Olive Press Newspaper - Issue 303 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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The Brit architects taking Madrid by storm

October 24th - November 6th 2018

October 2018

Preserving the old...

SEE PAGE X

Spain looks to protect its social and industrial past, with new laws guarantee ing the safety of key buildings... s ge pa X e &I Se III

October 2018

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Property

’s ty ga er ala op e M t pr azin s g be ma

Property

It’s the stand alone property magazine that has got the coast talking...find out why with issue 2 of our popular Property magazine FREE inside

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SAVED: An iconic metro workshops in

Madrid, while this famous photo by Capa

Voted

(right) could save this key cultural building

...While a series of exciting new architectural trends are making waves in Spanish interior design

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Asses in gear CAMPAIGNERS remain sceptical over new plans to improve the lives of Mijas’ famous donkeys. It comes after the town issued proposals to bring in weight limits for riders, while ensuring the donkeys are free of injury and are wearing proper saddles. Under the plan stables must also be up to humane standards and the donkeys must not be overworked. "We have to move with the times," said mayor Juan Carlos Maldonado. "We are going to improve the quality of life of the donkeys which, in turn, contributes to the local economy"

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Vol. 13 Issue 303 www.theolivepress.es October 24th - November 6th 2018

STYLISH: Hip new wine shop wows visitors, while this spacious interior of a new development in La Reserva is tempting world’s wealthiest investors

...Celebrating the new

s ge III pa V e X Se VI & X

IN DEMAND T

HE Costa del Sol and Barcelona are driving up demand in Spanish property. Data from Spain’s Instituto Nacional ca shows that, on an annualised basis, de Estadistihouse prices grew 6.8% in the second quarter of 2018 with new-build price tags rising 5.7% (see report page IV). However some areas are clearly picking slack than others, with Catalunya rising up more of the It comes as the country is continuing impressive economic 3.7% while Galicia growth by just 0.7%. after being among the worst hit countries by the 2008 crisis. The data is the latest confirmation of a trend of strong In 2017, demand for Spanish property. the total number of home sales in Spain increased 14.6% to 464,423 units from the previous year, according to

Spanish property is a hot commodity and that’s not changing anytime soon

the Instituto Nacional de Estadistica Analysts suggest a good portion of (INE). is being driven by foreigners buyingthe recovery in housing homes on the Costa del Sol and in cities like Barcelona. And despite Brexit, the largest number of foreign homebuyers are British, followed by the French, Germans, Belgians, Italians and Swedes. The outlook for Spain’s housing with house sales expected to rise bymarket remains upbeat, to reach about 550,000 transactions between 10% and 15% this year, according to TINSA, the country’s official valuation and surveying body.

stranded Highest rainfall figures in history leave hundreds homeless, one dead and streets destroyed

Welfare

The mayor added: "The donkey taxi is one of our major tourist attractions and we have to combine this with the welfare of our animals.” However, campaigners warn that the laws, pulled together with local associations, could be simply ‘empty promises’, particularly with elections coming up next year. Campaigner Mike Frizell, from Mijas Pueblo Animal Cruelty, warned that such new laws were meant to be introduced several times in the past years. “We have seen the lies from the mayor over and over again,” Frizell told the Olive Press.

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HUNDREDS were rescued, while a fireman died, after Malaga was battered by the biggest ‘weather bomb’ in Spain’s history. Dozens of towns were left semi-submerged after hunc o n d i t i dreds o n s . of litres of water fell in just 12 hours over Saturday night and Sunday. In Alpandeire, near Ronda, a national record was broken 2/8/18 17:01 after the village saw 399.4 li-

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tres per metre square of rainfall in just 12 hours. Estepona and the towns near Antequera were particularly hard hit, while the A-92 motorway was shut and a fireman was swept to his death in Campillos. The damage is still being assessed - expected to run into the tens of millions - with insurance companies’ phones ringing off the hook. As well as substantial damage to roads and buildings, a wall of the historic Arabic baths in Ronda collapsed. At least 400 vehicles were also destroyed. SEE FULL STORY PAGE 3 Opinion Page 6

CRIME

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Judge ordered to reopen Lisa case

NEWS IN BRIEF

Migrant surge MORE than 45,000 migrants have arrived in Spain this year, more than the past three years combined.

Thefts up REPORTS of theft have risen by 22% in Barcelona, the highest since 1986. Most other major cities have seen a decrease.

Ryanair row A BRITISH man who was filmed racially abusing a woman on a Ryanair flight from Spain has been identified by Essex police and will be investigated by Spanish authorities.

TRAGIC: Lisa and (right) Corner

A JUDGE has been forced to reopen an investigation into missing expat Lisa Brown, after controversially shelving the case earlier this year. Javier Garcia Ramila is probing Scot Lisa’s ex-boyfriend again, after three appeal court judges in Cadiz ordered him to reopen the case. The San Roque judge must once again locate and look into charging prime

suspect, Simon Corner, 36, after experts discovered new information via a mobile phone. It comes after police recovered Brit Corner’s phone from the harbour in Copenhagen, where he was arrested in 2016. Mother-of-one Brown, 35, went missing in November 2015, after a heated argument with Corner, who the Olive

Press revealed was a yacht skipper who made regular trips to Morocco. He was arrested in April after a year on the run, but was released from police custody after Ramila ruled the court had ‘serious doubts’ he was guilty. A £100,000 reward is still available for anyone who can provide information into Lisa’s whereabouts.

Some 13 crime gangs make up a new ‘mafia triangle’

Dirty dozen

A TOTAL of 13 gangs have been the cause of a resurgence in mafia activity along the Costa del Sol this year. According to police sources the organised crime gangs of different nationalities are behind more than 20 violent incidents that have made the headlines, mostly this summer. A series of shootings, kidnap-

pings and a so-called ‘Glaswegian smile’ are just a few of the attacks that have made international news. “While there are at least 20 groups operating here there are 13 which lead the pack,” a Policia Nacional officer has claimed. “They make up a triangle linking Marbella, Estepona and Fuengirola and are involved in

High price SPAIN will still sell €1.8 billion worth of arms to Saudi Arabia following the alleged murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, despite several European powers condemning the assassination.

October 24th - November 6th 2018

a myriad of activity from arms and drug dealing, extortion, money laundering, robberies, pimping and more.” He added that Marbella and its surrounding areas have the highest concentration of criminals in Spain and includes Italians, Russians, Irish, English, Kosovars, Columbians, Swedish, Romanian and Danish.

Dine and dash

SCUM: Bill dodgers

AN Andalucia restaurant is sounding the alarm on two socalled ‘dine and dashers’. Gaspar Rodriguez Briz, from Huelva’s Casa Gaspar, shared a picture of the two men on social media after they allegedly ate a large meal during lunch time before doing a runner.

“Beware of these two characters,” he said, “they ran out without paying today.” He added: “They waited until no one was around and made a run for it.” Have you seen or do you know this pair? Email newsdesk@theolivepress.es

“This is the United Nations of bad guys,” the officer told El Español newspaper. While crime in general has declined, the mafia activity has done the opposite, hence a surge in violent episodes with over 20 being investigated this year. And according to Marbella se Queja spokesman Diego Escalona, Marbella’s unique cosmopolitan mix is perfect for such crimes. “A Swede, an Englishman and an Irishman can pass easily unrecognised here. Nobody questions them,” he said. “And there are loads of lawyers happy to help set up companies and businesses to help launder money.” He added: “On top of that we have lost 60 officers in Marbella, we are at an historic low and it’s just not enough.”

That twerked! A GANG leader who taunted police in a video ‘twerking’ with hookers, has handed himself him. Francisco Tejon, head of the Los Castañas clan, based in the Campo de Gibraltar, walked into the police station in La Linea. It comes two years after an arrest warrant was issued for Tejon, aka Isco, in late 2016. Dubbed Spain’s most wanted drug dealer, he is believed to have earned more than €30 million after building up his hashish smuggling empire, primarily from Morocco into Europe. Tejón, 39, made headlines after appearing in a music video by the Cuban-born reggaeton singer Clase A.

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DISASTER SPECIAL

DELUGE

October 24th - November 6th 2018

Tens of millions in damage, dozens homeless and hundreds of vehicles destroyed in heaviest rain in Spain’s history THIS weekend's record flash floods have caused at least €32 million in damage around Malaga alone. Over 5,200 claims are expected around the province, according to the Insurance Compensation Consortium. Many thousands more are expected to come in from homeowners in Sevilla, Cordoba and Cadiz, which

SPECIAL REPORT By Jon Clarke, Laurence Dollimore, Elisa Menendez and Charlie Smith

also saw heavy rainfall. In dramatic scenes, dozens of people had to be rescued by helicopters and fire crews from cars and homes in danger of being submerged. In one incident 20 children had to be rescued from on top of a bus, while another 66 people were rescued from a different bus nearby. One entire area of Estepona, Forest Hills, was cut off completely when its only entrance road was swept away when the Rio Padron burst its banks. Dozens of homes and businesses in the area, including the tennis club, had TRAGIC: Truck of killed fireman

DEVASTATED: Family console each other among wreckage only just been getting over a previous flood a fortnight ago, which caused millions in damage. The nearby port of Estepona was completely submerged under water, while nearby Casares Marina was also flooded for the second time in two years. One of the worst affected areas was the the town of Campillos, which suffered 317 litres per square metre fell in just 12 hours.

Cultural catastrophe in Ronda THEY are, without a doubt, the most shocking images of the weekend. A video shot by a tourist showed the moment an ancient wall and a row of trees collapsed beside Ronda’s historic Roman bridge. In dramatic scenes, firstly the 50-year-old Cypress trees fall into the Guadalevin river, before a wall of the 13th century Arabic Baths collapsed leaving the ancient site swamped with water. Several archeologists are still on the scene assessing the damages. The access for wheelchair users was completely destroyed, as were the gardens. But the greatest loss has been three pools of the tannery - once used to dye fabrics and skins - which dates back to the 18th century. The heavy rain led to dozens of horses and five people needing to be rescued from an equestrian centre behind the historic site. Meanwhile another wall collapsed by a school in another part of Ronda, and leading to the cancellation of classes on Monday. In the nearby Guadiaro valley police helicopters were called in to rescue trapped householders including one

British woman in Cortes de la Frontera. A popular expat-owned hotel on the outskirts of Ronda, Molino del Puente, made an urgent call out to volunteers to help their clean-up operation. “Heavy rain has made quite a mess

in our family hotel,” said owner Elaine Love. “We are accepting any volunteers to help clear the hotel up as soon as possible, wear old clothes, wellies and bring any spades and wheelbarrows you may have.”

LOSS: Trees fall by bridge and (right) Arabic baths

It was here that a firefighter, Jose Gil, 47, died after being called out to help rescue locals trapped by the rising tide. His body was found by his colleagues an incredible seven kilometres away from where his vehicle crashed. Today is the third day of mourning for the civil servant, who left behind a wife and two children. Alpandeire, in the Serrania de Ronda, meanwhile saw 399.4 litres of rainfall per square metre from midnight on Saturday until 12pm Sunday - a historical record. Bobadilla saw the second-highest amount with 247.6, followed by Ronda with 220.4. The measuring equipment used by AEMET is so precise it was able to decipher how much fell every hour.

Experts Some 70 experts will be inspecting the affected areas and the first claims could be paid out within ten days. Just a week prior, some €16 million worth of damage was caused by heavy rainfall in the west of Malaga. Claims can be made by phone or via the web page of the Insurance Compensation Consortium - its telephone service is currently overwhelmed with calls. Junta boss Susana Diaz visited several of the affected sites while the national government is set to finance the clean up operation. She insisted that aid for the most affected municipalities would be approved in ‘a matter of days’. Government delegate, María Gámez, defended the government and AEMAT insisting: “It was impossible to be prepared before a

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Daft wader AT least one person on the coast made the most of the floods. The local in Estepona was pictured by an Olive Press reader navigating his way up a street in his kayak. His trip came after AEMET put the whole of Malaga province on red alert and over 100 litres of rain fell in an hour in Estepona, cutting off roads and completely flooding the port.

quantity of water like this.” Despite the awful scenes of devastation, the financial cost is less than the floods of December 4, 2016, that saw 10,500 claims get a total payout €58 million. The 1989 floods cost more than €149 million.

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October 24th - November 6th 2018

NEWS

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October 24th - November 6th 2018

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Xmas on the Costa del Sol GRAHAM’S usual traverse around Spain took him to the north when it’s hot, and he always spends Christmas on the Costa del Sol – his favourite part of the country. His favourite foods on the road are paella and tortilla Espanola. People can donate to Graham here: www.gofundme.com/ helpforgraham

SPAIN’S richest politicians have had their assets revealed in a move to restore public faith. Three millionaire ministers are among the 38 officials included in the list published by the Spanish government. Foreign Minister Josep Borrell topped the list of fat cats with assets totalling €2.77 million, while Education Minister Isabel Celaa is worth €1.62 million. "This government is really moving forward on the path of transparency, which it believes is the only way to advance in democracy,” said Celaa. Science Minister Pedro Duque, a former astronaut, was the other millionaire on the list and worth €1.5 million in assets.

Probed

Will the socialists yet again maintain their hold over Andalucia in snap elections?

October 10th - October 23rd 2018

IT has been staunchly socialist since the death of Franco in the 1970s. And the Socialist party is likely to hold on to power in Andalucia when the region goes to the polls in December. The challenge to the opposition parties has been set, after Junta boss Susana Diaz called a snap election for the region on December 2. She insisted the decision to bring forward the election by many months was to battle the ‘instability’ around the rest of Spain. “My land does not deserve EAGER: Susana Diaz

the instability we are seeing in the rest of Spain,” insisted the PSOE leader. The move will be seen by many as an attempt to use the momentum created when Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez took over in June following a no confidence vote in the former PP government. Diaz insisted that early elections will give a clear indication of the public mood, after the PSOE minority government - which only has 84 out of 350 seats in congress - took power in Madrid. Andalucia has always been a thermometer for national attitudes. It is the country’s most populous region, and if the PSOE party can improve on 2015’s A SPANISH far-right party has attracted slim win of 47 of the total 109 thousands to a rally as seats, polls indicate it could win a seat in it will be a good sign for Congress. Vox, founded in 2014, drew its largest Sanchez in Madrid. supporters showing up to the Madrid ever crowd with some 9,000 Africa’s migrants are a poThe party has revealed plans to revoke rally at Vistalegre Palace. litical headache for Sanchez, and to deport ‘illegal immigrants who Spain’s gender violence law as he looks to maintain the it greater, but to receive handouts.” come to Spain not to make support from left-wing base, Secretary general, Ortega Smith, while also keeping check on took to the stand to quote US President Donald Trump saying, “Together we will make Spain the rise of nationalism, pergreat again.” petuated by the populist Vox An opinion poll suggested this week party, which can easily seize that Vox is painstakingly close to earning a seat in Congress with a predicted 1.5% of votes on the migrants issue. at the next general election, scheduled In 1998, the number of forVox’s key message has resonated greatlyfor 2020. eigners in Spain made up with supporters who have 1.6% expressed concern over defending of the total population lan separatists, illegal immigration Spain under the threat of Cata- and by 2016 this had risen to and attacks on family values. 12.2%.

T PA ES EX RO HE

A HOMELESS British man rescued by big-hearted expats has walked an incredible FIVE times around Spain over the last five years. Graham Nobbs, from Kent, revealed that he has hiked the length and breadth of the country on many occasions during his time as a hobo. That is an incredible 25,000 miles… or the distance of the earth’s circumference, he told the Olive Press. It comes after we revealed how the 69-year-old had

NEWS

RED Giving a home Homeless Brit claims to LAhave NDSLIDE? walked 25,000 miles around Spain A before being ‘saved’ by expats Millionaire ministers

T PA ES EX RO HE

Around the world Expats help homeless pensioner get back on his feet

GROUP of expats are appealing for funds to help a homeless expat pensioner get back on his feet after he lost his entire family. Rebecca Pattinson, 26 and fiance Dave Langshaw, 32 (right), helped take in Graham Nobbs (right top) last week after noticing him sleeping rough in a Lidl car park, in Albox, Almeria. The Stockport couple want to help the 69-year-old, originally from Kent, to get a passport, bank account and NIE number. “Graham is an incredibly intelligent man,” Rebecca told the Olive Press this week. “He hasn't been able to claim any of the pension that he is owed as he has no bank account, passport or any means of communication with in the UK.” The kind-hearted couple, the pension people back joined by several others, have set up a ‘gofundme’ page where people can donate to help Graham, who worked as a salesman for House of Fraser and Barclays in Kensington, and 25,000 miles across Spain since who has walked around becoming homeless five years ago. Another couple have already page which has so far raised €400 and set up a fundraising money will go towards getting Graham Rebecca says any extra She told the Olive Press: “It’s not righta flat of his own. on the street, we’re not heroes, we’re to see a frail old man just doing the kind thing. “It’s really opened both of our eyes over the past few days and it makes you appreciate the little things.” The expats have already raised hundreds but are hoping to get to €1000 and are still looking for donations to their page, here: www.gofundme.com/helpforgraha which can be found m.

Gainin g mome without them none ntum of this would be happening,” he revealed, after they scooped him up at Lidl been offered help and a home and gave him a bed. by British expats in Almeria “Life on the road was always up during his sixth circuit of the and down. I was always floating, country. always in suspense. The group of half a dozen locals "And the weather was the most from Albox, stepped in after challenging thing, particularly the they found him sleeping in a rain," added the former shop asStru ggling with supermarket car park. sistant. “They have been marvellous, EUApart Property fromDeb sometimes walking for t? • Want to sell but can’t? 14 hours in a row to find a shelter, • Mortgage greater than value? • Losthe Deposit? revealed how he had been at• Can’t make your mortgage payment We offer assistance and advice s? in tacked a fellow tramp and was • Interest Only periodby ending? all areas of European property debt • Generally Struggling with your Property? once rushed Spanish to hospital after colCall us today on: lapsing by the side of the road. +44 330 124 1230 “This one guy tried to stab me and HAPPY DAYS: Graham enjoys a meal and (inset) our story I had to kick him in the stomach to last issue www.eu“There propertysolutio escape,” he said. have ns.com been plenty of hairy moments though his family died through sad proper access to medical and you have to try not to show circumstances in the UK care. and he became estranged One of them Sandie fear.” Wines, said this week: He continued: "I had a problem from his sister. where I had a semi stroke and col- He took to the road, after "We are getting him a lapsed at the side of the road from his car was smashed up by passport first and then over-exerting. I had to go to hos- vandals who destroyed his his UK pension will start belongings and clothes. to come through in four pital." This lack of access to medical fa- He later lost his passport weeks' time.” She added: "Graham cilities and other crucial services and other ID. is a major problem for those like “They destroyed all my will stay with us until evGraham without a permanent pictures and I had no oth- erything is sorted so he er option,” he insisted. doesn't have to travel the home. He had landed the life after driv- Luckily, Graham has now streets ever again." ing to Spain, after the majority of been taken in by three ex- The group have set up a pat couples in Albox, as 'gofundme' page which revealed by the Olive Press they are using to get Gralast issue. ham back on his feet. He is managing to get his "It's easier to home a life back to some normal- dog than an expat on the ity, as they help him get street," joked Sandie's various documents, in- partner John. "Very few cluding a passport and an people put you up, people NIE, so that he can have are wary of the unknown."

EXCLUSIVE By Charlie Smith

Duque has been probed over tax irregularities over the purchase of a house in Valencia in 2005, while culture minister Maxim Huerta stepped down in June after just a week in the job when it emerged he evaded €256,000 between 2006 and 2008. Justice Minister Dolores Delgado is currently facing calls to resign after recordings were released of her talking to former Spanish police chief, Jose Villarejo, who is under investigation for corruption. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared assets of €343,000 and liabilities of €192,000, while his predecessor Mariano Rajoy had €1.54 million in assets.

Ex-Police Chief had 92 homes

Do you have a positive expat story? Someone who has done something special? As a we want to hear your stories… community newspaper email newsdesk@theolivepress.es

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EXPAT HEROES

Good to sea!

A GROUP of expats have been making waves with their inspirational beach clean ups across the Costa del Sol. Plastic Free Seas Worldwide founders, Craig Webb, Natasha Wegloop and Rebecca Bridges, along with ambassador and owner of Olivia’s La Cala, Elliot Wright, have been rallying expat troops to take part in monthly coast clean ups. Despite the horrific storms tearing through Estepona last Saturday, it didn’t stop some 60 volunteers including children from E.I Alora school and students from getting out the house and clearing the coast. They speared a whopping 400 kilos of rubbish and was later cleared away by Estepona town hall. It comes after Brit Craig, was inspired to make a difference along the coast after watching BBC’s Blue Planet and set up the non profit organisation in Mijas Costa last year. Since starting the foundation, volunteers have cleared a total of 3,400 kilos in 10 beach clean ups. Co-founder Natasha, from the Netherlands, said: “It’s been fantastic, we even cleared a fridge from the beach.” Next month, as well as a clean up on November 24 in La Cala de Mijas, Plastic Free Seas Worldwide will be hosting a fundraising event at Olivia’s La Cala. The glitzy evening will include a three course meal, live entertainment and an auction on November 22. For tickets call 685283009 or email Plasticfreeseasworldwide@gmail.com

NICE WORK: Expats at clear up and (right) Elliot Wright

BLANK passports, gold ingots and €300,000 in cash have been found in a home owned by disgraced ex-police chief on the Costa del Sol. It comes after Spain’s former police chief, Jose Villarejo, was arrested on November 3 last year, accused of crimes related to a criminal organisation, money laundering and bribery. The investigation has revealed a list of 92 properties belonging to the former police official, including plots of land, apartments, warehouses, commercial premises and offices. An incredible 48 are based in Estepona, 18 in Benalmadena and the rest in Marbella, Torrox, Cordoba, Sevilla and Madrid. One in particular, a stunning €1.5m front line penthouse above prestigious private clinic, Cenyt, in Estepona, yielded the incredible haul, also including a hard drive with year’s of Villarejo’s work. All of it was found in a shoebox in a bedroom of the apartment, registered in the name of Villarejo’s son. The amazing discovery came after the judge leading the case ordered officials to seize the assets, including the home at the Mirador de la Cala building in Estepona, which he used as his home when in the town. According to sources, the property is linked to a separate 10-year-old investigation, the Astapa case, a property corruption scandal worth €40 million. The hard drive found, storing 40 terabytes of secret videos and recordings, is set to reveal the true extent of the ex-police chief’s crimes.

HIV cure closer SPANISH scientists believe they may have managed to eliminate HIV from a patient using stem cell transplant treatment. Scientists in Madrid and Barcelona have managed to remove the virus from the blood and tissues of six patients using the treatment. And one patient now has no antibodies fighting the infection, suggesting it has been completely eliminated. The patients are keeping up their antiretroviral treatment, but researchers believe the virus may have been completely removed from their bodies. It came after the six guinea pigs had stem cell transplants using cells from the umbilical cords and bone marrows of donors at the institute for AIDS Research IrsiCaixa in Barcelona and the Gregorio Maranon Hospital in Madrid. Researchers say the results could open the door to designing new treatments to cure HIV/AIDS.

www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain

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

FEATURE

Pen is mightier than the sword As the authorities prepare to dig up ex-dictator Franco from his burial site, a British expat tells the Olive Press about his brand new book, 501, based on the brutal execution of his ancestors during the civil war

Positive vibes EXPOSING crooks and crime can - these days - get you labelled as ‘negative’ and accused of ‘only reporting the bad’. On social media at least. To remedy this we have introduced our new ‘Expat heroes’ section, which we began last month with the story of a generous Brit who donated 300 dog cans to dog an animal charity, as well as a group of expats who took in a homeless man. This issue we tell the full story of how British expat Graham Nobbs was taken in by the kind-hearted group in Albox. We also praise the hard-working guys behind a recent spate of vital beach clean ups. Yes, our crime stories are gripping and need to be told, but so do the stories of unsung heroes giving back to their communities. So if you have a positive expat story, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

N the dead of the night, three women and a teenage girl are thrown like animals into the back of a lorry at gunpoint. They must have sensed their brutal fate, but nothing could have prepared them for the excruciating suffering they were about to endure at the hands of Franco’s Falange allies. It was December 29, 1936, just a few months into the Spanish Civil War, when Pilar Espinosa, 42, and Virtudes de la Puente, 53, were raped and shot by firing squad. Pregnant Valeriana Granada, 26, received a worse fate, having her unborn baby ripped out of her stomach with a knife. The foetus was never found. By an amazing miracle, Pilar’s 14-year-old

Heavens open YET again we have been reminded of what is to come if nothing is done to tackle climate change. In a matter of hours towns and ports were almost submerged after a record amount of rainfall ravaged communities across the province. Malaga saw the heaviest downpour in 12 hours in Spanish history, destroying dozens of homes, animal sanctuaries and at least 400 vehicles. It tragically claimed the life of a courageous fireman, who leaves behind a wife and two children. Only this month scientists around the world warned that we have just 12 years to save the planet and divest from carbon emissions. If the earth’s temperature raises by just one more degree, we will reach the point of no return. Governments around the world need to wake up and act fast before it’s too late. Publisher/ Editor

Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es

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October 24th - November 6th 2018

PERSECUTED: (Far left) spared daughter Obdulia, (centre) murdered mother Pilar and tortured daughter Maria

EXCLUSIVE By Elisa Menendez

daughter Obdulia was spared and hugged her mother goodbye. It would be the last time she saw her. The trio’s mutilated bodies were left at the side of a road in the sleepy town of Poyales del Hoyo in Avila, before a local man buried their remains the following morning, with a stone on top. Their crimes? Pilar was one of the few women in the town who could read, and had a subscription to a socialist newspaper, Virtudes meanwhile was a Republican and Protestant, while Valeriana was envied by a high-ranking woman in the town. Much of this was documented in former Guardian correspondent Giles Tremlett’s best-selling book Ghosts of Spain. The Falangists went on to target Pilar’s other daughter, Maria, by shaving her head and inhumanely dragging her through the village naked while she soiled herself, having been force-fed castor oil. Villagers in the isolated, predominantly right-wing town of around 700 inhabitants, spat on her as she was paraded through the streets. Forced to flee the village,

Maria and her four children - aged four to eight - hid in the saddlebags of a mule to escape the villagers’ attempts to kill them. But what hasn’t been up to now chronicled is the incredible story of survival, in which they walked some 200 kilometres to Madrid, where they started a new life in the hopes of being freed from persecution. In 1957 one of those children, Dami, moved to London where she had a boy with an Indian man two years later. And now - in an remarkable full circle - that little boy is seeking justice for what the Falangists did to his family. Brit, Yash Gosain, 59, told the Olive Press how he has now penned his novel 501, or a ‘weapon of mass destruction’, in a bid to ‘bring down the Partido Popular in Spain’ and unveil the truth behind the atrocities of the darkest chapter in Spanish history. It comes as Spain is in the throes of metaphorically and literally digging up the past, as new prime minister Pedro Sanchez is leading a

We need change The PSOE has shamed Andalucia for over four decades. It’s finally time to vote them out in the forthcoming elections, writes native Olive Press writer Pablo Balbontin

WAS born in Sevilla in 1991 and during that time I’ve seen four different Prime Ministers in office in Madrid, the end of the terrorist group ETA and the introduction of the Euro, but I haven’t seen any other political party run the Andalucian Junta apart from the PSOE. To put that in perspective the Socialists have controlled this huge region, Spain’s largest by population and second largest by size, since 1978. One can only begin to imagine how much corruption you can generate in 40 years? And the facts are simple: Corruption is so absurdly prevalent here, that various court cases are rumbling on around the region, probing the syphoning off and mismanagement of billions, yes BILLIONS of euros, over the last four decades. The situation is so bad, in fact, that when you hear stories of squandering millions in public funds on cocaine and prostitutes, you have to laugh. Not because you don’t believe it, but because it doesn’t matter what they do, people keep voting them in! In four decades they have had more than enough time to build up a network that affects almost every aspect of Andalucian society… from the tens of thousands of public officials (funcionarios) whose jobs depend on the PSOE holding on to power to the hun-

dreds of thousands of agricultural workers who receive a state wage via the Plan de Empleo Rural (PER). They are all effectively bought by the socialists... and the list goes on. To sum up, the PSOE has become a parasite which many people depend on to make their living. That’s why it isn’t easy to get rid of them. To understand the present you have to learn about the past. Unfortunately, Andalucia has always been a land of tough - but poor - workers. Back in the 19th century, Andalucia was ruled by the ‘Caciques’, a group of widely hated authoritarian figures, mostly big landowners, who ruled the towns and villages, stole money, manipulated local elections and even ordered the death of their own local residents, if they dared to oppose them. In other words: they were real tyrants. But they were was also the only people who could find you a job and other opportunities that would help to feed your family. The modern Cacique has been reincarnated in today’s PSOE, and while many people benefit from their patronage, it doesn’t justify keeping them in power forever. And, in particular, after the unbelievable crimes they have been committing for decades were finally exposed over the last few years. From Manuel Chavez to our current President, Susana Diaz, all of them are somehow linked to corruption cases.

GOTTA GO: Susana Diaz We’re now the laughing stock of our own country, the lazy Andalucians who keep voting PSOE because they pay us for doing nothing. No one can assure you that if another political party gets elected they will do better, but at least there could be an alternative, another way of doing things. Perhaps the solution is to vote in the right wing, the Partido Popular or Ciudadanos. Perhaps it’s on the left wing, with Izquierda Unida or Podemos. I firmly believe that all these political parties have good ideas, proposals that deserve to be heard and not just written off. And this is what we do every time we let the PSOE win. In the end it’s not about standing against the PSOE just for the sake of being the PSOE, it’s about standing against the same government which has been ruling for decades. A party completely absorbed by corruption that has lost all contact with reality is far from being a solution for our region. In the forthcoming elections on December 2 myself and almost all young Andalucians under the age of 40 need to get together and ensure we have a new and bright future for our region. A change is not only vital. It is essential.

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2 HARROWING: Firing squad shoot civilians while (right) Yash and grandmother Maria staunch campaign to exhume dictator Francisco Franco’s remains from the Valle de los Caidos, the Valley of the Fallen, outside of Madrid. It is the only remaining monument in Europe dedicated to a fascist dictator - largely built by Republican political prisoners under the fascist regime - where he is buried along with around 33,000 people from both sides of the war. Many buried there never had a dignified funeral and the fate of loved ones remain a mystery to countless families. Inspired by his family’s tragic legacy, the book, merges fact and fiction to tell the tale of a police inspector, named Martin, whose first case investigates the rape and mutilation of a young pregnant woman set during the Spanish Civil War. The work is named after the leader of the local extreme-right Falange party and the man who raped and killed Gosain’s great grandmother, Angel Vadillo, nicknamed Quinientos Uno - 501 - because he boasted to have killed 501 ‘rojos’, or reds. “I think it could be a weapon of mass destruction against the important remnants of fascism left in Spain,” London-raised Gosain, who now lives in Valencia, tells the Olive Press. “That is exactly what I am using the book as - a weapon against these people for what they did to my relatives and me.” So provocative is the book that his local Guardia Civil and Policia Local have requested his address fearing right-wing Francoists will appear at his doorstep. Gosain asserts he is ‘going for the Partido Popular’ with the novel and hopes it will bring attention to countless untold, tragic stories, offering

posthumous justice for the thousands of victims who were never given a proper burial. “I want people to really know what happened in this country, so we can have a real democracy. We can’t with the PP holding so much control with their lies. “It’s hardly mentioned even in school.” He also wants justice for the thousands of babies snatched from their mothers during the civil war - never to be returned again - in the wake of the first ‘ninos robados’ case to ever go to trial. Despite the Madrid High Court finding retired gynaecologist, Eduardo Vela, 85, guilty, he will not be convicted as it ruled the statute of limitations had expired - dealing a massive blow to the hopes of other separated families in their quest for the truth about their stolen babies. Gosain, who penned the novel over the summer, worked for over 22 years as a holiday rep for Thomson, before spending a year working for Spain’s secret service, he explains. But little did the Brit know that his life would change forever following a shocking telephone call in 2002, in which he would hear the tragic fate of his great grandmother 66 years after her clandestine burial. The call was made by a member of the Asociación para la Recuperación de la Memoria Histórica - a 5,000-strong volunteer-led association locating missing persons who disappeared and were murdered under the Franco regime. They had called him to ask for permission to exhume her body from a roadside between Poyales del Hoyo and Candeleda, near the Natural Park of the Sierra de Gredos. “I was shocked and stunned that I hadn’t known anything earlier. I was upset,” adds Gosain, “But maybe my mum was too scared to tell me because her killers were still living in the town.” The Brit said hearing the story was like finding the missing pieces in a jigsaw puzzle. “When I used to drive my granny to the next town from Poyales, she would look out the window crying and keep saying, ‘where are you?’. It was then that I realised she was talking about her INJUSTICE: Yash stands over ‘ruined’ grave of great grandmother. mother Pilar while (inset above) Falange extremist

“I thought she had died of old age, it had never been mentioned,” he adds. In July that year, almost seven decades after their murders, Pilar, Virtudes and Valeriana were finally given the dignified cemetery funeral Gosain and their families never thought they’d see, as covered movingly in Tremlett’s excellent book. “81-year-old Obdulia was there watching as the remains of her mother were dug up. She kept saying, ‘look there’s my mother’s slipper’ or her crucifix. It was incredibly emotional,” adds Gosain. But days later the cemetery was padlocked and the women’s bodies were exhumed and reburied in a ‘common grave’. Antonio Cerro, the recently elected PP mayor at the time in Poyales, claimed the tomb was dug up as a family member wished to move one of the remains to a family niche. When the tomb was opened they discovered it was full of water and had to move the bodies to a new spot. “He smashed up the tomb and threw their bones in the corner. I have proof he lied,” insists Gosain. But nothing could prepare for the backlash the Brit received after he spoke out on national TV against the mayor, by being attacked and spat on by villagers. “Being buried by the side of the road is like tossing a piece of rubbish,” he says. “Spain still today has the second-most people buried by the roadside - more than 130,000 after Cambodia under Pol Pot’s genocide.” The writer, now semi-retired, said he has already received support from political parties such as Compromis and Podemos and has been in talks with a PSOE MP, while trade unions, such as Foro por la Memoria, Asociacion de Amigos de las Brigadas Internacionales and SOS Bebes Robados are also backing the book online. “I am not keeping quiet, I have written the book to convey this message mixed with a police story, a serial killer, throwbacks to the past and many other facets, but in the end it reveals the truth that horrifies and stuns folk.” Gosain hopes the book will finally bring some justice against the PP and give credence to the words that are etched onto the back of this harrowing novel. ‘The pen is mightier than the sword’. 501 is now available to buy in Spanish, soon with a translated English version, at www.editorialcirculorojo.com/501

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SOScall for Donana The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is calling on the government and the European Union to urgently step up measures to protect one of Spain’s most diverse ecosystems. Donana National Park in Huelva is home to rare species like the Iberian lynx and the Spanish Imperial Eagle. Marshland, streams and dunes stretch for miles in an area that is vital habitat for migratory birds, red deer and many smaller mammals such as otter and mongoose. But years of mismanagement and government inaction pose a serious risk to the native flora and fauna. The WWF met with a visiting delegation of members of European Parliament (MEPs) last month to highlight the misuse of water, illegal farming practises, and the Junta’s poor track record in preventing the exploitation of resources in the area. “National legislation, European directives and international treaties should guarantee the protection of Donana. But illegal farms and wells, mining and gas projects, and the dredging of the Guadalquivir threaten this space,” said Juanjo Carmona, WWF’s coordinator for Donana. In their latest report, WWF

found that 365 hectares of protected wetland was lost in the past two years. While some detrimental farming practises are legal, many are not. More than 2,000 illegal wells and irrigation ponds are in operation, withholding water that should reach the marsh. The impact of mismanagement can be felt all along the food chain, from mammals that are prey for lynxes, such as rabbits, to insects like dragonflies. More than 300 species of birds in Donana are also under threat. “Among the effects is a decline in waterfowl populations that require a marsh in good condition, like the Marbled Teal, which is critically threatened,” said Carmona. “On the other hand, several species of fish have disappeared while invasive species increase. “We have asked the MEPs to help us to conserve this unique space, and to comply with European regulations,” she continued. “The efforts made so far by the Junta is not enough. We need more ambitious measures to stop this situation”. The MEPs are expected to make their recommendations in February 2019.

GREEN

October 24th - November 6th 2018

Feeling the heat Temperatures in Andalucian cities hit climate change limit

A DETAILED analysis of more than 100 million meteorological data points shows that Andalucia is feeling the heat of climate change more than most. While every major city in Europe is warmer in the 21st century than it was in the 20th and Andalucia has experienced one of the highest temperature hikes on the continent. In Malaga, Cordoba and Granada the average yearly temperature in the 21st century was at least 1.5°C higher than in the 20th century, according to an investigation by the European Data Journalism

warned that southern Spain could turn to desert by 2100 if global warming is not kept in check. Andalucia is especially vulnerable. According to the Junta, summer temperatures in Sevilla could hit a high of 50°C by the end of this century, with cities in northern Jaen, Cordoba and Granada also set to see dramatic increases.

Light

Network. In December 2015, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change agreed to ‘limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels’. In southern Spain, that limit

has already been reached. Higher temperatures, especially heat waves, were responsible for several thousand deaths since 2000. They include the 2003 heat wave which resulted in over 70,000 extra deaths in the western half of Europe; and deaths caused by the so-called ‘Lucifer’ 2017 heatwave, when temperatures rose above 40°C in JAEN increased its green credentials Spain, Italy and with a bumper crop of recycled glass for the Balkans. the year so far. Last year the city recycled Fatalities caused just 602 tonnes of glass between January by the 2018 heatand September. This year citizens have wave in Northern recycled 703 tonnes in the same period. Europe have yet Plans are under way to introduce more to be analysed by recycling points across the city to bring national health the amount of glass recycled up to the authorities. regional average. In 2016 scientists

Glass act

In September, Andalucia's parliament gave the green light to the 'Law of Measures against Climate Change and the Transition towards a new Energy Model in Andalucia', which aims to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and the consumption of fossil fuels and promote adaptation to climate change. Among the measures proposed are a 30% reduction in energy use across the region by 2030 while increasing the amount of renewable energy used. The president of the Association of Renewable Energies of Andalucia, Alfonso Vargas, said he approved of the draft law but called on the government to provide renewable energy suppliers with support to meet the targets. The government must also ‘effectively engage and involve the entire community’ in order to make the new law work, he added.

LA CULTURA

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Going to pot

PRICELESS: Painting

Ripped A PRICELESS 16th century painting of the Crucifixion of Christ has been torn having fallen from a wall in Madrid. Housed at the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, the iconic work was hanging in the sacristy, an area closed to the public, when it fell due to weak nails supporting it in the wall.

Restoration

It is now undergoing careful restoration with conservation experts from the Museo del Prado, to mend the ‘considerable horizontal tear’ brandished across the lower part of the life sized painting. The painting was completed in 1558 by Venetian artist, Tiziano Vecellio - also known as Titian - who is widely recognised as the greatest Italian Renaissance painter of the Venetian School.

AN experimental archaeology centre is set to open near the Iberian Museum of Jaen. The new centre will include laboratories and pottery kilns, allowing researchers to investigate the lives of Iberians who lived there in 4BC. "This centre will be the perfect complement to the Iberian Museum as it will allow experimentation in an authentic environment with real materials used in the Iberian culture,” said Jesus Calderon of Construcciones Calderon, which is partnering with the University of Jaen in the project. “It will be possible to work with the same clay that the old settlers of Puente Tablas used and manufacture vessels with the same baking techniques," he explained.

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October 24th - November 6th 2018

Send your informa tion to newsdesk@theolivepr ess.es

Rock on Fuengirola! A NEW Rock festival will premiere in Fuengirola next year. Rock The Coast will host headliner acts in the Marenostrum Music Castle Park during June 14 & 15. Leading the bill will be Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow with their only show in Spain in 2019. The band are set to play hits like Stargazer,

Long live Rock ’n’ Roll as well as Deep Purple Classics such as Smoke on the Water and Burn. The early lineup also includes Opeth, U.D.O, Magnum, Graveyard, Dark Tranquillity and Arkona. It is expected that more 40 bands will play on two festival stages with another stage in the castle.

Give them back

Officials and the Franco family involved in bitter row over ownership of sacred pilgrim statues SANTIAGO de Compostela officials have demanded the return of invaluable statues kept at Franco’s summer house after claims they were stolen. Created by Master Mateo in 1168, the artworks were intended for the Portico of Glory - a UNESCO heritage site and key destination for thousands who embark annually on the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. But now the 800-year-old sculptures depicting biblical figures Isaac and Abraham are in the hands of Pristina SL, a

real estate agency belonging to Francisco Franco, the grandson of the dictator. A Madrid court has given the Franco family until November 19 to prove their ownership of their statues despite defending lawyers admitting they have none. Santiago de Compostela officials have also demanded answers as to why the ‘tax address’ of the artworks is the same as where Franco’s wife lived in Madrid, when they are being stored in Franco’s summer home in Pazo de Meiras

October 24th - November 6th 2018

what’s on

ind over matter

The H10 Andalucia Plaza Hotel hosts the Mind Body & Spirit Festival drift from 27 to 28 October where people can see talks and demonstrations on mediumships, healing, tarot and personal empowerment from 11am to 8pm.

azz fans

Malaga hosts its 32nd International Jazz Festival from 29 October to 4 November at the Teatro Cervantes, featuring performances by Gogo Penguin, Madeleine Peyroux, Michel Legrand and Billy Cobham Band.

o Nuts

The 26th ‘Big Chestnut Roast’ comes to Ojén on November 4, where, from the early hours, people from all ages can get involved in the exciting tradition.

uengiruna

HISTORIC: Statues ‘stolen’ by Franco family in A Coruna. On July 25 1954 both statues stood at the entrance of the Ayuntamiento in Santiago but mysteriously disappeared af-

ter Franco and his wife visited to attend the city’s festival, according to local media. The trial is set to begin this month.

On November Fuengirola holds its 3rd Half Marathon 2018, which kicks off at 10am Fuengirola Fairground and participants have until October 28 to register

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October 24th - November 6th 2018

Don’t

Out of the shadows

Murders, disappearances, ghosts, UFOs… Spain has thousands of unexplained mysteries. Here are five Andalucian tales of the unexpected and unsolved to add a spooky twist to Halloween month

In the second part of our new book review section, Alicia Duggan immerses herself in the longawaited final instalment of the Zafon quartet that began with The Shadow of the Wind

The Suicide Triangle

T is a beautiful upland part of inland Andalucia, famous for its walks and much underrated towns. But the three stunning gems of Alcala La Real, Priego de Cordoba and Iznajar have another much more sinister claim to fame. They are the three boundaries of the so-called Suicide Triangle of Andalucia. Researchers have tried to explain why the settlements in this patch of eastern Andalucia has the highest suicide rates in Spain. They have claimed it is something to do with the chemical compounds in the water, the area’s altitude, the isolation, boredom, genetic predisposition, as well as the high unemployment rate. But no one factor makes for a convincing explanation. In this area suicide has become, sadly, part of the folklore.

The Labyrinth of the Spirits by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

E is one of Spain’s best-selling novelists. And Carlos Ruiz Zafon does not shy away from describing the horrors of war that took place under the Franco regime, as part of his socalled ‘Cemetery of Forgotten Books’ quartet. This one though, is perhaps a little darker even than its predecessors. While The Labyrinth of the Spirits can be read as a stand-alone novel it might be beneficial to have read at least The Shadow of the Wind first, as Zafón has created an intricately woven narrative bringing together characters introduced in previous books as well as new characters such as the seductive and enigmatic Alicia Gris. As a child she survives the relentless bombing of Bar-

celona with both physical and emotional scars. As an adult she has worked for the secret police in Madrid for over a decade and is ready to leave but agrees to investigate one more case, the disappearance of Spain’s Culture Minister, Mauricio Valls. With her partner, Juan Manuel Vargas, she discovers a book hidden in Valls’ office. This discovery brings her back to Barcelona and into contact with Daniel Sempere, The Book Shop and The Cemetery of Forgotten Books. Despite the 800-plus page count Zafón has crafted a fast-paced mystery that is sure to please devoted fans and excite new readers.

€19.50, Available from The Bookshop San Pedro www.thebookshop.es

THEORY: Suicide triangle

uring the 1970s and 80s, Spanish newspapers were obsessed with UFO sightings across the country. But one incident still raises questions. On November 11, 1976, a commercial aircraft from Mallorca was flying over the city of Valencia when the pilots saw two unidentified red lights. Uncertain of what appeared to fly-

UFO in Manises ing directly at them, the plane made an emergency landing in Manises. A military jet was scrambled to follow the lights. After a three-hour chase, the Mirage F1 drew close enough to see the lights change into a white disk before the UFO finally disappeared over Africa, never to be seen again.

The Crime of Los Galindos

gruesome discovery was made at Cortijo de los Galindos in Paradas, a small village not far from Sevilla. It was July 22, 1975 - the hottest day that summer - when a farm worker found two cremated corpses. Soon after, the police found two more bodies with their heads crushed. The prime suspect for the murders was Antonio Zapata but he was found dead three days later near the cortijo. No criminal or scientific theory has ever been able to adequately explain the deaths.

SCENE: Of gruesome murders

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get spooked October 24th - November 6th 2018

The legend of Cortijo Jurado

ortijo Jurado may be Spainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most haunted house. The 19th-century mansion in Campanillas, east of Malaga, is home to a sinister legend. Between 1820 and 1920, five young girls

disappeared and their tortured bodies were found nearby. Locals believed they had been ritually sacrificed during black masses held in secret tunnels and caverns under the house. Since then, natives and visitors claim

to have seen strange lights, heard noises and to have encountered spectral figures in the area. Since 2002 different owners have tried to convert the mansion into a hotel but the projects end in failure. It remains closed.

The Child Artist of Malaga

D MYSTERY: Missing boy (in picture)

avid Guevara was a 13-year-old genius frequently compared to Picasso. On April 6, 1987 he left his home to go to an art gallery just 50 meters down the road where one of his paintings was about to be exhibited. He vanished on the way there, leaving neither clues nor witnesses to his disappearance. His desperate parents launched a campaign to find him and even contacted mediums. Since them, thousands of theories have emerged including one that the he was kidnapped by a band of art counterfeits who brainwashed him. Thirty-one years later the mystery of his disappearance remains unsolved.

October 24th - November 6th 2018

LE T T E R S

12 www.theolivepress.es October 24th - November 6th 2018

LETTERS

October 24th - November 6th 2018 Voted BEST

INSIDE

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WITH RESERVATION

Reader react to a furore caused after a black man was ‘targeted’ by Renfe officers earlier this month, before being violently dragged off the train

In Gibraltar Issue 81

CONTROVERSIAL: Renfe get heavy handed with black man

Letter

A bridge too far Ronda’s Roman bridge almost collapsing on October 21 in the floods (online). There’s been damage to the bridge onto the road to Forest Hills. I have mentioned many times before that if there was bad weather there could be serious problems. The extremely bad weather we are experiencing is showing this area as a very weak spot. As a matter of the utmost urgency all heavy lorries should be banned from using this bridge. The weight limit is 15 tonnes and not the 30 tonnes plus that go over this bridge. There is a lot of heavy traffic from the concrete works using this bridge every day. Please let common sense prevail and ban this excessive heavy traffic.

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Sink it in the pink! NEARLY two dozen pink rubbish bins have been scattered around Palma to raise awareness for breast cancer. For every kilo of glass collected from the 20 pink glass recycling bins, Ecovidrio will donate €1 to breast cancer research through the Sandra Ibarra foundation. Ecovidrio is the nonprofit company responsible for recycling Spain's glass waste. Palma joins cities, including Barcelona and Sevilla, which are raising awareness and funds with over 250 pink bins nationwide.

No master of trickery THE leader of the opposition will not be investigated over allegations his master’s degree was falsely obtained. The Supreme Court will not probe PP boss Pablo Casado (below) after he admitted that Madrid’s Rey Juan Carlos university waived 18 out of 22 of his regional law assignments. While he admitted it was ‘favourable treatment,’ he insisted it did not to amount criminal activity. The court agreed. The PP party has now, in turn, called for PSOE Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to resign over claims his doctoral thesis was part written by someone else. Two ministers, Cristina Cifuentes and Health Minister Carmen Montón, have already resigned over degree scandals this year. See Magical Masters on page 6Untitled-1.pdf 1 16/06/2017

TRAPPED: A car driver desperately tries to escape the deluge that swept dozens of cars out to sea and left hundreds homeless

BURIED A

T least ten people have died in the worst flooding Mallorca has seen in a century. A British couple, a Dutchman and a nine-year-old boy are confirmed as being among the dead, while another lad, 5, is also feared to have died. The island has been declared a disaster zone by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, while three days of mourning have been

r-old boy and British Ten dead including a nine-yea for a century couple in worst flooding in Mallorca

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Across 6 Relinquish a throne (8) 8 Tibetan oxen (4) 9 Mayonnaise (5,8) 10 Expert in atmospheric conditions (13) 14 Rebirth of the soul in a new body (13) 17 Meteorologist (13) 20 Unknown (4) 21 Freeze (8) Down 1 Turkish currency (4) 2 Outlaw (6) 3 Breakfast food (6) 4 Power of vision (8) 5 Related by blood (4) 7 Blind system of writing (7) 11 Lack of variety (8) 12 Belonging to us (3) 13 Exhibitionist (4-3) 15 Prejudice against old people (6) 16 Baby’s feeding bottle cap (6) 18 Sicilian volcano (4) 19 Clarets (4)

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Expat hospitalised for a month after being bitten by a black widow, which could kill a child

EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore

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SPIDERS which can kill young children and babies are living on the Costa del Sol, an expat has warned. Aurelia Nesslany, 49, is sounding the alarm after she was hospitalised and treated for OVER A MONTH after being bitten by a mysterious eight-legged beast in Estepona. The French expat was enjoying a game of cards at the

THE Costa del Sol has been rocked by flash floods and hail storms after an orange alert was issued this week. In heavy downpours even a truck was pictured struggling to drive through the streets of San Pedro, while cars were unable to use the Puerto Banus underpass, as the water levels reached a worrying height. Another video sent by a reader showed a home in San Pedro being filled up with water as it gushes through the windows. In the main picture, captured by Julia Begbie, a huge black cloud is pictured moving over the village of Gaucin. “When the cloud broke it dumped a curtain of hail on the Sierra de Crestellina,” she said. “A friend was caught in it driving and said it was incredible heavy.”

WIDOW WARNING

town’s Nautical Club when she was bitten behind her knee in August - and she has only just recovered. “I immediately felt the bite and the pain was absolute agony,” she told the Olive Press, “I tried to sleep it off that night but my legs and arms started cramping.”

As her condition deteriorated, Nesslany was rushed to nearby Hospiten the next morning. “The venom had got into my blood and doctors told me my whole body was infected, it was really scary.” The venom was so strong it caused Nesslany to catch ne-

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BED RIDDEN: Aurelia was floored by spider bite

crosis - a reaction that sees the skin and tissue begin to die and rot - on her leg near the bite. “I had to have an operation to remove the dead skin,” she recalled, “I was also vomiting and felt nauseous for a week.” Nesslany had to check in with doctors every other day for

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over a month before she was given the all clear, although doctors told her the venom will remain in her system for six months. While the type of spider was never confirmed, doctors told Nesslany her symptoms were a match for only two breeds - the Violinist tarantula and the Mediterranean Black Widow - a close relative of the fatal Black Widow, found predominantly in Australia. “Expats and locals need to be really careful,” added Nesslany, “I really hope the club has fumigated or done something because if that spider bites a baby it could easily kill it.” The Nautical Club failed to comment in time for press.

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RACISM ROW

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Racial profiling should not happen but I regularly travel through France and Italy on their trains and I’m sorry to say this - when they find the stowaways locked in the toilets they are always Moroccan or black. It’s unfortunate and not fair to those of different ethnicity that have paid for their tickets also, but most ticket inspectors and police know who they are looking for. It is very unfortunate that they may pick on a black person who has a ticket etc. but it seems that the majority without tickets are black. Jennifer Knowles, Malaga

Pretty disgusting He was racially picked out, as the guards made straight for him without asking anyone else to see their ticket. Why just go for him? They should have checked everyone’s ticket and then you can rightly say he was stupid to not just show it. Even so, it would have been wise for him to show it, but the guards were well out of order. Pretty disgusting to my mind. Edith Farminer, Mijas

Playing ‘racist card’ This arrogant man refused to show his ticket and got stupid. And of course the ‘poor guy’ got support even from some stupid passengers. And of course everybody immediately pulled the ‘racist card’. He refused, even resisted and had it coming, nothing wrong with it. Peter Sauer, Philippines

City of fascists Typical racism in Madrid. Not any documents need to be shown to these guys. It seems that Franco is still very present in Madrid. For those who know what they are talking about, 10,000 people held a meeting for the Vox political party in this beautiful capital. What a fascist party, I guess white people should be treated the same way in different countries. Anonymous, Marbella

Feeling green Pablo Iglesias sparks cannabis legalisation debate in Spain (online) In a free society you shouldn’t have to ask your government permission to use a natural plant given by our Creator, clearly for healing full stop!! Ok I admit its purpose shouldn’t be recreation and smoking but free people should be allowed to make their own decisions with nature. At the moment none of the cannabis clubs are allowed to accept people without residencia so people like me who live here with just a NIE number get screwed! Debbie Brown, Columbia Has anything piqued your interest in this week’s Olive Press? Have your say on the matter by emailing letters@theolivepress.es or alternatively message us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ OlivePressNewspaper or Twitter @olivepress

‘Widow warning’ Page 1, Vol. 13, Issue 302 01 I study2/8/18 17:spiders and also own a few, as well as training exotic veterinary nursing. I highly doubt it would be an escaped pet as both species are tiny! Necrosis is common in Loxoscelism which is caused by the venom of the recluse spider (Loxosceles species). This is more common in the American species and very rare in the Mediterranean, unless of course, like you mention, the victim either has a severe allergic reaction to the bite or has a weakened immune system. I have handled this spider and have several in my house, and if they were as dangerous as you were making them out to be I wouldn’t! There are only two, maybe three, cases of the Mediterranean widow actually biting. Molly K Grace, Canterbury

Keep em out! In ref to Spanish police opening fire at England fans. Their passports should be stamped so they can never come to Spain. The Spanish police did the right thing. UK police are too soft, the UK government should help our police do the job.... taser them. Linda Saffell, Marbella

Traditionally inhumane? In ref to video of bull breaking legs (online). Spain has its traditions, but is also presented as a modern, forward looking country; why can’t it take a more humanitarian approach to animal welfare, as with other civilised societies, and end this horrific abuse? Colin Smith, Kingston Upon Hull

Brucey bonus Netflix and Spotify could be blocked for Brits in EU after Brexit It's like the price is right for leavers with Brexit! Prize after prize after prize! This shambles will go down in history as the stupidest thing the British have ever done! David Bloomfield, Marbella

Property

be Ma s m t p laga ag ro ’s az pe in rty e

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The Brit architects taking Madrid by storm

October 24th - November 6th 2018

October 2018

Preserving the old...

SEE PAGE X

Spain looks to protect its social and industrial past, with new laws guaranteeing the safety of key buildings... Se e III pa & ge IX s

SAVED: An iconic metro workshops in Madrid, while this famous photo by Capa (right) could save this key cultural building

STYLISH: Hip new wine shop wows visitors, while this spacious interior of a new development in La Reserva is tempting world’s wealthiest investors

...Celebrating the new

S XV ee I & pa XV ges III

...While a series of exciting new architectural trends are making waves in Spanish interior design

IN DEMAND T HE Costa del Sol and Barcelona are driving up demand in Spanish property. Data from Spain’s Instituto Nacional de Estadistica shows that, on an annualised basis, house prices grew 6.8% in the second quarter of 2018 with new-build price tags rising 5.7% (see report page IV). However some areas are clearly picking up more of the slack than others, with Catalunya rising 3.7% while Galicia by just 0.7%. The data is the latest confirmation of a trend of strong demand for Spanish property.

Spanish property is a hot commodity and that’s not changing anytime soon

It comes as the country is continuing impressive economic growth after being among the worst hit countries by the 2008 crisis. In 2017, the total number of home sales in Spain increased 14.6% to 464,423 units from the previous year, according to

the Instituto Nacional de Estadistica (INE). Analysts suggest a good portion of the recovery in housing is being driven by foreigners buying homes on the Costa del Sol and in cities like Barcelona. And despite Brexit, the largest number of foreign homebuyers are British, followed by the French, Germans, Belgians, Italians and Swedes. The outlook for Spain’s housing market remains upbeat, with house sales expected to rise by between 10% and 15% to reach about 550,000 transactions this year, according to TINSA, the country’s official valuation and surveying body.

October 24th - November 6th 2018

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October 2018

Going up THE second phase of the €250 million Higueron West 217 project is one step closer to reality. Fuengirola town hall has approved the construction of up to 151 new homes on a 28,087 sqm plot of land - of which only 14,684 can be built on. Developers Urbania International must now draw up their final plans for approval before a full licence can be granted. They hope to construct five three-storey buildings plus new access roads. The first phase of the urbanisation got underway in December last year, and will comprise 77 two, three and four-bedroom luxury apartments ranging from €289,000 to €775,000.

Tall order YOU can now buy a home in the world’s skinniest skyscraper. Rising more than 1,400 feet above the ground, 111 W. 57th St. New York features a facade made from bronze and terra cotta. Its height-to-width ratio, 24:1, makes it the thinnest tower in the world. You’ll have to get saving though, with the off-plan apartments costing between $18 million and $30 million. Also known as the Steinway Tower, building is due to complete next year.

SKINNY: Tower in New York

Historic building made famous by war photographer Robert Capa set to rise from the ashes of conflict IT was the silent witness to the horrors of war. No.10 Peironcely Street in Vallecas, on the outskirts of Madrid, made it into history books thanks to a photograph Robert Capa took in the winter of 1936, in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War.

Home of the forgotten

Rubble The candid picture shows three kids sitting on the pavement amid the rubble after the building was blasted by German bombs. Now Madrid City Council is masterminding the neglected property’s renaissance with plans to buy it from its current owner and convert it into a cultural space dedicated to that historic era. The new Capa Centre, to be

III 15

Bridging the gap CARTAMA’S iconic bridge is set for a makeover. The town hall is bidding to take over ownership of the garish green structure from the Junta in order to smarten it up. The bridge, built in the early 1900s to connect two urban centres on either side of the Guadalhorce river, will be made ‘more aesthetically pleasing’. It will also receive structural and lighting improvements.

had been erased’, according to José Maria Uría of the trade unionist Fundación Anastasio de Gracia. But the project faces one major hurdle: the need to relocate the 14 families who still live in the rundown property. “We obviously know that this is a historical place but, for us, it’s just where we live”, said Cristina Uquillas, one of the residents who

A MEDIEVAL mosque that has remained a secret for centuries has been discovered by chance in the city centre of Toledo. Archaeologist Arturo Ruiz de Taboada was restoring a public building in calle Tornerias, thought to be a Roman cistern, when he realised it was something far different. He has now revealed a monumental Moorish building dating from between the end of the Roman and beginning of the Visigoth eras. Each outer wall is more than 12 metres in length, organised in arches, and is the first of its kind to be found inside a city. The discovery ups Toledo’s count of Moorish mosques to three. Turn to page IV for a roundup of the most impressive mosques around Spain.

Mijas magic

LEGENDARY: Famous photo by Capa (inset below) and (right) the building today

christened after the award-winning Hungarian war photographer, will ‘recover a story that

Buried treasure

lives with her mother and her two children. Others see the change more positively, since the building is infested with rats and mosquitoes and vulnerable to extreme weather. Madrid Council has defended the new protected status of the building, ‘not just for its status as an example of early 20th-century construction, but also because of its value as a testimony of historical memory’. See Working Class Heroes page IX

MIJAS continues to be a hot location after one of its newest developments announced it has already sold 90% of its plots. CLC World Resorts & Hotels said its Santa Barbara Heights project is almost sold out of its 50 two and three bedroom apartments. Most of the buyers are foreign, with a keen interest from Scandinavian markets. The news comes as the Jardines de Las Lagunas development by Bekinsa announced it will create 600 new homes, while Taylor Wimpey is splashing €125 million on extending its La Cala Golf project.

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House prices show a steady recovery, writes Mark Stucklin SPAIN’S property market is welland-truly back in business, according to the latest market reports. The SPI House Price Index Tracker plots the progress of the six mostwatched house price indices in Spain, and brings them together in the chart above. The residential property price indices were updated in Q3 2018 (all figures show latest year-on-year percentage change): •

The Ministry of Public Works (Fomento) +3.8% in the second quarter, based on official valuations

•

The National Institute of Statistics (INE) index +6.8% in the second quarter

•

The Spanish Land Registrars’ Association +10.68 in the second quarter

• •

OFFICIAL GROWTH: Government figures, by region, for the year’s first and second quarter

The Association of Spanish Notaries index -4.5% in July

•

The Idealista.com (property portal) resale asking price index +9.2% in August

•

The Tinsa index based on property valuations carried out by the company +5.6% in August

UPWARDS: There has been a very healthy rise in construction this year

Going strong As I always point out, these national indices don’t tell us anything about local markets, but they do give us some idea of where we are in the property market cycle. With the exception of the volatile index published by the notaries, which seems to go up and down like a yoyo, all of the main indices now show Spanish house prices as rising in what looks like a well-established recovery. The INE publish regional house prices changes in the last two quar-

ters, as illustrated by the following chart showing the hottest markets as Madrid, Catalonia, and the Balearics. The Spanish house price index published by Tinsa – one of Spain’s biggest appraisal companies – also shows house price changes by area, with the big cities (mainly Barcelona and Madrid) up 9.8% in May, the Mediterranean coast up 4,8%, and the Balearic and Canary Islands up 9.2%. More info at www.spanishpropertyinsight.com.

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MODERN AND ELEGANT VILLA SECOND LINE GOLF WITH PANORAMIC SEA VIEWS KSSIR-24952P Plot: 1.546 m² Build: 783 m²

2.850.000 € An exclusive luxury piece of modern art built with exquisite high standards surrounded by a beautiful garden and fantastic views to the sea throughout the villa, located in a secure and private urbanization, close to Atalaya Golf, a few minutes driving to Marbella, Puerto Banus, Estepona, and all services provided in La Alqueria. From your first steps into the house, you will enjoy lots of natural light, high ceiling and space. The basement offers lots of possibilities, as rooms available for game room, cinema room, spa or gym and garage for 4 cars. Every details has been studied about the villa, which makes it a perfect home, as the orientation offers daylight sun all day long, enjoyable from the ground floor or first floor terraces, the garden and the infinity pool, the impressive views to Atalaya Golf, the Mediter Mediterranean Sea and the Coastline to Gibraltar and Africa.

October 24th - November 6th 2018

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VI October 2018

PROPERTY

October 24th - November 6th 2018

Sevilla, Estepa - TH2802 59.800€ This lovely 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom property is full of character with true Andalucian style. Enter the property into the living room which has two lovely arches that lead to an area that is currently used as an office where we also find the staircase to the first floor.

tel: +34 952 741 525 Calle de la Villa 14, 29532, Mollina, Malaga info@inlandandalucia.com www.inlandandalucia.com

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Design corker STYLISH: The wine racks are part of Vinas & Viandas’ design

A new hip wine shop has taken inspiration from its stock

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Leitmotiv “The circumference shape is very noticeable in the world of wine,” explained the Madrid and Santander-based studio. “It can be seen in the wooden barrels that are visible inside the cellars, in the bottles, and in the antique vaulted cellars. Therefore, the circumference introduces us into this world as the leitmotiv of the project. “The space is perceived as a sequence of wooden ribs in which the circumference shape is even more present.”

Photography is by Imagen Subliminal

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SHOP in Valladolid is popping corks in the world of architecture after basing its design around its main moneymaker wine bottles. Vinas & Viandas, created by Zooco Estudio, is a cave-like structure in the city centre using elements based on wine bottles and barrels. Wine racks line either side of the space surrounded by curved walls and furniture all designed to imitate the shape of wine bottles, barrels and the vaulted ceilings of old wine cellars.

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October 24th - November 6th 2018

VII 19

October 2018

...Bodega beauty Meanwhile, Riojaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famous Marques de Riscal is celebrating 160 years in business. Located in Elciego, Alava, the award-winning 100,000sqm estate is home to the iconic Frank MIRRORS: Customers can see the design from all angles

O.Gehry building, which can only be compared to Bilbaoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guggenheim museum. The incredible design is nestled between vineyards, tradition and hundreds of years worth of history.

CONTRASTS: Between the historic cellars and curving lines above

October 24th - November 6th 2018

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Magnificent Hacienda on a Country Estate located in the heart of the Polo area of Sotogrande, Andalusia. This exquisite country property has a large hacienda style main house with stables and approximately 12 Ha, valued at 4.900.000 Euros and a separate, charming guest house or staff house with stables and app 1.1Ha of land valued at 750.000 Euros. 186-00294P

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Pedro Sanchez’s Socialists are keeping Spain’s working class history alive

EDRO Sanchez’s Socialist government is taking steps to preserve the working class history of millions of Spaniards.

October 24th - November 6th 2018

IX 21

October 2018

toiling to remember The Ministry of Culture and Sport is reforming the Historical Heritage Act of 1985 to protect the memories and history of those who toiled in

factories. Workers have fought to preserve these areas of industrial importance, with the workshops at the Metro

PROTECTED: The iconic-shaped workshops at Cuatro Caminos and (right) historic internal shot

garages of Cuatro Caminos, Madrid being a particularly high profile example. “In the ministry we consider it necessary to conserve and study them,” a government spokesman said. “These are essential testimonies to document and understand the last two centuries of our history.” Alongside a chapter on industrial heritage, Javier García Fernández, secretary to Culture Minister José Guirao, wants to introduce new provisions to protect all the laws of autonomous communities in Spain. The law changes will be seen by many as a continuation of a campaign of historical remembrance by Sanchez’s Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE). They recently sought to ‘right the wrongs’ of the Spanish Civil War by exhuming dictator General

STRIVING: Pedro Sanchez

Franco’s remains from the Valley of the Fallen in Madrid. Sanchez’s second month in office also saw him order that a Madrid house bombed by the Nazi’s and immortalised by photojournalist Robert Capa be preserved as a reminder of the war.

X22

October 2018

PROPERTY

October 24th - November 6th 2018

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A tale of two very British architects taking

Towering success Sotogrande-based British architect makes his mark in Madrid...

RITISH expat architect Mark Fenwick’s career, like his buildings, is soaring to new heights. With his business partner Javier Iribarren, the Spain-based designer’s Fenwick Iribarren firm is one of the world’s most recognised architectural firms, with a portfolio that includes Barcelona’s award-winning CornellàEl Prat football stadium and new stadia for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Now, with Madrid’s Espacio Caleido or ‘big sculpture’, as Fenwick brands

it, set to be the fifth tower in Madrid’s Business Area - the duo are embarking on one of their most ambitious projects yet. The 180-metre tower will change the capital’s skyline forever due to its unique upside-down T shape which will be the first of its kind in the world. It will hold three levels of parking, the Business Institute, a university campus and jaw-dropping views over the city and its mountain backdrop. “Everything begins with a pencil and a blank piece of paper;” explains Fen-

wick (above), who grew up in Torremolinos, but now resides in Sotogrande. The rest is ‘a lot of hard work and a bit more, a lot more than others.’ This was especially true when the financial crash of 2008 threatened to destroy everything the Brit had worked for. But the tough designer revealed he sought inspiration from the Chinese definition of ‘crisis’, represented by two symbols - one meaning danger and the other opportunity.

Crippled

ICONIC: Mark Fenwick’s 180-metre T-shaped tower, set for Madrid

WORK OF ART: Stadium design in Qatar

As much of the western world was crippled by the crash, Fenwick sought emerging markets in the Middle East. It was in Qatar where the Brit was able to forge good relations with the crown prince, negotiating the rights to construct the now iconic Cameldrome stadium. Building on that success, Fenwick Iribarren is now constructing three of the eight stadiums to be used for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

T: +34 956 793 200 E: info@sotograndesales.com www.sotograndesales.com

SOTOGRANDE COSTA KINGS & QUEENS - S323 Beds 7 · Baths 7 Build 549 m2 · Plot 1928 m2

Bristow Property Group SL Locales 16/17, Galerias Paniagua Sotogrande 11310, Cadiz

€2.600.000

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SOTOGRANDE ALTO FRONTLINE GOLF - N408

SOTOGRANDE ALTO PANORAMIC VIEWS - N429

POLO APARTMENT - B130

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October 2018

Madrid by storm

October 24th - NovemberSITTERS? 6th 2018 23 LOOKING FOR GREAT HOUSE PLANNING A HOLIDAY? Need house or pet sitters? It can be a worry preparing for a holiday. Who will care for your pets? How much do petsitters cost? At HouseSitMatch our sitters are experienced in home and pet care and they housesit for free. HOW DOES IT WORK? All new members register to join our online network. On registration we ID check everyone to ensure we know who you are, in addition we police check sitters. We charge a small fee for membership to ensure that we can afford to manage our site professionally.

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...while Norman Foster’s new opus is so transparent you can barely see it

RITISH ‘starchitect’ Norman Foster is making his mark in the heart of Madrid with a see-through glass box called Axis. The cube-shaped steel and glass structure will harness solar power to turn the capital’s 2.769 hours of sunshine into energy and allow trees and plants to grow indoors. The complex of shops and offices topped with an open-air sky terrace will transform a 1970s building in Plaza Colon once home to Barclays Bank into a green icon, promises the Prtzker Prize-winning owner of Foster + Partners. “Situated at one of the most important intersections in Madrid, Axis is a new landmark for the city that reflects the prestige and importance of the site,” Foster explained. “It establishes a new vision for the existing 1970s structure, stripping it back to its essence and creating a flexible, future-proof building that will endure. Its striking façade will also nurture a new identity and sense of place for the city of Madrid.” The four-storey building’s diamond-shaped glass and stainless steel façade is adapted for Madrid’s climate, pulling light, life and greenery

inside. A soaring atrium connects shops on the ground floor with the offices above, crowned by an open-air rooftop terrace and garden – a rarity in Madrid. The optimised geometry of the slightly slanted cube design responds to structural efficiency, minimising energy and material consumption. The iconic edifice – Foster’s second in the city along with the Torre Cepsa – will join other statement buildings around Plaza Colon, named after Christopher Columbus. It will sit on Paseo de la Castellana, where the neighbourhoods of modish Salamanca, Chamberi and the Centre meet, in view of a statue of the great explorer and close to the extraordinary Torres de Colon, twin towers nicknamed El Enchufe because of the pluglike structure binding them together. Axis is expected to be open by next summer.

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PROPERTY

October 24th - November 6th 2018

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NEWLY DISCOVERED: Mosque in Toledo

As archaeologists dig up an exciting third mosque in Toledo, Laurence Dollimore discovers how Islam has enriched Spain with architecture to worship ANDALUCIA is undoubtedly the most Arab-influenced region of Spain, and almost certainly in Europe. From language to art, the Moors left an indelible mark on Spanish culture. But it is their monumental talent for elegant architecture - particu-

A-muezzin grace

larly in its places of worship - that transfixes visitors to this day. Following the news of a newly-discovered mosque in Toledo, we scanned Spain’s minaret-studded skyline to round up the most impressive mosques in the country, most of them on our own doorstep.

Almonaster Mosque, Huelva THE Almonaster mosque reveals a lot about Huelva’s Moorish history as one of the last surviving gems in the city. Built on the site of a fifthcentury Visigoth basilica, this is one of few surviving rural mosques in

the country. The mezquita has three components in a trapezoidal shape: the pillared prayer hall (Haram), the courtyard of ablutions (Sham), and the classic minaret tower for the call to prayer.

ONLOOKERS: At new Moorish ruins in Toledo

The Alcazar, Jerez de la Frontera First constructed by Andalucia’s Moorish rulers back in the 11th century, the Alcazar is is one of the lastremaining examples of Almohad architecture on the Iberian peninsula. Many centuries of history are preserved in its lofty towers and massive 4,000m walls. Climb to the top of this monumental eyrie for a bird’s eye view of the whole city.

The Mezquita, Cordoba

Mosque of Cristo de la Luz, Toledo THIS breathtaking mosque is one of the most visited in the world and it’s no wonder it’s been labelled a UNESCO World Heritage site. Packed with a forest of brickwork columns and double arches, climbing the steps of its bell tower offers stunning views of the city. The structure is regarded as one of the most accom-

plished monuments of Moorish architecture. A small Visigoth church, the Catholic Basilica of Saint Vincent of Lérins, originally stood on the site. In 784 Abd al-Rahman I ordered construction of the Great Mosque, which was considerably expanded by later Muslim rulers.

THIS square structure is one of the only mosques to remain unchanged since Moorish times. It features classic horseshoe arches with outside gardens transporting visitors one thousand years back in time. A fragment of Roman road, preserved under a glass floor, transports tourists even further back in time. The mosque’s viewing balcony offers beautiful views of the outskirts of the city.

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October 24th - November 6th 2018

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Mosque of las Tornerías, Toledo

And here are two modern examples

BUILT in the middle of the 11th century on the foundations of Roman architecture, las Tornerias lords it over the old Muslim neighbourhood of Arrabal de Francos. The mosque continued promoting Islam in Spain well beyond the reconquest of the city by the Christian troops of Alfonso VI of León and Castile in 1085. It was in use until the early 16th century when it was deconsecrated by the Catholic Monarchs. Later it became an inn, and was also put to commercial and residential use.

King Abdul Aziz Mosque, Marbella Another mosque to be built in modern times, this Islamic place of worship was funded by Saudi Arabia in honour of their late King Fahd, one of Marbella’s wealthiest frequent visitors. It can hold over 800 people and consists of housing for the imam, a library and beautiful gardens. Every summer, billionaire Arab royals and their retinues retreat to the mosque after docking their megayachts in Puerto Banus and Marbella.

The Giralda, Sevilla The Renaissance-style bell tower of Sevilla Cathedral was originally built as a minaret under Moorish rule. Piercing the sky at a height of 104.1 metres, it has become the symbol of the city, recognised the world over. Curiously it was designed with a ramp rather than steps so that the muezzin could ride a horse to the top to recite the Adhan (call to prayer). UNESCO rightly honoured it with World Heritage status in 1987. Today it’s one of the city’s top tourist attractions.

Madrid Central Mosque

THIS new kid on the Islamic block aka Abu-Bakr Mosque can be found in Madrid’s Tetuán district. Spread over four floors, it also holds offices, a nursery, school, library, auditorium and shop. After its dedication as Waqf land - a charitable entity under Islamic law - it still took years to collect enough individual donations to construct the mosque. Finally opened in 1988, it became the first mosque in the capital since the end of the Islamic occupation in 1085.

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PROPERTY

October 24th - November 6th 2018

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HOMESELLERS REPORT

six developments being launched every week at the moment,” explains Alexis, 34, at his office on San Pedro de Alcantara’s swanky new Boulevard. “And personally I wouldn’t consider investing in half of them. “Everyone is trying to make money, get on the bandwagon, but few developers are established and able to give cast iron guarantees. “And there are quite a few big foreign investment companies, who, when the numbers stop adding up, will simply leave. That concerns me.

El Paraiso (New Golden Mile) High rental potential contemporary apartments walking distance to everything prices from 335.000€

Benalmadena - More than just a home, this project is a way of life - prices from 395.000€

Estepona - Luxury apartments with over the market average size terraces (phase 1 sold out, already selling phase2) - prices from 247.000€

Estepona - Contemporary apartments 5km from town center and walking distance to the beach - prices from 249.000€

0€

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El Paraiso (New Golden Mile) - All apartments offer private plunge pools - prices from 390.000€

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Here is a pick of the most popular developments along the coast this Autumn, according to Prime Realty, and all within the €250,000 to €500,000 price range

My dream buys this autumn

“I would also be very wary with a few of the small ones and plenty are, quite simply, in the wrong location.” And he should know, having grown up on the coast with a developer father (more of which later), who has build dozens of homes on the Costa del Sol. In particular, he advises buyers to look at the distance to the beach, as well as the views and local infrastructure. “There are plenty of excellent choices, such as the ones by Kronos Homes, and Prime Invest, which is a really professional company with 12 developments. “The massive project in La Quinta is a very interesting one, owned by the huge Pascual milk family, finally being exploited after 30 years in the pipeline. “I also like a couple of the Bromley ones, as well as Valley Heights in La Resina, a really up and coming area.” There is actually not much of the coast that Alexis doesn’t know, with his father Igor Barbovitch having built homes and apartment blocks between Alcaidesa, near Sotogrande, all the way through to Torrox, on the other side of Malaga. “He was a key behind ‘I’m still selling figure Alcaidesa golf and worked on so many prodreams, but I’ve jects here,” continues Alexis. “He has three Masters degrees gone from selling and instilled in me a real work rooms to selling ethic.” It was through his father that he homes’ dying hotel maended up stunagement at the San Pedro beachside villas, leading contemporar college Les Roches, in Marbella. From here he got a job as manager at a hotel in the Barcelo chain, before working at a string of leading hotels, such as the Hotel Formentor, in Mallorca, where he became the youngest sub-director at the age of 26, and the five star Bobadilla Hotel, near Antequera, where the King of Spain and Brad Pitt were guests. But while he loved meeting guests, including the President of China, after 12 years he felt drained and depressed, in particular with the long and antisocial hours. He realised he’d had enough and wanted something else and as a keen follower of the stock markets he could see that the property market was finally picking up nicely. After nine months working for a local agent - where he met his current partner Alina, who was boss of listings there - the pair left and set up their own agency Prime Realty in April 2016. “We make a great team Alina gets the listings and I do the sales,” he explains. “I’m still selling dreams, but I’ve gone from selling rooms to selling homes,” he adds.

S U AV P E TO

HEN it comes to new-build developments on the Costa del Sol, few people have a clearer picture than Alexis Barbovitch and Alina Florentina at Prime Realty in Marbella. The pair have around 200 projects currently listed on their website and have personally visited and inspected every one. And there are many more out there…around 300 along the coast at present, with around a dozen new ones appearing on the market every month. “The market has gone mad and we’re seeing between two and

Dream-life

S U AV P E TO

From selling rooms to selling homes… how Alexis Barbovitch switched from being a hotel manager to being the oracle on developments along the coast

Benahavis This is a very exclusive project with panoramic sea views prices from 475.000€

These are just some of the fantastic properties we have in our potofolio. Consult our website - primerealtymarbella.com to find your dream home

Dream team

Alina and Alexis now work out of a well located office on the San Pedro boulevard. While Alexis takes care of the sales, Alina, 29, is very much front of house, San Pedro welcoming clients apartments, and taking care one of the few ‘ur of listings. Currently training to be an interior designer, the Romanian, from Sibiu, near Brasov, has lived in Spain for nearly a decade, having spent years in Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. Calle José Ec “She is a force to be reckoned with,” explains Alexis. “And very switched on.”

Contact Prime Realty at +34 951 468 237 m: +34 654 626 150 • c/ Jose Echegaray, local nº8, San Pedro de Alcantara, 29670, Marbella, España www.primerealtymarbella.com e: info@primerealtymarbella.com

info@

www.pr

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October 24th - November 6th 2018

7.4

€

S U AV P E TO

The coast’s top development specialists We have around 200 projects on our books Based in the centre of San Pedro de Alcántara

4.0

€

S U AV P E TO

El Paraiso Aparments, luxury lifestyle on the outskirts of San Pedro – prices from 335.000€

4.0 00 €

S U AV P E TO

New Golden Mile Apartments, just launched this month – prices from 240.000€

Nueva Andalucia Apartments, one of the few urban developments on the coast – prices from 144.840€

Calle José Echegaray Local 8, 29670 Marbella +34 951 468 237 info@primerealtymarbella.com

www.primerealtymarbella.com Alexis Barbovitch

Operations & Marketing Director at Prime realty Marbella

Alina Florentina

Operations & Listing Director at Prime Realty Marbella

WE RETURN AGENCY COMMISSION TO THE BUYER The team at Prime Realty Marbella want to help you purchase your dream home. Therefor, and for a limited amount of time, we are refunding agency commission to all clients who buy new developments along the Costa del Sol with us for a minimum net value of 250.000€

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October 24th - November 6th 2018

www.theolivepress.es

Families fir A 35% uplift in visitor predictions to the new La Reserva Beach has helped to ensure a healthy summer for Sotogrande

HE world has been watching the leafy environs of Sotogrande this month. While a series of dramatic thunderstorms were the protagonists of day one of the Valderrama Masters, causing play to start two hours late, an influx of some of the world’s best golfers more than made up for it. All in all, it has been an incredible year for the exclusive

enclave, which sits at one end of the Costa del Sol, near Gibraltar and just 45 minutes to Tarifa and an hour from Jerez. As well as a buoyant summer in terms of visitors, there have been a number of exciting new additions to its infrastructure and commercial offering. By far the most prestigious opening was La Reserva Beach, in the heart of the

Taste of Autumn Spain

As Halloween looms, Dining Secrets of Andalucia editor Jon Clarke reviews the food of Cristina Gutierrez, one of the region’s top female chefs at L’Olive

HE dishes come out as seductive as the sunset over the nearby Alcornocales mountains. Beautifully presented, they combine both symmetry and sensitivity in equal measures, and cheer up an otherwise rainy Monday lunchtime. So it is no surprise to discover that these are the creations of Cristina Gutierrez, one of Andalucia’s incredibly rare female head chefs. A local lass from La Linea, she leads the kitchen of five chefs (with one other woman, Maria) at the amazing L’Olive restaurant, deep in the heart of one of the region’s most privileged enclaves. This is La Reserva, in Sotogrande, a bastion of understated elegance, alongside an overriding sense of authenticity and wealth. Yet, at the seven-year-old restaurant you can happily have a more than filling lunch, with a glass of wine, for 25 euros per head. Much of this is thanks to the clever use of ingredients by Cristina, who trained in nearby San Roque, and whose charges in the kitchen are almost entirely from the local area.

Pictures by Jon Clarke

Avocado “We get plenty of our avocados from Miguel’s farm in Jimena and more veg from Guillermo and Manuel’s families in Secadero and San Martin de Tesorillo,” she tells me. Meanwhile, she has planted a few herbs outside the backdoor, including a fantastic finger lime tree from Australia, producing amazing citric fruit, which would normally set her back from 140 euros a kilo at markets in Spain. It is this attention to detail that marks out the difference in quality at La Reserva that you don’t generally find in the south of Spain. “That’s because I spent quite a few years in the north of Spain, around Pamplona,” explains the mother-of-one, whose husband is a doctor in La Linea. “The food culture is different up there, with one main exception - the quality and importance of good local ingredients. And I am really big on knowing exactly who my producers are.” She is also incredibly fussy about being seasonal and changes the menu every two or three months to reflect that. This month, for example, there are special dishes involving bluefin tuna, plus an amazing autumnal grilled octopus(both pictured left), served on a bed of new potatoes and in an exciting, creamy Peruvian ‘anticuchera sauce’(far right). And, of course, with Halloween beckoning, there are a range of appropriately witchy dishes, such as the stuffed mini pumpkin, with sweet potato, mushrooms and shavings of parmesan. There is certainly nothing vaguely ordinary about the culinary

offering at La Reserva.

Bocuse Aside from the amazing new Beach restaurant added this summer, which the Olive Press reviewed in August, there are a series of special events involving global culinary stars TIE IN: With Jerome Bocuse (right) with throughout the his famous dad year. These include Jerome Bocuse, from France’s most famous three Michelin-star restaurant Paul Bocuse, in Collonges au Mont d'Or, who is making a series of trips over for show-cooking events throughout the year. “There is actually a tie in with the Bocuse group now,” explains Sotogrande S.A. CEO Marc Topiol. “We have them involved in an advisory capacity and there is a connection with their chefs. “We will be doing a series of regular events with them and other international chefs in February, March, April and May next year.” The first link up came to fruition this month, when a team from the Bocuse stable, including Jerome, were on hand for a weekend, involving a sixdish Friday night dinner and a culinary golf event on the Saturday. The splendid six course meal was a classic Gallic tour de force, including a casserole of Breton lobster, a smoked salmon confit ‘a la Scandinave’ and Bresse chicken cooked in a bladder, with morel mushrooms. “The culinary experience at La Reserva is going to be a big growth area next year and we are trying to integrate the two restaurants,” explains Topiol, himself a keen gourmet, which is little surprise given his French roots. “We are also introducing a new farm area this autumn, where we are going to start growing our own produce. This will also involve the creation of allotments for residents to grown their own produce. “It’s a great way for children to learn about food and the environment,” he adds. In terms of Sotogrande’s general culinary offering, the port in particular goes from strength to strength. The area has never been fuller and this is very much to do with the half dozen restaurants that have opened in the Blue Marina zone, including the excellent Don Diego.

Restaurante L’Olive • Phone: 956 78 52 52 • www.lareservaclubsotogrande.com

www.theolivepress.es

rst

same name enclave, which is rapidly becoming one of the most upmarket and sought after places to live and buy in Andalucia. Dubbing itself as the ‘only private beach in Spain’, it counts on 2,800 square metres of shoreline and nearly a dozen activities for all the family, including many water sports, tennis, horse-riding and padel. Surrounded by a sea of palm trees, visitors lounge on well-appointed sunbeds

October 24th - November 6th 2018

October 2018

star luxury resorts of nearby Marbella… and it turns out it does just that. “We were amazed with the amount of visitors we had this summer,” explains Sotogrande S.A CEO Marc Topiol. “It was way beyond expectations and around 35% above our initial predictions in terms of turnover and numbers.” He continues: “The most satisfactory thing has been the number of guests from Marbella. A lot came to spend the day here with their families. “This completely backs up our concept of providing a true escape for families and La Reserva is a genuine, natural one-of-a-kind place.” It is perhaps, not a surprise, with the toll motorway taking just 30 minutes from Marbella and leading to an experience a million miles away from the congestion of Marbella in summer. While the likes of Nikki Beach and Ocean Club, as well as Puro Beach, in Estepona, discourage children, they are also slap bang next to a public beach. “Those party beaches are great for the 20 to 30-year-olds,” explains Topiol. “But we are perfect for the 30 to 45-year-olds. We are a family beach, not a party beach.”

and hammocks or hang out by the shore, dipping their feet in the cool, azure water. In the backdrop is a children’s play area alongside a pair of food trucks, while next door you’ll find the achingly stylish new restaurant, which cleverly uses wood and light and a collection of natural earthy products. With its legion of 88 staff, including nine lifeguards and a dozen chefs, it easily competes with any of the classic, five-

Marathon not a sprint The opening of the Beach at La Reserva has also galvanised the area in terms of sales. “We are seeing a lot of traction in terms of interest in plots to build in La Reserva,” confirms Topiol, who works for Orion, the huge European-based fund that acquired Sotogrande S.A from the NH Hotel Group for €225m four years ago. “Prices are incredible healthy with land going at 500 euros per metre square and upwards. “It is very different from the days of 80 to 90 euros per metre square in 2014. “But it’s a marathon, not a sprint and the prices are growing nicely.” Some of the prestigious plots alone are as high as €7m, putting them on a level with La Zagaleta in the Marbella hills and among the most expensive in Spain.

TRANQUILITY: At the beach and (above left) a La Reserva villa

BACK TO SCHOOL There have also been some exciting changes at Sotogrande school this year. It has recently been taken over by a group that runs 38 schools around the world and it has seen its pupil numbers soar over 1000 for the first time in years.

And, while there is some local scepticism that the price is justified, a trio of local agents confirmed that there are already various buyers in this bracket and that numbers of the super wealthy looking to buy in Sotogrande are up this year. One, Ben Bateman, at Holmes, confirmed that three of the most important properties in La Reserva have already been acquired and there is no doubt Sotogrande is ‘now exceeding its expectations and targeting the five-star grand luxury market’. “The prices we are achieving are exceeding that in Zagaleta or Guadalmina, which is no suprise given the infrastructure is far superior here,” he insists. “What is being done at La Reserva is bold and brave and shows a clear vision of what Orion is trying to achieve.”

CREATION: Cristina with Halloween dish

Pictures by Jon Clarke

The High Life

Don’t miss La Reserva’s special Halloween dinner on the 31st at 20:00. It will be a night full of mystery with a live show and a tasty menu (drinks included) for just € 70 pp

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The six villas being built in El Mirador, one of a handfu l of private communities in Reserva, sit in a privileged La spo architect ARK, the up to nin t with amazing views. Designed by well-known local e-bed villas balance moder n living with local authentic style. They feature indoor and out modation. Prices start at €5. door swimming pools, wine cellars and staff accom5m, with two already sold.

He continues: “While prices for homes in the Seven development are high at €13m to €20m, and Mirador from €5.5m to €11.5m, they are selling and showing there is a distinct market for such a high end familyorientated destination.”

Golden Days Fellow agent Paul Bristow, at Bristow Property Group, confirmed that the new and improved La Reserva facilities ‘have proved a huge success and, are a wonderful addition to the exclusive luxury destination that is Sotogrande’. “This, along with the increased profile that worldwide marketing is now providing, can only add to the growing reputation that Sotogrande is finally reclaiming from its golden days,” he says. He is also happy to shrug off the sceptre of Brexit, with the healthy number of European buyers holding up well. “The sales market during the summer has been active, and while the uncertainty surrounding Brexit is gradually affecting confidence in the UK market, there are many euro-based clients as attracted as ever to the area.” Fellow agent James Stewart,of Savills who helped to organise the famous Ryder Cup at Valderrama in 1997, agrees. “There is still a bit of uncertainty in the UK but if you are looking for a second home it makes little difference.” he says. “On top of that there are so many French, Belgians and Spanish buyers to pick up the slack. The Spanish, mostly from Madrid and the North, are very much back.” He continues: “Last year was our best since 2008 and this year is looking good too.”

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October 24th - November 6th 2018

www.theolivepress.es

Heritage homes Whether you want to live in a Roman settlement, a Moorish citadel or a Christian stronghold, you’ll be buying into a piece of the nation’s heritage in any of these eight historic designer towns

HEY are part of Spain’s living history - towns shaped over millennia by conquering civilisations with architectural styles that can never be repeated. Everyone from Romans to Moors and Christians have had a hand in their creation. And luckily for us, this diverse history has left dozens of

Spanish towns with their own unique design. Following our coverage of Spain’s most beautiful villages, we shine the spotlight on eight lesser-known gems singled out for their centuries-old design and benchmark architecture. If you’re house-hunting, here’s where you can invest in a piece of the nation’s history.

FORTIFICATIONS: Perfectly intact in this Pyrenees gem

Besalu, Catalunya THIS stunning town has kept much of its medieval structures in tact. The fortified citadel is laced with narrow cobbled streets that link to its iconic medieval bridge which is lit up every night.

TESTS OF TIME: Merida’s incredibly long Roman bridge and (below) temple

ICONIC: Gaudi left his mark on this quaint village

Comillas, Cantabria FEW people know that the small town of Comillas is home to an iconic Antoni Gaudi building. The El Capricho building is unique among the Barcelona architect’s work, given its Persian minaret style. Other stunning structures include the Sobrellano Palace.

Mérida, Extremadura IN case you were in any doubt that Romans once ruled Spain, a trip to Merida will set you right. Home to the best-preserved ruins in the country, the Extremadura capital boasts the Puente Romano, the longest Roman bridge ever built and still used by pedestrians today. Its 16BC Roman Theatre could accommodate almost 6,000 spectators, making it one of the biggest arenas in the world relative to that time.

PROPERTIES SELLING FAST AT THE SPANISH ESTATE AGENT ! Thinking of Selling? Get in touch with The Spanish Estate Agent – the fastest growing agency on the Costa del Sol

Phone us now on +34 951 516 905 • Properties urgently needed for eager buyers • Tap into our worldwide, award-winning marketing • Dynamic, motivated and professional sales team Come and discuss your property with our friendly sales consultants at Avenida Espana 250, Estepona 29680. Or visit our website at www.thespanishestateagent.com Email info@thespanishestateagent.com

It’s your move!

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October 24th - November 6th 2018

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Peñíscola, Valencia KNOWN as the ‘town in the sea’ - or the ‘Gibraltar of Valencia’ - no wonder hit fantasy series Game of Thrones couldn’t resist filming here. The former fishing village was used for some of the famous scenes from Mereen, and since then the visitors haven’t stopped coming. Visit the Castle of Pope Luna atop the Peniscola hill for a mindblowing 360° view. FILM SET: Peniscola in Valencia

ICONIC: Homes on the cliff edge in Cuenca

Cuenca, Castilla-La Mancha THE capital of Castilla-La Mancha is most famous for its ‘hanging houses’ built into the rocks. But this small city of around 50,000 inhabitants has other attractions. Perched

on a rocky outcrop at an altitude of 956m, it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its wellpreserved history. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace was the first in

Spain built in the Gothic style while Plaza Mayor, the magnificent central square, showcases one of the country’s finest examples of Baroque architecture in its Town Hall.

Olite, Navarre

Setenil de las Bodegas, Andalucia

THIS tiny town, home to just 3,000 people, flaunts a fairytale palace that wouldn’t look out of place at Disneyland. Built over several centuries, the Palace of the Kings is a fortress consisting of two royal residences and the church of Santa Maria la Real. Its mild Mediterranean climate has also made Olite one of the capitals of Spanish wine, so make sure you sign up for a tasting tour.

PROBABLY the most unique town in Spain, much of the population of 3,000 live under a rock - and many of the rest in caves. Legend has it that Setenil was built underneath a cliff to provide shade during the sweltering summers while keeping heat in during the winter. Setenil evolved from a fortified Moorish settlement and got its name from wineries which were carved out from within the rock. Today the town produces olive oil and almonds as well as wine.

HISTORIC: The centre of Salamanca

Salamanca, Castile and León SALAMANCA is home to Spain’s oldest university, founded in the 13th century. It is actually the third oldest in the world and once schooled Miguel de Cervantes, Spain’s answer to Shakespeare. Other than its links to literary greats, this stunning city is a perfect example of old meeting new, with medieval structures intertwined seamlessly with 21st century buildings and homes. MEDIEVAL: The tiny town of Olite

FEARLESS: Homes and bars under rocks

Marbella office now open Marbella Centro Plaza Local 1. Avda. Manollete 1. 29660 Nueva Andalucia.

MIJAS COSTA

C.CCentro Atalayas

Comercial C/Viento del Sur s/n 29649 Mijas costa

+34 952 930 532 / +34 670 673 472, Mijas@fineandcountry.com, www.fineandcountry.com

Ema

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by mortgage broker Tancrede de Pola

The current floor clause nightmare is a sobering reminder of the importance of mortgage brokers, writes Tancrede de Pola

PAIN’S judicial system is failing to cope with the hundreds of thousands of ‘floor clause’ cases being brought before the courts. Despite 54 specialised courts being set up across Spain - with at least one in every province - the sheer onslaught of cases is proving too overwhelming. Some 260,000 cases have been filed so far, but just under 52,000 have been concluded - a mere 20%. Many victims claim they have waited up to a year just for their cases to be admitted. The situation isn’t helped by banks, which appear to be challenging every single ruling despite losing 97% of cases. Lenders are creating a second bottleneck of appeal cases, which is ‘unjustifiably hobbling’ the system with an ‘artificial litigiousness that could easily be avoided, and which is consuming huge amounts of public resources,’ according to the head of Murcia’s High Court Miguel Pasqual

MORTGAGE THINK TANK

Lessons learned?

de Riquelme. As thousands of families continue to seek justice, it’s important to remember how they found themselves

locked into dodgy mortgage contracts. Floor clauses, which were often secretly written in, imposed a minimum

interest rate on floating-rate mortgages by setting a limit on how far they could fall in tandem with the benchmark rate.

In practice, this meant that Spanish mortgage buyers did not profit fully from the record-low interest rate which Spain enjoyed for several years. The clauses were ruled illegal by the Spanish high court in 2013. It has taken some families up to ten years to get their money back, or even get their case admitted to court. If you want to avoid such situations, the answer is simple, always hire a mortgage broker. The Finance Bureau has established links with the biggest lenders and acts as a go-between for the client and the bank – but it is important to remember that the broker is not connected to the bank - and works to find the buyer the best deal available. We also highlight any hidden fees or compulsory add-ons tucked away in the small print it is important to know exactly what is attached to your mortgage. When it comes to picking a mortgage, you pretty much have one shot to get it right. Hiring a mortgage broker is a small price to pay for peace of mind and a legal and fair contract.

To contact Tancrede for all your mortgaging needs call: 666 709 743 or for insurance queries call: 951 203 540 Email: tdp@thefinanacebureau.com The Finance Bureau Centro Commercial Guadalmina, 2nOffice No. 7 Guadalmina, 29670

www.theolivepress.es

October 24th - November 6th 2018

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Airbnb Why invest in Spain? purge H Key exchanges

By FX trader Mark Rickard

ERE on the Spanish costas we have experienced a bumper five years for property sales. Today we are seeing more and more new developments stretching the length of the coast, bespoke villas, contemporary apartments and solid, commercial infrastructure to accommodate their new occupants. Despite slowing numbers of Brits (we all know why), Northern Europeans are flocking to the Costa del Sol for the usual pluses of sunshine and lifestyle, rarely matched anywhere else in Europe. However, the two perpetual and usual reasons for the attractiveness of our beloved coastline are not always the only reasons for seasoned property investors to part with their hard-earned cash. There are now plenty of other ingredients at play which are leading to a deluge of investors to hunt for property on the coast ...and they have been piling in! Much of this is thanks to banks finally starting to lend again, in a big way. Mortgages are much more readily

There is an increasing number of commercial property investors looking for a solid investment on the Costa del Sol, writes Mark Rickard

available than they were two years ago and even non-residents can expect to get up to 70% of the property’s value. Here are the key elements to a good property investment: •

Low cost of borrowing - still under 3% in Spain

•

Good LTV terms (loan to value)

•

Up to 70% for non-residents

•

Yields between five and 10%

This of course depends on occupancy and short or long term rentals. One thing for sure though, capital growth, is good and prices have been rising on the costas for the last five years consistently, and now faster than ever.

Andalucia loses out on tourist stays as the rentals giant looks to clean up its act Spain also has a decent stable economy, at present and the country has certainly benefited from its EU membership. It has helped to lead to a stable currency and an investor never wants to see his or her income depreciate by a weak exchange rate. I’m sure a seasoned agent can offer many more reasons to invest in Spain from their knowledge bank. I’m not an expert, so I’ll leave that to them. But, from what I can surmise with the elements above and in my financial capacity, the property market should remain stable for some time to come. Viva the Spanish costas!

Please feel free to contact me at Key Currency if you have any questions regarding choosing your foreign exchange broker • www.keycurrency.co.uk • Call +44 (0)1872 487 500

PROPERTY rental giant Airbnb has wiped 18,000 unregistered Andalucia holiday rentals from its books. The online platform, popular with short-stay tourists and backpackers, was forced to make the move because the properties do not comply with regulations or have a valid registration number. The property purge by the California-run company leaves the region with just 40,800 advertised holiday rentals. Tourism Registry data for Andalucia indicates that the Costa del Sol will be among the hardest hit areas of southern Spain. Airbnb said: “This unique agreement provides hosts, present and future, with the security and clarity they need to share their homes responsibly.” The rentals firm added: “After the

creation of a simplified online registration system, we have deactivated the advertisements that, as of 30 September, did not include a registration number in accordance with Andalucian tourism law.” Andalucia may have to look to alternatives to bring in tourists in the wake of those lost by the Airbnb debacle. In September the Olive Press reported that the Junta has allocated almost €10 million to develop tourism in Andalucia’s lesser visited inland areas, which could provide a necessary temporary economic boost for the region. The company also used the move to send a message to competitors, stating: "We would like to see how other platforms cooperate equally with administrations to protect and support people who share their homes responsibly."

THE PERSONAL WAY TO BUY PROPERTY IN ESTEPONA!

We are the smallest Scandinavian real estate in Estepona, but probably the most personal! Our hearts beats hard for the city we love, live and work in. We know the city, its heart rate, people, neighborhoods and surroundings. And not least – we do know the real estate market. We therefore become your personal guides and brokers when you will find your dream home here too! Please visit us in our office on Avenida España 1 in Estepona if you want to buy or sell! NICE HOUSE WITH FABULOUS SEA VIEWS R3099661 | €385 000 Bahia Dorada/Estepona Detached villa 168m2 | 3 beds | 3 baths 70m2 terrace | 360m2 garden

Please contact us for more information: Lotti +34 650 202 970 / lotti@nestbostad.com Peter +34 628 078 668 / peter@nestbostad.com Nest Bostadsmäklarna | Avenida España 1, 29680 Estepona www.nestbostad.com

www.theolivepress.es

October 24th - November 6th 2018

Time’s UP La Costa A BRITISH couple are celebrating one of the biggest legal victories against a timeshare company in Spain, thanks to a local law firm. Mr & Mrs Sewell-Rutter, from Southampton won 365,000 euros against La Pinta Beach Club in Tenerife after having to remortgage their home in the UK and losing most of their life savings through dodgy contracts. The historic victory came after the judge ruled that the contracts should be deemed null and void due to perpetuity. Under Spanish Timeshare Law, weeks sold after January 5 1999 cannot be in perpetuity and not for more than 50 years. Mr Sewell-Rutter said: “We have had timeshare weeks with La Pinta for over 10 years and every year we went there, we were approached by the resales department, pressuring us to buy additional timeshares which they promised to sell at a profit.

“As a result, we lost most of our savings, having to remortgage our house and take out a bank loan. In the end we had lost a considerable amount of money.” Sharon Johnson, of Malaga-based M1 Legal ECC, acting for the Sewell-Rutters, told the Olive Press: “As far as we are aware, this is the largest timeshare victory ever achieved. “M1 made this possible due to the continuous dedication and commitment supporting this case.”

“They put so much pressure on us each time to make us part with our money that we felt quite exhausted and gave in.

M1 Legal provides legal services to support European Consumer Claims who have been subject to mis-selling and subsequent breach of statutory duties by the resort in relation to holiday ownership products and services sold transnationally. These include floating week timeshares, points-based timeshare products, holiday clubs and fractional ownerships.

For any other timeshare enquiries contact Sharon Johnson at sharon@m1legal.com

PROOF’S IN THE MAKING • 350 cases in the Spanish courts • A further 177 being prepared for submission

Real People Real Results! Club La Costa Double Victory £37,483 AWARDED Leisure Dimensions Ltd (Infiniti Club) £21,101 Awarded

Club La Costa Victory £19,674 AWARDED

Another

Anfi Beach Club Victory - £20,583 AWARDED

Call us: 951 562 550 (local) 0800 6101512 (UK)

Visit us: www.ecc-eu.com

As seen on SKY TV

www.theolivepress.es

October 24th - November 6th 2018

WE BUILD YOUR DREAMS! Nordic assurance throughout the entire construction process. For over 15 years, the Nordic construction company Casas & Reformas has helped clients to create their dream homes on the Costa del Sol. With the highest focus on quality and communication, we will assist you with everything from minor renovations to new production and make sure you are in safe hands throughout the entire construction process. Our international team has a solid experience from the Spanish, English and Nordic construction industry and we speak English, Swedish, German, Finnish, Danish, Russian, French and Spanish. Together with our partners in the form of interior designers, architects and suppliers we offer a complete service for you and your project.

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PROPERTY www.theolivepress.es

October 24th - November 6th 2018

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October 2018

watch out!

HERE’S a very strange phenomenon in the real estate industry - clients who request to view exceptional properties (for exceptional prices) they cannot possibly afford to buy. I would not say it is an epidemic, but it certainly exists with properties at a certain price level and happens more often than most people would believe. The vetting process

The standard procedure is to undertake a thorough online search regarding the client looking on Google and social media. If the client cannot be found, looks unconvincing, nine times out of ten there is a very good reason to be suspicious. Worse – if a representative of the client (who fails the criteria above), a supposed PA or agent contacts us to preview expensive houses on behalf of their boss/ client there is a very high chance the client is fake – after all unless the client is Donald Trump most clients can find the time to view a property themselves. Proof of funds would seem the easiest method to eliminate fake clients until you realise that such documents can also be faked. Most clients we have rejected return a few months (and sometimes years) later via another agent or source; fake clients never purchase so they can be in the market for literally years. Some fake clients are convincing because they use information gathered from viewings with other agents to give you the impression they are well informed luxury property buyers. The dangers of believing fakers

The problem of fake clients - why do people view houses they cannot afford?

The client may not look like they have the money but on the basis that ‘you never know’ the client is given the benefit of the doubt. I know of several cases where people have been tricked into believing a fabulous offer is real. Not only is time and money lost, potentially real clients are too since their offer is rejected as too low or they are prevented from seeing the property because it is under offer from the fake client. The Walter Mitty Syndrome So why do people do it? 99% of fake clients do it for psychological reasons. “From a psychological perspective there are a number of explanations,” explains Cristina Blanco (right), a psychologist from Hallin Mental Care Marbella. “Megalomania, or delusions of grandeur, is one possibility, and it occurs in people who believe they have, or deserve, VIP status. Perhaps they feel they belong to an elite, or dream of being part of the jet-set, and somewhere along the way daydreaming

and reality have become entwined. It’s often referred to as a Walter Mitty Syndrome.” A professional perspective Such a person would want to see a luxurious villa because subconsciously they have convinced themselves they could possibly buy it. “Low self-esteem is another possible reason why a person who feels less worthy than those who have power and wealth would want to appear able to join them and buy a grand home, and in so doing feel a little closer and more equal to the people he or she looks up to so much.” Cristina explains that this kind of inferiority complex sees people making constant comparisons with others, and it shows a certain frustration with the state of their own lives. This provokes an inability to act and try to realise their dreams, and instead they live in a world of dreams that can manifest itself by acting out the role. “It may just be curiosity, and while this is understandable, a person would have to have little in the way of normal social barriers to arrange a viewing just on the basis of that. But some do, and they believe it their right to be inquisitive in this way .” Whatever the drivers behind it, unfortunately until an app is invented that can detect fake clients it looks like we have to continue to sift the real from the wish it were real.

Terra Meridiana, 77 Calle Caridad, 29680 Estepona • Tel: +34 951 318480 • Office Mob: +34 678 452109 • Email: info@terrameridiana.com • Website: www.terrameridiana.com

Contemporary kitchens

OR modern kitchens with sleek designs, look no further than Design Space Marbella. With a range of ingenious and sophisticated systems the company give the clients a high degree of creative freedom. Customised to create space for contemporary living, each kitchen is designed with the customer’s needs in mind. And they won’t dent your bank balance, with the top-of-the-range fittings at great prices. Based next to San Pedro's bustling boulevard, their high-quality, hard-wearing and easy-care materials ensure that your kitchen will give you pleasure for many years to come while still providing a stylish finish.

For more information call 952 799 440 or visit designspace.es

902 123 282 *Offer ends 30/11/18. Not valid for renewals. Subject to conditions.

TheOlivePress-256x170-BIKE-4.indd 1

2/8/18 17:01

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Now you can own a piece of Blackshaw style www.blackshawstore.com

New builds, architectural renovations, construction licenses and project management. Commercial and residential interior design. Design studio and construction offices / showroom Marbella centre.

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PROPERTY www.theolivepress.es

XXVII 39

October 24th - November 6th 2018

October 2018

Black to black

Business is booming for Blackshaw with six building projects on the go and a brand new online store

IT’S all go at Blackshaw Interior Design. designer in Marbella, with their As well as working with two investors, they have own in-house building team, studio four projects currently on the go in Las Brisas, and showroom. in Marbella, as well as nearly a dozen smaller Sally herself is from Leicestershire, interior projects scattered along the coast. and was the first person in her fa“We’re very busy at the moment,” explains Sa- mily to go to university - studying lly Blackshaw, who launched her company in design - before landing a role as 2008. a shop designer for Gap, in Lon“We are the team on the ground for two fo- don. Sally has been in the interior reign investors, designing and developing their design industry for nearly two decades. construction projects, as well The key to her sucas supporting them with the full cess: “We work respectrum of interior design offerings - we are also taking care of “We always keep ally closely with our all building licences and permits”, and get fulin touch after clients filment in giving hoshe adds. mes a new purpose and functioOne of their current building prothe project is jects is a bank repossession, near nality.” finished” Santa Maria Golf, which is being “We’re not your typical design converted into a blend of Belgian studio, it’s not just cut and paste and we really care about our and Scandinavian style. client’s vision and want the best The other is a typical dated Spanish style villa from the seventies, in Las Brisas for them.” Golf, which is being transformed into a luxury “We always keep in touch after the project is villa, and will be ‘sold at a premium’. finished, they often send us pictures saying they The hard-working entrepreneur has managed still love what we did, seeing our projects livedto build an instantly recognizable brand for the in and enjoyed -- that’s a great feeling.” business that employs six designers in the heart Her latest project is a brand new website of Marbella. showing off a selection of unique pieces choThe handpicked team of designers, architects sen by Blackshaw designers and used in their and structural designers from around the world current projects. The site www.blackshawstore.com is perare capable of taking on any job. Blackshaw offers more than any other interior fect for the curious homeowner.

MODERN: Various features of the new Blackshaw developments

Contact Blackshaw Interior Design on 951 403 787 • Email info@blackshawinteriordesign.com • www.blackshawinteriordesign.com

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The Rock’s leading estate agents spread the word in the Big Smoke

IBRALTAR international property agents EFPGRaine International have been in London this month for the ‘Property Investor and Homebuyer Exhibition’ at Excel, promoting Gibraltar as a sound place to invest, visit and live. Last month they took the same message to the NEC in Birmingham for A Place in the Sun Live and were thrilled to be joined at both expos by Ian Leyde, UK Tourism Sales Manager for HM Government of Gibraltar.

Rocking

Invaluable

Leyde, based at Gibraltar House in London, ‘does an exceptional job in the UK and worldwide of promoting Gibraltar as a tourist destination’, said EFPG chairman Tom Fraser. “Ian is an invaluable help to us at these events and his knowledge combined with his very personable character convince many of the attendees to come across and visit us here in Gibraltar and we hope to continue working closely with Ian in the future,” he added. The ‘Property Investor Show’ differs from other exhibition that EFPG attend as the most com-

WELCOMING: Two of the team man the EFPG-Raine stand at Excel in London prehensive exhibition of UK and International residential property and services in Europe. The firm sees it as the ideal place for networking and obtaining reliable and up to date

property market information as well as property to buy, catering to all levels of client from the novice to the seasoned investor. This year Gibraltar was competing with many overseas

locations including USA, Cyprus, New Zealand, Dubai and even a large contingent from Nigeria. “Both of the recent exhibitions have proved to be a great suc-

cess,” Tom explained “We have had people visit us here in Gibraltar and already we have made a couple of sales, not to mention attracted many new visitors to the Rock.”

If you are interested in marketing a property or knowing more about EFPG-Raine International they are at 15 Irish Town or visit www.efpgraine.com

Visit our office at 15A Irish Town Gibraltar, visit our website at www.efpg-raine.com or call +350 200 65065 for further information and contact details.

www.efpg-raine.com +350 200 65065

www.theolivepress.es

October 24th - November 6th 2018

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s looking up Advertorial

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125.000 € Villanueva de Algaidas - Malaga TH3896 This lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, totally refurbished townhouse is within easy walking distance to many local amenities. The property is beautifully presented and opens in to a bright lounge with log burning stove and on to a ground floor bedroom with access to full family bathroom and a fantastic kitchen diner with plenty of storage.

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Mollina – Málaga

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This 4 bedroom property is double fronted and very close to the centre of town. From the entrance hall there is a large lounge that could be used as a 4th bedroom. To the left is another lounge which leads through to a utility area, downstairs fully fitted bathroom, a covered patio to the rear with access to the garden with lemon trees and shrubs.

34.000 €

Alcala la Real – Jaen

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This 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom townhouse is great value, well presented and has recently been updated and is full of Spanish charm and character. In a sort after area of Alcala la Real the property has internet, telephone, electricity and town water connections and is being sold part furnished. Includes private patio and good size fitted kitchen.

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69.000 € Cuevas de San Marcos – Malaga TH3886 This 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom property is located in Cuevas San Marcos, just a short walk to all the shops, bars and restaurants. It has a great municipal swimming pool and sports facilities that are open to the public throughout the summer.

55.000 €

Castillo de Locubin - Jaen

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2 bedroom, 2 bathroom property, located in the centre of this pretty village just 10 minutes drive from the large town of Alcala la Real. It has been fully restored, maintaining lots of character and features.

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Martos - Jaen

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This great value, 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom quality furnished townhouse is situated in the popular town of Martos. The property has electric heaters, internet, town water and electricity connections and is being sold fully furnished excluding the TV’s.

89.995 €

Montefrio - Lojilla - Granada

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This spacious 287m2 build, 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, plus en-suite cloakroom, Spanish countryside family home boasts panoramic views. On a generous plot size of 239m2 its set back from the road with access to a private patio.

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October 24th - November 6th 2018

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VILLA – EL CAMPANARIO, ESTEPONA 4 Beds • 3 Baths • 550 Built m2 • Terrace 200m2 • REF 176-01380P New project now being built and with estimated delivery summer 2019. This very well located residential site overlooks the charming El Campanario Golf & Country Club, just minutes from San Pedro and Marbella. The development will consist of 4 luxury, southfacing golf villas with built sizes of over 300m2 and plot sizes of over 550m2. Modern design and high quality materials are the principals of the project. There is now an opportunity to reserve your new home and customize & modify the choice of materials and even the layout and distribution. There are basement options and an option for a roofterrace with wet bar and jacuzzi. All villas have 3 off-street parking spaces. Prices starting at 869.000 euros

Centro Comercial Plaza 63, 29660 Nueva Andalucia, Marbella Tel +34 952 816 250 • info@andadev.com • www.andadev.com

BUSINESS www.theolivepress.es

Power to the people

THE government has signed a landmark deal to protect the rights of Spain’s self-employed. The changes to Spanish taxation, revealed as part of the General State Budgets 2019, will link the contributions of self-employed workers to their actual incomes. The changes are part of a government roll-out of fiscal measures to achieve a fairer society and in essence the changes mean that from 2019 workers with lower incomes pay a lower state contribution.

Regressed

In the budget statement the government said: “After seven years of cuts and suffocation our country has regressed on equal opportunities, in social cohesion, in freedoms and rights, in democratic quality and in coexistence.” The announcement comes as the government also agree to ending so-called ‘false self employment’ before the end of 2018 by including a law that says workers offering their services for hire are - in monetary terms - employed by the company hiring them. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias signed the agreement into law at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid this month.

BOSS: Maroto

October 24th - November 6th 2018

Summer dip in tourism SPAIN has received less tourists this summer for the first time since 2013. The latest figures reveal that 700,000 less travellers came to the country this year. The drop comes as rival destinations like Turkey, Tunisia, Egypt and Greece have enjoyed a comeback thanks to lower prices. Tourism minister Reyes Maroto

Expat survey ranks Spain near bottom for wages but features almost top for quality of life Switzerland unsurprisingly takes the top spot in the category, ahead of Germany and Singapore, while Turkey came in last. The study is based on expat interviews with some 22,000 professionals from 163 different countries, analysing three key areas - economy, quality of life and family. The country performed very poorly in areas of entrepreneurship, income, promotion opportunities, job security and a lack of saving possibilities. But despite the apparent financial woes of expats, the country jumps up to second place for high quality of life, just losing out to New Zealand and ahead of Taiwan, with Brazil finishing bottom of the pile.

Travel on a shoestring Fraud

OLUNTEER as a pet and home carer and travel the world without paying for accommo-

dation. It’s the latest thing in authentic travel - enjoy a new destination staying in an authentic home, with the owner’s local knowledge, for free. But how can house sitters trust homeowners and vice versa? Working with established network, HouseSitMatch. com, run by Buckinghamshire entrepreneur Lamia Walker, ensures sitters build a good profile, with an ID and police check. For a modest joining fee, house sitters can travel the world exchanging their services for free accommodation. CEO Lamia Walker said: “We’re currently featuring a Spanish finca near Estepona with breathtaking sea views for three months. The owner needs a sitter to care for the

maintained a positive outlook, saying Spain was aiming for ‘quality over quantity’, pointing to the 2.8% boost in tourists’ spending. Catalunya lost the most amount of tourists with a 5% drop, which was blamed on ‘political instability’ - although it still accounted for 23.4% of all tourists, the highest out of all the regions in Spain.

Can’t buy happiness SPAIN has made it into the top 15 as one of the best countries in the world but with mixed rating, a recent expat study has revealed. Although it dropped three places since 2017, the country that offers sun, sea and sangria is still keeping expats happy, as respondents awarded Spain 14th place, in HSBC’s 11th Expat Explorer survey. Singapore has been chosen for the fourth year running as expats’ overall number one destination, with higher salaries, more work opportunities and excellent education. In the category of economic well-being, Spain has finished almost last at number 27 out of 30 countries reviewed, with expats earning less than the collective average of all nations considered.

garden and two Spanish Mastin dogs.” A home in Australia is also available for three months early in 2019 during the British winter and their summer, with one cat to look after. Recent converts to housesitting Katherine and David, a semi-retired professional couple from Maidenhead, have just turned 60 and are ready to travel after 35 years of raising children, financing them through university and caring for a family home and pets. Katherine said: “It’s time to reconnect and find the things we enjoy doing as a couple. Travel is definitely one of those things and we are experts at home and pet care!” HouseSitMatch.com is an online social network for home and pet owners to meet sitters in a dedicated space. The company first launched in two countries, the UK and Australia, and is now active in 25 countries.

probe

SPAIN’S Santander bank is to be probed by the German authorities investigating an international fraud network that cost taxpayers €55 billion. Prosecutors in Cologne accused the bank of ‘severe tax evasion’ between 2007 and 2011 and said Santander’s role in the operations was to carry out trades in an illegal share-trading scheme. A Santander spokesman said the bank was ‘fully cooperating’ with the authorities and said it was also conducting an internal investigation. It is only this year that prosecutors became aware of Santander’s role in the fraudulent activities, known as a ‘cum-ex’ scheme, which misled the German chancellor Angela Merkel’s government. The scheme misled the Germans into thinking stock had multiple owners, therefore causing the government to shell out huge amounts in tax refunds. Germany’s Deutsche Bank and Australia’s Macquarie Bank are among other global institutions to be involved in the criminal activities.

WAGE CONCERNS: Spain almost bottom

NOT A FAN: Casado

Budget bashed THE leader of the opposition in Spain, has labelled the budget proposals of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s Socialist government ‘economically suicidal.’ Casado, leader of the PP party, is opposed to a proposed higher state spending, significantly increased minimum wage and higher taxes. Speaking to the Financial Times, Casado called the plans ‘a new deep crisis when we still have not exited the last one.’ Sanchez and his PSOE party are looking to bridge the gaps of inequality in Spain, as staunch Socialist stronghold Andalucia heads to the polls early in December for local elections. Polling day in Spain’s southernmost region will be a test for the PSOE’s policies, which Casado and his PP party will be looking to combat. He said: “I don’t want to insult our former voters. I want to win them back. I want them to come home.”

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Gibraltar deal may still tumble

There is many a slip between cup and lip when it comes to deals like the complex Brexit one, writes Michael Doherty

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® essential marbella magazine W W W. E S S E N T I A L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

HE news that the expats are the Spanish and UK gov- wider British ernments have struck family who are a Brexit deal over Gi- feeling particubraltar will ease the fears of larly vulnerthe many British expats who able. have made their home in Their first conthe area and the thousands cern, underof Spaniards who travel to standably, is the territory to work. for their own I don’t want to cause any personal afsleepless nights, but I would fairs: their penjust remind them of the old sions, health BOSS: Michael Doherty is CEO of the caution that there’s many a care, transfer Woodbrook Group slip between cup and lip. of capital. Some points of the agree- But they also need to give Loss of British tourism, ment are still to be finalised some thought to how the which contributes 1.2% of and they are pretty funda- economy will fare in the Andalucia’s GDP, is an obvimental since they include country where they live. And ous concern, but nobody retobacco tax, free movement not just the country, but the ally expects that decline to be huge or long-lasting. of labour and control of the region. airport. New research has shown Andalucia’s response to the Prime Minister Pedro San- that the impact of Brex- survey highlighted other, more serious, fears chez has said that, so far as it - particularly an - about foreign inSpain is concerned, the Gi- unplanned and vestment, agbraltar issue is ‘solved’ and messy Brexit riculture and ‘will no longer be a prob- will vary hugetrade. lem”’. ly, not just Officials said Fabian Picardo, Gibraltar’s from country a particular chief minister, was a little to country concern was more hesitant. A ‘fairly final’ but from the potential protocol had been agreed, region to reloss of subsihe said. gion within dies from the He is right to be cautious be- the bigger EU Common cause Gibraltar is just one countries. Agricultural Polsmall piece in the complex Nobody doubts icy when London jigsaw of the Brexit nego- that the UK will no longer contribtiations. These negotiations suffer most from an utes to the budget, arguhave been conducted on the unplanned Brexit. basis that nothing is agreed However, Ireland, because ing that the cut here could until everything is agreed. of its extensive and deep be as high as €190 million And for the moment, al- economic links to the UK, is a year. though many also very vul- Andalucía has called for a European fund to mitigate issues have nerable. been sorted And a survey the harmful effects of BrexAndalucia has out, a final by the EU’s it. But what about the indiagreement C o m m i t t e e vidual problems of the many called for a still looks a of the Re- expats? European fund to gions shows The wider economy is in the long way off. A no-deal mitigate Brexit’s that, even lap of the gods - and, more Brexit remains in countries worryingly, the politicians effects a grim possithat look well- but when it comes to their bility and that positioned to personal economic circumcould bring shrug off Brex- stances, I would urge all exthe Gibraltar protocol tum- it, some districts may suffer pats to take advice. A good financial adviser bling down, along with the quite badly. many other agreements that The committee sent a ques- will help you set a plan for have been reached. tionnaire on Brexit to offi- getting and keeping your finances in shape. WoodWe should not be surprised. cials in every EU region. Divorce proceedings are The biggest concern was brook Group are experts in never amicable and rarely from Spain, and Andalu- the field and can help guide go smoothly. Families often cia was the region with the you through the very stormy waters of Brexit. suffer and, in this case, the most worry

*For more information, contact our team at the Woodbrook Group Office in Marbella: Av. Ricardo Soriano, 72 Edificio Golden Portal B, 1ª Planta 29601 Marbella, Málaga, Spain. Telephone: +34 952768471 • Email: officemarbella@woodbrookgroup.com • Woodbrook Group is regulated by CySEC.

with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

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TASTY: Sevilla gym

Colour of the sun ONE of Britain’s biggest gin companies has paid homage to Sevilla with a new flavour inspired by the Andalucian city. Tanqueray has unveiled its soft Flor de Sevilla distilled gin, made with Spanish orange essences and blossoms. It comes as Pantone, the worldwide standardised colour production guide, has also revealed a special colour for the Andalucian capital, which has been used on Tanqueray’s new crystal bottle. The tone, named Orange FFAB60, was created through a chromatic study using Google Street View, analysing more than 1,000 streets and 30 cultural sites in Sevilla, such as the famous Plaza de Espana. Tanqueray’s latest creation is not a limited edition, so gin lovers will be able to get their hands on a bottle for the foreseeable future.

SPANIARDS will have the longest life expectancy in the world by 2040 while the UK will sit in 23rd place, a study has revealed. Beating Japan into second place, the Spanish are predicted to enjoy an average lifespan of 85.8 years thanks to their healthy Mediterranean diet, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) in Seattle. Experts say the biggest threats to global wellbeing and human lifespan will be high blood pressure and blood sugar levels, as well as obesity and tobacco and alcohol consumption. “Spain does really well in those areas,” said Dr

October 24th November 6th 2018

October 24th - November 6th 2018

On the up

Christopher Murray, director of the IHME, “although tobacco is an area where they could be better.” In 2016, Japan held the title for the world’s highest life expectancy, due to a wellbalanced diet with more fish than red meat and very little processed food and sugar. Currently in 26th place, the UK is predicted to rise up to 23rd place with life expectancy increasing from 80.8 years to 83.3 years in 2040.

Wining for reason Archaeologists demand historic Phoenician bodega be turned into cultural centre

A VINEYARD producing wines before the birth of Jesus could be transformed into a tourist centre. Archaeologists are demanding that the 2,300-year-old winery - set up during the

HISTORIC FIND: Bodega in Cadiz Phoenician period, near Ca- open to the public and help to diz - be turned into a museum show the ancient wine makinto ancient wine-making tra- ing processes. ditions Nestled in the Sierra de San Cristobal, between Jerez de la Frontera and El Puerto de Santa Maria, the 2,000 square metre site was found hidden in undergrowth in 1991. The winery, known to be the oldest in Western civilisation, counts on two wine presses, ovens to produce sweet wine and storage space for vats. However, fears are growing that the site could be desecrated and allowed to go to ruin, as nothing has been done to preserve it in decades. “This is not just the history of my town, this is world history,” said Diego Ruiz Mata, the Jerez archaeologists, who led the original excavations into the site. He fears that the area is in Award-winning Hotel and Restaurant Molino del Santo, in Benaoján station near danger as it has become an Ronda, is open until Sunday 4th November 2018. We close at 19.00 that afternoon. area popular with motocross fanatics and already has a cirYou can grab last minute deals on our unsold rooms for the rest of this season. Some cuit nearby. He hopes the site will become discounts may be as much as 50% depending on availability. First come, first served. a new destination in a netE-mail us the dates you’re interested in, mentioning The Olive Press, and we’ll reply with work of archaeological sites

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1 2

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Growth spurt

Open Tuesday to Sunday. until 22.00 Closed 12.00 until mid February

EXPORTS from Andalucia have increased by almost 10% year-on-year making the region the top contributor to national growth. Since the start of 2018 Andalucia has exported €19.7 million worth of goods. Fuels and food are the region's main exports, with Huelva province leading the way accounting for 25.1% of the region's exports followed by Sevilla and Cadiz. Andalucia's main export markets are Germany, France and the UK.

On the last Sunday lunch of our season, the 4th November, our restaurant will be offering 50% discount on all remaining food - whatever is still in our fridges will be up for grabs 3probably not our full menu but there are sure to be delicious possibilities. Reservations will be essential. There is a rumour that the boss might even invite you to a drink.

d like to send out a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who has visited us in 2018 and made this another very successful season for us. 4 We’ open again on the 15th March 2019 and look forward to seeing lots of “old and new faces then. 5 Wetimers”

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October 24th - November 6th 2018

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IN TOWN: Fawlty crew

Don’t mention the war GIBRALTAR is to receive Basil Fawlty in November as the Faulty Towers Dining Experience comes to town. In a fabulous two night visit, the audience, or diners, will be treated to a three-course meal while they experience a riotous homage to the 70s sitcom. This successful tribute to Fawlty Towers, presented by Interactive Theatre International, is 70% improvised and features Basil and his suffering wife Sybil, as well as loveable Spanish waiter Manuel. The show has received countless fivestar reviews and stars Donna Gray (Sybil), Hayden ‘Dan’ Wood (Basil) and Oliver Harrison (Manuel).

Original

The original, much-loved BBC series was the brainchild of John Cleese and Connie Booth and this production does not use any of the original script. This experience is in Gibraltar for just two dates at the Sunborn luxury yacht hotel in Ocean Village. On Saturday 3 November there is a showing at 7.30pm and the following day there is a matinee performance at 1.30pm. Tickets are £50 and include a welcome drink, a three-course meal and a two-hour show. Reservations are available by contacting bookings@ sunborngibraltar.com or calling +350 2001 6500.

Very Moorish Readers can get their teeth into something tasty next month, as the Olive Press starts an exclusive serialisation of Fiona Dunlop’s book Andaluz - a Food Journey through Southern Spain

FIONA Dunlop has food and travel in her bones. The globetrotting writer has written dozens of books on countries as diverse as India and France and Vietnam and Mexico, as well as countless travel articles for the likes of the Guardian, the Telegraph and National Geographic. But her spiritual home is Spain and in particular Andalucia, having first visited the region as a child in the 1970s, later via numerous stays at her parents house in Mojacar, and now staying at her own home in a typical hamlet, near Iznajar, in the stunning Subbetica region of Cordoba. “It’s the geographical heart of Anda-

lucia and my house hugs the edge of a hamlet of olive farmers, all deeply rural in spirit and life slows to a crawl here,” she explains. She has now told the story of how she ended up living here for large parts of the year through her latest book, Andaluz - a Food Journey through Southern Spain. The tome, out in November, will primarily focus on Andalucian cuisine and, in particular, its influence by Arabic culture.

Goat’s head soup

ne evening we were invited by the Sorbas butcher to have dinner in his shop along with similar village dignitaries. Here, following a spread of tasty (piggy) victuaIs, we were rather formally presented with a huge pan filled with... goat’s head soup. Little did they know about the Rolling Stones album, released a few years earlier—or perhaps they did? When encouraged to eat the goat's, said to be the greatest delicacy, I demurred, but DELICACY: The soup the cheeks were a treat.

w Ne lla rbe t a M o tsp ho www.cascadamarbella.com | +34 951567849 Urb Montua, 39, 29602 Marbella

“It looks at the influence of the Moorish period on Andalucian food, the ingredients that were brought and the produce that was planted,” Dunlop explains from London, just before jetting off on her next culinary adventure to Jerusalem and the Middle East. It is fitting, as she writes about how much influence comes from the Moors, Africa and the Middle East in Andalucian cuisine. Dunlop calls this a ‘cultural conduit’ and says, ‘right from the very start there were Moroccans bringing in their food.’ The book starts in Almeria, and then works through Granada, Cordoba, Malaga, Sevilla, Cadiz and Huelva. “There are big distinctions between the areas,” she says. “Almeria, for example, has what they call ‘desert food’ because it is so dry, although they do manage to make incredible olive oil. “Over near Sevilla there is very good Iberian pork that comes from the hills and in Cadiz you have a special kind of beef.” For the book, that has taken years to compile, Dunlop consulted with 21 chefs – including a couple of home cooks – who all contributed a handful of recipes to the book. “It was talking to them and looking at their menus that showed me what

HOME: Near Iznayar was left of that whole era,” she adds. “It turns out to be mainly ingredients, not so much dishes.” In this wonderful book, which we will begin serialising next month, Andalucia’s cultural journey is interwoven with Dunlop’s own, as she recalls seeing ‘little old ladies in black veils, twitching curtains at tiny little windows in whitewashed cottages’. She harks back to the more ‘simple’ times, which she knew from her many months spend in Mojacar, in Almeria, where her parents had a home, as well as to Spain’s transition from fascist dictator Francisco Franco to modern democracy. She explains that immigration has been the driving force for change in Andalucia’s gastronomic landscape, a process Dunlop labels a ‘very current subject.’ “We are going on as if this is something new but it isn’t, it’s been going on for centuries,” she contests. “Every new wave of immigration brings their own culture and influence and that’s what this book is about.”Fiona lives in Highbury, north London, with her journalist and travel partner Richard. Don’t miss her next few installments in our November editions

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October 24th - November 6th 2018

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My land of Andalucia… karst, canaries and fattened pigs meeting their maker MATANZA: Fiona regularly recorded the pig slaughter ritual

t was late autumn, which meant that the annual matanza (slaughter) was kicking off in the village. Every morning, agonizing squeals rang out as the fattened pigs met their makers - hardly romantic, but at that stage I had no idea about the resultant joys of jamón, salchichón or chorizo. While monsieur wielded his paintbrushes or cogitated in a hammock on the roof terrace, I would set off with my camera to try and record this timeless place. Inquisitive faces framed by black headscarves peered out from tiny square windows but it was the monumental karst landscape sliced by canyons and speckled with sculptural cacti that electrified me the most. By the turn of the millennium my life had changed. I moved back from Paris

to London, my parents died, and the Mojacar house was sold. I felt bereft. I continued to travel regularly all over Spain to write travel features and books, as I did to North Africa, mainly Morocco but also Tunisia and Libya, and to the Middle East, but I missed that deep connection with the land. “Es tu tierra!” (it’s your land) as a local builder once said to me, holding up a fistful of soil. Once, after driving from Extremadura into Andalucia, I realized how sensorial my attachment was when I entered a village bar to be dazzled by a chaotic patchwork of patterned tiles, whiffed garlic sizzling in olive oil, heard a cheeping canary, and was instantly served a saucer of crisp fried fish with my caña. It was all about lightness, simple bounty, and good cheer—and it felt like home.

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