September FREE! 2016
€41.2M LYNGS LEAVE ANFI BEHIND As we were going to press news broke of the Lyng family having sold their stake in timeshare operator Anfi which was later confirmed by the Lopesan Group. The company, Anfi Invest AS, has been acquired for €41.2 million as part of an agreement signed in the Norwegian city of Trondheim representing a 50% shareholding in the Gran Canaria based Anfi group of companies. The IFA Hotel chain, has acquired all of the shares in Anfi Invest AS, through its local subsidiary IFA Canarias, SL.
The historic agreement agreed a total purchase price of €41.2 million. Making IFA and Santana Cazorla Anfi co-owners. Anfi Invest AS, owns, among several other assets, 50% of Anfi Resort, S.L. and Anfi Sales, S.L., operating in Mogán, Gran Canaria, the resorts “Anfi del Mar” and “Anfi Tauro”. Boasting nearly 1,000 holiday apartments, Anfi is said to be the leading European timeshare management group, although they pointedly prefer the term “Vacation Membership” to the negative connections to timeshare.
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As well as managing timeshare bookings, the management companies Anfi run are responsible for the exploitation of various commercial areas, including two golf courses, and the development of new accommodation units, on land totalling an area of 405,000 square meters, for both tourist and commercial use.
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pools, sports facilities, entertainment activities and a restaurant. In this area, as well as the construction of new apartment complexes, there are plans to build a spa, a shopping mall and a marina with capacity for 500 moorings.
Anfi development began in 1987 promoted by Norwegian entreThrough this financial investment, the IFA chain, in which the preneur Bjorn Lyng, who died in 2006. The group is co-owned Lopesan Group have a majority stake, expect to expand the by another Canarian company, Grupo Santana Cazorla, who also scope of their tourist activity, adding tourism marketing, through control 50% of the Anfi business. the timeshare schemes, to their traditional hotel business. For the Canarian/German channel IFA, this acquisition “means The Anfi del Mar resort has 869 luxury apartments set around an having a presence in an area of tourist business complementary artificial beach. The various types of apartments have different to the hotels, and offers new development options given the capacities, with dimensions that start from 80 m2 up to 360 m2 potential for growth it still has.” says the Chairman of the Superpenthouses. Among services offered to owners are included: a visory Board, Santiago de Armas. water sports centre, gym, spa, 8 large pool areas with hot tubs Meanwhile, Norwegian businessman, and heir to the Anfi busiand waterfalls, a shopping centre with 20 shops and boutiques, supermarkets, various types of “animaci6n” activities and a range ness, Ragnar Lyng, told Norwegian daily Adressa, “Anfi del Mar has [enjoyed] exemplary implementation. IFA managers are very of bars and restaurants. professional and [recognise] the need to go further and continue The newer Anfi Tauro “Emerald” resort opened in 2007 and has development in terms of excellence. If customers notice any119 apartments. With characteristics similar to Anfi del Mar, thing, it will be in a positive direction. ” current Emerald owners services offered include an 18-hole golf Currently the four clubs into which Anfi is divided have a total of course, a secondary 9-hole course, driving range, swimming 30,000 members, of which about 7,000 are Norwegians.
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Anfi del Mar is the showpiece resort situated near Arguineguín on the southwest coast of Gran Canaria. The facility consists of four “holiday clubs”
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ture trajectory of Anfi, and just who it is that will be at the helm moving forward.
Asked if he was satisfied with the deal Ragnar cheerfully reAnfi was established by Bjorn sponds “You can not sell if you Lyng, a well known businessman are not satisfied.” and industrial entrepreneur This could be precisely the from Leksvik, Norway, in 1989. shot in the arm needed for the Bjorn died on Gran Canaria ten beleaguered timeshare operayears ago and Ragnar is his son tor to help reverse their ever and heir. shakier fortunes, in the wake Ragnar Bjorn said “We have of the “Groundbreaking” 2015 been working to get Anfi del Spanish Supreme Court rulings Mar sold for ten years. Since that cast a long silent shadow father died, no one in the family over industry practices, unany longer lives in Spain, thereequivocally slamming Anfi and fore we thought it better to find scrutinising some questionlocal owners” claims Lyng junior, able operations over the last notably making no mention 17 years which and, it was whatsoever of the long string judged, having contravened of woes that have accompanied Spanish timeshare legislation his inheritance. designed to protect consumers from heavy handed sales techThe Lopesan hotel chain IFA niques, leaving the group wide operate mainly on Gran Canaria open to potentially thousands and are the new owners, of refund claims from anyone though as yet nothing has been who had a deposit taken too mentioned about the other 50% early, regardless of their level shareholder, local developers, of satisfaction with the Anfi the Santana Cazorla Group, “shared ownership” product. with whom the Lyng family are known to have had long runOver the last 18 months Anfi ning, bitter and public disputes. have been remarkably quiet With controversy building over in regard to their potential the seemingly botched beach liabilities, choosing instead to project in Tauro, and several loudly announce a brand new investigations continuing, many beach project, further round questions remain as to the futhe coast
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Newsbrief. A BEACH TOO FAR 4
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TAURO BEACH RESIDENTS ANGRY ABOUT FLOODING The residents of Tauro beach have said how very angry they are after the saharan sand, deposited as part of the construction of the island’s newest man made beach, failed to keep the sea from their doors last month. Construction company Santana Cazorla, the primary shareholder in timeshare operator Anfi who are promoters of the project, announced the newly constructed beach to have been finished, ready for use in August, after some 70,000 tons of sand was imported from the Sahara desert to cover the natural pebbled bay, as a first phase in a long awaited plan to construct new tourist facilities including a shore front walkway, sports marina and hotels. On Thursday 4th August, despite calm seas, water breached the new shoreline and started to flood homes and warehouses that have stood at the site for many years. Residents blame Anfi and Santana Cazorla for the episode, which took everyone unawares, and with real fears that it could happen again.
A series of denuncias (official statements and complaints) have been lodged with the Local Police in Mogán, but that won’t stop the the high tides, with many worried residents looking to what is known as the Mares Del Pino in September, while filling sandbags, ready to place at the entrances of their homes to act as makeshift breakwaters when the autumn high tides begin. “The houses have been flooded because the work is badly done” Naiana Rodriguez told reporters, at the door to her home, “and if engineers have done a good job how has the tide come in this far, because that did not happen when the stones were there” Environmentalists are up in arms also as the beach has the potential to compromise the protected area beside it with significant effect on the natural biodiversity of the area. Some residents have even suggested he possibility of foul play, in a potential bid to get residents to move away from the development. There is no evidence of such conspiracy theories.
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Reviewing some of the stories we’ve covered over the last few weeks. Stay up to date at TheCanaryNews.com
The Costas de Canarias (Coastal Authority) head office has commissioned an audit of its workforce, as well as deploying an Environment Department agent who will measure and assess the entire profile of the Playa de Tauro cove, which is the site of the newest beach in the tourism-oriented southern municipality of Mogán. The controversy-stricken beach project has led to several denuncias (official complaints), is the subject of at least one Guardia Civil investigation (possibly more), has led to the dismissal of the canary islands coastal authority chief and been a cause of concern to environmentalists, residents and property owners; even generating an official denouncement from the Polisario Front, Sahawari governmentin-exile, over the extraction of sands from their lands without their authorisation. Floods in the homes of local residents, last month, have been blamed squarely on Anfi Tauro, the company that has deposited, along with their partners Santana Cazorla, sand taken from the Sahara, so as to cover the original pebbled shoreline. After the flooding, sand had to be used to hurriedly place a barrier between the sea and the nearest shore front homes so as to protect them from the waves. Residents watched on with great concern as the high tides expected for September arrived without further incident. A spokesperson from the Costas commented that in reality it is the Autumn tides, that need to be most assuredly prepared for.
The head of the Coastal Authority, Rafael López Orive, held a meeting last month with the heads of Anfi at which they reported, among other things, that he plans to make a full assessment to check that the new beach lies within the measurements and limits authorised as part of the original regeneration project. Anfi obtained a grant from the Directorate General of Costas to occupy about 11,200 square meters of land in the public domain so as to “enhance the offering” of this part of the coast by transforming it to a sand beach. The company is part of the Santana Cazorla group, as stated in the project documents, in which they also pledged 3,811 meters of other land adjacent to that in the public domain, an issue that is being investigated because the promoter has not yet submitted deeds of ownership for that land. Let’s hope things improve for everyone.
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Lopesan planting trees
Best July in Gran Canaria history This July Gran Canaria received 293,700 foreign passengers, which is the highest ever figure in history, according to AENA records; 21,500 travellers than the previous record registered in the year 2000. The 293,700 foreign travellers coming to Gran Canaria in July significantly improves on data from last year by 28.7%. These figures have confirmed that the island has a huge potential to attract foreign tourists in summer as well as the traditional “high season” in winter time. The data shows an accumulative increase in international travellers to Gran Canaria this year of 16.8% with a total so far of 2,117,000 tourists, representing an improvement of 294,300 over the first seven months of 2015 which recorded a total, by this stage in the year, of 1.822 million foreign passengers. The most significant increases in terms of tourist volume have been registered from the British and German markets. Turnover in the UK has seen a dramatic increase of 30.7 %, which has led to the arrival of 84,000 Brits this July. The increase from the Dutch market has also been outstanding with 35% more arrivals, representing 7,200 extra passengers to Gran Canaria, from 20,600 to 27,800 Dutch visitors received in July.
The Cabildo of Gran Canaria and the Lopesan Group company Costa Veneguera signed an agreement over the summer to reforest a whopping 497 hectares in Mogán, allowing the island council to double its forecast for restocking trees as part of its mandate.
The president of Gran Canaria Cabildo, Antonio Morales, stressed the importance of private involvement in policies aiming at transforming Gran Canaria to a sustainable “eco-island”. Stressing that as a society we must pay special attention to the natural environment as the island’s main asset. The area covered by this agreement is the largest ever in such a private effort to reforest. Lopesan Group last year announced that they had taken over the large Finca Venegera so as to produce a range of organic fruits and vegetables for consumption in their hotels, which also fits nicely in line with the food sovereignty plans promoted by the Cabildo. Several species of tree will be used to repopulate this coastal area of Mogán, in the south-west of Gran Canaria, including pine forest in the higher areas, junipers and wild olives in the lower altitude areas and they will be complemented by smaller numbers of dragon trees and various other seedlings. Given that the surface area for the plan is almost 500 hectares, the number of trees to be planted is expected to be in the order of between 150,000 and 200,000 units. Improvements and restoration under the agreement will be carried out on the Veneguera farm and Tabaibales, located in the Protected Natural Space, Nublo Park. Source: Cabildo de Gran Canaria Editor’s comment – Lopesan Group’s recent announcements have been more than just ground breaking. The addition of their own organic farm produce, last year, and now a plan to reforest nearly 500 hectares in Mogán are to be roundly applauded. Well done, Lopesan, Great Work!
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2016
The ‘strangulation’ of Arguineguín business Traders in Arguineguín have denounced what they say is the “strangulation” of businesses along the main arterial route through the southern town, where roadworks have now “accumulated two years of delays,” say the ‘moganero’ entrepreneurs in a press release.
Additionally, they complain, they have seen that their turnover fall by up to 50% “because of the delays in works, which seem endless” They say that the ongoing situation has led businesses to feel they must denounce “the deterioration of the tourist image”of the municipality, where traders say that the situation is a “real nightmare” because the works “do not seem to advance” directly affecting not only businesses but the routine of residents and tourists. Finally, they insist that these long running works were meant to include the construction of new sidewalks, the modernisation of transport links and to enable green areas; however the group of business owners have branded the situation as a “shameful” saga of roadworks with no clear end in sight, pointing to the “indolence” within the municipality, and calling for “urgent responses to a situation that cannot endure even one more day of traffic and losses.” Opposition parties such as Nueva Canarias have pointed to “The cluster of absurdities” coming from the Mogán town hall seeming to be “limitless”, adding that “this whole situation is generating significant losses for business in the area”
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El Periódico Inglés de Gran Canaria
S
Think Pink for October
October is International Breast Cancer Awareness Month Now in its fifth year, The Long Walk travels coast-to-coast across the subtropical island of Gran Canaria, crossing the highest peak, to help inspire others to raise funds and awareness for ACCM - The Canarian Breast Cancer Association - supporting sufferers, and importantly their closest family members, in understanding how to conquer this terrible disease that affects women of every age, and men too. The Canary News is very proud, once more, to be joined by adventurers from the resident English speaking community, visitors and various businesses to raise funds and awareness for this most worthy cause.
www.accmyg.org Asociación Canaria de Cáncer de Mama y Ginecológico
OUR MESSAGE IS SIMPLE: THERE ARE TIMES IN EVERYBODY’S LIFE WE EACH FACE DIFFICULTIES. KEEP GOING. NEVER GIVE UP. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. STAY FOCUSED ON THE BEAUTY ALL AROUND YOU TOGETHER WE CAN CROSS ALL MOUNTAINS, ONE STEP AT A TIME.
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Support, Donate; Participate! TheLongWalk.es/Donate
JOIN US AT THE RIU PALACE MASPALOMAS
(Av. de Tirjana - Playa del Inglés)
on Friday Sep 30th at 7.00pm Welcoming the adventurers of The Long Walk V - 2016
September 30
- arriving at The Dunes of Maspalomas after their 5th coast-to-coast walk across Gran Canaria - 80km of solidarity over the highest point on the island. Join ‘The Last Mile’ to Playa del Inglés and the TUI Grand Prize Draw at Shorty’s Beach Club for your chance to win a dream cruise!!
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El Periódico Inglés de Gran Canaria
IS THERE ANYTHING MORE IMPORTANT THAN HEALTH?
Society is more and more interested in looking after their health because a good well-being means a better lifestyle. We see information on a daily basis on social media, television, newspapers etc. In order to have a healthy lifestyle, it is very important to look after yourself by having a balanced diet, exercise and rest, important steps that can make a difference in the future. Also, to prevent and cure illnesses, many people decide to take out a private health insurance because, is there anything more important than health?
ASSSA, aside from the above mentioned, offers a unique health insurance with a personalised and multilingual customer service, we can insure those up to 79 years old and with exclusive guarantees: no premium increase due to age and no cancellation due to age increase or illness.
A private health insurance allows the insured to have immediate access to necessary medical facilities, avoiding the long waiting lists with GP’s and specialists or for diagnostic tests and surgery. Also, adapting to the timetable of each client.
Customer Service Office:
You also have the advantage to choose the medical clinic you attend and the Doctor you see, amongst the multiple options from our medical directory. Another advantage is that when hospitalised you have a private room with a bed for an accompanist. Furthermore, there exists the possibility of a second medical opinion and preventive medicine by carrying out a yearly medical check-up.
Without a doubt taking out a private health insurance protects you and your family’s wellbeing. Improve your health by taking out an ASSSA policy.
Gran Canaria Nicole Schäfer Tel. 928 778 664 Edif. Mercurio. Torre I, 3ºG Av. de Tirajana, 37 – – Maspalomas GranCanaria@asssa .es www.asssa.es
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Experience! Are you looking to buy property in
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Arguineguín 928 150 650 · Puerto Rico 928 153 057 · Playa de Mogán 928 565 966
www.cardenas-grancanaria.com · info@cardenas-grancanaria.com
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10 REASONS... WE LOVE ARGUINEGUÍN & YOU WILL TOO Arguineguín is south Gran Canaria’s big coastal town and has maintained a local feel even though it is now popular with visitors and tourists. Cárdenas Real Estate love Arguineguín so much that they have two offices in town and here are the Top Ten reasons why.
IT’S A REAL PLACE Arguineguín was a fishing village long before Gran Canaria was a tourist destination and it still has a local feel even though thousands of foreigners own property in the area. Most people who live in town are Canarian and the town still has a local fishing industry.
BUT IT CATERS TO FOREIGN IT’S SURROUNDED BY BEAUTIFUL VISITORS BEACHES Arguineguín is a local town with enough foreign residents and holiday makers to let people from all over the world feel at home. You can buy everything from French wine to parsnips and there’s a fantastic social scene including walking groups, bowling and of course, the Norwegian Seaman’s church or Sjomannskirken on the seafront.
Caribbean Anfi beach is just to the west of Arguineguín and you can walk to it along the seafront. Just to the east is El Pajar and the natural pebble beaches at Llano de Los Militares and Triana. A short bus ride and you are at Amadores and Puerto Rico or, if you head the other way Maspalomas and Meloneras.
THE FOOD IS FRESH AND TASTY AND HAS ITS OWN LOVELY BEACH Arguineguín’s harbour means that the fish you get in the restaurants is as fresh as it comes. Look out for local tuna and sardines that literally go from boat to plate.
But you don’t even have to leave town to go to the beach. Las Marañuelas beach in the centre of Arguineguín has soft sand and calm water, while Arguineguin beach on the east side of town is empty most days. There are plenty of local cafes that do tasty La Lajilla has a little beach and there’s great sandwiches and coffee and a whole range of swimming at Playa Esmerelda between restaurants from the quayside fish restauArguineguín and Anfi. WHERE PEOPLE ACTUALLY LIVE rant run by the Fisherman’s Guild to Taste Mesón with its range of Canarian wines and ARGUINEGUÍN IS ABOUT TO GET As Mogán municipality’s biggest coastal delicious tasting menu. EVEN BETTER town, it has a great range facilities and services for residents; things like hardware THE SUN ALWAYS SHINES The local government has now confirmed shops, florists, supermarkets, cafes, and that it is to invest in the whole beachfront Arguineguín is one of the sunniest places friendly local estate agents; all with local promenade between Arguineguín town and in the world with an average of over 320 prices. Anfi beach to the west. The first stage of the sunny days per year. Even in the middle of job includes refurbishing the La Lajilla natuAND HAVE FUN winter, the town gets hours of sunshine ral pool and beach. every day and everyone is outdoors. From the regular tapas evenings by the Another project that is about to start is the beach to outdoor concerts and the busy BUT THE BREEZE KEEPS IT COOL upgrade to Arguineguín marina. This will weekly market, there’s always something Even in the middle of summer, the sea separate the fishing fleet from the recreagoing on in Arguineguín. Visit in July and breeze keeps Arguineguín cool. Day temtional boats, connect the beach to the mayou get to experience the full Fiestas del Carmen experience with a boat procession, peratures rarely rise above 30ºC and never rina, and add more places to eat and drink fall below 20ºC. That’s about perfect for by the sea. live music, and fireworks. anything you want to do (except skiing). Is Arguineguín for you?
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El PeriĂłdico InglĂŠs de Gran Canaria
The best private hospital in the Canary Islands (Ranking of the Spanish healthcare system)
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928 063 666
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BOOKFEST IN THE GARDENS OF HOLY TRINITY THE LONG HOT SUMMER CONTINUES BUT NOW…
Rafael Ramírez 13, Garden City
IT’S A GOOD TIME TO REFRESH YOUR LIBRARY FOR THE AUTUMN
REFRESHMENT FOR THE BODY WITH ICE COLD BEER, WINES, SOFT DRINKS AND TAPAS
24th September 1100 to 1400 JUST THREE HOURS TO
DIVE INTO OUR COLLECTION OF USED BOOKS IN ENGLISH, SPANISH AND GERMAN
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IN THE GARDENS OF HOLY TRINITY CHURCH CHILDREN’S STORYTELLER AND WORKSHOP Alphabet treasure hunt
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outstAnding Trip Advisors No 1 Boat tours and Water Sports in Puerto Rico
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How we began… What started as a group of friends who all met whilst working and having fun in the Canary Islands over 15 years ago, has now grown into a dedicated team of bright individuals from a variety of different countries who share the same passion and love for these beautiful Islands.. the place we now call home. After years of questions for recommendations and top holiday tips from all kinds of the many visitors we have met over the years, we decided we could use our vast combined knowledge to create the ultimate ‘Insiders Guide’ to Gran Canaria This is how our company the ‘Chilly Monkeys Guide’ was born. With so much positive feedback from our guide (which can be found in binder form in 170 locations) we decided to create a modern and diverse website, a way for us to push Chilly Monkeys into a whole new and exciting direction. We wanted to give you guys not only a helpful guide for when you holiday here but we wanted to create and give you a unique insight into this island itself, full of behind the scenes information that you may or may not have known, including a wide range of different perspectives, cultures, heritage, fun facts, interesting topics and exclusive interviews. Places we have discovered on and off the beaten track and a look into the multi cultural Island life as it is truly felt and seen through the eyes of the many locals and residents. ChillyMonkeys has always had a feel good outlook on the island and what it has to offer, we hope this reflected from the way our website looks. It has been an amazing journey for us and this is only the beginning. We will continue to research and dig up as much inside information as we can so every month we will keep you updated on what we have learned. Without feedback and support from residents and tourists none of this would be possible and the ChillyMonkeys team thanks you all.
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Unforgettable Flavour in Playa de Mogán
As you enter the picturesque fishing and tourist village of Puerto de Mogán, on the south west coast of Gran Canaria, two main streets lead to either side of the town, connected by three small foot bridges across the barranco outlet to the sea. Connecting the Puerto de Mogán side to the Playa de Mogán side the blue foot bridge furthest from the beach leads to a small pedestrian passage, named the Paseo de los Pescadores (fisherman´s way) on the corner of which is a tiny little white church, where, incidentally, services are held every Sunday in both Spanish and English, and where you will find Gran Canaria´s newest and most exciting dinner experience, Mr India. Created by the same Welsh spice merchant who introduced the town of Puerto Rico to the authentic taste of New Dehli cuisine last year (A Taste of India, quickly became the highest rated Indian restaurant on the island, under the guidance of outstanding manager and host Tanya Cheston), Mr India is the team’s second foray into the world of spice and colour, and looks set for similar extraordinary success. Their secret? They only employ highly experienced chefs and kitchen teams directly from India under the direction of their New Dehli born Master Chef, Soo. They insist on treating their staff well, providing a high standard working environment which allows these coriander connoisseurs the creative licence to truly make magic and provide a thrill to the taste buds perhaps comparable only to the banquets which must have been served to royalty in the marbled and turreted palaces of the old Raj. It´s nice to eat local food when away on holiday, but with the advent of Mr India, Playa de Mogán now finally has an exotic and thrilling reason beyond its picture-postcard beauty to attract
international travellers from across the globe in search of some of the most deliciously spiced dishes ever created in a tandoor or beyond. Every expression from this kitchen is a delight, the menu has no weak points, and you can request any dish tailored to your own preferred level of spice: Mild, Medium, Hot or Blow me Away! We highly recommend both the mango chicken and the garlic chicken, however the Mr India Mixed Grill may change your life for the better. If you´d like a real treat, go off-menu and request a shared plate of starters (particularly good for lunch times) which will provide you with a rare opportunity to taste a very wide range of the astounding dishes on offer. Washed down with a one of their authentic Indian beers or freshly made mango lassi, the Mr India experience is so worthwhile that you may forget to go anywhere else, and perhaps even relegate the famed fresh fish and canarian papas con mojo to a secondary after-thought. Even the manager of the funky little cocktail bar opposite Mr India has surprised himself, seeking to try almost every item on the menu, ordering night after night in his first ever exploration of the sights and smells of this ancient continent of colours and epic legends, of which this gorgeous little restaurant is destined to become one. Mr India is your gateway to a profound new understanding of authentic Indian cuisine, served to you with pride, in one of the worlds most beautiful little towns. Go. Dig in. Try some. You’re bound to fall in love. Call 928 566338
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Language Lesson #104
OPERACIÓN BIKINI:
In this Spanish lesson, we´re going to look at useful words and LOS DEPORTES phrases to talk about diet, sport and exercise. ismás cercano? especially ÚLTIMAS ENTRADAS ¿Quieres encontrar tuThis grupo In Spanish, we play ‘at the’ sports – los deportes - most of relevant now as el verano ha llegado – summer has arrived – 30 JUNIO, 2016 12:05 PM / DEJA UN COMENTARIO ¿QUIERES TU andENCONTRAR are masculine. andIntercambio many of de usidiomas are ‘en plan Operación Bikini’ – trying to get in which are prononced the same as English GRUPO MÁS CERCANO? Please visit our groups page to see the list of free language exchange clubs or intercambios To play is JUGAR, pronounced hoo-GAR eg: shape for summer. Quiero poner/me en forma - I want to get idiomas in Gran Canaria where you can practice conversation in different languages. Each Please visit our groups page to see fit/in shape; él está en forma –dehe is fit/in shape. Maybe we al ténisexchange – to play tennis (note: athe+list el of= free al because it has a contact in case you have any questions.Jugar Each language group, Spanish language exchange Seguir Language Exchange Gran Canaria |one Intercambio De Idiomas want to do or ‘practice’ a sport: hacer o practicar un deporte. sounds better)
INTERCAMBIO DE IDIOMAS
conversation club or English conversation group is independent and has its own style but the
clubs or intercambios de idiomas in
Some speak in just one language – e.g. Spanish – but most exchange English for Spanish
practice…
Canaria where you can LA DIETA Juego (hoo-EH-goh) al fútbol – I playGran football
majority offer informal chats (NOT classes, although some are led by language teachers).
Me gusta jugar al minigolf – I like to play minigolf and German etc.say ‘estoy a dieta’. If you´re watching what you eat, you can Quiero comer menos grasa – IPincha wantentonuestra eat less fat. Quiero ¿Juegas al voleibol? – do play volleyball? página de GRUPOS para encontrar tu intercambio de idioma másyou cercano VECINDARIO: ENGLISH/SPANISH perder peso (pair-dair PEH-soh) – I want to lose weight, or para practicar la conversación en idiomas diferentes. Cada uno tiene un contacto por si NOW 19Hwhile IN NEWbowling LOCATION However, basketball is baloncesto in Spain, quiero ser más delgada – I want to be slimmer (lit: more slim). tengas alguna pregunta. Todos los grupos son independientes y tienen su propio estilo pero With English/Spanish is different too: jugamos a LOS BOLOS cada viernes –teacher we goAna Note that a fat person is ‘una lapersona gorda’ while we use ‘la mayoria son charlas informales en un solo idioma (ej English club) o intercambian español Soriano and Elizabeth from England bowling every Friday grasa’ to talk about fat in food. A more polite way to say overpor inglés y alemán etc. Nota que estos grupos NO son clases, aunque algunos se llevan por calle Benecharo 49 cerca de la weight is ‘corpulento/a’ (heavily built). If you´re watching what profesores. THEpolicía BEAUTIFUL GAME local de Vecindario Please you eat - cuidando lo que comes - you might ask for una encheck with Ana before salada sin aceite - salad without oil – or say ‘nada de postres If you´re into football, or any sports, attending/contacta… a few key words include: para mí’ – nothing for dessertVecindario: for me. English/Spanish now 19h in new location Un partido - a match 15 JUNIO, 2016 10:42 AM / DEJA UN COMENTARIO
EL EJERCICIO
With English/Spanish teacher Ana Soriano and Elizabeth from England Un torneo (tor-NEH-yo)
– a tournament torneo de ténis LOSTej INun TRANSLATION: calleexercise Benecharo can 49 cerca la policía ADJECTIVES, CONNECTORS AND Pronounced ‘eh-hair-SEE-seeyo’, alsodebe non- local de Vecindario o de golf. PREPOSITIONS Please check with Ana before attending/contacta con Ana antes de asistir. competitive, of course: El juego – the game Whatsapp/SMS: 663 28 88 39. Email anasoriano912@gmail.com Divertido – fun or funny? Mixing up Caminar – to walk; una caminata – a walk; hacer senderismo Facebook: LANGUAGE EXCHANGE VECINDARIO FUN and FUNNY is a really common El jugador/la jugadora (hoo-gah-DOR/a) – the player (male/ – to go hiking/rambling etc, usually en el campo – in the counmistake in English. Fun means female): los jugadores, the players tryside entertaining (entretenido): ‘The party Ganar/perder – to win/to lose: (tú) siempre ganas! You always Lostcorro in translation: connectors was fun… Correr – to run: ‘por la mañana, mediaadjectives, hora’ – in the and prepositions win. morning, I run for half an hour31 MAYO, 2016 2:17 PM / DEJA UN COMENTARIO Montar en bici (BEE-see) - – to ride a bike Montar a caballo (ka-BAI-yo) – to ride a horse Hacer footing – to jog (hilarious example of Spanglish!) Ir al gimnasio (him-NA-Sio)– to go to the gym, e.g. voy al gimnasio tres veces a la semana – I go to the gym three times a week Levantar pesas – to lift weights Patinar – to skate (sobre hielo – on ice – or sobre ruedas – on wheels) Esquiar (es-kee-YAR) – to ski
Divertido – fun or funny?
El ganador/el perdedor – the winner/the loser (if male). For LOST IN TRANSLATION: LOS females, we´d say la ganadora or la perdedora. NOMBRES/NOUNS
Jugaron bien/mal – they played well/badly. Cita – date or appointment? If it´s La pelota – the ball
romantic , it´s a date. ‘I have a hot
El equipo (eh-KEE-poh) – the team
chico mono).…
date tomorrow with a cute guy’ (un
El estadio (es-TAH-dee-yo) – the stadium La cancha – the pitch (also in tennis, or you can use pista de ténis) Chutar el balón – to kick the football Marcar un gol – to score a goal
Mixing up FUN and FUNNY is a really common mistake in English.
Hacer skate – to do skateboarding
Fun means entertaining (entretenido):
Un empate – a draw ‘Fue un empate’ – it was a draw Seguir
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Here are some slang expressions that are really common, but Here are some slang expressions that are really common, but The author of our nothing vulgar: The author of our nothing vulgar: Spanish lessons Es un rollo (ROH-yoh) it´s a pain or a real drag Spanish lessons Es un rollo (ROH-yoh) it´s a pain or a real drag these last six ¡Vaya! Well! Wow! Oh no! these last six ¡Vaya! Well! Wow! Oh no! years is Theresa Total (toh-TAl) in short/in a nutshell years is Theresa Total (toh-TAl) in short/in a nutshell Coe from London, ¡Qué feo! how nasty! (lit: how ugly) Coe from London, ¡Qué feo! how nasty! (lit: how ugly) who is based in Por si las moscas… just in case (normally ‘por si acaso’) who is based in Por si las moscas… just in case (normally ‘por si acaso’) Playa del Inglés. Voy al grano I´ll get to the point Playa del Inglés. Voy al grano I´ll get to the point She´s launched a Irse por las ramas to beat around the bush (‘to go She´s launched a Irse por las ramas to beat around the bush (‘to go new website around the branches’) new website around the branches’) including the best of her lessons from thispaper paper Estar to including the best of her lessons from this Estaren enun unlio lio tobe beininaamess/tight mess/tight spot spot EN EL MAR (revised and updated) updated) and andthe thelatest latestnews newson onlanguage language Tener to (revised and Tenerun unlio/rollo lio/rollo tohave haveaafling fling Los deportes acuáticos – water sports exchange events around the island. New lessons willbe be Meterse to exchange events around the island. New lessons will Meterseen enlíos líos toget getinintrouble trouble(to (to put put oneself oneself in in troubles) added as often often as as possible. possible.She´d She´dalso alsolove loveto tohear hear Eltroubles) bañador (banya-DOR) – the swimsuit/trunks added as ideas from readers for her next few columns in The Estar plof to be wiped out/knackered Nadar – to swim ideas from readers for her next few columns in The Estar plof to be wiped out/knackered Canary News. What What would wouldyou youlike liketo tobe beable ableto tosay sayinin Montar jaleo make fuss or Canary News. Montarun jaleo (hah-leH-yo) to make fussnavegar or aa racket racket Navegar –unto sail (hah-leH-yo) (this also means toto surf theaanet: la Spanish? Just email her or contact her via the website Estar to red) Spanish? Just email her or contact her via the website Estarpelado/estar pelado/estarsin sinun unduro duro tobe bebroke/out broke/out of of cash cash (lit: (lit: totobebepeeled) peeled) Bucear/hacer buceo – to go diving (bucear con tubo/esnorquel Un/una colega aamate/pal –Un/una to go snorkelling) colega mate/pal ‘chacho/’chacha boy/girl (from ‘chacho/’chacha boy/girl (frommuchacho/a muchacho/a -- only only in in Hacer el surf/surfear – to do/go surfing the theCanaries) Canaries) Hacer windsurf (easy eh?) – to do windsurfing Un dirty Unviejo viejoverde verde dirtyold oldman man(‘green (‘green oldie’) oldie’) Hacer parasail – well, you get the gist
with Theresa Coe
SPORTS & EXERCISE
Saltar en paracaídas (para-KAI-eedas) – to parachute (lit to jump in parachute) Jugar a las palas – to play bat and ball – usually on the beach/ en la playa
¡TE TOCA! USEFUL VOCAB FOR GAMES You can say ‘it´s my turn/it´s your turn’ in two ways: es mi turno/es tu turno or the more common me toca/te toca (meh TOH-ka; teh TOH-ka) Hacer una clase de yoga/pilates/spinning/aeróbic – to do an exercise class
waNtto topractice practicespeakiNg speakiNg spaNish? spaNish? waNt
Soy bueno jugando al ténis – I´m good at playing tennis (for a man) Allover overthe theisland islandwe wehave havefree freeconversation conversationclubs clubs in in Spanish Spanish All or english as well as language exchanges where people of difor english as welljugando as language exchanges where of (No) soy buena al golf – I´m (not) goodpeople at playing golf ferent nationalities help each other out by chatting in Spangferent nationalities help each other out by chatting in Spang(for a woman) lish.These Thesegroups groupsare areNOT NOTclasses classesbut butare areaagreat great way way to to meet meet lish. Lo importante es participar - the important isSpanish. to particinew people––especially especially locals –and and practicething your Spanish. new people locals – practice your pate/take Checkout outpart thenew newwebsite websitefor forthe theleG leG(language (language exchange exchange Check the Gran Canaria) which I´veel just launched to(esp complement the La raqueta – the racket; bate – the bat for baseball) Gran Canaria) which I´ve just launched to complement the Facebook page. Facebook page. Throw the ball. ¡Coge la pelota! (COH-heh la ¡Tira la pelota! Here you can findaaselection selection ofmy mybest bestSpanish Spanish lessons lessons from from peh-LOH-ta) -find catch the ball! of Here you can The Canary News updated and categorized, which I´ll be addThe Canary News categorized, which I´ll be addLas zapatillas (de updated correr, deand ténis, de fútbol etc) – trainers (for ingtotoevery everyweek. week.More Moreimportantly, importantly,I´ll I´llkeep keepthe the listings listings upuping running, tennis, football etc) datedsosoyou youcan caneasily easilyfind findthe theleG leGgroup groupnearest nearest to to you you or or dated To try aevent free class in place Spanish oras English, see previous lessons latest taking such cinema trips, hiking or ‘Spanlatest event taking such as cinema trips, or ‘Spanfrom this paper, or place find out more about our funhiking language exglish’ meals out. glish’ meals out. change clubs, email theresacoe@gmail.com
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Twitters from the Atlantic © Barrie Mahoney
Health Care for Expats in Spain – ‘Convenio Especial’ The requirement for residency in Spain and the Canary Islands is a subject that I am often asked about and, perhaps unsurprisingly, the number of requests has risen substantially during the last few weeks following Brexit. Although this is a subject that I have written about on a number of occasions, I felt it was time for a refresh, since the rules and requirements rapidly change. Even so, intending expats should always check current information before committing themselves on the strength of this article. Also, please bear in mind that Spain is composed of autonomous regions, including the Canary Islands, and so procedures may vary according to where you are applying.
a supply of these. A notario office and police station can authorise your photocopies with a legal stamp that many places accept instead of your actual passport, but for legal and town hall business, the original will nearly always be required. If you have a contract of employment with a Spanish company, you need to provide these details. If you are self employed, you need to register at the local Social Security Office.
If you are not employed, then you need to prove you have other income or assets that you will use to live on, to avoid becoming a burden on the Spanish state; some regions may request that a Requirements for Residency specific amount of cash is readily available in your If you plan to live for more than 3 months in Spanish bank account. Your Spanish bank will Spain, you must register with your local police provide information about your account and the station or foreigners’ office (oficina de extranmoney that you have deposited with them if you jeros). The application for residency will need to collect a form 790 from a local police station for a be completed in Spanish; however, you will find a small charge. copy of this document in English on my website, As mentioned earlier, residency requirements can which you may find helpful. You will receive a residence certificate that states your NIE number vary between the different regions of Spain, and (numero de identificacion extranjeros), which is a you may often be asked to provide a padron cervery important number that you will often need, tificate that you can collect from the local town hall. This padron (similar to the electoral roll) is as well as your name, address, nationality and important for the local town hall as it gives them date of registration. The original residence cerinformation about how many people are living in tificate has to last a long time, so you may wish to carefully protect it in a plastic cover. A notario the municipality, which can increase their fundoffice or friendly police station can authenticate ing. It is in your interests, as well as that of your municipality that you register at the town hall; your photocopies with a legal stamp, for a fee, registration will also give you the right to vote in that many places accept instead of your actual residence certificate. However, for legal and town municipal and European elections (whilst the UK is a member of the EU), but not national or rehall business, the original document is nearly gional elections. always required. You also need to show evidence that you can support yourself financially, as you will not be eligible to claim state benefits until you have worked in Spain with a contract for several years.
Documents that are needed can be different across regions of Spain, so check with the police station or local town hall.
A certificate of residency is a very important document, and is needed for many day-to-day activities. Just one piece of further advice; if you do not speak reasonably fluent Spanish, you should use a gestor who speaks English to complete and register these forms for you. It can also save you many hours of waiting at the police station. If you do decide to do it yourself, prepare for a long day, take drinks, sandwiches and a comfortable picnic chair, as this is one piece of Spanish bureaucracy You will always need to show your passport when that I would try to avoid at all costs! visiting police stations, foreigners’ offices, tax You can find a copy of the application form offices and town halls, as well as your residence in English on the Expat Survival website: certificate. You will also be often asked for photocopies of your passport, and it is useful to have http://expat.barriemahoney.com You will be asked to show that you have private health care insurance or that you have paid to join the Spanish National Health service if you are under the age of state retirement. Residents over the age of state retirement currently have full access to National Health services in Spain, although this may change if/when the UK leaves the European Union.
Barrie Mahoney was a head teacher and school inspector in the UK, as well as a reporter in Spain, before moving to the Canary Islands to launch and edit a new English language newspaper. He enjoys life in the sun as a columnist and author, and continues to write a series of popular novels, books for expats, as well as designing mobile apps and websites to promote the Canary Islands.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie’s websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his latest book,
‘Island in the Sun’
(ISBN: 9780992767181). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions. iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available. © Barrie Mahoney
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Send your answers by email to: Quinny@TheCanaryNews.com, text them to 626 641 537 or call 928 987 952 for your chance to win dinner for two (2 starters & 2 mains & dessert), from Taste of India in Puerto Rico or Mr India in Playa de Mogán, the very finest authentic New Delhi kitchens on Gran Canaria. All correct answers will be collected together, independently drawn and announced in the next edition Last edition’s winner is Gary Breaks (by email), who has won a Whale & Dolphin Spotting trip for two aboard The Spirit of The Seas - Call +34 619 262 065 to verify & book
Ans Capricorn Ans Pink
1. Kids TV character Peppa Pig is mainly what colour
Ans Spain
5. Which country has the internet domain (dot) .es Ans Arizona
4. USA’s Grand Canyon is in which state
Ans June
9.The English derby horserace is ran in which month Ans Head
8. On which part of the body would you wear a Stetson Ans Rolling Stones
7. Which super group had a hit with brown sugar
Answers from summer edition...
10. Who played the TV character Kojak?
2. If born on Xmas day what is your star sign
5.How many letters are in a UK national insurance number?
9.The Silver lady is on the bonnet of which car?
6. Feyenoord FC play in which Dutch city
4.Which football team are nicknamed the black cats?
8.What is the Spanish word for car?
Ans Rotterdam
3.Who uses transport called the tardis?
7.Mick Jagger fronts which rock group?
Ans Torquay
2.Name the pub in coronation street?
6.Which TV show features the Clampit family?
3. Which UK seaside town has the nickname the English Riviera
1.What 3 colours are in the French flag?
Ans July
10. Which month is St Swithens day
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