Mallorca Olive Press - Issue 46 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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As Olive Press publisher Jon Clarke turns 50 we send him for check up Obesity is on the rise in Spain and will cost the health service billions if not tackled

Meat retreat

‘Spinach is poison’ - organiser of carnivore weekend away Page 17

A HUGE 80% of men in Spain will be obese or overweight by the year 2030, a new study has warned. According to researchers from the Hospital del Mar Institute of Medical Research (IMIM), women will be less affected, although with a still concerning 55% set to be overweight or obese. The study, published by the Spanish Journal of Cardiology, estimates that in 2016 there were some 24 million overweight adults in Spain, 70% of men and 50% of women. That number is expected to increase by three million if nothing is done to counter the current trends. Obesity is already costing the Spanish health service €1.9 billion per year, but the current projections say this could exceed €3 billion over the next 11 years.

Elixir of Andalucia We reveal the 7 ways southern Spain provides a health kick Page 18

Epidemic

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The principal investigator of the study and director of the Program of Epidemiology and Public Health of the IMIM, Jaume Marrugat, said: “The latest figures illustrate, with little margin of error, the importance of initiating the maximum effort to reverse the growing epidemic of obesity in our society. “It is the only way to reduce the enormous social, health and economic costs that will emerge in the coming years.” Diseases related to being overweight include diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

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Knees up again REVELLERS and hoteliers in the Balearics are celebrating after plans to ban free booze will not become law, it has been revealed. The Government initially planned to stop some 270 all-inclusive establishments in the region being able to serve free alcohol, in a bid to curb ‘uncivil behaviour’. Proposals would see hotels limited to offering free booze during mealtimes, meaning partygoers wanting to drink outside the dining area would have to pay. The legislation was due to come into force in 2020, but was slated for not allowing enough time for the hospitality industry to prepare. Local reports indicate the Government is running out of time to get the law passed before Parliament is dissolved in April, meaning some legislation could be shelved.

It comes after the Hotel Federation of Ibiza and Formentera claimed a ban would only funnel tourists intent on getting drunk into other venues. A spokesperson for the group said: You cannot restrict the freedom of some companies to favour others, it is an unacceptable measure.” Magaluf began a crackdown on loutish behaviour last summer when they brought in plans to impose fines.

Paralysis Hard Brexit could ‘paralyse’ British tourism numbers on Mallorca as hotel and business groups demand action and contingency plans from Balearic government

By Laurence Dollimore and Charlie Smith

A HARD Brexit will lead to ‘total paralysis’ of British hotel reservations on Mallorca, a leading business group has warned. President of the Hotel Business Federation of Mallorca (FEHM), Maria Frontera, warned that the

ensuing period of uncertainty will mean the British will be less likely to go on holiday. She said: “The uncertainty is disastrous. “In this situation the British can do without holidays. “It is critical that we make 15:36 quick deSee page 23 & 24 cisions

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now to minimize the effect of a nodeal Brexit.” She then added that a lack of a deal could ‘paralyse British bookings’. Some 3.6 million Brits visit the Balearics each year, accounting for around 10% of all tourists and contributing around €3 billion to the islands’ coffers. The Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises of Mallorca (PIMEM) has also expressed concern, urging the Balearic government to design roadmaps to prepare for all possible scenarios, most importantly a no-deal Brexit. The group said that either way

the UK’s divorce from the EU will cause, ‘a decrease in the number of British tourists’, which will no doubt impact the economy. The stark warnings, made yesterday, came after UK Prime Minister Theresa May suffered one of the worst losses in British political history, when her EU withdrawal agreement was rejected by 432 to 202 votes. MPs, including 118 Tory rebels, voted against May’s Brexit deal by a majority of 230. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn immediately seized on the opportunity by tabling a vote of no confidence in

the government. “This is a catastrophic defeat, the house has delivered its verdict on her deal. Delay and denial has reached the end of the line,” he said. Last night saw May narrowly win her confidence vote by a slim majority of 19. Some 306 MPs said they have no confidence in May as opposed to 325 who said that they do. The embattled PM asked opposition party leaders to meet with her last night to try and draw up a new Brexit strategy. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “The government must remove once and for all the prospect of the catastrophe of a no deal Brexit from the EU.” Trade Secretary Liam Fox said a nodeal was ‘still not off the table’ following the vote. IN

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CRIME

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NEWS IN BRIEF Absolute banker THE former head of BBVA José Manuel Villarejo faces espionage charges after documents appear to show that he infiltrated 4,000 phone numbers.

Iron fist MALAGA’S new police commissioner Peña Echevarría has pledged to clamp down on organised crime and gender violence.

Off the rails RAILWAY lines were sabotaged for a sixth time this year in Torrijos on Monday after a train travelling at 150 km/h derailed.

Paedophile ring SEVEN Spaniards are implicated in paedophilia scandal of the Chilean Church after they were accused of raping and abusing mi-

January 17th - January 30th 2019

Not in our name Muslim leader condemns costa terrorist who was ‘ready to attack’ after taking deadly oath A MUSLIM community leader has condemned an alleged ISIS terrorist who was cuffed on the Costa del Sol. President of the Sabinillas mosque, who asked to be referred to as Ahmed, insisted the Moroccan was not part of the local muslim community. “He is not part of Islam and he is not member of this mosque,” he told the Olive Press.

ACCUSED: Troiano

Brit teacher trial

EXCLUSIVE By Charlie Smith

“Islam is about peace and love, not terrorism.” The 27-year-old suspect, who was arrested during a dawn raid on his Manilva home, had allegedly been in direct contact with the terrorist group and had been planning to head to Syria to join their operation in

Smile for the camera CCTV is to be installed in taxis and drivers have been offered self-defence classes after the recent string of robberies in Palma. The City Council has agreed to fund the proposals, hoping the cameras CUFFED: Attacker will deter criminals from targeting cab drivers. Three men, two in their 20s and a minor, along with a young woman have been arrested for their part in the recent wave of robberies. The minor was accused of robbing four taxis between December 28 and January 7. Investigations continue into the other taxi robberies, many of which involved violence.

SNARED: Alleged terrorist removed from home the civil war there. However he was unable to make the trip due to the

find him! CONTAINERS continue to burn every week across Palma thanks to a serial arsonist, with more than 300 bins being burnt in the past year. It comes after a rubbish bin fire erupted down a narrow alley in Palma this week. Police still have no leads on who is responsible.

group's current loss of ground and recent setbacks and the fact that he could not guarantee the safety of his family in Spain. According to investigators, he decided to stay in Spain and, if necessary, carry out a terrorist attack here. ML had become particularly radical online in recent months and had pledged allegiance to the caliphate Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi and ISIS. This, according to investigators, meant he was preparing to carry out his jihadist mission. It is the same oath carried out by the majority of the terrorists behind recent attacks across Europe. The shocking arrest comes after a succession of threats from ISIS, including a video which directly vowed to bring attacks to Spain’s costas, known for their high concentration of British and American tourists. The suspect is being held without bail.

A BRITISH teacher is facing up to 12 years behind bars for allegedly abusing a former pupil. Carlo Troiano, 41, is accused of having sex with the 15-yearold at his home in Roquetas de Mar, Almeria, more than two years ago. The mum of the alleged victim reported Troiano, who taught at St George’s British School of Almeria, in November 2016, leading to his arrest.

Ban

He is also facing a 15-year ban from any work involving children and facing paying £35,000 compensation to his alleged victim. Father-of-two Troiano was found not guilty in January 2010 of three charges of causing or enticing sexual activity with a 16-year-old pupil in a classroom in the UK. A jury unanimously cleared him after a four-day trial at Warrington Crown Court.

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January 17th - January 30th 2019

Fit for a McQueen

UNDER FIRE: Banderas

Zorro sorrow ANTONIO Banderas has spoken out about an alleged red carpet spat between him and model Heidi Klum at the Golden Globes. According to Australian showbiz magazine Who, Banderas criticised Klum, 45, and her musician fiance Tom Kaulitz, 29, for their loved-up public display at the after party. The Mask of Zorro star, 58, who attended the event with investment banker girlfriend Nicole Kempel, 38, allegedly said their antics ‘were like an erotic show’.

ALEXANDER McQueen's Mallorca villa has sold for a cool €2.45 million. The British fashion designer known for his work with the Givenchy brand spent summers at his villa near the Port of Andratx until his death in 2010. Engel & Volkers real estate agency confirmed the sale of the celebrity's home, which went through a complete renovation in 2015. The five-bedroom three-bath estate has two terraces overlooking the Bay of Santa Ponsa along with an underground parking garage and a luxury pool. McQueen not only vacationed on the island, but was close friends with Mallorcan designer Sebastiá Pons, who soon became McQueen's right-hand man.

Gypsy king & Wunderkid Sporting greats Fury and Sancho spotted working out around Andalucia A PAIR of British sports stars have been winter training in Andalucia.

False

Banderas took to Twitter to slam the report as ‘absolutely false’ and that he would ‘never say bad opinions about people publicly’. “I want to clarify that is ABSOLUTELY FALSE. Heidi always seemed to me a great professional, kind and intelligent woman. She has all my respect,” he tweeted this week. Banderas will star alongside Penelope Cruz in director Pedro Almodovar’s latest movie Dolor y Gloria in March.

BALLER: Sancho

Both Manchester boxing legend Tyson Fury and English football ace Jadon Sancho have been in Marbella this month. Sancho has been in winter training with his team Borussia Dortmund after recording the second most assists in the Bundesliga this season. Originally from Kennington, the 18-year-old rising star is staying at the luxury Gran Melia Hotel with the rest of the German side. Fury meanwhile was seen padding the streets, following his controversial draw with American boxer Deontay Wilder. Donning jazzy pink and blue trunks and a gold Rolex, the 30-year-old ‘Gypsy King’ hit

Perky Paz ANDALUCIAN actor Paz Vega has sent Instagram into meltdown by taking part in the latest social media craze - the ‘belfie’. The 43-year-old Spanglish star joined scores of celebs to upload a selfie of their bum, including Kim Kardashian, the trend’s creator. Vega’s steamy snap, which shows her posed in a black thong in front of the sea on holiday garnered 29,000 likes on the picture-sharing platform. She wrote: “Incredible holidays in my beloved Mexico, the country I love and consider my second home.” One of the Spanish star’s admirers wrote ‘after this image of you, I think it's useless to keep going to the gym’, while another said ‘what a hot woman’. She is currently filming for Rambo 5.

Don’t-a-tella STAR: Tyson Fury Spain’s streets with his coach and friend Ben Davison. “Run done this morning,” said Fury on his Twitter account, where he posted the picture showing him enjoying his training. Dubbed the ‘people’s champ’, Fury also took time out from his hectic schedule to take selfies with staff at celebrity haunt La Sala in Puerto Banus. The restaurant posted a picture of the ‘big man’ on their Facebook page, where he can be seen smiling in the morning sunshine in a gold and black snapback and t-shirt. The luxury Marbella restaurant is an A-list hotspot, with fellow heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua, pop group Little Mix and TV presenter Denise van Outen, among its visitors. Fury has strong ties with the Costa del Sol, often training here and also being sponsored by lifestyle and property consultants Marbella.co.uk.

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Dressing down MARBELLA-born starlet Millie Bobby Brown has hit back at critics who blasted her for dressing ‘too provocatively’ for a girl her age. It came after the 14-year-old Stranger Things actor posted a photo of herself wearing a snakeskin dress and heels to her Instagram page. “I know everyone wants me to ‘act my age’ but quite frankly it's my instagram and if I choose to post that picture and you don’t like it… scroll past it,” she insisted. She added: “If we could spread love as quickly as we spread hate and negativity, what an amazing world we would live in.”

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PENELOPE Cruz has revealed she had to ask Donatella Versace’s permission before agreeing to play her in the hit series The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. The Spanish actress, 44, said she ‘had to make the call’ in order to feel comfortable. The mum-of-two made the comments at the Golden Globes, where she was up for Best Supporting Actress in a Series for the part. “She’s a real person I have a lot of respect for her,” she said. “I needed to do that call I think she knew I respect her and feel a lot of affection for her and that’s why she said that.” Cruz lost out on the gong to Patricia Clarkson for her role in Sharp Objects.

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NEWS

Green rooms SPAIN’S emblematic parador chain is set to be run entirely on renewable energy this year. The 90-year-old group, which consists of 97 hotels, many of them castles and historic houses, has signed a deal with energy giant Endesa to provide only green energy. “We now support sustainable tourism in every sense of the word,” insisted boss Oscar Lopez.

January 17th - January 30th 2019

Migrant surge SPAIN’S maritime rescue service rescued 549 migrants crossing the Mediterranean in small boats over the Three Kings weekend. Officials said they rescued some 350 people travelling on six small patera boats across the Strait of Gibraltar. While many were celebrating the Three Kings parade on Sunday, a rescue craft intercepted another five boats carrying some 199 migrants. Among them were two tiny inflatable dinghies – one of which was carrying four children, while the other was packed with 10 adults.

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A BRITISH family in Spain were forced to sit on the floor of their return TUI flight after paying €1400 for seats. The Taylor family from Warwickshire were shocked to find empty spaces where their seats should have been once they had boarded the plane. The Civil Aviation Authority is now investigating why the British holidaymakers were not given seats on their flight from Mahon in Menorca to Birmingham. Paula Taylor, her husband and 10-year-old daughter Brooke checked their boarding passes, but there was just an empty space under the numbers 41 D, E and F.

SHOCKED: Mum Paula with son on plane floor

“We all just looked at each other as if to say 'where's our seats gone?',” said Paula. After all passengers had boarded the plane Brooke

Shell shock

BOMB disposal experts in Menorca have performed a controlled explosion of an artillery shell. The 105mm projectile was found by a hunter and is thought to be a relic from the Civil War. Guardia Civil TEDAX agents safely disposed of the device where it was located at Mola de Fornells in the municipality of Es Mercadal. Experts also believe it is possible that the projectile could have come from a failed military exercise from an old artillery base on the island. The Guardia Civil reminded the public that if they find an explosive, they should not touch or move it, but should ring 062 immediately.

was given a spare seat, while Paula and her husband sat on flip-up chairs in the crew area. Once the staff began serving food however, the pair were shifted to the floor again, and were joined by Brooke as she didn’t want to be alone.

Angry

Paula is understood to be angry after being offered just €33 in vouchers from TUI by way of apology, and has now contacted Rip Off Britain. The airline said a ‘last-minute aircraft change’ was to blame for the seating blunder, as the chosen aircraft had a different floor plan. TUI said it was ‘sorry for the way the situation was initially handled’ and will apologise directly to the Taylors.

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HUGE: Shell from Spanish Civil War

Get a Spanish licence!

BRITISH expat drivers in Spain have been urged to get a Spanish driving licence as soon as possible in case of a no-deal Brexit. Failure to do so, according to the British government, could mean they will have to pass a test after the UK leaves the EU on March 29. The government also said those living in the UK who want to drive in the EU after March 29 might need an international driving permit (IDP).

Delays

British insurers AA estimated as many as half a million expats living in France and Spain would have to take a new test if they had not exchanged their licence, should there be no deal. The guidance released on Monday said: "In the event that there is no EU exit deal, you may have to pass a driving test in the EU country you live in to be able to carry on driving there. "You should consider exchanging your UK driving licence for an EU driving licence as soon as possible. "Increased demand may lead to longer processing times and delays to exchanging driving licences the closer it is to 29 March 2019."

Cock ring busted

POLICE have arrested a record 182 people at an illegal cockfight in Spain. Agents busted the so-called ‘national championships’ at a farm in Murcia, where they seized 97 live roosters, €300,000 in cash and documents showing illegal bets. The majority will be charged with animal cruelty with at least six birds dying from their injuries. Cops also seized 87 cannabis plants, animal doping substances and blades and spurs that are attached to roosters during the fights.

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January 17th - January 30th 2019

FEATURE

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January 17th - January 30th 2019

Voted top expat paper in Spain

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

OPINION Don’t judge WITH the ISIS terrorist suspect arrested in Manilva this week, we must remember not to tarnish all Muslims with the same brush. The detained Moroccan man, 27, pledged allegiance to the Syriabased ‘Islamic’ death cult in a shocking online video, before planning an attack. It will be contested by many people however that the suspect, who is being held without bail, could even be called Muslim at all. That was certainly the opinion of the president of the Sabinillas mosque, who described the would-be attacker as ‘crazy’. “Islam is about peace and love, not terrorism,” the Muslim community leader, known as Ahmed, told the Olive Press. His words should serve as an important reminder as the police investigation moves forward. With the recent rise in anti-immigration rhetoric after the success of Vox, we must remember that Muslims are on the most part a peaceful and integral part of our communities. Publisher/ Editor Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es

Newsdesk Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es

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2016 - 2018 Best expat paper in Spain and the second best in the world. The Expat Survey Consumer Awards.

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What about us? With just 72 days left until Brexit, Elisa Menendez finds out how expats really feel ahead of Britain’s departure from the EU

RITISH expats in Spain have slammed available until after April in Alicante, while in the UK government saying they feel ‘be- Fuengirola Brits will have to wait until the end trayed’ and treated as ‘out of sight, out of of February, and Marbella-based expats are almind’ since the EU referendum. ready looking at a three-week wait. As the countdown to Brexit draws nearer - with Founder of Brexpats, Anne Fernandez, and Britjust 72 days to go - campaigning group, Brex- ish Consul Arbouin, insisted that ‘now is the pats In Spain, held a meeting at Marbella Town time’ to get residency. Hall on January 10. And that is if we have a deal - no one could say, Expats had the opportunity to put their burning or guess, what could happen to expats if we questions to Charmaine Arbouin, British Consul crash out of the EU without one. to Andalucia and the Canary Islands. Many felt expats had been a ‘second thought’ More than 90 showed up, including business in the EU dealings, including Fernandez, who owners, pensioners, families with children, cam- has been fighting for Brits’ rights since the refpaigners, experts, and officials. erendum result - something which many expats And it’s not only Brits who were worried about could not vote on, yet could completely change Brexit, but also Spaniards. their lives. Miguel Diaz, spokesperson for Marbella’s left “I have written to Theresa May several times wing Izquierda Unida, expressed his concern and I’m sorry to say I have never had a reply. for the 4,000 registered Brits living in the town “I have also written to Guy Verhofstadt [EU Parand the 56,000 in the Malaga liament Coordinator] and he province and the negative imresponded with a three-page pact Brexit could impose on the letter within 10 days,” added economy. the expat, who runs the 6,000 Someone “The priority is to avoid or mitistrong association, with repreelse voted on gate the serious social, ecosentatives across Spain. nomic and employment conse“I feel we are out of sight and changing my quences that this abrupt abanout of mind for the UK governdonment of the EU may cause ment.” identity in five months’ time,” Diaz said. Consul Arbouin admitted to the Although attendees said they Olive Press that the political got a lot out of the meeting, uncertainty of Brexit had been some are still fearful about their future. a ‘daunting’ time for herself and the team, at New expats, John and Shlinder, told the Olive the forefront of managing expats’ expecPress they feel ‘betrayed’ by the referendum tations in one of the busiest British and have escaped the UK ‘because of Brexit’ Consuls in the world. which they believe has ‘divided the country’. “It can be a little bit daunting Brit, Shlinder, who was born to Indian parents, when you know people aren’t said she experienced racism for the first time getting answers to their after the result. questions,” added Arbouin “I have been told to ‘go home’ and that ‘we don’t who has been the consul want you here’,” added the former business for six years. woman who worked in financial services. “However, we have been “I am British, my first language is English, I’ve able to influence the nepaid my taxes and never took any benefits, but gotiations by having these since Brexit I’ve been told to ‘get out’. Quite kinds of meetings with the frankly, it’s not the country I grew up in - it’s be- community and feeding it come hostile.” back to London. The British couple bought a holiday home in El- “The main message I wanted evviria in 2014 but took the plunge to permanently eryone to take away is that whatever move there on October 23. the outcome is of brexit, the best way they John, whose brother has also just moved to can protect themselves and stay here without Spain to escape Brexit, said: “I just cannot live in any hassle is simply by registering. or associate with that type of country.” “That’s the same advice whether there’s a deal, One point that was particularly evident, is that no-deal or anything in between.” the clock is ticking to apply for residency as Meanwhile, pensioner Judy Filmer - a member municipal town halls ‘struggle to cope with the of Brexpats in Spain - told the Olive Press she demand’. is particularly concerned about the plummeting It was revealed that there are no appointments pound, which stood at around 0.9 to €1 when this paper went to print. The Londoner, who has lived in Marbella for 19 years, said she has lost money due to the ‘rubbish’ exchange rate. “It’s dropped so low - for pensioners that’s really hard,” she added. “It’s had a knock on effect with the banks in Spain. If you have money invested - like I do - that has dropped by almost 40%. I can’t get money from the bank, until those investments go up again.” Despite this Filmer said she would never go back to the UK. CAMPAIGNER: Anne Hernandez

HERE TO HELP: Consul Charmaine “They couldn’t care less about us, that has been made very obvious. We were the last thing they thought of in the whole deal.” For self-employed real estate agent, Sharon Hitchcock (pictured below), her legal working status is the main concern, and is angry that she, like most expats, never got to vote. “Come 29th March we will be known as third nation immigrants. Someone else voted on changing my identity. That’s totally wrong because I didn’t get a vote,” added the Welsh expat who has lived in Mijas for 29 years. She and other expats said they have even started to notice jobs advertisements on expat Facebook groups looking for ‘only EU residents’. The Brexpats in Spain member is concerned about the real estate industry, given that Brits are the largest group of foreign investors, making up 15% of foreign sales. “I’m also worried about how that affects me being self-employed. “If we crash out on 30th March who do I invoice? Am I legal? Can I work? We don’t know.” Voting was another strong point highlighted in the meeting, with expat residents still unable to vote in regional or national elections in Spain, nor in the UK. “We can’t vote anywhere. We have lost a basic human right. We pay taxes, we work. What purpose do we serve then?” questioned founder Fernandez. She stressed that expats can vote in local municipal elections if they register to vote ahead of the of January 30 deadline. With mystery and confusion still glooming like a dark cloud over expats, experts and Consul Arbouin insisted that expats should make sure they have all legal documents such as NIE, Padron, residencia and health cards. Let’s hope the next 72 days start to become clearer for the British community in Spain, not only for expats but for the Spanish economy too. Visit gov.uk and look at the ‘Living in Spain’ and the ‘UK national in EU’ guide for more information.

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S any Brit who has upped sticks for sunny Spain knows, Costa del Sol expats are a weird and wonderful bunch who are never short of interesting tales. And some of those colourful personalities have already been spilling the beans in the new season of Channel 5’s Bargain Loving Brits in the Sun. In episode one, aired on January 10, we met pensioners Jo and Jan who run a dog rescue centre, and Welsh couple Ben and Kate who hope to fund their new lifestyle with just €30,000 between them. Over the coming weeks a marketing guru turned salsa teacher, a call centre entrepreneur now pulling pints and a retired copper turned market organiser, are others set to give us a peek into the drama of their daily lives on the Costa. The popular fly-on-the-wall series follows the lives of Brits who have decided to swap the rainy UK for a ‘cheap as chips’ lifestyle in the sun. Filmed for the last three years in Benidorm, Channel 5 decided to ditch Alicante and set its sights on Andalucia for season four. Series producer Bob Brear tells the Olive Press the show is ‘a celebration of what it’s like to be a British expat in Spain’ and hopes to inspire others to make the move abroad. “Instead of other shows which have sneered at places like Benidorm, we want it to have an aspirational feel,” adds the 44-year-old from Bury in Manchester. At first it was difficult to get expats on board who were not familiar with the show, Brear admits, as many were dubious they would be made a mockery on TV. But he insists: “We’re not doing it to take the mick, we just want to tell their stories. Everything said in the commentary are things we would say to these people in person. “We think it’s a brave thing to do - up sticks and start a new life in Spain having no idea whether it’ll work out. We want viewers to watch it and think, maybe I could do that too!” The producer, who has worked on popular shows such as Come Dine With Me, The Class of ‘92 and Antiques Road Trip, admits that filming on the Costa del Sol was ‘completely different’ to Benidorm, which was more about ‘cheap thrills’. He says it offered a greater variety of stories due to the more ‘affluent’ crowds that the Costa attracts, showcasing everything from estate agents, to animal charity workers to a businessman selling a 70K vintage boat in Marbella. “The Costa has everything from your euro pints to expensive cocktails in Banus. It gave us a lot more scope to show different types of stories because there’s everyone from the working class to the rich,” adds Bob, who has a holiday home in Benalmadena. The original idea for the show was born after managing director Sarah Murch discovered how thriving the caravan communities were in Benidorm, with some 6,000 expats living in static vehicle parks. And the team found that there are an abun-

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As Channel 5’s hit reality show returns this month with a new cast from the Costa del Sol, Elisa Menendez gets behind-thescenes access

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The facts never lie! CAT LADY: Kelly Dooley while (right) Margaret Finch dance of similar parks on the Costa too, with the first four episodes shot in an Antequerabased caravan community, Saydo Park. It boasts around 150 static homes on the plot, bought a working bar complete with all fixtures with British expats making up some 80%. But and fittings, it turns out he has only purchased Bob admits that they needed more than just the lease to the building, and he’s haemorrhaging cash to get it kitted out and ready. caravans to keep viewers entertained. So this week we’ll meet the ‘Cat Lady of the He tells us it was a ‘brilliant experience’ but Costa del Sol’, Kelly Dooley, who feeds more opening Groo-V in Benavista and Tipples near than 100 street cats in Benalmadena and Torremolinos was no walk in the park. “I wouldn’t say there were a few disasters, takes the strays to the vets to be neutered. But the vet bills have piled up - she owed there were many - but it all makes for good TV!” €2,000 at one point - so Kelly comes up with adds the expat. “I got a message from Bob the other day thanka plan to raise some cash with a flea market. ing me for being one of the Londoner Kelly tells the Olive main contributors of the show… Press it was ‘lovely’ to be conSo, I’m not sure if I should be tacted and get some support excited or go into hiding!” after eight years of helping the The show is a We’ll also meet Margaret Finch neighbourhood ferrals, some of celebration of as she organises a Magical which she keeps in her home. Mystery coach tour, snake“The experience was nothing life as a British hunting pest controller Graham like I had encountered before Salt and Nicole and Aaron, a - it was amazing. Although at expat in Spain young couple travelling the first I was shy and uncomfortworld putting on fitness bootable. camps from a campervan. “But I was just so happy for the Good news for expats, Bob says opportunity - I was constantly thinking about the poor Spanish cats through- there’s plans to film future series on the Costa. out the filming and how much help they need. But what exactly does it take to be chosen for That is what really pushed me to go on televi- the show? “People with big characters, who like to talk sion,” she adds. In episode four, we’ll see the challenges West- and are full of life,” says the producer. Midlander Vincent Neale encounters while “But above all, someone with an interesting pursuing his dream of opening not one but two story to tell.” bars in the sun. But one is not even open yet, and Vincent has Bargain Loving Brits in the Sun continues already had enough. While he thinks he has on Thursday on Channel 5 at 8pm UK time.

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Send your informa tion to January 17th - January 30th 2019 newsdes k@theolive press.es

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est market

E V E R Y Wednesday the country town of Sineu hosts one of the most traditional Mallorcan markets, with local food, produce and handmade crafts.

ragon ries

se-

P U E R T O Portals is again hosting Dragon boats for the Dragon Winter Series- see the last regatta January 18 through 20 before the Mediterranean Cup mid February.

ah Rah Rah

MALLORCA Voltors, the island's American football team, are playing their next game on January 19 at Son Moix against the Zaragoza Hurricanes – a real experience for any fan.

Don’t miss Mallorca’s wildest festival of the year

THIS weekend is San Sebastian, the island’s biggest festival dedicated to Palma’s patron saint. The festival is centred around fire, with each neighbourhood hosting a bonfire celebration on a different night of January, with crowds coming out and throwing dinner on the communal grill. On Saturday, January 19, eight of Palma's biggest squares, or plaças, host free concerts to celebrate the holiday - an event called revelta. The night kicks off with giants, dancers, demons and devils entertaining on Plaça Major from 6pm. By 8pm the devils and demons are dancing around to welcome the Dragon of na Coca. The famous dragon parades around briefly and breaths fire onto the giant bonfire to light it. Then live music takes over the city, with dozens of bands and musicians taking to the stage. Plaça del Olivar will have swing and rockabilly music while Plaça d'Espanya is set to play the biggest hits and today's pop music. Live Jazz music can be enjoyed at Plaça de Cort while Plaça Major will play folk and indie music, to name a few. There will be sign language

Patron party

WINNER: Last year

Pic a winner

ROAR: Crocodile dances around bonfire during San Sebastian interpreters at many of the stages and this year there will also be ‘vibration stages’ so that the hearing impaired can

also enjoy the party. The city will also run a free night bus after the concerts, taking party goers from Plaça d'Espanya to all corners of the Palma area, from 11:30 pm until 6:30 am. On Monday, January 21 performances by the traditional group Casteller of Mallorca at 6pm on Plaça del Mercat kick off San Sebastian’s correfoc celebrations. The demons and devils come to life at the Pont de la Riera, the bridge near the Parc de

Sa Feixina and the Modern Art Museum. The bridge is turned into the 'gates of hell' every year for San Sebastian's correfoc. The giant Dragon of na Coca returns for his night of glory, parading around with the demons, blowing fire throughout the city. The parade of demons, fire and plenty of fireworks will then make their way down Jaume III to Plaça del Rei Juan Carlos I and back to the gates of hell.

NEON: Demon performs in bright festival

THE photo contest of the Tramuntana mountains has returned for a second year. The Serra de Tramuntana World Heritage Photography contest is open until January 28 and is organised by the association of nature photographers of the Balearic Islands, AFONIB. The contest has three categories: the people and possessions of the Serra, the land – including olive groves and vineyards, and finally the culture of the mountain area, such as traditional ovens, drills, work tools and huts. Open to the public, anyone can upload their photo online, with winners in each category earning €800.

Picassomania MALAGA’S most famous son is still pulling the crowds with visits to the city’s Picasso Museum on the up for the sixth year in a row. The museum hosted 674.512 visitors - a 6.07% increase on 2017. Between 2012 and 2018 the museum’s popularity has grown by 77% thanks to the efforts of the local council to boost cultural activities. Events included concerts of chamber music, flamenco and jazz, poetry readings and indie film screenings. Foreigners represented 74% of visits, with the Brits, Germans and French the most frequent. Among local visitors, those from Andalucia head the queue followed by Madrid and Cataluña. And more than 32,000 - mostly school students - took part in the museums programme of educational activities.

All bottled up A MESSAGE in a bottle dating back to 1807 has been put on display at the Museum of Menorca in Mahón until May 5. The 212-year-old letter inside has not been read since it was sent out to sea, and is one of many rare finds in the 'Urban Archaeology' exhibition.

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Off the SCALE Vol. 2 Issue 46

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January 17th - January 30th 2019

Obesity is on the rise in Spain and will cost the health service billions if not tackled

Mid-life crisis?

Olive Press publisher Jon Clarke undergoes a health ‘MOT’ Page 10

Meat retreat

‘Spinach is poison’ - organiser of carnivore weekend away Page 11

Epidemic

New year, new me We highlight 8 superfoods you need to try this year Page 14

Make your New Year’s Resolution today with National Obesity Awareness Week and Cambridge Weight Plan

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January 17th - January 30th 2019

Mid-life crisis (averted, for now)

Jon Clarke (top right) undertakes a full-body ‘well-man check’ as he reaches his 50th birthday

HE moment finally arrived, having looks for all the tell-tale signs of wear and Casemates Square, crept up slowly for years. tear in your body,” he explained. I was quickly The big 5-0 had been lurking like “Through a range of tests, we will see if whisked into the a stalker and with a few months you need any further exploration, in par- surgery of doctor to go I was feeling overweight, unhealthy ticularly for various cancers and cardio- Patrick Nerney. and tetchy. vascular conditions”. A charming, eruA typical hypochondriac (like most men), “Much of it will boil down to losing weight, dite Yorkshireman, the slightest tweak in the groin must taking more exercise, assessing lifestyle who spent over 30 have meant a hernia, a sore in the mouth and keeping an eye on things like blood years working at was clearly gum disease and a pain in pressure. the sharp end as a the stomach, well, it must have been an He explained that the key things to worry GP in the UK and ulcer. about as you approach your 50s are Gibraltar, he spoke And then there was the Big-C, with pros- musculoskeletal health, heart attacks, perfect English and tate cancer suddenly a major concern as bowel and prostate disease and strokes, quickly got about to I reached the golden age, not to mention and the earlier you address any issues explaining the keys bowel cancer, which according to AOL, the better. to living longer. sharply rises from the age of 50 to 54 “It’s like a car, for the first few years ev- Over the course of (particularly for men). erything is fine, but as it starts to get an hour he probed On top of that was my crafty three or four wear and tear, you get the odd rattle me on my medicigarettes a day (thanks to - or annoyingly and shake. You need to make sure the cal history, lifestyle for - my colleagues at work), as well as engine works, the water pump is not and general health, my evening glass of vino or cheeky beer. blocked and the brakes are not worn. before giving me And don’t even bring up the subject of It’s the same with the body and if we ad- a complete once skin cancer, living, as we do, in bright dress that wear and tear early it will pre- over with his stethosunshine for the vast majorscope ity of the year. a n d I must be on the cusp of dyvarious Over 50 equals cancer zone... ing, I figured, but what could o t h e r HEALTH: 50-year-olds are at higher risk of cancer I do? instruUp to the age of 50, the risk of developing canEnter stage right, David Dearments, including a spirome- had no signs of infection, diabetes, anaecer is 1 in 35 for men and 1 in 20 for women, acdon, a surgeon pal, who just ter to measure lung function mia, thyroid or liver malfunction. cording to Cancer Research UK. Once you get so happens to run his own (see picture above) and an I wasn’t HIV positive, didn’t have syphilis into middle age, the risk increases considerprivate health clinic in Gielectrocardiogram (ECG) to and there was no sign of blood in my urine ably. Some 78% of all cancer diagnoses occur braltar, as well as operating record my heart’s electrical or poo. in people aged 55 or older, according to the up and down the coast and function. While Patrick described all this in words American Cancer Society and the average age around Spain. He then weighed me, took like ‘reassuring’ and ‘acceptable’, he said of a cancer diagnosis is 66 years. Breast canHis advice was simple; stay my blood pressure and mea- there was some way to go, if I planned to cer is 61 years, prostate cancer 66 years, bowhealthy, eat a good balanced sured my height before pack- live a long and fulfilling life. el cancer 68 years, and lung cancer 70 years. diet and exercise regularly. ing me off down the corridor In summary he told me the outcome of Not exactly rocket science. to take some blood tests and the screening was ‘good’, however then Yet, his Specialist Health offer up a stool and urine came the bad news. Clinic also conveniently runs a so called pare you for a much healthier life through sample for further analysis in a conve- After describing my diet as ‘unremark‘well-man’ clinic, which for a few hundred into your 60s and 70s. If you leave it until niently nearby lab. able’ he insisted I drank ‘more than acpounds does a top-to-toe fully compre- problems present in the late 60s or 70s A week later I was back for the results to ceptable guidelines’, rather like his goodhensive health check. the chances of reversing them is much discover some good and bad news. self, he explained, unsurprising given that Likening it to a full service for a car, the lower.” The best news was that I didn’t appear he attends a vineyard in his spare time. Gibraltar-based general surgeon ex- So off I set for his Gibraltar clinic as I ap- to have anything nasty lurking around the He did however insist I needed to stop plained that it would be the ‘ideal indica- proached my landmark birthday in No- immediate corner. smoking and being the son of a lung phytor’ for my next decade. vember. My PSA (prostate specific antigen) level sician I could hardly argue. “It’s not a complete diagnosis, but it Easy to find in the ICC centre, just off and blood pressure was ‘excellent’, and I He also politely told me that I was carrying ‘a little too much weight’ and that I would need to lose around 10kg to get within the normal BMI limits. “A 15kg loss would be better,” he added. Some chance, I thought, given it was Christmas approaching, not to mention my 50th. All in all, though, he said I had a 7% chance of any cardiovascular issues over the next ten years, but that this ‘would Dr Michael Mosley’s halve’ if I gave up smoking. book The Fast Diet is a And then began my fightback. The last of ‘sensible weight loss the cigarettes, giving up drinking in the Clever The and ’ regime week and slightly more exercise and, lordy Guts Diet is a ‘great way lardy, I had lost darn nearly 10kg by my eat’. you what at to look birthday. And despite the Christmas period coming He also likes the Pure soon after, I managed to drink and eat a White and Deadly by little less than normal and as we entered John Yudkin that is the New Year I remained an 85 kg fighting as now sive ‘as impres fit machine! when I first read it 30 As Doctor Nerney explained: “You really years ago’. are what you eat (and drink)”. I’ll drink to that.

Doctor Patrick Nerney recommends:

What health checks does the well-man clinic offer? The range of tests and health checks may vary between clinics, but many of the following will be assessed: •

your lifestyle, including diet, exercise, alcohol and smoking

•

medical history

•

weight and height

•

Blood pressure

•

cholesterol

•

a urine test for diabetes and kidney infection

•

hearing and vision

•

lung function

•

An ECG to check for heart problems

•

a chest X-ray if you're a heavy smoker

For information on the Well-Man check contact the Specialist Medical Clinic on 00350 200 49999 or visit www.specialistmedicalclinic.com

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Good health

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January 17th - January 30th 2019

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January 17th - January 30th 2019

A reformed vegan set to promote meateating at a fascinating weekend seminar tells Elisa Menendez why we should ditch veg in favour of steak

‘

SPINACH is poison’ and oats will eventually ‘destroy’ us. So claims former vegan and fruitarian, Phil Escott, ahead of holding the world’s ‘first ever’ carnivore retreat in Andalucia this Spring. 100% Carnivore…and Beyond will take visitors back to the bare bones of our ancestors’ diets, with talks from leading paleo-medicine experts and doctors in the setting of a plush monastery near Sotogrande. Lifestyle consultant and strict carnivore Escott, 56, insists we have been ‘brainwashed’ into believing we need anything more than meat and hopes to unpick the ‘layers of deception’ at the three-day event. “Most of the food we are consuming is tremendously deadly… It’s a total con that we need any fruit or veg,” adds the author who has become a well-known figure in the carnivore world, with some

TRANSFORMED: Phil Escott

Bloody different 14,000 people following his Facebook he became seriously ill with psoriatic arand Youtube accounts. thritis and autoimmune conditions, leav“Grains are not even food, they will de- ing him unable to move without severe stroy anyone eventually,” he claims, pain. “Spinach is also absolute poison be- Escott, a keen drummer in his spare cause it’s high in oxalate. time, claims he could I got kidney stones after not even pick up a pair eating a lot of it.” of sticks and play at one Escott, based in Lanpoint. It’s not wacky, cashire, in the UK, be“It’s not wacky, it’s not an lieves veganism is a ‘diextreme diet, it’s taking it’s not an saster for human health us back to the basic food and the planet’, and says extreme diet, it’s of our ancestors. our diet ‘went wrong with “I got so many health istaking us back sues as a vegetarian and agriculture and religion’. Although he admits the vegan. When I dropped vegan diet boasts immethe last of the plant diate benefits, he insists matter in my diet, that’s they ‘will not last long term’ and claims when things cleared up,” he added. it was the root of his prior severe health But that’s not all. He also claims a carconditions. He now lives on only meat nivore diet ‘reversed’ his mum’s breast and fish. cancer. The dad-of-three found carnivorism after But he insists that it is not just about eat-

ing meat, to reap the full benefits you have to include all the ‘disconnects’ such as emotional wellbeing and getting in touch with nature. Aside from the health benefits, Escott insists that he is one of the ‘only 50-oddyear-old with a naturally flat stomach’ and puts it all down to the meaty diet. Organised along with fellow carnivore Dr Lynn Hardy, the pair hope to encourage others to consider lifestyle changes which explore emotional balancing, cold thermogenesis and sun exposure. Guests will sink their teeth into workshops, private consultations and plenty of food tastings at the event which costs from €132 for a day pass to €1,370 for a three-day stay at exclusive Finca Monasterio, in San Martin del Tesorillo. Tickets for 100% Carnivore… and Beyond can be purchased on eventbrite.com

LYNN: And (above) Finca Monasterio

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January 17th - January 30th 2019

As Easy as A,B,C

I SAY NO ………

I start with a bone density scan, which tells January 17th - January 30th 2019 me I’m actually rock solid and, in fact, 0.4% over what the average density is for my age (I’m 50 by the way), height and weight. It’s a good start.

Boning up! Say no... start with a bone density scan, which tells me I’m actually rock solid and, in fact, 0.4% over what the average density is for my age (I’m 50 by the way), height and weight. It’s a good start.

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TO OSTEOPOROSIS! Strength, balance and bones - Jon Clarke puts all three to the test at OsteoStrong

To Osteoporosis I

’M holding up the equivalent of five that your body is going about its bubaby elephants, as the dial in front siness rebuilding and strengthening of me goes deeper and deeper into your bones. the red. Let me explain. Strength, balance and bones Clarke puts This is the ‘growth trigger zone’ and - Jon Osteostrong helpsall you to strengthen to the test at OsteoStrong mythree best five-second average is 478 kg. the matrix of your bones, which natuNext up I’m on the Lower Growth Trigger machine, taken through my paces by the very capable Gaby. Scoring 478 kg, I feel as strong as an ox... That’s well over five times my own wei- rally weaken and become more brittle ’M holding up as the damn equivalent of fivegood. shopping,as safe in the knowledge that ght and it sure it feels you get older, leading to diseases baby elephants, as the dial in front your body is going about its business It’s of almost same for my osteoporosis. me goesthe deeper and deeper into‘upper rebuildinglike and strengthening your the red. bones. It means that your bones become growth trigger’ and indeed for each the different ‘growth trigger zone’ andI have Let me explain. of This the isfive machines more porous and weaker and ultimamy best five-second average is 478 kg. OsteoStrong helps you to strengthen been working on with either my arms it leads injuries. That’s well over five times my own the matrixtely of your bones,towhich natuor weight legs. and it sure as damn it feels rally weaken Osteostrong and becomeprevents more brittlethe disease and good. as you get older, leading to diseases And the good news; I’m building bone can even reverse it. It’s almost the same for my ‘upper like osteoporosis. and getting stronger... Probably for the The American growth trigger’ and indeed for each It means that your bonesinvention become uses a series Then it’s onto first in different decades. of expensive of time the five machines I have more porous and weakerhigh-tech and ulti- machines, bathe Postural on with either arms cenmately it leads to injuries. All been partworking of a fantastic newmyhealth sed on the theory of Wolff’s law, which CAPTION Growth Trigger, or legs. OsteoStrong prevents the disease and Checking My Posture tre/gym in the heart of Puerto Banus, insists that bone grows and remodels CAPTION And the good news; I’m building bone can even reverse it. where I score alOsteostrong is an invention in response thea forces that are plaand getting stronger... Probably forfor the those The American invention to uses seFinally, I’m on one of Then it’s onto most the same, firstdon’t time infancy decades. ries of expensive high-tech who working out in sweaty ced upon it in machines, a healthy person. lift twice as much.” three different balancthe Postural before sitting All part of a fantastic new health cenbased on the theory of Wolff’s law, ing machines (left), gyms, those who don’t have hours to After an injury to bone, placing speci- His list of happy clients Growth since Triggeropening tre/gym in the heart of Puerto Banus, which insists that bone grows and reon the which Lowermeasures my (above), where Marta dedicate to honing theirforbodies, stresstointhespecific directions toliftthe last year includes pensioner further and twice as much.” OsteoStrong is an invention those and models infic response forces that ‘natural sway’ and I score almost Growth Trigger, listbecome of happy clients since opening anyone, who has hadouta inbroken bone it person. remodelHis and who don’t fancy working sweaty bone are placed upon can it in ahelp healthy Bernad, who managed to reverse her the same, bewhere I checks kill itout the likelilast year includes pensioner Marta in just those who don’t have hours to After an normal injury to bone, placing speor gyms, fracture. healthy bone again. hood of having a fall. fore four sitting osteoporosis months inat nearly Again 500kg to honing their bodies, and cific stress in specific directions to the Bernad, who managed to reverse her (above), I score onmass the by Upper Fordedicate a session at Osteostrong of and such tension machines 11%. osteoporosis in just creasing four monthsher in- boneGrowth anyone, who has had a broken bone only bone canThe help ituse remodel become with flying colours, with my legs... Trigger, takes around 15 minutes and then can also strengthen existing creasinghealthy her bone mass by 11%. Marcus where or fracture. normal healthy bone again. Another, Starkensjo, achieving ‘better than I kill it atcame in camefrom in sessionoff at for OsteoStrong of such tension machines Another, Marcus Starkensjo, youForarea done, lunch oronly to do The the use bones. 95% of others’ in my suffering pain in his hip, which nearly 400kg takes around 15 minutes and then can also strengthen existing healthy suffering from pain in his hip, which age group. with my legs... shopping, in the knowledge when has now completely disappeared. “I has now completely disappeared. “I you are done, offsafe for lunch or to do the bones. “I didn’t believe it for a second Berger, “I didn’t believe itI Charles for began here lastfour times am also lifting four times the weight am also lifting the weight a second when Iyear,” bewithof myexplains shoulders, it’swith been my great,” he Owner shoulders, it’s been great,” he Charles Berger, gan here last year,” insisted. Wolff’s law Owner of OsteoOsteoStrong tells brand manager said. explains brand man- And French expat Bebe de FouquiStrong tells me The medical eviDavid NAME, a “IAnd ager David Kelly, a that me although eres, 64, explained: haveFrench been do- expat Bebe de Fouquiethat although heand he medical evidence the dence and the real hulk of a man, who now hulk ofing a OsteoStrong man, who for six res,months 64, explained: “I have been doing has only been he is only opened science behind looks as healthy as a and I feel so much better. I had pain opensince May, real science behind the looks as healthy as OsteoStrong for six months now and I sinceinlast Mayshoulder the the development butcher’s my right for over a year Dr Julius Wolff haswrote Thedog, while the centre My reward? a butcher’s dog, feel so much better. I had pain in my riof OsteoStrongLaw is ofalready already gravitating and since the second session the pain centre has already Bone Remodeling, in experiI’m sent off of Osteostrong is thanksdevelopment to Dr. Julius towards his Sevenwent and itgravihas not come while already ghtback.” shoulder for over a year and since tremen- showed to a side 1892.enced His research experienced Wolff, a German ties. A towards month’s campaign at OsteoStrong dous results. tating his the second session the pain went and room for a thanks to Julius Wolf, a anatomist who detheDr. positive effects of “Since doing one costs from just €79, with an extra €20 tremendous Clients have fabulous Seventies. it has not come back.” veloped a theory that statsession a week I for the massage. multiples of bodyweight/ experiencedwho inseven-minGerman results. Clients ed bones in the body adaptanatomist have felt amazing. “Since doing one A month’s campaign at Osteostrong Come for a free bone density scan any creased bone of bone. ute masgravity the density their architecture and size ondensity My body is stronger time. have experienced session a week I costs from just €79, with an extra €20 and dra- an sage winddeveloped a theory stated bones in The that more weight/force indito the axial loading or than ever and I am matic strength down. increased bone felt amazing. for the massage. placed upon vidual them. could able to hit the have ball Contact marbella@osteostrong.es load their skeletal increases. thestress body adaptsystem their architecture and size My body is stronCome for a free bone density scan any density and in golf, walk or call 952004505 with, the greaterfurther bone ger than ever and I time. dramatic strength densityor would become. sciento the axial loading stress placedThis upon am able to hit the increases. tific fact is the basis of the chaball further in golf, Contact marbella@osteostrong.es them. racter Superman. walk further and or call 952004505

B I feel

Wolf’s Law .. - the birth Wolff’s law T of Superman

And to it all I’m sen a side r for a bulous ven-min massa wind-do

Good health

www.theolivepress.es

January 17th - January 30th 2019

Losing bandwidth

ROM Spain to South Africa and Egypt to the UK... the list of places where the Gastric Mind Band (GMB) has changed lives stretches around the world. Since 2001 the brains behind the company, Spain-based expats Martin and Marion Shirran, have helped hundreds of people across the globe with their pioneering weight loss programme. From everyone looking to drop a dress size, to couples trying to rekindle their love life, the husband and wife team, from Northampton, have seen it all. Since opening their clinic in Fuengirola 17 years ago, GMB has been endorsed by countless celebrities, publications and TV shows. And, best of all, it is completely nonsurgical, with the weight-loss therapy relying on a mix of Cognitive Behav-

iour Therapy and hypnotherapy. But does it really work? That is ‘the question on everyone’s lips’, according to Martin, who pioneered the therapy with Marion and discovered a dramatic weight loss. “I was literally the guinea pig,” he says. “The second person ever to go through the treatment and I lost between six and seven stone.” And Martin’s story is not a lone case. His life-changing flab-fighting journey is one echoed by the scores of happy customers to use GMB. Take Sarah Hart for example, who landed on Martin and Marion’s doorstep in 2010 at the incredible weight of 22 stone. Forced into taking the step after being devastated at the size she looked in her wedding photos, she lost half her body weight, insists Marion.

MOD CONS: The Fuengirola clinic

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January 16th - January 29th 2019

How an expat weight-loss invention on the Costa del Sol has now expanded around the world, writes Charlie Smith

PIONEERS: Marion and Martin

MASSIVE SPREAD: GMB has appeared in numerous magazines and newspapers “And she hasn’t gained an ounce since,” she adds. “Helping someone lose weight is easy, but helping them to permanently lose weight is the silver bullet.” And what Marion says about permanent weight loss is what makes GMB Four sessions, each of which incorunique. porate Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Unlike invasive surgical procedures are then used to help unravel the belike liposuction and actual gastric haviour humans have developed over bands - which cost around €6,000 unhealthy relationships with food. - the service provided by Martin and Marion uses the example of a parMarion is purely psyent rewarding a child’s chological. good behaviour with By targeting the root We recently flew sweets from an early cause of being overage. to India to help Every patient comweight or obese, GMB’s clinically-proven - and a minimum of an entire family pletes much cheaper - meth16 hours in therapy ods help patients to lose weight for a time, which often inlose weight and keep it cludes hypnotherapy. wedding that way. “When you talk to peoSo how does it work? ple about hypnotheraAccording to Marion, py,” Marion says, “they GMB ‘presses the reset button’. think it involves swinging a watch in A forensic questionnaire, which can front of your face.” take up to six hours, is used to go With GMB though there is no swinging deep into the human psyche to create watch. an understanding of a person’s emo- Instead hypnotherapy is conducted tions, wants and needs. using heart monitoring equipment

to see how the patient’s body reacts. “It is only a small part of what we do,” Marion adds, “but in addition to the therapeutic benefits it offers, people do find it very relaxing.” One of the most impressive aspects of GMB is the people behind it. Martin and Marion now fly all over the world to give out their life-changing therapy. “People say they want to have the treatment delivered by the people who invented it,” he explains. This even recently involved flying to Mumbai, in India, to help an entire family lose weight in preparation of a big family wedding. “It was an amazing experience and we’ve had plenty more like that,” Marion adds. For more information visit www.gmband.com

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UK as Get the best of both worlds. 14 14 Livewww.theolivepress.es in Spain and work in the UK as r. January 17th - January 2019live-in carer. a high 30th quality, Apply Today!

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Leading care provider offers training for prospective care givers

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Leafy greens

Nutrient-dense and low in calories - it’s not hard to see why health experts love leafy greens like spinach, broccoli, cabbage, rocket and chard. They’re packed with benefits including vitamins A, C and K, folate, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, lutein, and fibre. Kale has become the holy grail of superfoods but it’s not just a millennial fad. It’s one of the best detox foods you should incorporate in your diet this year. Studies have found that it helps prevent diseases like cancer and heart disease by lowering cholesterol and promoting liver and digestive health.

Kefir and sauerkraut Normally the deterioration of hearing is a slow process and may affect most of us to a greater or lesser degree. The important thing is to detect it and treat it quickly. With this simple Self-Test below, you will be able to determine your hearing quality. lf you reply affirmatively to three or more of the questions below, you may well suffer from a hearing impairment. For a full professional hearing assessment, free of charge, please contact Sontec Hearing Centres. 1.

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We’ve all heard about how good probiotics are for our gut. Thanks to their fermentation process, kefir and sauerkraut are two of the most probiotic-rich foods for digestive health. Inflammation in the gut can lead to a range of problems such as decreased immunity, poor skin and, according to a number of studies, mood and mental health. Kefir, originating from Russia, is a grain made of a colony of live bacteria which is left to ferment in milk for 24 hours, creating a thick, yoghurt-like drink. It is a more powerful probiotic than yoghurt, containing 61 strains of bacteria (good ones, don’t worry), as well as calcium, protein and B vitamins. Sauerkraut - which originated in China more than 2,000 years ago - is also a strong probiotic including vitamins B6, C, K, iron, and protein. It also boosts metabolism and contains fibre which keeps you regular and reduces risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Garlic

Good news for expats, the Spanish favourite garlic is high on the superfood list because it is packed with allicin, a phytochemical which has numerous medicinal properties. It is also brilliant for fighting off most kinds of bad bacteria, viruses and fungi. So next time you have a cold, don’t reach for the Lemsip, stock up on cloves of the strong stuff. Experts say it’s best eaten raw but if cooking it, under 10 minutes is optimum time. Rub a clove on your toast in the morning (take breath pills to work) and enjoy it as pan con tomate, the traditional Andalucian breakfast.

Good health

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January 17th - January 30th 2019

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January 17th - January 30th 2019

Turmeric

The Indian ‘saffron’ has been hailed as a ‘wonder spice’ by medical experts for its anti-inflammatory benefits. But that’s not all. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, aids chronic pain, immunity and heart health and has anti-cancer properties. Sprinkle it in curries, add it to fresh juices or take it in supplement form.

Berries Apples and celery

Berries are highly nutritious and low in calories, containing several vitamins and minerals but who knew strawberries were so high in vitamin C? Just one cup of the summer favourite provides a whopping 150% of the recommended daily intake. The darker the berry, the more nutrients. Blueberries are one superfood that all nutritionists agree are a diet staple, providing fibre-rich carbs which aid digestion and weight management. The blue fruit contains at least 15 different types of potent antioxidants that protect virtually every system in the body. Antioxidants prevent or delay damage to cells, tissues and muscles and are key in aiding cardiovascular and cerebral health and exercise recovery.

Bone broth For anyone suffering with digestive problems, such as IBS, bone broth could be a brilliant addition to your diet this year. As well as being high in calcium, magnesium and collagen, it aids digestion and heals gut inflammation, due to its high content of amino acids (such as cystine, histidine and glycine). It also packs plenty of collagen which gives skin elasticity and keeps joints healthy to prevent arthritis.

Wild salmon

If you’re looking for a detox after drinking a little too much cava over the festive season, apples and celery could be your new best friends. Apples are a superfood capable of regulating blood sugar, also giving you lots of fibre, vitamin C and a great liver detox. Celery is hydrating, good for digestion and another good liver cleanser. As with all fruit and veg, organic produce is always best to avoid consuming pesticides.

A long-time UK favourite, wild salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and much lower in toxins than farmed salmon. Omega 3 is important as it reduces the risk of heart disease, while lowering cholesterol levels. It has also been linked to improved cognitive function and could help reduce risks for depression. It’s additionally loaded with B vitamins and amino acids which will reward you with glowing skin and good energy levels.

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January 17th - January 30th 2019

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BUSINESS

www.theolivepress.es

January 17th - January 30th 2019

Rent control

Spanish government may bring in ‘Soviet rules’ to big cities

Bossing it THE Balearic's first study on entrepreneurs has found 75% of entrepreneurs start a new project because they see a gap in the market. The GEM, Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, was first done around the islands in 2017 by the University of the Balearics and the Ministry of Labour, Commerce and Industry. The study found that the Balearic's are maintaining their 'historic' position, always remaining among the top regions with high levels of entrepreneurs. The 2017 changes to atonomo fees for young first-time entrepreneurs has also led to an increase in young selfemployed people.

True contracts

By Heather Galloway

RENT controls could be coming to Spain’s largest cities, a government minister has hinted. Chancellor Maria Jesus Montero admitted the government is considering a controversial U-turn to bring in a cap on monthly rentals in a bid to fight soaring prices. “The government is open to studying measures that limit rental prices,” revealed Montero in a radio interview, adding that it could be added to a draft of the budget. It comes after prime minister Pedro Sanchez admitted that exorbitant rents were becoming ‘a big problem in large cities’ and drew up a number of amendments to the Urban Property Law in December. It will come as an apparent U-turn to the Government’s

stance in the summer when Housing Minister Helena Beunza insisted the government was ‘not prepared’ to consider the matter at national level. Critics however, claim the move could lead to owners withdrawing their properties to rent. They also insisted it was ‘practically impossible’ to set a fair price.

Regulate

“If you regulate rents, property owners will react by pulling their properties off the market,” an Idealista spokesman insisted. “We need more availability, not less.” Professor Miguel Cordoba, of San Pablo University, added: “It is unworkable. It should be a free market as every flat is different in size and quality. It only works in 1950s Russia where all the flats

LAST year saw over €3 million in labour violation penalties from over 1,000 infringements. A total of 16,424 work inspections took place in 2018, with 1,038 fines and sanctions leading to a leap of €3.1 million in fines, 11% more than 2017. More than 20,000 work contracts have been reviewed, and more than 40% of them have been transformed into permanent contracts.

Budget balance THE budget from the central government has been announced, giving the Balearics €152 million – an 11% decrease from last year. The Balearics is one of five communities to get a budget cut, while most communities are receiving an increase from the nearly €12.2 billion budget.

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January 17th - January 30th 2019

Navarra sees the largest jump in general budget funds, a 92% increase from last year to €108 million. It still get the smallest percentage of the budget. Valencia is set with nearly €1.2 billion, a increase of 60%, Catalonia will receive 52% more than last year, and Andalusia 44% more.

were almost the exact same.” Rents went up just 9% last year, in comparison to 18% in 2017.

Jobless dip SPAIN had one of the largest drops in unemployment in the EU last year, new data has revealed. Jobless figures dipped from 16.5% to 14.7% between September 2017 and September 2018, bringing Spain’s total number of unemployed to 3.2 million. Despite this, Spain still has the second largest jobless rate in the EU after Greece with 18.6%. All member states showed a decrease in unemployment rates last year, according to Eurostat, apart from Estonia, where levels remained stable. Nearly 16.5 million are unemployed in the whole EU. There are currently 3.2 million unemployed in Spain.

AGONY Property ANT YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY ANTONIO FLORES

Custody compensation

How the EU has ordered Spanish Courts to review compensation for wrongful imprisonment, explains Lawbird’s Antonio Flores

HE Spanish Constitutional Tribunal has by any judicial authority regardless of the reahad to accept that people wrongly held sons given for the criminal court’s decision. in custody should be entitled to state Two examples illustrate the doctrine that the compensation. ECJ seeks to change: It comes after it was forced by various rulings A man who spent 542 days in custody for an from the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to re- alleged murder that turned out to be an acview the law - not without significant reticence cident was granted compensation. from the Supreme Court. A man held in custody for over 360 days in As a result, it is now studying legislative connection to terrorist activities that had all changes to adapt national laws (art. 294.1 of charges dropped when two key witnesses rethe Judiciary Power Act). tracted their testimonies, was Currently, Spain operates a denied compensation. dual objective/subjective criteSome countries operate simiA man held in ria compensation system. Unlar systems - in the UK, legal der it, acquittals or dismissed custody for over changes in 2014 restricted cases for lack of evidence payments to only those who 360 days in (subjective criteria) do not atcould prove their innocence tract compensation, whereas if ‘beyond reasonable doubt’, connection to they are based on the finding causing great grievance to terrorism that the alleged offence had a majority of those convicts not been committed, ‘financial wronged by incompetent police repair’ will be available. and judges. Other countries, The ECJ ruled that EU law does not envisage such as Austria and Germany, calculate comtwo different classes of innocent people fol- pensation based on ‘prison days’. lowing a judicial acquittal, class 1 (where In the US, an August report by the national Regno crime had been committed) and class 2 istry of Exonerations calculated the number of (where a crime was committed but those years spent incarcerated for crimes not comcharged had been found not guilty due to in- mitted - 20,080 years unjustly lost to prison. sufficient evidence). According to the ECJ, in But the magnitude of rightful compensation making such distinction, the Spanish Court was, in a very American way, enormous at […] had disregarded the applicant’s previous U$D 2.2 billion. acquittal, which had to be taken into account

Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.com

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PROPERTY

January 17th - January 30th 2019

www.theolivepress.es

Jan 17th - Jan 30th 2019

Top notch

PALMA'S Gloria Sant Jaume has been rated the best new hotel in all of the Balearics. The five-star hotel near la Rambla is the only Balearic hotel to make the list of the top hotels opened last year by Luxury Travel Intelligence – only 15 hotels made the list. The hotel, opened last February, has 14 bright and cheerful rooms, with wooden beamed ceilings and sandstone walls. There is also an underground spa with the old town's longest pool and a roof-top terrace with a bubbling jacuzzi.

Keys Isl nd to the

Takes a village Buying up an entire Spanish village is a craze sweeping Hollywood and beyond but you’ll have to be quick to bag a bargain WHEN Gwyneth Paltrow included a deserted Spanish village on her Christmas wish list last year, the Hollywood actress turned ‘influencer’

By Amanda Butler

Looking ahead

What does 2019 have in store for Mallorca’s property market? Asks Amanda Butler

HE year 2018 came to an end and any property buyers outside the EU over the continues into 2019 with lots of sunny, €500.000 mark will remain open for the foremild winter days – reminding me of why seeable future. Whether there will be visa I decided to move to this requirements for British expats beautiful Mediterranean island. with property here, or looking Christmas celebrations don’t 2019 is bound to to buy property, remains to be seem to finish here in Mallor- be an interesting seen and will depend on how ca until nearly the end of the Britain treats the incoming EU year for all of month since, not only do we nationals. However, using the have the celebration of the aras a precedent, they used us Brits living in Swiss rival of the Three Kings on Januto require a visa to Spain but ary 5, but the fiestas continue no longer do, so in time, and Spain in Palma with the extensive San whatever happens, one would Sebastian Festivities from the assume that once the dust 12th-21st where we will see more fun, Carre- settles, travel will become easier and life will focs, music and fireworks – after which we will return to a relative norm. all deserve a well-earned rest!!

Brexit

2019 is bound to be an interesting year for all of us Brits. It’s difficult to glimpse a picture of the outcome – will it be a no-deal Brexit or not?! Will we Brexit, or won’t we?!! The lastditch vote on backing Theresa May’s deal this week will of course be telling, but currently this cliff-hanger of a drama looks likely to continue, to the discomfort of most concerned. How this will affect the property market is yet to be seen and of course there is a lot of speculation. One thing we do know is that the ‘Golden Visa’ residency application for

New Year’s resolutions

The beginning of the year is always a time of reflection and new beginnings - for hopes and aspirations to be set into motion. 2018 provided a great deal of satisfaction and joy for me having successfully helped a good number of clients to make their dreams of a new home in the Mallorca sunshine become a reality. If you are one of those who have been contemplating this for a while and wish to make it reality,for an independent and personalized approach please do get in touch, and if you are looking to sell we would be delighted to hear from you.

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

was tapping into an already booming market. But Santa disappointed the eccentric star who included the abandoned hamlet of Lugo in Galicia in her Ridiculous but Awesome Christmas Gift Guide on her website Goop. It has been snapped up for peanuts by a Dutch couple. For the incredible price of under €150,000 they get the village, a 360m2 house, two haylofts, a granary and a number of other buildings scattered around the Eo Valley. They are among a slew of investors looking to make a quick buck out of abandoned pueblos across the country-

GONE: Village wanted by Gwyneth Paltrow side whose populations have deserted them for the cities and coast. There are now more than 3,000 scattered across Spain. And although only a few hundred are currently for sale due to a lack of paperwork,

Your own village IBIZA’S Sa Ferradura has been ranked Europe's number one private village costing up to a cool €300,000 per week. The honour came from the World's Best Boutique Hotel 2018 Awards, ranking thousands of hotels around the world in different categories. The village is located on a small peninsula in the bay of Sant Miquel, about 20 kilometres from the city of Ibiza. The vast estate can be rented from €220,000 a week in the low season to €300,000 in the high season – including the staff of 22 employees. Champagne brand Don Perignon turned the village into an outdoor restaurant last summer with renowned chefs from around the world preparing menus priced at €700 a person. Footballing star Cesc Fabregas also hosted his post-wedding celebrations at the estate.

PRICEY: Private Ibiza island

Spaniards are coming forward everyday to lay claim to the towns and their properties. In fact, although 70% of clients come from abroad and tend to be British, Belgian and French, an increasing number of Spaniards are buying into the dream, according to Aldeas Abandonadas, a real estate agent managing the sale of dozens of villages. One Malaga couple has just bought a Galician hamlet for €60,000, the agency revealed. It comes not only with six cottages and 15,000m2 of land but the bonus of a €200,000 grant from the EU for doing it up as a rural tourism business.

Bullish

The bullish market is seeing at least 20 Spaniards coming forward every month to prove they own a stake in the abandoned villages, while prices have risen by around 5-10% in just one year. Aldeas Abandonadas has 110 villages available - average price between €200,000 and €450,000 - although there are some going for between €2.5 million and €7 million – the latter being a village in Huelva. However if you’re looking to invest, be prepared for things to take time and try to avoid villages with more than 10 property owners, as it can prove ‘almost impossible’ to reach an agreement that suits every party involved.

Let us guide you home Real Estate | Immobilien | Inmobiliaria

www.themallorcadeal.com | +34 971 961 057

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL Forking amazing! www.theolivepress.es

January 17th - January 30th 2019

Mallorca has seven restaurants in Spain’s top 100 according to eatery app El Tenedor

Fishing for tourists

MORE than 800 people enjoyed fishing excursions with traditional fisherman from Menorca and Mallorca over 2018. A total of 255 excursions took place as part of a special tourism operation for a traditional Balearic experience. Around 30 fishing boats are part of the program. In 2018, more than double the amount of tourists went on these adventures than the year before, surpassing all exceptions. Over 20% of bookings were cancelled due to bad weather, so the numbers could have been higher if not for such a stormy October and November. The program not only gives visitors a real experience, but gives local fishermen supplemental income in their unstable line of work.

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January 17th - January 30th 2019

A MALLORCA restaurant has been voted the SIXTH best in Spain, while six other Balearic eateries also made the top 100. The list of gastronomic brilliance was compiled by TripAdvisor’s new app and reservation platform El Tenedor - The Fork - which analysed more than 12 million user opinions. Ca n’Ignasi, in Inca, is the restaurant deemed Spain’s sixth best. It has a 9.8 rating on El Tenedor and is praised for serving up a modern twist on traditional cuisine from Mallorca. And it is just one of seven eateries, ALL from the capital, which entered into the

WINNERS: (Left) Ca n’Ignasi and (above) Sebastian Arevalo rankings. Mesón La Rueda claimed 32nd best, followed by

Adrián Quetglas (43), Vandal Palma (44), S’Hort (76), La Vieja de Jonay Hdez in

Winner takes it oli

THE first world championship for Pa amb Oli is set to place this year on Balearic's' Day. The association for bars, restaurants and cafes, Restauración Mallorca along with the Balearic Government are organising the first ever competitions at the Fira del Pa amb Oli – a fair just for bread and oil, a dish so simple, so traditional, and sometimes so elaborate. Qualifying competitions will take place across the islands leading up to Balearic's Day and the championship ending on March 3.

Palma (85) and KATAGI Blau, also in Palma (98). Sebastian Perez Arevalo of Vandal told the Olive Press: “It really has been a surprise for us. It is a great recognition in a very short period of restaurant life. “It is a great recognition and the effort of all Vandal team, because in the end this is thanks to the whole team.” Palma has seen its culinary scene explode over the past 10 years with hip new neighbourhoods like Santa Catalina bringing scores of new fusion restaurants.

What’s on for foodies!

longuet fest R E S T A U RANTS across Palma join in the San Sebastian celebrations on January 18 with special neighbourhood feasts featuring the traditional Mallorcan bap, the llonguet, with live music or theatre at each one.

el meal SA POBLA has an eel festival in their Sant Antoni festivities. Eel is a honours and served up scrumptiously at 15 restaurants and bars around town through January 20.

apa fun TAPAS are hot all year as Palma’s Ruta Martiana Tapa Route every Tuesday in the city’s Sa Gerreria neighbourhood with dozens of bars and cafes joining in from 7pm until late.

Music, gastronomy, design, comfort and great art.

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

FOOD,DRINK

Slopes with the most January 17th - January 30th 2019

www.theolivepress.es

January 17th - January 30th 2019

From the high octane to the low key, we check out Spain’s niftiest ski resorts for snow fanatics

PAIN is known for a lot of things – beaches, paella, siestas, fiestas – but it’s rarely associated with snow sports or ski resorts - even though there are 35 of them in the country. All the same, there are those who fly from as far away as Japan and Russia to savour the unique experience of bombing down a frozen mountainside under a Mediterranean sun. Here, we take a look at the best Spain has to offer in the way of winter wonderlands – from party central to the highest peaks of the Pyrenees, with a glance at the landscape, the slopes, who goes and the vibe they create.

Baqueira Beret The look

Pretty and expensive. A large resort at the top of Val d’Aran in the Catalan Pyrenees, it has an Alpine air with plenty of trees and a couple of big hotels amidst an otherwise boutique set up. Restaurants and cafés abound and, just to give you the measure of them, there is bar halfway up the slopes that serves nothing but Moët & Chandon. Val d’Aran itself is stunning and there are several small towns and villages further down the valley such as Arties that are slightly cheaper and more charming if you don’t mind the 7km drive up to the station each morning.

The slopes

Cerler

The look Two thousand more properties are to be built here in the next 10 years so it would be smart to show up before that happens. As it stands, this is a discreet resort and the highest in the Aragonese Pyrenees with all the Christmas card trimmings - cobbled streets, fir trees and traditional chalets and cottages.There are also some beautiful village-to-village walks for those wanting a break from the up-down-up-down on-piste routine. The slopes With 77 km and 68 runs, this may not be Formigal but it is big enough to keep the average skier entertained for a week. Ten of its runs are green, 18 blue, 25 red and 14 black. Though not the cheapest, it is more economical than Baqueira, Sierra Nevada and Formigal. The people Unknown outside Spain, the crowd here is predominantly Spanish and tend to be families or couples, content with a nice hot bath, a hearty meal and an early night after a hard day on the slopes. The vibe Low-key. This is a place that has been variously described as romantic, charming and quiet.

Perfectly groomed, the pistes are inarguably the best Spain has to offer with infrastructure to match. The station offers 165 km of runs – 6 green, 43 blue, 45 red and 17 black. Baqueira is also known as the king of off-piste skiing in Spain, offering Barlongueta and Escomacabres behind the Cap de Baqueira – a vertical run wedged between two rock faces five metres apart.

The people

This is famously where the Spanish royal family come to perfect their parallel turns. It is also frequented by Spain’s former PP President José María Aznar and his family as well as a number of politicians, including Luis Barcénas – the former PP treasurer who is now languishing in Soto del Real jail. Other crooks, celebrities and and Catalan businessmen gather here during the season to flash their cash on some lavish living.

The vibe

Exclusive. This is not a party town. It’s more about Michelin-starred restaurants and designer shops, making it the Calle Serrano of the Spanish ski world. There is a big international crowd here as it is generally the only resort, along with Sierra Nevada, that gets any airplay outside Spain.

Formigal The look

Close to the French border in the province of Huesca, this sprawling purposebuilt resort is a short (free) bus or train ride from Aramón Formigal ski station. If you are seeking a more scenic spot try Panticosa, 12 km down the road, or Sallent de Gállego, a beautiful town by a turquoise blue reservoir that’s a 10km schlep from the slopes. Beware of long lift queues in high season.

The slopes

There are those who grumble that Formigal’s pistes are not challenging enough, others who rave about the scope. Certainly there are enough of them with 141 km of runs – 6 green, 19 blue, 34 red and 38 black. The station boasts four different zones – Sextas for beginners, Larrios for families, Anayet for experts and Portalet for those seeking extra thrills. There is a ticket available for five stations in the area called the tarjeta Aramón, should the 141 km not be enough for you, or the snow better elsewhere. These five stations include Cerler and Panticosa. There is an off-piste area not far from the Portalet zone but as it’s prone to avalanches, take a guide.

The people

Formigal attracts a Spanish and Catalan crowd with a number of French thrown into the mix, many of whom are serious, no-nonsense skiers and less ostentatious than the Baqueira snow bunnies. On weekends, there are so many of them, the runs can resemble Spanish motorways at the start of August.

The vibe

The resort appears to cater for all ages and tastes and might be said to lack character. However, there is a rather famous aprés-ski joint called the Marchica, a partly open-air disco at the foot of the slopes which cranks up every afternoon at 3 pm and stays open until 9.30 pm so that skiers get a chance to be slaves to a different rhythm in their snow gear.

& TRAVEL

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January 17th - January 30th 2019

Boí-Taüll

The look

Close to spectacular Aigüestortes National Park in the Vall de Boí, this is the highest ski station not just in the Catalan Pyrenees but in the Pyrenees full stop. Skiers stay down the mountain, either in a purpose-made resort some 5 km from the slopes, or 7 or 9 kms away in Taüll or Boi – villages that are both famous for their Romanesque churches, quaint cobbled streets and rural ambience.

The slopes

This is the cheapest station of our five featured resorts but with just 45 km of runs - 6 green, only 3 blue, 20 red and 14 black, making it more appealing to intermediate skiers who can make use of the whole area. The risk of becoming bored may spur low-level skiers on to new heights!

The people

Mainly Catalan and French, this is a friendly, family resort and rarely overcrowded. More grunge than glam, it appeals to the down-to-earth among us who may have learned to ski in the rough-and-ready resorts of Scotland and find themselves outside their comfort zone in the jet-set scene usually associated with skiing.

The vibe

This is about as laid-back as you probably want it. The villages and the resort can get very quiet but it has several good bars and restaurants and an authentic feel. You’ll certainly know you are in Catalunya. They even eat horse!

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January 17th - January 30th 2019

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Bring THE spring

Mallorca diaries

By Lesley Keith

It’s great to be back in Mallorca but I’m counting down the days until spring, writes Lesley Keith

AM very pleased to say I have re- morning person and finding myself sitturned to the island from our Christ- ting in the departure lounge between a mas UK trip, safe and sound without stranger who was a very noisy eater and any hiccups. a partner with man flu who was emitNot that I could hear any hiccups be- ting all manner of spontaneous animal cause I have a hearing loss. Yes like an noises and projectile mucus. awful lot of us my hearing is definitely All this whilst being forced to listen to jolnot what it was and also like a lot of us I ly Christmas music at 7.30am is pretty had been in denial about this for a long much my idea of hell. time. From then on however everything went Not quite as long as the seven years like a dream. which is the average time it takes from For once, I didn't set the alarms off in first noticing you're struggling to doing security, (I was almost disappointed). something about it, but I finally suc- The plane actually landed early, alcumbed to hearing aids last year. though I suspect this is more to do with They are a great help but I still can't the fact airlines cheat and give an unget used to or say I like naturally long flight time wearing them. so that they can nearly They are very small and always appear to be getThen there’s unnoticeable so no one ting there sooner than the joy of realises I have them but 'expected'. this means I often have We were on a very cheap condensation to put up with people flight in the cheapest of making jokes about beseats, the very back row, dripping down ing deaf as they don't but this actually worked the windows know that it's someone in our favour as we were like me they're talking the first off after landing. about. We then had the endWhen they find out, rather than be em- less hike to baggage control. This walk barrassed they then have to jump in by from the plane always seems far too saying things like 'Pardon?’ or 'What?'. long. I'm sure they send us blindly all Hilarious. Not. round the airport to keep us occupied Anyway going back to when I say our until the bags can be reclaimed from journey was without any hiccups I actu- the conveyor belt. ally mean we had a completely charm- Yet again, we were really lucky, our bag ing trip which considering we had to be was the first out so we could go straight up at 5am to be at the airport on time to the parking courtesy bus which was was most welcome. waiting for us. Amazing, if only it could And especially since I've never been a always be this way, no, let's think posi-

Cash baCk

aCk

STUNNING: Mallorca blossoms in Spring tive, maybe it always will be this way from now on. Once home we were hit by that really cold spell. Now when I'd been in Blighty I'd been moaning about how warm it was, what with the central heating, carpets, insulation and double glazing. Well now back home I have to say there are no such luxuries here in my flat. Even on a mild day you have to go outside to warm up, it's like being in a cold cave, a real bonus in the Summer but it truly backfires in Winter. At night I sit on my

Wrap up!

N the occasion of the Christmas pe- from home for more than a certain number of riod and beyond, maybe you have days, in the event of a loss, the claim coverage planned to travel to your country to could be rejected if the home has been vacant visit family and friends. for a period longer than stipulated in your policy. A home insurance, therefore, is essential Thus, ensuring that your home insurance produring this time of the year, basically be- vider is aware that the property will be vacant for cause you will leave your home empty and a long period of time and checking the period in also, in winter, extreme weather conditions your policy,can make all the difference should are capable of wreaking havoc on your the worst happen in your absence. home, even more, if you are far away! In view of this, you should bear in mind SNAPS some things before you go away for your vaOn the other hand, there are many insurance cation to keep your home safe and secure. Talking about your home insurance, it is im- companies that don’t cover wind perils. Libportant to make sure you have the cover you erty Seguros does, but even if yours also covneed and that it remains valid whilst you are ers it you should talk to your insurance agent 2 new policies to determine if personal property, such as a away. You should know that if you with are away swimming pool or your garden furniture, will be covered. With Liberty you can have the peace of mind that your garden furniture will be covered even if it has been damaged by adverse weather conditions. But not all insurers are alike. Other of the threats to your home arising during the winter season is cold snaps which can cause pipes to burst. Liberty Seguros, for example, will compen-

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sofa under a blanket, not only fully clothed but also with a winter dressing gown over the top and wearing furry boot type slippers. I wear thick socks in bed even though I have an electric blanket. My partner bought this for me last year for Christmas, at the time I was disgusted as it seemed way too practical, I was hoping for something very small, expensive and totally frivolous so an electric blanket seemed more of a household appliance than a gift! My opinion was

Is your home ready for the cold spell? sate you for the additional water consumption due to a broken pipe and also they will pay for the repairs of the parts affected in case your pipe bursts due to the cold snaps. However,replacing the entire pipe system can be costly for you, so that it is always better to prepare for the unexpected! If this worries you,find out which areas of your house are most susceptible to freezing pipe problems and begin taking preventative action. Another wintertime disaster could be that your roof collapses from the results of the heavy rains or blizzard, a standard home insurance policy will usually cover the damage. However, most insurance companies will review the condition of your roof to determine whether or not you were negligent as they determine the payout.The best thing to do is to keep updated records, including photos, of the condition of your roof and any regular maintenance. By taking the necessary precautions and preparing your house for winter before you leave, you can avoid being tangled up in an insurance claim this winter season. Having your roof regularly shoveled, trimming threatening trees, finding burst water pipes, shutting off your water

and cleaning your gutters are all things that can be done before you go away to help prevent an unwanted disaster. Over 175,000 expat clients already chose Liberty as their insurance provider and this figure grows almost everyday because of the excellent service and quality of cover clients get. In order to achieve this and to assist those that prefer a more personalised service and a face to face chat, Liberty Seguros has an extensive network of over 300 brokers and agents that are dedicated to providing unbiased, friendly, expert advice. Speaking your own language, these brokers and agents will be pleased to help you as much as possible.

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revised after the first night of use however and I now tell anyone who's listening that it was the best gift EVER! Then first thing in the morning there's the joy of the insides of the windows dripping with condensation which I have to immediately wipe down. Plus of course the mould grows on the walls if not treated regularly. Oh joy. Well it is January so why should I expect anything else. I have noticed the days are getting longer already so that's all good. Spring will be here before we know it.

SPORT

www.theolivepress.es

January 17th - January 30th 2019

Royal approval QUEEN Letizia and King Felipe VI have doled out more than a dozen trophies at the National Sports Awards this year. Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata and karate champion Sandra Sanchez were among the star-studded lineup recognised for the sporting achievements at Madrid’s El Pardo Palace. Mata bagged himself the ‘Queen Sofia’ prize, named after the former monarch who also presented the award that recognises nobility and fair play.

QUEEN: Sofia

ROYALS: Lovers of sport The 30-year-old Premier League, star who set up the the charity ‘Common Goal’ said he was ‘very proud’ to be receive the award.

Raquet racket END OF ERA: Murray

Scot to go ANDY Murray may have played his last competitive match after bowing out of the Australian Open with hip trouble. The 31-year-old Scot had been struggling after hip surgery and was tearful as he told journalists before the tournament he would retire at Wimbledon. “I’m not sure I’m able to play through the pain for another four or five months,” he said.

Brilliant

But the two-time Wimbledon champion was visibly in pain as he lost 3-2 to Spaniard Roberto Bautista in the Aussie Grand Slam. Murray has never won the tournament, which takes place at Melbourne Park, despite reaching the final five times, the last time being in 2016. Meanwhile Spain’s Rafael Nadal lead tributes to Murray’s brilliant career as he said: “You don’t know how much we are going to miss you, you are an example of a great athlete and person.” Murray’s pro tennis journey began in 2000 when he left home still a teenager - to train at Barcelona’s world-famous Casal-Sanchez Academy.

US Open participant among 83 investigated for tennis match-fixing in Spain SPANISH police have arrested 15 people in a tennis match-fixing investigation involving 28 professional players. An Armenian criminal gang are thought to be the brains behind the sports scam, which sees 83 people placed under investigation in total. Guardia Civil agents have confirmed that one of the players involved played at last year’s US Open, while another player was named as Spaniard Marc FornellMestres. Europol and the National High Court of Spain have assisted the Guardia Civil in raids on 11 houses on Thursday. Authorities have frozen 42 bank accounts and seized €167,000, 50 electronic devices, five luxury vehicles, credit cards, documents

and a shotgun. “Our officers have proved the group had been operating since February 2017 and estimate that they had earned millions of euros through the operation,” said a Guardia Civil spokesperson.

Integrity

The probe began when the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU) noted strange activities during matches at the Challenger and ITF Futures tournaments. Europol claim that 97 matches at these competitions were fixed, as players are alleged to have taken bribes in return for influencing certain results. “The suspects bribed professional players to guarantee predetermined results

SIEZED: Cash in match fixing scandal

Dejan No Lov-ban LIVERPOOL and Croatia defender Dejan Lovren has been banned for one international match by UEFA after his online rant at Spain and Sergio Ramos. The Premier League star uploaded an inflammatory video to Instagram following his side’s 3-2 Nations League win over the Spanish in November. In the footage Lovren can be heard saying ‘Spain are a bunch of pussies’ after he told reporters they were also ‘bad losers’. The Croatian had breached a rule that penalises any player ‘whose conduct is insulting or otherwise violates the basic rules of decent conduct’.

ACCUSED: Mestres and used the identities of thousands of citizens to bet on the prearranged games,” the law enforcement agency said. The Armenian gang are believed to have bribed the unidentified players at the national and international level.

January 17th - January 30th 2019

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FINAL WORDS

LLOSETA’S Cemex factory has announced plans to dismiss 86 of its 98 employees and cease to operate, amid redundancies of 200 workers across Spain.

First snow THE Serra de Tramuntana mountains at 800m have seen the year’s first snowfall, which required chains on car tyres for a stretch of the Ma-10.

30 and under MALLORCA'S city-tocity bus line, the TIB, has extended its youth discount to those aged 30 and under and cards can be extended or collected from the TIB offices or town halls.

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Vol. 2 Issue 46 www.theolivepress.es January 17th - January 30th 2019

Return to sender SEVEN out of ten underwhelmed Spaniards sell their Three Kings gifts on online, and many will average sales of €118, according to the popular buy-and sell website Milanuncios. According to the nationwide survey, 75% of people from Madrid and Catalunya are planning to sell unwanted gifts, but ungrateful Andalucians are not too far behind with 69% saying they are ready to part with unloved and poorly chosen Christmas presents. Most people will sell a gift because they neither like it or know they will not use it, but a small proportion say they would just prefer the money.

Ring in the New Year EXCLUSIVE By Gillian Keller

AN expat has been reunited with a ‘priceless’ ring after losing it on Mallorca FIFTEEN years ago. Andres Gelabert, 42, thought his prized Texas state championship football ring was lost forever in 2004. The American, after winning the 1994 state football championships, moved to the island to open a restaurant in Puerto Portals. But when he moved to Santa Maria to open a winery in 2004, he couldn’t find his favourite ring. “I thought I would never see it again,” he told the Olive Press. “Then old friend from high school contacted me and told me someone on the island was looking for

Expat reunited with ring he thought he’d lost for good 15 years ago me and that they had my ring,” added Gelabert, owner of Angel Bodegas. That someone was Patricia Slager and Danny Nijenhuis from Amsterdam, who had moved in Gelabert’s old apartment in Puerto Portals in 2004. While rummaging through some left behind clothes, Slager found the ring in a jacket pocket. “Google wasn't what it is today, nor was Facebook,” Slager told the Olive Press. She put the ring in a jewellery box and forgot about it, until this January when she found it while doing an early spring clean. “I reached out for more infor-

mation about the ring on a Facebook group here in Mallorca,” the Dutch mother-of-four said. “A woman helped me research the ring, finding out it came from Bishop Lynch High School in Dallas Texas.” Slager reached out to the high school, who were eager to connect her to the rightful owner. Within days of Slager starting to look for the ring’s owner, Gelabert, age 42, travelled down to Can Pastilla to meet her and see his ring for the first time in 14 years. “I was doubtful I’d find anything out about the ring, and less hopeful of finding the owner,” Slager told the Olive Press at the meeting. “I never thought I would find the owner just up the road!”

REUNITED: Andres with ring

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