BEST
€99
www.balearic-helicopters.com
expat paper in Spain FREE
Vol. 1 Issue 18 www.theolivepress.es December 21st - January 4th 2018
Located on the dockside, oppositeKitchen Palma Auditorium. On site 24 hour car parking. Bubbles • Bloody Mary Bar • Buffet • Al Fresco • Raw Bar • Desserts • Book now on 971 734 114. www.theboathouse.es • events@theboathouse.es • 971 220 990 • www.facebook.com/theboathousepalma
A
17 www.
S A Sier
theolive-
ll about olive press - October 30 AXARQUIA - November 12 2014 ierra Nevada
www.theolivepress.es ll about the
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR READERS...
Reptile update Junta leaders under trial in Spain’s biggest fraud case
Page 4
Expats Catalunya terror
Historic underwater finds are a rare and early Christmas present for the Balearics By Gillian Keller & Kirsty Tuxford
Christmas might be associated with gold, frankincense and myrrh, but a different kind of treasure has been found in the waters off Mallorca. Discovered in separate locations, two hauls of Roman antiquities were retrieved from the bottom of the sea by police divers early this month. Among the booty recovered by the Guardia Civil’s underwater team (GEAS) was an anchor from a Roman galleon, believed to have sunk in the Marina de Llevant nature reserve around 100AD.
OVER 75% of expats living in Catalunya are strongly opposed to the region obtaining independence, according to a survey run by Spanish Property Insight. Shockingly, 45% of those polled also revealed they were considering leaving Catalunya as a result of uncertainty surrounding the region’s future. The results of the study come ahead of Catalans heading to Treasures the polls today to elect a new regional parliament. The anchor and the rest of While Inés Arrimadas’ the loot, which included Ciutadans (Cs) party is prea pottery jar dating back dicted to win the most seats, from the third century BC, a coalition between pro-incould be worth mildependence parties Esquerra lions. (ERC), led by Oriol JunquerConsell de as, and Junts per Catalunya, Mallorca’s headed by the exiled Carles departPuigdemont, are expected to ment of form a government in a real heritage blow for Madrid. “The independence movew h i c h ment has come to dominate authopublic life in Catalunya, but rised the the identity politics of it recovery, leaves many expats cold,” will now said Mark Stücklin, head of decide how Spanish Property Insight. best to dis“Expats choose to live in play it. Catalunya because of its high Speaking to the quality of life, so they strugOlive Press, a Guargle to relate to the historical dia Civil spokesman said: grievances and nationalist “Many ancient cultures emotions of the indepensailed through these magdence movement. “An exodus of expats would Untitled-1.pdf 1 16/06/2017 15:36 be a disaster for Catalunya.”
Gifts from the depths nificent waters and as such they hold some great treasures. This is not the first time we have found items of such archaeological importance.” “It is very likely that there
e Lions Threpub
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Find out more on page XX 15
See you on the slopes with our special Sierra Nevada pullout
Best English Pub in Palma Great food Live Music Every Night from 12am Ave de Gabriel Roca 4, Palma
are still some gems out there just waiting to be discovered.” In tandem to recovering treasure underwater, the Guardia Civil has also been busy retrieving some that had already made it to land. Operation Garum, saw teams swoop in on a number of homes belonging to a trio of local divers, finding 42 items. The three men have been accused of stealing treasure rightfully belonging to the country, by trawling the sea bed with fishing nets.
ra Nevada
Creche course Vol. 12 Issue 281
www.theolivepress.
es
3rd 2018
3rd 2018
17
+34 958 481 170 +34 675 470 669
www.alquileressierranevada.es
The Sierra Nevada has all the white stuff for a winter wonderland getaway, writes Jed Neill (right)
HE doesn’t know how lucky he is, with the mountains on his doorstep,” says friendly expat Clive Jones, his four-year-old son, as the referring to Emile Allais ski lift takes us slaloming skiers zig-zaggingskyward, soaring above down the pistes in colourful outfits. The little boy stares unblinkingly down, as if wrestling with this thought, why are your skis bigger before piping up: ‘Daddy Fearless and icicle cool, than mine?’ ence is easily accessiblethe high adrenalin experifun-filled day in the snow for this intrepid tot. Mum and dad have bucked the parental trend of dropping junior off at ski school and are teaching him the ropes of the slopes The smiles on their faces themselves. probably have something to do with leaving the Welsh live and work in the sunnier countryside behind to Murcia, under three hours pastures of Aguilas in away from Spain’s premier ski resort. I met the family on a gondola wards the transport nexus out of Pradollano toof Borreguiles. Continues on next
page
RARE FIND: Roman pots
SEE MORE IN THE RESTAURANT SECTION INSIDE
December 20th - January
December 20th- January
TRIO: Of divers
Photo by Telemark
Tel: +34 971 794 132 Mobile: +34 639 702 411
New Year’s Day Brunch
Voted
FLIGHTS
per person from
2
www.theolivepress.es
crime
2
December 21st - January 4th 2018
Key Cursach witness arrested
A KEY witness in the Tolo Cursach case has been arrested for falsely accusing police officers. Known as the ‘madame’, she originally told Judge Penalva that two police officers showed up at her house, stole paperwork and took her down to police HQ in Palma. However, CCTV footage from the station revealed that no such incident took place. Cursach and his associate Bartolome Sbert, are facing 16 charges, including bribery, extortion, threats, moneylaundering, homicide, corruption and the possession of firearms. The prosecution accuse Cursach of running the island of Mallorca as his own personal fiefdom, engaging in criminal activity for over four decades. The courts charged the madame, after her story changed
The ‘madame’ in the Tolo Cursach case has been arrested while Bartolome Sbert has been granted bail
multiple times and had dogged various interviews, with giving false testimony. She also testified against Bartolome Cursach Junior saying he bribed her but in light of recent events, she is considered a compulsive liar. False testimony carries a sen-
FOUR men have been accused of planting drugs in the car of a well-known eco-warrior. The shady group were working for an expat developer when they allegedly planted 47 grams of cocaine in the vehicle of
· International Language School · Spanish Classes German Classes
¡Buen
Longterm Courses Intensive Courses
os día
! a l o ¡h
hallo!
s!!
danke!
www.treffpunkt-escuela.com treffpunktescueladeidiomas
C/de la Volta de la Mercé 3 Palma de Mallorca
645 92 45 64
ecologist Juan Clavero. A judge in the case has summoned the men, including a Guardia Civil officer. They are accused of planting the drugs in Clavero’s car on the day of a demonstration against the estate where they worked. The Ecologistas en Accion organiser had been leading the protests against a closure of footpaths at the Sierra de Grazelema estate owned by Belgium
tence of six months to two years in prison. Meanwhile, Cursach’s righthand man Sbert has been released from jail on €500,000 bail. Judge Penalva released a statement in which he warned that ‘any act aimed at coercing, intimidating, attacking or rewarding any witness financially’ could lead to ‘unconditional imprisonment’. The Judge has again denied Cursach bail, on the grounds that he is still deemed a big flight risk and could put the safety of vital witnesses in danger.
Unstitched
Hitman snared ‘RAMBO’ has been arrested for allegedly shooting three people, two of them policemen. Serbian Norbert Fehe, also known as Igor Vaclavic, is accused of killing the Spanish officers and a farmer in Aragon after hiding out in Malaga. The suspected hitman, wanted by Interpol, is thought to have killed at least three others in Italy, where he was previously imprisoned for eight years. Commonly known as ‘Igor the Russian’, Feher is suspected of murdering two Guardia Civil officers. Police say he had already killed a dog and attacked several households on December 5, injuring two. He is an expert in martial arts and firearms, and is suspected by Italian police of several violent crimes, including murder, in Bologna. In April of this year, some 1,000 people joined a manhunt to track him down in the Italian city.
Morgue avenue
ECO WARRIOR: Part of alleged drug plant
property magnate Marnix Galle. As reported in the Olive Press in October he had spent a night in prison awaiting trial over the alleged offence. Three of the men worked on the huge 1,600 hectare hunting estate
Sparkling seizure OVER 30 kilos of illegal fireworks have been seized by police. The crackdown caused sparks among street sellers, after the Guardia Civil searched several houses in the Palma area. In total, police confiscated 15,000 fireworks intended to be sold over the festive period. Under government regulations, fireworks and pyrotechnics are not allowed to be sold anywhere else than licensed shops.
owned by Breña del Agua Investments SL, but had recently been fired. According to detectives, the men were seen meeting the Guardia officer a day before the protest. The meeting was caught on camera at Mesón Calvillo, in El Bosque. The agent was working on the day of his arrest and was allegedly sent a text reading: “Look below the front passenger seat.” The judge will announce if the men are to be charged in February.
PROTESTORS: At fence
A DEAD body has been found with his head and shoulders trapped under a vehicle on Ramón Muntaner street in Palma in the early hours. The 43-year-old man, who has not yet been named, supposedly fell from a third-floor window. National and local police, and two ambulances arrived at the scene after receiving several calls from the public, but were unable to save the exprison officer. Police have opened an investigation into the exact cause of death, although initial reports suggest suicide.
Corrupt justice A PAEDOPHILE who admitted to being guilty of molesting minors will not see a jail cell. The 50-year-old German expat who lives in Binissalem pleaded guilty to drugging his daughter’s friends when they came over for sleepovers. The victims were aged 12 and 13 when the sexual advances began. The man also admitted to giving multiple girls a drink with dinner or dessert to numb them and then molest or abuse them. The defendant was sentenced to three years and seven months in prison, but instead will pay a fine and undergo a sex education course.
ne ws
www.theolivepress.es
3
December 21st - January 4th 2018
LAPPING IT UP
DROP IN: From Boris
Becker flies in LEGENDARY tennis player Boris Becker has been in Mallorca visiting Rafa Nadal at the Manacor academy. The former number one in the world and Olympic gold medalist has a long history with Mallorca, purchasing a large villa in Son Coll in the 1990’s with his ex-wife Barbra. Just a couple months ago Boris, who was the youngest player to win Wimbledon at 17, was declared bankrupt in the UK.
TENNIS ace Ana Ivanovic has been holidaying in Mallorca after announcing her pregnancy. The retired Serbian tennis star and former world number one has been snapping photos with fans as she relaxed in a number of small coastal towns in Mallorca. Ana, 30, wed former Bayern Munich and Manchester United midfielder Bastian Scheweingteiger in Venice last year. The couple live in Chicago and have just announced they are expecting their first child. HOLIDAY: For Ana
The cast of Top Gear have paid homage to the island of Mallorca in their latest series
Tour de force
SEASON two of The Grand Tour has begun with petrolheads James May, Richard Hammond and Jeremy Clarkson talking about Mallorca’s beauty and their adventures on the island this year. The former Top Gear hosts filmed in Mallorca numerous time over the years, most recently earlier this year.
Pneumonia
Calendar girl LOVE Island babe Tyla Carr has been spotted taking a number of steamy snaps for her 2018 calendar in Mallorca. The reality TV star was photographed in just bikini bottoms as she relaxed beneath a parasol. “I’ve always loved getting my New Year calendar from my mum at Christmas,” she said.
All three hosts also ended up in the hospital at some point over the filming of this season, Clarkson with a near death scare in Mallorca. “You somehow managed to catch pneumonia on the sun kissed island of Mallorca ,” commented Hammond in the series premiere on Clarkson's five weeks in Mallorca. In the upcoming episode four, May races a KIA
TOP GEAR GANG: Back
Stinger GT up a hill in Mallorca as an extreme roller-skater races down the hill.
Into the groove IT’S been an open secret for most of the year. Now, Madonna has finally splashed out on a home in Portugal. The American superstar has snapped up a permanent residence in Lisbon, fit for the Queen of Pop.
According to Portuguese media, she has put a deposit down on an 18th Century 15-bedroom mansion in the city’s historic centre. Madonna has been a regular visitor to Portugal since her adopted son David joined Lisbon football team Benfica’s youth academy.
Originally Hammond was going to do the race in Mallorca, but after he badly crashed an electric Rimac in the Swiss Alps May had to take over. Back in 2009, May raced in Mallorca’s fifth Classic Car Rally in a 1970 Citroen Ami 8 with glamour model Madison Welch. Hammond and Clarkson also raced in the rally and aired the comedic ordeal on their former show Top Gear.
™
Find us on Facebook
De Micco & Friends
L AW Y E RS & A U D I T O RS
Specialising in:
criminal law civil law Banking (Floor Clause)
Family Law email: advocat1@demicco.es mobile tel: 636 307 533 www.demicco.dh
AMERICAN actress Charlotte McKinney flaunted her ample assets for all to see while on a recent holiday in Ibiza. The 24-year-old Baywatch star was spotted relaxing in a leopard-print bikini as she enjoyed a holiday on the White Isle. McKinney used to date Megan Markle’s ex-boyfriend, film producer Trevor Engelson, but is now believed to be single.
Care4health
English Speaking Lawyer
DE MICCO
Winter is coming
Dr Howard Forge BDS
NEW PATIENT OFFER Examination inc 2 X-rays only €44 with this advert
• General Dentistry • Cosmetic Dentistry • Tooth Whitening • Night Grinding Guards • Dental Implants • Hygienist • Free Parking YOUR BRITISH-OWNED DENTAL PRACTICE IN MALLORCA
Avenida del Rey Jaime 1, 108, Santa Ponsa, Calvia
Appointments Please Call (+34) 971 694 071 santaponsadental.com | hforge@santaponsadental.com
Osteopathy, Osteopediatry™, Rehabilitation and Conditioning. Anywhere on or around Mallorca. Assessments and or treatments tailored to your needs. For more info go to www.carefourhealth.com
joe@carefourhealth.com M: (+34) 635 870 606 Hotel & Spa Son Caliu Avinguda Son Caliu 8, 07181, Mallorca, Spain
4
www.theolivepress.es Digital Surveillance Systems
n ews
4
December 21st - January 4th 2018
Be There, Even When You’re Not Quality Custom Installations Full HD Video Surveillance View your live & recorded videos from anywhere in the world Available on your smartphone, tablet or computer Peace of mind for residential and commercial properties Upgrade your analogue camera system to full HD Saving you money by using existing wiring
CON U S TACT NOW for
walk a free th & qu rough ote
tel: 609 758 619 info@mallorcacctv.com www.mallorcacctv.com
Reptiles on trial By Joe Wallen
INVESTIGATORS are to be given a further 18 months to probe Spain’s largest ever corruption fraud. A Sevilla court will be allowed to shine a closer spotlight into the workings of the Andalucian authorities, which oversaw the embezzlement of nearly €1 billion of public money. It comes as 22 leading politicians, including two former Junta leaders, went on trial over their involvement in the scandalous ERE case. The group, including ex-leaders Manuel Chaves and Jose
But courts to get another 18 months to probe the ERE case... Spain’s biggest public money scandal Grinan, are accused of swindling €855 million between 2001 and 2010. The largely EU money - which was meant to go to stimulate unemployment and help companies make redundancy payments - was instead syphoned off to give to family and friends. Placed in a series of slush funds - one dubbed appropriately the Reptile Fund - the
money was frequently used to pay off rivals and buy favours. In one of the worst cases, the former minister is said to have spent nearly €1 million on drugs and prostitutes with his so-called ‘cocaine chauffeur’. Now, Judge Maria Nunez Bolanos is being given more time to analyse numerous incriminating documents that have been seized so far in the investigation. Junta chief between 1990 to 2009, Chaves’ lawyer called for the acquittal of all charges, saying he ‘knew nothing of the the alleged irregularities’.
Shiver
Baby tragedy on Menorca honeymoon A MENORCA honeymoon has been tragically cut short after the couple's child was prematurely born 17 weeks early and passed away an hour later. Jamie and Vicky Waite from Yorkshire were just four days into their honeymoon when Vicky woke up bleeding and in pain and was rushed to hospital. The heartbroken parents named their baby boy Nathan John and turned Vicky’s wedding gown into an outfit for little Nathan to be buried in.
Blazing bus ANOTHER bus has caught fire while driving in Mallorca. It is the tenth bus to have caught fire on the island in just two years. The driver and passengers noticed the smoke as the bus travelled be-
tween Campos and Sant Jordi. They were able to get off before the flames burned it to a crisp. Local firefighters and police arrived quickly at the scene, putting out the fire.
This was despite more than €576 million being diverted into illegal slush funds under his leadership between 2001 and 2008. Griñan’s lawyer also requested an acquittal, with his lawyer saying he ‘never’ intervened in the granting of aid. “My client did not know of the alleged irregular use of public funds, given that it was not within his Treasury Department’. Current PSOE leader Susana Diaz continues to support the pair, saying they did not personally benefit or become rich through the scandal. The case has sent a shiver down the spine of Spain’s PSOE socialist party, which has run the Junta since the 1970s. The investigation has had to be subdivided into multiple cases – one for each company that benefited from an irregular ERE, which is a redundancy payment claim. The trial will resume again on January 9.
www.theolivepress.es
Cycling power comes to Palma as more budding bicyclists take to the streets
WELL WELL: Rescue
Hiker Fall A HUNTER and his two dogs fell down a well in the La Vileta area. Luckily the 28-year-old man was able to contact the police with his cellphone and explain what happened, but was unable to give clear directions to his own whereabouts. Firefighters and police undertook an intense and thorough search of the area, eventually finding the man with multiple injuries five metres down a well. The well had been covered by overgrowth and plants, making it invisible to the hunter who was carrying a shotgun. Rescuers believe both dogs jumped in the well to comfort their owner after his fall.
PEDAL power has increased by 45% in Palma since 2011, figures show. Users of Bicipalma, the public bike system, have also increased by the same percentage, rising from 1,952 in 2013 to 2,831 this year.
On yer bike!
Expand
The councillor for mobility, Joan Ferrer, presented the data while emphasising the importance of continuing to expand the city's cycling network. She said: "The bike is gain-
Algaida Fisherman still lost at sea STORM Ana might have done some damage around Mallorca, but none more so than to the Nopere family. Algaida resident Steve Nopere, 34, has been missing ever since the Sunday storm swept him out to sea while fishing off the shore in Santa Ponsa. The father-of-two was with a friend catching some fish on his daughter's fifth birthday when a huge wave swept him away
By Gillian Keller
from shore. The coastguard spend the next few days searching the waters to no avail, failing to find any trace of the Belgian expat who moved to Mallorca two years ago. Steve's 26-year-old widow Jennifer and their two daughters are stuck in limbo until a more conclusive report can be made.
December 21st - January 4th 2018
5
News IN BRIEF
New Bust
ing more and more ground. There cannot be a step back. Cycling must keep gaining space." It comes following talks from the town hall to build a cycle lane along the Avenidas. The Mayor Antoni Noguera, is also keen for residents to be less dependent on vehicles and to make Palma ‘a healthier and more modern European city’. Bicycle use in 2017 grew by 13% in comparison to last year, which is the highest annual increase since 2011. The data also suggests that almost six out of ten people in the city have a bike and that 50% use it for commuting. When cyclists were asked why they used a bike, 23% responded that it was the quickest way to travel and 18% loved that it didn’t cause pollution. A further 7% thought its best attribute was its cheapness. Downsides revealed by the survey included the lack of cycle lanes and potential danger posed by vehicles.
A NEW bust of Clara Hammerl, Spain's first female in Spain to be director of a bank, has been inaugurated in Pollensa. After her husbands passing in 1908, Clara took over The Savings Bank of Pollensa, which is still running today.
Free tunnel for the new year AFTER decades, the Soller tunnel will finally be free for everyone on December 29. In addition to the toll being removed, the cost of concession has been reevaluated from €17.4 million to €16.3 million.
Rail out A WORKER has died after falling from the first floor in Palma while leaning on a railing. The 57-year-old was gone before medics arrived as he hit his head on the pavement with great force.
6
www.theolivepress.es
F e at u r e
Santa’s local wares!
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 Cycling chaos IT seems as though in the last few years there has been an onslaught of doping scandals in sport. From Russia to Lance Armstrong and now possibly Chris Froome, no-one seems to be too far from the finger of suspicion. And while the Olive Press does not condone doping, it is somewhat understandable that under the eyes of the world and the constant pressure to perform, some athletes would take the easy route. However, when someone does dope and get caught our thoughts turn not to them, but to the clean silver and bronze medalists. But time after time they speak out and accept the situation graciously. They are the true heroes of the story and the real definition of sportsmanship.
Corruption K.O Corruption is a curse which has gripped Spain over the last few decades. The Malaya case saw roughly €670 million paid in bribes during the nineties, while the current Tolo Cursach case has implicated police, lawyers and politicians. Both stories continue to dominate the news pages. While the actions of individuals like Julián Muñoz and Tolo Cursach have shocked people across Spain, the tide does finally appear to be turning. A new wave of prosecutors and politicians, including Pedro Horrach, Juan Carrau and Carles Manera, ‘the incorruptible ones’, in the Cursach case are an inspiration to us all. They have stood up for every one of us in the face of threat and intimidation. Hopefully the corruption generation will be left in the past and a new dawn for Spain awaits!
Depòsito Legal PM: 610-2017
Publisher/ Editor
Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es ADMIN
Newsdesk newsdesk@theolivepress.es Tel: (+34) 665 798 618
Maria Angeles Vázquez (+34) 951 273 575 admin@theolivepress.es
Gillian Keller gillian@theolivepress.es Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es SALES: sales@theolivepress.es Charles Bamber 0034 661 452 180 Charles@theolivepress.es
Accounts Héctor Santaella (+34) 658 750 424 accounts@theolivepress.es Designer James Partington design@theolivepress.es
Head office
Carretera Nacional 340, km 144.5 Calle Espinosa 1 Edificio centro comercial El Duque, planta primera, 29692 San Luis de Sabinilla, Manilva
AWARDS
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.
Sweets TURRON: The sweet treat dates back to the 16th century. Traditionally honey and almond flavour, it now comes in many varieties, from dried fruits to chocolates and nuts. Ensaïmada: The soft and fluffy pastry covered in powdered sugar dates back centuries in Mallorca. The classic often comes in a pretty box, ready for travelling.
Meats and Cheeses
December 21st - January 4th 2018
I
Gillian Keller explores the best Mallorcan products to give as presents this festive season
T is an island that just keeps on giving and giving. From fabulous fabrics to traditional treats, there are so many exclusive items that come out of Mallorca. Here, the Olive Press decided to highlight a few of the ideal gifts to squeeze under the Christmas tree.
SOBRASADA: The cured pork sausage from the middle ages is a classic and coveted Mallorcan tradition, a great appetizer for Christmas dinner or a tasty addition to a wine evening. Jamón Ibérico: An entire leg of jamón might be too large for some, but a few quality slices are an important staple on any Christmas table Mahon cheese: Mahon in Menorca is home to one of the most respected dairy plants in Europe. A chunk of the island’s finest is perfect for any cheese lover.
Local Liquors HIERBAS: The traditional herbal infused afterdinner drink is a unique gift for the liquor lover. A sample set of the dry, sweet and mixed is the perfect stocking stuffer (right). Amazonas Rum: The sweet Mallorcan rum made from specific island fruits is the perfect complement to a winter coffee or cocoa. Local beers: A six pack of craft beer from a local brewery such as Alaro’s Forastera is an easy option for an ale lover.
Clothes and Jewellery PEARLS: For over a century Mallorcan has been hand-making world famous pearls from local organic materials including fish scales and mussels. Manacor’s Majorica was the exclusive producer until 1948, and a pair of the company’s pearls make an ideal holiday gift for someone special. Flamenco dress: Although the real thing may only be fit for professionals, local shops sell an iconic children’s version, a vibrant gift for a little dancing tot.
There’s literally something for everyone, whether it is a spread of local meats and cheeses for grandpa, to a favourite wine for your brother. Even better, while there are many shops selling the items around the island, most can be conveniently bought from Palma airport this festive season.
Fabric ‘CLOTH OF TONGUES’: The traditional Mallorcan fabric is a legacy of the first settlers on the islands, and dates back to travellers on the silk route. The perfect present can be found at Pollenca’s Teixits Vicens, the prestigious factory which still uses the centuries-old technique with Mediterranean designs. From shoes to scarves, blankets to pillows, there is something for everyone with this iconic pattern.
Local Foods DRIED CHILIES: Many villages grow the hot Mallorcan chilli, the ‘tap de cortí’, and traditional shops have strings of them hanging from the ceiling. Olives: Introduced by the Romans, Mallorcan olives are known for their high fat levels providing many health benefits. A jar of the Spanish staple is a salty Christmas treat. Olive oil: The olive oil is just as famous as the olives themselves, boasting the ‘Denominació d’Origen’ honour. Small producers from Soller to Sa Coma offer the perfect bottle of liquid gold. Almonds: With over five million almond trees scattered across Mallorca, a bag of nuts, fresh or candied is a festive treat. Salts: Es Trenc’s completely natural and unrefined Flor de Sal d’Es Trenc is a chef’s dream come true. The hand-harvested salts come in natural, Mediterranean herbs, Kalamata olive, hibiscus, Sri Lanka spices, rose, and wild mushroom, with selection boxes (above) for the adventurous. Wine: Mallorca’s Binissalem and Pla i Llevant regions both have protected ‘Denominació d’Origen’ status for their quality. A bottle of local wine makes for an impressive gift both locally and abroad.
F e at u r e
www.theolivepress.es
WEBSITE
print issue of7 the December 21st - January 4th Each 2018
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 best English websites.
Towering Teide 3,718m Standing tall at number one with the most vertiginous vital statistics in Spain, Tenerife’s Mount Teide in the Canaries is glued to the landscape like a giant limpet. UNESCO describes it as Earth’s third-tallest volcanic structure and this mythological mountain is steeped in folklore. The native Guanches believe that Magec, their God of Light, is trapped inside and erupts when angry, releasing a moulten tide of rage over the landscape. However, the last time Magec got hot under the collar was in 1909. These days he’s a lot more chilled.
The Mighty Mulhacén - 3,479m This monster massif is named after another captive of his environment, Muley Hacén, the penultimate Muslim King of Granada. In the 15th century, according to legend, he was buried at the foot of the mountain, the loftiest in the Sierra Nevada. In a country flanked with reigning peaks, Mulhacén stands above all of them and is the highest peak in western Europe after the Alps. But the path to the peak is well-signposted and can be reached in a day so forget the satnav and add a sturdy pair of hiking boots to Santa’s list.
Awesome Aneto 3,404m Despite being outside Andalucia, this geological giant deserves recognition for standing guard against the French along the Pyrenees. But its reputation as the ‘needles of ice’ is under threat as its impressive glacier is rapidly shrinking due to ever-increasing summer temperatures and scientists estimate it could completely disappear by 2050. The icy heart of Spain can still be scaled in under 12 hours by both experienced and novice climbers alike.
Vertiginous Veleta - 3,398m Back in the Sierra Nevada, this steely champ protects and inspires skiers from all over the world. Having gained fame for hosting the World Ski Championships in 1996, southern Europe’s de facto ski resort is celebrated as the place where you can ski in the morning and be back on the coast, mohito in hand, in the evening. See our pullout later.
olive press online Mallorca’s daily news website
October 2015
The top stories on Page theviews:xxxxxxxxx Olive Press website this stor fortnight Mos t read ies Visitors: xxxxxxxx
Peaks of perfection Set your sights higher than the festive food mountain this Christmas and scale one of Spain’s Awesome Eight
C
HRISTMAS is an opportune time to fill your boots with food and drink and veg out around the family fireside but extreme measures may be called for later when your trousers don’t fit
… like climbing a mountain! That’s not such a tall order in Spain, Europe’s second most mountainous landscape after Switzerland. And with six scaleable sierras on the doorstep in Andalucia ( no need for
crampons), plus the rock of Gibraltar, there can be no excuses. To celebrate International Mountain Day on December 11 we bring you Spain’s Awesome Eight. Happy hiking!
The Amazing Alcazaba - 3,375m Almost a quarter of Spain sits a kilometre above sea level and Alcazaba, whose north face is the backdrop to the city of Granada, is no different. A walkers’ paradise with one of the longest climbing seasons in Europe, nimble ibex are a regular sight. But if the going gets too tough, you can take refuge in the Poqueira hut at a height of 2,500 metres. If that’s full, there are a few stone huts on the western side of the mountain but book well in advance, they’re popular. Competent climbers take on the north face challenge while novices stick to the gentler south.
1
fortnight on
-EXCLUSIVE: Manhuntwww.theolivepress.es on Costa del Sol for British expat mother who allegedly defrauded dozens of holidaymakers
2
Costa del Sol on weather alert
- Floods, Howling winds power outages withand dropping temperatures and expected across Spain more tomorrow cyclone rain - 4616 as views hits Europe
3 4 5
VIDEO: Floods hit Costa del Sol - Spain to declare pets as beings and not as heavy rain continues - 4604 objects in landmark ruling
views
- Moroccan lorry driver dies after horrific Gangsters’ paradise: A look at A-7 crash
the key figures past and present of
the Costa del Crime - 3872 views -Spain announces its latest most beautiful villages and four of them are in Andalucia Torremolinos to open Anda-
lucia’s biggest shopping and leisure
Page Views: centre 122,320 - 3122 views
Gibraltar schoolgirl reaches semi Visitors: 70,912
-final of Spanish TV talent show 3065 views
Statistics for: December 4 to December 18
SOCIALMEDIA OlivePressNewspaper olivepress olivepressnews +TheolivepressEs
BE ‘APPY!
We use recycled paper
Lofty La Maroma - 2,066m Spain is the second most mountainous landscape in Europe, after Switzerland, but this rocky gem has its own claim to fame as the highest peak in Malaga province. She’s no easy climb either, taking nearly six hours to scale, but travellers are rewarded with some of the best views of the Mediterranean on reaching the summit. Be careful though as the signposts thin out the higher you go but past the summit, the path is lit by beacons, guiding you homeward.
Reuse Reduce Recycle
Download our app now and begin enjoying the best Spanish news on the go.
Updated daily The Olive Press online www.theolivepress.es The website is conveniently accessible from your desktop computer to your laptop, tablets and smartphones throughout the day wherever youThe are.Olive Press www.theolivepress.es TOP for news in Spain!
Useful numbers
Sublime Cerro de los Machos 3,371m They say the best things come in smaller packages, and although often overshadowed by its skyscraper siblings, Veleta and Mulhacén, this mini mountain is the perfect testbed to hone your mountaneering skills, taking only 2 hours 30 minutes to reach the top. If you feel your appetite is wetted but not quite quenched, then the spectacular route onwards up to the Veleta peak, crossing Paso de los Guías, is well worth the detour.
Most readMoststories read this
Emergencies Ambulance/ Fire brigade/ Police 112
Transport
Powerful Puig Major - 1445 m Swirling out of the ground like a giant inverted whirlpool of rock, the highest peak in the Balearic Islands and one of the most popular walks in Mallorca is a must for any budding adventurer. As the gradient never goes above 6%, the summit can be leisurely reached in under an hour. If you do fancy a quick coffee break to rest your legs, the gorgeous mountain village of Fornalutx 4km from the start is well worth the minor detour.
Railway Line Palma-Inca / Palma-Manacor – 971.177.777 Buses in Majorca – 971.177.777 Railway Line Palma-Soller – 902.364.711 Airport information – 971.789.000 Road Traffic Information – 900.123.505
Taxi’s Radio Taxi 971.20.12.12 Taxi Palma – 971.40.14.14 Taxis Cales de Mallorca – 971 83 32 72 Taxis Manacor – 971 55 18 88 Taxis Porto Cristo – 971 82 09 83 Taxis s’Illot – 971 81 00 14 Taxi with disabled access – 608 537 194, 619 342 979, 609 717 424
-final of Spanish TV talent show 3065 views
a Do you have? what’s on
8
8
www.theolivepress.es
ation to Send your inform ress.es vep newsdesk@theoli
la cultura
what’s on
S
THE Moscow Ballet returns to the Auditorium of Palma with The Swan Lake on January 3 and with The Nutcracker on January 4 for festive performances.
S
o u t h e r n charm
THE Alabama Gospel Choir are bringing to Christmas music with a Gospel flair to the Palma Auditorium on January 5. The 20 voices will return for the ninth time to Spain.
I
ce rink
PORT Adriano's magical and free ice skating rink is open for all ages from December 22 until January 7. Special events include expos by professionals from the both the Spanish and Russian Ice Federation.
C
arnival acts
CIRCUS Alegria from Barcelona are performing in Palma until January 7 with fun for all ages.
The wizards of electronic music are set to descend onto the Mallorcan coast ‘THE Godfathers of Rave’ are coming en masse to light up the Mallorcan sky next year. Widely regarded as one of Britain’s most successful electronic bands of all time, The Prodigy have been announced as the headline act for Mallorca Live Festival 2018. Having been pioneers of the ‘big beat’ genre for almost 30 years, it will be their first gig in Mallorca. The trio from Essex will be joining other electronic heavyweights, including Solomun and Kase.O. The festival now in its third year, has become a staple
December 21st - January 4th 2018
OlivePressNewspaper
olivepress
December 21st - January 4th 2018
MORE than 7,000 Santa Clauses have run through Madrid in a charity race for cancer research. Sacrificing comfort for a good cause, racegoers donned red robes, Santa hats and billowing white beards to run five kilometres along Madrid's Paseo del Prado and Castellana av-
easonal sensations
SOCIALMEDIA
olivepressnews +TheolivepressEs
Santa run
enues. Children also took part, many BE dressing ‘APPY! in green robes and elf hats in what organisers claim was the largest Santa-themed race in the world.
Smack My Base Up
Concha Buika returns home
Download our app now and begin enjoying the best Spanish news on the go.
PRODIGY: Keith Flint
for anyone seeking out dance anthems going on late into the night in Calvia’s Antiguo Aquapark. Spread over two days, the electro beat giants will be right at home just as temperatures begin to rise along the Mediterranean. However, anticipation will reach a fever pitch after Placebo and The Charlatans headlined the festival this year, offering an alternative to the packed parties of Ibiza.
PALMA born singer Concha Buika will be performing at Trui Theatre on December 22 The Olive Press for a special festive event. The seven time Grammy TOP for news innominee Spain! will be bringAward With established names ing festive cheer in the intidominating the main stage, mate theatre as part of her there are also a range of For Me world tour. underground acts and al- The female crooner has colternative performances to laborated with many other big names in the business, enjoy. Jason Mraz, Seal, The band will have just including Nelly Furtado and Armando come from a 6 day tour in Manzanero. Russia, including sets at The Spanish songstress has Moscow and St Petersburg been compared to Nina Simbefore they land on the one, Amy Winehouse and Bilcoast so expect an eastern lie Holiday over the years.
vibe on a western landscape. A day pass for the festival costs €48.
Where to party Valley rally cheer
Individuality celebrated Excellent results and teaching staff Modern well equipped school Comprehensive enrichment programme Combined Cadet Force Forces discounts available for boarding www.thewellingtonacademy.org.uk wellington college Sponsor of w e l l i n g to n c o l l e g e ac a d e m y t ru s t
Tidworth, Wiltshire, SP11 9RR
GREEN Valley school has raised over €3,000 after turning into a winter wonderland for charity. The event, which was the school’s first charitable Christmas fair opened in spectacular fashion with Christmas music and cheer in abundance. Students donated gifts and goods to auction off to the highest bidder. Carols and a comedy show ensured everyone went home for a smile, including the recipients of the Ayuda al Chad charity, who feed malnourished children in Africa. The school in Valeta, Palma opened in September and will be opening a new secondary school next autmn, offering IGCSE and IB.
HOUSEKEEPER who enjoys cooking and likes to take care of the household as if it where her/his own. Availability of a house on the domain that is fully equipped and maintained which guarantees privacy. DEVOTION and MOTIVATION is a MUST. Driving license required or willing to obtain one. Good contract. Marbella area. E-mail: pierre.bettens@telenet.be or call: 0034 630 691 310
PALMA again will host a giant street party to ring in the new year, with fireworks, music and festivities for all. As tradition stands, revellers head to the steps of the town hall, popping a grape in the gob on each chime of the midnight bells. Alcudia and Magaluf will be hosting Sant Silvestre races for the more active celebration started. For the more glamorous event, head to Valparaiso Palace Hotel's New Year's Eve Dinner Gala where this year's theme is Bollywood.
Museum boost NEW proposals to inject urgency into plans for a tourism museum in Mallorca. Josep Melia, leader of nationalistic party El Pi, has suggested a €100,000 cash injection for the construction of a museum of tourism in the Gesa building in Palma, which has reinvented tiself after decades of abandonment. Owned by Palma town hall and close to the Palacio de Congresos, the building would be ‘emblematic’ of Mallorca’s tourism boom.
A
S A Sierra Nevada
theolive-ll about 9 www.ll aboutwww.theolivepress.es AXARQUIA the olive press - October 30 - November 12 2014
ierra Nevada
Creche course Vol. 1 Issue 18
www.theolivepress.es
December 21st - January 4th 2018
9
+34 958 481 170 +34 675 470 669 www.alquileressierranevada.es
December 21st- January 4th 2018
HE doesn’t know how lucky he is, with the mountains on his doorstep,” says friendly expat Clive Jones, referring to his four-year-old son, as the Emile Allais ski lift takes us skyward, soaring above slaloming skiers zig-zagging down the pistes in colourful outfits. The little boy stares unblinkingly down, as if wrestling with this thought, before piping up: ‘Daddy why are your skis bigger than mine?’ Fearless and icicle cool, the high adrenalin experience is easily accessible fun-filled day in the snow for this intrepid tot. Mum and dad have bucked the parental trend of dropping junior off at ski school and are teaching him the ropes of the slopes themselves. The smiles on their faces probably have something to do with leaving the Welsh countryside behind to live and work in the sunnier pastures of Aguilas in Murcia, under three hours away from Spain’s premier ski resort. I met the family on a gondola out of Pradollano towards the transport nexus of Borreguiles. Continues on next page
Photo by Telemark
The Sierra Nevada has all the white stuff for a winter wonderland getaway, writes Jed Neill (right)
10 10
A
Sierra Nevada
the olive press - October 30 - November 12 2014
ll www.theolivepress.es about
www.theolivepress.es
December 21st - January 4th 2018
From previous page
Just 10 minutes above Granada’s famous skiing resort, from here the mountain is your oyster, snow milling with 107 kilometres of pistes, nine distinctive areas to ski and a network of 124 runs coursing through it like capillaries. They are the lifeblood of the resort. And with 19 green runs, 41 blues, 50 reds, and seven blacks, you can be comfortable in the knowledge there is never a wrong turn, just a new adventure. Two runs from Borreguiles through the Rio Monachil valley stay open at night, so no need to neck your drink and rush down after the other lifts close at 5pm. With close transfer links to Granada airport and just two hours from the Costa del Sol, you can be on the mountains, togged up and with beer in hand, long before the last order bell rings out, which explains Europe’s most why it’s busy at weekends. southerly ski But young famiresort shares lies who prefer less traffic on Andalucia’s the slopes have sunshine record an entire park to themselves in Mirlo Blanco, equipped with magic carpets, toboggan ramps and gentle runs for novices and nippers to tackle. Europe’s most southerly ski resort shares Andalucia’s enviable sunshine record. And there is nothing more amazing than standing in the white stuff and looking down on the coastline and beaches below. But at Veleta, the resort’s highest point peaking at 3,398 metres, the wind is screaming over like a frothy broth, and I quickly realise I should have packed an extra jumper and perhaps my long johns. On a clear day you can clearly see the outline of Morocco, as well as over 100kms to Ronda and Almeria. But on my day to visit, it’s a bit overcast and the clouds appear to have taken hostage of the Spanish landscape, blanketing the hustle and bustle below
Ski central in white mist. After an exhilarating run down through the clouds, I arrive in Plaza de Pradollano, terra firma for the hungry and thirsty. Trendy bars and restaurants crowd round this buzzing square and on a various streets around it. This is the après ski centre of attraction as well as the commercial hub of the resort, which is run by
Cetursa, an offshoot of the Junta. If you are in need of a ski pass, Carmen at the reservations centre will fix you up. In high season, prices top out at €48 for an adult, €44 for a juvenile and €35 for a child. Carmen, 42, has been with Cetursa for 14 seasons and knows why people keep coming back. “Everything about it just works, the snow, the sun
and the people make it unforgettable,” she says. In her job since 2003, she is used to welcoming visitors in a variety of languages thanks to the resorts cosmopolitan clientele ... Spanish mainly but also many Brits, Dutch, Germans and even Americans. In fact she thinks ‘everyone who has a bit of spare time should come and get lost for the weekend’. The Sierra Nevada gained international acclaim
www.theolivepress.es
December 21st - January 4th 2018
11 11
December 21st - January 4th 2018
STUNNING: The mountains offer amazing views and (far right) Rocio serves up food at Casablanca
Don’t boob this one
Photos by Telemark
A COLLECTION of Sierra Nevada’s bravest and silliest thrill seekers rush down the mountain in swimsuits for the last day of the season. Next year, the V Bajada Swim, will start at Borreguiles where participants hand in their clothes to take to the slopes into Pradollano where drinks and hedonism awaits. Budding nudists also get a discounted ski pass if they sign up to the official page. However, space is limited to 500 people and prizes are given to the best and most outrageous outfits.
when it hosted the 1996 world ski championships and interest has been growing ever since. Today a band is playing an open air concert to usher in the start of the new season, with Spanish pop music booming out in the late afternoon sun. Mothers are dragging their apprehensive children into the mix while the Sierra Nevada Observatory points telescopic fingers into the air, as if joining in with the merry dancers who’ve swapped their blades for snow boots. What’s more, this atmosphere can be enjoyed at bargain basement rates. I was able to hire skis, clothes, gloves and a helmet for €30 a day. And if I had stayed for longer the price would have come down. Juan Garcia, 31, joined the ski rental company Masim nine weeks ago and there’s little he doesn’t know about snow sports. Skiing runs in his blood – his grandfather started at 16 and didn’t hang up his blades until he was 80 – but Garcia got turned onto snowboarding 15 years ago by ‘The Birdman’ Tony Hawk. His girlfriend prefers skis. ‘We are rivals when it comes to the slopes,’ he laughs. Garcia thinks February is the best month to visit, mentioning the Young Blood Slopestyle Trophy. Held from February 9 to 10 in 2018, it pits teenager against teenager to see who can pull off the best trick. Then, from March 17-18 it’s the pros turn at the Freestyle Ski and Snowboard Championships. Held at Sulayr Terrain Park, the testing course includes 110 different ramps and rails, the largest skijump in Europe and the biggest half pipe in Spain. For those who enjoy a challenge outside competitive spectacles, the Loma Dilar area contains five of the
resort’s seven black runs, weaving through spectacular scenery, When the sun begins to dip behind the mountains, the entire resort is illuminated in a dome of pastel colour, Spain’s remake of the Aurora Australis. And with a two-man chair lift taking you direct from the town centre to the very top of the resort, and all the various accomodation options, you don’t have to tramp for miles burdened under the weight of your ski equipment. But it’s hungry work and after a day on the slopes, a proper meal is in order to fuel up for the following day’s exertions. At night, ski clothes double as evening wear for the mostly Spanish (around 80%) visitors who fill the bars and restaurants. Establishments here carry on the great Granada tradition of free tapas with a drink, which makes Pradollano perfect pub crawl territory. The vibe is unpretentious and rugged, a far cry (happily) from your chic Courchevels and chichi Val d’Iseres. But the shops could certainly be described as ‘haute’ couture, perched at 2,100 metres - only 200 metres less than Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe. The altitude does not limit the choice of food which is totally international. Don’t miss Tito Tapas, or any of its near neighbours, such as Braseria, which recently opened. I chatted to barmaid Rocio at Casablanca. She is starting her first season here and has already fallen under the Sierra Nevada’s spell. “The climate is the best because we still get sunny days, which makes it possible to enjoy the snow and the skiing while also enjoying the
Festive fun MAGICAL: Three kings trudge up the slopes on January 5
T
he resort is one of the most festive places to be in Spain, and the Spaniards know it, as they arrive in their droves for Christmas and New Year. ‘Nochebuena’ or Christmas eve, when the Spaniards celebrate the festive
season with a huge family meal and lashings of turron, is usually a sell out. Meanwhile ‘nochevieja’, or New Year’s Eve, where massive screens show the countdown in Madrid’s iconic Puerta del Sol, with grapes galore, is a riot. For the eve of the Reyes
on Jan 5 the three kings duly arrive on skis. Kids will love it. Carnival, from February 6-14, also sees a mass arrival for the fancy dress competition, snow-sport contests and spectacles from Granada University.
temperature,”enthuses the 25-year-old. She finds Christmas the most magical time, thanks to the festive ambience and all-night parties. But many nights, La Chimenea, and Hipodromo are busy with revellers until the early hours. With Christmas just round the corner, a day in the glittery Sierra Nevada will get you in the mood and, despite all that sunshine, there’s no worry it won’t be a white one. With 44 snow cannons keeping the going soft and powdery, there is never a bad time to slope off on the piste here!
8
12 12
A
Sierra Nevada
the olive press - October 30 - November 12 2014 www.theolivepress.es ll about
www.theolivepress.es
December 21st - January 4th 2018
We’re flying The Sierra Nevada is fast becoming a natural haven for Spain’s top snowboarders
MECCA: For snowboarders across Europe
‘Your snowboarding centre in the Sierra Nevada'
L
OCALS boast of its cream snow. So it is no wonder the Sierra Nevada is a Mecca for thrill-seeking snowboarders, who come in their droves to take advantage of a soft and sumptuous ride. For beginners and experts alike, Spain’s highest resort is a glorious setting. With its stunning scenery and top-class facilities, it was no surprise that it won the bid to host the Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships this year. One of the best places to catch the top riders in action is at SuperPark Sulayr, Europe’s largest freestyle snowboard park. Sitting at an altitude of 2,700 metres on Borreguiles, the famed snowboarding park houses the country’s biggest permanent half-pipe. Measuring an astonishing 165 metres in length with a height of six metres, the special design
'Lessons, gear, advice and tips’ Plaza de Pradollano 3 y Plaza Andalucía Edificio Salvia, local 16 · Granada
Tel. 958 48 07 31 WHAT A CARVE UP: At the largest half pipe in Spain
flattens the snow on the side of the half-pip boarders can jump on both sides. Rookies will also find a place to carve their in the resort, thanks to the gentle gradients o tral station, Borreguiles. Here, lifts deposit snowboarders on a sm and well-groomed area where they can hone skills. Many professional snowboarders class Sierr vada as their home and a few shops specialis in snowboarding. These include South Star, where Jesus an brother juggles their passion for the snow with ning their own shop. “It’s a fantastic place for snowboarders, one o best in Spain, if not Europe,” he explains. “I grown loads over the last few years and we a ways busy.”
pe so
niche of cen-
mooth e their
ra Nese just
nd his h run-
of the It has are al-
www.theolivepress.es
December 21st - January 4th 2018
December 21st - January 4th 2018
Snow bound
ROADBLOCK: While some years - such as 1995 - there was almost no snow - other years were legendary and it took weeks to carve a route in
W
HAT was once an isolated farming region in the back garden of the Alhambra Palace has changed beyond recognition. The Sierra Nevada has long played an important role in Spanish history, its natural barrier marking the border between the Roman provinces of Hispania and Taraconense. The ski resort has a more unusual tale to tell. The idea of turning it into a winter sports resort was first floated in the 19th century by the Spanish consul to Helsinki, Angel Ganivet.
The Sierra Nevada ski station turns 120 Ganivet, who was born in Granada, suggested that a ‘Finnish Granada’ should be created to rival the sporting traditions of his homeland. In 1898, a group called Diez Amigos Limited (Ten Friends Limited) was formed, made up of writers and artists seeking inspiration in the mountains and thrills speeding down them on two planks of wood. They later changed their name to Sociedad Sierra Nevada, Spain’s third
oldest club, and built the mountain’s first refuge in 1912. Soon after, in 1914, Spain’s National Sport Week was celebrated there. In 1920 a road was built between Granada and the Sierra Nevada and by 1964, Cetursa was founded to run the resort. However, it was not until 1996 with the World Alpine Ski Championships that the resort gained international acclaim, becoming a Spanish National Park in 1999. In 2010, the World Freestyle Cup diversified the resort’s portfolio again, putting it on par with Alpine resorts.
13 13 13
14 14
A
www.theolivepress.es
Sierra Nevada
the olive press - October 30 - November 12 2014 www.theolivepress.es ll about
Blighty United
December 21st - January 4th 2018
December 21st - January 4th 2018
It’s two decades since intrepid expats Giles Birch and Jonathan Buzzard started working in the Sierra Nevada, writes Jon Clarke
W
ANT to find the cream of Brit- had been told that Crescendo was the ish skiing talent in the Sierra place to find the Brits and the reps-inNevada? the know,” he recalls. Well look no further than “Next thing in walks Jonathan with just seminal Crescendo bar at the foot of the the right attitude and he was soon helpslopes, where Jonathan Buzzard and ing me deal with the three to four flights Giles Birch met over we regularly dealt two decades ago. with on a Sunday.” This is their second The pair are still office and where you working together, will find them propcollectively running ping up the bar after the extremely suca hard day’s teachcessful British Ski ing on the slopes, Center from their which they know like base near the rea fox in a fox hole. sort. Step back to 1996, a Great mates, they boom time in Spain, both now teach, as and Giles was lookwell as sort out holiing for the ideal days for hundreds transport rep to help of clients each year. him grow his travel LONG TERM: Giles and Jonathan “Of course things business, working are completely with the likes of different to back Neilson Ski alongside First Choice and then,” explains Jonathan, who lived in Thompsons, that had just launched in Marbella in the golden years before it Granada. was ruined by corrupt leader Jesus Gil. Jonathan had all the right traits with “Sierra Nevada used to see in thouhis long flashers mac, ‘big hair’ and a sands of foreigners every week, but affriendly, outgoing persona. ter a couple of dry years in the 1980s “I had no idea what was going on but the resort’s reputation suffered badly
ON AND OFF THE SLOPES: Team in the bar and on their skis and things all began to change. “Luckily the snow came back, albeit not yet this year, but these days it is all independent travellers and the agencies have all but disappeared.” Of course there have been some bad years such as 1995 when Jonathan recalls cycling up Borreguiles run on a mountain bike in shorts on Christmas Day.This year however, is one of the best. “But generally it is as good as most
other international resort and the range of skiing and schools is hard to beat,” explains Giles, who is now in his benchmark 21st season in Granada. Since arriving he has married (a Portuguese girl), had three children and taught literally hundreds of clients. So what makes the Sierra Nevada so special, according to him? One aspect is the length of the season. We start in late November and stay
open until early May while other resorts don’t open until mid December and end their season in April.” This is partly due to the resort's altitude and the quality of the snow which is constantly worked on during the night. “That’s why you’ll never see slush even in the latter part of the season.” he adds. Visit www.britishskicenter.co.uk for more info.
www.theolivepress.es
December 21st - January 4th 2018
15
A season for savings Bank-beating exchange rates* and fee-free currency transfers aren’t just for Christmas. Whether you’re buying foreign property, transferring a pension overseas or moving money home to fund the festive season, we’re here to make sure you always get a great deal.
Contact us for more information Avenida Rey Jaime I no.104, Santa Ponsa, Calvia, 07180, Mallorca
+34 871 510 277 mallorca@currenciesdirect.com
© Currencies Direct Ltd, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AA, United Kingdom. Registered in England & Wales, No.: 03041197. Currencies Direct Ltd is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority as an Electronic Money Institution under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011. Our FCA Firm Reference number is 900669. *Fees and exchange rate data for banks taken from the International Money Transfer Index™ (IMTI™). For more information on our bank-beating exchange rates, visit our website.
SP17580EN - Christmas Ad for Olive Press v1.indd 1
29/11/2017 10:28
-final of Spanish TV talent show 3065 views
16
16
SOCIALMEDIA www.theolivepress.es OlivePressNewspaper
olivepress
December 21st - January 4th 2018
olivepressnews
Meeting BE ‘APPY! demand
property
December 21st - January 4th 2018
Top of the props
+TheolivepressEs
Sales boom ►► Asturias 22.11%, ►► Castilla-La Mancha (+ 21.7%), ►► Catalunya (+ 19.1%), ►► Aragon (+ 18.7%), ►► Valencia (+ 16.8%), ►► Balearic Islands (+ 15.5%), ►► Canary Islands (+ 14.7%), ►► Castilla y León (+ 11.5%), ►► Galicia (+ 10%), ►► Navarra (+9.9) %), ►► Madrid (+ 7.9%), ►► Extremadura (+ 5.7%).
THERE are not enough exclusive holiday rental properties in Mallorca, according to real estate Engel & Volkers. Over the last two years supply has fallen short for ‘hidden Download our app now and retreats’ in the island’s rural begin enjoying the best Spanish countryside. news onthey the go. The estate agents say are now expanding operations to meet these demands, par- SPAIN has had its best quarter for property increases (+ 26.3%). ticularly in the west where the sales since the 2008 financial crisis. Transactions carried out by foreigners resipicturesque villages of Deia Some 121,561 units were sold in the third dent in Spain experienced year-on-year and Puerto Soller are a big quarter of this year, a 16.7% increase on last growth for the twenty-fifth consecutive quarpull for holidaymakers. year, according to the development ministry. ter. It’s just shy of 2008’s third quarter when Specifically, the increase was 17.6% com122,949 units were sold. pared to the third quarter of 2016, totaling The Olive Press From September 2016 to September 2017, 20,257 purchases. some 516,643 homes were sold, an increase Likewise, purchases made by foreigners, of Spain! 15.8% compared to the previous twelve both residents and non-residents, reached TOP for news in months. 24,009 operations, which represents 17.4% CINEMA closure means Palma All the autonomous communities registered of the total. film punters may be at loss this increases in the number of home sales in the By province, the highest number of sales by foreign residents were Alicante (4,619 opChristmas. Porto Pi's shopping third quarter of the year. centre has decided to close its The highest increases were La Rioja (+ erations), Málaga (2,429), Barcelona (1,937), cinema for refurbishment and 32.9%), Cantabria (+ 31.9%), Murcia (+ Madrid (1,564), Valencia (1,183) and Santa Cruz de Tenerife (1,175). are unsure whether it will open 25.6%) and Andalucia (+ 23.6%). Ceuta and Melilla also registered significant again.This comes after the cinema pulled advertising from the filming hotspot with the refurb MALLORCA is set to receive another four star The opening is part of the group’s expansion to take three to four months. hotel, named after a sea turtle. program following a succesful refurbishment Owner Juan Salas says stiff Gallery Hotel Group has announced it will of their flagship hotels in Barcelona and Malcompetition from rival cinemas open a new hotel on the island, named Hotel aga. Honucai will have 78 rooms and opens are chipping away Pi’s competiHonucai, a Hawaiian word for sea turtle. in 2018. tive edge.
Spain has officially recovered as property sales match pre-crisis levels
Cinemaless club
Turtley awesome
Keys Isl nd to the
N
Finding the Great Escape
their trust to you in helping them find the right location and perfect home to start their new life in a foreign land. It´s so important to listen and get it right - and always quite an honour for a well
BALEARIC’S manufacturing industry is struggling keep up with the rest of Europe as growth has slumped more than 27% since 2000. Figures released by Fundacio Impulsa Balear, Mallorca’s public strategy forum, show that the manufacturing industry has grown by 4.7%. While the Balearic economy as a whole has grown by 18%. The industry growth is just behind Spain at 6.4% and miles behind at the EU at 22%.
Erosion
Balear director Antoni Riera says there has been a gradual erosion of industrial activity over the last 20 years because ‘intense tertiarisation’ of the economy has focused on tourism and left behind manufacturing.
By Amanda Butler
Finding a home in a strange land can be a challenge but with the right agent every street in Mallorca has a gem waiting to be explored, writes Amanda Butler
ot much to report on the property front this week as we head into Christmas, apart from receiving a visit from a well known international cyclist looking for a second home. Having been asked to be his exclusive buyer’s agent, we looked at a wide range of properties from country homes in the Santa Maria area to swish apartments in Palma - a real interesting range as we begin the voyage of defining the client's needs and preferred location. I have to say I do rather enjoy the outset of a journey like this, when a client has committed to using you exclusively and handed over
Slumping progress
known person to open up and let a stranger in - a necessary part of this process in finding a home rather than just a house. Having not looked at penthouses in Palma for the last few years, of particular interest were the range of exceptionally creative interior designs in Palma old town, quite different in attitude compared to 15 years ago when I first started out in property. It's always fun to explore new creative ideas that have been brought to life - not to mention pick up some tips! There’s almost always a new and interesting shop, bar or restaurant to find along the way too. One place I was very excited to find (being a vegetarian) was the Deli & Cafe Restaurant My Muy Bueno, just opposite the main Post Office in Palma (on the first floor). Open for breakfast through to late afternoon, they serve a fabulous array of lunchtime salads as well as warm and nourishing dishes, and - as contradictory as
Property of the week
it sounds - completely guilt free yummy desserts and cakes. I’d highly recommend a visit, if nothing else, to try the vegan salted caramel tart! Since this was my new cycling friend's first visit and his partner had not been able to join, there will be more properties to look at in the New Year ... so wish me luck!!
Focus on Sol de Mallorca
Sol de Mallorca is situated in a quiet corner of Mallorca, on the Southwest coastline opposite Portals Vells and next to Cala Vinyes. Mostly known as a residential area it consists of small chalets, town houses and apartments, as well as a good mix of well sized traditional and modern villas, with a good array of deluxe first line properties. There are some beautiful beaches within walking distance including Portals Vells, Cala Bella Dona and a little further away, Cap Falco. In 1967, the film, The Magician, was filmed here starring well known stars including Anthony Quinn, Michael Caine and Candice Bergen. There is a small quay looking out over the Portals Vells cove, nigh-on impossible for expats to find a berth, but a very popular area to anchor off for lunch and swim in the summer time.
Shops and Services
Currently there is only one small supermarket and only one restaurant, which fortunately is a very good one. Over the next two to three years, there is hope in the community that the old casi-
Ibiza Style Villa in Sol de Mallorca, walking distance to the sea. 5 Beds ● 3 Baths ● 350 m²- Living ● 1.480- m² Plot ● Pool ● €1.850.000 ● Ref: 17019
Bright and friendly Ibiza style villa situated in a quiet street in Sol de Mallorca, walking distance to the sea. Distributed over 2 floors, with a large entrance hall with double height ceiling joining the open plan living area, a dining area and an American kitchen. The spacious garden with a pool area and a BBQ zone is accessible from the living room. On the ground floor of the villa is a bedroom with a bathroom en suite, a guest bathroom and an utility room. On the upper floor are 4 double bedrooms, 3 with walk-in wardrobes and 3 bathrooms, 2 of which are en suite. The main bedroom has access to a beautiful terrace. This property is ideal for a large family or also for holiday renting.. no will be transformed into a high quality hotel and leisure complex which will help give the area much needed facilities and buzz. In summer time, it is also possible to walk to some of the beach chiringuitos on the surrounding beaches. Poniente Golf Club is also only moments away.
Living in Sol de Mallorca
This area is a real mix of prices, sizes and styles, but presenting better value for money than the popular areas closer to Palma. A good sized two bed apartment starts in the region of €250.000 upwards, with three bed townhouses from €350.000.
Contact Amanda J Butler to buy or sell your home: Tel: +34690075169, www.mjcassociates.net. Your professional one stop property shop around the Island!
www.theolivepress.es
manacor
puerto de andratx
December 21st - January 4th 2018
santa ponsa
ibiza
intermobel.es
17
-final of Spanish TV talent show 3065 views
18
18
SOCIALMEDIA www.theolivepress.es OlivePressNewspaper
olivepress olivepressnews
A new +TheolivepressEs
casino will open in Platja de Palma BE ‘APPY! in 2018
Business
18
December 21st - January 4th 2018
Betting on Palma
GAMBLING will come to Palma bay when a new casino opens in the Platja de Palma before summer 2018, pending the agreement of final details Download our app now and between Hipotels and the Spanish Casino de Mallorca combegin enjoying the best pany. There are three casinos news on the go. in the Balearics – Porto Pi in Mallorca, Mahon in Menorca, and Ibiza Town – and under gaming laws established in 2014, each casino is allowed ZARA’S net profit has surged to open a second, but smaller by 6% in the first nine months branch. Regulations mean of this year, its owner an- that the new Palma casino nounced this week. be limited to 450 square TheOrtega Olivewill Press Spaniard Armancio metres – just 60 per cent of said profit from February to the size of the existing casino October stood at €2.34 bil- ininPort TOP for news Spain! Pi. lion, compared to €2.2 billion over the same period last year. Sales rose by 10% to €17.9 billion. It opened new stores in BelarNEW flights from Berlin Tegel airport to Palma us this summer and continde Mallorca will start the first week of January ued expanding in all markets, with easyJet. The orange airline is squaring up to mostly in Asia. It owns 7,504 rival Lufthansa following the death of Air Berlin shops in 94 countries, more this October, and has revealed plans to take over than half of them with online some of the insolvent airline’s assets. Flights will stores. operate 28 times per week, starting at €44.83 per The group was founded in person one way – including admin and credit card 1975 by Amancio Ortega and fees – based on two people travelling on the same has become the world’s largbooking. EasyJet has also launched new flights est clothes retailer with eight from Germany to 15 other international destinabrands, including Massimo tions, including Fuerteventura and Madrid. Dutti, Bershka and Pull & Bear.
Passion for fashion
December 21st - January 4th 2018
The casino will be within easy reach of Palma airport, between the two Hipotel-owned hotel complexes – Gran Playa de Palma and Playa de Palma Palace. The owners believe the location should guarantee a steady footfall of clients, even outside the tourist season. The search for the ideal
New routes
FLIGHTS: Wonderbarr
location began at the end of summer after approval had been granted from Brussels and the Balearic government, following the establishment of new laws aimed at further developing the local gaming industry. The Balearic Government’s director-general for trade and business, Pilar Sansó, has said online that the new casino branch will be “positive in terms of job creation and economic benefits”. Gaming regulations, put together and approved by the Balearic Islands Gaming Commission, also insist on player protection measures; casinos must make the dangers of gambling addition clear to all clients. Balearic laws prohibit a concentration of gambling and betting shops in one area – there must be a distance of at least 500 metres between gambling premises in Palma.
Price wars
HIGHER hotel prices are pushing holidaymakers back to rival hotspots like Turkey, a holiday boss has warned. According to TUI group chief executive Fritz Joussen, the likes of Turkey and Bulgaria will only benefit if Spain continues to become more expensive. “Our Turkey bookings are up 70% for summer 2018,” Joussen said, “It is our most important destination in summer. “There have been very, very high prices in Spain, and now Turkey is coming back, perhaps it is partly customers from Spain going to Turkey again. “But prices are coming down a little in Spain so we do have a place in both markets.” Other destinations were benefiting from being outside the Eurozone following the pound’s fall, he added, with TUI making ‘huge investments’ in countries like Croatia and Bulgaria.
CAPTION.
January 2018 &
Food, drink & travel www.theolivepress.es
December 21st - January 4th 2018
September 14 - September 27 0th 2017
September 27th - October 10th 2017
19 19
December 21st - January 4th 2018
Christmas tragedy
RESIDENTS
IT seems even Estepona’s most innocent residents are suffering from mistreatment at the hands of ignorant owners. Dogs chained up for days on end with just enough food and water to keep them alive for the following day is no way to live. We always try to cover these crimes and make sure those who are responsible are brought to justice. We would never ask for people to take the law into their own hands but to call up the police, and report the issue to
Bottom’s up More wine will lead to a happier life
someone with power. Time and time again
Got Milk? Think almond milk is a cool, new fad? Mallorca has been producing it way before millennials were born. Introduced by friars, whose religious order prohibited the consumption of animal milk 'llet d'ametlla' is still being produced in Marratxí and the neighbouring town of Santa Maria. Twelve years ago in the the festivities committee of Es Pla de na Tesa decided to celebrate the traditional beverage by starting an annual December fair. According to producers it takes a kilos of almonds to Page make1 NYD_Brunch_OlivePress(HalfPage) 18/12/2017 11:58 five litres.
animal rights are brushed over for things that need ‘urgent attention’. But if we can’t look after the most vulnerable inhabitants of our society how do we expect to look after those ‘who matter’.
Sherry shenanigans
Carrer de Sant Magí, 84, 07013 Palma, Illes Balears tel: 625 36 02 91
Carrer de Cotoner, 44, 07013 Palma, Illes Balears tel: 696 52 67 58
New Year’s Day Brunch Ease yourself into 2018 with our fabulous New Year’s Day brunch! Bubbles, Bloody Mary Bar, Buffet, Al Fresco Kitchen, Raw Bar, Desserts and Live Music. 12 to 4pm.
events@theboathouse.es • www.facebook.com/theboathousepalma • Book now on 971 734 114
20 20
food
www.theolivepress.es
December 21st - January 4th 2018 December 21st - January 4th 2018
Cerviche Queen
N
O-ONE could begrudge calling Irene Gutierrez the Cerviche Queen of the Balearics. The Peruvian masterchef, from Cuzco, has created dozens of different cerviches during her 12 years living in Mallorca. “There are 16 basic types that I do, and each one has variations,” the chef from Sumaq tells the Olive Press. “I make sure there are at least six on each of my menus at any one time.” The chef, who also runs PIRUW in Santa Catalina, uses a team of five cooks to help her create them, two fellow Peruvians, a Philippeanian, a Ukranian and a Spaniard. But she admits: “The ones I create when I am hungry are the best. They always come out
Sumaq chef creates dozens of the celebrated Peruvian speciality each year, discovers Jon Clarke
more inspired.” Either way, she likes to change the recipes slightly every four months or so. “We always use a lot of local and seasonal produce, and I like to incorporate that into my cerviches,” she continues. “Each one has lime, onion and various herbs, but then they fall into three broad categories of fish, seafood, including squid and scallops, and crustaceans, including prawns and lobster.”
20
Cerviches fit into three basic categories 1. Fish 2. Seafood 3. Crustaceons
SUMAQ Carrer de Cotoner, 44, 07013 Palma Carretera PalmaAndratx Nº 37, 07181 Portals Nous Tel: 696 52 67 58
IRENE: Found her food niche
TRIO OF DELIGHTS: Irene presents a red tuna cerviche including ponzu sauce, cucumber and seaweed, an exotic cerviche including salmon, avocado and passion fruit and a cerviche Chifa, incorporating white fish, sweetcorn and sweet potato
SERVING: Her famous cerviches
Love, love will take you there...
Mallorca Ibiza Marbella Madrid Valencia grupocappuccino.com
www.theolivepress.es
SWEETHEART: The pudding tray
food
December 21st - January 4th 2018 December 21st - January 4th 2018
21
Staying anchored
DOCKSIDE DINING: The perfect outdoor terrace
TASTY: Typical food
Olive Press editor Jon Clarke reviews the classic ‘chiringuito in the city’ the Boathouse
I RELAXED: But grub is top quality
PARKING SPECIAL Guests at the Boathouse get two hours of Free parking for any spend over five euros.
CHILLED: Just hanging out
T bills itself as ‘casual dockside dining’, but the Boathouse is so much more. Like a beacon beside the promenade in the heart of Palma city, this expat-run gem continues to get better and better each year. Take a pinch of Martha’s Vineyard, a slice of Cape Town cool and a sprinkling of Caribbean vibes and you’ve got what is easily one of the island’s leading restaurants. Innovative cooking, regularly changing specials and a real attempt to use local, seasonal produce is what it’s all about. The creation of dynamos Mark Mackay, 50, from South Africa, and Deborah Walker, 50, from the UK, the pair are continually coming up with new ideas and upgrading the menu. They moved to the island with their two children, now 15 and 12, after years working around the world on yachts and in marketing. They made the jump to Mallorca after one long and particularly cold winter in the wilds of Ontario, where they ran restaurants and more, following a brain surgery proceedure for Mark. Deb’s family had been visting the island since the 1970s and Mark knew it from yachting, so it seemed the natural place to settle and they have never looked back. I’m a regular visitor to the restaurant and it rarely lets me down, whether it be for a meeting or a social event. The menu has a very international flavour and is handled well by half-Italian, half-Greek head chef Mi-
chail Isigaras, who has worked at various Michelin starred restaurants in Italy, as well as with Mallorca’s foodie godfather Marc Fosh, in Palma. While the restaurant is well known for its amazing seafood platter and fresh fish, I went for a spicy chicken taco, which comes with a wonderful mix of healthy greens, including avocado, red pepper and refried beans. A healthier option is the fabulous quinoa salad, which was served with pomegranates, pepper and rocket, while his salmon with asparagus came served on a mash with parsley. I plumped for a mushroom ravioli special, a classic rustic Tuscan dish, which demonstrated perfectly some of his skills he picked up back home. While more than replete, it was impossible to say no to the charming pudding waiter who came out with a special platter of fresh home-cooked desserts to finish off the spread. Service is very much king here and Deb and Mark lead by example. But it is the laid back feel that really works for me and you can have lunch or dinner at any time of the day. Their motto ‘stay anchored’ could not ring truer. This is the very opposite of formal French dining and the kitchen is open from midday, while plenty come earlier for a full English breakfast from 10am, plus morning coffees and cakes. With a new industrial look ‘pop up’ style bar set to be added this festive season and with plenty of Christmas specials, there can be no better time to visit.
DISH OF THE DAY: And chef Michail (top)
YOUR HOST: Talented Debs
SOCIAL VENUE: Pals live it up
22 22 22 www.theolivepress.es ARRANGING GOLF BREAKS JUST GOT EASIER!
22
SUNSHINE GOLF BREAKS
Columnists
December 21st - January 4th 2018
THE FREE GOLF HOLIDAY APP AND WEBSITE
OUR BULK BUYING GUARANTEES YOU UNBEATABLE PRICES!! Simply make your holiday choices and receive a personalised quote or call back Let us do the work! Search GOLF BREAKS SUNSHINE on the App store or visit www.sunshinegolfbreaks.com From individuals to large groups we offer Discounted Green Fees, Hotels, Club and Car Hire at less than Society Prices!
Delivering quality golfing holidays for over 20 years
Mallorca diaries
By Lesley Keith
New year sparkle
Sometimes the quietest New Year plans can prove to be the most enjoyable but if you do go out make sure it’s a night to remember, writes Lesley Heath
H ∙ R e s t au r ant s ∙ Hot e l s ∙ ∙ C ou r s e s ∙ Ac t i v it i e s ∙ Up to
70% OFF
Register Today to receive your daily offers and discounts
l i fe s t y l e d e a l s . e s ∙ Te l : 9 5 1 2 7 4 8 8 4
ere we are at the end of the year, frankly, we both fell asleep in front of Spanish TV and I haven’t got used to putting the date as missed the whole thing. Disaster! Well not this 2017 yet so how I’m going to cope as it time, we’re booked into a seafront restaurant becomes 2018 is anyone's guess. with a bunch of friends. As they are all English I have just had a few days back home in Blighty we could have two celebrations. Surely with the where I’ve had every bit of winter weather you time difference there’s two midnights, so if you can imagine. Not too much of a problem as miss one you can join in the second one. I like friends houses were warm and I’d got a very the sound of that. thick coat with a hood. The predicted snow came Speaking of TV we have finally got ourselves a along and caused the usual chaos of closed box that gives us a whole selection of channels roads, schools and transport disruption but not including most of the British ones. Oh the exhaving to get anywhere but a pub restaurant or a citement that first night as we flicked through relatives house wasn’t a problem for me. Happi- them all! Mind you, having gone right through ly, for once I’d timed it to perfecthe lot twice we looked at each tion and it had all but gone by the other realising there was nothtime I needed to come home. To ing we wanted to watch. Not one be honest, it actually felt colder single thing. There was camel Disaster! Well when I came back here! racing, 14 different versions not this time, Well yes, here we are, all hurof ITV all showing the news, tling towards another year various versions of Midsummer we’re booked whether we like it or not. Years Murders but no Channel 4. For ago a school teacher told me some reason we can only have into a seafront that the years would go quicker that on the Plus 1 option and a restaurant as I got older. That is certainly view of Muro Beach on real time true, or is it that I just can’t reamongst other gems but there member as much as I used to is nothing worth spending an (which is also certainly true). I really like New hour of your life looking at. It doesn’t matter too Year’s Eve, it’s just a great big celebration, for- much really, it’s only as a plan B on cold uninvitget all the rubbish that’s gone on and embrace ing nights. I’d feel pretty aggrieved if I missed the clean slate. I think you could pretty much out on my annual dose of It’s a Wonderful Life turn up at any party and get in. There’s abso- or The World’s Strongest Man and I know Her lutely no pressure, no special meal to prepare, Majesty likes it when I tune in to her little effort. no work in the morning, no special clothes to One thing I think we all know about New Year’s wear, no set rules to follow, well except some- Eve is that the TV schedule is absolute rubbish thing about a red haired woman with a piece of except for the Jules Holland extravaganza at the coal, but that’s just not going to happen. All we end and then watching the fireworks. No probhave to do is belt out Auld Lang’s Syne at Mid- lem, I shall be out partying with the best and night, and as we only know the first two lines worst of them. it’s only for a minute. I would also add that you Wherever you are and whatever you do, I hope don’t have to buy presents either but I have two you have a great time and that 2018 is a happy very inconsiderate friends with NYE birthdays and healthy year for you all. As for resolutions, I so unfortunately I don’t get off scot free. have one this year and that’s to be more posiI’m saying all this but as it happens I have never tive. Ha! -Fat chance, it’s not going to happen is actually experienced a Mallorcan New Year’s it, I said the same thing last year and nothing Eve. Last year, being the eternal party animals, changed…
-final -final ofofSpanish Spanish TVTVtalent show- -final of Spanish TV talent show - talentshow 3065views views 3065 views 3065
SOCIALMEDIA SOCIALMEDIA SOCIALMEDIA www.theolivepress.es OlivePressNewspaper OlivePressNewspaper 23 23 OlivePressNewspaper
Sports & yachting
olivepress olivepress olivepress
23 23
December 21st - January 4th 2018
Lost momentum
olivepressnews olivepressnews olivepressnews
+TheolivepressEs +TheolivepressEs +TheolivepressEs
If the result of the test is upheld it will be another massive blow to the cycling world
BE BE‘APPY! ‘APPY! BE ‘APPY!
Cause for concern
December 21st - January 4th 2018
Download Download ourapp appnow nowand and Download our app nowour and begin begin enjoying enjoying thethebest bestSpanish Spanish begin enjoying the best Spanish FIFA have threatened to kick news news on on the the go. go. news on the go. Spain out of next years World
Froome was nominated for this years BBC Sports Personality of the Year, but lost out to Mo Farah. Speaking via video link from his training camp in Mallorca on the show he said he ‘understood people’s concerns’. “This is quite a horrible situation if I’m honest and we’re working as hard as we can to try to get to the bottom of this,” he said.
BRITIAN’S most successful
Cup after writing a letter to the road cyclist Chris Froome Spanish football federation is facing the prospect of be(RFEF) warning them about ing stripped of his Vuelta a political interference. The footballing body say they Espana title after failing a are deeply concerned about the drug test. Spanish government's’ contin- It has been revealed that ued interference in the upcom- Froome had double the The ThePress Olive Olive Press Press permitted amount of asthThe Olive ing election for RFEF president. The previous president, Angel ma medication salbutamol in in his blood when he won Maria Villar, down TOP for for news news inSpain! Spain! TOP stepped for TOP news inin Spain! July after being arrested on the title in September. corruption charges and an interim president has since been Double dose in place. FIFA are throwing The 32-year-old admitted the rule book at them saying they have the power to suspend he had upped his dose to membership if they feel elec- control his symptoms after suffering from asthma tions are not independent. A statement from FIFA said: "A since he was a child. joint delegation from FIFA and But the UCI, cycling’s govUEFA will travel to Madrid in erning body, have asked the near future to observe and ‘for more information reanalyse the situation that the garding his use of the drug’ RFEF is going through.” and if he is unable to come Spain are currently one of the up with a valid explanation favourites to win the World he could be stripped of his Cup.
Vuelta title and a 12 month
Imbalance
UNDER PRESSURE: Team Sky’s talisman Froome
ban. Talking to the press, Froome said: “I have a very clear routine, how I use my inhaler, how often. “Salbutamol is something
that can be affected by a lot of different factors. Dehydration, the way the body metabolises it for example, can change from day to day.”
Team Sky, who Froome spearheads has a no nonsense policy on drugs and he could face a series a laboratory tests to replicate and explain the imbalance in the results, potentially missing the chance to defend his Tour de France title next year.
All time greatest MEGASTAR Cristiano Ronaldo will have to find even more room on his mantlepiece after being awarded his FIFTH Ballon d’Or. The win now puts Ronaldo level with long-term rival Lionel Messi, who has also won the acclaimed award five times. Argentine Messi finished second in this year’s award, with Brazilian Neymar, now at Paris Saint-Germain, in third place. The Ballon d’Or honours the male player judged to have performed the best over the previous year, voted on by football journalists. Last season, Ronaldo was in inspired form scoring 42 times as he helped his side, Real Madrid, win the Champions League and their first La Liga title since 2012. “This is something I look forward to every year,” he said.
A r e y o u l o o k i n g f o r a n e w k i t c h e n ? We would be happy to help you plan the kitchen of your dreams. Why not visit our showroom in Santa Ponsa and be inspired! Plan your individual kitchen space with our kitchen design specialists and see for yourself the diverse possibilities of the LEICHT kitchen world. x
x
An elegant touch for your home. This is
Carrer Illes Baleares N°4
07180 Santa Ponsa
www.leichtmallorca.com
x
Cocinas de Nopper
Tel: +34 971 690 155
Voted BEST
expat paper in Spain
Reuse Reduce Recycle We use recycled paper
Deadly dengue MOSQUITOES carrying dengue and yellow fever have been found in the Canary Islands.
FINAL WORDS
Cheers to that! SPAIN had the third highest amount of sparkling wine exports in the EU, after France and Italy.
Cannabis coup 221 fully grown marijuana plants have been ceased by the police following a raid on a property in Montuiri.
Christmas spending
THIS year Balearic residents will spend €650 on Christmas, over five percent more than last year. The wealthier class average spending €1,600 while the poorest class just €200.
FREE
Vol. 1 Issue 18 www.theolivepress.es December 21st - January 4th 2018
Waterborne Waterman sentenced in UK for swimming into Gibraltar
BUM-NOTE
Offshore offender
A BRITISH man who infamously swam from Spain to Gibraltar to avoid arrest has
been sentenced to seven years in jail. Jason Waterman, 33 shocked
Out of this world Mallorca has officially been up on the map, just not one in this world! Two asteroids ‘Andratx’ and ‘Dragonera’ have been named after places in Mallorca by the International Astronomical Union. Andratx takes its name from the after the municipality located on the southwest tip of the island while Dragonera received its name from the uninhabited islet of Sa Dragonera. The names of the rocks, measuring two and three kilometres respectively , were both chosen by the Mallorca Institute of Astronomy and Astronautics.
police in Gibraltar when he handed himself in in June 2017 after 18 months on the run in Spain. Shocked officers described how Waterman turned up ‘dripping wet’ and holding a bag of wet clothes. Waterman, from Watford, was sentenced for attempting to smuggle over £1 million worth of cocaine into the UK in 2015. He had chartered a plane to transport the drugs to a remote airfield in North Yorkshire in an attempt to avoid detection. However, as the plane
touched down, Waterman realised Border Force officials were waiting to arrest him and he fled the UK to Spain.
A HIDDEN handwritten note has been found up the bum of an 18th century statue of Jesus Christ in Northern Spain. The message dating back to 1777, documents key information about the period including famous people, popular pastimes and political matters. Signed by Joaquin Minguez, priest of the cathedral of Burgo de Osma at the time, it was found when restorers removed a piece of fabric used to cover Christ’s derriere, exposing a small gap. Double sided and two pages long, experts believe that the priest’s intention was to make a time capsule. The wooden statue is now kept at the church of Santa Agueda in Sotillo de la Ribera, in Burgos.
OVER 30 YEARS IN MALLORCA PROVIDING QUALITY SERVICE Quality Awnings, Sun Blinds, Windows, Doors and more…
intensely sun and snow
OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTOR
Tel: (+34) 971 69 30 04 Fax: (+34) 971 69 15 05 info@tiptoptoldos.com Pasaje 19 de Marzo, 10 y 11, Poligono Son Bugadellas, Calvia, Mallorca
www.tiptopmallorca.com
family · friends · apreski · night skiing · snowpark · competition winter season
2017-2018