Mallorca Olive Press - Issue 35 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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Vol. 2 Issue 35 www.theolivepress.es August 16th - August 29th 2018

THE EGG TEST

LIKENESS: Brit Phillip looks like drug lord Pablo

MALLORCA EXPAT: I’m Escobar’s love child

Everyone has heard of the claims that it is hot enough in Andalucia to cook an egg on the pavement... we visited Ecija, the ‘Frying pan of Spain’, to test out the theory, CRACKING JOB PAGE 6 By Laurence Dollimore

EXPATS in Spain and France have joined forces to launch a fresh legal challenge against the Brexit result. It comes after the UK’s Electoral Commission ruled that the Leave campaign illegally overspent by £675,000 during the run up to the 2016 referendum. The request for a judicial review has been submitted to the High Court in London by the UK in EU Challenge group, which represents Britons living in France, Italy and Spain. It argues that the referendum on Britain’s departure from the EU was not a lawful, fair or free vote given that BeLeave and Vote Leave both overspent. “We hope to demonstrate that you cannot win by cheating. If there is another referendum, there must not be a repeat of the illegal activity witnessed last time around,” said Sue

We’ll stop Brexit stop Theresa May pulling out of the EU

Wilson, of Bremain in Spain, based in Valencia. “We have not taken back control – we have been put in the hands of those that care more about their careers and political party than their country. The UK deserves better, we deserve better, and we will not stop fighting until we suc-

RITISH pensioners in Spain claim to have lost more than a fifth of their spending power over the last two years as a direct result of Brexit. Richard Hill, vice president of Brexpats in Spain, claims plummeting exchange rates, taxes and a rise in the cost of living have caused significant income losses. It comes as the pound sunk to a new low of just 1.10 to the euro last week, as worries of a hard Brexit magnified. The pensioner, who claims he’s around 22% ‘worse off’ since the referendum, believes expats will struggle regardless of whatever deal is reached ahead of Britain’s exit from the EU. The pensioner added: “The significant problem at this stage with Brexit is the fluctuating exchange rate. “Obviously fluctuations are normal, however the steady downward trend is seriously Untitled-1.pdf 1 16/06/2017 15:36 affecting people.”

ceed.” While the UK government claims the challenge has come too late, this is being contested by QCs Patrick Green and Jessica Simor, of Croft Solicitors, who argue that the Electoral Commission’s findings were only revealed last month. They insist that the £675,000

Pension shocker EXCLUSIVE It comes after the Rabobank in London warned that a no-deal Brexit could end in euro-sterling parity, while last week saw the pound plummet to an eight-month low. British expat Karen Watling, from Sheffield, claims she has lost as much as a third of her monthly budget. “Over two years this has caused us problems financially,” she told the Olive Press. “Prices and commodities have also risen so it has been like a double hit.”

that BeLeave spent should have been declared and the result is therefore null and void. “Our clients contend that the prime minister’s decision to trigger article 50 and start the Brexit process was based on a factual error, namely that the referendum truly represented

The exchange rate was an average 1.24 in 2014 before climbing to an average 1.38 in 2015. However the year of the referendum saw the average fall to 1.22 before falling again to 1.14 in 2017. This year so far has been lower at 1.13 and it currently stands at 1.12. Brexpats in Spain has called for a government-run internet bank offering basic current accounts, debit cards and the option to carry out international and national transfers online. The group even suggests ordering RBS the only bank in the UK in which the government has a stake - to provide a basic facility for expats without a UK address. “The situation could be eased for many people if they could open a UK bank account, with many having closed theirs years ago having moved to Spain permanently.

the will of the people following a lawful, free and fair vote,” said boss Robert Croft. “We argue that the decision to trigger article 50 to withdraw from the EU was therefore not in accordance with the UK’s constitutional requirements. “We look forward to having this important constitutional case considered by the court.” One expat Elinore Grayson said: “It is fundamental that illegal intervention in British elections does not go unchecked.

Cheating

“The principle of nullity when a decision was made on incorrect or misleading facts is a longstanding one and we wish to ensure that continues to apply. “Many people across the EU, myself included, are reliant on bestowed rights to live their daily lives; there must be zero tolerance when it comes to cheating, misrepresentation and non-disclosure of information.”

e Lions Threpub

CMY

A BRITISH expat claims he is the love child of notorious drug kingpin Pablo Escobar. Mallorca-based Phillip Witcomb, 53, is penning a book about his life as Roberto Sendoya Escobar, who was taken from his Columbian drug lord father in the 1960s. The artist was later adopted by a British couple in Bogota, the capital of Escobar’s infamous crime operation. His new parents had to later hire a private security team because members of the Escobar family allegedly tried to kidnap him on several occasions. The privately-educated Brit is now penning a biography which he wants to serve as a Expats launch prequel to hit Netflix series legal battle to Narcos.

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Empire

The popular TV show chronicles the rise and fall of his alleged father’s drug smuggling empire. Witcomb claims his adoptive father told him he was Escobar’s son when he reached his 20s. “In reality, I hadn’t really heard of Pablo then, so wasn’t really aware of what he’d done,” he revealed. “But when dad told me about everything, I honestly couldn’t believe it. It all came as a complete shock and made me rethink my life.” Witcomb doesn’t have a birth certificate to prove his story but a baptism certificate shows that he was born to a Maria Lucia Sendoya and lists his father as ‘Pablo Escobar’. According to the document, he was placed in a Catholic orphanage before being adopted at four months old by his current parents.

Deadly dive A TOURIST from the Czech Republic, 24, has died after jumping off a cliff in s’Illot and drowning. The man intended to dive off the cliff into the sea and swim to the beach, but his body was found floating in the rocks below. Lifeguards tried to resuscitate him, but could not do anything.

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Blinding swim MUIR Fulton, 45, on holiday from Britain, was blinded after swimming with his contact lenses in, causing both eyes to be infected. His sight was restored after a cornea transplant.

Shark fear A TEN-FOOT shark caused widespread panic on the shores of Cala Domingos after it was spotted swimming in the shallow water. It died as rescuers dragged it from the sea.

Police backup UK police will be joining Spanish forces in party towns popular among British tourists in an effort to crack down on crime.

Partner abuse AN Irishman living in party resort Magaluf has been arrested for physically and sexually assaulting his ex-partner.

Gunning for trouble Seriously ill Briton locked up with terrorists after being fingered for 1.5 TONNES of hashish found at holiday rental home A BRITISH businessman - who attended Eton with David Cameron and Boris Johnson - is seriously ill in an Andalucian prison having been accused of drug smuggling. Robert Anthony MansfieldHewitt, 51, was arrested after police swooped on his rental home during a short business trip to Gibraltar two months ago. The consultant engineer, who insists he is innocent, has yet to be charged over the 1.5 tonnes

August 16th - August 29th 2018 A BRITISH couple have been arrested in Mallorca charged with drug dealing and carrying a gun. The couple were arrested along with a Spaniard in Pollensa, as part of Operation Ashtray across the island. During raids police found various amounts of drugs, while the pair were also charged with carrying illegal weapons. In total 2.5kg of marijuana was seized along with eight pots of hashish resin, five grams of hash and a sum of €570. The pair ran the so-called Cannabis Association in Pollensa, which had posted promotional YouTube videos about the club. Under the investigation police spotted numerous customers were leaving the establishment with bags of marijuana or hash, contrary to drug club rules. The association is supposed to be a members-only establishment, and no drugs are allowed to leave the premises. Suspicions arose when an investigation found large numbers of customers would enter the premises before leaving a short time later with quantities of marijuana or hash. In another part of the police operation, three men were arrested for dealing at Playa de Palma. Police interviewed five holidaymakers who purchased drugs, including what was supposedly viagra in a tube. Police found five tubes, two bags of marijuana and over €400 in cash.

Trapped in hell EXCLUSIVE By Elisa Menendez

of hashish police found in the garage of the villa he rented through Airbnb. He insists he has absolutely ‘no connection’ to the drugs that were being stored at the rental in Campamento, in San Roque. The owner of the villa, the Olive Press understands, was charged for importing cocaine into Gibraltar last year. In the case, that has strange

parallels to the plight of Scottish student Robbie McMiller, Mansfield-Hewitt was woken up and ‘dragged out of bed practically naked at gunpoint’ by police officers at 8.30pm on June 27. Colleagues and friends told the Olive Press that MansfieldHewitt, who has a PhD and no criminal record, is an ‘innocent man’ and has been wrongfully imprisoned. They added that the Chichesterraised engineer is currently in a critical condition and is being held in the medical wing at Botafuegos prison in Algeciras - a dangerous jail, which notoriously houses a number of Basque ETA terrorists.

Horrified

The Brit, a consultant at electrical company Genco Holdings Ltd in Gibraltar, who regularly travels to the Rock, suffers from severe liver disease Ascites and walks with a cane. His PA, Pilar June Ford, 54, said she was ‘horrified’ when she received a call from her boss screaming at La Linea police station. She told the Olive Press: “He was at the station shouting ‘please help me, help me, bring me clothes, there’s loads of drugs in the house.’ It was horrible. “I rushed there with a huge bag of medication, which he needs to take daily for his illness.” After spending two days in a cell, he appeared in front of a judge at San Roque court before being sent to Botafuegos prison. Ford is concerned he has not been receiving the correct medication, after he collapsed in shock as his ‘body started to shut down’ on the way to prison. He was rushed to ICU at Hospital Punta de Europa where his survival chances were described as ‘touch and go’. “The doctor said he hadn’t been given his medication and his liver was functioning at just 15%. His heartbeat was almost non-existent and he was delirious.” His lawyer Jose Maria Castro Escudero believes he is now being administered the correct medication, but still remains in a critical condition. The nightmare began after police were alerted to the stash after following a man of Moroccan nationality, who pulled up outside the property and attempted to get into the garage.

CAGED: Mansfield-Hewitt Police found 48 packets of hashish weighing around 33 kilos each, or almost 1.5 tonnes. If found guilty he could be sentenced to up to six years in a Spanish prison. According to his lawyer he is ‘fighting every day to free Robert’ and get him bail, meaning he would likely have to report to police once a month while he awaits his trial. The lawyer revealed that a judge is set to visit Mansfield-Hewitt this week and will make a decision following the meeting. Escudero added: “He doesn’t have anything to do with this. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time. “They don’t have a single piece of evidence that links him to the drugs, only that he was closeby. “There’s no photo or CCTV footage that shows him going into the garage and he didn’t have a car.”

Consulate

Meanwhile, the villa owner, who is believed to be Gibraltarian, has not been arrested and is believed to be lying low on the Rock. The other guest staying at the property that night was also arrested, yet it is unclear if he had any knowledge of the stash in the garage. Ford meanwhile slammed Airbnb for the lack of background checks carried out on hosts who list their property on the site. Airbnb confirmed it is ‘investigating the property owner’s account’ and has since deleted the accommodation listing. A spokesperson for the British Consulate told the Olive Press: “We are assisting a British man following his arrest in Cádiz in July, and our staff are in contact with the Spanish police.” Police failed to comment in time for press.

Hammer attacker snared A MANACOR man has been arrested for the brutal attack on a casino worker in the town. Police took three months to finally apprehend the man, who punched the female employee in the face, before dragging her by the hair to the cash till. During the robbery in May he also smashed a bottle over her head, leaving her in hospital for a number of days with a broken jaw and nose. The woman from Son Servera is still suffering from the attack. The robber of Moroccan descent, 30, got away with €2,000 during the raid, in which he also carried a hammer. The baseball cap wearing robber is believed to have an addiction to gambling.

Road rage A TOURIST has been arrested for running a motorcyclist off the road in a road rage incident. The German holiday maker, 60, was driving a Ford Ka towards Andratx when he crashed into a second car, causing a multiple pileup. He then fled the scene, but was arrested the following day when he reported his car stolen. While nobody was killed, the motorcyclist was seriously hurt, while others had to go to hospital for injuries. Investigators suspect the tourist and motorcyclist engaged in an argument and the driver could have intentionally hit the man. Witnesses put him at the scene of the crime and he could now face attempted murder charges.

DANGEROUS: Crash

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Breaking free ON FORM: Dua Lipa

Popping out in Palomo POP sensation Dua Lipa is the latest celebrity to don the sexy clothes of Spanish designer Alejandro Gomez Palomo. The One Kiss singer wowed audiences at a concert in Toronto in a revealing bespoke two piece outfit by the Cordoba-born designer. The satin pleated mini skirt and matching knot-tied crop top, encrusted with mini gems was the perfect match for her Number One hits. Palomo has already made headlines this year after Beyonce famously wore the designer’s dress in her first official photo with her newborn twins. The Andalucian designer cites the classic Cordoba style of ruffles and rich colours, as one of his biggest inspirations.

Starry night THE stars were out in force for the annual Starlite Gala in Marbella. Malaga native Antonio Banderas and his girlfriend Nicole Kimpel were among the first to arrive to the event which included a host of other stars including John Corbett and Bo Derek (right).

Michael Douglas’’ son Cameron spends fortnight in Mallorca after seven years in prison IT is perhaps the perfect escape for an ex-con looking to keep a low profile. And when your father is Michael Douglas it helps to be out of America. The famous actor’s son Cameron has chosen Mallorca for his first foreign holiday following a seven year stint in prison for drugs offences. He appropriately stayed at his dad’s stunning S’Estaca estate, near Deia, after an additional two year probation period came to an end. The eldest son of the Hol-

FAMILY: The Douglas clan

Daddy cool

By Gillian Keller

lywood star knows the island well having visited frequently while growing up. The 39-year-old was on holiday with his partner Viviana Thibas and their eightmonth-old daughter Lúa. His mother and actress Diandra also came for the holiday, with Cameron’s siblings Hudson, Hawk and Imara also tagging along.

Memories

“I have had a great time touring the island and spending time here. Some of my best memories from childhood come from here,” he told Ultima Hora, promoting his foundation The Whosoevers, which aims to anticipate the problems that teenagers can have with drugs. During his two week stay he attended the Beata festival, as well as visiting Valldemossa market to buy vegetables. He also did a lot of sailing

HE may be knocking on for his seventh decade, but megastar Richard Gere is to become a father again. The 68-year-old Hollywood legend is having a child with Spanish wife Alejandra Silva, 35, it has been claimed. It comes after the couple tied the knot in Spain earlier this year after four years of dating. It is not yet known whether the baby will be born in Spain or the US. Richard has an 18-year-old son Homer from his marriage to second wife Carey Lowell, while Galician Alejandra has a five-year-old son Alberto from her first marriage to Govind Friedland.

CAMERON: With family and showed some friends how to dive and waterski. He watched the eclipse and, best of all, went to a concert of local band Pa Amb Oli Band, in Deia. “And of course he remembers everything – he was always very happy here in Mallorca,” revealed his mother. “The memories he has of Mallorca are very beautiful”. The S’Estaca estate and farm has been for sale for years, but until it sells Michael and Diandra share the house 5050. Oscar winning actor Michael, 73, visited the estate in July while his wife Catherine Zeta-Jones is away working on a new film.

Roughing it for inspiration RISING British star George Ezra has revealed how he lived with a stranger in a ramshackle house in Spain for inspiration for his new album Staying at Tamara’s. The Brit-award nominee moved to Barcelona for a month where he roughed it in a house that was littered with broken glass and bikes with no wheels. “I thought it would be a good idea to find a stranger on the internet

and go and live with them,” he said. “It wasn’t until I landed that I thought ‘what the f***’ are you doing man? Why are you doing this?” He continued: “I met my host and she took me upstairs and there was broken glass all over the floor and bikes without wheels. “I was thinking this is a bad idea man but it turned out to be the best thing for myself and the album.” Snubbing teams of songwriters and

producers, George preferred to go it alone to help him create an original and honest sound. The 25-year-old is fast-becoming a household name thanks to his first ever No.1 Shotgun still riding the radio waves despite being released back in May.

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Mad for Mallorca MALLORCA is the second-most popular beach destination in Europe among Brits. A poll of 1,000 British holidaymakers revealed the Balearic was pipped to the post by Tenerife, with nearly one in five respondents choosing it as their favourite hotspot. The Costa del Sol came third. Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Costa Blanca and

Ibiza also all featured in the top 10 most popular beach destinations in Europe for Brits. Meanwhile Portugal’s Algarve took fourth place thanks to the abundance of familyfriendly activities it offers, while other popular spots including Cyprus and Turkey were also revealed to be firm favourites.

Wheely daft ATTACK: Ryanair boss under fire

Writing’s on the wall, O’Leary! PROTESTERS in Mallorca have supported striking Ryanair pilots by spraying graffiti on the walls outside the airline owner’s Palma mansion. In the nighttime attack CEO Michael O'Leary found his villa daubed with the statement: 'Solidarity with Ryanair workers!' Michael O'Leary, you're not welcome!’. The €10 million mansion takes up almost an entire city block in the centre of the city. The attack came after it emerged that Palma suffered the most from the recent Ryanair strikes. The budget airline cancelled 24 flights to and from the city during the recent 24-hour pilot protest. In total, there were nearly 400 flights cancelled around Europe, some 76 of those to and from Spain.

Cancelled

Germany was hit the hardest with 250 flights cancelled. The 24-hour strike saw pilots from Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden and Belgium walking out for a day in the fifth pilot strike for the airline in the last six weeks. In June and July nearly 400 flights were cancelled to and from the Palma airport, mostly by Ryanair. On July 25 and 26, a two-day walk-out from pilots in Belgium, Italy, Portugal and Spain saw 32 flights cancelled from Palma, and another 25 from Ibiza and Menorca. The En-Colectivo platform has now launched a website to start a class action lawsuit for the 100,000 people affected by the July cancellations. Last December Ryanair agreed to recognise trade unions for cabin crew and pilots in countries including the UK, but according to the union have failed to engage with most workers.

Disabled wheelchair users are unable to enter Alcudia Port thanks to ‘insensitive’ new plant pots By Gillian Keller

A GROUP of angry expats have slammed a scheme to block motorbikes entering Alcudia Port, which is also stopping wheelchairs. The group claim a recently-installed series of planter boxes on the pier is preventing disabled people from entering. Brit Edward Whyte, 90, has now launched a petition with a fellow wheelchair user to have the flower planters removed.

Faking it THE new leader of the PP party, Pablo Casado is being probed over faking a master’s degree. An investigation, dubbed ‘Caso Master’, has been launched over the law degree he received from Madrid’s Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC) in 2009. Madrid’s Supreme Court is investigating whether he has a case to answer over irregularities and corruption. It comes after a Madridbased judge found irregularities in Casado’s qualification, which he obtained while being regional deputy for the Partido Popular. He has since admitted he did not attend classes or take exams, while the university waived more than 80% of his coursework.

Innocent

ANGRY: Blocked disabled access

Disregard

“The port says it’s to stop motorbikes but it doesn’t actually stop them, they can drive around the bottom... it only stops people like me on a mobility scooter and people in wheelchairs,” Whyte, who uses a mobility scooter, told the Olive Press. So far 100 people have signed the petition, including local businessman David Campling of Hot Spring Mallorca, based in the town. “It seems the Marina has total disregard for the welfare

UNDER FIRE: Pablo Casado

and access rights of disabled people and are prepared to do nothing about it,” he said. “It comes after many requests from wheelchair users and boat hire companies that see their daily plight. “How do you think visitors who arrive by sea and can’t

get out must feel? They will be pretty shocked to find the only path blocked by a planter.” Whyte and his friends have called the police twice to the port, but with little success. They will present their petition to the council later this month.

He claims that he is entirely innocent and has offered to hand his then-computer to the judge, in order to avoid having to give evidence. If found guilty, Casado, 37, will face crimes relating to accepting a gift offered due to one’s public position and abetting unlawful decisions by civil servants. This is the second fake degree scandal the PP has faced this year. Former president of Madrid, Cristina Cifuentes was forced to resign in April when it was revealed she had failed to complete her master’s qualification at the very same university. There are now seven people from URJC, including teachers and former students, being investigated in relation to the degree, reported El Pais.

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www.theolivepress.es Mallorca’s original community newspaper

A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than 500,000 people a month.

OPINION WHEN you book a couple of nights stay at an Airbnb holiday home, you don’t think twice that the owner could be a drug trafficker. It is also beyond belief that a drug stash found at the property could be pinned on you, when the only PaRiS, ViLniuS, link is be temporarily fRance 35Cthat you just happened toLiThuania 29C staying there. It is doubly outrageous then that this has happened to an apparently innocent British man who is now fighting for his life in a dangerous Algeciras prison. Meanwhile, the owner of the property, who has a criminal history relating to drugs, is walking free. Airbnb needs to do more stringent background checks on people that offer their home publicly to protect holidaymakers. And, of course, so do the police. This has all the hallmarks of a serious miscarriage of justice. eveNiNg staNdard Friday 3 august 2018

Cause for concern IT is deeply concerning that the lethal painkiller Nolotil has been handed out so willingly in Gibraltar for years. The drug has been banned in the UK for years and this is also the case on the Rock. The revelations come despite two years of campaigning by this paper to bring to light its potentially fatal side effects for those of British and northern European descent. Considering how many Brits live and work on the Rock, knows how many may have been impacmeans a risk to life — forwho Italy, Croatia and Switzerland. ted without Here, the Met Office is advisingeven realising. holidaymakers to keep out of the midday sun asLet’s well as being sensiblethe at hope government probe uncovers how home. London was set to bask in warm sunshine this weekend, as Ms Mitchell these pharmacies were able to sell an unlicensed predicted temperatures in the capital could hit 32 today, possibly 33, and 30 orthebetter yet, how doctors were able to on Saturdayproduct, and 29 on Sunday, with high 20s across England. prescribe it.

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Publisher/ Editor

Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es

Newsdesk newsdesk@theolivepress.es Tel: (+34) 665 798 618

Head of SALES Sarah Adams sales@theolivepress.es

Gillian Keller gillian@theolivepress.es Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es Elisa Menendez elisa@theolivepress.es Pablo Balbontin pablo@theolivepress.es

Admin Beatriz Sanllehí (+34) 951 273 575 admin@theolivepress.es

pictured left. It was initially thought the shark had survived and been returned to the sea following the drama. But emergency services confirmed that these reports were incorrect and it had died.

Office manager Héctor Santaella (+34) 658 750 424 accounts@theolivepress.es Distribution Graham Warters distribution@theolivepress.es

Designer Keith Franks

With temperatures hotting up to 46C the Olive Press made an egg-cellent trip to the ‘frying pan of Spain’

S Brits are being warned of scorching temperatures this month in holiday destinations around Spain, thank your lucky stars you're not in Écija, or the ‘frying pan of Spain’. | News Nestled in the heart of Andalucia, rumour AndAluciA has it this little, historic town received its name because it gets so hot you can fry an egg on the pavement. sizzling: journalist maDRiD, Laurence Just an hour's drive Dollimore frying 40C SPain on a marble from Sevilla, Écija is bench in Écija famously dubbed by Cooking eggs in the LiLLe, Spaniards as 32C the hotfRance ‘frying pan of Spain’ test part of the counBut another resident, Elisa try – where forecastMaria Cepas, 50, has Menendez different advice for locals ers in the summer struggling in the heat. “It’s Letter from ... a mistake to drink litres frequently predict and litres of water. That anDaLucia makes you vomit. You temperatures of 48C. need a sugary drink,” said BRITISH holidaymakers the nursing home carer. But how do the locals being warned of Friend Paqui Vidal, 50, scorching temperatures explains how her cope? on the Costa del Sol will colleague — an olive thank their lucky stars picker — is forced to leave "Nobody leaves their they are not in Écija — work sick on the first day dubbed the “frying pan of every olive season. houses between of Spain”. “It can be dangerous for A two-hour drive from olive pickers, many go 2pm and 6pm. It's the tourist beaches, the home throwing up with town is known as being severe sun stroke,” added a ghost town, you the hottest in the country, Paqui, an administrator at where you can cook an an agricultural company. egg on the pavement. won't even find a cafe Meanwhile, across the The temperature was main square, 27-year-old today forecast to reach open," said Enrique Ana Somoza Torres, mops 46C, only a shade below FRYING HIGH: her brow while setting up Europe’s record high. Lopradas, 51, a street tables outside a bar as the “Nobody leaves their temperature were eggedShe on byreaches an42C. Evehouses between 2pm and lottery vendor and We said: “The only way is 6pm. It’s a ghost town, you air conditioning and more ning Standard commission won’t even find a café air conditioning.” And self-confessed 'shade open,” said Enrique what about the egg-frying Lopradas, 51, a lottery theory? The anaemicchaser'. vendor and self-confessed looking one I cooked with “shade chaser”. “I drink day, my colleague Laurence on "I drink seven litres of water every seven litres of water every a marble bench in the day, wear long sleeves move and square wouldn’t grace a wear long sleeves and constantly constantly move to the Full English — but it was shade. I also shower three 6pm after all. to the shade," he adds as orhe swigs from four times a day and ⬤ Elisa Menendez is a don’t start work until reporter for The Olive Press an ice bottle, "I also shower three or four 6.30pm when it’s fresher.” in Malaga times a day and don't start work until 6.30pm when it's fresher."

46C

Vomit

But Maria Cepas, 50, claims Enrique is making a rookie error. "It's a mistake to drink litres and litres of water, that makes you vomit. You need a sugary drink too," said the nursing home carer, "we have to send out warnings to elderly people to keep drinking things like Aquarius in this heat." Friend, Paqui Vidal, 50, explains how her colleague – an olive picker – is forced to leave work sick on the first day of every olive season. "It can be dangerous for olive pickers, many go home throwing up with severe sun stroke," added Paqui, an administrator at an agricultural company. Meanwhile, across the main square, 27-year-old Ana Somoza Torres, mops her

Head office

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brow while setting up tables outside of a bar. "The only way is air conditioning and more air conditioning. "We're in Andalucia – obviously we have siestas every day for at least two hours. You just can't leave the house until late." Although the young waitress acknowledges this can be annoying, she points out that this is the only way of life the locals know.

Hermit

Depòsito Legal PM: 610-2017

AWARDS

August 16th - August 29th 2018

By Elisa Menendez & Laurence Dollimore

Get him out Friday 3 august 2018 eveNiNg staNdard

Cracking job F e ature

2016/2017 Best expat paper in Spain and the second best in the world. The Expat Survey Consumer Awards.

2012 - 2017

Named the best English language publication in Andalucia by the Rough Guides group.

BAR WORKER: Ana Somoza Torres

"I would much rather be in this heat than be cold." So there you have it, become a hermit, cover every part of your body and drink at least a gallon of water/Lucozade and you should just about survive a heatwave on holiday. And as for the frying pan egg cooking theory? Let's just say it won't be making its way onto a plate of Full English any time soon. Although, a semi-cooked, anaemic-looking egg isn't bad for a first attempt. It was 6pm after all.

LOCALS: Lottery vendor Enrique and (above) Maria and Paqui

F e ature

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By Grace Lee

Horrific

People are so immediately enraptured by the burnished gold statues, dimly-lit atmosphere and ornate decorations that no one gives Queipo’s name a second glance. Perhaps this is what the ‘Pact of Forgetting’ looks like in action. Following the death of Franco and the downfall of his dictatorship in 1975, leading political parties agreed on a tacit policy of Pacto del Olvido (Pact of Forgetting). The agreement silenced discussions about the horrific civil war and its legacy. It embodied fears of reopening old wounds and repeating the past. Hence, the atrocities committed by Queipo and others have long gone unaddressed. Salvador Cardús, Professor of Sociology at the Autonomous University of Barcelona and a leading researcher in Spanish culture and religion, describes the pact as an ‘erasure of memory’ and ‘a collective amnesia’. A move for national reconciliation, it attempted to bury the violence and brutality that marked the era of Francoism. It was a masterful act of creating nothing out of something, allowing Spain to seemingly avoid this painful subject for decades. But whether the memories are truly forgotten is questionable. ‘Memories of the war were not so much forgotten as ‘disremembered’,’ writes Madeleine Davis, Senior Lecturer of Politics at the Queen Mary University of London. For the past century, the pact was kept despite a few largely unsuccessful attempts to overturn it. Although La Ley de Memoria Histórica (Law of Historic Memory) was passed in 2007 during the term of the previous Socialist prime

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EXECUTIONER: Quiepo de Llamo (inset) is buried here in Sevilla

Shrine to a mass murderer

minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, its enforcement was promptly halted when Mariano Rajoy’s conservative Populist party regained power in 2011. The law had called for full state cooperation for families hoping to move bodies of relatives killed during the civil war from mass graves, as well as the removal of all remaining monuments of Franco. Both measures never came to fruition. Now, with the appointment of socialist prime minister Pedro Sánchez this June, possibilities for the exhumation of Franco and his military subordinates, including Quiepo, from the Valley of the Fallen have come back into the spotlight. Andalucia has been in the forefront of this rekindled movement. Last year it passed La Ley andaluza de Memoria Histórica y Democrática (Law of Historical and Democratic Memory) which bans all ‘elements in opposition to democratic memory’ on private properties ‘under public projection’. The Basilíca de la Macarena, a private property belonging to the Brotherhood of the Macarena, is subject to this law. However the exhumation of Queipo from the basilica ultimately lies in the hands of the Brotherhood, which has been lukewarm about doing so. Earlier this year, José Antonio Fernandez, the head of the Brotherhood, recognised Queipo as ‘a protector of the movement of the Catholic Church’, noting his contribution in building the basilíca and criticising politicians for attempting to ‘open all this’.

Pain

CONTROVERSIAL: Grave of Queipo

October 2015

Visitors to Sevilla’s Basílica de la Macarena little realise they are admiring the tomb of Franco’s chief executioner - thanks to Spain’s Pact of Forgetting hey say history is written by the victors but no victor is immortal and no victory permanent. However, for almost one century, Spain has wrestled with remnants of the Spanish Civil War that still pervade the nation in general and its seemingly benign Catholic monuments in particular. Sevilla is famous for its ornate royal palace and Catholic cathedral. Yet, both these iconic sites and the grand stone walls that surround parts of the city belie the atrocities committed there. Following the Civil War, more than 5,000 civilians were executed by the city walls by a military commander whose tomb now lies in the Basílica de la Macarena, just a few steps away from those very city walls. Gonzalo Queipo de Llano was a general loyal to Francisco Franco, the fascist dictator who ruled Spain for nearly four decades after his victory in the civil war. Queipo is also singlehandedly responsible for the execution of more than 50,000 civilians in Sevilla during the war. I don’t know what I expected as I walked into the basilica. A group of visitors huddled around his plaque paying tribute? Pointing fingers at the deceased? I’m not sure, but I do know that I did not expect the complete ambivalence toward the two rectangular plaques that greet you as soon as you walk in the chapel in the Macarene suburb.

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But recently, Fernandez confirmed to El Pais that he will propose the removal of Queipo’s body to the governing board of the Brotherhood. “The law speaks and the brotherhood abides,” he said. The day after his statement, the Brotherhood clarified that it ‘has not made any decision or reached an agreement’ on the matter, indicating a potential time lag before any action is taken. Despite the Brotherhood’s reluctance, the Andalucian government has shown robust support for its new law and remains optimistic that Queipo’s remains will be removed from public display. “It’s only a matter of time,” said the vice-president of the Junta. However, the emotional complexity of the issue far exceeds the legal complications. Just as left- and right-leaning politicians remain sharp-

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Useful numbers Emergencies RICHES: The golden arches of the Basilica ly divided on the treatment of civil war memorabilia, stark divisions still exist amongst the people of Spain: those who want to bury history, perhaps to avoid the pain; those who want to unearth it, perhaps to see justice for the pain; and even those who to this day celebrate Franco’s legacies. For now, individuals who wish to address and rectify history seem to have the upper hand. Last week, premier Sánchez announced that the decision to exhume Franco is firm. “The wounds have been open for too many years, and the time has come to close them. Our democracy will stand as symbols that unite citizens,” he said. Whether the fate of the bodies of Queipo and Franco would reopen or heal old wounds is a question that may never be answered with certainty, even after everything has played out. A city so visibly imbued with silent history, Sevilla has and continues to play host to an uncanny hide-and-seek between history, truth and pain.

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Palma beaches could remain closed for August, while sewage leaks affect beaches from Calvia to Can Picafort

CHANGE: Recycled

Paper please SPAIN’S leading supermarket chain has launched a sensible new green measure in the Balearics. All 49 Mercadona supermarkets on the islands have replaced plastic bags with reusable paper bags at check out. From now on shoppers will have the choice of purchasing a large reusable bag made out of mostly recycled plastics, or a paper bag in an effort to become more green. The Balearics, along with Valencia and Barcelona, is phase one of the project, which will see plastic bags be replaced with paper in all their stores throughout Spain.

IT is becoming an annual disgrace. For the third time in a week, Palma’s Can Pere Antoni beach was closed due to contamination from the nearby sewers. And now it may remain shut for the month. The authorities are warning that the beaches from Coll d’en Rabassa to Can Pere Antoni may be closed for most of August ‘due to sewer overflow’. The city also advises against swimming in the nearby beaches of Molinar and Son Parera while tests are being done. “The intense rain caused a wa-

Lynx deaths up

CONTANIMATED: Nearby sewers flood beaches

This stinks

ter spill and the beaches will remain closed until the results of the water samples are analyzed,” a spokesman from Palma city council told the Olive Press. The rain however was anything

but heavy, with only 17 litres per square meter actually falling. The problem stems from the water treatment plant in Coll d’en Rabassa, which is now frequently collapsing. Sewer pipes regularly overflow

Planet in the red AUGUST 1 was Earth Overshoot Day but it was nothing to celebrate. It was the date humanity used up its sustainable natural resources for the year. From now until December 31 the world is in a situation of ‘ecological debt’. Various factors have contributed to this situation such as the reduction in biodiversity, soil degradation of soil and extreme weather which is becoming increasingly more frequent and destructive. The earth’s footprint on nature, based on crite-

ria such as consumption of food and usage of forests, is still in credit at around 60%. What puts the planet into the red is pollutant gases such as carbon dioxide, produced by fossil fuels. Earth Overshoot Day was established by the Global Footprint Network in 1997 to measure how the world is spending its natural resources, with devastating results. They found that humanity drains resources for almost two planets every year, giving the earth no time to recover. Or in Spain’s case 2.3 planets.

into the sea, mixing rainwater and faeces into the popular swimming areas. Many tourists were unaware of the warning and swam in the contaminated waters, before red flags went up. After numerous complaints, red flags are now flying at all hours until the issue has been dealt with. Sa Colònia de Sant Jordi, Can Picafort and Andratx all had beaches closed in the last week due to sewage leaks. Calvia’s Bella Dona beach was also closed a few weeks ago due to an overflow from the local treatment plant. Many of Mallorca’s water treatment plants are over 40-yearsold with deteriorating pipelines. Only 18 out of the 46 underwater treatment plants are in proper working order according to the government.

AT least 10 Iberian lynxes have been killed on Andalucia’s roads this year. The rising death toll is already three higher than the seven, which were killed throughout the whole of 2017. In one of the worst months for the world’s most threatened wild cat two have already died.

Slain

A two-year-old female lynx was found dead in Jaén, while a male cub was found slain in Córdoba. The Iberian lynx is the world’s most endangered feline species, and according to the latest census, only 589 now remain in the world. However, reckless driving on the road, as well as illegal poaching, continue to drive that number down.

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Fair treatment

Prayers and thoughts

Cocaine increase

Well if they don’t want to be part of the EU they’ll have to be treated like any other non-EU on entering an EU country. (Bracing for brexit?, issue 297) Can’t have it both ways but it will be a nightmare for British expats who are frequent travellers.

Well another young Briton enjoying his holiday with his mates. British lad ‘tried to take a poo over balcony’ before plunging six floors in Spain, remains in critical condition , online) His family will be grieving for the rest of their lives. Just hope his mates learn from such a hard lesson. Prayers and thoughts are with his family.

Jennifer Knowles, Malaga

Diane Scrimshaw, Mijas

Well, I've seldom seen a Spaniard drunk. (There are now more cocaine addicts tan alcoholics for first time in Spain, online) They drink a lot yes. My neighbour, when he's down from Rioja region, starts on bread and a carafe of red wine about 10.30 am before a beer. If drugs are prevalent it's the North Africans. The same neighbour pointed to a car in our street where a young Spanish girl was handing over money to a North African for a package.

Migrant health care 6

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Right royal battle for former SEE PAGE III king and dictator

Issue 22

July 2018

The roof-top pool leaking after just one day, an ancient mill being brought back to life and why Soller is Spain’s second fastest growing resort for prices

As it’s claimed living by the sea lets you live longer, we dig out some beachside gems, including this stunning Cala Ratjada SEE PAGE VIII

Let It grow

Mortgages up, prices up and numbers up. The market is looking healthy, writes Laurence Dollimore

is continuing SPAIN’S property market to grow. May, show a The latest figures, for

7.7% expansion. in total, inThere were 51,896 sales with resale cluding social housing, up 6.7% and apartment transactions16.3%. single family homes up

Bubble

housing market The figures mean the fifth consecuin Spain is entering its it turned a tive year of growth since 2014 following corner at the start of some seven the devastating collapse

years earlier. new bubble are But those talking of a off the mark. prices are still “Both sales and house of the boom a long way from the peakfrom Spanish years,” Mark Stucklin Olive Press. Property Insight told the

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are not a “Although those years big gap sughealthy benchmark, the some room for gests there is still assuming the growth on both fronts, to recovSpanish economy continues er.” report from The latest encouraging that averthe notaries also revealed by 0.6% age house prices increased mortgage lendto 1,372€/m2, while ing increased by 9.3%. agents on the It comes after estate earlier this Costa del Sol revealed seen a 100% month that they had homes in the growth in Britons buying holiday hotspot.

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Balconing crisis AGAIN THE UK and Balearic governments are working together to prevent more young tourists from ‘balconing’. It comes after 12 people have had serious falls, four fatal, so far this year, with many in tourist hotels in the Magaluf area. The UK ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley, met with President of the Balearics Francina Armengol to address the worrying trend. Manley highlighted the 'extreme increase' in accidents, and said both the UK and Mallorca needed to formulate a 'good plan' for ensuring safe and successful holidays for young British tourists. "We have to deal with this problem with preventive measures," he stressed. Calvia has already fined three tourists for being reckless on a balcony. See Double death fall on page 5

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By Elisa Menendez

A TOURIST has died after being swept away in a minitsunami in Mallorca. The 53-year-old German father died on Monday afternoon when the freak wave swept through various parts of the island. He was on holiday with his wife and eight-year-old twin children who were all together when the tragic accident

Messin’ around

FLOODED: Streets of Mallorca under water from freak wave occurred in Santanyi. They were walking down a flight of stairs leading to the sea at around 3.30pm when the giant wave hit. The children, a boy and a girl,

15:36

PICTURE EXCLUSIVE

Migrant photo special see page 7

by a strong tide while the mother screamed for help. Local residents rushed down with a canoe and rescued the boy and shortly afterwards the father, who was found unconscious. They immediately attempted to resuscitate him but were unsuccessful and paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. The wife, who was in a state of shock, is receiving counselling. An autopsy will be carried out to determine whether his death was caused by drowning or hitting his head against a rock. The mini-tsunami

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had also fallen into the water at the same time but the mother managed to rescue the little girl seconds later. However, the son and the father were being dragged away

THE FACES OF FEAR, HOPE AND HAPPINESS

LIONEL Messi has been sailing around the Balearics with wife Antonella Roccuzzo and friends ahead of his pre-season training in Barcelona. The 31-year-old footballer was recently confirmed as the top-earning footballer in the world, raking in an €83 million per year. The Argentinian is the second-highest earning sportsman in Untitled-1.pdf the world after boxer 1 16/06/2017 Floyd Mayweather.

Avenida Rey Jaime 1, Santa Ponca, 0034 871Find 510 277out more on page XX 15

caused a five foot wave to hit many parts of the island, as well as nearby Menorca, on Monday. The areas of Alcudia and Ciutadella were the worst areas affected, both suffering serious flooding. Chaotic scenes saw yachts get swept away as shops and restaurants filled up with water. One boat in Andratx port had its skipper thrown overboard and left clinging onto a rope. Luckily another boat managed to save him and prevent his boat from going on the rocks.

Severe

The so-called ‘meteotsunami’ was triggered by disturbances in air pressure after drastic weather events including severe thunderstorms. A small, rapid change in atmospheric pressure – even by a few millibars – can change the sea surface elevation by a few centimetres. This elevation can go unnoticed in deep water, but in shallower water near shorelines, it can cause the sea level to rise significantly, often by several feet.

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Pension shocker

THE EGG TEST

Everyone has heard the claims that Andalucia is hot enough to cook an egg on the pavement in the summer... we visited the ‘Frying pan of Spain’ to test out the theory,

EXCLUSIVE By Luke Madeira

BRITISH pensioners in Spain claim to have lost more than a fifth of their spending power over the last two years as a direct result of Brexit. Richard Hill, vice president of Brexpats in Spain, claims plummeting exchange rates, taxes and a rise in the cost of living have caused significant income losses. It comes as the pound sunk to a new low of just 1.10 to the euro last week, as worries of a hard Brexit magnified. The pensioner, who claims he’s around 22% ‘worse off’ since the referendum, believes expats will struggle regardless of whatever deal is reached ahead of Britain’s EXCLUSIVE exit from the EU. By Elisa Menendez, Luke Madeira & The pensioner added: “The Laurence Dollimore significant problem at this stage with Brexit is the fluctuLETHAL painkiller Nolotil is ating exchange rate. “Obviously fluctuations are being sold in Gibraltar despite normal, however the steady being banned in the UK and downward trend is seriously other parts of Europe. It comes after a two-year Olive affecting people.” Press investigation in Spain linked the drug to at least 10 Plummet deaths of British and northern It comes after the Rabobank European patients. in London warned that a no- The drug - also known as Metdeal Brexit could end in eu- amizole - is believed to attack ro-sterling parity, while last the immune system by depletweek saw the pound plummet ing the patient’s white blood to an eight-month low. cells. Kill ThE British expat Karen Watling, While not yet banned in Spain drug from Sheffield, claims she has it is currently under investigalost as much as a third of her tion, following our probe, and monthly budget. is unlicenced in the UK, US, “Over two years this has France, Australia and elsecaused us problems financial- where. SALE ly,” she told the Olive Press. Incredibly though, the Olive 59 “Prices and commodities Press this week found a numhave also risen so it has been ber of pharmacies still appar- READ IT HERE FIRST: (Inset left) Our campaign last year and (right) recent story like a double hit.” ently handing out the drug on was available or ‘sometimes in macy told a journalist he could The exchange rate was an av- the Rock. said with the amount of pain An undercover Olive Press stock’ in at least three pharma- be given the painkiller with a I was in it would be stronger,” journalist was told the drug cies. Turn to page 4 prescription. An employee at Wesley Phar- A parallel investigation by GBC she told the Olive Press this week. found six pharmacies selling “I was also taking 600mg the drug, and was able to buy a ibuprofen and 500mg packet for £2.50. paracetamol but he suggested I The Gibraltar government is should take the Nolotil instead now looking into several phar- of paracetamol.” macies for illegally selling the Another Gibraltar resident also painkiller. confirmed she took the drug on It came after one Gibraltarian, the Rock. who asked to remain anony- “I go to the chemist and just mous, said she was sold the buy them, never heard of needdrug at a pharmacy in March ing a prescription,” she said. without a prescription. After we launched a campaign “The man just sold it to me and to have the drug regulated

SEE CRACKING JOB PAGE 6

Olive Press probe discovers lethal painkiller Nolotil for sale in Gibraltar

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EXCluSiVE By laurence dollimore

A BRITISH expat couple are fighting to save their Malaga home from demolition over a technicality. Gill and Bob Ward, both 74, have been locked in a battle with their town hall, which claims their house in Almayate is illegal. Just yesterday the retired couple from Cornwall were given

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and tribute bands Think Floyd, Deeper Purple hits Whole Lotta Led rocking out the greatest Zeppelin of Pink Floyd, Deep Purple and Led at the Plaza del Toros on August 26. to see For a chance to win a pair of tickets what year Bolton, just answer the question; was Michael Bolton born in? just For the Pink Purple Zep Fest in Estepona, Email tell us; Where was Jimmy Page born? Fest tickets WIN WIN WIN: Bolton and Pink Purple Zep answers to the newsdesk@theolivepress.es.

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Doctors and dentists join Olive Press appeal for ban on dangerous painkiller Nolotil

EXCluSiVE By laurence dollimore

need for more research

in Marbella, fully supports Dr Nina King, of Oasis Dental Care the drug is not something the campaign, telling the Olive Press she prescribes. and standard medication,” “It’s not a drug I use, I stick to safe it can do, it’s a drug she said, “And after seeing what damage I won’t be using in the future.” Victoria María Chacón Marbella-based private doctor Dra. “I don’t prescribe Almeda also agrees the drug is dangerous. “I have lots of British pathe drug,” she told the Olive Press,capable of doing. tients and I am aware of what it is on its impact.” “There needs to be a lot more research

HAPPIER TIMES: Graham with

again. “He said she would be alive if she hadn’t taken it, but I have heard from dozens of Brits and Irish who have been given it,” added Graeme. It is the third victim of the drug the Olive Press has reported on in under a year. Sometimes known also as

wife, and Billy Smyth

Metamizole, Nolotil is banned in the US, the UK, Ireland and most of Europe, but it is prescribed widely in Spain. ‘Billy’ William Irishman Smyth was given a five-day course of the drug in February. But when the 66-year-old returned to a different Spanish

doctor to get a renewal in April, tests showed the drug had caused a toxic poisoning in his bone marrow and his white blood cell was dangerously low. Billy, a keen sportsman, developed sepsis and necrotising fasciitis as a result and required ‘radical surgery’ to remove the affected tissue in an attempt to save his life.

The dad-of-two later died from septic shock – believed to be linked to taking the Nolotil. BritAnother ish expat Hugh Wilcox was prescribed the same for medication

shoulder mild pain on the Costa del Sol. He developed severe head Continues on Page 2

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I fully understand the negative comments and yes something must be done to stop the astronomical amount of people fleeing their homelands. (Faces of Hope, issue 33, Mallorca) None of us have ever been in such a desperate state (and I hope we never are) but just imagine if it were you and your family: how would you feel turned away from any refuge? I don't have a solution but there must be one somewhere!

Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es

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olive Press medical campaign finally draws blood with Nolotil regulation close EXcluSiVE By Elisa menendez

loomS

AN Olive Press health campaign has led to ‘the drug probes in Spanish biggest’ history. Our investigation into the terious deaths of expats mysthe painkiller Nolotil last from is finally being acted on. year, In a landmark breakthrough, a national probe is expected to lead to new regulation drug, which is banned of the UK and most of Europe. in the “It has been a long time ing and by raising soin comawareness, I am sure livesmuch have already been saved,” and legal translator medical Cristina Garcia del Campo told the Olive Press. The medical professional found our 1000-strong petition online and took it forward one of her patients died after TRAGIC: Graeme Ward with wife Mary (left) the drug. “Spain wants from Billy Smyth, who both and to help, died from Nolotil

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BEACH CAM FAIL

A SERIES of new beach webcams are being bizarrely turned off at night. The government claims the switch off from 10pm to 7am is due to ‘data protection’ issues, not to protect late night illegality. It was forced to give the reason, after being accused of protecting smugglers who were allegedly filmed Eastern Beach on the first night they were operational. According to GBC, one of the six new cameras recorded a group of men tobacco smuggling at the beach. The government insists this is entirely untrue and uses other ‘more sophisticated, intelligence-led’ measures to stop smuggling. The live camera feeds, similar to the ones at the border, allow beach-goers to check for up-to-date conditions and access updates on weather conditions.

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that’s for sure. I have had port from every healthcare supprofessional I have spoken to. “If I hadn’t come across article I wouldn’t have your alised what was happening rethe English community,” to added. We launched our she ‘Kill the Drug’ campaign against the painkiller last August, learning that dozens of after British and Irish expats had died after their immune systems were allegedly destroyed by the monly prescribed drug. comof families told us howA trio their relatives had died unnecessarily in excruciating pain. authorities refused to take Yet, claims seriously, despite our the evidence being backed up by local doctors. Fortunately, Ali-

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Vol. 11 Issue 271

Save our home!

679702_DFS_SPANISH_BOX_AD_40x40_MIJAS_COSTA.indd 23/02/2017 11:31 1

EXcluSiVE By laurence dollimore

A BRITISH expat couple are fighting to save their home from demolition Malaga over a technicality. Gill and Bob Ward, both 74, have been locked in with their town hall,a battle which claims their house in Almayate is illegal. Just yesterday the retired ple from Cornwall were cougiven

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tribute bands Think Floyd, Whole Lotta Led rocking Deeper Purple and out the greatest hits of Pink Floyd, Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin at the Plaza del Toros on For a chance to win a August 26. Bolton, just answer the pair of tickets to see was Michael Bolton born question; what year For the Pink Purple Zep in? Fest in Estepona, just tell us; Where was Jimmy Page born? Email answers to the newsdesk@theolivepress.es.

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 VIDEO: Floods hit Costa del Sol

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 Gangsters’ paradise: A look at

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ESPERATE, hungry, but full of hope, these are the migrants who have fled war, violence and poverty in search of a better life in Europe. This remarkable set of images, captured at ports in Granada and Almeria this month, shows the determination of migrants - mostly young men - to provide a better life for their families. And they’re not soldiers being sent by ISIS or Al Shabab, as many right wing commentators would have you believe, but brothers, fathers and sons, burdened with the responsibility of finding a job and a home before the rest of the family attempt to make the perilous journey across the straits of Gibraltar or the Alboran sea. “Some of them burst into song when they arrive,” Granada photographer Felipe Passolas, 39, who captured the images, told the Olive Press. “Others kiss the ground of the port.” But most look confused, having arrived in a country they do not know, surrounded by police officers. “They have no idea what will happen to them, they are entering the unknown,” continued Passolas, a former banker, who has worked as a photographer in both Iraq and Syria. Just this weekend alone another 1000 migrants arrived on our Spanish shores, as the route across the Straits continues to become the fastest growing option, with Italy and Malta making their progress more complicated. Luckily for them, Spain is one of the most

 Torremolinos to open Anda-

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SOCIALMEDIA welcoming countries in the world. And more so now that new Socialist prime minister Pedro Sanchez is in power. In a recent Gallup Poll, the country was revealed as the 17th most welcoming for migrants in the world and the 7th in Europe, coming just behind advanced democracies like the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Sweden. With a migrant welcoming index of 7.44 (out of ten), it was way ahead of 38th placed UK, which had an index of 6.61. Given Europe’s alleged role in causing the migrant crisis, Passolas argues it’s only right that we treat them with humanity and respect. He poignantly added: “The fact is they would rather die trying to be a nobody here than stay in their home countries.”

MIGRANT SPECIAL: Last issue

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There is nothing worse than this. (Killer Wave. issue 33) Going on holiday with the kids to enjoy time together and be happy and then this happens. Tragic. So sad. Glad the children are okay but the family won’t be the same again. Zara Maria, Palma

Has anything piqued your interest in this week’s Olive Press? Have your say on the matter by emailing letters@theolivepress.es or alternatively message us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ OlivePressNewspaper or Twitter @olivepress

Anthea Langdon, Spain

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in Spain last summer, health campaigner Cristina Garcia del Campo took up the cause and has managed to take our case studies and around 100 more to the country’s top health chiefs. A decision on whether to bring in new regulations is imminent. It came after we reported how the drug left several British expats dead or fighting for their lives. Benalmadena-based Hugh Wilcock, 80, had to plan his own funeral after being prescribed the drug for pain relief following several back operations. But six weeks into taking the pills, he developed sores on his forehead and felt weaker and weaker until he had to be rushed to Malaga’s University hospital, where he remained in intensive care for weeks until his immune system recovered. He is just one of dozens who have been brought close to death. The Gibraltar government did not get back to us as we went to press last night.

Most read this fortnight on

with dropping temperatures and more rain - 4616 views

Exclusive set of photos shot in Granada and Almeria highlight the delight and fears of Europe’s new migrants, writes Laurence Dollimore

Richard Taylor, Madrid

and Irish patients had been suffering with sepsis at hospitals along the Costa Blanca. “I thought, this can’t be normal,” explained the translator, from Madrid. And after looking at patients’ notes, she found that each had one thing in common were all taking Nolotil. - they Although manufacturers list side effects such as locytosis, necrotizing agranufasciitis and sepsis, they are considered ‘very rare’ affecting one in every 10,000. The figures did not seem up to Garcia del Campo to add so she set about doing her own research. However, no information existed in Spanish media. The only articles she could on the drug and its lethal find side effects was in the Olive Press. “I was in disbelief,” continued the Javea-based translator, lived in the UK for 18 years.who “I thought this was surely known and someone was welldoing something about it. Except it wasn’t. “I felt I had to inform Spain Continues on Page

Visitors: xxxxxxxx

How bad are things when they, their wives and kids risk their lives to make such a journey. According to my DNA record, it seems my ancestors made the same journey 1,000 of years ago.

Letter

Each print issue of the Olive Press can be read in its entirety on www.theolivepress.es And our site is updated daily with the latest news, making it one of Spain’s most visited news websites.

 Costa del Sol on weather alert

This really will annoy a great many people. People who live and work in Spain cannot get this quick treatment on anything, this sort of nonsense just exacerbates feelings towards these people.

of the

I always believed cultivation in a non public place for personal use. (Political parties in Spain call for weed legalisation, 41) 3 plants per person - was legal- or did the PP scrap that? If they did then that was a big step backward.

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THE Olive Press is giving away three pairs of tickets for two certs on the Costa del Solof the best conAnd all you have to do is this summer... answer two simple questions! Michael Bolton takes to the stage for an emotive end of season night at Marbella’s Puente Romano on August 10, while Estepona is set for its biggest rock concert in years with mammoth

Doctors and dentists join olive Press appeal for ban on dangerous painkiller Nolotil

THE Olive Press is calling on Spain to ban a lethal painkiller that is killing countless of unsuspecting expats. British dentists and doctors are supporting the ban ter Briton Graham Ward, afcomplained to the Olive 75, Press of how he was prescribed the deadly Nolotil drug by tist last week. It’s thea denone month to knock down very Dr Nina King, of Oasis same drug that was Dental Care in Marbella, only property (pictured their blamed the campaign, telling the for killing his wife in 2006. Olive Press the drug is fully supports In a court order seen above). she prescribes. not something by the The Marbella-based Olive Press, the Wards “It’s not a drug I use, I was furious when he wasexpat are stick to safe and standard warned they will be held told she said, “And after seeing medication,” to take the painkiller nally responsible if they crimiwhat damage it can do, I won’t be using in the Spanish dentist, after by his it’s a drug “I don’t know what to refuse. sufferMarbella-based privatefuture.” ing from a difficult abscess. more, I’m at the enddo anyAlmeda also agrees the doctor Dra. Victoria María Chacón His wife Mary, 59, had tether” Gill told the Olive of my died afthe drug,” she told the drug is dangerous. “I don’t prescribe Press, ter being prescribed the “I’m totally exhausted from tients and I am aware Olive Press, “I have lots of British padrug following a double same the of what it is capable of whole ordeal.” vasec“There needs to be a lot doing. tomy at Costa del Sol Hospital. The retired pair, who have more research on its impact.” “Within 24 hours she spent thousands of euros now in intensive care, her was doctor to get a gal costs, bought the old on lewhite blood cell count plummeted The dad-of-two renewal in April, house ‘in ruins’ in 2004,farmto zero within days,” later died from tests showed the were given permission and explains Graham, a former computer septic shock – drug had caused Velez-Malaga town hall from HAPPIER TIMES: Graham to retechnician, from London. believed to be a toxic poisoning build it. with wife, and Billy She never regained conscious- again. Smyth linked to taking in his bone marBut when the original ness and was on a life the Nolotil. Metamizole, row and his lapsed of its own accordwall col“He machine for FOUR support she said she would be alive if in the US, theNolotil is banned blood cell white Another construction, the Wards’during Britmonths, UK, Ireland and hadn’t taken it, but I have was before spending three ish expat Hugh most of Europe, but it dangerously low. tect told them it would archiyears heard from dozens of is pre- Billy, fighting the impact Wilcox was preand that he would let thebe fine a keen of the and Irish who have been Brits scribed widely in Spain. drug, which led to organ given Irishman scribed the same sportsman, develhall know. Unfortunatelytown William fail- it,” added Graeme. ‘Billy’ oped ure. for medication Smyth was sepsis It is the third victim for “The chief surgeon at of the course of thegiven a five-day necrotising and Continues on Page mild shoulder drug 8 fascidrug in Februpital promised me hethe hos- portedthe Olive Press has re- ary. pain on the Costa itis as a result and on in under a year. never prescribe that would Sometimes del Sol. But when the 66-year-old required ‘radical surgery’ drug known also as turned reHe developed severe to a different Spanish remove the affected tissue to head in an attempt to save his life.

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cante-based Garcia del spotted our campaign,Campo working with an Irish while expat who suddenly became critically ill with sepsis and necrotizing fasciitis after taking the He died later in November.drug.

APPEAL: Our 59 Mosquito campaign last year Screens Nolotil, or Metamizol, one of the most popularis still killers in Spain, yet the painmost feared side effect is agranulocytosis, a severe and rapid white blood cells, whichdrop in patients unable to fight leaves infections. Garcia del Campo noticed that a large number of other English

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Faces of hope

Have some humanity COMPARING migrants to animals or saying they should be left to drown are just some of the thankfully few - vile comments that have been left on our online stories. Let’s not forget, most of the expats commenting are themselves migrants, who came to Spain searching for a better life. What makes them different to the desperate men, women and children who have fled from sub-Saharan Africa, other than the colour of their skin and how much they had in their bank accounts? They should thank their lucky stars they weren’t brought up in a country surrounded by death, violence and corruption or that they weren’t so desperate that they’d ‘rather die trying to be a nobody here than stay at home,’ as photographer Felipe Passolas poignantly said.

EXCLUSIVE: Poems from Gibraltar soldier locked up in Andalucia prison for murder

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THE Olive Press is giving away three conpairs of tickets for two of the best certs on the Costa del Sol this summer... simAnd all you have to do is answer two ple questions! an Michael Bolton takes to the stage for emotive end of season night at Marbella’s EstePuente Romano on August 10, while years in pona is set for its biggest rock concert with mammoth

THE Olive Press is calling on Spain to ban a lethal painkiller that is killing countless of unsuspecting expats. British dentists and doctors are supporting the ban after Briton Graham Ward, 75, complained to the Olive Press of how he was prescribed the deadly Nolotil drug by a dentist last week. It’s the very same drug that was blamed one month to knock down their for killing his wife in 2006. only property (pictured above). The Marbella-based expat In a court order seen by the was furious when he was told Olive Press, the Wards are to take the painkiller by his warned they will be held crimiSpanish dentist, after suffernally responsible if they refuse. ing from a difficult abscess. “I don’t know what to do anyHis wife Mary, 59, had died afmore, I’m at the end of my ter being prescribed the same tether” Gill told the Olive Press, drug following a double vasec“I’m totally exhausted from the tomy at Costa del Sol Hospital. whole ordeal.” “Within 24 hours she was The retired pair, who have now in intensive care, her white spent thousands of euros on leblood cell count plummeted gal costs, bought the old farmto zero within days,” explains house ‘in ruins’ in 2004, and Graham, a former computer were given permission from technician, from London. Velez-Malaga town hall to reShe never regained consciousbuild it. ness and was on a life support But when the original wall colmachine for FOUR months, lapsed of its own accord during before spending three years construction, the Wards’ archifighting the impact of the tect told them it would be fine drug, which led to organ failand that he would let the town ure. hall know. Unfortunately for “The chief surgeon at the hospital promised me he would Continues on Page 8 never prescribe that drug

Adept Transport Ltd

dents? It is rare we hear of the same goings on in other Spain hotspots, such as Lloret de Mar, Ibiza and although they do occur in Benidorm, the numbers still bear no comparison. But summer after summer the all-too-familiar story rears its head again on the island. Many write them off as drunk, careless teens but after a 14-year-old boy plunged from a second floor balcony yesterday, it is clear this cannot always be the case. And with Thomas Channon tragically becoming the THIRD Brit to die at the Eden Roc complex this year, it is high time for owners to secure some serious safety measures. Airport officials, business owners and hoteliers need to step in and take action to warn holidaymakers of the risks, before more lives are unnecessarily taken.

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A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than 500,000 people a month.

Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es Elisa Menendez elisa@theolivepress.es Bradley Stokes bradley@theolivepress.es Pablo Balbontin pablo@theolivepress.es

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Following our photo exclusive last month on the recent influx of migrants to Spain, readers react to the news that undocumented migrants are to have full access to healthcare here Migrant desperation

F E AT U R E

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What about the previous 30 odd years of mass immigration! Don’t recall any EU payments for the millions already here. We couldn’t even deport the ones that were known criminals and preachers of hate! Grant Evans, Birmingham, England

Moaning Privileged immigrants moaning about less fortunate immigrants! I’m just grateful I moved here in pleasant circumstances. In another life I might not have been so lucky. Julie Frank, Malaga

Not helpful It is not helpful to confuse and compare these two situations. Those of us who live here either work and pay into social care. If here as pensioners the British Government pay an agreed figure per capita annually to the Spanish authorities, to arrive as a refugee is totally different. Marilyn Plant, Bilbao

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+TheolivepressEs Sunseekers

Political parties in Spain call for

A MALAGA firm is on a mis- legalisation of sion to BE send solar panels into ‘APPY! cannabis space. DHV Technology, launched in 2013, aims to seize on a rising demand for panels at- PODEMOS has renewed tached to satellites. calls for the legalisation The company’s three found- of cannabis now that the ers, Vicente Díaz, Miguel Án- PSOE is in government. Download app now and The party’s leader, Pablo gel Vázquez andourFrancisco begin their enjoying the best Spanish Rubiño, said ambitions Iglesias, said legalising are now even news ‘bigger’ on the go.and they the drug would lead to a want to expand to other parts much bigger budget for of satellite technology. healthcare. He said: “We wouldn’t have to spend money on Launched security arrangements Over the last four years, DHV against illegal trafficking, has developed around 40 so- which generates crime lar panel projects for various and exploitation.” companies outside Spain. According to the blueprint Olive Press They are The currently working for regulation, Spain could on the Argomoon project with raise €177 million per year newsThat in Spain! Italian TOP firm for Argotec. through a cannabis tax, satellite will be launched in plus a further €1.2 billion 2020, traveling 10,000km on indirect taxes. away from Earth.

High time for legalisation Last month, Podemos, the PSOE and Ciudadanos jointly put forward another motion calling for personal amounts of the drug to be legal. Other countries have already benefitted from the legalisation of cannabis. The Netherlands’ capital, Amsterdam, collected €400 million in indirect taxes in 2017. Meanwhile, several states in the US have made a fortune from legalising the non-lethal drug, with Colorado alone selling €1.28 billion of the green drug last year.

Welcomed

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The proposed measures have been largely welcomed by parties on both sides of the political spectrum, except for the PP, which has long fought against the idea. The battle to regulate cannabis began in 2017 when Podemos put forward a non-legislative motion.

COMING SOON?: Legalisation of cannabis

Cruzcampo vs La Roja CRUZCAMPO has threatened to cancel its sponsorship of Spain’s football team after Luis Rubiales’ ‘offensive’ comments. The threat came after the head of the Spanish football federation said paying for the travel costs of senior management and the relatives of footballers to the World Cup was a ‘waste of money’. A Cruzcampo spokesperson said Rubiales was effectively reneging on something that was already agreed, before pointing out that the federation didn’t pay for such travel costs at this World Cup. Rubiales has yet to comment.

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It is about 30 in the Alpujarras. (Red alerts have been issued across Spain as a killer heatwave continues to spread across the country) It always gets hot in Córdoba, Sevilla etc.- it’s called summer. By the 16th of August the days are shorter and the heat reduces.

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Andrew Barker, Granada

Religious Education Good. (Religious education to be stripped of its academic value in Spain, online) Religion kills many more than it saves. Why indoctrinate children with it? Alan Finlayson, Edinburgh

Have you got a comment on any of our stories? Do you have an important issue to raise or just something funny to tell us? Please email newsdesk@theolivepress.com

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PICASSO’s first wife is to be the focus of a new exhibition showing how the artist changed his style as often as he changed his women. The Malaga Museo Picasso our app nowillusand show Download next year will begindifferent enjoying thedirection best Spanish trate the his artistic representations news on the go. of Olga Khokhlova took as their relationship deteriorated.

August 16th - August 29th 2018

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August 16th - August 29th 2018

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A week of gastronomy, culture, sports and partying catered to lesbians will hit the island

MALLORCA is set to welcome an all-female festival this month. ELLA International Lesbian Festival, now in its sixth year, offers a safe space for lesbian, bisexual and trans Political women to come together The exhibition will recon- and enjoy a lavish week of struct his body of work with- culture, gastronomy, music, in the context of a personal art and sport. story that Thedeveloped Olive alongPressKicking off on August 30, side their fall out. Another major show for the festival aims to empowin Spain! next TOP year for willnews explore the er the community and raise link between the artist and awareness on identity, chalAmerican sculptor Alexan- lenges and aspirations. der Calder.

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DAVID Guetta, best known for his international hit Titanium, is returning to the BH Mallorca hotel in Magaluf on August 19.

CELEBRATION: Of women at Mallorca festival

Femme fest

Partying

The daytime programme includes adventure excursions across the island, beer tours, self defence classes, art exhibitions, yoga and watersports every day until September 6. Meanwhile, evenings will be filled with partying, live music from international DJs and luxurious gourmet dinners.

Last year ELLA welcomed 1,500 women from across the globe to Mallorca last year. The opening gala will be a lavish affair taking place on a scenic rooftop with live music and a fine dining meal cooked by Michelinstar chef, Marc Fosh. A Sailing Tour will be a highlight of the week, which will wine and dine guests on the Spanish Fleet’s oldest sailing boat with DJs, tapas, snorkelling and kayaking.

anda fun

THE VILLAGE of Randa in Algaida celebrates its summer festival the last week of August, hosting concerts, parades, outdoor meals and activities and the Ramon Llull artisan market.

retending life

RIALTO Living is showcasing a new exhibition in its Palma home store. 'Pretending life' will include paintings, engravings and sculptures until September 18.

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Legendary US band Luna are performing at the Centre de Salut Pollenca on August 30 as they continue their comeback tour with new album ‘A Sentimental Education’.

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Diana Tang retraces the footsteps of Spain’s most famed and tragic poet during his centenary year

FELL in love with Federico Garcia Lorca when I was 17, sitting in a circle on a dirty school carpet with my Spanish Literature class reading La Casa de Bernarda Alba. I found myself in a world vastly progressive for its time of writing. There’s a reason why Lorca’s name has gone down in history as one of Spain’s best poets. The genius behind great literary classics like Bernarda Alba’s House and Blood Wedding constructed unforgettably descriptive,

avant-garde works that still resonate with readers today. It’s 100 years since Lorca published his first book, Impresiones y Paisajes, his only work of prose. More than a diary of his travels, the book is a social commentary on politics and aesthetics. This year would also have been the poet’s 120th birthday, which has given the city of Granada two reasons to declare 2018 the Year of Lorca. Granada held a special place in the heart of the art-

LA LACULTURA CULTURA

August 16th - August 29th 2018

An ode to Lorca ist who once said that if he ever became famous, ‘half of that fame will belong to Granada, which formed me and made me what I am.’ The city had a profound impact on his works, instilling his deep love for nature, introducing him to some of his closest companions, and, in the words of Lorca himself, giving him ‘a sympathetic understanding of those who are persecuted.’ Taking a copy of Impresiones y Paisajes as our guide, the Olive Press ventured forth to discover how Lorca’s Granada compares to the modern provincial capital of today.

Restaurante Chikito

MODERN THINKER: Lorca supported the perscuted

Lorca, who was sadly murdered by fascist thugs during the Spanish Civil War, found some of his closest friends and fellow intellectuals in Cafe Alameda, a meeting place for discussions of the Rinconcillo tertulia (debating society)and members of Granada’s Artistic, Literary and Scientific Society. These encounters provided an outlet for Lorca’s artistic perspective and progressive conversation. It was here he met famous musicians and artists such as Manuel de Falla, connections that

COUNTRY LIFE: Lorca got to understand how servants lived at Hierta de San Vincente

would form his support group for years to come. The cafe’s name has changed but Restaurante Chikito still upholds the spirit of the Rinconcillo. Its motto, el arte de hacer amigos - the art of making friends - is evident in the open layout of the

restaurant and its cozy vibe. Lorca is also present. His lifesized sculpture is appropriately seated at a table in the corner, pencil in hand and seemingly deep in thought. The statue was created by José Castro and unveiled in 2015 by the mayor of Grana-

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RIP: Lorca’s alleged burial spot and plaque (inset)

da, José Torres Hurtado, in the poet’s memory. Lorca would be pleased to know the food is still great, but the real wow factor is being able to sit in the very room where the poet and his friends broke bread and chewed the fat over every-

LA CULTURA LA CULTURA

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August 16th - August 29th 2018

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CENTRE OF THE DEBATE: Statue of Lorca in Chikito

thing from the fad for Orientalism to fascism.

Getting to know the staff “People all over the world come here,” tour guide Francisco Ramallo told me.

“It’s amazing the way people love Lorca.” Huerta de San Vicente, Lorca’s summer home from 1926 to 1936, stands in the middle of the park dedicated to his memory. From its many balconies, the Alhambra Palace and the snow-capped peaks of

the and Sierra Nevada were once were visible before the city’s taller buildings blotted out the view. Lorca was inspired by nature and the people of Huerta de San Vicente itself. According to Ramallo, he would spend hours with the servants in the kitch-

en, conversing and taking notes, using their stories and perspectives in his works. The desire to get to the nitty gritty of local life was a key element in Lorca’s literary style, which combined modern thought with traditional lifestyles. The house-museum presents a complete picture of Lorca as poet, artist and musician. His rough sketches of costumes and backdrops for performances by La Barraca, a theatre group he directed, hang on the wall, and a large grand piano sits in the corner collecting dust. In Lorca’s bedroom is the exact desk on which he wrote some of his most famous works, such as Blood Wedding and Yerma. With the original furniture still intact, from the tiled floor in Lorca’s room to the old-fashioned light switch, visitors can walk in the poet’s footsteps and beam themselves back to the past.

Poet central

Dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of Lorca and his legacy, the gift shop is a treasure trove combining collections of his MURDERED: Lorca was killed by a fascist firing squad

Continues overleaf

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From page 17

works with stylised covers reflecting an artist’s understanding of how his plays have contributed to the modern world. From biographies to illustrated poems to ‘Lorca for kids,’ the shop showcases the poet’s broad appeal, regardless of generation or fashion. Unfortunately closed during our visit, the centre will reopen in September with a new season of cultural events dedicated to Lorca.

Albayzin

Lorca called it a ‘jagged oriental dream against the sky’ and the description could not be more fitting. The Albayzin is a Moorish wonderland, filled with the cries of street vendors selling their handcrafted rugs, jewelry and artisan soaps. Every winding street bears witness to the timelessness of this narrow, undulating district which is just as Lorca describes in Impresiones y Paisajes: deeply lyrical, with beautiful buildings and luscious gardens in full bloom; and full of the smells of incense and the songs of street performers. But beneath the Moorish romanticism lies ‘an atmosphere of infinite anguish’, as Lorca wrote, and you can still feel it today. It is ‘an atmosphere burdened with

MAGICAL: Lorca was particularly inspired by the charming architecture and narrow lanes of the Albayzin

the strumming of guitars and phlegmatic cries of the gypsies...a murmur of gypsy

longing’, he wrote. Flamenco is a dance full of passion, energy, anguish

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and emotion and the intensity of watching a dancer up close in the gypsy cave Zambra Maria La Canastera gave me a taste of that ‘gypsy longing’. The strained expressions of the dancers,

the heavy guitar strums and the shouting accompanying the song Gitana by Manzanita is the same gypsy performance that tugged at Lorca’s heartstrings. Lorca was such an admirer

RELICS: Museum dedicated to Lorca’s work

Beautiful apartment dating back to 18 th century with courtyard patio and terrace, in Palma Old Town just off the Ramblas. Bright and spacious lounge with fireplace and beamed ceiling, dining roomand kitchen overlooking a private courtyard patio. Viewing highly recommended.

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LUSCIOUS: Federico Garcia Lorca park

of the romancero gitano (gypsy ballads) he published a collection of poems in 1928 by that very name. And as Lorca was inspired by gypsy culture, so gypsy culture was inspired by the poet. Walking in nearby Sacromonte, evidence of Lorca is everywhere, from a largerthan-life portrait of him in a flamenco cave to posters of upcoming homages to the artist plastered over the walls. Lorca has left an indelible mark on society in general and the city of Granada in particular. In his brief lifetime of 38 years, he touched the lives of so many with his words. The themes he sought to represent - brotherhood, culture and freedom - are especially remembered now, during El Año de Lorca, but they will never be forgotten. They remain ingrained in Granada forever.

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Virgin to test the Hyperloop One in Malaga after agreeing a deal with ADIF

VALENCIA-based chain Mercadona closed the second quarter of 2018 with a share of 24.9% in the supermarket consumption. One in every four euros VIRGIN are testing their new Hyperloop One in Malaga, spent by Download Spanishourconsumapp now and creating more than 250 jobs ers for food household beginand enjoying the best Spanish in the area in the next five supplies was spent in Mer- years. news on the go. cadona. The US company has made The retail giant again domi- a deal with ADIF (Spain’s nated amongst the super- administor of railway strucmarket chains, showing a tures) to build the €432 milgrowth of 0.6% in its mar- lion facility in Bobadilla. ket share share since last The Hyperloop system is designed to transport both year. Carrefour trailed behind people and cargo at approxiMercadona at 8.3% of mar- mately 1,120 kilometres per hour. ket share.The Olive Press TOP for news in Spain! Decline

Dia, a discount supermarket chain, showed the greatest decline in its figure, losing 1.0% of market share to close the second quarter at 7.6%. Its stock-market value has also dropped 60% in the past year. Despite the fall, Dia held the third greatest market share behind Mercadona and Carrefour. Eroski remained in fourth place with 5.5%.

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August 16th - August 29th 2018

Project

According to Virgin’s website, the Hyperloop One will be able to travel at ‘speeds of up to 700 mph’. The project is set to be launched in 2020, and will be used to test the Hyperloop during its expansion across the world. The system cuts out human error by being completely autonomous and uses electric propulsion to power itself. ADIF claimed Virgin had chosen Malaga for its testing because of the country’s highly qualified workforce and lead-

NEWS IN BRIEF Withdrawn croissants Mercadona has withdrawn the croissants from its white label Hacendado due to a labeling error that failed to indicate that the product contains milk and other derivatives.

Theatre improvements

SPACE AGE: The new Virgin designed train tunnel

Believe in the hype

ership in high-speed rail. The investment however will not go ahead unless 126 million euros is obtained through public aid, loans and grants.

Virgin has bought an area of 19,000 square meters for the project which will accommodate all of the equipment needed to make this high-speed

technology a reality. Recently Virgin CEO Richard Branson claimed the hyperloop could be ready for passengers to travel on as early as 2021.

Mallorca’s council have announced they will spend €560,000 to improve the Fundacion Teatre Principal. The works have already started and should be completed by the end of summer 2019.

Waste A study by the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology at the University of Barcelona found 400,000 business and leisure waste products on Mallorca’s beaches.

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Winter wonderland PALMA is preparing for its busiest winter yet with more hotels open and more flights around Europe than ever before. The city’s boutique hotels are expecting their best winter season to date. “The forecast is good from now until the Spring,” said chairman of Palma hotel association, Javier Vich. He insisted that many more visitors are coming to visit the recently-finished Palacio de Congresos convention centre, which has been open over a year.

Growing

He said it was attracting large numbers in the off season. The growing number of cyclists in the Autumn and Spring are also helping the Playa de Palma area grow, with more hotels open outside the high season than before.

POPULAR: Even in the winter season

BUSINESS

August 16th - August 29th 2018

Robin hood law New law could see homes taken off wealthy investors and given to councils

than ten properties and has some that have been vacant for two years will be forced to register them with the government to get them rented out. The new legislation will include any flats owned by banks and investment firms. They will then be rented out to applicants for around €450 per month. Town halls will be given the power to access water and electricity bills to determine if a property has been left vacant.

By Laurence Dollimore & Gillian Keller

THOUSANDS of private apartments on the Balearics could be seized by the authorities and given to councils to rent out to lower-income families or tenants. It comes after more than 3,000 apartments were discovered to have been empty for at least two years. Anyone who owns more

Seeking solace MICHAEL Schumacher’s wife has splashed out on a £27 million mansion in Mallorca. The F1 driver’s wife, Corinna, 49, has bought the palatial pad near Andratx from Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. The luxury 161,000 sq ft estate boasts a helipad, two swimming pools, a

guest villa and epic gardens. Long-time lovers of the island, the Switzerlandbased Schumachers are expected to use the mansion as a holiday home. The couple, who married in 1995, have chosen the island as their favourite holiday destination for the past few years.

Drive

MOVING: Michael

The latest census estimates that there are over 70,000 empty houses on the Balearics, with more than half of them in Palma. The new legislation is part of a drive to deter property from being used purely for investments, which can send prices in areas skyrocketing while outpricing the locals.

High end soaring LUXURY houses in the Balearics are growing at the fastest rate for years. According to one of the islands’ leading agencies they are growing by as much as 15% a year. The average price of a property sold has jumped from €1.2 million to €1.4 million in the first half of this year, claims Engel & Volkers

Attract

“Mallorca continues to attract more and more people with a high net worth, which makes it an even more luxurious destination,” according to the agency. Many new high end and exclusive property projects have begun this year to meet the demand of foreign investors.

AGONY ANT

YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY ANTONIO FLORES

Faking it Beware of phoney community fines, writes Antonio Flores from Lawbird

OME days ago, a worried property owner wrote to us with a query relating to his “Community of Owners”, along with a photo of a resolution recently adopted by the president of the said community. The text read as follows: 1. The President is then allowed to set fines between €30 and €600, depending on the important and seriousness of the matter, when breaching the above articles, regardless if any damage made has been restored. These amounts will be deposited into the community’s bank account. 2. Penalties must be notified in writing to the owners committing the infraction, describing the specific infraction and penalty imposed,

which will be charged directly to the owner. 3. The HOA (Homes Owners Association) reserves its right to take legal action against owners in violation. After rubbing my eyes in disbelief, I hastily checked up our main source of legislative updates (www.vlex. es) in case I had missed this implausible new legal change that would give nasty and corrupt presidents and administrators jurisdiction to suppress dissidence within the community of owners. But there was nothing, thankfully. So, is the above prerogative lawful? Absolutely not. The Juridical Regime of the Public Administration Act 30/1992 grants the state the monopoly of imposing pecuniary penalties or similar fines, without exception, following a due adversarial administrative procedure.

This is not to say that a community of owners may not, following the appropriate procedure to adopt community resolutions, agree on a fixed surcharge for late payment of fees or even impede non-payers the use of communal elements (pools for instance). But never the prerogative to arbitrarily sanction specific conducts by its members. A congress held in 2010 by an association of community administrators to debate Horizonal Property Law matters resolved that ‘it is not possible to fine owners for breaching internal regulations, even if this resolution is written into the statutes or voted by a majority’. Presidents and Administrators who despite the above insist on coercing owners into paying fines could face criminal action.

Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.com

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The island’s ‘best mansion’ - and probably most expensive - will have a famous new tenant this Download our app now and summer begin enjoying the best Spanish

news onUS the ambassador go. FORMER his interior designer partto Spain James Costos and ner were invited to the pad his husband are following during Obama’s week-long in the footsteps of longtime summer jolly last year. friend Michelle Obama. The sprawling property is The pair are renting Ses owned by Marieta Salas Planes, known as the ‘best Zaforteza, a local millionmansion in Mallorca’, for a aire with close connections mere €20,000 per week. to Marta Gayá, a friend of The Olive It comes after CostosPress and King Juan Carlos. TOP for news in Spain!

STUNNING: Estate and (right) Costos

Located near Valldemosa at the foot of the Sierra de la Tramuntana, Ses Planes

One to watch ZOOPLA has revealed its most viewed property for July a modest three-bedroom chalet in southern Spain. The Alicante new-build is on the market for just €289,900 and beat out a nine-bedroom chateau in Cannes, a 19-bedroom chateau in Dordogne, and an Italian 20-bedroom palazzo to take the top spot in the property website’s top 10 international listings. The villa’s popularity is likely due to Brits looking for their dream home abroad after being inspired by their summer hols. Despite its modest price, the villa comes with its own pool, garden with terrace, courtyard, large living area and floor-to-ceiling windows.

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August 16th - August 29th 2018

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offers stunning views and includes a picturesque farm which raises purebred Arab horses. The nine-bedroom, ninebathroom finca boasts elegant and rural Mallorca-styled decorations by Pascua Ortega, expansive gardens, an outdoor swimming pool, porch, spa, library, and guest apartment. Costos and his partner have been regular visitors to the island for more than 15 years. Costos will return this August as an honorary winemaker of the Pla i Llevant wines of Mallorca.

Moving on CRISTIANO Ronaldo has taken one more step to move on from his former club Real Madrid as he looks to leave behind his recent run-in with the Spanish tax authorities. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has reportedly sold his home in Madrid, a €5.3 million luxury mansion in the La Finca area of Pozuelo de Alarcon. The seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom home boasts indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a football field and a gym. The property was the new Juventus star’s pride and joy for ten years, featuring monogrammed door handles and a Buddha statue out front. The football star will be moving to Turin, Italy with girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez and their four children. He has bought two connected villas on a hill, with an impressive view of the city and lush vegetation providing shelter from the prying eyes of neighbors, paparazzi, or curious fans. These villas are just as extravagant as his Madrid home, with separate entrances to each villa, expansive gardens, an indoor swimming pool, and, of course, a well-equipped gym. The neighborhood is a popular spot for the rich and famous. Ronaldo’s modern mansion is near the residence of John Elkann, the Italian-American businessman and president of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

LUXURY: New pad in Turin and (right) the sold property in Madrid

By Amanda Butler

Record highs Despite a quiet August in the tourism sector the property market is still booming in Mallorca, writes Amanda Butler

AVING had a little bit of a break from writing, I decided it was time to get back in front of the computer, in spite of the rather high heat and humidity of August! With record temperatures sweeping across Europe, it has been an incredible summer for most regions and indeed a little too hot for many – with a number of Brits in the UK being relieved at the plummet in temperatures last week! But for sure, the good European-wide weather has hit the volume of tourists this year in Mallorca, alongside the impact of the crackdown on holiday rentals and increasing confidence in some of the cheaper resorts such as an apparently safer Egypt - and Turkey with its Trump-devalued Lira. It’s unheard of at this time of year to find empty sun beds and last minute availability for hotels, but that is what we are experiencing in some areas of the island. Having spoken to some local shop and restaurant owners, there is real concern about their level of business, with those I spoke to believing that it is the holiday rentals that frequent

Pioneers & experts in Spanish off-plan property claims according to banks liabilities – under ley 57/1968 their shops most – so it would seem the only really happy people involved with tourism this year might be the anti-tourism lobby! It will be interesting to see the statistics at the end of the summer, but I fear there will be some licking of wounds when the school holidays come to an end. There remain some big questions for the government in how to stem this decline. Fortunately, for the property market, we don’t seem to have been too affected. On the contrary, according to the Balearic Statistics Institute and property website Idealista, the average price per square metre in Calvia and Palma respectively have hit record levels; €3,428/sqm in Calvia verses €3,051 before the crash in 2008 - and €2,809 against €2,381 in Palma. That’s

quite impressive compared to their lowest ebbs of €2,364 and €1,805 respectively in 2014. Naturally at the higher end of the market, the price per square meter is substantially higher, but it gives an interesting comparison. This recovery is largely attributed to increased activity at the higher end of the market, which of course is mainly apportioned to foreign buyers made up predominantly of Germans, Brits and Scandinavians. Specialising more as a high end Buyers Agent these days, I for one have had an exceptional year and am waiting to receive confirmation from a British client, promising to arrive within the next 2 weeks with an extremely healthy budget in excess of €5 million - so long may it continue!

Contact Amanda J Butler to buy or sell your home: Tel: +34690075169, www.mjcassociates.net. Your professional one stop property shop around the Island!

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HEALTH

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Lung cancer on rise SPANISH women have been warned that deaths related to lung cancer could rise by 159% if drastic measures are not taken. A researcher of a study published by the American Association for Cancer Investigation, José Maria Martinez Alvarez, has explained the reasons behind these shocking figures.

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Mortality

He added that although there have been ‘great advances’ in treatment for breast cancer, a dramatic increase in women’s tobacco consumption has greatly impacted lung cancer mortality rates. Meanwhile one of the most severe types of the disease, breast cancer, has a more positive outlook. Mortality rates are expected to drop from 16.1 deaths to 14.7 to every 100,000 women by 2030.

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British father cuts Mallorca hols short to save eyesight A BRITISH dad was blinded after swimming with his contact lenses in Mallorca. Muir Fulton had to have emergency surgery after both eyes became infected. The 45-year-old went for a morning dip on the island but forgot to take his lenses out. An infection quickly spread behind the lens and within hours he was struggling to see. Muir, from Scotland, rushed to a Spanish hospital but claimed he was ‘getting nowhere’. The father flew home immediately. “I was struggling to see and knew I was going blind.” The property developer’s eyes were so badly infected that the thin membrane covering the eyeball, the cornea,

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was scarred by infection and blocked images passing through to the eye. He was admitted to Ayr Hospital where he was given antibiotic eye drops every 30 minutes for four days. “I was warned that if the drops did not work, my left

Plastic peril DUREX has been forced to recall 14 batches of condoms after they failed durability tests. The batches in Spain include the Sin Latex and Real Feel condoms, although other brands such as the Natural Feeling, Love Collection and Natural Sensation condoms have been recalled across Europe. A statement by Reckitt Benckiser, owners of the brand Durex, said: “The safety of our consumers always comes first, and this is reflected in out rigorous quality standards. RESEARCHERS have dis“Our tests have shown that covered that a drug which some batches which are curhelps relieve the symptoms rently on the market do not of Alzheimer’s could be the pass the requirements for key to stop and even preburst pressure towards the vent this terrible disease. end of the shelf life for the A new investigation by product. researchers at Virginia University has revealed that the drug, MemanSafety tine, should be intro“There could be an increase duced before symptoms in the number of condoms even appear. that burst during application or use“. Recovery Durex said: “There is no immediate safety concern for It stated that the best consumers and only a limchance of recovery is to ited number of batches are recognise patients who affected.“ could be at risk by submitting them to a series of tests. If found to be at risk, patients should start treatment on Memantine and adjust to a lifestyle which is known to slow down the onset of the disease. Researchers claim this could completely prevent the disease from appearing.

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eye would be glued shut.” He was told a cornea transplant in his right eye offered hope and the chance of success was limited. He added: “We got a donor cornea from the national eye bank and I am delighted to say it has worked, against considerable odds. “Many people don’t know never to swim or indeed take a shower with contact lenses. It’s also easy to forget you are wearing them.” Luckily, Muir was able to see again as soon as the bandages came off. “It was amazing. My sight had been saved,’ he said.

Killer heat NINE people have now died as a direct result of Spain’s killer heatwave. It means the sky-high temperatures have killed more than one person per day over the past week. A 66-year-old man died from heatstroke in Extremadura. A 75-year-old woman passed away two days later after also succumbing to heat stroke. A 40-year-old German man who was on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage also died from heat stroke in Extremadura, as did an 81-year-old man. It comes as temperatures in southern Spain have reached just over 46C. Meanwhile in Catalunya, three homeless men have died.Two other men in Murcia – a road worker in his 40s and a 78-year-old pensioner – also died from heatstroke this month.

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TICKETS for the world’s biggest food fight are up for grabs. And if you want to join the 50,000 revellers who flock to the small Valencian town of Bunol the Tomatina festival, you better get one. Spain’s famous tomato battle takes place annually on August 29 - and the streets of this usually quiet town become filled with the remnants of mushy tomato, sangria and a lot of partying. The festival kicks off at 11am when truck loads of tomatoes are carted into the town, while one brave soul will climb up a two-storey high, greased-up wooden pole to snatch the coveted jamon iberica leg at the top. It’s every man for himself during the tomato battle, until time is called after just one hour and participants flock to bathe in the Bunol River.

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FESTIVITIES: Morris dancers

Groups of men will protect women from evil forces during St Barts feast day next week

DANCE: 14th century ritual will see the teams of dancing 'cossiers' dancing away the devil, who is lurking nearby.

R-espeto MALAGA has launched a campaign to have its famed ‘espeto’ sardines recognised by the UN as a key part of its cultural heritage. Called ‘Espetacular’, the skewer cooking method is being lauded as a traditional and healthy cooking method that is important to Malaga. Javier Lima, a representative of the Marbella Activa Association, described the espeto is a work of ‘genius’ created by the people of Malaga. A book about espetos, literally ‘skewers’, is currently being writ-

What’s on for foodies!

Rush of red

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THREE pairs of dancers circle around a women, wearing bright colours and looking like British Morris dancers. This is all part of an annual ritual to protect local women from the devil and it will take place in many towns around the island next week. Feast day of Saint Bartholomew – August 24 –

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August 16th - August 29th 2018

ICONIC: Sardines ten by historian Jesús Moreno. A photo contest ‘La moraga y el espeto de sardinas’, has also been launched. The official bid is to be handed to UNESCO next year and could take up to seven years to be successful. The Malaga authorities hope to get the support of the Junta.

The dance began in the 14th century and has survived despite attempts by former dictator Francisco Franco to outlaw it. In Soller there will be a special festivities including a festival of art exhibits and after dark events. Ses Salines meanwhile decorates the entire town for this seasonal celebration. The town has many races and sporting events for all ages, and a very popular community dinner, Festa del Cavall.

Games

A parade kicks off the day in Capdepera and Cala Ratjada, and is followed by a week of games and activities, cinema and theatre events and a big firework display on the 24th. Consell also has an entire week for the festivities, as St Bart is their patron saint. Montuiri is one of the most popular places to go to celebrate Bartholomew as their dancing cossiers are well known for their talent and grace.

traditional

Sacre bleu SPAIN is being put over a barrel after France banned a blue wine from Andalucia, describing it as ‘fake’. Almeria-produced Vindigo has now been withdrawn from supermarket shelves in France. It comes after Gallic wine experts doubted the light turquoise colour was natural, insisting it had been added, a claim denied by the producers who insist it comes from the pigment, anthocyanin, found in grape skin. The beverage begins as a Chardonnay grape white wine, changing colour after being macerated with red grape skins at a later stage It has notes of cherry, passion fruit and blackberry. Jean-Louis Escudier, a researcher at the National Institute of Agricultural Research, claimed the practice of using red grape skin to pulp together with white wine is illegal. Researchers are not the only individuals who have taken offense. Local wine producers have accused the labelling of Vindigo as ‘de Méditerranée’ meaning ‘illegal and misused’.

lamenco flair

PORT Adriano continues their ‘Flamenco Summer Experience’ through the end of August with local restaurants hosting mini flamenco performances. Talented dancers and performers have entertaining four minute routines for diners while taking in the views.

in time

MALLORCA Gin Distillery is hosting a Gin Making Experience event on August 16 and 17 at the shop in Santa Catalina. The class welcomes guests to a history lesson, cocktail tasting and nibbles while making their own bottle of gin- from adding flavours in a copper still to bottling and labelling.

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MADRID

August 16th - August 29th 2018

Vintage The fierce rivalry between Spain’s two most visited cities is not confined to the soccer pitch, as Grace Lee reports

HE La Liga clashes between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are legendary but the cities themselves provoke continual head-to-heads over which has the glitziest nightlife, best shopping, oldest restaurant/bar/pastry shop/ice cream parlour etcetera. To settle the score, The Olive Press visited five antique food establishments in both cities to see which one wins this particular clash of the Titans.

Oldest Restaurante Madrid: Botín - 1725 One of Ernest Hemingway’s favourite haunts, Botín is listed as the oldest restaurant in the world in the Guinness Book of Records. Much of the four-story building’s original structure has been preserved, allowing customers to step back in time as they enter through the antique wooden entrance embellished with stained glass

Madrid: Casa Alberto - 1827

VS BARCELONA

windows. Its signature dish, cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig), which Hemingway described as ‘the best in the world’ is cooked in the old holm oak-burning oven which gives the meat its singular flavour. A point of pilgrimage for foodies and history buffs alike, be sure to book your table well in advance.

Oldest Bar

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The winner is...Madrid

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Scarlet doors welcome customers to this antique bar, where ice cold glasses of vermouth have been served across the marble countertop for nearly two centuries. It was a handy watering hole for Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote, who lived above the bar during his time in

Madrid. And it’s still the perfect spot for a cold drink after an afternoon of wandering through the bustling streets of the capital. There’s always a crowd and a great atmosphere as the bar is only 10 minute walk from Madrid’s top tourist attraction, the Prado Museum.

Oldest Chocolatería Madrid: San Gines - 1890 San Gines has been serving up Spain’s favourite weekend breakfast indulgence - chocolate con churros - for more than 120 years. Down an alleyway a few steps from Puerta del Sol, the chocolatería is always packed to the gunnels with contented customers dipping sticks of freshly deep-fried dough into comforting cups of gooey chocolate, thick as custard. You can also buy homemade chocolate bars and truffles. The cafe is open 24/7/365 so whether it’s 4am after a wild night out or a 4pm coffee break from work, you can always get your chocolate fix.

Oldest Pastelería Madrid: El Riojano - 1855 One of Madrid’s oldest cake shops, El Riojano has connections in high places. It was founded by Dámaso Maza, personal pastry chef to the Spanish Royal Family who was better known by his nickname ‘El Riojano,’ and generously passed it on to the bakery. Much of the original 19th-century interior has been preserved including the stunning mahogany showcases and antique lights. Pick out a scrumptious treat from the massive selection and enjoy it with a café con leche in the tea room at the back.

Oldest Heladería Madrid: Los Alpes - 1950 This classic ice cream business was founded by Italian Pedro Marchi and his Spanish wife Marcelina Ladero. With a passion for creating homemade ice cream with fresh, seasonal ingredients, the pair started with eight flavours and worked their way up to more than 80. For an extra flourish, the artisan cones are made with an original Italian recipe. You can find the heladeria in Chamberi just across from Parque del Oeste, where you can perch on the edge of a neoclassical fountain and keep cool while you devour your cornetto.

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BARCELONA

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warfare Barcelona: Can Culleretes - 1786 Runner-up to Madrid in longevity, the oldest restaurant in Barcelona has been flying the flag for Catalan cuisine for over two centuries. Specialities include civet de jabalí (wild boar stew) and canelos ‘los de siempre’ (traditional cannelloni), a classic favourite.

Setting back off La Rambla, one of the city’s busiest streets, visitors can get a taste of Barcelona’s past through three imposing mural paintings inside the restaurant but its deeper history is transmitted through the intense traditional flavours of its dishes.

The winner is...Barcelona

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Barcelona: Bar Marsella - 1820 The peeling ceilings clouded with cobwebs and the hundreds of empty bottles ranged upon the shelves attest to the countless drinks poured and drunks served who have laughed, wept and partied all night long at Marsella since 1820. Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali were regulars at this bohemian bar, rumoured to have

been a clandestine hotspot for anti-establishment intellectuals and artists during the Franco regime. Bar Marsella is infamous for its deliriously strong absenta (absinthe), a highly alcoholic and hallucinogenic herbal drink served with a fork and a cube of sugar balanced on the rim of the glass.

The winner is...Barcelona Barcelona: Xocolates Fargas - 1827 The artisan chocolates of Fargas on Carrer de Pi are the Cartier jewels of the confectionary world and they come in presentation gift boxes. Although the firm has relocated to new premises a couple of stores down from the original shop, the main counter, window display cabinets and chocolate mill came too and are still in use at this historic chocolatería. The range of exquisitely-crafted chocolate truffles on display lure window shoppers inside to splurge on edible souvenirs gift-wrapped for their loved ones.

The winner is...Barcelona Barcelona: La Colmena - 1849 One of the oldest cake shops in the heart of Barcelona at Plaça de l’Àngel square, La Colmena is the sweetest taste of the city’s history you’ll ever savour. The bakery makes its pastries and tarts with exactly the same recipes that were being used in the 19th century and they’re still just as popular. The display of freshly baked pastries that are lined up in the windows every morning has become a tourist attraction and crowds are glued to the windows at all times of the day, picking out their favorite treats. One of many highlights is the massive meringues which are light and delicate and as big as your hand.

The winner is...Barcelona Barcelona: El Tío Che - 1912 Uncle Che licks Madrid’s Los Alpes into second place for longevity of heladerias having survived two world wars and shared the city’s every inglorious and glorious moment since, including the 1992 Olympics. The business started out as a horchatería serving the plant-based milk made from tiger nuts, but later expanded into artisanal ice creams. The parlour has been through multiple location changes. Today it’s ensconced in the neighbourhood of Poblenou a couple minutes walk from Playa Bogatell, where it’s creamy, thick ice cream offers a delicious beach break.

Bar Molly Malone – C/ Monsenor Palmer 5, Palma

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I don’t like the yellow stuff and I don’t care who knows about it, writes Lesley Keith

O I’ve actually made it to half way through August. Yes I know I keep on about how hot it is but let’s face it, it is so hot! We have some air-conditioning but in our lounge it’s been struggling and not very effective so I keep finding excuses to go to the bedroom where it’s brilliant. I have many excuses, sock drawers need organising or next door’s cat has disappeared and could well be there, there’s possibly a dirty cup….. Our bedroom feels like a lovely fridge when I first walk in and I defy anyone not to go ‘Ahhhh!’ with a satisfied sigh. Once I’ve been in there a few minutes however I find myself checking to see if it’s still working as I am hot again.

CHEESUS: Not for me

Columnists

August 16th - August 29th 2018

Cheesed off

Then when I come back out the heat time, ‘Do you really not like cheese or hits me like a brick wall and it’s like is it that you’re allergic to it?’ stepping into an oven. Sleeping in bed So I have to explain that no I really and despite the fact that I’ve upped don’t like it, to me it tastes like milk the temperature to a sensible and that’s gone off, the smell is disgustfrugal 22C, I’m often awoken by the ing and once cooked looks like somefact that I’m freezing and covered by one’s been ill. a thick frost. I then turn it off again Then comes the third degree as the only to awake in a pool of sweat. I’m magnitude of what I’ve said sinks in, pinning all my hopes on September. surely I like this cheese, or what about Please let it have cooled down by that cheese? then, even if it’s just at night. No, I actually don’t like cheese, that’s Having been here a any cheese, plus it’s while now I’ve defifull of fat and calories nitely found some Then comes the and so what on earth great restaurants that am I actually missthird degree as I return to again and ing? I have to tell hostagain. Most of these in advance if the magnitude of esses are not on the seafront I go to a dinner party but a couple of streets what I have said so that their efforts back so not particularwon’t be wasted, to sinks in ly touristy. One of the which I once got the main problems I have reply ‘You’re such a with anywhere culinuisance, I was going nary is that I don’t like cheese so if the to do mousaka!’. Perhaps that wasn’t menu isn’t very specific I always have the time to point out that actual Greek to ask if it includes the dreaded yellow Mousaka doesn’t have cheese in stuff. It’s one of the first things I learnt it, only the Brits do that. I then usuto say here and I try and learn how to ally get served a special separate one say it in the language of anywhere I without the offending cheese, usually go. That means no pizza, no cheese- accompanied by a loud huff. Well exburgers and no pre-parmesaned Ital- cuse me, but why not just cook someian food or Kievs, or cheese and wine thing else? parties, there’s a very long list. People often tell me that certain dishWhen I say that to someone I always es will be ok because you can’t actuget that astonished disbelieving look ally taste the cheese in it, well again followed by the same question every I’m sorry but I can, and I can smell it

too and if it’s so tasteless then why has it been included in the recipe? My two older brothers obviously got my share of cheese loving genes. They belong to cheese appreciation societies, have it delivered by mail order to ensure a constant supply, they seek out specialist cheese shops, plus my dad would sit with a huge chunk and just eat it like a piece of bread. To be honest there is only one time I can stomach it and that is when it’s

Mallorca diaries

By Lesley Keith

a bland cheddary type, cubed, with pineapple on a cocktail stick. It’s like a switch has been thrown and my cheese enjoyment receptors are engaged. Only two weeks ago I helped create one of those sputniks (half a melon covered in foil and speared with the sticks). No one else got a look in, it was great but otherwise I think I’ll pass, thanks all the same. lesleyk.mallorca@gmail.com

THE paper not to miss on Mallorca island THE Olive Press is now distributing all over the island in an incredible 500-plus locations. Found at castles, tourist offices, museums and petrol stations, it has become the most soughtafter English newspaper in Mallorca every fortAlaro Alcanada Alcanada Alcudia ALGAIDA Andratx Andratx BENDINAT BENDINAT BENDINAT Binissalem Cala Estancia Cala D’or Cala D’or

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Fears for Ronaldo

End of an era

DAVID Silva has followed Gerard Pique in retiring from international football after Spain’s disastrous World Cup. Silva made 125 appearances for the national side, scoring 35 times in his 12 years playing for his country. PRICETAG: Kepa The Manchester City midfielder was part of the World Cup winning squad in 2010 Download our app now and as well as their back-to-back European begin enjoying the best Spanish news on the go.

Pricey goal-kepa

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Lionel Messi breaks club record as Barca claim Super Cup victory

IT has been confirmed that Kepa Arrizabalaga will head to London to play for Chelsea. Athletic Bilbao announced that Kepa’s buyout clause of €71.6 million has been met and confirmed the 23-yearThe Olive Press LIONEL Messi made hisold goalkeeper’s departure tory at the Super Cup final in from the club. Morocco after Ousman Demforfor news in Spain! Kepa hasTOP played Bilbao since 2004, advancing up the bele’s strike sealed Barceranks from its youth setup to lona’s first title of the season. Messi became the most honthe main squad. oured player in Barcelona’s history after securing his 33rd Expensive title with the club, overtaking The Spanish goalkeeper is club legend Andre Iniesta’s expected to head to London 32 trophies he won during his to take the medical examina- time at Camp Nou. tions and meet Maurizio Sarri, the manager of Chelsea. Wrongful With this new contract, Kepa has become the most expen- A 90th minute penalty save from keeper ter Stegen won sive goalkeeper in history. Alisson Becker trails behind the game for the Catalan in second with a buyout of club, their sixth victory in 62.5 million euros for his the competition in the last transfer from Rome to Liver- five years. Sevilla went ahead when pool. The transfer comes after VAR overturned a wrongful Chelsea has been eager to find offside call, Pablo Sarabia a replacement for Thibaut the benefactor after nine Courtois, the current Chelsea minutes. goalkeeper who has recently Gerard Pique turned in a been heavily linked with a Messi free kick that rebounded off the post just before move to Real Madrid.

Rahm-ing it home SPAIN’S Jon Rahm finished fourth in golfs US PGA Championship as Brooks Koepka held off the resurgent Tiger Woods to win his second major of 2018. Rahm now looks certain to be on Europe’s Ryder Cup team next month after completing his final round 11 under par, leading the European contingents charge for the title. Eventual winner Kopeka became the first man to win both the US Open and PGA Championship in the same season since Woods achieved the feat in 2000 with a final round of 66 to win the tournament by two shots. Woods’ lowest final round at any of the Masters, US Open, US PGA and The Open still wasn’t enough as he came close to his first major title since 2008.

Championships in 2008 and 2010. In an open letter to fans, Silva said: “The national team has given me everything and taught me how to grow from youth squads to the senior side. “I leave happy for everything I have achieved in this team, what I’ve dreamed and experienced with a team that will never be forgotten.”

RETIRED: Silva

Super duper

BRAZILIAN World Cup winner Ronaldo has been released from hospital in Ibiza after being diagnosed with pneumonia. He was initially admitted to Can Misses Hospital before being asked to be transferred to the private facility Clinica Nuestra Senora del Rosario at the weekend.

Suffering

He was reportedly suffering from ‘chest pains’ before going to hospital and had only been on the island for a couple of days Ronaldo tweeted on Sunday he had got ‘strong flu’ while in Ibiza before being taken into intensive care.

Olive Press 2018_Layout 1 16/04/2018 14:57 Page 1

HERO: Messi (left) with cup half time, before a Dembele strike crashed in off the underside of the bar to give his side the lead. It was a game of firsts for the competition as it was played over one leg as well as being held at a neutral venue outside of the country, this year the Grand Stade de Tanger in Morocco. Sevilla had previously threatened to withdraw from the competition as the game was being classed as ‘not professional’ which meant Barcelona could name more than three non-EU players in their match day squad.

ON THE MEND: Ronaldo

VAR-cical comment Sevilla star Roque Mesa claims disagrees with Video Assistant Referees (VAR) because players “can no longer cheat.” The bizarre claims came despite Mesa scoring the opening goal in Sevilla’s Super Cup defeat to Barcelona when an offside decision was overturned by VAR. Speaking on the matter, Mesa said: “In one way, VAR is good but on the other hand, you lose a bit of the essence of football. “You can no longer cheat or trick [officials].”

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Fence jumper DISGRACED Tour de France champion Jan Ullrich was arrested for threatening German movie star Til Schweiger and jumping the fence of his property in Mallorca and is now in therapy.

Drink decisions ALUN Griffiths, 27, went for a drink with colleague Nigel Lewis after work and found themselves in Mallorca for two days without any plans, accommodations or return trip planned.

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Spellcheck

Anti-Brexit campaigner spells out simple message in original two-month European adventure

Alcohol

In total, the average 40-something eats 15,876 calories a week on holiday compared to 12,327 calories a week when at home. As well as more food they also drink more with alcohol consumption increasing by at least two times from six units a week to around 11 units. To add to the weight gain, exercise decreases from around two hours and 25 minutes to just 90 minutes during the week’s break.

By Luke Madeira

A STAUNCH anti-Brexit campaigner is to end a remarkable Europe-wide tour in Spain. The Devon consultant has quit his job to spell out ‘Stop Brexit’ across the continent on his GPS. Andy Pardy, 28,will have crossed 32 countries in his

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protest trip, which is expected to take two months. Costing £5,000 (€5100 approx), he originally came up with the idea while out running using a fitness app to track his route. Having bought a Volkswagen Transporter van, he will cover the tens of thousands of miles by the middle of October, in Spain. He has already spelt out the first four letters, taking in the British Isles and Scandinavia, including the arctic circle of Finland. “Of course we don’t know what the outcome of the discussions will be in terms of freedom of movement, but it’s a statement I wanted to make,” he explained. “I’ve always wanted to do something like this around Europe and I’ve been frus-

trated with the debate and the way Brexit’s been going over the last couple of years. “I wanted to leave my job and go and do something for myself, but also to try and rally as many people as I can and just do something different.” The money for the trip came out of his savings which he was using to save for a deposit on a house. Many people however criticised the trip on Twitter, stating the journey will go across Norway, Serbia, Montenegro, Belarus and Albania despite the fact none of them are EU member states. The final letter to be spelt will be ‘B’ and will take in the Iberian Peninsula in October, when he will be driving along both the Andalucian and entire Eastern Spanish coastline.

Loving the latins SPANISH lovers are only beaten by the saucy Italians, according to the British. Some 23% of Brits consider Italians the most desirable lovers, with 12% admitting to a holiday fling with Italian locals. The sizzling Spanish come second at 19%, but a whopping 18% of those questioned admitting to having flings while on holiday here. The research by dating site Match.com found the French in third at 17%, while Americans have an 8% appeal.

NOT HAPPY: Freda

Holiday spoilt by natives A BRITISH tourist has claimed her summer holiday in Spain was ruined by ‘too many Spaniards’. Geographically-challenged Freda Jackson, 81, slammed the ‘rude’ Spanish tourists, who left her in tears at the end of her two-week break in Benidorm. “The hotel was full of Spanish holidaymakers and they really got on our nerves because they were just so rude,” she insisted. “The entertainment in the hotel was all catering for the Spanish - why can’t the Spanish go somewhere else for their holidays?”

Knocked

Among her complaints about the break at the Hotel Poseidon Playa was a Spanish man who knocked her over and didn’t even stop to apologise. Thomas Cook, which organised the holiday, initially offered Jackson and a friend a holiday voucher worth £75 in compensation. In the end the offer was improved to £566, although it was mostly put down to a change to their flights and not because of the complaint about Spanish people.