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Hundred patients on Ebola watch list AROUND 100 people are currently under observation for Ebola in Spain, it has been revealed. As well as the 15 people currently at Carlos III Hospital isolation unit, a further 83 people are being monitored at home after coming into contact with infected nurse Teresa Romano. Each is subject to home visits twice a day, essentially to take their temperature. Continues on Page 5
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Irish lothario - who conned woman out of €80,000 - arrives on Costa expat dating scene
AN Irish lothario who seduced an American woman and then conned her out of €80,000 has turned up on the Costa del Sol. Sean Whelan has joined a dating website, despite tricking Florida-based Annie Predun out of her life savings in 2007, after meeting on a similar site. The 60-year-old, from Dub-
October 16- October 29 2014
“I know how to treat a lady and seek a confident, kind and intelligent lady,” he conlin, has now set up an account tinues, under the username with Costa del Sol dating site ‘Tullyview’. Connectingsingles.es, which Luckily however, one eaglestates he is ‘living and work- eyed expat from Marbella has ing in Manilva’. come forward, having been for Introducing himself as a ‘wid- a date with the trickster. owed Irish businessman’ with The 71-year-old mother-ofa Masters degree, he insists he two, from Leeds, who met is a ‘sensitive and caring’ man. Whelan for lunch at the H10 hotel in Nueva Andalucia, now NORWEGIAN famwants to warn ily got more than other expats they bargained for of his dubious on their Marbella beach past. holiday, when they Dressed smartstumbled across a 50 ly and driving kilo haul of marijuana. a silver Audi, Gitte Waage Egeland he seemed like and her family were a true gentlestunned to find the man, she told package, but they the Olive Press. still had time to snap “But then I a quick selfie before Googled him, alerting the police. and I couldn’t believe what I was reading,” CAPTION C she said. OMPETITIO N “It’s lucky that The Olive Pr I was curious, es s is lo ok in g for the witt caption for th but I am sure ie is st ph ot o, as we launch community-d a ne many other site, Olive Pr riven, photo-sharing w w women could way for our reess Insight (OPi) - a fantasebfall into the Visit insight.taders to interact with us. tic same trap as newsdesk@th heolivepress.es or cont his first viccaption ideas eolivepress.es with yoact tim.” ur The ‘love-rat conman’ met
EXCLUSIVE By Imogen Calderwood
Flash the hash! A Expat’s novel banned from the Alhambra A BRITISH novel has been banned from the Alhambra Palace (above), in the first such incident for 30 years. The launch of the book which had been scheduled for the Granada monument next week - has had to be relocated, after the authorities ‘inexplicably’ took against it. Song of Granada, by expat mother-of-four Anne Sikking, has been banned from all three of the Alhambra’s bookshops as well as the staterun parador hotel, within its grounds. Continues on Page 19
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OLD TRICKS: Whelan (above left) and first victim, Predun his first victim Predun via dating site Match.com in June 2007. Within a week of meeting the 52-year-old, Whelan flew from Ireland to Florida and just days later they were discussing marriage. He promised her a dream lifestyle dividing their time between the US, Ireland and Mauritius. He also promised to invest her $100,000 life savings in an offshore bank in Mauritius – where he allegedly had business connections – as part of what he called ‘Project Annie’. After he had received the money, Whelan returned to Ireland saying he would return a week later, but an endless string of excuses kept him away. Eventually, Predun got a lawyer, and in October 2009 she was awarded a court judgement against her ex-lover. When contacted last night, Whelan denied all knowledge of the dating profile on Connectingsingles.es, and insisted that he had not met up with any women on the coast. When asked about his history with Annie Predun, he said ‘that was a long time ago’.
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the the olive olive press press -- October October 1616 October - October29 292014 2014
X RATED ORLA
CRIME NEWS
Not Scott-free By Rob Horgan
Mobster home dawn raid
THE best friend of an Irishman gunned down in Marbella has had his home raided in Ireland. So-called ‘kingpin’ Paul Rice had his home raided by Dublin police after the Elviria death of pal Gerard ‘Hatchet’ Kavanagh last month. Armed police, backed up by Spanish detectives, carried out a dawn raid on the 45-year-old’s Dublin home. Rice is said to be one of the leading enforcers in Estepona-based gang leader Christy Kinahan’s drug ring. British boxer Jamie Moore was shot outside his son Daniel Kinahan’s house, also in Estepona, in August.
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has been revealed. Orla Keogh, who has now been eliminated from the ITV show, remains under investigation after being detained on the party island just months before her audition. She had been working as a rep when she was arrested at the Ocean Beach Club in San Antonio, co-owned by Gary Lineker's brother Wayne. Officers allegedly confiscated 21 ecstasy pills, ten tablets of LSD and ‘another’ unknown hallucinogenic substance. She could be jailed for up to six years if convicted. A source at the court in Ibiza said: “This case is still being investigated. If and when trial proceedings are initiated we may be in a position to give more information.” An ITV spokesman said: “We were not aware of her arrest. At no point has she informed the production team. “The X-Factor has a system to complete criminal and welfare checks for every contestant from the bootcamp stage onwards.”
A VIOLENT criminal wanted in the UK has been caught after he posted pictures of himself in Spain on Facebook. Scott Kelly, 33, spent seven years in prison for attempted murder before breaking his probation and escaping to Spain last October. But he committed a massive own goal when he taunted police by posting pictures of himself relaxing in Spanish restaurants, drinking with friends and even enjoying a skiing holiday in the Sierra Nevada. However, his game ran out when he posted a picture of a sunset on a beach in Alicante. Detective Inspector Paul Fell, from organised crime unit Zephyr, said: “We were able to point the Spanish
Gangster Scott Kelly arrested after cops spot his Spanish location from his Facebook page
CAUGHT: Police recognized Alicante sunset (above) andScott (right) in Granada
police in the right direction. “The Spanish police don’t like having British criminals
living on the coast believing they are immune from the authorities so they were
NO MORE FAKING IT
POLICE have raided homes in Malaga in a crackdown on a high tech gang specialising in electronic fraud. A total of 31 people were arrested in the raids, which also took place in Bulgaria. The gang specialised in ATM ‘skimming’ with cops finding eight laboratories using 1,000 devices including micro-cameras, card readers, flash drives and plastic cards ready to be encoded.
The gang also used 3D printing equipment to produce fake card slots to be installed on ATMs. They used stolen data ‘skimmed’ from ATMs around Europe, including Spain, Italy and Turkey. Using this data, they created fake cards which they used to withdraw vast quantities of cash from victims’ accounts in countries like Peru and the Philippines.
more than helpful and were very keen to detain him. “I am sure Scott went to Spain and was living the high life thinking he was untouchable. Many more may feel the same – but they are not.” The runaway, who was jailed in 2005 for the stabbing of Stephen Rank in Exeter, was held on a European Arrest Warrant, extradited back to the UK and has now been returned to prison.
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BEACH SPLICE: Guy and Lucy with sons
Life’s a beach
PLANNING a beach wedding can be a painful process, what with licences and locating the right venue. But when you own a restaurant on the beach, it makes the job that bit easier. Indeed all Guy and Lucy McCrow had to do when they recently got married at their eaterie the Beach House, in Elviria, was walk downstairs and turn left. Naturally the reception was also at the venue and guests were treated to a display of Andalucian dancing horses and a late night round of golf on the beach. Naturally.
the the olive press - October 16- October 29 2014 olive press - October 16 - October 29 2014
Wipe away that grin! By Rob Horgan GIBRALTAR’S 30 worst offending barbary apes have been sent to Scotland after too much monkeying around on The Rock. The apes - who have been harassing locals, rummaging through bins and pickpocketing tourists - have been transported to Blair Drummond Safari Park, near Stirling. The move is the first largescale export of the apes away from The Rock since the 1990s and will prevent Gibraltar’s environmental agency culling the iconic animals. Gibraltar’s environment minister John Cortes said: “This was the group that
ON SCREEN: Strummer
Granada calling
Gibraltar’s most mischievous monkeys swap The Rock for a life in Scotland was giving us the most problems. “It is sad to see them go, but they will be going to an excellent home and it is so much better than culling them. “We wish our monkeys a safe journey and a happy future in Scotland.” The marauding macaques - 11 males and 19 females - were identified as Gibraltar’s most mischievous by the environmental agency after officials monitored their movements. There are still around 200 apes on the Rock and ac-
cording to folklore, The Rock would cease to be British if the monkeys leave. This was reinforced by Winston Churchill during the Second World War, when
he shipped extra monkeys from Morocco to bolster their population. Barbary apes are also found in the Rif mountains, in northern Morocco.
The new royals come to town
STAR-STRUCK: Fans with Indira Varma (left) and Nikolaj CosterWaldau (right)
A FILM about Punk legend Joe Strummer’s time in southern Spain has premiered in New York. The documentary - I need a Dodge: Joe Strummer on the run - is now set to screen around Spain and the UK. It tells the story of how the Clash lead singer lost his Dodge car, somewhere in Madrid, after a big weekend of drinking in 1986. The London rocker spent many holidays in Spain after becoming disillusioned with the UK punk scene in the early 1980s. He had a Spanish girlfriend from Granada (Paloma Romero) and later bought a holiday home in Cabo de Gata, in Almeria. The film begins with an interview with Joe on Spain’s national station Radio 3, in which he recalls leaving his car ‘in some garage in Madrid’.
Counter-culture
By Jacqueline Fanchini FILMING of Game of Thrones’ fifth season has begun around Andalucia. Fans have so far spotted Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, who plays the part of Jaime Lannister, as well as Jerome Flynn, who plays Bronn and Indira Varma, who plays Ellaria Sand. As well as using Sevilla’s Real Alcazar, film crews are also said to have been in Ronda and will this week shoot in Osuna. While the Olive Press is
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Cruz’in to victory SPOTTED: Jerome Flynn (left) poses with a fan keeping close tabs on its but only filming on completemovements, staff at the Al- ly closed off sets,” said one cazar are being told a bare source. “They are only using parts of minimum. “They are coming and going, the palace and gardens and doing a lot inside.” It has left thousands of tourists and fans disappointed as they try and snap pictures through a series of barriers put up around the gardens. About 250 actors and extras are working on set while 40 trucks laden with costumes and tropical plants are driving around supplying parts for the sets that represent the ‘Kingdom of Dorne’. According to the production source, filming over the weekend was hampered due to heavy rain. The recordbreaking series, based on George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, will continue being filmed at the Alcazar until the October 18, before the whole cast and crew moves to Osuna and other ‘secret locations’. Has you spotted a Game of Thrones film crew or actor? Send your pics and story to Newsdesk@theolivepress.es
PENELOPE Cruz has been named the Sexiest Woman Alive by Esquire magazine. The Madrid-born actress has become the 11th woman to be awarded the coveted title, taking over from last year’s two-time winner Scarlett Johansson. Posing on the cover in just a plunging black bathing suit, the 40-year-old leaves no questions as to why she takes the title. Cruz has two children with Spanish husband Javier Bardem, 44. The pair married in July 2010 – after starring together in Woody Allen’s 2008 film Vicki Cristina Barcelona, along with Scarlett Johansson - but they first met on the set of Jamon Jamon when she was 17.
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It goes on to tell how he planned to search for the unmarked grave of murdered writer Federico Garcia Lorca. Filmmaker Nick Hall – who spent four years working on the documentary – claims that Strummer was drawn by the ‘Movida Madrilena’, the countercultural scene following the death of Franco in 1975. His time in Spain has been commemorated with a square named after him in the evocative Albaicin barrio of Granada. The film will be premiering across Spain throughout October and November, including Barcelona on October 26 and 30, Madrid on November 1, and Bilbao and Pamplona later in November. For more information, see http://www.ineedadodge. com/
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the olive press - October 16 - October 29 2014
28TH
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NEWS
Yes, we can win NEW anti-corruption political party Podemos would seriously damage the Socialist party stronghold in Andalucia and possibly take charge, new polls reveal. While the ruling PSOE party would still win if an election was held this month they would suffer a serious eight point drop in votes, according to the survey by Spain’s Social Observatory (OSE). The PP meanwhile would lose 12 points. It would mean Podemos (meaning ‘we can’), taking power if they united with the left wing IU party and the environmental party Equo. In the poll, an incredible 18% of voters said they would vote for the party, led by professor Pablo Iglesias Turrion, and which was only founded this year. Podemos - whose main policy is to stamp out corruption in Spain managed to take an incredible 8% in the European elections in April, just four months after being formed. A former Malaga University (UMA) professor has also joined the Podemos ranks this month, to help formulate the party’s economic plan. Economist Juan Torres - who taught Applied Economics at UMA until 2008, and has previously advised both the PSOE and IU – will draw up Podemos’ economic plans. The survey also found that a favourite government for most Andalucians would be a coalition between Podemos, the IU and green party Equo.
FOUNDER: Pablo Iglesias
the olive press - October 16 - October 29 2014
The Spanish inquisition By Tom Powell SPAIN has received worldwide criticism over its handling of Europe’s first Ebola case. The European Commission has demanded an urgent explanation as to how nurse Teresa Romero, 44, was not diagnosed with the virus until a week after she began feeling unwell. Health minister Ana Mato has now been demoted to ‘a less public role’ after up to 100 people were put unnecessarily at risk from the lethal virus. From front page
EBOLA WATCH
This is the same process that was used to assess Romero, who was diagnosed with Ebola on September 30. Among those being monitored are ambulance staff and residents who live in the same block as Romero in Alcorcon. Of the 98 people under observation, only Romero has tested positive for Ebola.
Global spotlight on Spain for triggering Europe Ebola panic over two priests
Romero was the first person outside of Africa to contract the virus after she helped to treat two Spanish priests who were, controversially, repatriated from Africa to Madrid with Ebola. Aside from the ethics of why the authorities took the massive risk to bring back the two missionaries an investigation has been launched to determine exactly how she contracted the disease. She was supposed to be working within strict safety guidelines, and should have been placed in isolation well before she was. Her husband meanwhile has revealed she was only given half an hour of training in how to stay protected, and slammed the government for not doing enough to keep her safe. Animal rights campaigners gathered in Madrid to furiously protest the ‘unnecessary’ killing of her dog, Excalibur. In the USA, health authorities decided to quarantine one
Ebola by numbers
4,000+ €20 million The amount Facebook owner Mark Zuckerberg has donated to fighting Ebola in
The number of people who have died from Ebola so far, mostly in West Africa
Africa, the same amount Spain budgeted for foreign aid for the whole of 2014
1,000 The number of possible new Ebola cases each week, according to the World Health Organisation 38.6 The temperature that if exceeded means a person is considered at risk of Ebola 98
The number of people under inspection after coming in contact with Ebola nurse Teresa Romero
200 - Number of people given Ebola training in Gi-
braltar
1
The number of people infected with Ebola in Spain
Send in the troops SPAIN will send 300 soldiers to Iraq to help train its national army combat insurgents Islamic State (IS). Defence Minister Pedro Morenes said the troops, were not being sent to fight but added that ‘anything could happen’. The Spanish soldiers will be training Iraqi troops in explosives handling, landmine clearance and special operations as they continue to fight against IS advances.
HELPING HAND: Spain to train Iraqi soldiers It will be the first time that Spanish troops enter Iraq since they withdrew in 2004.
Ebola victim’s dog instead. Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo defended the government’s decision to repatriate the two priests, who both later died. "This is what all developed countries which have had this problem have done," he said, ignoring the obvious irony of the priests chosen profession. Neither of them had lived in Spain for decades and had chosen to live and work abroad. The Ebola outbreak has killed
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Boozy trips ONE in seven youngsters coming to Spain on holiday have admitted that they are drunk on the plane, according to a survey by website Jetcost.com.
Adding up THE Junta has approved the creation of a new municipality, Dehesas Viejas in Granada, meaning that there are now 774 Andalucian municipalities.
Unseen Picasso
VICTIMS: Romero and her dog over 4,000 people, mostly in West Africa.
Critical condition
NURSE Teresa Romero remains in a ‘very critical’ condition. while none of the people she came into contact with have been diagnosed with the virus, they still remain in isolation. Despite scares and rumours at other hospitals around Spain, so far nobody else has caught the virus. The government has announced it is ramping up training for health workers and emergency services dealing with Ebola cases, to avoid similar incidents.
A NEVER-before publicly exhibited self-portrait by Pablo Picasso, painted in 1901, will go on show in central London this week at the Ordovas gallery.
Hot wheels MOTO GP sensation Marc Marquez sealed back-to-back championships with his second placed finish in Japan making the 21-year-old the youngest two-time champion of all time.
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FEATURE
the 2929 2014 theolive olivepress press- -October October1616October - October 2014
OPINION
Ebola: Welcome to Spain WHEN a deadly virus triggers an international emergency, a country needs its government and health officials to be on top form, and do everything to ensure the safety of its people. What did Spain do? Properly train its army of health workers? Ramp up checks on people arriving from affected areas? Prepare secure isolation facilities in hospitals? No, Spain decided to bring home two elderly missionaries infected with the highly contagious virus to its capital city and ordered unprepared workers to sort it out. Shock horror, a few weeks later one of those workers is diagnosed with Ebola and the government is forced to defend another monumental failure. Welcome to Spain, Ebola, you’re gonna love it. You’ll do well here.
Greedy bankers IT would appear that the pockets of Spain’s bankers and politicians have hidden depths. With more than 86 former Caja Madrid and Bankia directors under investigation - many of whom also held political roles - it beggars belief how these greedy bankers are incapable of keeping their hands out of the money-filled cookie jar. With their wallets already favourably lined from ridiculously high salaries, the revelation that more than €15 million was claimed on tax-free expenses via so-called ‘magic cards’ should come as a shock… But, after the corruption scandals of recent months, it is unsurprising to the point of being predictable.
And the blockhead award goes to…
AMID all the corruption scandals and Ebola scares, it’s nice to see that at least one criminal is digging his own grave. It’s reassuring that not all of them can get away Scot-free and that police do make arrests, at least when they’re handed to them on a platter. Did attempted murderer Scott Kelly really think that it’d be wise to post holiday pictures on Facebook while being on the run? We say this nitwit got what he deserved.
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Spain’s high speed trains are set to stay despite setbacks to the second most complex rail network in the world, writes Rob Horgan
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Bullet trains
O
VER half a century has passed since the first high-speed sleeper was laid on Spanish soil, sparking the nation’s bullet train fascination into motion. Inaugurated in 1992, Spain’s first high-speed train whizzed passengers through the Sierra Morena mountains on the 470km track connecting Madrid and Sevilla in just two and a half hours. The sophisticated track design, alongside a complex tunnelling mission, saw the line labelled as ‘one of the most advanced high-speed lines in the world’. Today Spain's bullet train network spans across more than 3,000km of track - weaving its way across the country like veins around a body. Reaching speeds up to 300kph, the AVE is now the second largest high-speed rail system in the world, beaten only by China's enormous 11,000km network. However it has not all been plain sailing.
Technical setbacks Due to the difficult terrain across Spain, and the enormity of the network, technical setbacks were almost inevitable. Work on the Abdalajis tunnel - north of Malaga - cut into a nearby village's natural water supply in 2008. The derailment at Santiago
THE bullet train celebrates its 50th birthday this month. A symbol of modern technology, the bullet train was inaugurated on October 1, 1964, in Tokyo in Japan. The first journey from Tokyo to Osaka
de Compostela in July 2013 in which 79 people lost their lives - was Spain's worst rail disaster in 40 years. And even today, the Junta is taking Ana Pastor, the Min-
Runaway train
SPAIN’S bullet trains can go much faster than the country’s rail network can handle. The most recent Siemens and Talgo manufactured trains are capable of hitting 350kph, but this speed is seemingly unattainable in Spain as current track beds are loosened at speeds over 325kph. The higher speeds also see stone chips flying up and damaging trains’ undercarriages, while signalling systems would need upgrading too. The newest German high-speed network has created fully concrete tracks to avoid this from happening and the UK plans to create its own high-speed network which will see trains reach 360kph.
took four hours, shaving two and a half hours off the 513km journey. Today’s models can do the same journey two hours quicker and can reach speeds in excess of 300kph.
ister of Public Works, to the European Court over a 'lack of sufficient action' into the reconstruction of track between Bobadilla and La Indiana. And tempers are set to boil over, when the likely decision comes to terminate further work on the semi-finished AVE route between Marchena and Bobadilla, which has so far cost the Andalucian government a huge €280 million. ADIF - Spain’s high-speed track manufacturers - announced that it will construct a €23 million loop near Cordoba as an alternative, however it would appear a total lack of joined up thinking and planning between central
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A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in southern Spain - 200,000 copies distributed monthly (130,000 digitally) with an estimated readership, including the website, of more than 500,000 people a month. Luke Stewart Media S.L - CIF: B91664029 Urb Casares del Sol, bloque 21, portal 70, bajo b, Casares 29690, Malaga Printed by Corporación de Medios de Andalucía S.A. Editor: Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es Reporters: Newsdesk Newsdesk@theolivepress.es Tom Powell Tom@theolivepress.es Imogen Calderwood Imogen@theolivepress.es Rob Horgan Rob@theolivepress.es
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and local governments has resulted in an unnecessary exhaustion of funds. So, how does a line so technologically advanced - encountering so many setbacks - support itself financially in a country marred by economic difficulties? The simple answer: it doesn't. Investment appraisals for high-speed routes are a sorcerer’s arena of accounting just look at the UK's attempts to put a figure on HS2 plans. RENFE however is making substantial positive net earnings on its AVE routes, and anyone regularly travelling on the Malaga-Madrid line knows that booking Turista class in advance is necessary because of the high demand.
Europe currently operates 7,351km of high-speed rail, with over 13,000km of track either under construction or in the planning stage. Spain and France are the biggest operators of high-speed trains in
Europe and they are set to get bigger still. The UK’s HS2 project will see them operate the fastest service (360kph) but for now French trains are the quickest, reaching speeds of 320kph.
In fact RENFE recently ordered a multi-million euro stock of new AVE trains from Siemens, as Talgo (Spain's manufacturers) is already producing at maximum capacity. It is, however, more difficult to estimate net profits after allowing for capital depreciation and interest charges, in addition to the high cost of high-speed track maintenance. One recent estimate for the break-even date for the Madrid-Sevilla route alone is 2080 - 88 years after launching - and for HS2... Infinity! Despite the cost, the benefits
FEATURE
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stay on track of having the world’s second largest bullet train network are clear to see. ADIF has established itself as a world leader in high-speed track design and is set to become one of Spain’s leading exporters, with projects already underway in North and South America, eastern Europe, the Middle East and central Asia. This means constructing high-speed tracks in Spain is also considerably cheaper than in other parts of the world.
World leader
A high-speed tunnel in Spain costs approximately €22,000 per metre, whereas in the UK it is nearer €80,000. Punctuality of AVE trains is also a big plus, with over 99% of trains on time, and compensation paid to passengers for services running just a few minutes late. The density of traffic on AVE routes is presently low so punctuality is easier than, say, in Germany where medium distance and commuter trains use the same network. The downside being, due to the steeper gradients of AVE rail compared to conventional tracks, the use of highspeed lines is not possible for freight trains unless they are light. As for the argument that AVE routes encourage dispersal of industry and commerce away from Madrid to the country’s outer regions, the jury is still out. It might be the case that businessmen can locate their core activities in Madrid more easily and live in the outer regions. However, the evidence suggests AVE routes in Spain are not just for businessmen on expense accounts. The majority of passengers on the Malaga-Madrid route are in fact people visiting relatives, on shopping trips, and tourists. As for the cost to the commuter, AVE trains charge a fair buck and then some.
BULLET: Train whizzes across bridge near to Antequera station
Ghost train left behind
AN enormous amount of abandoned high-speed rail has been left strewn across the Andalucian countryside. ADIF - Spain’s high-speed rail manufacturer - has announced that the unfinished 76km track from Marchena in Sevilla to Santa Ana in Caceres will not be completed due to funding cuts. The proposed route was started in 2005 after former president Manuel Chavez and Magdalena Alvarez agreed the government of Andalucia would fund the project. Compared to journeys offered by Avant, Alvia and Altaria largely operating on the same track, and still reaching high speeds in some sections - the cost of a bullet train journey can be almost double the price. In fact, services operated by Avant can reach a maximum speed of 250kph for a much more affordable price. And when you consider AVE trains very rarely actually clock their 300kph top-
EXTENSIVE: AVE rail network
ABANDONED: Rail track
The route would have cut the journey time down to 71 minutes - 16 minutes faster than currently provided - in a non-stop service.
speed, questions over the bullet train’s continual expansion are awkward to answer. Although it is advertised that AVE trains travel at 300kph, a journey between Cordoba and Sevilla has an average speed of 220kph and Barcelona to Madrid around 200 kph - speeds which can also be reached by the more costeffective Avant service. And yet, the increasing desire to cram more hours into the day drives the dream of quicker transport. Hundreds of millions of euros have already been - and will continue to be - thrown at the project to keep Spain ahead of the rest of the world when it comes to highspeed rail. Love them or hate them, think they are a necessity or a luxury, after 25 years in the Spanish domain, the bullet train is still shooting across the country.
the olive press - October 16 - October 29 2014
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the 15 29 2014 theolive olivepress press- -October October2-16October - October 2014
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A FIVE-year-old cancer victim has become too ill to travel, just days after his parents raised enough money to take him to Disneyland. Brit Michelle Bennett, 40, and Dutch husband Arjan Van’t Noordende, 39, raised more than €5,200 in the first five days of an appeal launched to help grant son Alex his wish to visit Disneyland Paris and the Eiffel Tower. The appeal - launched on September 30 on crowd-funding website Gofundme.com - has now raised €5,950. “Alex has wanted to visit Disneyland since he saw the film Ratatouille, and we decided it was finally time to grant him his wish,” said father Arjan. Marbella-born Alex has been battling RMS - a sarcoma type of cancer - since he was
COURAGEOUS: Alex has won the support of many people diagnosed at the age of two. The family were due to travel to France from October 12 to
Disgruntled hoteliers HOTELIERS are in uproar over a ‘discriminatory’ draft bill that aims to regulate hotels and B&Bs in Andalucia for the first time. Under the new regulations, a property will need to have a tourist licence if it puts up guests for more than 30 days in a year. Legitimate B&B and hotel owners insist this is far too lapse and should be for anyone who rents for five days and over during the whole year. Otherwise, they claim, ‘registered’ businesses are at an unfair advantage to people who rent rooms and homes ‘on the side’. The five days rule demanded by Andalucia’s Hotels and Apartments Federation (FAHAT) is currently in place in Madrid and Barcelona.
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OUTRAGE: Hotels in Malaga
HOLY SCOOP A CHURCH in Sevilla has won a coveted architecture award in Singapore. The Iglesia La Ascension del Senor scooped the prize at the seventh World Architecture Festival.
17, but Alex has now been on morphine for a week while undergoing treatment at Malaga’s Materno-Infantil Hospital. “He has not eaten for nearly a week, so we are keen to get him off the morphine so that he is awake enough to start eating again and strengthen up,” said Arjan. As well as the huge support from family, friends and members of the public, the family had also been given discounts for the Marriott hotel on the Champs-Elysees to help fund the trip. The family are ‘heart-broken’ that Alex has now become too ill to go on the holiday, particularly after receiving so much support. “You try to be hopeful, but now he’s so incredibly weak we can’t travel. We don’t want to see him in pain,” added Arjan. The family will now use the money to put towards Alex’s treatment instead, but hope to be able to take him on his dream holiday when he is feeling better. To donate and for more information go to http://www. gofundme.com/alexanderfundorg
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www.theolivepress.es the olive press - October 2- October 15 2014 10 www.theolivepress.es
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the olive press -- October 16- 18 October 29 2014 9 thethe olive press September -- October olive press - October 16 October 1292014 2014
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NEWS
the olive press - October 16 - October 29 2014
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ashya thanks BRITISH ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley, has thanked the Hospital Materno Infantil in Malaga for its treatment of Ashya King, on behalf of the British government.
Top stamps SPECIAL edition stamps of King Felipe and Queen Letizia have been launched by postal service Correos. Showing official photographs of the Royal duo, they can be bought for €1.
www.theolivepress.es
They’re singling me out!
Pensioner, 70, complains of discrimination after being ordered to take down extension, despite neighbours all having the same
A FINNISH grandmother ordered to demolish a nineyear-old extension has accused Estepona Town Hall of being 'racially motivated' and 'singling' her out. Terttu Balson, 70, has been involved in an ongoing six-
without the correct planning permission. Several other properties in the Seghers community have similar extensions without planning licences - including Balson's next door Spanish neighbour - but Balson is the
EXCLUSIVE By Rob Horgan
year legal battle with the town hall after they served her with a demolition order and fined her €24,300 in 2008 for building a loft extension
Boozy trips ONE in seven youngsters coming to Spain on holiday have admitted that they are drunk on the plane, according to a survey by website Jetcost. com.
Big Willy MANCHESTER City goalkeeper Willy Caballero has told La Liga officials that he was approached by a match-fixing syndicate when playing for Malaga last year.
only resident facing court action. "It is completely discriminatory, I cannot help but think that it is not a coincidence that I have been chosen when I am the only foreigner living here," she told the Olive Press. Balson believed she had received planning permission when she contracted a Spanish architect Mario Jones in 2005. Now however, she feels that he did not do his job properly despite being paid €2,500 to take over the project and sort out the building licence. Jones, however, said he feels 'no guilt or responsibility and that Balson is to blame for the situation. He said: "I told her from the beginning that she wasn't allowed to build. Most people get away with it but she hasn't. "She is definitely being unfairly treated and I am not sure why. I hope that the town hall is not targeting her because she is foreign. "Maybe that sort of thing happened in the old days, but
DESPERATE: Balson and dogs with so many foreigners living on the coast I don't think it happens now." Despite numerous attempts Estepona Town Hall did not answer any of our questions.
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: Terttu’s ‘illegal’ extension and adjoining neighbour’s (right)
Offer
Still on-the-run
A WANTED property fraudster has been tracked down to a luxury home in Benahavis, after an exclusive Olive Press investigation this month. According to neighbours in upmarket La Heredia urbanisation, Rebecca Wells, 37, has fled owing money to several businesses. Keen horserider Wells - who spent eight years posing as an estate agent - is now being sought by police, as reported in the Olive Press last issue, after four denuncias were posted against her. “She owes money to the butcher, restaurant and the baker, as well as for repairs to her car,” said one neighbour. An expat couple living opposite Wells’ house in the urbanisation reported that they saw her packing all the family’s possessions into a rental car on October 1 the day our expose came out. When the Olive Press visited a few days later, the house had clearly been abandoned and the family car - a black Chrysler - was apparently dumped outside. Meanwhile another UP UP AND AWAY
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Police probe expat properalleged ty fraudster who ‘took deposi homes she didn’t ts for own’
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reported concern for her four children. Comyn, who lived opposite her for two years said: “The
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VICTIMS are erty fraudster hunting an alleged propCosta del Sol who has vanished from the owing tens of EXCLUSIVE euros. thousands of days as a holiday By Imogen Calderwo The Guardia rental, but she me around it od showed is investigatinCivil confirmed last night an 11-month and convinced me to sign it g horse-ownin contract. becca Wells after g expat Re- posits to rent properties “I want HUNTED: Rebecca that she has claim receiving four Page 11 cias against her. no clared. her caught and punished,” denun- One to. Wells he deon her horse victim, British Briton Wells, expat Raymond Wells, a mother-of-t 37, also known accused of duping Paul, as Prior, is told the Olive Press: “I Iost posit on people into paying a €1,000 de- hampton, appears to wo from Wolverhave repeated same trick at de- “She hadrenting a home she didn’t the different properties own. actually only the region over rented it for around the last eight four A Facebook campaign has years. now been launched by ing to gather the group, aimas possible. as many victims EXCLUSIVE In the case of Yorkshire, he Paul, 60, from put down €500 A LUXURY yacht as a deposit and that burst into nus is owned €500 for the flames first by in month’s rent Bertrand Gachot, ex-Formula One racing Puerto Baat the property in La Cala driver The 51-year-old it can be revealed. de Mijas in August. Frenchman dan between But after just 1989 and 1995,, who raced for Jorthree days Wells €2 million yacht is the owner asked Paul and of the Gilliana that blew morning. up on Sunday clear out ‘so an his wife to Two crew members urgent energy certificate matter were rushed to with serious could be hospital, one dealt with’. burns to his woman, 34, was hands and another, AN embattled “We were left animal rescue The 23-metre treated for smoke inhalation. a two days, and in the dark for centre owner has upon returning the place admitted €42,000-a-weekPrincess yacht Gilliana discovered is ‘out of control’. to rent, via Diamovit costs Rentals. staying there,another couple Kim Halliwell (above) Exclusive A source said: has our possessionswith many of now agreed to allow “Gachot is very The driver was an initial still inside,” 15 dogs and upset.” he said. many cats to leave Grand Prix team famously thrown out her Mijas kennels, “We still haven’t following the roundabout for spraying CS gas at of the Jordan get some things managed to an Olive Press investigatio a taxi driver on at Hyde Park ceived a two-month back, we are It comes after Corner, for which n. absolutely furious prison stint. police also inhe reHis race seat filed a denuncia.” and have spected the site, acher, makingwas temporarily filled by Michael various denuncias following When Paul set his Formula One Schumfrom fordebut. meeting with up an urgent mer staff. cuss what had Wells to dis- After we told of the happened, she conditions’ ‘terrible BLAZE: F1 legend failed to show. at Gachot (inset) Rescue, friendsKim’s Animal However another loses yacht and supportin fire couple in ers rallied around their early 20s with the also turned aim of cutting up telling him the number of similar amountthey had lost a animals by half. of money. The Olive Press “Lots of her attended victims are in worse situation a emergency meeting, spoke an with who knows howthan us, and various other centres are still to come many more found new volunteers. and has out of the We have now woodwork,” he appeal to find launched an Another victim added. homes for the is Stuart Hall, who lost out animals. 44, and his Continues on
DISAPPEARED: Wells and La Heredia, where she rented a home
kids barely went to school and rarely even came out to play. “She never mixed with the local community here and one day she was gone leaving an unpaid electricity bill.” The Olive Press has still been unable to contact Wells, over her defrauding of expats who paid rent on properties she did not own. Wells, aka Prior, allegedly took a series of deposits for homes which she did not own. If you have any information about Rebecca Wells, please contact newsdesk@theolivepress.es
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Gibraltar NEWS
- October 29 2014
ON the Rock October 18, 7.30pm Pink party and Abba tribute night at Bianca’s restaurant, in aid of Cancer Support Gibraltar. Tickets £22, including three-course meal and raffle. Call 580 08944.
October 23-25 International Jazz Festival 2014 at Queens Cinema Theatre. Visit www.gibraltarjazz.gi, or call 200 66819.
October 26, 8pm Musical and visual extravaganza by the Scottish Royal Marines, at St Michael’s Cave. Tickets £20 inc. return transfers, on sale at John Mackintosh Hall reception or www. rmctf.org.uk
PAPER BOYS: Dan Coll and Dan Carey lend the OP a hand
Middle-aged paper boys A BRITISH acting duo are set to deliver this issue of the Olive Press to Gibraltar for the final leg of a new documentary. For the final episode of The Middle Aged Road Trip, Dan Coll and Dan Carey distributed 4,500 copies of the Olive Press around the Rock. The duo started their journey in Yorkshire with just £10 in their pockets. And after an eventful fortnight they are ‘delighted’ to have teamed up with the Olive Press for the big finale. Coll said: “It’s really exciting to team up with Olive Press, it
will make great TV and it will be a great way for us to end our trip.” “It has been a heck of a ride and I am just glad we made it this far.” On their trip, the Dans met up with a host of celebrity friends including Coronation Street star Kevin Kennedy, model Charlotte Dawson and X-Factor star Frankie Cocozza. The duo even hooked up with Paddy Doherty - one of Danny Dyer's Deadliest Men - before heading to the Olive Press HQ. To watch the actors’ adventures visit www.themiddleagedroadtrip.com
the 16- -October 29 2014 theolive olivepress press--October Augustwww.theolivepress.es 20 September 3 2014
Rock and run Is it a bird, is it a plane… No! It’s Superman, and he’s heading for Gibraltar
SUPERMAN: Cavill takes on the Rock
SUPERMAN’S super-speed might put him at a distinct advantage as he competes in the Rock Run this month. British actor Henry Cavill, who starred as Superman in the 2013 film Man of Steel, will run alongside his Royal Marine brother for the military group’s 350th anniversary celebrations. Cavill, who is currently working on two Superman spin-off films, is also ambassador for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund. He has said he is ‘honoured’ to be a part of the weekend’s celebrations, with the run taking place on October 25. “I will remember this day fondly and probably with a little bit of physical discomfort, which only seems fitting considering what this day represents,” he added. Lieutenant Colonel Nik Cavill, the actor’s brother, will also take part in the 5km uphill climb, accompanied by 40 other competitors.
Event organiser Alan Hardy said he is ‘delighted’ that Cavill is joining in the celebrations and hopes the British actor enjoys ‘what Gibraltar has to offer’. “Gibraltar will always hold a special place in Royal Marines history,” he said. “We have organised a fantastic weekend of fun and celebrations for participants and the locals of Gibraltar.” Other planned celebrations over the weekend include a gala cocktail reception hosted by Lieutenant General James Dutton and a Royal Marines band concert in St Michael’s Cave. Lieutenant General Dutton said: “I am delighted to be able to endorse this event, which in raising funds for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund underpins the status, history, and importance of Gibraltar’s unique relationship with the Royal Marines.
Probe ship sparks Rock row DANGEROUS: The latest Spanish vessel to intrude into British waters
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A SPANISH incursion in Gibraltar’s territorial waters has sparked accusations of ‘bullying and harassment’ from the Chief Minister. The survey vessel ‘Angeles Alvarino’ carried out probes and disobeyed Royal Navy orders to leave the area. The actions were denounced as ‘dangerous’ and ‘irresponsible’, and criticised as an unnecessary challenge to UK sovereignty. Gibraltar’s government is now planning to take more robust action to prevent further incursions in the future. The Spanish vessel sent out probes to ‘take samples’ of the reef at Europa Point, one of which hit a Royal Navy in-
flatable boat that had gone to investigate the defiant vessel. “Gibraltar continues to be at the receiving end of Spanish bullying and harassment,” said Chief Minister Fabian Picardo. “Nothing is achieved except needlessly risking mariners' lives and wasting precious euros on diesel.” Europe minister, David Lidington, expressed ‘grave concerns’ to Spain’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and pointed out the unlawfulness of the event. He said: “Under no circumstances should Spanish vessels be provoking a situation that could result in serious injury or a fatality.”
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NEWS IN BRIEF
GIBRALTAR has hosted a meeting of the international Ice Age Europe Project for the first time. The project - with 18 partners in Europe - is a network of archaeological heritage sites.
Future uni PLANS for the University of Gibraltar have officially been launched. The centre of the university - to open on September 1 2015 - will be based at Europa point.
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the olive press - October 16 - October 29 2014
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the olive press - October 16 - October 29 2014
GREEN NEWS
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www.theolivepress.es
GREEN FORCE By Jacqueline Fanchini
A FLOTILLA of boats protesting plans for a fracking survey on the Costa del Sol has been backed by Greenpeace and the Junta. The protest, on Sunday, will see hundreds of boats set off from Fuengirola port, protesting Repsol’s plans to begin exploratory drilling for natural gas off Mijas Costa, as early as February 2015. The ‘Siroco’ project aims to drill wells 1,600m deep, just 12km southwest of Fuengirola. This is despite Junta tourist minister Rafael Rodriguez insisting the venture is ‘incompatible’ with tourism development on the Costa del Sol. If the project is a success, opponents fear it could pave the way for more fracking in the future. Fracking is a highly controversial topic, with environmentalists insisting the science surrounding the extraction process is unproven and dangerous. They say the process can cause small tremors, which risk releasing carcinogenic chemicals into the surrounding waters. Rodriguez has now met with the umbrella group organising the protest and has given
Greenpeace and the Junta are backing a protest flotilla against fracking
FRACK OFF: Greenpeace boat Arctic Sunrise to join protest
his support for the action. The minister has also vowed to take the matter to Madrid’s tourist commission to try and get the project scrapped. The flotilla protest will be
joined by Greenpeace’s icebreaker ship, Arctic Sunrise, which is now in the area. Vessels will leave from various ports on the coast but the main body will depart from Fuengirola’s port at
10am on October 19 and sail to the Mijas coastline affected, roughly 8.5km from the Punta de Calaburras. Anyone looking to participate should contact: 616 636 108
OIL VOTE FOR CANARIES
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REPSOL’S oil and gas exploration plans off the coast of the Canary Islands are to be put to the vote. Residents on the islands will be asked to vote ‘for’ or ‘against’ banning the exploration near to the archipelago. It comes after protesters from various environmental groups descended on Madrid after Repsol was granted permission to explore waters off the islands. The regional president, Paulino Rivero, will
now hold a referendum on November 23, as he fears offshore drilling could disrupt the environment and impact tourism. He said: “Do you think the Canaries should change its environmental and tourism model for the sake of oil and gas exploration? That is the question that will be put to the vote.” A civil rights group is also encouraging residents of the seven islands to join them in a protest on October 18 under the slogan ‘We live here, we decide here’.
Dirty air
Stormy skies
FLASH flooding is causing chaos in Andalucia as torrential downpours continue to fall in southern Spain. Dramatic storms across the region have led to road closures in Mijas, Sevilla and Estepona this week. If you have your own stormy photos then why not submit them to the OP’s new photo-sharing website, insight. theolivepress.es
RAIN IN SPAIN: Flash flooding in Mijas
A THIRD of the Spanish population are breathing air above Europeanwide pollution levels. More than 16.8 million people – 36% of the population – have been exposed to dangerous levels of pollutants, with diesel engines being the main source. Green group Ecologists in Action have also warned that 95% of Spaniards are exposed to unhealthy pollution levels, taking into account the stricter recommendations made by the World Health Organisation (WHO). “International health authorities estimate the number of premature deaths [in Spain] to be 20,000 a year,” due to complications arising from air pollution, said Miguel Angel Ceballos, one of the report coordinators.
AXARQUIA
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the the olive press - October 16- October 29 2014 olive press - October 16 - October 29 2014
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GRANDMOTHER DIES IN A LIFT SHAFT A GRANDMOTHER has died, and her granddaughter is critically injured, after the pair fell down a lift shaft in Almachar. The 62-year-old woman, Maria Cisneros, entered the unfinished building while desperately searching for her
News IN BRIEF
Killer jailed A MENTALLYHANDICAPPED resident of an medical institution in VelezMalaga has been sentenced to six years in prison for killing a fellow resident.
Turtle trouble AN endangered Loggerhead turtle has been rescued by police officers off Valle Niza beach after it collided with a boat propeller. The creature was taken to an animal emergency centre.
New market THE Mayor of Velez-Malaga has opened a new food market on the site of the town's old bus station. The project has cost around €800,000.
missing two-year-old grandson, after he disappeared from a neighbouring property. She fell down the five-metre lift shaft - which was thinly covered with bricks - while carrying her nine-month-old granddaughter.
The grandmother died from her injuries the same day, while the granddaughter suffered severe head injuries and has been operated on. The children’s 30-year-old mother was also injured, after jumping into the shaft to try to help her family.
Good versus weevil Almunecar moves to save 8,000 palm trees from killer weevils ALMUNECAR Town Hall has launched an ambitious project to clean and treat almost 8,000 palm trees in a bid to stave off pests. Hundreds of trees have been destroyed by palm weevils and other invasive pests
By Joe Chivers across Axarquia in the last decade. An infestation of palm weevils can result in the yellowing and wilting of palms, which eventually leads to its death.
Sewage boost
WORK on the Nerja sewage plant has been boosted by €12.5 million of state funding. The water treatment centre is expected to be finished by the start of 2016 and ready for use by the summer. The government has allocated the sum as part of next year’s budget, in a bid to speed up progress on the only sewage plant on the Costa del Sol still unfinished. Work began on the plant, in Aguahierro, this January as part of the national plan to improve water quality. “40% of Malaga’s towns do not treat their water,” said Junta spokesman Victor Gonzalez, who warned that the Junta may face fines from the EU over lack of water treatment plants.
FIGHTING: Weevils Resident in nearby Colmenar, expat Bea Wood told the Olive Press: “Palm weevils have destroyed one of two beautiful palm trees in our garden. “I’m trying to kill them because I don’t know if the other tree has been infested as well.” The head of Almunecar’s Environment Department, Luis Aragon, said: “The campaign has started late this year to avoid upsetting the influx of tourists here enjoying the good weather in September. “We have several crews to speed up work and avoid affecting the residents.”
END OF THE ROD: Caleta de Velez fishing zone closed
Fishing washed up
AN influx of toxic organisms has forced the closure of Malaga’s biggest fishing harbour, the Caleta de Velez. Fishermen in Malaga are facing tough times ahead after the announcement that five out of the total nine zones may have to close. The ‘red tide’ - as the influx is known - at Caleta de Velez is reportedly a natural phenomenon caused by a large concentration of toxic organisms. The Junta has announced that compensation will be paid to fishermen whose area is closed for more than 20 days. However, many fishermen are being forced to seek alternative employment due to the closures.
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LETTERS
the olive press - October 16 - October 29 2014
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Halal horror DEAR OP, Interesting as your article on halal food was (‘Halal of a time, issue 197), the writer should have remembered Mrs Beeton’s initial advice when presenting a recipe for hare, ‘First catch your hare’. The preparation of halal food is dependent on the way the animal is killed, and no mention was made of this. Western countries have allowed national laws that require animals killed in slaughterhouses to be stunned before killing so as to minimise their suffering, to be ignored. Whether for shechita (Jewish) or halal (Muslim), the unfortunate animal has its throat cut while fully conscious and bleeds to death over a prolonged period. In the Muslim rite it has the questionable comfort of being able to listen to recorded verses from the Koran as it slowly expires. Since in many institutions such as schools and hospitals it is not feasible to serve both halal and non-halal meat, all meat served is now often halal, meaning innumerable animals are suffering a painful death that does not even serve to feed Muslims. Denmark is, I believe, the only EU country that has had the guts to enforce stunning for halal slaughter in the face of opposition from the Muslim community. In other countries, as is the way of such things, the matter has become a political hot potato and politicians support what is effectively an unconstitutional measure in
www.theolivepress.es and homes deemed illegal at will. Oh silly me, bankers don’t care about people!
Sack him Jack! It’s for the best
Jo Webb, Torremolinos
Motoring heaven
ENTERTAINER: Owner Jack and (inset) Gordon Ramsay WE tried Jack’s Chicken Shack this summer unaware of the Ramsay makeover (‘Shack attack’, issue 198). The owner Jack was very entertaining and the children loved him. Having watched the show I now realise that we fell for Gordon’s menu and were up-sold on lots of extras – but that’s fine. They were well priced and tasty. The chicken is a bit hit-and-miss but the calamari was fresh and the best I’ve had for a long time. However, I stopped popping in there after I heard chef Juan making snide remarks about me in Spanish. Until I saw the show I thought he owned the place but now I realise he’s just order to win votes. Anyone who recommends halal cuisine is condoning animal suffering. AJ Linn, Marbella
Cat killers I HAVE been looking after the feral cats in Estepona port. These cats are essential to the health of the beach environment, as they kill rats and mice. One day I suddenly discovered the whole area had been pruned. I then found metal garottes, poison canisters and ground glass in cat food. All the cats have now vanished except five or six. Of course, the council gardeners claim no knowledge as to the whereabouts of around 17 very healthy cats. People say: "Oh the Spanish are cruel to cats." Well, it takes more than a cultural view to garotte a cat. I have found the majority of Spanish people to be great animal lovers, but everyone needs to understand the difference between a stray cat and a feral cat. Feral cats help restaurants and bars keep vermin free. If anyone feels like killing a cat, please let me know before you do and I will come and get it. Then I will send you to the doctor for a psychiatric appraisal. Cate Baum, Estepona
Cruel charges I AM writing in response to your article, ‘Estepona residents fired up over unfair infrastructure charges’ (issue 197), I am a resident myself. A large majority of our members are pensioners and many of those are living on minimal state pensions. We have a mix of nationalities including Spanish and many have lived here for up to 30 years. Residents are being charged for an upgrade of our infrastructure, not just roads. We are told that if we do not pay
the incompetent chef. He clearly has a massive chip on his shoulder and stands around the bar area like a fart in a trance. How much money has that guy cost them over the years? It’s astounding! Jack and Jon seem very nice and I wish them the best. But, perhaps while Jack is sweating outside trying to bring in customers he should think about why he keeps Juan employed to stand around inside losing him business.
the charges then the town hall will extract money from our bank accounts. If that should fail then they tell us we will be evicted from our houses and the property auctioned. All the Spanish lawyers we have spoken to tell us this is quite legal. The people here came to Spain to enjoy their retirement. What is happening can only be described as cruel. None of us deserve this injustice, nor the mental strain and upset that it is causing. John Shepherd, Valle Romano
Double whammy I HAVE received not one but two speeding fines while driving late at night on the A45 between Casameja and Malaga. The cameras photographed me twice within four minutes of each other, meaning I have two separate fines. I admit that I should never have been speeding, even by just over the 80km limit. But why on earth has trafico decided after many years to reduce the speed limit from 120km and 100km per hour
Andy Smith, Fuengirola
I FOUND it hard to believe the almost surreal moment when I came to my senses in the Malaga Motor Museum. I had known for the past nine years that Malaga had a motor museum, but had always put off going because I thought it would be rubbish. How wrong could I have been! For a guy like me, (piston head, with oil for blood and a V8 fetish) it was heaven! I can still feel the tingling in my spine as I found myself standing between a pristine 1960 Aston Martin DB4 Superleggera and a 1957 Mercedes 300sl (Gullwing). Over a million pounds worth of beautiful motoring masterpiece in my hands. The tour is on your own, with no time limit, and at your own pace. Steve Walsh, Mijas
Spanish service to 80km, on a busy main road into Malaga. Is it because of road works, an accident blackspot, or an endangered animal crossing point? No: it’s purely a way to generate more income. The other side of the A45 on the same stretch of the road remains the same as before. Drivers are now backed up on the inside lane into Malaga doing exactly 80km per hour. Next time you see a new traffic police car remember it was me who paid for the tyres. Rob Parris, Colmenar
Total bankers MAYBE when you reach bottom, the only way is up. And now Spain fines drivers for both real and made up reasons – they made €500 million last year – so of course the books are looking better. How about thinning down government employees, reducing corruption and allowing the housing market to reflect the true value of thousands of empty properties
I OWN a Spanish bar and employ Spanish staff but find them very frustrating. They are all good people but find the concept of good service beyond them. Yes, they tend to serve the first drink at the table well but after that they neglect the customers and don’t try to sell more drinks. This drives me mad and no matter how many times I tell them they fall back into the same habits very quickly. The UK service industry is pretty good, especially in tourist areas where businesses are looking to maximise their profits. It always shocks me how bad in general the service is in bars and restaurants in Fuengirola, seeing that tourism is its bread and butter. Recently an ex-business partner of mine visited and was shocked at the lack of service at his hotel (the best hotel in Fuengirola) and in general while walking around. Mark Smith, Fuengirola Mark Smith, Fuengirola
Letters should be emailed to letters@theolivepress.es. The writer’s name and address should be provided. Opinions are not necessarily those of the Editor.
CROSSMOT 42 Across 7 Man (6) * 8 Balancín (6) * 9 Gris (4) * 10 Ahogando (8) * 11 Andando (7) * 13 Vestido (5) * 15 Herida (5) * 17 Crop (7) * 20 Moliendo (8) * 21 Cinta (4) * 22 Prism (6) * 23 Líder (6). Down 1 Strap (6) * 2 Obedecer (4) * 3 Lectura (7) * 4 These (5) * 5 Northern (3, 5) * 6 Pinturas (6) * 12 Bondad (8) * 14 Aproximadamente (7) * 16 Worker (6) * 18 Saltó (6) * 19 Cigarro (5) * 21 Brings (4).
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UP FOR AUCTION: Car
Going twice
A 111-YEAR-OLD car that belonged to an eccentric Spanish aristocrat is to be the star lot in a London auction. The 1903 Panhard et Levassor Phaeton – said to be the 18th car to be registered in Madrid – is expected to fetch more than €800,000 at the auction at the Bonhams annual London to Brighton Sale Having belonged to the Marques of Ivanrey, Ricardo Soriano – a well-known Marbella entrepreneur - for 71 years, the car is in ‘astoundingly good condition’. Famed for his eclectic pursuits, Soriano was an early promoter of tourism on the Costa del Sol, particularly Marbella. A key road is named after him. It is one of 60 lots at the Bonhams auction on October 31.
Deep thoughts
GOOGLE has paid tribute to a philosopher from Ronda to mark the 175th anniversary of his birth. Considered one of Spain's greatest intellects and a key democrat, Francisco Giner de los Rios featured on Google's home page on October 10. He is most famous for criticising the government for attempting to stifle academic freedom in 1875, for which he lost his job at the University of Madrid.
the olive press - October 17 16 - October 29 2014
the olive press - October 16- October 29 2014
Buried treasure After excavating the land for two months, archaeologists from Huelva University believe they have unearthed the port in the town of Palos
UNEARTHED: Columbus’ starting point
de la Frontera, where Columbus allegedly recruited sailors for his American voyage. They also discovered the remains of a potter’s workshop, an inn and a tavern - suggesting that La Fontanilla port was once a vibrant point of trade. The leader of the excavation project, Juan Manuel Campos, said: “The reef was the port’s customs area, and it was the place where Columbus negotiated and made the arrangements necessary for the success of his historic voyage. “This is the most satisfying dis-
To beard or not to beard? BEARDED and long-haired, the widely accepted image of Jesus Christ may in fact be a myth. Archeologists have unearthed one of the earliest depictions of Jesus, inside a religious building in the ancient town of Castulo, Jaen - and he doesn’t have a beard! The smooth-skinned figure is engraved on a glass plate believed to date back to the fourth century AD. It shows Jesus wearing a philosopher's robe flanked by two apostles, believed to be Peter and Paul. In fact, the conventional image of a fullybearded Jesus with long hair did not become established until the sixth century in Eastern BABY-FACED: The Jesus plate Christianity, and much later in the West.
More than just a holiday Discover the authentic Andalucia Just Explore Holidays & Tours is an independent Spanish Tour Operator specialising in providing exclusive, unique and high quality travel experiences in Andalucia. We create bespoke itineraries for individual travellers and small groups, based on our in-depth knowledge of Andalucía.
anilva. October 15, 6.30-8pmWomen’s
business networking event, at the Wine Centre CIVIMA in Manilva pueblo. For more information and to RSVP contact info@ shawmarketingservices. com
M
alaga. October 22, 5pmArchidona
Archaeologists discover the exact place Columbus set sail for the New World in Huelva THE hidden dock from which Christopher Columbus set sail for the New World in 1492 has been discovered in Huelva.
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Cinema presents the seventh Festival of Andalucian Documentaries, at the CAC Malaga. Free entry. Visit www.cacmalaga.eu, or call 952 120 055.
covery we have ever made.” Researchers had suspected the port was located in the area since 1992, but it is only now - 22 years later that they have been able to prove their suspicions. Excavation work will continue for another week, after which researchers will examine the ‘thousands and thousands of articles’ already found. The discovery came just one week after an American explorer claimed to have found Columbus’ lost flagship - the Santa Maria - off the northern coast of Haiti, only for Unesco to dismiss the claim.
F
uengirola. October 23, 4.30pmTalk on
the importance of being in the Padron, by lawyer Bill Oliver. At the Lux Mundi centre, entry for €1. Call 952 474 840, email luxmundif@gmail. com, or visit www.luxmundi.org.
M
arbella. October 25, 9.45pmMeet
and mingle at an ‘Art Lovers’ singles party, at Panorama 187. Entrance fee €10, and RSVP is a must. Visit www. dateclubconnect.com, or call 687 856 411.
bookshop - olive press Winter:Layout 1 08/10/2014 16:57 Page 1
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Terrorists have taken over the Alhambra Palace, in new expat novel Song of Granada. Laced with drama and intrigue, Anne Sikking weaves a story of compassion and spirit in the face of terrorism. Here, the Olive Press presents the first of a two-part serialisation
Alhambra
A
BOVE the Sierra Nevada David Garcia had closed his eyes but was far from sleeping. He had reviewed the files whilst sat in the departure lounge at JFK. The baggage handlers barely visible in a thin dawn with relentless drizzle, he had allowed himself to remember the last time he had travelled to Europe, before. Before Richard had died. Before the Twin Towers had been razed to the ground. Before he’d opened his mouth and spoken a viewpoint no-one wanted to hear. What he had seen of Spain he scarcely remembered. Of course the Alhambra, who could forget that? And of course the strong Spanish An-
AWE-INSPIRING: The Patio de los Leones and (inset) author Sikking dalucian accent, so foreign to his own Cuban. But anything else was blended such that even he, a sharp observer, was hard pressed to distinguish one
set of scenery from another. And all the time Richard dying of thirst, begging for just one drop, and David desperate to get him to the UK where they
could find a Chapter of AA that spoke English. And now here he was, set to go to Europe again, only this time on his own, all expenses paid, and not a pleasurable moment in sight.
T
“A work of art” Radio COPE
“A vision” “Marvellous” THE OLIVE PRESS
CANAL SUR
“tense from the first to the last moment” Brígida Gallego Coín
“a book you cannot “electrifying...Lorca put down” fans will thrill to this” J G Harlond
Available in bookshops and online from October 20, 2014... Check out www.song-of-granada.com
for events, reviews and local appearances by the author
Pan Zador
iptoeing through the generalife in the Alhambra, Mary Stansfield noted the patterned pebble work, beautiful under her feet, as it dug up through the thin soles of her shoes. The cypress trees flanked her, the gentle sound of falling water caressed her ears. The promise of sun touched her back and shoulders. Something in the unexpected peace seemed unnatural. As dawn was breaking, a huge bang had made her jump in bed. Whether thunder or the backfiring of a vehicle she could not have said. Then all had fallen quiet again. In the end it was the deathly quiet of the dawn which had fully awakened her. Despite the early hour, the sun was almost shining. A well rehearsed repertoire of Andalucian folk songs ought to have made her carefree. Even their Granadino hosts could not fail to be pleased with the programme highlighting works collected by Granada’s most famous son Federico Garcia Lorca. But as she continued along the paths she had a creeping anxiety. It was momentarily replaced by delight as she came across her choristers in a natural amphitheatre. Mary, thrilled to have the chance of a soundcheck with no-one around, sounded a note on her tuning fork and raised her arms. On the upward stroke of her hand the men opened their mouths and sang. The noise filled the Generalife. Then they stopped, staring over her shoulder, and she turned and saw him for the first time. He looked like death warmed up, and very, very angry.
M
ario’s in New York was always a perfect haven. Un-
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the olive press - October 16 - October 29 2014
under fire
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the olive press - October 16- October 29 2014
to put his life in the hands of a fellow officer whose common platform of belief could not be depended upon. He hated it that Garcia was a policeman, and worse, until 9/11, a popular one. Two, Garcia was Hispanic. And O’Reilly hated Spics. But he ARRESTING BEAUTY: Alhambra ticket scam spanned four years was not afraid of them, either. By rights, O’Reilly, himself only NEARLY 50 people have a third-generation Irishman, been arrested over a €3.5 should have felt camaraderie million fake ticket scam at with Garcia. God knows the the Alhambra Palace. Irish had suffered the indigni- The 45 people are facing ties of immigrant communities prison sentences of between the world over. Yet he hated four to nine years for being it that unlike the Irish, Spics involved in the fraud that could hide in language which took place between 2002 and in turn had safeguarded their 2005. culture, whereas the Irish Those arrested include, travel had pretty much lost theirs, agents, hotel workers and with only their surnames, and staff at Spain’s most popular Under the scheme, local ho- of IT and two other officials seething Irish anger to distin- tourist destination. As well as demanding the re- tels and travel agents took in the ticket office guish them. Three, Garcia was a Catholic. turn of the money, prosecu- tourists directly to the UNES- An estimated 50,000 tickets And O’Reilly, being one him- tors are also seeking an ad- CO World Heritage Site and were distributed and a daily self, definitely did not hate ditional €3.1 million for the effectively got them in via the excess of about 50% of tourists were allowed into the site Catholics. Nor was he afraid of additional wear and tear to back door. them. But he did hate the Da- the site and for tarnishing its They were given fake tickets which receives approximately concocted by the site’s head three million visitors a year. vid Garcia type of Catholic. His international image. daughter had wanted to know From front page what the difference could possibly be between one type of Catholic and another. O’Reilly had avoided answering. A release party – booked, He did know the difference; he paid for and scheduled to take just didn’t want to tell her beplace at the Alhambra on Occause it sounded ridiculous. tober 20 – has now been put The difference was colour. in jeopardy. When he thought of the Ca“It is very disappointing to tholicism of an Irishman, he THERE is no doubt the mechanisms of how the Alhambra find it being excluded by peothought green and white. When is run are outmoded and strange. ple who admit to not having he thought about the CatholiWhen the Olive Press visited the site earlier this year for read it, not least because it cism of the Italians or the Hisa full page feature, it took numerous calls to secure some is a work of fiction,” Sikking, panics the colours he could see press tickets. who grew up in York, told the were yellow, red and gold. That Only able to offer an early morning slot for Sunday Olive Press. was the difference. His Irish Ca(9.30am), we were told to get there an hour earlier to “It’s still not clear to me what tholicism was calm, controlled pick up the tickets, but not that there would be a cost (full is being objected to,” addand pure. Theirs was running price) and that we had to pay in CASH. ed Sikking, who also rents riot, irreverent. They had, what When asked why there were no discounts for journalists a farmhouse, just outside O’Reilly could only think of as - we had never before had to pay money for press tickets Granada. heat. And he hated heat. in Spain - and why we had to pay in cash, we were met by Both the Alhambra Palace Finally, the one thing in the litblank looks and shrugs. and its parador hotel feature any that O’Reilly found hard to Thankfully we had brought some cash with us and paid heavily in the book, which articulate was that Garcia was in full, but the whole experience left us wondering if the documents a terrorist attack quintessentially smart; saw, Junta was really the right organisation to be running such in the palace grounds. knew, ‘got it’, in a really una key monument. The reason for the ban, acusual way. Until 9/11, that is, That some 45 staff have now been caught selling fake tickcording to the publisher, is when he messed up big time. ets is no surprise at all, given the current state of corrupthat it is thought the book And that was what made it postion the region finds itself in. shows both Granada and the sible for O’Reilly to live with his When you have leaders of the Junta itself taking over five Alhambra in a bad light. hatred without it chewing him BILLION in the ERE and bogus training courses scams, The Alhambra press team up from the inside. Garcia had is it any wonder a couple of lowly workers at a monument were unable to make a commade a big mistake, and now feel they can get away with it? ment before going to print. he was having to pay for it...
€3.5m fake ticket fraud at Alhambra
able to sleep, Commissioner O’Reilly had left home in the dark and taken his usual booth. He drank long and deep of his coffee, pleased García was already far away. He hated David Garcia, or rather Angel David Garcia. Angel. What sort
of a man was called Angel? One, Garcia was a queer. And O’Reilly hated queers. He hated queers because he believed that all of them were essentially afraid, and fear made them weak and malleable and unreliable. No policeman could want
WIN WIN WIN
THE Olive Press is offering an unbelievable 10 chances to win a copy of Song of Granada, by Anne Sikking. We have five copies of the book to give away in English, and five in Spanish – for those wanting to brush up on their language skills. For your chance to win your own copy of Song of Granada – which comes highly-recommended by the Olive Press – simply answer this question: What famous Spanish monument does this anagram spell out: HARM THE ABLE ALPACA? Send your answers to newsdesk@ theolivepress.es, including your name, where you live and which language you would prefer.
OPINION Outmoded and out of touch
Banned
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la cultura
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the olive press - October 16 - October 29 2014
T
HE Roman Empire’s influence on the Iberian Peninsula is omnipresent and unmistakable. Segovia’s infamous aqueducts, Sevilla’s Italica, Cordoba’s Roman Bridge, the amphitheatres in Tarragona, Cartagena and Merida... the list of stunning works of Roman architecture is endless. The Roman imprint is also found in some not-so-obvious ways. The Romans spoke Latin - the linguistic precursor to today’s Spanish. In cuisine too, for example wine and olive oil; Spain’s system of laws, market economics, etc. are also all derivatives from the Roman heritage. However, how many of us are aware of the reverse - namely, the Spanish imprint on Rome? An unbroken chain of ‘Spanish-born native sons’ who made significant contributions in the areas of oratory skills, literature, theatre and education. In the city of Rome itself, for over a century, there was an intellectual circle of Spanish-born denizens who were the arbiters for all things literary, educational and philosophical. Let us meet some of them….
the olive press - October 16- October 29 2014
Viva Roma!
was sent not to Rome but to Athens to study logic and literary skills. This difference provided the young Lucan with a well-defined Stoic philosophical view of the world around him. He took this outlook to Seneca, he was sent to Rome Rome where he, like Seneca, to study writing and philoso- became a close associate to phy. He quickly became a star the infamous Emperor Nero. pupil and gained the attention He was rewarded with various of Emperor Vespasian. He ex- senatorial positions but what erted such a strong influence set Lucan apart were not his amongst the Roman elites that political positions but his epic he was rewarded with sub- poems. His best known work, stantial endowments. He used Pharsala, told the story of the these grants to launch what civil war between Julius Caesar and the has been labeled forces of the the ‘first public Roman Senschool system’ in Quintilian’s influence ate. At some the Roman Emon education point, Nero pire. Quintilian’s continued for (thought by pupils reads like another 500 years many to be a ‘who’s who’ insane) bewithin the empire list of influencame jealous tial individuals of Lucan’s who went on to exemplify the future glory of real-time popularity and forRome, for example Pliny, Tac- bade the publication of his itus, Suetonius and Domitian, poems. Lucan responded by to name a few. His best known writing witty and insulting politerary work, Institutio Ora- ems with political overtones toria, became a well-known directed at Nero. Things got handbook on approaches to so heated between the poet education and public-speak- and Emperor that Lucan was ing. Quintilian’s influence ‘obliged’ to commit suicide. on education continued for Lucan’s work was not only another 500 years within the popular during his short life but throughout the Middle Empire. Ages.
Jack Gaioni unearths the best and brightest ‘Spanish sons’ who made it big in ancient Rome, setting the literary and intellectual agenda for many centuries to follow There, he immersed himself in rhetorical skills, law, philosophy and natural sciences. He tutored the young future Emperor Nero, and remained an influential advisor as Nero rose to political fame. Seneca’s powerful influence extended to the Roman military, political and social elites. Literary works attributed to Seneca range from treatises on Stoic philosophy, dramas (mostly tragedies), comedies and satire, discourses on political statesmanship and education. Seneca was Rome’s leading intellectual throughout much of the first century and some
believe Seneca was, in fact, the de facto ruler of Rome. What is most interesting about Seneca’s place in history is that his prestige has survived the test of time. His philosophy has been referenced by such later thinkers as St. Augustine, Dante, Chaucer, Erasmus and many others. In 1965, Spain recognised the bimillenary commemoration of Seneca’s death, heralding yet another Seneca revival into the last decades of the 20th century.
Quintilian
Quintilian (35 AD - 100 AD) was born in La Rioja. Like
Seneca
In today’s Cordoba, near the ancient Roman Almodovar Gate, stands a statue of a short, bald man dressed in a toga. He is focused on a manuscript scroll. It is a likeness of what some consider Spain’s foremost intellectual - a thinker named Seneca (4 BC - 65 AD). Seneca was born in Cordoba but was sent to the city of Rome at an early age to study.
Jack’s Corner
Lucan
CRUCIBLE: The colosseum in Rome
Born into a wealthy Cordoban family, Lucan (39 AD - 65 AD)
Martial Marcus
Valerius
Martialis,
known simply as Martial (41 AD - 102 AD) was a first century poet. He was born and educated in Zaragoza and moved to Rome soon after completing his formal studies. His earliest published works centred on exposing the urban vices of aristocratic Rome. Martial’s keen curiosity and power of observation manifested itself in a series of poems in which he cheerfully satirises city life and the colourful (yet scandalous!) activities of the Roman elite. He romanticised the simpler pleasures of rural life. His style was unique in that his poems were short and concise with inexact meter which often used obscene language for effect. This stylistic approach has led some to consider Martial the father of the modern ‘epigram’ - or keenly pointed and satirical prose. During his life in Rome, Martial never rose to a position of prominence and always struggled with poverty. Interestingly, the works of Martial became highly valued, emulated and popularised by Renaissance writers - including Petrarch, Machiavelli and even Shakespeare - some 1,400 years after his death. These Renaissance writers shared with Martial an eye for the follies of the urban aristocratic class of their own time.
A
ll about
S
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errania de Ronda
August 7 - August 20 2014
TIMEL ESS
the olive press - October 16- October 29 2014
Hidden in soaring mountains and straddling a mighty gorge, Ronda is the stuff of dreams (and video games) but also the adventure of a lifetime, writes Tom Powell
PICTURES BY JON CLARKE
T
HISTORIC: A horseman outside Almocabar gate while (top right) the Puente Nuevo bridge and (right) the Arabic baths
HE giant stone pillars rise up out of the gorge, forming one of the most famous - and photographed - sights in Spain. But the Puento Nuevo (New Bridge) of Ronda is anything but ‘new’, as it turns out… It has been the centrepiece of this stunning town for more than 200 years. There is nothing that prepares you for the moment that you first approach it from above and witness the view and 390 foot drop down to the river below. Chef Jean Christophe Novelli described it as the ‘coño moment’ (best left untranslated); the second you look down for the first time. I found myself dazzled by the sheer enormity of the gorge, and its majestic back drop, and I knew it would be difficult to eventually tear my gaze
away from. But there is nothing about the so-called ‘City of Dreams’ that fails to impress. Ronda, located in the heart of the soaring Serrania de Ronda mountain range, is precisely the kind of magical town found in fairy tales. It is no surprise the latest Gran Tu r i s m o video game features a circuit that traverses the mountain roads before crossing this very elegant bridge. Thousands of tourists tread its streets every day (it is the third most visited town in Spain) discovering the rich history and culture around every corner. US President’s wife Michelle Obama made the trip in 2010,
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From Page 21 touring the old town and discovering the Moorish dynasty with her daughter Sacha. UK Prime Minister David Cameron has been on several occasions, as have Jamie Oliver and Bill Gates, along with a host of other famous faces. And when it comes to writers, they have waxed lyrical about its timeless streets, its breathtaking backdrop and hardy locals for centuries. German poet Rainer Maria Rilke donated the name ‘City of Dreams’, Orson Welles took a shine to its bullfighters, while Ernest Hemingway fell in love with, well, just about everything. “Ronda is the place to go if you are planning to travel to Spain for a honeymoon or for being with a girlfriend,” he wrote. “The whole city and its surroundings are a romantic set. Nice promenades, good wine, excellent food and nothing to do.” Hemingway, who has a street named after him, would want to revise his last remark if he were alive today. For the city is actually brimming with things to do and opportunities for adventure. The most famous attractions are undoubtedly the old town and its three bridges, spanning the gorge and connecting the city’s Roman and Arabic roots with its modern town. Look out for the 14th century San Miguel bridge, the 17th century Puente Viejo and of course the 18th century Puente Nuevo. Hemingway used it as a setting in his novel For Whom the Bell Tolls, in which he described prisoners being thrown from it to their deaths below during the Spanish Civil War. A great starting point is at the bottom of the Arabic quarter, today known as the San Miguel
S errania de R onda
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So special
HARVEST: Picking season at one of Ronda’s 30 bodega and (bottom) nobleman Don Bosco’s home district, where you will find the struction film really brings it to Iberian Peninsula’s best pre- life. Leaving the baths and walking served Arabic baths. The baths, currently undergo- up the charming cobbled paths ing a restoration, were origi- takes you into the buzzing old nally built in the 13th century town, which is ripe with key and operated by a water wheel, historic buildings and charm bringing water up from the Riv- personified. The typical Ronda furniture is er Guadalevin below. A stroll around the immaculate abundant, along with pottery chambers, arches and col- and handicrafts, all rich in Moumns conjures up images of roccan influences. the lifestyle enjoyed by travel- This quarter, La Ciudad, is the lers around the then Kingdom city’s oldest and was a favouof Granada. A fantastic recon- rite haunt of filmmaker Welles, due to its beautiful Moorish structures interspersed with fine renaissance mansions. Built in 9BC, Ronda is one of Spain’s oldest towns and was a key military bastion in the Roman Empire, as well as boasting its own thriving wine industry. But it was later completely transformed by the Moors, who were responsible for many of the special sights that make it so popular today. It is possible to walk along the Moorish city walls, past the crumbling Alcazar, and look
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VISTAS: From the old town and (right) Maruja Limon
Mountain of possibilities
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out into the Serrania, where the view has barely changed in centuries. Another highlight is the soonto-be luxury hotel Casa del Rey Moro, where Michelle Obama surprised onlookers in 2010 by descending the 300 difficult steps down the water mine – ‘La Mina’ - an experience many tourists pass on. But America’s First Lady wanted to witness at first-hand how the Arabic defenders used to collect water from the river below during violent sieges in the 14th and 15th centuries. The Obamas also visited the delightful Mondragon palace, which houses the municipal museum as well as beautifully kept water gardens from which the sweeping Serrania can be gazed upon. Exhibitions vary from Stone Age history to local geology, but the charm of the wonky floor and low ceilings remains throughout. Nearby is the Santa Maria la Mayor church, which dominates the Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, a large shady square perfect for cooling off in.
ONDA is as much about its local mountain landscape, walks and villages as its main town. There is enough to keep you occupied in the surrounding Serrania de Ronda for days, if not a week. You can easily spend a day or two walking or driving around the luscious Genal valley, bookended by stunning Gaucin. Then there is a fascinating side trip to the haunting remains of the Roman town of Acinipo and nearby Setenil de las Bodegas, where the Romans kept their wines. Don’t forget to pop into the charming authentic town of Arriate, to visit its ham factories
CHARMING: A classic Arabic building and view of bridge Originally built in the 14th century as a mosque, these days the ornate church is open to tourists and is well worth the visit. Nuns can still be spotted crossing the square, reminding you that this part of Ronda’s history is still very much alive. Across from the church is the landmark neo-classical town hall, with its bold stone arches which are so typical of Ronda. The Bandoleros Museum is an-
other great option for anyone with so much as a passing interest in swashbuckling bandits, battle and treasure. And for those with an adventurous side, before crossing the bridge to the new town, there is the opportunity to delve down into the gorge and discover what lies below. As of this year, a cliff-hugging footpath reminiscent of El Chorro’s Caminito del Rey has been opened, giving a new view of Ronda for those hardy enough to brave it. And take it from me, gazing up at the beautiful old buildings teetering perilously on the edge of the cliff is just as spectacular as looking down. There is just as much to do in the new town as the old, with the bullring – one of Spain’s oldest – taking pride of place.
and enjoy its great local restaurants. And finally if it is nature and wilderness, head for the great
Once a year the country’s most taking full advantage of the famous bullfight, the Goyesca, sweeping panoramic views on takes place here, with thou- offer. sands descending on Ronda The heart of the new town is certainly the bustling main for the event. The rest of the time, apart from shopping street, Carrera Esthe odd bullfight in the Spring, pinel, (known as ‘La Bola’ by the ring is popular for its mu- locals) which is bursting with seum dedicated to the sport. In handicraft shops, local pro1994, it also served as the set- duce and infinite places to stop off for a cafe ting for MadonThe journey once con leche. na’s hit song fact it is one Take a Bow. took four hours on In of the most From outside the bullring and barely passable alive and buzzing in Andaluthe tourist inroads but is now cia, while the formation office you can catch less than an hour square Plaza Socorro is a traditional horse and carriage for a more where Blas Infante declared authentic tour of the town. It is Andalucian independence 200 years ago from its charming surprisingly good value. The large, shady Almeda del Casino. Tajo botanical gardens are ab- The journey to Ronda, which solutely vital to experience on once took four hours to undera hot summer’s day, providing take on barely passable roads, welcome respite from the city is now less than an hour from buzz as well as shade and wa- the coast. That first sighting as you wind ter fountains. A stone footpath from there, down through the mountain is Paseo de los Ingleses, skirts still just as spellbinding, as the round the edge of the cliff ‘City of Dreams’ comes to life.
Alegria, alegria, alegria
GYPSY STYLE: An impromptu show and (right) the owners
outdoors of Grazalema natural park with its scenic villages of Montajaque, Benaojan and Jimera de Libar.
PRAYER: Santa Maria la Mayor church
Flamenco show’s
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T was a random Tuesday lunchtime but the alegria (happiness) could be felt from the bullring next door. As the third cork popped from a cava bottle the group of gypsies started to sing with real passion and the guitars came out in force. I could quickly tell this was not part of the excellent show that new flamenco bar El Quinque is putting on four times a day. If not quite duende (the occasional spirit that flamenco performers talk about) it was certainly a spontaneous outpouring of happiness. Cigars and tapas were the order of the day and a quick 30-minute lunch turned into a two-hour handclap session, replete with splendid food and wine. Opened by two flamenco aficionados, Angel, a guitarist, and Pablo, a singer, the new addition to Ronda’s entertainment scene should do well. Both have lived and worked among the celebrated gypsies of the Sacromonte area of Granada and both have obvious passion. “We are trying to do something authentic and of true quality,” explains Angel, whose wife Noelia is a talented artist to boot. Shows take place throughout the day with a longer show at 8pm in the evening. The food, including delicious oxtail croquettes, was NOT an afterthought.
12:30-1:15-2:00 and 8:00 (1 hour)
Fantastic tapas and wines by the glass
Paseo Blas Infante s/n. 29400 Ronda-Malaga Information and bookings 608272205 / 661613072 info@elquinque.es
www.elquinque.es
PICTURES BY JON CLARKE AND KARL SMALLMAN
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BLUE-TIFUL : Giant Smurf welcomes tourists HILE Griffon vultures and crag martins dominate the skyline in the Genal valley south of Ronda, there is another rather different species enticing tourists in - Smurfs. I began my foray into the verdant valley on 9 km of twisty, turny concrete, descending from the San Pedro-Ronda road to Igualeja. Chestnut tree-covered slopes eventually give way to this picturesque pueblo, nestling at the foot of the valley. It is the region’s largest village with a population of around 1,000, and boasts the source of the Genal river nearby. Said to be Europe’s cleanest river, crystal clear water trickles from a cave before becoming a steady stream. Venturing deeper into this fertile, green valley I arrived at Pujerra, a hidden gem of a pueblo that wears its individuality proudly on its sleeve. For the few tourists who make
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Green and blue
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STUNNING: Cartajima and (below) the source of the Genal river
Heading off the beaten track, Tom Powell takes a diversion to explore the luscious Genal valley and investigate its tiny blue celebrities the journey, there is a well signposted woodland trail with picnic tables, a beautiful central plaza and the remains of a deserted medieval community. Every November the village holds its chestnut fiesta, with
the delicious, nutty smell of roasting chestnuts wafting all the way down the valley. Next up was the village I was most excited to see for myself, Juzcar, which seems to firmly divide opinion between visitors.
Spain’s New England The Alto Genal valley is truly a valley for ‘all seasons’, writes Di Beach (right)
YOU don’t need to fly to New England for the fall… just take a drive up the Ronda road to the Genal Valley. Here in the Alto Genal, the sweet chestnut trees (castaños) that carpets the mountainsides put on a magnificent display of autumn colours – red, yellow, gold and orange. The seven villages of my area dot the Serrania de Ronda like a string of magical pearls. Unique villages, with their own cultures still intact, they have plenty to offer for the traveler looking for a dream escape and some stunning, classic nature. It is this time of year to look out for the valley’s wine festivals, as well as the chestnut festival in Pujerra and even a mushroom festival in Juzcar. Meanwhile Parauta is famous for its rabbit and Cartajima celebrates its delicious ‘mosto’ wine. My favourite autumn/winter treats are the setas or edible fungi. Some nestle under the chestnuts and other species hide in the crevices in the
Riscos, the formidable crags above the village of Cartajima. Either way, the villagers winkle them out and serve them up raw with scarlet pomegranate seeds, drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with salt. Now is the perfect time for the discerning culturally-minded traveller to come up and explore. Or pop up in the spring when you will find a glorious abandon of wild flowers, migrating birds back from Africa, the bright flash of bee-eaters and swallows. A season of rich abundance it is also a great time for a walk between villages. Finally, the hedonism that is summer. Each village has a swimming pool, open to all and a superb place for observing local life. All night fiestas in every village celebrate ostensibly the patron saint but actually are worshipping Terpsichore and Dionysus! Come visit us at any time of the year. We won't disappoint you. Di runs the charming Los Castanos hotel… see www.loscastanos.com
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A new Dawn
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GREAT OUTDOORS: Fortress in Benadalid, blue Juzcar and adventurers eye up the Genal Valley Juzcar is in many ways the same as other beautiful pueblos in the region with its quaint smattering of houses perched on the side of a mountain, surrounded by lush forest. Except for one major difference - it isn’t white - it’s bright blue. In 2011 the town was painted ‘Smurf blue’ by Sony Pictures to publicise the release of the new Smurfs movie. Although initially intended as a temporary change, Juzcar’s transformation into a blue village and tourism hotspot began to seriously boost the area’s economy. And when Sony offered to repaint the village white, the residents voted in a referendum to keep it blue, and retain
their status as the world’s first and only Smurf village. And when this blue vision first came into view I couldn’t help but smile - it is genuinely unique and surprisingly attractive. Wandering its streets feels rather special, and while there is not a whole lot else for tourists to do when the initial smiles subside, I wholeheartedly agree with the decision to keep Juzcar blue. The residents certainly seem to have embraced it too, with miniature Smurfs clambering on roofs and windows, hiding in doorways or behind chimneys. But don’t be put off - the serene atmo-
sphere and gentle, lage’s steep, narrow streets, while laid-back village the church, Nuestra Senora del Roway of life still presario, stands boldly at its highest vails here. point. The road out of Juzcar From these high-up vantage points climbs back up out of the you can spot a multitude of birds, valley towards including swifts and Miniature smurfs the small hamlet of blue rock thrushes, as Cartajima, which is unwell as choughs, rock clamber on roofs doubtedly blessed with doves and blackcaps. and windows, hidthe most glorious backBut after a quick birding in doorways or spotting session my drop in the region.
The view from the dip into the valley behind chimneys main street takes in came full circle and I vast layers of craggy limestone ridge was soon back out on the main road tumbling down into a sea of rich to Ronda, ready to swap the sleepy greenery, speckled with pueblos. valley, Smurfs and birds for the busAn earthy smell permeates the viltling market town.
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HE recession might be as deep in Ronda as anywhere else in Andalucia, but some are doing well. While plenty of expats have been forced to relocate to the UK as la crisis worsened Dawn Hutchinson has thrived. Since rolling the dice to relocate to Ronda in 2007 she has set up and created an online marketing business ArayoWeb, that now employs four people three of them Spanish. Originally from Brighton, Dawn, 33, left her marketing job in the UK to set up the business. “I worked from home for the first five years but now I have an office in Ronda’s main street. “If we continue to do well we hope to open another office in America, but we will always have an office here as I love the area so much.” Her company also sponsors the local rugby team Los Bandoleros as she feels ‘a real connection’ to the Spanish community (see story on page 28).
WIN: Dawn Hutchinson
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HE People's Republic of Arriate is an ‘island’ in the Ronda Mountains. Not an island in the classical sense of the word, but an eight-and-ahalf square kilometers island entirely surrounded by Ronda, from whom it wrestled control some 400 years ago. Fiercely independent of its pico, or snobbish, neighbours, the district – the smallest in Malaga province - has been staunchly left wing since the death of dictator Franco in 1975. Ruled by either the PSOE or the IU (formerly the Communist party) for nearly four decades, fortunately this is what one might call ‘Communist Light’, and has more to do with a shared sense of fun than of the teachings of Chairman Mao. This might perhaps explain, why – despite its apparent hard left leanings - the town has some of the best known Easter parades in the whole of Andalucia. Highly competitive and reaching fever pitch around Good Friday, practically every family has a member in one parade or another. Indeed, such is the clamour to be involved, the brotherhoods even hold lotteries for the right to carry the floats (or tronos) of Jesus and Mary. “It has always seemed a real contradiction to me,” says Jose Antonio Coca, a fitness instructor, who grew up in the town. “The processions are taken very seriously and they are very moving, but it is a simple fact that most of those involved
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HOME-GROWN
The left-leaning independent town of Arriate has a very different feel from its ‘snobby’ Ronda neighbour, writes Jon Clarke hardly ever go to church and so it is really just down to the tradition.” Either way, Arriate has a distinctly warm and friendly feel to it and, on the whole, its people look after each other in a sort of anarchic, commune-type way. It is no surprise to learn then, that in the run up to the civil war in 1936, the town's defence committee was run by anarchists, who with the CNT had the strongest trade union in the area. Arriate also has the curious distinction of being, aside from Ronda, the only town of the Serrania de Ronda to have grown substantially over the last decade. While most of the dozens of towns and villages have generally shrunk in size, hemorrhaging people to the larger cities, Arriate has actually increased to its current figure of over 4,000. Much to do with its near proximity to Ronda - coupled with more reasonable prices – the
The Arriatenos are worldly people, who have travelled all around the world to work
town has grown well. “It is no surprise with the town being easily one of the most friendly in Malaga province,” explains Carmeli Gamarro, whose family firm Melgar have been curing and salting meat for many centuries. “The Arriatenos are worldly people, who have travelled all around the world to work,” she continues. “It makes them open and friendly.” This was certainly the case as many of them had to emigrate to Switzerland, France and Germany to work in the tough impoverished years of the 1960s and 1970s. These days, while a new tranche of youngsters is being forced to go abroad to hunt again for work, many of the original emigrants are back and you can’t help but notice the number of happy-looking pensioners hanging around watching the day go by.
ISLAND HOME: Arriate nestles in a wide valley and (inset) its river view One place, Bar La Albarra is main street has a shop on its so famous for these old boys ground floor. Many of them that a Dutch photographer put have no signs, but just a main together an exhibition based door. Some are like caves, entirely around its clientele. stretching back almost 50 Sitting down to play cards over metres, and shopping around, an 80-centime brandy, the old you can find some of the best boys certainly look contented quality meat and vegetables in with the world. Malaga province. Another perfect snapshot of Tucked away in the town's fabthe town is at Pedro Montesiric are a number of other inno’s greengrocer, which is the teresting sites. Best are some heart of local life and of the ‘secret’ meat factories where a queue frethat are dotted around. quently snakes One of these in the around the charming pedesshop. trianised Calle It is here Callejuela that his has been faithful open as a c u s shop since tomers 1900, a p a fact provtiently en by the w a i t number their carved into t u r n , its pretty catching wrought iron up on gosdoorway. The sip and barfactory is at the racking Pedro, back for anyone inwho is never short terested in visiting. of a bit of banter himGreengrocer Pedro is self. typical of the Arriate stock. A A hard-working man, he is staunch supporter of old fashup with the lark to source his ioned village life, he spends great selection of produce and most weekends enjoying the spends much of his afternoon local countryside. delivering it around the nearby A keen hiker, he is forever in area. training for this or that, the “And as long as the locals keep highlight of his year being the supporting our local shops and annual 101km walk organised demanding good quality goods by nearby Ronda’s famous Forthen I will continue finding eign Legion. them,” he says. “It is the best thing about living Luckily the town has managed in a country village like this,” to keep its local shops. There he explains. are only two small supermarIndeed, the countryside surkets and attempts to open a rounding Arriate – meaning Dia in the town were recently ‘vegetable garden’ from the shelved. Arabic word Arriadh – is full of Almost every house on the lovely walks.
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AUTHENTIC: Fiesta en el Aire and (inset) stallholder and (bottom) greengrocer Pedro
The best goes up what is the group still keeps up the known as the valley of the Mo- tradition playing every Sunday lino Canto to the source of Arri- morning between the hours of ate's river Guadalcobacin. 4am and 6am. A shady stroll through a pristine With origins from Arabic times valley, the path continues up in the 13th century, the copinto the Sierra de las Nieves. las, or local songs, have been And yet there down From Arabic times, passed is more. For Arfrom generariate can also tion to genthe songs have call itself someeration and bebeen passed thing of a musicame famous cal town, one when in 1973 down through the of the best in the British Andalucia, with National Geogenerations two town bands graphic Society and plenty of local groups. recorded them for an album on It is a tradition that can be Spanish cultural music. traced back even before the or- A capacity for music is all too igins of the town, when a mythi- obvious with a visit to the incal group of country musicians credible Los Caireles bar on roamed the area playing music the high street. in the dead of night. There are few surprises in the Known as La Aurora de Arriate, Serrania as pleasant as walk-
ing through the anonymous frosted glass doors on a concert night in winter, when it will be full of hundreds of music fans of all ages, colours and styles. Much to do with the brothers Roberto and Monolo Rivera, the surprise is more the better, if you can persuade them to take you out back. If so, you will realise that the bar you are standing in is just one small corner of what was once – since the 1940s - Arriate's Cine Ideal. And what a gem it is. Still standing today, with its main screen and stage - not to mention 350 original wood and leather seats bought from Cine Paris in Malaga in the 1950s - best of all are the stunning brightly-coloured hydraulic tiles that line the entrance. “Our father was a real film fanatic,” says Monolo. “This was one of the most popular cinemas in the Serrania. “People came for miles around despite the movies being heavily censored by the local priest and mayor, who would watch the film first demanding cuts all over the place.” Running until 1988, when due to dwindling audiences part of it had to be converted into a flamenco venue, the brothers have kept it intact despite numerous offers from developers to turn it into flats. “This is our legacy and part of our town's key history,” says Roberto. “I grew up watching Cinema Paradiso and always dreamt of one day opening the cinema up again. One day we hope to be able to find the funding to do that.” It is one of those projects, which hopefully a planned new tourist association will help to get off the ground. With a new tranche of talented, hard-working expats moving in, opening hotels and restaurants (one, El Muelle, run by a Dutchman, number one on TripAdvisor for all of Andalucia, no less), it could well be Arriate’s decade. The emphasis is on sustainability, organic agriculture and home-grown produce. Its recently set up Fiesta en el Aire epitomizes this mix, a three day festival of the best of Andalucia’s natural produce and music. Thinking small, planning local, growing your own…It could be a microcosm of what Andalucia should really be aiming for in years to come.
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On top of the world! Arriadh Hotel is situated in beautiful surroundings just a 10 minute drive from Ronda. The village of Arriate, undiscovered by mass tourism, is within walking distance and offers a wide variety of restaurants and tapas bars. Arriadh Hotel is the perfect ‘home away from home’ to discover Ronda and the area. Or just to relax and take in the breath taking views and sunsets from the terrace, the garden, the roof terrace or your own balcony. If you want to stay in, don’t worry your hosts, John and Wilbert, always have a variety of tapas available and on request they will prepare a lovely, home-cooked dinner.
Arriadh Hotel Los Cañalillos (MA 7400, km 4,5) Ronda Tel.: +34 952 11 43 70 Mob.: +34 607 19 23 84 info@arriadhhotel.com www.facebook.com/arriadhhotel www.arriadhhotel.com
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On tour in the Serrania
R
ONDA is surrounded by two national parks, the Sierra de las Nieves to the East and the Sierra de Grazalema to
the West. Both are full of wonderful walks and pretty towns. Here are a few suggestions for excursions out of Ronda.
GRAZALEMA AND 1 ZAHARA Grazalema and Zahara (pictured
Construccions and pools Kevin Speak
Kevin Speak
right) are two of the most evocative towns around Ronda. Both set in spectacular scenery and with some lovely sites, Zahara has a towering castle above it and a great restaurant Al Lago, while Grazalema (a beautifully conserved gem) was once the centre of the wool industry and you can still buy delightful rugs and bedspreads.
KS
Construccions and pools
Covering the Serrania de Ronda for 10 years, all types of building projects, many years of experience C/Alambique, 10 29350 ARRIATE (Malaga) Movil: 678 123 775 kspeak58@hotmail.com
When rug
TOUGH GUYS: Ronda’s own rugby team
HAVE a look at these mo men. Rugged and tall, it is a known fact but Ronda has rugby team. While initially formed hal cade ago, the team has bee venated and rebranded u new name, Los Bandolero Sponsored by fast-growin web design and online mar business Arayoweb, they new shirts, new kits, and
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a little its own
lf a deen rejuunder a os. ng local rketing y have d most
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MOUNTAIN PASS: The windy road to Montajaque
HIDDEN: Kevin Speak and (below) the Monasterio
Secret surprise
2 If it is wonderful mountain scenery you are after and villages famous for their bandits then this pair are worth a visBENAOJAN AND MONTAJAQUE
it. Montajaque has a cave with the oldest cave paintings in Spain, while Benaojan is the centre of the ham and sausage
industry. There is a fabulous walk from Benaojan Estacion down the river to Jimera de Libar, from where you can get the train back. At each end is a great lunch spot, with Quercus and Molino del Santo.
4 Only 20 minutes drive away, the historic Roman town of Setenil is a real eye opener and amazing SETENIL DE LAS BODEGAS
for photography. Nestled in the rolling landscape north of Ronda, it was built on a series of caves, which served to keep the wines of the Romans cool in summer, hence its name. It is best to leave your car outside the town, wander up to the old fortress before heading down to the famous overhanging cave for a fine tapas lunch.
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RONDA LA VIEJA (ACINIPO) A 15-minute drive from Ronda at the top of one of the highest hills in the area the Roman’s built their ancient city. It still has much evidence of their skills with a large part of its amphitheatre intact and a lot more to look at, not to mention the views. The visitor centre is only open for the morning, but one can always climb up to the amphitheatre out of hours.
ugged is exactly the right word
ountain
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importantly a new ground. “We have just been given access to use the military sports ground,” explains club president Dawn Hutchinson, of Arayoweb.
Enthusiast
“When I first came across Ronda’s local rugby team, a lot of the committee had moved away and the team was therefore left with little or no financial back-
ing and was therefore dwindling in numbers. “Being a keen rugby enthusiast I therefore saw a great opportunity to become involved with the team and help promote it and push it forward.” The club now has a new coach who travels all the way from Gibraltar each week and the club is looking for new players, as well as sponsors. For more information visit www.losbandoleros.es
IT is one of the most exciting projects a builder could hope for. And during the renovating of the listed 18th century building Monasterio del Carmen in Ronda, Kevin Speak has unearthed some interesting findings. The beautiful building in the heart of Ronda’s old town has so far given up hidden arches, lost floors and even a secret doorway that, he believes, was used by Republican soldiers to hide during the Spanish Civil War. “It is a wonderful job and I am really enjoying it,” explains British expat Speak, who has lived in Ronda for more than a decade. Bought by a UK developer John Small and wife Carol, from Sheffield, the building is being converted into a high-end quality guesthouse. It took seven years to get planning permission for the building, which once, allegedly, put up the king. “I have seen photos of the old king inside,” says Speak. “So we have a pretty good idea of the building’s significance.”
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Castle-hopping HISTORIC: Castle above Jimena and (right) Jimena’s square
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GORGEOUS vista unfolded as we drove past Casares and looped around the valley towards Gaucin, known as the ‘balcony of the Serrania’ because of its wonderful views. One of Europe’s loveliest drives, I was heading off towards the market town of Jimena de la Frontera, which sits alongside the amazing Alcornocales natural park. The highlight of a stop off in Gaucin is the stunning Castillo del Aguila, which sits at 688 metres above sea level and offers a classic eagle eye view of the surrounding area. From here head along a long windy road to Jimena de la Frontera, a whitewashed town officially declared of Historical and Artistic Importance in 1983. A great weekend getaway, it has been inhabited by Iberians and Phoenicians, as well as the Romans, while its 13th century Moorish castle has looked out over many a bloody battle. Today things are rather more
Jacqueline Fanchini takes a road trip around the castle towns of the Western edge of the Serrania de Ronda
GLISTENING: Views over Castellar lake tranquil and you will see plenty of children running around, as well as men on horseback and remarkably few tourists. So friendly is the place that one mother-of-two led us by car to our hostal for the night. It may be a quiet town but that doesn’t mean that the locals don’t know how to party and we had a fun time on Satur-
Keeping prehistory alive
day night at Hostal Anon, with live music and a decent young crowd. In the daytime though it’s all about putting your walking shoes on and heading around the steep cobbled streets… and, in particular to the castle that rises above. The eighth century castle became a National Monument in
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ANT to get an idea what life was like in Andalucia 5,000 years ago? Well, at the Algaba education centre just outside Ronda, you have the perfect opportunity. Through its hauntingly realistic prehistoric village you learn about how our forefathers created fire, ground their bread, as well as decorated their homes. You can even find out what they did with their dead. Algaba’s work also includes research and teachings on the area’s geology and ornithology, as well as acting as a centre for endangered cows. These include the Spanish Pajuna – of which there are just 500 left – as well as the Andalucian Cardena, which in the early 90s had been reduced to just seven individuals. Guests and groups can now come and stay at the centre’s restored 250-year-old finca. www.algabaderonda.com
1931 and has recently been renovated, but it was once part of a Moorish defence system that stretched from Olvera to Tarifa. It remains as a constant reminder of Jimena’s intriguing past as a frontera - or frontier - when it guarded the western flanks of the Arabic Al-Andalus with Christian Spain. The castle witnessed many battles as Christian armies laid frequent siege to the fortifications protecting the Moorish stronghold of Algeciras. The view of the surrounding countryside below is amazing, in particular the sprawling forests and undulating hills of Los Alcornocales natural park. One of Europe’s largest protected spaces, it is the ideal spot for putting on your walking boots and exploring. When the Hozgarganta River swells there are dreamy waterfalls and pools to be found but, as ever, ask the locals to point you to the best spots. The park is also home to the prehistoric paintings at Laja Alta which incredibly date back as far as the Bronze Age. After a day spent exploring the wild and stunning terrain, Jimena offers a range of enticing dining options with a mix of Spanish and Moorish cuisine. The area is known for mushroom picking and game hunting, but the one thing you can’t leave without trying is the sweet piñonate cake. For those on a budget, here’s a free tip - since the castle doesn’t get locked up at night, it’s ideal for a candlelit (romantic) picnic and some good oldfashioned stargazing. On our way back from Jimena the next day we headed to visit the castle at nearby Castellar de la Frontera. The drive up to the village passes through forests of cork trees and past the beautiful turquoise reservoir formed by the Guadarranque River. When you get there, the small village within the old castle walls has a traditional Hispanic feel but is sprinkled with quirky shops selling a mix of Moroccan jewellery and trinkets. The Aljibe restaurant is well worth a visit, if only for the friendly Spaniard who’ll let you hold and pat his hawk while you take pictures with it for €3. When you finally head home after a weekend of castle-hopping, rejoice in the knowledge that hidden just behind the Costa del Sol’s shining bright lights lie some of Spain’s most precious mountain gems.
déjà vu déjà vu Quality pre-owned furniture & goods for your home Open Tuesday to Saturday 10.00-14.00 Evenings by appointment Plaza de la Constitucion, Jimena de la Frontera 11330 Telephone /Telefono – 636 730 542 Opposite Bar Vecina & next to Taxi Rank Like us on Facebook - dejavuvintageshop-Jimena
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October 16- October 29 2014
You are spoilt for choice with romantic and hip places to stay around Ronda
D
UBBED the 'City of Dreams', appropriately, by German poet Rilke there are plenty of excellent places to stay in the Ronda area. In the heart of the city there are many emblematic choices, but if it is peace and quiet you are after then simple Hotel Boabdil is a good bet. Set up by a friendly expat couple it sits in one of the most charming streets of the old town, just yards from ancient Almocobar gate and its excellent same name restaurant. The rooms are clean and airy and some boast good views. Also in the old town look out for Aire de Ronda, which is both stylish and traditional in equal measures. In the countryside nearby are some of Andalucia's hippest hotels. Easily one of the best choices is Molino del Puente, run by friendly English couple Ian and Elaine Love, who also have one of the area's best restaurants La Cascada. A bit further away in Benaojan you must certainly consider incredible Molino del Santo, a classic rural retreat, which has been serving the
Dream City STYLISH AND TRADITIONAL: Molino del Puente and Aire de Ronda (right)
area for nearly three decades. Diana and John Beach, who Run by English couple Pau- go out of their way to ensure line and Andy, the hotel has you have a superb break. the knack of keeping guests A lovely townhouse, you can happy with just the right mix walk right from the door of comfort, and there are good food and some excelProviding weary character. lent local restravellers with Best of all, it taurants. Best lodgings for over a of all there are counts on one of the best of books decade in the hills loads restaurants and you can above the town in Andalucia, also eat in if and has many, you fancy it. many returning guests. Last, but not least, why not Closer to Ronda, in the try out Hostal Anon over in charming village of Arriate, Jimena, which is a great place you will find a number of for a romantic break. great places to stay. It’s been a classic stopover for The first, Hotel Arriadh, travelers for decades and the has been providing weary rooms have a Spanish rustic travellers with lodgings for feel, while the outside inter- TALENT: Wilfred at over a decade in the hills twining terraces have a Moor- Hotel Arriadh above the town with the most ish decor. amazing views imaginable. Recently completely renovated by a Dutch couple John and Wilfred, it completely capitalizes on the amazing ONE thing to look out for in the views and light and the garRonda area are baskets woven dens are incredibly peaceful. out of esparto grass that grows Best of all your hosts are inin the area. Once the main credibly helpful and friendly source of income for many famiand go out of their way to enlies in the Sierra de las Nieves, sure you have a fantastic stay. sadly esparto products are now Over in the Genal Valley you a dying trade. will find Los Castanos, AnIn Igualeja however you can dalucia’s top rated hotel on visit a womens’ cooperative TripAdvisor. that aims to keep the tradition Sitting in the sleepy, authenalive as well as forming jobs for tic village of Cartajima, it is locals. the retreat of cultured expats
What to buy: esparto bag
GREEN ESCAPE: Molino del Santo and (above) peaceful Boabdil
RURAL PARADISE IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK
FREE GUIDE TO THE RONDA AREA NOW AVAILABLE!
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EDDIE’s THORTS FREE BIRTHDAY from Molino del Santo MEALS!
LAST MINUTE OFFERS
Just had ANOTHER hair cut. What is wrong with this owner guy? Just because he’s losing his hair, he seems to want me to lose mine too.
Special rates at Trip Advisor’s number one hotel
I’m just grateful for customers with hearts. Some folk went to a local restaurant recently – don’t let the Old Master know they ate out, he gets very odd – and they brought me back a doggie bag of left-overs.
From our Benaoján Correspondent
You can pick up last minute deals at an award-winning hotel and restaurant near Ronda.
Restores my faith in human nature. Thank you C and M. You know who you are. There’s also talk of cutting off my tail – just because someone they don’t lke is coming to stay. They’re worried that the person will think they’re welcome. Apparently this is funny.
Eddie
AVAILABLE – BOOK NOW!
Your birthday before the 9th November? Come to celebrate it at Molino del Santo and the birthday person gets a FREE meal. Why not get the train from San Roque for a different birthday treat? You must book ahead, You must be the first person to request this offer on that day. You can’t come on your own. You must prove it is your birthday. Book now before it’s too late. Molino del Santo closes on the 9th November 2014, re-opens on the 6th March 2015. info@molinodelsanto.com Telf 952 16 71 51
Molino del Santo is open until the 9th November 2014 and as an Olive Press reader you can get a 10% discount on ALL room rates by mentioning this article. You are assured of a warm welcome, excellent interesting food, comfortable rooms, friendly staff, a great setting. The hotel was selected as the Number one in Andalucia this year by Trip Advisor so you know you are going to have a fabulous experience.
seuse too who offers amazing value in all kinds of unisex treatments. Some dates are already fully booked but find a gap and you’ll be getting a bargain with rooms from just 95 euros with breakfast included. Treat yourself or someone special soon. But don’t leave it too late. Time is running out….. Call 952 16 71 51 or e-mail info@ molinodelsanto.com TODAY!
Why not try a five or eight course tasting menú with matching local wines? Prices start at just 50 euros. Walking routes from the door, villages to explore, Ronda on your doorstep – you’ll discover another world just an hour from San Pedro. Want to pamper yourself? Molino del Santo has a great in-house mas-
Ronda’s Most Special Hotel and Restaurant
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DUO: At Porton and (right) Juan at Spice Route
Where to eat
F
EW places in Spain have such a good range of restaurants as the Serrania de Ronda. Much to do with its ingredients – its olive oils, cheeses, hams, mushrooms, fruits, nuts and vegetables – as long as chefs use local and think big, long will it stay that way. Thankfully every year new restaurateurs arrive in the region, with fresh ideas and skills, all helping to improve the gene pool. This year’s new additions include the stunning Maruja Limon, Juntera and La Cascada, while the likes of Casa Santa Pola, soulful Almocobar and rural idylls Molino del Santo and Al Lago, go from strength to strength. While the excitement award must go to la Granada Divino in Gaucin thanks to its TV show with Gordon Ramsay, the real plaudits must – once again – go to El Muelle, in Arriate. Incredibly, this authentic spot is still (a year on) Number One out of 15,000 restaurants in Andalucia, according to TripAdvisor. Thoroughly deserving, this converted railway storeroom is worth a journey alone, as many people do from Estepona and even Gibraltar. Run by friendly Dutchman Frank Rottgering with chef Isa from nearby Alcala del Valle, it has maintained its attention to detail, its customer service and, above all, its amazing prices. But tiny Arriate has more, thanks to the recent opening of Juntera Gin and Tonic in the heart of the village. Set up by a local lad Sergio Marin Garcia, he and his brother David, the chef, use organic produce from his family’s nearby vegetable gardens, with some excellent twists. And then there is Taberna Manolo, which has also been through something of a revolution over the last year, perhaps in a bid to keep up with its rivals. Equally authentic, expect to try
More than a hundred wines many by the glass. Organic and local produce: Seasonal 30 years of Ronda. (Closed Tuesdays)
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Serrania de R onda
Diners’ paradise
The Serrania de Ronda has Andalucia’s best collection of restaurants, writes Dining Secrets of Andalucia editor Jon Clarke
MINE’S A LARGE ONE: At Juntera
a tartaki of tuna, secretos or a steak in whiskey. Up in Ronda meanwhile you will find everything from creative Tragatapas, run by former Michelin-starred chef Benito Gomez, to traditional Pedro Romero and lots in between. But easily still pick of the bunch is Almocobar, which has been producing consistently good quality food for 30 years opposite the old Arabic gate of the same name. Run by a tight-knit team, presentation is important and a new offer includes a series of interesting four and five course set meals, paired with wines from five of the local vineyards. Nearby, Meson El Sacristan, keeps on getting better and better. Run by friendly Antonio from Campillos, this busy spot, which counts on Roman ruins in the basement, has easily some of the best steaks in the
Serrania de Ronda’s freshest new restaurant
Come and see what Gordon did next!
Views to Gibraltar and Africa
Reservations: +34 951 709 075 reservations@lagranadadivino.com THUMBS UP: Omar at Buenos Aires
www.lagranadadivino.com
35 the olive press - October 16- October 29 2014
STARS OF RONDA: Manolo at Almocobar, Antonio at Sacristan, Ignacio at Santa Pola, Neil at Granada Divino and Frank at El Muelle town, cooked to a tee in the only wood-oven around. It also has a good wine list. Nearby, with the best views in Christendom, look out for La Maruja Limon, recently opened by ambitious Barbara Gasull. Having cut her teeth in restaurants in Santander, she moved south and found this gem of a spot that sits on top of the famous gorge with a charming garden. The food is organic, homemade and I particularly liked the carrot croquettes in caramelized onions and her tapa of aubergine with miel de cana. Another great new opening in Ronda is el Quinque, which aims to combine ‘art and gastronomy’ and has some excellent flamenco shows to compliment its food. Chef Francisco Sobrino has cooked in plenty of places on the coast, including the Marbella Club hotel, and his toasted goats cheese with caremelised onions and oxtail croquettes, not to mention the
EVOCATIVE: Dining at Santa Pola shallot tart with chicken livers, back of his hand, and who has were superb. And still there is worked around the country and more with the excellent Casa likes to experiment as much as Santa Pola, which certainly possible. takes some beating for atmo- Then, let's not forget the sphere. charming El Porton – an inThis is all thanks to Cata- stitution - run by the same two lan chef Ignacio, who knows friends Javier and Pepe for the Spain’s culinary scene like the last 40 years.
Steeped in bullfighting history, here you will find my favourite Ronda tapa, the wonderful quails egg with ham on toast. Finally for something completely different you must try out the superb vegetarian restaurant The Spice Route. The brainchild of livewire Juan, who grew up in Mallorca, this is not only the Serrania's only such joint, but one of the best in Andalucia. Using fresh ingredients and a wealth of herbs, he is proving that you can eat quality food without meat. Oat meatballs, soya cannelloni and veggie mousaka, my favourite dish was a sweet gazpacho of red peppers. For international food, Ronda also has a friendly Argentinian, Buenos Aires, run by characteristic Omar. It is an excellent spot for tapas, breakfast or just a pint to watch the UK football. It probably also serves up the best coffee in town thanks to its fresh milk. www.diningsecretsofandalucia.com
RURAL TREATS
Take advantage of lake views from our terrace or dine in our elegant dining room with fireplace.
Escape into nature this Autumn and enjoy the tranquility of our picturesque village.
Stay at our cosy rural hotel with renowned restaurant specialising in locally sourced produce, game, fish, paellas and plenty of fresh vegetables.
TAKING a tour into the green hills around Ronda yields a series of excellent country restaurants. One of the most exciting at present is La Cascada, at hotel Molino del Puente, where Ian Love has been winning plaudits for his tasty creations for many years. Set up with wife Elaine after a number of years on the coast, his food is so highly rated the place has recently entered Andalucia’s Top 20 on TripAdvisor for the first time. Over in Zahara de la Sierra you will find Al Lago, set up by talented chef Stefan Crites, from America, and his wife Mona, from the UK. Consistently one of the best places to eat in the Serrania, Stef specialises in local ingredients, including venison, wild boar and mushrooms. You sit overlooking the stunning Zahara lake and can even lay down your head upstairs should you feel you have overdone it. Slightly nearer Ronda is Molino del Santo, where Andy and Pauline have served up the best quality food in the Serrania for three decades. One of the most evocative terraces in Spain, service is impeccable, and the menu changes regularly and by the season. HOST: Mona at Al Lago Over in San Pablo de Buceite look out for Restaurante la Estacion, where Nieves Dominguez has created a great restaurant on a station platform, hence the name. And don’t forget fabulous local, the charming Quercus, in Jimera de Libar, where you will fall in love with its simplicity and tasty organic food. Last, but not least, if it is authenticity you are after, you must head for the converted olive mill Molienda in Benalauria. One of Malaga’s pretty small villages, this is a true dining secret!
Open Fridays though Mondays in November until 15th December. Also open for NY Eve, contact us for our special stays. info@al-lago.es. / 956 123 032 / 662 052 553
www.al-lago.es
RUSTIC: Bright colours at Quercus
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the olive press - October 16- October 29 2014
37 the olive press - October 16- October 29 2014
And now for the good news A PROPERTY resurgence is under way in Andalucia, after new figures revealed a 32% increase in sales to foreign buyers. Figures for this year's second quarter revealed that 2,985 properties were purchased by foreigners, with a staggering 2,222 of those being bought in
Junta to legalise 25,000 irregular homes, in time for the elections, writes Jacqueline Fanchini A PRE-ELECTION move to amend chaotic urban planning laws in Andalucia has been fast-tracked at the Junta following talks between the PSOE and the IU. The amendments will regulate 25,000 homes under the so-called Law on Urban Planning of Andalucia (LOUA).
Elections
The changes, will attempt to regulate homes built on isolated clusters on nondevelopable land, they will
the province of Malaga (a 33% yearon-year increase). Jaen saw the biggest percentage increase, with sales up 63% to 31 sales in total. Huelva was close behind, with sales up 57% after 41 properties were snapped up.
And Cadiz also saw a whopping 55% increase thanks to 155 property sales. Sevilla saw a 30% increase, while 278 properties were sold in Almería, up 20%. Cordoba saw the lowest increase at 18% after just 13 sales.
Fast-track to votes!
RINGING THE CHANGES: Junta leader Diaz
be ready in January. Despite the deadline being just four months before
the municipal elections, Junta boss Susana Diaz insists the changes are not
Offices at the Puente Romano Hotel & opposite the Marbella Club Hotel Tel. (+34) 952 863 750 info@panorama.es www.panorama.es
‘an electioneering measure’ but ‘the response to a drama suffered by thousands of people’. However, it is feared the amendments will not help the many British expats whose homes in the Axarquia, Almeria and Chiclana are already under threat of demolition orders. It comes despite requests from the British Embassy to find solutions for those in the midst of judicial proceedings, or who have already been handed demolition orders.
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the olive press - October 16 - October 29 2014
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Property
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the olive press - October 16- October 29 2014
New Golden Age Marbella is leading the recovery out of the crisis, and into a new era of affluence, property expert Chris Clover tells the Olive Press
MARBELLA is definitely springboarding its way out of the crisis, as its property market gathers a healthy pace, according to market experts. Sales have been increasing dramatically year-on-year, and the town is now the leading property hotspot in Spain in terms of sales volume growth. “The reason for this is clear,” explains Chris Clover, managing director of Marbellabased Panorama Properties.
RECOVERING: Marbella
“The area is simply not dependent on the national economy with 85% of the buyers being foreign.” Indeed, between 2012 and
2013, sales in Marbella increased from 2,519 to 3,115 – a 22% increase. And 2014 is looking even more positive, with the yearly total likely to reach more than 4,000 if sales continue on the same path. “Marbella attracts quality people from all over Europe and the rest of the world,” added American Clover, who has been based in Marbella for 44 years. “The town has a no-nonsense
‘Clear upturn’ ‘Best year ever’ PROPERTY on the Golden Triangle of the Costa del Sol 2014 is showing all the signs of an upturn in the market, according to Antoine Pellet, sales director for Marbellabased Private Property. “This recovery
has mainly been in Benahavis, Marbella and Estepona - known as the Golden Triangle - where foreigners make up 70% of buyers,” he said. “The area stands out as the only place showing a t u r n around in house prices.”
MARBELLA is having its best year since the crisis started, according to Mark Stucklin, of property information website Spanish Property Insight. “There are many more buyers around, and confidence is definitely up,” he said. “But it’s still a price-driven market. People are very pricesensitive and we are not seeing a return to the boom years yet.” He continued: “We are also beginning to see more developments being started in the area, which is a definite sign of increased confidence.”
Right to reside
W
HETHER buying a home privately or from a developer in Spain, there’s one piece of paper you must have. A Licencia de Primera Ocupación (Licence of Initial Occupation), issued by the local town hall, ensures the bank has no trouble lending against the property and helps avoid future problems. Lawyer and real estate expert Adolfo Martos Gross of GAM Abogados has some advice to offer on what should be a straightforward process but, in the worst case scenario, could end in a demolition order for an unsuspecting new homeowner. Firstly, once construction of a home is completed, the supervising architect and technical architect should provide a Certificado de Fin de Obras (Certificate of Completion) that confirms all work has been finished, together with details of the process and any unforeseen modifications. This must be stamped by the Architects Association. This certificate must then be presented to the town hall, along with various other documents, to request a licence. In Marbella, for example, you must have an application form from the local registry office and proof of payment of any charges and taxes. A stamped photocopy of the Declaracion de Obra Nueva (Declaration of New Building Works) in the land registry is also required. A technician from the building department will then visit the property (without notice)
There are few crucial steps for any property purchases in Spain to check the construction matches the project description. If all is in order, the technician will submit a report to the town hall for council approval. You should then receive a certificate, permitting you to legally reside in the property and connect to water and
approach to development, and as the southernmost point in Europe it provides the best climate in the whole Mediterranean Basin.” The market hit rock bottom in Marbella about two years ago, according to Clover, whereas the rest of Spain only hit the bottom in the first few months of this year. “This means that Marbella’s recovery is already well ahead of the rest of Spain and the property crisis is finally over here,” he explained. However he added that prices were still 15 to 25% below market highs, even in the most consolidated areas. “This means there will still be good deals for some time to come, particularly in the less consolidated areas and lower price ranges.” For the market to completely recover, however, it means a return of the Spanish buyers – clearly absent due to the recession. Clover is predicting that this won’t happen for another two-and-a-half to three years. “But undoubtedly, Marbella is, right at this moment, at the dawn of a new Golden Age.”
The Property Insider by Ada m Neale
power services. If anything differs from the plans, the town hall will normally refuse to issue the certificate until the extra structure is legalised. If a property is deemed illegal, the the town hall will send out a legalisation order and if this cannot be fulfilled, a demoli-
tion order will be issued. When the town hall is unaware that a greater sized property has been built than was approved and more than four years have passed, a property is classified as fuera de ordenacion (not corresponding to planning rules). In this situation you are unlikely to be granted new permits for repairs.
• Litigation and tax specialist (resident and non-resident) • Property conveyancing • Spanish investment and inheritance tax International Lawyers & Investment Professionals Tel: (0034) 951 29 52 60 Fax: (0034) 951 29 51 68 Legal Property Solutions SL Avenida de Cibeles Nº1, Urbanización Arenal Golf, Fase 2, Bloque 2, Portal 3, Bajo B, 29639 Benalmádena, Málaga We speak English / Parle français / Wir sprechen Deutsch
info@legalpropertysolutions.com www.legalpropertysolutions.com
Property
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the olive press - October 16- October 29 2014
FOR SALE: Villa Montana
ROCKER: Platt and (right) Hendrix, Page and (below) Clapton
A BRITISH musician who has rubbed shoulders with Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Rod Stewart is selling his luxury Puerto Banus home. Harvey Platt – the brother of music promoter Howard Platt – has put stunning Villa Montana on the market for €1.7 million. Platt, who started playing bass at the age of 16 in Norwich, spent most of his teenage years at the family’s R’n’B club, the Orford Arms, hanging out with a string of Britain’s musical greats. “My brother booked loads of great acts before they got famous,” Platt, 69, told the Olive Press. “He got Eric Clapton down here hundreds of times, and
Rock ‘n’ Roll pad
A Brit who spent his teenage years playing Scalextric with Hendrix is selling his Puerto Banus home By Imogen Calderwood Rod Stewart used to come down to Norwich a lot too. “My band always used to play support for them all. I very clearly remember getting up on stage with Jimmy Page when I was about 18, but that was long before his Led Zeppelin days,” he said. “I laid out a giant Scalextric set in the beer cellar of the club and all the bands would come and play to
fill the hours before their sets.” Platt’s music career later took him all over the world, from the UK to Bangkok to entertain the American troops during the Vietnam War, and then on to Hong Kong where he ran a recording studio. Platt eventually moved to Marbella in 2001, where he ran Yanx American restaurant
for six years. “We filled the restaurant with a rock and roll influence and with lots of memorabilia I’ve collected over the years. We were always getting loads of compliments for the music,” he added. Built in 2006, the luxury five-bed villa is a Floridastyle, open-plan home with panoramic views extending as far as Africa. Just eight minutes drive from Puerto Banus, it is ideally located only minutes from some of the best golf courses on the coast. For more information, call Harvey on 0044 1603 434332, David on 647 004 714, or visit www.dreampadspain.com
the olive press - October 16 - October 29 2014
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VILLA FOR SALE VILLA TIL SALGS VILLA A VENDRE Luxury Home - Private Sale Hillside Location Puerto del Capitan To view
Tel: David Fisher 647 044 714
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Top Dollar
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BUSINESS IN BRIEF Top 10 MADRID and Barcelona have been voted the fifth and sixth most desirable cities in the world to work in by expats, while London topped the list.
Pregnancy risk SPANISH businesswoman and mother-of-six, Monica Oriol, has been accused of sexism after saying she prefers not to hire women between 25 and 45, because they might get pregnant.
Forget me GOOGLE has received 13,429 ‘removal requests’ from Spaniards since its landmark ‘right to be forgotten’ EU legal battle. It has received a total of 144,907 requests across Europe.
Hey big spenders Politicians and bankers embroiled in ‘magic cards’ expenses scandal as Caja Madrid and Bankia probed SAFARI: Blesa proud of his kill paid for by taxpayers DOZENS of politicians, bankers and financial advisers are under investigation after collectively spending €15.5 million on undeclared company credit cards handed out by Caja Madrid and Bankia between 2003 and 2012.
The 86 cardholders under investigation include 27 members of Spain’s ruling PP party, 15 PSOE members, 10 trade union leaders and five members of the IU party. The politicians were given the ‘magic’ cards to pay for their expenses after being appointed to various posts at the banks but none of the spending was ever reported to tax authorities. public debt of nearly 100% In return for being on the of GDP, a 25% unemploy- board they effectively got free ment rate and no alternative cash. The scandal has forced to construction as an engine the resignation of Madrid’s of growth. former finance misister as “Growth in Spain has re- well as members of the sosumed, supported by exter- cialist party. Two trade union nal demand as well as higher leaders have also resigned. domestic demand reflecting improved financial condiHoliday tions and rising confidence,” according to the IMF report. Other high-profile figures Spain has been recording under investigation include gradual gains over the last Rafael Spottorno, the former 12 months, driven first by ex- head of Spain’s royal houseports and later by increased hold, and the ex-presidents consumption, in turn encour- of Caja Madrid and Bankia aged by job creation. Miguel Blesa and Rodrigo Elsewhere at the IMF Annual Rato. Assembly, things were not Blesa - who was paid €3.5 looking so positive. million a year in his role - is Worldwide, expectations for reported to have spent a masglobal growth have fallen to sive €436,000, including 3.3% for 2014 and 3.8% for €10,000 on wine and €9,000 2015, down from 3.4% and for a hunting break in South 4.0% respectively. Africa.
Spain strongest growth in EU
GROWTH: IMF boosts Spain
SPAIN is the only European country with improved economic prospects for 2015, according to the International Monetary Fund. The Washington-based IMF has announced that Spain’s economy will grow by 1.3% in 2014 and by 1.7% in 2015, up from July’s forecasts of 1.2% growth this year and 1.6% growth next year. This is the fastest predicted growth of any advanced European economy, despite a
Clegg step-down UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg’s wife – a high-flying lawyer – has resigned from a €113,000 job on the board of a Spanish company hit by the corruption scandal. Miriam Gonzalez, 46, has stepped down from her position as director of the construction and engineering firm, Acciona. Two of the firm’s senior executives are currently under investigation by a Spanish magistrate and anti-corruption prosecutors over allegations of misappropriation of public funds, falsifying documents and money laundering. Gonzalez, who earns a reported €640,000 a year as an international lawyer with Dechert LLP, said her resignation was unrelated to the inquiry.
the olive press - October 16 - October 29 2014 41 41 the olive press - October 16- October 29 2014
Adios amigos! A MASS exodus has taken place to escape the country’s economic woes. With a 25% unemployment rate and a lack of faith in government, some 700,000 Spaniards left Spain between 2008 and 2012, according to Fundacion Alternativa’s new research. The institute also revealed another 547,890 departed in 2013, although officials say just 79,306 of them were Spanish. It appears a large proportion of those leaving are heading for South American soil as many of the continent’s economies enjoy a rise in
economic fortunes. While Spain’s economy is predicted to grow 1.2% in 2014, Peru is set for a 5.5% increase, with Mexico to see a 3.0% growth, Chile 3.6% and Panama 7.2%, according to the International Monetary Fund. Combined with a lower cost of living, the South American attraction is clear. In a reversal of history, the Spanish follow a wave of Latin Americans who have themselves returned to the continent after large numbers migrated to Spain in the late 1990s.
Top Dollar
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- October 29 2014
the olive press - October 16- October 29 2014
Market mumbles
Road to Riches, by Richard Alexander
Death tax cut C HANCELLOR George Osborne surprised everyone at the recent Conservative conference by his pre-election promise to cut the death duties. The Chancellor used the conference to announce that the death benefit tax charge on lump sum pension payments will be scrapped altogether with effect from April 2015. The surprise element was the timing, as in the March Budget, he said that it would be reviewed and I think the industry was expecting the details to be included in the Autumn Statement later this year. However, this is largely good news for anyone with a UK personal or defined contribution pension scheme, whether it is in payment now or not yet commenced. Under current rules, when a person dies either after the age of 75, or if they have commenced their pension
Richard Alexander looks at moves to cut death duties
benefits, at any age, their re- come tax will be payable, with sidual pension fund can be the amount depending on paid to any beneficiary but the overall tax position of the 55% tax will be deducted at beneficiary. source. This is regardless These rules apply to all UK tax of the tax position or even payers but for those who are tax residency of the pension expats, the lump sum taxes will still apply but it is unclear holder or the beneficiary. With effect from April 2015, how the marginal rate taxes will be applied whether beneand where the fits have been It will herald a beneficiary is commenced a non-UK resior not, when new era in terms dent, perhaps a person dies of financial it will only be before the opportunities in the tax regime age of 75, any retirement in their country beneficiary of residence can receive that will apply. the pension fund value and this will not be We will also still have to wait taxed. However, when a per- for the Autumn Statement to son dies after the age of 75, find out exactly how the new until April 2016, a reduced rules will affect people who 45% tax charge is to apply to move their UK pension fund any lump sum payment and into a QROPS (Qualifying Recthereafter, marginal rate in- ognised Overseas Pension
Scheme). For those who have been non-UK residents for more than five years, they automatically escape the punitive tax changes on death and for those over the age of 75, a QROPS may well continue to be the best option. Even with the relaxation of the rules, there will remain some small advantages to moving their UK pension fund into QROPS, even if they have no intention of moving overseas, but that is another subject altogether. With the much greater flexibility in terms of how and when pension funds can be used applying from next year and the revisions to the death benefit tax, this will bring a level of complexity. But it will herald a new era in terms of financial planning opportunities in retirement which has to be good news.
Richard Alexander Financial Planning Limited is an appointed representative of L J Financial Planning Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK. Contact him at Richard@ra-fp.com
Without a padel…
the olive press - September 18 - October 1 2014
By Mark Rickard
H
iFX was delighted to be official sponsor of the Seasonal Agent Padel Tournament in Coin. The event – organised by the Property Overseas Group – was held at the Sierra Gorda Padel Club last weekend. A total of 16 teams turned out for the day - made up of property agents and service providers – in a multicultural melting pot, with Brits, Russians, Spaniards, Dutch, German, and Paraguayan, to name a few… Despite the various standards, competition was fierce, and after the league matches – which were the padel version of speed dating – the top eight teams qualified. Coin Gardens ended up eventual victors, taking home VIP tickets – courtesy of HiFX – to watch a Malaga FC match in an executive box. The whole day was a great success, with competitors queuing to get on court. The event will also be run in January and February 2015. If you are interested in the playing in next year’s tournament, please email olivepress@hifx.co.uk
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PADEL BATTLE: Players at the ready
Contact HiFX for help with your international transactions Centro Plaza, 951 203 986 or olivepress@hifx.co.uk
www.theolivepress.es 43
the olive press - October 16 - October 29 2014
The Over 50s Show the olive press - October 16- October 29 2014
Returns to Estepona
Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th November 2014 Palacio De Exposiciones y Congresos
An annual public lifestyle event offering FREE Admission and FREE car parking to all seniors living on the coast The Over 50’s Show is returning to Estepona this November.The last four shows have attracted an average of 85 exhibitors and 6,500 visitors, mainly British, Irish and Continental expats, as well as native Spanish seniors. The 2014 show will repeat the well-proven Over 50s Show formula, which worked so well for us in the past
Personal Finance & Wealth Management Health and Well Being l Travel Hobbies & Pastimes l Homes and Gardens Computing l Antiques l Fashion and Grooming Food and Wine l Keep-Fit & Sports Home Security l Retirement Villages FREE Golf Lessons l FREE Advice Seminars
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Many thanks for a fantastic show...we must have spoken to over 500 visitors The Bodyworks Clinic
Interested in exhibiting? For more information call:902003896 (wait for a delay on the line before being connected) or email:info@slp.ie or visit www.seniortimes.ie
PURPOSE BUILT VENUE The Over 50’s Show will be held at the popular Palacio de Exposiones Congressos, conveniently situated two minutes from the town, and just off the 340 motorway. It features a 2,000 sq.metre exhibition area, with a separate conference facility. The venue has free car-parking for over 300 vehicles, plus a free coach park.
You don’t have to be over 50 to attend – everybody welcome!
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Top Dollar
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ARBELLA and the Costa del Sol are honeypots for expats, who invest in a second home for holidays or retire out here. What these expats most likely do not take into account, however, is that when they pass away their heirs will have to pay higher taxes than resident Spaniards. This tax discrimination is a dissuasive measure when considering investing in Spain which, when taking place within the European Union, affects the freedom of capital movements set out in Article 63.1 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. It has led to a ruling by the European Court of Justice, that the Spanish inheritance tax system is discriminatory. Let’s consider this example: John and Lisa, a married British couple, buy a home in Marbella in the year 2000. John passes away in 2012, having designated his wife Lisa as the heir of all of his properties in Spain. At the time of his death the value of the home was €350,000. His widow, as non-resident for tax purposes, is only obligated to pay inheritance tax in respect of properties located in Spain that she inherits from her husband, that is, half of the value of the home, €175,000.
Claim back your inheritance tax Spain’s inheritance tax discriminates against non-residents, writes Adolfo Martos Gross of GAM Abogados
INHERITANCE EXPERT: Adolfo Martos Gross
Let’s assume that this is the value of the inheritance. Lisa, simply due to the fact that she is a non-resident in Spain, will be entitled to reduce that value by nearly €16,000 and will then have to pay tax on the difference, that i s ,
€159,000. According to this latter net taxable base, she would have to pay €23,000 in taxes. However, and here lies the discrimination, if Lisa were a resident in Spain for tax purposes (because she spends over 183 days in Spain throughout the year),
Questioning fees Advice on how best to deal with the tricky situation of lawyers’ fees
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is lost and the court awards costs i.e. pay the other party’s legal fees, they too will be calculated by reference to the respective Bar Association, in any case d) If scenarios b) and c) happen to coincide, an unsuspecting claimant could find that a case relating to a property worth say €300k could actually cost him €50k! e) On property conveyancing, 1% of the purchase price is still pretty standard, in spite of the crisis. The reason for this is perhaps to do with the hefty quantum of a potential claim i.e. up to the value of the property and, notably, the very lengthy mandatory 15-year liability term to validly bringing a claim against a conveyancing lawyer The above conclusions make it very advisable prior to filing a case, and even responding to a claim filed against one, to ask the acting lawyer for an appraisal of the likely legal costs should the case be lost as, very often, these are ignored ab initio. And naturally, have one’s own fees agreed and ratified by signing a letter of engagement or letter of instruction.
she would have to pay no tax whatsoever. In effect, the Junta ‘rewards’ heirs who are residents in the territory by exempting them from paying inheritance tax whenever the net taxable base of what they inherit does not exceed €175,000 (direct heirs, spouse, parents and children), whereas this same exemption (technically it is a reduction) for non-residents is limited to €16,000. In spite of the ruling, Spain has not yet amended the relevant legislation but will have to do so in the near future. But what source of relief do those who have suffered this tax discrimination have? They can claim the refund of the undue excess tax that was paid, calculating it as
if the heir were actually a resident in Spain for tax purposes. This claim can cover any tax paid in the last four years. GAM Abogados are specialists in this particular claim as they have been litigating on behalf of clients against the Spanish Tax Authority for this same issue since 2012. The claim may last between one and three years, depending on how reluctant the tax office is to agree with it. The amounts to be claimed are the undue excess tax to be accrued with 5% default interest since the tax was paid plus legal costs. Clients will not need to be present during the proceedings. They will only have to grant power of attorney at the beginning of the agreement. For more info you can contact us at amg@gam-abogados.com
WINNING: Orange
The future’s bright
ORANGE has overtaken Vodafone for the first time since launching in Spain in 2005, to become the country’s second-biggest mobile operator. The French group now has 11.53 million mobile clients - according to the latest data released by Spain’s telecoms watchdog - compared to Vodafone’s 11.5 million. Telefonica, meanwhile, remains Spain’s largest operator – with 16.42 million mobile clients – despite seeing a decrease in clients for the 39th consecutive month. Competition has been heating up between Orange and Vodafone since both recently announced takeovers of Jazztel and Ono, respectively.
Google campus for Madrid
AGONY ANT
YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED
EFORMS have been brought in that require claimants to pay court filing fees when ‘making use of the public service of the administration of justice’. This enactment has forced lawyers, already under severe stress due to the still-struggling economy, to downsize what they can legitimately request in fees. In fact, even to the point of having to waive the retainer to allow a case - or an appeal - to go forward on a no-win-no-fee basis. But what happens when one loses a case? And if no agreement was struck with the lawyer? These notes should help understand the legal fees’ system: a) The Spanish Solicitors’ Code of Practice establishes freedom to fix legal fees, pursuant to a Supreme Court ruling that nullified the prohibition of conditional fees b) Where no agreement is struck, clients need to be aware that by default they will fall under the legal fee guidelines approved by the provincial Bar Association, and these can be pretty hefty (a case worth €300k will attract €25k in fees, only in the first instance) c) Equally, where a case
the olive press - October 16- October 29 2014
HOLA!: Google to open campus in Madrid
GOOGLE is launching an entrepreneur ‘campus’ in Madrid, following successful launches in London and Tel Aviv. The ‘campuses’ are aimed at entrepreneurs looking for informal office spaces to their start-up projects. With no charge for participation, the offices include working areas, the latest devices and teaching from experienced mentors and business leaders. “We have seen the booming entrepreneurial community in Spain and are excited to make it stronger,” said a spokesperson for Google.
“Our hope is that Campus Madrid will supercharge tech entrepreneurs, strengthen the start-up system and encourage even more innovation in Spain, Europe and beyond.” The launch of the London campus created more than 570 jobs last year, according to Google, and the company is looking to copy this success in Spain. Seoul in South Korea, Warsaw in Poland and Brazil have also recently been announced as other future locations.
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X Tough sums 46 the The Olive olive press Press’ - October 16 46
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- October 29 2014
monthly youth and education section
46 thewww.theolivepress.es olive press - Oct 16 - Oct 29
38 57
treme
Spain’s teachers see their salaries slashed
rozone’s economic crisis saw the biggest decreases in teacher salaries from 2009 until 2014. Spain’s teaching salaries had previously been reported as being one of the highest in Europe, but that is no longer the case. European Education Commissioner, Androulla Vasof-three hosted the confer- siliou, said: "Not surprisence for the charity Inspir- ingly, the most significant declines have been recording the Future. “What I would take issue ed in the countries most with is the ‘have it all’. I affected by the economic never understand what crisis. people mean when they say "As the European Union is recovering from the crihave it all,” she insisted. “I personally have never sis, member states should wanted to have it all. I just think carefully about the want to have what men role of pay and working conditions to attract and have. “Lots of men have a suc- retain the best teaching cessful professional life or candidates." what looks like success to While Spain saw wage cuts them and they have put of 5-10%, Greek teachers that together with a fam- have endured cuts of up to 40% in the last five years. ily.” She concluded: “We have In contrast, the Czech made lots of progress, but Republic, Poland, Slovathere is still progress to kia and Iceland have all increased their teachers' make.” salaries.
TEACHERS’ pay-packets continue to be slashed and are among the fastest declining in the EU. A report released by the European Union revealed countries worst hit by the Eu-
STRICT RULES: In Victorian school
Life lessons for schoolgirls
Canes and dunce caps
THE Spanish wife of UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has revealed that there is a problem with self-confidence in Spain, at a networking event for schoolgirls. High-flying lawyer Miriam Gonzalez Durantez spoke to dozens of girls as part of the event at a Glasgow conference centre, in which schoolgirls were given the opportunity to meet a range of successful career women. “Women are often asked about self-confidence, which is something men don’t necessarily experience,” said Gonzalez Durantez.
LET it never be said we don’t have fun at BSM – although don’t take this black and white photo as proof! In case you hadn’t guessed from the glum faces, we held a Victorian Day for years five and six. Ignoring comments from wittier members of staff that I was from the Victorian age, I commanded children to attend school dressed as Victorians – or else face the cane! Of course I was kidding, although swishing the cane at unruly teachers did give me something of a power trip. We arranged desks in straight rows, added a chalkboard and even
MENTAL MATHS: Pay cuts
GOT ‘IT ALL’: Lawyer Miriam Gonzalez Durantez and husband Nick Clegg
“This is something I really noticed in Spain. That there is an issue with selfconfidence that we have to address.” The 46-year-old mother-
From Victorians to Peace Festivals, headteacher Miss Kirkham describes another fun month at the British School of Marbella
blacked out the windows to create a suitably miserable Victorian atmosphere. We also had times tables recitals, handwriting practice and dished out the infamous ‘dunce cap’. We later held the eagerlyanticipated Peace Festival, to celebrate International Day of Peace. Although the message to Give Peace a Chance was lost in translation on the Spanish dinner ladies, who insisted everyone gave their peas another chance. But thanks to youngsters, we raised €1,380 for the International Red Cross. A massive well done to pupils, parents and staff!
Top Salud
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the olive press - October 16- October 29 2014
An annual eye test ‘is vital for the over 60s’
IN THE KNOW: Griffiths
In a new eyehealth column, Specsavers Marbella director Leighton Griffiths advises over 60s to get an eye test once a year
Back in balance ENRICH your soul and restore balance to your life at the Mind, Body and Spirit Festival in Marbella. More than 50 exhibitors – including mediums, healers, psychics, tarot readers and nutritional therapists – will be at the festival, on October 25 and 26, from 11am-8pm. Held at the H10 Andalucia Plaza hotel in Nueva Andalucia, the festival will also play host to more than 20 expert inspirational speakers, giving talks and demonstrations on topics such as mediumship, healing, nutrition and many more. An entrance fee of €10 will give access to all talks and demonstrations. For more information, contact Jacinta Hannon on 670 628 468, or visit www. mindbodyspiritmarbella. com
OLDER eyes are susceptible to certain changes which can be detected during an eye test... so it really is sensible to get a test once a year, when over the age of 60. Why should I have a regular eye test? Some people wait until their vision becomes impaired before having a test. This can be risky because some eye conditions can have few noticeable symptoms until they
reach an advanced stage. Make eye tests part of your regular routine. What problems can affect the eyes over 60? Cataracts - The lens becomes opaque, blurring vision and even leading to loss of sight if left untreated. Glaucoma - A build-up of fluid within the eye can increase pressure, which in turn damages the optic nerve. The loss of visual field
Tough genes Spanish people with HIV and hepatitis C ‘difficult to cure’ SPANIARDS infected with both HIV and the hepatitis C virus are less likely to be cured than people of other nationalities, because of their genes. Most coinfected Spanish patients are considered ‘difficult to cure’ due to their genetic makeup, according to data presented at the AASLD/ EASL Special Conference on
Hepatitis C in New York. The research was carried out over six months in a specialist clinic in Madrid, with 161 participants undergoing analysis, of which just 30% were fully cured. “The current profile of HIVHCV coinfected patients in Spain is dominated by particularly difficult-to-cure individuals who do not usually
A fat phone nightmare
CHARGING a phone or tablet in the bedroom can make us fat, according to a new study into the ‘sleep hormone’ melatonin. Research from the University of Granada says that melatonin can combat obesity and diabetes, as healthy levels of the hormone help the body break down food efficiently. But the new study has revealed that the light from gadget screens and computers can harm the body’s production of melatonin, causing us to put on weight. Dr Simon Kyle, a sleep researcher at the Uni-
versity of Manchester, is looking at how regulating sleep patterns might help patients who already have diabetes – a disease often linked with obesity. “There is a lot of research showing we are meant to be asleep at night when darkness falls and melatonin rises, and when the sun rises the melatonin is blocked by the sun. This lightdark cycle is good for our bodies,” said Kyle. “So if you start sleeping shorter hours, or receive light at the wrong time late into the night, it disrupts melatonin secretion and that could contribute to alterations in metabolism.”
often occurs gradually and slowly therefore can be difficult to notice and this loss of vision can never be recovered, so prompt diagnosis is essential. Macular degeneration - In older people, the macula – the centre of the retina which is used for detailed vision – thins and occasionally bleeds. This can lead to distortion, or even loss, of central vision. How can an eye test identify
these conditions? Modern testing equipment helps opticians see the back of the eye and when an issue is spotted patients will be referred to the right medical professional for treatment. There are Specsavers stores in Marbella and Fuengirola, visit www.specsavers.es for more details.
SPANISH DNA: Coinfected Spaniards do not respond well to HCV treatment
respond to new direct-acting antivirals,” said the research report. “Current hepatitis C treatment does not seem as successful in coinfected patients. By contrast, HIV status seems to be controlled in most coinfected individuals.” The one-off conference brought together the world’s top specialists on treating hepatitis C to share their insights on global epidemiology, barriers to care, and potential solutions to improve global access to therapy. National health statistics state that over two-thirds of people with HIV in Spain are also infected with hepatitis C. HIV and hepatitis C are both contracted by sharing bodily fluids and therefore people often end up contracting both diseases simultaneously. Having unprotected sex or sharing drug needles are common ways of contracting either disease.
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Marbella 952 863 332 Avda. Ricardo Soriano 12 Fuengirola 952 467 837 Avda. Ramón y Cajal 6 Cannot be used with other offers. Second pair from the same price range or below and to the same prescription. 1.5 scratch-resistant single vision lenses included in the offer. You can pay an extra 69€ and get both pairs with standard varifocals lenses or 59€ for standard bi-focal lenses. Other lenses and Extra Options available at an additional charge on both pairs. Offer does not include non-prescription sunglasses. Ends 30 November 2014. ©2014 Specsavers. All rights reserved. *FREE PARKING: With every purchase at Specsavers Opticas in Marbella and Fuengirola we will refund you one hours’ worth of parking, equivalent to 2€. Ends 31 October. See in store for full details.
OLIVE PRESS – 105mm x 256mm – Colour
16th October (revised)
press - October 2- October 15 2014
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Columnists
Autumn leaves
COULD someone please tell me why summer shuts down in Spain on September 15? Every year, on this symbolic date, Spanish holidaymakers vanish from the beaches like water gurgling down a plughole and our local chiringuito puts up its shutters for the season. Even our hotel pool closes for the winter – and bad luck to any visiting tourists labouring under the misapprehension that September is still swimming weather. Am I the only sane person still sporting flip flops and desperately clinging on to the last of the summer wine? You’d think the Spanish would take advantage of their enviable all-year-round sunshine record but not a bit of it. Lo and behold, they’ve even started selling hot roasted chestnuts in the streets of our village! As Victor Meldrew would say, I just don’t bloody believe it. I enjoy the aroma of ‘chestnuts roasting on an open fire’ as much the same as
The Mistress of Sizzle, aka Belinda Beckett, bemoans the end of summer
the next sentimental Brit. But where I come from, that’s a Christmas tradition, not something that occurs midSeptember before Santa has even thought about opening his workshop. Mind you, it’s worse over in Gibraltar where Morrisons has been stocked up with I noticed that even Mother Nature is sporting the new season’s colours, in 50 shades of flame
Christmas cards, gift wrap and festive tins of Quality Street since the start of last month! They’d kill in Brighton or Bognor for the kind of golden autumnal weather Spain enjoys but you just try ordering a gazpacho or chilled ajo blanco soup after the calendar has flipped over to September 16. What a difference a day
makes! ‘Sopa fria? Jaja! Solamente en verano’, the waiter tells you in a patronising tone, as if you were born yesterday (although yesterday, when it was summer, you could have ordered it without raising an eyebrow). But alas, the vacation season is officially over, the schools have begun the new academic year and the shops are full of fur-lined fashions. Indeed, some of the more avant garde Spanish women are actually sweating it out in their new winter boots already, regardless of the fact that temperatures remain in the high 20s. Perhaps I’m in denial (my own winter clothes are still in a suitcase up in the attic) but can’t we at least wait until the turning back of the clocks later this month to say goodbye to the summer? Apparently not. Last weekend in Los Alcornocales Natural Park (the largest cork oak forest in Europe) I noticed that even Mother Nature is sporting the new season’s colours,
WINTER WARMERS: Chestnuts in September
in 50 shades of flame. In fact, autumn is mushrooming all over. The first rains have turned the forest trail into a muddy quagmire and fungus fans are out in force with their baskets, gathering up the bounty that has sprouted overnight.
We’ve decided to go mushroom-gathering ourselves next weekend so I’ll have to hoist my winter suitcase down from the attic and reacquaint myself with my wellies after all. Mind you, if I don’t swat up on the difference be-
tween edible boletus and the poisonous variety I may never see winter again because, according to our local (somewhat macho) mycologist: “Mushrooms are like women. For every good one you find six bad ones.”
Bridge too far
San Pedro has enough chaos without a new bridge
FOUL-MOUTHED: Pink on the airwaves THEY are opening a new park just down the road from me in San Pedro. It's part of the the new image for the town that they have been heavily promoting. In recent years they have built an underground car park (with resultant traffic chaos) a new tunnel (with resultant traffic chaos) and only last month announced that there would be a huge new commercial centre built on the outskirts of town (I'll let you guess what the result will be – you are clever people). The new park features plenty of green space, as you'd expect, plus an amphitheatre and
lots of childrens play areas. The highlight, however, is the pedestrian bridge, which the powers that be have decided should majestically span the town's main roundabout (with resultant traffic chaos). The bridge itself features the type of heavy ironwork that would look more at home in Sunderland than San Pedro. Now I'm not a huge authority on the industrial heritage of the Costa del Sol, but if I was planning a new park, I wouldn't have dropped 800 or so tonnes of heavy metal in the middle of the town. Something made of wood perhaps, or that echoed
NEW DESIGN: Barcelona airport
the Moorish influence of AlAndalus that Expo 92 in Sevilla did so brilliantly. And the other thing that annoys me about the San Pedro bridge is the design. Once again the architect has plumped for what I would describe as sub Guggenheim architecture, all wavy lines and curves. While that might have been fine for Bilbao, is looks somewhat strange on the Costa del Sol. And it seems to be the default setting for most architecture when there is a new project to be built. When I was living in Antequera the new AVE station looked not so much a transport hub, but more as if the mothership had suddenly landed. But most famous of all was Barcelona's airport, that was redesigned and relaunched just in time for the Olympics. A huge mass of metal and glass, it was unveiled with much pomp and ceremony, until it was discovered (and they never admitted how) that the glass and metal was throwing up ‘ghost planes’ on the outdated air traffic control system. I have since got into the habit of ordering a second Martini when landing in Barcelona, just to calm the nerves....
Radio Silence With a cunning scheme of rewiring the radio on the Freelander I have finally got music in the car, and this has meant that I spend a fair part of my time now listening to Spanish radio stations. The positives are that I am able to keep abreast of what is going on in Spain, but the downside is that I have to put up with the constant babble of Spanish radio presenters and their annoying habit of throwing in English words just for effect. ‘C'mon’, ‘Sexy’ and ‘Weekend’ seem to feature quite a lot. The bit that made me almost crash last week was the fact that Spanish stations seem to play English language tracks without checking the lyrics first. Therefore I was treated to US singer Pink singing ‘You're so f***king special’ and it made me remember a parent recounting a kiddies performance last year where the grand finale was the massed ranks of four-year-olds enthusiastically belting out Cee Lo Green's ‘F**k You’. It made my British heart swell with pride!
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NEW ACADEMY LOOKING FOR FUN ENERGETIC TEFL TEACHERS Tarifa EsCool is a brand new academy in Tarifa, Cadiz, offering lessons from age 3 upwards in English, French, after school tuition, and much more. We need native English speakers, TEFL qualified, with experience in teaching Young Learners as well as adults, and maybe the desire to offer new classes in something else they are passionate about...photography, music, art... you must be friendly, fun and love playing games! We can help with accommodation. Please send C.V's to Lisa Langley Tarifaescool@gmail.com or call 620344379
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FOOD & DRINK with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com
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Holy cluck! By Imogen Calderwood
A GROWING taste for chicken is being blamed for the dramatic growth of Spain’s carbon footprint. A worldwide survey into food industry sustainability – carried out by the National Geographic Society – measured consumption habits in 18 countries. Spain has seen a more dramatic fall in environmental sustainability than any other
Growing carbon footprint blamed on increasing demand for chicken country – falling two places since the last survey in 2012. Dropping to 11th, behind India in first place, China in second and South Korea in third, its fall in sustainability is largely being blamed on an increase of chicken production.
This is encouraging intensive farming practices to keep up with demand, according to the environmental agency. This, in turn, leads to large numbers of chickens being crammed into tight spaces and causing increased pollu-
Beach party continues AS the summer ends and the weather begins to turn, most chiringuitos and restaurants along the coast are packing up for another year… But not the Beach House in Marbella! Guy and Lucy McCrow keep it open come rain or shine throughout the autumn and winter with a new set menu coming in November, with punters able to feast on two courses for €20, or three courses for just €25. Autumn also spells the start of an exciting series of events, kicking off with Halloween. “It is a new one for us, we usually do more classy, traditional nights but this one is all about having fun and getting the whole family involved,” explains Guy. “We will decorate the restaurant, staff will get dressed up and we will add some treats to the menu.” Upcoming events also include the end of season party on November 30, a New Year’s Eve celebration and an Argentinian themed night in the new year. From November 1, lunch will be served everyday from 12.30pm - 5pm with breakfast on offer from 9am on Sundays and dinner available Friday and Saturday nights from 7pm - 10.30pm.
WINTER HOTSPOT: Beach House
TO BLAME: Chicken tion from uncontrolled waste management.
Sustainable Unsurprisingly America comes in last place, while the UK, Sweden and Canada also lag behind Spain in the poll. Alarmingly the Spanish are the lowest consumers of home-grown food, while 42% of the population consumes bottled water daily. But the Spanish do at least have one of the healthiest diets, with Spaniards eating more fruit and veg than most countries and in general avoiding processed foods and ready-meals. India is flagged as having the most sustainable food industry in the world thanks to its culturally-dictated eating habits. Nearly one in four Indians is a vegetarian, and those who aren’t tend to avoid beef, the most environmentally-damaging meat.
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FOOD & DRINK with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com
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A taste of Gallic luxury
A
FRENCH foodies paradise is set to launch a new online delivery ser-
vice. Recently opened Virginie’s in Elviria has also introduced a line of fresh products, including cheeses, candied figs and cakes. Virginie’s specialises in gourmet foods, wines and tableware from the Perigord region, renowned for its gastronomy. Owner Virginie Demonchaux, 47, spent 25 years in the picturesque region building close relationships with the producers who supply her. Her brother-in-law makes the duck foie gras. “I wanted to bring our culture here,” said the food-loving mother-of-three. “We have violet-flavoured mustard, chocolate walnuts and truffles, raspberry vin-
TUCKING IN: Ramsay lays into Granada Divino staff (left) while Jon Clarke tucks in to dinner
BON APPETIT: Virginie egar and plum brandy – here it’s all about quality and originality.” Find Virginie’s at Centro Comercial Elviria or call 952 83 43 98 for more information.
Mealtime billions
EUROPEAN ready meal sales are set to be worth more than €40 billion within the next two years as people look to save money and time. The sector - currently valued at €30.5 billion - is set to soar by 12% by 2016, according to food and drink research company Food for Thought. Spain makes up 12% of the market share, with the UK, Germany and France accounting for a massive 60% of the European market. Chilled ready meals will see the largest sale increase (3.7%), with frozen (2.6%), canned (1.9%) and dehydrated (1.3%) meals increasing at a slower rate.
Olive Press soothes Ramsay nightmare ‘Andalucia’s top food critic’ Jon Clarke brought in to review failing restaurant GORDON Ramsay recruited Olive Press editor Jon Clarke as he attempted to revive a flagging restaurant in the latest episode of Ramsay’s Costa del Nightmares. The British celebrity chef called in the paper to run a rule over Granada Divino, which was losing its owners Milan and Gina €4,000 a month. Clarke, 45, who is also the main critic for website www. diningsecretsofandalucia. com, was asked to give his honest thoughts on the eaterie in Gaucin. After Ramsay had spent a week working with head chef
I
T is a rainy Wednesday night in October and a sixth couple has just been turned away from a romantic candlelit dinner. This is not central Marbella, but Cocomo on the N-340 in Benamarra, one of the true dining success stories of the last decade. Out-of-the-way, unpretentious, but completely oversubscribed, it is clear that this popular local is definitely getting it right. “We are getting 60 at lunch and 60 at supper, which is about as much as we can happily deal with,” explains Maitre d’ Sally, who is juggling big style, having just had a baby to add to two others. “We would sooner turn people away than weaken our offering,” she adds. It is no surprise then that on arriving 25 minutes late for my 8pm table I am told I might have a ‘bit of a wait’. A table of nine middle-aged ladies has just arrived and maitre has to deal with them first, she tells me. Fair enough, I figure. But soon I am nursing a nice glass of Chardonnay from Penedes and nibbling on superb toasted ciabatta with a crostini of hummous and coriander, while I peruse the menu. All is well. The place is buzzing, unsurprisingly, and the tables inside
Neil Brown and his team, Clarke was brought in to give his verdict. Describing Clarke as ‘Andalucia’s top food critic’ Ramsay warned staff: “With a food critic in the house you need to be on top form.” Luckily Clarke gave the place a glowing review and praised the ‘deliciously tender lamb chops’. “They’ve made a really good start and I’m excited about the future, it is now easily the best restaurant in Gaucin,” he told the Channel 4 show. Ramsay later returned the compliments, saying: “I like the Olive Press, I’ve seen it ev-
CHEER UP: Jon with chef Neil Brown erywhere since I’ve been here.” Clarke has interviewed a number of Spain’s top chefs including David Munoz, Dani
Go-como
Unpretentious Estepona restaurant Cocomo is packing them in with a mix of good value cooking, writes Jon Clarke
NICE START: The crostini
and outside on the covered terrace are full and nicely lit with candles and laid with simple table clothes. Music is jazzy and the clientele is down-to-earth, not showy. Best of all, it runs like an Audi, with an efficient but friendly team… and it is no surprise to discover that Sally trained with the Hilton group, before honing her skills as food and beverage manager with a smaller hotel group in Yorkshire. Adding husband Simon Taylor-Lane into the mix and you
have the perfect compliment. The former Savoy chef, who trained under Marco Pierre White at Criterion in London, also managed to run the Tiger Tiger group with no less than 67 restaurants. So he can deal with a/stress, and b/demanding food reviewers. His menu is enticing enough and certainly good value. The two-course ‘table d’hote’ menu comes in at €13.95 and includes such delights as Cantonese-style spring rolls and classics like prawn cocktail. There is also always a soup. I tried a variant on a Scotch egg, which was hit and miss, to be fair, but was made up for by a pancake with goats cheese, ham and asparagus. The spring rolls were chewy, but full of bean shoots, carrots and peppers, and a lovely ginger flavour. Best of all, though was the salmon Thai green curry, which had – as warned – a real kick to it. Extremely generous in size, it was very creamy and hardly left room for pudding. But in the course of duty, unlike pussy reviewers like Giles
Garcia and Pedro Subijana, as well as Jamie Oliver three times, while working for the UK press.
WINNER: Chef Simon Taylor Lane with his tasty Thai green curry above
Coren of the Times who famously never has a pudding, I took one for the team and went for the horrible sounding ‘Eton Mess cheesecake’. And what a lovely surprise… it was a stunner, intricate, light and surprisingly fluffy with a crunchy meringue and perky red fruits. Yes, I’ll be back. But the last word should really go to the very sensible Sally, a true businesswoman in the making. While running the place now for four years and doing really well, she still has no illusions. “It is not about getting rich and getting a new Land Rover… we keep the kids at local school in order to give something back to the customers.” That they certainly do: Twocourse dinner, plus two extra starters, a crostini, a pudding, two glasses of wine, mint tea and water… all for just €48. A total steal. Go-como!
www.theolivepress.es
This year why not pick your quinces rather than let them rot on the floor, writes Jacqueline Fanchini
the olive press - October 16 - October 29 2014
Alboronia (4 people)
I
N Turkey the expression used to describe unpleasant situations is ‘ayvay yemek’ or ‘to eat quince’. And there is certainly nothing more upsetting than picking an apparently ripe quince from your garden and stuffing it in your mouth. For under its deceptive smooth golden skin, raw quince flesh is hard, earthy and bitter. And despite the fruit now being in season the vast majority will understandably ripen and then fall to the ground, where they will rot. Luckily, help is now at hand. For the quince goes through a marvellous transformation when the fruit is cooked. Gradually its flesh becomes tender and golden pink, taking on a deep, rich flavour, while the skin’s carotenoids start emitting floral aromas. Just like apples and pears, the quince is related to the
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FOOD & DRINK with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com
HAVE a go at a perfect autumn vegetable stew with quinces that brings the season’s flavours to the foreground. Ingredients:
WORTH TRYING: Don’t judge a quince by it’s cover
Bittersweet fruit
. 1 quince . 2 medium aubergines . ½ kg pumpkin . 1 onion, finely chopped . 1 tomato, chopped . 200gr cooked chick peas . 2 tbsp of wine vinegar . paprika . cumin . oregano . extra virgin olive oil . salt . pepper
Roast the quince, pumpkin and aubergine while frying the chopped onion. Once rose family and is seen in dulce which takes the form of the onion turns golden some cultures as a symbol of a thick, sticky jelly perfect to place it in a large pan along serve up with cheese. fertility, life and love. with the tomato, spices and In Spain, quinces are often Quinces are also ideal to add oregano. Peel and cut the turned into membrillo de flavour to meat dishes, be it roasted quince and vegetaboiled, roasted or bles into large chunks and baked. In Morocco, place over the tomato and quince is used in onion. Add the chickpeas, beef and lamb tag- a bit of water, then set to ines, a highly sea- cook over a low heat for at issue 46:The Local Issue 5 5/12/14 soned casserole of- Local AS well as using them in the kitchen, Romans used to offer them to least an hour. ten spiced with cinnewlyweds as a wish of fertility while in Greece it was Aphrodite’s (the namon and cloves. love goddess) sacred fruit. They can also make The 4th century AD collection of Roman recipes, by Apicius, includes for excellent desa quince dessert recipe which requires boiling the fruit with oil, honserts, and a deliey, garum – a fermented fish paste from Tarifa - leeks and boiled cious breakfast comgrape must. pote. Surprisingly, the 15th century prophet Nostradamus was also an exFinally, quinces were cellent cook who was particularly good at making jams. once installed in In fact, in his Treatise on Make-Up and Jam he claimed his quince cupboards in Victojelly was so good that it was ‘fit to set before a king’. rian England in or‘Marmalade’ actually comes from the Portuguese word marmelada, der to keep clothes which means ‘quince preparation’.
A POTTED GUIDE TO QUINCES
7:29 PM Page 59
Fed up with crap!!!
fresh.
Hotelier and Hoteli-HER THIS article is written while recovering from hosting a big group who colonised the whole hotel... Watching a 25-strong team pulling together to give the best possible service is incredibly rewarding. When guests who have dined at some of the world’s finest restaurants lavish our staff with praise, it is to be able to pass this feedback on to our in-house team from
Magic man
meats in our convection oven. How were we supposed to know that this would lead to the oven’s computer system having a critical meltdown? Why does this always happen on a Friday night when there is no technical assistance available until Monday morning? And... Why does it happen when we are showcasing a five-course tasting menu for more OVER the season we have had lots of birthday and anniverthan 50 people sary groups. But the latest – and the biggest of all – was the on our always25th Forum of Cardiologists, who chose us as their venue. packed Saturday Groups are simultaneously great fun and a challenge as each night? one is different and special. At times like this it They require commitment from staff in all departments and when many have is fantastic to have been working double shifts all through the season in the heat of the sum- an in-house magimer sometimes energy flags. And what’s the best way to reignite staff com- cian (in the shape mitment? Give them great feedback. We have a board in their dining room of a maintenance where the countless cards, letters and comments are pinned – and they love man) who comes reading them. in at 7am on his So thank you to all of you who take the time to comment – it truly does in- day off, fixing the crease the quality of your experience. We got home last night and have been problem in less inundated with thank you notes and electronic messages from the group. than two hours. Everyone loved the hotel and there has been nothing but praise for the won- Muchas gracias derful food, wine and ambience of Molino del Santo. Paco! our little mountain village. However, there are always anxious moments when expectations are high and last-minute changes come into play. A barbeque on the terrace was crushed by the weather, and so, for the first time ever, we cooked the
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Please mention The Local when responding to advertisements Page 59
55
Danger mouse A SWISS plane heading to Malaga was delayed by five hours after cabin crew spotted a mouse scuttling down the aisle as the Airbus prepared for take-off in Zurich.
Boozy trips
FINAL WORDS
ONE in seven youngsters coming to Spain on holiday have admitted that they are drunk on the plane, according to a survey by website Jetcost.com.
Vote’s off THE Catalan government has called off the planned independence referendum due to be held on November 9 after fierce opposition from Spain’s central government.
Cancer rate
THE death rate for cancer patients from Malaga is ‘significantly lower’ than the national average, according to researchers.
Dog breath A FIREMAN in Valencia may be excused for having a serious case of dog breath, after he saved the life of a young puppy through mouth-tomouth resuscitation. The fireman found the dog in an unconscious state after suffering a cardiac arrest caused by smoke inhalation. After attempting to revive the pup (below) with cardiac massage and an electric fan the fireman took the plunge. And following some much needed puppy love the dog finally regained consciousness.
the
Covering Andalucia in 2014 with over 200,000 papers EE (130,000 digital) and around 300,000 visits to the R F website each month… The Olive Press just keeps growing!
olive press Cost of laughter Telephone: 951 127 006
By Rob Horgan SPANISH comedy clubs are bringing in ‘pay-per-laugh’ technology to charge punters based on how much they are enjoying the show. Teatreneu, a small arts club in Barcelona, has already implemented the technology and it is now set to be rolled out across the country. Each laugh costs €0.30 with side-splitting shows capped at €24 or 80 laughs. A monitor is installed into the back of each chair and measures the enjoyment of each onlooker through facial-recognition systems. Tight-fisted onlookers try-
October 16- October 29, 2014
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Comedy clubs discover an ingenious way to get around the Spanish ticket tax laws PLAY ON: Youngsters ing not to laugh have so far failed in their bid to blag a free night, with average ticket prices up by €6. The system was launched in partnership with advertising agency The Cyranos McCann, after audience numbers tumbled following the Spanish government’s decision to in-
YOU ‘AVING A LAUGH: New comedy system is a hit crease tax on tickets from 8% reporting a 35% increase in to 21% in 2012. audience numbers since the So far the system seems to ‘laugh-o-meters’ were inbe a hit, with the Teatreneu stalled.
MOG SHOT
A FORMER cameraman started a crowd-funding appeal on Indiegogo to launch a calendar and postcard project that revolves around imaginative images of his cat. Jesus Segura, 38, started the project with his Persian cat Napoleon to lift his spirits after the Spanish TV network laid him off along with 900 others. The images are digitally altered to place Napoleon in surreal surroundings but aims to put his expressions and reactions on centre stage.
Kitted out
MORE than 100 children rejected by football teams around Estepona now have a place to play the beautiful game and a swanky new kit to play in. Campeones Junior was set up to give less talented children somewhere to enjoy football after they had been discarded by local teams. At the launch of their new season at the Instituto Mediterraneo, the boys were presented with their first ever kit thanks to local estate agency Siesta Homes. Marketing manager, Eddie Martinez, said: “A lot of these kids come from tough backgrounds, they aren't shown enough love and support at home and they have been pushed aside by other teams for one reason or another. “Campeones Junior gives them the motivation and selfconfidence they need.”
BRITISH DENTAL CLINIC
A small mistake
A SPANISH bride has admitted to cheating on her husband-to-be with a dwarf stripper on her hen night, after giving birth to a baby with dwarfism. Her husband, from Valencia, initially believed the baby was his, and had been conceived on the honeymoon. It was only when she gave birth that her transgression became clear, and she confessed everything to her heart-broken fiancee.
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