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January 16th - January 29th 2019
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.
New year, new me We highlight 8 superfoods you need to try this year Page 24
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Desperate search for toddler enters fourth day as global experts rush to scene
four days in hell
Total defeat BREXIT is in turmoil after the UK government has recorded one of its biggest parliamentary defeats in modern history. MPs, including 118 Tory rebels, voted against Prime Minister Theresa 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.
Parents say little Julen fell down the well on Sunday while playing with friend
No confidence
May admitted that a no confidence vote could happen as soon as next Wednesday, but said it did not show what deal MPs were willing to support. The embattled leader added that she would hold talks with the DUP and ‘senior parliamentarians from across the house to identify what will be required to secure support’. For the 300,000 UK citizens registered as living in Spain, it is still not clear what rights they will have after Brexit, despite assurances by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. “Their rights will be preserved whatever the scenario,” he said, in a bid to allay fears over a no-deal Brexit. May also said that clarity would be needed for EU citizens in the UK and British citizens in the EU. The government will now be forced to reveal a ‘plan B’ for Brexit within three working parliamentary days, expected to be on January 21.
Expert claims it is ‘almost impossible’ that boy is inside the well while builder claims he sealed it ‘weeks ago’ A-team who famously found Chilean miners last year flown in to help rescue effort Rescue operation predicts it will be another 24-48 hours before it reaches Julen Junta bosses say situation is the ‘first of its kind in the world’
Sontec hearing centres The coast’s premier hearing care professionals and audiologists See page 17 and 24 for info
SCENE: Emergency services surround well opening while (right) policeman shows scale and (above) world’s media on site IT is every parent’s worst nightmare. Their little boy, just two years old, trapped in a dark, cramped space with no one able to reach him. At first his cries give family and friends hope, but they stopped hearing those a long time ago. Now the world is watching as hundreds of experts and emergency services attempt to reach little Julen Jimenez, who allegedly fell down the tiny well in Totalan in Malaga on Sunday. But despite a crack team of experts now on the scene, rescuers say it will be between 24 and 48 hours until they reach the boy. His parents were enjoying a day with the family and were cooking paella on
By Laurence Dollimore, Pablo Balbontin and Charlie Bamber in Totalan
a nearby farm when he fell into the 107-metre deep hole. A rescue operation was quickly sparked and the story has rapidly grabbed headlines around the world, while the distraught parents have been sleeping in a car next to the well ever since. “Where else could I be?” dad and tradesman Jose Rocio said, “Even here I am too far from him to bear. “My son is in there and I cannot reach him.” He added that he and his wife, Vicky
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Maria Garcia, a fast food worker, were ‘dead inside’. It came after Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez tweeted support for the couple, which for Jose, while he appreciated the gesture, wasn’t enough. “I just need action… we still don’t know anything about my son.” The desperate dad, who lost a threeyear-old son two years ago, said he heard Julen crying after he had fallen into the well. “I listened to my son cry, but he could not do anything.” Builder Carlos Mendoza, 49, from Malaga, who lives in Totalan, told the Olive Press: “Relatives of the couple only bought the land a couple of months ago, they didn’t even have a house there, just a tool shed. “It’s a real tragedy for the village, there are only 600 people here and we are really devastated for the family. “It will be an absolute miracle if he comes out alive.” Continues on Page 5
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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 minors.
January 16th - January 29th 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
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 the ci-
SNARED: Alleged terrorist removed from home vil war there. However he was unable to make the trip due to the group's
Expat ‘involved in taxi scam’ EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore
BRITISH pensioners have warned that an expat conwoman could be behind a Costa del Sol taxi scam. The pair, both 75, claim they were confronted by the English woman on the Three Kings bank holiday as they waited for a bus at Arroyo bus stop in Benalmadena. They told the Olive Press the woman, of mixed race, and with a child in her car, told them the buses had been cancelled and they needed to board a shuttle, which was pulled up beside her. She was ‘quite insistent’ and
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Deliver-boo
A JUDGE in has ordered Spain takeaway firm Deliveroo to pay a fine over labour rights it should a for-
have granted EXCLUSIVE mer worker. By Laurence Dollimore
On the up
Expat claims at least one 4x4 is stolen by drug gangs every day
CRIME
Narcos nicked my car
June 6th - June
SPAIN’S service sector has grown
EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore
AT least one 4x4 car gets stolen by drug every DAY in the traffickers Gibraltar, police Campo de have revealed. It comes after British Andy Mills, 60, had expat san Patrol stolen his Nisfrom outside his home in Los Barrios last weekend. The semi-retired the Guardia CivilBrit called ately after releasingimmedi- Police found the vehicle his car abandoned had vanished. and stuffed full of drugs days later in Se-
Get Corner back
STOLEN: 4x4 and Andy with girlfriend
THE father of missing expat Lisa Brown’s son has appealed a judge’s shock to release the main ruling suspect Simon Corner. Her former partner Tony Tomillero, father to son Marco, is fighting Judge Garcia Ramila’s decision made in San Roque last month. It comes after the judge shelved the two-and-a-half year investigation prime suspect and into the friend, Corner, Lisa’s boyexpat becoming a despite the absconding twice. fugitive and Tomillero who is now the sole carer of their 11-year-old son has requested that appeal the ruling. his lawyer He wants Liverpool-born Corner back inside five others arrestedas well as alleged involvementfor their in the case. Spanish police are still investigating the case regardless of the outcome of the appeal.
at its fastest pace A FAKE taxi which in three months, hasto euro according been robbing peoplesurveys. zone bond market on the Costa del Sol for months Boost villa. has been pictured for the Olive Press. “It was used for a “It’s being THE European the from La Linea,” drug run examined by forensic invesComMills told tigators mission has before they bring first time. it nounced plans anback to me.” EXCLUSIVE: Fake boost spending to Odd-job man Mills in said he It comes after our exclusive Spain, ‘couldn’t taxi alert ference while believe’ the difANOTHER the country still in culture faces double-digit unemLos Barrios and the between last issue - which warned Spanish ployment. villageCONMAN: of Sedella Malaga, where hein inland of the scam - spurred used to live. Bets literon “The White people here hardly ally dozens of expatsSPAIN look or talk to you and has to year-on-year getseen a there’sCitroen been a 27% increase in crimenoticeableand in touch to say they increase in online since we moved here,” he added. hadrevenue gambling “Police(left) told me a our for the first also been tricked. ter, quarstolen by drug 4x4 gets after revenue hit everyday in Lostraffickers €163.3m. Barrios, According to our readers I will original definitely look into moving.” Police story confirmed the Brown Fiat driver, who the last vehicle had beenthat found filled with drugs but detook €77 off tourist John clined issue to comment further. Parker last month, has been operating since at and his wife were waiting least last October. driver pulled up One victim, Robert Taylor for a bus from Fuengirola was working withsaying he the bus to Benalmadena when the company and the police. IRISH holidaymakers con artist operating have warned of a taxi “The guy had a badge John Parker, 73, wason the Costa del Sol. and seemed pretty official fake taxi driver who ‘forced’ to pay €77 by a Press. so we agreed,” Parker told the Olive had previously offered the trip for €6. But when they arrived Parker was approached and Parker’s wife while standing at first left the car, the driver locked the Miraflores bus the doors and parallel parked next to another car jas Costa, waiting stop with his wife in Mi- Parker so ping centre, near to go to La Cañada shop- “He justcouldn’t get out. Marbella. kept demanding A Spanish man purporting €77 and became very aggressive,” he to be sent added. the bus company pulled up in a brownfrom “We thought best to just and told the couple pay him as we were Fiat only here - who were celebrating for a week and didn’t their 50th anniversary want it to - that all buses had ruin our holiday. been cancelled. “We now just want He said he was happy holidaymakers to to warn expats and other to take them avoid shopping centre for the same price to the Parker, who is disabled,scams like these.” bus. as the dent to staff at his hotel, reported the inciwho have now informed police.
Hope for animal charity
June 20th - July 3rd 2018
Cleaning up
19th 2018
This is the brown fake taxi that inside! has scammed dozens of on the Costa del Sol this victimes year
IT has been a tumultuous couple of arm SEPRONA years for Triple A. last year put its future But now Marbella’s longest-running in jeopardy. “There are 43,000 registered animal charity has been thrown a life- in Marbella, dogs line. so Triple abandoned animals is A’s work with The town hall has agreed essential,” said to donate Marbella mayor €30,000 a year to help Mari Angeles tal work it does to take with the vi- The town is now planning Munoz. care of aban- of awareness a series doned animals. campaigns, especially targeting families about It comes after a controversial the issue of raid abandoned animals by the Guardia Civil’s at the end of the environmental summer.
“He said the bus was four hours late and that he had been sent to take us for similar price,” Taylor tolda the Olive Press. “He was driving extremely fast and his meter wasn’t working, so we asked him how much it would be. “He wrote €79 on a piece of paper, at which point we asked to be dropped off at a police station. “He became very aggressive and began lowering the cost before screaming at me to give him €20 and he would let us off there and then.” Fortunately he pulled over
A GERMAN cleaner scooped the largest jackpothas in online gaming history. The lucky lady from Berlin, whose name was given as Christina, won €90 million in the Gibraltar-based Lottoland draw. She had put the bet on the EuroJackpot jackpot via her mobile, choosing the five lucky numbers and the two Euro numbers that bagged her record breaking win. The Berliner found out she had won while working on her late cleaning shift. She plans to quit her job, alafter receiving the money, low her mother to retire, and but not before Taylor was hire a motorhome to drive able to snap a picture of from the East to West coast of America, the car on his mobile, as it a Backstreet culminating in sped off. Boys concert. Another holidaymaker Vic- Gibraltar-based Lottoland tor Marshall said: “I would CEO Nigel Birrell, said: "This have thought this fraud record €90 million win is a breakthrough moment both would have been stopped for our business and the inby now as this man conned dustry me last October while largest as a whole, as it is the payout ever waiting at a Mijas Costa across jackpot the online gaming bus stop. and lotto industry. “He tried to extract €78 forward to breaking We look and after a lot of violent cords in the future." more re-
intimidation I gave him €40....but I should have shouted for the police!” Another victim reported on a white Citroen that took over €50 euros from him and his wife ealier this year. Police failed to comment on the scam in time for press.
told them the driver of the 4x4 ‘shuttle’ had a town hall badge. “We had heard about these scams in your paper and told her that we didn’t believe her,” one of the pensioners, who asked to remain anonymous, revealed. “She insisted it was true and said the driver was official and had a badge. “When we told her we would
get a real taxi she said they will charge us treble on Three Kings’ Night and became oddly persistent.” Alarmingly, he added that another foreigner appeared to be enticing a different pensioner across the road to get into the ‘shuttle’. “At this point a bus came down and the English woman and ‘shuttle’ sped off.” The expat branded the pair a disgrace. “If he had a badge it was a forgery, and they were robbing the taxi drivers of business too, God knows what would have happened had we accepted the ‘free’ shuttle. “Please warn everyone of this scam, it’s a disgrace!”
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.
Brit teacher trial
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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NEWS
www.theolivepress.es AN investigation has been launched after one of Spain’s leading bullfighters had a fire at his estate following death threats and accusations of being a ‘nazi’. Police initially treated the fire,
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’.
ABLAZE: Stable
3
Firebull!
which killed two puppies at Jose Antonio Morante’s Sevilla farm, as arson. Investigators now believe the most likely cause was a short circuit in a heat lamp which ignited nearby bales of hay. The fire came just days after the matador’s home was spray-painted with threatening graffiti labelling him a ‘nazi’ after he become a poster boy for far-right political FIGHTER: Jose party Vox. Antonio Morante
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.
January 16th - January 29th 2019
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.
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.
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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Plot holes From front
Since dawn yesterday, rescuers have been focusing on building an adjacent tunnel to reach the boy. The idea is to open a lateral and horizontal hole, taking advantage of the slope in the mountain, and PLAN: To rescue tot to dig horizontally. It is believed to be the safest option and will have the lowest risk of causing a collapse. Firefighters and the Guardia Civil have created a team with ten of the best engineering companies who all offered their help in the rescue, including the Swedish A-team who located the trapped Chilean miners last year. The desperate search continues as one drilling expert has shockingly claimed it is ‘almost impossible’ for little Julen to be inside the well. Francisco Barranquero, 63, who owns drilling company Perfoban, said the hole ‘is not completely vertical’. After visiting the site himself he said: “It seems very complicated for me that the kid is in there, almost impossible, actually. “The hole is not totally vertical, in one hundred meters there can be a deviation of up to two and three meters horizontally, and the opening is only a hand’s breadth in width… is it possible that a baby does not get stuck and has fallen straight to the bottom? As I said that it is very difficult.” It comes after the Guardia Civil said they have not yet found any concrete evidence that Julen is down the well. “We are not 100% sure of anything,” a spokesman said. He added that they only have the testimony of the parents and family of Julen, who on Sunday reported that they saw him fall into the cavity at around two in the afternoon. In another twist, the builder who created the well, Antonio Sánchez Gámez, said he sealed it up just over a month ago ‘with a stone’. “I always seal my jobs for safety. If someone had not removed the stone later, the child would not have fallen inside,” he said. The businessman, owner of Perforaciones Triben, based in Benamocarra (Malaga), said the owner of the land - believed to be relatives of the mum and dad - must have removed the seal recently. Both under 30, the parents of Julen are currently receiving psychological treatment at the base camp of the rescue operation.
NEWS British expat’s dog tragically dies after being attacked by strays while under the care of kennels MISSING German Shepherd Murph has been found dead after a huge search effort in Malaga captured the hearts of the expat community. British expat Hayley Coulby lost her dog over Christmas when he was attacked by a pack of strays on a walk in Rio Grande. But Murph was confirmed dead on Sunday when his body was found by volunteers who had set off from the BP garage in the morning. It is unclear how Hayley’s four-legged friend died, but he was thought to have been dead for some time. The family, which includes Hayley’s four-year-old daughter and Murph’s canine companion Misty, have released a sta-
January 16th - January 29th 2019
Run in peace
TRAGIC: Murphy and (inset) owner Hayley tement praising their ‘beautiful supported me while searching boy’. for Murph,” said the statement. “I would like to thank each and “Today, we found our baby boy, every one of you who shared the but unfortunately he is no lonstory, handed out leaflets, stuck ger with us. up posters, messaged me and “Our hearts are broken into a million pieces, but we are honoured to have been his family for the past 6 years.” Murph had gone missing on December 29 in Coin, and MARBELLA City Council have confirmed they will build on hearing the news she flew 3,300 new parking spaces in a plan that ‘prioritises’ pedesstraight back from the UK to trians. search for him from 6:00am to The €1.7 million deal involves opening up more outdoor areas, 8:00pm every day. renovating existing car parks and building new facilities. Hayley said: “Run free our gorMeanwhile densely populated areas like Miraflores, Santa geous, happy, beautiful boy, we Marta and Plaza de Toros will have more underground parlove you so very much and you king. The Postigo Street car park with 80 spaces, which will will be missed more than you’ll see an €83,000 cash injection. The football stadium is another ever know. site being considered for underground parking, while the San “Run free and wait for us, for Pedro area is set to see between 1,000 and 1,200 new spaces. one day we shall meet again.”
Parking lots
5
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."
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FEATURE
www.theolivepress.es
January 16th - January 29th 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 Syria-based ‘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.
World is watching WHAT happened to little Julen is truly one of the saddest and most tragic stories in recent memory. Whether or not the toddler is found alive, there are many questions that must be addressed. Namely, who is responsible for leaving the well open and what punishment will they face? The family of Julen, and expats and locals, will want justice and a full and thorough investigation into how this could have happened. The world is watching, let’s see how the new Junta bosses tackle their first big challenge.
Publisher/ Editor Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es
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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
B
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 of trayed’ and treated as ‘out of sight, out of February, and Marbella-based expats are alremind’ since the EU referendum. ady looking at a three-week wait. As the countdown to Brexit draws nearer - with Founder of Brexpats, Anne Fernandez, and Brijust 72 days to go - campaigning group, Brex- tish 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 refepaigners, experts, and officials. rendum 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, econosentatives across Spain. mic 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 wo- for six years. man 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 Elvi- “The main message I wanted everria in 2014 but took the plunge to permanently yone to take away is that whatever the move there on October 23. outcome is of brexit, the best way they can John, whose brother has also just moved to protect themselves and stay here without any Spain to escape Brexit, said: “I just cannot live in 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 abundance of similar parks on the Costa too, with
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CAT LADY: Kelly Dooley while (right) Margaret Finch the first four episodes shot in an Antequera-based caravan community, Saydo Park. It boasts around 150 static homes on the plot, with British expats making up some 80%. But Bob admits that they needed more than just and fittings, it turns out he has only purchased caravans to keep viewers entertained. the lease to the building, and he’s haemorrhaSo this week we’ll meet the ‘Cat Lady of the ging cash to get it kitted out and ready. Costa del Sol’, Kelly Dooley, who feeds more He tells us it was a ‘brilliant experience’ but than 100 street cats in Benalmadena and opening Groo-V in Benavista and Tipples near takes the strays to the vets to be neutered. Torremolinos was no walk in the park. But the vet bills have piled up - she owed “I wouldn’t say there were a few disasters, the€2,000 at one point - so Kelly comes up with re were many - but it all makes for good TV!” a plan to raise some cash with a flea market. adds the expat. Londoner Kelly tells the Olive Press it was ‘lo- “I got a message from Bob the other day thanvely’ to be contacted and get king me for being one of the some support after eight years main contributors of the show… of helping the neighbourhood So, I’m not sure if I should be ferrals, some of which she excited or go into hiding!” The show is a keeps in her home. We’ll also meet Margaret Finch celebration of “The experience was nothing as she organises a Magical like I had encountered before Mystery coach tour, snake-hunlife as a British - it was amazing. Although at ting pest controller Graham first I was shy and uncomforSalt and Nicole and Aaron, a expat in Spain table. young couple travelling the “But I was just so happy for the world putting on fitness bootopportunity - I was constantly camps from a campervan. thinking about the poor SpaniGood news for expats, Bob says sh cats throughout the filming and how much there’s plans to film future series on the Costa. help they need. That is what really pushed me But what exactly does it take to be chosen for to go on television,” she adds. the show? In episode four, we’ll see the challenges “People with big characters, who like to talk West-Midlander Vincent Neale encounters whi- and are full of life,” says the producer. le pursuing his dream of opening not one but “But above all, someone with an interesting two bars in the sun. story to tell.” But one is not even open yet, and Vincent has already had enough. While he thinks he has Bargain Loving Brits in the Sun continues bought a working bar complete with all fixtures on Thursday on Channel 5 at 8pm UK time.
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Migrant surge
January 16th - January 29th 2019
Twin hope Is it a bird, is it a plane, or is it a church? And how does this crazy new building link with a Playmobil hotel, a flying yellow submarine and the lost city of Atlantis? Find out in our Property Magazine FREE inside
Twins, 4, going blind to see leading eye specialist following appeal
launched an appeal to help cover the medical costs of the four-year-olds who are going blind due to a rare form of retinal dystrophy. They urgently need more tests to determine if their deteriorating vision can be treated but the genetic tests are financially crippling the Torremolinos-based family. Mum Fabiola told the paper how the family are heading to Paris on January 31 for the greatly-anticipated assessment with Pittsburgh University eye specialist and Legion of Honour winner, Jose Alain Sahel. They will visit one of the oldest eye hospitals in Europe, the Quinze-Vingts, where they hope to finally get some answers. “I just can’t believe it. I am so happy this doctor has accepted to see us, he is apparently one of the best in the world. I have a lot of hope. “Until we have a diagnosis and a treatment I am not going to stop,” added the Liverpudlian-Andalucian mum-of-two. Doctors warned it would take more than two years to test Erik’s sight and identify the
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Issue 25 November 2018
THE PERFECT FRAME: An indoor cubed new home in Sotogrande, garden leads on to a view of Gibraltar see page XXVIII at
Divine inspiration
ANGELIC ARCHITECTURE: A Madrid for his unique take on religion, see architect has won an award from the RIBA page XXXIV
Massive growth in buyers from abroad, with the British leading the way despite Brexit fears
FOREIGN FIREBALL
AN avalanche of foreign buyers is market on fire! setting Spain’s property Second up come the A total of 53,359 French, who bought drop of 5% 4,211 first half of 2018. homes were acquired by foreigners in the homes, someon last year) and the Germans, who properties (a Destination-wise, The massive figure Valencia was the favourite bought 4,138 vestors, 2% less than last year. When it comes to buying accounting for a third province for insame period of 2007,dwarfs the 33,000 sales recorded of all foreign sales, trends it in the when Spain’s property sales. peak. with 15,613 market was at its nish - and most interestingly, the turns out that the Irish, Da- It was Moroccans - are the growing nationalities. the region with the And, no surprise, the fastest 16.7%. highest year-on-year Spicing ting for a record 7,613British continue to lead the way, growth at accoun- growth up the market, Moroccans bought Andalucia came in purchases, up 8.8% That’s according to 3,662 of 29% on last year, second with 8.2% the latest official figureson 2017. while the Danes wereproperties, a (9,737 sales), followed of and the Irish ries showing that 14% by Catalunya with the foreign market up by 18% singly of all foreign buyers from Spain’s nota- Romanians 25%. 7,570 a 5.3% decline from meanwhile were British. the same period lastsales, unsurprido with bought 3,872 homes. continue to be a strong market year, much to having The fifthcurrent political tension. highest destination was Madrid, where ket sales increased foreign marby 5.4% (4,911 purchases).
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TWINS Erik and Alexia are off to France to meet one of the world’s leading eye specialists in a bid to save their sight. It comes after the Olive Press
Property property Malaga’s bestmagazine
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.
NEWS
It’s a no from me
SPAIN has reiterated its threat to torpedo the Brexit withdrawal agreement if there are no further assurances on Gibraltar. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (above) confirmed he would be voting against the UK’s hard-fought exit deal if the text on Gibraltar isn’t changed.
In an apparent U-turn, having initially supported Theresa May’s 585-page blueprint for an EU departure, he said: “If there are no changes, Spain will vote no to the agreement.” It came after Foreign Minister Josep Borrell insisted Madrid needed more clarity on the future status of the Rock before it could ratify the deal. “There is something we only just found out about,” Borrell said, following meeting of the EU’s European affairsa ministers.
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Vol. 13 Issue 305 www.theolivepress.es November 21st - December 4th 2018
TWIN HOPE
Mijas Costa
Floored
APPEAL
As festive season approaches, heartbroken family needs thousands to cover medical costs for four-year-old twins going blind
THE Olive Press is launching an appeal to help a desperate mother save her four-year-old twins from going blind. Little Erik and Alexia urgently need more tests to determine if their deteriorating vision can be treated. But the expensive tests are crippling the Torremolinos-based family. Liverpudlian mum Fabiola Heston, 39, told the Olive Press how she and partner, Juan, 36, a mechanic, ‘hopeless’ after selling their carfeel to pay for the escalating medical costs. It comes after the twins were diagnosed in April with a rare form of retinal dystrophy - a genetic disease which gradually causes blindness. But after three rounds of medical tests costing almost €3,000 each, doctors are still unable to identify the gene, meaning they cannot di-
By Elisa Menendez
agnose the severity, nor advise on treatment. And now the twins have to undergo a fourth genetic test costing a staggering €2,700 per child. “It’s changing our lives completely, we just don’t have money like that,” she added. “It’s impossible to save up. We’re really struggling.” Now something urgently needs to done, as Erik’s vision has rapidly be deteriorated in just two months. His disease is classed as ‘severe’ and worse than his sister’s, meaning FAMILY: Mum Fabiola with Alexia and Erik identifying the gene as soon as pos- an eye injection - Luxturna - may each sible is crucial. day, as well as eye drops. be able “Any help we can get will be amaz- geringlyto help, but comes at a stag- Their eyesight is so sensitive that high price of €745,000 per they ing. Thank you so much,” added have to wear three different the child. mum. types of special sunglasses during “It’s the Depending on the gene diagnosed, that canonly treatment in the world the day, as sunlight can further deslow down the disease,” stroy TM their sight. But even artificial added Fabiola. light in the house The couple first noticed Despite Fabiola’scan be too much. an issue with Erik’s’ shield the children best efforts to from the reality eyesight at ten months of the illness, it ‘breaks old, and had to get him hear others question her heart’ to why they wear glasses, at a cost of up sunglasses inside. to €800 a pair. Alexia “I don’t know why people make needed them by age stupid comments. I try to act like three. The pair also there’s nothing wrong need to give the twins look lovely in their and say they See page 2 cool glasses. expensive supplements They’re only young but they know something isn’t right.
gene, before testing Alexia’s which could take another two, on the public healthcare 902 123 282system. Due to the rarity of the disease it requires a team of specialists to analyse the results in Madrid. But their*Offer endseyesight is deteriora30/11/18. Not valid for renewals. Subject to conditions. ting so rapidly, they could go blind in that time and the parents have had no other option than to go private. After three rounds of medical tests costing €3,000 per child, doctors are still unable to identify the gene, meaning they cannot diagnose the severity, nor advise on treatment. So far the appeal has raised almost €2,000 but they need more help. “I can’t say thank you enough to the Olive Press and everyone who has donated, there are so many kind-hearted people out there,” said Fabiola. “We want to make sure the interpretation of this text is clear and shows that what’s being negotiated between the EU and the UK does not apply to Gibraltar.” The delay, which made front page news in Spain, put further pressure on British Prime Minister May, who is already struggling with eurosceptics within her own party.
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“I want them to enjoy their childhood. I want them to remember and see everything possible before they lose their sight,” added the mum.
CAN YOU HELP?
The family needs €5,400 for eye tests, and more for an appointment at London’s Moorfields Eye Hospital - the best in Europe. The Olive Press has launched a GoFundMe page to help raise funds. Anything our readers can spare will help greatly. To donate visit: gofundme.com/manage/twins-4losing-sight-need-urgenthelp-for-tests
2/8/18 17:01
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Flu epidemic warning ANDALUCIA is expected to see increasing numbers of flu cases as epidemic levels rise this week. The health authorities are warning people to take precautions and be aware of the sharp rise in flu cases after an increasing number of hospitalisations. It is moving down through Spain and is already above average in the Balearics, Navarra, Catalunya and Melilla. Coinciding with plummeting temperatures in the region, those most at risk are the over 65s who have been the target of a Ministry of Health campaign that began in October. Fermín García Rodríguez of the Andalucian vaccine advisory committee warned that the flu is not ‘nonsense’ and if people do not take it seriously they ‘may be killed’. Vaccination rates in Spain’s most populous region have increased 6% on last year, with a peak expected at the end of January.
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. “We all just looked at each other as if to say 'where's our seats gone?',” said Paula.
Angry
After all passengers had boarded the plane Brooke 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. 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.
GREEN
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Dumpster birdies ANDALUCIAN storks no longer bother to migrate to Africa because they have found a plentiful supply of food at the region’s landfill sites. The vast majority of the birds are also staying put due to the milder winters over the last decade, experts believe. While most young birds, driven by genetics, still make the journey to Africa, after two or three years they generally stay yearround in Andalucia, like their parents.
Risky
But it is a risky business, with landfills full of potential hazards such as plastics and twines in which they can become entangled and suffocated. Traditionally, storks mated in winter and waited for their chicks to hatch in the Spring, before flying south to Africa for food. The change has certainly not had any effect on their population numbers, which have soared over the last few decades. There are now estimated to be up to 70,000 storks living in Spain, when in 1995 there were fewer than 7,000.
Seeing red
Protesters march against a €1million scheme to relaunch bullfights in Marbella HUNDREDS have marched against the €1million refurbishment of Marbella’s bullring. Around 700 people protested outside the resort’s historic Plaza del Toros, while a rally was later held in the town centre. Campaigners took to the streets to voice their anger at an apparent U-turn
by the Town Hall over the controversial Spanish pastime. As well as stopping traffic, a series of half-naked activists laid on blood-stained sheets to symbolise slain bulls. While the previous PSOE mayor banned the bloodsport, new PP mayoress Angeles Munoz announced a massive refurbishment programme last month.
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.
NOT HAVING IT: Expats and locals protest
Both the IU party and Podemos supported Sunday’s march, in which protesters held up banners demanding an end to bullfighting and ‘torture is not culture’. One of the organisers Maria Labaig, of Gladiators for Peace, said: “Two years ago Marbella ended bullfights and now the PP wants to reverse this. “They want to invest a million euros to kill these poor animals, it is neither art nor culture.” It comes after the Town Hall said their refurbishment project aimed to make the Plaza del Toros bullring ‘safe, practicable and operational for its intended use’. Meanwhile, an online petition to ban the ‘bloody’ and ‘torturous’ sport in Marbella has so far received 80,000 signatures.
9 Cock ring busted
January 16th - January 29th 2019
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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STUNNING: Malaga
All white on the night THE date for Malaga’s hotly-anticipated Noche en Blanco festival has finally been revealed. Night in White will kick off on Saturday May 18 for the city’s 12th edition of the famous cultural event but the theme is yet to be chosen by the public. The free event will see the whole city take part in an evening of performances, installations, exhibitions and concerts. Last year’s ‘Muses and Creators’ themed event celebrated women in culture and organisers hope that women’s role in art will be at the forefront of future events. The 11th festival saw some 230,000 visitors descend on the Costa del Sol hub to take part in 200 cultural activities on offer. Noche en Blanco was founded in Paris in 2002 as an artistic initiative hoping to unite citizens, while promoting local artists and culture. It has since expanded across Europe. Malaga’s first Noche en Blanco event was held in 2008, while Spain’s first was in Madrid two years before.
Do you have a what’s on?
January 16th - January 29th 2019
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Andalucia’s Silver Teacup city makes The New York Times’ top holiday destination list THE Costa de la Luz’s very own little Havana has been awarded a spot in The New York Times’ coveted annual travel guide. One of Europe’s oldest cities, Cadiz made the 50th spot in the publication’s recent 52 Places to Go in 2019 holiday destination list. Considered the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe, founded by the Phoenicians in around 1100 BC, the ancient city has long been considered an enchanting place to get lost among locals in the know. Hailed a ‘culinary renaissan-
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January 16th - January 29th 2019
what’s on Hammer and sickle
Cadiz cool
ce’, the guide highlights La Tacita de Plata’s (the Silver Teacup) booming gastronomy scene, referencing Angel Leon’s three-Michelin starred Aponiente and two-starred Alevante. The NY Times described
the old trading city’s vibe as ‘more Havana than Madrid’, while the province as a whole ‘ticks all the boxes’. Dubbed ‘mini Havana’, due to the promenade’s resemblance to its Cuban counterpart’s malecon, the city was used
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. Some of Malaga’s other big museums didn’t do quite so well. The Russian Museum, the CAC and even Picasso’s birthplace registered a slight drop in visitors.
as a set for James Bond Die Another Day. Expat Andrew Ferren, who wrote about Cadiz for the list, said he is ‘fascinated’ by the province’s varying landscapes. “You leap from places as sophisticated and cultured as Jerez de la Frontera, to wild landscapes that take your breath away, such as the beach in Bolonia or Alcornocales Park. It’s like the Wild West of southern of Spain,” said the journalist who lives in Spain. The guide also included a nod to the nearby sherry capital of the world, Jerez de la Frontera and recommended hilltop Vejer de la Frontera. Puerto Rico as a whole country was awarded the number one spot, while Cadiz was clipped by Chile’s Elqui Valley and ahead of the Tahiti Islands, or French Polynesia.
THE Art of Socialist Realism exhibition canvases the history of Russian art from 1930-1950 and is on Malaga’s Collection of the Russian Museum until January 21.
Harmonic DON’T miss the Malaga Philharmonic Orchestra perform Mozart, Brahms and Tchaikovsky at Malaga’s Picasso Museum before the show ends on May 14.
Flamenco ISRAEL Fernandez and Diego Del Morao put their own twist on flamenco at Sevilla’s Flamenqueria school on February 16.
Fury LA furia del color (The fury of colour) is an exhibition honouring Spanish avant-garde painter Francisco Iturrino, at Malaga’s Museo Thyssen until March 3.
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January 16th - January 29th 2019
LA CULTURA
January 16th - January 29th 2019
Life on What do the Old Testament, Space travel and Andalucia have in common? Asks Jack Giaoni
T
HE man had 700 wives and 300 concubines. He also had a personal army of 12,000 and a fleet of ships. But most notably, he had a penchant for building opulent palaces and temples. He obsessively embellished his building projects with lavish gold, silver, diamond and copper ornamentation. That man was the Old Testament’s legendary King Solomon and yes, he had expensive tastes. But you may be surprised to learn that one source of his great wealth has a link to Andalucia. More about this later… This past November, America’s space agency successfully landed the spacecraft InSight on Mars. It was NASA’s eighth successful Martian landing. The lander’s mission statem e n t
get a grip
Get lost in a 1920s gripping murder mystery novel or try some new plant-based dishes in a Spanish vegan cookbook this January The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle By Stuart Turton Groundhog Day meets Agatha Christie in this quirky debut novel by Stuart Turton. Set in the 1920s and told in the style of a locked room mystery, guests are summoned to Blackheath Manor house for a party. But by the end of the night Evelyn Hardcastle will be murdered. Unless one of the guests, Aiden can solve the murder, the day will repeat itself. He has eight days to solve it and each day is a repetition of the last except for one thing. Every day
Aiden wakes up he inhabits the body of a different party guest. If he fails to solve the murder, the whole week resets and Aiden must begin again without any memory of what went on before. This is an intriguing and fast-paced whodunnit with plenty of twists and turns. It is fun, dark, clever and engaging. €11.90, Available from Bookshop San Pedro www.thebookshop.es
The
Vegan Recipes from Spain by Gonzalo Baró
proclaims a dedication to ‘promote the peaceful application of space exploration by developing technologies for human and robotic exploration of the moon, Mars and beyond’. NASA’s mission statement is alive and well and also has a direct link to Andalucia. But again, more about this later… The Rio Tinto mines are located along the river of the same name in the province of Huelva, Andalucia. The mining complex is immense - so vast in scale that the man-made crater measures several kilometers across. Since 3,000 BC the Rio Tinto has been mined for copper, silver, gold and other alloys. King Solomon (left) and his Phoenician allies, circa 1000 BC, were quick to discover the vast mineral wealth scattered along the Rio Tinto. Although the legendary ‘mines of King Solomon’ are shrouded in myth and Old Testament allegory, there is tangible archaeological evidence to suggest that much of the opulence of King Solomon’s temples was sourced from the Rio Tinto. It is estimated that some 30 tonnes of gold and 30,000 tonnes of silver adorned his famous temples, mostly from the mines. Intriguingly, a section of the mining complex is still known today as Cerro Solomon (Solomon Hill). Meanwhile the nearby ancient pueblos of Zalema La Vieja (Old Solomon) and Zalema (Real Solomon) also strongly suggest that the king was a full partner in the Rio Tinto mining project. Following King Solomon, the Greeks, Ro m a n s , Visi-
goths and Moors mined the site. The Spanish government began operating the mines in the early 1700’s. But in 1873 underinvestment, corruption and inefficiency led the Spanish government to sell the mines to the Rio Tinto Group, a British syndicate. Since then, the Group has grown exponentially and today is among the world leaders in the production of minerals, with operations on all six continents. One of the most common reactions to visiting the Rio Tinto mining complex is a comparison to a Martian landscape - and that’s not so far-fetched for a number of reasons. The 5,000 years of mining along the Rio Tinto River has left the landscape with hues of dusty pink, brown, yellow, red and grey. The various minerals, the mining tailings, centuries of erosions, sedimentations, oxidation and the gargantuan proportions of the complex have added to the otherworldly Martian-like environment. This comparison has not been lost on NASA. In 2005, its space rover Spirit landed successfully on the red planet. It was expected to travel 0.4 miles and provide three months of data. To the unexpected surprise of engineers, Spirit traveled 7.8 miles and gave an astonishing 5 years of analysis of the chemical and geological makeup of Mars. Ultimately, Spirit got stuck in a veneer of soft soil but was still able to send back geochemical analysis. Becoming immobile was a blessing in disguise as the rover was able to drill deeper and send more definitive analysis back to Earth. NASA scientists determined that the rover was stuck in a cache of ‘sulfates, hematite sedimentary rock and a composite called Jarosite’ - precisely those elements that compare to the trace elements dominating the Rio Tinto complex. This is a geological and chemical environment that rarely occurs on Earth but is almost an exact environmental likeness to the mineral deposits of the Rio Tinto. And it certainly got the attention of NASA scientists. Since 2005, NASA has run a series of dress re-
Whether the reasons are moral, environmental or simply a way to slim down after the excesses of Christmas, more and more of us are choosing vegan diets. This beautiful cookbook by Gonzalo Baró helps us to experience all the flavours of Spain with fabulous and easy plant-based recipes using local, healthy ingredients. €24.90, Available from The Bookshop San Pedro www.thebookshop.es
RIO TINTO MINES: Sit between Huelva and Sevilla in Andalucia
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Mars hearsals in the Rio Tinto to test future space technology on a ‘geophysical landscape closest to conditions on the Red Planet’. Through the MARTE campaign (Mars Analogue Rio Tinto Experiment), NASA tests its Martian rover prototypes, remote control drilling techniques and spacesuit designs. Perhaps the most exciting speculation comes from evidence that ‘life forms’ may indeed be found on Mars. It has long been assumed that the waters of the Rio Tinto system were so contaminated by the toxicity of the chemical ‘cocktails’ involved in 5,000 years of mining that no life existed. In fact, a life form does indeed exist in its ‘red’ waters: abundant one-celled microbes called Extremophiles which are unique to the Rio Tinto. Their ability to survive in an extreme geophysical environment similar to Mars could be a clue as to the possibility of water, and therefore life, on Mars. Stay tuned…. The last significant mining activity near the Rio Tinto was in 2001. Today, it operates as a tourist destination. Huelva’s Rio Tinto Mi•
•
ning and Railroad Museum has displays that explain the mineralogical and cultural history. The best way to view the Martian-type landscape is to ride the restored 21km train system that weaves its way through the complex. It is a real glimpse into the past. And just when it seemed that the final chapter in the Rio Tinto’s history has been written, NASA’s presence suggests not. Who knows - they just might be looking at this little-known corner of Spain for the space technologies of the future!
. In 1888, miners, farSpain’s first environmental protest took place in the Rio Tinto complex enic clouds creamers and 12,000 local civilians went on strike to protest the noxious carcinog of Huelva, a regiment governor civil the of order the On s. practice mining y’s compan the by ted opened fire on unarof troops were sent in to quell the demonstration. It wasn’t pretty. They 13 and 101 deaths between in resulting tion Constitu la de Plaza the in med demonstrators an 2007 Anglo-Spanish (depending on whose account you believe).The event was made intowatch it for free on-line…. movie called The Heart of the Earth (El Corazon de la Tierra).You can go to www. Vidimovie.com they naturally brouWhen British syndicate the Rio Tinto Group purchased the mines (1873), purpose-built village to a created they form, to True ment. manage and miners British in ght tyle houses, house their employees. Known as Bella Vista, they constructed British-s Church - all rian Presbyte a and club, social a courts, tennis lawns, trimmed neatly can still be Vista Bella of Much ide. countrys ian Andaluc the of in the middle found today. also brought their passion for sports. • The British Rio Tinto employe For a es quote or just some friendly advice Spain’s first football pitch AND its first golf course were constructed near Bella Vista. The golf course still exists (now called Carta Atalaya Golf Course). It was re-done in the 1990s but you should not confuse it with Valderrama. However if you’d like to imagine what it’s like to play golf on Mars, you might enjoy it!
DID YOU KNOW?
January 16th - January 29th 2019
Send your informa newsdesk@theolive tion to press.es
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January 16th - January 29th 2019 EARTHLY REPLICA: (Inset) Rio Tinto mines and (below) the NASA Mars Rover
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LETTERS
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January 16th - January 29th 2019
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In Gibraltar Issue 87 HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF OUR
Brexit should ‘boost’ border relations
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BREXIT is a ‘nasty shock’ that should encourage cross-border relations between Spain and Gibraltar, the Cross Frontier Group has said. The organisation announced in a statement
Vol. 4 Issue 87 www.gibraltarolivepr ess.com January 3rd - January 15th 2019
Spain is heading for climate disaster and it’s already begun
that Britain’s departure from the EU should inspire residents of the Rock and the Campo de Gibraltar to ‘redouble efforts’ to foster dialogue and cooperation. “It has been a nasty shock, especially given Gibraltar’s overwhelming support for the European project at the referendum,” said the group. “But the Brexit impasse must surely serve to sharpen our wits and redouble our efforts.”
BRING ON 2019
The 10 coolest barrios in Andalucia and Spain worth a visit this year See page 22 Just how do you get a coveted Michelin star? We reveal the trade secrets
See page 10
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FINAL COUNTDOWN With just 85 days until Brexit, promises to protect our rights Spain British government launches while outreach programme for expats
Lobbied
Founded five years ago, the group campaigns for crossborder workers’ rights and have lobbied politicians from the European Parliament, Westminster and Andalucia. By Laurence Dollimore The Cross Frontier Group has also established an EU BRITISH expats will have Territorial Grouping in a their rights protected NO bid to ensure future coopMATTER what happens eration between Gibraltar with Brexit. and the Campo, which is That is the promise made now being considered by by Spanish prime minister Spain. Pedro Sanchez, who vowed “But the Brexit impasse that even if the UK leaves must surely serve to sharpthe EU without a deal on en our wits and redouble March 29, the more than our efforts,” the group 300,000 Brits registered added. here will continue enjoy“For if, to date, we have ing the same rights. been considered reliable “Their rights will be preand truthful interlocutors served whatever the scein the dialogue between nario,” he said at the endcitizens and their instituof-year news conference tions, in the current, delion Sunday, traditionally cate circumstances our given by the Spanish leadrole becomes even more er. important.” Sanchez added that by February Spain would have drawn up a law covering citizens’ rights and plans to preserve bilateral commercial relations. It comes as the British government and expat groups, including BrexWORK TOGETHER: Gib and the Campo pats in Spain, have ar-
CLOSE TO AGREEMENT?: Pedro
ranged a series of Brexit meetings across Andalucia in January (see page 5). The meetings will update residents with the latest information on Brexit and what it means for UK nationals living in Spain. A spokesperson told the Olive Press: “The Consul-
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A GROUP of expats have officially asked the Spanish government to offer dual citizenship, an option currently only available for soldiers from the international brigadistas and descendants of Sephardic Jews. In a document handed to Madrid, the expats plead for a new law which will allow for Brits who have lived or worked in Spain for 10 years to attain dual nationality. Madrid-based Eurocitizens, ECREU (Alicante) and Brexpats (Malaga), argue the case whether there is a deal or not, as currently to get Spanish nationality they have to renounce their British citizenship. “Breaking all ties with the UK means losing the right to relocate there, even if you have to return for family reasons,” the document reads. It added grave concern regarding the more than 107,000 British pensioners living in Spain. If they become ‘third-country nationals’, they may not reach the €26,000 per year minimum income that is required to have a non-profit residence (average British pension is €9,000). While Sanchez has vowed to protect their rights, it is to be on a reciprocal basis. In the UK meanwhile, Theresa May’s government has told EU citizens to apply and pay a small sum to be granted ‘settled status’.
I have just read your interesting article on pink wine from Gik, the winery in the Basque region that makes blue wine too. Did you know there is a young winery here in Uleila Del Campo, Almeria that also makes blue wine? I have taken the liberty of enclosing a few photographs. The owner is Juan Perez Perez, I do not have an email for him but he is a on Facebook. You may like to talk with him as he is a local man. He makes blue gin too!
902 123 282 In Mallorca Issue 45 See page 2
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PALMA has backtracked on its electric scooter ban and will work to regulate the latest travel trend, the town hall has announced. Wind, the company who brought shared scooters to Palma this autumn, are pleased the city council have changed their stance and are seeking to find a way to keep the scooters. The government’s main concern is that the scooters could block the already small paths and pavements around the city. Wind has been praised by many environmental groups for providing an energy efficient way to commute.
Splash the cash
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Spain is heading for climate disaster and it’s already begun
Scooter backtrack
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FINAL COUNTDOWN With just 84 days until Brexit, rights Spain promises to protect our while British government launches outreach programme for expats
By Laurence Dollimore
BRITISH expats will have their rights protected NO MATTER what happens with PORTS across the Balearics Brexit. are set to receive a €186 mil- That is the promise made by lion cash injection over the Spanish prime minister Penext two years. dro Sanchez, who vowed that port’s even if the UK leaves the EU Palma Mallorca’s makeover will include a €21 without a deal on March 29, million facelift for the Ponien- the more than 300,000 Brits te dock, bringing a 300-metre registered here will continue sulong berth for yachts and enjoying the same rights. peryachts. “Their rights will be preserved “The goal is to improve the cur- whatever the scenario,” he rent quality of service instead said at the end-of-year news of expanding traffic” said Joan conference on Sunday, tradiGual, president of the Balearic tionally given by the Spanish Sanchez and CLOSE TO AGREEMENT?: Pedro Port Authority (APB). leader. The Port of Ibiza will undergo Sanchez added that by Febru- Theresa May the second largest update, with ary Spain would have drawn up system. Although 300,000 range of issues, including resia €40 million investment. a law covering citizens’ rights dency, registration, healthcare British expats are officially reand plans to preserve bilateral and pensions – so whether corded as living in Spain, the number is actually thought commercial relations. you have a specific question It comes as the British gov- about living in Spain or simply to be over 750,000, as many ernment and expat groups, want to know more about how don’t register. It means any including Brexpats in Spain, Brexit might affect you, please expat who wants to guarantee their lives will continue unafhave arranged a series of Brex- come along and talk to us.” it meetings across Andalucia As well as the large number of fected must register or sign up in January (see page 5). The expats, many of whom live on to the padron before March meetings will update residents the Costa del Sol, Brits are also 29. British Consul Charmaine Arbouin said: "I continue to with the latest information on Spain’s largest visiting group. Brexit and what it means for Spain is also the UK’s favou- urge all UK nationals living in Spain to ensure you are corUK nationals living in Spain. rite retirement spot, while the A spokesperson told the Olive Brits are also the largest group rectly registered and stay up Press: “The Consular team to use Spain’s health care to date with the latest news.” STUNNING: Balearic will be joined by experts on a port IN
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Kind regards, Sue Allder, Uleila Del Campo
‘Give us dual nationality’
asked the SpanA GROUP of expats have officially an option ish government to offer dual citizenship, from the intercurrently only available for soldiers of Sephardic national brigadistas and descendants Madrid, the expats Jews. In a document handed to allow for Brits who plead for a new law which will 10 years to attain have lived or worked in Spain for ECREU dual nationality. Madrid-based Eurocitizens, argue the case (Alicante) and Brexpats (Malaga), as currently to get whether there is a deal or not, renounce their BritSpanish nationality they have to citizenship. ish losing the right “Breaking all ties with the UK means to return for famto relocate there, even if you have ily reasons,” the document reads. the more than It added grave concern regardingin Spain. 107,000 British pensioners living may they nationals’, If they become ‘third-country minimum income not reach the €26,000 per year residence (averthat is required to have a non-profit While Sanchez has age British pension is €9,000). to be on a reciprovowed to protect their rights, it isTheresa May’s govcal basis. In the UK meanwhile, ernment has told EU citizens to apply and pay a small 15:36 ‘settled 16/06/2017 granted 1 be sum to Untitled-1.pdf status’.
ED: Thank you Sue, look out for a possible feature on Juan and his drinks in our future editions.
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bottle
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January 16th - January 29th 2019
Fox pops
Project Fear What… another ‘Project Fear’ story shot down in flames (With just 85 days until Brexit, Spain promises to protect our rights, Issue 308). As I have said many times before, it’s not as if Spain can afford to upset the expats. Ben Davis, Motril
Readers react to a viral video of a Spanish hunter throwing a fox through the air and repeatedly stamping on its head
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January 3rd - January 15th 2019 Vol. 13 Issue 308 www.theolivepress.es
Just how do you get a coveted Michelin star? We reveal the trade secrets
Spain is heading for climate disaster and it’s already begun
Our three year hell EXCLUSIVE By Charlie Smith
BRING ON 2019
The 10 coolest barrios in Andalucia and Spain worth a visit this year
See page 24
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FINAL COUNTDOWN
TWO British expats are suing Spain for €630,000 after they were ‘wronat gly fingered’ for fraud and arrested gunpoint by undercover agents. Expats Scott Cattell, 47, and Rob Herring, 41, were seized by armed cops just and bundled into police vans an hours after collecting chairs from Estepona office as part of a seemingly innocent odd job in July 2015. The pair were unaware that the office it was being staked out by police after was revealed to be the HQ of an illegal boiler room. The fraudulent Renty123 property off company was dedicated to ripping holidaymakers by posting fake rental properties on FlipKey, TripAdvisor’s rental platform. “The police put two and two together By Laurence Dollimore and got five,” Herring told the Olive Press this week. After a police photographer snapped BRITISH expats will have them entering the building they were their rights protected NO handcuffed on Cattell’s driveway later MATTER what happens the same day. as with Brexit. promise made Despite what the expats described That is the a ‘severe lack of evidence’, the pair by Spanish prime minister who vowed were suspects for more than two years the Pedro Sanchez, before finally being dropped from that even if the UK leaves case in October 2017. the EU without a deal on However with no passports and most March 29, the more than of their time and funds spent on figh- 300,000 Brits registered ting their cases, both men, from Essex, here will continue enjoying the same rights. Continues on Page 8 “Their rights will be preserved whatever the scenario,” he said at the end-ofyear news conference on Sunday, traditionally given by the Spanish leader. Sanchez added that by February Spain would have drawn up a law covering citizens’ rights and plans WRONGED: Rob and Scott are to preserve bilateral comsuing Spain TM
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There can't be enough coverage of this type of cruelty. The more people and animal welfare-associated parties are aware, the better. Hopefully this will lead to reforms, which provide better protection for domestic animals, wildlife and agricultural stock. 1
Teresa Tracy Ramsey, Almeria TheOlivePress-256x170-BIKE-4.indd 1
Shame on Spain Why are the Spanish so cruel to animals? I know other countries are too but in Spain it does seem widespread!
Angela Yates, Manchester
Put it out of its misery I absolutely hate hunting but if you are going to do it please please shoot it and put it out of its misery quickly. Don’t torture the poor animal. What the hell is wrong with that disgusting man and the person filming?
With just 85 days until Brexit, rights Spain promises to protect our while British government launches outreach programme for expats
‘Give us dual nationality’ A GROUP of expats have officially asked the Spanish government to offer dual citizenship, an option currently only available for soldiers from the international brigadistas and descendants of Sephardic Jews. In a doSanchez and Theresa May CLOSE TO AGREEMENT?: Pedro cument handed to Madrid, health care system. the expats plead for a new and pensions – so whether Spain’s 300,000 British mercial relations. law which will allow for Brits have a specific ques- Although It comes as the British you about living in Spain expats are officially recorwho have lived or worked in government and expat tionsimply want to know ded as living in Spain, the Spain for 10 years to attain is actually thougroups, including Brex- or number dual nationality. Madrid-bamiBrexit how about be over 750,000, pats in Spain, have arran- more sed Eurocitizens, ECREU affect you, please come ght to ged a series of Brexit mee- ght and talk to us.” as many don’t register. (Alicante) and Brexpats any expat who tings across Andalucia in along (Malaga), argue the case well as the large num- It means As The their 5). page (see guarantee to January whether there is a deal or of expats, many of wants continue unaffecmeetings will update resi- ber not, as currently to get Spalive on the Costa del lives will register or sign dents with the latest infor- whom nish nationality they have to Brits are also Spain’s ted must mation on Brexit and what Sol, up to the padron before renounce their British citigroup. visiting largest it means for UK nationals March 29. British Consul zenship. living in Spain. Charmaine Arbouin said: “Breaking all ties with the A spokesperson told the "I continue to urge all UK Favourite UK means losing the right Olive Press: “The Consu- Spain is also the UK’s fa- nationals living in Spain to relocate there, even if you lar team will be joined by vourite retirement spot, to ensure you are correctly have to return for family reaexperts on a range of is- while the Brits are also registered and stay up to sons,” the document reads. sues, including residency, the largest group to use date with the latest news.” It added grave concern healthcare registration, regarding the more than 107,000 British pensioners
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We need a law change This man has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty, but unfortunately in Spain this carries very little prison time. In case of a first offence, which it is, he won't go to jail. There is a small fine and that's it. Spain needs better laws to prevent these things from happening again.
Fran Ramirez, Malaga
Waste of space What a vile and evil man. Someone wants to use that gun on him and see how he likes it. He is a sick person who gets pleasure out of torturing animals.
Marion Germaine, Athens
Think of his children There’s something seriously wrong with a person who can do this to an animal. One can only hope he’s not married with children, as I dread to think what life they have at his hands.
Sam Clarke, Marbella
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No I’m not vegan Look at 26 HEALTH what coT THE JAB! GE mes in the vaccines andDO YOUtell HAVE ACTS? me CATAR why somebody D It’s official... would voluntarily put that in their child's body? (Measles breakouts on rise in Spain and Europe as fewer get vaccinated, Issue 308) And no I'm not vegan or some thick person who makes decisions based on Facebook. PAGE SPONSORED BY
January 3rd - January 15th 2019
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www.theolivepress.es January 3rd - January 15th 2019
Her achilles’ heel
MADRID’S mayor has been re-admitted to hospital with an infected ankle just a week after having surgery. Manuela Carmena fell and broke her ankle at home last month and is now suffering a high fever in her latest bout of medical turmoil. The 74-year-old city chief is now back in University Hospital of La Princesa, where she went under the knife on December 26. The mum-of-
GET WELL: Mayor two will remain hospitalised until January 2, while she is treated with antibiotics.
BREAKOUTS in measles are increasing in Spain and Europe as fewer people get jabbed against the disease in childhood. Teenagers and young adults who missed out on the MMR vaccine are most at risk and are being urged to get their shots
from Amrik Sappal, All you need to know about cataracts, Fuengirola Store Director from Specsavers Opticas
Saint of the Spain’s holiday in honour of the Patron ECEMBER saw Día de Santa Lucia, with the important issue of cataracts, as they are blind, so this month I wanted to deal in the world today. Here is some general advice to the most common cause of blindnesstreatment rather than suffering with the symptoms help you to spot the signs and seek unnecessarily. Q: What are cataracts?
Gillian Barclay, Benissoda
living in Spain. If they become ‘third-country nationals’, they may not reach the €26,000 per year minimum income that is required to have a non-profit residence (average British pension is €9,000). While Sanchez has vowed to protect their rights, it is to be on a reciprocal basis. In the UK meanwhile, Theresa May’s government has told EU citizens to apply and pay a small sum to be granted ‘settled status’.
A: There are three main types of cataract: gradual reduction in vision seeing haloes around • A nuclear cataract – this causes give rise to poor vision associated with • A cortical cataract – this may lights or seeing double with one eye. – these tend to cause reduction in vision (especially • Posterior subcapsular lens opacitieslights and glare. for reading), susceptibility to bright
Q: Am I at risk of developing them? a cataract that caueye becomes less clear until, ultimately, A: As we grow older, the lens of the Those with a family history of cataracts should be checked ses reduction in vision is present. of developing early cataracts. regularly as they are at higher risk
Q: What can I do to avoid cataracts? are generally part of the we can do to avoid them, as they A: Unfortunately, there’s not much may make people more susceptible to cataracts so it’s imageing process. Too much sunlight portant to wear good quality sunglasses. Q: How are cataracts treated?
so there’s no need to by a common surgical procedure, be treated before they A: They are treated very effectively eye tests so the cataracts can worry, simply make sure you have regular significantly affect your vision.
Costa del Sol. in Marbella and Fuengirola on the Specsavers Opticas are located eye test or find your nearest store visit To make an appointment for an www.specsavers.es
before traveling abroad. The call comes as the Hospital Clinic in Barcelona announced that five flight attendants and a passenger had been diagnosed with the highly infectious disease in Spain last month. The head of preventative medicine at the hospital Antoni Trilla announced the outbreak on Twitter, saying that those affected had travelled on domestic flights and to other countries in the EU, adding that the possibility of new cases had not been ruled out. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, transmitted by breathing in airborne droplets from the nose and mouth or touching the surfaces they are on. The infection usually lasts seven to 10 days. Symptoms include a red rash on the face and greyish spots in the mouth, a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, a high temperature and bloodshot eyes.
Anti-vaxxers causing alarming increase in measles across Spain and Europe
ON THE RISE: Measles in Europe the number of cases which has While the UK’s robust vac- been blamed on a drop in the cination programmes mean number of people being vaccioutbreaks are rare, European nated. countries are seeing a surge in In the first six months of 2018, more than 41,000 people were infected in Europe, according to the World Health Organisation. In 2017 there were 23,927 cases, a huge increase from the (FDA) is bacTHE American Food and Drug Administration 5,273 in 2016. And last August for olive oil. made claims health behind science king the Dr Mary Ramsay, head of imof oleic acid which The magic bullet is its high concentration munisation at Public Health heart disease. can help reduce the risk of coronaryan FDA ‘qualified health England warned: “We have carry to able be now will oils Olive seen a number of measles outfor products where health claim’ on their labelling, permitted breaks in England which are study findings show promise. linked to ongoing large outevidence suggests “Supportive but not conclusive scientific breaks in Europe. tablespoons (20 grams) that daily consumption of about 1½acid, may reduce the risk of oils containing high levels of oleicFDA. Missed of coronary heart disease,” says the to add However, it adds, producers will need “The majority of cases we are olive oil, that to have any health benefits in satuseeing are in teenagers and ‘should replace fats and oils highernumber of young adults who missed out rated fat and not increase the total on their MMR vaccine when calories you eat in a day’. they were children. stuThe FDA looked at seven small clinical “Anyone who missed out on between dies that evaluated the relationship of oleic their MMR vaccine in the past diets including oils with a high level or are unsure if they had two acid - at least 70% percent per serving doses should contact their GP and improved cholesterol levels, practice to catch up. which indicates a reduced risk “We would encourage people for coronary heart disease. to ensure they are up to date Aside from olive oil, oleic acid with their MMR vaccine before can be found naturally in travelling to countries with onmeat, cheese, nuts, sungoing measles outbreaks, heaflower seeds, eggs, pasta, ding to large gatherings such milk, olives, and avocados. as festivals, or before starting university.”
Ryan Sheila JacksonCarter, Sotogrande
With a pinch of salt Unicorns tears - the perfect after Brexit drink (Spain company who made blue wine are back with pink rose Unicorn Tears, Issue 308). Serve with a large pinch of salt. 8
NEWS New Year’s Peter Johnson, Zujar tragedy ‘This is www.theolivepress.es
A BRITISH boy has died on New Year’s Day in Spain after being struck by a car. The 14-year-old was tragically hit on a road between Ibiza and Portinatx on Spain’s popular white isle. The boy died in the 10.30pm crash, just a day after celebrating his 14th birthday. He is believed to have been carrying suitcases and was in the middle of the road with no reflective clothing on when he was hit by a Ford Fiesta. The family who hit him are said to be receiving counselling after suffering from trauma.
my heyday!’
Expat bares scars to inspire women after men said she was ‘better looking’ before her cancer
Keep it Spanish
A BRITISH expat has ba- them red her double mastectomy year removed in April this scars on social media to tion following a severe reacto the implants. inspire others and prove Owens, a yoga instructor, felt there’s ‘a lot more’ to wo- compelled to share her story men than just looks. on social media after a male Marbella-based Laura friend Owens, 38, suffered from better told her she ‘looked breast cancer in 2012 when ago. in her heyday’ 10 years she was just 31. “It She had both breasts remo- somemakes me laugh that HERO: Louise Owens ved and reconstructed two day people think my hey- sexy outfits, padded bras. i.e. years later but had to have full was when I wore a face dressing for someone else's of makeup, perfect hair, approval.
Justice for Brit gran Why not just have Spanish health c a r e ? (British family of grandma in coma slam insurers forcing them to pay €5800 to fly her home after brain haemorrhage in Spain, Issue 308) Treatment in the UK is no better than Spain. THE family of a British grandmother in a coma have slammed their insurers after being made to pay almost €6000 to fly her home from the Costa del Sol. Patricia Reid, 61, who suffered a brain haemorrhage on the last day of her holiday in Malaga, was in intensive care at a local hospital when the insurance company refused to cover her transfer costs to the UK. The Scottish gran, from Cambuslang, suffers from CRITICAL: Patricia Reid before and after haemorrhage cardiomyopathy and as- “They thma, but the company, tum, gave us an ultima- Alan labelled the company sign this disclaimer, or ‘complete InsureandGo, claim she we can’t scumbags’ and take the air ambu- alleged never mentioned the con- lance to the next stage,” said ‘moving the company were ditions. the goalposts’, and Patricia’s son Alan, 32. insisted that his mum’s con-
ditions had been declared. The family eventually signed a form and were forced to shell out an eye-watering €5882. Patricia is now in a life-threatening coma and son Alan said it will be a ‘miracle’ if she survives. InsureandGo said: “We’re really sorry to hear about Mrs Reid.”
“However, when we listened to the sales call relating to her latest insurance policy, we found she didn’t declare any medical conditions at all.” Alan has now set up a GoFundMe page to support paying off the costs of flying Patricia back.
Denise Bayliss, Torre del Mar
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spira men Proje with from deve plun or situations that make me the c uncomfortable. And I wear strug what makes me feel happy, “I’m not sexy.” perso In the post, which has had lives,” nearly 2,000 likes and Scott over 300 comments of suwith pport she explained: “In pped the last week, I've had two rroun male friends, who I haven't When seen in a long time, say to her so people in front of me: ‘You vented should have seen Laura in even s her heyday, 10 years ago’. funera Rude. ‘broke “Am I supposed to be gratecoholi ful that guys used to think I “My was hot? worrie wake u le of t Crush attacks “If I hadn't been through Rob an everything I have, and was are a ‘t still the girl I was 10 years cusing ago, it might crush me to their n hear that. But it doesn't.” mers w Owens hopes to inspire the com other women of all ages. They al She said: “I'm scarred, the jud wrinkled and flat-chested, No 2, i but I'm also feminine and reputat full of life. I'm a strong wowhere man, not a sex object. I'm econom not here for your benefit. Althoug “There's a lot more to me investig than my looks. And if you ted by R can't see that, then it's your want m loss. This is MY heyday.” made th for a com TripAdv ment on “F*** that. I'm strong and capable, I stand up for what I believe in. I walk away from people
A
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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
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Epidemic
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.
New year, new me We highlight 8 superfoods you need to try this year Page 24
Make your New Year’s Resolution today with National Obesity Awareness Week and Cambridge Weight Plan
14th - 20th Jan 2019
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January 16th - January 29th 2019
January 16th - January 29th 2019
Mid-life crisis (averted, for now) Jon Clarke (top right) undertakes a full-body ‘well-man check’ as he reaches his 50th birthday
T
HE moment finally arrived, having “It’s not a complete diagnosis, but it Easy to find in the crept up slowly for years. looks for all the tell-tale signs of wear ICC centre, just off The big 5-0 had been lurking like and tear in your body,” he explained. Casemates Square, a stalker and with a few months “Through a range of tests, we will see if I was quickly whisto go I was feeling overweight, unhealthy you need any further exploration, in par- ked into the surgery and tetchy. ticularly for various cancers and cardio- of doctor Patrick A typical hypochondriac (like most men), vascular conditions”. Nerney. the slightest tweak in the groin must “Much of it will boil down to losing wei- A charming, erudihave meant a hernia, a sore in the mou- ght, taking more exercise, assessing li- te Yorkshireman, th was clearly gum disease and a pain festyle and keeping an eye on things like who spent over 30 in the stomach, well, it must have been blood pressure. years working at an ulcer. He explained that the key things to the sharp end as a And then there was the Big-C, with pros- worry about as you approach your 50s GP in the UK and tate cancer suddenly a major concern are musculoskeletal health, heart at- Gibraltar, he spoke as I reached the golden age, not to men- tacks, bowel and prostate disease and perfect English and tion bowel cancer, which according to strokes, and the earlier you address any quickly got about to AOL, sharply rises from the age of 50 to issues the better. explaining the keys 54 (particularly for men). “It’s like a car, for the first few years to living longer. On top of that was my crafty three or everything is fine, but as it starts to get Over the course of four cigarettes a day (thanks to - or an- wear and tear, you get the odd rattle and an hour he probed noyingly for - my colleagues at work), shake. You need to make sure the en- me on my medical as well as my evening glass of vino or gine works, the water pump is not bloc- history, lifestyle cheeky beer. ked and the brakes are not worn. It’s the and general health, And don’t even bring up the subject of same with the body and if we address before giving me a skin cancer, living, as we do, complein bright sunshine for the te once vast majority of the year. o v e r Over 50 equals cancer zone... I must be on the cusp of w i t h HEALTH: 50-year-olds are at higher risk of cancer dying, I figured, but what his steUp to the age of 50, the risk of developing cancould I do? thoscope and various other and blood pressure was ‘excellent’, and I cer is 1 in 35 for men and 1 in 20 for women, acEnter stage right, David instruments, including a had no signs of infection, diabetes, anaecording to Cancer Research UK. Once you get Deardon, a surgeon pal, spirometer to measure lung mia, thyroid or liver malfunction. into middle age, the risk increases considerawho just so happens to run function (see picture above) I wasn’t HIV positive, didn’t have syphibly. Some 78% of all cancer diagnoses occur in his own private health cliand an electrocardiogram lis and there was no sign of blood in my people aged 55 or older, according to the Amenic in Gibraltar, as well as (ECG) to record my heart’s urine or poo. rican Cancer Society and the average age of a operating up and down the electrical function. While Patrick described all this in words cancer diagnosis is 66 years. Breast cancer is coast and around Spain. He then weighed me, took like ‘reassuring’ and ‘acceptable’, he 61 years, prostate cancer 66 years, bowel canHis advice was simple; stay my blood pressure and me- said there was some way to go, if I plancer 68 years, and lung cancer 70 years. healthy, eat a good balanasured my height before ned to live a long and fulfilling life. ced diet and exercise regupacking me off down the In summary he told me the outcome of larly. corridor to take some blood the screening was ‘good’, however then Not exactly rocket science. Yet, his Spe- that wear and tear early it will prepare tests and offer up a stool and urine sam- came the bad news. cialist Health Clinic also conveniently you for a much healthier life through into ple for further analysis in a conveniently After describing my diet as ‘unremarkaruns a so called ‘well-man’ clinic, which your 60s and 70s. If you leave it until nearby lab. ble’ he insisted I drank ‘more than accepfor a few hundred pounds does a top-to- problems present in the late 60s or 70s A week later I was back for the results table guidelines’, rather like his goodself, toe fully comprehensive health check. the chances of reversing them is much to discover some good and bad news. he explained, unsurprising given that he Likening it to a full service for a car, the lower.” The best news was that I didn’t appear attends a vineyard in his spare time. Gibraltar-based general surgeon explai- So off I set for his Gibraltar clinic as I to have anything nasty lurking around He did however insist I needed to stop ned that it would be the ‘ideal indicator’ approached my landmark birthday in the immediate corner. smoking and being the son of a lung phyfor my next decade. November. My PSA (prostate specific antigen) level sician I could hardly argue. 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 Dr Michael Mosley’s next ten years, but that this ‘would halve’ book The Fast Diet is a if I gave up smoking. ‘sensible weight loss And then began my fightback. The last Clever The and ’ regime of the cigarettes, giving up drinking in Guts Diet is a ‘great way the week and slightly more exercise and, eat’. you what at to look lordy lardy, I had lost darn nearly 10kg by my birthday. He also likes the Pure And despite the Christmas period coWhite and Deadly by ming soon after, I managed to drink and John Yudkin that is eat a little less than normal and as we as now sive ‘as impres entered the New Year I remained an 85 when I first read it 30 kg fighting fit machine! years ago’. As Doctor Nerney explained: “You really 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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January 16th - January 29th 2019
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January 16th - January 29th 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, lea“Grains are not even food, they will des- ving him unable to move without severe troy anyone eventually,” he claims, “Spi- pain. nach is also absolute poison because it’s Escott, a keen drummer in his spare high in oxalate. I got kidtime, claims he could ney stones after eating a not even pick up a pair lot of it.” of sticks and play at one Escott, based in Lancaspoint. It’s not wacky, hire, in the UK, believes “It’s not wacky, it’s not an veganism is a ‘disaster extreme diet, it’s taking it’s not an for human health and us back to the basic food the planet’, and says our extreme diet, it’s of our ancestors. diet ‘went wrong with “I got so many health taking us back issues as a vegetarian agriculture and religion’. Although he admits the and vegan. When I drovegan diet boasts immepped the 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 ea-
ting 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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Elixir of
Go Deutsch
HE German Clinic has officially opened its doors on the Costa del Sol. Some 200 expats and locals attended the opening party, when live music, nibbles and wine launched the high quality centre in Marbella. The clinic offers highly-qualified doctors across a range of specialties, including gastroenterology, endoscopy, traumatology, orthopedic surgery, pediatrics, general medicine and ear-nose-throat care.
High-level
“Our intention is to offer our international patients, residents and tourists high-level, specialised medical care,” said a clinic spokesperson. “All our specialists were trained in Germany.” And with multi-lingual doctors, they’re sure to speak your language. “The atmosphere of the clinic is friendly, calm and pleasant. Our goal is your well-being and you will be treated in confidence and with respect, we hope you will have the best possible experience.”
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Andalucia
The magnificent seven active ingredients of a southern Spanish lifestyle
TRADITIONALLY a time for detoxing and gruelling health regimens, those beginning the new year in Spain are luckier than most. The Mediterranean diet is frequently lauded by health experts but there are many more natural remedies on our doorstep that come with the territory. Check out these magnificent seven health benefits of an Andalucian lifestyle.
Are you looking to lose weight, gain health and improve the environment you live in?
KETO, PALEO, LOW-CARB & CARNIVORE CONFERENCE & RETREAT 25-28 APRIL 2019 We invite you to join us for the world’s first ever “100% Carnivore…and Beyond!” Retreat, brought to you by Dr. Lynn Hardy and Phil Escott. Don’t miss this special opportunity for some delicious carnivore food, fascinating and informative talks, workshops, private consultations, leisure activities and the chance to socialise with others for three nights in a beautiful setting in Finca Monasterio, 10 minutes from Sotogrande. We want to show how all of the insights from the
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January 16th - January 29th 2019
diverse speakers ties in and creates the full wheel of health. Nobody has ever done this before, so get on board!! Subjects covered in the talks will include carnivory and all the “… and Beyond” such as EMFs, artificial light, sun exposure, cold thermogenesis, emotional balancing and even spiritual awakenings. We have a limited number of rooms left. Day passes: Available for those living locally.
For more information and to purchase tickets please visit: Web: carnivoreretreat.eventbrite.com Email: phil.escott@pureactivity.net
1. Food glorious food Often dubbed the ‘market garden of Spain’, Andalucia abounds with fresh fish and seafood, veggies, fruit, grains and pulses but its olive oil may be the star of the show. The American Food and Drug Administration prescribes a daily dose of 1½ tablespoons to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
2. Europe’s best healthcare Analysis by Bloomberg recently revealed that Spain’s public health service is the best in Europe and third best globally. Taking into account efficiency, as well as cost, the analysis put Spain way ahead of the UK, just behind Singapore and Hong Kong.
3. A sporting chance Exercise can reduce your risk of major illnesses like cancer and heart disease by up to 50% and decrease the likelihood of an early death by 30%, according to the UK’s NHS. And in Andalucia, home of the outdoor lifestyle, you won’t need to go far for hiking, swimming, paddle tennis, football, golf and even horse riding.
Good health www.theolivepress.es
4. 320 days of sunshine
January 16th - January 29th 2019
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January 16th - January 29th 2019
The Costa del Sol gets its name for a reason, and scientists have long linked catching some rays to prolonging life. Two Malaga doctors, Raul J. Andrade and Maribel Lucena, recently said that soaking up Vitamin D can stave off the risk of Multiple Sclerosis.
5. Curative costas
With over 1,000km of coastline, many Andalucians are hardwired to love the ocean - something scientists call the ‘blue mind’. Dr Thomas W. Ferkol is one of those who extols the sea’s benefits, claiming salt clears lungs and is antibacterial, while beach life can improve sleep patterns.
6. Red red wine Every year the benefits of a ‘small’ amount of red wine are proclaimed, it being proven that ‘vino tinto’ is packed full of antioxidants. Now the latest study by a Spanish research team, in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, also finds it can reduce tooth decay and gum disease.
7. Soothing siestas
It is one of Spain’s most enduring images, especially to foreign eyes, but a siesta can lower blood pressu-
re and is part of a natural sleep cycle. According to the Spanish Society of Primary Care Physicians, it should be
no longer than a 30-minute catnap taken on a sofa or chair.
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As Easy as A,B,C
I SAY NO ………
I start with a bone density scan, whichJanuary tells 16th - January 29th 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.
A
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.
ll about
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. your bodyas is going aboutolder, its business ght and it sure it feels you get leading to diseases baby elephants, as the dial in front rebuilding and strengthening your boIt’s of almost same for my like osteoporosis. me goesthe deeper and deeper into‘upper nes. the red. Let me explain. growth trigger’ and indeed for each It means that your bones become isfive the different ‘growth trigger zone’ andI have OsteoStrong helps you to and strengthen of This the machines more porous weaker and ultimamy best five-second average is 478 kg. the matrix of your bones, which natubeen working on with either my arms tely it leads to injuries. That’s well over five times my own wei- rally weaken and become more brittle or ght legs. Osteostrong and it sure as damn it feels good. as you get older, leading prevents to diseasesthe disease and It’sthe almost thenews; same I’m for my ‘upper bone like osteoporosis. And good building can even reverse it. growth trigger’ and indeed for each It means that your bones become and stronger... Probably the porous Theand American invention of getting the five different machines I haveformore weaker and ultima- uses a series Then it’s onto first time in decades. of toexpensive high-tech machines, babeen working on with either my arms tely it leads injuries. the Postural legs.of a fantastic new health cenOsteoStrong diseaseofand All orpart sedprevents on thethe theory Wolff’s law, which CAPTION Growth Trigger, And the good news; I’m building bone can even reverse it. Checking My Posture tre/gym in the heart of Puerto Banus, insists that bone grows and remodels CAPTION and getting stronger... Probably for the The American invention uses a series where I score alOsteostrong is an invention for those in response to the forces that are plafirst time in decades. of expensive high-tech machines, baFinally, I’m on one of Then it’s onto most the same, All don’t part of fancy a fantastic new health sed on the theory of Wolff’s law, which person. who working out cenin sweaty ced upon it in a healthy lift twice as much.” three different balanthe Postural before sitting tre/gym in the heart of Puerto Banus, insists that bone grows and remodels cing 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 OsteoStrong is an invention for those in response to the forces that are plaon the which Lowermeasures my (above), where Marta dedicate honing specific directions to the last year includes pensioner who don’tto fancy workingtheir out inbodies, sweaty and ced uponfic it instress a healthyinperson. ‘natural sway’ and I score almost Growth Trigger, listbecome of happy clients since opening anyone, whowho hasdon’t hadhave a broken bonetocan help it remodel and gyms, those hours to bone After an injury bone, placing speci- His Bernad, who managed to reverse her the same, bewhere I checks kill itout the likelilast year includes pensioner Marta in just in specifichealthy directions to the or dedicate fracture.to honing their bodies, and fic stressnormal bone again. hood of having a fall. fore four sitting osteoporosis months inat nearly Again 500kg who has had a broken bone bone can help it remodel and become Bernad, who managed to reverse her (above), I score onmass the by Upper Foranyone, a session at Osteostrong only The bone use again. of such tension machines 11%. osteoporosis in just creasing four monthsher in- boneGrowth or fracture. normal healthy with flying colours, with my legs... Trigger, takes minutes and alsotension strengthen creasinghealthy her bone mass by 11%. Marcus where For aaround session 15 at OsteoStrong only then The use can of such machinesexisting Another, Starkensjo, achieving ‘better than I kill it atcame in camefrom in 15 minutes andorthen strengthen existing healthy Another, Marcus Starkensjo, youtakes are around done, off for lunch to do can the also bones. 95% of others’ in my suffering pain in his hip, which nearly 400kg suffering from pain in his hip, which you are done, off for lunch or to do the bones. age group. with my legs... shopping, in the knowledge “I didn’t for a second when has now completely disappeared. “I has now completely disappeared. “I shopping, safe safe in the knowledge that “I didn’t believe it forbelieve a seconditwhen Charles Berger, I began here Ilast began here lastfour times am also lifting four times the weight am also lifting the weight year,” explains brand withof myexplains shoulders, it’swith been my great,” he Owner year,” shoulders, it’s been great,” he Charles Berger, manager David Kelly, insisted. Wolff’s law OsteoStrong tells brand manager said. Owner of OsteoSa hulk of a man, who And French expat Bebe de Fouquietrong tells me The medical eviDavid a “I have Andbeen French looks as healthy as a that me although res,NAME, 64, explained: doing expat Bebe de Fouquiehe medical evidence and the that although he dence and the real butcher’s dog, while OsteoStrong for six months now explained: and I hulk of a man, who res, 64, “I have been doing he is only opened has only been science behind already gravitating feel so much better. I had pain in my rireal science behind the looks as healthy as OsteoStrong for six months now and I opensince sinceght last May for theover a year and since the development towards shoulder Dr Julius WolffMay,wrote Thehis SevenMy reward? a butcher’s dog, feel so much better. I had pain in my ricentre has of OsteoStrongLaw is ofthe ties. the second session the pain went and centre has already Bone Remodeling,is in I’m sent off of Osteostrong already experienthanksdevelopment to Dr. Julius “Since doing while one it has not come already gravi-back.”ght shoulder for over a year and since to a side 1892.ced Histremendous research showed experienced Wolff, a German session a week I A towards month’s campaign at OsteoStrong tating his the second session the pain went and room for a thanks to JuliusClients Wolf, a felt results. anatomist who detheDr. positive effects of amazing. have costs from just €79, with an extra €20 tremendous fabulous Seventies. it has not come back.” have of experienveloped a theory that multiples staMy body is stronger for the massage. bodyweight/ seven-miGerman who results. Clients ced increased ted bones in the body adaptanatomist than ever and I “Since am doing one A month’s Come for a free bone density scan anycampaign at Osteostrong nute masgravity thedensity density bone. and of their architecture and size onbone able to hit the session ball time. have experienced a week I costs from just €79, with an extra €20 sage winddeveloped a theory stated bones an in indiThe that more weight/force dramatic strengto the axial loading or further in golf, walk down. increased bone have felt amazing. for the massage. th increases. placed upon vidual them. could further and lift twice Contact marbella@osteostrong.es load their skeletal thestress body adaptsystem their architecture and size My body is stronCome for a free bone density scan any density and or call 952004505 with, the greateras much.” 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
I
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
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January 16th - January 29th 2019
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January 16th - January 29th 2019
6 reasons to get well oiled! Olive oil is good for you, no matter what London might say
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ID Sadiq Khan miss the memo? Spanish nationals and expats alike will have been aghast to hear the news that London is considering banning the advertising of olive oil on public transport as part of a ‘health move’. The proposed campaign is designed to help tackle obesity and undermine the appeal of ‘junk foods’ in the capital. Spain is soon to take over Japan - life expectancy 84.2 years - in the longevity stakes, mostly thanks to its famous Mediterranean diet which features
WRONG DIRECTION: Sadiq Khan
daily doses of olive oil. We’ve done the scientific research to discover six reasons why Spain’s liquid gold deserves its rightful place on London’s tube placards. So there Mr Mayor! 1. Healthy Fats
VARIETY: There is an enormous amount of extra virgin oil from Andalucia on sale of powerful antioxidants which are known to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. They can also help fight inflammation and protect your blood cholesterol from ‘oxidation’, which lowers the risk of heart disease.
About 14% of the oil is saturated fat, whereas 11% is polyunsaturated, such as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids (1). 3. Anti-Inflammatory But the predominant Olive oil appears fatty acid in olive oil is Chronic inflammation a monounsaturated fat can cause cancer, to be highly called oleic acid, maheart disease, metaprotective king up 73% of the total bolic syndrome, type 2 oil content. diabetes, Alzheimer's, against type 2 Studies suggest that arthritis and even oleic acid reduces inobesity. diabetes flammation and may Olive oil is filled with even have beneficial anti-inflammatories effects on genes linked like oleocanthal, to cancer. which has been shown to work siMonounsaturated fats are also quite re- milarly to ibuprofen, an anti-inflamsistant to high heat, making extra virgin matory drug. olive oil a healthy choice for cooking. Some scientists estimate that the oleocanthal in 3.4 tablespoons (50 2. Antioxidants ml) of extra virgin olive oil has a similar effect to 10% of the adult dosage Extra virgin olive oil is packed full of ibuprofen.
4. Stroke safeguard The effect of olive oil on the risk of strokes has been studied heavily. A large review of studies in 841,000 people found that olive oil was the only source of monounsaturated fat associated with a reduced risk of stroke and heart disease. In another review in 140,000 participants, those who consumed olive oil were at a much lower risk of stroke than those who did not. 5. Brain benefits Alzheimer's disease is the most common neurodegenerative condition in the world. One of its key features is a build-up of so-called beta-amyloid plaques inside brain cells. But one study in mice showed that a substance in olive oil can help remove these plaques. Additionally, a human study indicated that a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil benefitted brain function.
6. Type 2 Diabetes protection Olive oil appears to be highly protective against type 2 diabetes. Several studies have linked olive oil to beneficial effects on blood sugar and insulin sensitivity. A randomised clinical trial in 418 healthy people recently confirmed the protective effects of olive oil. In the study, a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by over 40%.
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ll about
Good health
Losing bandwidth
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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 non-surgical, with the weight-loss therapy relying on a mix of Cognitive
Behaviour 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
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 parent Marion is purely psyrewarding a child’s chological. good behaviour with By targeting the root We recently flew sweets from an early cause of being overweiage. to India to help Every patient compleght or obese, GMB’s clinically-proven - and a minimum of 16 an entire family tes much cheaper - mehours in therapy time, thods help patients to lose weight for a which often includes lose weight and keep it 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
Change Your Relationship With Food • Non - Surgical Weight Loss • Permanent Weight Loss Solutions • Completely Non-Invasive • Change in just four sessions • Competitive Pricing TRANSFORMATION: Katie Drew lost 100 pounds
with the Gastric Mind Band system
Gastric Mind Band Therapy Elite Clinic, Fuengirola +34 951 311 591
RADICAL CHANGE: Sara Price lost half her
body weight, thanks to Gastric Mind Band
mail@gmband.com www.gmband.com www.pausebuttontherapy.com
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January 16th - January 29th 2019
Super troopers Positively the best superfoods to add to your diet in 2019 for that New Year New You feeling
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Leading care provider offers training for prospective care givers
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HE Good Care Group is a leading provider of live-in care services in the UK, rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission in England. They were founded in 2009 with a vision of becoming the leading provider of high-quality home care services - enabling people to live well in their home for longer while avoiding the stress of moving into a care home. Their motivation came from a mix of personal experience in searching for care for relatives and the realisation that there were very few home care providers delivering a truly quality service. The Good Care Group aims to drive up standards, professionalise home care and lead the way in the sector.
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And they are ready to warmly welcome international and expat carers with either professional or personal experience of caring to join their team. They have recruited carers from Spain for a number of years who have enjoyed successful and rewarding careers. All professional carers are directly employed and receive market-leading training as well as ongoing professional development to ensure the very highest standards of care.
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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 www.theolivepress.es
January 16th - January 29th 2019
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January 16th - January 29th 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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OLIVE PRESS – 105mm x 256mm – Colour
17 January
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January 16th - January 29th 2019
BUSINESS www.theolivepress.es
Foreign investors claiming €35 million for ghost developments around Spain
STILL GOING: Ryanair boss O’Leary
No-deal fly deal
RYANAIR’S British subsidiary has secured a licence allowing it to operate in the UK in case of a no-deal Brexit. The no-frills airline said the permit means it can ‘operate UK domestic and UK to nonEU routes in a post-Brexit environment, if necessary’. London and Brussels have a plan in place to allow UK carriers to fly to the EU in case of no deal but it does not allow UK carriers to fly routes between EU destinations. “The risk of a no-deal Brexit is rising,” said Juliusz Komorek, chief legal and regulatory officer at the Irish-owned airline. “Despite our robust post-Brexit structures, including our post-Brexit plan around European ownership, we continue to call for the UK and EU to agree a transition deal from March 31, so that any disruption to flights and British consumer summer holidays in 2019 can be avoided.” Ryanair operates more than 800 flights to or from Spain per day from airports across Britain and the EU.
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hat a happy start to the New Year! Maxima 1 Legal S.L. (M1 Legal) are pleased to advise all their clients that they are now regulated by the Claims Management Regulator in respect of regulated claims management activities. This means that they can now take legal action on behalf of consumers against financial institutions such as banks and credit card companies for misrepresentation and unregulated lending which can potentially win huge compensation payouts for their clients. This will be another side to their business which will be given a strong focus over the coming months under the branding of Bank Reclaims. Watch this space. The battle continues against timeshare Resorts M1 Legal currently have 470 cases in the courts and 245 are being prepared for submission. Furthermore, cases won on appeals are now being fast-tracked through the lower courts.
FOREIGN investors are claiming a staggering €35 million for unfinished property investments in Spain. This is the current total being claimed in hundreds of court cases around the country. So-called ‘ghost developments’ saw thousands sink their savings into off-plan property on the Costa del Sol. But after Spain’s real estate bubble burst following the financial crash of 2008, many of these schemes were either left unfinished or never started. Now, after a ruling by the Spanish Supreme Court last year, some 60,000 foreign investors, a large proportion Irish and British, are able to claim money back from the banks, rather than property developers. The landmark decision has boosted the hopes of the thou-
January 16th - January 29th 2019
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January 16th - January 29th 2019
Clawing it back!
COMPENSATION: Ollie Reel (right) has already got €70k for Estepona deposits sands who plunged money into to have won back its clients They have so far managed to developments that were never over €22m so far, is expecting claw back €70,000 invested in built. a big year for payouts. Estepona Beach and Country Irish legal claims firm Reclaim Its owners Ollie and John Club. And they continue to bain Spain is representing 700 Reel, based in Armagh, were ttle for the rest. victims of the so-called off plan also victims of the off plan “It was a fantastic feeling to get property fraud. schemes, to the tune of almost that back and it has been great The firm, which already claims €500,000. to help others like us,” said Ollie. “The Spanish banks are reeling as they know that they will have to pay out millions more, but they continue to contest the cases as they don’t want BRITISH favourite Primark is finally set to lla town hall, as they didn’t comply with the to be seen to be giving in,” he open in Marbella thanks to a change in buil- 2010 General Plan (PGOU) for the town. added. ding regulations. Battle lines were drawn, not helped when The pair were among 395 unIt comes after a five-year battle between the Primark went along with the works regardlucky investors to sink money Irish discount store and Marbella town hall. less, incurring a fine and orders from the into off-plan developments at The issue resolved around the size of the town hall to stop. the Estepona Beach and Counplanned shop at La Canada shopping centre, However a modification to the PGOU in Detry Club. which needed an extra 2,000m2, created as cember opens the door to the construction of They have clients as far and part of a mezzanine floor. mezzanines in commercial buildings, so the wide as Norway, Sweden, GerHowever the works were blocked by Marbe- shop can now be finished and opened. many, and Dubai.
Primed for opening!
Canaries going cheap BRITISH tourists could be exempt from paying ‘VAT’ in the Canary Islands to deflect the effects of Brexit. The measure is set to make the Canaries more competitive and help them achieve ‘better results’ if the UK leaves Europe. The eight-island archipelago would be classed as an ‘an outermost region’ under a new agreement benefiting holidaymakers. It’s equivalent of IVA (VAT), the Canary Indirect General Tax’ (IGIC) tax, will be waived for visitors after Brexit. Around 16 million tourists flocked to the islands, including Tenerife and Lanzarote, in 2017, with Brits consistently being the largest group of holidaymakers.
Pocket money THE Spanish government is set to borrow €15 billion from the Treasury so it can cover this year’s pensions requirements. The Labour ministry once again needs extra help as it does not collect enough money to pay for 14 different types of pension. Nearly nine million Spaniards receive 9.6 million pensions, which include retirement (5.9 million), widowhood (2.3 million) and permanent disability (1 million).
M1’s to watch! • Advertorial •
In addition to winning over €1million in compensation from the timeshare industry last year, M1 is pleased to announce it has secured regulation by the UK’s Claims Management Regulator in respect of regulated claims
SUCCESS STORIES!
Following on from the last article M1 legal are happy to report further victories, finishing 2018 on an all-time high!
1: Anfi – A triple Win!
2: Silverpoint – A Double Win!
Total Awarded £55,884
Total Awarded £41,961
In the first case against Anfi, the clients were awarded £21,430 for the reason that the contract did not comply with minimum legal requirements. The second case was awarded £16,066 plus an extra £1960 due to having paid the deposit within the initial cooling off period. It was also noted thatbeen the contract did not have an end date (i.e. in perpetuity). The third case was awarded £6828 plus an extra £9600 for having paid the full purchase price within the cooling off period. The contract was also in perpetuit y and did not comply with minimum legal requirements. In all 3 cases, the judge ruled that the contracts be deemed null and void and ordered the above payouts.
TO SUM IT UP
Total Victories Achieved 2018:
In both cases, the judge decided that the contracts with Silverpoint were illegal based on the grounds they were signed in perpetuity (no end date). They also did not meet the minimum legal requirements and both contracts were deemed null and void.
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Total Amount Awarded to Clients 2018:
3: Airtours Total awarded £15,122 Our legal partners at M1 legal were also victorious against Airtours (Anfinpan S.L.). Again it was revealed the contract had no end date and did not comply with the legal minimum requirements. The judge declared the contract null and void and ordered the payout.
£1.1 million
Contact us on - (0034) 951 562 209 or Visit our offices at AV. CARMEN SAENZ DE TEJADA, PARQUE MIRAMAR S208 BUILDING 4TH FLOOR B, 29651 MIJAS COSTA, MALAGA, SPAIN.
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AGONY Property ANT
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Jan 16th - Jan 29th 2019
YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY ANTONIO FLORES
Custody compensation
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How the EU has ordered Spanish Courts to review compensation for wrongful imprisonment, explains Lawbird’s Antonio Flores
HE Spanish Constitutional Tribunal has judicial authority regardless of the reasons gihad to accept that people wrongly held ven 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 acciview the law - not without significant reticence dent 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 chan- connection to terrorist activities that had all ges to adapt national laws (art. 294.1 of the charges dropped when two key witnesses reJudiciary Power Act). tracted their testimonies, was Currently, Spain operates a denied compensation. dual objective/subjective criSome countries operate simiA man held in teria compensation system. lar systems - in the UK, legal Under it, acquittals or dismis- custody for over changes in 2014 restricted sed 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 polirepair’ will be available. ce 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 fo- pensation based on ‘prison days’. llowing a judicial acquittal, class 1 (where no In the US, an August report by the national Recrime had been committed) and class 2 (whe- gistry of Exonerations calculated the number of re a crime was committed but those charged years spent incarcerated for crimes not commihad been found not guilty due to insufficient tted - 20,080 years unjustly lost to prison. evidence). According to the ECJ, in making But the magnitude of rightful compensation such distinction, the Spanish Court […] had was, in a very American way, enormous at disregarded the applicant’s previous acquit- U$D 2.2 billion. tal, which had to be taken into account by any
Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.com
BUSINESS
January 16th - January 29th 2019
Rent control 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
Spanish government may bring in ‘Soviet rules’ to big cities
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 Pro-
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.
perty 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. “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 were almost the exact same.” Rents went up just 9% last year, in comparison to 18% in 2017.
How empty villages are filling a gap in the market W
But be wary of such purchases, insists Woodbrook CEO Michael Doherty
ould you like to own your own village? Spain has a few to spare. They are the forgotten villages; once thriving rural communities, but now devoid of life, their stone buildings crumbling, their cobbled streets silent. It is estimated that there are as many as 3,000 of these empty or near-empty hamlets, scattered around Spain, most particularly in Galicia, Castilla y León, Aragón and Asturias. The actress Gwyneth Paltrow shone a spotlight on such unusual investment opportunities when, in a recent social media posting, she recommended buying a deserted Galician village as a Christmas present (see page 32). A Dutch couple took up her suggestion and are in the process of clinching the deal for around €150,000. That’s a bit below the average asking-price for the-
se villages although some have sold for as little as €50,000. That expenditure, however, will only get you the deeds to the properties. Most of these villages are in a state of complete ruin and Aldeas Abandonadas, a real estate agency that specialises in such deals, estimates that it takes between €500,000 and €600,000 to make the buildings habitable. Nevertheless, there is considerable interest. Aldeas Abandonadas reports that 70% of clients come from abroad. British buyers lead the way followed Belgians, French, and, of late, an increasing number of investors from Russia and Arab countries. Interest from Spaniards is small but growing. It is not easy to secure these purchases since would-be buyers must deal with a number of owners, including some who have left Spain and others who have inherited the property. Aldeas Abandonadas, and simi-
lar agencies, will locate the owners and do the necessary paperwork with the public notary, the land register and the local councils. Some buyers plan to set up a tourism business, others to farm and some are simply seeking an unusual retirement haven. If that is your dream, then go for it. But, in general, I always advise caution to expats who want to invest in specific properties or property schemes. I am not thinking here of people buying a home for themselves. There are beautiful properties to be had in wonderful Spanish locations and often at very reasonable prices. But it is one thing to look at a house and decide if it is right for you. It is quite a different matter to assess the market and decide if it is where you want to place your capital. Deserted villages at least have an aura of romance. That can’t be said for every new marina and tourist development but, as an investment, they can prove just as risky. What most expats want is peace
CEO: Michael Doherty of the Woodbrook Group
of mind and a secure environment in which their money can grow. For that, you need to take advice. Let me declare an interest here. My company, the Woodbrook Group, is an international firm of financial advisers and, of course, we would be very pleased to handle your business. But whoever you take advice from, make sure it is sound and impartial and do not rush into any investment without knowledge. The Woodbrook Group is not owned by any financial institution or life insurance company. This
makes us different from the majority of financial advisory companies and means we can offer you unbiased and impartial advice tailored to your individual requirements. *For more information, contact our team at the Woodbrook Group Office in Marbella: Av. Ricardo Soriano, 72 Edificio Golden Portal B, 1ª Planta 29601 Marbella, Málaga, Spain. Telephone: +34 952768471 Email: officemarbella@woodbrookgroup.com
Woodbrook Group, regulated by CySEC also has expertise in Investment and Wealth Planning, QROPS, SIPPS, Trust and Trustee Services, Taxation, Accounting, Audit and Legal services, Company Formation and Administration, Cross-Border Structuring, Domiciliation and Corporate Services among many others. www.woodbrookgroup.com • Email: contact@woodbrookgroup.com
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January 16th - January 29th 2019
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Property of the Week
Humilladero, Malaga - TH3888 89.950€ This large 5 bed, 2 bath, family home set out over 3 floors, the ground floor has a reception room, downstairs powder room, lounge a great size kitchen diner with plenty of storage and spacious bedroom with ensuite bathroom and storage.
tel: +34 952 741 525 Calle de la Villa 14, 29532, Mollina, Malaga info@inlandandalucia.com www.inlandandalucia.com
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Jan 16th - Jan 29th 2019
PROPERTY
January 16th - January 29th 2019
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’ 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 countryside whose
Landlords abroad MORE than half of tourist rental properties in Malaga province are owned by foreigners, a new study has revealed. Of the 23,238 holiday lets registered on October 1 in Malaga last year, 11,738 are owned by foreign nationals compared to 11,496 owned by Spaniards. The stats highlight the Costa del Sol’s power of attraction for investment firms and individuals globally, including places as far flung as Iraq, Iran, Kazakhstan and Kenya. The report states that 87% of foreign-owned holiday rental properties on the Costa del Sol belong to EU citizens, while 4% are owned by Russians. Americans own 369 homes and 61 are owned by Asians, 27 of them from China. Nearly 100 other lets are listed with owners from the Middle East and Africa. When applied to the whole of Andalucia, Spanish landlords tip the balance owning 25,000 out of 40,000 holiday lets.
MORTGAGE THINK TANK Spain is still an attractive property investment this year, writes The Finance Bureau’s Tancrede de Pola
M
ORTGAGES in Spain are no longer among the cheapest in Europe. Interest rates in September sat at an average of 1.94% in Spain, above the 1.79% euro zone average and higher than Germany (1.86%), France (1.51%) and Italy (1.79%). But don’t let that put you off investing in Britain’s favourite holiday hotspot. While rates have increased, there may be room for competition among lenders to offer borrowers lower rates. It comes after the Spanish government ruled that banks should pay the stamp duty tax, a highly divisive decision that split the country’s Supreme Court. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has tried to qualm concerns that the cost would be passed onto consumers. The competitive market, he argued, would ensure banks do not pass on the added cost to clients through higher interest rates or other fees. While this does not necessarily ring true as already, some banks are increasing interest rates during the initial fixed-term period, there are still a host of other pull factors making
GONE: Village wanted by Gwyneth Paltrow populations have deserted them from the EU for doing it up as a for the cities and coast. rural tourism business. There are now more than 3,000 The bullish market is seeing scattered across Spain. And alat least 20 Spaniards coming though only a few hundred are forward every month to prove currently for sale due to a lack they own a stake in the abandoof paperwork, Spaniards are ned villages, while prices have coming forward everyday to risen by around 5-10% in just lay claim to the towns and their one year. properties. Aldeas Abandonadas has 110 In fact, although 70% of villages available - average clients come from price between €200,000 abroad and tend to and €450,000 - albe British, Belgian though there are and French, an insome going for becreasing number of tween €2.5 million Spaniards are buying and €7 million – the into the dream, accorlatter being a village ding to Aldeas Abanin Huelva. donadas, a real estate However if you’re looagent managing the sale of king to invest, be prepared dozens of villages. for things to take time and try to One Malaga couple has just avoid villages with more than 10 bought a Galician hamlet for property owners, as it can prove €60,000, the agency revealed. ‘almost impossible’ to reach an It comes not only with six cotagreement that suits every party tages and 15,000m2 of land but involved. the bonus of a €200,000 grant
by mortgage broker Tancrede de Pola
Bring on 2019
Spain a sound investment for 2019. For starters, mortgages are available for up to 70% loan-to-value, although there are better lending terms availa-
ble for loans of 60% or less. This year is also - hopefully - set to finally bring some certainty to British buyers almost three years after the
Brexit vote. If common sense prevails and a deal is made, clients will be able to plan and purchase with more comfort in
knowing what their funds can buy. If the British sterling recovers strongly against the Euro, we could see a spike in British investors after years of uncertainty and a slight dip. Although, as we saw in 2018, any gap made by reluctant Brits is quickly filled by new markets, most notably Scandinavians, Belgians, Dutch as well as the ever-present Middle East, proving that Spain is still a buoyant market. And the figures don’t lie, with the number of mortgages granted in Spain rising by 20.4% last year. And if you’re wondering where to invest this year, look no further than Andalucia, which was the region with the third highest number of mortgages approved in 2018, following the ever-hot Madrid and tourist mecca Catalunya. And if you do choose to take the plunge, whether it be for investment purposes or to start a new life in the sun, the Finance Bureau will be here to get you the best mortgage deal possible, with 15years experience in dealing with banks and lenders. Visit us at our Marbella office or call us on +34952801401
To contact Tancrede for all your mortgaging needs call: 666 709 743 or for insurance queries call: 951 203 540 Email: tdp@thefinanacebureau.com The Finance Bureau Centro Commercial Guadalmina, 2nOffice No. 7 Guadalmina, 29670
with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
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EIGHT Andalucian wines and spirits have featured in an influential list of Spain’s Best Wines and Spirits, with one more notable sherry coming from Alicante in Valencia. Chosen by the Spanish Association of Wine Journalists and Writers, Andalucia is the most represented region in Spain in the annual nationwide competition. Although the overall winner is the 2016 Pago de Carraovejas from the Ribera de Duero region in Castille
Almeria - 2019 culinary capital ALMERIA is set to become Spain’s Capital of Gastronomy in 2019 - the first Mediterranean coastal city ever to host the year-long food fest. The historic port town will be ‘the first ambassador of Mediterranean cuisine’, showcasing the best chefs, restaurants and fresh produce the region has to offer, promised Mayor Ramon Fernandez-Pacheco. “This is going to be the year of the city” said Councillor Carolina Lafita. Almeria will ‘surprise, contribute new ideas and leave its own mark on the network of gastronomic cities’, she added.
Profile
Previous gastronomic capitals have included Leon in 2018 and Huelva, on Spain’s Atlantic coast, in 2017. Both cities have successfully used the opportunity to ‘raise their international and culinary profiles’, said Lafita. The full programme of events will be unveiled on January 12. The handover from Leon will officially take place at a glitzy ceremony at the International Tourism Fair in Madrid on January 24.
Top tipples y Leon, Andalusia dominates in the brandy, sherry and sweet wine categories. Cardenal Mendoza and Lepanto Solera Gran Reserva PX and Presidente Alvear were unveiled as the top Spanish brandies. The three best sherries include Tradicion Palo Cortado V.O.R.S and
Jan 16th - Jan 29th 2019 Cuatro Palmas Amontillado from the Jerez-Xerex-Sherry region and Fondillon de Primitivo Quiles from Alicante. The sweet wine, liquors and vermouth category was also entirely Andalucian with Tintilla de Rota from Finca Moncloa in Cadiz, Pedro Ximenez 1927 by Alvear from Montilla-Moriles and Gonzalez Byass’s Noe Pedro Ximenez VORS from Jerez-Xerex-Sherry. The winemakers will receive their awards at a gala dinner in Sevilla on April 12.
January 16th - January 29th 2019
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restaurant | lunch and dinner restaurant | lunch and dinner
Malaga has six restaurants in Spain’s top 100 according to eatery app El Tenedor (and Mallorca has seven) A MALAGA restaurant has been voted 10th best in Spain, while nine other Andalucian eateries 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. Ocho in Malaga is the restaurant deemed Spain’s 10th best and co-owner David Perrin Cortés is ‘thrilled’ with the ranking.
Spontaneity
“El Tenedor’s results are based on client feedback, so it means a lot and makes what we are trying to do worthwhile,” he told the Olive Press. Located on Calle Pedro de Toledo, Ocho is about fresh Argentine-inspired cooking and seasonal produce. Yet despite the South American link, Perrin Cortés was keen to talk up the culinary offerings of southern Spain. “Andalucia is the garden of Spain,” he enthused. “There’s so much fresh seafood and vegetables here.” Humbly, he said that while Ocho had no plans to expand in 2019, “We will try and improve. We are trying to keep things real and small.” Five more Malaga kitchens join Ocho in the list selected by El Tenedor, while Casares, Gra-
OCHO: 10th best restaurant in Spain
Forking amazing! nada, Sevilla and Almeria also get a look-in with one each. Sarmiento, placed number 34 in the hot 100, is newly opened in Casares. The menu centres on the pillars of the Andalucian lifestyle: ‘authenticity, spontaneity and enjoyment of family’. Another pick of the bunch in Andalucia is Ta-Kumi, a Japanese ‘cuisine and gastro bar’ with branches in Marbella and Malaga. Meanwhile, Martín Berasategui’s self-titled restaurant in the Basque town of Lasarte-Oria was ranked the number one restaurant in Spain. His eponymous eatery has been awarded three Michelin stars since 2001, while he personally holds more than any other Spanish chef, with eight. Just south of San Sebastian, his restaurant’s a la carte menu is lit up by dishes like
‘basil and coral gazpacho with diced and cured rockfish and horseradish’.
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Laser detective RESEARCHERS in Madrid have invented a hi-tech,low-cost sensor to detect adulterated olive oil. The device can tell the difference between pure extra virgin olive oil and fake blended varieties by using a laser light to differentiate the particles in both. Extra virgin olive oil is sometimes mixed with outof-date olive oil or cheaper, lower-grade oils, but it is almost impossible to detect the fraud until it is too late. But with the use of a lasers and computer algorithms, the researchers hope it will soon be easy and inexpensive to root out the imposters. The laser device, which is no bigger than a bag, generates results in real time
HIGH TECH: Fake oils will soon be rumbled and is cheap to manufacture with a 3D printer, said Jose S. Torrecilla, a senior lecturer and researcher at Madrid’s Complutense University. “Other clear advantages of our tool include the possibility of conducting on-site analyses as the equipment is the size of a briefcase. “The quality of olive oil is recognised nationally and
internationally. It is therefore necessary to protect this quality and combat fraudulent activities carried out with increasing frequency and skill in the sector,” he added. Researchers bought three types of olive oil from supermarkets to test the laser device, including some oils that were past their best-before date.
Perfect Winter Break 2x1 Special Offer in January and February
FOOD,DRINK
32 www.theolivepress.es 32 January 16th - January 29th 2019
Slopes with the most January 16th - January 29th 2019
From the high octane to the low key, we check out Spain’s niftiest ski resorts for snow fanatics
S
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 purpose-built 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.
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& TRAVEL
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January 16th - January 29th 2019
January 16th - January 29th 2019
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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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ESTEPONA
Girl power FEMALE golfers have been given a new course in Guadalmina to play the Andalusian Cup on this year. The tournament locations are reversed this year, with the women playing at Real Golf Club Guadalmina and the men at Atalaya Park. The all-star lineup includes Marina Escobar, who is favourite, as well as Ana Peláez, Blanca Fernández and Valentina Albertazzi, among others. Meanwhile, defending champion, the Catalan Laura Pasalodos, looked to retain her title at the tournament, which took place from January 9-12.
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King of the greens
Top Spanish golfer honoured by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia
DUD: Tiger Woods
JON Rahm has been awarded the King Juan Carlos prize at the 2019 National Sports
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January 16th - January 29th 2019
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Is your home ready for the cold spell?
N the occasion of the Christmas period and beyond, maybe you have planned to travel to your country to visit family and friends. A home insurance, therefore, is essential during this time of the year, basically because you will leave your home empty and also, in winter, extreme weather conditions are capable of wreaking havoc on your home, even more, if you are far away! In view of this, you should bear in mind some things before you go away for your vacation to keep your home safe and secure. Talking about your home insurance, it is important to make sure you have the cover you need and that it remains valid whilst you are away. You should know that if you are away from home for more than a certain number of days, in the event of a loss, the claim coverage could be rejected if the home has been vacant for a period longer than stipulated in your policy. Thus, ensuring that your home insurance provider is aware that the property will be vacant for a long period of time and checking the period in your policy,can make all the difference should the worst happen in your absence. On the other hand, there are many insurance companies that don’t cover wind perils. Liberty Seguros does, but even if yours also covers it you should talk to your insurance agent to determine if personal property, such as a 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.
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Awards, after he won the 2018 Ryder Cup. At just 24 years old the Basque pro is being honoured for his ‘significant’ sporting achievements, along with footballer Juan Mata and karate champion Sandra Sanchez. Named after the former king, the sports prize is awarded to those who have shown ‘the most significant revelation of the sports panorama’. Rahm received the honour at Madrid’s Palace of El Pardo on Thursday, where former King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia were also in attendance. Known as Rahmbo, Spain’s hottest golfing talent began 2018 with a sudden death victory over Andrew Landry in the CareerBuilder Challen-
Broken
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 compensate 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 New client? 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 shoveCASHBACK € threatening led, trimming trees, finding burst water pipes, shutting off your water and cleaning your with 2 new policies 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 The Expats’ No.1 Choice much as possible.
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ROYALS: Letizia and Felipe
ge. The nail biting victory, saw Rahm claim his second only PGA Tour victory, while climbing to second in the world rankings. Rahm followed his success up months later, winning the Open de España on the European Tour in April. But his best moment of 2018 came as he and Europe beat the US in the Ryder Cup at Le Golf National in France. The Europeans beat the defending champions 17½ points to 10½, while Rahm himself came third in the Ryder Cup world points list. Although not featuring in the Sentry tournament lineup in Hawaii this month, Rahm has still maintained his top 10 world ranking.
SERGIO Garcia has confirmed him and his old nemesis Tiger Woods will not retire, but said the American is past his peak. The Borriol-born 39-yearold made the comments in an interview with Express at a PokerStars tournament in the Bahamas. “He showed really good form last year but can he get back to his form in the early 2000s? I don’t think so,” said Garcia, speaking about the American. The 2017 Masters champion had argued publicly with Woods in the past, but now is happy for his former foe, adding that Woods had made ‘a great comeback’.
DEFIANT: Garcia
Kiwi king SPAIN-based US Open champion Michael Campbell will be inducted into the Māori Golf Hall of Fame, it has been revealed. The 49-year-old New Zealander won the American tournament back in 2005, the same year he bagged the €1,107,000 prize for winning the HSBC World Match Play Championship. Now retired in Spain, the Kiwi king returned to New Zealand to be at the 82nd anniversary of the Māori Golf Tournament in Taupō, where he educated youngsters about playing professionally. Speaking about his induction, he said: “Very appreciative of this role, of this label, of getting an amazing award - it’s been a long track along the way. I’ve worked very hard for it.”
7 November
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Death drive
Bye Diesel, Bye
DIESEL car sales have continued their downfall with just 35.8% of cars sold in 2018 powered by the fuel. Petrol cars took 57.5% of the market share after 2017 saw diesel and petrol cars almost equal on sales. In that year 46.3% of sales were petrol vehicles, while diesel took 48.3% of the market share.
Spills
Since Diesel spills were pointed out as a health and environmental problem by numerous governments, customers became fearful of buying diesel cars. It comes as downtown Madrid banned all polluting vehicles from its streets, making the city a pioneer in Europe.
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January 16th - January 29th 2019
Liverpool party boat set to bring revellers from Merseyside to Marbella A LIVERPOOL party boat that will bring hordes of revellers from Merseyside to the Costa del Sol will launch next summer. The 600-bed boat, worth more than €4 million, is the brainchild of Liverpudlian hotel chain Signature Living. It comes after boss Lawrence Kenwright revealed the remarkable plan to launch a 600-bed party-boat hotel that will take Scousers to the sunny resorts like Ibiza and Marbella for parties and raves with 'world famous DJs.' Kenwright has now launched a competition to name the boat, with the owner of the winning name being handed four tickets for a four-night stay on the boat
FIESTA FLOATER? when it docks in Marbella - with return flights from Liverpool included. Kenwright said: “Liverpool has a rich maritime history - spanning centuries - and people across the city played a huge part in that. Indeed the Cunard and White Star Line ships helped cement our position as the second city of the British Empire. “With our new cruise liner, we are launching what will be Signature Living’s first venture at sea. "Our ambition is to help drive Liverpool’s maritime renaissan-
The Leon King THE SEAT Leon has once again been crowned the most popular car in Spain after selling 34,890 units. Another Spanish-built SEAT model, the Ibiza, came second with 31,474 units. The SUV fever continues with the Nissan Qashqai and the small crossover Dacia Sandero in third and fourth place respectively. Meanwhile, another classic, the Renault Clio, occupies 5th place, beating the VW Polo on sales, which placed 6th. Behind them, the SUV Peugeot 3008 picked up the award for best performer, as it saw sales rise by 47.6%.
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for the party boat - but it is understood that its maiden voyage will take place in the summerand will see a lucky group of fun-loving Scousers travel from Liverpool to Marbella on Spain's Costa Del Sol. From there the boat will travel to other party destinations such as the island of Ibiza, offering wild parties and places for people to stay.
IN 2018 1,180 people died in traffic accidents and 4,515 were heavily injured and hospitalized, figures have revealed. Both numbers have dropped by 1.5% and 7.6% respectively in comparison with 2017. Most deaths occurred on main roads in head-on collisions, and off-track accidents, mainly caused by speeding and distractions. By age, the group most affected was seniors drivers (65 and over), whose death ratio has increased. Meanwhile 20% of deaths occurred on highways, caused by pedestrians or drivers who got out of their cars. The DGT is bring in new speed limits, more severe penalties for using mobile phones at the wheel, and new TV commercials to raise awareness.
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Brace yourself for 2019 Belinda Beckett looks into the immediate future and discovers it’s not all bad AS we head into another New Year, fearing that this one will turn out to be just as bloody-minded as the last, here are some key dates for your 2019 diary that don’t require a crystal ball.
suaded that you can never have too much of a good thing.
grey February and Mary Poppins Returns which hit cinema screens over Christmas could win this year’s nostalgia vote. It was the spoonful of sugar that helped the ‘Brexmas’ medicine go down although us oldies have fonder memories of the Julie Andrews version.
January 28 It’s going to be a pig of a year – Chinese New Year style. The 12th animal sign in their zodiac symbolises prosperity and good fortune, something we’ve all been short of in 2018. In pig years you’ll have fun and bring home serious bacon.
good).
February 25 The Oscars add a splash of glam to a
March/April Another royal baby will put a spring
March 29 D-Day for expats in Europe, when we may all become illegal aliens overnight if infamous Article 50 comes into force (I didn’t say it was all
in our step. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expecting their first born around the time the Campo de Gibraltar’s real storks go into parental overdrive atop their telegraph pole nests. April (date tba) The beginning of the end of Game of Thrones - a bitter-sweet event for millions. Only six more episodes and it will all be over, unless HBO can be per-
Wishing for a happy new year
I
N the final council meeting of the year the ‘communist councillor’, rather unfortunately, cited a 14th century poem which used the words ‘perro judio’, or Jewish Dogs, but has the feeling of ‘dirty Jews’. Quite unaware of his outstanding gaff he was reminded by the leader of the opposition, Angel Nozal, that this kind of language did not belong in a council meeting in the 21st century. Sr Curro, the said councillor, affectionately known in Mijas as Curro 42K for the salary which he draws for doing nothing, decided that attack was the best form of defence, and claimed in an article that Nozal was an unread, fanatical opportunist who should keep his snake tongue in his mouth. He did add that he was merely quoting and didn’t mean to insult anyone - ‘dirty Jews’ clearly is not an insult in his intellectual, well-read world. So, Happy New Year! 2019 will be a busy New Year, at least for the first five months, as political parties everywhere prepare for the local elections on May 26. Here in Mijas, we have been working hard to facilitate the process of internationals registering to vote, although it has been a little like trying to bail out a boat with a hole in the bottom. As people were registering, names were being removed from the municipal register, and of course the voter’s roll, due to expired passports or inability to establish residence at the given address. My advice, if you have any doubt, is to check both your padrón and voter’s roll registration before January 30 2019.
MIJAS MATTERS By Bill Anderson
So, what are my desires for this year? Well, of course, good health as nothing makes sense without it. Happiness: Max Ehrmann, the writer of the Desiderata, also wrote, ‘impose upon yourself the task of happiness’. It is a state of mind, not just based on circumstances, but a belief that ‘with all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world’. Prosperity: I have never been driven my money, but fortunately have always made enough to at least scrape by. It is my hope that in 2019 fewer people will struggle to make a living wage. My desire for the place where I live, Mijas, will come as little or no surprise to many of you. I want Mijas to become the crown jewel of the Costa del Sol. I want to see Mijas clean and cared for. I want people without financial resources to be supported, I want to see a public residence for the elderly, 24 hour health care, and a hospital for the more than 150,000 people who live in Mijas and Fuengirola. I want to see order and common sense in local government. That is why I will be working to ensure Angel Nozal returns to his rightful place as Mayor of Mijas.
August 2019-2021 Andalucia is planning a threeyear party to mark the 500th anniversary of the 1st circumnavigation of the globe. Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan set sail from Sanlucar, via Sevilla, with three ships and 270 men to find a westward passage to the East Indies. Only 18 crew and one ship captained by Spaniard Juan Sebastian Elcano returned from the epic three-year voyage. An opera
Some time this year The internet will officially become bigger than TV worldwide. People will spend an average of 170.6 minutes a day shopping, chatting and live streaming online in 2019, say pundits - a whole three minutes more than they’ll spend watching ‘the box’. Never The world will NOT end with a bang in the shape of an asteroid collision. Originally forecast by both Nostradamus and meteorologists to pass scarily close to earth in 2019, NASA has since assured us there will be a margin of about 2.6 million miles. So if 2019 shows signs of breaking bad, rejoice. At least you’ll be ALIVE!
Protest with no bull It’s new year, new me in more than one way as Giles Brown heads to his first ever protest
I
T is a fairly well known fact that I’m not and heavy breathing as you try and lift weione of those ‘New Year, New You’ type of ghts… people, as the hulking pile of unopened I also went on my first ever protest march. self-help books gathering dust in the far Even though I grew up in the UK in the 80s, corners of my bookshelves will verify. But I didn’t get involved in politics that much, despite myself, I have made a few small apart from the obligatory CND badge in the steps to becoming a better person in 2019. sixth form, so avoided demonstrations for Before you all drop your morning Martinis the poll tax, miners’ strike and Greenham in mirth, I must confess that I’m unlikely to Common. But the announcement that Marhave some Road to Damascus-style conver- bella Town Hall planned to bring back bullfision, come over all millennial and start knit- ghting - banned by the previous administrating my own quinoa or some such. tion - angered several of my friends who, like But while the rest of Marbella was eager- me, couldn’t see how bullfighting is still perly posting photos of their new gym kit and tinent to 21st century Spain. I’m not going to training regimes on social media, I did dust engage in the rights and wrongs of it in this off and drag out the weights from a dark column, save to say that I’m right, and you corner of the casita and even indulged in a can find me on social media and have a go if lung-bursting blast of cardio by hauling my you think you’re hard enough. And if replies post Christmas, battered body up the track on my Facebook page are to believed, I am that leads from the house to the Istan road. a marked man in some quarters of La Cala. A change of diet also occurred, as you The march itself passed off without incident, can’t really get away with scoffing a hand- with a broad cross section of pierced and ful of Quality Street tattooed hardcore for breakfast in midprotesters, as well as January. I couldn’t families and foreign resist posting a shot residents. But I must of myself in scruffy confess that my vohoodie and red beanie cabulary let me down training hat - a sort of with chanting some of ‘gym smurf’ look, if the slogans. There’s you will - though I did nothing worse than caption it ‘narcissisgetting ‘La Tortura no tic gym selfie alert’. es Cultura’ wrong and And I also discovered shouting ‘La Tortuga that one of the added no es Cultura’. benefits of living in At least I got a laugh splendid isolation in from my fellow dethe campo means that monstrators. Next no one can hear your time, I’ll just bring a anguished screams ACTIVISTS: Giles Brown and co whistle…
Across: 1 Dress, 4 Offal, 7 Baku, 8 Absorbed, 9 Psalter, 10 Cache, 12 Havana, 14 Anorak, 16 Psych, 18 Edition, 21 Rotarian, 22 Esau, 23 Romeo, 24 Rodeo.
Political stability, better health care and expat rights are some of the new year wishes, Bill Anderson hopes for in 2019
June 7-July 7 A time for girl power to shine as France hosts the FIFA Women’s World Cup, now in its eighth edition. Let’s be honest - 2018’s male version was just a warmup for the main event. Mid-summer Virgin Galactic’s first commercial space flights for tourists are due to blast off. Richard Branson has vowed to be the first passenger up.
starring Placido Domingo, a replica voyage and a round-world trimaran race are among hundreds of events planned.
Down: 1 Dead sea, 2 Equal, 3 Spaceman, 4 Oust, 5 Farrago, 6 Leech, 11 Gardener, 13 Acclaim, 15 Avocado, 17 Scour, 19 Treed, 20 Kilo.
SPORT
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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. 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.
January 16th - January 29th 2019
Raquet racket 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 Fornell-Mestres. 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 lu-
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’.
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January 16th - January 29th 2019
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I ACCUSED: Mestres xury 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. 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 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.
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FINAL WORDS
A NEW PP logo featuring the Spanish flag has been seen as a way to compete with Vox, who also use the national flag in their branding.
Superfood MOSCATEL raisins from Malaga have been declared an ‘important’ food by the Food and Agricultural Organisation for keeping blood pressure low.
Robo rep MARBELLA has launched a virtual tour guide that provides information using AI, soon to be available on the ‘Assistant Marbella’ smartphone app.
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Hypocrites?
Some 80% of the ultra-right-wing party’s funding came from an unusual source during its European election campaign VOX may rail against Islam and socialism but in 2014 the party ironically received 146 donations worth €800,000 from members of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) for its European elec-
tion campaign. NCRI, which has close ties to the militant Islamic socialist group the Mojahedin Organisation of Iran, or MEK, now recognises that it did not know Vox’s position on immigration. “We knew it was
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.
a new party but not on the extreme right,” a source claimed. The NCRI was, in fact, returning a favour to former PP politician and one of the 14 vice-presidents of the European Parliament, Alejo Vidal-Quadras, who decided to abandon the PP in 2014 and represent Vox in the European election. In the event, he failed to get more than 1.56% of the vote and subsequently abandoned the party altogether. “They were people who had nothing to do with Vox,” says Vidal-Quadras of the donations. “The candidate was me. They were donations for me. I helped save a lot of lives. It’s a massive group of exiles who see me as their protector. When I go to their events, they hug and kiss me.”
POLITICIAN: Alejo Vidal-Quadras went to dozens of NCRI rallies in Paris during his stint as European vice-president, but claims he was never paid to do so. However, a report in The Guardian last November claims the NCRI pays high fees to VIP guests at their events. The US National Security Advisor John Bolton, for instance, was paid €156,000 for putting in several appearances.
Jaime Bond TWO men carrying a James Bond-style gun pen have been arrested in Malaga. The Spaniards, 34 and 39, were held on charges of drug trafficking and the possession of illegal weapons. Police also seized a taser, an air pistol, another gun with ammunition, a bulletproof vest, seven grammes of cocaine and 108 grammes of hash and €11,000. James Bond was famously seen using a 9mm rocket-firing pen gun in Never Say Never Again.
HIGH TECH: Pen gun
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