Island connections 789 FLN 56

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1984-2017

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789

February 9 – February 22, 2017 De Cotta Law

Moda Cálida

Heartfelt health

Festina Lente

Open Day with free consultation

Gran Canaria seduces Paris

The fleet of fun

The seat of emotions

Page 7

Page 10

Pages 12 & 13

Pages 36 & 37

Spiteful spectators

Hospital criticised

Parental punch-ups

Following hot on the heels of reported violence between opposing fathers at a local football match in Telde, Gran Canaria, another fight between two dads at a youth game in Valle San Lorenzo, South Tenerife, also hit the headlines, causing some clubs to issue a ’10 Commandments’ list of rules for unruly mums and dads.

Caught on camera, the Canarian media widely reported a fist fight that occurred between two fathers at a local football game, where one of the men required hospital treatment, and only a few days later, after another dad was punched in the back of the head and needed two stitches, the press were telling the sorry tale once again.

©Ayto. Telde

Continued on page two

Telde Borough Council launched an anti-violence campaign following a fight at a local game

Health service shortcomings Hospitals today are not only concerned with pressing medical matters, there is also a lot of hustle and bustle, long hours for staff, and plenty of stress: factors not necessarily beneficial to the wellbeing of patients, as demonstrated by two recent cases.

A German family wanted to spend their two week holiday in Puerto de La Cruz, North Tenerife, during January. As owners of an apartment in the town, the vacation started well enough, until the 35-year-old daughter woke up with stomach pains on the night of January 7.

Her abdomen was hard to the touch and hurt a great deal. Initially, she thought she had eaten something that had disagreed with her and tried to let it pass, but her condition worsened.

Emergency enquiries (112) being handled at the call centre

She decided to wake her parents, who had in their possession a business card for Dr. Victor Lerke based in town. Because the pain was so excruciating, they called the doctor in the middle of the night and he arrived at the apartment within 10 minutes to make an examination. The doctor quickly realised

that the problem may be a severe case of appendicitis and gave her something for the discomfort while notifying emergency services that a blood test and ultrasound examination were advisable.

“I was in terrible pain, and the paramedics were very good with me, I was so grateful”, the lady

recalled, but she was unaware of what was to come. At the Hospiten Bellevue in Puerto de La Cruz, she overheard the paramedics confirm the opinion that she was suffering from appendicitis, and believed that she was in good hands.

The woman was assigned a bed and put on a drip, which she presumed was a painkiller as her symptoms started to ease. It took over an hour for a doctor to visit her. “I was instantly handed a headset and a voice on the other end spoke in German”, the woman recounted, “the voice said ‘Do you have insurance?’ which was the first question I was asked the whole time I was there”.

Continued on page two

CANARY ISLANDS

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 056

Patient problems

Healthcare in the spotlight Continued from front page The doctor enquired about allergies and where the pain was, pressing to the left and right of her stomach to check for signs. The patient replied that she had no allergies and that the pain was starting to ease, probably due to the painkillers she was receiving.

The German-speaking voice on the end of the phone then informed her that she could go home. She insisted they do at least one blood test, which was eventually carried out, but she was told they would not be able to do the ultrasound there. One hour later, a nurse came back to inform the patient that the blood test was “okay” and that she could go home. She felt pressured into signing a release form, and was handed a prescription for a course of antibiotics and told that the pharmacy sells analgesics if needed. She could barely stand up or walk due to the pain she was in.

The woman tried to call her father from outside but on the way she collapsed on a bench in the reception area.

Despite the ban on mobile phones inside the hospital, she called him to come and get her. “I was in tears and begged the receptionist to do something. I couldn’t stand it”, she confessed. “The

receptionist spoke to the doctor again, who insisted that I was okay to go home.

A little later, a nurse strolled past and asked if I was in pain. As soon as I began to answer, she continued eating an apple and walked off.

I couldn’t believe it, no one wanted to help me”.

She found herself outside the Hospiten Bellevue holding a note with ‘HUC’ written on it. The patient did not know that this was an abbreviation for the Hospital Universitario de Canarias near Santa Cruz. Without it being explained that it is one of the island’s principal public hospitals they decided to go home and turned to Dr. Lerke again. He treated the woman with anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers and returned the next day, only to find her without improvement and with the addition of a high fever. He was deeply concerned and consulted Thorsten Anker of OSM (Organización Servicio Medico) to ask for help to find an immediate solution and bring the woman out of potential danger. He contacted the Clinica La Vida in La Orotava, and even though it was a Sunday – a day when the clinic doesn’t perform operations – a surgeon was made available after the head of OSM assured them that he would

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An extensive blood test produced an alarming result and the woman was immediately operated on. “The next day, the surgeon told that me that my appendix was on the verge of rupturing – a potentially lifethreatening situation. Even though I still feel very sick, I can’t stop thinking about what might have happened”.

Fortunately, at the Clinica La Vida she was well treated and able to leave two days later, but the scars of the scare still run deep and she has saved all the numbers for Dr. Victor Lerke, OSM and the Clinica La Vida in her phone so that she never has to be sent to the Hospiten Bellevue again.

Not the exception Shortly afterwards, another resident reported a similar sorry tale. An elderly lady had a bad fall on the street and suffered facial injuries, including a split lip and possible broken nose. Her daughter accompanied her in the ambulance to the Hospiten Bellevue, where she was kept in the reception and made to wait a long time. On this occasion it was not because of insurance discrepancies because the elderly lady had private health cover.

Despite the long wait, her daughter refused to leave her side and was an eyewitness to the extraordinary treatment that was to come. A doctor eventually tended to the lady, briefly looking her up and down, then instructed a nurse to clean up her facial injuries.

When finished, the instruction was again “You can go home now”. There were no checks to see if there were any injuries to the woman’s jawbone or skull, which begs the question: is this really healthcare?

Island Connections contacted the Hospiten Bellevue as well as the health department of the Canarian government for

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

a response. The government failed to reply, however, the hospital commented: “While we cannot give out any information related to an individual’s treatment, we can assure you that our emergency room is certified by AENOR and the Canarian health department. If a patient was not thoroughly tested or hospitalised, this is due to the doctor’s discretion and his/her opinion that it wasn’t necessary. It is possible that the long waiting times were because of staff dealing with more serious conditions, such as a heart attack, for example, which take priority. However, all patients who come to the emergency room are dealt with correctly and in accordance with national and international standards. In the event of an official complaint, this can only be dealt with by the affected patient or a dependant. We are therefore unable to comment to the media regarding specific cases.”

Sporting silliness

Like father, like son?

Continued from front page The recent examples of fiery fathers and parental punch-ups are not isolated cases, and in addition to physical attacks, the verbal expression is generally not so soft either. Local football clubs regularly complain about over-vocal parents hurling threats and abuse around the stands and turning the air blue. It raises a number of questions concerning role models and setting standards for the younger generation.

Joel López, the 19-year-old captain of the Telde youth team, said following the fight between the two dads during the game: “That scene really soured the match between our clubs. It had nothing to do with sport. I had to listen to comments like ‘if that’s what the fathers are like, what about their sons?’ which made me feel slightly ashamed.

I am fully behind my club and UD Telde teammates as well as the opposition, UD Guía. We played an excellent game of football, which was very tense and competitive, but always fair and sporting. It is the parents who should be ashamed”.

The incident led to UD Telde responding with a clear antiviolence campaign and a 10-point reminder of proper conduct for passionate parents and volatile viewers. However, they are so simple and self-evident that it is slightly worrying that they need communicating at all.

The Telde sports councillor Diego Ojeda took the opportunity to issue a clear statement that violence in sport, especially in the stands, is not to be tolerated. Posters at local stadiums read: “The way to the goal begins on the route of respect” and Ojeda announced that authorities are willing to take all necessary measures to eliminate acts of violence in sport.

The incident during a game in Valle San Lorenzo left police investigating a 20-year-old suspect, accused of committing an offence against a player who needed two stitches following a blow to the back of the head.

‘Good sport’ and ‘fair play’ are idioms in everyday speech, and parents should set a better example to their children in whatever endeavour they’re undertaking. n

Conclusion While it would be wrong to be overly critical of Canarian healthcare in general, remembering that many people are working long hours under stressful conditions to attend to the public, it is important to uncover shortcomings and report on exceptional cases so that procedures continually improve and patients receive the care they deserve and expect.

Public healthcare is a vital part of a country’s social services and needs to be monitored occasionally, as well as wholly appreciated. If hospitals are seen to be performing at unsatisfactory levels, there should be an inspection and possible enquiry.

While it may be procedure to ask a patient about their health insurance, this cannot be the only criteria for deciding whether someone n receives help or not.

features. Advertisements once contracted cannot be cancelled and have to be paid in full.

The publishers can not be held responsible for variation on colour printed in this newspaper.

Advertising conditions are to be obtained in our offices.

Office hours: Monday – Friday 9.30am – 4.00pm

Photo: Ayuntamiento Telde

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Football club UD Telde responded with a 10-point reminder of proper conduct for passionate parents

1. You are my parent, not my coach.

2. Please respect my coach.

3. Do not insult anybody, especially the referee.

4. Do not scrutinise me. I am not Roque Mesa or Marta Mangué.

5. Do not dislike the opposition or say bad things about my teammates or referee. We are all here to learn.

6. If you cheer me on, even if I’m playing badly, I will be happy.

7. Enjoy watching me, I enjoy playing.

8. Ask me if I had fun, not whether I won.

9. Do not overload me with advice after the match.

Remember, sometimes for me this is just a game.

10. If you come with me to a match, please be understanding and respectful, and above all, a positive parent of a child who is happy when playing.

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

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.

CANARY ISLANDS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 789

Not many thefts

Response to our last front page The editorial on the front page of edition 788 related the story of a holidaymaker who was a victim of robbery at South Tenerife’s Reina Sofía airport and then poorly treated by the police.

Island Connections had requested a comment from the police force on the incidents, but had not received an answer before the deadline.

A Guardia Civil press officer has now spoken to the editor, saying that she would like to emphasise the fact that there is not a spate of robberies at the airport, neither in the south nor in the north: “Incidents of this kind do occur, but they are an exception. Of course, a report can be made at every airport but it always depends on who is responsible and the area in which the theft took place. Both Guardia Civil and National Police officers are on duty at the airport.

Unfortunately, we do not know how the lady in this case was looked after or how well. However, we would like to stress that neither incidents of theft nor the described behaviour are the rule.”

Of course, Island Connections is as keen to publish this statement as much as any criticism, and give thanks to the Commissariat of the Guardia Civil for their The front page of Island n Connections edition 788 comment.

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Motorway landscaping

Stopping the signs The president of Gran Canaria, Antonio Morales, is determined to make his island more beautiful and has taken a stand against unattractive billboards, old buildings and derelict houses that obscure the landscape, preventing the island from presenting its best side.

One of the principal projects involved in the island’s new face lift is cleaning up the GC1 and GC2 motorways, and removing oversized advertising boards and unsightly buildings.

Around €6 million has been put aside for this task, with the boroughs of Las Palmas, Telde, Ingenio, Agüimes, Santa Lucía and San Bartolomé de Tirajana involved in its development and in full support of the president’s vision.

The majority of large billboards to take down were in the borough of Telde, which had the tricky task of approaching large advertising companies, some of them multinational, to explain the initiative and hope for understanding to avoid poten-

tial legal action. Telde councillor, Gloria Cabrera, was successful in her talks and the

Agüimes councillor María Suárze has already seen five of 16 billboards dismantled,

Photo:Cabildo de Gran Canaria

9.2.2017 – 22.2.2017

approach to billboards and visual advertising campaigns in the city centre.

As well as improving the general aesthetic of the island, where natural beauty is free of the distraction of advertising slogans and commercial products, it is also expected that traffic safety will be enhanced.

President Antonio Morales (centre) and the officials of several borough councils have launched a campaign to improve the island’s look

advertisers concerned agreed to not erect any more billboards and will to gradually remove the current ones, estimated to be around 40.

Other borough councils were similarly pleased to receive the same reception from companies. Santa Lucía councillor Minerva Pérez negotiated the halt to new advertising signs and an accord to remove 14 standing billboards in the borough.

and the mayor of Ingenio, Juan Díaz, announced that four of the five advertising signs along the GC1 in his borough have already come down, with the last one scheduled to be removed soon.

Las Palmas councillor Carmen Martín has taken measures to prevent illegal advertising and media and hopes that the capital will remain free of unauthorised promotions, while ensuring a better

An ugly way to block the view of a nice landscape

It has been widely reported that billboards and certain advertisements distract motorists, even for a split second, which is enough to make them sometimes brake unnecessarily or become inattentive, with the potential danger of causing an n accident.

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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 056

Fresh into the future

Clean energy and sustainable tourism "In the future, holidaymakers will increasingly demand sustainable tourism as a quality feature of a holiday destination", stated Marco Aurelio Pérez Sánchez, mayor of Gran Canaria’s San Bartolomé de Tirajana, on a recent visit to the wind farm which is currently under construction in the borough.

cement that is 12.8 metres round, they have a height of 76 metres and the rotor blades have a span of 48 metres.

The foreseeable life span of the windmills is 25 years, and the arms will spin a distance equivalent to around half a million kilometres a year.

Currently, 120 people are working on the project, including

government’s councillor for industry and business, Pedro Ortega, and the president of the Ecoener promotions company, Luis Castro Valdivia, to inspect the progress of the project.

Valdivia couldn’t be happier with the development, which is set to start producing energy by this summer. "We work in many places around the world

the way forward for the economic and social growth of mankind. It will permanently manifest itself in our lives, just as the wonders of ballpoint pens, telephones and computers did before. The next step is to switch to electric cars and to promote electricity generation in private households, as Germany has."

The mayor of San Bartolomé de Tirajana was equally as enthusiastic: "Nowadays, it is not possible to build a future for tourism without taking into account sustainability. Most of our guests have a great understanding of sustainability and don’t understand why any country wouldn’t consider it”, he said.

Moving into the future

Onsite Inspection – progress on the wind farm is going well

The renewable energy park, situated in Los Llanos de La Aldea Blanca, will be the largest installation on the island to date, covering an area of more than 130 hectares and with the potential to provide energy for over 6,000 homes.

The model E-48 wind turbines have a capacity of 800 kilowatts. Set on a base of iron and

40 specialists from the German Enercon company which is responsible for the construction of the wind farm, which was given the go-ahead in March 2007 as part of the Energy Plan for the Canaries (PECAN), and was declared a project of public interest in April 2011.

The mayor recently visited the site along with the Canarian

but rarely do we deal with a government like the one in the Canaries, which has such a clear vision on renewable energies". He encouraged Canarian politicians to continue making plans for heading in the same direction. Renewable energy, he says, is not a fashion phenomenon but a reality that has come to stay. "Green energy is

Thankfully, the energy minister is extolling similar beliefs.

"The Canary Islands could cover 100 per cent of its energy needs from renewable sources.

To achieve this, however, all administrative bodies would have to cooperate to ensure that companies who wish to invest with us, like Ecoener, can do so without problems."

With this statement he was commenting on the delay of the project, which has taken almost 10 years to come to fruition. However, he also pointed out that the Canaries have firmly set out on the road to innovation for the 21st century.

There are currently seven wind

The renewable energy park is situated in Los Llanos de La Aldea Blanca, Gran Canaria

parks under construction in the Islands, which will help to increase electricity generation from renewable sources by 219 per cent and provide 524 megawatts in the archipelago in the foreseeable future.

“Then, more than 20 per cent of our energy would come from a clean source -but we want more”, he announced.

With regard to wind and photovoltaic energy in general, the Spanish government is also to be asked for a rise in the quota for the Canary Islands, as a further 450 megawatts are currently being planned.

At the moment there are 28 wind parks that have already received authorisation, with another 16 currently at the approval stage. The present quota levels run out on December 31, 2018, and the next one will start on the same date one year later.

“Each extra percentage point of energy achieved from renewable resources is another point gained in terms of quality tourism”, the minister continued, "and these dates will be key points in marking a new age – a more sustainable and renewable Canaries."

In addition to the Los Llanos de La Aldea Blanca project, Ecoener also operates the San Bartolomé wind farm that has four wind generators of the type Enercon E-70. These 85 metre high towers produce a total of around 25,800 megawatt-hours of energy annually. Ecoener was awarded the contract for both the borough’s parks last May. When they are operational, they will noticeably reduce greenhouse gas emissions over 20 years and save around €150 million of the cost of electricity n generation.

9.2.2017 – 22.2.2017

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 789

PROMOTION

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CANARY ISLANDS

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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 056

Promotion

Classy kitchens from the island’s best Kitchen Co. is very proud of its excellent reputation, which has been earned over the decades by offering practical advice, professional service and the most competitive prices.

Design Service Kitchen Co. has an excellent design team and uses the latest computer programmes to give you an exact idea of what your kitchen or bathroom will look like once installed.

For all your kitchen and bathroom needs: Kitchen Co.

Kitchen Co. is a family business based in Tenerife that has been supplying, designing and installing kitchens and bathrooms to a high standard since 1987.

Our kitchen is typically the most used and most valuable

Alarming statistic

According to a study, the number of suicides among Guardia Civil officers in Spain is particularly high.

In the last five years alone, 52 members of this police force occupying varying ranks have taken their own lives.

The statistics are based on figures registered between 2012 and October 28, 2016.

Of the 52 suicides, only one

room in the home. For Kitchen Co., the size or type of kitchen is not a problem for their professional carpenters, who can prepare and install all kinds of units, worktops, electrics and plumbing, using only the highest quality tools of the trade.

Accessories and appliances To complement your new kitchen, they can offer you an extensive range of the best quality accessories and electrical appliances available, for example: extractors, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, washing machines, sinks, taps,

granite, worktops, wine racks, shelves, etc.

General building work Everything that needs renovating will be carried out with the best care possible. Kitchen Co. offers bathroom and kitchen renovations, plumbing, solar heating, electrical installation, painting and decorating, parquet, and double glazed aluminium doors and windows.

The company’s professionals work with all the best brands, and their interior designer is at your service to help you decorate your home. They can advise on style, colours and furniture.

For further information, visit their Facebook page: www. facebook.com/pg/Kitchenco; telephone: 922 364 072; or email: mark@kitchenco.es. n

Water saving measures

Diffusers installed to reduce consumption

Council technicians in San Sebastián de La Gomera have begun installing diffusers in homes in the capital as a water saving measure.

This initiative, which could take six months to complete, has been approved by the island water council and will not only contribute towards a more rational use of tap water, but it should also partially reduce monthly water bills.

The diffusers which are easy to install, and which reduce the water flow without lowering the pressure, are being fitted to one tap in the kitchen and one in the bathroom of the dwellings. Residential users who are not at home when the technicians call will be left a notification telling them that they can call and collect their diffusers from the San Sebastián council.

The councillor for works and services, Iria Mesa, pointed out that: “with the installation of this attachment which is easy to fit, it is estimated that a saving of up to 50 per cent in water consumption in the kitchen and bathroom can be achieved.” This fact will be reflected in each person’s water bill.

This is just one of many measures being adopted to improve the water supply and reduce losses. Investments have been made in the maintenance of the water supply network, and urgent measures to reduce water pressure and rectify leaks. A total of €269,737.89 has been provided by the Municipality Cooperation n Fund for San Sebastián for this purpose.

High suicide rate in the Guardia Civil took place in the Canary Islands in 2015.

Andalusia was the independent community with the most suicide cases, with 14, ahead of 11 registered in Madrid. The general director of the Guardia Civil responded to the figures published and pointed out that The officers’ working range is great, as are the numbers who feel driven to take their own lives

A simple initiative with a great effect

there has been a suicide prevention plan and psychological assistance available for members of the force since 2005.

While the Guardia Civil officers' association sees the current statistics as alarming and the probable cause of the sui-

cides to be working conditions and circumstances, the general director feels that they have nothing to do with work. Nevertheless, the average of 10 suicides a year in the Guardia Civil should at least be taken n as thought-provoking.

9.2.2017 – 22.2.2017

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 789

CANARY ISLANDS

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not mean that the child’s residence cannot be changed as in some cases this may mean returning to the country of origin if there is no social, family and economic support in the country where they are living.

and 15. Mrs. Wrightson will be available for free confidential consultations on all legal matters, such as family matters, wills, succession and litigation. If you are interested in coming to see her, please contact our Tenerife office at: tenerife@decottalaw.net, or call: 922 719 520 to arrange an appointment.

De Cotta Law specialises in family law and divorce; civil and criminal litigation; English law; personal injury; timeshare and tourist law; commercial law; tax; property and conveyancing; Spanish wills and inheritance.

De Cotta Law, Avenida de Los Pueblos Esq. C/ Colón, Parque Residencial Villaflor, Local B-20, 1ª Planta, San Eugenio, Playa de Las Americas, 38660 Costa Adeje, Tenerife. Website: n www.decottalaw.com.

Promotion

Free open day

By De Cotta Law When parents separate and live in different countries there may be a very difficult decision to be made about where the children live and what effect a change of residence has on them.

The laws in Europe and most other countries focus on the ‘habitual residence’ of the children.

The decision on where the children have their residence is based on a factual investigation. For example, a child might be in school in England but actually have a habitual residence in Spain. Referring to European case law, Justice Hayden in a Supreme Court ruling in England – BA Minor EWHC 2174 – stated, in considering where the child is resident, facts should be presented to show: “the child’s day-to-

De Cotta Law has an Open Day on February 14 and 15

day life and experiences; family environment; interests and hobbies; friends, etc. and an appreciation of which adults are most important to the child. The approach must always be child driven.”

By far the best approach is for the lawyers to mediate a settlement so that the children have a fixed and stable arrangement, spending time with each parent and keeping regular contact by phone, Skype and other means when they are with the other parent.

Relocation of the children may be the only and best option where the custodial parent has to leave Spain. For parents currently living in Spain and having their habitual residence here, they will have to seek a relocation order in this country if the other parent does not give their consent. This does

De Cotta Law Open Day February 14 and 15 Since 1983, De Cotta Law has combined a strong legal track record with international expertise, and our integrated team of Spanish qualified lawyers and English qualified solicitors and barristers is one of the most versatile and experienced law firms on the Spanish peninsula and Canary Islands.

Sandra Wrightson, an English barrister with more than 20 years experience working in Spain, will be at our Tenerife office on February 14

Costa Adeje Gran Hotel

Social responsibility award The Costa Adeje Gran Hotel 5*, part of the GF Hoteles chain, has recently been recognised by the Tenerife island council with the award of one of its highest distinctions, the Seal of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), as one of the seven most socially responsible companies in 2016.

The certification is a guarantee to the public that the work done by the Costa Adeje Gran Hotel in its projects have a direct benefit for the community, and that they integrate

naturally with the hotel's daily business. Some of the actions most valued by the jury which awards this distinction are the recruitment of the most disadvantaged groups, the channels of participation offered to their workers, and the environmental protection measures that they apply in the hotel facilities.

Victoria López, general manager of GF Hoteles, said that the quality certificate is not only dedicated to the hotel employees but also "to suppliers, guests and the asso-

ciations and institutions that work with us to make every day easier. It is the result of the work which we have done for years, both in the hotel which has been awarded and in the rest of the hotel complexes that form part of the group."

In the south of Tenerife, the GF Hoteles chain also owns the Hotel Isabel and the Fañabé Costa Sur Hotel, plus the Victoria Suite Hotel which is under construction, and in the north, the Noelia Playa Hotel n in Puerto de La Cruz.

The Costa Adeje Gran Hotel was recently recognised by the Tenerife island council

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CANARY ISLANDS

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 056

PROMOTION

One team, one dream

Whether you are a resident or visitor, make your way down to Dream Excursions Tenerife

By Dream Excursions Tenerife On February 1, Playa de Las Américas opened its arms to its newest resident: Dream Excursions Tenerife.

With over 15 years of combined experience in excursions here in Tenerife, the ‘Dream Team’ truly pride themselves in delivering its customers with unforgettable holiday experiences, tailored

to their personal requirements.

So what makes this company stand out from the many excursion sellers scattered throughout the south of Tenerife? Very simply, their fundamental principal of ‘what can we do for you?’ Keeping this principal at the heart of their business model, owner and founder Jamie Parkin decided to integrate hospi-

tality into the excursion business by providing his customers with a dedicated personal concierge to help plan, recommend and guide his customers into getting the most from the island at the best possible price.

Jamie’s team caters for all customer queries, from eating out in Tenerife to general area information, all courtesy of Dream Excursions Tenerife.

Jamie is passionate, knowledgeable and dedicated to providing customers with an ‘above and beyond’ service, stating: “Every single person deserves a trustworthy and reliable service with genuine thought and care.

Following this mantra, Dream Excursions Tenerife went one step further and launched their UK based website: www. dreamtenerife.com towards the end of 2016. With over 40 different excursions, the site provides detailed itineraries and helpful tips and advice on each excursion. This is the

first multi-excursion website where all of your trips can be booked and purchased with just a few clicks. It’s clear to see this will be the first stop for future travellers and existing visitors.

Regarding the website, Jamie went on to say: “In an age of developing technology I enjoy bringing the best of both worlds, providing my customers with a clear, fast and reliable, user-friendly site, backed up by our personal concierge service”.

Whether you are a first time visitor, resident or frequent traveller to Tenerife, make your way down to Dream Excursions Tenerife and see ‘what they can do for you’.

Dream Excursions Tenerife is located on the corner of Palm Beach Las Américas and is open seven days a week from 10am to 9.30pm. Their experienced multilingual Dream Team is on hand to find you the very best Tenerife has to n offer.

Grab a copy

IC Media Group at Siam Mall The newspapers Island Connections (English), Kanaren Express (German), LocalXpress (Spanish) and Novosti (Russian) are now available free of charge at the Siam Mall shopping centre in Costa Adeje.

IC Media Group has been given the exclusive rights to distribute its products at the mall, and a newspaper stand has been placed near the downstairs entrance where you will be able to pick up the coming editions of your favourn ite newspaper.

Animal cruelty

Tourists discover starving dogs German tourists who were recently walking in the Las Llanadas area of Los Realejos discovered a case of extreme animal cruelty.

A free-running podenco bitch crossed their path and when they followed her, she disappeared into fallow ground among some blackberry bushes. The tourists suddenly faced an improvised kennel full of starved and dehydrated podenco dogs. They saw that 12 animals were divided between two enclosures, and in a third was a small ferret, also used for hunting.

An eyewitness said: "There was no water and, of course, no food. The droppings were a centimetre high and the animals were in a pitiful condition". The group returned the

A female podenco which was kept in poor conditions

next day to feed and water the animals. They had also organised for someone who had a chip detecting device to accompany them. One of the party said: "When we were there, we felt as though we were being watched from afar, but of course, we cannot say whether it was the owner".

Some of the animals were iden-

tified. Their owners are well known breeders who have a total of 15 to 25 dogs registered in their names. Two days later the walkers returned to feed the dogs, but already four dogs were missing and the kennel had been cleaned and fitted with a lock. With the evidence they had collected, they reported the site to the head of the animal

shelter in Puerto de La Cruz.

A day later, after speaking to the Guardia Civil's environmental and animal protection unit (Seprona), the holidaymakers returned with the help of an acquaintance to lodge a complaint about animal cruelty.

The head of the Seprona unit sent a patrol to the location but no animals were found and the kennel had been cleaned. Several animal protectionists who were involved in the discovery and aided the holidaymakers are looking for the animals.

They suspect that the most vulnerable might have been killed and the rest hidden.

Anyone who can provide information about the whereabouts of the animals can contact Sylvia on the mobile number: n 649 844 435.

IC Media Group has been given the exclusive rights to distribute its newspapers at the entrance of Siam Mall

Siam Mall shopping centre in Costa Adeje

9.2.2017 – 22.2.2017

CANARY ISLANDS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 789

TUI Holly 2017

Nine of the best TUI Group, the largest leisure, travel and tourism company on a global level, recently announced that nine hotels in Tenerife are among the best 100 in the world.

TUI Group is a multinational travel and tourism company headquartered in Germany which holds the annual TUI Holly Awards - the highest accolade that can be awarded to a TUI Hotel. Results from the group’s guest survey determine which hotels can adorn themselves with the prestigious TUI Holly. The award is of great importance to hoteliers, as it measures the level of satisfaction that customers convey at the end of their stay.

The nine Tenerife-based TUI hotels are also part of the hotel association, Ashotel, and will receive their distinction on March 6 in Berlin, Germany. The hotels are: Jardines de Nivaria, Roca Nivaria, Dream Gran Tacande, Riu Garoé, Riu Palace Tenerife, Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur, Hotel Tigaiga, Hotel Botánico & The Oriental Spa Garden, and Apartamentos Ambassador. Almost all of these hotels have won the award previously.

The nine hotels join six award-winners in Gran Canaria: Cordial Mogán Playa, Seaside Palm Beach, Gloria Palace Royal Hotel & Spa, Riu Palace Meloneras Resort, Seaside Gran Hotel Residencia, and Seaside Hotel Sandy Beach.

Combined, the 15 awards for TUI hotels in the Canary Islands place the archipelago, with the Balearic Islands, as the joint second highest destination behind Turkey, which achieved 19 awards for its hotels.

9

EPA Survey

Canaries’ employment boost

TUI Holly Awards The TUI Holly, which has been acknowledging the 100 best holiday hotels in the world since 1994, is a symbol of success in hotel management, and reflects clients’ appreciation of service, facilities, food, cleaning, amenin ties, and other related factors.

Despite the encouraging employment figures, Cristina Valido admits that the Islands still have a long way to go

The Holly Awards - the highest accolade that can be awarded to a TUI Hotel

The Canary Islands ended 2016 with a drop in unemployment for the first time in eight years.

The recorded reduction was announced in the Labour Force Survey (EPA) for the fourth quarter of 2016. The unemployment level of 24.9 per cent is the lowest in nearly a decade.

Cristina Valido, the Canary Islands government minister for employment, social policies and housing, said that she was only “moderately happy” with the encouraging figures

because there are still “many people in unemployment that we need to concentrate on, and that’s the next phase of our work”.

However, she was particularly pleased with the figures relating to women’s employment. The survey reported that there are 378,700 women in employment, which is an increase of 14,100 on last year’s numbers, as well as being a record high. Valido commented: “At no point in history have we had so many women working and contrib-

uting, and that is something worth noting. However, our attention now goes to those people still without employment, and the 15.7 per cent of all households in the Canaries that have all family members out of work. Of course, we’re very pleased with the data from the recent survey, but our mission is to see these figures continue to fall”.

EPA data for the end of 2006, prior to the Global Financial Crisis, shows an increase in employment of 1.6 per cent on the previous year with 12,900

more people working, reaching a total of 826,300 in employment.

Overall last year there was an unemployment drop of 7.77 per cent, with 23,100 people entering work, leaving an unemployment total of 274,000 across the Islands.

Most sectors saw a rise in employment with the exception of agriculture, which saw a drop of 3,500 workers. The service industry saw the largest increase followed by construction, with 4,500 newly n created jobs.

10

CANARY ISLANDS

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 056

Moda Cálida

Gran Canaria seduces Paris

At the invitation of the magazine Íntima, Carmen González, who won the talent competition with her label González Underwear, was invited to the International Lingerie Salon in Paris.

Together with the internationally experienced consultant, Muriel Piaser, who on this occasion was booked by the Gran Canaria island council,

Sensual lingerie that is both sexy and practical at the same time Flexible straps for a backless look

she travelled to the French capital to present her seductive lingerie creations.

González Underwear is part of the consortium of designers from Gran Canaria who have joined together under the Moda Cálida initiative. The autumn/

winter 2017 collection is based on the colours black, Bordeaux and terracotta. The unstructured shapes give personality to the sensual designs in which there are no adjustable straps, ensuring that today's woman can dress elegantly and comfortably at the same time.

With a 70s look, her clothes are inspired by the history of two models very different from

each other but united by their presence in the Andy Warhol factory, and a fusion store in New York that unites art and music. González Underwear has been able to continue its success story, which began last year, by being present at this trade fair with a seductive lingerie collection which is sure to reach a wide female n audience.

25 years service

Medal of human merit for doctor

At the end of January, Doctor Manuel Damas Estévez was awarded the Honorary Human Merit Medal in recognition of his 25 years’ service in La Gomera’s capital, San Sebastián.

Family members and friends accompanied the physician to this ceremony. During his speech, the mayor, Adasat Reyes, said: “He is an extraordinary man and a people’s doctor. He has never turned his back on the community, but has sought closeness to them and treated locals with complete professionalism”.

In the 1960s, when it took hours to get to Tenerife in an emergency, many lives were dependent on his advice, treatment and professional competence. Reyes recalled that: “This doctor distinguished himself by his constant vigilance and knowledge in a very broad sense. He was available as an assistant surgeon in the hospital, as a gynaecologist, a traumatologist, and he also worked in forensics, taking care of blood transfusions in our hospital for many years. Perhaps his greatest merit, which many locals will remember, is that he knew how to listen and treat everyone equally.”

The doctor, who is now retired, said: “It was hard but satisfying work, and was well compensated for. I was lucky enough to work as a doctor on this island with my parents and brothers and alongside my people.” n

Manuel Damas Estévez was a doctor for 25 years in La Gomera

9.2.2017 – 22.2.2017

CANARY ISLANDS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 789

11

PROMOTION

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They are the innovative solution providing fly-free dining outside, relief for hay fever sufferers with a reduction of pollen in the air by up to 90 per cent, or reducing heat and UV rays by up to 80 per cent.

Best of all, they are affordable, practical and made to measure.

There are different types of mesh for each purpose, and there is a wide variety of fine meshes for home or business use. Insect meshes keep flies, wasps, mosquitoes and other unwanted insects out. Pollen mesh, designed to help hay fever sufferers, prevents entry of up to 99 per cent of airborne pollens, such as birch, grass, nettle and ambrosia, so no more sneezing! Solar mesh provides UV filtering and

This is what your terrace could look like when fitted with Design Screen mesh

blocks up to 80 per cent of the sun's heat. It is ideal for use as a shading fabric on windows, doors and porches.

Poll-Tex Pollen Mesh not only keeps airborne pollen out, but it keeps flies, wasps, mosquitoes, moths, midges and other insects away too.

Sun-Tex mesh is ideal for outdoor blinds and sunshades. It is a unique, woven mesh that can block 80 to 90 per cent

of the sun's hot rays before they even enter your window.

It can be used for your patio, on motorised shades, patio shades or canopies.

Sun control screens keep your living spaces cooler, and the Phifer Sun-Tex range can help reduce energy costs because your air conditioner doesn't have to work so hard. It also helps to protect your soft furnishings against fading whilst

No more sneezing! Pollen in the air can be reduced by up to 90 per cent

La Gomera

New hospital for San Sebastián

The La Gomera General Hospital, soon to be redeveloped

The La Gomera island council has announced its plan to demolish the old hospital and construct a new sociosanitary complex with a new access.

President Casimiro Curbelo confirmed that the complete hospital building will be demolished so that the new facilities can be constructed on the same plot. He explained that €1.9 million is to be invested in adapting the land, the creation of a new access, underground car parking and a biohealth park.

Curbelo said that the new road will run from the access to San Sebastián via the southern road to the hospital entrance. It will consist of a normal two-way road with parking on one side and paved areas for pedestrians. He stressed that the investment will allow for the provision of services such as rain water drainage, drinking water points, street lighting and a telephone network.

Curbelo also alluded to the high cost of the work, and stated that 80 per cent of the total amount will go towards

earthworks, demolition, manufacturing work and urban services. He said: "This new road will not only be the access to the hospital but it will be the final answer to the existing problems with the Las Afortunadas area".

A connecting roundabout in Las Afortunadas will redirect traffic to the road that will run along the side of the ravine.

Curbelo also confirmed the need for earthworks to implant the foundations for the walls at a lower level than the channel of the ravine, to avoid breakage of the walls that support the road. He added: "The construction of the foundations will constitute a bastion capable of withstanding the intensity of the rainfall and act as a defence for the left hand border of San Sebastián."

Finally, Curbelo highlighted the relevance of the work, which falls within the framework of the Canaries-State highway agreement, to overcome the lack of visibility at the Las Afortunadas junction and the traffic problems n at Avenida José Aguiar.

and allowing diffused natural light in, it is the perfect patio screening option and it could reduce the need for additional interior lighting as well, making further energy savings!

All of the Phifer Sun Control Screening products also protect against annoying insects, just as conventional fibreglass screening does, and offer good outward visibility. It is heavy

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at the same time providing daytime privacy. By blocking 80 per cent of the sun's heat,

tific advisory board of medical professionals and melanoma specialists with credentials.

MIF provides free screenings and educational opportunities to communities worldwide. The MIF seal of approval is awarded to manufacturers of fabrics that demonstrate high performance in traditional shading devices such as umbrellas, awnings, sun shades and

Unwanted bugs and insects can be kept out

duty and pet resistant, and infused with Microban antimicrobial product protection which is Greenguard certified.

Phifer sun shading fabrics are approved by the Melanoma International Foundation (MIF) and have been independently tested for their effectiveness in preventing sun damage to the skin and eyes, as required

by MIF standards. MIF is an organisation established in 2003 to provide sound guidance and support by a scien-

other complementary sun protective products including sunscreen lotions and sun protective clothing.

If you would like to be able to dine or sunbathe safely on your balcony or terrace in an insect and pollen free environment, or if your home is simply too hot in the summer, don't wait until the weather warms up and the bugs come out, call Design Screens now on 690 215 218 to book your free, no obligation home design visit.n

CANARY ISLANDS

Festina lente

The fleet of fun

juggling, live painting, food, drink, exhibitions, workshops, cabaret and music?

“Five yachts on a 15 month tour of seven countries, with

of very good music when they went out busking. And they are very good indeed.

Wintertime Valle Gran Rey enjoys free live music almost every night, courtesy of locals like Los Satélites, Toño Brito, Juan Mesa and his fusion project, percussionist Rubén

tarists Ulises (Germany) and Ryder (Norway/UK), German percussionist Kushan, and many others, and you have a small town boasting street entertainment, music in bars and restaurants, and a live music venue called the Gomera Lounge.

Roldan, and many others.

We’ve got musical foreign residents like ace Cuban performer Fernando Murgita; Andalucía’s Ignacio Fauri; Sally Hart from England; and Freida from Germany, to name but a few. Add seasonal residents like gui-

So, music we have, but a trombone, flute and guitar trio softly playing fine music on a port bench (hat discreetly in front) prompted me to have an unscheduled beer and listen.

I asked waiter Enrique who they were. “They’ve come in on

Photo: Coline Godinot

others, like ‘He who hesitates is lost’, ‘Strike while the iron is hot’ and all the other ‘do it now’ adages that are 21st century mantra.

So the arrival of an outfit called Festina Lente in La Gomera warranted investigation.

What is this floating event, advertising itself as a weekend long, free, pass-round-thehat festival featuring a circus,

Photo: Festina Lente

The term ‘festina lente’ is Latin, with festina meaning ‘make haste’ and lente meaning ‘slowly’: ‘More haste, less speed’ in modern English.

The term was with us before Christ and often adopted as a motto, notably by Roman emperors Augustus and Titus.

Augustus in particular had little patience with military commanders who acted with haste and rashness. He used sayings such as: "Hasten slowly"; "Better a safe commander than a bold"; and "That which has been done well has been done quickly enough."

He had gold coins minted featuring images of a crab and a butterfly as a visual representation of his motto. Others have been a hare in a snail shell; a chameleon and fish; a diamond ring in foliage; and a dolphin with an anchor. Aesop used the hare and tortoise for his fable, which is probably the best-known version of the adage today.

So there’s a whole body of ancient sagacity telling us to slow down to get it right. It’s true - better to be safe than sorry, better late than never, and so on - but try imagining Augustus as a modern-day finance CEO, imposing the concept on stock exchange deals. As CEO, he would, of course, walk away smiling with millions made from the ruins of the company concerned, but ruined it would be.

Modern life is speedy, but there’s an adage for every aspect of human life and the ‘more haste less speed’ concept has been pushed into the background by equally ancient

Photo: Coline Godinot

By Barbara Belt

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 056

Photo: Coline Godinot

12

a 28 strong crew of artists and sailors. 30 stops in France, Italy, Spain, Morocco, Canaries, Senegal, Cape Verde, Azores and Brittany”, prom-

ised flyers and council press releases, intriguingly.

Festina Lente got to Valle Gran Rey for the originally advertised January 14 and 15, but everything was postponed until the following weekend. This proved important in several ways.

The first was in alerting the town to the quality of what was on offer, which happened during the week’s delay. This large group of people has to eat and while local authorities at Festina Lente’s 30 proposed stops promised permission and help, providing advertising, power, water, chairs, etc., no money has been forthcoming, hence the hats. As you can only pass round the hat when performing, there was a sudden influx

French boats. Two nights ago some others were here playing great music too. The place was

mental in its birth. We raised €15,000 with crowdfunding and were lucky because we

CANARY ISLANDS Photo: Festina Lente

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 789

Photo: Festina Lente

full, people danced, everyone loved them, so we offered them dinner to come back last night and the same thing happened”.

Aha, Festina Lente!

Word got round that these artists were worth seeing and there was a good crowd. “People here have been very generous and there’s a great atmosphere”, said Nico Rousson, who professes to be no more or less than any of the others, since Festina Lente is a cooperative venture.

“The project idea dates from 2013’s Armada Festival and the circus training FAAAC organisation. The Asociacion Artquipage was also instru-

13 part and there are “six spare berths in case they want to come with us”.

The second result of Festina Lente’s extended stay was a group decision to go no further south this tour. “It was a very difficult decision. People are waiting for us, but we can’t expect money from audiences in Africa. Wind power is free, but we need to eat”, explained Nico. “Regretfully, we can’t afford it and will have to leave it till next time”.

Next stop: La Palma. Don’t miss this excellent travelling show for all ages. Keep an Photo: Festina Lente

Photo: Festina Lente

9.2.2017 – 22.2.2017

were given one yacht and lent another. Then we bought the Djelali, Map and Oiseau de Passage, and spent two years

making them all seaworthy.

We looked for artists during 2014 and 2015. No sailing experience was required and

everybody who joined, with two exceptions, has stayed with us”. The name Festina Lente was chosen to reflect

the concept of slow sailing an average of four or five days between ports - with excellent results, and the route because this floating festival wanted to enrich island cultural life. Local artists take

eye on local events listings in case the Festina Lente’s revised schedule, with a longer Canarian stay, brings them to a port near you. For further information, visit: www.festin nalente2016.net.

CANARY ISLANDS

14

PROMOTION

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 056

The hottest hot tubs around

Have you ever thought to yourself how much you would enjoy your very own hot tub but then come back down to earth once you’ve realised the price?

Yes? Then we have some very good news for you. Canary Island Hot Tubs have just opened on Tenerife and they’re selling the amazing Lay-Z-Spa brand of inflatable tubs – quality hot tub / spas at prices that will suit any pocket at all.

Lay-Z-Spa Hot Tubs cost hundreds rather than thousands of euros. They are suitable for gardens, terraces and even indoors, are simple to maintain and economical to run, and can even be delivered straight to your door, no matter where you live in the archipelago. You won’t even be charged a cent for delivery if you make an order during February or March.

and the idea was born of opening his own distribution service for the Islands.

He travelled far and wide to find exactly the right suppliers, eventually choosing the Bestway company. Global leaders in their field, last year they sold over 130,000 hot tubs in the UK alone.

Bestway is, says Harry, a reputable company that he is proud

also find plenty of useful information on the website, as well as sales of accessories, cleaning necessities and spare parts, and some great advice such as chemical and water main-

Harry and Karen are pleased to be bringing the wonderful Lay-ZSpa range to the Islands Karen models the Paris Lay-ZSpa with its stunning multicolour LED light system

tenance and set-up videos.

Canary Island Hot Tubs are the sole distributors and online retailers of Lay-Z-Spa inflatable hot tubs in the Islands. They’ll make sure you are well looked after from start to finish, even providing an after guarantee service should it be needed.

Prices start at just €445, and don’t forget there is free delivery across the Islands throughout February and March. Great fun for all the family, we’re pretty sure that the Lay-Z-Spa hot tubs are going to be a big hit. Why not give Harry and Karen a call today, or visit the n website online.

Affordable luxury Lay-Z-Spa inflatable hot tubs come in various models and sizes. They’re made of a robust 3-ply material (a polyester mesh core encased in two layers of laminated PVC) which offers superior strength and durability, making them the perfect option for almost any situation.

Installation is exceptionally easy. First, position it on a smooth, flat, even surface, near enough to a power supply for the generous seven metre cable to reach.

The electric pump will inflate the hot tub in just five to 15 minutes, and then all you need to do is fill it with fresh water (around one to two hours), administer a commissioning shock dose of chlorine and wait for it to heat up. They even

come with an insulated lid to help keep the heat in and the dirt out.

The heaters are thermostatically regulated, so only switch on to top up the temperature to your chosen level once it falls a degree or two below it.

Around 10 minutes a day maintenance will keep everything in top working order and you can even deflate it for storage when not in use.

Another great bonus is that they can also be used as a plunge pool for cooling down in hot weather – perfect for all year round luxury.

The simple and effective design means they are extremely hard-wearing, but for peace of mind customers are given a 12 month guarantee on the motor and six months on the unit.

Hot tubs for the Canaries Harry Barnbrook and partner Karen Murray decided to start the business after realising there was very little available in the area.

Harry is a long-term visitor to the island. He was in fact the very first person to buy a villa on Golf del Sur, and moved out here permanently a couple of years ago. He was eagerly awaiting one of Karen’s regular visits of the time, and as she was coming with her granddaughter he decided to surprise them with a hot tub.

Unfortunately, he was unable to find anything suitable on the market. His daughter had owned a Lay-Z-Spa for a while, so Harry was already familiar with how good the brand was -

Chilling out nicely in the Vegas model

to be a part of. He chose Bestway as he knows that, with them, he will be able to offer the very best service, guarantee, reliability, and speed of order fulfilment possible.

How to order You are probably asking yourselves how you can get your hands on a Lay-Z-Spa hot tub right now. Thankfully, it couldn’t be easier. Canary Island Hot Tubs have recently opened an office in San Miguel de Abona (see details below).

You can pop in to see Harry and Karen from Monday to Friday, or simply order online. You’ll

Place your advert at

Mundo del Mapa Classified Agent for

Mundo del Mapa Calle San Felipe, 12 Puerto de la Cruz

The hot tubs can be used indoors or out

Canary Island Hot Tubs Carretera General del Sur, 89 San Miguel, Tenerife, 38620 (Until further notice the opening hours for the office are: 11am – 2pm, Monday to Friday) Tel: (34) 922 700 139 Mobile/ WhatsApp: 603 157 910 (Monday - Sunday: 9am - 6pm) Email: canaryislandhottubs@gmail.com Website: www.canaryislandhottubs.com Facebook: Canary Island Hot Tubs

Canary Island Hot Tubs would like to offer rental agencies the opportunity to hire out their hot tubs for occasional use, holidays and parties, etc. All collaborating companies will be given full online support. If you are interested, please make contact via the numbers or email addresses provided.

9.2.2017 – 22.2.2017

1-2 Dive Centre

The 1-2 Dive Centre and Denise Bell from Celebrity International have recently been giving free lectures to schools and education centres to promote ocean awareness.

The renowned scuba centre and recently-founded Celebrity International recently visited Wingate School in Cabo Blanco and Callao Learning Centre in Costa Adeje, among others, with more schools lined up for their free talks, avail-

CANARY ISLANDS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 789

Free school lectures on ocean awareness Free presentations are offered to classes of all ages

The 1-2 Dive Centre and Denise Bell with students from Wingate School

able in English, Spanish and German languages. Their mission is to make young people understand the importance of

the marine environment for the long term betterment of our planet, as very few people realise the levels of pollution

El Rosario initiative

Education for female prisoners’ children

Education and social contact for children of female prisoners at La Esperanza

A new agreement has been signed by the mayor of El Rosario, Escolástico Gil, and the secretary general of penitentiary institutions, Ángel Yuste, regarding the education of children under the age of three years who are living with female prisoners.

This means that the youngsters living with their mothers at the Tenerife II prison can now be given education at the municipal infant school

15

in La Esperanza during the normal hours of 7.30am to 3.30pm. The council promised, via its social action and equality department led by María de los Ángeles Rodríguez, to provide schooling for the children and to cover the cost of their registration and food.

This is to ensure that the children can learn to socialise normally, and that their educational development can

progress as well as possible, despite the circumstances. In close cooperation with teachers, these children are to be supported by special programmes.

The prison authority has agreed to take responsibility for the transport, control and safety of the children on their journeys from the prison to the school and back. At the moment three children are benefiting from n this initiative.

and devastation and the major impact it will have in the coming decades.

1-2 Dive is based in Tenerife South and headed by Alejandro Huitron de Velasco and Mark Vanderhaegen, with their team: Toby, Cathy, Bastion and Daniel. Programme co-organiser,

Denise Bell, says: “We want to teach the youth of Tenerife about the importance of the ocean that surrounds us. We want to educate them about the sea’s ecosystem and how pollution, overfishing and shark finning are impacting the marine environment.”

Alejandro, Mark and their team encourage youngsters to explore the underwater world and appreciate its beauty. They hope that this programme will inspire them to get actively involved in ocean conservation through beach and underwater cleanups, and also promote

better waste management practices such as not throwing litter, recycling and reusing.

The 1-2 Dive Centre and Denise Bell would like to thank Wingate’s headmaster, Colin Macrae, and headmistress of the Callao Learning Centre, Jean Simpson, for including their centres in the programme.

If any schools are interested in joining the project and receiving free lectures available in three languages, please contact 1-2 Dive via their website: www.12dive.com, or telephone: 646 985 694 / 672 n 027 168.

16

CANARY ISLANDS

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 056

Brotherly murder

Accused accepts six year prison term In May 2016, a man murdered his brother in the San Andrés district of Santa Cruz.

A man went crazy with a machete and attacked his own brother, seriously injuring him. The perpetrator called the emergency services and gave himself up to the police when they arrived.

During the reconstruction of the events and following statements made by neighbours and friends, the perpetrator soon gained more sympathy than the victim. Now, eight months later, the case has been settled in Santa Cruz.

Even before the start of the trial, the defendant agreed to the six month prison sentence that the prosecutor had requested. In return, the prosecutor's office announced that it would not object to a premature partial pardon in this

unusual case. The defendant, Tomás, lived with his 71-yearold mother, who could not manage alone and needed help in her everyday life, and his 38-year-old brother José.

The family and the house were held together and financed mainly by Tomás, while his brother preferred to go out and meet friends. He was an alcoholic, who, in a drunken state, was prone to becoming aggressive. Several clashes and menacing disputes with neighbours had already taken place. He is also said to have treated his brother and mother badly. He was seen punching his mother in the street, and had smashed furniture and threw his mother's clothes and personal items into a nearby ravine.

A neighbour stated:"We were afraid of him. Once he

The family drama played out in the idyllic village of San Andrés

knocked at the door and when I opened it, he beat me up.

I took him to court twice, but he was always acquitted. After that, he constantly

threatened me, my wife and our family. In fact, he went out of his way to do so and we tried to avoid him. He should have been treated for alco-

hol abuse and mental health a long time ago". Instead, he remained free and tyrannised his neighbourhood until May 2, at around 2.30pm. Once more he had come home drunk and had insulted his family.

When he finally went to bed, Tomás decided that enough was enough. He fetched a machete with a 13cm blade which he kept under his bed then he went into his brother's room and stabbed him 10 times. Among other things, he injured his brother's lungs, liver and intestines.

Tomás himself made the emergency call and his injured brother was taken to the university hospital Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria. There, a few hours later, he died from his serious injuries. At home, Tomás had confessed to the police and was repentant. "My

God, what have I done?" he said again and again. He was already aware that aggression was not an acceptable form of problem solving. "I just could not take any more", was his simple, but for many, understandable explanation.

Many residents regard the act as a form of self-defence rather than murder, which explains why most are on his side. The neighbours commented shortly after the attack: "He is a calm, industrious, respectful and good person. For years he has been the only one who has been able to maintain the family and has endured terrible problems in silence. He does not deserve to be treated as an ordinary murderer."

The prosecutor in this case also seems to have recognised the n need for leniency.

Environmental meeting

Protection for Adeje coastline

The coastline is to be protected to preserve the natural balance

During Spain's international tourism fair, Fitur, in Madrid in January, there was a meeting between the delegation from Adeje, led by Mayor José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga, with representatives of the Spanish ministry for the environment and the coastal authority.

The discussion focussed on the preservation of the natural beauty of the coast and its wealth of species. Adeje presented their project for the protection of the area of El Puertito

near Armeñime to La Caleta, which plays a special role. The main consideration must be the protection of marine life and the regeneration of the ecosystem. The initiative was also supported by Javier Almunia from the Loro Parque Foundation and

by David Novillo of the Océano Sostenible (sustainable ocean) association.

The bay of El Puertito is already under special protection. There, fish and sea turtles can find a place of retreat

where fishing is not allowed.

This contributes to the recovery of the fish population in front of this coastal section.

Among other things, Adeje's protection project also provides for a review of all those engaged in business in the coastal area. This applies to both public and private companies and their activities.

Whether the plans for the construction of a hotel in this bay are affected by the discussion n is currently unknown.

9.2.2017 – 22.2.2017

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 789

By

Hi everyone. It’s a bit chilly for Tenerife at the moment.

In fact, I’m warmly wrapped in a gift I was given by Tony and Michael a couple of years ago. It’s a lovely electric sofa throw. It looks elegant, is as soft as angels’ wings, and has varying degrees of heat. And I wouldn’t swap it for a big clock, as they say.

I do so love having you send me emails about my columns.

Well, unless you hate them, of course! (And if you do, then I didn’t write them, they were written by my editor and it was not me wot upset you it was her cos I was just stood standing alone and all by myself and being no trouble at all when she produced a gun and said “Katy, write this column as I’ve typed it cos everyone will hate it and you’ll get the blame....”).

Oh all right....she didn’t, but if ever you do hate one of my columns, post it to Donald Trump. He’ll never get the time to read it.

But this week, I had a smashing email from a lady who seems to have had as excit-

ing a life as I myself have had.

Her name is Jackie Keddy. She asked me to put my stamp on it, but honestly it’s so beautifully written, and shows the happy personality of this lady, that I’m going to include it as I received it.

y Kat

CANARY ISLANDS

17

small tunic chevrons, I asked “Why have the men got larger chevrons”? The kindly presenting officer explained that: “It’s because you’ve got smaller arms dear!” Imagine that in these politically correct days!

There was lots of banter but it was all good fun and the camaraderie was really entertaining.

You had to see the funny side of life.

After a while I then entered the CID as a Detective Sergeant.

One particular burglary scene I attended, clothes were strewn absolutely everywhere, and I commented on how they’d completely ransacked this particular room. Only for the householder to quietly say: “But officer they haven’t been in this room!”

There have been lots of hair raising moments and many emotionally traumatic scenes that I’ve witnessed. However, I’ve always maintained that humanity surfaces through all. Having a good sense of humour in my opinion is a competency that should be within the entrance curriculum.

I was promoted to Detective Inspector and worked across many crime specialist departments: domestic violence, burglary, homicide, child abuse - everything! I was then promoted to Detective Chief Inspector, based at New Scotland Yard.

And was very proud to become a grandmother too!

I applied and was successfully appointed as Staff Officer, a glorified term for a ‘gofer’ being eyes and ears to the Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Crime Directorate. This was a strategic post overseeing 4,000 detectives in London.

And I assisted in setting up

the ground breaking Metropolitan police leadership academy.

Many times I have been mistaken for a secretary and have had lots of amusing moments clarifying who I actually was.

Upon retirement in 2010, I qualified as a conflict mediator and career business coach setting up my own business consultancy.

I was commissioned by a large publishing agency to write Managing Conflict at Work, which has been translated into other languages including Spanish and Chinese, and thereafter wrote Managing Coaching at Work.

I am now in the process of writing a gritty novel! Throughout my career my family has been my anchor and my greatest achievements are my long and happy marriage and wonderful son Adam and daughter Denise, and grandchildren.

Kind regards, Jackie Keddy.

Hi everyone,

in place for female entrants, but after an extensive and rigorous process, especially into my child care arrangements, I was finally accepted.

My police tutors were actually shocked that I had chil-

katykennedy@telefonica.net

ture (he’s only six years older than I, and I was 27 at the time). The assumption being I must of course be a daughter.

I undertook extensive training, learning to march to our lessons, saluting, spending hours

Hi Katy, I enjoy reading your column as it’s very varied and interesting. I wondered if my life story would be of interest to your readers. I’ve bashed this out very quickly. Please feel free to tweak as you think fit.

I was born and bred in Paddington, London, married and had a family when I was very young and now happy to be a frequent visitor to this beautiful island. I have established roots here. My son Adam is settled here. He lives here with his fiancée Jenny. He’s definitely a chip off the old block.

I was one of the very first women to join the Metropolitan Police being married with two young children. In those days this was unheard of and there were strict gender quotas Jackie Keddy has had a fascinating life

dren. I have a wonderfully supportive husband who was 100 per cent behind me in realising my dream of becoming a police officer. My proud husband Den took me to Hendon Police College in April, 1983, escorting me into where I was to stay for 20 weeks training: recruits were only allowed home at weekends.

As he waved me a loving, fond farewell, a matron type figure consoled him saying not to worry as “his daughter would be very well looked after!” His poor face was an absolute pic-

buffing my uniform shoes to a shining gleam, which my son promptly trod on when he attended my passing out parade!

I was somewhat of a rarity but am pleased to say I passed out with honours. I was posted to Holloway, London as a uniformed officer on the beat.

And hit the ground running.

I was labelled “a good thief catcher” and received several commendations.

After six years I was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, and upon being presented with my

Wow, what a wonderful career this amazing lady has had. In fact, she inspired me so much that I almost went out to the car and removed the Guinness label from the registration and drafted a letter to get the proper one!

We all know so little about our readers, and Island Connections is a family newspaper which, in effect, is really what South Tenerife is: a family.

So any time one of you has something of interest to share, please write to me at: katykennedy@telefonica.net, or telephone: (34) 616 110 930.

Thank you Jackie for sharing, and good luck with your upcoming book, and in the meantime, take care of yourselves and especially of each n other.

CANARY ISLANDS

Brunelli’s Steakhouse

As the old saying goes, the way to your lover's heart is through their stomach.

But it's not just that: a particularly good feast can be as sensual as love. So what better way to celebrate this day of lovers than a romantic candlelit dinner in a beautiful atmosphere?

At Brunelli's Steakhouse in Puerto de La Cruz, Valentine's Day is particularly delicious.

The wonderful menu contains just the right dishes to surprise your loved one. The culinary adventure begins with a Raspberry Bellini cocktail, with champagne, raspberries and vodka. Then there are grilled scallops with Bercy sauce and an artichoke leek cream soup with Iberian ham flakes. A refreshing snack is then served with a gin-tonic sorbet. The main course is the pride of the house, a 250 gram beef fillet steak with

Valentine dining

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 056

Pamper your partner on Valentine‘s Day A romantic and unique ambience, right by the sea Valentine’s Day at Brunelli’s is a culinary festival

Brava. When the weather is fine, the gigantic window overlooking the sea can simply be retracted so that guests feel as if they are sitting on a sheltered terrace in the sea breeze.

But even without this effect, the atmosphere is modern and cosy, and art and paintings complete the scene. High quality meat, perfectly cooked Dauphinoise potatoes and small seasonal vegetables. To crown this gourmet delight, the menu is rounded off with a sweet chocolate Amaretto soufflé. To accompany your

meal, you will be presented with a half a bottle of white wine, Palestra Blanco Rueda Verdejo 2015, and red wine, Castillo de Tornos Tinto Gran Reserva Cariñena 2009. The

Sweet recipe ideas

Poppy seed pudding with strawberries

tle less milk are cooked as normal. Then, a packet of bake-

South Tenerife

Bio-Mor i

a ng

packet of vanilla and a packet of chocolate pudding with a lit-

Moringa - Suerte

e ni n Te n e r i f

w

A sweet pudding with fresh fruit

ready poppy seeds is stirred into the mix. The vanilla pudding is additionally refined with grated orange peel.

After both puddings have cooled, they are layered in a bowl. First chocolate, then vanilla and finally the pudding is covered with plenty of fresh strawberries.

It is best to keep the dessert cold for a few hours. If you wish, you can also have freshly grated chilli chocolate, or a mixture of 250 grams of curd cheese with vanilla sugar and a cup of sour cream on top. n

gro

An upcoming invitation or even a sweet idea for Valentine's Day would be a poppy seed pudding with strawberries.

It is now known that strawberries belong to the romantic and aphrodisiac fruits. Like chillies, they can be incorporated into sweet desserts as well as hearty main dishes. Wherever they are applied, they provide that certain 'something'.

For the poppy seed pudding, a

in an original American Southbend grill oven at 800 degrees Celsius, guarantees a unique experience. A wide range of selected wines from Spain and the Canary Islands is a perfect addition to any meal. A visit to Brunelli's restaurant is a culinary experience, an atmosphere that is optimal for a romantic declaration of love for Valentine's Day. Reservations can be made by calling: 922 062 600. Information is also available at: n www.brunellis.com.

cost per person is €75. Valentine's Day at Brunelli's promises maximum enjoyment, in a splendid ambience.

Brunelli's Steakhouse is located on the coast of Punta

Moringa - the edible tree Direction to Granadilla

18th February Open Day

Finca Suerte

El Salto Yaco El Salto

San Isidro TF-1

©2015 FLN

18

Open Day on 18th February, 11am to 4pm.

For all those interested in the benefits and uses of Moringa.

Moringa Oleifera – an invaluable food type!

Moringa in Tenerife Organic cultivation.

www.moringasuerte.com Martin Thiele mobile: (0034) 678 403 844

9.2.2017 – 22.2.2017

CANARY ISLANDS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 789

19

Fine dining

Made with love at Indian Flavor Indian Flavor is one of the finest and most popular restaurants in Costa Adeje, reflected by its high ranking on TripAdvisor.

Indian Flavor began as an idea of Jasmer Battan, the manager and founder. After much hard work and sacrifice, starting from zero, he and his team have established a first class restaurant which opened in 2014 with the best staff available. Shortly afterwards, the takeaway and delivery services were established. Today the restaurant and its image are being constantly upgraded to provide diners with the very best in Indian cuisine.

The reward for all this hard work and devotion is shown in the customer reviews shown on TripAdvisor where Indian Flavor is currently ranked in the top 10 restaurants in Costa Adeje and throughout Tenerife.

The restaurant focuses on providing modern Indian cuisine and creating tasty and elegant dishes for any occasion, in fact they are happy to cater for parties. They also offer a wide range of vegan and vegetarian dishes and can prepare food to suit special dietary requirements.

Their philosophy is simple: give special treatment to every customer from the moment they walk into the restaurant; prepare meals with the freshest, local ingredients; inform clients so that they select the best dishes according to their tastes; and constantly improve the quality of customer service, food preparation and presentation.

Today, Indian Flavor continues to upgrade and modernise, both at the restaurant and also online, where it holds a

prominent position on social media networks and boasts a well designed, informative website.

The restaurant has experienced, friendly staff and great facilities with a large outside terrace which has been refurnished.

You will find that the menu contains all the information you need regarding allergens, gluten, and other contents.

When selecting your sauce and preferred dish, the options are chicken, lamb, chicken tikka, lamb tikka, prawns, king prawn, paneer, fish or mixed vegetables.

Their dishes include Balti (fresh onion, peppers, tomato, with medium sauce), Rogan Josh (mild sauce made with A mouth-watering flame grilled Sheek Kebab Samosas, naan breads, rice and a delicious curry Save a space for a homemade Gulab Jamun, a typical Indian dessert

mild, sweet and creamy), Pasanda (with sweet wine, cream, almond and spices), Pathia (a sweet and sour dish), and many more.

Special dishes include Chicken Neelghiri, Chicken Mango, Butter Chicken, Chilli Chicken, Keema Mutter Curry, Chicken Razala, Special Lamb, and there are also a number of Tandoori and Biryani options.

To accompany your meal, choose from a great range of side dishes, rice and organic naan breads as well as a fabulous children's menu. The delicious homemade Indian desserts are well worth saving a space for.

Indian Flavor currently has a special offer which you can take advantage of every day between 4pm and 6pm to eat in the restaurant, with a range of starters, main courses and accompaniments to choose from, for only â‚Ź11.95 per person.

There are always special offers for groups, free home delivery between 4pm and 11.30pm for orders over â‚Ź10, and a free WiFi service.

Manager and founder Jasmer is considering organising something special to celebrate the Holi Festival which falls on March 13 and 14, for which you will need to make your reservation in advance as space is limited. Booking are always advisable at this much-loved n restaurant.

Indian Flavor tomato and cream), Korma (medium sauce made with fresh onion), Madras (a traditional hot Indian sauce), Jalfrezi (made with green and

red pepper, onion and green chilli), Vindaloo (a hot sauce with spices, chillies and potatoes), Karahi (medium dish made with onion and green

capsicum), and Jaipur (curry made with fresh mushroom and coconut), not to mention Dopiaza (made with plenty of fresh onion), Masala (deliciously

Calle Valencia, 3. CC Pueblo Torviscas, Local 3 - 4, Costa Adeje.

Tel: 922 719 283 Email: restaurantindianflavor@gmail.com Website: www.restaurantindianflavor.com Also on Facebook and Twitter

FOOD

20

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 056

Restaurant el Padrino

Second time unlucky

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? 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? Yes, nice enough, probably better with more customers to fill it and provide some atmosphere. But n me? No, thank you.

Restaurante El Padrino None of the three of us are football fans. 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 Puerto de La Cruz town centre, 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, puffing 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 straw at €9.50 for 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.

And then we were abandoned completely! Did we want a dessert and coffee? Only we knew that, because the waiter

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

never came near us again. Yes, 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

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

056

Canary Islands’ attractions for tourists and residents Where to visit

GENERAL INFORMATION

UPCOMING EVENTS

What’s on

Islands summary

Useful contacts

Spin news

Cultural guide

Pages 22 & 23

Pages 24 & 25

Pages 26 & 27

Page 28

Beautiful words and small gestures though they were forbidden to marry by imperial decree from Emperor Claudius II. But Valentine gave the blissful couples his blessing, and these marriages were said to have been particularly successful.

Since then, for centuries past, those in love have been commemorating this day.

Photo: Harmon Fisher / FreeImages.com

Every year on February 14, Valentine’s Day is the time when love is the focus of human relationships.

A small floral gesture, a romantic dinner, a love letter, or just a few words spoken from the heart can make a real impact on your loved one.

Though not everyone attaches importance to specific days and their associated gifts, it is always good to know, hear and feel that one is loved and appreciated. Though this is important everyday of the year, many choose Valentine’s Day to make a special effort and put a little sparkle into life.

One of the believed origins of Valentine’s Day is centred around the Italian Bishop Valentine from Terni. During his lifetime, he presided over the marriage of many Christian couples and is said to have presented them with flowers from his own garden. He even led ceremonies when the bridegroom was a soldier,

Pampering alert Whatever the origins of the festival, one thing is especially important for its celebration: pampering yourself and your loved ones. Even those who do not have a partner can make it a special time. Whether it be an enjoyable trip out, a long soak in a bubble bath, treating yourself to a new dress or shirt, or spending time with people whose company is particularly appreciated, try to do something nice for yourselves.

If you are a couple, you can relax in a restaurant or at home with a delicious candlelit din-

Watermelon hearts for the turtles

ner and conjure magic into the air. There are plenty of possibilities in Tenerife for a great meal out. You could enjoy a special dinner at Brunelli’s (see page 18) or dance the night away at the Hard Rock Cafe. Restaurant El Corazón in Chayofa has a special Valentine’s menu including dinner and dance (see advert below).

There are no limits to the imag-

ination, and the ways in which you can show how much you love each other are as individual as every couple is.

Even the animals in Loro Parque in Puerto de La Cruz can look forward to a loving day as their food will be prepared with extra care: just check out the photo of the turtles’ water melon treat in n the shape of a heart.

22

HOLIDAY GUIDE

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 056

The Canaries have what is considered one of the best climates anywhere on the planet, making the Islands the perfect destination for all year round tourism.

ous luxury hotels and some very nice, small white sand beaches.

In the foothills above these towns you will find three great places to visit. Siam Park (The Water Kingdom), recently declared the best in the world, has something for everyone, from beach lovers to adrenaline freaks. See: www.siampark.net Aqualand, on Avenida de Austria, a water park with a dolphin show. See: www.aqualand.es.

The Jungle Park, at Las Águilas del Teide, is great fun for kids of all ages. See: www.aguilasjunglepark.com

Tenerife Teide National Park The highest peak in Spain, at 3,718m, is one of Tenerife’s greatest attractions. It is possible to hike to the top, and also to catch the cable car.

See: www.telefericoteide.com.

To access the summit of the volcano, Pico del Teide, you need to obtain a free permit in advance, issued by the Administration Office of the National Park, which you can download at www.reservasparquesnacionales.es.

Los Gigantes

Benijo beach

summer solstices. See: www. piramidesdeguimar.es

Santa Cruz

Playa de Las Américas

Santa Cruz, the vibrant, bustling capital city of Tenerife, is located on the northeast coast.

It has a variety of interesting museums and art galleries, a well maintained historical centre, and an important commercial port. See: www.santacruzmas.com.

Currently Tenerife’s main tourist destination, this area has spectacular views of La Gomera. There’s a big night-life scene which attracts younger tourists, but it’s also somewhere you can relax, eat, and go sailing, whale and dolphin watching or golfing.

La Laguna La Laguna, a university city, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. It has a lively night life and a thriving cultural scene.

Puerto de la Cruz The town of Puerto de la Cruz was a popular tourist destination long before the south was.

Its attractive and busy town centre has maintained its picturesque fishing-village charm, and nearby is the prestigious, award-winning Loro Parque Zoo. See: www.loroparque.com.

which is popular with European, Russian and national tourists. There are vari-

La Laguna

La Orotava One of the prettiest towns on the island, La Orotava also gives its name to the whole valley, which has a very prosperous history. The town centre has beautiful old mansions reflecting the wealth of the past.

Anaga Rural Park The Anaga Rural Park occupies much of the mountainous mas-

Los Cristianos sif in the northeastern corner of Tenerife. This is a steeplysloping area with exceptional natural and cultural treasures, and amazing landscapes.

Güímar This northeastern town is best known for the ethnographic park which was developed

by Thor Heyerdahl. The pyramids are a complex construction, astronomically orientated according to the winter and

Once a little fishing village, Los Cristianos began as a tourist destination for ailing Swedes who came to enjoy some rest and recuperation. From the port you can take a ferry to La Gomera, La Palma or El Hierro.

The two main beaches offer safe swimming with disabled access.

Costa Adeje Costa Adeje is an upmarket area of South West Tenerife

Las Gaviotas beach

The town of Los Gigantes, which lives mainly from tourism but on a much more modest scale than Playa de Las Americas or Los Cristianos, is overlooked by the towering cliffs. There is good diving and a small harbour.

9.2.2017 – 22.2.2017

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 789

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

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

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

Photo: siulesoj

La Gomera

La Gomera laurel forest

Gran Canaria

Santiago, in the south, are the main tourist towns. Valle Gran Rey is a beautiful valley with good beaches and great restaurants. The harbour still has a small fishing fleet.

Garajonay National Park houses an ancient laurisilva (laurel) forest at its heart, with over 400 species of flora and fauna. The forest was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1987.

El Hierro The smallest and westernmost of all the islands, El Hierro only has three municipalities; Valverde, Frontera and El Pinar.

For exploring, it’s best to hire a car, and you can easily drive all over the island in a day. Valverde is a small town in the north, the only capital in the

Canaries not located on the coast. Frontera (El Golfo) is a milder, bigger town to the west, with more going on and better weather, and right down in the south is La Restinga, famous for its diving.

La Palma Also known as ‘La Isla Bonita’ (the pretty island), La Palma is

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

BLOCK BUSTERS WE UNBLOCK ALL TYPES OF DRAINS

internal and external using our high pressure jets and cameras.

Call

647 928 223

23

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

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

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

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

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

Photo: Kai Gieseler / FreeImages.com

Photo: Sizters / FreeImages.com

green and rugged, with breathtaking sights and one of the best places in the world for star gazing, hence the location of the world’s most important astrophysical observatories on its Roque de los Muchachos.

HOLIDAY GUIDE

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

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

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

Lanzarote

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

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

declared a Biosphere Reserve

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

24

HOLIDAY GUIDE

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 056

General information for visitors

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

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

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

Can I drink the water?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Las Teresitas beach, Tenerife

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

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

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

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

Do not leave anything in sight.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Consulates

Auditorium, Santa Cruz de Tenerife

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tel: (0034) 922 274 224.

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

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

9.2.2017 – 22.2.2017

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 789

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

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

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

Call to make a reservation.

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

Tel: (0034) 922 797 668

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

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

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

Photo: Gianni Testore / FreeImages.com

Taxis: (0034) 922 715 407

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

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

Tel: (0034) 922 75 00 68

Radiotaxi La Laguna (0034) 922 255 555.

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

Tel: (0034) 922 386 000.

Centro de Información Turística, C/ Puerto Viejo.

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

Taxis: (0034) 922 378 999.

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

Taxis: (0034) 922 747 511 Tourist Office Costa Adeje Avda. Litoral Playa Fañabé Tel: (0034) 922 716 539 Jungle Park: Urb. Las Águilas del Teide, s/n Tel: (0034) 922 729 806. www.aguilasjunglepark.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tel: (0034) 928 765 242.

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

Tel: (0034) 922 315 265.

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

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

La Gomera

Gran Canaria

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

Lanzarote

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

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

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

Taxis Valley Gran Rey: (0034) 922 805 058

La Palma La Palma Tourist Office Avda. Blas Pérez González s/n Tel: (0034) 922 412 106 www.visitlapalma.es Taxis: Radiotaxis La Palma: (0034) 922 181 396 www.taxilapalma.com: 686 553868 Radiotaxi San Miguel: (0034) 922 416 070 Los Llanos de Aridane Tourist Offices: Avda. Dr. Flemming, s/n Tel: (0034) 922 402 583 / (0034) 922 402 528 www.lapalmacit.com Llano de Argual, 31 (also handicraft shop) Tel: (0034) 922 401 899

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

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

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

Taxis: (0034) 922 895 698

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

Fuerteventura Puerto del Rosario Tourist Office Avda. De la Constitución, 5 Tel: (0034) 928 530 844

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

Taxis: (0034) 928 850 059 / 928 850 216

Lanzarote

Taxis: (0034) 928 866 108

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

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

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

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Corralejo Tourist Office Plaza Grande de Corralejo Tel. (0034) 928 866 235

Taxis: (0034) 928 541 257

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

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

Please confirm before travelling.

Lago Martiánez Avda. De Cristóbal Colón, 1 Tel: (0034) 922 385 955 Taxis: Servitaxi (0034) 922 378 999 La Orotava Tourist Office C/ Calvario, 4 Tel: (0034) 922 323 041

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

HOLIDAY GUIDE SPIN NEWS

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 056

Beautiful boleros

Songs from the soul

Don’t miss a great opportunity to see Alma de Bolero in Los Cristianos, coming up on February 18.

Masters of the Bolero tradition, the group is currently celebrating its 15th anniversary and will be presenting their latest disc, succinctly entitled 15 años de música (15 years of music). The sixth album since their crea-

tion, the collection of tunes is sure to be a hit with fans, and this is your opportunity to see it played live on stage along with one or two surprises. Various well known Canarian vocalists will be joining the band for the show, including Darío Cabrera, Idaira Trujillo and the wonderful Javier Hernández from Los Sabandeños.

The concert is set to be an exciting evening, as the audience will be encouraged to join in each and every one of the songs, which will include popular hits from artists such as Julio Iglesias, Raphael, Luis Miguel and María Dolores Pradera.

See Alma de Bolero (which translates to ‘Soul of the

Bolero’) at the Infanta Leonor Auditorium, starting 9pm.

Tickets cost just €10 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 8.45pm); or online via: www.arona.org. n

Photography exhibition

Blooms or bust Budding photographers have until February 24 to get their entries in for the Almond in Flower competition in Santiago del Teide.

Every year during January and February the huge valley that the municipality sits in is adorned with the pink and white blossoms of the beautiful nut trees. People travel from all over the island to see the sight, with coach loads arriving from far afield every day.

As well as the many guided walks, gastronomic events and other activities, a photography competition takes place annually and is now in its 20th year.

It is open to everyone over the

age of 18, of any nationality and resident in any country.

The theme is the almond trees in blossom and the photos must have been taken within the municipality’s boundaries.

Each contestant can present two different entries, each of which must have a minimum size of 40cm by 30cm and be framed behind glass. Prizes start at €300.

For a full list of entry requirements call: 922 863 127 extension 234 between 8am and 3pm, Monday to Friday.

Alternatively, see: www.santiagodelteide.org, where you will also find information on related n activities.

Concentric colour

Magical mandalas Catch a spiritual exhibition of paintings by Esther Lafiebre at the Museo del Pescador in Puerto de Santiago until February 25.

Lafiebre has created a range of mandalas for the public to enjoy and contemplate. Traditionally speaking, mandalas are spiritual and ritual symbols from Hinduism and Buddhism that represent the universe. However, the term has become a generic name for any, usually geometric, depiction that represents the cosmos. Mandalas are often used for focusing and as an aid to meditation. Lafiebre’s colourful and intricate designs are pleasing to the eye and fascinating to see.

The museum can be found on the main hill which leaves from Playa de La Arena heading towards Puerto de Santiago. It is extremely easy to spot thanks to its bright maritime themed painted facade and sculptures of fishermen positioned on its roof.

The exhibition can be visited from Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 1pm and 4pm to 7pm. It is also open on Saturday mornings between 10am and 1pm. See: www.santiagodelteide.org for more information. n

East meets West

Saintly fusion Santa Cruz on February 16 is the place to be for the latest concert by fun and funky band St Fusion.

The group originally started out as St Duo in Tokyo in 2003 – a partnership between Japanese vocalist and pianist Satomi Morimoto and Canarian guitarist and multitalented musician Tomás LP Cruz.

Five albums later, the band has metamorphosed into a quartet thanks to the incorporation of Miguel Manescau on guitar and Akior García on drums. Their sophisticated sound has, not surprisingly, a distinct Asian feel to it.

Catch St Fusion at the Teatro Guimerá starting 9pm.

Entrance costs €5 and tickets can be bought from the theatre’s box office, Tuesday through to Friday, 11am to 1pm and 6pm to 8pm, or two hours before the show starts.

For online sales, visit: www.tomaticket.es, or see: www. n teatroguimera.es for more info.

Photo: www.teatroguimera.es

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9.2.2017 – 22.2.2017

HOLIDAY GUIDE SPIN NEWS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 789

Valentine’s voice

Juicy Jadel

If you fancy celebrating Saint Valentine’s Day with a trip out to a concert, what could be better than Jadel’s Yes to Love show in Santa Cruz?

On the evening, pop/rock singer Jadel will woo audiences with his specially designed set and his intention of spreading a message of love, peace and appreciation, for which the concert will include a range of ballads, boleros and romantic songs by well-known artists such as Luis Miguel and Alejandro Sanz.

The Tenerife born singer first shot to fame when he starred in and won the El Número 1 talent show, after having spent many years touring Spain with his Take That tribute band.

Always with a Latin touch, the repertoire of the talented singer/songwriter crosses a variety of genres, from R&B to funk. Also a popular commentator on social media, you can see Jadel on February 14 at the Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín starting 9pm.

Entrance fees start at €16 and you can also buy a special ‘Meet and Greet’ ticket which will include the opportunity to meet the artist between the hours of 7.45pm and 8.30pm.

Tickets for the musical extravaganza Sí al amor can be bought from the auditorium’s box office between 10am and 3pm from Monday to Friday (except bank holidays); 10am to 2pm on Saturdays and two hours before the start of the show. Children under the age of five years old are unfortunately not allowed to attend. See information on this and more of the concerts and performances at the n auditorium at: www.auditoriodetenerife.com.

FIMA 2017

Arona makes music Arona’s annual FIMA music festival offers a number of concerts between February 24 and March 1.

The festival, now in its eighth year, will kick off with a concert from the Banda de Música de Arona, which will be treating audiences to an evening of famous film soundtracks.

The band, which was formed in 1985 with the creation of the Arona Music Academy, will start the show at 8pm. Tickets cost just €5.

The following evening, on February 25, the Pulso y Púa group from the Municipal Music and Arona Dance Schools will give a concert and show starting 8pm. The 25 young and talented musicians have a level of skill and breadth of repertoire which are sure to impress. The entertainment starts at 8pm and is free but seating is limited, so entrance is on a first come first served basis.

Closing February’s concerts will be a flute and piano recital by Sara Cabrera and Ana Belén Gutiérrez starting at 8pm on the 28th. Tickets for this are priced at €5.

All of the concerts will take place at the Infanta Leonor

FICMEC

Kandinsky

Budding film makers still have time to sign up for this year’s FICMEC competition.

Based in Garachico, the competition attracts entries from far and wide and is now in its 19th year.

Entries have to have been filmed during the period since January 1, 2016, and have ecology and nature as their central theme. Films that focus on humans’ relationship with, and effect upon, the planet are encouraged.

You can enter one or more categories, which are split into the following sections: full-length fiction or animation film; full-length documentary; short fiction or animation, or short documentary.

Find more information on the Festival Internacional de Cine Medioambiental de Canarias at: www.ficmec.es. It will take place from May 27 to June 4, and as well as the various film showings and judging, there will be a number of parallel activities.

If you wish to take part by submitting a film or documentary, registration has to be made via the website at: festival.movibeta.com, and you have until February 28 to enter. n

For the latest concert by the resident chamber music group at the Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín, head to Santa Cruz on February 23.

The cheeky and cheerful Quantum Ensemble will play a concert entitled Kandinsky, paying homage to the great Russian artist who painted ‘symphonies’.

Kandinsky was fascinated with the work of composers such as Gustav Mahler and Richard Strauss, hence the evening’s entertainment will include various pieces from these and other great musicians

Films and fun

27

Auditorium. Tickets, where appropriate, 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 shows on their respective days (up until 15 minutes before they start); or online via: www.arona.org.

There are more concerts lined up for the beginning of March, so watch this space for more n information.

Pictures painting symphonies

that influenced his expressive paintings.

Quantum Ensemble has a stable core of members formed by three renowned musicians

- David Ballesteros (violin), Cristo Barrios (clarinet) and Gustavo Díaz-Jerez on piano - who are regularly joined by other prestigious artists. For

this latest concert, they will be accompanied by soprano Anna Dennis, Alejandro Bustamante and Pablo Díaz on violin, Adriana Ilieva (viola), Cristo Barrios playing clarinet, Ángel Luis Quintana on cello and Javier Negrín on piano.

The concert starts at 7.30pm.

Tickets start at €5 and are available from the auditorium’s box office between 10am and 3pm from Monday to Friday (except bank holidays); 10am to 2pm on Saturdays and two hours before the start of the show.

Alternatively, see: auditorioden tenerife.com.

HOLIDAY GUIDE WHATS ON 2017

FEBRUARY

GRAN CANARIA DIARY DATES February 10 9pm: Jorge Drexler in concert, Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, Las Palmas, from €22. www.auditorioteatrolaspalmasgc.es

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 056 pany (in Spanish), Auditorio Infanta Leonor, Los Cristianos, €10. www.arona.org

February 18 until March 12 Agüimes carnival, various activities. www.aguimes.es February 19 7.30pm: Silverio Belmonte in concert, Teatro Guiniguada, Las Palmas, €12. www.entrees.es

February 14

February 28

12.30pm: Concert by Simon Johnson, organist and director at London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral, Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, Las Palmas, from €7. www.entradas.com

9pm: Valentine’s Day concert by Jadel, ballads, boleros and romantic songs by well-known artists such as Luis Miguel and Alejandro Sanz, Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín, Santa Cruz, from €16, ‘Meet and Greet’ tickets to spend time with the artist also available. www.auditoriodetenerife.com

8pm: Flute and piano recital by Sara Cabrera and Ana Belén Gutiérrez, part of the FIMA music festival, Auditorio Infanta Leonor, Los Cristianos, free entry, limited seats. www.arona.org

Until further notice

February 16

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.

9pm: St Fusion concert, Asian fusion music, Teatro Guimerá, Santa Cruz, €5. www. tomaticket.es

Exhibitions

8pm: Flamenco show, Mar de Mares, Auditorio Infanta Leonor, Los Cristianos, €11 & €13. www.arona.org

February 23

Las Palmas Carnival, various activities. www. lpacarnaval.com

February 26

February 17 - March 03 Gáldar Carnival, various activities. www.galdar.es February 18 8.30pm: Bole Rock and Roll, Centro Cultural Maspalomas, San Bartolomé de Tirajana, €15. www.entrées.es

Until June 4 El iris de Lucy (Lucy’s iris), collection of works by 25 contemporary African artists, Centro de Arte Moderno (CAAM), Las Palmas, free entry, Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 9pm, Sundays 10am - 2pm, www.caam.net. Also at the Casa África. www.casafrica.es

JANUARY

TENERIFE

February 17

February 18 8pm: Concert by Rels B Itchy & Buco Sounds, Bounty VIP, La Laguna, no under 16s allowed, €10/€15. www.tomaticket.es 9pm: Alma de Bolero in concert celebrating 15 years of activity, popular hits from artists such as Julio Iglesias, Raphael, Luis Miguel and María Dolores Pradera, Auditorio Infanta Leonor, Los Cristianos, €10. www.arona.org

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.

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

EXHIBITIONS Until February 25 Exhibition of mandalas by Esther Lafiebre, Museo del Pescador, Puerto de Santiago, Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 1pm and 4pm to 7pm, Saturday mornings between 10am and 1pm. www.santiagodelteide.org Until March 5

February 19 8.30pm: ¡Ay Caramba!, presentation of this year’s carnival groups, Auditorio Infanta Leonor, Los Cristianos, €7. www.arona.org

DIARY DATES February 10

February 23

8.30pm: Orquesta Sinfónica de Tenerife with Maximiliano as soloist on clarinet, Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín, Santa Cruz, from €5. www.auditoriodetenerife.com.

9pm: Blue In Green, concert by Tenerife saxophonist Morgan Hernández, Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, Las Palmas, from €15. www.entradas. com

Until February 28 Entries welcome up to this date for Garachico’s FICMEC film and documentary competition. www.festival.movibeta.com

8.30pm: Sugar Hill Band concert, Teatro Guiniguada, Las Palmas, €12. www.entrees.es

8pm: SúbitoKoral: L’Opera, ExpoMeloneras, San Bartolomé de Tirajana, €10. www.expomeloneras.com 8.30pm: Alba Pérez in concert, Teatro Guiniguada, Las Palmas, €10. www.entrees.es

8.30pm: Flamenco Puro (Pure Flamenco), Antonio de Verónica and Saray Cortes Company, traditional and modern styles, Infanta Leonor Auditorium, Los Cristianos, €12. www.arona.org.

8pm: Carnival groups Los Playeritos and Ritmo Sureño, Auditorio Infanta Leonor, Los Cristianos, €5. www.arona.org

8.30pm: Piano recital by Valerij Petasch, Hotel Playa Sur, El Médano. Contact or visit the hotel for more information

February 10 to March 5

February 17

February 12

February 26

Photo: teatenerife.es

28

February 11 9.30am: VII Trail Arico half marathon, 22.6km and 12km courses, leaving from Arico Nuevo. www.ayuntamientodearico.com 6pm: Children of the 80s night for the over 18s, Hard Rock Hotel, Costa Adeje, from €18. www.entrees.es 7pm & 9pm: SolaMente, oneman philosophy theatre, Aarón Gómez, Teatro Leal, La Laguna, from €10. www.teatroleal.es 8.30pm: Banda Sinfónica de Tenerife with soloists Néstor Sánchez Galván, Sislena Caparrosa and Besay Pérez Rodríguez, Teatro Guimerá, Santa Cruz, €4- €10. www.teatroguimera.es 9pm: Theatre show, Heidi, by the Teatro Abubukaka Com-

7.30pm: Concert by resident chamber music group Quantum Ensemble, inspired by the works of painter Kandinsky, Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín, Santa Cruz, tickets start at €5. www. auditoriodetenerife.com Until February 24 Entries accepted for the Almond in Flower photography competition, open to everyone over the age of 18, of any nationality and resident in any country. www.santiagodelteide.org February 24 8pm: Recital of famous film soundtracks by the Banda de Música de Arona, part of the FIMA music festival, Auditorio Infanta Leonor, Los Cristianos, €5. www.arona.org February 25 8pm: Concert and show by the Pulso y Púa group from the Municipal Music and Arona Dance Schools, part of the FIMA music festival, Auditorio Infanta Leonor, Los Cristianos, free entry, limited seats. www.arona.org

Tierra de sombras (Land of shadows), collection of 35 black and white photos by renowned photographer Roger Ballen, run in collaboration with the Belgian Dr. Guislain Museum de Bélgica, TEA Tenerife Espacio de Las Artes, Santa Cruz, free entry, Tuesday to Sunday, 10am 8pm. www.teatenerife.es Don Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Embajador de España, Tribute collection of memorabilia to Spain’s greatest author, plus related artefacts from Tenerife, run in conjunction with Madrid’s Real Casa de La Moneda, Antiguo Convento de San Francisco, Icod de Los Vinos, free entry. www.icoddelosvinos.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

9.2.2017 – 22.2.2017

BLEVINS FRANKS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 789

29

Free movement

Has any light been shed on Brexit?

Now that the British prime minister, Theresa May, has outlined her negotiating plans for Brexit, what do we know about how it might affect expatriates in Spain?

it now appears unlikely that Britain will accept the Norwegian approach of remaining in the wider European Economic Area.

For expatriates this means that the current benefits of EU membership will most likely be negotiated country by country – a process that could take two years.

The UK is likely to leave the single market

Expatriate rights “remain a priority”

In January, May revealed that her Brexit vision means that Britain “cannot possibly” remain in the European single market. She perceives the free movement of goods, services and people as incompatible with the Brexit objectives of gaining control over British borders and decisionmaking.

Instead, she wants to achieve the “freest possible trade” with EU countries in a “new and equal partnership”. Ruling out any arrangement “that leaves us half-in, half-out”,

It is reassuring that May reiterated her intention to “guarantee the rights of EU citizens already living in the UK and of UK nationals in other states as early as we can”.

However, some were disappointed she did not get the ball rolling by committing to continued healthcare and pension arrangements for Britons living in Europe and the right for EU citizens already in the UK to remain. This may have paved the way for reciprocal deals for British citizens living in Europe.

By Paul Montague, Partner, Blevins Franks

With the UK hosting thousands of Spanish citizens and around 310,000 Britons contributing to the economy in Spain, both countries would benefit from reciprocal residency rights. Until we know if agreements will maintain benefits like healthcare, it could be beneficial to explore private health insurance options. Some British expatriates are also considering securing their position by applying for Spanish citizenship.

It is reassuring that May reiterated her intention to guarantee the rights of EU citizens already living in the UK and of UK nationals in other states With informal discussions underway, May hinted that many EU countries wanted to agree a deal to offer certainty to expatriates now, but “one or

two others do not”. However, EU spokespeople have insisted that no such negotiations can take place until article 50 is triggered.

While we can now expect a clean break with the EU rather than a softer approach, there are still many unknowns. In the meantime, Brexit developments like May’s keynote speech may continue to cause uncertainty for the British pound and investment markets.

With more uncertainty ahead, as an expatriate there has never been a better time to review your financial planning and explore your options. An adviser who lives here and is experienced The Brexit deal will be in supporting expatriates in put to parliament Spain will understand crossborder implications and help May has committed to give you take appropriate action MPs a final vote on Brexit. as Brexit unfolds.

Does this mean the decision can be reversed if it faces enough Blevins Franks provides taiformal opposition? It is highly lor-made advice on investunlikely, with Brexit Secretary ment strategies, tax mitigation and estate planning. It David Davis declaring the UK has decades of experience will leave the EU whatever hapadvising British expatripens. May pledged to trigger ates in Spain. Contact Paul Article 50 before the end of Montague on 922 716 079 March and work within the or paul.montague@blevinsfranks.com. two-year framework outlined www.blevinsfranks.com in EU laws.

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BUSINESS

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 056

Be prepared

EU negotiations Obviously Brexit is constantly in the news at present and is particularly of interest to those of us who are expats, or at least spending a good part of the year here.

The government clearly don’t want to lay all their cards on the table as far as the negotiations go, but it seems extremely unlikely that there will be any major changes to the rights of UK citizens to remain in Spain. After all, Spain would certainly not wish to lose the investment that Brits have all over Spain, both in terms of property and daily spend, which contribute greatly to the economy.

So what should you be doing, if anything? Firstly, it seems that Article 50 will be triggered within the next few months but there are varying opinions as to how long it will actually be before changes to laws and pro-

cedures filter down to everyday life. And these opinions vary greatly from a minimum of two years up to 10 years.

One thing is clear – it cer-

have a history of residence, should it ever become necessary to prove.

For non-residents with a white NIE certificate, the certifi-

Photo: punsayaporn freedigitalphotos

Sponsored by the Free Advice Centre Tenerife (FACT)

Now is a good time to sit down and get your paperwork in good order

tainly makes sense to have your paperwork in good order and to do so soon so that you

cate itself runs out after three months. The NIE number stays with you for life and you don’t

need to renew the certificate unless you need to use it for something official, but at present the National Police are issuing renewals without an expiry date. It might therefore be a good idea to renew it in any case, and have paperwork that will serve you indefinitely.

If you have residencia or a green NIE number that is more than five years old, and especially if it is the paper version, you should also renew in order to avoid any problems.

In both cases, there is some paperwork to do and you will need to present yourself at the National Police station, but it’s a step well worth taking to get your paperwork up to date and in good order.

The Free Advice Centre Tenerife at Wheeler Dealer in Las Chafiras will be happy to advise and help with any such administrative matters, and also offer free referrals to reputable professionals should you need n additional help.

Legal matters

Consumer protection

By Goya Abogados

We normally choose to travel by air over other means of travel because of its speed and convenience.

We pay to travel a certain distance in a specific amount of time, which means that any delay can be construed as a prejudice to the passenger. If the passenger arrives at the airport within the airline’s recommended time with all of the correct documents only to see that their flight has been delayed, consumer protection mechanisms are activated. What are the obligations airlines have towards consumers in this case? Firstly, consumers must be informed of the reason for the delay and secondly, both complaint forms and relevant information on consumer rights must be handed out.

European regulations now say that consumers are entitled to assistance for delays of two hours onwards for flights covering less than 1,500km and delays of three to four hours for flights covering longer distances. Companies are obliged to offer sufficient food and refreshments to the clients in relation to the waiting time. They must also offer the possibility to make phone calls, and send emails and messages. If the flight is delayed until the next day, the airline must provide accommodation at a hotel, as well as arranging transport from the airport to the accommodation.

For flights delayed for five hours or more, consumers have the right to be reimbursed. This way, they will be able to decide whether to be reimbursed for the full price of the ticket or to take an alternative route in similar conditions and even at a later date.

For further information on Goya Abogados law firm, contact: 922 797 500 or visit their website: www.goya abogados.com. n

MOTORING

Rim ratings

EVERYDAY MOTORING

Keep your assets safe

By Wheeler Dealer

Whether you are spending a week here or six months of the year, you will see much more of our lovely island if you have access to a car.

Otherwise, you are seriously restricted as to where you can travel, particularly with regard to many of the wonderful rustic restaurants that are only a short distance away from the tourist hubs but give you a true flavour of Tenerife.

If you spend a few months a year here, you may well have come to the conclusion that it would be cheaper to buy a car than keep hiring, and this can indeed be true.

The problem is that if you are away for a few months, what happens to the car during this time? All sorts of problems can present themselves, from sun damage to the paintwork, to accessory damage (tyres and windscreen wipers for a start) from sitting in the sun for prolonged periods. In addition, you may arrive to a flat battery, or even parts missing off your vehicle if someone has spotted that it has been parked up for a while. Worse still would be if the vehicle got stolen or was hit by another vehicle, and without any information about when and how it happened, you would be none the wiser until you turn up on the island to use it!

All these matters, with the associated costs, not to mention the stress, might put you off buying a car altogether.

But it doesn’t have to be that way!

If you have safe interior storage for your car at a reasonable rate, you can have peace of mind that your car will be in the same condition when you return. If the car is kept inside, it will be safe from incidental damage on the road, protected from the elements such as sun, rain and dust, and prepared for you before you arrive.

Rates of €1 per day mean that it may well be worth your while buying a car and storing it in your absence to avoid rental fees.

All services offered are available from Wheeler Dealer, who also sell pre-used vehicles at very competitive rates.

Based on their years of experience in the car industry, Wheeler Dealer will be providing useful advice and in-depth information for the coming editions of Island Connections. Call Wheeler Dealer, Las Chafiras, on: 922 736 451. n

With safe storage arranged, buying a car for your visits here can work out really well

Which were the coolest alloy wheels ever made?

That is the question that Gavin Braithwaite-Smith recently tried to answer on motoringresearch.com at the end of January.

With the emphasis on cool, rather than dramatic or extravagant, Braithwaite-Smith picked the 10 best alloys found on production model cars, though narrowing it down to so few was, he said, “more of a challenge” than merely choosing some great models.

It’s a highly subjective opinion, of course, but there are certainly some great numbers in the list. So here they are, in no particular order.

BMW M1 Campagnolo The BMW M1 ‘Campagnolo’ is still considered one of the greatest supercars of all-time.

Originally a Lamborghini model, BMW rescued the project from the brink of financial collapse and presented the M1 at the 1978 Turin Motor Show.

Its slatted 16-inch Campagnolo alloy wheels were unique at the time.

Lamborghini Countach Campagnolo Bravo Still with Campagnolo, the stylish ‘Bravo’ wheels on the LP 400 Series 1 Lamborghini Countach are sometimes called ‘telephone dials’ or ‘five cylinder’ designs, and a similar type was also used on the Silhouette, although with a different offset and width.

Citroen CX GTi Turbo The Citroen CX was one of the most technologically advanced and aerodynamic cars of the 1970s, and the streamlined alloy wheels on the CX GTi

‘Ello alloy

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Photo: Liftam CC A-S A 3.0 UL

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 789

The classy Saab 99 turbo Inca made its debut at the 1977 Frankfurt Motor Show Photo: Andrew Bone CC A 2.0 GL

9.2.2017 – 22.2.2017

The streamlined alloy wheels on the CX GTi Turbo were part and parcel of continuing to ensure that the CX was as aerodynamic as possible

Turbo, launched in 1984, were part and parcel of continuing to ensure that the CX was as aerodynamic as possible. In fact, CX is an abbreviation meaning drag coefficient.

Isuzu Piazza The ‘cube’ design found on some first generation Isuzu Piazzas (also known as the Holden Piazza and Isuzu Impulse)“could only have stemmed from the 1980s”, Braithwaite-Smith declares, and he’s probably right.

Ferrari F40 The iconic poster car from the 1980s, the F40 Ferrari cele-

brated the 40th anniversary of the brand, with 1,337 of them being built between 1987 and 1992. The centre-lock design of the 17-inch Speedline alloy wheels was emulated by many designers.

Porsche 911 Fuchs Possibly the most famous Porsche wheel ever, the Fuchs dates back to 1966 when a 4.5-inch rim was fitted to the Porsche 911S. The Fuchs wheels were widened considerably over the following decade, but always looked stunning. Still fitted as standard until 1989, they were never forgotten, with the company paying homage to the Fuchs in 2014 with their 20-inch alloys on the 50th Anniversary Edition of the 911.

Ford Escort Cloverleaf The ‘Cloverleaf’ alloy wheels of the Escort XR3 became one of the most popular rims of the 1980s and were soon being fitted by enthusiasts to ‘ordinary’ Fords, and also made an appearance on the Escort Cabriolet.

Volkswagen Golf GTi Pirelli Though the Pirelli alloy wheels found on the Mk1 Golf GTi tend to be associated with the special edition ‘Campaign’ model, they actually date back to 1982 when they first appeared as an option for the reworked GTi. BMW M5 Turbines The second BMW alloy wheel on Braithwaite-Smith’s list, the E34 M5 sported five-spoke M-System wheels with directional bolted-on wheel covers.

Between 1988 and 1992, the so-called ‘blowers’ came with a magnesium cover and were designed to increase the airflow to the brakes by 25 per cent.

Saab 99 Turbo Inca The Inca turbo-vane wheels on the Saab 99 Turbo were one of the first to make BraithwaiteSmith’s shortlist. Shod in Michelin TRX tyres, the design, which mimics the shape of turbocharger blades, made its debut at the 1977 Frankfurt Motor Show.

All classics in their own right, which would you choose for n your top 10?

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GARDENING

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 056

Gardening DIY

Photo: Mirabo11 / FreeImages.com

Watching nesting birds in your garden can be a wonderful way to pass a few hours.

If you would like to encourage feathered friends to set up home in your vicinity, providing a birdhouse will set the odds in your favour greatly.

You can buy a range of different types from local garden centres or you can construct a simple but effective model in under an hour, with only a few hand tools.

Materials Wood is always the best material to use for your birdhouse project. Apart from it being the most natural choice for both the birds and their environment, it also provides a good barrier against the heat for the warmer days that are coming.

Metals should be avoided at all costs as the boxes become extremely hot inside under the sweltering sun.

Choose untreated rough-hewn planks. Obviously, it is best to avoid the chemicals which are used in treating wood, and the unfinished sides of it will provide purchase for the young when they start to climb around. Alternatively, plywood will do nicely, or for a completely rustic look you

Photo: Lovetheson/ FreeImages.com

Birds’ eye view

Can you spot the hungry bird in the background?

The more natural a birdhouse looks, the better

can utilise sections of wood which have the bark left on.

Shape and form Your box will need a roof, and this should have sufficient

pitch to shed water in the rain, even here. Leaving an overhang of at least five centimetres on all sides will protect the house and its residents from downpours, and just in case the inside does collect water you

will need to include a few tiny holes in the floor to allow any water to drain out.

A few small holes at the top of the house should also be included for providing ventilation. The entrance should face away from the prevailing wind, and the house should preferably be in partial shade. If it will receive many hours of sunlight a day it’s a good idea to paint it white to reflect some of the heat away. Otherwise, the more natural its appearance the better.

You can also make your garden more attractive to birds by providing a number of basic necessities such as fresh water and a supply of appropriate nesting materials (such as hair clippings, strands of wool or feathers). Ensuring that the house is tucked away from areas where you know other birds gather will also help.

Choosing your neighbours Birdhouses are for cavity nesting birds that raise their young inside sheltered chambers or cavities, such as inside a hollow tree or rocky enclave. They all have different requirements and preferences and one of the ways of encouraging a partic-

ular type is by designing the entrance hole and size of the box accordingly.

Here in the Islands there are several birds that will happily use a bird house under the right conditions, the wonderful blue tits being the perfect example. For these and other similar sized birds, a box with sides around 25cm high are very good. Make sure that the bottom of the entrance hole is at least 125mm from the floor of the box to avoid young birds falling out or being scooped out by a cat. The entrance hole should have a diameter of 25mm for blue tits or 28mm for great tits. Always check out sizes first (there is plenty of information on the internet) as if the hole is too big it will give access to predators or allow bigger birds to take over.

Safety considerations Bird houses should ideally be located in places that are inaccessible to natural predators such as cats. High on the side of a wall, on top of a metal pole, in a bush of the type that cats can’t climb, or in a tree without any branches hanging over the bird house are all ideal. Placing a strong mesh or sheet of metal all the way round the bottom of a tree will also discourage cats from reaching the bird house.

Cleaning and care Once it is empty, the interior of the bird house will need to be cleaned periodically or it

can harbour rodents, insects, feather mites, fungus and bacteria that can spread disease to nesting birds. Ideally, it should be cleaned after the nesting brood has completely fledged and no longer returns to the nest. It is a good idea to buy or build one that is constructed with screws for easy disassembling or that has a hinged wall or roof panel to make cleaning as easy as possible.

First remove all the old nesting material and scrape the inside clean. Then thoroughly scrub it with a weak bleach solution, paying particular attention to corners and holes. Rinse well to remove all traces of bleach and place in full sunlight for several hours to ensure it is totally dry. Remember to check the house for large splinters, protruding nails or screws, or any other risks. It is also a good idea to clean the area the bird house is positioned in to remove any lingering dirt or pests.

Different birds nest at different times, with some of them already out investigating potential sites. Others, though not ready to nest yet, may still make the most of available houses for shelter.

Many species also lay more than one brood each year, whilst yet others may have to move nest if one is destroyed by poor weather or predators.

Basically, there is never a bad time to put up a birdhouse, so why not give it a go right now and look forward to enjoying your winged visitors and their n offspring.

9.2.2017 – 22.2.2017

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 789

DECORATION SPECIAL

Home, sweet home A nice home is much more than simply fu rniture.

It is the many small accessories that ma ke a home feel special.

All decorations from Bettenhaus Hammerer

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DECORATION SPECIAL

Just as fashion is revitalised by new ideas, it is also true of furniture and interior decoration. Above all, your personal style plays an important role in furnishing your home. If you’re a romantic type, you’ll be most likely to use flower patterns. If you like a puristic style, you’ll be particularly attracted to clear, noble colours like grey.

Depending on your personal taste, accessories are of particular importance. Pictures, figures, pillows and lights transform the four walls into a comfortable home. In addition, they can be easily exchanged so that you can always provide a new look for living and it is always worthwhile experimenting a little.

Thus, clear, graphic decorations without adornments look particularly good in an apartment, which can be rather playfully furnished.

This decoration then sets a very conscious contrast. Conversely, the same applies: a cool furnished apartment can tolerate a shot of romance well.

No matter which decor style you choose, there are a few basic rules. It makes sense if a tone of the decoration piece (for example, cushions) is found either in the furniture or in the colour of the walls. These accessories are particularly suitable for giving ambience. Quality is also an important criterion for decorating items - because you can also see what has been made cheaply and what has been lovingly produced.

Generally speaking, decoration elements play a major role, especially in the living room. The kitchen and the bathroom are also enhanced by beautiful pieces, so bath salts and shampoos can be decanted into decorative bottles and placed on a silver tray by the bathtub. You could perhaps add a few souvenirs from the beach like mussels.

Spices in the kitchen can be arranged wonderfully to become accessories: simply fill coloured bowls with them and present them on a tray.

Colourful mugs are currently in fashion and bring a good mood to the breakfast table.

Again, it is particularly good when different patterns and colours are combined.

Another way to decorate is by using world themes. How about Africa, for example?

Warm, earthy colours, animal prints and dark woods are the ideal ingredients, complemented by jungle green elements. The Navy style

can also be implemented, with its clear colours such as red, blue and white.

The apartment or house can also be decorated perfectly according to the seasons: delicate green represents the spring, strong sun for the summer, earthy nuances the autumn and icy colours the winter. There are lots of decoration pieces to be found, so have fun with your new n transformations!

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 056

Living

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1. Floral cushions and curved furniture create charm. From DFS Furniture 2. The enchanting world of the jungle can be seen here on decorative cushions. From Bettenhaus Hammerer 3. Polished copper is a great colour contrast to grey. From A Cuckoo’s Land 4. Multiple mirrors on a small table - an unusual decoration idea. By Oliver Bonas 5. For purists. The stylish sofa and picture complete the impression.

From FineArtSeen 6. For the small coffee break: a nicely decorated two-piece sofa.

From George Home at Asda

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Sleeping

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7. An elegant combination: the bed with a silver frame, accessories in grey and white. By Feathers & Black 8. Here, trendy African themes greet you. From Bettenhaus Hammerer 9. The emphasis is simply this: Bedding in bright white. From Secret Linen Store 10. In this bedroom, the brick wallpaper attracts the eye. The colours are also reflected in the bed linen.

From Next

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9.2.2017 – 22.2.2017

DECORATION SPECIAL

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 789

Kitchen

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Infra-Deco

PROMOTION

Practical wall decoration

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In the Canary Islands it can still be very cool in some areas, even in February and March.

How nice that Infra-Deco has imported a particularly good idea to the islands: infrared radiators.

n Light

and flat wall mounted n Normal wall socket is sufficient n Heat effect after a few minutes n No noise, no blower n Easily

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11. Kitchen accessories in bright turquoise attract the eye. From Debenhams 12. Different coloured pomegranate seeds in coloured bowls are complemented with branches. By Oliver Bonas 13. Ideal for romantics, these cups bring emotions and happiness to the table. From Bettenhaus Hammerer 14. Here a common element links all the objects: delicate pastel colours.

From George Home at Asda

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Bath 18

n Comfort n No

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15. Everyday bathroom items are particularly well suited to small silver containers.

By House of Frasier

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16 These fluffy towels look very elegant with the addition of flowers. From Bettenhaus Hammerer 17. Small bathroom cabinet with a nostalgic flair and glass door. From George Home at Asda 18. Flower baskets give a nice finishing touch to the ceiling. From Sainsbury Home 19. A bathroom in safari style with wicker baskets and an original shower curtain.

By Very 20. A small idea and great effect: the hanging basket creates space. From Sainsbury Home

wear, no maintenance purchase costs n No structural changes necessary n Efficiency nearly 100 per cent n No oxygen consumption n No exhaust fumes n No mould formation n Healthy heat and no dust swirling in the air n Very good for asthmatics and allergy sufferers You can convince yourself of this on February 18 as there will be an open day at Infra-Deco from 10am to 6pm. And if that is not enough: anyone who decides to purchase one of these heaters on the day will receive a 10 per n cent discount. n Low

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Not only do they provide warmth in a short time, they are also real eye-catchers, which display a particularly tasteful painting or photograph on the wall. There are no limits to the imagination, so Luc Coppens and Gaby can each find the exact style of infrared heating which fits your personal taste and style of living. The advantages of such an infrared heating system are:

Infra-Deco Las Rosas,Camino Torojil 4 (between Guargacho and Las Galletas) Telephone: 609 962 423 Web: www.infradeco.es

HEALTH

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The seat of emotions

Heartfelt health

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 056

By Xena Fox sends blood into the right ven- Two are positioned between the perfectly normal, as can be the name given to the build-up can often be brought on by cold tricle, from where it is sent to the lungs through the pulmonary artery for carbon dioxide to be removed and the blood recharged with oxygen.

atria and ventricles and one is in each of the two large blood vessels exiting the heart (the pulmonary artery and the aorta).

of fatty deposits, called atheroma, around artery walls.

Atherosclerosis is also very common, and in advanced cases the arteries can become so narrow that not enough blood can travel through them.

When Atherosclerosis affects the arteries of the heart it is called coronary heart disease (CHD). This condition may lead

weather, physical exertion, emotional distress or after eating a meal, especially a large one.

Arrhythmia This is when the heart is beating to an abnormal rhythm – either too fast, too slow, or with an irregular pattern. This is usually due to a problem with the electrical system that tells it when to beat. Conditions that cause the heart to beat too fast are known as tachycardias, and include atrial fibrillation (AF), one of the most common abnormal patterns and a major cause of stroke. Slower than normal rhythms are called bradycardias.

Cardiomyopathy

There are many risk factors for heart disease that you can control, such as getting regular exercise and eating a healthy diet

How the heart works The blood pumped by the heart carries oxygen and nourishment to all parts of the body, and waste products to the organs of elimination.

The heart is made up of two pumps that work as a team, each of which has two chambers. The top ones are called atria and the bottom two, ventricles. Blood returning from the body enters the right atrium. As this contracts it

certain conditions that might not otherwise seem so. These include palpitations (a pounding or fluttering feeling in the chest area) or missing or having an extra beat. This latter is called an ectopic beat and is very common. Neither of the above normally indicates a problem. However, it is always important to speak to

At the average rate of 72 per minute, your heart will beat an incredible 103,680 times a day

The blood then travels back to the heart and enters the left atrium, followed by the left ventricle. From there it is once again pumped around the body.

The heart has four valves to ensure that blood is always travelling in the right direction.

The heart's electrical system regulates its beat. A special group of cells called the sinus node sends an electrical signal to the appropriate muscle telling it when to contract. Hence, the normal electrical pattern is known as the sinus rhythm, which generally causes the heart to beat between 60 and 100 times per minute when you’re resting.

The rhythm of your heart beat changes throughout the day: slower when we are at rest and usually faster when we are physically active or very anxious or excited. All this is

to angina, or blood clots that can cause heart attacks and strokes. Sadly, many people have no idea they have CHD until suffering an attack.

Angina

your doctor about any irregularity so they can rule out any underlying ailment.

The term cardiovascular disease (CVD) is used to describe a range of heart and circulatory conditions. One of the reasons they are linked is that many of the manifestations of heart disease, such as angina or heart attacks, are often caused by one condition: atherosclerosis.

Coronary heart disease Atherosclerosis (sometimes called clogged arteries or hardening of the arteries) is

Angina is caused when the heart muscle isn’t receiving enough blood, usually due to CHD. Other causes include coronary artery spasm, and cardiac syndrome X. Angina manifests as pain or discomfort in the chest, usually described as heaviness or tightness, though it may also spread to the arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach. For some people the sensation is severe, while others say it’s a dull ache. A few will experience shortness of breath as well.

Symptoms, which normally recede after a few minutes,

Cardiomyopathy is diseased heart muscle. It changes the size and structure of the heart and may also affect its beat.

The three main types are all inherited, which often affect several members of the same family to a greater or lesser degree. These types cannot be cured but most people will have a normal lifespan and quality of life, albeit with medication and/or lifestyle changes.

Nevertheless, a small percentage will find that it does restrict their activities, and in some cases there is a risk of sudden arrhythmic death.

A further type is Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, which is usually caused by extreme stress and will generally improve completely over time.

Heart valve disease Damaged or diseased valves can affect the movement of blood Therapies, Spiritual hypnosis, Past life regression

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©2014 FLN

The time of year is upon us once again when matters of the heart are paramount in many people’s thoughts.

Long associated with various emotions, the heart has been a symbol of love for centuries past. Its name forms the basis of over 150 English idioms such as half-hearted, get to the heart of something, heavy heart, follow your heart, and to pour your heart out.

It’s a powerful emblem and an incredible piece of ‘machinery’. The heart is responsible for pumping the blood around your body and is one of the five vital organs along with the brain, kidneys, liver and lungs. Working non-stop, at the average rate of 72 per minute your heart will beat an incredible 103,680 times a day, or 37,853,200 times a year.

9.2.2017 – 22.2.2017

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 789

through the heart. When one does not open properly, called valve stenosis or narrowing, it obstructs or reduces the flow.

Conversely, if it does not close completely (known as valve incompetence, regurgitation or a leaky valve), blood can leak backwards. Both these condi-

all murmurs signify a problem.

Other heart conditions, mostly much rarer, include Long QT syndrome, cardiomegaly (an enlarged heart, usually caused by high blood pressure), pericarditis, and Marfan syndrome, an inherited gene defect which weakens connective tissue.

of muscle and movement of each valve.

Treatments Some heart conditions may not need any treatment but will be carefully monitored for changes or complications. Oth-

blocked artery. It is usually the last resort due to the inherent dangers in the procedure.

Hope and health Cardiovascular disease is the top cause of death globally, representing almost a third of all fatalities each year. Hence, successful research into its prevention and cure receives great interest when released, and January was a good month for offering hope for the future.

Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease

HEALTH

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Designed by researchers at the MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, the programme was fed eight years of patient health records, and the blood test results and MRI scans of beating hearts from 256 patients. It was able to learn which abnormalities predicted death, and 80 per cent of the time was able to forecast which patients were still alive after one year: a whole 20 per cent more accurate than doctors. The software was developed using data from patients with pulmonary hypertension.

Researchers now hope it can be tested on other heart conditions, with the future prospect of it being made widely available to doctors.

The second study seems to have pinpointed at least one of the ways stress can lead to inflamed arteries and CVD. According to the research published in The Lancet, elevated levels of stress appear as heightened activity in one

During the study, led by a team from the Harvard Medical School in the US, it was found that participants who registered higher activity in the amygdalae were much more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than others - and sooner too. The scientists believe that the amygdalae call for extra white blood cells to be produced by the bone marrow, with the cells then causing the arteries to become inflamed, and have tentatively suggested that stress could be as important a risk factor as smoking and high blood pressure.

Cut out the burgers for a healthy heart. Instead, eat a diet low in salt and trans and saturated fats but high in fruit, vegetables, whole grains and beans

tions can strain the heart. The first because it has to pump with more force to get blood past the constriction, the second as it has to work harder to keep the required volume of blood moving through the body.

Some people are born with one or more abnormal valves, whilst other causes include cardiomyopathy, ageing, having suffered rheumatic fever or endocarditis, or damage after a heart attack. The condition can often be asymptomatic but some may experience breathlessness, swelling of the ankles and feet, and fatigue.

Even without symptoms, it is frequently picked up by a doctor noticing a murmur (unusual noise) in the heart, though not

Diagnostics Depending on your symptoms, your doctor will recommend one or several tests. These include an electrocardiogram (ECG) that monitors electrical activity; an electrophysiological (EP) study to help diagnose an abnormal heart rhythm; a coronary angiogram (an X-ray and contrasting dye test to find if coronary arteries are blocked or narrowed); a CT scan to detect and measure calcium-containing plaque in the arteries; or an echocardiogram that produces an image of the heart using sound waves and which can identify its structure and pumping function, thickness

erwise, medication can be very effective for controlling symptoms and reducing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

In more serious cases various procedures may be recommended. These include a cardioversion which normally uses electric shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm; catheter ablation to selectively destroy areas of the heart that are affecting the rhythm; angioplasty to widen narrowed sections of the coronary arteries; or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) - a small device placed in the chest or abdomen to help control arrhythmias.

Bypass surgery is when blood vessels from another part of the body are used to circumvent a

Regular medical check-ups are a way to keep on top of heart conditions

Firstly, a report published in the Radiology journal outlined new software which may be able to predict when heart patients will die, regardless of outward symptoms, thus allowing doctors to target urgent treatments more appropriately.

of the most primitive parts of the brain. The amygdalae are two almond shaped groups of cells that deal with strong emotions such as fear, anger and pleasure, and are the part of the brain that prepares someone for fight or flight.

Are you at risk?

Though certain issues cannot be altered, such as congenital conditions, being over 65, ethnic background (South Asians have a significantly greater risk of heart disease than the general population, for instance), family history, or your sex (men are more likely to develop it at an earlier age than women), there are certain lifestyle factors which raise the risk of developing atherosclerosis and other types of CVD. These are smoking, obesity, stress, high cholesterol levels, being physically inactive, alcohol abuse, and having uncontrolled high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes. Making lifestyle changes can thus help prevent CVD or reduce symptoms.

So, for a healthy heart and circulatory system, make sure you get plenty of exercise; eat a diet that is low in salt and trans and saturated fats but high in fruit, vegetables, whole grains and beans; maintain a healthy weight; drink moderate amounts of alcohol; stop smoking; keep blood pressure and glucose levels controlled; and manage your stress by changing the circumstances that create it or learning deep relaxan tion techniques.

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Golf del Sur

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PETS

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 056

ADOPT, DON’T BUY

Animal charities’ round up Live Arico (PAWS) Helping Hands and Live Arico emergency event Fire ravaged through a property recently, injuring the people who lived there and killing one of their cats, though thankfully another eight dogs and seven cats were rescued by their owners. Two of the dogs are in the vets for smoke inhalation and the rest are being cared for by Jill Jacobson from the animal charity San Francisco de los Animales. The upper floor of the property is totally destroyed and the family has lost everything.

Materials are urgently needed for repairs and belongings must be replaced – Helping Hands will be assisting with this. Live Arico will be helping with medicines, vet care, new beds and food for the animals.

To this end we are organising a joint charity event at Clouseus, Palm Mar, on February 12 from 2pm. There will be a host of great entertainers, so please come and support the event.

Bag a bargain at our shops in San Eugenio, Los Cristianos or Golf del Sur. Call us on: 629 388102. Find us at: www. livearico.com, on Facebook, or join us on Twitter: twitter. com/live_arico.

Cats Welfare Five sleep facts about your cat Our feline friends are true masters at falling asleep any time, any place, under any circumstances, but why do they sleep so much, and what happens in their minds when they’re sleeping?

1. It’s in the genes: Cats can sleep as much as 16 hours a day, and older cats as much as 20 hours. In the wild, cats have to hunt in order to eat, and the stalking and chasing burns a lot of energy. Sleeping helps cats conserve energy between meals.

2. About three quarters of sleep time is snoozing. They can rest all they need, but are still alert enough to awaken at a moment’s notice.

3. The remaining quarter of cats’ sleeping hours is spent in deep sleep, or more for older cats. Cats in deep sleep are usually curled up with their eyes tightly closed. Deep sleep is critical for the body’s ability to regenerate itself. And if you’ve seen your cat’s whiskers or paws twitching while she’s

Forever home

Meet Lucy

Cats welfare explains why cats sleep so much

Lucy went to the K9 refuge five months ago after she was found wandering the streets in a town nearby. She was only six months old and very frightened.

She is a quiet, friendly, intelligent and affectionate girl who loves to spend time with people and gets on well with other dogs, too.

Do you have a place in your heart for Lucy? In return, she promises you lots of love and devotion for many years to come.

If you would like to meet her, please get in touch with K9. Call: 646 561 035 or see the website at: www.k9tenerife.com. n

Acción del Sol

One very lucky and beautiful Alsatian has been adopt3d from Acción del Sol

asleep, there’s a good chance she’s dreaming.

4. Snoring happens when the airway is obstructed by extra skin from the soft palate. This is most likely to happen when your cat is relaxed and is more common in short-nosed breeds such as the Persian, Himalayan, or Exotic Shorthair.

5. If your cat starts sleeping a lot more or a lot less than usual, contact your vet as it could be a sign of illness or pain; while frequent wakefulness can indicate a problem such as hyperthyroidism.

Adoptions At this time of year we have very few kittens available for adoption but we do have lots of young adults and older cats.

Ring or whatsapp Maria on: 646 629 129 (seven days a week 9am – 6pm), message us on Facebook or contact us from our website www.cats-welfaretenerife.com.

Donations Good condition items can be dropped into the shop on San Blas in Golf del Sur (Behind Hiperdino). It is open seven days a week 10am until 6pm but on Saturdays is open from 10am until 4pm. If you don’t have transport or have large bulky items such as furniture and household effects to donate please ring Mark on: 636 590 557 and he will arrange collection from you.

K9 Proceeds from our charity shop sales are essential to ensuring our dogs have everything they need to make their time at the refuge as comfortable as possible. Why not visit us soon at Alcala Plaza next to the weekly market. We’re open every day from 10am to 2pm. There’re always lots of bargains to be had and our volunteers will make you very welcome.

Donations of quality second hand furniture and household goods small and large are all very welcome. Call us on: 646 561 035 for more information or to arrange collection from all local areas.

Meet our dogs We have many dogs - in all shapes and sizes – waiting patiently for their loving, safe and secure forever homes. You can see them all – their stories and pictures – on our website at: www.k9tenerife. com. Or visit us at the K9 Refuge on Calle Chimbesque between Las Chafiras and Las Zocas any day of the week between 10am and 2pm. Alternatively, you can get in touch by telephoning us on: 667 638 468 or emailing info@k9tenerife.com.

You will also find stories of our dogs, their antics and heartwarming re-homings on facebook by following Diary of a K9 Tenerife Dogwalker and also K9 Tenerife.

Early last year a German shepherd dog arrived at the refuge in a terrible state with a broken leg and very severe curvature of the spine. After operating on his leg he slowly recovered but due to his spinal condition he was overlooked by so many people, until his dream recently came true and he was adopted by a very special lady.

We are so happy this very special dog has found a good person to give him a home.

On February 12 at 2pm we are having a fun day at the refuge where we are asking our avid supporters and friends to

come along and make a dog very happy for the afternoon.

Please do come and join in.

Please do call the refuge on: 922 778 630 if you can help in any way, or visit Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons from 2pm-5pm and Saturdays 1pm- 4pm. We are situated directly under the Eolica Parque exit 52 on the TF1 north bound which is after the El Médano junction. Head for the giant windmills on the coast and we are the buildings on the right hand side or email the refuge at teneriffa@aktiontier.org or visit our Facebook page, action tier n Acción del Sol.

9.2.2017 – 22.2.2017

FARMERS MARKET

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 789

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

Playa de San Juan Paseo El Bufadero 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

Puerto de la Cruz Avenida Blas Pérez González, 4 Wednesday to Saturday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 386 158

La Guancha Carretera General TFS km 49 Saturday/Sunday 8am – 3pm Telephone: 922 360 788

San Isidro Mercado del Agricultor de Granadilla Off the roundabout leading to El Médano Saturday/Sunday 8am – 2pm Telephone: 922 759 966

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 side behind Titsa Depot) 8am – 3pm closed Mondays Tel 922 076544

39

Farmer’s Markets

Island support!

San Miguel de Abona P.I. Las Chafiras, San Miguel de Abona, next to the fire station Saturday/Sunday 8am – 2pm Wednesday 2pm – 7.30pm Telephone: 922 735 386 Santa Cruz de Tenerife Avenida José Manuel Guimerá Sunday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 606 000 Santa Úrsula Carretera General, near the town hall Saturday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 301 640 Tegueste Calle de Asuncionistas, 6 Saturday/Sunday 8.00am – 2pm Telephone: 922 316 100 Vilaflor Plaza de Vilaflor Monday to Thursday 8am – 1pm Telephone: 922 709 002

We at Island Connections are sure in the knowledge that one of the best ways to help yourself, and the economy, is to buy locally – even if you are just visiting for a short time.

Canarian farmers harvest an extensive range of crops, which can be seen growing in the typical stepped-terrain farms around the Islands. Products range from tropical fruits, such as mangoes, to worldwide staples like lentils, potatoes and onions.

According to the agricultural group COAG-Canarias, prices of fresh fruits and vegetables differ greatly between the amount the farmers receive and the sale price in the supermarkets. For instance, towards the end of last year, small marrows, which the farmers were paid just €0.07/ kilo for, retailed at €0.84, and leeks sold at €0.36 were passed onto the consumer for around €2.23 a kilo. Many of the prices don’t even seem to cover the cost of production - and this is when subsidies became 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 town. They allow customers to purchase fresher, higher quality produce at cheaper prices, and the farmers receive a fair payment for their efforts. This enables them to maintain or raise the standard of their crops and uphold productivity levels – it’s a win-win situation.

In these markets you will be sure to see a variety of seasonal products, as well as some local home-made delicacies such as

preserves, honeys and Canarian goat’s cheese. A selection of meats and fish can also be found among the stalls, along with an assortment of cakes, pastries and biscuits.

Buy locally, eat healthily, pay fairly – this is one way we can all help each other.

So, to show our support of local farmers we are taking this timely opportunity to publish the details of the many farmers’ markets around the island n of Tenerife. Enjoy.

40

HOROSCOPES | CLASSIFIEDS

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 056

Horoscope for period: February 9 to February 22 Aries 21.3 - 20.4 You will be enterprising and motivated over the coming weeks, ready to put more effort into accomplishing your targets, whether they’re career orientated or on a more personal level. If you keep a clear head you can’t go wrong.

Contacts

Taurus 21.4 - 20.5 Your professional life is very much in the focus at the moment, with signs for career development or a new post looking very positive. Things are good on the family front too. Enjoy this time and make the most of it.

Cockney girl, Ana. Just what you need to get pampered.

Stunning hot brunette. Let my pleasure be your pleasure, owo, French kissing. Los Cristianos, opposite the bus station. Tel: (34) 631 564 875.

Busty and curvy.

Gemini 21.5 - 21.6 You are entering a productive period of creativity, and the weeks ahead promise to be highly positive on many fronts. Set your mind on what you want and go for it. Success is within your grasp if you can stay focused.

Cancer 22.6 - 22.7 Career and worldly success are highly starred at the moment, but it may mean neglecting domestic matters for a while. That said; never forget that we always depend on the support of others to accomplish our objectives.

Leo 23.7 - 23.8 This is the right time to forge ahead with any changes you may need to make. Success will come of enterprises started in the first quarter of the year, so try to focus on your goal. You may find a whole new way of being.

Virgo 24.8 - 23.9 The psychological aspect of your existence with others close to you suddenly takes an all too vivid centre-stage spot. No longer can a deeply seated issue be avoided. Your home environment will be very interesting.

Libra 24.9 - 23.10 You are in a period of having to put the interests of others first, as well as having to cooperate with some people you would rather wish not. However, this kind of personality juggling act is exactly what Librans shine at, you will do it well.

Scorpio 24.10 - 22.11 Everything house and family orientated is hunky dory this month, but there may be a misunderstanding at work. Try to rise above any discomfort caused by it as you will win brownie points for your better demeanour.

Sagittarius 23.11 - 21.12 You can design your own life if you just work steadily towards the attainment of your goals. You can use your determination and diligence to create your own world. There is no need for seeking the opinions of others.

Erotic private parties for singles and couples with German couple. Also quickies and threesomes. Without rush. Also visits to your home or hotel.

English speaking. Tel: (34) 619 614 380 and (34) 648 245 425.

Transsexual, 37 years old, beautiful, tall, blonde, long big penis, active/passive. €100 one hour. Apartments Royal, in front of the bus station, Los Cristianos. SMS/WhatsApp for info. Tel: (34) 602 626 848.

Outcall south and north: tantric massage for impotence, premature ejaculation, and sagging. Prolong your erection and enjoy an incredible experience.

I’m Amaia from Colombia, I’m a very exotic woman. I offer you two orgasms, internal and external, prostate massage, body to body, couple massage.

Full body relaxation. More than pleasure. For more about me, see: www.sensesmassagetenerife.com. Tel: (34) 640 814 067. Also by WhatsApp. For ladies: excursions and escorts, erotic massages and more, with Marc (German) who also speaks English and Spanish. I have my own apartment and car and I also do visits. We can meet in a café before. Tel: (34) 630 759 974.

Capricorn 22.12 - 20.1 You have to decide what it is you truly want in life before you can set sail in its direction. Deep down inside you know what it is but just can’t admit it to yourself yet. When you are ready you will feel like you have shed a burden.

Aquarius 21.1 - 20.2 Career issues are due to take a long awaited backseat whilst you focus on family matters a little more than you have been. This may be a successful year ahead for you, but you need to remember the important things as well.

Pisces 21.2 - 20.3 Professional commitments may leave you driven to distraction over the next weeks. But worry not; you do not strive in vain. Your efforts will be noticed and eventually rewarded. Centre your attention on your career.

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

You’ll love the details. Luxury erotic massages. Visit our new branch in Adeje. Tel: 674 407 827, www.edencanary. com. We are in Playa Paraiso, Costa Adeje. Tel: 662 960 065, www.edentenerife.com.

Appointments only, 10am to 10pm.

Busty, hot Canarian female.

Brunette, pretty, slim, sexy, curvy, 100 per cent fun, passionate and intimate. Toys. In/ outcalls. A real girlfriend experience. Tantric massage, owo, Los Cristianos. Tel: 631 343 527.

Los Cristianos, lovely, tall girl.

Dark skinned, slim, long hair, natural breasts, all services, kisses, caresses, massages, natural French, very deep Greek, complete. Outcalls to hotels/apartments. Pleasure guaranteed. I have a private apartment. Tel: 602 503 279.

Are you looking for erotic relaxation... the special kind? In a stylish ambience without any time pressure? Then enjoy different sensual massages with me, also tantric. I’m an attractive, sensitive, young German woman with education and charm. I speak English well.

Tel: (34) 664 085 213.

San Isidro, new, Sonia, blonde, slim, pretty, all services, no limits, 24 hours. Tel: 672 518 835.

Los Cristianos, Meliza, the bl onde Venezuel an 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.

Los Cristianos, new, Silvia, Spanish blonde, all services, I visit hotels and I can also attend to you in my apartment.

Tel: 608 103 319.

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. Telephone number has changed: was 635 801 105, new number: 608 285 035.

Los Cristianos, Mariana, well built Latin girl, 24 years old.

I do French, natural, positions, Greek, massages and vibrators.

I welcome you to my private apartment. Tel: 610 127 223.

Gay Latin guy in Los Cristianos.

Outcalls to all the island. A sex and massage service for men.

Masculine, 28 years, handsome, athletic body, sportsman. Contact by WhatsApp in English: (34) 695 793 841, or in Spanish call me on: (34) 695 793 841.

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.

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

9.2.2017 – 22.2.2017

Island connections media group s.l. www.islandconnections.eu

Island Connections Online: www.islandconnections.eu

Classifieds Deadline Next Edition The deadline for edition 790, which is published on 23rd February, is 21st Feb. 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 789

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

Answers to life’s problems

Clairvoyance, Channeling, Photo Readings Ask Bhaskar Contact for appointment Tel: 609 903 757

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 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.

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.

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

CLASSIFIEDS

42

Rental Classifieds

Wanted urgently: an apartment to rent in El Médano with 2 bedrooms and a garage. Tel: 676 243 558.

Looking to exchange or rent: Luxury 85m2 apartment in Travemünde (on the Baltic Sea, Germany) in exchange for 2/3 bedroom apartment in Tenerife for 4-6 weeks January/ February 2017. Our property is located on the 2nd floor overlooking the sea and the city and furnished to a very high standard. There is a Wellness and Spa on resort and underground parking. We are looking for a 2/3 bedroom apartment in Tenerife in a nice complex with heated pool and Spa facilities. Email: m.perling@ gmx.de or 0049 179 51 75 987.

Studio for rent, in quiet Bio Finca, 25 sqm, in Los Realejos, close to Restaurant Monasterio, furnished, balcony, parking, garden, terrace, SAT TV, Internet, €280/month, incl. additional costs. Tel: 616 802 861 or 699 044 668.

Apartment for rent, 1 bedroom, fully equipped, near Playa Martiánez, in Puerto de La Cruz, €470 /month + electricity. Tel: Theresa on 606 105 101.

Winter letting Puerto de La Cruz Studio apartment, 24 hour concierge, pool, sea views. Minimum three month contract. €500 per month. 669 652 149 Looking to swap my house in Tenerife for a house in Dublin or surroundings. If agreed, the time could be arranged. From a month to a year time gap. Call Carmen 693 727 683 Apartment and Villa for rent in Tenerife south. Tel: (0034) 662 507 191.

Garage to rent, double width.

Victoria Court 1, Los Cristianos.

Close to Sunday market. Very secure lock-up. Tel: 679 919 623.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 056 For sale, Bungalow 160m2 Costa Sauzal, situated front row with guaranteed spectacular sea-views, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, living room with panoramic windows, modern kitchen, dining room connected to the terrace, including a heated 4 x 8 m pool, all on same level, garage and a marvellous tropical garden with 8 0 0m 2 lands caped 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

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

Good running restaurant in Los Cristianos. Transfer available (for health reasons).

Tel: (34) 603 200 341.

Price: €185,000 · Contact: Lilliam on 607 595 884

€ 25,000

Alan: 634 098 838

335m2 of living space 3 bedrooms 3 bathrooms, 1 guest WC Prepared for freight lift from the entrance to the roof Power supply: 380V Fin de obra 2015 Lighting: everything with LEDs Solar heating for hot water All rooms with balcony Wood parquet in the whole house Descaling system Drinking water preparation etc.

Value: 502,500 € (1,500 € per m2)

Price 450,000 € (1,342,28 € per m2)

& 693 577 101

TRASPASO

€200.000

Chayofa Park apartment for sale Nice two bedroom and two bathroom property for sale in Chayofa, Arona.

It is sold fully furnished and equipped, it is 84m2 and has two terraces of 31m2.

It has central heating and a parking space is included in the price.

Alan: 634 098 838

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.

House for sale in El Fraile

BAR/RESTAURANT COSTA ADEJE

676 378 618 CONTACT: +34 icrealestate@icmedia.eu

€ 122,000

Playa de Las Américas

Tel 629 244 958 € 155,000

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.

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

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

www.teneriffa-fincas.net

SALEs Classifieds

Las Américas

British Style Bar

Advert Placement www.islandconnections.eu

Mobile welder for hire anywhere on the island Contact Jason:

683 422 304 Place your advert at

Classified Agent for

Car Hire, Excursions and Rentals Ocean Golf and Country Club, Golf del Sur 922 736 502

Situations Vacant / wanted

CLASSIFIEDS | PASTIMES

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 789

Vehicles To advertise please call 922 75 06 09

Car needed for long-term rental 676 378 618 Ford Fiesta 1.6, 2007.

ITV until February 2018.

Good condition. 87,000km. €4,750. Tel: 922 861 332 / 609 227 562.

FOR SALE

Mercedes S 320

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.

1999. 216,000 km.

Serviced with ITV valid to September 2017.

€4,850 Tel: 634 347 439

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

43

(For Crossword and Sudoku solution see pag 40)

9.2.2017 – 22.2.2017

Proline 241 American fast fishing boat with a Volvo KAD 32P diesel engine.

Supercharged and turbo charged with less than 200 hrs. Z drive with duo props.

Cushions still in plastics. Forward cabin and lots of storage.

Being overhauled and antifouled. Stored in garage for 10 years. Very little use. €18,000.

For a viewing call: 616 460 728.

Across

1 - lens (8) 6 - bills (4) 8 - hinge joints (6) 9 - pieces of leather (6) 10 - spiders’ weave (3) 11 - suggestion (4) 12 - agreement (6) 13 - reappearance (6) 15 - flux; concentrate (6)

17 - seek (6) 20 - shackle (4) 21 - ruckus (3) 22 - mete out (6) 23 - worker (6) 24 - gastropod without shell (4) 25 - disbelieves (8)

Down

2 - screaming (7) 3 - old coin (5) 4 - responses (7) 5 - underwater apparatus (5) 6 - they enter data (7) 7 - nobleman (5) 14 - jewellery (7) 15 - dedicates (7)

16 - vary speaking pitch (7) 18 - tripod for artist (5) 19 - fastens (5) 20 - small woodland (5)

FITNESS & WELLBEING

44

FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 056

Enhance Fitness

Proportional representation I have seen it many a time, people coming into the gym and weighing themselves before and after a workout as if some great miracle has occurred and one hour of exercise has produced this fundamental weight loss.

If you have lost some weight, this is probably because you trained hard and sweated a great deal, but if you want to lose fat and keep it off you need to do more exercise and eat properly to create an energy deficit. This makes your body use the stored fat to account for the energy shortfall, and over time you will lose fat.

‘eat properly’ as opposed to ‘eat less’, as sometimes under-eating can have a negative effect on the body too.

For the most part, proper portion control is vital in achieving this. Let’s take a look at a great healthy meal option, such as chicken breast with rice and vegetables: the real question is how large are these actual portions? The average person will probably eat the entire poultry portion (because they have been told to devour lots of protein) with a convenient pre-cooked sachet of rice and a mountain of vegetables (once again because veggies are consid-

Photo: Evan Swigart CC A 2.0 GL

By Debbie Gilbey Please note that I have written

ered a ‘free’ food with no negative impact) and possibly add some form of sauce or salsa to the meal as well without thinking about portion size.

If I was cooking that meal for myself, I would have about 150 to 200g of chicken with 50 to 75g rice – standard packaged rice is normally two entire portions, yet as it doesn’t look that much people tend to eat the entire pack. Vegetables for example would be 5 to 6 asparagus spears or broccoli florets plus Chicken may contain protein but watching how much you eat is important to losing weight

a tomato. Some food diaries I have viewed over the years have an entire meal’s worth of vegetables as their ‘healthy side dish’.

As you can see, there is a huge difference in portion size between the two same healthy meals. This is where a lot of people have their downfall. While they are truly eating a balanced and healthy meal, they are eating far too much of each healthy item which in turn isn’t creating the much needed energy deficit for fat loss.

For your health and fitness related queries, please contact Debbie via: www.facebook.com/ n enhancefitnessstudio.

omeres shorten and fray over time. It is a natural process that progresses as we get older.

However, state of health, and lifestyle choices such as heavy drinking and smoking, may accelerate the shortening.

As well as being an indicator of biological age (how fit and healthy we really are), shortened telomeres are associated with various serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and several cancers.

The study, published online in the American Journal of Epidemiology, covered almost 1,500 women between the ages of 64 and 95. The participants filled in exhaustive questionnaires and sported an accelerometer for one week, during which time their every waking and sleeping movement was tracked.

In combination with medical tests, it was found that those women who tended to sit for 10 hours or more a day, with low physical activity levels (less than

40 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per day) had, on average, cells which were eight years older than their actual age in years, and shorter than their compatriots in the study who were more active.

Aladdin Shadyab, PhD, the study’s lead author, said: "We found that women who sat longer did not have shorter telomere length if they exercised for at least 30 minutes a day.

Even a brisk walk a day can help keep you younger, fitter and more mentally active – no matter what age you are – and if you can do more, even better.

Maybe have a chat to someone at your local gym. You may be surprised at how welcoming they are, as more and more people are taking fitness past retirement as a serious part of the service they offer. Taking up a sport such as tennis or golf can also help, and can be a good way to meet new people and have fun. It’s a winn win situation.

Third age fitness

Keep on moving Exercise isn’t just for the young.

It’s long been known that a sedentary lifestyle not only leaves you lacking energy and full of aches and pains, but can also contribute to a long list of ailments such as type 2 diabetes, obesity and back pain.

Our bodies are designed to be on the move, with all of our systems, from brain to digestive, working much better when we don’t sit down most of the day.

It’s logical. And the same rule applies no matter what stage in life someone is at: the more you put the effort into keeping fit and mobile, the longer you will stay that way.

According to the UK´s NHS, the recommended minimum amount of exercise per week is at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity such as cycling or fast walking every week, plus a couple of sessions of strength building exercises for all the major muscle groups.

Regular exercise should be kept up no matter what age you are

This is merely for maintenance, however. If someone is wanting to actually improve their fitness levels then, generally speaking, longer time should be spent exercising, and greater effort must be expended whilst doing so.

But does it really matter that much? Is all the sitting around we tend to do as a society nowadays – watching television, working at a desk, taking a coffee with friends, or on the bus or driving – really making us sick? Well, according to a recently released study by researchers from the University of California in the US, it can actually accelerate biological aging.

Your age can be measured various ways – in years, how you feel, and, importantly for scientists, the length of your body’s telomeres.

Telomeres are tiny caps found on the ends of DNA strands that protect chromosomes from deterioration. As cells age, tel-

9.2.2017 – 22.2.2017

SPORTS

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 789

45

Traditional sports

Embracing the old with the new

Lucha canaria (Canarian Wrestling) involves some serious grappling, and the contact sport is one of the most popular in the Canaries. Most local boroughs have their own arena with traditional dirt wrestling ring.

The matches are performed barefoot, with each wrestler using various techniques to unbalance his opponent. While doing this, the goal is to stay on your feet. If any part of your body other than your feet touches the ground, you lose

introduced to the Guanches – known for their exceptional stone wielding skills – they excelled at it.

The sport’s origins are uncertain. There are similar games found in Spain, France and Venezuela, and given the Islands’ history as a stopping point for cross-Atlantic trade routes, it’s speculated that the Canarian version

bola canaria is played with resin balls.

sign of fading any time soon.

There are also training centres

ture: two staff-wielding contestants engage in a face off, each trying to out-think their opponent. The attacker aims to touch the defender on uncovered parts of his body, but without full contact and never intending to cause injury.

The role of the defender is to prevent a strike against him.

Depending on the region, the island and the type of game being played, the staff can be long or short.

Others Other notable, traditional Canarian sports include: vela latina (Lateen Sailing), salto del pastor (Shepherd’s Leap), Canarian staff fighting Canarian wrestling Salto del pastor: the Shepherd’s Leap The monument to vela latina (Lateen Sailing) in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Early travellers to the Islands before the Spanish conquest wrote various accounts of these bouts between the Guanches, who traditionally used them to settle land and livestock disputes.

Juego del Palo Canario

Bola Canaria Bola canaria (Canarian Bowls) was not initially an aboriginal game, although it is written that when the game was

evolved from one of these.

Bola canaria is comparable to Bowls and Pétanque and used to be played with stones and later, wooden balls. Today,

Juego del palo canario (Canarian Staff Fighting) is the Canarian take on fencing without the white outfits and aristocratic undertones.

Having been developed and evolved by the Guanches as a self-defence training activity, this Canarian sport has centuries of history and shows no

throughout the Islands which promote its conservation. The sport has a fairly simple struc-

lucha del garrote (Pole Fighting) and arrastre de ganado n (Cattle Cutting).

©2016 FLN

Lucha Canaria

the round. The wrestler who wins the best of three rounds is declared the winner, and the team with the most victories wins overall. A bout is the face-off between two 12-member teams. The teams are led by coaches who decide which fighters will go up against which competitors, and an official makes the calls and declares the winners.

Photo: Porao CC A-S A 3.0 UL

In addition to sports like football and basketball typically played on the Spanish peninsula, the Canary Islands have an unusual and historic series of games mostly developed by the Guanches, the Islands' indigenous culture.

These sports, which are now considered to be a traditional facet of Canarian culture, are rooted in the practice of selfdefence, passed down from generation to generation. Many of them have enjoyed a recent revival of popularity, both from Canarian government initiatives and in large to the islanders themselves. Helping to conserve these sports, government bodies have aided the growth of native sports training schools throughout the Islands.

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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 056

Local rugby

Ñandú record first win with new coach Laguna started getting a lot more of the ball and pushed into Nañdú’s half for the first time, but this did not stop Ñandú with a turnover ball and try, yet again for Fran, and conversion for Jacob, making it 0-38.

CRULL put in a spirited performance, especially in the second half

Ñandú before the match in La Laguna

Ñandú recently had their first match under the expert guidance of Lee Gillingham, the latest addition to the coaching team.

The club is very proud and privileged to boast three coaches, especially as all their time and effort is provided with no form of monetary remuneration. The following report is from Lee: 28/01/17 CRULL 14 – Ñandú 76 First of all, I would like to say it was a pleasure to watch and assist these guys in a great win with some very talented players. I wasn’t sure what to expect from either side. As Club Rugby University of La Laguna (CRULL) only had nine players, we loaned them three

scored another try, this time for CRULL, who also converted it, making it 14-52.

It was all attack in the final quarter for Ñandú, with the away side using width with the ball and pressing forward.

Angel made a great run and

(Artur Gonzalez Maldant, Grigory Andreyovich and Valentin Sukudian) to play a 12 v 12 game with 15-a-side rules. It was also agreed to do 15 minute quarters, to allow coaching and development for the squads.

The game started with a great kick off from captain Jacob Oakenfold, which allowed Ñandú to push right from the start. They managed to steal the ball back, allowing Joey Miranda Kranen to find space and get Ñandú off to a great start with a conversion kick from Jacob. After the restart Ñandú continued to push, getting the ball into space and getting a good flow of the ball, which, after the first 15 minutes, allowed two tries

Ñandú had their first game under the guidance of Lee Gillingham

for Fran Ferreyra and Miguel Angel Castañeda. Both were converted by Jacob to give a 0-31 lead, including a great kick over the top that was caught and scored.

In the second quarter we also gave Juan Franco La Porta to La Laguna, giving them a man advantage in the line-up, which proved to make things a lot more difficult for Ñandú. La

With La Laguna now pushing a lot more you could see the pressure in the defence, with a few errors showing from Ñandú. With a couple of minutes to go, Ñandú were able to steal the ball again, getting it out wide to Thiago Groba and a great run down the right-hand side for a try, with Facu Olivera stepping up and converting to make it 0-45 at half time.

In the second half, a knock on by Ñandú meant a scrum to La Laguna in Nañdú’s 22.

They passed the ball to Juan La Porta and Juan pushed through for a try to La Laguna, with a conversion from Valentin Sukudian to make it 7-45. Ñandú restarted with a deep kick to the left pushing forward, and managed to steal the ball again. A try to Jacob with a conversion made the score 7-52. After the restart, Thiago

scored with a conversion from Jacob, making it 14-59. Ñandú was still pressing to get some more points when a knock on gave La Laguna a chance to put some pressure on, but Ñandú stole the ball again and passed to Jacob, who broke through the middle for another try under the post, with the conversion making the score 14-66. In the final minutes they were still pushing for one more try, and scrum half Mateo Paolin Gomez got it, making the final score 14-71.

It was a great game played by all, with some very talented players involved on both sides.

If you would like more information on how to become involved in the local rugby scene, or support this fantastic South Tenerife club, please contact Paul on: 664 361 058. n

9.2.2017 – 22.2.2017

FOOTBALL

47

The final score of 0-0 was a fair reflection on play and the blanquiazules confirmed once again that they are very hard to beat on their travels.

(second best in the division), one or two goals have been sufficient to win games.

The first half against Elche was not a classic, it has to be said, but there is something about us at the moment and when Amath latched on to a Choco through ball there was only one outcome: 1-0 to Tenerife. The second period, as is often the case, was more open with Tenerife hunting for that second goal. We did not have to wait too long as Amath pounced again to rob the ball from a defender before smashing the ball into the roof of the net, 2-0, and Tenerife was being cheered on by a partisan crowd.

Elche never really troubled after this. They had a couple of moments, including an amazing half volley by exblanquiazul legend Nino that was superbly tipped over by Dani and a looping header that struck the top of the bar late on, but it was too little too late

by Elche and Tenerife finished as the worthy winners.

Next up is a trip to fellow promotion hopefuls Valladolid before receiving Almeria at home on February 18 with n a 5pm kick off.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS 789

La Liga 2

CD Tenerife confirms promotion credentials

The supporters have been in fine voice recently

Hernandez. Marti is happy to concede possession to opponents, suck them in and then hit them on the counter attack.

The form of Senegalese forward Amath is simply stunning, he is a joy to watch and Aaron Ñíguez has provided the team

with a creative touch that was lacking previously.

The second factor comes off the pitch with a mini-revolution led by new general manager Victor Perez Borrego. After years of mediocrity there are now improved public relations, contacts with institutions, sponsors and supporters groups. The club is a united front again and that can only bode well for the future.

28/01/2017 Sevilla Atlético 0 CD Tenerife 0 The blanquiazules returned from Sevilla with a valuable point on a day when the top three all lost in the Spanish second division. The youngsters of Sevilla have been the revelation of the season,

Photo: Carsten Lauritsen

The statistics speak for themselves: 24 matches unbeaten at home (13 this season), 394 minutes without conceding a goal, 26 points won from the last 39, only one defeat from the last 13 games, and 14,376 fans attended the clash against Elche, beating the previous best by some 3,000.

So how have the blanquiazules turned from being a mid to lower table draw specialist into this dynamic force? There are two main reasons for the recent CD Tenerife resurgence: firstly, manager Jose Luis Marti has crafted a steady defence backed up by probably the league’s best keeper in Dani

Photo: Twitter

By Chris Todd

CD Tenerife currently has a crop of spirited young players

spending many weeks high in the league, and a rosy future at the Andalusian club is guaranteed it seems. But it was Tenerife that almost opened the scoring when Aaron Ñíguez’s superb free-kick was pushed onto the bar by the keeper.

Chances were few and far between. When Sevilla did manage an effort on target it was dealt with by Dani in the Tenerife goal with ease.

Footballing fun

04/02/2017 CD Tenerife 2 Elche 0 Remember the name: Amath!

The young Senegalese forward has torn defences apart with his speed and determination this season. The only criticism thrown at him before was that after excellent build up play he could not finish with a goal, but that has all changed now.

After a few recent rainy matches it was great to see the sun shine again and the stadium looked radiant, cheered on by the biggest crowd in years. Tenerife is a changed side, not in team selection exactly but in confidence, and they have a game plan that is now working well. They press high, Amath is scaring defenders in this league with his speed, and most home games are 50/50 on the possession front, so they are not obsessed with keeping the ball, but when they break it is with blistering pace. Goals have been a problem but with the defence being in such good form recently

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Girl power!

By Soccer Experience the Walk for Life cancer aware- than a restaurant. If your kids Nomads Youth Girls FC The Nomads girl’s team has only been together two months and already they are having a great time training and playing friendly games every week.

The most important aspect of them starting a football team together is that they are making lots of new friends through exercise and team sport.

We would really like some more girls to join the Monday and Friday football sessions so we can have separate younger and older groups, as at the moment we mix the girls together from eight years old to 14 years old. Recently the girls had great fun promoting

ness campaign.

Men’s 6s Our Men’s 6s league side is presently looking for new teams for the new 2017 season, so if you and some friends want exercise and fun playing football during the summer, simply form a team to play every week at our facilities in Los Cristianos.

Children’s parties More and more families like to host birthday parties at our football pitch as the kids can run around for two hours and then enjoy cake and snacks at the end. It is also a lot easier

would like a football birthday party, please get in touch.

Summer football camps Nomads’ youth teams and friends will be organising football, cultural and fun trips to Granada, Malaga and Costa del Sol in mid-July 2017, and the following week we head to the UK to participate in a UK competition against professional academy teams.

These trips are an amazing opportunity for young players and provide them with excellent experience, enjoyment and the kids will make memories of a lifetime.

We still need a few players for the under 10s and 12s teams

The Nomads girl’s team recently had lots of fun promoting Walk for Life

for the Spain and UK trip and several for the under 14s and 16s sides for the UK football camp. More information on the trips can be found at: www. nomadsfc.com.

Contact More information on the trips can be found at: www. nomadsfc.com. Each team

has its own webpage. Alternatively, email: info@socexp. com or call/message: +34 654 200 470. Also visit our international website: www. n socexp.com.

PROMOTION

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FOREIGN LANGUAGE NEWS 056

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