Island Connections - 583 by Island Connections Media Group

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The Canary Island’s biggest fortnightly English newspaper read by thousands of tourists & residents Edition # 583

30th Jan - 13th Feb 2009

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We are the world!

14th February

VALENTINE’S SPECIAL See inside for our four page special on the most romantic day of the yearr Pages 31-34

Exclusive Interview

PROMOTING A MULTICULTURAL TENERIFE

oming to a TV near you – keep an eye out for a new campaign promoting the diversity that makes the population of Tenerife what it is today. Our intrepid photographer Phil Crean was in Santa Cruz recently when he spotted a motley crew posing for a series of shots and photographs, so camera in hand he got busy. The shots show a group of people, initially with white masks over their faces, which are then removed to reveal the racial mix that goes to make up who we are. The new campaign, Somos Tenerife (we are Tenerife) will be launched soon by the island authorities, and is aimed at reminding all of us that we are a diverse people, living together, and that diversity is what enriches our island. And if the primary aim is to combat any sense of growing xenophobia that might be based on skin colour, its also no harm to remind ourselves that we ex-pats are just as much immigrants as those who have arrived by boat – the only difference may be our legal status when we landed. Sad to report that often the most racist remarks overheard on the island come from white immigrants, many of whom have made little effort to integrate into Tenerife society. Many of us who have chosen to live here did so for the diversity the island offers – and we have married and had children, who are the next generation of Canarians. So let’s work to promote that mix and multiculturalism. After all, somos Tenerife!

Valerio del Rosario Martín OWNER, EL CARDÓN Pages 6-7

Matthew Vickers MEET THE NEW BRITISH CONSUL who has just been appointed to the Canaries Page 3

CD Tenerife TOO EARLY TO HOPE? Good results see the club second in the league. Page 63

...Always near to you with our offer of Spanish and British products! 2

The Sports Megastore, 8.000m

Motorway Santa Cruz La Laguna, Exit “Las Chumberas”. 38205 La Laguna, Tenerife. Tel: 922 62 79 00, Fax: 922 82 11 07 © IC/542/2007

www.decathlon.com

CC Fañabé Plaza and Compostela Beach Commercial Zone Playa de las Vistas

Canary Islands JAMEOS DEL AGUA

Index > Interview 6 / 7

Owner, El Cardón Canary Islands 2 - 11

Tenerife South General

12 17

North

G. Canaria

La Gomera

Business News Financial Blevins

28 29

Valentine’s Special Hotel Botánico 32 Tenerife Pearl 33

Lifestyle Beauty Fashion Health

Pets

36 37 38

43 44 45 46 47

Classiﬁeds Situations vacant Motoring General services Property

51 52 53 55

Sport Motoring Boxing Bowling CD Tenerife

Auditorium reopens

Five and a half million euros have gone into reinforcing the roof, improving security and enlarging the stage and dressing rooms in the huge underground cave that forms part of the complex and is fitted out as an auditorium. The final waterproofing work is being carried out on the dome of the roof and it is expected to be finalised during March. One event said to be of great prestige is already planned for February and the latest Pedro Almodóvar film, Broken Embraces that was partially filmed on the island in May and June of last year, is due for a special showing on March 18th. The audito-

58 59 60 63

‘Sinner’ teacher wins case A religion teacher in Gran Canaria who was sacked by the Church because she was, “living in sin” with a man who was not her husband has won a lengthy legal battle against her dismissal.

rium closed in 2001 after a tremor caused rocks to loosen and fall. It was previously a very popular concert hall, housing the main acts of the Visual and Musical Festival of Lanzarote as well as concerts from great names such as Jan Garbarek and Brian Eno. Residents and tourists will welcome the reopening of the auditorium that forms part of one of the most interesting systems of caves

and volcanic tubes in the world. A jameo is formed when the roof of a tunnel falls in, either because they are over 20 metres wide or because the accumulated gases produce an explosion. The Jameos del Agua, sited in the north of the island at the foot of the Corona Volcano which last erupted 3,000 years ago, were the ﬁrst architectural attraction designed by local genius

EU justice

New EU small claims court At the beginning of the year the European Union introduced a new small claims court, which will allow consumers from one European country to cheaply seek redress from traders in another member state.

It will cost just 15 euros to initiate proceedings, but claims will be limited to a maximum of 2,000 euros. A claimant simply ﬁlls in an application form stating their grievance and how much they are claiming. If a registrar believes there are sufﬁcient grounds for a complaint the application form will be sent directly to the defendant who will then have 30 days to respond. If the defendant disputes the claim the registrar will try and

SUPREME COURT DECISION

Cabildo President Manuela Armas (centre) at the auditorium

Food Business News Rest. Review Seasonal food Food Wine Cheeses

News in Brief

The spectacular auditorium in the volcanic tube and cave complex of the Jameos del Agua in Lanzarote is about to reopen to the public after a signiﬁcant investment from the Canarian Government’s Tourism Ministry.

Valerio del Rosario M.

News

EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

The new court operates across national borders

ﬁnd a solution. However, if the claim goes undisputed a judgement will be made, which must be enforced in the relevant member state. Only Denmark has failed to adopt the new procedure. Rosaleen Quinn of the European Consumer

© 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 Circulation the publishers. They may not be used or reproduced, stored in a retrieval controlled by: system or transmitted in any other form or means without the prior Distribución Gratuita written permission of the publishers. This newspaper cannot be held responsible for the contents of articles supplied by our contributors or Publisher & Proprietor advertisers claims. The publisher reserves the right to refuse to publish Tina Straub, Joe Schacher adverts, texts or advertising features. Advertisements once contracted Island Connections S.L. cannot be cancelled and have to be paid in full. The publishers can not C.I.F: B-38748315 Printed by Artes Gráﬁcas del Atlántico S.A. be held responsible for variation on colour printed in this newspaper. Advertising conditions are to be obtained in our offices. Dep. Legal: TF-287/93

Centre commented, “the new procedure offers an additional channel for individuals seeking redress for cross border disputes and will be especially useful where the individual or business has been unhelpful in resolving the complaint.”

Managing Director

Joe Schacher director@ic-news.com Editor

Clio O’Flynn Commercial Director

Henry Cruz henrycruz@ic-news.com Head Ofﬁce Tenerife C/ Francisco Feo Rodríguez,6º Las Chaﬁras 38620. San Miguel de Abona. Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.

César Manrique in 1968. The complex contains tunnels, endemic wildlife, gardens, bars, pools, dance areas, a restaurant and the auditorium with superb acoustic qualities. It’s open every day from 10 am to 7 pm and on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 7.30 pm to 2 am. The cost of entry for adults during the day is eight euros and nine at night, with child’s tickets available at half price for seven to twelve year olds.

María del Carmen Galayo was sacked from her teaching post in Las Palmas after 10 years by the Bishop’s Ofﬁce for her off the job conduct. Her case, which triggered massive reaction for and against the Church’s decision, has featured regularly in the regional media for a decade and it reappeared again in mid-January when it was revealed that the Bishop had failed in his bid to have the Supreme Court overturn a ruling by a lower court stating that the dismissal was unfair. The Supreme Court rejected the appeal and ratiﬁed the ruling, which means that the teacher will now receive over 10,000 euros in damages plus the interest generated by the sum during the long legal process.

New charges

Irish passports New charges come into effect for Irish passports from February 1. The standard ten year passport for people from 18 to 64 costs 80 euros, 65’s and over do not pay for a standard passport. A large passport for frequent travellers with 66 pages costs 110 euros, a ﬁve year passport for a child from three to 17 will be charged at 26.50 euros and a three year passport for a child under three, 16 euros. Urgent passports issued the same day or on the next working day carry an additional charge of 30 euros for a child and 55 for an adult. To avoid possible delays during the busy summer period, applicants are encouraged to apply for passports now. Details on how and where to ap

ply are provided with application forms on www. passport.ie and you can even track your passport application on-line to see what stage it’s at. Please remember that some countries now insist that your passport be valid for at least six months after the start of your visit, so check the expiry date of your passport carefully.

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Tenerife Office Tel: 922 750 609 - 609 581 632 Fax: 922 795 810 Editorial Department: editorial@ic-news.com Classifieds Section: classifieds@ic-news.com

General Information: info@ic-news.com Ofﬁce Hours: Monday - Friday 9am -5pm

Gran Canaria Tel: 928 353 279/ Fax: 928 359 744 grancanaria@ic-news.com

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

CANARY ISLANDS

New British Consul

Matthew Vickers

Someone to look up to S

tanding six feet four and a half inches in his stockinged feet, the new British Consul to the Canaries, Matthew Vickers is definitely someone to look up to. Just shor t of his 37th bir thday, Matthew is the second of the new look, non-career Foreign Office Consuls to be appointed to the islands, following on from the successful appointment of the outgoing Consul, Steve Jones. “One of the things that’s changing in the Iberian network is that they’re trying to bring in new skills from the private sector.” The vacancy is adver tised both inside and outside the service and during the ver y rigorous selection process it is very obvious that it is open to everybody. “That’s something that pleased me, it means that the best people are chosen for the job,” irrespective of whetherthey have Foreign Office experience or not. Liverpool born Matthew has travelled all over the UK, studying history at Oxford up to post graduate level, taking a Doctorate in the history of Liverpool, especially the Victorian period and is fascinated by the links of that city with the Canaries because of the commerce, such as the Elder Dempster building in Santa Cruz and Alfred Jones Street in Gran Canaria. He spent a year in London during this time and after graduating he joined the huge Safeway supermarket chain on a graduate scheme. His first posting was in Edinburgh and he explained, “for those who haven’t worked for Safeways, they may not understand but they are actually huge businesses. The one I was at was turning over about 40 million pounds a year”, which of course meant an enormous amount of customers. “I think it’s one of the things I’ll be able to bring to this job, it’s a great place to learn about customer care, how important it is to listen to people”. For the last seven years he worked at McCurrach, a company which specialises in optimising the retail sales of many of the top food and drink brands in the UK. Basically their staff visited stores to make sure that the clients’ produce was displayed where it should be, as it should be

Matthew with Tenerife Vice-Consul, Helen Díaz

New British Consul to the Canaries, Matthew Vickers

The basis of this job is helping people which is very rewarding and in the numbers that it should be. One of the clients was Barrs, the makers of Irn Bru, marketed as Scotland’s other national drink, so he was pleased to see that you can get Irn Bru over here, “I’ve got a great affection for it”. He moved up through the business to become a Director and it helped him to learn how to get a consistent service for the customer dealing with staff based all over the UK and how to network, build up relations and the art of gentle persuasion, which will also be very useful in his new role, “understanding who you need to talk to and how you can help the British community”. He learned Spanish thanks to a former girlfriend in Glasgow, whose family also taught him how to make a real paella. Their lifestyle was ver y much involved in the Spanish community over there and he formed a great attachment to the Spanish culture and way

of life. From first seeing the job advertised he saw it as a customer service job, although one which needed a skilled hand to balance resources and of course, “who wouldn’t want to live and work in this sort of climate. The job satisfaction that you get here is fantastic. You find people when you are doing consular support cases who are facing really dif ficult problems and the feeling that you get out of being able to help them is tremendous. When people asked me what my job was, stripped down to the basics I was selling beans, now the basis of this job is helping people which is very rewarding and when you can do it in a climate like this, even better”. He is emphatically proud of the quality of the Iberian network as a whole, “at the forefront of British Consulate work,” a level which given the numbers of British residents and holidaymakers he feels very necessary and he made a strong point of underlining the strength of his own team in the islands and the excellent work carried out by the outgoing Consul, “It’s given us a great base to see where do we go next”. For the time being he’ll be meeting and greeting all those volunteer individuals and gr oups who make such a dif ference in the islands such as the Lions, the British Legion, the staff at the British Library, Age Concern and prison visitor

Norma Mar tindale. “It’s so important the work that these organisations do. We are funded by the taxpayer and there are some things that we can do and some that we can’t because otherwise ultimately everyone feels it in their taxes”. Restricted resources also means that the consulate tr y to help people help themselves with leaflets or on-line information about

living in Spain, reminders to take as much care of your possessions and documents here as you would if you were back home, “everyone’s here to have fun, but you just need to be aware of your surroundings a bit as you would do at home. Don’t let your guard down any more than you would in Britain, there’s crime here the same way there’s crime in Britain.” They also encourage people

to register with Locate, the on-line tracking system which helps the consulate to contact you in an emergency. No details are ever given to third parties and you can register months before you even come on holiday or move over on https://www.locate.fco.gov. uk/LocatePortal/. Looking forward to visiting the islands and meeting lots of new people, Matthew is very aware of the changing profile of the British people here, “because it is changing and the job is about understanding what that means for us and them.” He is also looking for ward to understanding about the various islands, “all so very different” and the very different tourists and residents they attract and the challenges they face.

Wave goodbye to expensive premiums

902 123 738

CANARY ISLANDS

EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

TOURISM

Suicide

Strategy meetings continue Senior tourism ministry ofﬁcials and the heads of the tourist boards on each of the Canary Islands were in England recently to discuss the coming season’s prospects with leading UK tour operators.

Led by regional tourism minister Rita Martín, the delegation met with top management at TUI, including the holiday giant’s commercial director and purchasing managers for the Canaries, and with representatives of Thomas Cook. The Canarian delegation expressed concern at the possible repercussions of the collapse of several charter airlines and also at the pressure exerted by tour operators on hotels here to drop their prices. Following the trip to the UK, Martín ﬂew to Madrid to hold talks with representatives of the country’s airlines in a bid to increase ﬂights to the islands, given the importance of peninsular tourism to the archipelago. Martín admitted that the uncertainty surrounding the future of Spanair, which is rumoured to be on the verge of a take-over by a Catalan consortium, has had an effect on the sector. However, she insisted that an extra effort is needed to increase capacity in order to reverse the downward trend in Spanish tourists, whose numbers fell by eight per cent in 2008 compared to the previous year. Meanwhile a proposal from regional government vice president José Manuel Soria to look for a drop in tourism prices in a effort to revitalise the sector was roundly rejected by hotel representatives. José Fernando Cabrera, president of Ashotel, the association of hoteliers, said such a move would only result in further unemployment in the sector, and the suggestion was also seen as erroneous by Tenerife Cabildo tourism chief José Manuel Bermúdez. Martín and other political representatives are staying in Madrid for FITUR, one of the most important annual international tourism trade fairs in the calendar. Rita Martín, regional tourism minister

Accused serial rapist dead A Gran Canaria man remanded on charges of raping dozens of women and abducting several teenage girls was found dead in prison in Januar y. The 42-year-old, billed as the biggest ever serial rapist in the Canaries, had been kept separate from other prisoners since being sent to the prison in the autumn due to fears that he might come to harm. He was found hanging in the showers by another inmate. An

autopsy report concluded that there were no signs of the involvement of any other party, in other words that the man in question had indeed taken his own life. Speculation included the possibility that he may have committed suicide because he was due to appear in court in divorce proceedings shor tly. However, his lawyer says he was victimised by the other prisoners and suffered sever depression as a result.

Heart attacks

Drivers die at wheel Two drivers have died at the wheel of their cars in separate incidents in the Canaries.

The first occurred in La Palma when a car driven by a local man in his 70s careered out of control and crashed into side

barriers on the island’s LP1 road. A postmortem revealed that the driver had already died from hear t failur e befor e the crash. The second tragedy occurred in El Sauzal in Tenerife early in the morning. Police say a 60-year-old woman stopped her vehicle on the motorway verge near a petrol station but died, also from a heart attack, before the emergency ser vices could revive her.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

Saray tug of war The latest signing sensation from the Canaries has fallen foul of inter-island jealousy, not to mention criticism that she has ‘gone native’. 26-year-old Saray Rodríguez, who finished fourth in Spain’s version of Pop Idol, Operación Triunfo, in 2006, released her debut album, Into My Soul, just before Christmas and travelled to Gran Canaria to promote the record recently. News of her visit, which included album-signing sessions in

MONTAÑA DE JOCO RESCUE

Debut album

CANARY ISLANDS

a well-known department store, prompted a bizarre and heated debate as to whether she was from Fuer teventura, where she used to live before embarking on her singing career in Madrid, or Gran Canaria, her place of birth. The debate filled several pages of a readers’ forum in one local paper but was then itself overshadowed by criticism that Saray had betrayed her Canarian roots and was deliberately attempting to sound ‘posh’ by adopting a mainland accent.

Three survive crash

SIVE Austrian visitor Andreas Glanz happened to be passing as the rescue swung into operation

Fishermen ‘more efﬁcient’ The leader of the Popular Par ty in Tenerife has slammed Spanish gover nment claims that its new detection system (SIVE) is proving effective in spotting boats carr ying migrants from Africa long before they reach the coast.

Cristina Tavío

Cristina Tavío, who is also a regional MP and vicepresident of the Canarian Parliament, said the credit being claimed by Madrid for investing six million euros in the SIVE radars is laughable “because everyone knows that the majority of detections

are thanks to alerts from fishing boats” and not the sophisticated equipment. According to Tavío, even the Guardia Civil has acknowledged that the new system, unveiled just before Christmas, will take around two months to be fully operational.

Three people are in hospital in Tenerife after being rescued from the scene of a crash involving a light plane on the last Sunday in January.

The air-craft, which belonged to a ﬂying school and was carrying the pilot and a local couple, was reported missing by the control tower at Los Rodeos

Airport shortly after take off at 12.30pm. Bad weather in the area initially prevented a helicopter from taking off to start the search and a ﬂeet of ambulances had to

be dispatched by road to a spot in the mountains near La Orotava, the last known location of the plane. The helicopter joined the search shortly afterwards and helped rescue one of the three occupants, a woman who - according to local media reports - managed to phone the emergency services on her mobile as the plane went down. The other two occupants were rescued a short time later by land based services. As we go to press the woman is reportedly being treated for lung and rib injuries, while both men – who are, according to local press, in fact brothers, have suffered multiple breaks. Initial reports say the crash was due to the dense fog, which forced the pilot to change his initial route to Masca.

LA PALMA

Body snatch investigated Police in La Palma are investigating a possible satanic rites connection with the recent theft of human remains from a graveyard in the capital, Santa Cruz.

The disappearance came to light when a gardener at the Tigalate cemetery noticed that one of the niches had been opened and the cofﬁn emptied of its contents. The remains were those of a local man who died over two years ago. Although few details of the macabre incident have been released ofﬁcially by the authorities, it has been reported that tobacco and pieces of coconut were found nearby in the graveyard. According to one newspaper, experts consulted say that the two are often used in Afro-American satanic practices. The paper adds that previous discoveries at the same site include candles and dead chickens.

The graveyard is in the island’s capital

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

By Sheila Collis

Showing the world

VALERIO DEL ROSARIO MARTÍN, OWNER, EL CARDÓN – ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

t’s a cause for admiration and some healthy envy when someone is as joyfully happy in their work as Valerio del Rosario Martín, but he claims that his environmental education business, “is the excuse to do what we enjoy doing”. After attending a three month course as a guide to the Teno Rural Park in 1996 Valerio became hooked and was quick to sign up on a two year study workshop that was organised by the local council the following year, Escuela Taller El Cardón – named after one of the area’s most spectacular offerings of flora. The curriculum for the course was wide and included: getting to know the flora and fauna of the area, its culture and geography, social and historical inheritance, studying English, the management of natural areas and how to go about educating people about the environment, interpreting the rich heritage for them. It is this latter area in which Valerio and various associates and later employees have excelled, so much so that this year the company is celebrating its tenth anniversary. This fun, dynamic and very different way of ex-

plaining the world about us was first expressed by Scottish born American citizen, John Muir. In 1871, while living and working near Yosemite Valley, Muir recorded in his notebook, “I’ll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm and the avalanche. I’ll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can.” He then passed on this knowledge to others and it was this spirit of investigation, conservation and diffusion which inspired the world’s first interpretative guide service in the Yellowstone National Park. In Spain, the first such service was begun in Teide National Park and it is a method which is widely recognised as one of the most effective in environ-

mental education. According to the Association of Heritage Interpretation the aim is to, “reveal hidden stories and meanings; bring places, objects and ideas to life; create thoughtprovoking and memorable experiences; connect us with our natural and cultural heritage; deepen our understanding and expand our horizons.” It is the, “art of helping people explore and appreciate our world”. It was this dream that Valerio and two friends, Sonia and Yaye turned into a business when the Taller Escuela ended starting an environmental association which then became a company that they also called El Cardón (www,elcardon. com). They started offering guided walks, summer camps for children, envi-

VALERIO DEL ROSARIO MARTÍN BORN: BUENAVISTA

TENERIFE

1972 ronmental education courses for schools and working on projects for the public use and enjoyment of the Teno Rural Park. The first few years were tough as they are in any business and for various family and economic reasons the women had to drop out, but Valerio stuck in there and with grit, determination, dedication and a lot of hard

effort, he made it work, picking up along the way a hard-won post graduate qualification in heritage interpretation. Nowadays, the company offers a whole gamut of environmental options and they are constantly coming up with new plans. The most visible sections of their operations are the guided routes which they prepare for individuals or groups as well as regular routes for Icod de los Vinos, Santiago de Teide and San Juan de la Rambla councils, subsidised by the appropriate departments in each. They also offer themed routes for bird watching, night routes for star gazing, an ascent of Teide, ethnographic routes where local artisans will give displays of how to

make roof tiles or basketwork for example or there may be an exhibition of the salto del pastor, a method used by the shepherds to scale and descend ravines at a rapid pace. There are also visits to cheese making establishments and of course tastings, wine, gastronomic and cultural routes. The active tourism range includes visits to volcanic tubes, ravine descents, mountain bikes, caving, climbing, abseiling, orientation, archery, routes by kayak, boat trips for whale watching, guided routes for divers and other sports activities in the open air. This year they have begun a new programme of routes especially designed for tourists, every Tuesday in the famous Montes del

F e w t h i n g s i n l i f e a r e co n s i d e r e d p r e c i o u s , a n d w a k i n g u p to p e a ce, q u i e t a n d a n o v e r a l l s e n s e o f t r a n q u i l i t y i s w o r t h e v e r y p e n ny. Fr e d O ls e n , S . A . h a s c h o s e n L a G o m e r a a s t h e p e r f e c t s p o t f o r t h e d e v e l o p m e n t o f e x c l u s i v e l u x u r y v i l l a s a n d a p a r t m e nt s . O n e o f t h e p r i m a r y r e a s o n s f o r t h i s u n d e r t a k i n g i s t h a t L a G o m e r a i s g u a r a n te e d to k e e p i t s t r a n q u i l i t y, s i n ce o v e r 6 0 % o f t h e i s l a n d h a s b e e n a l l o c a te d to n a t u r e r e s e r v e s .

Good Morning For more information please visit: w w w. p u e b l o d o n t h o m a s . c o m o r c a l l : + (3 4) 92 2 62 83 8 0 + (3 4) 92 2 14 59 39 Pueblo Don Thomas, La Gomera, Canar y Islands, Spain.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Agua in the north, then a changing programme for each Saturday in the month. The first Saturday is dedicated to a walk through the Teide National Park, the second through the world famous Masca ravine, the third through the volcanic tube complex at the Cueva de San Marcos and the fourth to a trip by kayak off the Los Gigantes cliffs at Punta de Teno. In addition the company runs the Bolico mountain refuge, similar to a youth hostel but available for all ages, and lodged in a stunningly converted old farmhouse in the heart of the Teno Rural Park (www. alberguebolico.com), they have a reservation centre for quality rural accommodation in the area (www. tenoturismorural.com), an information centre and sales point for local crafts and hikers’ needs in La Venta in Buenavista’s main town square where they also offer mountain bikes for hire. They continue

with the school education classes and children’s summer camps and now also manage work camps for environmental projects in the area for young volunteers from all over the world as well as organising challenge excursions or short stay camps for company employees. El Cardón regularly organise workshops, talks and games for fiestas and at present are developing a kind of bouncy castle type game which helps children understand their surroundings more. Whilst they started in the Teno Rural Park they now work all over the Canaries in the open air and in visitors’ centres, historical buildings and museums. Their full time staff now consists of about 10 people but can be fairly elastic depending on the season. They employ fully qualified specialists in environmental education and heritage interpretation, tourism, leisure and free time monitors, nature guides, illustrators and

THIS YEAR THEY HAVE BEGUN A NEW PROGRAMME OF ROUTES

especially designed for tourists graphic designers. The latter help them to provide a huge range of interpretative panels, teaching aids for schools, guides, information pamphlets for courses, posters and a long etcetera. They are one of the first points of call when the islands’ authorities are looking for someone to design for example a teachers’ guide on educating kids about how to recycle and deal with rubbish in an environmentally friendly way or their current work in progress which is how

to prevent fires. Valerio thrives on innovation and new challenges, “it helps to charge the batteries” he grinned. His personal challenge for the next two years is as a monitor for a new Escuela Taller to help train up 12 youngsters in Icod de los Vinos to develop, protect and show the resources of their area

– the Drago tree, the Cueva del Viento in addition to doting on his wife and young daughter and continuing running his busy and successful company. “We consider ourselves successful. It’s not about how much money you make,” he stated firmly, “it’s about a job well done, carried out with principles and stand-

1. Valerio and his daughter at a Tenerife Tourism event 2. Yaye, Valerio and Sonia in the early years (l-r) 3. Bolico Mountain Refuge *.The remaining photos show unforgettable moments from events organised by El Cardón

ards and a firm involvement with and commitment to the environment”.

00 44 1522 527439 jason@probatesolutions.co.uk

EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

CANARY ISLANDS

HOLIDAY FIGURES

Immigration

The slump in sterling could see a further drop in visitor numbers from the UK

More women and children migrants Dismal December Salou Traoré warned that more women and children will attempt to reach the Canaries

A Senegalese journalist invited to take part in a human rights conference in Tenerife has warned that the situation in his country will force many more women and children to migrate to Europe via the Canaries in search of a better life. Salou Traoré, who works for Spanish news agency EFE

in Senegal, said conditions were worsening rapidly in the West African nation and with the unemployment rate currently standing at around 40 per cent, many families see no alternative but to try and take a boat to the Canaries. An estimated 15,000 Senegalese nationals left their country in 2006 on board large ‘cayuco’ ﬁshing boats

bound for the islands and Tarorñe reckons the ﬁgure will rise further due to the current economic climate. The journalist conﬁrmed reports from international aid bodies that the country’s government had used funding sent by Spain for anti-cayuco initiatives and farming programmes in the last election campaign to secure re-election.

The fall in the number of foreign holidaymakers who visited the Canaries last month was worse than expected. Ofﬁcial statistics released by the region’s Department of Tourism reveal that December brought 11 per cent fewer visitors from abroad compared to the same month in 2007. Worst hit was Lanzarote, which suffered a drop of over 20 per cent in December, which equates to almost 30,000 fewer tourists from abroad.

The ﬁgure for Tenerife (302,000) was 11 per cent down on December 2007, while in Gran Canaria the drop was more than eight per cent. Despite the gloomy ﬁgures, the tourism authorities insist that the Canaries have coped with the general economic downturn better than most sun and beach destinations, with only a 1.2 per cent fall in the 2008 yearly total compared to 2007. However, the optimistic

outlook is not shared by the one of the country’s biggest tourism promotion bodies, Exceltur, which forecasts that Britons could be discouraged from holidaying in Spain due to the slump in sterling, which has made prices much more expensive. Exceltur, which revealed recently that the number of British holidaymakers fell by one million last year, says that non-euro destinations such as Turkey and Egypt look certain to capitalise on the situation in 2009.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

CANARY ISLANDS

DRAGO PREDICTIONS La Gomera’s Drago

Rain foretold By Barbara Belt

his winter’s wonderful, much needed rainfall has provided the island with full reservoirs, lush greenery, a replenished water table and the promise of good crops and harvests in the year to come. Anybody taken by surprise by the cool, wet weather is guilty of having ignored the obvious, according to older and wiser islanders. We should have seen the obvious, by consulting the nearest Drago tree. The Canarian Dragon or Drago tree, dracaena draco, has an important role in Canarian customs and legends. One such custom was the use of the tree for making predictions about the weather. A ﬂowering tree, for example, meant a wetter winter to follow. The Drago tree does

not flower annually, so flowering is something of an event. When it does flower, according to local legend, rain will surely fall. Should the flowers be minimal, it will rain but not in copious amounts. Should the tree award itself full flowery honours, rain during the following winter will be similarly abundant. La Gomera’s Drago in Alajeró this August, “...was covered in beautiful flowers, standing proud in the countryside”, according to local observers. “I knew it would rain a lot this winter. Our grandparents and parents always kept an eye on the Drago in summer to see what to expect for the winter. I don’t know why everybody’s so surprised. People forget the obvious,” observed an elderly goatherded. The Drago is an ancient species, found throughout the Macaronesia area, in

the Canaries, the Azores, the Cape Verdes and Madeira. It also grows in the Western Sahara and a similar tree grows in Australia. It can reach heights of up to twelve metres and is a single or multi-trunk tree with a dense, umbrella shaped canopy of thick leaves. It is a monocotyledonous species, meaning that it does not show annual ring growth. As a young tree, it has a single trunk and grows slowly, at about one metre every ten years. Branching only occurs when the tree ﬂowers and the age can only be estimated by the number of branches forking. The oldest known Drago in the Canaries is the venerable Drago of Icod de Los Vinos, with an estimated age of six hundred and ﬁfty years.

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Bigger planes plea Call for bigger Binter planes

The Cabildo in La Gomera wants airline Binter to use bigger planes on routes to and from La Gomera, even if it means that direct ﬂights to Gran Canaria are cut. Coinciding with the news that the Spanish Airport Authority (AENA)

is to carry out a feasibility study this year to see if the runway could be extended and instrument landing introduced, the head of the island’s governing corporation, Casimiro Curbelo, reiterated his calls for the current 19-seater planes to be replaced with bigger ones. “Binter should

use 42 or 72-seater aircraft for this airport, the only one in the Canaries to see an increase in passenger numbers in 2008. The tiny 19-seaters make for a very bumpy ride and there is demand for seats” insisted Curbelo. Sources at the airline say that consideration will be given to using a 72-seater, but on the condition that the daily ﬂight to Gran Canaria would go via Tenerife North and not direct as at present, to ensure the plane was ﬁlled. “The proposal is something we could consider as long as the schedule and prices are appropriate” said Curbelo.

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EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

SPECIAL FEATURE

By Theresa Wilson

Hotel San Blas Ambiental Reserve A HOTEL WITH A BIG DIFFERENCE

to be renovated by the island authorities, making this an even more attractive area with a sandy beach.

That was at the end of the 1990s. But a tourism crisis began to bite in 2001, with increased competition and a price war on holidays, as well as worldwide events which tended to discourage people from travelling by air. So the plan was changed so that something totally different could be offered and a unique ﬁve star hotel was born, one which not only provides a sun and sea holiday with sports facilities, but also one which connects very closely with nature, culture and history.

The Hotel San Blas Ambiental Reserve is quite unique in that it has its own interpretation centre. The historical experience tunnel takes you through three different stages where you can feel how it was to live through the most signiﬁcant times in Tenerife, from prehistoric to present day. The museum displays the biodiversity of the San Blas area, its origin, its natural resources, how it was formed and how it has been used by humans over the years. If you choose to take the guided walk through the reserve in the barranco, you will be shown several audio-visual presentations ﬁrst which explain these subjects in great detail. Memories and photographs of the most recent times have been supplied by local people who are still here to tell the tale.

hen the AQA hotel chain purchased the plot of land next to the natural pebble beach at San Blas (between Golf del Sur and Los Abrigos), they originally planned to build a Caribbean style hotel with golﬁng facilities.

To create a hotel and an environmental reserve, not only the plot of land for the hotel was purchased, but all of the reserve area of the barranco of San Blas which has had several uses over the last several thousand years. It covers a total of around one million square metres. Guanches (the original aborigine inhabitants of the island) lived there in caves which still exist, and were totally self sufficient. Later on, bearing in mind its close proximity to the sea, Canarians fished in the sea, while the local women concentrated on exchanging the fish for other goods such as fruit and vegetables. Then tomatoes were grown, and tracks through the barranco which still exist formed a popular route to the sea from where they would be taken to Santa Cruz for export abroad, especially to the UK. More recently in the sixties, the barranco became a dumping ground, a car breaker’s yard, motocross circuit and was used for hunting – all with no respect for the history buried within it. As an environmental reserve and part of a five star hotel complex, every effort has been made to recover the natural values of this beautiful area by cleaning it, making good the existing tracks, and creating accesses and more paths. Archaelogical finds in the area gave many clues to the customs of the Guanches, and local people have shared their memories of more recent years such as the fifties when they made a living out of growing cereals and tomatoes, for which they constructed a dam from the rocks found in the bar-

There is also a graphic exhibition of how the reserve was created. The studies which make up the interpretation centre have been assessed by both the University of La Laguna and Tenerife’s independent museums organisation, and the San Blas Ambiental Reserve museum will soon become part of that network.

ranco. The hotel itself is an attractive low level complex with its design based on the forms, colours and textures of the reserve. The buildings have been constructed with natural materials and the gardens planted with species unique to the local area. Conservation of the environment is important at this hotel, where full advantage is taken of natural resources including the use of solar panels, low consumption bulbs and an osmosis desalination plant. The complex also has an eco-ﬁnca (farm) where organic waste is put to good use as compost and more endemic plants are grown. Water consumption is restricted by the use of lever taps, twin discharge cisterns and limited water ﬂow in taps and showers. Soapy water from one group of ho-

tel rooms (from showers and wash basins) is treated and re-used to supply the cisterns of the same block which represents ten per cent of the hotel’s rooms. Salt water is used in the artificial lake and partially to fill the eight swimming pools in the complex (three of which are for children). The hotel has 331 rooms of which 276 can accommodate three adults or two adults and one child, 50 are suites for three adults or two adults and two children, and five are accessible rooms for three adults and one child. All rooms are equipped with hydromassage bath and separate shower, magnifying mirror, hairdryer, mini-bar, safe, 32-inch LCD screen, satellite TV, internet access, air conditioning and room service. There is also a navi-

gable lake with its own jetty which is surrounded by gardens. Here you can cross the lake in small boats or practice local sports or games. There are buffet and a la carte restaurants – La Proa specialises in Mediterranean cuisine, especially seafood and rice, the Barlovento specialises in Italian cuisine such as home-made pasta and pizzas, and the Sotavento serves Canarian meat, ﬁsh and seafood dishes. The buffet, La Cueva de Atxoña, serves dietary specialities for vegetarians and children, and also special menus on theme nights. There are three bars plus a beautifully designed pool bar, the construction of which was inspired by the traditional stone buildings used to dry cheeses. The hotel also has a children’s club, an auditorium, two conference rooms, a show hall, dis-

co and its own plaza, almost like an amphitheatre, which can be used for popular and festive events. For those seeking a more active holiday, with direct access to the beach there is the sports club with tennis and paddle courts, two for beach volleyball, and a rock climbing wall. To keep you fit there is a gym and fitness room, mini spa, two massage rooms, sauna, ice fountain and an indoor swimming pool with hydromassage baths. A game of golf is also easy, just visit the clubhouse and make your booking – transport will be provided. The clubhouse can also supply information about excursions and other visits, find or confirm your flights, and make restaurant reservations. The natural pebble beach and public coastal footpaths are soon

Guests can take the guided walk through the barranco in the early part of the day, when they will find actors along the way displaying the Canarian way of life through the ages. After climbing the steps to reach the top of the dam, you cross the reservoir by boat and continue the walk to the end of the barranco where there is a waterfall and pool. You will be driven back to the hotel in an electric vehicle. Alternatively, guests can simply walk through the barranco in the afternoons and early evenings to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. In the future, this walk will be open to the public but at the moment, with more work to be done, it is restricted to hotel guests. It is extremely difficult to describe the Hotel San Blas Ambiental Reserve in just a couple of sentences, it is something which you have to experience for yourself. You can take an active sporting holiday, relax and concentrate on the sun and the sea, or be fascinated by the history and culture of the area, all with five star facilities. It’s up to you.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

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EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

ADEJE CONSUMERS

CASO ARONA

Scratch card complaints

Journalist threatened A journalist with local newspaper El Dia has received death threats, according to lawyer Felipe Campos.

Miguel Ángel Santos says they are working to resolve the problem

Adeje council says it has received approximately one hundred formal complaints from tourists in the past two years concerning timeshare and holiday club sale tactics on the streets of Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje. The

corporation’s Consumer Affairs Ofﬁce says the complaints, which it is obliged to follow up under national legislation, are ﬁled by holidaymakers who say they have been duped or coerced into signing up to timeshare after being approached on the street

and offered a ‘guaranteed prize’ scratch card, which then turns out to be merely a ploy to entice them to a hard sales pitch at a nearby location.“In many cases the victims are pressured into signing up to holiday schemes they have little idea about and later ﬁnd

that several thousand euros have been taken from their account. When they try and contact the company to retract, they often discover it has closed or simply takes no notice of their request for a refund, explained the town’s tourism councillor Miguel Ángel Santos, who added that Adeje is working closely with the regional and national authorities to resolve the problem. “It is something we have to take very seriously because we are the biggest destination in the Canaries, receiving almost two million tourists”, said Santos. According to Spanish news agency EFE, the number of complaints in neighbouring Arona has fallen of late following the passing of a local by-law clamping down on street harassment of tourists, using scratch cards and other tactics.

The lawyer confirmed to local press that the journalist had been working on the ‘caso Arona’ story which broke towards the end of 2007 with a number of persons detained in relation to alleged irregularities regarding the local urban territorial general plan and the issuing of licences. He also told press that when he himself began to represent one of those involved in the case his offices were the target of an arson attack. The government’s senior representative on the islands Carolina Darias has expressed her concern at the development, and the regional press association has asked that the authorities investigate the threats and bring the perpetrators to justice. GRANADILLA

Polish drugs death A middle-aged Polish man found dead recently in Tenerife died from a drug overdose and not foul play as initially thought. The body of the Pole was discovered along with that of another man, a 42-year-old local, in a house in the San Isidro district of Granadilla. Initial reports suggested that they had been killed but post mortems later revealed that both had died from a lethal amount of highly toxic drugs. Neighbours said the two men were well-known addicts and appeared to be very drunk or drugged when last seen the previous day.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

TENERIFE SOUTH

CALLAO SALVAJE

Everybody needs good neighbours By Clio O’’Flynn Things are changing in Callao Salvaje – and not before time say many of the long term residents and regular visitors. Just before Christmas the council installed a series of trafﬁc calming measures and ramps along the main road into the village and some ancillary streets; word is that the new church will ﬁnally be open in April of this year, and now, not before time, a revamped resident’s association is taking shape, and promises to properly represent all those who live, work and own property in Callao Salvaje (including Sueño Azul and Marazul del Sur). At the moment a core group of residents (Spanish, English, French and German) have come together to begin to pull together to work to, in a sense, put meat on the bones of the new association. But things can really begin to get done when more and more people

join up (yes, there is a cost €12 per annum, or €18 per couple per year), although already the new president and committee have been holding meetings with the Adeje mayor and councillors and have proper backing for their activities from the Cabildo. The association is promising to work together with the relevant bodies on relevant developments for the area – though is also more than able and willing to make their voice heard if those developments are not believed to be appropriate or are taking too long to bear fruit. According to the leaﬂet regarding the association, which will soon be widely available throughout the village in English and Spanish, the association is made up of “people who share similar concerns... working together to change the negative inertia of a fragmented society”. In other

Fleeting visit

Clinton in ﬂying stop-over

Clinton, with Tenerife Cabildo president Ricardo Melchior, during his previous visit to Tenerife

Former American president Bill Clinton paid a fleeting visit to Tenerife recently on his way back from a tour of Africa, but only to take on fuel for his plane. The husband of the new US Secretar y of State spent almost an hour at Tenerife South Airport on the refuelling stop and did not use the opportunity to renew contacts made during his only other visit, over three years ago, when he gave a public lecture at the request of the Tenerife Cabildo. During the event in July 2005, he praised the island’s commitment to renewable energies and called for the Canaries to be used as a logistics platform to assist the development of countries in Africa.

words, working together to bring together all the diverse groups that live and work in this growing village. Callao Salvaje is something of a mixed salad bowl, but

the basic concerns and needs of its residents are the same – good infrastructure, roads, signalling, clean streets and street lighting, a proper park for our kids, and

the promotion of everyone’s interests. The association has set out its objectives: • Developing good relations between neighbours in Callao Salvaje, Sueño Azul, Marazul del Sur • Letting residents know the relevant actions and plans the Adeje council (and other public bodies) have for the zone • Work to improve/upgrade/ introduce infrastructures into the area, improve public service transport, health, sanitation, sporting and education facilities available • Preserve, study and get to know the natural heritage

and historical/artistic roots of the region • Organise events and community activities. Forms to join the association will soon be available in the local pharmacy and other outlets, including Tenerife Dream Homes, c/c ll local 6 calle Taoro, Sueño Azul (as we go to press the English version is almost ready). You can also ﬁnd out more by visiting the web site (in progress) on www. callaosalvaje.tk or phone the association president Silverio Barreiro on 686513829.

EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

TENERIFE SOUTH

LOS CRISTIANOS Los Cristianos

Beach footpath link

The new ofﬁces were opened by the mayor J.Reverón

A new coastal footpath is planned to link the beaches of El Camisón and Las Vistas in Los Cristianos. The mayor of Arona, José Alberto González Reverón and the councillors for the western zone and for works, Marta Melo and Ramón García respectively, recently visited the site which is immediately behind the Mare Nostrum hotel complex.

Although it is possible to walk along the coast between these two beaches, it is currently rather rough going. The mayor has discussed the creation of this footpath during meetings with the government’s coastal departments both in Madrid and in Tenerife, and he explained that these meetings have resulted in an agreement to, “recover this area of public domain which is of signiﬁcant environmental value, so that residents and visitors can use and enjoy it”. He insisted that, “this is a project directed at the revaluation of this part of the Arona coastline which is of great value in terms of natural scenery”. Regarding the agreement reached, the mayor explained that, “the Arona council have agreed to make the land available to

Mini-town hall opens

THE NEW WALK IS IMMEDIATELY BEHIND THE MARE NOSTRUM HOTEL COMPLEX

the coastal department and manage the project, while they will ﬁnance the works”. Referring to the land concerned, he indicated that, “members of the government group within the council have met the owners of

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the land, and they have no problem with passing it over to the council”. Planning has already begun, “with scrupulous respect for the natural value of the area, using the most adequate materials and

methods”. The planned footpath which will run behind the private land on the coastal side will be approximately 330 metres long and six metres wide, connecting the two beaches, providing a pleasant walk and complying with current coastal laws. The cleaning of the existing tidal pool as well as the remainder of the area are also included in the project.

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Arona council have just opened the first in a series of ‘mini’ town halls, based in the Cultural Centre in Los Cristianos. The new local facility, serving the population of Los Cristianos (with more than 20,000 residents), Playa de las Américas (5,000) and Chayofa (about 2,000) will be open on weekdays from 8am to 3pm, though according to councillor Marta Melo, those hours could be extended in the future if the demand is there. Melo will be based in the new offices, along with a number of administrative staff, and will give the local residents the opportunity to speak directly to an elected representative who is on hand, rather than have to travel to Arona to visit the main

town hall. There are already administrative offices, a social services branch and a Policía Local office based in the centre, and with the new service the political authorities hope, in effect, to bring the council to the citizens, rather than the other way around. At the opening of the new offices the mayor, José Alberto González Reverón, said that this was the fulfillment of one of the promises made by his party (the Coalición Canaria) during the last local elections, adding that soon they also hoped to be able to offer a similar ser vice to residents in the Las Galletas area. The new facility will also, Melo added, be used as a meeting point for dif ferent community groups and resident associations.

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ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

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EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

CASA CUNA

MARCO AROSIO

Arona council not listening Centro de Arona/Centro Canario Nacionalista says the Arona council isn’t listening to its constituents The tourism spokesperson for the Arona opposition par ty, the CAN-CCN (Centro de Arona/Centro Canario Nacionalista) says that in effect the Arona council isn’t listening to its constituents, and is therefore not properly ser ving the needs of the local population.

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The par ty was established by well known local developer Manuel Barrios, and prior to the most recent local elections, in 2007, was in coalition with the Coalición Canaria (CC). However in those elections the latter polled excellently, one of the best results for the party in the Canaries, and now have an absolute majority in the council chamber. But this is not, says Arosio, a good thing. Italian born, Arosio has lived and worked in Tenerife for 15 years (in the tourism industry for 20) and is fluent in six languages. Extremely proud of the fact that the CAN have had the courage to choose him as their tourism spokesperson, he chooses his words carefully, but deliberately, and is quite critical of the current administration’s performance to date. He claims that during the previous coalition’s term of office, “the CAN did a lot of the work behind the scenes but the CC were the public face of the town hall…they have taken credit for a lot of things that the CAN did. When the CC’s new term of office began Barrios said we would wait, give them a year and see what the new government would do”, but that honeymoon period is now over, with the CAN openly criticising their former partners in government. “Arona”, says Arosio, “needs to look to the fountain of its income”, in other words tourism. He says that the actual tourism councillor, David Herrera, is a “very nice individual, but is young, doesn’t speak

Tourism spokeman Marco Arosio

any foreign languages and has no experience” – he, in contrast, as contracts manager with a well known hotel chain, has worked extensively in the industry, negotiated with tour operators, worked to attract tourism, etc. “Tourism is vitally important for Adeje and Arona”, Arosio says, with Arona alone offering 56,000 tourism beds, so it is vital, he adds, that the council uses its full potential to exploit what the area has to offer – something he says they are definitely not doing. For instance, he criticises the fact that the public fountain at the entrance to Los Cristianos isn’t working – a bad image, and the continuing problem of posters and flyers all over the streets of Arona. He would like to see another Mercadillo (market) open, in conjunction with local businesses in the area, to stimulate the local economy, and suggest more street sponsored activities, to create something of an atmosphere. His criticisms would certainly find some echo from resident ex-pats who find that many of the council activities are scheduled with little prior notice meaning lower participation than might be possible. The CAN spokesperson accuses the politicians in

power of a form of clock watching that he feels filters down to those working the council. The sense of downing tools at 3pm or 4pm, regardless of what needs to be done, rather than dedicating themselves to the job 100 per cent. He also says there would appear to be a lack of new ideas coming out of the council, and an inability to listen to what those around them are saying or suggesting. With a financial crisis upon us he believes it is extremely impor tant to maximize what the area has to offer to continue to attract tourists to keep the economy ticking over. With a local base and idealogy, Arosio says the CAN are not in this for wider glory, unlike other parties, but are happy to work by consensus, claiming that “the PSOE are fighting all the time, the PP locally have no real leader. “The CAN is the nearest to the CC, but we are not looking to rule in the majority”. He added that while the plan for a consensus council that is currently being touted by Santa Cruz mayor Miguel Zerolo is good in theory, he personally believes that Zerolo’s main aim here is to rid himself of coalition partners Ángel Llanos and the PP.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

TENERIFE

ICOD DE LOS VINOS

Loro Parque Let your imagination run wild

Taking the tube High demand has meant an increase in the number of visits allowed

Magic in the park Visit the world famous wildlife theme park in Puer to de la Cr uz on a Wednesday and take Spiderman, a tiger or a butterfly home with you. E v e r y We d n e s d a y from 12 noon to 3.30 pm, Alegria the elf is on hand in Kinderlandia to decorate your or your children’s faces with the design of your dreams. In Carnaval week she is there every day at the same time and on Monday 23rd February

from 11 am to 2 pm for those who want to get ready for the Carnaval party. Butter flies, rabbits, cats, tigers, jaguars or superheroes are among the children’s favourites but represent only a few of the choices on offer. Let your imagination fly free and visit Loro Parque soon for an even more magical experience in the run up to the Islands’ favourite fiestas.

In just over half a year, the world famous Cueva del Viento clocked up over 5,000 visitors since it opened on June 20th last year. Despite its name, Icod de los Vinos is better known these days for housing the oldest living Drago tree, however the reconditioning of the Cueva del Viento labyrinth of volcanic tubes and the opening of its

visitors’ centre could soon see even this impressive example of local ﬂora taking second place. A total of 2,359 people entered the volcanic tube complex, one of the longest in the world, and a further 3,136 searched for information or enjoyed the photographs of the inside of the cave which are shown on the information panels in the visitors’ centre. The highest number of visitors came

from the Spanish peninsula, followed by Germans and British nationals, although a high number of local residents have also visited the installations. The high demand has meant an increase in the number of visits per day, rising from two to three, each with a maximum of 15 people per group. Children between ﬁve and 14 pay three euros for the

visit, adult residents eight euros and the price is ten euros for the rest. Guided tours leave at 10am, 12 noon and 2 pm but to avoid disappointment it’s advisable to book in person at the visitors’ centre, by calling 922 81 53 59 or by email on info@cuevadelviento.net. More information about this natural area is also available on their webpage, www. cuevadelviento.net.

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EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

TENERIFE

SANTA CRUZ COUNCIL

News in Brief

Mayor’s offer wrongfoots PP Santa Cruz council looks set to be hit by major turmoil after mayor Miguel Zerolo offered to form a cross-party team to run the corporation without consulting his coalition partner Ángel Llanos. Zerolo’s party, the Canarian Coalition, has a formal powersharing agreement with Llanos’ Popular Party but it is under threat after his decision to invite the other parties to join the city’s government. Llanos admitted he had not been notiﬁed in advance of the announcement, let alone consulted whether he was in favour. Although the

biggest opposition party (PSOE) immediately said it would not join, several smaller parties have said they would be interested and would even be prepared to support Zerolo if he decided to end the bilateral pact with the PP and govern in a minority. If such a step were taken, it would have massive repercussions on other pacts between the two parties in other towns and cities, including La Laguna. Despite the controversy caused, Zerolo insists the offer is a good idea to secure “the consensus needed to see Santa Cruz through these hard times”.

TOURISTS HURT

Bar roof collapse A small number of tourists were hurt in the centre of Puerto de la Cruz in Tenerife when the roof of a bar terrace collapsed on top of them. The group were having a late morning coffee in the popular Bar Dinámico in the Plaza del Charco when the roof gave way, apparently due to the wind. At least four tourists needed treatment for cuts caused by the broken glass and were taken to a nearby hospital as a precaution.

Llanos left out

ABUSE

Father arrested

ROCKFALLS

A man from El Tanque in north Tenerife has been ar rested after his teenage daughter revealed that she had been sexually abused by him for over two years and was now pregnant. The 40-year-old was detained after a pregnancy test confirmed the girl’s story. According to the daughter, she was forced to have sex with her father in his car on many occasions and also at home when her mother was out. Police who interviewed her said, although unwilling, she had come to accept the sex as “something normal” of late.

Netting for hillsides The rockfalls caused by recent heavy rain in Santa Cruz have forced the authorities to bring forward plans to protect hillsides with strong wire netting. The council has conﬁrmed that it will begin erecting giant nets at the end of January along stretches in the María Jiménez district, on the northern outskirts of the capital. The 70,000 euro work cannot start until the netting arrives from the mainland, according to public works councillor Norberto Plasencia. Plasencia met with householders whose properties

were damaged by the rockfalls at the turn of the year, when Santa Cruz suffered heavy downpours on several days. One of the families has had to be rehoused temporarily after their home was partially demolished by a giant boulder which dislodged from the hillside. Mayor Miguel Zerolo said the problems in the area had been caused by the insistence of people on building homes without planning permission on the sides of the giant ravines which run down into the sea from the Anaga mountains.

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ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

TENERIFE PROMOTION

HOROSCOPE

EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

Chinese Horoscope

The birth of the The legend says, that one day Buddha called all the animals of the jungle to get advice. Twelve different animals followed Buddha‘s call and one after another appeared. First the smart rat came along and is therefore the first animal sign of the zodiac followed by ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Daniela Herzberg & Roger Keller are based in in the south-west of Tenerife. They both are certified Feng Shui and Chinese Astrology consultants and Cosmic Healers and work and teach in Tenerife and Germany. Their comprehensive knowledge about Feng Shui, Chinese Astrology and the five elemetns is a result of their work with Derek Walters, one of the most respected Feng Shui masters in the world. They have published several books about Chinese Astrology and how to increase your health and vitality with the five elements, with recipes from all over the world. You can contact Roger and Daniela by email daniela@5-elementos.com, phone: +34 650 830 506 or visit their webpage www.5-elementos.com

Your Chinese horoscope General forecast for 2009 The year of the ox Rat (1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008) It will be quite a successful year for the rat, as long as you ﬁnally decide to make the necessary decisions. You can make things last in your love life, when you look for stability and security.

Ox (1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009) There should not be a lack of persistence this year for the ox - he should be able to cope with nearly every situation and ﬁnd a longterm solution for every problem. However, some oxen can feel a little bit inﬂexible due to the strong earth element of the year.

Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998) There might not be too much time for adventure this year for the tiger. The ox is far too conservative for risky business. Be willing to compromise if you want to be successful. Maybe it is a good idea to stay a little bit in the background.

Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999) If you are happy with your current situation, just relax and let your life ﬂow. Rabbits who want a change, really have to ﬁght for it and should not falter. Listen to your intuition and make clear and strong decisions.

Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000) Your life will probably slow down a little bit in 2009, mainly because there will not be as much space for your imagination and your risky undertakings. Don‘t take your love luck for granted - even dragons have to work on their relationships from time to time.

Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001) Finally a good year for the snake, who makes a fantastic combination with the reigning ox. You can experience good progress in business and in your private life. Your luck will stay, if you go for more stability and constancy.

Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002) Even if you will not always be as free and independent as you would like to, you will surely get the respect and tolerance you have earned. Do not wait for the real big goal, but concentrate on the smaller moments of happiness in your daily life.

Sheep (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003) There may be some obstacles coming along your way in the year of the ox. Stop and think, whether you do something to please your family or your boss or because you really want to go for it for your own beneﬁt. Be more egoistic if you must.

Monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004) Do not disperse your energy with too many different activities - this year you should concentrate on the essential stuff. If you manage to put the stress on the things that really matter to you, you can be very successful in 2009.

Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005) This is a very good year for the conscientious rooster, especially if you stick to traditional values. Ox and rooster are especially good together when they can promote their activities and thus gain respect and reputation.

Dog (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006) It might be a little bit difﬁcult not to stick only to your daily routine but trying something new in 2009. But you should deﬁnitely move along, or you will get stuck with old things, that should no longer belong to your life.

Pig (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007) Most pigs will feel quite comfortable in the ox year, concentrating on the wellbeing of family and friends and enjoying a laid-back life style. You should use the time to reﬂect about your own ambitions and to plan possible changes.

Chinese Astrology Myth or practical help? By Daniela Herzberg & Roger Keller

n earlier days the traditional system of looking at the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water) was only permitted at court and the Emperor had his advisors, who looked at the stars for him to find out auspicious dates for particular events. While the Emperor ruled the country with the help of astronomers/astrologers, there was no official way for the Chinese people to ask the stars for advice. Probably some Buddhist monks, who came from India and studied Chinese astrology, came up with an idea to make their living with horoscopes without violating the imperial rules. They developed the method of the 12 animal signs. Every animal was thoughtfully picked by its characteristics to

match the interpretations of the ﬁve elements. The method of the animal signs was easy to understand and became a popular way throughout Asia within a short time. While the western astrology determines the zodiac signs by looking at the month the Chinese calculate their zodiac by years. Now we use a 12 year cycle with a dedicated animal sign for every year. The Chinese zodiac. The Chinese solar year starts around February 4. If your birthday is in January or at the beginning of February your Chinese animal sign belongs to the year before. Example 27.1. 1967 belongs still to the year of the horse.

Rat. The rat is the first animal sign in the Chinese zodiac and is well known for its fresh ideas. To start something new is one of the rat‘s favourite tasks, but keeping on track until the new idea is ready to rumble is not the rat’s cup of tea. Though thinking over a problem until a solution is found is one of the rat‘s strengths, she prefers that somebody else puts her plan into action and does the hard work. Famous rats include Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Ox. The Ox is a strong minded animal and likes routine. He has the ability to make things perfect rather than starting something from scratch. People born in the year of the ox are social, but prefer their familiar circle of family and friends. Sometimes he can be stubborn, but also has a good sense of humour. Johann Sebastian Bach was born in the year of the ox. He perfected the music of his time without adding a lot of new things. Another famous ox is Barack Obama. Tiger. The tiger won‘t tolerate another boss next to him – especially somebody who will tell him what to do. People born in a tiger year are very often strong characters with a certain kind of charisma. They follow their way with fearlessness and tend to keep control over their territory. The tiger is able to work under pressure and has an aura of authority, which makes him the perfect leader. Famous tigers include Ludwig van Beethoven and Tom Cruise. Rabbit. Rabbits are warmhearted and caring characters. The first impression might be a bit reserved but inside they have a strong will. Rabbit persons usually have a good intuition and an inner force to help others. Many teachers and healers are born under the sign of the rabbit. Like tigers, rabbits like to expand their territories, but in a less aggressive way. Well known rabbits include Albert Einstein, Marie Curie and Pope Benedikt XVI. Dragon. A lot of Dragons rely on their luck which is not always advisable. They often have a good spiritual connection which they don‘t hide from the world. Dragons are good performers and they love being on stage. On the other hand they are also imaginative with a vivid fantasy life . The dragon is the only non-existent animal in the Chinese zodiac which gives him an aura of magic. Martin Luther King was born in the year of the dragon. Snake. People say the snake is seductive and wise with a spiritual character like the dragon. She has a quick mind and can be suspicious, especially when she is confronted with an unknown situation. Sometimes snakes are pretty jealous and do not want to share their loved-ones with the rest of the world. Without a lot of effort they climb up the ladder in their working life, because snakes always tend to be at the right place at the right time. Pablo Picasso and John Lennon were born in a snake year. Horse. The horse symbolises the active yang power and represents the male part in a Chinese horoscope. It has a strong will and is known as a good and hard working person. Like the ox, the horse person is able to move a lot in his life. He likes sports, being with friends and to share his successes with his team rather than getting a promotion for himself. The German chancellor Angela Merkel and former boxer Muhammed Ali are horse characters. Sheep. The yin partner of the horse is represented by the sheep and brings a gentle character to the Chinese animal signs. The sheep person like it to be part of a flock and does its work without attracting much attention. Sheep are tidy with a hidden creative talent. To work on a regular basis is very important for the sheep. Bishop Desmond Tutu and Mikhail Gorbachov are famous sheep. Monkey. Monkeys have a vivid mind and the ability to turn difficult situations to their own favour. They are quick at repartee, smart and able to invent things. Even though the monkey may appear to be casual and easy he wants to be accepted as a serious person. Because of all his abilities the monkey tends to burn the candle at both ends and take on more than he can handle. Magician David Copperfield was born in the year of the monkey. Rooster. Those born in the year of the rooster are good businesspersons, with a sense for actual trends and they have enough power to reach their targets. Roosters are clever, exact and helpful but sometimes impatient. They are also known for their vanity and some extravagances. On the outside everything should be perfect for the rooster even though the inside may be something of a jumble. Karl Lagerfeld is a typical example of a person born in a rooster year. Dog. People born in the year of the dog have their principles. They are honest, loyal and have an instinct to protect their environment. sticking to the rules is one of the most important characteristics of the dog. He likes tidiness and regularities and is always a little bit sceptical about new things and new ways. Winston Churchill and King Carl Gustav of Sweden were born in a dog year. Pig. The ability of the pig to make the best of every situation is very well known in the Chinese world. Pigs are very often practical and their home, family and friends get a good portion of their attention. They love having small parties at home rather than going out to other places all the time. Pigs are caring and hard working people. The Dalai Lama was born the a year of the pig.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

LETTERS

Pastime

Letters

Crossword

editorial@ic-news.com

Clean up the streets Dear Editor

e are regular visitors to Los Cristianos. We really enjoy the area and we have watched with interest the improvements that have been made. The now completed new walk way along the sea front and Playa de Los Cristianos is excellent and has greatly improved the amenity value of the area. Likewise the work that has been carried out on General Franco and Amalia Alayon streets are also a great improvement. Each visit we look forward to seeing what has been done! However the one thing that spoils all this work that has been carried out and our enjoyment is the ever increasing amount of dog mess/excrement on the pavements and seafront walkway. It would appear that the dog walkers are moving further away from the centre of Los Cristianos towards Playa del Callao along the beach edge and pavement. The amount of mess on the pavements in general and along the edge of the Playa del Callao is unbelievable. It spoils any walking that you may wish to do. It is truly disgusting and certainly presents a serious health hazard. Every day when you walk you can see where unsuspecting people have trodden in the dog mess and spread it along the pavements. Unfortunately we have witnessed ex- pat dog owners allowing their dogs to foul the gardens in public areas. We understood that it was a legal requirement for all dog owners to clean up after their dogs had fouled the pavements. In the UK, this legislation that owners clear up after their dogs has greatly improved the quality of the streets that we use and where we walk. We would like to see much more done to ensure that owners of dogs clear up, in Los Cristianos, in particular and across Tenerife as a whole. We guess that only a few dog owners would need to be caught and ﬁned for not clearing up after their dogs, for a clear message to be sent to most responsible dog owners. So please dog owners , take responsibility for your animals. Los Cristianos has built up a well deserved reputation for being one of the best destinations for providing fantastic access for disabled visitors and residents. Yours Sincerely Bridget and Brian Cox

On line or bust Dear Editor

Sudoku

hile I do love living here I sometimes despair when it comes to the attempts to operate on a par with the rest of the technologically advanced world. And who is creating the obstacles – good old Telefónica. OK, I know I’m not the first to moan about them, but they are so quick to promote themselves as world leaders in this and that, yet experts at forgetting to cut you off when you request it and so continue to charge you for a line/fax etc even after you’ve moved home, but as a service provider they leave a lot to be desired. After being bombarded with ads to sign up for ADSL I decided to do so; called the 1004 number and following various diversions (some amusing, some not so!) was finally speaking to a real person somewhere in Telefónica-land. They took all my details (all the while trying to sneak in a few extra offers to catch me off guard no doubt), and at the end of the day said that while where I live (Callao Salvaje) was currently without new points, why didn’t I get a land line and the rest would be processed in a short time. So I did. Signed up, and that was in October. I’m still waiting for the call to let me know when I can go on-line, but so far apparently the zone is ‘saturated’ and an acquaintance has told me it could take up to a year for the ADSL to arrive. So on the advice of a friend I will probably go instead for one of these mobile gizmos that connects me, and if that works, will cancel my land line (which arrived promptly within three days of order). Now, let’s see how long it will take them to cancel that account and stop billing me for something that I never really needed in the first place! An off-line reader Callao Salvaje, Adeje

Thanks from Hillview Dear Editor

n behalf of the residents and carers of Hillview Home for Older People we would like to thank Monica Hargreaves, Nanette Champion, Julie Walters and the kind people of Palm Mar who raised a generous sum of money for us, through car boot sales and rafﬂes. The money enabled us to buy some new high back chairs and other comforts for us. We would also like to thank Derek of Active Mobility in Los Cristianos for supplying the chairs at a discounted price.

[ For Crossword and Sudoku solution see classiﬁeds section ]

Yours sincerely Sally Thompson Tenerife Nursing & Care S.L

EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

TENERIFE

10TH TOURISM CAMPAIGN

RIP

Friendly tourism – your future

Albert (Al) Roy Pond, 13.2.30 – 27.12.08 Al Pond, the Inter national Game Fish Association Representative for Tenerife and President o f t h e B l u e Wa t e r Fishing Group died on the 27th December 2008 following a long and courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife June and children Leigh and Suzy. A memorial ser vice, conducted by Pastor Bill Jef frey was held on Monday 29th December 2008 at the Costa del Silencio Christian Fellowship attended by over a hundred members of his family and friends. There were many tributes from family and friends, including Bill Richardson, chairman of the Blue Water Fishing Group, who announced the institution of the Al Pond Memorial Trophy, to be awarded annually in January. Al was brought up in Finsbur y Park, London. He served for a time with the Royal Engineers and on leaving the forces star ted a building and fabrication business and became a photographer.

A lively presentation of the 10th friendly Tenerife campaign

ning with the multiple objectives of presenting children with the range of possibilities they could have for employment in the tourist industry after school, showing them where many of their parents or relatives work and what their day to day job means. The campaign also underlines the signiﬁcance of the tourist trade to the island and the south in particular, stressing the importance of being welcoming at all times and of looking after the environment. Free visits are organised with the schools to hotels with a camel ride in the Camel Park to round off the

day, to the Reina Sofía airport and to several of the fabulous leisure facilities in the area at a small charge. This year the kids can choose between the Castillo de San Miguel, the Güímar pyramids, the Aguilas del Teide Jungle Park, the Fundación Aspro Natura Aqualand, the excellent San Blas Reserva Ambiental (see page 10) and of course the marvellous Siam Park water kingdom. Visits have already started and will continue until June. All the children are given a small questionnaire after their trip to see how much they have understood and all the returned questionnaires are then entered into a

draw for family prizes at the end of the campaign. True to company form, Siam Park, have not stopped at a mere questionnaire, but through the education department of the Loro Parque foundation, led by Doctor Javier Almunia, they have drawn up a whole education programme using the rides to teach physics, maths, technology, use of tables and measuring tools, care of the environment, linguistic communications etc. They aim to use the magnetism of the fun and enjoyment of Siam Park to develop the kids’ education. It almost makes you wish you were back at school.

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The Cit del Sur (tourist initiative organisation for the south) really couldn’t have chosen a better place to launch this year’s educational campaign than the south’s new water kingdom, Siam Park. The lovely Thai Tea House was organised for the launch which was held to the background shrieks of excitement and enjoyment as clients thundered down the spectacular rides, rode the surf in the white sand-lined wave pool in the Wave Palace or ﬂoated gently down the Mai Thai River. This is the tenth year that the campaign has been run

Al also enjoyed a part time career in the Music Hall as a singer, and formed his own rock group, “Al Peterson and the Hound dogs”, performing all over London and Souther n England. He was made a Freeman of the City of London for his charity work in aid of handicapped children. Eventually Al combined photography with fishing, and was published in The Sunday Times Magazine as well as numerous books and fishing magazines. In 1951 Al married his childhood sweethear t, June and they had two children, Leigh and Suzy. They also have seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Al and June moved to Tenerife in 1984, where he founded the Blue Water Fishing Club and became an inspiration for countless would be big game fishermen. Al also continued his charity work, using his skills to build facilities for the drug rehabilitation centre in Granadilla, partly financed by the Fishing Group.

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ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

LAS DEHESAS

Chaos at the health centre The opening of the new national health centre at Las Dehesas in Puerto de la Cruz early in January proved to be as chaotic as expected. Anticipating criticism the council had warned long ago that if the centre were opened in January, when neither enough car parks had been provided nor the necessary infrastructure sorted out, it would cause headaches all round. Indeed members of the public going to see their

doctor at the new medical centre for the first time on 12th January were met with longer queues than usual, computers that refused to work correctly and staff who soon became short tempered under the pressure. There was even a scare when people got stuck in the lift in between floors. It was a shambles. Worse still, and something yet to be organised, is the traffic. This new centre will handle 22,000 patients and

yet the car parking facilities are tiny. What’s more the main access to the medical centre from Puerto is across the narrow bridge which has to be shared by both vehicles and pedestrians, making the trip to the doctor very risky indeed. Police were required to put up makeshift signs and to control trafﬁc and those going to the centre on foot. But the main problem was caused by a total lack of information and patients visiting the old clinic near the bus

terminal were suddenly faced with having to go somewhere else. Consequently a shuttle bus service was hastily set up to take them up to the new centre. Some residents wonder why the council agreed to hand this particular plot over to the government to build the new medical centre. They feel it is difﬁcult to get to and will make life harder for elderly patients who want to see their doctor. Although a new medical centre was urgently required to cope with the rising population, it appears to be a case of another bright project being pushed through in a hurry without adequate planning. Nevertheless, when it begins to function smoothly, and with the original clinic looking after emergency cases only, patients should ﬁnd they have to wait less to see their doctor

An optimistic mayor La Orotava’s mayor has once again surprised everyone by suggesting that his town could actually reach full employment in the middle of the economic crisis in 2009. Unlike others, especially in government where they are forecasting unemployment in Spain to reach 16 per cent by the end of the year, he is being extremely optimistic, so much so that members of his own group are scratching their heads whilst not daring to challenge him. However he is adamant, basing his optimism

on the fact that his council is due to receive 50 million euros to help reduce unemployment that actually went up in La Orotava by 68 per cent in 2008. Isaac Valencia, accustomed to contradicting logic like any true populist, insists his is not just wishful thinking but an assumption based on all he could do with those millions in public money. In other words he can pump it into public construction projects like car parks, a university, 200 new council homes, a municipal swimming pool, sports centres

and new roads with lots of help from builders friendly to the local regime. What he really means is that 2,700 unemployed people could be given a job. Although temporary, they could help towards obtaining at least an interim kind of full employment, which wouldn’t do his prospects at the next local elections in 2011 any harm. As people say these days, any job will do. The number of people out of work in Tenerife rose by 54 per cent in 2008. The council expect to receive 50 million euros

Safe in Puerto

Cracking down on crime The Puerto de la Cruz mayor, Lola Padrón, thinks the town is maintaining its record as one of the safest resorts in Spain and certainly the safest in the Canaries. She was supported by figures released showing how the number of offences in 2008 was down by 20 per cent in comparison to 2007. As the economic crisis bites deeper in 2009 crime levels are expected to rise, especially with more thefts. However the fact that penal offences were cut from 3,309 cases to 2,599 in 2008 was encouraging news and the mayor said better cooperation between the three police forces and efforts to bring the police closer to the public were having their desired effect.

Paying town bills

Old debts never die

CRISIS WHAT CRISIS

A familiar tale was heard early in January when the old topic about the council in Puerto de la Cruz being heavily in debt to Endesa, the electricity supplier, was brought up. This time, however, it referred to the fact that the socialist mayor, Dolores Padrón, had signed an agreement with the company’s president to pay off the 595,000 euros debt in instalments. The debt is in fact part of an even bigger debt run up by a previous socialist council in the 1980s to Unelco, as the company was then known. The council hopes to pay for the bill in three monthly instalments between now and 2010 in a continued effort to put the council’s finances in order. The first transfer of 120,000 euros was made at the beginning of January.

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and as a welcome gift for existing members – 100 minutes of calls to U.K. landlines are free for the ﬁrst three months. The initials ADSL also stand for Avoid Deceptive Sales Language. This terminology is often used to describe some of the plans and schemes on offer to telephone users. Headline rates are quoted for low prices to certain destinations, however if the consumer makes calls outside the set time and destination parameters the costs rocket and regular payments have to made for something which may not be fully used. Good News. For members of FAIR EXCHANGE WITH UK TELECOM there are no confusing product plans – you only pay for what you have used. A straightforward and easily understood price list applies to all destinations throughout the world to mobile numbers and landlines. There are no binding contracts, no minimum charges per call, and all calls are billed by the second. Call the U.K. for the same price as local calls! It sounds too good to be true, but it is. Members of FAIR EXCHANGE WITH UK TELECOM beneﬁt from this service every Saturday throughout the year. Calls to U.K. landlines cost only 2·9 cents per minute which is the same price for ringing your next door neighbour (assuming of course that you are on speaking terms with your neighbour).

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EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

TENERIFE NORTH

SHOPPING IN ICOD Open air fun

Open the streets Retailers, opposition groups and even the ordinary public have been crying out for the council in Icod to open up the town’s main shopping streets to trafﬁc again. The San Agustín and its extension, the San Sebastian streets were closed a year ago with the idea of ridding the town of noisy, polluting vehicles and to make the streets pedestrian only walkways. The problem is that by closing the streets to cars, three serious problems have been caused. One is that residents in Icod now have fewer parking spaces available. Another is that delivery vans can’t get to the shops to deliver merchandise unless they arrive in Icod before 10.00am. If they could all arrive in time there would

be a van jam. Coming later, as most of them do because they come from far and wide, the poor delivery man is forced to trolley merchandise a long way to their destination along the cobbled streets. The most serious problem is for the retailers themselves. Because people can’t drive their cars and park them close to their favourite shop any more they prefer to abandon Icod altogether and to travel all the way to the Orotava valley where they can do all their shopping at the giant shopping centres like Alcampo. Hence the streets are less populated by the busy shoppers and therefore retailers lose clients. As a result the colourful streets may be nicer to walk down but

Let’s do the DOD

they lose much of their traditional charm. This is partly why the CCN, the Centre for Canary Nationalism group at the council has urged the council to think again and to open up the streets to traffic once more as a matter of urgency, at least to help retailers survive the economic crisis. Their spokesman, José Antonio Jara, is willing to find some kind of an agreement by which the streets open to traffic only during commercial hours.

A NOVEL SPORTS AND LEISURE INITIATIVE IS BEING TESTED IN PUERTO DE LA CRUZ DURING FEBRUARY.

José Antonio Jara is trying to help the council ﬁnd a solution

NEW PACT FOR OLD

Surprise at the town hall After so much talk recently about the possibility of the opposition nationalists in Puerto de la Cruz calling for a vote of no conﬁdence in the mayor, most people were surprised by the announcement that the socialists had actually invited a nationalist party secretary onto the council cabinet. The nationalists have been keeping pretty quiet about the whole business. In fact they are tending to be seen to cooperate towards a smooth running of affairs, believing that ordinary folk are beginning to become frustrated by apparent failings in the current local gov-

ernment, and that their chance will come sooner or later, hopefully when the economic crisis shows signs of improving. The ruling group have described this development as an institutional change that will help towards better communications and greater efﬁciency at the council. In other words, as has occurred at other town halls, having someone from the opposition to conﬁde in actually improves not only the running of the council but also relations between the main political groups. The only criticism came from the PP conservative group, under Eva Navarro. They were perhaps rather

caught out by the move and Navarro blamed a secret pact between the nationalists and the socialists aimed at undermining her. She could be right, after all she has had personality clashes with both parties and her own pacts with both parties in 2003 and 2007 came to a bitter end. It would seem that both main groups want her own party to remove her.

Trafﬁc control

Car parks in La Orotava CONTROVERSIAL PLANS TO UPROOT THE BUSY EMILIO LUQUE STREET IN LA OROTAVA HAVE BEEN SHELVED.

Eva may be inﬂuencing people but she is making no friends

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Known as the DOD (Deporte, Ocio y Diversión), which translates as ‘Sports, Leisure and Fun’, the idea is to turn Puerto into the biggest open air gymnasium in Europe. The project has been promoted jointly by the council and a new company that specialises in outdoor sports activities. According to the mayor, Lola Padrón, it will offer both visitors and residents an alternative way to spend their leisure time. The Taoro Park and the town’s two beaches have been chosen as venues for the initial DOD sessions which include yoga, t’aichi ch’uan, and a variety of Latin dances like flamenco. It sounds like a lot of fun could be had and anyone interested should telephone 922 381474 or browse at www.puertodelacruz.es and www.haragestiondeportiva.com.

CORREOS

OP I TURE SH

FOOTBALL STADIUM

ADEJE

TF-1 JUNCTION 79 ADEJE

LOS GIGANTES

LAS AMÉRICAS

Instead the local mayor has announced he now has alternative plans to build two huge car parks, one adjacent to the bus terminal on the Doña Chana estate which the council bought two or three years, and the other under the old San Isidro football pitch. He even sounded optimistic enough to suggest the construction of the first could even star t this year, envisaging a vast underground complex with a beautiful plaza on top. There are still talks going on to build a sports stadium at the old football pitch but the mayor thinks there is no reason why a car park could not be built underneath.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

FURTHER EDUCATION

Back to the land Some politicians believe a move back to the land is desirable

University still on After years announcing his plans for a university to be built in La Orotava, Isaac Valencia, mayor in La Orotava, has now gone a step further by saying that work might even begin this year.

Agricultural revolution Thir ty years ago farm workers began to be tempted away from the fields and low wages for the higher prospects of a job in the hotels and restaurants of the expanding tourist resorts. It was understandable and indeed many landowners forgot about their plots and took their farm labourers to work in their hotels. Later even more were recruited as construction workers during the property boom, with better wages. As a result plots of agricultural land throughout the islands were abandoned. Now, with the economic crisis sending so many construction workers to the dole queue, the

TENERIFE NORTH

authorities may not have any option and may need to take note of warnings issued years ago by introducing measures aimed at getting people back to working in the fields. The socialist group at the council in Tacoronte, together with a number of other job creation proposals, wants regional authorities to spend money trying to persuade people to make a living from the land again and farmers to create job opportunities. Even if the economy straightens itself out again in a year or two, the authorities realise Tenerife simply canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t carry on being built up, so there might one day be a necessary agriculture revolution.

Observers still prefer to believe it when they see it but a plot right in the town centre appears to have been chosen. As far as the mayor is concerned the next step is to negotiate with APYMEVO, the small businesses association, for this plot to be made available. Once that minor problem is ironed out the UEM, a private university based in Madrid, can then take their project to the regional education council for approval. The mayor, who in his over 25 years at the helm has always wanted La Orotava to obtain a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; status, is keen to emphasise the economic and cultural aspects, as well as the prestige, such a university might bring to the town. His grand scheme goes further, as he himself suggested early in January. In other words they will have to build campus accommodation for 3,000 students and more hotels for their parents to stay in whilst visiting! He also hopes his university will take on a continental dimension with students arriving from America, Africa and Europe. This is the same mayor who recently upset so many politically correct exponents in a controversial speech at the nationalist party congress in which he seemed to imply that the islands were at the mercy of a foreign invasion.

The mayor dreams of city status for his town

Gran Canaria

EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

CARNAVAL

The Aragüimé troupe is famous for its lavish costumes

Dancers forced to pull out The two most famous Carnival dance troupes (comparsas) in Gran Canaria have pulled out of this year’s event in Las Palmas, in one case for financial reasons and in the other because of the changing face of the festivities. The two comparsas, Aragüimé and Jaguaribe, have shared the top prizes in the official dance troupe competition every year for the last decade or so but will not feature this time round after the surprise pull-out. The 25-strong Aragüimé troupe, famous for its lavish costumes and samba rhythm, has called it a day after failing to find

News in Brief A&E DEATH

Patient rights’ body calls for probe An association set up to defend hospital patients’ rights is calling for a for mal investigation into the death of a Gran Canaria man in the Dr Negrín Hospital in Las Palmas a few weeks ago.

a sponsor to foot the bill of the costly participation, which is estimated to cost 18,000 euros every year. Coming from Agüimes, it is not eligible for full funding from the organisers and has found it increasingly hard to make ends meet. For its part, Jaguaribe decided not to take part in protest at what it sees as Carnaval’s shift away from its basic values. “The organisers used to be very approachable people who had the participants’ interests at heart but that has all changed under the new council so we feel it best not to take part,” said the troupe’s president Miguel González.

The patient was referred to the hospital by his local health centre in Guía after complaining of repeated dizziness and loss of coordination. According to his family he was given only a cursory check-up in A&E and discharged, only to collapse shortly afterwards in the hospital. He was readmitted after much persuasion by the family but suffered cardiac arrest and fell into a coma hours later. The man, in his late 40s, failed to recover and died the following day. The association has written to the Department of Health asking for clarification of the actions of the medical staff who dealt with his case. A spokeswoman said it would support the family if it opted to take legal action against the hospital for negligence. The association has already successfully applied for legal proceedings to be launched against doctors at the heart surgery unit of a Tenerife hospital over the deaths of a number of patients.

PUBLIC NUISANCES

Government criticism

Prison protest fines The Canarian government has criticised the decision to slap heavy fines on dozens of residents of Castillo del Romeral for their continued protests against the new prison being built on their doorstep. José Ruano, the region’s justice minister, said the fines, which were imposed by the Spanish Interior Ministry, serve no useful purpose other than to demonstrate Madrid’s failure to secure a public consensus on the site for the new jail. “The fines are unnecessary,

unwarranted and far too high,” said Ruano in the regional Parliament during a debate on the subject. He slammed the Interior Ministry for improvising the solution to an important infrastructure problem. Regional MP María del Mar Julios said the decision to, “ﬁne pensioners and working class people up to 6,000 euros for exercising their right to protest peacefully,” was scandalous.

Bin ﬁres on the increase Vandals in Las Palmas have adopted a worr ying new habit of burning rubbish bins in the street and the local authorities admit the situation is spiralling out of control. Rarely a night goes by without a large bin being set alight somewhere in the capital, particularly in the estates on the outskirts. During one recent weekend, 23 bins were destroyed in a spree by vandals in Batán, San Roque and Tamaraceite, causing damage estimated at 14,000 euros. Four cars were also set alight on the same nights. Police say the perpetrators target recycled paper bins because they are easier to set on fire and the flames then spread to other bins nearby. The fire brigade has had its work cut out on several occasions to deal with blazes in recycled plastic bins, due to the noxious smoke generated by the fires. Only one youth has been arrested in connection with the incidents.

JOSÉ RUANO CALLED THE FINES “UNNECESSARY”

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ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

Sales Drive SHOP LOCAL

We stayed at home

VALLEHERMOSO

Pedro García Cabrera The island council has acquired poet Pedro García Cabrera’s house in Vallehermoso. The house, in the centre of Vallehermoso, has been bought by the Cabildo with the intention of restoring it and opening it to the public, in homage to one of the island’s most famous sons. Pedro García Cabrera was born in Vallehermoso in nineteen hundred and ﬁve and spent his early childhood listening to his mother and aunts playing and singing traditional coplas, or verses. The themes of these traditional airs, island land and seascapes, natural beauty, country pursuits and romances, are constantly

CABILDO PRESIDENT CASIMIRO CURBELO HAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PRE-CHRISTMAS DRIVE TO ENCOURAGE ISLANDERS TO SPEND MONEY IN LOCAL SHOPS WAS A SUCCESS.

The “Compra en La Gomera” (buy in La Gomera) campaign, according to Curbelo, “... tripled sales over the Christmas and Reyes periods in all six municipalities and will be repeated this year.” Last year’s campaign was the first and was relatively successful in that over twenty thousand raffle tickets were given out, with everybody spending over twenty euros in island shops earning one ticket for the Christmas draw. This year, more than fifty thousand tickets were distributed, constituting a sizeable increase in the amount of spending in island shops. Not bad for an island with a population of just over twenty-two thousand. The Cabildo, together with the local Chamber of Commerce representing island businesses, intends to build on the recent campaign and , “...will maintain the drive to encourage islanders to shop, locally throughout the year, with various promotions and prizes.” Prizes in the recent raffle were a car, a trip to El Hierro for two, a stay in the Parador Nacional de La Gomera, and dinners in El Silbo restaurant in Hermigua and Don Tomate restaurant in Playa Santiago.

La Gomera

revisited in his widely read, later poetry and writing. His was an interesting story. His father was a schoolteacher and the young Pedro spent some years in Seville, where his father was sent to work. The family then came back to La Gomera, where he lived until moving to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and then La Laguna, to study. By nineteen twenty-two, he was writing for local magazines and newspapers and involved in both poetry and politics. His socialist ideals resulted in his imprisonment, ﬁrst in a prison ship and then in the infamous La Isleta prison in Gran Canaria, before being

Looking back

Museum route “Such a lot of history on such a small island!” reads one comment in the visitors’ book at the island’s Archaeological Museu, in San Sebastián.

This museum, together with Hermigua’s Ethnographic Museum, “...form the two most important columns of the island’s museum network,” according to island council chief, Casimiro Curbelo. He added that the recently formed network has now, “...consolidated as the principal means of telling the island’s story.” The island president expressed his satisfaction at the success of the museums. “More than six thousand peo-

Museo La Gomera, San Sebastián

ple of all ages visited the museum network last year to learn more about the island’s history,” he said. The network consists of the two museums mentioned; the Casa de Colón - the house

occupied by Christopher Columbus during his stays on La Gomera, the Torre del Conde - a fortiﬁed tower used by the conquerers to hide from rebellious islanders, the Archivo Insular - the

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island archive ofﬁce, and the Pozo de la Aguada the well the Columbus expedition drew water from and subsequently used to baptize the New World. The network is open six days a week, sensibly staying open to facilitate weekend visits and closing on Mondays. According to statistics compiled by network workers, “...to date, there has been an even balance of foreign and local visitors, and no appreciable difference between the numbers of male and female visitors. There is however, a marked difference in the numbers of adults and children who visit the network, with many more older visitors. “Registering visitors is useful. It gives us an accurate picture of exactly

deported and imprisoned in Dakhla, in the Sahara. He managed to escape to a French protectorate, with other prisoners, and then made his way to Marseilles and on to Andalucia, where he joined the Republican army and was recaptured and imprisoned, this time in Granada. A fairly prodigious writer throughout his life, some work is still unedited and unpublished, although much was published posthumously in nineteen eighty ﬁve and seven. He died of cancer in Santa Cruz in nineteen eighty-one. The decision was taken long ago to buy the poet’s house and turn it into a local monument, but the funding has been slow to materialise. The intention is to dedicate the house to the poet, his eventful life and, of course, his work, whilst,“... the house will become an artistic centre, which will help with the development of Vallehermoso,” according to the Cabildo.

who we are catering for at present, and provides a clear incentive for finding ways of attracting, for example, younger visitors.” Four thousand, three hundred people over the age of twenty-five visited the museum network last year, with an additional six hundred and fifty young people between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five. Less then a thousand under-eighteens were registered, indicating that perhaps some attention should be given to make investigating the island’s history more relevant and interesting to children.

Business NEWS

EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

LOW TAX ZONE TRIUMPH

News in Brief

No crisis for ZEC The Canaries’ low-tax zone (ZEC) is one of the very few to have done well in 2008 despite the recession. Set up as an incentive to attract foreign investment to the islands, the ZEC reports that business was brisk, if not booming, during last year. Total investment by companies operating under its favourable ﬁscal regime increased six-fold to 177 million euros, according

LTE INTERNATIONAL AIRWAYS

Unpaid wages

to the Zone’s chairman Juan Alberto Martín. The number of jobs created under the ZEC umbrella in 2008 doubled the ﬁgure for 2007, added Martín, who stressed that the Zone was “not a tax haven” and its companies pay the appropriate corporation tax, albeit at a much lower rate than elsewhere in Spain. Juan Alberto Martín stressed that the ZEC was not a tax haven

CRISIS HITS WINTER BREAKS

Fewer snow holidays There is drop in the number of holidays in the snow taken by the Canarians in the Spanish peninsula this winter. Over the last few years the number of winter breaks by Canarian residents to ski resorts has increased considerably. In the reverse pattern of our northern visitors, around ﬁve to six thousand islanders travel to the snowy slopes in search of cold weather. Skiing holidays seem to be ﬁnally losing their elitist badge and

have become increasingly popular and, it would appear, more affordable for the locals. However this winter, the psychological effect of the economic crisis and the cancellation of school activities during the seasonal holiday have been blamed for a drop in visitors with numbers down by 46 per cent just in December. Final ﬁgures are expected to be between 35 and 40 per cent, a disappointment to specialists like Antonio González, Manager of

Olimpia travel company. He believes the crisis is more psychological than real, claiming that minibreaks in the snow are increasingly more affordable with packages to suit all pockets. The decision of many teachers to refuse to accompany school trips, in a move to pressure the Canarian Government over pay talks, has also affected the numbers adversely.

The employees, including many based in the Canaries, say they have not been paid even though the company recommenced flights in late October after suspending operations for over a week due to financial trouble. LTE recently filed for bankruptcy through the courts in Palma, where the airline has its headquarters, and administrators have been appointed to oversee the process.

There will be fewer Canarians on the Spanish peninsula slopes this year

UNEMPLOYMENT

Bar and restaurant sector suffering Representatives of the bar and restaurant sector in southern Tenerife say the authorities should adopt special measures to curb the growing unemployment in the industry. Despite the media focus on multiple layoffs in the construction industry due to the downturn in the building trade, in most towns in the

south the biggest increase in people out of work is being recorded in the bar and restaurant sector. Arona, Tenerife’s third largest town and home to two of the island’s leading holiday resorts, has almost 2,000 unemployed waiters and kitchen staff on its books, compared to 1,300 jobless construction workers and the picture is the same in

MEMBERS OF STAFF AT AIRLINE LTE INTERNATIONAL SAY THE AIRLINE OWES ALMOST FIVE MILLION EUROS IN WAGES SINCE LAST SEPTEMBER.

neighbouring Adeje, where the restaurant/bar ﬁgure is more than twice that of the construction sector. Mayors in the towns have expressed concern at the situation and have called for additional resources to be targeted on the industry to prevent further losses in the coming months.

However, cabin crew and other staf f in the Canaries say they are prevented from claiming unemployment benefit until the entire procedure is concluded, which could take months. They have accused LTE bosses of ignoring an offer from a potential buyer which could have saved the airline from collapse. LTE operated two secondary hubs in the Canaries at Lanzarote and Reina Sofía in Tenerife.

Bar and restaurant staff have been hardest hit

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ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

Financial By Bill Blevins

The cost of a ripe old age

There is a potential shortfall between the current level of taxes levied and the pensions and healthcare needed in the future

By Bill Blevins, Financial Correspondent, Blevins Franks

e hear reports of new potential cancer treatments around the corner that could change the face of the disease for the better. Stem cell technology could be leading the way towards a continuous supply of new organs. How long will we be capable of living in the not too distant future? Assuming our minds are sharp and we are healthy, living longer does have appeal. However there are implications at government, company and personal levels with the key issue being: how will we be able to afford it?

As the populations of the western economies gradually live longer, combined with lower birth rates, this inevitably results in a lower ratio between the percentage of the population in work and the percentage that is retired. Historically, those in work have paid taxes which have immediately re-circulated to pay pensions. Likewise tax revenues have been immediately applied to the running costs of state sponsored healthcare. The potential shortfall between the current level of taxes levied and the potential pensions and healthcare costs in the future is a much debated topic.

If there was an issue before, arguably it has just got a lot worse. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen significant amounts of government funding to support the ailing banks. Lower interest rates, lower fuel prices, higher unemployment etc mean government tax revenues are falling. Although these factors will impact each of the countries within the EU in different ways, there is an argument that given everything that has happened to date, coupled with the future outlook, there will be strong pressure for governments to pursue

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higher taxation policies in the future to balance the books. This problem could be further exasperated if more government funding is required to prop up ailing banks. In the US Barack Obama said he will pursue an aggressive policy against offshore centres to give more transparency and enable the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to collect all the taxes due from US Citizens. The UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pre-Budget Statement announced a review into the long-term opportunities and challenges for its

crown dependencies and overseas territories as offshore financial centres - it will nevertheless be interesting to see whether it develops into something similar to the US strategy. What does this mean for you? Assuming that increased longevity is a continuing trend and governments commence higher taxation policies once the current slowdown ceases, one of the key ingredients to protecting your wealth will be to ensure that your money is treated as tax efficiently

as possible, when it is accumulating and when you need to draw an income from it. From the action taken by governments over recent years, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clear that the old world of investing in tax havens and not declaring interest or gains is dead and buried. European governments are aggressively sharing information. The Savings Tax Directive was introduced to either impose a withholding tax on interest or dividends or force disclosure to your local taxman. So what may be the solution for protecting your assets from tax? There are authorised and legitimate tax shelters available throughout the EU which are not deemed contentious by the local tax authorities and offer investors a wide spread of different investment options based on attitude to risk, investment time horizon and investment objectives. To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www. blevinsfranksinternational.com

EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

BUSINESS

Promotion: Tenerife Property Shop

De Cotta McKenna y Santafé

How should an employer legally dismiss an employee THE DISMISSAL SHOULD BE COMMUNICATED TO THE EMPLOYEE IN WRITING MAKING CLEAR THE REASONS FOR THE DISMISSAL AND THE DATE ON WHICH THE DISMISSAL WILL TAKE PLACE. PART II Should an employer fail to comply, he can issue a new notice of dismissal complying with the formal statutory requirements omitted from the previous notice.

International Property Award Success!

enerife Property Shop has received two International Property Awards at the recent ceremony in London. But what does that really mean to people who want to buy or sell a property? The prestigious International Property Awards gala was held on the 27th September, in London. This glittering event took place at the Park Lane Hotel, and Tenerife Property Shop scooped two awards: a proud moment!

Tenerife Property Shop has been recognised as the best Estate Agency in the Canary Islands, and has also won the award for best real estate agent marketing. The awards follow previous successes that the company has had, but winning this year is the result of the continual effort to improve the service offered to clients. “We are continually building on our success, and ensuring that we remain several steps ahead of the rest of the market. Last year, we ensured that every member of staff was covered by Professional Indemnity Insurance, protecting clients, their money and their homes to a greater level than any other agent in Tenerife. This year we have built on that by offering all new purchasers a Title Insurance. This unique insurance protects a purchaser to such a high degree, and for a period of twenty years. We are the only company on the island to offer this to our clients”, said Mary Spencer, Director of the award winning estate agency. At a time when many companies are cutting back on marketing their clients’ properties,

Tenerife Property Shop are as active as ever. “In the last two decades, we have seen the property market go through its cycle more than once,” commented Bruce Grindley, a director of Tenerife Property Shop. “But its no good simply cutting back, or else you are not performing the service you have promised to the many vendors who have trusted you with the sale of their property. This award for Best Estate Agency Marketing should show all vendors that we are really committed to finding buyers for their properties.” But what do these awards really mean to you, if you are interested in buying or selling property? A recommendation is only as good as the person who made it and buying and selling property are probably the biggest transactions you will make in your life. So a recommendation should always be from someone who understands the profession and who you trust. The impartial panel of judges involved in selecting the winners of the International Property Awards could hardly be more qualified: Eric Pickles, British Shadow Secretary of State; Peter Bolton King, chief executive of the National Association of Estate Agents; Phil Spencer, property expert and presenter of Channel 4’s Location and Relocation TV shows; Imtiaz Farookhi, chief executive of the National House Building Council… it would be difficult to assemble a more experienced and competent group of judges. So when you next need to buy or sell a home in Tenerife, make sure you do it the safe way and give the award winning Tenerife Property Shop a call.

The new notice of dismissal must be issued within twenty days from the ﬁrst notice of dismissal. The employer must continue to pay salary and social security payments in that period. It should be noted that an employer can issue a new notice of dismissal seven days after a judge has declared by sentence that a dismissal is unlawful for not fulﬁlling formal requirements and the worker is reinstated.

What happens if you/I am dismissed? If an employee objects to the reasons of the dismissal as set out in the letter of dismissal or with its legal validity, the employee can claim against it, but must issue the action, as stated in the last issue, within twenty working days from the date of the dismissal (this may differ from the date of the dismissal letter). An attempt of conciliation before the Mediation Service is the previous step to the Court Action. The parties may accept the decision of the Mediation Service: if they do not the worker will have

to file the relevant Court Action before the ‘Juzgado de lo Social’. The Dismissal will be deemed valid once it is proved that the employee has “inaccomplished” or breached their contract in accordance with the original letter of dismissal. Otherwise the dismissal will be deemed to be invalid; or when formal requirements are not fulfilled. Article 55 states that the dismissal will be null in the event that the ground for dismissal is based on any discrimination prohibited by the Constitution or law, or if there has been any violation of the employee’s fundamental rights or freedom’s including discrimination where an employee is pregnant. A valid dismissal confirms the end of the contract between employer and employee, and the employee will not have any rights to compensations or interim

salaries. A null dismissal will mean the immediate readmission of the employee together with payment of any salary owing to the employee. If the dismissal is unlawful, the employer will have to opt to reinstate the worker or to pay the employee 45 days salary for each year that the employee has been in service with the employer with a maximum of 42 monthly periods; for periods inferior to one year, a proportionate amount will be calculated. In both cases, the employee will be credited with their salary from the date of dismissal to the date when notiﬁcation of the judgement was issued (or until the employee found other employment). In the event that the employer does not opt to re admit the employee or pay the indemnity money it is understood that the employee will be reinstated.

Panama shooting

Gran Canarian businessman killed Another prominent Canarian businessman has been murdered in South America. Just a few months after Juan Martín Rodríguez, who was originally from Tenerife, was killed by his kidnappers after being snatched outside his company ofﬁces in Venezuela, the head of oil company Cepsa’s

Panama subsidiary was also killed. Manuel Machín, from Las Palmas, had lived in the country for several years. He was shot outside the park near his home where he regularly went jogging before going to work. According to police, he was intercepted by two men as he was returning to his car and was shot once

in the stomach. He died shortly afterwards in hospital. Senior directors from the Spanish oil company ﬂew out to Panama immediately to assist with the formalities to ﬂy his body back to Gran Canaria for burial. Police in Panama say four men have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting.

St.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

Valentine’s

LOVE IS... ITS FUNNY, BUT AS THE YEARS GO BY AND WE GET OLDER, ANNUAL DATES IN OUR DIARY TAKE ON DIFFERENT MEANINGS.

s a child birthdays were something we looked forward with such heightened expectation that when the day arrived it often felt a bit flat; as we entered our teenage hormonallychallenged years we didn’t know whether we wanted to celebrate with Mum and Dad (kind of, secretly maybe we still did), or ached for the freedom to go out with our mates and have fun, probably with an illicit drink or two – and then when we finally reached 18, we could legally indulge.

14th Feb

Oh the innocence of it all. We wanted to be older, but then as we got older began to wish we were younger again, and maybe even dreaded those annual events that marked yet another year gone by, another candle on the cake, another few wrinkles added. So too, for many of us, with Valentine’s Day. When we were kids it probably passed most of us by, unless we made cards in school for our Mums. Then arrived those afore mentioned teenage years; the anxious days in the lead up to February 14th, wondering if we would or wouldn’t get a card, or how many we might get. Would they be signed, and if so would we actually like the receipient? Or, horror of horrors, would we be the only one in our class not to have a card to place smugly on our desk for the whole day.

Flowery phrases

Post a Valentine’s message for someone special

Romantic retreat

Treat your lover to a romantic stay at the Hotel Botanica

La Peregrina

The story of one of the world’s most famous pearls Then we got a bit older, and even if we pretended we didn’t care, we would still be thrilled if someone did send us a card; those in the first bloom of a relationship did expect at least the latter, and flowers and/or chocolates if they were lucky. A romantic dinner or even a special weekend away was a real treat. And now, for many of us,

a more comfortable era has arrived, where we are perhaps secure in our relationships, and not in so much need of the outward expression of love or commitment. Does that then mean that we no longer need to give or expect tokens of love? Why no, the opposite should be true. This Valentine’s Day, surprise a special other

(partner, lover, mother or father) and make that extra special gesture that doesn’t just say “I love you”, but affirms “you are my one and only, now and forever”. What heart will not melt knowing that you have taken the time to find something that says how you feel. And all the more so if the relationship is so complete that it’s actually been a while

since you told each other how you feel. Whether its a simple rose from the garden, a home made card or cake, dinner for two, a get away from it all night in a luxury hotel, or a specially chosen gift, do something special this Valentine’s day. After all they’re worth it, and so are you.

Quote :

LOVE Like the measles, love is most dangerous when it comes late in life. Lord Byron

C Celebrate St Valentine's Day in the Hotel Botanico & the Oriental Spa Garden Enjoy a romantic night in a magical location GranLujo

Cava and exotic fruit on arrival

Dinner in one of our restaurants with a Special Menu

Violin Seranade

Sleep in a luxury double room

Breakfast in bed

Free entry to the thermal circuit at the Oriental Spa Garden

Valid for the night of February 14/15

Price per person, €125

Av. Richard J. Yeoward 1 – Puerto de la Cruz • 902 080 000 – 902 210 400 • reservas@hotelbotanico.com • www.hotelbotanico.com

SPECIAL ST VALENTINES

EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

Vox Populi

2. ROMANTIC BREAK

What gift have you always wanted to receive for

Valentine’s Day?

NICOLE, GUAZA

LILI, LOS CRISTIANOS

A homemade strawberry cake in the shape of a heart.

The biggest diamond in the world.

Hotel Jardín Botánico & Oriental Spa Garden

San Valentine’s luxury ANITA, LOS MENORES

GILL, LAS CHAFIRAS

A big bouquet of roses

A nice romantic weekend away in a 5-star hotel.

STEVEN, CALLAO SALVAJE

MICHELE, LAS CHAFIRAS

Diamonds, always diamonds.

A nice bunch of ﬂowers.

2. Say it with ﬂowers

More than words

F WORDS ARE ALL YOU NEED TO TAKE HIS OR HER BREATH AWAY, WHY NOT POST A ROMANTIC VALENTINE’S MESSAGE TO YOUR SWEETHEAR T, OR THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE YOU HAVE BEEN FANCYING FROM AFAR, AND LET THEM KNOW HOW YOU REALLY FEEL! The message, free, can be up to 15 words long, in your own style (though do remember this is a family newspaper), and two most romantic/funniest/sweetest messages win a bouquet of flowers from Floratur florists in CC Salytien, Playa de la Américas, for their special someone to be

collected on Valentine’s day. Post/fax or email (info@icnews.com), your message, subject Valentine, by midday Thursday Februar y 5th, for publication on Friday February 13th. Include a contact number so we can call you if you are the winner of one of our floral bouquets.

Treat yourself and your partner to a unique Valentine’s Day break in magical surroundings at a special price. One of the most prestigious hotels in the Canary Islands, the five star deluxe category Hotel Jardín Botánico & Oriental Spa Garden, has an amazing romantic offer for that special day in the lovers’ calendar. For just 125 euros per person (plus IGIC) you can share a beautiful double deluxe room with everything on offer for a dream night to remember the rest of your lives. Chilled cava and exotic fruit will be waiting for you on your arrival and you will have plenty of time to relax in the thermal circuit at the fabulous Oriental Spa Garden completely free of charge before changing for a special-menu dinner in one of the hotel’s five restaurants complete, of course, with a violin serenade. No rushing to get up the following morning either, as you enjoy a wonderful freshly prepared breakfast served in your own room. The Hotel Botánico’s classical style gives the hotel an eternal elegance and peaceful ambience and there are extraordinary views over the Atlantic or the Orotava Valley from each room or suite. It has a variety of top quality restaurants and

comfortable bar areas to suit all tastes as well as a full range of leisure activities including the prize-winning Oriental Spa Garden. The hotel sits in over six hectares of magnificent gardens in the luxuriant verdure of Puerto de la Cruz at the foot of Mount Teide. Discover the old town’s culture, tradition and commercial areas whilst enjoying one of the most privileged climates in the world. Immerse yourself in the incredible nature of the surroundings, play a game of golf or simply relax on one of the spectacular volcanic beaches. The special offer is for the night of the 14th to 15th of February, but why don’t you make a long weekend out of it for an even more memorable break. To book or for more information call 902 210 400, 902 080 000 or email reservas@ hotelbotanico.com.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

SPECIAL ST VALENTINES

3. A love story

La Peregrina ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS PEARLS FROM AMERICAN WATERS IS LA PEREGRINA OR ‘THE INCOMPARABLE’.

pear-shaped white pearl from approximately 200 grains (10 grams) in weight, La Peregrina was found in the beginning of the sixteenth centur y by a slave who, as a reward, was purportedly given his freedom. His owner was granted land and a title. The Spanish conquistador in Panama, presented it to King Ferdinand V, and it became part of the Spanish Royal Treasury in 1513. In 1544, Prince Philip II of Spain presented it to his fiancée, Mar y Tudor as a wedding gift. In 1700, it became one of a pair of ear rings, when another pearl of similar size and quality was discovered (the Charles II Pearl). During the next two centuries, La Peregrina passed through a succession of royal hands. It was sold in London in the late nineteenth century to

Elizabeth Taylor, owner of La Peregrina

the Marquis of Abercorn, who pur chased it for his wife. From there, La Peregrina passed to Parke Bernet galleries in London. Then in 1969, it was sold at an auction to the British actor Richard Burton, who purchased it as a Valentine’s Day gift for his wife, the actress Elizabeth Taylor, who still owns the pearl.

Cleopatra’s wager In the year 41 B.C. Marc Anthony, one of the rulers of

Rome, summoned Egyptian queen Cleopatra VII for an audience at Tarsus (in present-day T urkey). Anthony ostensibly wanted Cleopatra to answer charges that she had aided Cassius, who had conspired with Brutus to assassinate Julius Caesar. But most people believe the real reason for the meeting was that Anthony wanted Egyptian aid for an upcoming military campaign, and besides, he had the hots for Cleopatra. Cleopatra ar rived on her legendar y bar ge, and proceeded to throw elaborate banquets for Anthony and his officials for several evenings straight— nothing like a bit of wining and dining to smooth over political misunderstandings. So impressed was Anthony at the lavish feasts Cleopatra had arranged that he accepted a friendly wager. Cleopatra bet Anthony a large sum of

Enjoy

Valentine's Weekend in Villa Cortés

Total price 1 night sea view double room with breakfast.t. Cava, fruit, and water on arrival. Apéritif: Glass of Taittinger Champagne. aurant 5 course Gourmet meal in our Tiziano Restaurant f ) (created by our head chef Diego Schattenhofer). Spa Circuit. Late check out.

Remind that special someone just how much they mean to you... Dinner only option, total price per couple: 120€ For all reservations please call 922 75 71 97 Reservation-evc@europe-hotels.org www.europe-hotels.org

€275

per couple

Hotel

Villa Cortés Tenerife

money that she could host the most expensive meal in history. The next day, as the meal in question was nearing its end, Antony said that it had been terrific, but no more impressive than her other banquets—and certainly not worth the sum of money she had specified. At this, Cleopatra removed one of her pearl earrings and dropped it in a goblet of wine vinegar. Each of the pearls was so large and rare that it was extraordinarily valuable, “worth 15 countries.” The pearl dissolved in the vinegar, which Cleopatra then drank. Anthony conceded defeat—the value of that single drink, let alone the banquet, had indeed been more than any meal in history. Not only did Cleopatra win the wager, she won Marc

Anthony’s heart. Anthony left his wife and moved to Alexandria. But ten years later, Octavius led Rome in a war against Egypt. He defeated Anthony and Cleopatra, both of whom committed suicide shortly thereafter. Meanwhile, according to legend, the pearl from Cleopatra’s other earring was later cut in two, with each half being placed in one of the ears of the statue of Venus in Rome. Rome fell, of course, soon thereafter.

Coincidence? Probably. But would it also have been coincidence that Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor became lovers after playing the leading roles of Mark Anthony and Cleopatra in the Oscar winning movie Cleopatra (1963)? Who can tell?

TENERIFE PEARL The pearl specialist Ctra. General del Sur, km.12 – Armeñime Info 922 741 250

SPECIAL ST VALENTINES

EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

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ST VALENTINE HISTORY

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Valentine of Terni and disciples, by Richard de Montbaston

There were, according to the experts, possibly up to three dif ferent Saint Valentines, all of them martyrs, under the date of 14 Februar y. According to the Catholic Encyclopaedia one is described as a priest at Rome, another as bishop of Interamna (modern Terni), and these two seem both to have suffered in the second half of the third centur y and to have been buried on the Flaminian Way, but at different distances from the city. In William of Malmesbury’s time what was known to the ancients as the Flaminian Gate of Rome and is now the Porta del Popolo, was called the Gate of St. Valentine. The name seems to have been taken from a small church dedicated to the saint

which was in the immediate neighbourhood. Of the third Saint Valentine, who suffered in Africa with a number of companions, nothing further is known. Valentine of Rome’s relics are at the Church of Saint Praxed in Rome and at Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church in Dublin, Ireland. According to a biography of Saint Valentine by Robert Sabuda, the priest was also a doctor who would treat patients even if they could not pay him. It is said his miracle was curing a difficult case of blindness in a young girl. Valentine of Terni became bishop of Interamna about AD 197 and is said to have been killed during the persecution of Emperor Aurelian. His relics are at the Basilica of Saint Valentine in Terni (Basilica di San Valentino).

VALENTINES SINGLES

Valentine’s Day for singles Valentine’s Day should be for ever yone – and if you don’t currently have a special other person in your life, there are still ways to celebrate this day of love and friendship. Why not organise a dinner with other single friends. Choose a restaurant that is not a haunt of romantic couples, somewhere you can have some fun, and celebrate your friendship – after all, so far there’s no international Friendship Day. Treat yourself to something

you’ve wanted – a facial, a massage, a manicure, a new aftershave, a really nice bottle of wine, a new CD – make yourself feel special. Phone a friend – no, we’re not suggesting you take part in a money making TV quiz show, but why not get out your phone book and call someone you haven’t spoken to for a long time, family member or friend. Chances are they’ll be delighted to hear from you. Whatever you decide to do, make sure it makes you feel good and special.

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ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

Panama shooting

Gran Canarian businessman killed Another prominent Canarian businessman has been murdered in South America. Just a few months after Juan MartĂn RodrĂguez, who was originally from Tenerife, was killed by his kidnappers after being snatched outside his company ofďŹ ces in Venezuela, the head of oil company Cepsaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Panama subsidiary was also killed. Manuel MachĂn, from Las Palmas, had lived in the country for several years. He was shot outside the park near his home where he regularly went jogging before going to work. According to police, he was intercepted by two men as he was returning to his car and was shot once in the stomach. He died shortly afterwards in hospital. Senior directors from the Spanish oil company ďŹ&#x201A;ew out to Panama immediately to assist with the formalities to ďŹ&#x201A;y his body back to Gran Canaria for burial. Police in Panama say four men have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting.

UNEMPLOYMENT

Spain is not working In a period which saw the British government step in with ďŹ nancing packages for yet more British banks, the Spanish government announced some depressing unemployment ďŹ gures.

Financial crisis

No consensus Experts consulted by Tenerife daily El DĂa have failed to agree on the likely date for the end of the current crisis. The paper organised a debate on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Predictions for 2009â&#x20AC;&#x2122; among leading local economists, including a senior ofďŹ cial at the Chamber of Commerce and a former head of the Canarian governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s think-tank on the economy, but the analysis of the coming year proved to be very different depending on the expert consulted. However, they did agree that 2009 could well be, â&#x20AC;&#x153;much tougher than 2008â&#x20AC;?. Vicente Dorta, from the Chamber of Commerce, was far from optimistic that things would improve in the months to come, especially for the three sectors worst hit by the downturn: the construction industry (where unemployment has risen by 140 per cent), the car sector and local commerce. Francisco Torres, regional head of the Renta 4 ďŹ nancial consultancy group, predicted that the ďŹ rst two quarters of the year will bring, â&#x20AC;&#x153;even worse news, with more increases in the number of jobless and associated variablesâ&#x20AC;?. For his part, JosĂŠ Luis Rivero, professor of applied economics at La Laguna University and former head of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Economic and Social Council, stressed that the current economic crisis was, â&#x20AC;&#x153;a mutating virusâ&#x20AC;? that turned everything on its head very rapidly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A year and a half ago, the main concern was inďŹ&#x201A;ation and now it is deďŹ&#x201A;ation. In May experts warned of the dangers of excessive liquidity in the markets and today we have exactly the opposite situation,â&#x20AC;? explained Rivero.

Housing market

Cheaper rents More and more would be property sellers are opting to rent and sit out the crisis, the inevitable end result is a drop in rental prices. According to a new report by property specialists, Idealista.com, over the last 12 months in the Madrid region, rentals have dropped 1.6 per cent, some 12.8 euros per square metre. This result has been echoed in the 11 out of 15 capitals of Spanish regions throughout 2008, with some reductions up to 10 per cent. The largest drop was in Valencia with a 14.5 per cent reduction, which Idealista put down to less demand with the fall-out after the Americas Cup. Barcelona continues to be the most expensive but has also come down four per cent. Seville has held its prices best with rents reducing by just 0.2 per cent. The properties investigated in the Canaries were in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where prices fell by 2.9 per cent. Bucking the trend were Oviedo, 4.9 per cent increase, Palma de Mallorca, 2.9 per cent, CĂłrdoba, 2.7 per cent and Salamanca 2.5 per cent. With more properties expected to come onto the rental market, this is a trend which is expected to continue.

EU Members of Parliament are against an increase in the working week

In over 800,000 homes in Spain all the members of the family of working age are looking for work, double the number last year and the government is looking at some way of helping these families. The number of people out of work has risen by 1.2 million in 2008. The lack of work is also affecting those with high levels of studies, two and three degrees, mastersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; qualiďŹ cations and a number of languages. Even the most qualiďŹ ed of applicants are ďŹ nding it tough to get a job. In among the construction workers and waiters queuing at the unemployment ofďŹ ce are sales and ďŹ nancial directors and staff from multinational computer companies. Around 12 per cent of the high-ďŹ&#x201A;yers are now looking at starting their own businesses despite the economic climate. Meanwhile the EU is debating opening up the labour markets and making them more ďŹ&#x201A;exible. The proposal to extend the working week from 48 to 65 hours was rejected in December, however the European Employment Ministers have not given up and are trying to evaluate up to what point the Euro Chamber is willing to give in over terms

Celestino Corbacho IS ALSO STRONGLY AGAINST EXTENDING THE

working day and conditions of employment. The intention is to reach an understanding before May and the European

Elections in June are adding a lot of pressure to the negotiations for them to come to an agreement. According to the European Commissioner for Employment, Vladimir Spidla, the existing Directive is from 1993 and in his opinion, â&#x20AC;&#x153;insufďŹ cientâ&#x20AC;? in the face of the current crisis. During an informal meeting in Luhacovice, Czech Republic, the representatives agreed to rethink some proposals such as the current payment of doctors on emergency

duty. The idea is that they should only be paid when they are treating a patient and not for the waiting time between one patient and the next. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sure to go down well with a profession that already considers itself underpaid and overworked. Other countries such as Germany, the UK and Poland are, according to diplomatic sources, adamant and immovable that they will introduce an optout clause which will allow an agreement between the employer and the workers to exceed the 48 hour maximum working week, despite the views of Members of the European Parliament to the contrary. Spain, Belgium, Hungary, Greece, Cyprus and Portugal continue to defend ideas more in line with EU thinking, with the Spanish Minister for Employment, Celestino Corbacho, insisting that Spain wishes to make sure that there is no way the working week can be extended to over 48

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LIVING & LIFESTYLE

CuticleCare

EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

Beauty:

By Nicola Roberts

IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO HAVE HEALTHY NAILS WITHOUT HEALTHY CUTICLES

t is not possible to have healthy nails without healthy cuticles but cuticle care may not always be as straightforward as it seems.

actually designed to protect the nail by sealing off the opening between skin and nail. It needs to be kept soft and pliable and separate from the nail but shouldn’t actually open up and separate too far, otherwise dirt, detergents, chemicals and even nail polish can get into the matrix and cause infection. Infections around the cuticles and folds of skin surrounding the nail are called paronchial infections and result in the area becoming inﬂamed, swollen and sore. The cuticle may lift away from the base of the nail and even produce pus when pressed. Bacterial and fungal diseases are also common. The area is

True nail care starts at the root, the living part of the nail. This is the matrix which is protected by the cuticle. It’s why good nail care products pay special attention to the cuticles and especially to moisturising. Unfortunately poor manicures are one of the most common causes of nail problems. Every experienced technician has seen them but signs of bad manicuring include ridges, dents or nicks in the nails and a pink inﬂamed cuticle. The cuticle is

Suzane Decor

surprisingly vulnerable to injury and disease which is why most problems are caused by everyday chemicals, excess exposure to water and local trauma – including over-zealous cuticle pushing or clipping. Since the cuticle and nail fold can be pushed, sliced or softened too far, it is important during treatment to remember to keep bacteria and foreign objects out of the way! Rough cuticle work can actually contribute to long term nail damage, technique is therefore very important. That’s why cuticles should never be truly removed or even pushed back too ﬁrmly but persuaded gently and with great care and

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only undertaken when the area is properly softened. Cuticle preparations are usually naturally caustic and may therefore lead to further drying out of the surrounding skin and possibly to hangnails. Hangnails are usually self inﬂicted, either through injury from picking the skin and cuticle around the nails, poor home manicuring and even accidental injuries like paper cuts. Excessive dryness is another principal cause since dried out skin loses elasticity, becoming more likely to crack and split at the side of the nail, leaving a painful tag of skin which catches on virtually everything including clothes, tights and even hair. It is tempting to bite or pull them, but the tearing action is unpredictable and many times can stretch too far, leading to sore, inﬂamed, broken and even bleeding skin. Instead it needs correct trimming with cuticle nippers and good prevention techniques such as massaging the area with correct oils and creams – several times if necessary. If work involves repeated wetting and drying of hands (nurses, hairdressers, bar workers and cleaners are often most at risk) it would be better to wear rubber gloves with cotton liners whenever possible – at home if not at work – in order to try to reduce the severity of the problem.

approach to the hangnail, then opened slightly in a tweezer like movement – to remove the tip of the hangnail. It is better to trim a little at a time rather than risk nipping too much at once. It is never advisable to use cuticle nippers as a short cut to cuticle care. Over using nippers can lead to over-thickening of the cuticle skin. ‘Towel rolling’ is another way of lifting excess cuticle away from the nail plate. A disposable cloth wipe can be dipped in a plain water or a diluted hand bath, wrapped around the thumbnail, then traced around the cuticle with three or four firm movements, following the line of the cuticle. It eases back the cuticle and lifts any loose skin without causing damage. Horizontal grooves in the nail result from injury or interruption to the matrix (illness and drug treatment may have a similar result) which alters nail development and rubbing the area – a common habit – may be the cause of injury, or poor manicuring, including the use of sharp implements. The deformity usually grows out but may take anything from four months to two years to disappear completely. Home care is so important to keep the cuticles healthy and flexible, for example a cuticle cream can be used twice a day and preferably an oil in the evening. The best way to apply them is to use the ball of the thumb in small, firm rotating movements which stimulate the local circulation, boost nail cell production and growth and add a healthy pink glow beneath the nail.

Treating hangnails with minimum discomfort Cuticle nippers should be held in the palm of the hand, with the index ﬁnger under its jaws for maximum control. The jaws should remain closed on the

Nicola Roberts is the owner of Bellissima Hair and Beauty in Los Gigantes and San Eugenio Alto. For information or appointments please call 922 867 343 or 922 719 355.

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Interior design

LIVING & LIFESTYLE

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

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EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

LIVING & LIFESTYLE

Health: Dr. De La Flor

House Calls with Dr. De La Flor

healthytenerife@gmail.com

Dear Doctor, My husband has just been diagnosed with an incurable disease. Our family is devastated and we don’t know how to move forward. Since there is no medical intervention we feel helpless. What can we do?

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Sincerely, Sylvia

I suffer from anaemia and would like to know what I can do to manage it. Thank you, Emma

Dear Sylvia, Recently I read an article on Steve Jobs, the founder, alma mater and genius behind Apple, Inc. He was diagnosed in 2004 with pancreatic cancer. So far, he’s beaten all odds. I love his empowering attitude. For those of us that have lived in Silicon Valley, California, we know that Steve Jobs is a national treasure, a visionary who is truly irreplaceable. When I read his interview, I was thinking of the concept of “being irreplaceable”. And guess what, we are all irreplaceable. You and me and your husband, what we do or what we refuse to do, nobody else is going to do it. Think of the smile you can offer to those you are going to

DOCTOR

opportunity we have and making it to the best of our ability. Embrace hurdles with a sporty attitude, trying to ﬁgure out how to jump gracefully and not thinking that we might fall and be embarrassed in front of the crowd. Every hurdle, including a disease, should be an opportunity to rediscover our immortality and recognising that out of our weakness we can bring about extraordinary fruits for us and those around us. Steve discovered that doing ordinary things in an extraordinary way can elevate our hearts and souls to unimaginable heights. It was a wake up call to help him “make the big choices in life.”

Dear Emma,

encounter. You, and only you can or cannot offer it. That’s the reason we are irreplaceable. At a commencement speech Steve Jobs gave at Stanford University in 2005, he told the crowd: “Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices

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in life.” Being able to contextualise our life, our day, who we are and what we are here for is a viable, powerful tool to make us realize what to focus on and what to avoid when we wake up every day. For some a ‘cancer’ seems to be like a curse, something awful. Disease is just another challenge we have to overcome in life. My

advice is not to ﬁght it, but to embrace it, to keep making the most under the circumstances and trust in your God. By the way, as healthy as you and I can be, we could die before someone diagnosed with an endstage leukemia today. My point is, we need to live enjoying and squeezing the best out of every

Shiatsu

with Michael Clark Michael is recognised as one of the top Shiatsu practitioners in the Western World. He was Japanese trained and has been practising for over 25 years. During this time, Michael has unbelievably taken over 400 people out of wheelchairs. If you suffer from poor circulation, causing pain, aches or cramps – you have these problems unnecessarily. One treatment of four and a half hours with Michael is specially designed to help with these problems and will last for years. 'Life is for living – not for getting a stroke or thrombosis'. Michael is based in Ocean View Apts., San Eugenio Alto

Give Michael a call anytime on his mob: 636 239 940 www.me-reliefnews.com

First of all, it’s key to know what type of anaemia you have. There are different types of anaemia each with different causes. Some of the common types of anaemia include iron deficiency anaemia, anaemia due to chronic diseases, vitamin deficiency anaemia, hemolytic anaemia, aplastic anaemia, anaemia associated with bone marrow diseases or other blood conditions. Many types of these anaemias cannot be prevented; however vitamin deficiency anaemia

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and iron deficiency anaemia (common types of anaemia) can be prevented by following a specific diet and medications. Include food sources rich in iron in your diet – some of these include meats, organ meats like liver or kidney, seafood, iron fortified breads and cereals, dark green leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli, whole grains, nuts, beans especially lentils, dry fruits like dates, apricots, raisins and prunes. If you prefer non-vegetarian foods then it would be best. This is because the heam iron present in non vegetarian sources is readily absorbed by the body compared to the non-heam iron present in vegetarian food sources. For better iron absorption preferably eat iron rich sources combined with vitamin C rich foods. For example if you have an iron fortified cereal for your breakfast, make sure to drink a glass of fresh orange juice. Vitamin C in any form will better help absorption of iron in your body. Some of the other iron absorption enhancers include strawberries, kiwi, grapefruit, tomato, peppers and potatoes. After eating iron rich foods avoid foods that provide tannins. For example never drink tea or coffee immediately after your meal. The tannins present in tea and coffee as well as wine will inhibit the iron absorption in your body. Also if you are on multivitamin supplements along with iron supplements then talk to your GP. Iron when taken along with calcium supplements may hinder the absorption of either nutrient. Dr. De La Flor, G.P. is licensed in medicine & general surgery. He holds certificates in nutrition, medical exercise and human performance from the University of Berkeley in California, the American Council on Exercise and the U.S. National Strength & Conditioning Association. He is a strong believer in work/ life balance and spends much of his time outside of his surgery on the tennis court or chasing his four kids around the neighborhood.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

LIVING & LIFESTYLE

Public Health System

Putting the patient ﬁrst In a detailed interview with local newspaper Diario de Avisos, the president of the Tenerife Doctors Association (Comtf), Rodrigo Martín, has called for a radical overhaul of the public health system, integrating primary care and consultancy. He says the way forward is to move towards a system where the patient and his illness are what dominate the treatment circle. Patients

would no longer need to attend their GP if they need to see a specialist but could attend directly; health centres would be organised around the needs of the area, bringing together the medical personnel required for each zone, based on the prevailing illnesses. In other words, the illness itself would be the axis around which the system revolved with regard to each patient. Martín said, “if I need to see an ophthalmologist I wouldn’t

South hospital

Stop start work to begin again The authorities are currently sticking to the revised completion date for the new hospital for South Tenerife – sometime in 2011, but residents are weary of the politics and many have adopted an “I’ll believe it when I’m treated in it” attitude. According to the latest from the Cabildo, the work on the ‘social welfare’ section of the hospital should resume this month. Cristina Válido, from the insular department of social welfare, said that

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once the separation of the two sections concerned – socio-medical from medical – were clariﬁed, things could proceed. The former, which will deal with community health issues such as geriatric needs, domestic violence issues, family welfare, and mental and physical disability requirements will be looked after by the island authorities, while the hospital/patient unit will be administered by the regional authorities. In their wisdom it has now been decided

that the two units are so distinct that they need to be housed in separate buildings – which has led to the need for replanning and redrafting of blueprints, changes in ﬁnancing and budgeting, and overall design alterations. However it is hoped that the two buildings, once functioning, will actually be linked in terms of service and information exchange, and those patients attending the hospital wing as, for example, the result of a

have to go to my GP ﬁrst, but directly to the specialist who would evaluate my situation and send me for necessary tests”. In other words the patient would be able to avail of something along the lines of a one stop shop, where within a 48 hour period his/her medical needs would be attended to on an integral basis. The proposal would also see current medical centres shifting their focus, and operating with a “services head organising a body of specialists” chosen following an analysis of the area in question and changing as the medical needs of the district change. Martín was critical of many aspects of the current public health system, including basic administration. “What you cannot have is a history of electronic systems for each island, none of which are compatible”. The patient must be able to rely on a health system that works for them no matter where (in the Canaries) they are. Similar systems are, according to the president of the association, in operation on a pilot basis in a number of districts in the United States of America. He added that the introduction of such a system here would take between ﬁve and ten years to be fully functional.

domestic violence attack, will be referred directly to the community health zone as and when is appropriate.

Work is resuming on parts OF THE SOUTHERN HOSPITAL

WHAT’S ON

EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

What’s On Tenerife

MUSEUMS & CULTURAL EVENTS [ Tenerife ]

Auditorium Tenerife www.auditoriodetenerife. com

Av. Constitución, 1 38003 Santa Cruz phone 902 31 73 27

Guimerá Theatre www.teatroguimera.es

Plaza Isla de la Madera, 2- 38001 Santa Cruz phone 902 36 46 03

CajaCanarias Cultural Centre www.canarynet.com

Pl. el Patriotismo, 1 38002 Santa Cruz phone 922 471 000

Museum of Science & Space (MCC) www.museosdetenerife. org

C/ Vía Láctea, s/n 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna phone 922 315 265

Museum of Nature & Archaeology (MNH) www.museosdetenerife. org

C/ Fuente Morales, s/n 38003 Santa Cruz phone 922 535 128

Tenerife History Museum (MHAT) www.museosdetenerife. org

C/ San Agustín, 20/22 38201 San Cristóbal de La Laguna phone 922 825 949/43

Tenerife Anthropology Museum www.museosdetenerife. org

C/ Vino, 44 38270 Valle de Guerra (La Laguna) phone 922 546 300 [ Gran Canaria ]

FIESTAS Fiestas La Florida January 30, Gala for the election of the princess and queen of the ﬁestas January 31, Livestock fair and regional costume dance February 1, romería – colourful street procession

Carnaval, Santa Cruz: February 8, Gala for the election of the Infant Carnaval Queen February 13, Final of the adult Murgas competition (satirical songs) February 14, Comparsas competition (musical groups) February 18, Gala for the election of the Carnaval Queen February 20, Opening procession February 21, Comparsas rhythm and harmony competition February 24, Grand Carnaval Procession from 4pm February 25, Burial of the Sardine March 1, XXXVIII Vintage Car Competition

Carnaval, Puerto de la Cruz: election of the Infant Queen February 19, Gala for the election of the Carnaval Queen February 21, Opening procession February 22, Fancy dress competition February 24, Classic and vintage car exhibition February 25, Burial of the Sardine February 27, Masculine marathon – fancy dress with high heels February 28, Grand Carnaval Procession

EXHIBITIONS Until February 15, Espacios Abiertos III, contemporary photography exhibition. All photos taken in the Canaries by Canarian photographers. Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 1pm and 5pm to 9pm. Until February 11, exhibition Arte Puro (pure art), Casino, Hotel Mencey, Santa Cruz Until February 21, Mirta Silvia Tabares, artist, displays her paintings at the Abama Art Gallery, Hotel Abama, Guía de Isora.

SPORT & NATURE

Pérez Galdós Theatre www.teatroperezgaldos.es

Hiking: Discover Arona. More information about trekking routes: 922 725 180 or www.arona.org

All year round Guided walks for groups through the most emblematic buildings of the lovely northern town of Los Silos. Contact Oscar on 922 841 086.

Barranco del Inﬁerno Adeje: Mondays to Sundays from 8.30 am till 5.30 pm. No access allowed after 4 pm. Price: 3 euros. Max. 200 people a day. Free entrance on Sundays. More info and reservation on 922 782 885.

Guided trails For the general public. The National Park’s interpretation service offers guided tours free of charge. You need to book in advance with the National Park Ofﬁce Tel. 922 290 129 / 922 290 183.

MISCELLANEOUS

February 15, Gala for the

Cuyás Theatre www.teatrocuyas.com

Last Saturday of every month. The activity may be combined with snorkelling, hiking, climbing or potholing. More info on 922 127 938.

Kayak Tours by kayak for all abilities:

Alcalá market has reverted to Sunday following public demand complete with food stands. The Wednesday market at Playa San Juan has been extended to include two popular sections, car boot and fruit.

La Baranda WINE MUSEUM A renovated 17th century Canary Island hacienda used by the Island Cabildo to promote local quality wines. Autopista Gral. del Norte. Km 21, (El Sauzal exit), 38360 El Sauzal, Tel.: 922 572 535 Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm. Wine tasting and shop until 10 pm, Sunday and Bank Holidays from 11 am to 6 pm, closed Monday.

Castles Tours: Tenerife History Museum offers guided tours around the island’s castles for schools and groups. More information on 922 825 949 Masonic Meetings South of Tenerife. Visitors always welcome. Tenerife Craft, Chapter, Mark. For more information phone 922 794 502 or 922 732 386.

Ciudadanos Europeos (European Citizens Group) meets monthly September to April at the Cultural Centre (Casa Cultural), Los Cristianos. Full programme of interesting speakers, advice, and social activities. For more information, contact the Social Secretary, Vanessa Cloutt, tel. 922 742 011 or e-mail:ceten@fsmail.net.

Procession

Pleasure Island in Playa de las Américas, just behind Lineker’s bar in Starco, now hosts the K9 and San Francisco charities for animals car boot sale. All proceeds go to the charities. Stallholders are very welcome but booking is advised, enquiries and reservations can be made by calling Pat the Cat on 608 121 081. Open from 8am to midday, great for bargain hunters and those who love a good rummage.

February 23, Children’s

English Library Calle Irlanda, Parque Taoro, Puerto de la Cruz: Monday 3pm to 5.30pm, Wednesday 10am to 12 noon, Friday from 4pm to 6pm and Saturday 11am to 1pm. Information: Julia Gaskell 922 37 2 579.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Meetings in the South: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 5.45pm, Friday at 11.45am. 1st Floor Apolo Centre, Los Cristianos (next to bus terminal). Information: 630 478 448 (24 hrs).

MUSEUMS Casa Lercaro C/ San Agustín, 20-22 38201 San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Phone 922 82 59 49

Casa de Carta Tacoronte main road, Valle de Guerra, s/n. 38270 Valle de Guerra (La Laguna) Phone 922 546 300

Gran Canaria FIESTAS Carnaval, Las Palmas: February 3, 4, 5, 7, Murgas competition. Final on 7th. February 8, Adult comparsas competition February 13, Gala for the election of the Carnaval Queen February 14, Children’s comparsas and adult fancy dress competitions February 15, Gala for the election of the Infant Carnaval Queen February 20, Gala for the election of the Drag Queen followed by Drag disco February 21, Grand Carnaval

procession

February 24, Events in Las Canteras

February 28, Burial of the Sardine

EXHIBITIONS Until March 28, exhibition La Entidad y su Patrimonio, with paintings by Julio Romero de Torres, Francis Bacon, Christo, George Segal, Miró Mainou, Juan Ismael, César Manrique, Pepe Dámaso, Manolo Millares, Juan de Miranda, Giraldo, Plácido Fleitas and Felo Monzón. CICCA, Las Palmas Until June 2009, sculpture by Agoney Santana, Saulo Torón square, Las Canteras, Las Palmas Until June 2009, Un mar de Vergüenzas, Saulo Torón Square in Las Canteras

SPORT & NATURE Trekking Local councils in various areas of the island organise guided treks and other open-air activities. For more information, call UPNature, Guanarteme 928 270084 or 928 473265, Arucas 928 621754, Maspalomas 928 764201, Tablero 928 140640, Mogán 928 158805, Aldea de San Nicolás de Tolentino 928.891.252 or www. alberguelaaldea.com, or Valleseco 928 618740.

Archaeology Guided visits to the principal digs in the island: Bentayga (Tejeda), Cenobio de Valerón (Guía) etc. For more information 928 219 229.

MARKETS Arguineguín: Tuesday, Gáldar: Thursday, Mogán: Sunday, Puerto de Mogán: Friday, Telde: Saturday, Terór: Sunday, Vecindario: Monday and Wednesday – all 8am to 2pm. Playa del Inglés, every day except Sunday, 7.30 to 11.30pm. Rastro, Sunday 8am to 2pm, bus station, Las Palmas.

C DAYS At the time of going to press the C Days web site was not announcing any events for these dates. Check for the special selection of subsidised cultural events on http://www.diasc. com/diasc/

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

WHAT’S ON

25TH CANARY ISLANDS MUSIC FESTIVAL

*All tickets available in advance from: 902 405 504 (La Caja de Canarias), 902 317 327 (CajaCanarias), or from special ticket vending machines at branches of these two banks, at the ticket ofﬁces of the auditoriums, or online at

Events 31 January – 16 February

www.generaltickets.com or www.festivaldecanarias.com.

Auditorio de Tenerife, Santa Cruz February 1, 8.30 pm, SWR- Sinfonieorchester Baden-Baden und Freiburg II. Michael Gielen, conductor and Hanno Müller-Brachmann, baritone. G. Mahler: Blumine ‘Des Knaben Wunderhorn’ A. Bruckner: Symphony nr. 1 (second version) Series 2 · A- 70€ B- 55€ C- 30€ D- 25€ February 4, 8.30 pm, Orchestra and Choir of the Age of Enlightenment. Gustav Leonhardt, conductor; Monika Frimmer, soprano; David Sagastume, countertenor; Markus Schäfer, tenor; Peter Harvey, bass J.S. Bach: Cantata 30ª ‘Angenehmes Wiederau, freue dich’ Suite No. 2 in C minor Symphony of the Cantata No. 42 Cantata 134 ‘Die Zeit, die Tag und Jahre macht’ Series 1 · A- 65€ B-50€ C-30€ D-20€ February 5, 8.30 pm, Orquesta Filarmónica de Gran Canaria II. Pedro Halffter, conductor; Nancy Fabiola Herrera, mezzosoprano; Jorge de León, tenor; Yolanda Auyanet, soprano; Marina Pardo, mezzosoprano; Gustavo Peña, tenor; Alberto Feria, bass; Augusto Brito, baritone; Pedro Sanz, vocalist; Pablo Sáinz, guitar . Bernstein: West Side Story (selection of songs) M. de Falla: La Vida Breve Prices: A- 20€ B- 12€ C- 12€ D- 12€ February 7, 8.30 pm, Orquesta La Pasión. María Guinand, conductor Schola Cantorum de Venezuela. Biella da Costa, Vocalist; Jessica Rivera, Soprano; Reynaldo González Fernández, vocalist and Afrocuban dancer Deraldo Ferreira, capoeira/ berimbau O. Golijov: St. Mark Passion Prices: A- 65€ B- 50€ C- 30€ D- 20€ February 11, 8.30 pm, Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra I. Zoltan Kocsis, piano and conductor. J. Haydn: Symphony No. 95. L. v. Beethoven: Concert No. 4 for piano and orchestra . B. Bartok: Dance Suite Z. Kodály: Dances of Galanta Series 1 · A- 70€ B- 55€ C- 30€ D- 25€ February 12, 8.30 pm, Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra II. Zoltan Kocsis, conductor. J. Haydn: Symphony No. 97 G. Kurtág: Messages for Orchestra op. 34 and New Messages for Orchestra op. 34/a (fragments) R. Strauss: Aus Italien Series 2 · A- 70€ B- 55€ C- 30€ D- 25€ February 13, 8.30 pm, Orchestra Dell’ Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia I. Antonio Pappano, conductor; Christian Tetzlaff, violin. G. Ligeti: Concert Romanesque J. Brahms: Concert for violin and orchestra B. Bartok: Concert for orchestra Series 1 · A- 75€ B- 60€ C- 35€ D- 25€ February 14, 8.30 pm, Orchestra Dell’ Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia II. Antonio Pappano, conductor; Martha Argerich, piano . R. Panﬁli: Danzario. New Commission of the ANSC and the FMC. Premiere in Rome on 7 February. L. v. Beethoven: Concert No.1 for piano and orchestra D. Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5 Series 2 · A- 75€ B- 60€ C- 35€ D- 25€

La Gomera February 4, 8.30 pm, CC Valle Gran Rey: Ensemble Andalusí de Tetuán. Andalusí Music and Dance from Al-Andalus Andalusi Traditional and Mediterranean Traditional. 10 € February 9, 8.30 pm, Auditorio Infanta Cristina, Schola Cantorum de Venezuela. 10 €

El Hierro

La Palma February 2, 8.30 pm, Museo Arqueológico, Ensemble Andalusí de Tetuán. Andalusí Music and Dance from Al-Andalus. Andalusi Traditional and Mediterranean Traditional. 15€ February 10, 8.30 pm, Teatro Circo de Marte, Schola Cantorum de Venezuela, 15€

Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria February 1, 8.30 pm, The Philadelphia Orchestra II, Christoph Eschenbach, conductor; Leonidas Kavakos, violin B. Bartok: Concert No. 2 for violin and orchestra A. Bruckner: Symphony No. 6 Series 2 · A- 85€ B-70€ C- 40€ D- 30€ February 3, 8.30 pm, Orchestra and Choir of the Age of Enlightenment, Gustav Leonhardt, conductor; Monika Frimmer, soprano; David Sagastume, alto; Markus Schäfer, tenor; Peter Harvey, bass.J. S. Bach: Cantata 30ª ‘Angenehmes Wiederau, freue dich’ Suite No. 2 en C minor. Symphony of the Cantata 42 Cantata 134 ‘Die Zeit, die Tag und Jahre macht’ Series 1 · A- 65€ B- 50€ C- 30€ D- 20€ February 5, 8.30 pm, Orquesta La Pasión, María Guinand, conductor. Schola Cantorum de Venezuela: Biella da Costa, vocalist; Jessica Rivera, soprano; Reynaldo González Fernández, vocalist and Afrocuban dancer Deraldo Ferreira, capoeira/ berimbau O. Golijov: St. Mark Passion Prices: A- 65€ B- 50€ C- 30€ D- 20€ February 6, 8.30 pm, Orquesta Filarmónica de Gran Canaria III, Pedro Halffter, conductor; Nancy Fabiola Herrera, mezzosoprano; Jorge de León, tenor; Yolanda Auyanet, soprano; Marina Pardo, mezzosoprano; Gustavo Peña, tenor; Alberto Feria, bass; Augusto Brito, baritone; Pedro Sanz, vocalist; Pablo Sáinz, guitar L. Bernstein: West Side Story (selection of songs) M. de Falla: La Vida Breve Prices: A- 20€ B- 12€ C- 12€ D- 12€ February 9, 8.30 pm, Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra I, Zoltan Kocsis, piano and conductor J. Haydn: Symphony no. 95. L.v. Beethoven: Concert No. 4 for piano and orchestra . B. Bartok: Dance Suite Z. Kodály: Dances of Galanta Series 1 · A- 70€ B- 55€ C- 30€ D- 25€ February 10, 8.30 pm, Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra II, Zoltan Kocsis, conductor. J. Haydn: Symphony No. 97 G. Kurtág: Messages for Orchestra op. 34 and New Messages for Orchestra op. 34/a (fragments) R. Strauss: Aus Italien Series 2 · A-70€ B- 55€ C- 30€ D- 25€ February 15, 8.30 pm, Orchestra Dell’ Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia I. Antonio Pappano, conductor; Christian Tetzlaff, violin G. Ligeti: Concert Romanesque J. Brahms: Concert for violin and orchestra B. Bartok: Concert for orchestra Series 1 · A- 75€ B- 60€ C- 35€ D- 25€ February 16, 8.30 pm, Orchestra Dell’ Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia II. Antonio Pappano, conductor; Martha Argerich, piano R. Panﬁli: Danzario. New Commission of the ANSC and the FMC. Premiere in Rome on February 7. L. v. Beethoven: Concert No. 1 for piano and orchestra D. Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5 Series 2 · A- 75€ B-60€ C- 35€ D- 25€

Lanzarote

Church Services: Living Spring Pentecostal Church Guaza Calle Almorejo 2, beside the Guaza sports complex. Rev. and Pastor (Mrs) Nelson Olajide Tel: 609 505 915. livingspring75@hotmail.com The Anglican Parish of All Saints Puerto de la Cruz Sunday services 9.30am and 11am 29 Carretera Taoro. Parish Priest: David Jenkins. Tel: 922 384 038 www.allsaintstenerife.com Saint Francis Anglican Chaplaincy Tenerife South Chaplain Fr. Keith Gordon, phone 679660277 or 922742045 Christian Fellowship Los Cristianos 1st ﬂoor of Apolo Shopping Centre Pastor Adrian McBride. Tel: 922 790 007. Costa del Silencio Coral Mar. Sunday Services 11am-6pm. Mothers & Toddlers group Tue.10.30 to 12 noon. Counselling and info: Pastor Bill Jeffrey Tel: 617291751. www. silenciochurch.com Calvary Assembly International Church Buzanada Sunday 11.00am, Wednesday 7.30pm Nursery is provided during the Sunday morning service as well as Sunday School for children under 12. For more information, for counselling, or for information about the International Bible Institute, call: Missionary / Pastor Mark G. Baumgartner 628 107 316. Catholic Mass Puerto de la Cruz International service Sundays (almost always in English) in the Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia parish church Los Gigantes Daily mass in English in the Espíritu Santo church St. Sebastian’s Inclusive Church Mogán, Gran Canaria Sundays 7pm at Cordial Mogán Playa Chapel

Canarian C-Days www.diasc.com/diasc/ Travel between the islands to cultural events is 50 per cent cheaper on certain days and for selected events with Fred Olsen, Islas Airways and Binter.

Teatro Municipal de San Bartolomé

Discounts on hotels and car

February 13, 8.30 pm, Schola Cantorum de Venezuela. 15€

hire are also available.

You will need to book by

Fuerteventura

February 5, 8.30 pm, Templo Parroquial San Antonio Abad de El Pinar. Ensemble Andalusí de Tetuán Andalusí Music and Dance from Al-Andalus. Andalusi Traditional and Mediterranean Traditional

February 1, 8.30 pm, Auditorio Municipal Gran Tarajal, Ensemble Andalusí de Tetuán. Andalusí Music and Dance from Al-Andalus. Andalusi Traditional and Mediterranean Traditional. 15 €

February 8, 8.30 pm, Iglesia de Frontera, Schola Cantorum de Venezuela

February 12, 8.30 pm, Iglesia de Antigua, Schola Cantorum de Venezuela. Free entry.

telephone 902 292 999, Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm or via the web

Make sure you know the full price of the ticket (including Canarian residents’ reduction) to ensure you receive the full discount.

Pets corner

Pets Portrait

A perfect pair

EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

Caring for Clio

By Clio O’’Flynn

JUST AFTER CHRISTMAS I FOUND A YOUNG CAT ON THE ROAD IN CALLAO SALVAJE; SHE HAD BEEN KNOCKED DOWN AND COULDN’T MOVE HER BACK LEGS, BUT WAS ALIVE AND ALERT. money recently, including Scooby’s, the Corner Bar in Parque de la Paz, the Breeze Inn, Los Cristianos, Paddy O’Taffy’s and Barry’s Bar, San Eugenio, The Cheshire Cat and Oscars. Well done.

Volunteers needed

Lucy and Sam were made for each other – and Lucy, courtesy of Live Arico, couldn’t believe her good luck when Sam picked her to be his very special friend.

Las Palmas

Dog-owners stage protest

Clio is in recovery and looking for a home

Few options for dog walkers in Las Palmas

Around a hundred dog-owners took to the streets of Las Palmas recently to protest at the lack of areas to walk their pets. Accompanied by their dogs, many of which sported giant bibs around their necks criticising the city’s mayor for not looking after their interests, the owners called on the council to review its strict rules and allow the dogs greater freedom in the capital. “There are over 47,000 dogs registered in Las Palmas but they have nowhere to go. Las Palmas should look to cities like San Sebastian on the mainland where owners can even walk their dogs on the beaches at certain times of the day. Here you risk a 300 euro fine if you go near the Las Canteras Beach” said Nélida Ruiz, one of the organisers.

I brought her to K9, one of the few godsends for animals that Tenerife has to offer those small four legged creatures that no one else will take responsibility for, and Hazel took her in, and has been keeping us up to date with progress. The latest news from Hazel is that the female cat has now been operated on, and has been named Clio (after guess who) by the K9 team. She is recovering and in the very capable and caring hands of the kennel staff. Now, here’s the beg. They haven’t asked for money, but they will be getting some from us at Island Connections – for Clio and for the ongoing work they do. But if you feel so inclined, why not send them a bit more for the uncom-

Where can you get everything for your dog under one Kennel?

At Don Perro where else? • Dog grooming is not just for show! • Prevent knots, disease and annoying pests! • Come to Don-Perro now for professional + caring grooming. Your dog will thank you!

DON PERRO

For all your dog’s needs Call us now 922 73 58 24 We are 2 minutes from the TF-1 at Las Chaﬁras, Carretera San Miguel

www.don-perro.eu and woof for yourself!

plaining way they continue to look after all the animals, stray, wounded and abandoned, that people bring to their always open door. You could also consider offering Clio a home (the cat, not me) – bearing in mind that she is essentially an outdoor street/ farm animal but like many a stray could well turn into the most loving and cuddlesome of cats given the right TLC.

According to Pat the Cat more volunteers are needed to help walk the dogs at the kennels and look after the cats (especially on Sundays) and for box collections and help at the various events. To offer help, donations, or adopt an animal ring the kennels on 667638468 or Pat the Cat on 608121081 or visit their website, /www. k9tenerife.com to ﬁnd out how to donate on-line.

WAGTASTIC

Free to park your dog

Sales The last two Nearly New sales in Callao Salvaje have been a great success – the next two at Scooby’s are on Saturday February 14th and Saturday March 14th and don’t forget the regular car boot sales at Pleasure Island on the ﬁrst Sunday of each month, 8am till midday, with good parking facilities. Also thanks to bars who raised

Digs 4 Dogs Professional dog care at our purpose built

KENNELS 6 mins from San Isidro Only 10 € per day • Collection and return Service • Quarantine & UK return Service For rates and availability phone Allen or Lesley on 680 278 254 or 922 772051

Animals can be let off the lead and allowed run free A unique park, specifically for dogs, was recently opened in Tomares, near Seville, Spain. Nowadays, many green areas have particular zones where four-legged friends can be let off their leads and allowed to run free. This is the first time however that a whole park has been dedicated to dogs and their needs. The two thousand square metre area has plenty of space for the animals to exercise and includes a zone designed to help them reach physical fitness, even up to competition level. The assault course and training area can be used on a daily basis and will also be the setting for national and international canine competitions. Over 500 dogs and their owners attended the opening which was celebrated with an exhibition of dog handling and agility. Many of the animals exhibiting on the day are Spanish champions in the field. Various stands and presentations from, for example, leading vets, dog trainers and companies selling related products added to the excitement of the inauguration. The beauty of the park is that dogs can have the freedom to enjoy themselves without owners having to worry about possible effects on children or people who do not appreciate animals.

Food FOR THOUGHT

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

Buon Appetito at Bianco

BIANCO RISTORANTE ITALIANO C.C PLAZA DEL DUQUE TOP FLOOR COSTA ADEJE

TABLE RESERVATIONS :

922 717 388

Italians are not only famous for their cuisine but also for their sense of style

he ‘ristorante’ Bianco in the CC Plaza del Duque is probably one of the best examples of how an Italian restaurant should look and feel. Entering the Bianco you immediately get the sensation of nobility. Clean lines and luminous white decor give the feeling of radiant perfection. Until recently the restaurant not only looked cool but also felt a bit cool – but now the owner has made a few changes in order to create a warm and cosy atmosphere for his guests. A cool breeze is always welcomed in the summer but not so much in the winter, so they have installed a nice roof and added a few additional glass walls to keep the wind out. Space heaters provide the perfect warmth to enjoy a romantic dinner in beautiful surroundings with relaxing music and high class food. The service is excellent, the waiters are friendly and

very helpful. For a starter you can choose from a big range of antipasti and salads. There are Dough Balls with Double Dippy Sauce that come with a spicy marinade and garlic butter. Melon and Parma Ham Carpaccio is a light but delicious starter, or go for the Beef or Salmon Carpaccio to get something very typical and special. Parmesan Crusted Aubergine, Roasted Stuffed Mushrooms, Bruschetta Samples, Focaccia Tricolore (baked with Mozarella and topped with fresh cut local tomatoes and rocket) or a refreshing Insalate Caprese or Insalata Toscana are also be recommended. Pasta, meat dishes and of course pizzas are served as a main course. The Penne Arrabbiata, pasta tubes with olive oil, onion, garlic, tomato, hot pepper and torn fresh basil, are one of the pasta classics in the Bianco’s repertoire. But be careful – they are not only very tasty but pretty spicy

as well. If you prefer something milder, go for the Four Cheese Rigatoni al Forno, the Tagliollini Scoglio (pasta with king prawns, clams, oyster mushrooms and fresh tomato) or Spaghetti with

one of Bianco’s delicious sauces. There is also Lasagne, of course – classic, with fresh ricotta cheese and fresh buffalo Mozarella, or vegetarian, with aubergine, tomato, mushrooms, peppers, garlic and onions.

The choice of pizzas is small but exquisite. Amongst the six classic pizzas on the menu are the Pizza Margarita, the Pizza Hawaiian and the Calzone with ham and mushrooms. For those

w h o do not just want to eat ordinar y pizza, there are the gourmet pizzas like Bar-B-Q Chicken Pizza, Goat Cheese Pizza or the Pizza Bianca – a roman style white pizza, made with four cheeses (no

tomato!) and honey. If you prefer fish or meat, there is Salmon Fillet, Fillet Steak with Merlot-Garlic, Grilled Sirloin Steak, Chicken Medallones and Chicken Parmigiano. The Bianco’s specialities are Lobster Tagliollini (pieces of lobster sautéed in olive oil with fresh tomato, garlic and herbs, tossed with thin strands of pasta), Capellini Porcini, a dish with mushrooms, fresh double cream, red onions and pasta, Steak and Black Pepper Cannelloni, Salmon Cannelloni with Saffron Cream and Pork Medallions grilled with fresh rosemary and gorgonzola cheese. The wine list includes Spanish reds and whites and rosés as well as wine from Italy, France, Portugal and California. The prices for food and wine are reasonable. When eating at an Italian restaurant, never miss the desser t and a true

The service is excellent THE WAITERS ARE FRIENDLY

and very helpful Italian cappuccino! In the Bianco they not only serve the typical Tiramisu, but also delicious Chocolate Mousse, Banana Mousse and Chocolate Brownie as well as Cítrus Cake and Häagen-Dazs ice-cream. Also ask the waiter for the speciality of the day, which is always a sweet surprise! If you are still in the mood for a drink or a cocktail and a relaxed after hours chat, we recommend you visit the Ambar, a superb chill-out bar, that is right next to the Bianco.

Your new meeting place in Piedra Hincada

Eat, drink and be merry!

©IC/580/08

LA SABINITA

Residencial El Camisón, Playa de las Américas Open from 1PM till 1AM Tuesday closed Tel: 922 79 63 05 922 79 21 36 www.mesoncastellano.com

Mesón Castellano Superb Spanish Cuisine

Offering the best in meat, including steak, pork and lamb, not to mention our fine range of fish, cold cuts & tapas. We combine tradition and good taste to offer you the best of our gastronomy, plus an extensive selection of top quality wines from our Bodega.

RESTAURANT

LA SABINITA 1 metre long pizzas • 1 metre long sausages More than 50 types of beers • Fresh bbq meat (cooked over coal) Hen / Stag nights • Birthdays & all types of celebrations Tue - Sat 6pm - 12am. Sun 1pm - 12am. Closed on Monday Mob. 636 378 017 • PIEDRA HINCADA, NR.42 - GUÍA DE ISORA TAKE THE EXIT 'PIEDRA HINCADA' - THEN FOLLOW THE ROAD UPHILL FOR 2 KM

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

Recipe In Pictures

Making the most of seasonal food

Churros with chocolate

Fiestas such as over the Christmas period and Carnival are the busiest times for the churreros, the people who make the hot pastry dough sticks so beloved by the Spanish. If you’ve tasted this local delicacy and want to have a try, they are extraordinarily easy to make and if you have a churro tube even easier, although they are not essential as you can form small dough balls or donut shapes with floured hands too to drop into the hot fat. At home we tend to zip up the flavour with a little pumpkin and apple; it also adds fruit, vegetables and fibre to an otherwise simple fried treat, which in these days of healthy eating is somewhat non-p.c. The favourite accompaniment for this dish is hot chocolate - the real thing made from melted chocolate and a little milk. Look for the special blocks of chocolate marketed here called chocolate a la taza. Those who need to watch their sugar levels don’t need to miss out as Valor makes a diabetic version. hot fat. Fry for a couple of minutes and turn over to cook the other side. Be careful it cooks very quickly. Remove and drain on kitchen paper, cut into pieces and dredge with sugar if desired.

Churros Ingredients • Self raising ﬂour • ¼ apple peeled and chopped • Same weight of pumpkin peeled and chopped • Cup of water • Vegetable oil for frying • Sugar (optional)

Hot chocolate Ingredients • Milk • Block of dark chocolate

Preparation

1. Simmer the pumpkin and apple in a cup of water until soft and blend. 2. Put the oil on to heat. 3. Measure the quantity of hot watery puree, place in a bowl and add the same amount of ﬂour. 4. Beat the ingredients together swiftly with a wooden spoon to get rid of all the lumps and ﬁll the churros tube with the smooth mixture. 5. Squeeze the dough out into the

1. Cover the bottom of a saucepan with a coffee cup of milk and four chunks of chocolate per person to start with. 2. Place on a low light and stir continually until the chocolate melts and blends with the milk. Continue adding more pieces of chocolate and melting them until the liquid chocolate reaches a smooth thick consistency similar to a thick tomato soup.

Asiaticoo Asiatic Buffet Libre As

Japanese, Thai and Chinese Cuisine Choose your sauce and our chef’s will prepare your Wok, Grill & BBQ in front of you.

A variety of Asian snacks, fresh meat & seafood

EAT WHATEVER AND HOWEVER MUCH YOU LIKE We invite you to eat whatever and however much you like from our wide variety of cold and hot dishes, desserts and ice-creams of all kinds.

All day buffet

7,90€ ONLY

Tel. 922 797 168 • Fax 922 795 618 Lunchtime 1 pm – 4.30 pm Evenings 6.30 pm – 11.30 pm B Blvd. Chajofe 10 • Los Cristianos (Formerly Mercedes-Benz)

sushi

Restaurante

La Romántica International cuisine, flambées a speciality Superb food, stylish service, a touch of class in Callao Salvaje

Tel. 922 741 518 Open daily 12 midday - 11pm

El Ancla, nº 21. C/ El Jable Callao Salvaje, Adeje

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

Food Ideas;

Space savers IT IS VERY RARE TO FIND LARGE KITCHENS ON THE ISLAND, so any gadget that can save us valuable space is welcome.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

FOREIGN FUNGI

Don’t touch the mushrooms! La Gomera’s island council has issued a warning about mushrooms and is mounting a campaign to prevent accidental poisonings. A recent initiative by the Canarian Servicio de Seguridad Alimentaria (food safety service) called for special care to be taken during these winter months of mushroom gathering on the islands. The cabildo echoes this with a further speciﬁc, warning about La Gomera’s fungi. “We recommend extreme caution and advise visitors to avoid contact with the different species of fungi they may encounter whilst hiking the island’s footpaths. Although some are safe to eat, it is extremely difﬁcult to correctly identify which are safe and which are not. We are advising everyone to give them a wide berth. It’s better to be safe than sorry.” Weather conditions this year have been ideal for the forest fungi. The cool,

Toast of the town A fold ﬂat toasted sandwich maker that will make your plug-in machine redundant. Dishwasher safe, this reusable magic bag can be used up to an incredible 500 times. Prepare your sandwich, place in the bag and pop into your toaster. www.lakeland.co.uk £5.86 for a pack of two.

Don’t fool with unknown fungi

very moist conditions have produced a proliferation of many different tree and ground-growing species, many of which are of considerable size. Problems arise when visitors, unfamiliar with local mushrooms, mistakenly assume them to be of similar characteristics to

the ones they may be familiar with at home. The potential danger for the island’s tourists was highlighted by a Dirección General de Salud Pública (public health authority) report, in which details of three cases of poisoning on the neighbouring island of Tenerife were given.

La Gomera, in an attempt to prevent such incidents, has started its campaign to inform all walkers ‘not to touch the fungi.’ National park and forestry workers are patrolling island footpaths to give information to the many visitors now on the island.

Mercadona

Organise your spice collection and save space at the same time. A spice rack which will take 27 full size or 54 half sized spice jars, yet ﬁts into just 8x11x10.75 inches of space. Made of high impact plastic it is wipe-clean with non-slip feet and the three drawers pull straight out but can be lowered to any angle so that you can see all the bottles and their labels. Just $28.95 from https://amazon.com

fishmongery staff will no longer have to handle the fish in the stores, not only improving hygiene but their own working conditions too as they will no longer have to work in humid or cold atmospheres. They will though, still be on hand to advise customers, who will no longer have to queue, on fishy matters and their availability.

? here

Spicy storage

Leading supermarket chain Mercadona is in the process of implementing a different method of selling fresh ﬁsh in its 62 supermarkets across the Canary Islands. Fresh ﬁsh and seafood will now be sold pre-packed in modern containers, as has been the case with the meat and poultry section for some time. This means that the

your restaurant

A clever set of dual use spoons from Betty Bossi. These dishwasher proof spoons are designed to get into every corner of your cookware and double up on the work whilst cutting down on the drawer space needed. 11.90 swiss francs from www.bettybossi.ch.

Fishy changes

Stir and scrape

922 750 609

Soon these ﬁsh counters will be a thing of the past

Restaurant and Cocktail bar I celandic Restaurant with S outhern Flair

BAR & GRILL

Terrace ace with amazing sea views n daily from 2 pm Open

International cuisine House specialities Snacks Ideal for parties Gourmet buffet, made to measure asure Large selection of cocktails Spanish ‘green’ wines

CC Salytien, Local 37, 50 metres in front of the underground parking Playa de Las Américas (next to the Casinos) Tel: 922 798 944 · Email: mio.bar.grill@gmail.com

CASINO SALYTIEN

WineGUIDE

EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

By Gerald Ruben

La Costa The best tapas in town Those of you who have lived on the Island or have visited Tenerife regularly probably know San Telmo fairly well. The area has been a mixture of different types of shops and night clubs with a smattering of restaurants and cafés, some good and some really bad. However all that has changed, over the past year or so and the properties facing the main road have taken on a new identity and top of the list has got to be La Costa which in my opinion has got everything going for it and ticks all the right boxes.

The restaurant is owned by Frank who came over from Amsterdam about six years ago and having looked around to see what was being offered by different restaurants decided to open a tapas bar that would embrace all the good things about a Spanish menu with some extra surprises that his customers might like. The restaurant has superb views over the beach and as dining is outside under umbrellas and shades in the evening the sunset is just outstanding. The ambience is relaxed with excellent table service – and not only has Frank got good taste in preparing and organising his kitchen but he employs two of the most beautiful women in Tenerife, Chris from Sweden who assists behind the bar and Mandy from Holland. The service is professional and always with a smile. Don’t

Vivienne and friends with the La Costa team

worry if you don’t speak their language as between them they must speak every language known to man. Now whilst Mandy and Chris will please the eye of any male the ladies are not forgotten - Michel who is tall, dark and handsome can be oft tempted out of the kitchen to help Mandy in the restaurant, and his artistry with a bottle of Ron Miel has got to be seen. As most of you know ‘tapa’ is a little piece of food to

NEW in Puerto Santiago

meal, or you can ask Mandy for their surprise menu in which you tell her things you don’t like and leave the choice to Frank. They have special menus for as little as €15.50 which includes a whole range of different dishes and believe me these dishes are big enough to share, or you can choose from a selection on the a la carte menu some of which includes Bread La Costa (tomato, onion, chorizo, anchovies), garlic bread and bread

CROQUANT

sauc

British Bakery & Coffee Shop

Pizza - Pasta - Brasa

Fresh homemade Pasta Pizzas - Fresh Fish - Meat Eat in or take away

cover your glass, as ‘tapa’ in Spanish means lid. Glasses or jars of wine were traditionally served covered with a slice of either smoked ham or cheese for two reasons, ﬁrst to prevent insects and other impurities falling in your glass, and for the guest to soak up the alcohol they have drunk with something solid. Every tapas bar has its own specialities and at La Costa you can choose from over forty freshly made tapas and so create your own

Homemade desserts Great Range of Spanish and Italian wines

Mon - Wed - Thu till 5 pm: Starter + main course + drink + coffee only 10€ Wed - Mon 1pm - 5pm / 7pm - 12am Calle la Gaviota. Playa de la Arena, Puerto Santiago On the main road between Hotel ‘Barceló Varadero’ and Mercadona

Tel. 922 860 744

Sandwiches, sausage rolls, pasties, etc.

YOU CAN NORMALLY JUDGE A RESTAURANT BY

the quality of their house wine with tomato and cheese. In the salad selection you are spoilt for choice but our favourite is the Mixed Salad with goats cheese, bacon, and honey and thyme. Vegetarians are not forgotten with such dishes as Mushrooms La Costa, peppers from the grill. Fish and shellﬁsh are well represented with mussels from the grill, prawns in brandy ﬂambeéd at your table, squid rings

from the grill. Do try their meat balls and don’t forget their chicken breast with honey and mustard, or the spicy shredded fillet steak. I could continue to list a lot more superb dishes but I think I will let you find the rest out for yourselves. Right, this is a wine column, so what to drink? There is a good selection of wines and soft drinks on their list which I found very reasonably priced. A glass of white or red wine is only €2.50 whilst the house wine which is an excellent Rioja is €13. They also offer a litre of red wine for €7 whilst a litre jug of Sangria will cost € 10. You can normally judge a restaurant by the quality of their house wine and Frank is very particular as to the wines he selects. As you can imagine living and running a business in Tenerife does mean that you may not be able to rely on a constant supply of the same wine that you want to feature, however Frank makes sure that if he has to change the brand of house wine for another that the quality does not suffer. Rioja is having a terrific time as far as its wines are concerned with total production down by 10 per cent but quality up in the first class bracket according to the Peñin Guide to Spanish wines 2009. In truth Rioja is the ‘brand name’ in the world, Rioja is leading every single aspect of the wine business, with over 300 million litres of ageing wine in stock. If you decide to visit La Costa do let them know that you have read the article, and do book a table on (0034 ) 678819099 or you could be disappointed.

BAR REST. ROMERO BRASAS DE CHIRCHE

Special cakes for special occasions The Apolo Centre - Los Cristianos Avda. Gral. Franco - Los Cristianos Mon - Sun 8am - 5.30pm Tel: 922 798 133

©IC/572/08

www.alternativa7.tv C/ Camino Viejo, 3 Chirche (Guía de Isora)

922 85 11 38

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Taking a look at Spanish cheeses

Cooking with cheese A SERIES OF RECIPES CREATED BY THE BEST OF TODAY’S SPANISH CHEFS

Cod with Manchego cheese froth By Dario Barrio (Dassa Bassa, Madrid)

Ingredients:

For the cod: • 6 pieces of desalted cod • 30 ml olive oil • 2 garlic cloves • ½ dried chilli

Glazed leeks: Clean the mini leeks. Sautee them in butter and cover partially with water. Cook covered on a low heat until they are tender.

Fried leeks: Cut the leeks in julienne and fry in large amounts of oil, like shoestring potatoes.

For the glazed leeks: • 12 mini leeks • 50 gr butter

For the fried leeks: • ½ leek • olive oil

For the warm Manchego froth • Manchego cheese froth • chicken broth • egg whites • cream

Information and images from España y sus quesos (in Spanish, English and French) by José Manuel Escorial, ISBN 84-611-2686-6 (around 60 euros). With the kind permission of the national federation of milk industries, FeNIL and the Spanish Institute for External Commerce, ICEX.

Preparation:

Cod: Cook the cod in the olive oil with the garlic and chilli. Cook very slowly and leave in the warm oil.

Warm Manchego froth: Bring the broth to the boil and add the grated cheese, remove from the heat and cover. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Once strained you should have a strong ﬂavoured whey. Mix the whey with the cream and the egg whites and season with salt and pepper. Pour into a whipped cream siphon, load with the CO2, shake and warm in a bain-marie.

Presentation: With the yolks that are left over, brush the inside of a bowl with the yolks. Place the mini leeks as a base, on top the cooked cod; on the side pour the cheese froth and the fried leeks.

...how a real restaurant should be! Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks • Fresh fish, paellas, vegetarian menu, pasta, pizzas • Specials: Suckling pig, T-bone steak, mixed meat barbecue • Great range of wines. Cocktails

Open 7 days a week from 9am to 11.30pm. Kitchen open all day Golf del Sur. Avda. Galván Bello s/n. 200 metres before the right hand turn to CC San Blas

©IC/577/08

Live music every evening • Flamenco show every Tuesday

Showbiz S

By Barbara Law

EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

It’s all happening at Puerto Colón I

t is surprising how many visitors to the south of Tenerife, even regular ones, are not familiar with the marina at Puerto Colón in the San Eugenio area, even though it’s only about a ten minute drive, or for those who feel inclined, a very pleasant seaside walk from the centre of Playa de las Américas. Here you will discover a charming bay and marina full of some fantastic boats and value for money restaurants and bars offering live entertainment nightly when the area really comes to life. It’s over 31 years since Elvis Presley died, but since that day there have been more than 250,000 sightings of the King of Rock ‘n Roll since the (alleged) death. He’s been spotted at a massage parlour in Oslo, the pet food aisle at Sainsbury’s in Cambridge and at a petrol station in Montana. His face has also miraculously appeared on 6,240 potatoes, 251 ﬂoor tiles, 67 tree trunks, 47 facial moles, and even on a number of human warts. Every day ofﬁcials at Graceland receive an average of seven phone calls asking to speak to ‘The King’. They are instructed to hang up immediately and they say rumours that Elvis is alive are “the cruellest and most ridiculous exploitation” of the rock star’s memory. One king who is helping to keep the Elvis legend and his music alive here in Tenerife is Simon King whose show you can watch at the Colón Beach

Lookus Drama

Stuart Keys, keeping it live at the Hop and Grapes

Simon King as Elvis at a Live Arico fund raiser

restaurant at Puerto Colón any Sunday night. He was one time resident Elvis for two years in the Jailhouse Rock Cafés in the UK, before wending his way over to these sunny shores some ﬁve years ago. Simon really recreates the magic of Presley, with his glitzy stage outﬁt, the big hit numbers from Elvis’ vast repertoire of songs, and his quick, witty asides. He’s an impersonator whose enthusiasm for the legend will cheer those who loved the departed star. The same venue

introduces a different guest artiste every night, many of the most popular acts on the island, and you will ﬁnd some excellent live music performed nightly by the resident duo Innuendo, namely Les Allen and Donna Easley. The talented twosome have been performing on stage together since 1996 after meeting in Tenerife. For a few years they worked all over the island at various venues before taking up residency at the Colón Beach in January 2003. Les performed throughout the UK with

bands from the age of 13. Born in Barrow-in-Furness, Lancashire, he’s been living in Tenerife since 1994. Donna, who hails from Dundee in bonny Scotland, has been singing since the age of four. A trained dancer, she has performed in theatre and stage productions during her career. They keep the customers in a good mood every night, playing and singing some of the great standard numbers and many of the modern hit songs. Also helping to keep music live is keyboard

specialist Stuart Keys, joint owner of the very popular free ‘n easy bar Hop and Grapes with his wife Shirley. Stuart came to Tenerife 15 years ago from Stokeon-Trent to work in this bar for the original owners, who eventually decided to sell and go back home. So Stuart bought it 12 years ago and has played there ever since. Shirley from County Durham also sings when not too busy in the bar. Stuart says that the Hop and Grapes is a bar like pubs used to be, with someone playing the organ and people getting up to sing, like they did before karaoke was invented. The venue has singers from all over the UK, who come back year after year to do their turn. All the music is totally live, with so many places using backing tracks he is doing his duty in keeping music live. Stuart stated, “what you hear I play, and what I play you hear. The general music is from the fifties and sixties, with some before this period and some after. This reflects the age group we attract”. The Hop and Grapes is just a bar (no food) and is open from 8pm until late. The live music and dancing doesn’t finish at midnight, being soundproofed they carry on until later. So for any of you ‘would be’ singers who fancy some excellent live accompaniment, pop in to the venue. Stuart invites any customer to get up and sing.. Give it a whirl – you’ll have a ball.

SESAME STREET

Super Grover needs your help For the little ones there may be still time to get tickets for the Sesame Street show on in the Pabellon Santiago Martín. When Super Grover (or Super Coco in Spanish) loses his powers Sesame Street needs the help of his friends, Elmo, Zoe, Rosita and Telly Monster and their superhero alter egos. And they won’t be alone either, with Bert and Ernie, Cookie Monster and Prairie Dawn on hand to help. This is an original production, in Spanish, and is only in Tenerife for three days (with morning and evening shows). Check out www.generaltickets.com for available seats. And to facilitate families living on the other islands, Fred Olsen are offering special prices for those wishing to travel to see the show – for example a return fare for a family of four with car from Gran Canaria to Tenerife will only cost €99 (normal price €196.82). The of fer applies to those travelling from all the islands, the only condition being that you must show your Sesame Street entrance tickets when collecting your boarding card. More information on www.fredolsen.es.

The Media Group under one roof Island Connections | English newspaper Kanaren Express | German newspaper The Magazine | English magazine Express FM | German radio C/Francisco C/F i Feo F Rodríguez, R dí No. 6, Pol. Ind. Las Chafiras. 38620 San Miguel de Abona · Tenerife · Tel: +34 922 750 609 · Fax: +34 922 795810

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

BUSINESS PROMOTION

JAC ENTERPRISES SL

Blindingly brilliant Tenerife is the land of sunshine and outdoor living so the outside of your property is sometimes more important than the inside. We all love the sun, but there are occasions when we need the shade or a bit more privacy as well. Prestige Sun Blind Company offers many solutions. They manufacture and install and repair all types of sun blinds, awnings, canopies and horizontal blinds, both in electric or manual. You can even have them wind sensitive, so they retract in strong winds, sun sensitive, so that when the sun shines they come out, or rain sensitive, so that they retract in the rain. All are made to measure and there is a fantastic range of colours to choose from. All systems have a three year guarantee and a ﬁfteen year stitching guarantee. For inside your property they have a complete range of interior blinds. Verticals, Venetian, roller blinds and Roman blinds etc. All are made to the exact measurements with a large range of materials and colours to suit your decor. Security is unfortunately an essential these days. Prestige

PRESTIGE SUN BLIND COMPANY

Personal service and free delivery Security Company can install different types of security shutters, both industrial and domestic in many different colours. They also have a range of garage doors and grilles. All are again made to measure and can be electric

BLUEBERRY BOBS

A stylish move Blueberry Bobs, the hair stylists established by Ruth Deans more than 10 years ago, is moving to pastures new. During February she is relocating to San Blas on Golf del Sur.

The new salon is situated opposite the Tapas Bar, just down and across from where the English Education Centre used to be. Ruth is very excited about the move because, as she says, “this is a fantastic opportunity, not only have I got ideal premises, it is easier for my clients to park and when they shop at the many locations in Las Chaﬁras we are just around the corner, so everything can be ﬁtted in at one time.” She is not only looking forward to welcoming her existing clients, but to meeting new ones as well, who will soon become regular visitors because once you’ve been there you’ll want to return to experience the total care and attention she gives to everyone. Don’t forget where the new salon is, and give Ruth a call on 922 793124. See the advertisement in this newspaper for her current offers.

or manual. You can secure your whole house with the touch of a button. Comfortable garden furniture is an essential part of outdoor living. Prestige Garden Furniture have a selection of tables, chairs, sofas, loungers, cushions and parasols to suit every budget. They stock Kettal, Evolutif, Expormim, Skyline, Royal Garden, Gusman Naranjo and Kettler. For every item in stock, there are many variations in size and colour which can be ordered from the extensive catalogues in each collection. James Chapman is the owner of JAC Enterprises SL which incorporates the Sun Blind, Security and Garden Furniture companies. He has been in the sun blind business for 10 years and has gained a reputation for quality and service. He is proud to be an authorised installer of Llaza products. He offers advice and a no obligation quotation on site and is happy to spend time discussing your individual requirements. The security shutters are now in great demand as more and more people want peace of mind that their property is secure when they are out. Six years ago, James bought the Garden Furniture business in Armeñime. It has gone from strength to strength offering all their clients a personal service and free delivery anywhere on the island. The showroom in Armeñime, Adeje incorporates all three services, showing a selection of sun blinds, interior blinds, shutters and a large range of garden furniture. Open from 9-5 Monday to Friday and 9-1 Saturday, it is situated just off the main road with parking directly outside.

BUSINESS PROMOTION

EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

COUNTRY HOTEL

Rural retreat A different option to getting away from it all is the new country hotel, Finca la Hacienda in the charming hills above Los Silos at Tierra del Trigo.

A beautifully restored old farmhouse is the latest rural hotel to open in Tenerife and no expense has been spared in the lovingly detailed renovation of the century old buildings, with heart-stopping views up the mountains and across the sea, from nine separate apartments from one to three bedrooms. No two apartments

are alike although they all have stunningly lovely wooden ceilings and wooden or tiled ﬂoors. Choose to cook for yourself in the well equipped kitchen in your apartment, eat at the hotel’s restaurant, book the barbecue for an outdoor feast or choose one of the hamlet’s two extraordinarily cheap restaurants, both within easy walking distance.

Each section of the hotel is labelled with its previous function; stables, potato store etc. and the walls of the hotel are decorated with a fabulous collection of agricultural implements of yesteryear. Fruit trees droop over ancient walls, old fodder troughs become seats, wheels metamorphosise into chair backs and two exquisitely kept old threshing

ﬂoors are destined as dance ﬂoors for in-house parties. It’s the ideal place for a relaxing break and is already very much in demand for family and business celebrations. For those who enjoy activity, the hotel is only a short drive from Buenavista golf club, there’s a choice of two municipal pools, various beaches and some great

scuba diving sites around as well as a shooting range and the famous and beautiful Cuevas Negras hiking area is only minutes away. In time the hotel hopes to offer horse riding and dog kennel

HIGIENSEC

Top quality dry cleaning

Rosie and Miriam

Spring has sprung, or almost, and for many of us it’s time to shake a leg, get out the feather duster and get rid of the winter cobwebs. And for the really

big jobs look no further than Higiensec, the English dry cleaners in Adeje. Based in the Hiper Trebol Centre in Adeje, Higiensec is part of a nationwide fran-

chise, thus guaranteeing top class equipment and in-house training for staff in the most up to date dry cleaning techniques. Owner Angelyne Clarke has been in Tenerife for 20 years and knows what her clients are looking for – the promise of a job well done, satisfaction guaranteed. She opened Higiensec in 2004 (the only branch in the Canaries) when she saw a need for an English Dry Cleaners and has, in a sense, made a clean sweep. From curtains to blankets and duvets, sofa covers and of course quality clothing, Higiensec also offer a repair and alterations service.

Rose and Miriam are always on hand to look after your cleaning and make sure your goods are returned in pristine condition. A highly professional operation, Higiensec offers an excellent service for local companies as well as their individual personal service, and there is currently a 10 per cent discount available for corporate clients as well as those of you who go along with a copy of their ad on page 38.

accommodation for those who wish to enjoy a holiday with their pet. For more information or to book, call 610 694 326 or email info@ﬁncalahacienda.es.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

Island Connections Media Group Karen Swift Classifieds Manager

OPENING HOURS: MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9AM – 5PM

Collection Points

Las Chafiras Calle Francisco Feo Rodríguez 6º- first floor. Pol. Industrial Las Chafiras 38620 San Miguel de Abona. Tel. 922 750 609 Fax: 922 795 810 To Cho - Guargacho - Las

ISLAND CONNECTIONS LAS CHAFIRAS

TF-1 to Los Cristianos Las Américas

01.

Situations Vacant CLASSIFIED’S DEADLINE The deadline for edition 584, which is published on 13th February, is Thursday 5th February at 5pm. No classiﬁed’s will be taken after this date.

more than 10 years experience

High pay structure

superstores, is looking for

World’s Los Cristianos. leading Calle El Rodeo. timeshare Apt. Royal Palm Reception. company Tel. 922 750 609

promoters, which like to

Galletas

ITV

To Golf MERCADONA del Sur

To Los Abrigos

To San Miguel TF-1 To Airport Santa Cruz

Royal Palm

Immediate start Castle Harbour · · ·Paradise Park Los Alisios

Acomodation CC Passarella Cristian Oasis Sur Available Beverly Hill Steve Atlántida Reverón 600 372 514 Victoria ROYAL Court

Mar

PALM

y after Jardines Sol4pm SUNDAY MARKET

Canarios

Rates

Commercial and Marketing manager for a company in the tourism sector The successful candidate will have: > Knowledge of the tourism marketing sector > 25 - 40 years of age > Secondary or tertiary education with qualifications > Relevant experience > Fluent English (other languages an advantage) > Their own car > Flexible hours > A working knowledge of the Internet, Web, Windows and Office

Send your CV to tenerifehosteleria @yahoo.es

is selling attractive, high quality products in Tenerife at markets, 5* hotels and open minded full/part-time present and sell in a live promotion.

No selling

experience is required! Contract + Social Security + Fixed Salary + Commission is guaranteed. Feel free to contact us for fur ther information. Office: 922 78 91 98 Fax: 922 789198

Haarstuido 2000 in Los Cristianos is look for a temporary stylist, German/English speaking from 14.00-19.00 hours

We are looking for

PROFESSIONAL TIME SHARE REPS and

TELEMARKETERS to work in a professional environment running in-house and fly-buy operations. Must be self motivated and hard working. Resorts affiliated to Interval International. Rewards: Time share reps - 18 per cent plus commission; telemarketers - basic plus commission.

If you have what it takes give us a call on (0034) 922 716 943 · Mobile 628 226 439

Tel 922 791 675

Mobile: 629 493799.

Tenerife Pearl / Perla Canaria is looking for models for its campaigns

We continue to grow... yes!

If you are between 18 and 30 years old, female, and you have all it takes to convert yourself into one of our models and do NOT possess a contract with any model agency, please e-mail us with the following information:

Even in the current economic climate we need extra help in order to fulﬁl our customers needs... We require the best in the marketplace. Have you got what it takes?

Advertising Consultants

Tenerife Ofﬁce Tel: 922 750 609 Mob: 609 581 632 Fax: 922 795 810

• 3 photos (face, profile, body) • Personal info (full name, date and place of birth, phone nº, city, e-mail) • Measurements (height, breast, waist, hip, weight, eye and hair colour)

Classiﬁeds Section: classiﬁeds@ic-news.com

to marketing@tenerifepearl.net

Lineage classiﬁeds: From 15.75 € Boxed Ads: Black& White 57.75€ Coloured 68.25€ Long Term: Ask for our special rates Island Connections Newspaper http://www.ic-news.com Daily News Site http://www.newscanarias.net

Sales Department: sales@ic-news.com

Our media group has traditionally led the ﬁeld and will continue to do so by hiring the best and remunerating them accordingly.

(Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera)

Night Owl (Sales person) (Tenerife)

Gran Canaria Ofﬁce Tel: 928 353 279/ Fax: 928 359 744 grancanaria@ic-news.com

Class. Info For personal and professional help in placing your classified in Island Connections all you need to do is pop along to our new offices in Las Chafiras and speak to Karen. Not only is Island Connections here to ensure that your advertisement reaches it’s target market, we will also advise on sizing requirements for maximum exposure, with prices to suit your pocket.

Circulation controlled by: Distribución Gratuita

Publisher & Proprietor Tina Straub, Joe Schacher

Island Connections S.L. C.I.F: B-38748315 Printed by Artes Gráﬁcas del Atlántico S.A. Dep. Legal: TF-287/93

Promotions company with

Sales staff wanted FIRE STATION

CLASSIFIEDS / SITUATIONS VACANT

B E L L I S S I M A

BELLISSIMA HAIR, HEALTH & BEAUTY OF LOS GIGANTES AND SAN EUGENIO ALTO ARE LOOKING FOR A BEAUTY THERAPIST WITH SALON EXPERIENCE A WORKING KNOWLEDGE OF A PROFESSIONAL SKINCARE RANGE IS ALSO A REQUIREMENT Call Nicola on 677 509766 or e-mail: nicky.bella@yahoo.co.uk

Do you possess: Positive attitude and strong character. Self discipline and sales experience. Spanish or German language to negotiation level. Self motivation and team skills. Teachability and 100% integrity. Trustworthiness and references. If so then you could be what we are looking for. Media experience would be an advantage, but not essential as training will be given. If you would like to apply for any of the above positions, send your CV, two references, an up-to-date photo and covering letter to director@ic-news.com • henrycruz@ic-news.com • Fax: 922 79 58 10

EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

CLASSIFIEDS / GENERAL SERVICES

Mercedes Benz, SEL 600 V12 400cv, 5p, 1993, 180,000 km, black, automatic, ABS, four airbags, traction control, ESP, speed limiter. Leather grey inner with walnut wood, air-con, heating system, adjustable setas with electronic memory. Central locking, double cr ystal lamps, sun roof, electronic rear view mirrors, nearly new wheels. Just passed ITC, fully equipped, ver y good condition, 16,000 euros, tel 629 244958

The family friendly car hire company

02. Motoring For the best car hire around ring

Niza Cars on 922 792 919 or Fax 922 793868

Fiat Seicento, 2001, 1.1sx, 3 doors, red, taxed, ITV 2009, many new parts (bills supplied), quick sale returning to UK, 1,950 euros ono, tel 677 731067 Mitsubishi Montero SWB, 1995, ITV June 09, A/c, CD player, elec. Windows, sun roof, metalic grey, recent full service, excellent condition, return to UK forces sale, 5,000 euros, tel 637 114961 VW Golf plus TDI, 105, DSG-automatic, metallic grey, 2006, 27.500km, air con, radio/CD, autoparking, spor ts seats, excellent condition, tel 922 716273, 630 849928

C o m m e r c i a l Va n and driver for hire with transport licence. Household removals / Courier ser vice / Delivery service. To all seven islands Affordable rates Tel. 922 72 41 69 Mob. 658 935 205

Family company 27 years on Tenerife

DANISH RENT-A-CAR We guarantee:

Jetski Yamaha GP, 1300 R, 20008, 170 PS, 2 seats, good as new, 9.000 euros, tel 609 130551

Âˇ A reliable and friendly service Âˇ Fully comprehensive insurance, no extras Âˇ Free child seats, GPS (3 Euros a day) Special offer: Âˇ Special long term rates Citroen Saxo 7 days only â&#x201A;Ź139, Âˇ VIP hire car service all included

MB 560SEC, 1990, full equipped, well kepts, ITV, good condition, 4.900 euros including transfer ONO, tel 609 130551

Hotel drop off and collection Airport service, street maps, tour information Voucher for free entrance into theme parks

Opel Corsa 1.2, low km 4 years old, fully serviced with air con - â&#x201A;Ź4,500 Tel 629 594 590 or 922 777 652

Poul's Auto â&#x20AC;&#x201C; your car-hire company in South West Tenerife Mon-Fri, 8.30am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12 midday, 5pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7pm / Sat 8.30am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12 midday / Sun 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12 midday

Renault Clio, 1.2, 16v Community, 5 door, white, 2005, Air con, cruise control, alloys, 76,000 kms, 5,950, tel 617 253055

Tel: +34 922.740.742 Âˇ www.poulsauto.com

Rent a Car

Sanasty S.L.

Private sale, red Ferrari, Mondial, 1990, 40,000 kms, excellent condition, tel 687 744225

BR ITISH RUN

Suzuki Jimny 1.5D, 2004, 52,000 kms, air con, alarm, fender, hardtop, 8.800 euros, tel 609 130551 Toyota Celica Engine: 1.8 Litres kms: 90000 kms Year: 1997 Petrol Price: 11500â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 649911000 Audi A3 - 1.8T Engine: 1.8Litres kms: 182000 kms Year: 2000 Petrol Doors: 2 Price: 8200â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 606552281

OUR RATES ARE INCLUSIVE OF: â&#x20AC;˘ Full insurance cover â&#x20AC;˘ Government taxes at 13%

â&#x20AC;˘ Unlimited mileage â&#x20AC;˘ Latest models

/0 )*%%&/ &953"4

UK trained technicians Diagnostics and automatic gearbox specialists Full service reports supplied Guaranteed agreed price servicing Services carried out at your work, home or at our workshop We carry out Pre-ITV checks and take your car for the ITC

Lowest labour rates in the south

Tel: 600 858 080 / 600 328 561

FREE: â&#x20AC;˘ Baby seats â&#x20AC;˘ Roof racks â&#x20AC;˘ Booster seats â&#x20AC;˘ Airport service (South Airport only - Min. 4 day hire)

NEW Internet CafĂŠ

8F OPX IBWF B GJWF TUBUJPO JOUFSOFU CVSFBV XJUIJO PVS PGGJDF FVSP GPS NJOVUFT

-PDBM OÂ? $SJTUJBO 4VS -PT $SJTUJBOPT 5FM p 'BY &NBJM TBMFT!TBOBTUZ DPN -PDBM OÂ? $ $ &M #FSJM $PTUB "EFKF 5FM 'BY &NBJM FMCFSJM!TBOBTUZ DPN

web : w w w. s a n asty.co m

AG ENC I A AUTO

___________ VEHĂ?CULOS EXCLUSIVOS S.L. ___________ â&#x20AC;˘ NEW AND SECOND HAND CARS â&#x20AC;˘ TRADE-IN AT BEST RATE â&#x20AC;˘ EXPRESS REGISTRATION + TRANSFERS â&#x20AC;˘ INSURANCE AND ITV â&#x20AC;˘ IMPORT AND CUSTOMS C/ General, Edif. San Miguel 1 L6 Guargacho. Tel. 922 78 40 77

ÂŠ/571/08

Automotive Technicians

Opel Astra G Caravan Engine: 1.7Litres kms: 169000 kms Year: 2000 Diesel Doors: 2 Price: 4300â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 617878616 Toyota Land Cruiser Engine: 2.5Litres kms: 200000 kms Year: 1993 Diesel Convertible Doors: 2 Price: 9500â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 922263181 Nissan Vanette Engine: 2Litres kms: 100000 kms Year: 1992 Diesel Doors: 4 Price: 2000â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 635498764 Volkswagen GTI Engine: 2Litres kms: 52000 kms Year: 2005 Petrol Doors: 2 Price: 18500â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 679412358 Smart Musso Engine: 3Litres kms: 69000 kms Year:

2002 Diesel Doors: 4 Price: 10000â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 600568333 Vo l k s w a g e n Pa s s a t Engine: 1.8Litres kms: Year: 1998 Petrol Doors: 4 Tel: 922724257 Mercedes-Benz C 32 AMG Engine: 3Litres kms: 65000 kms Year: 2001 Petrol Sun roof Doors: 4 Price: 24000â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 687451431 F ord F oc u s Engine: 1.6Litres kms: Year: 2006 Petrol Doors: 2 Price: 12250â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 615294522 BMW compact Engine: 1.8Litres kms: 136000 kms Year: 1995 Petrol Doors: 2 Price: 5700â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 675825148 Volkswagen Golf GT Engine: 2Litres kms: 30000 kms Year: 2006 Diesel Sun roof Doors: 2 Price: 22000â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 650355052 Volkswagen Eos Engine: 2Litres Kms: 25000 kms Year: 2006 Petrol Convertible Doors: 2 Price: 21000â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 619631397 C i t ro e n C 2 E n g i n e : 1.4Litres Kms: 46000 kms Year: 2004 Petrol Doors: 2 Price: 6500â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 670308105 Daewoo Korando Engine: 2.9Litr es Kms: 138000 kms Year: 2000 Diesel Doors: 2 Price: 5000â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 619471733 BMW 523i Engine: 0Litres Kms: 132000 kms Year: 1998 Petrol Doors: 4 Price: 8500â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 679398108 Honda Prelude Engine: 2Litres Kms: 159000kms Year: 1994 Petrol Sun roof Doors: 2 Price: 5500â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 616249814 Land Rover DISCO TDV6 SE Engine: 2.7Litres Kms: 27800kms Year: 2007 Diesel Doors: 4 Price: 30900â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 639136697 Volvo S60 D5 Engine: 2.5Litres Kms: 20000kms Year: 2007 Diesel Doors: 4 Price: 29000â&#x201A;Ź Tel: 610738730

03. Contacts Sur - 24 hours. Beauties, young, super sexy, sweet, playful, massages, vibrators, all ser vices, 686 826 734 Los Cristianos, near the church square, Julia, discreet apartment .Nice and pretty girls. Open from 8 morning- 1 at night. Visiting 24 H, tel: 666 773 761.

For one hour or more, elegant room with jaccuzi for rent â&#x20AC;&#x153;room serviceâ&#x20AC;? too, Playa Las Americas. easy parking. tel 659 767 875 Las Americas. professional massage (without clothes) artistic, relaxing, stress relief, sport massage, erotic and more... harmonise your body, heart and mind. natural and clean. magic hands 627 114 090 664 098 678 Susana, real beauty, high standing, dark, exotic, Thai massages, French, attends hotels and homes, south, 13.00-12.00, www.modelos-canarias.com, www,elmundoerotico.com, private appointments Tenerife south, pr ofessional full body massage with sexual final shower and drInks for free, from 40 euros, call 628 610202 Costa del Silencio, hello, I am a very sweet lady, sexy, very complacent, all services, visiting hotels, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m dark, long hair, nice boobs and bottom, call me 649 146687 New, transexual, white, long hair, red head, super feminine, super woman, well endowed, ardent, volcanic, all services, black kiss, natural French, Cristianos infront of Hotel Gran Arona, Urb. Cristimar, 672 146814 C r i s t i a n o s, E u ro p e, Northwest, sweet, beautiful, sexy lady, big breasts, nice body, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have a great time, erotic massage, discreet apar tment, home, hotel visits, 662 545691 / 600 835437 Puerto de la Cruz, Latin lady, complacent, sexy, attractive, private apartment, French, Greek, couples, 24 hours, 617 620441 English showgirl, professional, strip tease, model, stag/hen, domination, quality service, roll playing, mistress, bondage, trampling, whipping, face sitting, corset, visit 24 hours, 663 295751 / 803 520060

Club Swinger Triangle De Paris New in Las AmĂŠricas, near to the Casino Sur, under the Hotel Gran Tinerfe. Open every day from 11 pm. For more information see our web page: www.triangledeparis.com or call us on 0034 610 954 701

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

CLASSIFIEDS / GENERAL SERVICES

P.J ELECTRICAL SERVICES

grigg1@hotmail.com pjelectrical.vpweb.co.uk

Masonic Meetings:

CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

Ann Summers The best fun you can have with your clothes on! To book a party or join my team, please phone or text Wendy on 639 353470. Bra ďŹ tting service available / bras up to G cup

Real Bargain!! Computer for sale Compaq Presario PENTIUM 4 (2007) with Printer/Scanner HP Photosmart C6180

500â&#x201A;Ź Tel. 677 799 475

Kitchens, pergolas, ďŹ tted wardrobes, decking, staircases, windows and doors and much moreâ&#x20AC;Ś For a free, no obligation quote contact us onâ&#x20AC;Ś

CARPENTRY - SUNBLINDS - CONSTRUCTION

Tel. 922 782 683 - 618 776 167 Âˇ lyden@venli.com Nave 1, Barranco de las Torres, Adeje 38670

Meridian

Window Company SL Manufacturers and Installers of Quality

UPVC & ALUMINIUM

Windows, Doors & Conservatories

:: Free no obligation quotations :: Now available 0% interest free credit on all products Visit our factory showroom in Nave 1, Barranco de las Torres, Adeje Tel: 922 782 683 / 649 559 866 info@meridianwindows.net Âˇ website: www.meridianwindows.net

BEGINNERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; DANCE CLASSES Adultsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Ballroom, Latin American, Tap or Freestyle Childrensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ( 2 1/2 - 7yrs). Introduction to Dance. Many other classes in ballet, hip hop, modern, musical theatre for all ages. At Vamos a Bailar - Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dance. CC Perla Blanca, Callao Salvaje Âˇ Ring 636 817 265 or 646 067 471 SOLAR FANTĂ STICO

Skilled Builder Robert McAlees

As seen in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dream Home DIYâ&#x20AC;? Tenerife Lifestyle magazine

LODGE TEIDE

I listen to what you want and make sure you get the best. I can replace that faulty tap or renovate your home. Over 30 yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience. UK qualiďŹ ed to advanced skills status. Call any time 922 814 073 / 605 469 352 rmcplumb@yahoo.co.uk

meets in Puerto de la Cruz on Wednesday evenings contact John Hughes on 922 38 22 29 email

I am offering horse sharing for my 5 year old gelding. He is a very quiet horse and enjoys rides. Interested? Please call 609 929 278

Would you like to change your house or apartment into a beautiful & cosy home? Or maybe all you need is a small renovation job? All with top quality ďŹ nishing?

tel: 677 799 475

ÂŠIC/534/2007

922 127 679 or cv to MarcelCluny@gmail.com

AIRES L Solar systems Sanitation systems

High quality German UPVC at competitive prices. We also supply & ďŹ t all types of aluminium products. Visit our showroom on two ďŹ&#x201A;oors at Valle San Lorenzo. Call for free quote: Tel. 627 511 606 OfďŹ ce/fax: 922 766 494 Web: www.ventanas-tenesur.com E-mail: ventanas-tenesur@hotmail.com FREE, no obligation survey & quotation

PolĂgono Industrial Las Chafiras III, C. Caracas Nave 4 - 38639 S. Miguel de Abona Âˇ Tenerife Tel: +34 922 736738 Fax: +34 922 735 123 Email: info@canariesbritish.com Âˇ web: www.cbas.eu

Canaries & British Aluminium Systems S.L. A British owned company - Established in Tenerife 1992 VISIT OUR COMPREHENSIVE SHOWROOM "See the best display in Tenerife" We manufacture, supply and fit: All types of doors and window systems, insect screens, mirrored wardrobes, balcony screens and partitions. All types and sizes of gates, electric, manual and telephone entry etc. Garage doors, louvered shutters, fixed or adjustable louvers, pergolas, balustrades, cupboards, roofing, mobile roofs (manual or electric),extensions, conservatories, shower screens and cubicles, tiling, building. All types of glass mirrors. Security shutters, high security locks and glass. Take advantage of our free security survey.

NEW - GLASS CURTAINS 'Why spoil the view" *Frameless folding glass doors and windows* Ideal for balcony/terrace enclosures and for existing patio areas See all the above in our showroom and watch the manufacturing process. WE ONLY SELL WHAT WE MAKE - WE ARE NOT MIDDLE MEN. Directions: With Iceland on your right, take the second turn left after the ITV station and we are on your left behind Autos Tenerife.

COMPUTER SALES AND SERVICE

FULL RENOVATION WORK

Drawn to the world of beauty? are recruiting; Beauty consultants Free training

doors, shutters

Reformas

Horse sharing!

taffy007naeve@ yahoo.com

Ventanas Tenesur SL Windows,

Swimming pools Air conditioning

Thomas Dolz has a German engineering diploma and is an expert on sanitation, heating and air conditioning systems

AIRESOL CANARIAS, S.L. Plaza de Venezuela, 1. 38670 Adeje (Behind the bus stop - between the Post Office and the Health Centre) Tel.: 922 79 28 39 - 922 79 44 93. Fax: 922 75 06 02. Mob: 630 410 011

-BQUPQT GSPN Ĺ&#x17D; p #BTJD TZTUFNT GSPN Ĺ&#x17D; 3FQBJST BMM DPOTVNBCMFT GPS ZPVS 1$ *OTUBMMBUJPOT p ZFBST FYQFSJFODF 4QBOJTI 7JTUB MBQUPQT VQHSBEFE UP &OHMJTI 1 0 " 4VFĂ&#x2019;P "[VM MPDBM $BMMBP 4BMWBKF "EFKF 1IPOF p .PCJMF & NBJM JOGP!FB[ZQD UFOFSJGF DPN

ÂŠIC/576/08

General Services

The Timber Specialists

ÂŠIC/583/09

04.

ALL ELECTRICAL WORK CARRIED OUT BARS RESTAURANTS APARTMENTS DOMESTIC COMMERCIAL FAULT FINDING 24 HOUR SERVICE 7 DAYS A WEEK ALL AREAS COVERED BULLETIN AND 647 039 656 ADEJE

EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

CLASSIFIEDS / GENERAL SERVICES

CLIMATE CONTROL

04.

CHOOSE FROM AIR CONDITIONING, FAN HEATING OR DEHUMIDIFYING TO BE COMFORTABLE WHATEVER THE WEATHER !

General Services

from

â&#x201A;Ź585

*Illustration purposes only

Tran sition s

FITTED

SPECIAL OFFER!!!

Peace and revitalising therapy

If you are in need of revitalising, an energy boost or simply just wish peace in your life, telephone 678 309 962 now for an appointment.

SPECIAL DISCOUNTS ON PURCHASES OF 2 OR MORE MACHINES

POOL HEATING Make the most of your pool ALL YEAR ROUND Affordable Pool Heating 10 Year from less than 1 euro / day Guarantee! from â&#x201A;Ź4,499 fitted

Japanese massage, energise your mind and body, getting inside a deep relaxation with a real oriental massage, Anna, Los Cristianos Tel: 677 115021

Invest in the Best, with AC Direct - Established Professionals YOU CAN TRUST!

Domestic, Commercial & Industrial, with good after sales service.

A C DIRECT 902 789 189 www.acdairconditioning.com

ON THE MOVE?

Pro-Tile

A professional all inclusive tiling service.

â&#x20AC;˘ Weekly sailings to and from the UK and Ireland â&#x20AC;˘ Worldwide network - we can move you anywhere in the world! â&#x20AC;˘ Professional packing service

â&#x20AC;˘ No obligation design consultation. â&#x20AC;˘ Comprehensive quotation, separating tradesman, labourer and materials. â&#x20AC;˘ Ceramic, porcelanico, marble, granite, or natural stone. â&#x20AC;˘ All associated works such as terrace bases, drainage, bathroom fitting, plumbling and kitchen fitting carried out.

Call our Canarian Regional OfďŹ ce on 922 581 805

EMAIL: info@migrateglobalcanarias.com Buy Direct from the Importers, save â&#x201A;Ź100â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, sofas, bedding, mirrors, kitchenware, houseware. Home Style Direct, Las ChaďŹ ras, 922 736849

GLOBAL

International Removal Specialists â&#x20AC;˘ Kitchens/Bathrooms â&#x20AC;˘ Buit-in Kitchens â&#x20AC;˘ Windows, Doors â&#x20AC;˘ All types and styles â&#x20AC;˘ All renovations and extensions

â&#x20AC;˘ Reliability â&#x20AC;˘ Competitive prices â&#x20AC;˘ 15 years in Tenerife â&#x20AC;˘ Excellent workmanship â&#x20AC;˘ References, reconciliation

(&/&3"- 53"/41035"5*0/ 0' "-- #6*-%*/( ."5&3*"-4 4BOE p #BMMBTU p $FNFOU p #SJDLT p #MPDLT

$BMM

UNIVERSAL EXPORT TS S.L.

MCREFORM RENOVATION COMPANY

REMOVALS TO AND FROM THE UK

MCREFORM

servicios de construcciĂłn

> COMPLETE RENOVATION > PARTIAL RENOVATION

'"45 3&-*"#-& "/% &'' '*$*&/5 4&37*$& 1&340/"- "55&/5*0/ ( (6"3"/5&&% %003 50 %003 4&37*$& &

> ELECTRICAL WORK > PLUMBING > AIR CONDITIONING

LET US TAKE THE HA ASSLE OUT OF MOVING...

5FM p 'BY 3PC PO 6, p 6, 'BY XXX SFNPWBMT UFOFSJGF DPN p JOGP!SFNPWBMT UFOFSJGF DPN

Tel: 600 328 561

SKIP HIRE & BUILDING MATERIALS DELIVERY

Klaus-Dieter PĂźschner Âˇ Master Carpenter Mobile phone 608 64 58 05 Âˇ Tel/Fax 922 72 96 00

> THERMIC AND ACOUSTIC INSULATION ÂŠIC/583/09 /583/09

"-40 -0$"- "/% /"5 5*0/ /"3&.07"-4 "/% 4503 3"( (&

All work fully guaranteed and insured.

> MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS

MCREFORM is a renovation company located in the South of Tenerife. For almost ten years we have been offering building services to our customers for a sole purpose: their total satisfaction. AMERICAN SHOPING CENTER, LOCAL 33 PLAYA DE LAS AMĂ&#x2030;RICAS, ARONA TEL/FAX: 922 750 912 â&#x20AC;˘ MOBILE: 629 323 156 INFO@MCREFORM.ES â&#x20AC;˘ WWW.MCREFORM.ES

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

Tony the Welder â&#x20AC;˘ Security Grilles â&#x20AC;˘ Gates â&#x20AC;˘ Railings â&#x20AC;˘ Steel Fabrication

05. Property

â&#x20AC;˘ On-site Welding Fully Qualified Legal Craftsman 27 years experience, 14 years Tenerife

Tel: 659 489 690 Property Secured, Quality Assured

Wanted : We will buy your property, whether it is a House, or apar tment for Cash, and complete in 28 days. No agents, no catches, no gimmicks. Call (0034) 922 720222 or visit www. tenerifehomebuyers.com

Business Opps :

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CLASSIFIEDS / PROPERTY

For lease restaurant, working with good client base, Beautiful local with a family feel, ample parking, tel 637 560 700

For rent 2 bedroom apartment, 100m2, American kitchen with fridge freezer and microwave, separate utility/washroom, large dining/living area, fully furnished, swimming pool, onsite supermarket, close to all amenities in Costa del Silencio, long term only (over six months). 665 euros per month including 65 euros towards water and electric. To view call 608 016863

RESIDENTIAL Apartments 1 bedroom Cris Sol, Los Cristianos El Mirador, Los Cristianos

AP1671-1 great value â&#x201A;Ź 115.000 AP-1670-1 reduced â&#x201A;Ź 139.000 Attention investors!! Best priced apt on complex plus excellent rental income! The Heights, Los Cristianos Jardin San Miguel, Las ChaďŹ ras Dinastia, Los Cristianos Jardin San Miguel, Las ChaďŹ ras

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Apartments 2 bedroom Altos de Roque,Torviscas Alto AP1511-2 -23% â&#x201A;Ź136,500 Jardin San Miguel, Las ChaďŹ ras AP1654-2 -17% â&#x201A;Ź145,000 Top ďŹ&#x201A;oor corner 2 bed 2 bath apartment

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New unfurnished, plus garage and trastero, 100 metres from beach!

Playa San Juan, office, 35m2, front line, totally equipped, three months connection ADSL, free 1st February, 600 euros/month plus deposit. Ideal for lawyer, accountant or insurance, tel 609 907886 For lease a unique Piano Bar in a new area in Los Cristianos with many passing tourists. Selling due to health reasons. Would also make an ideal restaurant or a night club. Call Christina 600 641069

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Large duplex Costa del Silencio 2 bed, 2 bath, fridge freezer, microwave and washing machine. Community English TV, pool, safe, three terraces, 650 euros. Tel 659 489690 Studios, 1 and 2 bed apartments from 400â&#x201A;Ź for rent to mature-minded people in quiet residential complex with all UK TV channels in Torviscas Alto. For details phone Nadine, 922 715 162

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CREDIT CRUNCHERS

For rent, nicely furnished large one bedroom apartment, Ocean View, San Eugenio, Las Americas, including washing machine, microwave, superb sea views, all inclusive, 490 euros, tel 626 471510 / 922 729670 Golf del Sur, pretty cottage style hourse in quiet position overlooking golf course, front door parking, garden back and front (community maintained). Heated pool, no pets, 650 euros, tel 627 219001 Furnished house in Chayofa, 2 bedrooms, terrace, garden, ocean views, security door and windows. Access to heated communal pool. Available from 1st March to 1st December 2009, all inclusive, 650 euros per month, tel 610 754153 / 669 005745 Beautiful 1-bed a p a r t m e n t in quiet residential complex Las Mimosas, Tor viscas Alto. Magnificent sea views. Communal pool. Lift. Totally refurbished. Available end of February. â&#x201A;Ź550 inc. bills. No smokers. No pets. Tel: 649 882366 for a viewing.

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BUSINESSES Ref: CO-516 Bar Great location!! Well run bar in front of beach! Price: 25,000â&#x201A;Ź

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Ref: CO-610 Distribution business Long established distributor of brand draught beer and wine

Ref: CO-774 Fantastic Florist shop Quick sale needed due to ill health

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Price: 40,000â&#x201A;Ź

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EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

CLASSIFIEDS / PROPERTY

Residencial

La Duquesa

Independent kitchen, downstairs toilet, ofﬁce, living/dining room, 2 terraces approx 20m2 each. For more information email ventasol@ terra.es

Villa Tagoro San Eugenio Alto

New 3 bedroom luxury villa 750,000€ Tel. (0034) 655 914 691 (0034) 922 71 33 56

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 commerical centres, 800m from Playa Fañabe, community feees 30/month, 185,000 € Tel 629 244958

Urb. Arco Iris Playa Second line from the sea in Callao Salvaje. Duplex, totally furnished, 75m2, separate ktichen, totally equipped, toilet, dining room, complete bathroom, 2 bedrooms, SAT-TV, solarium 30m2 with views to Gomera and Teide, garage space, community areas with 2 pools, automatic gates, community fees 54/month, 145,000 euros Tel 629 244958

Excellent opportunity

3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, front and back garden, comunity pool. €425,000 Tel. 629 244 958 Apartments, Chiripa, San Fernando, Puerto de la Cruz (40-65m2), 2 beds, furnished, kitchen, bathroom, fully renovated, five years old, SAT TV and telephone, heated pool, garden, restaurant, 2 lifts, balcony, terrace (1336m2) special price, 70-80,000 euros, tel 695 632166 El Médano, dir ectly from the owner!!! New, precious detached house, 3 bedrooms, 2 moder n bathrooms, indep. kitchen, 3 terraces,bbq, luxury complex with 2 swimming pools, 42m 2 closed garage,ver y exclusive furnished. Quiet zone, Price: 330.000 euros, Tel: 650 792 742 Torviscas Alto/ Resid. Casablanca, directly from the owner!!! Very beautiful apartment (53m2) in the most exclusive zone of Tenerife, 1 bedroom and an small officeroom, ver y big bathroom, 35m2 terrace with precious views, luxury complex with swimming pool and gardens. Garage and store-room. Only 6 months old!!! Price: 183.000 euros, Tel: 650.792.742 Las Americas, studio, near the beach, central, sunny panoramic balcony, renovated, 72,000 euros, info 629 300139 For sale, 2 bed apartment, 60m2 with equipped kitchen. Terrace, 25m2, views of La Gomera. Closed garage, Urbanisation Sunset, Torviscas Alto, 195,000 euros, tel 629 244958 For sale, 3 bed apartment, 86m2, 2 bathrooms, separate equipped kitchen, balcony 25m2 with communal area views, Residential Fañabe (Fañabe Alto), 169.000 euros, tel 629 244958

Frontline studio apartment for sale, partly furnished in a superb position with views of La Gomera. Recently refurbished. Superb holiday or residential home; quiet zone, near to shops and restaurants. Contact C. O’Flynn, 686 586 519

For sale, 5 bed villa, in quiet are of Costa del Silencio, 160m2, terrace with sea views, Ajardinadas area, 2 separate bedrooms for guests, 370.000 euors, tel 629 244958 Detached villa in Callao Salvaje. 5 bedrooms 5 bathrooms. Heated pool. 2 store rooms. Courtyard. 650,000 euros. Telephone 607310854.

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ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

PROMOTION

Motoring

EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

The new Volkswagen Golf FIVE GENERATIONS, 34 YEARS AND OVER 26 MILLION VEHICLES AFTER THE ORIGINAL GOLF FIRST WENT ON SALE, THE SIXTH GENERATION IS NOW HERE. Available in Advance and Sport versions, the new Golf is the safest, most technically advanced and dynamic version yet, not only promising great value, but setting benchmarks in quality, style, safety and the reduction of emissions. Its sharply deﬁned look with a clean, elegant design makes it is easily recognisable as a Golf even though it is an all-new shape. The same elements of simplicity and attention to detail were applied to the vehicle’s interior with the adoption of materials and equipment usually associated with a luxury vehicle. Clearly deﬁned

white backlit dials are individually recessed behind a three-spoke steering wheel with the option of controls for entertainment and communications functions. High quality, soft touch plastics are integrated with tasteful aluminium and chrome highlights. The new look is combined with advances made in reducing wind noise, including a completely new door and window seal design, a new damping ﬁlm supporting the windscreen and a new engine mounting system. Aiding this reﬁnement are advanced new petrol and diesel engines. The new 2.0-litre TDI 110 PS com-

mon rail diesel engine emits just 119 g/km of CO2 while returning 62.7 mpg on the combined cycle. Other diesel variants are available with 90 PS, 140 PS and 170 PS outputs linked to a choice of six-speed manual or DSG gearboxes. Many of the petrol engines adopt highly efﬁcient TSI technology with outputs of 80 PS, 102 PS, 122 PS and 160 PS. Volkswagen’s Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) allows the driver to select from normal, comfort or sport modes to deﬁne the desired suspension, steering and accelerator response settings for any particular journey. Automatic Distance Control

is also offered, which monitors the area around the vehicle through a series of sensors and will, if necessary, reduce the vehicle’s speed should an obstruction be identiﬁed. Some models come with the innovative Park Assist or Park Pilot systems which work with a series of ultrasonic sensors. Your car positions itself automatically and all you have to think about is accelerating and braking. New levels of safety equipment include

the addition of a knee airbag for the driver to bring the total number of airbags ﬁtted as standard to seven. A new head restraint system designed to reduce whiplash injuries and rear seat belt detection sensors are joined by new, more advanced Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) software. The new Volkswagen Golf has been awarded a maximum ﬁve-star rating by the Euro NCAP crash test agency, achieving 36 out of

a possible 37 points for occupant protection. For child safety, it scored an impressive four stars and a further three were awarded for pedestrian safety. Those who drive it will love it. For more information on the new Golf, priced from 18,660 euros, contact your local Volkswagen dealer: Hatusa, Ctra General La Cuesta-Taco, KM2, 3, La Laguna, or telephone 922 629 137.

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

Boxing

By George Reed

When it’s time to call it a day Sugar Ray Robinson, 1920 – 1989 “You always say, ‘I’ll quit when I start to slide,’ and then one morning you wake up and realize you’ve done slid.” Ring history is littered with brave former world champions who, like the gunslingers in the Wild Wild West, always thought there was one more draw to make and then found some young sharp-shooter who was quicker than them and made them bite the dust.

Over the years there’ve been many such endings for a lot of my own boxing idols and all-time-greats of the ring. One of the saddest sights was the great Joe Louis being punched out of the ring by the much younger Rocky Marciano in 1951. Sixteen years earlier Joe Louis himself was the up and coming young heavyweight of the time, and when he met Max Baer in 1935 at the Yankee Stadium in New York, 88,000 people paid to watch the fight. In today’s boxing world, it’s difficult to comprehend a match drawing such a crowd, as it wasn’t even a world title fight. After Louis won the world heavyweight title from James Braddock, he went on to defend his title more times than any other heavyweight in the history of boxing. By the time he faced Marciano he had been retired for a few years, but had made a comeback due to his tax problems and after taking the beating from ‘The Rock’ his tax problems escalated. He turned to professional wrestling, there was nothing he wouldn’t do for a dollar. There was a divorce, drugs and mental problems and a severe heart attack. At the very end he

Many thousands paid to see Joe Louis face Max Baer in a non title ﬁght

was a ‘greeter’ at Caesars Palace in Vegas. A sad ending indeed for Louis, but he wasn’t the only one for the beatings Muhammad Ali sustained in his final fights were troubling. It seemed unfair that arguably the two greatest heavyweight boxers in history would be given such a send-off. More recently ‘the’ boxer of the 1980s, Sugar Ray Leonard, took a merciless beating before he got the message from Father Time. It’s certainly painful to see once great fighters lose badly to much less talented boxers, who probably wouldn’t have been qualified to spit-shine their protective cups when they were in their prime. The most recent sorry

sight in the heavyweight division was seen last year when former world champion Riddick Bowe clambered back into the ring at the age of 41. He may have eked out a points decision win over the unknown German, Gene Pukall, but Bowe was a shadow, albeit a 20 stone one, of his former self, nothing like the talented warrior who fought an epic trilogy of title fights with a fellow warrior of the ring, Evander Holyfield. Evander ‘The Real Deal’ Holyfield himself, is still at it at the age of 46, even though everyone in the boxing game has been pleading with him to retire for donkeys’ years. Holyfield, even these days, when he’s way, way past his

best, still steps into a ring in great physical condition. Last month he took on the Russian giant Nikolay Valuev for the WBA version of the world heavyweight title in Zurich. Giving away a full 100 pounds in weight and almost a foot in height to the champion, the old warrior surprised everyone, especially one of the top boxing writers in America who wrote, “there’s a zero chance of ‘The Real Deal’ winning. Holyfield is a shot fighter, with about 30 seconds of effectiveness left in his body for any given 12-round fight”. As it turned out Holyfield even gave Valuev a scare by taking him the full distance, with one judge scoring it a draw, another awarding

it to Valuev by only one point and the third to the champion by four points. If Holyﬁeld had won he would have been the oldest heavyweight in history to win a world heavyweight title belt and one of the truly great moving moments in boxing history. I sincerely hope that Holyﬁeld can see it now, that at 46 and with a lot of hard work and miles logged, that there’s nothing left for him and he should go quietly and proudly with dignity. He’s proved all he needed to years ago. It wasn’t a bad loss to go out on, if there is such a thing. We’d miss him, but wouldn’t it be great to look back on him and remember what a real warrior he was? Retirement also surely

beckons for Roy Jones Jnr., another veteran great, who Joe Calzaghe recently dominated and humiliated over 12 rounds at Madison Square Garden. Jones was one of the greatest fighters of the 90s. He had the fastest hands in the business during his prime. A puncher who could box, a boxer who could rattle your cage with a left hook and take you out with a straight right hand. He was one of my boxing idols during this period, but those days are long gone, so it was sad to see Calzaghe taking the micky out of him during their contest. Saying that, what goes around comes around, for Jones himself in his prime, would often make a fool of an opponent. However, I still think it was tasteless of Joe to show such disrespect to a former great fighter who was way over the hill. I don’t believe he would have lived with Jones in the ring if the fight had taken place a few years ago. Having been one of Holyfield’s and Jones’ biggest fans over the years, I have written many articles on the two legends, but the time is ripe for them both to step aside, for like most fans, I like to keep my heroes on a pedestal, but now they are both teetering on the brink of falling off theirs. If boxing is indeed a young man’s game, then they would be better off battling against each other in a video game. Unfortunately, I believe they will both carry on in the ring and fight on, marching to the drum that only they hear.

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SPORT

EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

Megabowl

TENERIFE

Compiled by Doreen Lemm

10 pin bowling league results

Tenerife 8 Ball RED LEAGUE

YELLOW LEAGUE

TEAM

PL W D L P

TEAM

PL W D L P

1 The Palms Bar 2 Tosc Old Boys 3 Target Bar A 4 The Cygnets 5 Ten Hamrs A 6 Atlantis Bar 7 Trap Door B 8 Nth & Sth A 9 Phoenix Potrs 10 Terrace Bar 11 Barracuda

8701 7610 6501 7421 8413 7232 7304 7205 7115 7016 7016

1 Delicias La Cana 2 The Brum Pub 3 The Swan 4 Legends 5 Rat Pack 6 Trap Door A 7 Bar Nauta A 8 Lupain Properties 9 Ten Hammers B 10 Target Bar B 11 Bar Nauta B 12 North & South B

8 7 1 0 22 8 6 1 1 19 8 5 3 0 18 8 4 3 1 15 8 3 2 3 11 8 3 1 4 10 8 3 1 4 10 8224 8 8143 7 8206 6 8116 3 8035 3

21 19 15 14 13 9 9 6 4 1 1

Basketball juniors

Tenerife Royale Estate Agents S.L. Tuesday Singles League

Excellent scores for Duncan, Happy Days, 223, Steve, Monkey Foreheads, 221 and Jim, Double Whiskies, 212.

Week 10

Canarians bask in national glory

Smudge (2) Allan Billing (6) Dave Dixon (8) No Player (0) Forfeit Dave Simpson (8) Margaret Connor (0) Helley May (6) Jeff Lemm (2) Charlie Connor (8) No Player (0) Forfeit Kevin Capper (4) Duncan Wallace (4) A ﬁne 207 for Dave Simpson

Week 11 Gill Morton (2) Duncan Wallace (6) Steve Carter (2) Helley May (6) Charlie Connor (5) Jacquie Gibb (3) Jeff Lemm (2) Margaret Connor (6) Smudge (8) No Player (0) Forfeit Dave Simpson (8) Chris Rose (0) Dave Dixon (2) Ron Howling (6) Allan Billing (2) Adam Davis (6) An excellent 225 and the ‘Bingo’ for Adam

Saturday Doubles league

Ruby Supper Bar, Torviscas Sunday Doubles League Week 6 Racketeers (0) Pinseekers (8) Market Taverners (2) Lucky Strike (6) Nothing But Trouble (2) U Bin Framed (6) A ﬁne 204 for Ron, Pinseekers, and 201 for Eliot, U Bin Framed

Week 7 Nothing But Trouble (2) Buccaneers (6) Pinseekers (0) Lucky Strike (8) M + S (2) U Bin Framed (6) Market Taverners (4) Racketeers (4) An excellent 222 for Eliot, U Bin Framed, and 200 for Steve Carter, M + S. Surprise of the week was Lucky Strike’s 8-0 defeat of Pinseekers. Steven had a ﬁne 203 and partner, Julie scored a magniﬁcent 198, 104 above her average!

Week 6 Clemente Mesa, President of the Canarian Basketball Federation

The future of Canarian basketball looks more secure than ever following the historic performances by the region’s junior sides in this year’s National Championships held in Extremadura. In an unprecedented haul of medals, the girls and boys under-14 and under-16 sides took a total of three titles and

finished runners-up in the four th, providing fur ther proof that the islands have become the best nursery in the country for young talent. The girls destroyed their more illustrious opponents, including usual favourites Catalonia and Madrid, and the Under-16s, led by Spain youth internationals Laura Scantamburlo and Carla

Rodríguez, both of whom are from the Nuryana school in La Laguna, retained the crown they won last year. The boys slipped up only in the under-14 competition, losing to winners Catalonia. Canarian basketball chief Clemente Mesa said he doubted any region would ever repeat the virtual clean sweep in the Championships.

Job’s a Good ‘Un (0) Megabowlers (8) Happy Days (0) The Monkey Foreheads (8) Double Whiskies (6) Troubleshooters (2) Pearl’s Pantry (2) The Argy’lls (6) 206 for Megabowler, Ron, and 203 for Steve, Monkey Foreheads.

Week 7 Los Inﬂamantes (0) Monkey Foreheads (8) Happy Days (6) Double Whiskies (2) Megabowlers (6) Pearl’s Pantry (2)

Hardware store

Monday Pub League Week 13 Tenerife Royale (8) Quayside Bar (0) Fisherman’s Bar (8) Bar San Juan (0) Wigan Pier (6) Dolphins (2) Andrea, Quayside Bar, was overjoyed when she scored 201, visions of The Yellow Shirt ﬂew past her eyes. Unfortunately the 200 Ladies Shirts are no longer awarded. What a shame! I’m still aiming for mine, or at least I thought I was!

World basketball championships

Canaries to stage games? The Canaries could be in line to stage some 2014 World Championship basketball games if Spain is chosen to host the tournament. The Spanish Basketball Federation has confirmed that Las Palmas is one of

Open on Sundays 8am - 1pm

C/ Agustín Miralles nº 14-16 Armeñime (Adeje) Hardware Tel. 922 741 203 Builders Merchants Tel. 922 741 112

the cities shortlisted to stage games as an official venue but no decision will be taken for some time. The Federation submitted all the bid documentation required to FIBA in midJanuar y and Spain is considered favourite to be

awarded the event, ahead of rivals China and Italy. The strong possibility could lead the authorities in Gran Canaria to bring forward plans to build a 10,000-seat indoor stadium, the minimum required by FIBA.

SPORT

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

LUCHA CANARIA

Wrestling fears after TV pulls plug Canarian wrestling is in danger of further oblivion following the decision by the region’s TV network to end its weekly live broadcast of bouts. The programme has been withdrawn due to low audience ﬁgures, according to the TV company, but the regional wrestling federation says it remains as popular as ever and should be promoted. The New Year announcement led to immediate calls for the

government to step in and guarantee the coverage. One of the sport’s most influential figures, José Miguel Fernández, the former chairman of the all-conquering Victoria club, said the decision was ludicrous and urged Canarian TV to reconsider. “I know of no other region where publicly-financed television chooses to ignore a traditional sport. If Basque TV dropped the regional variety of handball from its schedule heads would roll” said Fernández.

The sport remains as popular according to the federation

ROLLER HOCKEY

Tenerife thrash Herne Bay Tenerife’s roller hockey team thumped what can only be described as the worst team ever to compete in the European League, English side Herne Bay. Having already demolished the Kent outﬁt 10-0 in England in the ﬁrst game in late October, Cemex Tenerife handed the English players an even bigger defeat in Santa Cruz exactly three months later, coasting to a 19-1 win. Local papers called

the one-sided tie “a light training session with spectators” and described Herne Bay, reputedly the world’s oldest roller hockey club (according to its website), as “unworthy of participation in a serious competition” such as the European League. In previous European ties this year the English side have already been on the receiving end of massive drubbings, including 170 by Catalan side Reus and 19-0 by Italians Bassano.

GOLF

Golf las Américas is the best The D&B prize for the Best Golf Course in Spain 2008 was awarded to Golf las Américas and received by director Joan Piferrer last month at an event attended by representatives of the press and clients of D&B. D&B (Deporte & Business) is one of the leading companies in the organisation of golﬁng events, both professional and amateur.

Golf Las Américas director, Joan Piferrer, receiving the prize fromD&B editors Alicia Garrido and Iñigo Aramburu

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Football GO TO ITALY

Anger at Maradona’s advice

Maradona reportedly advised Tévez to go to Inter Milan

New Argentina coach Diego Maradona has earned himself enemies in England and Spain within weeks of taking up his post. The 1986 World Cup winner, a controversial choice to take over his country’s national side for the 2008 tournament in South Africa, has urged several of his compatriots to consider playing in Italy to ensure they are treated better. Maradona angered Manchester United by suggesting that Inter Milan would be a better club for striker Carlos Tévez, whose situation he described as “not good” after Tévez was left on the bench in recent games. He followed up with similar advice to Atlético Madrid’s Sergio Agüero, who also happens to be the boyfriend of his daughter. “He should go running to Inter to form a partnership with Ibrahimovic” Maradona is quoted as saying when asked if he had any advice for one of Argentina’s rising stars. Following the inevitable blaze of publicity in Spain, however, he backtracked and insisted he had not intended to imply that Agüero should leave Atlético, but hinted that the Spanish club was not big enough to bring the best out of him.

EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009 :: ISLAND CONNECTIONS

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San Isidro pin hopes on Pedro

Post holiday blues O

ver the last couple of weeks the teams have been back playing again after the Christmas break and some teams look as if they have had a very long holiday while others have not missed a beat!

Open league The push for the title which will wrap up in the next three weeks has become a three team battle after Ironcraft Services pulled out an impressive fightback. In their last game with only three minutes remaining against the Monkey Beach they were trailing by one goal and really needed to win to have any chance of winning the league. The whole team showed great spirit and with an excellent two late goals from Rob Richmond they won the game 6:5 and went top of the table for the first time in this winter season, even if it was only for a few nights! Taylors Lounge have the title in their own hands and are looking the strong favourites! But along with Ironcraft, the Morfitt Properties team will be hoping Taylors slip up!

Masters league Tenerife Warriors blew their chance to stay in the

Planet Football playing against Leicester City at the recent Soccer Experience International Tournament

Gavin and Ash this was not enough as Martin Hillyers Coldﬂow won the game 8:5 with the help of the Billy Ions double act, father and son both playing and young Billy scoring some impressive goals helping the team look much more solid. They will be hoping to continue this good form and push for the top half of the table into the new season which is starting late February.

title push after not playing so well on their return after Christmas - they will hope to get back to form when their skipper Lee Martin returns from a long term ankle injury he is ﬁghting. One of the best games in the last two weeks was a bottom half of the table clash between Cold Flow and Planet Football. Gavin Harris of Planet Football must have the hardest shot in the league as he is scoring long range power shots for fun and the keepers can do almost nothing about them! Sadly for team skippers

New teams For the new seasons starting in the last week of February there have been

OPEN AGE LEAGUE TABLE: Teams Morﬁtt Properties Taylors Lounge Ironcraft Services Monkey Beach Club Hole in the Wall The Canyanyans Eclipse Cafe Northwest Ins

Played

GF GA

Points

11 10 11 12 11 12 10 11

8 7 7 5 4 4 3 2

1 2 1 1 2 0 1 0

2 1 3 6 5 8 6 9

58 66 87 62 56 53 57 34

25 23 22 16 14 12 10 6

50 30 67 58 61 65 61 83

MASTERS LEAGUE TABLE: Teams Taylor’s Lounge Morﬁtt Properties Tenerife Warriors Rachael’s Motors Planet Football Cold Flow Harley’s American Diner

Played

GF GA

Points

9 10 9 8 10 10 10

7 7 5 5 3 3 1

1 1 0 0 1 1 0

1 2 4 3 6 6 9

57 52 59 51 60 56 38

22 22 15 15 10 10 3

35 45 45 50 65 60 74

a number of new teams looking to join the leagues. Already conﬁrmed to play are The Hoops Bar, Exiles Bar Silencio and the Los Cristianos Dream team. If any other new teams are interested in joining the next season 7’s leagues starting late February please get in touch as soon as possible to reserve your spot as there are only two places still available! Also if you want a football training session or a friendly game to get ready for the new season, Soccer Experience are preparing one friendly game a week for potential new teams and also the ongoing weekly football sessions for individual players looking for fun and ﬁtness through football training. As with anything in Tenerife it is hard to maintain standards and enthusiasm but if the present quality, attitude and football interest from new and existing teams and players continues we can all look forward to a new and enjoyable footballing year in 2009 with Soccer Experience. For more information please review the website: www.soccerexperience. com. If you want to play or join the sessions, please contact Soccer Experience on 654200470 or e-mail soccer@soccerexperience. com

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BARCELONA BAIL OUT

Help may be at hand for troubled Tenerife side San Isidro, whose crippling debts may still force the closure of the club. Former youth team player Pedro Rodríguez, who left to join Barcelona in 2004, could well prove to be San Isidro’s saviour if he continues to play in the first team. Barça manager Josep Guardiola is a big fan of the young forward and has used him on several occasions so far this season, including Champions’ League and Spanish Cup fixtures. Due to a complicated contractual clause, if Pedro plays at least 45 minutes in 10 official games Barcelona will pay San Isidro an extra 300,000 euros in appearance bonuses, which would almost wipe out the club’s current debt. The problem for San Isidro is that he has tended

The young ex-San Isidro players could save his old side

to come on as a second half substitute and the 45-minute quota is not fulfilled. However, the fact that Guardiola played him for the entire 90 minutes against Santander is a positive sign and San Isidro are keeping their fingers crossed that the 10 matches will be completed soon so they can cash in.

The Player

JOSÉ LUIS OLTRA Not a player, but CD Tenerife’s coach, who might be, dare we say it, bringing the side to new heights this season. Watch this space.

Second Division League 26/01/2009 CLUB

PLD W

1. Xerez 2. Tenerife 3. Hercules 4. Salamanca 5. Zaragoza 6. Castellon 7. Real Sociedad 8. Levante 9. Girona 10. Rayo Vallecano 11. Celta Vigo 12. Huesca 13. Murcia 14. Las Palmas 15. Albacete 16. Gimnastic 17. Elche 18. Alaves 19. Eibar 20. Cordoba 21. Alicante 22. Sevilla Atletico

21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 20 21 21 20 21 21 21

10 10 8 9 9 8 7 9 8 7 8 7 8 6 7 6 6 6 5 5 3 1

7 4 9 6 6 9 11 5 7 10 7 8 4 9 6 9 8 5 6 6 6 6

4 7 4 6 6 4 3 7 6 4 6 6 9 6 8 5 7 10 9 10 12 14

37 38 31 28 35 30 21 28 21 26 23 28 22 27 23 31 24 22 14 18 17 13

A 22 32 19 23 24 22 15 28 21 23 21 25 27 22 28 25 23 34 26 27 35 35

PTS 37 34 33 33 33 33 32 32 31 31 31 29 28 27 27 27 26 23 21 21 15 9

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CD Tenerife

ISLAND CONNECTIONS :: EDITION 583 :: 30/01/2009 - 13/02/2009

Reasons to be cheerful By Spike Jones

18/01/2009 CD Tenerife 4:1 Girona FC

whole stadium as the 22 protagonists punched and counter-punched. Football protocol dictates that the Mexican Wave should come into effect only when your team leads by at least three goals. No doubt aware of this, in the dying seconds Nino pounced like a cat on a ball of wool when Ponzo underhit a goal kick to his left back, and shot straight back into Ponzo’s net to re-establish the three-goal advantage. One hopes that any Mex-hex will be avoided retrospectively.

One of the attractions of the beautiful game is that it’s impossible to predict what dramas will unfold in the 90 minutes. If it was they could have doubled the ticket prices for this match and still have a throng clamouring for entry. In the previous home game, against Sevilla Atlético – a side firmly rooted to the bottom of the table – a dominant Tenerife forward line made scoring look like hard work. Their 2-1 victory was, of course, welcome – but Nino and Co. should have scored five or six. Using that goal-shy performance as an indicator, this fixture against Girona, who were just a couple of points behind Tenerife, promised to be a much sterner test. In fact, and against expectation, the just over 14,000 who attended, witnessed CD Tenerife’s most exciting team performance this season. They were simply outstanding, especially in a first half that, unusually, saw them attacking the Grada de Pie end (Tenerife’s Kop) where the most vociferous supporters congregate. From the start Tenerife were determined to put on a show in front of their most die-hard fans. Fresh and full of vigour, every player wanted the ball, and once in possession found penetrating passes easy to execute as teammates worked tirelessly to find space. Much of the early action was on the right wing where Juanlu Hens was proving to be a nightmare for Girona’s defenders. This was his best game for Tenerife. Some dazzling link play between Nino, Alfaro, Kome, Ricardo and Juanlu verged on being exhibitionist, with defenders running around

The side scored four excellent goals against Girona

in pure confusion. On nine minutes Nino appeared to have become bored with all this passing business and just snapped a violent right-footed shot on the turn from about 25 metres, surprising everyone including keeper Rafa Ponzo. It was a wonderful goal, but they wanted more and ruthlessly hunted down Girona’s efforts to establish a presence. Tenerife’s possession was hardly ever wasted in this phase of the game, and nearly all the action took place in Girona’s half. On 22 minutes Dani Kome, usually a maker of goals got one of his own. The ball came to him from a halfcleared corner and his 20 metre shot was gracefully struck and perfectly placed. 2-0. Minutes later Alejandro Alfaro headed onto the crossbar, and then Marc Bertran forced a great save from Ponzo. Although it was nearly all one-way trafﬁc, Girona did have a couple of fair chances saved by Sergio Aragoneses, the best offering by ex-blanquiazul Raul Martín. But on the whole they were unsettled by Tenerife’s constant harrying and assured attacking moves. On the 40th minute Juanlu directed a ﬁerce free kick from the right to Richi, hovering with intent in Girona’s box. He reacted really well to score this sharp chance – his second

goal of the season. The half time ear-to-ear grins slowly dissolved as play unfolded in a less flamboyant second half. The Gentlemen of Girona belatedly started to assert themselves as Tenerife eased the pace slightly. On 55 minutes, Chechu played Raul Martín in with a worldclass cross-field ball. Hector was caught flat-footed as Martín skillfully shot past Aragoneses to score against his former club. He sportingly declined to celebrate. It was a top-class goal, but fortunately Girona rarely looked capable of reproducing more moves of such quality. Even so, they were much more combative, and credit should go to Aragoneses who kept Girona out of serious contention with a couple of stunning saves that preserved Tenerife’s two goal cushion. Ponzo played his part in keeping Girona in with a shout with some great saves of his own as the blanquiazules, hungry for more goals, refused to just sit on their lead. The blustery conditions worsened for a while with fans watching the action through a haze of dust and confetti thrown up by mini-whirlwind columns reaching skyward in front of the stands. The Grada initiated a Mexican Wave that was enthusiastically enjoined by the

24/01/2009 CD Castellón 2:2 CD Tenerife The Verve’s Bittersweet Symphony could be an anthem for this match. Having come from a goal behind, twice, CD Tenerife will take the plaudits. Against a tough Castellón side very much in contention for promotion and only a point behind Tenerife, many would have settled happily for the away point before kick-off. But those same many, 90 minutes later, could not help but consider that this was a clean three points squandered. I know, “If ifs-and-buts were cats-and-mutts there’d be no need for rainy days”, however, if Alfaro had passed square across goal to an unmarked Nino instead of trying to blast the ball through Castellón keeper Carlos Sanchez… if Nino, the league’s best player, in perfect control of the ball, had aimed his six-metre shot either side of Sanchez instead of directly at him…if Bertran had not copied him 10 minutes later, and… if Alfaro, again, had made a better ﬁst of things when Juanlu found him completely unmarked with just Sanchez to beat! If just half of these schoolboy chances had been accept-

ed then the blanquiazules would have been two up at the break, and cruising to victory. As it was, these missed opportunities emboldened Castellón and could have upset Tenerife’s morale. This was an intense contest with a lot at stake. With both sides eager to stamp their authority on the game the first period was energetic and bruising, with possession for either side hard to maintain against keen tackling and close marking. Tenerife’s forward defending is becoming an integral part of their fine recent run of form, and it’s great to see the forwards and attacking mid-fielders attempt, and so often succeed, in winning the ball deep in enemy territory. It was from this that most of Tenerife’s first half goal chances came. Castellón were just as enterprising in possession, however, and frequently wove a thread of nice moves to worry Aragoneses and his back line. They, also, were no slouches at up field defence, frequently winning the ball off any slowly reacting Tenerife player. With the match goalless at half time, and neither side in the ascendancy, smart money was on the draw. Castellón opened their account on 49 minutes. Arana evaded the close attention of Luna deep on Castellón’s right wing to produce a fine cross that keeper Aragoneses failed to intercept. Ulloa was able to claim the goal with a simple tap-in from close range. With half an hour remaining, Luis Oltra brought on Ángel for Juanlu to vary the attack. Then, on 67 mins, he brought on Ayoze for Luna to intensify it, albeit at the expense of a defender. The manager’s substitutions were completely vindicated ten minutes later when Ayoze’s gorgeous pass found Angel on the edge of the box. Ángel’s control, under pressure, and inch perfect shot

NEWS

were textbook perfect. 1-1, and Tenerife were back in the hunt. With both sets of players tiring visibly after 80 minutes of all-out action, it was no surprise to see the next two goals come from less than pristine defending. In a goalmouth scramble poor Hector, instead of heading the ball out of play or to his keeper, sent it to the feet of Castellón’s Man of the Match Arana, of all people. Arana, on the goal line, accepted the gift and passed back nicely to teammate Tabares who gleefully hammered in from ﬁve metres. With six minutes to play the Tenerife anthem was now Billy Ocean’s When the Going Gets Tough. And did they get going! They refused to accept a loss after their contribution to this highly entertaining match. The 6,000 Castellón fans in the Nou Castalia stadium had to endure more than just the vicious cold winds, they had to witness their side surrender their slender lead, and a vital three points. Sicilia received a long high ball bang on Castellón’s goal-line and headed it back in front of goal where weary defenders unsuccessfully tried to hack it out before Richi tapped in for the closest range goal he will ever score. Ifs and buts aside, the draw was a fair result. Castellón missed a couple of sitters too, and played their full part in this great advertisement for the beautiful game. Apart from Xerez, whose home win against Celta puts them three points clear at the top, other weekend results favoured Tenerife. Rayo did Tenerife a huge favour by taking all three points away at Real Zaragoza in a 2-3 thriller. Tenerife are now a clear second in La Segunda on 34 points, and Nino is joint top scorer with 12 goals. This match marks the season’s exact halfway point. Tenerife have now locked horns with every team in the division. They have, at times, been lacklustre or unlucky, but not once have they been overwhelmed. Can they make it to La Liga? Watch this space!

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