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A Norwegian lady, Tove Grimsbo, has recently been awarded more than an estimated €40,000 after what has been called a “ground-breaking” Spanish supreme court ruling that promises to shake many operators within the timeshare industry to their very core. The highest civil court in Spain, it was announced this month, has upheld a Provincial High
Court ruling ordering Anfi to refund all of the lady’s payments, plus interest and legal fees, after a case that has lasted more than 6 years. When Mrs Grimsbo’s husband was persuaded by Gran Canaria’s Anfi Sales S.L. in 2000 to sign a contract for timeshare, paying a more-than-700€ deposit, there and then with their credit card, the courts
have ruled that their right to a full “cooling off period” of 10 natural days was certainly breached. The law on this is strict, timeshare sellers cannot take a deposit within the first 10 days of any contract, in this case it seems they did. CLA Tribunal Supremo 1Perhaps most significant of all however was that the contracts they signed, between 2000 & 2001,
were “in perpetuity”, that is to say forever, for as long as they live and beyond. This was the clearest of all contraventions as it stands diametrically opposed to the Spanish law 42/1998 governing timeshare organisations, which clearly states that no timeshare contract signed after the beginning of 1999 is allowed to stand for over 50 years.
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“GROUND-BREAKING” SUPREME COU Anfi has argued, since that time, that because their primary accommodations were built before the law came into force that this piece of timeshare consumer legislation did not directly apply to their product. They have, over the last 15 years, rested this claim for exemption almost solely on what is known as a ‘deed of adaptation’ Escritura Adaptación; a formal notarised document acknowledging the law in question and claiming to observe its contents correctly based on their interpretation of the rules it sets out. This latest upholding of the original Las Palmas High Court ruling, that this type of contract is “Radically Null and Void” Nulidad Radical, could conceivably pave the way for many hundreds, if not thousands, of customers being able to legitimately claim that their contracts too are totally invalid. Top Playa del Inglés-based abogado (solicitor) Miguel Mendoza tells us “this type of deal stands in stark contrast to the direct intention of the 1998 law. This law was put in place specifically to protect consumers within the timeshare industry, and provides very clear guidelines as to what a seller can and cannot do, and the steps they must take to create a valid contract Miguel Mendoza Martín, Lawyer for timeshare.” Often contracts of this nature leave clients with large instalments to pay for the purchase and an annual maintenance fee which, if not correctly described, might also breach Spanish contract law if it does not disclose the formula by which future fees are to be calculated. This can mean that the sellers themselves might be free to charge any fee they deem necessary each year, throughout the term of the contract. Under Spanish law it must be specified within the contract how these fees will be calculated. Miguel Rodríguez Ceballos is an independent lawyer who cooperates with the Canarian Legal Alliance (CLA). He is a native of the small fishing-cum-tourist town of Arguineguín, which overlooks the prestigious Anfi del mar resort on the south of Gran Canaria. when asked why he became a ‘town lawyer’ as he describes it, he proudly says Miguel Rodríguez Ceballos brought the case to trial “It was my mother who taught me how to know right from wrong, and to never take a cent that was not rightfully mine.”
Rodríguez represented Mrs Grimsbo in this case and says “contracts that do not correctly describe the expected payments, clearly leave open to question how the resort are to arrive at the fees that they want to charge, this could be a breach of consumer protection. They would have to state in the contract just how any dues would be calculated. If the inflationary cost of living has gone up by 35% over the last decade, then how can any time share organisation justify an increase of more than 100% over the same time period? In my opinion” says Mr Rodriquez “they simply cannot” One of the interesting parts of this particular case is that the monies being awarded to Mrs Grimsbo not only include a doubling of her original deposit, taken incorrectly, as is stipulated within the law for all such monies deemed to have been taken earlier than they should be, but it also includes the total purchase price paid out (plus interest), regardless of the fact that she and her husband had been using their designated weeks at Anfi prior to his death. “The point here” says Miguel Mendoza “is that the law is very clear, and this is what has now been confirmed by the supreme court in this decision: if a seller fails to correctly follow all the steps necessary for a valid contract as set out by law, then it is as though the contract never existed at all” Of course, according to Mr Mendoza, many sellers argue that if the client has paid a deposit, which they do not claim back, and then they start to use the product and do not make any official (ie written and recorded) complaints within the first 4 years of the original agreement, and then they continue to use the product; that it must be seen to have been accepted by the client. On this point of law Mr Mendoza is not swayed. “Yes in theory that may seem reasonable, however we know from experience that once a deposit is taken, the client is far less likely to raise questions for fear of losing their deposit. Similarly once the ten days cooling-off period has been passed the client, under Spanish law, then has a theoretical time period in which they can call the contract into question, after which they are told that it must stand as it was written.” “However, if it can be shown that the contract was not entered into correctly from the very beginning, with all the necessary information being properly understood by both parties, then it is as though no contract was ever signed, there can be no time limits, and the point here is that if there was no proper contract, then there cannot be an acceptance of any part of the agreement. Whether or not the service has been used, there is no purchase or payment agreement, and the monies should be returned.”
Editor-in-Chief: Edward JB Timon Editor@TheCanaryNews.com
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RT RULING ON TIMESHARE IN SPAIN The contract must be clearly understood and state how any maintenance fees will be calculated. And timeshare must never be sold as an “investment” as it has been proven to have little or no resale value. In fact some owners of more than one time share agreement have been adversely treated by the courts as investors under the law, rather than as consumers whose rights are now clear.
The CLA team celebrate their landmark victory. Left to Right: Esther Rivero Rodríguez, Csilla Nazali, Óscar Salvador Santana González, Miguel Angel Melián Santana, Miguel Rodríguez Ceballos, Cristina Batista, Miguel Mendoza Martin, Jasmin Ehrhard, Claudia Latzel, Judith Diaz Pascual. Image: BÅRD OVE MYHR
This foreseeably could have knock-on effects, too, for any financing agreements that were entered into on the basis of that contract.
“Bear in mind” says Rodríguez “that we did not reclaim the maintenance paid by the client, so they did not enjoy Anfi for free.” Mrs Grimsbo first went to Miguel Rodríguez in Arguineguín after her husband had died, she was faced with mounting payments, that she felt were simply unfair. It was Mr Rodríguez who took a look at her situation to see if the law as it stands could support her position. Through his diligent research, and consultation with other members of the Canarian Legal Alliance, he was able to discover that there were several inconsistencies with the manner in which the contract had been presented and enforced. The group of independent lawyers who form the CLA, with the backing of other players experienced in the industry, agreed that the law must have been designed in principle to protect not just consumers, but Spain’s very image as a place where fairness prevails, and was, in their opinion, being systematically thwarted through a general lack of understanding of the nuanced guidelines put in place to ensure that timeshare sellers do take proper responsibility for making clear the full implications of any agreement signed by their clients. “No one is saying that timeshare is bad,” says Don Miguel Rodríguez “many timeshare products are really very good and in fact I often tell people that compared to some other islands and on the mainland, the timeshare operators on Gran Canaria are little angels; but what we are saying is that the Spanish legal system provides very stringent guidelines to protect consumers, directly based on a set of European laws, under the European Timeshare Directive, that have stood for more than 20 years.” This legal framework was specifically designed to eradicate unfair and, in the case of a few rogue operations, even sometimes criminal practices. There is no suggestion that this is the case with Anfi however. In accordance with this supreme court ruling, it seems they simply misinterpreted the rules. There is no way back. The fact remains that timeshare consumers, usually tourists who came here simply to enjoy a holiday, can find themselves paying huge amounts of money over long periods of time, for a decaying product with no resale value and with seemingly no recourse. Most do not speak the language, or may have been subjected to aggressive, high pressure selling techniques by unscrupulous, well trained teams who provided them with little understanding of what it was they were signing, or its long term implications. That is why, as of 1999, any deposit taken in the first 10 days of a timeshare agreement, must be deemed illegal, as is any agreement for timeshare of more than 50 years in length.
Spain is striving to be a modern 21st century European state, with considered and detailed laws based on harmony and unity across the continent of which it is part. The days when doing business here could be seen as that of the “wild west” are pretty much gone, and what now remains is a growing infrastructure that looks towards a brighter future than those hazy hopeful days of its early democracy or the darker time before. This can be seen in action when a supreme court ruling of this nature comes TRIBUNAL SUPREMO DE ESPAÑA CC3.0 By-Sa Cberbell about, a case of jurisprudence, testing the validity and understanding of a point in law, which would usually be heard by up to 5 of the 10 top judges in Spain, however in this particular case all 10 of the highest members of Madrid´s judiciary sat to consider these points of law, and they decided unanimously, in what is known as an unprejudiced ruling, that the protection of the consumer from unfair practices is paramount. No business, not even the biggest, most well run or best known timeshare organisation in the Canary Islands, is above these laws designed and intended to enforce fair practice and satisfactory settlements in favour of the consumer over simple commercial interests.
Can Anfi appeal? Our advice is that it would be highly unlikely.
To do so they would need to make this ruling a constitutional matter or take the case to the European court in Strasbourg, neither of which is seen as being very probable. Though they may ask for specific clarifications, right now most seem to agree, this subject has been clearly and finally decided by the highest authority in the Kingdom. All courts below them must now follow this ruling as their guide. 21st century Spain has given us a real glimpse of quite how far it has come, and how far it is willing to go to protect its consumers and tourists from sharp practice and flagrant disregard for the rights of consumers and their quality of life. When asked quite how many people they thought this judgement might affect, the lawyers keep their cards close to their chests: “It could be anything from a thousand to ten thousand here on Gran Canaria, maybe several times that. In Spain altogether? It could be hundreds of thousands.” Anfi have remained unavailable for comment. © Edward Timon 2015
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ASSSA - YOUR PRIVATE HEALTH AND FUNERAL INSURER IN SPAIN
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ASSSA is an established Spanish company since 1935, specialized in private healthcare with headquarters in Alicante. For the last 25 years we have specialized in meeting the private health insurance demands of our European fellow citizens. In order to achieve a superior customer service and customer proximity, we have set up a chain of customer service offices along the coast and inland of Spain.
We offer our customers an extensive directory of private clinics and hospitals, GPs and Specialists. In order to comply with the wishes of our clients, we make contracts with facilities most of whom speak your language or offer a free translation service. For this reason, we also have English speaking medical professionals under contract with ASSSA. Find out more at: www.asssa.es
ASSSA offers a variety of unique, written, contractual guarantees. The age at which you sign your contract is always used as the basis on which to calculate your premiums, i.e. the premium does not increase due to increased age (‘The age you join is the age you stay’). In addition, ASSSA provides protection against policy cancellation from the first day of insurance and exceptional lifetime discounts.
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Change from your current health insurance to ASSSA. Are you privately insured, but dissatisfied due to drastic premium increases or no customer service in your language? Have you lost your SIP card entitlement? Or even access to the NHS, are you fed up with waiting periods and language barriers? Would you consider a reasonably priced private health insurance with ASSSA so that you can visit local, English speaking doctors in Spain? Experience, Expertise & Customer Service Back in the early 90s ASSSA developed a strategy especially designed to meet the needs of our international clientele. That strategy has been implemented in an impressive way since then: specifically with regard to the provision of good customer service, both before and after signing the initial contract. Customer Service offices have been established along the Spanish coast and also in the Canary Islands in Tenerife and Gran Canaria-Maspalomas. Our friendly, multilingual staff can provide information and advice. Therefore we believe our personal service is unique. After taking an insurance policy, you will have a contact person who speaks your language to help you if you have any questions; we can also arrange doctor’s appointments for you. Contracts are of course in your native language as transparency is important for us.
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CYCLING CLIP DEATH
Every night spot and leisure area gets its dark little back alleys, with the lure of “free drinks” or sexy bodies or more, from time to time. It goes with the territory. And you don’t have to know these places well, to understand when you might feel threatened in a situation though wanting to relax and have fun.
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around to help you out. If they thought you required it, with any luck, they could make sure you got any assistance you might need. They would be able to inform the management, who could offer to call 112 Emergency or phone for a doctor. And if your friend started to feel unwell also, then you might, People you don’t know telling you what to do, just might, realise that you weren’t sure what pulling at your wrists, bumping into you, get- you’d been drinking or who’d given it to you. ting too friendly or sitting on your lap, should It could be one of the last thoughts you had, if be deemed as unusual behaviour, unless it came to you at all. you’ve gone to a place where that is supposed Highly unusual would be that directly after to happen, and probably still it’d best to be your unexpected demise, the contents of your cautious until you’d known them for a little friends stomach would have to be urgently while longer. Relaxed but aware of strangers. pumped out through a risky gastric lavage
by pretty new friends all encouraging you to have a good time.
If you were a little merry from a night out and on holiday in the mild Canarian winter, let’s say with a crew of cycling enthusiasts, friends old and new, it could be very easy to find yourself in an underground club, on the main thoroughfare through this busy tourist town, on a Tuesday night in February, after the other bars had shut. If you asked a taxi driver, he might well deliver you straight to such a place, for a small fee. He might know where to go.
when 55 year old Belgian entrepreneur and cycling sponsor, Philippe Vandendorpe and his friend Mario B. were rushed to the centro de salud suffering the effects of Scopolamine, a derivative of Burundanga from the beautiful but deadly Borrachero tree, known in its native Columbia as The Devils Flower.
A person under the influence of this drug has absolutely no ability to think or act straight whatsoever. They would most likely be Philippe Vandendorpe stumbling around, if not completely catatonic, and be hallucinating the most crazy things In Playa del Inglés it can be difficult to know procedure; involving the passage of a tube where to go for a late night drink, if that is (such as an Ewald tube) via the mouth or nose possible, though your want. Many of the clubs around the down into the stomach followed by sequential you’d not necessarily be able to Kasbah seem too closely packed, the music administration and removal of small volumes tell just by looking. often too loud, lacking nuance, and so if you of liquid; so as to pump a life threatening poi- Even just slightly too much can be fatal. wanted to find something a little more sedate son away from their gastrointestinal tract, and So what was it doing in the drinks of patrons or sexy, you probably would be best served prevent them from dying in the same manner at the Red Hot nightclub (formerly BoneyM’s, not wandering off in to dark back streets, as you just had. But this can happen. but now apparently under new management) without keeping your wits about you. Once their stomach contents had been anal- on the evening of February 24th? The night ysed it would be pretty shocking to discover that it had included traces of “Columbian Devil’s Breath”, one of the world’s most dangerous substances. Scopolamine, a substance so intense that it renders a person incapable of exercising free will. A drug so potent that it can “completely imprison your consciousness”. Making you totally susceptible to any kind of suggestion, and yet so delicate that to all onlookers, and even your own friends, you seem to be completely normal, if a little gone.
Two women, a Russian and a Spaniard, who work at the club have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, with an ongoing invesThese things are usual, in the night life of a tigation looking in to the circumstances surholiday destination, and there will always be Imagine a substance that could cause you not rounding this very disturbing, highly unusual fools and their money, and predators. to notice or care as you were being systemati- incident. The Policia Nacional are making cally relieved of any heavy items you might enquiries, and further arrests have not been If you felt unwell at a club, it would be very be carrying, like your watch or your wallet, ruled out. May this just be a terrible one off. important that somebody you could trust was
Ristorante Don Dario, Authentic Italian Family Restaurant Plaza Negra, Calle Juan Juanez, 17/A, Arguineguín +34 928151041
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VOTING AS A FOREIGNER: March
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Even if you live abroad your vote is still important for ensuring that the right resources are in place to serve your needs and that your voice can be heard on a whole range of matters that affect your every day life. Here’s how to vote in Spain’s elections, as well as your home country’s elections:
Voting in Spain
You have the Right to Vote in Spain’s Municipal Elections As a foreigner, you can vote in municipal elections so long as you are an official resident of Spain AND a European Union citizen OR a citizen of a country with which Spain has a reciprocity agreement. This only includes Norway at the moment, but agreements with other countries are expected to be added in the future.
European Parliamentary Elections
You can also vote in Spain’s European Parliamentary elections as a citizen of the European Union AND as long as you are officially registered as resident in Spain.
Registering to Vote
Registering to vote in Spain’s elections can be done in person at your local town hall (ayuntamiento), simply by filling in a form which you must ask for specifically. Once you’re accepted on the list as a voter (the Registro Censal), you will then be sent a Tarjeta Censal with the details of your registration and where you need to go to vote. Many interested in local affairs don't realise that if you can vote in Spain, then you can also run for office.
Voting elsewhere from spain U.K. Elections
People born in Britain who now live abroad, can still vote in UK general elections and European Parliamentary elections (but not local elections, Scottish Parliamentary elections, National Assembly for Wales elections, nor Northern Ireland Assembly elections) just so long as they have been registered to vote in the UK within the last 15 years. Or in the event that you left the UK as a child, if your parents were registered to vote in the UK. British citizens who have lived outside the UK for more than 15 years might not be able to vote. If you’re eligible to vote, you can do so by mail or by proxy. The forms to do so can be found at http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk. You’ll need to print, fill out, sign, and mail in the forms to the address specified on the forms. In addition, your application forms must be witnessed by another British citizen who is not a relative.
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Overseas voters Register to vote
If you are registering to vote in England, Scotland or Wales, you can register online at gov.uk/register-to-vote. To register to vote in Northern Ireland, you need to download and complete a form from the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland.
How can I vote?
You can choose your method of voting depending on your personal circumstances.
Voting by post
If you live abroad you can apply to vote by post, although you must be registered individually. You can download the form to apply for a postal vote You need to make sure you have time to receive and return your ballot papers by polling day. If you don't think you can return them in time, you may want to consider voting by proxy.
Voting by proxy
If you're abroad you can apply to vote by proxy (someone voting on your behalf). You must be (or applying to be) registered individually, and the person you wish to appoint as your proxy must also be (or applying to be) registered individually. You can also download the form to apply for a proxy vote
Voting in person
If you happen to be in the UK on election day, you can always vote in person at a polling station. However, if you have appointed a proxy you can only do this if your proxy has not already voted on your behalf. If you have a postal vote, you cannot be issued with a ballot paper in the polling station but you could hand in your completed postal ballot at the polling station. You can vote in Spain's European Parliamentary elections if you're a citizen of the European Union."
Voting in Ireland’s Elections
Unfortunately, the Republic of Ireland does not currently allow its citizens to vote from overseas.
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AVOID HIDDEN COSTS DURING YOUR GRAN CANARIA PROPERTY PURCHASE
Buying a property the right way in Gran Canaria is a simple process with no hidden fees or extra commissions.
If you are present, you know that the process is transparent and as you expected. The signing process in Gran Canaria takes half a day and is an interesting and relaxed experience. Your agent should be there to guide you through it.
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The costs are fixed and predictable and money changes hands between the owner and the buyer on purchase day. The estate agent’s job is to guide the Ensure contracts are signed by buyer through the process and the buyer and seller safeguard their interests. All contracts must be signed by At Cardenas we make sure that the buyer and the seller or their our clients understand every legally appointed representastage of their purchase. We are tives. completely transparent about They shouldn’t be signed by what we do and where our cliestate agents: an estate agent ent’s money goes. is not empowered to represent Why is this important? the seller or sign contracts for them. Unfortunately it’s possible to manipulate the property buying A contract signed by both buyer process to make extra money. and seller ensures the transparency of your transaction. We want to stop this dishonest practice so here are our top five Get a detailed breakdown of tips to make sure that your Gran purchase expenses Canaria property purchase is Ensure that there are no financompletely honest and transparcial surprises by asking your ent. estate agent for a detailed list of Follow them and you know that expenses. nobody is making extra money Purchase expenses in Gran from your purchase. Canaria are approx. 10% of the Pay for your property only when property price for lower priced you sign the purchase contract properties and closer to 8% for higher priced properties. Aside from a max. 10% reservation fee when you agree to buy You should know where every a property, you don’t need to cent of your money is going. pay any money to the seller unGet legal advice if the above is til the day you sign the transfer not fulfilled of ownership paperwork at the Public Notary. A reliable and professional estate agent guides you through Public Notaries in Spain are the whole buying process so impartial and honest and have that you don’t need a lawyer. a legal duty to look out for both Everything should be simple and parties’ interests. completely transparent. Be present at the signing of the As soon as it’s not, for example Deeds if any of the guidelines above Unless there is a good reason are ignored, seek independent we advise you to be present at legal advice. Go to a lawyer of the Public Notary office on pur- your choice rather than one sugchase day. gested by anyone else involved in the process. Granting a Power of Attorney to third parties to handle this Following these tips guarantees for you is unnecessary and puts your financial security and recontrol of your money and your moves any chance of third parpurchase into the hands of oth- ties making extra money from ers. your property purchase.
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Language Lesson #92
EN EL BANCO
Banks operate very differently in Spain, but knowing certain key phrases could help you avoid unwanted charges. Be aware that it´s hard to obtain the right to an overdraft - el derecho al descubierto, which would involve a high level of interest - un nivel alto de interés. So, if you have fondos insuficientes (insufficient funds), any outgoing payment will be blocked. Banks close around 2.30pm and don´t open on Saturdays.
FEES AND STATEMENTS You probably receive un estado de cuentas, or bank statement, with separate slips for each monthly transaction. Spanish banks usually charge an administration fee – gastos de gestión (‘expenses of management´). If you see the word liquidación on your statement, this refers to their fees, charged monthly -mensualmente – or cada seis meses – every six months. ¿Que gastos de gestión tiene esta cuenta? What management fees does this account have? They may also charge for your debit, and certainly for your credit card: tarjeta (tar-HE-ta) de débito/crédito. ¿Qué gastos de mantenimiento tiene la tarjeta? What are the charges for using a card? Fees are usually wavered if your salary, known as la nómina, is paid directly into your bank account. Si domicilio mi nómina no cobran gastos, ¿verdad? If my salary is paid by direct debit, you won´t charge fees, right? The same goes for self-employed people autónomos – whose social security payments leave their bank by direct debit: pago domiciliado (payment by direct debit).
DEPOSITS AND WITHDRAWALS Quiero hacer un deposito /ingresar cien euros– I want to deposit/pay in 100 euros. Sacar/retirar dinero means to take out money. Think about taking out SACKS of cash - ¿puedo sacar doscientos euros? Can I take out €200? Necesito hacer una transferencia a esta cuenta – I need to make a transfer to this account. You only need the 20-digit account code - el código bancario/número de cuenta- to do this within Spain. Can you tell me my account balance? ¿Puede decirme el saldo de mi cuenta? Una cuenta corriente is a current account while una cuenta de ahorros is for your savings, pronounced a-ORR-ros, as the ‘h’ is always silent. Necesito hacer un pago mensual para mi alquiler. I need to make a monthly payment for my rent.
BE ALERT TO SCAMS If entering your 4-digit pin code: el código pin, or número secreto, make sure NOBODY sees you put it in. A common scam (though not actually inside banks) is to watch a person type in their number and then take the card-reader away, with the card still inside, pretending there is a problem. Your card may then be charged repeatedly for fake transactions. NEVER allow anyone to take your card out of your sight. My friend was robbed of over 1,000 euros this way in a dodgy bar – una noche muy cara – an expensive night out. If in doubt, say ‘Llamo a la policia’ and call 112, where they speak English.
The English Newspaper for Gran Canaria
with Theresa Coe
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Free! The Gran Canaria Language exchange 1,300 people take part in language exchange gatherings and conversation clubs around the island. We meet weekly in Playa del Inglés, San Fernando, Arguineguin, Las Palmas, Telde and Arucas. To find out more, check out: facebook.com/LEGintercambio or email me theresacoe@gmail.com
If your card is stolen, don´t wait to cancel it: Necesito llamar a mi banco para cancelar mi tarjeta: I need to call my bank to cancel my card.
KEY VOCABULARY Dinero (di-NEH-ro) is money, and euros are pronounced EH-ross while cents are céntimos. Many handy words have two meanings, eg: la cuenta (KWEN-ta) – account/ bill; la moneda –currency OR coins; and el billete (a cash note or also a ticket). Note that una cuenta is only for a restaurant/bar –type bill. All other types (agua, móvil etc) are called facturas – a FACT of life! Cash is efectivo (eh-fec-TEE-vo) – think: it´s very EFFECTIVE! El cajero is the cashpoint machine while un préstamo is a loan, of which one type is a mortgage – una hipoteca. El sucursal means the branch, while la firma is a signature. ¡Guarda el cambio! Keep the change. Un carnet means indentification card) and hacer una reclamación means to make a complaint or claim. Key verbs: cambiar – to change; cancelar –to cancel; firmar – to sign; depositar – to deposit; sacar – to withdraw; pedir un préstamo/tarjeta – to ask for a loan/ card; actualizar la libreta – to update your bankbook; cobrar – to charge e.g: ¿cuánto cobra por hacer una transferencia? How much do you charge for a bank transfer?
Hear it pronounced As well as a great online dictionary for words or phrases, go to Spanishdict.com and click on a Spanish word or phrase to hear it pronounced correctly.
For info about Spanish classes, the language exchange or to receive past lessons from this newspaper, just drop me an email.
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El Periódico Inglés de Gran Canaria
TOO MANY TOXINS? WANT TO PURIFY? NEED SOME ENERGY? HAVE A JUICE @ C`NATURAL ¡!
Eternal Carnival Elixir
Orange Juice, Canarian Tuno Indio, Ginger, Carrot & Beetroot
Anti hangover Gazpacho, The Spanish “Bloody Mary”
Canarian Tomato, Cucumber, Red&Green Pepper, onion, garlic, extra virgin olive oil & salt.
Find us at Mesa y López Avenue,
34_ Las Palmas de Gran Canaria look for C’natural on Facebook
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GETTING TO GRIPS WITH CANARIAN SPANISH understanding the locals
Diego Mesa (Puerto Rico Language Centre) Early Canarians from Gran Canaria, from the time of the Roman Empire were called the ´Canarii´ and those from Tenerife were called ´Guanches´. Each island had its own rulers, and on Gran Canaria, which they called Tamaran kings were known as ´Guanarteme´. When Spanish troops came to conquer Gran Canaria in 1478 they arrived on the north and named the place simply for the abundance of palm trees found in the area of Guiniguada. It took the Spaniards five long years of bitter struggle to conquer the island as the Canarii had no plans to let them take it without a fight to the death. In 1481, the commander of the Spanish army captured the Guanarteme of Gáldar, Tenesor Semidán, who he sent to the court of Castille to be converted to Christianity and renamed Fernando Guanarteme. There is a street which is named after this deposed king, running parallel to Playa de Las Canteras which starts near the Las Arenas shopping centre in the capital, Las Palmas.
Knowing a little about the curious history of this place may help to give insight into why Canarians are the way they are today. They have their own ways and words. Gaining a little understanding, for instance, as to why locals here speak with an accent containing many similar elements to those in Latin America may well strengthen your connection to Gran Canaria, making you feel a little more part of it helping you connect more closely with our unique peoples. Few things demonstrate our distinct character than the well over 3000 words that are uniquely Canarian, used in every day life to describe everyday experiences in the Canarian manner.
Take a look at the following Canarian words:
AGUACHIRRE - A stew which lacks substance or a weak drink
E.g.
Aquello era puro aguachirre: cuatro hojitas de col y un puñado de garbanzos – That was totally tasteless. It had four cauliflower leaves and a hand full of chick peas.
BAIFO - Baby goat Used when a person says something he/she should have not said, embarrassing or upsetting others. E.g. Se queda colorada cada vez que al marido se le va el baifo en las reuniones de la asosiación. - She feels embarrassed each time her husband puts his foot in it at the association meetings.
or To forget that which one is going to or wants to say. E.g. Ya a mis años se me va algo el baifo
– I’ve become forgetful at my age.
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News, Views & Sunshine
WINE & SEX
© Barrie Mahoney
In The Canary Islands
It may seem an unlikely story, but the relatively recent popularity of wines from the Canary Islands came about as a result of 'Wine and Sex' parties organised by a local entrepreneur, who seemed to have an obsession, or fascination, with Tuppersex parties, which are based upon the highly successful concept of Tupperware parties. Instead of those delightful, sealable, plastic boxes, it was sex toys that were on offer. This operation seemed ideal for the introduction of a heady mix of sex toys and Canarian wines to titivate those with money and nothing better to do, which many experts say was the start of the boom in wines from the Canary Islands. At first sight, the Canary Islands seem an unlikely source for some of the excellent wines produced today, since it is the most tropical of wine regions in Europe. Those who doubt the success of these wines should remember that back in the 15th century, sweet wines from the Canary Islands were hugely popular, both in the UK and Germany. Indeed, Shakespeare had a thing or two to say about this sweet wine, then called Malmsey, in his plays; for example, in ‘Twelfth Night’ and ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’. For five hundred years, the ar-
chipelago has cultivated grape vines that are unique, thanks to a rootstock that is ungrafted. Since the islands are relatively isolated, a ravenous aphid called phylloxera that destroyed most grapevines in Europe in the 19th Century, has never taken hold. Most European vines are now grown onto American rootstocks to provide immunity, whilst vines in the Canary Islands are from ungrafted rootstock, which makes all the difference to the flavour of the wine. Nowadays, most of the islands' wine is drunk by its vast numbers of tourists, as well as the locals. However, some wine continues to be exported, particularly to the USA, where it is regarded very much as a wine for the connoisseur. Most of the islands' wine production comes from Lanzarote and Tenerife, but with an increasing output from the islands of Gran Canaria, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma. It is true that some of the islands are too hot and humid for the growing of grapes, but each of the islands have their own micro climates and individual typology
El Periódico Inglés de Gran Canaria 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.
that makes the growing of wine not only possible, but successful. Vineyards based within a lunar like terrain, such as on the island of Lanzarote, or small stone terraced vineyards at high altitudes, together with volcanic soil adds to the flavour of the islands' aromatic wines.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie’s websites: www.barriemahoney. com and www. thecanaryislander. com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice’ (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions.
Not all attempts at producing wines have been successful. One enterprising vineyard, for instance, began to produce a sparkling wine in response to local demand. It was a banana-based wine, and a logical step since many bananas are grown on the islands. Sadly, this imaginative project came to an abrupt end, because many bottles started to explode as a result of ongoing fermentation.
© Barrie Mahoney
I visit each of the Canary Islands in turn each year and make a point of trying at least one of the local wines; I have yet to be disappointed. So, if on holiday in the Canary Islands, do add a little uniqueness to your holiday. Instead of ordering that usual bottle of Rioja, do be a little more adventurous and try a bottle of wine produced in the Canary Islands; you won't regret it, but don't feel obliged to join in with the sex parties, unless you really want to!
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
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RENEWING YOUR VOWS Renewing your vows is trend that’s increasing year on year. Couples of all ages are choosing our beautiful island of Gran Canaria to “re-tie the knot”, and why wouldn’t they? With over 300 days of glorious sunshine, only a few hours flight from most European countries and some of the most enviable locations in the world. Married couples are using their already arranged holiday to recommit to one another in the most beautiful and romantic ceremonies. The thing I love most about renewal of vows ceremonies is the abundant celebration of love shown between the couple and their families. There’s an overwhelming feeling of wisdom and security between two people and there’s never a dry eye in the house (most of them from me and the team!)
SO WHY RENEW?
To celebrate! Perhaps you are reaching an anniversary milestone of 10, 25 or 50 years of marriage and you want the world to know you’d do it all again in a heartbeat. Maybe you want to reaffirm your love and commitment to one another after a rough time in your relationship or a serious illness. Or it could be that, for some reason you didn’t get the wedding day of your dreams first time around.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE CEREMONY?
The basic premise is to exchange vows again. You can either reread the exact words from your initial marriage ceremony or create your own ceremony format. In a nutshell, it’s exactly like a marriage ceremony with the ex-
changing of the vows, rings and of course the kiss, but with the words slightly adapted to suit the occasion. It can be just the 2 of you, or you can surround yourselves with the important people in your lives. Some people choose to engrave their rings with a new date or meaningful words, or even purchase new rings for the occasion. Always a good excuse to increase your jewellery collection! You can walk down the aisle together or maybe one of your children can walk alongside you. Most ladies choose a bouquet and men choose a buttonhole. Family members can also take part by reading out personal poems or religious readings during the ceremony.
HOW TO CELEBRATE?
Anything goes with a renewal of vows celebration. You can have an intimate dinner with the family, informal BBQ or a lavish wedding style banquette. There’s usually lots of speeches and moments of great reflection, so don’t forget to hire in a photographer and or cinematographer to capture those beautiful family moments you are sharing together. You can also include a cake and great entertainment to get you all up dancing into the wee hours. Be sure to bring the photos from your first time around, along with family pictures over your years of marriage. Not only are they beautiful memories, but also a great testament and reminder to everyone of everything you have achieved together. Whatever your reason for renewing your vows, there’s no better way to celebrate the accomplishments of your marriage! Bernadette Garside - Founder of The Perfect Wedding Company
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Have you seen these dangerous men? For those people calling from Spain there is a special freephone Spanish 900 555 111 telephone number which will be answered in the UK by Crimestoppers’ call agents. A translation service is available upon request. People can also pass on information anonymously via the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111 or online at
www.crimestoppers-uk.org TO 10 NEW APPEALS CAN ALSO BE VIEWED VIA THE FOLLOWING LINK:
www.crimestoppers-uk.org/opcaptura
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