza de La Candelaria, from 11pm. January 5 Arrival of the Three Kings at Tenerife Football Club’s Heliodoro Rodríguez López stadium with children's show at 5pm, followed by a parade from Avenida Bélgica to the Plaza de La Candelaria at 7pm.
36
HEALTH
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 053
HANDY HOLIDAY HINTS
Surviving the festivities Keeping your drinking within manageable bounds isn’t just about avoiding possible suffering the day after, either; there’s a whole host of social rituals
Don’t binge drink
Unfortunately, the only way to prevent that heavy, washed out, often nauseous and sometimes painful, day-after feeling is to not drink to excess in the first place. However, there are several things you can do to prepare for a heavy night and to help relieve symptoms once they have appeared. Ensuring that you eat well and healthily before, during and after drinking can help enormously. This is partly due to the fact that food helps reduce
One of the biggies for many people is alcohol. And possibly lots of it. Hangovers abound at this time of year, and sometimes roll one into the other. And ‘too much’ is all relative. If you normally only drink a few sips of alcohol at birthdays and christenings just to show willing, then those two glasses of wine in the first half hour of arriving at the in-laws are going to hit you like a bomb.
the formation of acetaldehyde in the stomach: the substance that’s thought to be the main cause of hangovers. Fat can also slow down the absorption
In addition, when beginning an evening’s session, choose one type of alcoholic beverage and stick with it if you can. If you start with beer then drink it for
There may be no better place to be for the winter holiday period, but Christmas still comes with its health pitfalls It’s good to get out and have fun, but you will also need to make sure you have plenty of rest Hangovers abound at this time of year, but you don’t have to suffer
to meander your way through (preferably with decorum), as well. Then there are all the empty calories in alcohol to contend with…
Hangovers of alcohol, and it’s important to make sure you have a boost of vitamins and minerals as well. Not only does alcohol destroy essential B vitamins, our body uses up lots of nutrients while alcohol is being metabolised. Including foods such as olive oil, lean meat, dairy products, nuts, and oily fish in your preparty nosh will top up levels nicely, and taking a fruit juice mixer with some of your drinks will also help.
the duration, same with wine or spirits: mixing your drinks is a one way trip to silliness and discomfort. It is also important to avoid becoming dehydrated as it’s one of the major causes of dayafter symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and scratchy thirst. To circumvent it as much as possible, have a big glass of water before you start drinking, try to drink a small one in between each alcoholic Therapies, Spiritual hypnosis, Past life regression Come, unleash your internal power and heal your mind, body and soul completely through energy healing, hypnosis and past life regression. Get Space Clearing carried out for more positivity at home and in your work place
choice, and have another glass before you go to bed. Reach for the water the following morning as well, or try starting the day with a sports drink such as Gatorade. These will not only help relieve dehydration but will also replace much needed electrolytes. Breakfast will probably be the next thing on your mind, and eggs are perfect for the occasion as they contain cysteine which helps break down acetaldehyde in the body. A healthy meal like scrambled eggs on toast will make you feel better in the long run than a greasy
are well hydrated before taking them as well, or you will be further attacking already beleaguered kidneys.
fry up. Tempting though it may be to grab fried sausages and bacon, you are likely to suffer an irritated and upset stomach later. Eat fruit as well, which are packed full of water and nutrients. Bananas are particularly good the morning after as your body will appreciate their high potassium content. Go easy on the painkillers and avoid them altogether if you still have high levels of alcohol in your system or are suffering from nausea or other gastric symptoms. Make sure you
abandon. Begin the day with a healthy and filling breakfast such as poached eggs, grilled mushrooms and tomatoes with a slice of wholegrain toast and mere hint of butter. When eating a main meal, be it a traditional roast, a Canarian feast, an Indian takeaway or a picnic on the beach, sticking to the ‘one half and two quarters’ portion rule, as well as having only one plateful of each course, will ensure that you don’t over indulge too much. First, fill half your plate with low-starch vegetables such as
Eats and treats Two weeks of festivities is more than long enough to pile a kilo or three on. You don’t have to miss out, however. Follow a few simple steps and you will be able to feast as much as you like. Well, almost! If going out for a big meal, try not to arrive ravenously hungry as you are likely to set upon the treats and sweets with
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It’s the time of year when selfcontrol is known to fly out of the window along with Santa’s sleigh. Be it eating too much rich food, drinking more than you are used to, partying endless days and nights in a row, or simply spending hours each day slumped in front of the television, many of us have a tendency to let go during the festive season, in more ways than one. Which is great. Spending time with family and friends, indulging in a traditional feast, letting your hair down and giving your inhibitions a night off are all very good for you. But what about when it’s only half way through the holidays, you’ve already overdone it, you have bags under your eyes, a permanent headache, and are feeling more lethargic than a sloth? Does it have to be that way? Well, no. Not if you make a few guidelines and stick to them. Here are a few tips for not only surviving the festive season, but thriving through it and beyond.
HEALTH
22.12.2016 – 11.01.2017
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 786
broccoli, carrot, cauliflower, asparagus, mushrooms, and pumpkin. Indulge in a quarter-plate of starchy veg such as potatoes, corn on the cob or peas, and the other quarter is for a portion of meat (or vegetarian option), which should be as lean as possible. Keep sauces to a minimum, including gravy, as they are usually packed full of calories. Try to really enjoy your meal as well. Eat slowly, chew carefully and leave plenty of time to appreciate the experience you are having with your friends and family. This will also allow your brain to register that you are full, as it takes 20 minutes for that message to get through. Then, once the main course is finished, try to wait for a while before eating dessert, rather than scoffing three courses in one fell swoop. If you know that you are easily tempted to pick between meals, make sure there are plenty of low calorie options available, taking them with you if necessary. Fruit, carrot and cucumber sticks, cherry tomatoes, and popcorn that is butter and oil-free all make satisfying alternatives. And though a fruit juice or two are good for vitamins and minerals, try to keep it to just that number as they are also laden with calories. Sugary drinks like cola and lemonade don’t even give you the nutrients; stay clear of them if you can.
strain of smiling all the time can all lead to tattered nerves and short fuses. People have been known to do very strange things around this time of year. Telling your mother-in-law or the office creep that you never
Party pooping Expectations can be very high at this time of year, and sometimes parties and get-togethers can be disappointing for various reasons. They can also be fraught with tensions. Family feuds, fights, and alcohol fuelled arguments abound. Excitement, lack of sleep, overindulgence and just the
more open to catching infections such as colds.
Walk it off There are dozens of good reasons for fitting in as many
37
Frisky finances It’s no good; we all do it at one time or another: spend too much over Christmas and worry and work too much in the New Year because of it. If you want to come out of the festivities still floating financially, work out your ‘party’ budget for the whole period, and decide there and then that you will not exceed that amount. Take a certain amount of cash out with you per night and spend accordingly. Once again, keeping your alcohol intake within reasonable limits will help with this! Drinking plenty of water will help you to avoid dehydration and headaches Choose low-calorie alternatives to avoid piling on the kilos Keep alcohol levels down if you wish to remain in control
liked them anyway may seem like a good idea at the time, but you then have to deal with them for the rest of the year. It’s important to keep a reign on your more negative emotions. Obviously, keeping alcohol intake down will help with self-control, but if you want to remain calm at all times one of the main things is to ensure that you have plenty of rest. Lack of sleep reduces concentration and coordination, makes us irritable, and affects our immune system, leaving us
walks as possible over the holiday period. It will burn up calories, kick start your metabolism, and take your mind off food for a while. A family stroll is a healthy alternative when the hours sat before the television are mounting up, and a gentle jog has even been indicated as a great hangover cure! It can also be a good reason for getting out of the house and away from any family tensions for a while. Head for a park, beach or the mountains for an instant feel good moment.
Survive and thrive not just through the holiday period but also the coming year
Remember others Ultimately, Christmas is about doing good for your fellow man and is a popular time of year for making charitable donations. However, a nice touch is to remember those for whom the festive period may not be such a jolly time. A random act of kindness such as a phone call, visit, card or email could make all the difference to their Christmas and New Year. And being nice to others releases endorphins in
our own brains as well - it’s surprising how good being supportive of others makes us feel. It’s a win-win situation. No matter what you do,
how you are celebrating and where you are – enjoy the festivities, make the most of your family and friends, and stay happy and healthy. n
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38
PETS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 053
ADOPT, DON’T BUY
Photo: Lara Waldron / FreeImages.com
Animal charities’ round up
Remember, traditional Christmas items can be poisonous to pets: mistletoe, holly, lilies, nuts, grapes, raisins, alcohol, chocolate and xmas pudding, for instance
K9 Of course, the ultimate aim for each of us at K9 is for our dogs to find their loving forever home. However, until that day, the K9 refuge is their home and they need to feel safe and secure there. The recent spate of overnight break-ins, with three dogs stolen and, thankfully, returned safely, was devastating for our dogs. In the days after each episode it was clear they were nervous and unsettled and, just as their lives and routine returned to normal, they were frightened and disrupted over again. Thankfully, help was at hand from some very kind and generous people. After some amazing fundraising, work to improve security at the kennels has now been completed and our dogs are safe in their home behind high fencing and secure gates. Very special thanks go to our trusty workmen: Tony and his dad, Chris; John and Tony; and Karl.
We have many dogs - in all shapes and sizes – waiting patiently for a loving home. See them all on our website at: www.k9tenerife.eu/2015/. Or visit the refuge on Calle Chimbesque between Las Chafiras and Las Zocas, any day of the week between 10am and 2pm. Alternatively, you can call us on: 667 638 468 or email: info@k9tenerife.com. See updates and heart-warming adoption stories on Facebook / Diary of a K9 Tenerife Dog Walker and K9 Tenerife. Also, our shop on Alcala Plaza is in continual need of donations. If you have anything suitable please do take it along.
Cats Welfare During the Christmas period, Poinsettias are a popular plant. Their milky white sap does contain chemicals that are poisonous for cats and kittens, but cases are rare, and there are greater dangers that come with the holiday period. Far more worrisome are bouquets con-
taining lilies, holly or mistletoe. Just one or two bites from a lily can result in severe acute kidney failure in cats, even the pollen is thought to be poisonous! Inspect every bouquet brought into the house. Lilies are often the number one flower used by florists. When holly is ingested, it can result in severe gastrointestinal upset thanks to the spiny leaves and potentially toxic substances. If ingested, most cats drool and their head shakes excessively. If mistletoe is ingested in large amounts, collapse, hypertension, ataxia (walking drunk), seizures and death can occur. Dogs can also be affected by all these. Keep your pets safe this holiday season and think carefully about the plants and flowers you have in your home. We will be holding charity events every second Saturday of the month at Koala Sur in Adeje and Las Chafiras. Do come along. See available adult cats which are currently in foster care on
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our website: www.cats-welfaretenerife.com. Many kittens are also in foster care but some can be seen in South Tenerife at the Don Perro pet shop in Las Chafiras and Vet Express behind Gran Sur. Opening times and maps are on our website. In the North they’re at the Kiwoko pet shop in the CC El Trompo just outside Puerto de La Cruz. If you are looking for something specific then message or WhatsApp Maria on: 646 629 129 (9am – 6pm, seven days a week. Feel free to leave a message). Our charity shop on San Blas in Golf del Sur (Behind Hiperdino) is our main source of income. We are always in need of good quality items to sell. Please drop them into the shop. It’s open seven days a week, 10am – 6pm (Saturdays, 11am – 4pm). If you don’t have transport or have large bulky items, please ring Mark on: 636 590 557.
Acción del Sol With Christmas just around the corner, please be aware that a lot of Christmas foods are very harmful, even poisonous, to our four legged friends. They include mince pies, Christmas cake, chocolate, Christmas pudding, grapes, raisins, alcohol and peanuts, so please take extra care over the festive season and keep all those goodies out of harm’s way. Contact us on: 922 778 630
ADOPTION
Loving Cory
Hi, I’m Cory. I arrived at K9 a few months ago when my previous family abandoned me there. I would really like to find a new family and forever home. I’m a small, bright and good-natured girl around 10 months old. I’m friendly and get on well with people and other dogs, though maybe not too many at once! I love my walks and behave very well on lead or off. The people at my refuge say I am very intelligent and I do love to learn new things. If you would like to meet me, please get in touch with K9 on: 667 638 468 or: info@k9tenerife.com. n
if you would like to help in any way. We are always in need of tinned dog food, blankets, towels, sheets, dog toys, and collars and leads for everyone. Alternatively, visit the refuge on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons from 2pm - 5pm and Saturdays 1pm - 4pm. We are situated directly under the Eolica Parque’s wind turbines at exit 52 on the TF1 northbound, after the El Médano junction. Just head for the 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.
Live Arico (PAWS) Bag a Christmas bargain at our shops in San Eugenio (Opposite Hotel La Niña. Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm); Los Cristianos (Calle Reverón, near the Thistle and Dragon Bar. Every day, 10am to 4pm); Golf del Sur (Golf Park, just before the lottery kiosk. 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 them to help the dogs. Find us at: www.livearico.com, on Facebook, or join us on Twitter: twitter.com/live_arico. n
22.12.2016 – 11.01.2017
FARMERS MARKET
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 786
Farmer’s Markets Adeje Calle Archajara, s/n, in front of Makro Saturday/Sunday 8am – 2pm / Wednesday 3pm – 7pm 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
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
subsidies became necessary 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.
around the Islands. Products range from tropical fruits, such as mangoes, to worldwide staples like lentils, potatoes and onions. According to the agricultural group COAG-Canarias, prices of fresh fruits and vegetables differ greatly between the amount the farmers receive and the sale price in the supermarkets. For instance, towards the end of last year, small marrows, which the farmers were paid just €0.07/kilo for, retailed at €0.84, and leeks sold at €0.36 were passed onto the consumer for around €2.23 a kilo. Many of the prices don’t even seem to cover the cost of production - and this is when
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 of Tenerife. Enjoy. n
Santa Úrsula Carretera General, near the town hall Saturday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 301 640 Tegueste Calle de Asuncionistas, 6 Saturday/Sunday 8.00am – 2pm Telephone: 922 316 100 Vilaflor Plaza de Vilaflor Monday to Thursday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 709 002
40
HOROSCOPES | CLASSIFIEDS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 053
Horoscope for period: December 22 to January 11 Aries 21.3 - 20.4 There are plenty of nights out and fun get-togethers lined up for you over the coming weeks, all to ensure that your holiday season is full of love and laughter. Put any petty arguments to one side and try to enjoy yourself.
Contacts
Taurus 21.4 - 20.5 Though there will be lots of opportunities for fun over the next few weeks, you need to keep a close eye on your finances. Try to bear in mind that you don’t always have to spend money to enjoy yourself.
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Gemini 21.5 - 21.6 Christmas has come early on the love and friendship front; your passion for relationships of all kinds has been rekindled. Make the most of the party season for getting out and meeting as many new people as possible. Cancer 22.6 - 22.7 You are feeling inspired at the moment. Not only because you are looking forward to the festivities, but because you are feeling enthusiastic about the coming year. Don’t lose this gusto; good is coming your way. Leo 23.7 - 23.8 You’ve had a hard year but the party season will renew your faith in humankind. Better times are on their way so relax and enjoy the next few weeks: you are on the right path. There will be plenty of hard work later. Virgo 24.8 - 23.9 Use this Christmas to bring out your creative side, be it through handmade cards and gifts, showing off your cooking skills, or throwing a well organised party. Let people see the true you; they’ll love it. Libra 24.9 - 23.10 Your ability to see both sides of every situation will come in handy soon, but try not to become stuck in the middle of someone else’s argument. Remind them that this is a time of peace and good will and move on. Scorpio 24.10 - 22.11 A new year is nearly upon us and it will herald a brand new start for you. Whatever resolutions you make for 2017 you will find simple to stick to with a little perseverance. Think carefully about what you really want. Sagittarius 23.11 - 21.12 Love is in the stars for you and those who are unattached may find themselves chatting to someone who will play a big part in their future. You may even be offered the chance of a long-distance relationship.
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Capricorn 22.12 - 20.1 Doll yourself up and get out there and have a good time. Though generally a quiet person, you may find yourself the soul of the party. Do not question it, show everyone how much fun you can be when you let your hair down. Aquarius 21.1 - 20.2 Flirt, dance and enjoy yourself. Whether you are in a long term relationship or looking for love, it’s time to have some fun. It will do your self-confidence a world of good and give you a boost for the start of the year. Pisces 21.2 - 20.3 Now is the perfect moment for a reshuffle around the house. You can expect many visitors over the coming period. Welcome them all and you never know what may come out of it, either on a business or personal front.
Advert Placement www.islandconnections.eu
nal, prostate massage, body to body, couple massage. Full body relaxation. More than pleasure. For more about me, see: www.sensesmassagetenerife.com. Tel: 0034 640 814 067. Also by WhatsApp. For ladies: Excursions and escorts, erotic massages and more, with Marc who speaks good English, German and Spanish. I have my own apartment and car in Tenerife South. I also do visits. Tel: (0034) 630 759 974. Los Cristianos, Cristina, blonde Columbian. My services are complete French, positions, kisses, vibrators and massages. I am available 24 hours. I have a private apartment and I do outcalls. Tel: 650 442 665. Los Cristianos, young blonde, spectacular, inviting body, natural 130 breasts, all services. Discreet. I speak a little English. Opposite the bus station. Tel: 603 387 563. Los Cristianos, Aracely, Spanish blonde. Beautiful, slim, I assure you that you will have a great time in my arms. I will please you with everything. I have a comfortable apartment, or I can do outcalls. Tel: 664 099 043.
Los Cristianos, Paula, Canarian. I am a spectacular brunette with no limits. I am waiting for you in my private apartment, or I can come to yours. Tel: 604 115 052. Los Cristianos, Yoana, Venezuelan, 23 years old, and pretty with soft skin. Affectionate, obliging, I will welcome you in my apartment. You will love it! Tel: 605 072 917. Los Cristianos, I am a blonde girl, 32 years old, slim, I like parties, lesbian, positions, kisses. Would you like to? I am waiting for you in the centre of Los Cristianos. Tel: 634 753 297. English model, showgirl, professional striptease, quality service, general entertainment, stag nights, dominatrix, fetish, luxury conditions, 24 hour visits, escort service available. Tel: 697 227 139. PAMELA, an Afro-Brazilian, Las Chafiras. Massage service available for gentlemen only. Private apartment. HH Franciscano Street, beside the large park, Las Chafiras. Number has changed: was 635 801 105, new number: 608 285 035.
Los Cristianos, Mariana, athletic Latin girl, 24 years old, I do French, natural, positions, Greek, massages and vibrators. I will welcome you to my private apartment. Tel: 610 127 223. Los Cristianos, Meliza, the blonde Venezuelan has returned. Large breasts, natural French, positions, kisses, massages, vibrators, sado, fetishes. I have a private apartment in the centre of Los Cristianos, or I can visit hotels. Tel: 602 629 191.
To advertise your services with us, please call 922 75 06 09
22.12.2016 – 11.01.2017
ISLAND CONNECTIONS MEDIA GROUP S.L. www.islandconnections.eu
Island Connections Online: www.islandconnections.eu
CLASSIFIEDS DEADLINE NEXT EDITION The deadline for edition 787, which is published on 12th January, is 10th January. 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.
CLASSIFIEDS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 786
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 For sale. Home-produced ecological vegetables, Tenerife south. Interested businesses, call 650 323 751 (Spanish only), send WhatsApp or email to: michelteide@hotmail.com www.mascuidados.com Website for our massages, dedicated to bringing the benefits of therapeutic massage to your home or hotel, no charge for travel. Do you want a massage? www.mascuidados.com Tel. 663 190 727 After school classes, help or activities in English, German or Spanish, please contact Mrs. Garus. Tel. 602 506 793. We are 5 minutes away from Wingate School in Cabo Blanco. Qualified specialist from Germany helps you with back pain, neck pain, sciatica, headaches and insomnia. Tel. 0034 699 15 61 47 (ask for Eugene). Spanish native teacher and interpreter gives Spanish lessons at reasonable prices. Tel: 747 790 001. k.arim555@ live.com Masonic Lodge - Ave Fenix No.73. New meetings starting in October 2016 on the fourth Tuesday 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. 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.
MASONIC MEETINGS Logia Ave Fenix Nº 73 Edificio Simón, Los Cristianos. New meetings start in October, on the fourth Tuesday All Visitors welcome Contact John Donaldson (Secretary):
(+34) 922 178 091 or ave.fenix73@gmail.com
41
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
Spanish and English Lawyers
Conveyancing • Inheritance & Wills Family Law • Criminal Law Civil Litigation & Personal Injury Timeshare • Tax & Commercial law Teacher (English and Spanish) and interpreter gives Spanish lessons. I would also like to work as a secretary. Tel: 747 790 001 or email: k.arim555@ live.com. Lady Golfer, 65 years old, single, hcp 28, new resident in South Tenerife, is looking for male or female partner for many relaxed rounds. Tel: 922 741 118. Body, foot reflexology, Breuss massage, manual lymph drainage. Let yourself be pampered by Simone’s hands. Economic price. Tel: 611 277 578. www. simonehands.de. GOLF CLUBS FOR SALE. Set of Cleveland Irons with new grips, €75. Callaway RAZR 10.5 Driver, €95. Great Big Bertha driver 11. Deg, €25. Adams Insight driver 10.5, €65. John Letter 3 wood, €15. Tel: 656 654 879. For sale: 2 new single beds 2m x 75cm divan mattresses, €90 each. Cinelli 56cm men’s road bike plus TACX turbo trainer, €75. Heavy duty double garden swing, €60. 32 piece Noritake stoneware dinner service, €150. Electric fan nearly new, €10. Offers accepted on all items. Call Pauline on: (0044) 7952 410 833. IT TAKES TWO. Christmas and New Year 2017. Request for a lady looking for a similar lifestyle as mine, and wish to meet a suitable partner to commit to a lasting relationship. Good companion, best friend N/S S/D. Active, slim, and healthy living. Kind, caring and understanding. Nice home and a car to share. Rewarding and secure opportunity for a suitable woman around the age of 60, with no ties.. Email: Johnpatrick43_portroyale@ gmail.com. Tel: 645 018 707.
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.
T: E:
922 719 520
tenerife@decottalaw.net
Av. de Los Pueblos, Residencial Villaflor B-20, San Eugenio
www.decottalaw.net Second-Hand Sale LOS ABRIGOS & Auction X Room We sell everything you need for your home or rental apartment We buy quality furniture for CASH. Free Valuations! Collection & Delivery Service. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-1pm & 4pm-7pm · Sat 10am-1pm
Tel: 922 749 664
Los Abrigos, 1st building on the right, coming from Las Chafiras
You are invited to
Sunday 10am and Wednesday 7pm
Shopping Center Salytien Av. Rafael Puig Lluvina 37 www.clifchurch.org Pastor Mark 637 321 453
CLASSIFIEDS
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RENTAL Classifieds
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.
Wanted urgently: an apartment to rent in El Médano Garage to rent, double with 2 bedrooms and a width. Victoria Court 1, Los garage. Tel: 676 243 558. Cristianos. Close to Sunday market. Very secure lock-up. Looking to exchange or rent: 2 Luxury 85m apartment in Tel: 679 919 623. 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, parking, garden, terrace, SAT TV, Internet, €280/month, incl. additional costs. Tel: 616 802 861 or 699 044 668.
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
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 053
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 APARTMENT TABAIBA ALTA For sale, only five mins away from the German school, roughly 102ms, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, living room, utility room, garden, big terrace. Spectacular views of the sea and mountain, big garage with 2 spaces, 2 closed store rooms, price €180,000, mob. 686 798 367, email eoptenerife@ gmail.com www.teneriffa-fincas.net
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.
Apartment for rent, 1 bedroom, fully equipped, near Playa Martiánez, in Puerto de La Cruz, €470 /month + electricity. Tel: Theresa on 606 105 101.
Property for Sale Playa Honda
Urb. Oasis Dakota, Playa Fañabé
3 Bed Semi Detached. Toilet, complete bathroom, separate kitchen, totally equipped, furnished, 35m2 terrace, secure access to pool, infant park, good views, beside commercial centres, 800m from Playa Fañabé, community fees
€ 122,000 ALAN: 634 098 838
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
Tel 629 244 958 € 155,000 Place your advert at
The easy way to sell or rent properties
Mundo del Mapa Classifieds Agent Calle San Felipe, 12 Puerto de la Cruz
Quiet property in Playa Fañabé for rent 900m from the beach, from November 2016 to May 2017, corner house, garden, large communal pool, underground parking with direct access to the living area, 3 bathrooms, 3 bedrooms, air conditioning, TV, WIFI. No pets. Contact:
+34 676 378 618 publisher@icmedia.eu
BAR/RESTAURANT COSTA ADEJE
676 378 618 CONTACT: +34 icrealestate@icmedia.eu
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.
30€/month
Winter letting Puerto de La Cruz Studio apartment, 24 hour concierge, pool, sea views. Minimum three month contract. €500 per month. 669 652 149
This excellent traspaso opportunity has just recently come on to the market. This busy establishment specializes in lunch and dinner service along with a strong football/sports customer base who regularly frequent the establishment to watch their favorite sport on one of the 7 TV’s located around the bar. The restaurant/bar has an official opening license
Las Américas
British Style Bar
TRASPASO
€200.000
22.12.2016 – 11.01.2017
CLASSIFIEDS | PASTIMES
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 786
43
Situations Vacant / wanted
Are looking for international girls to model swimwear in the south of Tenerife for an immediate start. Must be pre-
Call José, between 11am and 5pm on 606 181 946 or 922 751 021
Estate agency in Las Américas requires: • A secretary with experience. Languages: English, German, Flemish. • Sales agents with experience, languages and own car. Please send your Curriculum Vitae to: sggconsultores@hotmail. com
Tel: 658 032 174 We are seeking a massage therapist in Playa de Las Américas. Working hours to be agreed. For more info, call: 602 608 626
Vehicles
FOR SALE
Mercedes S 320
To advertise please call 922 75 06 09
Car needed for long-term rental 676 378 618
(For Crossword and Sudoku solution see pag 40)
sentable and speak good English, other languages are an advantage. PR experience essential. Daily work, salary, commissions paid and contracts given.
1999. 216,000 km. Serviced with ITV valid to September 2017.
€4,850 Tel: 634 347 439
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.
Across
7 - steering device (6) 8 - cricketer (6) 10 - fear of heights (7) 11 - single celled plants (5) 12 - desire (4) 13 - frequently (5) 17 - cloth (5) 18 - gull-like jaeger (4)
22 - grasped (5) 23 - stinging weeds (7) 24 - piece of bacon (6) 25 - globes (6)
Down
1 - travelling by car (7) 2 - decorated (7) 3 - accounting entry (5) 4 - turned (7) 5 - gastropods without shells (5) 6 - enquires (5) 9 - partner (9) 14 - arc of coloured light (7)
15 - four-stringed guitar (7) 16 - singer with low voice (7) 19 - form (5) 20 - avoid (5) 21 - seat (5)
FITNESS & WELLBEING
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 053
Everyone knows that it’s important to continue with your fitness regime over the festive period if you don’t want to pile on the weight and come out of it feeling sluggish and unwell. That can be easier said than done sometimes, however. Days spent socialising with friends and family, meals that go on for hours and leave you feeling like you can’t even get up off the sofa, the occasional times your local gym is closed, the hangover from the night before, all the extra jobs to do over these few weeks: the reasons we give ourselves for letting go can be endless. However, there is one type of exercise that will not only burn off a few calories and ensure you keep your metabolism on the go, but is totally free and can also be combined with spending time with companions – walking. Taking a long walk is something that can be done by almost everyone and pretty much anytime, anywhere. And its benefits are endless. Striding out quickly is good cardiovascular exercise, and one of the beau-
Photo: Julia Freeman-Woolpert / FreeImages.com
Walk for Christmas and New Year!
Head up to the hills for some simple and soul-renewing exercise
ties of walking is that everyone can start at their own pace. If a stroll round the block gets your heart racing and leaves you slightly short of breath, then for you that will have been a mini workout. Keep at it though, and you will soon be trotting along. Regular walking at a brisk pace has been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, stroke and coronary heart disease risk, reduce the risk of non-insulin dependent diabetes and various cancers, decrease body fat, and improve coordination, bone
density, blood lipid profiles, and osteoarthritis symptoms. It can also help prevent dementia, will tone up legs, bums and tums, give you an energy boost, and release endorphins - the brain’s happy chemicals. And that’s just a few of its paybacks. A walk after a large meal will also help your digestive system. A stroll after dinner is a traditional part of the Canarian way of life, and with very good reason. Taking the family out to the hills or beach for a good, long stroll can be a great alterna-
tive afternoon or evening activity. The fresh air and different scenery will do everyone good and may help avoid some of the bickering that can evolve when people are cooped up in a small space together for too long. A stroll alone can also be therapeutic. Who wouldn’t appreciate a little down time in the middle of the festive frivolities? It’s a great opportunity for clearing your head and chilling out before heading back into the fray. You can also try to build in extra short walks where otherwise you may have used the car. Try to leave your vehicle parked up when you don’t really need it, which will even solve the problem of who is going to drive if alcohol is going to be consumed. Walk to your friend’s house if you can, or to the shops, show or event in the local town square. Even if it’s only a few minutes away, each of those journeys over the day will add up. And if it’s a good hour’s distance then even better – you can always grab a taxi back at the end of the evening. n
ENHANCE FITNESS
How to avoid overdoing it
By Debbie Gilbey
It’s fast approaching that special time of year again – and an entire day dedicated to indulgence and festivities! Most health related articles this time of year sprout the same common sense tips; for example, swapping three extra large Baileys for small gin and tonics, or perhaps instead of consuming 17 mince pies you may want to consider that four is enough! Realistically, one day of excess isn’t going to suddenly make you go up by two dress sizes, although you may still feel like a beached whale by the end of Christmas! One day of overdoing it really isn’t the be all and end all to your regular, healthier habits – it’s the other days before and after that will make a difference. These days are far more crucial. It is estimated that on Christmas Day, we manage to consume around 5,000 calories (or more) which is verging on two days’ worth of food and drink. Eating less in the few days before a big party will actually have the reverse effect. While you may be a little less bloated, your body has gone into more of a starvation mode so whatever you eat, your body will then work harder to try and store it. In the last issue of Island Connections, I wrote about panic dieting just before a deadline, when we know Christmas and certain parties are going to fall on the same day every year. Starving yourself all day Saturday doesn’t equate to triple helpings of Christmas pudding with brandy butter. Your body and metabolism just doesn’t function that way. During this time of year, you may feel overwhelmed by how much there is to do, whether it be at work or at home, however, it is still important to keep active and healthy. It is extremely simple to take the ‘never mind, I’ll do it next week’ approach, which then becomes the week leading into the new year, which in turn becomes a supressed thought or another additional resolution. The best tips for a simple and healthy Christmas are: 1. Enjoy it! 2. Keep your water intake high to aid digestion and avoid dehydration. 3. After all the indulging, try and go for a little walk as this too will help the digestive process; even though you may feel like you just want to roll around and explode. 4. Be Merry. For any questions and queries please message me via my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/enhancefitness studio. n
Swapping large glasses of Baileys for small gin and tonics isn’t always enough!
©2016 FLN
SIMPLE AND FUN
Photo: Emilprichard CC A-S A 4.0 IL
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22.12.2016 – 11.01.2017
SOCCER EXPERIENCE
SPORTS
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 786
45
International veterans tournament
Participants and supporters of the 10th annual veterans tournament
By Martin Tierney We were lucky again to have participated in a mini tournaSoccer Experience recently hosted the 10th annual veterans tournament where local and ex-professional players fly to the island and compete in a rather serious football competition; however, it always turns out fun with slow motion football! Once again we had teams travel to Tenerife from far flung places like the Shetland Islands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Chesterfield, London, Liverpool, etc. Also, some teams from our local 6s men’s league participated in the tournament and played very well indeed, including Restaurant Balti Balti, LA Masters and Daniel’s Cafe.
the ex-Spurs and Zaragoza legend Nayim play for our Soccer Experience All-Star team, with ex-Hibs and Northern Ireland star Danny Lennon, Ex-Hearts and Benfica player Jose Quitongo, and former Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday star Craig Armstrong, as well as other ex-players from La Liga and various top level leagues. During the weekend there were nearly 80 mini games of football and many of the old men involved enjoyed their Disneyland weekend of slow motion soccer. We also included all the local Nomads FC youth players who
ment throughout the weekend and added to the noise and fun throughout. This event does not happen without the great support of volunteers, referees, ball boys, and many more individuals who make the tournament a success. A very big thank you must go to the Adeje Sports department, who are wonderful partners in this event. It also helps to promote the name of Adeje for many people who fly in for the competition. Also to our friends at Club Olympus in Garden City, who were once again great supporters of the event, as well as Leon Transport.
Players needed
Martin Tierney receiving a surprise award from Adeje council for his contribution to local sports
There will be lots more slow motion football at our old man tournament next year! Information and photos are available on our website: www.socexp. com.
Our youth teams are getting started with the next round of local league games. Please note our under 8s and 16s teams are looking for players, so if you want your kids to play football and make friends then please bring them along to training. Each Nomads youth team has its own section on the club webpage. For more information visit: www.nomadsfc.com.
and Friday at 4.30pm. We will also start some friendly games soon. If any girls aged eight to 15 years old would like to join in, please contact us.
Contact For further information on our football events please get in touch via email: info@socexp. com, or call/message: (34) 654 200 470. Also visit our website: www.socexp.com. n
Girls football Girls training sessions have now started and we provide two classes a week on a Monday
Sponsored by: Foreign Language News & www.windowsplus.co.uk
46
SPORTS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 053
RUGBY
The record breakers up their play, with great attack running from the backs cutting through The Boatmen’s defensive lines. Ryan, with a
The final score was 121-3, a record score for Ñandú. As mentioned, El Médano was missing several players but still
port of some club players who have experienced the effects of cancer through family members. Well done
stepped up to the match, so big respect to the home side. Ñandú’s astonishing journey continues.
to those involved for supporting such a good cause.
Walk for Life
If you would like more information on how to become involved with the club or support this fantastic sport, please contact Paul on: 664 361 058. n
Ñandú travelled to El Médano to take on The Boatmen
In mid-December, Ñandú travelled to El Médano to take on The Boatmen. Club Rugby La Laguna was also present but, being short on players, joined forces with The Boatmen to ensure that everyone had some match time.
and Gabri, the latter converted by Gabri himself. After a bruising first quarter, Ñandú found themselves enjoying a 17 - 0
a fantastic effort from Ricki. With five conversions in total, Ñandú went in at half time with a very strong 57-0 lead.
Some of the Ñandú players participated in the recent Walk for Life charity event
Ñandú 121 – 3 The Boatmen After several weeks of hard training, it was time for the players to use their skills in a competitive match. The game started in typical fashion between these two teams. It was physical from the start, with both sets of forwards not giving an inch. The game remained very tight and scoreless until the 16th minute when Ñandú’s powerful back row Axel (Chino) blasted over for the opening try. Two more quick tries followed, by Gregor
After several weeks of hard training, it was time for the players to use their skills in a competitive match
lead. The Boatmen, with several players missing through injury, began to struggle with the constant onslaught of the Ñandú players. More tries followed, from captain Jacob, Alvaro (2), another from Gabri, and
The second half started with a welcome three points from the home side, after indiscipline in the ruck meant Ñandú conceded a penalty. Again, with superior fitness and technique, Ñandú started to open
The final score was a record for Ñandú
great run, scored the first of his two tries, dynamic forward Mel added two, and a big mention to Thiago who scored an amazing try. Ñandú’s excellent full back Fran notched his own brace as well. The final try coming from captain Jacob, with further points added from the boot of Jacob and Fran.
Some of the Ñandú boys participated in the recent Walk for Life 2017 event in sup-
Support local rugby
22.12.2016 – 11.01.2017
FOOTBALL
ISLAND CONNECTIONS 786
47
LA LIGA 2
CD Tenerife ends year on a high CD Tenerife ended the year on the edge of the play-off zone after an encouraging set of results recently. The blanquiazules have only lost one match from their last eight and they have won the last three out of five encounters. And what is most promising is the fact that due to the absence of main striker Choco Lozano we have been relying on two youngsters: local lad Cristo (18) and Senegalese Amath (20) to lead the line and they have taken their opportunity with some aplomb. Especially the speedy Amath, on loan from Atlético Madrid, who is a very exciting prospect indeed. Tenerife has now gone a whole calendar year undefeated at home which sounds impressive but there have been far too many draws to suggest that we are close to being a great side. Having said that, the recent improvement in form gives us great hope for the future and with two or three reinforcements on the way during the transfer window you cannot not rule out our local team at least making the play-offs come June 2017.
Mini-revolution There has been something of a revolution at CD Tenerife. The re-election of President Concepción in the summer for another five year term was largely unpopular with fans. In recent times our local team has changed from being the island’s ‘well-loved’ team to something of a ‘cult’ following, with the 8,000 unconditional supporters boosted every so often by another 3 to 4,000 on match days, depending on results. The current regime has, to their credit, reduced the clubs debt from €46 million in 2006 to a manageable €15 million today but they have failed to capture the imagination of the island with a distinct lack of ambition, many would say. Recently, ‘El Presidente’ has taken a step
Photo: Amath Ndiaye
By Chris Todd
back from the limelight and has put into place a General Director, Victor Borrego, to be the new ‘face’ of the club. It is quite obvious that if things are not right off the pitch it will have a great effect on team results. Any club needs to have a united front otherwise it cannot function to its full potential, especially for smaller clubs like CD Tenerife. The fans’ groups and local media have retained tense relations with the club during the past six years or so but all that is set to change. Regular meetings have already been held with supporters’ groups, events like a Christmas party proved to be a great success, and numerous projects have been given the green light. One such project will be to give more identity to the stadium by naming each entrance after a local municipality, so for example Gate 26 will be known in the future as ‘Adeje’. Other ideas include free transport to the stadium, pre-match fan zones and the creation of a club foundation. 10/12/2016 Levante 1 CD Tenerife 0 Valencian outfit Levante have been bossing the league from the very start but they came up against a dogged Tenerife side in front of 12,000 supporters in the Cuitat de Valencia Stadium. The early stages of the game were even, as you
would expect, and the home side pushed on to attempt to break the deadlock but a defensive looking Tenerife side were soaking up the pressure with ease. In fact the blanquiazules almost took the lead when Amath crafted a chance on 30 minutes but his effort hit
the side netting. The second half edged in favour of league leaders Levante with a number of half chances created by the home team. CD Tenerife found themselves being pushed back but they always had the outlet of speedy forwards Cristo and Amath to look to. The young lads are excellent for running into space but they failed to hold the ball up and this was a key element in the side’s eventual downfall. When the late goal came, it was a fluky affair with the ball pin-balling off several players before being smashed into the net close range by Casadesus.
Amath Ndiaye (left) and Aarón Ñíguez Fans’ groups and local media have tense relations with the club but all that is set to change CD Tenerife will give more local identity to the stadium by naming each entrance after an island municipality
It was slightly unlucky for Tenerife but it had been coming. There was no way back from this, it was a cruel way to lose but it was a spirited performance against a team that is odds on to gain promotion. 17/12/2016 CD Tenerife 2 Alcorcon 0 Madrid based club Alcorcon travelled to Tenerife in confident mood after beating second placed Girona 2-1 the week before. In fact Alcorcon was the only visiting team to have won in the Heliodoro Stadium during 2016, way back on January 4.
Match day arrived to a backdrop of typically mid-winter Santa Cruz weather, blustery with the odd burst of heavy rain. These conditions really affected the attendance due to the lack of cover provided for supporters. The loyal fans that did show up were treated to a good solid display from a changed blanquiazul team. The manager Marti surprised many before the game by dropping captain Vitolo and playing Alberto with Aitor Sanz in midfield. This new look formation gave playmaker Aaron Ñíguez a free role and the plan worked a treat. The first part of the game saw a surprising amount of injuries with no more than three players needing to be substituted. The two for Tenerife were goalkeeper Dani and midfielder Aitor Sanz, meaning Vitolo did play after all. The breakthrough came on 25 minutes when the tireless Suso played in Amath who scored with great composure. At 1-0 the blanquiazules grew in confidence and some good flowing football was
being played. Another downpour at the start of the second half did not dampen spirits; chances fell to Cristo and Suso, whilst Aaron saw his glorious free-kick cannon off the bar and onto the line. It wasn’t a goal, and video replays proved it to be the correct decision but it was so close. We really need to kill games off quicker when playing well, as a late equaliser has happened twice already this campaign. However, on 88 minutes a superb passing move between Aaron Ñíguez and Amath culminated in Aaron scoring a well deserved goal: 2-0 to Tenerife and it was game over. It must have been a fantastic day for the Ñíguez family as brother Saul Ñíguez scored the winner for Atlético Madrid against Las Palmas earlier in the day. It was a fine win and as the short winter break approaches, the smiles are slowly returning to the faces of players and fans alike. A couple of signings are essential if we are going to take that extra step. n
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