GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE May 2020 | Vol.25 #07
THE
8 ways
TO IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
PROJECT X WHAT’S IN STORE?
POVERTY
BOOKISH
AN ODE TO
BEA GARCIA’S
ON THE ROCK
ROBERT PLANT
TRAVEL WITHOUT LEAVING YOUR HOUSE
JOIN OUR BOOK CLUB
ART CLUB
WHAT TO WEAR: WORKING FROM HOME
email: gib@musicboxtv.net
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from the editor
MAY ISSUE EDITOR’S NOTE Y que, how are your banana loaves coming along? It’s been very strange being cooped up for… how many days has it been now? 1467, I’m pretty sure. Fewer events and meetings, more DIY haircuts, exercising our right to exercise, Tiger King, and TikToks (if you don’t know, don’t try to find out unless you’re willing to lose many precious hours of your life). My sympathy goes out to all house pets; I now understand the excitement of staring out the window.
IN THE MIDST OF EVERY CRISIS, LIES GREAT OPPORTUNITY.
For resident travel blogger, Penelope (AKA The Flyaway Girl), it has been especially hard having her wings clipped. It’s all too easy to get suckered in to the daily doom and gloom emanating from all our technological devices, so instead of our regular travel piece, she’s compiled a helpful list of things we can do to protect our mental health during lockdown (p. 29), as well as some excellent online resources that will allow you to travel the world – from the comfort of your own home (p. 69)! If you’re looking for some easy meals that won’t require any products that are too fancy, or ‘restricted’ at Morrisons, try out our Cinco de Mayo Stuffed Peppers recipe with a side of Minty Pomegranate Salsa (p. 86). ¡Arriba! It’s all too tempting to slip into a pair of pyjamas (or never slip out of them) when working from home, but could your performance and mental health be taking a hit as a result? Julia explains the importance of making that physical and mental divide between work/home (p. 80). Those fluffy pyjamas with the cute dogs on them might be a firm favourite for downtime, but could those schnauzers be messing with your productivity? The Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park can’t simply switch off the lights and close the gates; the animals still need to be fed and cared for every day. So how have they been coping? Head over to our Zookeeper’s Diary to find out (p. 42)! I don’t like the term ‘social distancing’ – I prefer ‘physical distancing’, as it’s arguably now more important than ever to maintain our social connections as we navigate this new normal. So, keep up those FaceTime calls, send those WhatsApp messages, and join in the family Zoom quizzes wherever possible. See you on the other side.
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
Listen on 99.2 FM & DAB+ on the Mobile App or Online at www.rockradio.gi
EDITOR: Sophie Clifton-Tucker editor@thegibraltarmagazine.com DESIGN: Justin Bautista design@thegibraltarmagazine.com REPORTER: Jeremy Gomez SALES: Advertising Team sales@thegibraltarmagazine.com DISTRIBUTION: DHL martin@matrix.gi
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ACCOUNTS: Paul Cox paul@thegibraltarmagazine.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Alex Orfila Andrew Licudi Bea Garcia Claire Spencer Eran and Ayelet Mamo Shay Elena Scialtiel Howard Bilton Jess Leaper Joel Francis Jorge v.Rein Parlade Julia Coelho Kathleen North Kerstin Andlaw Matt Triay Penelope Bielckus Reg Reynolds Richard Cartwright Romina Mayani Nankani
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48
Tamara Levy
facebook.com/gibmag/ twitter.com/gibmag instagram.com/thegibraltarmagazine/ The Gibraltar Magazine is published monthly by Rock Publishing Ltd Portland House, Glacis Road, Gibraltar, PO Box 1114 T: (+350) 20077748 E: editor@thegibraltarmagazine.com Š 2019 Rock Publishing Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written consent of The Gibraltar Magazine. www.TheGibraltarMagazine.com Magazine & website archived by the British Library 6
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content 08 Hello there: What's the first thing you plan to do after lockdown?
55 Art Club with Bea Garcia 57 An Ode to Robert Plant 58 Bookish: Our Monthly Book Club
10 News
BUSINESS 14 Project X: What's In Store? 16 Local Business: Know Your Market 18 Get Your House in Order 22 Working Minds: Leading Through Change 24 Love and Business
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LIFE 29 How to Protect Your Mental Health 34 Four Jills in a Jeep
LEISURE 60 Pati’s Journey Within 65 Confessions of a Beauty Addict: Multimasking 69 How to Travel Without Leaving Your Home 74 Netflix and Chill 76 My Love Life and Other Failures 80 What to Wear: Working from Home
REGULARS
36 Hearts of Gibraltar: Talking to Brenda Cuby
86 Cinco de Mayo Mexican Falafel Stuffed Peppers & Mint Pomegranate Salsa
38 Runaway: Tamara Levy
88 Information
40 Poverty on the Rock
90 Schedules
42 A Zookeeper’s Diary
93 #GibsGems
46 The Importance of Being Self Sufficient
94 Kids Korner
48 University? Completed It
95 Coffee Time
SCENE
on't forget to find the D Hungry Monkey!
50 Music: Apalosbreeze
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
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hello there
What's The First Thing You Plan To Do After Lockdown?
Kelly-Anne Borge, 29, Broadcast Journalist at GBC "I’m going to hug all my family and friends! I’m a big hugger so I’m really missing that human interaction... once that’s done, next plan of action will be planning a holiday!"
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Stephanie Smith, 30, Co-founder at Shieldmaidens Virtual Assistants "I want to wear the new clothes I've bulk ordered from ASOS during lockdown, run outside to celebrate with all the strangers I've connected with by singing and dancing from our balconies for weeks, and drive away somewhere wonderful with friends belting out some tunes. I want to continue to appreciate the small things in life and putting community and mental health first. I also really, really, really, cannot wait to eat out!"
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
hello there
Tasmin Griffith, 28, Executive assistant at Gibraltar Heritage Trust & Radio Presenter "The first thing I’ll be doing after lockdown is going clothes shopping for mini me. Babies grow fast and we’ve ran out of trousers we can make into shorts!”
Christopher Kelly, 32, Compliance Officer at QIC Global
Paul Coelho, 31, Civil Servant "The first thing I'm going to do post-lockdown will be arranging with all my friends to meet and have a massive BBQ in the sunshine whilst enjoying plenty of ice cold beers. I will be pushing for all phones to be locked away so we can finally enjoy each others' company and sharing our very own 'Tales of the Lockdown'."
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
"I’m looking forward to getting back to the stables. I have missed being able to go riding and I am sure the horses have missed all the attention they normally receive. This time of year is perfect for hacks along the beach. I also can’t wait to get back to sailing. Being out on the water is very freeing and I imagine it will feel even more so after being in lockdown."
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news ADVICE FOR TRAVELLERS Following the welcome announcement that British Airways will continue flights to Gibraltar on a reduced schedule, passengers should be aware of the following important information regarding this route during the current COVID-19 crisis. British travellers, who are not resident in Spain, should not fly to Gibraltar with a view to entering
GIBRALTAR CAR PARKS LIMITED LAUNCHES WEBSITE TO OFFER ONLINE SERVICES HM GoG is pleased to advise members of the public that as part of the recent COVID-19 measures to close public counter services, Gibraltar Car Parks Limited launched a website to offer online services on Monday 23rd March at noon.
Spain via the land frontier. Only Spanish citizens or those who can prove they are resident in Spain will be allowed to enter Spain through airports, ports or land borders. In order to enter Spain, travellers will be required to show proof of nationality or evidence that they are resident there, such as a residency certificate / card, together with valid travel documents. Please be aware that travel to visit a holiday home, which is not a person’s usual residence, will not be permitted.
www.gibcarparks.com Although public counters are temporarily closed, the offices of Gibraltar Car Parks Ltd remain open as follows: Monday to Thursday: 08:30 to 15:00 Friday: 08:30 to 14:30 Persons using the website who have any queries or may otherwise encounter any
Travellers wishing to enter Gibraltar from Spain to fly on to the UK should arrive in Gibraltar on the day of flight departure and make their way straight to the airport terminal, which is adjacent to the land frontier. They will need to present evidence of a confirmed flight booking, together with valid travel documents to both the Spanish and Gibraltarian immigration officers. Please note that the Gibraltar airport terminal building does not stay open overnight and it is NOT permitted to spend the night there.
difficulty using the online services, should contact 200 49202 where a staff member will be available to assist them. The website will be updated as and when new information and services become available. The Government urges the general public to assist their elderly relatives who are vehicle owners and presently in selfisolation that may not ordinarily be able to use internet website services or are not generally conversant on how to pay online.
The website features general information, payment and Residential Parking Permit renewal services, further offering downloadable application forms that can then be uploaded via the same website for submission. The public and those persons who are in self-isolation are invited to access the website via the link below: 10
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
news MORE GREENERY APPEARING There have been several areas that have recently received new plants as part of the Green Gibraltar initiative.
with a view to creating a green wall. Minister for the Environment and Climate Change John Cortes commented, “We are trying to provide greenery in Gibraltar
wherever we have the space, as these examples show. Anyone with ideas of where we could do more planting is welcome to let the Department of Environment know.”
Two new Tipuana trees have been planted along Rosia Road Promenade ‘La Batería’. Near to St Jagos, a new small recreational area has been opened up with two almond trees planted as well as a number of oleanders and rosemaries. More rosemary and Virginia Creeper have also been planted in the area
GHA UPGRADES 111 TELEPHONE SERVICE The GHA COVID-19 111 line has fast become an essential filter for protecting Gibraltar’s frontline healthcare services and staff. The sheer volume and nature of these calls has resulted in the need to upgrade the service being provided.
as of Monday 30th March from a dedicated 24/7 St Bernard’s Hospital in-house call centre. Minister for Health and Care, Paul Balban said, “I would like to thank the community for using our
phone services conscientiously, so that our team members may provide the best information and assistance to the community, effectively channelling their concerns to the right GHA service.”
The telephone operators are using triage algorithms in order to provide standard advice and deci-sion-making. The new service will continue to manage the existing 111 calls but will also receive ambulance dispatch 190 calls, as per the recently released ambulance surge plan. This service is fully operational GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
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news CULTURAL COMPETITIONS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE Gibraltar Cultural Services is holding two competitions, an Art competition and a Short Story competition, for children and young people aged from School Years 3 to 13. The competitions will be held fortnightly until the social lockdown is lifted. This initative is aimed at those young people who are either staying at home or are attending the educational set ups at Notre Dame and St Anne’s School. Art Competition: Entrants may submit up to two original works. Entries must be submitted electronically and must be accompanied by the appropriate entry form. The prize for the winning entry in each category is a £50 art supplies voucher. Short Story Competition Entrants may submit up to two original works. Entries must be submitted electronically and must be accompanied by the appropriate entry form. The prize for the winning entry in each category is a £50 book voucher from Amazon.
are available online from Gibraltar Cultural Services. For any enquiry or to submit your entries, please contact the Events
Department on 200 67236 or e-mail info@culture.gi The closing date for receipt of entries is: Friday 24th April 2020
Categories: A: School years 3 and 4 B: School years 5 and 6 C: School years 7 to 10 D: School years 11 to 13 Entry forms and full conditions 12
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
www.projectxproductions.co.uk
My entrepreneur bug started at 25 years of age. With little to no experience but a lot of ambition, I ignited from what I felt more comfortable in: music. From organising events for students in a local nightclub to creating a brand which not only changed National Day celebrations forever but has brought world-renowned artists to Gibraltar. In tandem with this was my second passion, food. We transformed the former Salsa Fuego Venue (Eclipse Lounge) and created the ultimate social experience in Gibraltar, where you could ‘Eat, Drink and Party’ as much as you wanted. Also in the food and beverage industry space we founded a much-needed little gem, The Gin & Wine Club, situated in Chatham Counterguard Gibaltars favourite socialising spot. Chatham Counterguard has become the go-to place in Gibraltar where you can find a variety of top restaurants, café bars and nightlife. We felt the need to enhance the strip with a premium casual, beautiful, dining experience. Collaborating with experienced business partners, who have vast knowledge in Gibraltar’s gastronomic scene, we founded the The Chimney. The Chimney tapas bar boasts an inviting atmosphere, where fresh quality tapas are served designed 14
Giovanni Bagu reveals some (but not all!) of the magic behind the food and entertainment provider, Project X Productions. How did he get here? What are his future plans? And will the music festivals still be going ahead? to share amongst friends. We have been blessed with our success as the The Chimney is always buzzing with customers. Following on from The Chimney we are currently working on a very exciting project in Chatham Counterguard; our latest business adventure "Trishna" is designed to creating an explosion of colors and tastes based on a unique Indian fine dining experience. Moving together with time, we have also jumped into the fast-food/takeaway industry. Gourmet Grill, known for its American-style freshly made burgers, has undoubtedly grown to be a local favourite. This year we have created a consortium with a local supermarket branch and two other ready-made meals companies to create a corporate group which will constitute on bringing a distinct vibe to this fast-food trade, based on the principle that we only use fresh, top quality products; this in our view packs a meal with flavours and provides the ‘wow’ factor.
WHAT IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENT THAT HAS SHAPED YOUR CAREER SO FAR? I feel each business is an accomplishment in its own right.
I was raised by my grandparents, both of them pensioners with a real financial struggle to raise me and my two younger siblings. My ambition and goal has always been to be self sufficient and provide a good quality of life for my family.
WHAT IS GIBRALTAR AS A WHOLE DOING WELL FOR BUSINESS, AND WHERE IS THERE AN OPPORTUNITY TO GROW? I believe Gibraltar is doing exceptionally well for business, despite the global economic crisis looming on the horizon due to the current pandemic. I am certain Gibraltar will rise and overcome this challenge. Strength and growth only comes from continuous effort and struggle and I believe there are many opportunities in different sectors to grow in Gibraltar, but a good magician never gives away his secrets!
HOW HAS BUSINESS CHANGED IN GIBRALTAR SINCE YOU FIRST STARTED? Business in Gibraltar has moved forward and changed in many different sectors from local developers, retail shops to bar and restaurants. I do believe GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
Gibraltar has raised the bar in all aspects and standards are higher in all areas than before which has helped our economy to grow and flourish. Though one of the most astounding improvements has been in the entertainment industry, namely the music festivals. Five years ago, the Gibraltar music festival started as a 1-day event and has escalated in to a 4-day event over the years. This year we witnessed the likes of Take That, Enrique Iglesias, Andrea Bocelli, and David Guetta on a 4-day non-stop back to back show. I am truly honoured to have played a role in a festival of that calibre, and it is one of the highlights of my professional career.
WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY? My business philosophy is The Law of Attraction. I am a firm believer that if you focus your thoughts and beliefs in a constructive positive manner you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Evidently businesses are hard work, which require long hours and plenty of determination to persevere and see your projects to completion.
WHAT'S THE STATUS OF THE MUSIC FESTIVAL THIS YEAR? That is a tough question to answer due to the current situation with COVID-19 – it’s extremely difficult to predict what will happen next and how it will transform the music festival and entertainment space as we know it. We are working within government guidelines, and as instructed GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
preparation for Monkey Rocks is still ongoing, although on the basis that it could be cancelled at short notice.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH WITHIN THE NEXT YEAR? (WHAT ARE THE FUTURE PLANS FOR PROJECT X? Our main goal this year is to get all our businesses back on track as soon as the restrictions of the lockdown have been lifted, allowing us to trade again so we can provide our bar and restaurant services to the public, but the future plans for Project X look bright. Like I said before, a good magician never reveals his secrets… all I can say is watch this space! 15
business
Local Business: Know Your Market The importance of understanding demographics for business.
W
ith tourism grinding to a halt due to the Corona crisis, businesses in Gibraltar have had to rely entirely on the local market. For many businesses this has meant a change in the clientele base and a shift in the profile of the typical customer. In order to succeed in the new business environment, especially in the short term until tourism recovers, business owners must better understand the local market to ensure a good product fit. A key element to understanding the local market is understanding the market demographics. Business owners are always looking for an edge in marketing products and services to generate more revenue and profit margins. Understanding customer demographics is one of the most important factors for improving your overall business, and it also has a significant influence on the effectiveness of your marketing strategy. At Benefit Business Solutions we have been assisting retailers and 16
It is one of the most important factors for improving your overall business.
other businesses in configuring the right product mix for them in light of the new market conditions and conducting CostBenefit Analysis to measure the potential effectiveness of planned marketing strategies. One such example has been a local clothing retailer on Main Street considering adding a collection of top-quality branded business suits for men as part of their new product mix. Assuming there will be negligible tourism, is there sufficient local demand to justify buying the stock of branded business suits? Demographics to the rescue! We
can start by assuming that the potential local market will consist of men at working age of 18-65. However, given that in Gibraltar there is also a significant number of cross-border employees, rather than looking at Census figures, a better source of information would be the Employment Survey Report as it includes figures of cross-border employees. According to the 2018 Gibraltar Employment Survey Report, there were 29,995 employees working in Gibraltar in October 2018. Out of this total figure, a total of 17,846 were men working in the Private Sector, Ministry of Defence and Public Sector. However, not all men wear a business suit for work and so a further analysis into sector breakdown was necessary, as GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
business (or insignificance) over time. These stories help make data
Source: 2018 Gibraltar Employment Survey Report, Government of Gibraltar
shown by the chart below:
quantify demand for > products and services, now and in the future
identify patterns to > understand where demand will be greatest
explain what is driving > changes in demand decide where and when to > locate products and services.
From the above sectors, we assume that men in Financial Intermediation, Real Estate & Business Activities and Public Administration are most likely to wear a suit for work and so the relevant figure is 4603 men. To this figure we decided also to add 8% of men from all other sectors, in line with OECD average for men in Managerial roles (who are also likely to wear a suit), which gave us a figure of 1059, and so the total potential market for men business suits in Gibraltar is 5662. Once we unravelled the potential market figure, we were able to construct a marketing budget and sales forecast for the retailer that showed the potential return on the investment of buying this stock of top branded business suits. This demonstrates that we can use demographics to tell the story of people and places. Demographic stories bring data to life, helping to draw out insights, put the information in perspective, provide context, and highlight its significance GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
We can use demographics to tell the story of people and places. more relatable and easier to communicate and understand. Above all, demographic information and stories can be used to answer complex questions organisations face such as: Where should I expand or locate my business? Such questions may appear unrelated to demographics; however, demographic information can be used spatially to highlight patterns that can answer these strategic questions. By analysing past and present demographic information, we begin to understand the changing dynamics of people and places, identifying patterns that can help us foresee demand in the future. Businesses can use demographic analysis to:
In short, demographic information provides an evidence-base that businesses can use to make informed decisions about the future. A well-defined and meticulously researched segmentation allows companies to be sure they are able to devise a pitch-perfect marketing strategy, ensuring the right customers get to experience the best marketing campaign for that specific group of people. Ultimately, a thoroughly well-crafted target segmentation allows for tailored messages, more leads, increased loyalty, high customer retention, cost-efficiency, and a whopping revenue increase, promoting business growth.
ERAN SHAY, Managing Director & AYELET MAMO SHAY, Business Development Director of Benefit Business Solutions Ltd. (+350) 200 73669 general@benefitgibraltar.com 17
business
GET YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER Things to do while in isolation at home.
BY HOWARD BILTON
T
hese are unusual times. Many are working from home and have more time on their hands than anticipated. But the title refers to using this time productively by tackling those jobs that have been put off indefinitely rather than getting your home office and household properly organised.
domiciled even if they have lived abroad for many years. They may also be liable to estate taxes in their country of residence and will almost certainly have assets which are liable to be charged to estate duties in their country of situs. Without planning all three
Most people prefer not to think about their own mortality, but the current crisis has made that impossible. It is estimated that over 50% of people do not have a will and have made no plans regarding their estate. This leaves their loved ones vulnerable and unprotected. Surely now is a good time to sort that out?
The current crisis has made that impossible.
For UK expats this is particularly important. UK domiciled persons remain liable to UK Inheritance Tax (UK IHT) at a rate of 40% of the total value of their worldwide estate after lifetime allowances of around ÂŁ325,000. The tax is penal but to some extent is voluntary. It can be planned out. Most UK expats will remain UK 18
could bite and wipe out the entire value. With proper planning all three could be eradicated. With no planning they will not be. Any person born in the UK and whose parents are UK nationals will almost certainly have a UK domicile of origin. It is difficult to lose that. If a UK domiciled person moves abroad and intends to remain there forever, they can acquire a new domicile of choice in their new country of residence. The only legal test is
one of intent. If that person has no intention of ever leaving their new home they will be domiciled in that new place. That intent needs to be evidenced by doing all the normal things that a person would do if they have established a new permanent home i.e. buying a house, taking out permanent residency or nationality, possibly marrying a local, joining local clubs, cutting ties with the UK and generally arranging ones social and economic life in the new country. Many UK expats settle in a new country but always intend to return home eventually. They all remain UK domiciled and therefore all remain subject to 40% IHT on the value of their worldwide estates. Before any estate plan can be put into place it is important to establish where that person is domiciled so this is always the starting point for any UK nationals. This is a tricky area and specialist advice including UK Counsel’s opinion is strongly recommended if not vital. If the person is not UK domiciled, GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
business
he may still have estate duty issues in his country of residence or the place where the assets are situated. Those who are not UK domiciled can freely and without tax consequence transfer assets into trust. This is strongly recommended as if plans change and the UK national moves away from their new country, they will automatically revive their UK domicile of choice and be subject to UK IHT on their worldwide estate again. However, the assets transferred into trust will generally not be subject to this charge as they no longer form part of their estate. Thus, a trust can ensure that UK IHT does not bite irrespective of changes of circumstance and moves to other countries. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
A trust also provides a very effective mechanism for organizing a person’s estate while they are still around to do so. The only other alternative is a will. The two are not so dissimilar. Setting up a trust involves transferring your assets to trustees who deal with those assets according to the terms of the trust deed. With a will, assets are transferred on death to executors who then deal with those assets according to the terms of the will. One way or another, assets have to be transferred to third parties who have to be trusted to deal with the assets as laid down in the written instrument. The disadvantage of the trust is that you lose control of your assets during your lifetime and pay annual fees to the trustees. The advantages can be numerous:
you can oversee the process during your lifetime, there can be substantial tax advantages which do not apply to a will, and the assets are protected from creditors, spouses, errant children etc. because they no longer belong to you but can still be administered according to your wishes. The will is advantageous because you do not lose control over the assets during your lifetime but the costs involved in administering an estate and distributing the assets will normally be more than those paid during your lifetime to the trustees. And most tax planning opportunities will be lost. Trusts cannot readily be used by UK domiciled persons as the transfer into trust attracts a charge to lifetime IHT of 20% of the capital value of the assets. 19
business This is deeply unattractive. For UK domiciled persons other planning opportunities exist. One of the most commonly used is the family investment company. FICs are relatively simple but very effective. Assets are transferred to an offshore or UK company. The rights and obligations attaching to the shares of that company are divided between shares which carry votes only, shares which carry the right to income (dividends) only and shares which carry the right to the underlying assets (capital). The transferor can retain the voting shares and therefore control of the assets and the affairs of the company. They may also retain some or all of the income shares so they can receive
dividends and an income during lifetime. But the capital shares are immediately or progressively given away to family members. The gift of the capital shares would be a Potentially Exempt
Doing nothing should not be an option. Transfer (PET). This means as long as the donor survives for three years the taxable value of the property given away is reduced by 20% each year. For example, if a mother gifted her property worth £1m to her daughter and survived for three years and five
months from the date of the gift, its taxable value would be reduced to £800,000 (1,000,000 less £200,000). If she survived for 6 but less than 7 years, its taxable value would be reduced to £200,000 (£1,000,000 less £800,000). There is no tax to pay after the seventh year. UK registered pension schemes now benefit from a specific exemption from UK IHT (IHTA 1984 s151(1)). The exemption extends to certain types of overseas pension schemes known as Qualifying Non-UK Pension Schemes (QNUPS). QNUPS can be set up in Malta or Guernsey. There are other planning techniques and products which can be extremely useful to eradicate or minimize worldwide estate taxes. What is clear is that doing nothing should not be an option. If you care about your family and prefer your loved ones to enjoy the fruits of a lifetime of hard work, planning is vital. If you prefer to volunteer large amounts of money to assist the revenue services of various countries around the world there is no need to do anything. Otherwise planning is vital. Use the time wisely, act responsibly and make sure your family is looked after if the worst happens. We will all die eventually and unfortunately at the moment some of us are going to die earlier than anticipated. Don’t delay. Howard Bilton is a barrister called to the Bars of England/Wales and Gibraltar, Chairman and Founder of The Sovereign Group and a visiting Professor at Texas A&M University.
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
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virtual classroom Continue your current course (or sign up for one if you haven't already!) from the comfort and safety of your own home. English, Spanish, and French lessons for all ages and levels, starting at just ÂŁ10/hour!
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business
an Event by Auxilium
Leading through change.
F
or the first time in many years we have lost the illusion of certainty on a global level.
Uncertainty is nothing new and has always been the constant, but planning the future and filling our calendars leads us to believe that we have control and certainty. Therefore, when the unexpected happens we attempt to gain control by controlling our circumstances, situation, and the people around us. This is helpful to an extent in adapting to change and creating a new normal, but if we are to create new possibilities and lead through change powerfully we need to understand the internal process of adapting to change, which involves; acceptance, taking ownership, serving people, and being present. Acceptance, which doesn’t mean agreeing or burying our heads in the sand, is to be ok with ‘what-is’ which is more powerful than being and thinking ‘what-if’. ‘Whatif’ increases uncertainty as it is
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focused on the future in a passive way which increases overthinking and our minds tend to be busy enough already. The more you resist ‘what-is’ the more we suffer. Or the way Werner Erhardt would express it: “Whatever you are pushing against, you are stuck to”.
Acceptance is to be ok with ‘what-is’. Instead focusing on ‘What-is’ resides in the present moment where we can take action and have a level of control over. Beyond accepting ‘what-is’ there are two ways of being in this world: one is being an owner, the other is being a victim. Someone in a victim state of mind will view life as happening to them, unfair, a burden and something to get through.
Counter that to someone with an owner state of mind that takes full responsibility for their experience of life, uses it is an energy source, to create, learn and grow from. To better understand and if required shift your way of being, examine the language you use, not only when you communicate with others but most importantly the language you use in your internal dialog. To lead powerfully through change we also need to understand the difference between serving and pleasing people. When you please people, be it the people you lead at the office or in your personal lif, you tend to take the path of least resistance. Keeping everyone happy and being part of the gang and being liked is a way of pleasing people. When you serve people, you consider what would be most beneficial for that person which will also serve you and the company or community you are part of. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
business Examine the language you use in your internal dialog. perspective to different points of view, to engage, be present and play full out with a fearless heart makes you a powerful leader. Paying attention to these three attitudes described in this article creates the foundation from which to act and move forward more powerfully. You can do this internal work by becoming more aware of how you do what you do or by engaging with a professional coach to shed light onto your blind spots. Either way, if you take this on board, the only question left to ask is - what do you want to create now?
This isn’t necessarily the easiest path to take, but if you communicate clearly without leaving room for assumptions you enable people to step up, grow, develop and progress. This may mean: asking for more, saying no, backing off, or challenging people to do better, and take responsibility and ownership of their lives. Whatever it is, doing it in the most loving way possible means you get people onboard and lead powerfully through change. One of the key qualities that enables you to take ownership, GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
serve people and accept what is, is being present. Being fully present and engaged in the here and now, enables you to be ok with ‘what-is, know when you fall into pleasing instead of serving people, and know when you loose sight of your ability to create new possibilities. Most importantly, adapting and leading through change starts with you, with who you are and with what works and makes sense to you. Your response to change will always be unique to you and your perspective of the world. Having the ability to shift your
Kerstin Andlaw Executive, Transformation and Wellbeing Coach Founder of Auxilium CTC kerstin@auxilium-ctc.com www.auxiliumctc.com
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business
LOVE AND BUSINESS
What a magnificent book Love in the Time of Cholera was. My readers may now ask what has love in the times of a cholera pandemic got to do with business? As much as love was perfectly possible in the times of cholera, love and business are perfectly possible in the times of the present pandemic. We shall concentrate for now in the business story and leave love for better days that hopefully will arrive sometime soon.
I
t is very sad to see how so many businesses are collapsing or going through a very difficult patch because of the present pandemic. We are not talking about a normal downturn in the economy here. Not even a recession. We are talking about a very serious global crisis in which only the bravest are going to be able to survive. A little while ago I spoke to an old friend and client from the UK. He has a very successful horse saddle manufacturing business with a turnover of over several million pounds per year and has done remarkably well for the past few decades. He has savings and can probably stay put, and with a bit of luck recover his losses in the future. I said to him,
“We must be able to navigate in all kinds of water because the sea is rarely ever calm”. To which he answered, “The problem, my dear fellow, is that at present there aren’t any waters at all to navigate in…” This is true but certainly not applicable to all cases.
during the pandemic certainly. Maybe after the pandemic but far from it at present.
There are sectors in business that are doing extremely well. And you do not need to be a genius to spot them; just look around. Which business is flourishing at this very difficult time? Are hotels and restaurants doing well? Or any retailers selling anything? What about the hospitality business? Or the entertainment business? Clothing and fashion perhaps? Car sales? Not at all. Not
Let us just name a few to set up a departure point. Chemists and pharmaceutical business and anything related to them. Just try and get some Vitamin C from a chemist. Unless you go in the early morning their stocks are gone by noon. My friend, the chemist manager of my local pharmacy, told me Roche has temporarily run out of stocks. And the surgery glove manufactures are facing similar situations. And the face mask suppliers. And the hand sanitiser manufacturers. And the lavatory and tissue paper companies. I could spend
Only the bravest are going to survive.
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So, who is doing well right now and probably making a killing rather than a living in the business world?
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business
We are talking about a very serious global crisis. the total word limit of this article mentioning all these business suppliers and companies that are doing better than ever much to everybody’s regret and sadness in these extremely difficult times. Then look at the food business. We are certainly not talking about restaurants and hospitality. We are talking about the food grocers GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
large or small. Their suppliers. The agriculture sector. Cattle farms and all related to farming. Fruit and vegetable farmers around the globe. And the list connected to this is again huge. Mercadona for example, being the most successful grocer in Spain and arguably one of the top European supermarket chains has increased their salaries by a minimum of 20%. And they are looking for staff as though we were living through an economic boom. Naturally there is an element of risk of catching the virus whilst working with plenty of people around you, but because they all wear masks and gloves and all supermarket outlets get treated several times a day with
disinfectant the risk is not huge. And the age of the workers rarely ever exceeds the 30-year-old mark. So it is not as serious as with the elderly to whom the virus can be lethal within days. It is quite clear that in these times you want to try and be in any business connected to the above-mentioned sectors. Again, other interesting sectors include the digital media, entertainment channels like Netflix or any pay-per-movie digital company, internet services suppliers, data supply companies, smartphone lines of any sort. These are booming. And that is being conservative. 25
business
This is the ideal moment to make a move. And then there is the stock market. If you are in a position of liquidity this is the best and sweetest moment to start buying stocks and shares. You should rely on a good financial consultant that can advise you on how to play your cards properly. 26
Currency and arbitrage can produce handsome results as well. Even property can go down considerably. Not overnight, but it will come particularly in badly hit jurisdictions like Italy, France, Spain and the UK. Development land is probably going to go down a lot. Unsold apartments and flats will be offered at reduced prices. So, if you are thinking of building a rental property portfolio this is the ideal moment to make a move. I refer to contrary investment in property on which
a wrote an article some while ago. Rentals may come down but not necessarily in the long term. At present a lot of property portfolio managers are either reducing the rental amounts for the next couple of months or giving tenants a break with rental payments. If you are a business tenant you surely can get a decent discount from your landlord, but like always, each case is different. A friend who owns a small chain of health shops in Spain and Portugal negotiated a good deal with his landlords where he will GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
business
not pay any rent for two months and the total amount due from these closedown weeks shall be split up and paid back in monthly payments during the next twelve months at zero interest. That is more than fair. Others have obtained reductions in lieu of payment breaks. Which is a fair agreement as well. The virus will go and things will somehow go back to normal gradually but certainly not overnight and not in every business sector. Sadly, a lot of business ventures, large and small, will go under and will not make it back. It is, I am afraid to point out, a little like war and after-war economics. Some will not be around and others will thrive. Let us all look back at the GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
difficult days of the border being closed down. A lot of business enterprises suffered whilst others made a success of the locked-up border. Of course, nobody wanted that, but it is just what happened and we must admit a lot of people underestimated the brave character of the Gibraltarians who survived not only the evacuation days of the last great war but also the border closedown which lasted over a decade. Some very solid businesses were created in those days and happily they are still around. The fact remains that we are going through very complex times in this pandemic and that means that we can only move forward by helping each other. The world will most likely be a different one, but there is masses of room for improvement and hope.
Some very solid businesses were created in those days.
JORGE V.REIN PARLADE MBA Business Consultant +350 54045282 jorgeparlade@aol.com 27
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THE HAPPY LIST
How to protect your mental health during lockdown. BY PENELOPE BIELCKUS
B
eing stuck indoors is never ideal, especially when the weather is starter to get warmer (in theory, anyway... does anyone else feel like April has been colder and wetter than January and February?), but during these unprecedented times the majority of us are staying home and protecting ourselves and others from the C word. And no, I don’t mean Christmas (give me a few months and I will be staying home and hiding from that too, though). Having to stay home and stay inside aside from brief daily exercise, which is allowed for the majority of people, can give even the most introverted soul a spot of cabin fever. As a professional traveller (I think this should be my new job title), it’s been pretty strange to not be able to travel, even just to Spain for the
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weekends. This is the longest I haven’t left one place in... years? It’s a weird, weird world we are currently living in. Protecting your health and the health of others is the main reason for social distancing and staying at home, but being stuck indoors can really impact your mental health. The same goes for being without company (for some people who live alone), not knowing when we will be back to ‘normal’, being concerned for friends and family (or for yourself) and so on. Even something as simple as not being able to go and hug a friend can impact our mental health negatively. Not all is lost, however! There are a multitude of ways that we can protect, help and manage our mental health during these uncertain times. The main ways include:
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Connecting with others
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Looking after your health and wellbeing
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Managing your media and information intake
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Having a routine
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Doing things you enjoy
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Keeping your mind active
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Getting some sunlight
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Taking time to relax
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life There are so many ways that we can try to focus on things that aren’t this global pandemic. However, there is nothing wrong with being worried. This is your first step. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious or concerned, then this is fine. There is nothing wrong with that. It’s okay to not be feeling perfectly okay. Haven’t learned a new language, become a master baker or become the perfect homeschooling parent like everyone seems to be on social media? That’s okay (and also don’t trust everything you see on social media). As long as you’re staying safe and staying home if you’re able to, then that’s enough. Don’t let any social media bragging, even if Karen has posted her 10th perfect kitchen concoction this week and it’s only Wednesday. #ThatQuarantineLife
CONNECT WITH OTHERS Staying in contact with friends, family and even co-workers (miss your coffee breaks at work? You aren’t alone!) is even more important now that our in-person social connection has been significantly reduced. Even back in 1981, sociologist and psychiatrist R. Jay Turner published a journal article on the association between social support and our psychological wellbeing - essentially, the more we feel that family and friends are there for us, the less likely we are to feel depressed and/or anxious. Additionally, Turner stated that this is particularly important in stressful situations (and I’m sure he would have considered this one of those). Something as simple as having a 30
regular catch up on the phone with a friend, your parents, your children, etc, can help our general psychological wellbeing. We have so much technology at our disposal so let’s make the most of it! Applications like FaceTime, WhatsApp video calls, Facebook Messenger, Zoom, Skype, and Houseparty are making it easier and easier to stay in contact with people, wherever in the world they are.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR WELLBEING Your physical health and wellbeing has a massive effect on your psychological wellbeing. If we are dehydrated, eating only junk GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
life food, not exercising at all and not sleeping well, that we are definitely going to be feeling suboptimal mentally. Aim to get 7-9 hours of good sleep (a dark, cool, quiet bedroom is best and make sure you aren’t working from bed!), try to eat healthily (it’s okay - you can still enjoy the less healthy items in moderation), stay hydrated and also make sure to stay active. If you can (and regulations permit it), go for a walk each day. Even if it’s just a short walk near your home, this is going to act like a great mood booster. According to a 2016 study by psychologists at Iowa State University, walking for just 12 minutes (even without sunshine, nature, or social contact) boosts your mood and your attentiveness. They even found that just walking on a treadmill can boost your mood, so even if you can’t leave the house then you can still get some of that mood boosting goodness.
MANAGE YOUR MEDIA INTAKE Managing your media intake is even more important now that every news outlet is publishing new statistics daily, articles about countries running out of body bags or space in morgues and so on. This includes limiting your time scrolling social media as well research published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology in 2018 found that limiting social media use to only 10 minutes per app each day (Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram) resulted in significant reductions in loneliness, depression and anxiety. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
Additionally, 24-hour news updates can increase anxiety and make us feel overwhelmed (known as ‘news overload’). Aim to check the news only at certain times or limit yourself to a certain amount of checks each day. It’s also important to only check reputable sources (there are some ridiculous conspiracy theories out there, as well as a tonne of bad reporting) - sources like HM Government of Gibraltar, the BBC, ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control) and the WHO are reputable and trustworthy, so take that person on Facebook who says ‘my uncle is a doctor and says XYZ’ with a pinch of salt. There is a lot of fake news circulating so, if it isn’t backed up with legitimate named sources on reputable news sites, be careful with what you read.
HAVE A ROUTINE Many people (myself included) have found themselves impacted career-wise due to the outbreak. Whether you have been furloughed, are now working from home, have taken time off because you need to care for a dependent or can’t leave home due to health reasons, you still need to try to maintain some kind of daily routine. As someone self-employed who usually works from home (actually, usually it’s from Costa, in all honesty), a routine can make or break your productivity. Even if you aren’t working from home, multiple studies have shown that establishing routines with healthy habits can have major psychological benefits. 31
life free tutorials and Skillshare (online classes and workshops) is offering two months free of charge. There are also lots of great language learning apps and websites if you fancy working on your polyglotism during lockdown, such as Duolingo, Busuu, Babbel, Mondly, Rosetta Stone and Drops. [For something a little closer to home, local language school Little English is offering virtual English, Spanish, and French lessons for as little as £10/hour!]
DON’T FOCUS ON THE NEGATIVE All in all, aim to focus on the positives in life. Do you get more time to spend with your kids? More free time to try new recipes? Has lockdown resulted in the biggest spring clean ever? Whatever your positives are, aim to focus on these over morbid statistics, heartbreaking news, and constant overwhelming news updates. Having a routine means getting up at the same (or close enough) time each day, structuring your day, setting goals for your day (work and otherwise), having set mealtimes, and having a bedtime with a ‘wind down’ routine. It doesn’t necessarily have to be ‘have dinner at 7:15pm every day and be in bed at 11:05pm on the dot’, but having a structure to your day will benefit your mental health significantly.
DO THINGS YOU ENJOY Make sure to spend time doing things that make you happy! This is 32
especially important when it seems that the news is just doom and gloom with no light at the end of the tunnel. Do you enjoy baking? Learning to cook a new dish? Playing video games? Watching rom-coms? Doing a crossword or sudoku? Doing things you enjoy, as well as keeping your mind active, is a great way to improve your mood. If you have a lot more time than normal (e.g. you’ve been furloughed or otherwise can’t work), use your time to do activities you enjoy. You can also take the opportunity to try something new - YouTube is a gold mine of
‘Positive news sources’, such as The Happy Broadcast (one of my favourite Instagram accounts), are a great way of adding some positivity to your day. Staying informed is important. Doing your best to stay healthy both mentally and physically - is just as important. We are all in this together and we will overcome this. This is not forever and we will eventually be back at the beach and having picnics with family and friends. Stay safe, stay home if you can, and stay positive. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
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T&Cs apply - visit u-mee.com for details u-mee.com
FOUR JILLS IN A JEEP Entertaining the troops.
Landis, Mayfield, Francis and Raye.
BY REG REYNOLDS
T
he B-17 Flying Fortress was a state-of-the-art fighting machine, but this one was in serious trouble as it flew through a storm towards Gibraltar. It was the height of World War II and air, sea, and land battles were all the news, but if this four-engine bomber crashed it would make headlines around the world as it carried four Hollywood stars celebrated variously for their acting, singing, dancing and comedy. The four celebrities were actor Carole Landis, comedian and singer Martha Raye, actor Kay Francis and dancer Mitzi Mayfield. At an undisclosed airfield in December 1942 the women were issued with fur-lined flying suits to put over their clothes. “I felt that I must look like a walking house,” wrote Landis in 34
her book Four Jills in a Jeep, “and when I looked at Kay and Mitzi, I was sure of it. Some glamour girls.” The troupe was headed for Morocco to entertain troops who had recently landed in North Africa during the invasion code-named Operation Torch. The flight was very rough, and Landis, who was recovering from an infection after an emergency appendectomy, had to continuously excuse her way past the flight crew in order to get to the loo. The flight was scheduled to land at Casablanca but due to the poor conditions was forced to try for Gibraltar. The western Mediterranean was fog bound and the transmitter at Gibraltar failed so they couldn’t fly in via
They were exhausted from the cold and terror of the flight.
the directional beam. Landis described the frightening events in her book:
“A crew member came in with life belts and said, ‘Well girls, we’re sorry this has happened, but you better put on these Mae Wests.” “Do you mean….?” Kay asked. He shrugged, “Could be,” he added laconically. Suddenly, a bit of an opening came through the fog, and there in front of us was the Rock. A moment later and we might have crashed but in that split instant the pilot zoomed over and around it and flew back in the direction in GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
history Left to right: Landis, Raye, Mayfield and Francis.
which we had come. Then, just at the very last minute, as we were looking for a spot to get down onto the water, the transmitter came back on and they brought us in. The women hadn’t been scheduled to perform at Gibraltar, and anyway they were exhausted from the cold and terror of the flight. They were driven to the Governor’s mansion where they warmed up and had something to eat. Landis was given some pills and slept straight through to the next morning. By now she was feverish, so they put her in the nose, the coolest part of the plane, for the flight, now destined for Algiers. Formed in September 1941 under the auspices of the ‘Feminine Theatrical Task Force’, the Hollywood foursome of Landis, Raye, Francis and Mayfield embarked on a five-month tour of England, Ireland, North Africa and Bermuda. They were the only all-female troupe to entertain the troops overseas during the War. Although there was a certain amount of glitz involved,
including a Royal Command performance, their work rate was exhausting. They made 150 personal appearances and put on 125 shows. Francis introduced the shows and acted as compere, Raye told jokes, Mayfield danced, and Landis sang. To give some idea of what life on the road was like Landis wrote: “We had a wonderful time everywhere overseas. But it was hard. For five months we never gave less than five shows a day. It was too cold to sleep nights and there wasn’t water enough to take a bath. We bathed and shampooed in cold water – there was no hot. I had to do my own washing. And I ate more sand and fog than food. I was hairdresser for the gang; at that we didn’t look too bad.” During the North African part of the tour they experienced four air raids and an earthquake. A review from the Gloucestershire Echo dated November 23, 1942 gives some idea of how their performances were received.
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“Kay Francis and Martha Raye, the Hollywood Film stars, were among the artists who took part in a show for American and British troops at the Opera House, Cheltenham, Sunday afternoon. Others who took part were Carole Landis and Mitzi Mayfair. They put on a show that exceeded even the wildest expectations and it was enjoyed by a crowded audience.” When the tour was over a film, also titled Four Jills in a Jeep, was made featuring the four stars along with performances by Phil Silvers, Dick Haymes and Jimmy Dorsey and his Orchestra. Pin-ups Betty Grable, Carmen Miranda and Alice Faye made cameo appearances. Famed New York Times film critic Bosley Crowther was unimpressed: “It gives the painful impression of being thrown together in a couple of hours. All that happens really, is a lot of dizzying about the dames and some singing and dancing by them in an undistinguished style.” Four Jills in a Jeep is available on DVD. The Gibraltar episode did not make the movie. 35
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HEARTS OF GIBRALTAR Talking to Brenda Cuby…
BY ROMINA MAYANI NANKANI, CYE-CYL
I
met Brenda almost a year ago over breakfast and was truly inspired by her ambitious and gentle nature. She is a devoted mother and wife, an entrepreneur, an Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT or Tapping) specialist and the Operations Trustee at GibSams. Currently, there is so much going on around the world and in our community, but Brenda was all the more ready to have a chat with me (over the phone of course) to tell me even more about herself. “Once again Brenda, I can’t stress enough how you inspire me and I’m sure many readers would love to read about what you do!” I was excited to talk to her as I too have tried EFT with her. “I am truly grateful for your words. My journey started 7 years ago. I had lost my father to cancer and 36
a short time later my brother died from an aneurism. It was a very difficult time, I was back and forth from Scotland and being the best support I could be to my mother and family.
Fiona, who introduced me to Tapping. She’s a qualified Homeopath and EFT practitioner. I began feeling better despite being overcome with grief. But like many, left it to one side. Three years ago, I trained with Kathryn Temple in NLP and later EFT and a further CMA training with Fiona, and that’s when I decided not to give this up. It’s changed my life and my approach to things. Tapping (EFT) can be done for anything and at anytime of the day. I am now an EFT practitioner and work with a fantastic range of clients.”
I can’t stress enough what a fantastic team we have.
“Once I came back to Gib, I started feeling ill, more and more disconnected from the world, family and my environment. I’d still fulfil my duties but I couldn’t function. My husband watched me deteriorate, and by recommendations of our doctor, decided to go on holiday. This was no fix! “I came back, not feeling better and contacted a friend of mine
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life Emotional Freeing Technique involves tapping on acupressure points that help calm the amygdala in the brain. I was intrigued by her journey and asked about her involvement with GibSams.
reveals answers within them. Our community need to feel that they are not alone.” Our conversation was one of so much inspiration, emotions, ‘pay it forward’ attitudes and above all about service to others.
Brenda’s free Fear to Fabulous challenge is now available to all Gib Mag readers. Search ‘Fear to Fabulous EFT’ on Facebook. For further information on the topics mentioned, contact Brenda on 56001006 or at brenda@brendacuby.com.
“You know something; we all get affected or know someone who is struggling with Mental Health Issues. I actually saw an advertisement that was put up by Marielou looking for volunteers. I contacted them and was asked by Marielou to help her with the organisation of it all. From Operations Assistant, I was made Operations Trustee and I can’t stress enough what a fantastic team we have. The purpose of GibSams is to reduce the number of suicides and listen to people who struggle with their day. It’s a completely nonjudgmental and free confidential service that allows callers to talk openly and be heard about what they are experiencing. Often people half listen to one another with the aim of offering a solution. With GibSams its purely listening to people speak. They may feel they need advice but often being given a platform to talk
loc See k w h o d ow n e b s i me t s ch u p d a e fo r o o te s lin g ti and ps
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RUNAWAY
Life is full of surprises. Sometimes we are faced with imminent decisions and lifealtering situations which drive us to be impulsive, carefree and take drastic risks, unaware of the outcome. Having always been considered an adventure-seeking free spirit, I thrive off spontaneity, passion, art, culture and romanticism, and consciously choose to live my one precious lifetime to the fullest and without regrets.
BY TAMARA LEVY
A
s Joseph Campbell once wrote, “You must give up the life you had planned in order to have the life that is waiting for you”. Only recently have I discovered the true meaning of this. With the alarming coronavirus pandemic, I was faced with a life-altering decision. Forcing myself to put aside feelings of uncertainty, fear and hesitation, I took a chance against all odds to fulfill one of my lifelong dreams. To follow my heart and take a leap of faith, of spiritual credence and optimism despite the hurdles I faced in the process. My zealous unconstrained appetite and invigorating urge to feel truly alive has led me to travel, experience, and always live life on the edge. After moving away from home on several occasions and exploring the world before me, I have most certainly gained a new perspective on life and accepted that this everchanging mental state is a stream of consciousness, a constant 38
flow of metaphysical dynamism and motion. The current global situation led me to impulsively pack my life in a suitcase and chase my future. I stood there in amazement awaiting both my flight and train journey; they were the very last to operate before the country was faced with a total and chronic lockdown. While the phrases ‘stay home’, ‘avoid all essential travel’ and the media’s incessant exacerbation of rocketing figures for death tolls reverberated in my mind, everyday life has become a stifling apocalypse! The final onrush of people fleeting to board the plane caused tensions to be raised and suspicions heightened. Being on one of the last flights GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
life safe haven. While airports were overwhelmingly occupied, train stations and public areas by contrast were scarcely populated. The desolate void created by uninhabited streets became spine-chillingly all-consuming.
Hope was wavering to return home, to a safe haven. operating during the Covid-19 outbreak from Gibraltar to the UK, the surge of panic and worry certainly created a swirling vortex of hysterical melodrama. With a small amount of people taking precautionary measures by wearing masks and gloves, hope was increasingly wavering on a quest to return home, to a GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
Able to escape the current enclosure and return to my new home and the person that makes me smile, my dramatic journey confirmed that in life things happen for a reason. Learning and personal growth are constant. Irrelevant of the ephemeral elements of time and age, we become stagnant in a perpetual state of development. What does anything matter if not fulfillment and happiness? With the current situation, one now has time to accomplish the little things that we did not have time to do before. We gain a new perspective and learn to appreciate all the things we take for granted. Changing one’s focus and connecting with one another due to the circumstances, makes us value the things and the people that we love, and finally gifts us with time to carry out those hobbies we had pending. Prolonged conversations with one another, pausing for reflection and being able to contemplate, breathe and simply stop and exist
are things that we do not value in the busy and hectic world we live in. We are in constant motion, shifting and flowing and now have the time to live in an oasis of peace and tranquility. To learn a lesson, channel our thoughts into pro-active creative visualization and have time for contemplation, meditation, love and appreciation.
One now has time to accomplish the little things. As a utopian wonderer, culture vulture and zenful optimist, if there is one idealistic principle I wish to live my life by, it is that in order to be the best version of ourselves we must do what truly makes our soul shine and live every day in appreciation of each other and the beauty of the world that surrounds us. As Mandy Hale stated, “To live, to truly live, we must be willing to risk. To be nothing in order to find everything. To leap before we look�. Taking a leap of faith and allowing life to embrace and guide me on this journey, I have a newfound perspective. With a diffusion of positivity, protection and support in these difficult times, the situation will become more manageable. To keep those loved ones close to you and not forget to smile, beneath the tumultuous upheaval saturating the world there is a glimmer of hope, of peace and salvation. Dedicated to CJM. The one who makes me smile. 39
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POVERTY ON THE ROCK
"Poverty in Gibraltar? Nobody’s poor here!" you’ll hear most locals say. Well, depends where you draw the so-called ‘poverty line’. So, are there some that fall below it? Action on Poverty says there are, and individuals’ circumstances can vary from household to household...
BY RICHARD CARTWRIGHT “I spent some time in the Philippines in 1997,” Action on Poverty spokesman Felix Alvarez tells me, “where a family was selling cups, saucers and any household items they got lay their hands on, right there on the pavement to raise 30 dollars a month to provide dialysis treatment for a family member. 30 dollars is just about what they earned a month from their employment! Back in Gib we managed to raise £5,000 for them to continue with the treatment and of course we don’t have that sort of situation in Gibraltar. But poverty is relative as with many other things and it’s not surprising to hear of families and individuals with nothing in the fridge.”
other hand, much better-off families are living in government housing where all works are done for them so already there, there is a discrepancy. So clearly I think we need a system of means testing to sort out who can afford to pay for their works whilst government could assist in some way, to help out those in real need who may be living in private accommodation.”
Over many years, Felix has been meeting individuals who are seeking help and experiencing problems having a hard time battling against bureaucracy and out-of-date systems which bring to light many injustices. “The thing is there are different colours of poverty - it doesn’t just jump off the page initially. You have old ladies living in private properties who need works done to their homes which cost a lot. On the
We’ve recently heard of changes to the Community Care payments coming on stream, where it’s felt a number of individuals are receiving payments who on retirement are already entitled to ‘fat’ pensions where there isn’t a real need for the extra supplementary payment from Community Care. Some of those resources therefore, can be directed towards those in real need.
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Some of those resources can be directed towards those in real need.
A CIA World Fact Book claims hunger in 21st century Gibraltar is no longer a problem. Over the past 30 years we’ve become self-sufficient with a strong vibrant economy benefitting from an extensive shipping trade and bunkering, offshore banking, gaming and tourism. There’s been plentiful foreign investment, and income from military presence has dwindled to six or seven percent from 60 percent in the mid 80s, so you could say we’re well off. Furthermore it’s claimed we are the 4th or is it 5th richest nation in the world! Although the report GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
life claims ‘hunger’ - for want of a better word - has decreased to near dissolution, poverty here is not a major concerning issue. There seems to be no data for those living below the dreaded ‘poverty line’ on the Rock, but as Felix Alvarez claims, as far as Gibraltar’s concerned not all money struggles at first sight come to the fore and poverty lines vary from country to country.
these days, don’t get much (if anything at all) during the festive season. Nazareth House is up and running still and there are others who visit priests seeking help. “The thing is, poverty in Gib is hidden.” Felix says, “The whole system really needs to change in order to make things more equal. The reality is there are too many on the poverty line being ignored. We look the other way and think of Gibraltar as an idyllic paradise.” The group claims politicians can’t be allowed to dodge these important issues anymore; we’re demonstrating a poor and weak democracy not helped by sections of local media who receive financial support from government and don’t interview hard enough when they should be pushing those politicians further on these subjects that concern and affect us all, OAPs, our families’ children and grandchildren.
We’ve become self-sufficient with a strong vibrant economy.
Despite meetings with the Gibraltar Government not enough is being done to better the lot of those in real need, Action on Poverty says:“We’ve seen same-sex civil partnerships and even marriages legislation successfully being enacted, and now the abortion issue is also being debated, yet nothing on our antiquated Social Security system which has remained very basic and out of date with not much help coming from the department as no details are forthcoming when questions are asked by concerned individuals, so it all needs reforming.” Its true there’s what we might call, ‘serious poverty’ in the third world but it extends to the west also, the United States and the UK included. Action for Poverty has been reaching out to all political parties in the hope more is done to help Gibraltar’s underprivileged who – believe it or not – are out there as the group has been finding out meeting people seeking help. During the annual Three King’s Cavalcade, presents are still distributed to kids who, even GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
Occupation Activist, Felix Alvarez came back to Gib in the late 70s. Whilst in the UK he worked for the London Borough of Lambeth as a Social Worker. Soon after his arrival on the Rock he formed the Gibraltar Gay Rights group rebranded later to become the ERG (Equality Rights Group) encompassing and promoting Human Rights principles and equality for all, setting out to engage local political parties. Not intending to get involved - but as he came across more and more injustices - took the plunge and stood for election with the ILF (Independent Liberal Forum) becoming its Deputy Leader. Next came Action for Poverty and here
they are today campaigning and pushing for a guaranteed dignified living for all, hoping to establish a ‘poverty line’ benchmark no one should fall under by identifying the problems and not allowing politicians to get away with, what is in effect, ignoring these really important issues. We’re seen as a generous and affluent society: excellent at helping others, not just readily assisting local charities but also offering a helping hand financially and in other ways to a number of communities in far away, distant lands. Here, records show the real jobless are low in numbers, there are generous benefits for the community derived from Government coffers too, so perhaps for those in power it may just be a question of digging a little deeper and changing tack with a view to reform systems (as has just been announced regarding Community Care) when it comes to helping those in real need who are genuinely seeking assistance, whether it be financially or materially.
“The thing is, poverty in Gib is hidden.” Yes, ‘Action on Poverty’ may sound a bit drastic in a place like well-off Gibraltar, but there it is. Do we know everything about who’s in serious need behind those closed doors, even in our tiny community? 41
life
A ZOOKEEPERS DIARY Our monthly spotlight on the superstars at the Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park… and their keepers!
top ta e Cottonth ’ o c n e ‘K
BY JESS LEAPER
O
n the 12th of March the Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park took the difficult and relatively early decision to close the park to the public due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Lockdown in Gibraltar was still a week away, but with two cruise ships with over 3000 people due in to Gibraltar and a sunny weekend ahead, it was a risk the park management were not willing to take. The following Monday, all volunteers were asked to stay at home, the Head Keeper was put into 12-week self-isolation due to an underlying health condition and the Manager of the park was exhibiting strongly out of character symptoms
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compliant with COVID-19 and was advised to self-isolate for 10 days. Suddenly the Park was back to just three core Keepers, something the staff hadn’t experienced for many years, having been blessed with the help of some fantastic Volunteers and Interns. Over the following week, further protocols were drawn up to ensure the safety of staff and the animals at the AWCP. Information was flooding in from all directions. BIAZA, the British Zoo Association, sent through regular updates on potential risks to animals in zoos and precautionary measures for staff to take, particularly with primates. This was later extended to include bats and mustelids (in the AWCP’s
marin
case, the otters). The wearing of masks became obligatory in most animal enclosures, as much for the safety of the animals, as for the staff. Gloves are often worn by the Keepers, as long as they are mindful of the need to change between enclosures and wash their hands when the gloves are removed, however, they have now become a must and supplies were already low. Over the weeks of lockdown, the Keepers (and, now healthy, manager) have maintained the park and the care of the animals much as before. The workload is high, with just two staff working each day, but they generally feel privileged to be able to escape the confines of their homes into such a beautiful environment and GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
life ‘Spider-mur’ the Brown lemur
to spend time with the animals. There is slight angst at the task ahead of them and a certain trepidation that with advice regarding symptoms staff levels could easily further reduce. Unlike many businesses, the Wildlife Park cannot just switch off the lights and close the gates, the animals still need to be fed and cared for every day. The AWCP Keepers have strived to keep the routines for the animals as close to normal as possible. With just two keepers on at any time, this is pretty intensive work! Between 9am and 11am, all the animals will be checked, fed and cleaned. “Much of the animal training has ceased for now, for safety reasons, other than for obtaining weights of the animals which is important for the records and to ensure the animals are healthy. Enrichment for the animals to keep them entertained, is as important as ever, if not more so.” Says Nic Campbell, the Primate Keeper and stand-in Senior Keeper.
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But do the animals notice the changes? “I think they do notice the lack of visitors and some animals do miss the interaction with visitors. For some animals, it may not make much difference. Jumbo our Blue and Yellow Macaw is like a feathered toddler, he requires a lot of attention. We find ourselves talking to him throughout the day, just to keep him entertained. The rabbits also seem very affectionate, perhaps they’re missing all the strokes and attention from the public too.” GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
A much needed break for the Keepers and also a time to catch up. The records for the animals are being updated by the AWCP Head Keeper, Steve Bryant, as he ‘very reluctantly’ self-isolates from home. Staff will send over snapshots of the Keeper diary containing all the important updates on the animals. Steve also joins in with the regular full-team video calls which help keep all staff up to speed and also gives the opportunity to get advice or direction when required.
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To help the AWCP during this
time, the Botanic Gardens offered the assistance of some of their staff. Training new staff on the animal care routines at this time would be time consuming for the staff and it would also contradict the social distancing rules, so the Botanic Gardens staff have been helping out in the kitchen area, preparing the food for the animals. This has been a fantastic help for the Keepers, giving them more time to spend with the animals in the park. Alex Iglesias, a full-time gardener, and Albert Gonzales, an Information Technician, have been at the AWCP working for a couple of hours each day, chopping the fresh vegetables and fruits for the animals. Albert even turned up on Good Friday to help out 43
life ‘Djump’ the Common marmoset (left) & ‘Albert Gonzales’ helping out (below).
with the preparations for the long weekend, showing dedication to the task, but also it helps him to cope with the lockdown by providing a change of scene over the long weekend.
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Some of the animals will be fed again after lunch, once the staff have re-fuelled. If all goes well, this is an ideal opportunity for the keepers to work on enrichment and also to get some video footage of the animals ‘doing their thing’. During lockdown, social media has been widely used to bring the zoo to the public - virtually. Many of the Park’s regular visitors are missing the animals and are keen to know how they are getting on. The AWCP has been posting regular updates on the animals and video footage, as well as responding to requests from the public to see their favourite animals and even tour behind the scenes of their enclosures. The response has been amazing. Social media has become the primary communication medium for many during the lockdown, be it keeping in touch with family and friends or for entertainment throughout the long days. Seeing footage of animals going about their business in zoos and in nature provides a positive feel-good factor for people stuck at home during lockdown. Springtime is the peak education season for the AWCP, when the Wildlife Park welcomes Gibraltar’s schools to visit the animals and learn about species and habitats. Sadly, all the bookings had to be cancelled and only a few lucky schools had managed to visit before the lockdown. With the 44
launch of the ‘Habits for Habitats’ campaign at the AWCP last year, the staff were looking forward to teaching the children more about how they can help save habitats and species all over the world, just by changing a few of their daily habits. The AWCP’s Habits for Habitat campaign is more relevant than ever. Manager Jess
Leaper explains: “There are consequences to all our daily habits: what we eat, where it comes from, how it is made, how far did it travel, how was it packaged, how ethical was its production? These are all things we all need to consider if we are to make a difference to the future of the planet. We need to take action now and use this opportunity to create a new normality. The pandemic is not just a human tragedy, far removed from nature, it is integrally related to the natural world and our direct exploitation of habitats and species the world over, much of this is driven by the economy, inequality and poverty. More importance has to be placed on wildlife and nature, for the good of the planet and all the species GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
life
to complete, the days pass all too quickly. At the end of the day, all the animals are checked once again and given their last feed of the day. It’s a calm and quiet time when all the animals are well fed and peaceful and the staff can relax and head off home.
we share it with”. During the lockdown, the AWCP have developed a special ‘Homeschooling’ area on their website, where parents can download activities and worksheets on various subjects related to animals at the park. To access, visit www.awcp/education.gi In order to follow social distancing guidelines, the staff at the AWCP have tried to reduce their hours as much as possible. The routine is made slightly easier with the absence of visitors, but with a plethora of tasks
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The lockdown has taught us that we are resilient and we can cope with changes to our habits. As frustrating as some of these changes may be, many of these alterations have brought about positive changes in nature; the lockdown has given the earth a chance to breathe. Pollution levels the world over are down, wildlife is moving back into deserted villages and towns, animals are enjoying the peace from the relentless hustle and bustle of human life on earth. Perhaps this is the ideal time to think about how we move forwards from here and to use the time we have to assess how we do things and why, and to look at what habits we can change for the better to create a new ‘normal’ that respects and includes. The AWCP is more determined than ever to continue to promote wildlife and the need to save habitats and species, continuing its important role: to provide visitors with a window to conservation projects and wildlife around the world. For more information on the AWCP visit: www.awcp.gi or find us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. 45
‘Mr Pea’ the Peacock and ‘Mahomby & Efatra’ the Lemurs, chillin’.
The lockdown has given the earth a chance to breathe.
life
The Importance of Being
EMOTIONALLY SELF SUFFICIENT
Self sufficiency is a term often used for growing our own food, creating a particular kind of lifestyle. It is promoted as a positive way of life and individuals who live this way have a healthy glow associated with them.
BY KATHLEEN NORTH
E
motional self sufficiency, however, is just as (if not more) important than the above. This is always the case but during these extremely challenging times, even more so. Individuals have an innate ability to feed and sustain themselves emotionally when they are with others. Being able to see, hear and touch them recharges our emotional batteries and can keep us going until the next meeting. Body language must also not be underestimated; those subtle physical signs and nuanced gestures that are totally lost when we are speaking on the phone or by electronically communicating. If we are able to Skype, FaceTime and stay in visual contact with loved ones, why is emotional self sufficiency important? I believe coping, indeed positively 46
navigating through life with this ability is vital. It does not negate how important interaction with other people is, it should be considered another emotional asset in our lives. For those who live alone, developing such skills has become more of a necessity, purely because they have had to fine tune functioning by themselves. This does not make it easier but it certainly means they have had more practice. Sustaining oneself is about the individual. Certain people find it easier than others to create a healthy, balanced world that loves the company of others but can manage, indeed thrive living their lives without always needing to feed off others. We live in a society where social media is a huge part of many people’s lives for some the constant messaging and viewing of images makes
Is this a way to feel included, popular? us feel part of a much bigger community, as well as staying in touch with friends and family. Is this a way to feel included, popular? Self sufficiency is the quality of feeling secure and content with oneself. It allows a person a sense of inner completeness as well as stability. At extreme times ad we are facing now, those with psychological resilience are less likely to be destabilised by traumatic events. Enjoying your own company maybe viewed as a somewhat lonely or that you cope with solitude better than interaction. This is not GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
life necessarily true. Individuals who are emotionally self sufficient can navigate through times in their own because they possess an inner stability. Emotional self sufficiency is essentially the foundation of good mental health. A person can reap happiness from such a basis. It can be challenging to identify our feelings, let alone manage them. Emotional maturity can prove to be very attractive to others someone who can manage their emotions will equip them well regarding relationships. It can also be true that moving on from a relationship is exactly the time self reliance can emerge. This period of time can allow you to embrace your own thoughts and develop positive routines. Loving, committed relationships are a genuinely wonderful part of our lives, however being emotionally totally reliant on another person is not emotionally healthy. Whatever the circumstance where self
reliance can prove beneficial, the ability to recognise and reevaluate situations can only be positive.
aware a person in your life is negatively influencing you - spend less time with them.
Can we change our emotional habits? It is difficult but it certainly can be navigated. It is easy to depend on others to give us validation but we must develop strategies to trust our emotional choices. The more we believe in ourselves, the easier it is to treat ourselves as independent and emotionally confident.
The meaning of self reliance:
Unbeknown to us, people can have a particular affect on how we feel. Often they are not doing it consciously but are impacting on our emotional health by their words and actions. If you are
Not depending on others to validate your choices is liberating.
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You create your own positive feelings.
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You may have several friends, but you see them only when you want to. You appreciate they are there but are equally comfortable on your own.
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It is possible to be happy when you are alone; even when spending significant amounts of time on your own you don’t feel lonely.
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You are able to do anything you want to do.
Not depending on others to validate your choices is liberating. Decisions can start and stop with you. An essential truth is we are all different, with varying speeds, wants and desires. Recognise what works for you. There is no doubt emotional self sufficiency is an essential aspect of wellbeing. It is the quality of feeling secure and content with yourself. This feeling creates a sense of emotional completeness and balance. Trusting and valuing our own instincts is vital as is making decisions. It is essential to recognise that being self sufficient does not mean being a cold, disconnected individual. In fact, possessing an inner emotional confidence allows us to be more altruistic as we are content with ourselves and are happy to focus on others.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
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life
UNIVERSITY? COMPLETED IT Now what?
BY MATT TRIAY
S
o young man, or young woman, “What is it you are going to do now?”. How often do we hear this sort of question, from an auntie, uncle, or your dog. The last thing you want to say is "I don’t know”, or worse yet just bark in response. It is great to have the answer, not only for this situation but for yourself. Direction is everything; knowing where we are heading and why is a comforting feeling whilst uncertainty breeds anxiety. There are the few lucky ones of us who are extremely sure of their purpose in life, whether it means becoming a doctor or an Ed Sheehan lookalike. However, I feel many of us will have a moment, a realisation that if we are lucky to recognise will be indicative of our career path. This lightbulb can turn on at fourteen years old, but it can also take a long while. 48
University is a part of this journey, figuring out where your interests lie. As a Gibraltarian, I and many others were lucky enough to spend 3 years or more working this out for free. There are not many eighteen-year-olds who are in as fortunate a position. There are about a dozen countries that offer free - or close to free – university courses, with Germany topping this list. So, what now? Even after 3 years of university there are many graduates trying to understand their place in the world. One third of your life, or 90,000 hours of your time, will be spent at work. Of course we care, but do we care too much? As a graduate finding work is difficult; it involves a lot of time spent on a computer, sending out emails, a lot of rejections and it also involves a lot of discussion with as many people as possible
There are many graduates trying to understand their place in the world. about their jobs, what their opinions are on different roles and industries, the pros and cons etc. One thing I can confirm is that everyone has an opinion on everything, a second is that all people are different, and a third is you alone will decide what you do and who you become. The first two go hand in hand. Taking advice from people on what to do is can be helpful, but one person may say working in sales is great, the next will tell you it is boring, one person will enjoy the targetbased performance others may GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
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prefer a base salary. Decipher what you think is good or bad about a role, so that you can come to a decision for yourself. Knowing how to play the game is essential. We may not know what we want to do and employers want people who are passionate about the role, the company, and the industry so play the game and #FakeItToMakeIt. Take the pressure off finding your ‘dream’ job immediately after of university. In my experience, circumstances change all the time - statistics show that the average Brit has 6 jobs in their lifetime, millennials are likely to have 12, and people aged between 18-34 only plan to stay in a job for an average of 3 years. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
Think of it as a lily pad: you're a frog moving between jobs. My point being that it may well be the third or fifth job that is the job. Your first role may well teach you more about yourself, about where your career path is leading, and what makes a job enjoyable for you. Factors such as salary, the size of a company, promotion opportunities, teamwork, company holidays to Ibiza igniting business romances, these factors
will be things to think about when progressing through your career. Think of it as a lily pad: you're a frog moving between jobs (lilies) until you reach one that suits you best. As I mentioned before, some people want to become singers or footballers - in that case, a dream job will allow you to pursue these hobbies. Working late nights won’t work if you are playing gigs, working weekends won’t work if you play Sunday league football. I myself want the security to pursue my hobbies in writing and podcasting, and when the call up to BBC comes I’ll make the transition. I’ll be in your ears soon enough! In the meantime, play the game and put on the suit. 49
scene 37 DEGREES NORTH
Apalósbreeze releases new solo album.
Photos © Catherine Nuza
BY ELENA SCIALTIEL
U
nder the pen name of Apalósbreeze, soloist Liana Peklivanas put her lockdown time to good use. She recorded, mastered, polished and released her second album 37 Degrees North, launched just ahead of the Easter break on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon, Deezer, and TikTok.
country and hip hop liberally thrown in.
She is her own producer, as she is a self-taught music engineer. She digitally recorded all instruments and of course her warm, soulful, assertive voice, which is the trait d’union of the ten songs featured, all so diverse in style, mood and tempo. An exquisite sort of poetic pop with jazz, ethnic, rock,
The album is titled after the latitude at which sits Alicante, the city where Liana grew up: “I was born in London, and my family moved to Spain when I was seven. I flew the nest and moved to Gibraltar at the age of twenty.”
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“This album is about the many emotional journeys I’ve faced in my life, coming to terms with my identity, my domestic situation, sleeping in my car, toxic relationships and much more,” the singer songwriter says.
The lyrics come from poems Liana
"It was definitely a cathartic process for me." wrote in the past and deemed suitable for musical arrangement. “A lot of emotions went into this album. I sing about the things that are often hard to talk about. It was definitely a cathartic process for me.” The song “Close My Eyes” carries the most important message in the album: “It’s hard for me to perform it straight to the end GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
scene "It’s hard for me to perform it without crying." without crying. It speaks of domestic abuse and losing one’s will to live as a result.” “Hypothermia” follows up on the subject, telling of a toxic relationship and the subsequent dying of one’s old self, becoming someone they don’t like, in the bid of salvaging that relationship. The title song, “37 Degrees North”, is a nostalgic poetic account of Liana’s upbringing, that she describes as the most important part of her life, and as “growing from a girl to a lady”; “Homesick” recounts her time when she was homeless and only had her car to rest her head; “In My Veins” is inspired by the story of Beauty and the Beast, and it features passionate lyrics; “She Knows” and “Neglected” are about betrayal; and “B*tches” speaks up for feminism. The song “Shalom Hola Geisas Hello” alludes to her mixed heritage and multicultural upbringing, as her mother is a Polish Ashkenazi Jew, and her father a Greek Christian: “Whenever someone asks me ‘Where are you from?’, it is a complicated question to answer for me. Is it about where I was born, where I was raised, or my origins?” Not easy to pinpoint her musical influences either, she admits, but she lists Florence and the Machine, Coldplay, Snow Patrol and other indie/alternative rock GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
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scene "It kept me out of trouble in my teens!" the exposure they so crave”. “I too felt intimidated by social media when I first started, because I would compare my success to others. I lost my vision; I was so consumed by algorithm, likes and follows that I wasn’t focusing on my true passion: Music. “Then I learnt that the focus should be on what we can give, more than what we can gain. If my songs can inspire at least one person to make a positive change in their life or offer the simple comfort that they are not alone, then I have done enough. Of course, I would love to have the opportunity to perform on an international scale but until then, let’s just enjoy it, as it comes!”
It is a complicated question to answer...
and her professional life led her towards a degree: “After winning a writing award through Relatos Juveniles de la Provincia de Alicante, I went onto study at the London School of Journalism.”
artists as her muse. She’s been writing poetry or lyrics and composing from a young age: “I don’t remember a time when I didn’t write, whether music or poems. It’s such a great release, and it kept me out of trouble in my teens!”
Yet, music was always playing in the background like a private life soundtrack: “Music for me is about having a good time listening to it or performing it, and transmitting positivity through it. Music is about being authentic and vulnerable.”
Music steered her through some difficult times, even when life was taking a different direction,
She shares a message of hope with musicians who “feel burnt out because they are not getting
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Meanwhile, she performs live gigs around Gibraltar with Apollo 23, in duet with guitarist and vocalist Yusef Moudden. Liana’s debut album, TwentyThree, is available on the platforms mentioned above: “The title was so chosen because this seems to be a significant number in my life. Whether good or bad, a lot tends to happen to me on this date!” Visit ApalosBreeze.com for more information and Liana’s blog, and listen to her song on linktr.ee/ apalosbreeze. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
Authorised in Gibraltar via EEA rules & regulations
+35 0 200 674 69 • info@ifai.gi • www.ifai.gi
Let your pension stand out!
Pension & Investments Specialist theatre
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
art
WH •
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AT YO U
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NE ED ER A : S ER • SOM E TH ING CO LOU TO R IN (OP WIT TI O H NA L)
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Draw a Llanito doorway in 7 easy steps. BY BEA GARCIA STEP 1
STEP 2
Start by drawing a rectangle which measures 7cm across by 12cm. Draw a dashed horizontal line halfway up the rectangle (6cm up). This is your central horizontal line (CHL).
Draw a vertical line, 1cm in from the top left corner of your door and another 1cm vertical line in from the top right corner. This is where the wall meets our door.
Draw a dashed vertical line down the middle of your rectangle (3.5cm in). This is your central vertical line (CVL).
Draw a horizontal line, 3cm above your CHL touching each of the new lines you have drawn. This will be where the top of your door meets the skylight.
These lines show us the central part of our door.
STEP 3 Let’s draw the skylight. From the horizontal line we have drawn, draw another horizontal line, 2cm above it. Rub off the excess lines. Your door should now be looking something like this. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
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art 0.5cm below the line you have just drawn, draw a 2cm square on the left-hand side of the door leaving a bit of space between the door and the wall. Leave the same amount of space on the other side where it meets the centre of the door. Leaving a 0.5cm space, draw another rectangle below this square, 2cm wide by 3cm down. Leaving another 0.5cm space, draw a final 2cm square below your rectangle. STEP 4 To make the door look 3D, draw a 0.2cm vertical line to the left of the right-hand side door, up to the top of the skylight. Where it meets the skylight, draw a 0.2cm horizontal line parallel to the top edge of your skylight.
Do the same for the other side of the door. Rub off the excess lines.
Let’s make these door panels look 3D!
Draw a horizontal line, 0.3cm below the top of the door. This is the top section of the door where the house number will appear. Draw in the central line of the door which separates the double doors. Now let’s draw in the door panels. 56
For the final touches, we are going to add the lintel. For the lintel: Using your CHL, draw a rectangle above your skylight which is 1cm across by 1.5cm up. From the bottom left corner measure 0.2cm into the centre of your rectangle and then draw a triangle up to the top of the rectangle. Do the same for the bottom right hand corner. The base of your lintel should now be 0.6cm. Rub off any excess lines.
STEP 6
STEP 5
STEP 7
For each panel draw 2 diagonal lines which meet in the middle of each panel. For the square panels, draw another square 0.2cm in from the perimeter of your initial square. For the rectangular panels, draw another rectangle 0.2cm in from the perimeter. Repeat for all panels. Rub off any excess lines.
Draw a line down the middle of your door to separate each of your double doors. Feel free to leave your door as a line drawing or add some colour if you like. For some final touches feel free to add a house number and a door knob. Send in your creations to Sophie at editor@thegibraltarmagazine. com, and you could see your work printed in the magazine! What would you like to learn to draw next? Get in touch – we’d love to hear from you. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
Golden God from Golden Hill, Yn Gymraeg Bron yr Aur, With Jimmy, John and Bonzo you set our souls on fire, O dŷ ger Machynlleth; from your house in that Celtic Land, Shrouded in mist with magical lyrics at your command.
Proud Preening Peacock strutting your stuff across a floodlit stage, Way Down Inside You Need Me to take you from your gilded cage, Your Time is Gonna Come for sure for ever and a day, Dros Fryniau Cymru; Over The Hills And Far Away.
Bare chested minstrel to the gods in Valhalla’s house of holy halls,
ODE TO ROBER T PL ANT
We are gonna dance and sing in celebration to your siren calls, To the song that you sang on Led Zep Three in that promised land, With that delicious dirigible of lead, rock music’s most blessed band.
Mic lead snake charmer with a whole lotta love from Kashmir,
Lead singer and lyricist of Led Zeppelin.
You leave me Dazed and Confused, Thor’s very own balladeer, Your symbol is the Feather of Ma’at, whose sign means cosmic peace, You beautiful curly headed Heartbreaker, may your music never cease.
BY CLAIRE SPENCER Black Country heavy metal merchant with a wild and screaming voice, You’ll never have a Swansong, the rest will have no choice But to follow in your wake as you climb that Stairway to Heaven, For certain the Hammer of the Gods is in your possession.
Jimmy’s magical doubled necked Gibson, John’s room shaking bass, Bonzo’s otherworldly drumming, but You Shook Me, like no one else, Man Mountain Peter Grant and Richard Cole shooting from the hip, Will fly you to the land of the ice and snow for Rock and Roll music’s wildest trip Claire has donated her fee for this article to Charlie Trico's project to help disadvantaged children in Morocco. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
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BOOKISH... Join us for our monthly book club! BY JOEL FRANCIS
S
o, as you’re probably aware, we all now have a lot more free time (except for our editor Sophie, who’s rushed off her feet). If you’re one of those people who are looking for ways to keep yourself busy, then I’d suggest reading. I have created a book club alongside my friend Kim. If you want to join, head over to Neurodiverse Bookworm Recommends on Facebook to find out how to get involved...
If you are interested in getting these books, I recommend Scribd, Audible or the Amazon Kindle App. Now without further ado, here are three books to sink your teeth into this month!
I’LL BE GONE IN THE DARK: ONE WOMAN’S OBSESSIVE SEARCH FOR THE GOLDEN STATE KILLER Michelle McNamara Genre: Murder Mystery/True Crime What’s in the pages? Over ten years, an elusive figure sexually assaulted 50 people and perpetuated ten sadistic murders before he disappeared into the darkness, never to be seen again. He went by many names, East Area Rapist, Original Night Stalker, Visalia Ransacker but none of those were as prolific as the one McNamara coined for him - The Golden State Killer. Becoming consumed by the case, McNamara shares a snapshot of America, and the insurmountable damage one man left behind. Why should you read it? This was the first book that the Bookmarkers Bookclub chose to read, and what a ride it is. McNamara was a master of her craft, going into immense detail into the journey The Golden State Killer took throughout his decade long rampage. Leading us case by case, she builds a picture of the tremendous situation that was in front of law enforcement at the time! This book is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when communities work together to reach a common goal (in this case, solving a cold case) and it almost reads like fiction because it is so unbelievable!
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
WATCHMEN Alan Moore Genre: Fantasy What’s in the pages? In a world where Superheroes are just as human as the rest of us, what stops them from being corrupt... Nothing. Set against a backdrop of 1985 in a reality where Richard Nixon never retired, and Vietnam is the 51st State of the USA. This is a story that isn’t full of squeaky-clean heroes but instead flawed characters trying to deal with the fall out of The Cold War. Why should you read it? If you’ve never read this book, it is one of the best examples of the storytelling intricacies within Graphic Novels. The story sucks you in and keeps you within its walls until the very last frame, the characters, while flawed, are intriguing and multi-faceted. Frankly, we wouldn’t have the Comic or Pop Culture we have today without this masterpiece of a Graphic Novel. It’s a world to lose yourself in, and at over 400 pages, you’ll be lost in it for quite a long while!
A HEAD FULL OF GHOSTS Paul Tremblay Genre: Horror
What’s in the pages? When 14-year-old Majorie starts showing signs of mental illness, the ordinary lives of the Barratts is turned upside down. With doctors unable to help and medical bills looming, they decide to turn to Father Wanderly, who in turn contacts a production team who choose to make a reality television show out of the family’s ordeal “The Possession”. But suddenly, all hell breaks loose, and the stuff of urban legends is created. Why should you read it? What Tremblay is fantastic at is turning the horror trope on its head. Consistently with his work, he approaches well-known concepts (in this case Possession) and gives it a new breath of life with the addition of his criticism of reality television. While not scary in a traditional sense, this book has weight behind it, that is to say: it scared Stephen King. While I love all of Tremblay’s work, A Head Full of Ghosts is my favourite! Haunting, sad and creepy, I can’t recommend this book enough! For more book recommendations follow Joel’s Instagram @neurodiversebookworm.
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PATI’S JOURNEY WITHIN A travel blog with extra flavor.
BY ELENA SCIALTIEL
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travel blog designed to be an insight into the personal journey toward vegetarianism and veganism peppered with exoticism, Pati’s Journey Within has gained popularity since its inception in January - or as it is known nowadays amongst foodies, Veganuary. “The original concept for it was to predominantly be a travel blog,” says forty-something Patrycja Smietana, who relocated to Gibraltar five years ago. “Yet I didn't want to be just another travel blogger out there. My main idea was to share my personal journey, the one around the world and the one within, as well as sharing how passionate I am about and food and cooking.” She claims to be an ‘amateur traveller’, and a ‘hobbyist chef’ and to live by the teaching of Ibn Battuta. “Travelling leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller”, reads her motto in the ‘About’ page of this blog, below a candid shot of the blogger herself 60
perched on a rocky cliff. “We need to try our best and do what makes us happy and help us grow. I wanted to combine my passion for travel and food with my love for sharing stories,” she says, describing it as ‘emotional exhibitionism’. “I’d like to encourage all folks out there to and say that all dreams can come true. There’s a saying: success is when preparation meets opportunity. And I like this saying.” Pati dedicates her articles to ‘people who have dreams’, those who travel ‘respectfully’ and ‘consciously’, hungry for discovery and adventure. “I am a simple girl trying to travel the world within my means and I’d like to share my experience I am planning to provide tips on how to travel affordably, but in style, and still
see and do all the things the world has to offer.” A visitor and a frontier worker at the same time, Pati describes Gibraltar as “a bit odd, but magically odd”. A “land of sea, sun and general awesomeness”, Gibraltar strikes her for its unique airport whose runway can be crossed on foot, for its language and intricate architecture. “I fell in love with Gibraltarians’ passion for life, sense of humour and nononsense ways,” she divulges. Moving to Malta, she landed there with the trained eye to spot “hidden spots you will hardly read about in tourist guides”. So she features Chadwick Lakes, Dingly Cliffs, Buskett Woodlands, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, red sands beach tucked away at the bottom of hundreds of steps, and some nightlife spots for the shrewd locals.
I didn't want to be just another travel blogger.
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leisure "Travelling leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller." to look for inspirations all over.
Any self-respecting travel blog must feature traditional recipes from any country visited, perhaps revisited as an integral part of the off-the-beaten-path tourist experience, so Pati started to experiment with local ingredients, selecting vegetarian options that can easily be upgraded to vegan. “Becoming vegetarian is part of my personal life journey,” she says. Although she isn’t vegan (yet), she cooks vegan as much as she can: “I believe we all should do our best to contribute to the wellness of the world. Reducing meat consumption plays a massive part in it. I am a strong believer that we are on Earth just as visitors, and we need to respect the life and world that has been given to us. I embarked on my ‘no meat’ journey in October 2018 and never looked back.” She’s been cooking since she GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
was a teenager: “My friends say I can literally make anything out of nothing. My food is simple, everyday dishes. All the recipes featured in my blog I cooked myself numerous times.” Pati picks dishes that are nutritious and delicious, as well as easy to prepare, and alongside the method, she explains the health benefits of each ingredient and how they come together in flavour. She plans, tries, tests and photographs each of her creations: “I cook a lot, I always have and I love it. Since stopping eating meat, I’ve become more creative in the kitchen and started
I hope that as my recipe gallery grows, I could inspire others also.” Personally, I took a shine to her ‘spiced veggie and lentils bowl’ because it spells fun in a spoonful, for a hearty lunch on a dull day with the tang of harissa lingering on your tasting buds while you’re curled on the sofa watching the rain fall down in sheets outside, and you need to boost your vitamin, fibre and iron intake. And perhaps you’d like to top up your potassium levels with the ever-popular banana bread, presented in Pati’s vegan twist, rich in walnuts and 61
leisure pecans, for added minerals and polyunsaturated fats. This recipe has the added bonus of using baking soda for leavening, which is a valid alternative to brewer’s
yeast, if you are intolerant to it, or just cannot find it on supermarket shelves, like it is happening in some countries, where people are making the most of lockdown by
baking their homemade bread or pizza! “I have to put on hold the travel blog for the time being,” Pati admits, “given the unprecedented times we find ourselves in right now. So, I am currently focusing on recipes and some inspirational/ well-being posts. I have few past travel stories to tell so I am brushing upon those as well. Once we are free to travel again, I have some exciting plans that I definitely can't wait to share with my readers. Currently, I treat my blog as my second job as I take it quite seriously.” Pati shares her own experience of the lockdown in Malta, where she relocated after a few happy years in Gibraltar: “I arrived in Gibraltar in March 2015 and felt
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leisure "It is upsetting seeing all our future travel plans melt away." at home from day one. If it wasn’t for Brexit, probably I would have never left, yet I had to follow my company when it relocated. Gibraltar holds a big place in my heart, hence I did put a lot of effort and time into my post about the Rock, and I hope I did it justice.” She views and lives the lockdown on a small island as a ‘rollercoaster of emotions’: “As much as we all try to be grateful, for not having
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lost our job and still having food in the fridge, it is upsetting seeing all our future plans melt away, and the unknown of what’s to come can be depressing. I think it is important to face these feelings. I think we must be honest with our emotions: no beating ourselves up for feeling sad and frustrated is the key. It is important to stay close to our families and friends and talk to them as much as possible.”
out of this stronger and more compassionate towards others each other and Mother Nature.” Visit patisjourneywithin.com to ‘find your soul’, visit Gibraltar, Rome, Istanbul and Malta with a fresh pair of eyes, and, why not, taste rigatoni in red pesto with a twist…? Now, that is a tummytantalising tongue twister!
This lockdown made her realise that there is no better time than now to do things one always wanted to do, but also to say things one have always wanted to say and be kind to others: “I hope we will all come
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CONFESSIONS OF A BEAUTY ADDICT Multi-masking! BY ALEX ORFILA
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pending more time at home? There’s never been a better time to indulge in masking. Incorporating masks into your skincare routine is the perfect way to take it to the next level. However, like all things self-care related it can be a somewhat time-consuming activity and not ideal for those on the go. After all, all too often our skincare routine is limited to a few precious minutes in the mornings between breakfast and teeth brushing. That just leaves us with the evening but after the stresses of a long day time has a magical way of quickly evaporating, and before you know it your bed is calling. Once sleepiness takes over the thought of a half hour masking session suddenly sounds like the most laborious of chores (although to me, it would still
sound like pure bliss). Like all things in life, timing is key. Schedule in your masking time, perhaps set a day in the week or weekend (or twice a week if you’re feeling adventurous) which best suits you and try to stick to it. My preferred times for masking are Sundays because that is generally the day when I have least to do and #SelfCareSunday is a great tag on Instagram! I also like to mask on a random night in the week because for a beauty nerd such as myself is a nice distraction from the busy working week.
There’s never been a better time to indulge in masking.
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There are a range of masks to cater to all skin concerns. Whether your skin is dull and lacking a little lustre, parched and in need of a little hydration, or you’re after some serious cleansing to unclog pores. Allow me to introduce you to some masking heroes who can
come to the rescue. All you have to do is: Take a deep breath. Unwind. Mask.
SHEET MASKS Sheet masks have taken the beauty world by storm, perhaps cause they’re so accessible, cost effective and easy to use. You can even find some of them in your local supermarket with prices starting from a couple of pounds. These masks are infused with serums and are perfect for giving skin a hydration boost. Garnier Vitamin C Shot: Garnier has a range of really effective and good value sheet masks. I particularly enjoyed their Vitamin C infused offering. £2.66 Dr. Jart: Korean beauty is a hot trend at the moment and Dr. Jart is at the helm. They have a whole range of skincare products but are best known for their fun and 65
beauty exfoliate the skins top layer whilst beta hydroxyl acid (BHA) penetrate to clear congested pores. A great combination to clear blemishes and to freshen skin.
EXFOLIATING MASKS These are a great option for those who prefer a physical scrub to a peel. Exfoliating masks are great at deeply cleansing skin and washing away dead skin cells. Fresh, Sugar Face Polish: 21g £21
brightly coloured range of rubber sheet masks. Pictured: Bright Lover Rubber Mask £10
Like all things in life, timing is key.
This sugar scrub is packed with plum seed and grape seed oil to hydrate skin, with some added brown sugar – a great natural exfoliator. This product offers a gentle exfoliation and is a great option for those starting out on their masking journey.
HYDRATING MASKS CLAY MASKS Clay masks are perfect for congested skin. Renowned for containing natural properties and for their pore unclogging capabilities, there are few things as deep cleansing as a clay mask. Origin’s Clear Improvement: £22.50 This offering by Origins is packed with pore unclogging goodness. White China clay is said to absorb toxins whilst bamboo charcoal draws out dirt, the perfect recipe for troubled skin. 66
Peeling masks are great for reviving dull looking skin as they slough away dead skin cells to reveal a smooth and radiant glow. However as is the case with all acid-based skincare, tread with caution, always start gradually and wear a high factor SPF when you next go outside.
Deep hydration masks are to dry skin what a pint of cool water is to an exhausted athlete who has just run a marathon. Thirst quenching, invigorating and refreshing. They lend themselves best to days spent at home as the majority of these tend to be overnight masks. The reason for this being that they are usually quite thick and heavy so it’s best to leave them on all day if you’re staying in or just before bed to absorb overnight.
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution: £6.30
Summer Fridays: Jet Lag Mask 28g £22.50
This potent mask by The Ordinary is a 10 minutes exfoliating mask. Alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA)
This brand has acquired cult status in the beauty world. This cool blue tube has been
PEELS
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beauty out there are cleansing devices such as electric brushes. Now technology has stepped up to enhance masking too. Meet the Foreo UFO mini (pictured), which works by emitting LED lights which target a range of skin concerns. Red light is renowned for being collagen stimulating, blue light is bacteria battling whilst purple light is said to be anti-inflammatory and radiance boosting. The Foreo UFO also releases T-Sonic waves to relax facial tension and enhance the absorbing of the mask’s essence.
photographed by thousands of bloggers throughout Instagram but there’s definitely more to this mask than cool packaging. Espa Overnight Hydration Therapy: £37 An absolute life saver when it comes to dehydrated skin. This thick mask is beauty sleep in a jar – it nourishes your skin whilst you sleep and you will most definitely see the difference in the morning. Calm and wellbeing is at the heart of this brand and it is no surprise that this product has a heady lavender scent that will send you off to sleep in no time.
MASK TECHNOLOGY Beauty tools are a new and exciting way in which technology and beauty are coming together. The most notable beauty devices
All you have to do is attach a sheet mask disc to the device, which links up to your phone. You then select which mask you are using and the device will start the masking routine. You then navigate it across your face and voila, you have just given yourself a fabulous 90-second facial. Foreo UFO Mini: £159 Glow Addict- UFO Activated Mask (pack of 6): £19.99 Call it a Night - UFO Activated Mask (pack of 6): £9.99
This thick mask is beauty sleep in a jar. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
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travel
HOW TO TRAVEL
(Without leaving your home.) BY PENELOPE BIELCKUS (AKA THE FLYAWAY GIRL)
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hat if you could indulge your travelloving self... even while at home? Whether during lockdown or otherwise, there are so many ways to still see the world without leaving your house. From virtual tours of museums around the world to digital hikes in National Parks, from reading travel books and memoirs to learning a new language or watching travel videos or TV shows and films - there are so many ways to pique your travel interest from your couch!
TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR Since we can’t travel to go visit these places normally, many
organisations and destinations have set up ways for us to digitally visit! The Google Arts & Culture project also enables virtual access to more than 2,500 art spaces from around the world (artsandculture.google.com). They also have an app for iOS and Android so you can virtually explore these places on your phone. There are so many places that you can find on Google Arts & Culture, including but not limited to:
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Natural History Museum, London, UK
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Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York, US
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Museo Arqueológico Nacional, Madrid, Spain
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Colosseum, Rome, Italy
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George Peabody Library, Baltimore, USA
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The Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow, Russia
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Palace of Versailles, France
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Sydney Opera House, Australia
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Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Central Park, New York City, USA
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Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto, Japan 69
travel Park, California, USA (virtualyosemite.org) •
Buckingham Palace, London (royal.uk/virtualtours-buckingham-palace)
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Great Wall of China (thechinaguide. com/destination/ great-wall-of-china)
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Jerusalem and Bethlehem, Israel (p4panorama.com/ panos/HOLYLAND/)
You can also go on some digital hikes, including to Mount Everest (http://www.everest3d.de). Many of the USA’s National Parks can be found as virtual tours on Google Earth, including Arches National Park, Badlands National Park, Death Valley National Park and the Dry Tortugas National Park.
You can also visit some places that are also very tricky to visit in real life, even when travel IS possible. For example, take a virtual tour of the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus or the archeological treasure of Palmyra, both located in Syria. You can also take a virtual tour of other tricky to visit places, such as historically important places in Iraq and Afghanistan. You are also able to take a virtual tour inside the Hubble Control Centre and go on a 360-degree journey through the Orion Nebula!
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Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, Washington DC, USA (airandspace.si.edu)
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Vatican Museums, Vatican City (museivaticani.va/ content/museivaticani/ en/collezioni/musei/tourvirtuali-elenco.html)
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NASA Glenn Research Centre, Ohio, USA (nasa. gov/glennvirtualtours)
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Taj Mahal, Agra, India (tajmahal.net/newtaj)
Here are some other examples of museums, gardens and more that you can explore virtually:
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Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA (nps.gov/yell/learn/ photosmultimedia/ virtualtours.htm)
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The Louvre, Paris, France (louvre.fr/en/ visites-en-ligne)
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Yosemite National
Another amazing option is the virtual tour using 360-degree photos of Machu Picchu, Peru’s most famous national wonder! This is available on the You Visit website, which also offers virtual tours of other destinations, including New York City by helicopter, Rome, Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Ayutthaya Historic Temples in Thailand to name just a few (www.youvisit.com/travel). Some of the best websites, aside from Google Arts & Culture, for viewing 360 photos and going on virtual tours, include AirPano. com (there’s a spectacular one of the Northern Lights in Iceland), 360cities.net, and Xplorit.com. Many zoos and aquariums, as well as beautiful destinations such as Hvar Island in Croatia, are offering 24/7 live streams! These are perfect for having a relaxing GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
travel view of a beautiful beach or the enjoyment of observing some adorable pandas. Webcamtaxi (webcamtaxi.com/en/croatia/ split-dalmatia/hvar-seafront.html) is a great website for beautiful live views of destinations such as Hvar, Split and Bol in Croatia, as well as others around the world like Surat Thani in Thailand, Times Square in NYC or Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo. The Georgia Aquarium (georgiaaquarium.org/webcam/ african-penguin-cam) offers a live stream of their aquarium, including ones of the California sea lions, sea otters and Beluga whales. The penguins and the puffins were definitely my favourites! Houston Zoo (houstonzoo.org/explore/ webcams) also has live feeds of many of their enclosures, including the Gorilla Habitat and Elephant Yard. Zoo Atlanta also has a live ‘Panda Cam’ as well (zooatlanta.org/panda-cam). Explore.org has lots of live streams, including ones of the Aurora Borealis in Manitoba, Canada, the beach of Waimea Bay in Oahu, Hawaii, pandas at the Shenshuping Gengda Panda Centre in Sichuan, China and lots more!
HAVE FUN WITH GEOGRAPHY GAMES This is a great way of learning and brushing up on some geography knowledge! If you have kids, this is an awesome way of getting them interested in geography and, if you’re older, a great way of just brushing up on your knowledge. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
Sporcle, Seterra, GeoQuizzes and PlayGeography are good options for a variety of geography quizzes, including European countries,
capital cities, US states and lots more. GeoGuessr is a website where 71
travel Morocco) •
Lands of Lost Borders by Kate Harris (memoir set on the Silk Road).
Some great travel movies include The White Maasai (set in Kenya), The Motorcycle Diaries (based on Che Guevara’s road trip across Latin America) and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (set in India). You can also watch travel TV shows on Netflix (and use the Chrome extension ‘Netflix Party’ to watch the shows with friends or family, and chat about the show in real-time!). Some of the best travel shows include Dark Tourist, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, Conan Without Borders and Our Planet. you get dropped in a random spot on Google Street View. This could be in a city, on a road in the countryside or even at the location of a famous landmark. The free version is quite limited, but the paid version ($1.99 a month) has lots of options, including ones on Famous Places, “Where’s That McDonald’s” and more. You can also create your own map with specific locations for others to play!
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN A DESTINATION Travel books, movies and TV shows are a great way of immersing yourself in a destination. You can also enjoy travel vlogs on Youtube for free and experience tours of cities and lots more. 72
You can read a travel novel to experience fiction based in real-life places or you can enjoy a travel memoir and learn about the author’s experiences and their journey. Some great travel books include:
YouTube also has some episodes of many of Michael Palin’s shows, such as Michael Palin in North Korea, Around the World in 80 Days, Sahara, and Himalaya. You can also find many episodes of Simon Reeve’s shows, including Pilgrimage with Simon Reeve, The Americas with Simon Reeve and many, many more.
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Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts (fiction set in Mumbai, India)
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World Walk by Steven Newman (memoir set across 22 countries)
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In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson (memoir set in Australia)
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Wild by Cheryl Strayed (memoir where she walks the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mexican to Canadian borders)
LEARN A NEW TRAVEL-RELATED SKILL
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My 1001 Nights by Alice Morrison (memoir set in
It’s not quite travelling, but you can still learn a language
YouTube is also a great place for watching travel vlogs. Some of my favourite creators including PsychoTraveller, Eva zu Beck, Migrationology, SandyMakesSense and Abroad in Japan.
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travel and prepare yourself for future travels! Some of the best language-learning apps are Busuu, Duolingo, Drops, Mondly, and Lingvist. They have so many language options including the more popular French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Dutch and less ‘classic’ options such as Afrikaans, Lithuanian, Bengali, Swahili and Hawaiian. [Ed: A local option is to sign up for classes with the Little English language school. English, Spanish, and French for all ages and levels from the comfort of your own home! (littleenglish.eu/ virtualclassroom)] You can also combine your language learning by watching TV shows or films in your target language, with subtitles either in English or the target language, depending on how advanced you are! Another option for learning a new skill is Airbnb Experiences. Airbnb has launched the new ‘Online Experiences’ option, which include unique activities you can enjoy online. It’s a great way for people in the tourism industry to still make some money, since many have lost a huge amount of their income over the past few weeks or months. Airbnb Online Experiences include meditation with a Japanese Buddhist monk (from £8pp per hour), Making homemade pasta with Opera in the Kitchen (from £23 per person), Cooking with a Moroccan family (from £11 per person), Making Swedish pastries with a professional Swedish baker (from £8 per person) and even an Irish Dance Masterclass with a professional Irish dancer in Galway (from £9 per person). GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
Another great resource for classes and courses is Skillshare (which is currently offering two months free). Workshops like Travel Sketchbook Illustration with professional illustrator Mike Lowery are perfect for getting creative and learning a new skill while at home. Udemy is another course website, with options including travel writing classes, travel journaling, and painting landscapes in watercolour.
A particularly great option if you have children is to try arts and crafts from different cultures and countries around the world. For example, you could learn how to make Japanese origami, Aboriginal Dot Painting from Australia or a Native American rain stick. The website ‘FreeKidsCrafts’ has a variety of tutorials on how to do these projects with kids, as does ‘KinderArt’. YouTube is, again, another great resource for tutorials (especially for origami).
GET CREATIVE!
Traditional arts and crafts are also great for adults, including origami, Chinese or Japanese calligraphy, or even some Cinco de Mayo crafts such as papel picado, piñatas, fiesta flowers or a Frida Kahlo-inspired floral headband.
There are so many ways to get creative and feel like you’re travelling, even while at home. Learning to create a tasty dish from a country you’ve been to (or even one you haven’t) is a great way of ‘travelling without leaving home’. My favourite international dishes to make include chilaquiles (Mexico), baleadas (Honduras), Rösti (Switzerland) and the classic Spanish revuelto con chorizo. You can also go through your previous adventures and create a travel scrapbook or photo album with images and souvenirs (such as boarding passes or attraction tickets).
There are so many ways to travel the world without leaving your house, whether it’s by getting creative and tasting the world (easily one of my personal favourites), getting immersed in a TV show or film about a destination, or simply by watching some awesome live feeds from places around the world. Where will you (virtually) travel to next? 73
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NETFLIX AND CHILL BY MATT TRIAY
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etflix over a short period of time, in my opinion, has become a ubiquitous feature of life, much in the same way N’golo Kante is on a football pitch. I can’t really remember not having Netflix; it slotted into my life rather subtly whilst also being incredibly hard to ignore, their rise coining the common phrase ‘Netflix and Chill’. You don’t hear your partner saying ‘Prime time babe?’ – having said that I do enjoy verb-ing nouns on the odd occasion, ‘Beer me, please’. The TV giants went from 21.5 million subscribers in 2011 to a whopping 158 million in 2019. Founded in 1997 originally making their bread on dvd rentals via mail delivery, it was not until 2010 that they started their streaming service alongside their dvd rental business, Lilyhammer was the first ever series on the site. Since 2012 Netflix can best be described as distributers and producers with their Netflix Originals coming to life and by 2016 Netflix were in 160 countries. So it is safe to say that Netflix over the last decade have become
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a pretty big deal. Yet there is something I came across that surprised me, and this is the 12.4 billion dollars in long term debt and 20 billion in short and long term debt. This number made it to numerous headlines, however the co-founder Reed Hastings argues that the actual number is way less whilst further explaining the reason behind the debt. He mentions Disney, who are in and around the 50 billion mark in terms of debt, both businesses take money from bond sales to investors to make new content. The reason they continue to take more money out is because the model of their business suggests movies and series made now will pay off their debts over time, in 10-15 years the Netflix Originals of today will cover these loans. Reed Hastings “expects to be free cash flow negative for many years” and will continue to use money to produce Netflix content in confidence. Interesting stuff!
MY THOUGHTS ORIGINALLY… Series have become more popular than film, a series requires a
serious investment of ones time and with the accessibility of Netflix any time, anywhere, any device (ATAWAD) it is easy to invest this time, how does this affect the culture of watching TV? More on this later. My initial thought regarding Netflix was how much I began using it to feed an emotion I desired. I began to care less and less about the actors, the directors or writers. Netflix makes it so easy; I do less of what I used to do, which is spend time researching a film, the people who made it etc. before I indulge. Accessibility of series allows for binge watching of series, many of which are short with a lot happening in an episode; the story unravels quickly which is satisfying. However the culmination of a story is left until the final episode, possibly even the final 20 minutes of the last episode of series 15 and so one keeps on watching until they get there (which for me makes it all the more anti-climatic) it is highly addictive. I prefer films – ‘Netflix has plenty of films’ – true but they are they not the movies I want to watch, they are what’s ‘in’ anyways this is not my focus. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
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That sounds like addiction to me. play), 21 in-depth interviews with young adults (aged 21-33) entitled “Understanding merging adults’ consumption of TV series in the digital age”. The study had two main findings: a lack of structure to watching TV had negative effects such as binge watching and many felt this was an uncontrollable addiction. Secondly a loss of social interaction; due to the nature of consumption, people have their own TV schedule which takes away the social aspect of discussing as series. This paper suggests Netflix could create specific platforms only accessible for the episodes that users have already watched, maybe a chatroom. The radio times called Netflix an addiction, and can have negative aspects on health, being glued to the sofa and all, late nights, lack of sleep and even avoiding responsibilities. That sounds like addiction to me. SO, WHY DO WE LOVE NETFLIX? Well a first mention must be the money spent, for a very small fee you have access to a whole host of movies and television series. For a family to sit in front of the telly and enjoy quality time together is great and can really bring them closer. The creatives see the positives too. With scheduled TV there are adverts and time slots so shows are made for specific time frames; Netflix stories can unravel more organically as they don’t follow these rules. Adverts also have a say in how the show is made, GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
with Netflix there is no need to appease the advertisers to fund content. Netflix has allowed for some really cool shows to surface, they have belief in ideas and the creatives that come to them so that is great for the industry too.
ADDICTION? The average time of people watching TV in America is 5 hours – what do you call that, normal? I found an interesting study in the Journal of Business Research (can not believe my research skills from Uni are coming into
So I guess Netflix is like many other platforms of today; accessibility seems to be the common theme. It is easy to turn to your phone and Instagram, to smash 3 hours on the PlayStation, and like everything else it is up to you to control yourself. Things will continue to become more accessible, so being able to control addictions and managing your time will only get more difficult. Will watching TV develop into a more social event like it once was, or will it continue to become more personalised? This is my wonder.
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MY LOVE LIFE AND OTHER FAILURES
These are recollections of a good friend after our second bottle of Chianti. Names and places have been changed. He was delighted I would be writing about them!
BY ANDREW LICUDI DIPWSET I Disappoint My First Woman…
B
y all accounts I was born on the hottest day that year. It was a leap year. It had started off well enough; a dazzling summer sun surrounded by an intensely blue sky which would have lightened my mother’s mood had it not been for the thunderous clouds on the horizon threatening to extinguish all that was joyful and glorious that morning. When Annie Duncan, village midwife and old maid drove into our gravel driveway, vicious droplets of rain were already battering her shiny, black Austin. My father Ian, who had been waiting nervously under the porch, jumped down opening
the passenger door grabbing the heavy bag of surgical instruments, scrambling after the midwife who had run ahead holding a folded newspaper over her head.
She desperately wanted a girl. That was sixty years ago to the day. My mother never forgave me.
It seems my mother Sarah, after interminable screaming, sweating, grunting, and matter-of-fact instructions from Annie, evicted me from my warm haven like a reluctant tenant from a beloved pied-á-terre. Annie Duncan, holding me up and with a rare smile on her face exclaimed she had never seen a newborn with such large testicles.
A Girl I Never Meet Ends Up Hating Me
Her husband, it seems, rarely washes, smells like their cow and is prone to violent moods.
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“It’s a miracle!” added Annie cackling.
My mother, wide-eyed, started to sob unconsolably refusing to hold me in that first hug of motherly-love.
When Jakub rattles my letterbox this morning, we both know I won’t open the door and ask him in for a cup of tea. He, more than me, would feel awkward and tongue-tied having looked through his pile of letters and padded envelopes looking for a non-existent birthday card. I quickly place my ear against the cold door waiting for Jakub’s footsteps to recede into the distance, only then do I relax bending down to pick the lone manila-envelope on the shabby lino of my tiny hallway. Over numerous cups of PG Tips I have come to know Jakub well. He is a strong, well-built, young man with grey eyes and a friendly GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
leisure disposition. He comes from a far-flung village in Poland. In Jakub’s world everything is simple being either black or white. For him there’s only up or down. True or false. Sweet or sour. Women, as far as he’s concerned, are either beautiful or ugly. People unequivocally honest or to be avoided like the plague. In his opinion I should not be living on my own. Full stop. Jakub regularly tells me about his cousin Basha, a beautiful and unmarried woman in his native village who would make a fine wife for me. Jakub has already discussed the matter with Basha who seems excited at the prospect of a new life. Untruthfully, I tell him I will think about it. Several months later, Jakub, with an apologetic note in his voice, informs me that Basha, tired of my indecisiveness has accepted a marriage proposal from a widower in the next village. Jakub, finishing his tea quicker than usual, hurries to the door where he gives me a short hug of commiseration before scuttling off to continue his rounds.
I hear Jakub outside I open my door and ask him in for his usual tea which he quickly accepts. After a sip or two, he tells me things are not going well for Basha who is desperately unhappy. Her husband, it seems, rarely washes, smells like their cow and is prone to violent moods when he drinks. He is lazy and mean and there is rarely enough food or logs in the house to keep her warm. Jakub cheerfully tells me Basha blames me for her unfortunate state of affairs and now refers to me as the ‘pryc’ which Jakub assures me is not what it sounds like.
Louise Leaves Me for a Dog Handler Jakub knows I have been married twice. First to nervous Louise, plump with a pretty face, and then Sylvia, tall, impossibly beautiful and an endearing and delightful lack of self-esteem. In total I was married for twelve years and three months. Both marriages were childless.
Unashamedly they stare at Sylvia crying over her spaghetti .
P.S. The following morning Jakub brings me a rather expensive bottle of Krug champagne which he hopes will help me get over my disappointment. He tells me he bought it at the pub from a fellow he knows. I am of course delighted and determine to keep it for a special occasion. Its late February and unusually cold for the time of year. When GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
Louise, left me for an RAF doghandler called Brian. A typed, apologetic note, explained she no longer loved me and that Brian had opened her eyes making her feel wanted, special, imbuing her with a sense of self-confidence she had never known. She tells me it’s best if I don’t contact her ever again and hopes I will find happiness soon. Her solicitor will be in touch regarding our small, heavilymortgaged house. When I go into our bedroom I am
hit by the gaping hole of Louise’s empty wardrobe, its doors open, wire coat-hangers dangling listlessly on their wooden rail. Closing the doors, the smell of her perfume wafts into my face which to my surprise makes me feel sad and liberated at the same time - a feeling Jakub would find very baffling. Louise has taken her favourite pillows making our bed look strangely lopsided and unwelcoming. The prospect of sleeping alone irritates me thinking how cosy Louise and Brian will be feeling tonight. I hope Brian is a heavy snorer. With that happy thought playing out in my head I get my coat and amble slowly towards the Angry Friar. There I will have a pint of export and a packet of crisps and take stock of my life. P.S. Thankfully Louise has not taken my precious bottle of 1989 Krug Champagne.
Noisy Testicles and Spaghetti Carbonara Sylvia, my beautiful second wife, whilst we dined on good carbonara made with pig’s cheeks on a romantic weekend in Rome, starting sobbing uncontrollably to the delight of the Italians around us. Italians, who have no sense of humour which requires planning and structure, are masters when it comes to drama. Skilfully they imbue even the mundane with a deep sense of the theatre. Unashamedly they stare at Sylvia crying over her spaghetti and leaning their heads closer together, wonder loud enough for everyone to hear if her mother has died or the waiter 77
leisure sprinkled too much Pecorino and not enough Parmesano in her spaghetti. With each possibility they wave their forks and knives as if conducting a Verdi operetta. When we get back to our hotel, the Splendide Royal, in the Via Veneto, Sylvia, after much persuasion, finally confesses that she has been very confused and that perhaps she doesn’t like men as much as she thought. Lately she has been finding the size of my testicles very off-putting. It’s the slapping sound she’s been finding particularly unsavoury. Sobbing, she admits it’s been years since she has enjoyed being intimate with me and has started to feel very attracted to a female colleague.
Two of a Kind Today I am sixty-three and I haven’t seen Jakub since I was forced to move into a tiny flat in another part of the town. An ominous sense of tranquillity has descended on me like a thick blanket – warm and suffocating. Wondering if this is the start of old age I hurry to the mirror. My hair, which I dye once a fortnight, has receded dramatically. My teeth are yellowing. My upper body flabby. My stomach, supported by implausibly skinny legs, sticks out after a lifetime of gorging on cheap wine and takeaway food.
With a heavy heart I Google “When is one old?”.
Years later, Jennifer, a friend of Sylvia’s whom I met by chance in one of the coffee shops springing up like measles around the town, told me it was the sight of carbonara sauce on my lips and a morsel of pig’s cheek visibly stuck to my teeth that had sent my ex-wife finally over the edge. It appears that Sylvia, more beautiful than ever, recovered her interest in men with a vengeance and embarked on a series of intense, amorous liaisons - her self- esteem having miraculously sprouted after she left me.
With a heavy heart I Google “When is one old?”. The search engine tells me I have two years of relative youth left. This cheers me up no end and soon, over baked beans and brown sauce, I make a list of things to do before it’s too late.
After visiting the dentist my teeth are sparkling white. A few weeks at the gym and my upper body shows the beginning of muscular development, my stomach is slowly getting smaller. My haircut is expensive and according to Lorraine, my flashy new hairdresser, grey makes me look successful and distinguished. I have bought an iPhone and started to delve into the baffling world of online dating. Tomorrow I am dining with an attractive woman by the name of Diana I met on a new-fangled dating-site called ‘Masquerade’. She seems coy, eager to please and lists her hobbies as: lingerie, make-up and high heels. Not wanting to trip over the same stone I send her a nude photo fully expecting never to hear from her again. She replies immediately suggesting we meet this very weekend. P.S. I immediately bring out my precious champagne and give it a good dusting. I place it in my tiny fridge all the time wondering if Diana will be keen on vintage Krug.
P.S. I had taken my precious bottle of Krug 89 all the way to Rome fully anticipating Sylvia and I would be would be drinking this elixir on one of the king-size beds of the Splendide Royal. It would have to wait for another occasion. 78
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
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fashion
WHAT TO WEAR: WORKING FROM HOME It’s all too tempting to slip into a pair of pyjamas (or never slip out of them) when working from home, but could your productivity and mental health be taking a hit as a result? BY JULIA COELHO
I
t’s safe to say that 2020 hasn’t brought us quite what we expected so far. We’ve all spent the greater part of two months indoors, with kitchen tables and makeshift desks becoming our new workspaces. Even if you’ve been one of the few physically going to work, or if you’ve unfortunately not had any work to be getting on with at all, we’ve all been spending a great deal more time within the confines of our homes, with a newfound freedom in what we’re able to wear. It’s almost impossible not to get yourself into a bit of a rut when you can just pick your laptop up off the floor next to your bed and get on with your day with no shift in mindset or real preparation. The lack of rules when it comes to our wardrobes can result in a serious decline in productivity, whether it’s workrelated or not. When I lived in London and worked from home for a year, I went through a phase where I was rolling out of bed and working from the sofa in my pyjamas. It 80
seemed like the ideal setup at first, but slowly I started to spiral into other bad habits, and I felt it taking a real hit on my mental health and general wellbeing. The temptation to stay in your pj’s all day is as strong as it’s ever been recently, but I’m a strong advocate for making that very important physical and mental separation between work/productivity and downtime. Whether you choose to designate an allocated space in your house to only work, or begrudgingly change into new clothes every morning, both will undoubtedly help restore a sense of structure and normalcy to your day, as well as help with any recently brewing anxieties.
BELOW: CROPPED MONO PRINT T-SHIRT, ASOS 4505, £14.00
I'm the kind of person who can't work productively if I'm GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
fashion distracted by even a little bit of discomfort; be it an itchy fabric, ubertight trousers, or a suffocating neckline. For instance, jeans are personally out of the question for me; I just can’t focus and sit comfortably in them. You want clothes that are comfy enough for the house but smart enough that you wouldn’t silently panic if a
Slowly I started to spiral into other bad habits. colleague or friend asked for an impromptu video call. It’s not like you need to wear a two-piece suit and heels, but pyjamas aren’t the only comfortable option you can turn to, and you’ll find it can actually be quite fun and uplifting to give some other pieces in your wardrobe some attention. First up though, the long-awaited wardrobe clear-out. Now’s a good time to really delve into the depths of your wardrobe and evaluate what you have in there, from the abandoned archaic GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
TOP LEFT: CLASSIC GREY 90S OVERSIZED JOGGERS, TOPSHOP, £25.00 TOP RIGHT: TRACKSUIT SWEAT BASIC JOGGER WITH CONTRAST BINDING IN ORGANIC COTTON, ASOS DESIGN, £32.00
pieces picking up dust, to new purchases you haven’t yet had the opportunity to wear. It’s time to Mari Kondo it and whittle it all down to throw/donate/keep piles. A decluttered wardrobe equals a decluttered mind! Side note - it’s also a great time to clean all your shoes; I know mine definitely need some attention.
LOUNGEWEAR For an outfit that promises a pyjama-equivalent level of cosiness while still looking the part, it's all about loungewear and ‘athleisure’. A good old trackie presents us with functionality and comfort in equal measures, and luckily, picking out some homeappropriate pieces within this sartorial genre has been made much easier over the past few seasons thanks to a major shift and rise in popularity within the 81
fashion LEFT: OVERSIZED LINEN SHIRT, ZULU ZEPHYR, £97.00 BELOW: FUTURE DIAMANTE CROSS STRAP SLIDERS IN CLEAR, ASOS DESIGN, £12.00 BOTTOM: CROPPED DRAWSTRING TROUSERS, ASOS DESIGN, £20.00
You want clothes comfy enough for the house but smart enough that you wouldn’t panic if a colleague video called. 82
loungewear market. Gym gear is great to wear around the house, not only because it’s comfortable, but also because it’s more likely to result in you doing some form of physical activity. I’m much more likely to flick on a YouTube workout video or take my dog out for a walk if I’m in my leggings and tank top.
COMFY SEPARATES Drawstring loose trousers and flowy linen shirts have been my vibe these days. Not only do they make me feel like I’m about to head off to a chilled beachside
spot (a girl can dream right?), but they’re also insanely comfortable, and easy to pair with a fitted tee, chunky cardigan and snug slides. If you’re feeling extra cute, go for a matching set.
KNITWEAR Cardigans and jumpers are still in the uber-comfy category but somehow makes you feel much more put together than a standard GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
fashion
TOP LEFT: CROPPED CARDIGAN, & OTHER STORIES, £65.00 TOP RIGHT: CHUNKY RIB BELTED CARDIGAN, ASOS DESIGN, £35.00 BOTTOM LEFT: GREY MARL STRIPED SUPER CROP BRUSHED JUMPER, TOPSHOP, £29.00 BOTTOM RIGHT: FEMME RIBBED JUMPER WITH BALLOON SLEEVE, SELECTED, £45.00
sweatshirt or hoodie. One of my favourite combos right now is a pair of leggings, a comfy tee and one of my old vintage grandad jumpers or cardigans. On a side note, colour palette is also important to consider; bright colours have an innate ability to really lift our mood without us even realising it. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
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fashion
TOP: KHAKI UTILITY BOILER SUIT, TOPSHOP, £59.00 LEFT: BELTED LUXE JERSEY MIDI DRESS, GLAMOROUS, £38.00
A decluttered wardrobe equals a decluttered mind!
DRESSES & JUMPSUITS Jersey or knit dresses and elasticated jumpsuits or boilersuits have become a bit of a go-to recently when I’m feeling in a bit more of a treat-yourself mood; they’re easy to throw on, and as we’re not out in Chatham, the panic that sets in when the inevitable toilet situation arises is no longer in the equation. It’s the smallest of changes that
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
TOP LEFT:LOUNGE TIE WAIST JUMPSUIT IN ANIMAL PRINT, ASOS DESIGN, £38.00 TOP RIGHT: TAUPE PLAITED CREW NECK KITTED DRESS, TOPSHOP, £35.00 BOTTOM RIGHT: LOUNGE MIX & MATCH SUPERSOFT JUMPSUIT, ASOS CURVE, £28.00
can sometimes have the biggest impact on us. Consider embarking on the cleansing process that is a wardrobe clear out; take the opportunity to donate some of your old clothes to charities, while finding some comfy gems you can both laze about and work in!
Recipe by The Gibraltar Vegan - instagram.com/thegibraltarvegan
CINCO DE MAYO MEXICAN FALAFEL STUFFED PEPPERS Falafels are not traditionally from Mexico but if you swap the chickpeas for black beans and the cumin for a gentle hint of chilli and coriander you have yourself a new dish to stuff your pitta, tortilla wrap, taco or of course your pepper with. I like to add some dried fruits and mixed seeds into the falafel because I love the combination of sweet with the heat of the chilli.
•
2 tbsp plain flour
•
2 tbsp olive oil
•
2 large yellow peppers
•
25g dried fruits
INGREDIENTS
•
15g mixed seeds
•
400g black beans
•
1 red onion diced
METHOD
•
3 garlic cloves diced
•
½ tsp dried chilli flakes
•
2 tbsp diced fresh coriander
1. Place the black beans, onion, garlic, chilli flakes, coriander, flour and oil into a blender and mix.
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2. Scoop the ingredients out of the blender and stir in the dried fruit and seeds. 3. Remove the core from the pepper and stuff it with the falafel mix. 4. Cover with tin foil and put in the oven at 180 degrees for 20 minutes. 5. Remove the tin foil and bake for another 10 minutes. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
Recipe by The Gibraltar Vegan - instagram.com/thegibraltarvegan
MINTY POMEGRANATE SALSA
Light and refreshing this salsa is perfect with any main dish or with any salad and of course just simply by itself. INGREDIENTS: •
16 cherry tomatoes
•
•
1 pinch salt and pepper
3. Take the seeds from the pomegranate and add to the bowl.
3 inches cucumber
METHOD:
4. Either with a blender or with
•
1 echalion shallot
a knife finely chop the fresh mint
•
1 medium sized pomegranate
1. Scoop out the seeds of the cherry tomatoes and chop finely.
•
1tbsp fresh mint (dried mint will do but use twice the amount)
2. Chop the cucumber and shallot, place into a bowl with the cherry tomatoes.
5. Season with a little salt and
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
and add to the bowl.
pepper. 87
information EMERGENCY SERVICES EMERGENCY CALLS ONLY: ALL EMERGENCIES................................. 112 FIRE...............................................................190 AMBULANCE.............................................190 POLICE.................................................................199
NON-URGENT CALLS: Ambulance Station 200 75728 Business Information Financial Serv. Commission Tel: 200 40283/4 Chamber of Commerce Tel: 200 78376 Federation Small Business Tel: 200 47722 Company Registry.Tel: 200 78193 Useful Numbers Airport (general info.) . Tel: 200 12345 Hospital, St Bernards. . Tel: 200 79700 Weather information. . Tel: 5-3416 Frontier Queue Update Tel: 200 42777
The Gibraltar Magazine is published and produced by Rock Publishing Ltd, Gibraltar. Tel: (+350) 200 77748
Gibraltar Museum Tel: 200 74289 18/20 Bomb House Lane 10am-6pm (Sat 10am-2pm). Admission: Adults £2/Children under 12 - £1. Exhibitions also at Casemates gallery.
Police 200 72500
Gibraltar Garrison Library Tel: 200 77418 2 Library Ramp Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm. Free Library tour offered every Friday at 11am. chris.tavares@gibraltargarrisonlibrary.gi Registry Office Tel: 200 72289 It’s possible to get married within 48 hours. A fact taken advantage of by stars such as Sean Connery & John Lennon. Rock Tours by Taxi Tel: 200 70052 As well as offering normal fares, taxis provide Rock Tours taking in the Upper Rock, Europa Point etc. John Mackintosh Hall Tel: 200 75669 Includes cafeteria, theatre, exhibition rooms and library. 308 Main Street 9.30am - 11pm Mon-Fri.
Gibraltar Services Police Emergency Nos: (5) 5026 / (5) 3598 Gibraltar Public Holidays 2020 New Year’s Day Commonwealth Day Good Friday Easter Monday
Monday 1st Jan Monday 09th Mar Friday 10th Apr Monday 13nd Apr
Workers Memorial Day Tuesday 28th Apr May Day
Friday 1st May
75th anniversary of VE Day Friday 8th May Spring Bank Holiday
Monday 25th May
Queen’s Birthday
Monday 15th June
Late Summer Bank Holiday
Monday 31st Aug
Gibraltar National Day Tuesday 10th Sept Christmas Day Boxing Day
Friday 25th Dec Thursday 28th Dec
SUPPORT GROUPS ADHD Gibraltar adhdgibraltar@gmail.com facebook.com/ADHDGibraltar/ Alcoholics Anonymous meet 7pm Tues & Thurs at Nazareth House Tel: 200 73774. A Step Forward support for single, separated, divorced/widowed people, meet 8pm Mon at St Andrew’s Church. Mummy & Me Breastfeeding Support Group those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have breastfed to get together for coffee / support. Partners and older children welcome. Meets 1st Wed / month at Chilton Court Community Hall at 1.30pm. Enquiries and support 54014517. Childline Gibraltar confidential phone line for children in need. Freephone 8008 - 7 days a week 5pm - 9pm Citizens’ Advice Bureau Open Mon-Thur 9:30am-4:00pm, Fri 9:30am- 3:30pm. Tel: 200 40006 Email: info@cab.gi or visit at 10 Governor’s Lane. Free & confidential, impartial & independent advice and info. COPE Support group for people with Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia or Rheumatoid Arthritis. Meetings at Catholic Community Centre Book
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Shop at 7.30pm first Thur of each month. Tel: 200 51469 Email: copeadsupport@hotmail.com Dignity At Work Now Confidential support and advice for those who are being bullied at work. Tel: 57799000. Families Anonymous Support group for relatives and friends concerned about the use of drugs or related behavioural problems. Meet weekly on Thurs at 9pm at Family and Community Centre, Mid Harbours Estate, Bishop Caruana Road. 54007676 or 54014484. Gamblers Anonymous Telephone: 54001520 Gibraltar Cardiac Rehabilitation and Support Group meets on the first Tues of every month at 8.30pm at John Mac Hall, except for Jul & Aug. Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group 72 Prince Edwards Rd Tel: 200 78509 Mobile: 54007924 website: dyslexia.gi Gibraltar Hearing Issues & Tinnitus Association Voicemail: (+350) 200 66755, Text Message (SMS): (+350) 54066055, Correspondence Charity P.O. Box 90220, Gibraltar. Email: info@ ghita.gi, Facebook: Gibraltar Hearing Issues & Tinnitus Association (GHITA & BSL Club), Our support group meets the first Monday of every month at Suite 3, Kings Bastion Leisure Centre as from 5pm.
Gibraltar Marriage Care Free relationship counselling, including pre-marriage education (under auspices of Catholic Church, but open to all). Tel: 200 71717. Gibraltar Society for the Visually Impaired Tel: 200 50111 (24hr answering service). Hope miscarriage support Tel: 200 41817. Mummy & Me Breastfeeding Support: Meets every Thursday 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Narcotics Anonymous Tel: 200 70720 Parental Support Group helping parents and grandparents with restrictive access to their children and grandchildren. Tel: 200 46536, 200 76618, or 54019602. Psychological Support Group, PO Box 161, Nazareth House. Meet Tuesdays at 7pm, Fridays 8pm. Tel: Yolanda 54015553 With Dignity Gibraltar support for separated, divorced/widowed or single people. Meet Weds 9pm, Catholic Community Centre, Line Wall Rd. Outings/activities. Women in Need Voluntary organisation for all victims of domestic violence. Refuge available. Tel: 200 42581 (24 hrs).
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
clubs & activities Arts & Crafts Cross Stitch Club: John Mackintosh Hall, 1st Floor, Mon 6-8pm, fee £1. Gibraltar Arts & Crafts Association: Children: Mon&Fri 12.30-2pm, Mon-Fri 3.45-5.15pm Adults: Wed 5.45-7.15, Sat 10.30 to 12.30, Tel: 20073865 email: gibartsandcrafts@hotmail.com Knit and Natter Group: Tues 11am-3pm, Thurs 5.30-7.30pm, at Arts & Crafts Shop, Casemates balcony. Free to join and refreshments provided. Tel: 20073865. The Arts Centre: Prince Edward’s Road, Art classes for children and adults. For more info call Tel: 200 79788. The Fine Arts Association Gallery: At Casemates. Open 10am-2pm, 3-6pm Mon-Fri, Sat 11am-1pm. The Arts Society Gibraltar: Monthly illustrated talks open to the public. Registration from 6:30pm every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Guest fee £12. We meet at The Garrison Library. Contact gibraltar@theartssociety.org or Claus Olesen on 54036666. Website with all informaiton is gibraltar.theartssociety.org Board Games Calpe Chess Club & Junior Club: meets in Studio 1, John Mackintosh Hall Thursday, Juniors: 5p.m. - 7 p.m. / Tuesday & Thursday 7p.m. - 10:30 The Gibraltar Scrabble Club: Meets on Tuesdays at 3pm. Tel: Vin 20073660 or Roy 20075995. All welcome. The Subbuteo Club: Meets in Charles Hunt Room, John Mackintosh Hall. Dance Adult Dance Classes: Wed evenings at Kings Bastion Leisure Centre from 7-8.30pm. Contact Dilip on 200 78714. Art in Movement Centre: Hip-hop/Break Dance, Contemporary Dance, Pilates, Capoeira, Acrobatics, Street Kids & Tods, Modern Dance. Performance and Film opportunities. Judo & Jujitsu Classes: Tue/ Thur with Sensei Conroy. All ages. Budokai Martial Arts Centre, Wellington Front. www. artinmovement.net FB: Art In Movement A.I.M, tel 54025041 or 54007457 Ballet, Modern Theatre, Contemporary & Hip-hop: weekly at Danza Academy. Training from 3 years to Adult Advanced. 68/2 Prince Edward’s Rd Tel: 54027111. Bellydance Classes, all levels, Tue 8-9pm at the Ocean Village Gym (non–members welcome). Contact 54005593. DSA Old & Modern Sequence Dancing: Sessions at Central Hall Fri 8.30pm, beginners 8pm. Tel: 200 78901 or tony@ gibraltar.gi Everybody welcome. Modern & Latin American Sequence Dancing: Mon at Catholic Community Centre 8pm. Tel. Andrew 200 78901. Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Flexibility, Hip Hop & Dance Theatre: Classes weekly at Urban Dance Studio, 2 Jumpers Bastion. Tel: Yalta 54012212 or Jolene 54015125. Rockkickers Linedance Club: Governor’s Meadow 1st School. www.rockkickers.com Salsa Gibraltar Salsa: Tues at Laguna Social Club, Laguna Estate. Beginners 7-8.30pm. Intermediates 8.30-10pm. Tel: Mike 54472000 or info@salsagibraltar.com Zumba Classes at Urban Dance: Jumpers Bastion, with certified instructor Tyron Walker. Tel: 20063959 or 54012212 or Twitter: @UrbanDanceGib History & Heritage The Gibraltar Heritage Trust: Main Guard, 13 John Mackintosh Sq. Tel: 200 42844. The Gibraltar Classic Vehicle Association: Dedicated to the preservation of Rock’s transport/motoring heritage. Assists members in restoration / maintenance of classic vehicles. New members welcome. Tel: 200 44643. Garrison Library Tours: at 11am on Fri, duration 1h 50mins. Tel: 20077418. History Alive: Historical re-enactment parade. Main Street up to Casemates Square every Sat at 12 noon. Music Gibraltar National Choir and Gibraltar Junior National Choir: Rehearses at the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Tel: 54831000. The Calpe Band: Mon & Wed. For musicians of brass/woodwind instruments of all standards/ages/abilities 7-9pm. Tel: 54017070 or thecalpeband@gmail.com
Jazz Nights: Thurs at 9pm at O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel. Tel: 200 70500. Outdoor Activities The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Gibraltar: Exciting self-development programme for young people worldwide equipping them with life skills to make a difference to themselves, their communities and the world. Contact: Award House, North Mole Road, PO Box: 1260. mjpizza@ gibtelecom.net, www.thedukes.gi. Social Clubs The Rotary Club of Gibraltar meets the Rock Hotel, 7pm Tuesday evenings. Guests welcome. For contact or info www.rotaryclubgibraltar.com Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes: (Gibraltar Province) meets RAOB Club, 72/9 Prince Edward’s Road - Provincial Grand Lodge, Thu/month, 7.30pm. William Tilley 2371, Thurs 8.30pm. Buena Vista 9975, monthly, Social Lodge. www.akearn1.wix. com/raob-gibraltar, william.tilley.lodge@ hotmail.co.uk, Clive, tel: 58008074 Special Interest Clubs & Societies Creative Writers Group: meets up on Tuesday mornings at 10.30 in O’Reilley’s Irish Bar and it is free to attend. Tel: Carla 54006696. Gibraltar Book Club: For info Tel: Parissa 54022808. Gibraltar Horticultural Society: meets 1st Thurs of month 6pm, J.M. Hall. Spring Flower Show, slide shows, flower arrangement demos, outings to garden centres, annual Alameda Gardens tour. All welcome. Gibraltar Philosophical Society: devoted to intellectually stimulating debate. Frequent lectures and seminars on a range of topics. Tel: 54008426 or Facebook: facebook.com/gibphilosophy Gibraltar Photographic Society: Meets on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. Wellington Front. Induction courses, talks, discussions, competitions etc. For details contact the secretary on, leslinares@gibtelecom.net Harley Davidson Owners’ Club: www.hdcgib.com Lions Club of Gibraltar: Meets 2nd and 4th Wed of the month at 50 Line Wall Road. www.lionsclubofgibraltar.com St John’s Ambulance: Adult Volunteers Training Sessions from 8-10pm on Tues. Tel: 200 77390 or training@stjohn.gi The Royal British Legion: For info or membership contact the Branch Secretary 20074604 or write to PO Box 332. UN Association of Gibraltar: PO Box 599, 22a Main Street. Tel: 200 52108. Sports Supporters Clubs Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Club: Meets at Star Bar, Parliament Lane, when Spurs games are televised - call prior to matches to check game is televised. Great food for a lunch if KO is early or an early supper if the game is later. Gibraltar Arsenal Supporters Club: Meets match days upstairs at Time Out Café, Eurotowers. Gooners of all ages welcome. For info/news visit www.GibGooners.com Tel: 54010681 (Bill) or 54164000 (John). Gibraltar Hammers: Meets on match days at the Victoria Stadium Bar, Bayside Road. All league games are shown live. All West Ham supporters and their families are welcome. For details visit www.gibraltarhammers.com or gibraltarhammers@hotmail.com Leeds United Gibraltar Supporters Club. Meet at The Trafalgar Sports Bar 1 Rosia Road when live matches are on. All Leeds United supporters and their families are welcome. Join Leeds United Gibraltar Supporters club at: facebook.com/luscgib Sports & Fitness Artistic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Artistic Gymnastics Association. Tel: Angela 200 70611 or Sally 200 74661. Athletics: Gibraltar Amateur Athletics Association holds competitions through year for juniors, adults and veterans. Two main clubs (Calpeans 200 71807, Lourdians 200 75180) training sessions at Victoria Stadium. Badminton: Recreational badminton weekdays at Victoria Stadium (Tel: 200 78409 for allocations). Gibraltar Badminton Association (affiliated to BWF& BE) junior club/tournaments, senior leagues/ recreational. www.badmintongibraltar.com
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
Ballet Barre Fitness: Adults on Wed 10am & Fri 6pm at The Arts Centre. Tel: 54033465 or pilatesgibraltar@hotmail.com Basketball: Gibraltar Amateur Basketball Association (affiliated FIBA) leagues/ training for minis, passarelle, cadets, seniors and adults at a variety of levels. Tel: John 200 77253, Randy 200 40727. Boxing: Gibraltar Amateur Boxing Association (member IABA) gym on Rosia Rd. Over 13s welcome. Tuition with ex-pro boxer Ernest Victory. Tel: 56382000 or 20042788. Cheerleading: Gibraltar Cheerleading Association, girls and boys of all ages. Cheerleading and street cheer/hip-hop at Victoria Stadium. Recreational / competitive levels. Tel: 58008338. Canoeing: Gibraltar Canoeing Association. Tel: Nigel 200 52917 or Arturo 54025033. Cricket: Gibraltar Cricket, National Governing Body & Associate Member of ICC. Governs International & Domestic Men’s, Women’s, Boys’ & Girls’ cricket- league & cup competitions and in-school coaching. www.gibraltarcricket.com, info@gibcricket. com, Twitter: @Gibraltar_Crick Cycling: Gibraltar Cycling Association various cycling tours. Darts: Gibraltar Darts Association (full member of WDF & affiliate of BDO). We cater for men, ladies & youth who take part in leagues, competitions and a youth academy for the correct development of the sport. Tel: Darren 54027171 Secretary, Alex 54021672 Youth Rep, Justin 54022622 President. Email: info@ gibraltardarts.com Football: Gibraltar Football Association leagues/competitions for all ages OctoberMay. Futsal in summer, Victoria Stadium. Tel: 20042941 www.gibraltarfa.com Gaelic Football Club (Irish sport): Males any age welcome. Get fit, play sport, meet new friends, travel around Spain/Europe and play an exciting and competitive sport. Training every Wed on the MOD pitch on Devil’s Tower Road at 7pm. Andalucia League with Seville and Marbella to play matches home and away monthly. Visit www.gibraltargaels. com or secretary.gibraltar.europe@gaa.ie Hockey: Gibraltar Hockey Association (members FIH & EHF) high standard competitions/training for adults/juniors. Tel: Eric 200 74156 or Peter 200 72730 for info. Iaido: teaches the Japanese sword (Katana), classes every week. www.iaidogibraltar.com Ice Skating: Gibraltar Rock Stars Figure Skating Club lessons every Tuesday evening & Saturday morning, all levels including adults. Contact grsfsc@gmail.com or 58700000 Iwa Dojo, Kendo & Jujitsu: Classes every week, for kids/adults. Tel: 54529000 www. iwadojo.com or dbocarisa@iwadojo.com Judo and Ju-jitsu: Gibraltar Budokai Judo Association UKMAF recognised instructors for all ages and levels at Budokai Martial Arts Centre, Wellington Front. Tel: Charlie 20043319. Ju-jitsu: Gibraltar Ju-jitsu Academy training and grading for juniors/seniors held during the evening at 4 North Jumpers Bastion. Tel: 54011007. Karate-do Shotokai: Gibraltar Karate-do Shotokai Association - Karate training for junior & seniors at Clubhouse, Shotokai karate centre, 41H Town Range. Monday: 9:30 p.m. & Wednesday 9:45 p.m. Karate: Shotokan karate midday Mon beginners, other students 8.30pm. Thurs 8.30pm. In town at temporary dojo or privately by arrangement. Contact Frankie 54038127 or info@fhmedia.co.uk. Motorboat Racing: Gibraltar Motorboat Racing Association Tel: Wayne 200 75211. Muay Thai and Muay Boran Club: Tues & Thur at Boyd’s Kings Bastion Leisure Centre at 6:30pm, Tel: John – 54024707 FB: Gibraltar Muay Thai Netball: Gibraltar Netball Association (affiliated FENA & IFNA) competitions through year, senior/junior leagues. Tel: 20041874. Petanque: Gibraltar Petanque Association. New members welcome. Tel: 54002652. Pilates: Intermediate Pilates: Tues & Fri 9.30am, beginners Pilates: Fri 10.50am at the Shotokai Centre, 41H Town Range. Tel: 54033465 or pilatesgibraltar@hotmail.com Gibraltar Pool Association: (Member of the
EBA) home and away league played on Thurs throughout the season, various tournaments played on a yearly basis both nationally and internationally, Tel: 56925000 gibpool@ gibtelecom.net, www.gib8ball.com Rhythmic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Rhythmic Gymnastics Association runs sessions from 4 years of age, weekday evenings. Tel: 56000772 or Sally 200 74661. Rugby: Gibraltar Rugby caters for all ages from 4 years old to veterans (over 35’s). It organises competitions and sessions for Juniors; 4 x Senior Clubs; Veterans team; Touch Rugby and a Referees Society. Email admin@gibraltarrfu. com or visit www.gibraltarrfu.com Sailing: Gibraltar Yachting Association junior/ senior competitive programme (April - Oct) Tel: Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club at 200 78897. Shooting: Gibraltar Shooting Federation. Rifle, Europa Point Range (Stephanie 54020760); Clay pigeon, East Side (Harry 200 74354); Pistol, near Royal Naval Hospital (Louis 54095000). Snooker: Members of European Billiards & Snooker Association - facilities at Jumpers Bastion with 3 tables. Professional coaching for juniors/seniors. Organised leagues/ tournaments and participation in international competitions. Tel: 56262000 / 54000068, or info@gibraltarsnooker.com Squash: Gibraltar Squash Association, Squash Centre, South Pavilion Road (members WSF & ESF). Adult and junior tournaments and coaching. Tel: 200 44922. Sub-Aqua: Gibraltar Sub-Aqua Association taster dives for over 14s, tuition from local clubs. Voluntary sports clubs: Noah’s Dive Club and 888s Dive Club. Tel: 54991000. Commercial sports diving schools available. Time - Thursday 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.. Telephone, Jenssen Ellul - 54027122 Swimming: Gibraltar Amateur Swimming Association (member FINA & LEN) opens its pool for leisure swimming. Junior lessons, squad for committed swimmers, water polo. Pool open Mon&Thurs: 7-10am, 12.30-4pm. Tue, Wed, Fri: 7-10am, 12:30-5pm. Sat: 3-5pm. Sun: closed. Mon to Fri from 5-6pm groups training. 6-7.30 squad training. Mon, Wed, Fri 7.30-8.30 swimming joggers, Tues & Thurs 7:30-8:30 junior Water polo. Mon, Tues & Thurs 8:30-10pm Adult water polo. Tel: 200 72869. Table Tennis: Gibraltar Table Tennis Association training and playing sessions, Victoria Stadium, Tues 6-10pm and Thurs 8-11pm with coaching and league competition. Tel: 56070000 or 20060720. Taekwondo: Gibraltar Taekwondo Association classes/gradings Tel: Mari 20044142 or www. gibraltartaekwondo.org Tai Chi: Tai Chi for children and adults. MonThur 6.30-8pm at Kings Bastion Leisure Centre and Sat 9am-1pm at the Yoga Centre, 33 Town Range. Tel: Dilip 200 78714. Tennis and Paddle Tennis: Sandpits Club. Junior and adult training available. info : www. sandpits.club. Tel (Louis) 20077035 Ten-Pin Bowling: At King’s Bowl in the King’s Bastion Leisure Centre every day. Gibraltar Ten Pin Bowling (members FIQ & WTBA) leagues, training for juniors and squad. Tel: 200 52442. Triathlon: Hercules Triathlon Club organises swimming, running and cycling training sessions and competes regularly in Andalucia and Internationally. Contact chris.walker@york. gi or Facebook “Hercules Triathlon Club” Volleyball: Gibraltar Volleyball Association training, indoor leagues, beach volleyball competition, 3 v 3 competition, juniors and seniors. Tel: 54001973 or 54885000. Yoga: Integral Yoga Centre runs a full programme of classes from Mon-Fri at 33 Town Range. Tel: 200 41389. All welcome. Theatrical Groups Gibraltar Amateur Drama Association: Meet at Ince’s Hall Theatre Complex, 310 Main Street. Tel: 20042237. Trafalgar Theatre Group: Meets 2nd Wed of month, Garrison Library 8pm. All welcome.
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information
FLIGHT SCHEDULE MAY 2020 DAY
FLIGHT NO.
AIRLINE
FROM
ARRIVES
FLIGHT NO. DEPARTS
TO
Monday
BA0490
British Airways
Heathrow
16:25
BA0491
12:10
Heathrow
Wednesday
BA0490
British Airways
Heathrow
16:25
BA0491
12:10
Heathrow
Friday
BA0490
British Airways
Heathrow
16:25
BA0491
12:10
Heathrow
Sunday
BA0490
British Airways
Heathrow
16:25
BA0491
12:10
Heathrow
This schedule is correct at time of print. For up to date details and changes visit www.gibraltarairport.gi
28 Apr '20 - 04 May '20
DUTY PHARMACY OPENING HOURS
05 May ‘20 – 11 May ‘20
Monday to Friday (7pm to 9pm) Weekends & public holidays (11am to 1pm & 6pm to 8pm)
13 May ‘20 –18 May ‘20
For updates, check facebook.com/PharmaGuide
19 May ‘20 – 25 May ‘20
26 May ‘20 –1 June ‘20
Calpe Pharmacy
93 Main Street 200 77230
Morrison's Pharmacy
Morrisons Store 200 75765
Wesley Pharmacy
299b Main Street 200 67567
Crown Pharmacy
4 Casemates Square 200 78598
Calpe Pharmacy ICC
Unit G9, ICC 200 77977
CHESS PUZZLE ANSWER: 1 Rxe7 Qxe7 2 Qxd5+ wins material
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
Show Us Your Mag!
Thank you to Maddie Biddlecombe and her beautiful family for sending in this fab photo!
Want to enter our competition? Snap a picture of you, your children (furry, scaly, feathery or human!) or your friends holding the magazine, and you could win a week's worth of meals at Supernatural! (Competition ends 20th July. Winner announced in our August issue.)
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
restaurants, bars & pubs THE LOUNGE
SOLO BAR & GRILL
ALL’S WELL
Stylish Lounge Gastro Bar on Queensway Quay Marina serving best quality food prepared by passionate, qualified chefs. Popular quiz on Sundays from 7pm and a relaxed friendly atmosphere. A separate Lounge Bar Area serving a wide range of hot drinks, wines, beers, spirits and cocktails at reasonable prices, with large TV’s for sports and events coverage.
Solo Bar and Grill is a stylish and modern eatery — perfect for business functions or lunches — and part of the popular Cafe Solo stable. Serving everything from Goats’ Cheese Salad, Mediterranean Pâté and Cajun Langoustines to Beer Battered John Dory, or Harissa Chicken, and Chargrilled Sirloin Steak. This is a delightful venue in Europort with a cosy mezzanine level and terrace seating. Well worth a visit, or two! Available for private functions and corporate events — call 200 62828 to book your function or event.
In the fashionable Casemates square stands Gibraltar’s last historical themed pub, named for the 18th-century practice of locking gates to the city at night when the guard called ‘All’s Well’. Their food menu caters to all cravings; whether it’s fish and chips, a homemade pie, or maybe even a delicious sharing platter, they have it all. All’s Well have an amazing range of bottled beers as well as being the only pub in Gibraltar to offer craft beer on tap. Happy hour is daily from 7-9pm. Large terrace. Karaoke Mondays & Wednesdays until late.
Open: 10am-late Mon - Sun Be sure to arrive early to ensure a seat! The Lounge, 17 Ragged Staff Wharf, Queensway Quay Marina Tel: 200 61118 info@thelounge.gi
Open: 12-8pm. Solo Bar & Grill, Eurotowers Tel: 200 62828
All’s Well, Casemates Square. Tel: 200 72987
NUNOS ITALIAN Nunos Italian Restaurant, overlooking the Mediterranean, is popular with hotel guests, tourists and local residents. This 2 rosette rated, AA restaurant is renowned for its eclectic interior, intimate atmosphere and fine cuisine. Savour a wide selection of freshly prepared Italian delicacies, including bread, pasta, meat and fish, followed by delicious desserts. In the summer months, the hotel offers alfresco dining for private parties in the Garden Grill. Sitting nestled in the colonial garden you can enjoy a mouth-watering menu of charcoal-grilled meats and freshly prepared salads in candlelit surroundings. Open: Mon-Sun 1-3pm lunch, 7–11pm dinner Nunos Italian Restaurant and Terrace Caleta Hotel, Catalan Bay Tel: 200 76501
Email: reservations@caletahotel.gi
CAFÉ SOLO Modern Italian eatery set in lively Casemates square. Everything from chicory and crispy pancetta salad with walnuts, pears and blue cheese dressing, or king prawn, mozzarella and mango salad to pastas (eg: linguine with serrano ham, king prawns and rocket; smoked salmon and crayfish ravioli with saffron and spinach cream) to salads (eg: Vesuvio spicy beef, cherry tomatoes, roasted peppers and red onions; and Romana chorizo, black pudding, egg and pancetta) and pizzas (eg: Quatto Stagioni topped with mozzarella, ham, chicken, pepperoni and mushroom) and specialities such as salmon fishcakes, beef medallions and duck. Daily specials on blackboard. No smoking. Café Solo Grand Casemates Square. Tel: 200 44449
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
Š MARTIN BRUNNSCHWEILER
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Kid's Korner
Can you find a way to get the groceries to the grandparents?
SENIORS D E L TEACEFOR L TWO N A C A Little English/B2 Projects initiative to help combat seniors' loneliness
Live M usic
BBQ
ay M f ho
e
h rt
fo
nt o m
Music, hot & cold drinks, sandwiches, cakes & socialising. Every 2nd Tuesday of the month, at 2pm. Calpe Rowing Club
seniorsteafortwo@gmail.com +350 54008999
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
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1. Name of TV’s bush kangaroo (6)
4. Sliding box in a piece of furniture; someone sketching (6)
2. Spicy Mexican sauce; style of jazz infused LatinAmerican big band music (5)
9. Means of listening to BBC radio via internet (7)
3. Children used to dance around it at this time of year (7)
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6. Offensive US term for a Mexican immigrant (7)
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7. Decline; garbage (6) 8. Scottish musical group (11) 14. Books which are published or flowers which bloom once a year (7)
13. Dessert based on hot ice cream! (5,6) 18. Establish; ratify (7)
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20. All added together (5) 22. Citizen of Baghdad possibly (5)
16. To economise (6)
23. Trainees (7)
19. From the Emerald Isle (5)
17. Nearer to; less ajar (6)
24. Jewish Passover (6)
& YOU COULD WIN
SUDOKU
lunch for two at
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25. Sportsperson who glides on blades (6)
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CHESS COLUMN BY
GRANDMASTER RAY KEENE OBE During the global Corona Virus crisis chess has a vital role to play. With so many millions of people confined to their own homes during the pandemic it is essential to find occupations to fill time and occupy the Brain. There are many ways of engaging with chess if isolated at home. One is to study a good chess book, for example Garry Kasparov’s monumental series on world champions, My Great Predecessors. A second is to play chess online , and there are numerous online outlets for challenging opponents around the planet 24 hours a day. Around the world there is always someone awake and eager to
coffee time play. Finally,another course is to follow games and comments on a user friendly website , such as www.chessgames.com. Indeed, this month’s buccaneering game first appeared on that excellent website.
Qa5, 15... Qxc4? 16 Be2 wins a piece. 16 fxe5 Nfd7, 17 O-O Nxe5, 18 Bxh5! . . .
Raymond Keene v Albert Blees (1985) White: Keene Black: Blees Amsterdam, 1985 King’s Indian Defence
What follows is a slaughter. 22 . . . Qa3, 23 Ra1 Qb2, 24 Rf2 Ne3, 25 Bxe3 Qxb4, 26 Ra4 Qe7 Or 26...Qb5 27 Nc3.
1 d4 Nf6, 2 c4 g6, 3 Nc3 Bg7, 4 e4 d6, 5 Nge2 O-O, 6 Ng3 Nc6!? Provocative. Keene - Lauri, Malta 1985, went: 6...e5 7 d5 c6 8 h4 Qb6 9 Be2 Na6, when I could have tried the amazingly unclear line 10 Be3!? Qxb2 11 Na4 Qa3 12 Bc1 Qb4+ 13 Bd2 Qa3 14 Nf5! gxf5 15 Rh3 Qxh3 16 gxh3 Nxe4, and Black has distinct compensation for the queen.
The justification of White’s play. If 18...gxh5 19 Nxh5 White’s forces pour into a kingside attack, while Black’s queen is cut off on the far extremity of the board. Note that White could not play b2-b4 on move 17 or 18, since ...Qxa3 attacks the knight on c3. The white bishop now stands en prise on h5 for a further 12 moves.
7 d5 Ne5, 8 Be2 c6, 9 f4 Ned7, 10 Be3 h5,
18 … Nxc4
Considerably more combative than 10...cxd5 11 exd5 a5 12 O-O Nc5 13 f5 Bd7 14 Qd2, Keene - Jassem, Dubai 1984, when all Black can do is sit and watch.
More resistance is provided by 18...Ncd3, cutting out the fork possibility of b2-b4.
11 h3 Nc5, 12 Bf3 . . . Inviting adventures. The sensible course is 12 Bxc5 dxc5 13 e5 with a solid plus for White. I 12 Qb6, 13 Rb1 . . .
Now this works.
13 Qb4, 14 e5
dxe5, 15 a3
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAY 2020
At last. 30 . . . fxg6, 31 Qd5+ Kh8, 32 Nf6 Black resigned.
PUZZLE
White is a piece down, so must act quickly. What is White's most incisive continuation? Raymond Keene v Robert Hübner (Essen, 1967)
20 . . . Qxa3 The only chance is 20...exd4 21 bxa5 dxc3, although 22 Bxg6! fxg6 23 Rxf8+ Bxf8 24 Qc2 favours White.
Answer on page 88
Avoiding the hideous trap 13 Qd2 Qxb2! 14 Qxb2 Nd3+.
19 Bd4 e5, 20 b4!
27 Bc5 Qd8, 28 Bxf8 Bxf8, 29 dxc6 Qb6, 30 Bxg6 . . .
21 Bxc5 Qxc3, 22 Ne4 . . .
97
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little dictionary
epoch noun a particular period of time in history or a person's life.
e.g. The events of COVID-19 marked an epoch in the history of the world. 29 City Mill Lane, Gibraltar +350 200 72470 / info@littleenglish.eu
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For further information please contact: DHL Gibraltar Unit 36 Harbours Deck, New Harbours, Gibraltar Tel: 200 72210 Email: GIBSN@dhl.com GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2014
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