Mallorca Olive Press - Issue 30 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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Birdie birth control

First shots landed DISGRACED former ‘King of the Night’ Tolo Cursach has been sentenced to an initial eight months in prison for the illegal possession of weapons. The conviction is the first against nightclub impresario Cursach, who faces a further 16 charges, including homicide, bribery, drug trafficking and corruption. The rifle was discovered under Cursach’s bed during a search of the magnate’s property. Cursach was controversially released on bail in April but must appear at court on the first Monday of every month as his other trial continues.

Assy assets DONKEYS have been assigned to graze and clean the water basins in Andratx. Ten donkeys are grazing in the so-called torrents to clear out overgrown plants and reduce the risk of flooding. In 2016 the town had donkeys cleaning the1 torrents Untitled-1.pdf 16/06/2017 with great success.

Pollensa Hit the north Vol. 2 Issue 30

ONE of the island’s infamous accident blackspots is to be remedied this summer. In a sensible scheme, drivers will be banned from entering the Formentor peninsula, near Pollensa, to make is safer

for cyclists and prevent overcrowding. Under the test scheme only buses and locals will be allowed to take the 20km drive to the famous lighthouse during the hours of 9:30am until 7pm in July and August.

Tourists who wish to enter the stunning northern tip of the island will have to take a special shuttle bus from Pollensa Port.

Don’t miss our 16-page Pollensa supplement inside

ITTING high on a promontory lording over the bay of Pollensa sits one of Spain’s most exclusive properties. Owned by British financier, Lord James Lupton, La Fortaleza was once the most expensive home on the marketcountry’s million euros and most recently became for 125 famous as the home of scoundrel business mogul Richard Roper, played by Hugh Laurie, in the BBC drama, The Night Manager. An incredible place surrounded by pine-covered hills, the 400-year-oldwater and put up countless VIPs over the years, fort has including Spanish artist Joaquin Sorolla, who painted it. A massive 25,000 square feet of immaculately manicured terraces and gardens, it counts on two pools and seven separate villas in its grounds. But it is the location at the start of the Formentor peninsula that makes it so protected exclusive

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CAPTiON. Umque pro culparu mendio corporepudae ped explab inihilignis del id

Pollensa is all about exclusivity and understated glamour, writes locally-based writer Lesley Keith - and perhaps justifies its price tag. For this is perhaps Mallorca’s most remarkable stretch of scenery. A dramatic finger of soaring peaks ing drops, no visitor to the island willand plungbreathtaking 20 km drive - or cycle forget the - to its historic lighthouse at the end. if you’re fit It’s as stunning as anywhere in Spain and not dissimilar to the famous New Zealand backdrops in Lord of the Rings. But the whole Pollensa corner of the amazing and just when you think the island is scenery couldn’t get any better, it does. As a PR job the award-winning Night Manager

couldn’t have done more to promote featuring both the town and its nearby the area environs heavily in the series. The main thing to know is that Pollensa is only 45 minutes from the airport despite feeling like it could be a million miles away. I have lived here for nearly two years can verify quite how different it is from now and the better known towns of Andratx, Calvia and Portals. While they are all about being seen and splashing the cash, Pollensa is about understated glamour and refined taste. This is the sort of place where you will former British Prime Minister David bump into Cameron

having lunch, or TV presenter Louis Theroux, as I did recently on the beach, playing with his kids. Pollensa is also the home of former England star Graham Le Saux (you know, the only footballer to ever admit to reading the Guardian), as the boss of UK supermarket group as well In the hills nearby the famous March Iceland. the private Banca March) have their family (of amazing estate. Most people first head for the coastal Puerto Pollensa, or as it’s known locally town of You will first be amazed at the views ‘PP’. calm the sea is here… it is also a little and how bit warmer than most other beaches on the island as it is so protected. From here take a look around the marina the moored boats before taking a stroll and along the shaded Pine Walk, which curves for several Continues on Page 10

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SPAIN is set to become a beacon of equality. The country’s new prime minister Pedro Sanchez has handed an incredible 11 key cabinet positions to women. The Madrileño is following in the footsteps of former socialist PM Jose Zapatero, who was the first leader ever to create a majority female cabinet, with nine out of 17. ‘El Guapo’ Sanchez has gone a step further, with 11 out of 18 posts being given to women. Describing it as a ‘feminist government’, he has named Carmen Calvo as both his deputy PM and the head of the newly restored Equality Ministry. He has also brought in Teresa Ribera to head up the environment, Meritxell Batet for public administration and Maria Jesus Montero to run 15:36 the Treasury.

FEMALE MAJORITY: The second cabinet of its kind in Spain’s history And in total proof the PSOE leader Sanchez puts his trust

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(the second woman to ever hold this post), Isabel Celaa, the Education Secretary and Dolores Delgado, the new Head of Justice. Finishing off the list is Nadia Calviño, head of business and economy, Reyes Maroto, head of industry and tourism and Carmen Monton, heading up health and consumer affairs. Sanchez is expected to bring new focus to equality issues following recent furores over gender inequality in Spain. Calvo, 60, is an expert in constitutional law and served as deputy speaker in congress under Zapatero. Ribera meanwhile, previously headed up Spain’s Office for Climate Change between 2004 and 2011. The first cabinet meeting is scheduled for June 8. See the Rise and Fall of Rajoy and Sanchez on pages 6 and 7

SEE MORE IN THE RESTAURANT SECTION INSIDE

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HORNY pigeons are coming under attack in an ingenious new birth control scheme in Son Servera. The town hall has introduced six contraceptive-filled feeders for the birds in a bid to cut back on their numbers. The birds are being blamed for damaging buildings, monuments and parks, as well as causing noise pollution and health risks.

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2 Expat vigilantes vow to continue their battle to clear Magaluf of female mugger gang EXCLUSIVE By Joe Wallen

A GROUP of British activists have vowed to continue their fight against a gang of Nigerian muggers, who masquerade as prostitutes. It comes despite five of them being arrested in Magaluf, allegedly for hate crimes. One expat, who asked not to be named, told the Olive Press they would not be intimated into stopping their actions. He confirmed that the group had been joined by numerous Spanish residents, as well as seasonal workers and bar owners to ‘drive the women off the streets’. The group claims the gang

Don’t mug us off!

of up to 200 women are violently assaulting British tourists in the resort, almost every night. Naming themselves, ‘Cleaning up Magaluf’, they claim the bad publicity is putting off holidaymakers from visiting while the authorities turn a blind eye. They have now organised

Justice at last A ROMANIAN has been arrested over the alleged sexual assault of a British holidaymaker in Magaluf. The woman, thought to be in her late 20s, filed a complaint with UK police after returning home from the notorious party resort last year. The unnamed suspect, who works in a Magaluf bar, was identified following DNA tests of the tourist’s clothing.

nightly marches with the aim of ensuring that any potential criminals are documented and pressured into leaving Magaluf. It comes after numerous accounts appeared in the British press of tourists being mugged by the gangs. Typically, the women target holidaymakers who appear

No smoke without fire THE police are investigating reports of arson at a food and drink warehouse in Santa Ponsa. The building belonged to Carnicas Luis, which is currently under investigation after it was discovered the company was storing out-of-date produce.

too drunk to return to their hotels and offer sexual favours. If the men refuse, they are then attacked often aided by several colleagues. “We’ve simply had enough,” the 29-year-old bar owner told the Olive Press. “We’ve had enough… and now taxi drivers and local residents have been joining us on the marches each night,” he said. “They know as well as we do that their livelihoods depend on the tourism here.” Recent figures showed that there were only 1.6 million visitors to Mallorca in April, a fall of more than 7% on April 2017. Five Brits have been arrested by the Guardia Civil over the protests, accused of ‘hate crimes’. The police warned the Brits that they should be careful as they were dealing with powerful forces ‘out of the control of the authorities’. “If the police won’t clean up the streets we will be forced to do it ourselves.”

Time’s up A COUPLE have been arrested by the police after they attempted to steal a gold watch worth €25,000. Pulling up on a motorbike in Portals, a woman jumped off and approached a man in the car park, hugging and kissing him. The victim realised he did not know the woman and that she was attempting to distract him while she stole his watch, a Jaeger Lecoultre. He raised the alarm and the woman fled the garage, getting into a waiting Volkswagen Golf that drove off at high speed.

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Blown away Touching down A TOP American football coach has dropped in for an intimate meal at leading Palma Italian A Casa Mia. Oakland Raiders Jack Del Rio joined family and friends at the Santa Catalina joint, while on a week’s break on the island. The famous coach thanked his friend and superstar chef Guy Fieri for the foodie tip, as Guy took his family and film crew there a couple of years ago. He and wife Linda are in Mallorca celebrating their 31 years of marriage by cycling around the island. “What an incredible week in Mallorca,” Jack revealed. “Great biking - very challenging with over 200 miles covered in 6 days and, great food and great people,” he continued.

Opportunity knocks TRAVEL agents in the UK are currently offering Love Island-inspired holiday deals for British tourists. Groupon and Wowcher are selling a three-night trip to Mallorca for just £159pp, with four nights also on offer for £229pp. The holiday is all-inclusive and flights are available from Luton, Stansted, Gatwick, the East Midlands, Liverpool and Manchester. The popular ITV show is believed to be causing a surge in holiday bookings to the island. Wowcher revealed that since the show beginning, it has seen a 74% increase in people searching for holidays to the island.

AMERICAN star Claudia Wells has been blown away by Mallorca. The Back to the Future actress who starred alongside Michael J Fox - has been touring the island, talking to the press and taking stunning photos of the island. Wells was a guest of the AACF (Association of Friends of Science Fiction) and met a number of fans. “I adore you Mallorca! You’re magnificent,” she wrote in one post online.

Spreading the love Holiday searches to Mallorca soar after season premiere of Love Island breaks records IT’S the best free PR Mallorca can get, with millions of potential tourists tuning in each week. And this year it's breaking all records. Love Island, the most popular reality dating show, filmed at a luxury Mallorca villa, saw 3.4 million Brits tune in to the first episode this week. This made it the highest rating programme at 9pm across all channels, winning the slot with 2.9m viewers and peaking with 3.4m viewers. It also became ITV2's highest overnight rating since re-

cords began. The show’s popularity is now making an impact on the UK travel market - with a 23% bump in bookings to Mallorca compared to 2017, according to eDreams. The online travel agent reported the tourist hotspot jumped six places to number two in its top 10 most popular locations. Meanwhile, Jet2.com said it has increased the number of flights to the Balearics by 13% due to the ‘huge demand’ for Brits wanting to fly there. The budget airline has more than one million seats to

Love the girls IN CASE you’ve not had enough of Love Island, some of last year’s girls are coming back - to the BH Mallorca hotel that is. Three of last years favourites, Gabby Allen, Georgia Harrison and winner Amber Davies are hosting a reunion party at the Magaluf hotspot. Tickets are on sale now for the June 27 pool party.

Mallorca on sale this summer, the same as 116 weekly flights, compared to a peak of 79 last summer. A spokesman said: “This growth is based on the huge demand for Mallorca, and the talk-ability and popularity around Love Island is one of the many factors driving that.” Thomas Cook also saw a spike in interest, saying searches for the Balearic island in the past seven days were ‘noticeably above average’. Love Island is Blind Date meets Big Brother but raunchier and with less clothing. Eleven attractive singletons are placed under constant surveillance, with their blazing rows, hook-ups, troubled love affairs and bizarre catchphrases all caught on camera. But to survive, the Islanders must couple up with another contestant, whether it be for love, friendship or just for the prize money of £50,000.

Whenever, wherever SHAKIRA is bringing her El Dorado tour to Spain. The Colombian superstar will kick off in Bilbao in the Basque country on June 30, before moving on to Barcelona, Madrid and A Coruña. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com.

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Plea for the poor MORE must be done to alleviate the effects of Spain’s economic crisis on the poorest in society, the Catholic Bishop of Mallorca, has claimed. Bishop Taltavull made a statement after it was revealed that almost 7,000 people on the island were reliant on social projects provided by charity Caritas last year. 45% of those in need of assistance required help with food, clothing or accomodation. Some 33% required help with seeking employment. A reduction in the budget for housing subsidies on the island has hit Mallorquins from less affluent backgrounds hard. The Bishop also urged families to ensure ‘austerity becomes solidarity’ by spending less on family celebrations, such as weddings, baptisms and communions.

Second tourist in a month dies falling from same apartment block A YOUNG tourist has become the second person in a month to fall to his death from the same apartment block.

INTERIOR DESIGN

June 7th - June 20th 2018

Double balcony fall

Thomas Owen Hughes, 20, was found at 11am outside the Eden Roc apartment block, close to the Magaluf’s infamous

KITCHEN

Punta Ballena strip. It is believed that Hughes had only arrived in the resort the day before and was staying in a different nearby hotel. Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident although it is not believed to be suspicious at this stage. Scottish teenager Natalie Cormack tragically died falling from the same block at the end of April. Cormack had allegedly returned home after a shift at the Three Lions bar on the Punta Ballena strip when she realised she did not have the keys to her apartment. Spanish police confirmed that she entered a friend’s apartment and attempted to gain access to her flat by climbing over the balconies at the Eden Rock de Torrenova block. She lost her footing and fell to her death below. Another tourist, James Walton, 23, from London also fell to his death from a balcony in Palma after celebrating St Patrick’s Day with friends. The spate of deaths led to the British government releasing a video warning holidaymakers about the dangers of drunk and disorderly behaviour on hotel balconies. The clip warns that you are not only going to ‘ruin a holiday… you are going to ruin your life’. It was made after local research revealed that Britons are hurt jumping between hotel balconies more than any other nationality.

Checking in TRAVELLING from the UK to Mallorca just got even easier. Blue Air - a Romanian budget airline - will begin two new weekly flights from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Palma. The flights will run on Wednesday and Saturdays from this month.

Down with drowning CALVIA has launched a campaign to stop drownings in the resort. Using the phrase #StopAhogados, a series of educational talks are being held in schools and local businesses. Local schoolchildren are being informed through leaflets and discussions that cover an array of topics, including sun protection, the job of a lifeguard, and how to get help in an emergency.

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Clean bill A NEW electronic prescription system will be introduced this summer allowing patients to collect medicine around Spain. Currently, patients are only able to collect prescriptions from the doctor that prescribed them.

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Fugitive rapper Valtonyc is expected to hand himself in to police in Belgium this week FUGITIVE rapper Valtonyc is set to hand himself in to the Belgium authorities, where he is believed to have fled. The controversial Mallorcan musician, accused of terrorist offences, hopes that the country will reject Spain’s extradition request. He absconded on May 24, the last day of a ten day grace period before he had been told to hand himself

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Facing the rap in to start a threeand-a-half year prison sentence for glorifying terrorism and insulting the Royal family in his lyrics. Valtonyc’s lawyer, who also represents exiled former Catalan President C a r l e s Puigdemont, has so far refused to re-

veal which EU country his client is in. However, several rumours on the internet allege the rapper - real name Josep Miquel Arenas - is hiding in Belgium. Valtonyc intends to appeal his sentence to the Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg and has vowed that he is ‘not going to make it easy’ for Spanish police. “Calling me a terrorist is nonsense,” he said. “My songs don’t hurt anyone, I haven’t killed anyone, I rap about things that happen, but I’m not a participant.” The Spanish government confirmed that it has now issued A NEW law will permit farmers on the island to rent out a national, rooms in their homes to tourists. European They will be allowed to rent for a maximum of six months a and internayear and for up to six people at a time. tional arrest It is hoped the new law will provide Mallorca’s struggling warrant for farmers with a diversified form of income. the rapper. It will also help to combat the smaller number of tourist

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News IN BRIEF

Deliver-boo A JUDGE in Spain has ordered takeaway firm Deliveroo to pay a fine over labour rights it should have granted a former worker.

On the up SPAIN’S service sector has grown at its fastest pace in three months, according to euro zone bond market surveys.

Boost THE European Commission has announced plans to boost spending in Spain, while the country still faces double-digit unemployment.

Bets on SPAIN has seen a 27% year-on-year increase in online gambling revenue for the first quarter, after revenue hit €163.3m.

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The Olive Press – 170 x 256mm

6 June

F e at u r e

www.theolivepress.es Mallorca’s original community newspaper

IN TWO CLASSIC TALES OF RISE AND FALL, AND FALL AND RISE, THE OLIVE PRESS PRESENTS EVERYTHING YOU NEEDED TO KNOW

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 Spike this story IT is the most depressing and tedious story to have to cover. The tawdry, down beat images of so-called prostitutes mugging drunk tourists in Magaluf, is as sleazy as it is unpalatable. While we’d love to just bury the story and write something else more interesting on the environment, culture or food, we feel it’s our duty to report on it. Not because we know you want to read it, but because you NEED TO KNOW that this story is being played out across the UK and Irish tabloids and regional papers on an almost daily basis right now. And before you ask ‘who cares?’ just think what this disgusting crime is doing for the rest of the island. In short it is giving the whole of Mallorca a bad name and putting off thousands of potential tourists, who would fall in love with the island. Calvia needs to work hard to stamp out this crime before it causes more serious damage - not just for the local businesses there, but for the island as a whole.

Northern paradise We are delighted to present our special, indepth guide to Mallorca’s fabulous town of Pollensa this issue. The Olive Press team were all blown away by the friendly locals in this corner of the island, not to mention the incredible scenery, culture and cuisine. It’s hats off to all the hard-working, talented bunch that for many decades have made this the most refined and understated place in the Balearics.

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After making political history Spain’s new prime minister, Pedro Sanchez - dubbed ‘el guapo’ (the handsome one) - is used to defying all odds, writes Elisa Menendez

Pedro power

EDRO Sanchez made history in more than one way last week, after becoming the first Spanish politician to unseat a prime minister through a no-confidence vote, and then take on the role himself. When sworn in as prime minister, the PSOE leader, a known atheist, made another first in Spain’s modern history by causing outrage by taking an oath to protect the constitution without a bible or crucifix. Known to many as ‘el guapo’ - the handsome one - the Socialist leader, from Castille, is also certainly something of a comeback kid in politics, having been ousted by his own party last year. Just three years ago the idea of the 46-yearold becoming prime minister seemed an impossible feat, after Sanchez led the PSOE through an election which earnt the party its worst result since Spain returned to democracy in 1978. To make matters worse, six months later the Socialists crashed even further at a second round of elections, after a nine-month political deadlock had forced Spain to hold no less than three national elections, which were all inconclusive. Perhaps understandably unwilling to form a coalition government with Mariano Rajoy’s PP party, which was shy of a majority vote, Sanchez was voted out of his own party. It came after he was accused of prolonging the deadlock for personal interests, leading to the coup. Defiant Sanchez not only resigned from the leadership but also left his seat in Parliament, as he refused to follow his party’s decision to facilitate Rajoy’s government. Instead, he set off on a road trip around Spain in a bid to reconnect with ‘those who haven’t been

HAND OVER: Rajoy admits defeat as Sanchez wins vote

listened to, to the grassroots members and left- quickly from the party’s backbenches. wing voters.’ Although Sanchez had fairly limited credentials And after seven months Sanchez came back in relation to other MPs, it was hoped - due to his stronger than ever, charisma and good looks - that he would offer winning a re-election a young, new and attractive image for the PSOE as the party’s leader party. and defeating long- With two new parties on the scene (Podemos time favourite, Su- and Ciudadanos), the socialists had been strugsana Diaz, president gling to find their place in a fragmented country of Spain’s long-time that partly blamed them for the worst economic Socialist stronghold of crisis since the Spanish Civil War. Andalucia. They are now right back where they want to be, Much like Sanchez’s albeit with the support of Spain’s left-leaning appointment as prime anti-corruption party Podemos, and a few small minister, his entry to regional parties. Parliament also didn’t But what of El Guapo’s rise to power? He had follow the rule book. Olive Press 2018_Layout 1 16/04/2018 14:57 Page first1 joined the PSOE when he was a student in The Madrileño and 1993, while studying business and economics at economist with three Complutense University in Madrid. masters degrees, was After finishing his degree, he went on to serve as a relative unknown chief of staff to the UN’s leading representative when he became to Bosnia during the Kosovo conflict in 1999. leader of the PSOE It got him completely hooked on global affairs in 2014 after rising and more importantly politics and in 2004 he became a city councillor in Madrid for five years, before being elected as a PSOE MP for Madrid in 2009. Welcome to Sports Two years later he lost his seat and went on St. Andrew’s to study for his third masters degree, while drinks & music working in consultancy, before going back to politics in 2013. Carrer de Mestral, 4 Many people credit much of his rise down Puerto Pollença to his wife Maria Begona Gomez FernanWe are next door to Burger King! OPEN dez, who he married in 2016 and with whom he has two daughters. 5.30pm to 4am Sundays He also speaks fluent English and French 10am Sung Eucharist and has been a keen basketball player every day! followed by refreshments since the age of 21 - where it is thought he developed his fierce ambition to win. Thursdays But his road forward is anything but simple. 12.30pm Said Eucharist With a somewhat unconventional career in politics so far, Sanchez now must work to Wednesdays unite a country that is facing its biggest po11am-1.30pm Coffee Morning litical unrest in decades. ~ homemade cakes & soups After winning the support of Catalan and Basque national parties, and with only You are most welcome! 84 seats held by his party in a 350-seat parliament, the new prime minister faces the great challenge of keeping Catalunya happy while keeping the country’s strong economic recovery on track. Chaplain: (+34) 971 866 689 It seems Sanchez’s political journey is only Bar Molly Malone – C/ Monsenor Palmer 5, Palma www.anglicanchurchmallorca.org just beginning.

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N January 2012, Mariano Rajoy texted a friend who was going through a rough patch. “Luis, stay strong,” he wrote. “Luis, we are doing what we can.” Luis was Luis Barcenas, a former treasurer in Rajoy’s People’s party (PP) and the focus of persistent allegations that Spain’s ruling party was receiving illegal funding. Rajoy’s soothing words would come back to haunt him – as would Bárcenas and his business dealings. Last week, Spain’s highest criminal court, the Audiencia Nacional, found Barcenas guilty of crimes including fraud and money-laundering, jailed him for 33 years and fined him €44m. Not for nothing was the Gurtel case, as it came to be known, billed as the trial of the year. As well as juicy details ranging from Swiss bank accounts to the hiring of clowns for children’s birthday parties, the case involved several former senior PP members, including Barcenas. The proceedings centred on Francisco Correa, an executive with close ties to the PP who was accused of paying bribes to party officials between 1999 and 2006 in return for contracts to carry out public works and organise events. The police investigation was codenamed Gurtel, the German word for correa (‘belt’ in Spanish). Barcenas and Correa – who was handed a 51year sentence – were among the 29 defendants convicted and jailed last week. Eight others were acquitted. But far more damning was the court’s ruling that the PP party had profited, albeit unknowingly, from the an illegal kickbacks-for-contracts scheme. Not only did the judges order the party to pay a €240,000 fine, they also expressed doubts over the credibility of the testimony Rajoy had given last July when he became the first serving Spanish prime minister to give evidence in a criminal trial. Rajoy, who was the PP’s vice-secretary general between 1990 and 2003, told the court that his

By James Bryce SPANISH Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is battling to save his political career after facing increasing pressure to resign over the PP corruption scandal. Nearly a million people have signed an online petition calling for him to step down, amid widespread protests. Opinion polls show that 77% believe he is now no longer fit to lead the country, while 54% believe there should be a general election. Opposition leader Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba has called for his head, demanding that Rajoy be grilled in Congress about the allegations. The prime minister stands accused of accepting illegal cash payments made to topranking party officials over a 12-year period.

Slush fund

Rajoy however fiercely denies the claims, describing them as ‘totally false’ and has said he will publish his tax returns online. Among the other politicians accused of taking ‘bungs’ are current General Secretary Maria Delores Cospedal, Senate President Pio Garcia Escudero and even former Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar. The money was allegedly taken from a €22 million slush fund hidden in a Swiss bank account controlled by former party treasurer Luis Barcenas. Barcenas kept secret ledgers of money received between Turn to page 2

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oki in T O P D J S teve taken pride of Ao k i r e tu r n s place this week to th e B H Ma l l o r ca Hote l o n Ju ne 1 4 in the Picasso to h o st th e ‘O p en Museum in g P a r ty ’ a nd se a our app now and son k i c k - o f f a t thDownload e Magal u f h o t sp o t .begin enjoying the best Spanish

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r t we e ke n d ANDY Warhol’s most iconic A M US T s e e works have officially arw e e k e nd is rived to Spain for the first ahead i n So n Se r time ever. vera w i th Vi Ni t D e Visitors can now get up L'Art 20 18 Ju ne 9 close and personal with some of his most famous an d 10 . A l l f o r m s pieces of art, such as Campof a r t w i l l be on Olive Press bell’s Soup Cans, at the Pishow a r o u nd to w The n casso Museum in Malaga. to g i v e a bi t o f c u lexhibition, news in Spain! Warhol. tu re to al l age s. TOP forThe

a n t Pe r e A l cudia A L C U D I A c el e br a te s Sai n t Pete r th e f i sh e r man w i th a w e e kend o f P ar a d es , stre e ts p ar ti e s, l i ve mu s i c a nd gastro nom i c e v e nts a ll hono u r th e f i s h er me n a s th e p or t hosts Sant P er e 20 1 8 f r o m Ju ne 2 2 thr o u gh 29 .

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Pop art takes over Spain

Mechanical Art, promises to take visitors on a ‘journey’ starting with Warhol’s earliest work as a commer-

Art Attack! SON Servera has a very artsy weekend of theatre, concerts, art exhibits, and diverse culture on June 9 and 10. Vi Nit De L'Art 2018 celebrates all forms of art including poetry readings, different forms of dance, audio visual events, sculpture. Workshops, lectures and informative discussions will be available throughout the town, in the main square, local bars, and the Teatre la Unió. Fun food trucks will also be around town to feed hungry art lovers.

cial graphic designer in the 1950s, with almost 400 pieces on display on loan from 45 different sources. Showcasing paintings, sculptures, short films, photography, magazines and album covers, the exhibition is set to bring fans closer to the underground art world which emerged in the second half of the 20th century, when Warhol opened his legendary New York studio, The Silver Factory. Aptly named Mechanical Art, the display focuses on the innovative way Warhol drew inspiration from the 19th century American industrial revolution by using

machines to create screen prints and his interest in video forms of art. Special emphasis has been placed on Exploding Plastic Inevitable - a series of live multi-media performances, which included performances with The Velvet Underground and Nico. Warhol is still one of the most famous and most popular artists of all time, widely recognised as the inventor of pop art, creating iconic portraits of the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Liz Taylor and Jackie Kennedy. Warhol. Mechanical Art will be on view from May 31 through September 16.

Luis Maraver at Rialto Living INSPIRED by his trips to India, Luis Maraver is the newest artist exhibition at Palma’s Rialto Living store. The 61-year-old Spanish painter has been travelling to India for almost 15 years, with each trip taking him on a new route through the old country. He has taken inspiration from a number of visions and sights on his travels, such as the colourful outfits on the women in the poorest of neighbourhoods, or the large crowds mingling with cows as normal traffic. Maraver's art, which was first showcased in Mallorca in 1983, can be seen until July 3.

Telephone: 971 73 56 37 Carrer d’Espartero, 6, 07014 Palma, Illes Balears Monday to Friday 10am-8pm Saturday: 11am-2pm Sunday closed

Pollensa Hit the north

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PRIVILEGE: Stunning La Fortaleza and Le Saux, Cameron and Theroux

ITTING high on a promontory lording over the bay of Pollensa sits one of Spain’s most exclusive properties. Owned by British financier, Lord James Lupton, La Fortaleza was once the country’s most expensive home on the market for €125 million and most recently became famous as the home of scoundrel business mogul Richard Roper, played by Hugh Laurie, in the BBC drama, The Night Manager. An incredible place surrounded by water and pine-covered hills, the 400-year-old fort has put up countless VIPs over the years, including Spanish artist Joaquin Sorolla, who painted it. A massive 25,000 square feet of immaculately manicured terraces and gardens, it counts on two pools and seven separate villas in its grounds. But it is the location at the start of the protected Formentor peninsula that makes it so exclusive

Pollensa is all about exclusivity and understated glamour, explains locally-based writer Lesley Keith - and perhaps justifies its price tag. For this is perhaps Mallorca’s most remarkable stretch of scenery. A dramatic finger of soaring peaks and plunging drops, no visitor to the island will forget the breathtaking 20 km drive - or cycle if you’re fit - to its historic lighthouse at the end. It’s as stunning as anywhere in Spain and not dissimilar to the famous New Zealand backdrops in Lord of the Rings. But the whole Pollensa corner of the island is amazing and just when you think the scenery couldn’t get any better, it does. As a PR job the award-winning Night Manager

couldn’t have done more to promote the area featuring both the town and its nearby environs heavily in the series. The main thing to know is that Pollensa is only 45 minutes from Palma airport despite feeling like it could be a million miles away. I have lived here for nearly two years now and can verify quite how different it is from the better known towns of Andratx, Calvia and Portals. While they are all about being seen and splashing the cash, Pollensa is about understated glamour and refined taste. This is the sort of place where you will bump into former British Prime Minister David Cameron

a s n e l l o P in s r e e n io P The longest and best established villa rental business in Pollensa www.rentalspollensa.com Tel. (+34) 971 866 391 reservations@rentalspollensa.com Pollensa · Balearic Islands

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having lunch, or TV presenter Louis Theroux, as I did recently on the beach, playing with his kids. Pollensa is also the home of former England star Graham Le Saux (you know, the only footballer to ever admit to reading the Guardian), as well as the boss of UK supermarket group Iceland. In the hills nearby the famous March family (of the private Banca March) have their amazing estate. Most tourists stay near the coastal town of Puerto Pollensa, or as it’s known locally ‘PP’. You will first be amazed at the views and how calm the sea is here… it is also a little bit warmer than most other beaches on the island as it is so protected. From here take a look around the marina and the moored boats before taking a stroll along the shaded Pine Walk, which curves for several Continues on Page 10

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VARIETY: So much to see and do from churches to concerts and playgrounds to linens

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Al Fresco deli

Calle Mendez Nuöez, 10 07470 Pto. Pollenga (MaIIorca) Tel. (0034) 971 86 59 04 alfrescodeli@hotmail.com

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Northern Territory

miles around the bay. Flanked by a wonderful sandy beach on one side and some of the most desirable properties in Mallorca on the other, this is a must-do stroll. Head in the other direction and the long beach stretches for miles, with numerous places to stop for lunch or a cocktail, or to rent a sunbed. If you have children they will be thrilled as there are several well constructed play areas where they can let off steam to their heart’s content while you can sit nearby keeping an eye on them but still relax. For a bit of activity, why not head out for a snorkel via a local dive company, or rent a kayak or paddleboard. There are also various yacht charter companies in the town. Looking for somewhere to eat? You will not be disappointed. All along the seafront there are numerous quality restaurants, such as Cappuccino and Abacco, which offer up a brilliant place to people-watch combined with wonderful sea views. If you want something really special head for lunch at the privileged Royal Yacht Club or check out La Llonja, which has an amazing position just by the entrance to the port. It’s upstairs so has arguably the best panoramic JAWDROPPING: Views of Pollensa bay and (right) aerial shot view of the bay. Alternatively, step two streets back and you’ll with the very helpful Ian and Sam at Multihire find the vibrant town square where there are Channel 4’s A New Home in the Sun. Once the sun sets and you’ve eaten to your who will sort you out with pretty much anyoften events or festivals. heart’s content it’s time thing at all be it cots, bikes or food hampers. With so many options, choosfor cocktails. Look out for You name it, they’ll sort it and the trusty Brian ing the best one is very hard performances from local will deliver it as required. They’ve been here indeed but do look out for A network of guitarist Guillermo Rotger, 16 years now and there’s not much they can’t Osteria N15, this boasts chef often teams up with get. cobbled streets who Roberto Maggioni who has the founder of The Climax When you fancy a change of scenery take a worked in the famous Lago boasts beautiful Blues Band Derek Holt. five minute drive (or just hop on the frequent restaurant in California and Both brilliant musicians who bus) up to the historic old town of Pollensa. has a fantastic menu and architecture at live here all year round and Somehow this beautiful and historic place has great ambience. appear regularly bringing us managed to keep the feel of a typical Mallorevery turn On the subject of numbered top quality music to enjoy for can town whilst embracing all the tourists that restaurants, I also like No 31, free. come along to experience it. recently opened by Scottish Anything you need for the A network of cobbled streets boast beautiful owner Siobhan, as well as the fabulous Finca 49, which recently featured on perfect holiday is here. If you should find architecture at every turn, and a large shady something’s missing however then just speak town square flanked with quality restaurants

Love, love will take you there...

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and coffee shops. Follow the discreet signs to the foot of the Calvari Steps and a smaller but equally vibrant square. If you’re feeling strong then here are 365 challenging steps, split into 12 sections, that take you up to a tiny chapel and café at the top. If you can make it the views are truly spectacular. There’s a gentler way down which has 12 statues representing the stations of the cross and giving different vistas of the countryside. Directly opposite the Calvari is another even more impressive hill called the Puig de Maria. This is definitely not for the faint-hearted and is a serious walk of about 45 minutes. It’s only to be attempted if you are feeling fit and are wearing sensible shoes, but at the top you will be treated to an absolutely breathtaking 360 degree view of the whole region.

There’s an overnight hostal up there too with a really good café, also plenty of seating to rest up before you return to civilisation. For those who fancy a bit of shopping, the centre of Pollensa has some excellent boutiques, while there is a good Sunday morning market that takes over the town with quality home made goods and jewellery, clothing and fresh food for sale. Whenever you visit be sure to stop at Club Pollensa for a truly Mallorquin experience. Not only is the food amazing but the actual building itself is very beautiful with some really good artworks on display inside. This was originally built at the start of the 20th century as a club for local cyclists, and cyclists

are still one of the key tourist sectors in the area. The surrounding roads are smooth and easily navigable and there is a whole network ready to support and enable them, be it the casual afternoon jaunt on an electric bike or a lycra dressed team out to train hard and fast. One of the key links to the area is the British cycling team, as well as Team Sky, who are now annual visitors, including heroes Chris Froome and Bradley Wiggins. Take a look inside the beachside Tolos restaurant in PP and you will quickly understand the impact. The walls are lined with photos, while one of Wiggins bikes hangs from the ceiling. The link began before the Beijing Olympics in 2008, when the British team was meant to be training in Italy, but they just couldn’t find enough privacy or the right places to rent. “I ended up having to find the whole team accommodation here in peak season,” explains the restaurant’s PR Clair Merrigan, who moved to Pollenca from Wales two decades ago. “It was May but somehow we managed to get everyone housed and we mostly fed them in Tolos,” she added. “It worked so well we have continued the relationship until the present day.” Before returning home no visit would be complete without spending some time at the little seaside village of Cala San Vicenc, a charming little resort consisting of three small and pretty sandy coves. The sea is much more forceful here but is deep blue and clear. Sit outside Café Mallorca and be dazzled by the most amazing view of sheer mountains, blue sky and sapphire sea. All in all, the Pollensa area is truly a magical place and it is no surprise that tourists return year after year, and often dream of settling here. It’s a welcoming place, chic and sophisticated, yet casual and relaxed. I am so happy my partner and I made the leap to move here. We have never looked back.

Pictures by Jon Clarke and Lesley Keith

PHOTO: By Kuhn & Partner

June 7th - June 20th 2018

BEACH LIFE: Sunbathing as the boats sail out

Additional reporting Jon Clarke

Beautiful finca with views of the Tramuntana mountains

Charming villa in Bonaire, with sea views and pool

Magnificent luxury apartment frontline to the beach

Stunning Villa in Bonaire with pool and nice garden

Muro · Ref. 6706494 · 1.200.000 €

ALCUDIA · Ref. 6706150 · 830.000 €

PUERTO DE POLLENSA · Ref. 6701662 · 595.000 €

ALCUDIA · Ref. 6706497 · 925.000 €

Magnificent finca property with fantastic sea view

Attractive villa in Cala d‘Or with direct access to the sea

Historic Finca in Cas Concos with fantastic sea views

Renovated villa in Bonaire with pool and several terraces

CALA RATJADA · Ref. 6705867 · 2.500.000 €

CALA D‘OR · Ref. 6705181 · 3.600.000 €

CAS CONCOS · Ref. 6706202 · 4.800.000 €

ALCUDIA · Ref. 6706808 · 790.000 €

w w w . k u e h n - p a r t n e r. c o m O f i c i n a Po l l e n s a · C. / C e c i l i o M e t e l o 6 7 , 0 7 4 6 0 · Te l . 9 7 1 5 3 5 1 3 2 · p o l l e n s a @ k u h n - p a r t n e r. c o m

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Olive Press editor Jon Clarke on why a holiday in Pollensa ticks all the boxes for him

Pollensa

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Villa heaven!

HEN looking for the perfect place for a villa holiday in Europe few places beat Pollensa. I have had three family holidays in the stunning hills around the town and never been let down. Along with Tuscany, the south of France and parts of inland Andalucia, it has a certain cachet that other parts of Europe cannot reach. A combination of beautiful landscapes, unspoilt beaches and a charming town with just the right balance of culture and culinary delights hits the spot. But, best of all, is the sheer range and variety of historic farmhouses and villas to rent. Head in any direction, up any lane or dirt track and you will find some of the prettiest, most authentic properties in Spain. We have stayed in a humble threebedroom cottage to a fabulous seven-bedroom farmhouse, with two hectares of grounds and a fabulous heated pool. On each occasion we have been able to walk out right from the door into exceptional countryside, as well as down into the heart of Pollensa old town within 20 minutes. One of the best companies to use is Rentals Pollensa, which has over 200

PERFECT HOLS: Jon’s family enjoy Pollensa pool properties on its books. Set up in the mid 1970s, it is now run by two sisters Yolanda and Ines, who grew up in the area. Their father came from Bilbao to manage the famous Formentor Hotel, before moving to run Hotel Molins, in Cala San Vicenc. While there he met so many famous people, including Charlie Chaplin, Maria Calls and Jacqueline Onassis,

as well as his future wife Dorothy, who was a travel rep for a Cambridgebased holiday company. “The villa side really took off because there were so few hotel rooms available. So many hotels were overbooked, extra rooms had to be tracked down in firstly apartments and then villas,” explains Yolanda. It really took off from then and has become a massive business, with her company renting from €90 to €6,000 a night. “We get lots of families with children and 60% is repeat business. “Our clients are great. Older money, less nouvelle riche, who don’t want the crowds and are not expecting five star service. “They spend their time enjoying the landscape, trying wine, visiting markets and eating out.” That would be me then (although I don’t mind a bit of occasional five star service). Contact yolanda@rentalspollensa.com or visit www.rentalspollensa.com or call 971866391

History lesson A spectacular historic house on Puerto Pollensa’s famous pine walk has come on the market via Kensington Mallorca

HEY say opportunities are like sunrises – wait too long and you miss them. But what about an opportunity with the sunrises included? Kensington International Mallorca has unveiled a new seven-bedroom opulent Puerto Pollensa villa, the crown jewel in the current Mallorquin real estate market. The Grade I listed residence is situated on the exclusive pine walk promenade in the picturesque seaside town, also boasting direct access to the beach with spectacu-

Pollentia Properties Real Estate co-founder Jose Martin Morillo went from running restaurants to selling stunning homes around Pollensa

lar views. All yours, for a cool €3 million. “The number one best feature of the property is the fact that you have the sea at your doorstep,” explains Susanne Rodemann, the Managing Director at Kensington, based in Pollensa town. “The property is from 1940 and is one of the few in the area which has not been converted into apartment buildings. “Its location on the pine walk – the seafront promenade with no traffic, cobbled streets and pine trees – completely sets it apart from the

From fish to fincas

T was in 2001 when Jose Martin Morillo agreed to give a couple of friends, who were clients at his restaurant, a hand with the foreign market in his hometown. While he had a degree in business studies from Palma University, he was managing his family’s popular restaurant, and looking for something else to do. “I sold a house in my first week and never looked back,” explains the cofounder of Pollentia Properties, based in the heart of town.

“I guess if you can sell a shoulder of lamb or a fillet of sea bass you can sell houses and that quickly became my profession,” he muses. The 42-year-old father-oftwo teenage girls has never looked back and knows every nook and cranny of the town and surrounding area. The agency has over 600 properties for sale between the 500,000 and 3 million euro mark, and well over a dozen are exclusive to his agency. They also have a holiday rentals division with over 100 properties. “But best of all we are an established local

agency with some amazing local properties and the best local knowledge. “We have an established network of 21 people around the island and we have a good selection of photographers and translators on hand to help,” he continues. As for the market, while it’s extremely buoyant, it is not growing too fast. “It’s an established market, but not too hot and certainly not crazy money, like in other parts of the island... and the recession didn’t affect Pollensa property like other areas of Spain. “Yes, there was perhaps a small adjustment in price, but nothing compared to the mainland. It’s a solid, reliable area.” In terms of Pollensa, he couldn’t be more positive, in terms of the international mix and the quality of local culture. “It’s a very cosmopolitan town and people are always amazed at what they find in Pollensa, with our theatre art, and culture, plus how welcoming the locals are. “My kids have grown up here with children from many different cultures and there is a good selection of schools here. It’s a great place to live and the environment is second to none,” he adds. For more information contact the team at info@pollentiaproperties.com or contact 971534585

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Global luxury Christian Czarnetzki of Kuhn and Partner on why Pollensa and the north competes with the most exclusive places in the world

CAPTION.

DREAM LOCATION: Opulent villa for sale on Pine Walk (left)

busier areas of town. “The house itself has wonderful old charm and offers an amazing back garden, also transmitting a lot of tranquillity and privacy.” It addition to its phenomenal location, the historic corner house includes a veranda, living room with an open fire place, a dining room, outside covered dining space and two bathrooms.

“Living in this house gives the sensation that you are close to the town but living in your dream like world,” concludes Susanne. For more information contact Tel +34 971 533 323 or mallorcanorth@kensington-international. com

E has sold property from the Cote d’Azur to Punta del Este, but nothing compares to the stunning north of Mallorca, insists Christian Czarnetzki, of Kuhn and Partner. “It’s got everything from mountains to watersports and charming towns to great beaches,” explains the father-of-one, who lives in Alcudia. “It’s less expensive and more secure, and best of all you can still find space on the beach… even in the heart of summer,” he continues. The friendly German, from Bavaria, who has a business MBA, has lived in the area with his Uruguayan wife for 14 years. While based out of an office in central Pollensa, he is a specialist in property for the leading Mallorca agent, covering the north coast all the way to Cala d’or. “It’s a big area and the nicest in Mallorca,” explains the laid back

IN THE KNOW: Christian

fatherof-one. “There is a lot of variety and the luxury segment has almost doubled in value, at least, since 2004. “Much of this is because there is very little being built and so the main market is re-sales. “On top of that demand remains strong, particularly among the German and British markets,” he adds. Contact Christian at cczarnetzki@kuhn-partner.com or call 971535132

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On your bike! Holiday hire no hassle

C/Méndez Núñez, 19-21, Pto Pollensa info@multi-hire.com +34 971 864080 / +44 7434 442329

PRO AM CYCLE HIRE

Pollensa

June 7th - June 20th 2018

AFTER running a successful bike hire and repair shop for more than 13 years, expats Ian and Samantha Burfoot, of Multi Hire, have fallen pedal over heels for Puerto Pollensa. Having lived in the Mallorca hotspot for 16 years few people know the area as well as the British pair who have a loyal network of returning families and cycling enthusiasts. To celebrate their time here, they’ve rounded up the 16 things they love about their hometown. ►► The pine walk, who doesn’t love an evening stroll by the sea? ►► The atmosphere in the square, which is a safe area for children of all ages to play ►► The fiestas, the locals organise the most spectacular events ►► The mountains for walking are perfect, you don’t have to go too far to enjoy the peace and views ►► Two of our favourite walks are Pollensa to Lluc and the Mortitx valley ►► The locals make us extranjeros - foreigners - feel very welcome ►► Scuba diving allows you to see a huge variety of sea life and caves ►► The terrain is perfect for cycling, flat if you want, unless, like the lycra-clad lot, you want to take the newly surfaced road up to the Lighthouse at Formentor or to Lluc ►► Families get hooked very easily, some returning year after year, first with children and then with grandchildren ►► The white sandy beach is long and wide and the sea is shallow and suitable for everyone ►► Local wines - Mallorca has more than 30 vineyards producing some fabulous vinos ►► The Pollensa wine festival in April/May is a highlight for most of us ►► Bird watching is very popular with a lot of visitors and the S’Albufera nature reserve is one of the perfect places to find rare and beautiful species ►► We love to wander along the marina, enjoy the sea views and look at the beautiful motor boats and ponder on the idea of owning one - in our dreams! ►► Palma, the capital city of our beautiful island, is only a 40-minute drive away. ►► Winter, when we have the place to ourselves, with blue skies, even if it does get a bit chilly.

Jon Clarke rented an E-bike for the morning to visit the stunning Formentor peninsula

FELT like the classic ‘dominguero’ out for a Sunday afternoon drive. And in a way I actually was, with my e-bike whirring away, like a mini motorbike, below me. Buzzing up hills at double the speed of lycra-clad cycle pros, while only just breaking into a sweat, was certainly an odd one...and definitely exhilarating. At first it felt like cheating as I started one of the finest cycles known to man… the challenging, but breathtaking 40km return trip to the Formentor peninsula lighthouse. Zipping along Puerto Pollensa’s pine walk was more like a cakewalk (maybe I should have slowed down a little), but I soon realised there was plenty of exercise involved in getting up the three or four steep hills en route to the famous lighthouse at the tip of the cape. I was definitely puffed out when I finally returned from the two-and-a-half hour round trip, which counts as one of most scenic cycles of my life. While not quite the same level of exhausted as a normal bike, you still have to exercise in order to make them go forwards and my bike - an E-BOB, rented from the town’s capable company Watt-style - had seven gears and three separate settings for

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About us Multi Hire began life in Puerto Pollensa in the 1970s as Maria’s bicycles. The business was started by Maria and her Australian husband Keith. After having a succession of British owners, it was bought by Ian and Samantha in March 2005, and the name was changed to Multi-Hire. Located in front of the Aparthotel Flora, Multi-Hire now occupies two shops - one dedicated to bicycles for rental, sales and repairs. The original shop houses the rest of the hire equipment catering for holiday makers with babies, limited mobility, beach equipment and home from home comforts, like kettles and irons. The Holiday Handbook is also written by Samantha and has been published since 2006. The business has grown year on year, but one of the lovely things about it is when you have seen a family hire bikes from you every year, from when their youngest was four years old… she is now 17, we must be doing something right!

Fantastic fabrics YOU’LL find their amazing fabrics for sale in Harrods in London and Barney’s in New York. And family-run textile factory Teixits Vicens dates back to 1854 and has its roots from the silk road. The factory hand dyes the traditional Mallorcan fabrics known locally as ‘Robes de llengües’ or ‘cloth in tongue’ in vibrant colours and patterns. The printing method and designs arrived in the 16th century when travellers from the silk road stopped in Mallorca enroute from Asia to Europe. The fabrics, which are a blend of cotton and linen, are strong and sturdy - usually used for furniture, pillows, tablecloths and fashion items. There are guided visits through the factory every weekday at 9am.

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the lighthouse

CAPE VIEWS: While Jon and the lighthouse (left)

HOW THEY WORK E-bikes have taken the world by storm, since emerging a couple of years ago. Developments in battery life have allowed a string of leading companies, including BMW, Peugeot and Yamaha, to produce a huge range of attractive-looking bikes. A clever dynamo, it is similar to a combustion engine, but the main difference is that it prospeed, a 5 km/h, 10 km/h and 15 km/h uplift. I was told the bike easily had enough battery to get me there and back (around three hours of life), but I certainly got a shock when to save power coming down a hill just before the lighthouse, it cut out and wouldn’t temporarily turn back on. Thankfully it did and on arrival at the

lighthouse I almost got a round of applause as I buzzed in at 15 km/h, with plenty of smiles and comments, one even from a Hell’s Angel. After a quick coffee I was back on and enjoying the journey back stopping to chat to two female cyclists from Germany, who thought I was hilarious, for some reason… maybe it was the hat and hair!

duces continuous electrical energy thanks to the movement generated by the user. In some cases the bikes allow more energy to be generated by the cyclist, and can be saved in a bigger battery. Most bikes are charged overnight back to full charge. A decent bike from a good company ranges from €500 to around €2000.

They stopped laughing when I overtook them on the second last hill at a rate of knots though. It is a drive I have undertaken by car four or five times over the last few decades - marvelling at the scenery, probably some of the best in Spain - but doing it by bike brings a different dimension. For those who don’t fancy something

quite as ambitious, Watt Style has organised a series of fun days out to sample wines at local vineyards, as well as a sunset tour and a chillout tour. Costing from €50 euros per person, the two to four hour adventures include insurance, guides, helmet and drinks. Visit www.wattstyle.com for more information

DAFT: But fast

Pollensa

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To beer or not to beer! POLLENSA has its own unique creative twist on theatre, known as Teatre de Barra, or ‘Bar Theatre’, with special 15-minute productions that take over bars around town. Usually three bars are taken over for an evening, with mini dramas or comedies performed at the bar while guest watch with a tapa and cana. “It’s a really special thing to watch,” Miguel

Capo of Cafe d’Eu Moll, which holds such events, told the Olive Press. “Pollensa has always had a strong cultural background, we love the arts and music up here.” This summer visitors can also enjoy cinema, puppet shows and circuses, with childrens specials and performances for adults only.

June 7th - June 20th 2018

so much more!

PERFECT MIX: The Pollensa area has everything from fantastic beaches, such as San Vicente (above), with its fabulous grande dame Hotel Molins, right alongside the historic old town, with its charming square and ornate buildings (right). It also counts on plenty of excellent local businesses such as Can Fusteret, run by Maria Mayol (left with son) , who ensures that the town has the best supply of fresh fruit and veg

travel more, worry less

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Party town

POLLENSA has a number of key fairs and festivals throughout the year. On January 16 and January 20, the town celebrates the saints of Sant Antoni and Sant Sebastiá, with eccentric celebrations that always include giant bonfires and dancing devils, or ‘dimonis’. On June 29 the town will celebrate the patron saint of fishermen, Sant Pere, with a festival honoring the sea down in the port. Then on July 16, the port will celebrate the Festival of Mar de Déu del Carme - or Our Lady of Mount Carmel Blessed Virgin Mary, the patron saint of sailors. The event begins with a parade of sailboats ending on land with activities for all ages including plenty of live music.

Festival

On August 2, don’t miss the La Patrona de Pollenca Festival which ends with a reenactment of a battle between Moors and Christians in the old town. It recalls how in 1550, a ship of 1,500 Moorish pirates landed in Pollensa with the aim of conquering it, but local Joan Mas spotted the midnight invaders, woke the town, and saved the day. In today’s reenactments the townspeople fight in their pajamas at 5am just like in the actual battle. During August you must also attend the Pollensa Festival, which is a classical music lovers delight with artists from around the world. Founded in the early 1960’s by English violinist Philip Newman, up to today over 800 musicians from around the globe have participated in the world famous concerts. In November there is an Artisan Fair, with a deep focus on products from the area and Mallorcan craft goods. The main square in the old town fills with animals and livestock from the countryside, while a craft exhibition takes over the old Convent of Santo Domingo.

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Bubbling up

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Hot Spring Mallorca has become THE goto business for anyone looking for spas on the island

HEN it comes to spas and Hot Tubs there is not much David can’t

tell you. Mallorca’s top agent for world-leading American company HotSpring Spas, he and his business partner Martin have spent nearly a decade selling and repairing them. Having arrived on the island 13 years ago, the diving instructor had initially set up a diving business until the recession took a grip on Spain. Luckily he saw a gap in the market for hot tubs and, with his technical skills honed back in the UK as a service engineer for vending machines and photocopiers, he knew he would find plenty of work. “Fault-finding is never a problem for me,” explains

HOT TUBS: Owner Martin

the Yorkshireman. “I am pretty good at fixing things and it went from there.” These days his showroom in Alcudia is full of hot tubs ranging in price from €7,000 to €25,000.

Bird Watching

POLLENSA is a bird watcher’s dream being a main stop on many migration routes around Europe and to and from Africa. The diverse landscapes of Pollensa create an environment that homes over 370 species and there are eight specific bird watching trails for the best chance to see the birds. Two of the most popular spots for bird watching, are the two natural wetlands - la Gola and la Albufereta.

Most of them have a five year parts warranty, some have stronger jets, more seats and even music systems included in the price. “We have installed them all over the island and often have to rent huge cranes to get them into place. It is quite a mission,” he explains. “They are great. A hot tub can extend the season of a rental home for many months and can be used all year. It is a great alternative to a pool.” A big fan of the north of the island, he can speak reasonable Spanish (‘enough to sell a spa at least’), and spends most of his time with his family. “I love the north. It is NOT Magaluf. The scenery is great, the mountains are close and it’s great to be so near the water.” For more information contact info@hotspringmallorca.net or call 971 545 377

The Calvary Steps

THE STEPS of El Calvari are a popular and historical - feature for anyone feeling like a challenge. There are 365 steps with one for every day of the year and a small and quaint church at the top with the same name. The steep steps are lined with Cypress trees and 14 large crosses representing Christ’s suffering on the way to his crucifixion. The top of the steps also provides one of the best views of the town as it sits so high above the village. The first known men to claim the hill were the Knights Templar, who were given the land after assisting King James I of Aragon during the Conquest of Mallorca in 1229 from the Moors.

EL CALVARY: 365 steps challenge

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Into the

HEY are the underwater specialists with a difference. Brothers Tom, 27, and Robert Everard, 25, moved from the UK to run Pollensa’s top diving business. With their boat Captain Haddock they take thousands of clients out into the briny every year for a range of courses from the ‘try diver’ at 80 euros a day to the three-day PADI course. “We can also train instructors being an IDC centre,” explains Robert, 25. As well as seeing schools of barracudas, you are likely to see rays, eels, grouper fish and even often dolphins. “We’ve also got some great caves to explore at a range of different depths,” he continues. The brothers, from Harrogate, fell in love with the place through a

deep

BROS: Robert and Tom

number of family holidays on the island as kids. And when their

parents bought a house in Pollensa there was only one place to come and live. Tom initially worked in the hotel business, but ended up buying Scuba Mallorca seven years ago, when the previous owners retired. Since then, he has worked hard to grow the business, being joined by his brother after he finished his degree in performing arts in London, a couple of years ago. Their day normally starts early at 8am, when they head out for their first trip. “We can often have four trips a day in peak season,” explains Robert. “The business has grown well and we tailor each trip towards the clients.” Visit www.scubamallorca.com WILDLIFE: Pollensa’s rich nature under the sea

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THE DREAM LOCATION IN POLLENSA HARBOUR T 971 868 430 T 971 868 429 info@restaurantlallonja.com Moll Vell s/n, 07470 Port de Pollença, Islas Balears www.restaurantlallonja.com

Pollensa offers one of the best ranges of restaurants on the island, writes Jon Clarke

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Port of plenty

EW corners of Mallorca offer such a very much on view, in particular to watch the good range of quality places to eat. chefs making fresh pasta in the morning if As well as a couple of Michelin-star you make it here before lunch. joints, there are plenty that deserve the There is a charcoal oven for pizzas and lots accolade and should hopefully get them over more, but I would recommend the cod ‘bunuthe coming years. elos’ as a starter, served with a sprinkling Up in Pollensa village, one of the most excit- of broccoli, and one of the best spaghetti ing places to eat is with Italian duo Michelan- carbonaras I have ever tasted, all thanks to gelo, 33, and Nicola, 32, at R3SPIRA, creat- the chefs, brothers Davide and Luigy, from ed out of a beautifully renovated iron foundry. Naples. It’s an attractive, well-lit space, with a great On the coast in Puerto Pollensa you are also range of original artwork and it also has a spoilt for choice with a range of superb reslovely terrace at the front, if you can get a taurants. table. Easily the best sited has to be La Llonja, Concentrating heavily on local produce from where owner Miguel has returned in the most Pollensa, Picafort and Sa Pobla, the menu poignant roundabout fashion, having first changes by the day and is reworked here as a boy at the flected in the blackboard that age of 14 for a summer job. was totally different on the In the heart of the “My dad helped me get the job three or four evenings I passed and I loved the place, which by. marina the views was always bustling and popuThe quality was second to none lar,” he explains. are a 360 degree Then after a career in tourism and I particularly liked the original broccoli soup with a scaland 10 years working abroad panorama of lop and king prawn that was in Germany, at the Hyde Park rich and tasty, as well as the Hotel in London and in Switzergreen stuffed ‘cappelletti’ pasta with land and the Canary Islands he truffles and Grana cheese. finally came back. There is a big pasta section as “Then by complete coincidence you’d expect, as well as plenty of salads, but I found the concession for the restaurant was I’d particularly recommend the creamy sea- available and I applied for it and won. I’ve food risotto with prawns, mussels and pars- never looked back.” ley, which was cooked to a tee, as well as the It is no surprise. Sitting above the port, in the surprisingly original main of Aberdeen Angus heart of the marina, the views are a 360-destrips with shavings of parmesan and thinly gree panorama of green, blue and white, the sliced Sa Pobla potatoes. latter being the stunning nearby yachts. The interesting wine list had an excellent lo- With a mix of international, and mostly returncal number, Mortitx, at €3.90 a glass. ing clients, this is certainly somewhere speAnother good alternative for pasta lovers is cial, with the Night Manager’s Tom Hiddleston La Merceria, recently opened in the main having dined here recently. square, run by a hip crew of Italians and local And luckily the food does not disappoint. Mallorquin Roberto, who has lived in Pollensa A largely traditional Spanish menu, heavy on all his life. seafood, I was recommended the fideos by a This is a buzzy place, where the kitchen is client and was amazed at its quality.

HOMEMADE PASTA & CHARCOAL OVEN OPEN TUESDAY TO SUNDAY 12AM TILL 11PM CLOSED MONDAY

WRITING’S ON THE WALL: Duo at R3SPIRA and a creation (right)

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HIP: The young team at La Merceria

FRONTLINE: At the royal yacht club and (right) Cappucino, while (left and below) La Llonja

This is perfect lunch fare, served with the freshest of sea food and a decent sized serving to boot. I also liked the amazing tuna tartare and a dish of fresh local tomatoes which came out as a small tapa to begin with. The desserts were amazing, in particular the tarte tatin. I would also highly recommend the food at the yacht club itself next door. The very epitome of privilege and tradition, the Reial Club Nautic Port de Pollenca, to give it the full name, is a wonderful spot right by the water. Surrounded by sea and stunning yachts, you eat in a good spot under giant parasols, with simple settings and impeccable service. There are plenty of paellas and rice dishes, as you’d expect, but I would rather recommend the excellent grilled turbot with a dried fruit vinaigrette I also particularly liked the shrimp and monk-

There is a curious Iberian loin with octopus, shrimp and beans that is highly rated, while the roast duck magret main with apple, sauerkraut and blueberries was a winner. Also in Puerto Pollensa, in a square set back from the sea is the superb Osteria 15. Run by partners Stefano Pellucchi and Roberto Maggioni, both talented chefs from Italy, this is one of the must-visit restaurants in Pollensa. It feels almost like a play watching the world go by on the busy terrace in late Spring or Summer. The throng of hundreds of diners, met by a phalanx of waiters, all working like clockwork

fish salad with pineapple and coconut vinaigrette as well as the amazing lobster salad with mango and avocado.

in a dozen languages, is a sight to see. I was well looked after by Cinzia, from Sicily, who explained the menu’s various sub-sections and separate add ons, such as the Early Bird that worked out at just €15.50. I was particularly drawn by a big photo of truffles and the announcement that there were four separate truffle dishes on the menu. With Maggioni’s CV (see page 22) I was expecting a lot and he and Stefano did not let me down. The starter of pork belly with truffle honey and red onion jam was exceptionally good, as was the Continues on Page 22

tel: 971 53 20 37 Carrer de Miquel Bota Totxo, 6, 07460 Pollença, Illes Balears

22 22

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Marvellous melting pot From Page 21

Italian dynamo

IS previous job was running a group of 14 restaurants in California. Including the highly-rated Locanda del Lago, in Santa Monica, where he worked as head chef, Roberto Maggioni had little time to relax, let alone think. It was a hectic time, but then again he had previously worked at Lady Diana’s favourite restaurant, Quaglino's, in London, and before that at the Carluccios group, so it was all in a day’s work. Today the Italian chef, 36, is one of the most-established chefs in Pollensa, having worked in the town for nearly ten years with his current restaurant Osteria 15, regularly picked out among the best. What is it that so entranced him with the area? And how does he rate the current food and wine scene? “I fell in love with the place after living in France for a year, travelling around the whole country on a Vespa,” explains the Italian-trained chef, from Milan. “But few areas in the world are as beautiful as Pol-

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Roberto Maggioni arrived in Pollensa after a year in France on a Vespa and running one of California’s top restaurants, discovers Jon Clarke

lensa and the food scene has grown a lot over the last two years, in particular in terms of quality, but as well with more spices. “People expect decent quality food in Pollensa and I always try and deliver it with fresh, wild fish and meat, which is properly reared and sourced… I am super crazy about what is on the label. “On top of that there are some excellent vineyards around the town and they get better by the year,” he adds, digging out a series of his favourite wines and spreading them out on the table in front of him, to reinforce his point.

‘squacquerone’ a type of ravioli with cream cheese and walnut pesto. A different type of ravioli came out filled with prawns and Scamorza cheese, from Napoli, and garnished with a crab bisque, while a pumpkin risotto with scallops was stunning in its richness. I was particularly impressed with the interesting wine list that included everything from good local Pollensa wines, to a wide range from around the island, as well as some Italian stunners such as Tignanello, from Antinori, weighing in at €125 and a Sassicaia costing €210. There were also quite a few chestnuts by the glass including the good value ‘Bisanzio’ Montepulciano at under €4.80. I ended up chatting to the chefs out back, but not before trying my joint dessert of the month, which I’ll dub ‘coffee bonanza’, which comprised a plate of mixed creations, all geared around coffee and caramel (right). Nearby, food lovers should make a beeline for the recentlyopened Abbaco, on the promenade. While looking deceptively like an ice cream parlour at first,

Osteria N15

CUCINA ITALIANA

SERVICE WITH A SMILE: Cinzia at Osteria 15 once inside you will be amazed by the decor and style, incorporating a cool green wall, as well as the settings of fresh vegetables. The food was also exceptional, thanks to Ricardo Goachet, a Peruvian, who has earned his

Placa Miguel Capllonch 15 Puerto Pollenca, Mallorca 07470 tel: (+34) 971 944 332 osterian15@gmail.com www.osterian15.com

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RISING STAR: Abbaco chef Ricardo and (right) the yacht club and La Llonja

stripes working for among others Ferran Adria, Joan Mari Arzak and Martin Berasategui. Yup, three of Spain’s most famous chefs. Having met them all, I was excited to try his food and he did not disappoint. I went for the daily-changing ‘menu experience’ which comprised over half a dozen dishes. These included sea bass tartare, vegetable dumplings with spinach juice and octopus ‘takoyakis’, which were fab. I also tried a superb burrata caprese, with Mallorcan peppers, which was one of the prettiest dishes I’ve seen for a while. Then came the ‘sticky rice’ dish, with chicken, broccoli, beetroot, artichokes and asparagus which was so darn good, not to mention healthy, I was well up for trying more. So out next came a great ceviche naturally, given Ricardo’s home country, called ‘Puerta Peruana’, as well as a decent display of California sushi rolls.

Whisky

And then to top off a thoroughly enjoyable meal I had what was easily my other dessert of the month, the delicious ‘broken whisky cake’ with toffee, almonds and sponge, served out of a tipped up glass. Original, fun and a great way to send out his punters. No trip to Pollensa would be the same without at least one meal at Cappuccino, which sits in pole position right by the water in the heart of Pollensa playa. This is one of the near dozen restaurants from the chain on the island and while the menu is fairly short, it is always a sure fire winner, with some chestnuts, such as the roast chicken, mixed sushi and sea bass. Best of all, you are sitting right by the shoreline and can dip in and out of the water if the mood takes you. The views are amazing and it’s stylish inside the restaurant too, as are all their joints. Last but not least, you should also try Al Fresco Deli, which is THE place to get great fresh takeaway fare. It’s never less than hectic come lunch time and, if you fancy, you can sit at one of the handful of tables out front or in the back garden. There are plenty of quiches cooked each day, plus some superb salads and one of the best tortillas I have eaten in Spain!

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GAME AND SET: Becker home squatted

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Keys Isl nd Buckle up I to the

By Amanda Butler

It’s going to be an interesting year ahead for Spain and Mallorca’s property market, writes Amanda Butler

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BORIS Becker has hit back at claims hippies have taken over his mansion in Mallorca insisting it is no longer his. It came after bearded Bohemian Georg Berres, from Germany, said he planned

June 7th - June 20th 2018

to ‘save’ the ex-Wimbledon champion's holiday home in the rural town of Arta, by turning it into a commune. However, the former tennis star spoke out explaining the home had been repossessed

some years ago, after financial troubles. Berres, 44, later admitted he only discovered the €14 million villa, called Son Coll, was previously owned by the former world No 1 tennis player when German media showed up. He has already cut weeds and picked up rubbish as a number of helper friends THE Balearic Islands has benefitted more from falling mortgage rates over the past year than any other rehave already moved gion in Spain. in with him. The European Money Markets Institute produces a Becker, 50, was deprediction, known as Euribor, which looks at expectclared bankrupt last ed mortgage payments every May for the following 12 June after blowing months. his £100 million forBetween May 2017 and 2018 island residents paid tune and neighbours €51.70 less than predicted. confirmed to have The figures are good news for Mallorquin residents not seen the tennis who have long complained that they are being priced star in years. out of the housing market on the island by long-term

Mortgage mitigation

tourist rentals.

T’S the first week of June… nearly half way through the year! It's still unusually chilly, in fact the coolest Spring I've ever experienced in nearly 16 years. It’s highly unusual – and even the locals are seriously complaining, never mind the tourists! On a slightly different tangent of chilly-ness, the old Harold Wilson adage that 'a week in politics is a long time' certainly applied to our erstwhile Spanish Prime Minister this week! Mariano Rajoy resigned having been on the receiving end of a vote of no confidence. One wonders if it's what we needed after taking time to climb out of a hard recession. Last year, Spain recorded a GDP growth of 3.1%, the third consecutive year it has been more than 3% - making it one of the best performing countries in the EU. So the Bill Clinton (below) adage: “It's the economy, stupid,” didn’t seem to apply in Rajoy’s case. And now with Pedro Sanchez taking over, most likely to call a general election sooner rather than later, it looks like another roller coaster for us all living here! I doubt this will affect the expat market buying in Mallorca, but it may of course affect the Spanish stance. And can you believe Brexit is now less than a year away, scheduled for March 29 2019?! There will be a reality check coming for sure - and hopes dashed of any revisiting of a

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

MATHSTONE

referendum by the UK, which would be as welcome as it would be absurd. A few agent colleagues report that whilst there had been a slow down by some UK buyers, there has also been an increase in those wanting to make the move before the transition period starts. An interesting yo-yo effect. For me personally it's been a great year for British buyers, perhaps mainly down to reputation and luck rather than a market trend, but I'm thankful nonetheless. Last month, I left my article hanging on the decision of a client interested in a three-bed apartment in Puerto Andratx in the region of €1.2m. They wished to make second viewings of two apartments; one near the yacht club at €1.25m and the other, on the market for a few years and ready for some redevelopment at €975.000 in Montport, when the owner increased the price up to €1.1m due only to our sniff of interest with no other buyers presenting themselves and, extremely tediously for all concerned, mid viewings! Sods Law of course that the buyer’s preference was for Montport but, as I suspected, they were most unimpressed when informed of the increase and backed out completely! Fortunately the buyers still want to buy - just not that one! So we are still looking in Puerto Andratx: 3-bedroom, good sea view and walking distance to the Port, in case anything springs to mind?

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The Balearics has the best record for holding on to workers BALEARIC companies are the only businesses in Spain that have vowed to not lay off any worker in the coming months. It comes after a 'Work needs of companies' report prepared by Educa 2020, GAC3 and the AXA Foundation, in collaboration with CAEB and the Barceló Foundation, was presented this week in Palma. According to the study, al-

Workers’ paradise most 52% of companies in the Balearic Islands plan to increase their workforce, compared to a 47% average among other regions. President of the CAEB, Carmen Planas, has praised the ‘effort of Balearic compa-

nies to recover the figures reached prior to the crisis’. Companies on the Balearics are hiring so much, that 82% of them have difficulties finding professionals to fill the vacancies. The percentage of compa-

Closing in THE Balearic Islands have the lowest wage gap between men and women in the whole of Spain, according to new figures from the National Institute of Statistics (INE). The average salary of a woman on the islands is 84.6% of men, while the nationwide average is 77.7%. The region of Asturias had the worst inequality between the sexes, with women earning just 70.9% of their male counterparts. “Women want to continue growing in the workplace because it is our right and because equality should be a path

of no obstruction,” said Carmen Planas, the president of the Confederation of Business Associations of the Balearic Islands (CAEB). However, the same study concerningly revealed that the average men’s salary in the Balearics trailed far behind many other more affluent regions in Spain, despite the relatively expensive standard of living on the islands. Men received an average annual salary of just over €23,000 on the islands, the fourth lowest in Spain, far below the national average of €25,924.

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THE three most viewed homes Download our app now curious and abroad from Brits are begin enjoying the Balearics. best Spanish all in the to property website nies that cannot find young news onAccording the go. people trained for the jobs Zoopla, Spain is dominatfalls to 63% at the state level. ing the top ten viewed homes The Balearic Islands has abroad, with homes from the the most difficulty in trying USA, Italy and France followto fill job vacancies, mostly ing the Mediterranean hot due to a lack of experience spots. The most viewed home on the or technical skills. The study concluded that popular website last month companies on the islands was a ten-bedroom house in need more graduates in VoTheIbiza, Olive worthPress 18 million euros. cational Training and fewer The second most viewed university graduates. TOP for house is the four bedroom news in Spain! The most demanded de- property called Casa Amor, grees by Balearic compa- featured again on the Bafta nies are in health, econom- award-winning show Love ics and business and en- Island. The modern house is gineering, and in terms of listed at a mere 2.9 million vocational training, compa- euros. nies need workers trained The third most viewed house in hospitality and tourism, is a seven-bedroom villa, with electricity and electronics marble floors, staff quarters, and facilities and mainte- pool, sauna and guest house nance. in Mallorca's Tramuntana Instead of letting go work- mountains. ers, companies on the Bale- The seventh most view house arics - at least 89% of them - is also in Ibiza and number ten say they ‘invest a lot of time is a villa in Valencia, making and money in training their five of the top ten most viewed workers’. properties by Brits in Spain.

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+TheolivepressEs Ferran Adria is set to transform the famous former El Bulli The restaurant into an innovative culinary lab powerBEof‘APPY! fish

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Dr Adria’s laboratory

COUPLES who eat more seafood have sex more often and are more likely to conceive, scientists have Download our app now and claimed. begin enjoying the best Spanish In a new study, researchnews on the go. ers at Harvard University said nutrients in fish - a core element of Spain’s mediterranean diet - can stimulate ovulation and boost sperm quality and ONE of the world’s top chefs, Ferran Adria, is set to open a embryo development.

cutting edge food laboratory in his legendary former El Bulli Pregnancy restaurant in Catalunya. The Olive Press Reseracher Audrey Gas- Adria announced his plans, which he says have been in kins said: “Our TOPstudy for news in Spain! found that couples who the pipeline for the last seven consume more than two years, since he closed the servings of seafood per doors of his iconic three Miweek while trying to get chelin-starred restaurant in pregnant had a signifi- 2011. lab, appropriately named cantly higher frequency The El Bulli 1846, will be a centre of sexual intercourse and for creating innovative gastroshorter time to pregnan- nomic inventions and is set to cy.” open between June and OctoWhile following 500 ber 2019. couples’ food intake, the "For seven years we have done study found that 92% of many things to prepare this those who ate seafood moment, and now it will be more than twice a week born," said Adria. had conceived by the end The 56-year-old is world-reof the year - compared nowned as one of the masters with 79% of those who of the multi-sensory culinary art form, ‘molecular gastronohad eaten less.

my’, which uses scientific disciplines to explore how chemical and physical changes can transform traditional dishes into something extraordinary. And this is exactly what won El Bulli, based in Cala Montjoi on the Costa Brava, the title of the World’s Best Restaurant a record-breaking five times. And the lab has been a long

time coming, after refurbishment plans were blocked by officials concerned about the impact of construction work on the environment due to its location in the Cap de Creus national park. Some years later, the culinary icon finally received planning permission last week after scaling down his plans.

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OD Port Portals combines good location with contemporary and mediterranean design. For work or for pleasure, as a true symbol of quality, OD Port Portals is everything anyone staying in Majorca can ever wish for. A lively place, with its own events, Burger Meets Gin, Mexican Brunch or Tasting Brunch, where locals and visitors are welcome. Av. Tomàs Blanes Tolosa, 4 07181 Calvià | Mallorca +34 971 675 956 odportportals.com

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What’s on for foodies!

erb Fair

SELVA hosts their annual Fira de Ses Herbes, or Herb Fair to celebrate the plants and herbs of the Tramuntana mountains and their many uses on June 10. The mystical festival is dedicated to the wild aromatic herbs, with special tastings around town.

RECORD: Cutting session in Leon

Beefing up A SPANISH city has broken the Guinness World Record for cutting the heaviest piece of dried meat by knife in the world. More than 70 people were needed to cut the 283.1 kilo of cecina cortada - a type of dried beef - in the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy, León, which is renowned for the high quality delicacy. The skill is considered a great challenge which only two other cities have achieved so far, with Toledo using jamon in 2016 and Burgos using morcilla, ‘black pudding’, in 2013. But the biggest hunk of meat that had ever been skillfully cut before last week weighed in at 250 kilos. Expert meat cutters flocked from all over Spain to take part in the traditional event, uniformly dressed in black aprons and white shirts, which was overseen by a Guinness Record accreditor from London. After slicing the cecina, the meat was placed onto dishes and sold at the event for €2 with proceeds going to charity.

ira de Pa Amb Oli

THE town of Montuïri is celebrating the simple decadence of Mallorca's traditional 'Pa amb Oli' with an entire festival dedicated to the tapa in mid June. All the restaurants on the main square will participate by putting their own touch on the classic bread and oil starter, which is traditionally lightly toasted, and rubbed with raw garlic and tomato.

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Mallorca diaries

By Lesley Keith

Getting a new car - and getting rid of your ‘kaput’ one is no simple task, writes Lesley Keith

OU know those days when everything goes right from the minute you wake up? No, neither do I. It seems I continually lurch from one faux pas to the next and it’s getting worse, not better. My life is ruled by lists, shopping lists, ‘to do’ lists, must call lists, yes I list my lists to prioritise them and then lose that list or forget to bring it. Yesterday I excelled myself.

RIP El Pando

Traditional

Let’s go back two weeks to when my beloved car, the beat up Fiat Panda, aka ElPando, which has served me faithfully since I’ve been here, decided to give up and die. I managed to get it to my trusty Mallorquin mechanic (with an old traditional Spanish name, Tom) who took a cursory glance and then shook his head sagely and used that international and dreaded word ‘kaput’. I need reliable and independent transport so I’ve been forced to look for a replacement. I absolutely hate buying cars, the time it takes, the distances you have to travel, the Arthur

KAPUT: ElPando and (right) Lesley’s tomato Daleyesque salesmen, the disappointment at someone’s inaccurate description and of cause the cost. Buying second hand in Mallorca really is no fun at all. At least in Blighty they go through the motions of cleaning the thing up, making sure any obvious and simple problems are already sorted, well not here, what you see is absolutely what you get - dirt, raggedy seat covers, empty McD cups and all. I’ve decided to avoid a private sale, I bought ElPando that way and thought I’d covered all the bases. I went to have it transferred into my name in a little office in Palma and paid the fee. They said the green form showing it in my name would follow in 15 days as there had been finance at some point but they needed to see that it had been cleared. The 15 days came and went but no green ownership form arrived. I went back, several times. So many times that me

and the staff are all now on first name terms and they wave when I walk in. We all switch our phones to ‘translate’ so we can communicate but apparently the ownership papers should still be another 15 days…. None of this really mattered whilst I was driving around, I had my ITV done, full insurance and all was good. Now apparently when I tried to sell it for parts it turns out I can’t because technically it isn’t my car! I can’t scrap it or sell it and I have to keep it insured as it’s on the road and I could get a €600 fine. So what do I do, surely there’s something? Tom the mechanic phoned the office because he thought I must have got it wrong but no I’m completely stuck. I’ll

keep you posted. Meanwhile, as I say I need transport so I’ve been to see a few options, but I’ve still got my English head on and can’t get over people selling vehicles that are covered in scratches and dents for top dollar. Finally I did find a suitable replacement. It’s clean and tidy, the right price and comes with a guarantee, perfect - even though it’s in the deepest part of Palma which takes me forever to get there. Which brings me back to yesterday when I went to pick it up, for some stupid reason I’d decided to change handbags beforehand and left all my documents and purse behind so couldn’t do anything but go away again. My long suffering partner was there to stomp up a deposit, luckily for me he is a man of few words. Finally they couldn’t find the keys, we all looked everywhere and eventually found them in my handbag, no idea how that happened. It seems my Spanish is definitely improving though as I certainly understood the salesman’s long and descriptive opinion of that. Let’s end on a positive note. After months of watering, nurturing and care I have managed to grow an edible tomato. This is a momentous event as since being here I’ve systematically killed any plant in my care, except the Christmas poinsettia which unbelievably is still going strong. I have three tomato plants which I’d inherited as healthy and vibrant specimens. One has since been completely eaten by something unseen, one looks very sad and pathetic, but one is thriving and has borne fruit. It’s only the size of my thumbnail but it’s a start.

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Straight aces

BE BE‘APPY! ‘APPY! SPAIN’S leading man and woman of tennis are sailing

through this week’s French Open. Rafael Nadal, who is seeking his 11th title at Roland Garros, is through to the quarter finals after coming through all of his last four matches in straight sets. Garbine Muguruza has also sailed through her first four matches, winning three in straight sets while her Download Downloadour ourapp appnow nowand and last opponent, Lesia Tsurenko, retired. Nadal will play Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman either tobegin beginenjoying enjoyingthethebest bestSpanish Spanish day or tomorrow while Muguruza will play Maria Sharaponews newsononthethego.go. va, who recently returned from a ban after she was found to have taken illegal performance enhancement drugs. ON FORM: Nadal

Zine-done The TheOlive OlivePress Press

TOP TOPfor fornews newsininSpain! Spain!

Shock as Real Madrid lose French manager Zidane

ZINEDINE Zidane has shocked the football world by resigning from his Real Madrid post. The French coach made the announcement just five days after winning his third Champions League title with the Los Blancos side. President of the club Florentino Perez and much of the players were stunned by the decision, especially given the good relations between everyone at the club. Zidane said: “After three years the team needs another mission statement, an-

other work methodology and that is why I took this decision.” The devastating call came just days after both Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale indirectly threatened to leave the club. Zidane took over the Madrid role from Rafa Benitez at the beginning of 2016, leading them to win their twelfth Champions League title against Atlético de Madrid, followed by their third Uefa Super Cup when they defeated Sevilla FC. 2016/2017 was probably his best season in La Liga, with Real Madrid picking up three titles. His last season saw the team crash out of the Copa del Rey at the Bernabeu while ending up 17 points behind Barcelona, but the Los Blancos still managed to claim three cups.

I could play again ANDRES Iniesta has not ruled out playing for Spain after this summer's World Cup in Russia although he admits ‘it's difficult.’ The former Barcelona captain who left for Japanese side Vissel Kobe last month, was speaking to the media ahead of the start of the finals next week. "I am not ruling out continuing with the national team, but I know it will be difficult," Iniesta said. "If I am called up, though, it should be for what I can bring to the team, not for what I have done in the past." The Spain team were visited by new prime minister Pedro Sanchez last week. He was received at the Ciudad Deportiva in Las Rozas by RFEF president Luis Rubiales.

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Flick-ed off THE Spanish Tourism Board is now ‘seriously considering’ suing hit Netflix film Ibiza, citing a lack of respect for the island’s culture, people and music

Pretty woman RICHARD Gere, 68, has said he is ‘the happiest man in the universe’ after marrying his Spanish 35-year-old girlfriend Alejandra Silva, in a fairytale wedding ceremony in New York

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Vol. 2 Issue 30

Spain is set for a sharp rise in cockroaches this summer IT is an announcement that will send shivers up the spines of holidaymakers and expats alike. Spain is set to see an explosion of cockroaches this summer, a health body has warned. The creepy, hard-backed creatures will be back in their droves after the deluge

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They’re coming!

of heavy rains this Spring, claims the National Association of Environmental Health Companies (ANEC-

PLA). Most of Spain will be at a 'very high' risk of a steep rise in the bugs in the com-

No Nazis allowed A GERMAN tourist was kicked out of Playa de Palma's Bierkonig after proudly standing up and performing a Nazi salute. The drunken tourist was swiftly ejected from the venue which was showing a friendly football match between Germany and Austria. According to reports he had taken off his shirt and was showing off his SS tattoos.

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HE’S easily one of the scariest characters in global cinema. Now the Terminator - famous for the phrase ‘I’ll be back’ - has returned to film for the latest sequel around Andalucia this Spring. Played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Terminator 6, also starring Linda Hamilton has been in Almeria for two weeks. The film crew have taken over the small hamlet of Isleta del Moro, in Cabo de Gata, until this Friday. A number of scenes have been filmed in the area, as well as in neighbouring Murcia. The locations and logistics are all being handled by an expat owned film company, based in Malaga. Fresco Film, owned by German Peter Welter, has just finished producing the crime series Snatch, and also worked on Game of Thrones. Schwarzenegger last visited Spain in 2014, when he attended a bodybuilding competition in Madrid. He previously filmed Conan the Barbarian in Almeria, in 1982.

ing months, as temperatures soar. The heat and humidity cause the insects to 'leave their natural habitat' to find 'new shelters with water, food and an optimum temperature'. That means they'll be invading - or at least attempting to invade - homes and restaurants. The bugs, that are able to fly, are known to contaminate food and increase the risk of infections like dysentery or salmonella poisoning.

SPAIN’S oldest nun has died. Victoria de la Cruz Garcia, from Malaga, passed away at 110 after spending more than 80 years in Japan. The devout catholic - who never forgot her home and was always playing the castanets - suffered a cardiac arrest just days before her 111th birthday. She first moved to Japan in 1936 and witnessed the horrors of World War II and the nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Victoria was born in 1907. .

Cooking by candlelight A RESTAURANT owner has been accused of hitting an employee over the head with a candlestick. The defendant in Peguera has denied the accusation, claiming the employee was drunk and hit his head on a tree. The victim claims the owner owed him wages, and was attacked when he confronted his boss.

Fly away TWO operating rooms at an Ibiza hospital had to be shut down after a mysterious invasion of flies appeared. Inspectors failed to find the cause.

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