Olive Press Newspaper - Issue 301 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

VI 18

PROPERTY

www.theolivepress.es

September 2018

VILLA in Mallorca made headline news this month for being allegedly the ‘most expensive’ in Spain … although the owners of an even costlier Marbella-listed mansion might have something

to say about that. At a staggering €65 million, it’s one of the many properties across the country that have seen their worth soar as the country’s property market continues to recover. Our Olive Press Property Magazine sleuths rounded up some of the most expensive homes in Spain’s hottest locations.

Simply the best

September 26th - October 9th 2018

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September 26th - October 9th 2018

XIV 26

HIS sprawling modern home is located in La Finca, near Madrid, reckoned to be the safest residential area in Europe and a favourite among footie stars like Gareth Bale and Zinedine Zidane. The mansion, west of the centre of Madrid,

In the latest round of the Design World Cup, Nest Estepona’s Lotti Ander pits Germany against Spain

boasts a home cinema, spa, sauna, massage room, gym, security room, domotics and an independent pavilion for staff. For sale through Jaime Valcarce Consulting Inmobiliario, you also get indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a nine-car garage.

We track down Spain’s most expensive homes...

STYLISH: Sleek lines

PALMA

65 MILLION

22/1/18

15:33

Looking for Design Inspiration? SEVILLA,

13.5 MILLION

by WNED Joanne Hearst Castro, granddaughter of newspaper magnate Randolph William Hearst, this grand 152-hectare estate is just 15 minutes from the centre of Sevilla and offers jaw-dropping views from every side. The 15-bedroom cortijo has its own chapel, dressage rings, pool, wine cellar with flamenco tablao and even a private bull

ring! It also comes with a horse and collection carriage - including the one Spain’s Infanta Elena rode in to her wedding. The 3000 m2 property, listed with Sotheby’s, was built in 1929 by Aníbal González before being upgraded in 1999. Sotheby’s is offering it fullyfurnished, complete with objets d’art collected from the most exotic corners in the world.

80 MILLION Spain. MARBELLA, 80 MARBELLA, expensive in most expensive the most actually the HIS massive mansionisisactually

HIS massive mansion was giant was 10-bedroom, 17-bathroom the 10-bedroom, 17-bathroom giant Marbella, the Property Marbella, Prime Property withPrime Listedwith Listed garden. pool, garage and enormous enormous garden. swimming pool, featuresaa swimming andfeatures 2002and builtinin2002 built heated with aa heated home comes complete complete with beachfront home the beachfront plot,the 8000m2plot, an8000m2 onan Sittingon Sitting barbecue. andbarbecue. cinemaand bars,cinema pool,bars, pool,

The leading home decoration magazine for homeowners with style… Tel. (+34) 951 38 38 97 | info@homeandlifestyle.es | www.homeandlifestyle.es

T seems all Europeans have their own unique DNA when it comes to interior styles, like stripes that never go away. In our last property magazine, I explained how I could tell with near 100% accuracy where the owners of a home were from depending on their interiors. Kicking off the Design World Cup, I pitted the Brits furniture-loving against the minimalist Swedes. This edition I take a look at the precision-loving Germans and colourmad Spaniards.

GORGEOUS: Gardens of Sevilla mansion

More eye-watering properties overleaf

September 26th - October 9th 2018

XVI 28

Clinical vs Colour

PROPERTY

September 26th - October 9th 2018

www.theolivepress.es

September 26th - October 9th 2018

www.theolivepress.es

September 2018

€899,000

I love this historical hacienda with Roman origins, near Antequera. It features some amazing nooks and crannies and plenty of space… and check this amazing

Order, grunge and gemütlichkeit!

...work out who’s more stylish? The Germans or the Spanish...

ERMANS have a long history with industrial craftsmanship, producing designs systematically and methodically with a rigorous and refined approach to quality. Bauhaus, BMW and beer are all products of this ‘mit Präzision’ mentality! And when it comes to their way of living (Germans have a problem with voluptuous and fussy interiors) you can easily see their love for clean, staight lines. They tend to focus on one statement piece of furniture at a time rather than an overall concept, and they do it themselves - hiring an interior designer is a no-no! Seeing the home as an arena for self-expression is a completely outlandish idea to orderly German minds! Please follow the instructions below to give your home the Deutsch touch: •

•

Bare brickwork walls and concrete ‘bunker style’ are popular design themes. Organise your home with modular floor-to-ceiling

•

ORDERED: Clean, tidy and organised in a German home shelves and containers. There should be no clutter. •

Gemütlischkeit demands plenty of throws, cushions and carpets. If you want to enhance the arty crafty feel, throw in a lambskin.

•

A square fireplace (no frills or mantelpiece) is a must, accessorised with honey candle lights and a wooden floor - zehr naturlisch!

•

For the finishing touch, something olde worlde. Why not a cuckoo clock?

SPAIN

Color, color y mas color!

H CAPTION

OW can I describe the art of Spanish interior design in just a few words? It’s virtually impossible because minimalistic they are not. Their motto is ‘more is more’ - and the more furniture/colours/objets d’art, the better! Also alien to the Spanish homeowner is the concept common in • this age of over-consumption that when something is out of fashion, it gets chucked out and replaced by something more modish. This does not work for a Spaniard but honestly - why should it? We humans • are all hamster hoarders at heart, but we have a problem admitting it. Spaniards don’t. Therefore you may have difficulty navigating a Spanish home because of the hulking medieval cupboards, sideboards, bookcases and chiffoniers blocking your way to the bathroom. It’s like an • adventure into the Amazon jungle without a map. However, for those who are anal about organisation (like the Germans), the Spanish interior style is utterly liberating! If you want your home to be vibrant, full of life and furniture and with a colour scheme that will have paint supply com- • panies laughing all the way to the bank, you should do as follows: •

Choose distinct, strong colours for your walls. To achieve this psychedelic

schizophrenic look, every room must be different, from the porch to the garage and even the dog kennel house! Think fuchsia, neon-carrot, toxin green, bubblegum pink and custard sauce yellow. Buy chunky, heavy dark brown furniture and let no space come between them when you line them up along the walls. Olé! Install double lines of curtains. And awnings. And blinds. And blackouts. And use the electricity sparingly. Think dark side of the moon, then you are on the right path. Why be practical when you can run with wet laundry up two staircases instead? Always keep the washing machine in the kitchen/basement - that way, you get your daily exercise without thinking of it! Stash all your 101 cleaning products - the exterminate-everything-includingyourself stuff - in one of your many wardrobes. Not space enough ? Buy a bigger house, hombre!

XVII 29

September 2018

Property www.theolivepress.es

Roman beauty

GERMANY

St Georges European have been relocating families and businesses across Europe for over 10 years. As one of the UK’s only dedicated European movers, we operate crews. our own fleet of purpose built vehicles manned by our own experienced trained Insured by one of the UK’s leading brokers within the removals & storage industry and with our own containerised storage facilities in both the UK and Spain St Georges European have the solution to your next move.

CMY

PROPERTY

www.theolivepress.es

September 2018

MADRID 21 MILLION

PRIVILEGED: Location overlooking Palma

illa Solitaire in Son Vida, Palma was reported to be the most expensive property for sale in Spain this month at a cool €65 million (although it is still €15 million less than the Marbella-listed property below). On the market with the John Taylor real-estate, it was designed by Italian architect Matteo views over Palma Bay. has stunning Thun andANUNCIO 1 OLIVE PRESS ENERO 18 OK.pdf The 2,300m2 pad has seven bedrooms and six bathrooms, a rooftop terrace with open-air cinema, gym, parking for six cars, a botanical garden, an elevator … we could go on ...

VII 19

September 2018

Expensive Taste

archaeological masterpiece from the first century that was found in the grounds. It’s called the ‘Efebo’ and it sits in Antequera’s town museum.

’s y ga ert ala p ne M pro azi st g be ma

What can you buy in Spain when money is no object?

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Fortress

September 2018

€7.5m

I can only describe this as a ‘masterpiece’ and aside from winning architectural prizes, this fortress, near Alcala del Valle, between Ronda and Olvera, once owned by a Marquez, has Roman origins and a 120,000m2 plot, with its own olive plantation, chapel and no less than 10 bedrooms and nine bathrooms.

Country Mill

GATEWAY TO DREAMS HOMESELLERS REPORT

He is one of the best travelled agents in Andalucia… and few people know the inland region like Oscar Ernstsen (right), writes Jon Clarke

€295,000

OOKING for a castle? He’s got a few. Looking for a palace? That’s easy. Want a vineyard or an olive estate? What grape or olive variety do you prefer? Welcome to the wonderful world of Oscar Ernstsen at Villas & Fincas, Andalucia’s most travelled estate agent. While most Costa del Sol agents spend the majority of their time, scouring the many urbanisations between Mijas and Marbella, this Dutchman looks inland. Aside from a series of charming country properties near Estepona and Casares, where he is based, his beat is very much rustic dreams. But not of your ordinary kind. Take a look around his company’s re-

This resorted olive mill on the outskirts of one of inland Malaga’s most charming small villages, is a complete bargain. Completely restored, it sits on the edge of the cultured artist village of Genalguacil, just 30 minutes from Estepona and Ronda! With 1.4 hectares of land providing 1500 kgs of olives and 300 litres of oil, it’s the very epitome of the Good Life. A bargain for an artist or writer!

Horses and wines €1.15m

This amazing equestrian property sits in the middle of top class vineyards (near Federico Schatz bodega) in Ronda, with the most amazing views to the Grazalema Natural Park.

cently-relaunched website (below left) and you will find dozens of Andalucia’s most stunning estates. Scattered across seven provinces of Andalucia, they include hunting estates, equestrian properties, with vineyards, fortresses, with 12-foot high walls and 20-bed cortijos with Roman foundations. “I cover almost all of the region and as a rule of thumb, they have to be between a three and four hour drive from my office for me to consider them,” he explains. “And something three-and-ahalf hours away will have to be something pretty nice.” He particularly likes the Aracena region, of Huelva, with its rolling countryside, as well as the Natural Park of the Sierra Norte de Sevilla, which butts onto Extremadura. “I have just sold a wonderful olive estate to an American couple from New York there, as well as a vineyard near Ronda. They have all the bases covered,” he explains. He is a massive fan of the Serrania de Ronda area in general and ‘will never get bored of the amazing drive between Gaucin and Ronda’. And he also loves the Hornachuelos area, north of Cordoba and the south of Jaen. “I spend a lot of my week driving around inland Andalucia, which is easily one of the most beautiful areas of the world,” he explains. “I’ve got to know the region well over the last two decades and there are so many stunning places to live.” Luckily, his office in Casares, near Estepona, is manned around the clock by his wife and business partner Anita and a team of four employees, so he never misses a call, or client. Currently they have 250 properties on their books, all with exclusive photos and videos on their new website, which has taken a year to create. “There is something for everyone and if, like me, you appreciate the local Andalucian architecture, you will love having a browse,” he adds. Here are six picks from his current crop of dream places to buy: Visit www.villasfincas.com

...and find a selection of dreamy inland properties

Little bit pricey

Is this Spain’s most expensive home?

Page VI

September 26th - October 9th 2018

VS INTERIORS WORLD CUP, PART 2 See page XXVI

INLAND DREAMING

ust an hour or two from the Costa del Sol you’ll find a range of stunning historical gems for sale, many going back to the Roman era and one where Napoleon (right) once stayed. See page XVI

Heart-stoppingly romantic €700,000 Few places can take you back in time like this. Oozing history, it was once a monastery and features incredible arches and some of the nicest original features I have ever

Napoleon’s garret €1.55m

You will struggle to beat this award-winning restoration project, sitting inside the UNESCOprotected Sierra Norte de Sevilla Natural park. It was formerly

an ice factory, and later a farm for classic Jamon Iberico…Today it is a rural country hotel. Oh and by the way, Napoleon (right) once stayed here!

come across on my travels. It even has an old bodega and sits near the idyllic mountain village of Cazalla de la Sierra where famous designers Vic-

torio y Lucchino have a home, as well as the daughter of former dictator Franco… and price wise just €700,000.

Don’t miss our 32-page Property magazine inside as it also goes stand-alone on its fourth birthday

Price hike

Taking a stroll around a mountain of bargains

Page IV

Casa or Cave

TRIPLE JOY: Historic internal patio

in Cadiz stunner, while (below) ancient

arches in Sevilla mill and a vineyard/equestrian

Fabulous photo report of Andalucia’s cave-dwellers

estate, near Ronda

Page XX

Famous Guests

Reform of stunning hotel where Virginia Woolf stayed

Page XXV

Nice little earners M ORE buyers than ever are snapping homes to rent out - and the Costa delup second second hottest destination of choice. Sol is the According to new research, more than two thirds of owners now rent out their part or all of their costs, reversing second homes to cover the trend of 50 years ago.

The top three locations benefiting from the buy-to-let second home boom are the Costa del Sol, international market, the Costa Blanca,which has 4% of the also at 4%, and the Algarve, in Portugal, with 5%. Back in the 1970s, nine out of 10 second homes purely for themselves.homeowners kept their

Costa del Sol is cashing in on a buy-to-let boom

Even up to 2000 that figure only dropped to eight out of 10 homeowners. But times are changing with more their holiday home into a nice little buyers hoping to turn survey by Savills and HomeAway. earner, according to a In the early 2000s, only 14% of second purely for rental rather than personal homes were bought But by the time of the credit crunch, use. to 19% and now more than a third this figure had risen of second homes are

bought as investments. “In a low interest rate environment out income-generating assets,” said investors are seeking director for Savills World Research.Paul Tostevin, associate “Today’s second home buyers want properties to work for them financially and they’re increasingly looking not just to cover costs but to turn a profit.” He added: “Global tourism continues to grow, with international tourist arrivals up by 7% last year to a record 1.3 billion. At the same time, the rapid expansion of online holiday home platforms such as HomeAway opens up the market to new target groups and makes it much easier for owners to make their properties income-producing.”

Voted BEST

SEE OUR ADVERT INSIDE WITH RESERVATION

Fake advisor

UP to one in three reviews on TripAdvisor is fake, a new investigation has found. An analysis of tens of thousands of reviews shows toprated B&Bs have almost twice as many ‘fake’ reviews as lowerranked accommodation. The Times caught restaurants trying to buy 5-star reviews, as well as negative reviews of rivals. It comes after the Olive Press exposed a series of Costa del Sol businesses paying for dozens of fake five-star reviews in a bid to increase their rankings.

Victims

Despite TripAdvisor stepping in to investigate, the Times probe insisted enough was not being done to stop the bogus reviews. Another recent study found that almost nine in ten businesses have been victims of negative reviews. Consumer groups say fake reviews are a growing problem and it is believed almost €16 billion a year is spent on travel and hotels following reviews. Do you know of any businesses selling fake reviews? Or places abusing social media or review sites? Contact newsdesk@theolivepress.es Trick advisor page 6

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expat paper in Spain (Free or paid for)

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Vol. 13 Issue 301 www.theolivepress.es September 26th - October 9th 2018

SEEN him? Mother makes heartfelt plea to Olive Press readers to find alleged killer of her son believed to be in Malaga A DESPERATE mother has appealed for expats to keep their eyes peeled for the man, suspected of killing her son. Tracey Hanson’s plea comes three years since her only son Josh, 21, was allegedly killed by tattooed Irish gym fanatic Shane O’Brien. On the third anniversary of his death, she believes O’Brien is ‘very likely’ to be immersed in an expat community like the Costa del Sol. Her views are backed up by a recent Metropolitan Police report - with a reward offer of €50,000 - which claims he may be living around the Marbella area. “He was definitely spotted in Gibraltar and we have had lots of expats in Spain contact us since a Crimestoppers appeal two years ago. “I really believe he could be lying low and hiding in some-

EXCLUSIVE By Yvonne Pardo

where like Mijas or Estepona,” she added. Josh was stabbed in the neck in a crowded bar, in West London, on October 11, 2015, in what witnesses describe as a random and motiveless attack.

Gibraltar

Immediately after the incident O’Brien, 30, from London, the chief suspect in the investigation, managed to flee the UK on a private plane. He was later arrested for GBH, while living in Prague the following year. However, tragically, police were unable to link him to the UK murder as he was arrested under the false name of Enzo Mellonceli and released

www.theolivepress.es

SOUGHT: €50,000 for info leading to O’Brien’s arrest and (right) Tracey with son Josh “We’ve had an extraordinary on bail. He quickly fled. response on social media and Since then he is reported to I’ve even had people take have been seen in the NethO’Brien’s ‘Wanted’ posters on erlands, Nice and Gibraltar, holiday and put them up in although despite efforts from the Olive Press, this week. police there, they were unable “He was an innocent boy. some of the remotest places to find further evidence. We need a trial and a sen- around the world. “I am in the worst kind of tence, and most importantly pain imaginable”, Tracey told we need an opportunity for Vigilant Josh’s voice to be heard.” “We can’t let 19th what took place December 6th - December 2017 O’Brien - who has a menacing in Prague happen again!” tattoo on his back of an eagle The Met continues to enholding a skull - is now one of courage the public to stay Europe’s most wanted crimi- vigilant, especially if abroad, nals with a sum of £50,000 and urges anyone who thinks offered for any information they might recognize O’Brien leading to his arrest. to contact local police im“If it wasn’t for the public, Josh’s mediately. He wasFrom lastPage not-1 campaign wouldn’t be out ed to have shoulder length See page 2 there”, his mother Hecontinued. even got himself a financial advice slot dark hair, a full beard and ison a well known radio station, through which he snared unsuspectknown to frequent gyms, boxing victims. ing clubs and nightclubs. However, a comprehensive Olive Press investigation exHIs distinctive back tatposed his scams that coins and gold. tooinvolved covers astamps, previous tattoo, We also revealed how he and his close pal Barry Nathan ‘Shannon 15-04-06’. wined and dined up to a dozen criminals, anonymously, Opinion Page 6 through the food column. for renewals. Subject to conditions. He eventually fled the country following our expose, but we soon tracked him down to the UK, where he had changed his name by deed poll and was selling coins and antiques on eBay from a small Berkshire cottage. Reliable private hire transfer 2/8/18 17:01 He was quickly found guilty under English law of conning services for any occasion people and given a suspended prison • Luxury vehicles sentence only due to health reasons. • Door to door service “And because he promised to never than permitted. • Airport collections go back to his online cons,” one of the Although the town hall and • Weddings transport British victim explained. developer maintain this ex• Sightseeing day trips But this is apparently not the caseSOME with 14 fire bosses • Restaurant shuttles cess was later corrected, the been arrested for alleg two victims claiming he is still using embezzling €7 million judge ruled eBay to sell ‘dodgy’ coins and stamps Find out more at: that the rectification would have taken place from his unpaid flat in Brighton,public us- funds. www.simply-shuttles.com The Policia Nacional fo after the the liing the names ‘gqtrading’ and ‘gqtradtel: 951 279 117granting of www.eliteglasscurtains.com that the Consortium cence, so does not count. ing2’. info@simply-shuttles.com Bomberos DISTINCTIVE: Tattoo Cadiz took The building has 61 apart“We are pretty sure he has broken his mass early retirement in ments and 46 parking spacbail conditions and will have to finally ance policies. es. go back to prison,” said one victim. But when their emplo “The nerve of this man is unbelievable.” The original building was retired early, chiefs sipho His landlord last night insisted he should have known granted planning permisoff the money from the

APPEAL

NE WS

Not 902 123 282 enough stars

Costa del Sol hotel has three months to See page 5 fight decision before it is demolished

902 123 282

SOME 14 fire bosses have been arrested for allegedly embezzling €7 million in public funds. The Policia Nacional found that the Consortium of MINIMARKET Bomberos Cadiz took out A HOTEL is to be knocked Deli Products mass early retirementFreshly insur- Baked down for not having enough ance policies. Tel:class! 602 514 384 * O f f e r e n d s 3 0 / 1 1 / 1 8 . UKBut BASED when their employees WhatsApp: 602 559 385 Hotel Vista Benalmadena’s retired early, chiefs siphoned Opp St Anthony’s College de Rey must be demolished off the money from the pay- La Cala Hills within three months, a court outs. Closed hasMondays ruled, Authorities also found disAndalucia’s Superior Court crepancies in the consorof Justice ruled ON that the hofortium’s Spanish training courses.CASHBACK tel falls short of its four-star Large sums were paid to a residents YOURrequirement. HOUSE company to provide training courses, but no evidence has www.globelink.co.uk been found that these courses Probing took place. It began probing the three Meanwhile, irregularities star hotel and apartment 96 626 were 5000 also found in grants and PAYBACK WHEN block in 2011 after it was dewhich cops believe +44 (0) subsidies, 1353 699082 nounced over planning rules YOU SELL were used to pay for private which set aside the plot for a trips. four star hotel only. The irregularities date back According to the PGOU town to 2008 and cops believe at plan an apartment block was least €7 million has been stonot permitted and it also len by those at the top.

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‘He deserves it’

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Ciao for now RYANAIR has announced a new route between Malaga and Naples with flights twice a week, starting next April.

Failbook F A C E B O O K Spain has declared €1m in losses, while EU says its ‘losing patience’ with the company’s tacts to avoid paying taxes.

Hold up RYANAIR will cancel 190 of its 2,400 scheduled flights on Friday due to cabin crew strikes in Spain and other European countries.

September 26th - October 9th 2018

Left in the dark Expats furious after hotel builds onto their backyards

AN elderly expat couple have called in lawyers after a hotel was built just feet from their home, allegedly breaking environmental laws. John Hillman, 72, and wife Lori, 65, insist their community was not warned about the construction, which has blocked almost all their light. They have joined residents at Urbanizacion Zahara Beach to seek legal help and launch a petition, which has nearly 2,000 signatures. They believe the wall, which now reaches three storeys high and is set to add an attic, is against the law in Spain. “It is completely out of order. “We now can’t see anything at all and they still look like they have more to add to it. Before we had beautiful views

Cuba Libre PEDRO Sanchez will become the first Spanish prime minister to visit Cuba in 30 years, after accepting an invitation by president Miguel Diaz-Canel.

NEWS

SHOCKING: Wall right next to balconies

EXCLUSIVE By Elisa Menendez

but it’s all been blocked now,” pensioner John told the Olive Press. The Hillmans, who have owned their property in Zahara de los Atunes, near Cadiz, for nearly 30 years, claim workers on the 28-apartment Turisticos Gran Sol project have even discarded cement and polystyrene onto their terraces during building work. They have also attempted to cap and build the car park over a well, which keeps flooding the site with toxic water. The couple, who divide their year between Zahara and Sussex, claim waste water from the site is going into nearby dunes, killing grass and swamping the area with stagnant water - a breach of the Ley de Costas. “There is a growing group of residents waking up to the scale of the damage, which the environment department seem to do nothing about,” added Lori. Despite numerous letters and calls to Barbate Town Hall demanding answers and documents, residents have received little information about the vast project. It took the group almost five

Mystery body AN investigation is underway after a body was found floating in a communal pool on the Costa del Sol. The lifeless man was pulled out of the water in the Bonita Hill urbanisation in Mijas. The police were unable to confirm if the nationality was British, or give more information.

Gran-ada bust EYE SORE: Building site of hotel next to homes months to obtain plans of the complex. “The first time we heard about the project was when a JCB was bashing our back patio wall at 8am, trying to pull our huge tree out. “We managed to stop them after my son threatened to call the police,” added Lori, an acupuncturist who works in Gibraltar. They claim that they were not given the statutory 20-day warning period in order to make their allegations against the scheme. “It’s the injustice. No one ever knocked on our door explaining about the rubbish or to warn us about the building

work,” added Lori. The couple, along with other residents, have since sought legal help and launched a 1,600-strong petition. It comes after the EU fined Spain a staggering €12 million this summer for a ‘prolonged failure’ to comply with a European directive on dealing with sewage and treatment. The majority of offending towns are in Andalucia, including Barbate, Tarifa, Nerja, Estepona, Coin and Alhaurin el Grande. Barbate Town Hall and Apartamentos Turisticos Gran Sol failed to comment in time for press.

POLICE in Granada have made their biggest cocaine haul so far this year. The drugs were discovered when police intercepted a car on the A-90 and found 27.5 kilos stashed in a secret compartment. The driver and passenger were both arrested. Police say the suspects have previous convictions for drugs trafficking.

Worker killed AN elderly town hall worker has been beaten to death. The employee, 63, who was in charge of the Parque de la Escalerilla, in Algarrobo, was found dead after apparently suffering from a brutal beating. The Spaniard received a blow to the head and his body showed ‘severe signs of violence’.

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

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2/8/18 17:01

NEWS

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RIP Sergeant ALIENS actor Al Matthews has died in his home in Spain. The 75-year-old, who played Sergeant Apone in James Cameron’s 1986 sequel to Alien, was found dead at his house in Orihuela Costa, Alicante, by a neighbour. Matthews, who moved to Spain in 2005, also starred in Superman III (1983), The Fifth Element (1997) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). The actor and singer was a former marine who served in the Vietnam war. His last film role was in The Price of Death, a 2018 western by director Chip Baker that is currently in post-production.

Cross country MICHELLE Obama is a keen hiker. The former US president’s wife steps out for walks on her trips around Spain. Her enjoyment of hiking has come out, thanks to a new book written by former US ambassador to Spain James Costos. In the book, El amigo americano, he reveals how he took Michelle on one long mountain stroll in Mallorca. Known as the Old Postman’s route, the 8km hike, in the north of the island, takes around two-and-a-half hours. “We have taken Michelle from Esporles to Banyalbufar, one of our favourite excursions,” he explained in an interview with a local magazine. He added: “Something special we have also done with Michelle is to anchor right in front of the cathedral at night, it’s magical!”

HIKER: Obama with queen Sofia

September 26th - October 9th 2018

Going platinum JULIO Iglesias has celebrated his 75th birthday as the most successful latin artist in the world. The Spanish icon has produced more than 80 albums in 14 languages and has sold more than 350 million copies worldwide. The singing legend is also STILL touring after performing more than 5,000 concerts across all five continents.

Ryan and Claire steal the show, alongside Judi and Danny in San Sebastian

But he has not played in his home country since 2016, with rumours suggesting he doesn’t make enough money here. His current agenda is being limited to a brief concert tour that started in Tashkent (Uzbekistan) on September 10 and which, next month takes him to Dubai, Tel Aviv and Moscow. WELCOME: For Ryan and Claire

Seeing stars CAPTION

AWARD: For Judi Dench A SPRINKLING of Hollywood stardust dropped on Spain this week. A string of American and British actors were on hand to make it one of the most starstudded San Sebastian film festivals yet. Ryan Gosling, was joined by Claire Foy, as well as Judi Dench and Danny Devito at the most prestigious film event in Spain. Gosling and Foy were in the Basque city to promote their new movie First Man, about the Apollo XI space mission in 1969. Thousands of fans went wild as the La La Land heartthrob Gosling posed for selfies and greeted officials at the festival.

Dressed in a red leather jacket, the 37-year-old Drive star was only upstaged by his co-star Claire, who recently won an Emmy for her part in Netflix’ award-winning series The Crown. Yorkshire-born star Judi Dench, 82, meanwhile was in town to receive a coveted lifetime achievement award, the Premio Donostia, along with

Spin it to win it HE plays the part of a DJ trying to relaunch his career, while working as a nanny. And this, of course, shouldn’t be difficult for British star Idris Elba, who has been in Ibiza this summer with a regular residency as a DJ. Turn Up Charlie however has mostly been filmed in Mallorca, with the new Netflix series set to come out next year. The eight-part comedy sees Elba - tipped to be the next James Bond - playing a struggling DJ desperately trying to make a living. It was mostly filmed around Cala Serena, in Cala d’or, as well as nearby in Felanitx. The Wire star stayed in a stunning mansion nearby with his wife Sabrina Dhowre and daughter Isan. A total of 50 local Mallorquin locals star in the film, while one scene saw 300 locals contracted for a big party scene.

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Batman Returns star, Danny Devito. The seven-time Oscar nominee has received countless accolades for her performances in Shakespeare in Love, Mrs Brown and for playing character M in the James Bond series. Past winners of the prestigious award have included Antonio Banderas, Meryl Streep and Robert De Niro. In 1898 Hollywood’s golden age jewel, Bette Davis famously took home the accolade. It would become her last ever public appearance before she died two weeks later. It comes as San Sebastian has become the sixth major film festival to sign a pledge on gender parity, following in the steps of its European rivals Cannes, Locarno and Venice. It promises to review the number of movie submissions by women against the number programmed at the festival, in a bid to obtain real data on female representation in cinema.

Cruz-ing with style PENELOPE Cruz kept things chic at an Emmy Awards after party. The Spanish actress, 44, looked effortless wearing the black feathered dress from Alexandre Vauthier. The Oscar-winning actress was attending the awards in Los Angeles for her hit show The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.

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September 26th - October 9th 2018

NEWS

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Stairway to hell Expat slams train authorities after many are hospitalised when escalator changes direction EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore

AN expat is demanding answers after five people were hospitalised when an elevator suddenly changed direction. Brit Janet Shepherdson was left ‘badly shaken up’ when the elevator at Sevilla’s main train station suddenly started going backwards. In total, five people, including two elderly passengers, had to have their arms and heads bandaged at Santa Justa station before being taken to hospital. “I was nearly at the top when I felt a sudden jolt and the escalator shook and then started to descend rapidly,” Antequera-based Shepherdson, 56, told the Olive Press. “I heard screams and saw

INJURED: Elderly passengers and (inset) Rachel’s leg people falling. I made a rapid decision to run up the escalator as fast as I could.” Luckily she made it, alongside her cousin Vincent and

his girlfriend Rachel, who also ran for the top. Rachel, who was over for a week’s holiday, however, fell onto the escalator, suffer-

ing cuts and bruises to both legs, before being pulled up. “One young British woman had blood dripping down her face and shoulder and she had the imprint of the escalator deeply impressioned in her left arm. “She looked like a scene from a disaster movie.” Shepherdson, an English teacher, blasted staff at the station for failing to deal with the injured properly. “The staff did not seem to be trained for this sort of incident,” she said, “Apart from offering a wheelchair, they did not show much empathy. “They didn’t even offer anyone water.” Five people hospitalised were released the same day, according to train operator Adif. A spokesman told the Olive Press the incident appeared to have been caused by ‘overloading’. “However we are waiting for the official report from an external company.” He added: “We regret the incident and the inconvenience for all involved, especially those who required medical attention.”

BREXIT THREAT TO PETS

LEGEND: Dean

Expat hero gets the biscuit

A KIND-hearted expat has made an incredible donation to a Costa del Sol dog home in need. Dean Bateson-Payas donated a massive300 tins of food to long-standing and well-loved dog home, ADANA. It comes after the Estepona-based shelter made an urgent plea for tinned food, following a deluge of new, seriously undernourished animals. With the help of fellow Manilva expats, Bateson-Payas rounded up hundreds of donations and dropped them off the next day. One ADANA volunteer told the Olive Press: “This is not the first time for Dean, he continually helps the dogs of the shelter and Manilva. And he helps to make everything worthwhile. “From all the volunteers, absolutely brilliant.” The expat, who is still on the hunt for dog food and treats, asks for any donations to be dropped at Duquesa Business Centre. Do you have a positive expat story? Someone who has done something special? As a community newspaper we want to hear your stories… email newsdesk@theolivepress.es

PET owners might have to plan trips to Spain four months in advance if a nodeal Brexit comes into reality. That is the prediction of the British government in its latest set of no-deal papers. According to a shocking new warning, owners would have to prove their pets were vaccinated against rabies before getting a health certificate. Once in the EU they would have to arrive at a designated entry point, for official paperwork. That is unless the UK becomes a 'listed third country', which would lead to only minor changes for pet owners. In further warnings for expats and European tourists, the government insisted flights could cease between the UK and the EU. The government warned that flights could be disrupted as the EU-issued aviation licences would not

be valid, meaning airlines would have to seek individual permissions to operate. "If the UK leaves the EU in March 2019 with no agreement in place, UK and EU licensed airlines would lose the automatic right to operate air services between the UK and the EU without seeking advance permission,” the government said. It added that it hopes member states will grant British airlines permission to land at EU airports, and that it would reciprocate. "EU-licensed airlines would lose the ability to operate wholly within the UK (eg from Heathrow to Edinburgh), and UKlicensed airlines would lose the ability to operate intraEU air services (eg from Milan to Paris)." The warnings come after UK Prime Minister Theresa May's Chequers plan was effectively rejected by EU leaders in Salzburg last week.

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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 Waste of space WAKING up to a JCB bashing into your back patio is a sight nobody wants see in the morning. But that’s only been the beginning of the nightmare for residents at the Zahara Beach urbanisation, who are still waiting for answers from Barbate Town Hall. You can’t help but wonder why there has been a lack of transparency around planning permission and why residents weren’t warned of such a large extension. Not only do community members have to face looking at a colossal brick wall when looking out the window, but they also have to worry about walking their dogs in dunes flooded with stagnant water. For now it is unclear whether building work has stopped but the damage has been done. Let’s hope the residents get the answers they deserve soon, before more of the town’s delicate environment is ruined.

FEATURE

trickadvisor True review or cooked up for cash? It’s hard to tell but many things don’t add up on Trip Advisor, where an estimated one in three reviews is fake. Pablo Balbontin runs the checks

Publisher/ Editor

Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es

SALES Newsdesk Sam Adams newsdesk@theolivepress.es (+34) 634 611 836 sam@theolivepress.es Tel: (+34) 665 798 618 Tina (+34) 647 078 775 Laurence Dollimore tina@theolivepress.es laurence@theolivepress.es Elisa Menendez elisa@theolivepress.es Pablo Balbontin pablo@theolivepress.es Gillian Keller gillian@theolivepress.es Designer Keith Franks

Admin Beatriz Sanllehí (+34) 951 273 575 admin@theolivepress.es Office manager Héctor Santaella (+34) 658 750 424 accounts@theolivepress.es

N a follow-up to our front page expose on fake reviews on Trip Advisor, last month, we decided to take a closer look at how the online portal worked.Following our scoop on a Benalmadena-based company CGI Global, which was brazenly offering 50 five-star reviews for €400 and had ‘dozens’ of clients, we ran some Best Restaurant listings in Andalucia and the Balearic Islands through our truth detector. The results are food for thought...

Curry-on Manilva #1 of 10

Could someone be currying favour in our hometown where an incredible THREE Indian restaurants sit in Manilva’s Top Five? Don’t get us wrong, we love our tikka masalas, but with all the wide choice of restaurants here, this seems a little odd! More curious still, the top restaurant slot is scooped by an ice cream parlour. A gelatería - Getoutahere!

Missing in Marbella #2 of 10 He may be Andalucia’s top chef on paper with two hard-earned Michelin stars and a string of awards, but Dani Garcia (below) doesn’t even star in his home town of Marbella’s Top Ten, nor for the matter Top 20, even Top 100. In fact, his eponymous eaterie at the Hotel Puente Romano comes in at 129th. Sure, we know not everyone can afford his prices but the Marbelli have deeper pockets than most. We’re nonplussed that this talented celebrity chef is a no-show in town while a pasta franchise, a curry house and a pizzaria all make the top ten.

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

2012 - 2018

Named the best English language publication in Andalucia by the Rough Guides group.

What have Hitler, Gandhi and Ferdinand the bull got in common?

Elitist users #5 of 10

Page 12

just cheating’

FAKING IT

Our link to the Ivy League

An ox-tale

We’re not sure how globe-trotting Spanish supermodel Jon Kortajarena (right) gets time off from his busy schedule to dine in Manilva. Yet his profile picture appears in one local restaurant review and he gives it a glowing four-star rating. It sounds like a clear case of identity theft, but stranger things have happened.

(Free or paid for)

Vol. 12 Issue 299 www.theolivepress.e s August 29th - September 11th 2018

‘You can’t get prosecuted… it’s

Page 6

Model review #4 of 10

FREE

WITH RESERVATION

BUSINESSES in Andalucia are paying to post dozens of FAKE five-star reviews on TripAdvisor in a bid to increase their rankings. An Olive Press investigation has unearthed companies offering packages of 50 glowing reviews for just €400. Restaurants, hotels and garages have utilised the services of Malaga-based company GCI Global, which promises ‘genuine reviews’ that will be ‘tailored to your business’. We can reveal that one of its clients, a Malaga restaurateur, managed to get to number one in his town on TripAdvisor after ‘purchasing’ dozens of ‘excellent’ reviews over just two months. In total, 99% of the comments for his restaurant - which we are not naming for legal reasons - are ‘excellent’ 5/5 with only one ‘very good’. “The restaurant was over 100

launches probe, as a Costa del Sol business ‘selling’Olive Press exposes reviews on to the global giant’s fake customer website EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore and Elisa Menendez

(in the list) but look at it now,” GCI boss Ben Fisher boasted to the Olive Press. “It doesn’t matter if (the reviewers) eat there or not, although if you want to pay a bit more we can actually send someone,” added Fisher, who lives in Al- proached by an angry reader, haurin de la Torre. who had been targeted by “In fact if you pay we can send unsolicited email from GCI an last four people to share one pizza. month. Then we spread the reviews out The advert read: “We offer taiover a few days. “I have dozens lor made professional review of clients.” packages giving your business The Olive Press probe was a boost and the edge over your launched after we were ap- competitors.”

Please forgive us!

In an open letter to Spain, the Olive Press apologises for our unruly tourists

WE’RE SORRY Dear Spain, WE ARE SORRY.

E ask that you judge us Brits not by the sinverguenzas who choose to poo over your balconies or perform oral services for a free cocktail, but by the majority of respectful expats who are privileged to call your beautiful country home. Seriously though, how did we get here? Brits used to be famed for their polite manners and punctuality. Now we are better known for our excessive drinking and outrageous party antics compounded by the senseless alcohol-fuelled sport of ‘balconing’. Some 46 patients were treated for injuries after falling or deliberately jumping from balconies between 2010 and 2015 - and 60% were Brits. The last two years have seen this number grow, with almost 10 Brits dying this year alone (CHECK). And that’s only one example from a whole catalogue of outrageous behaviour that has seen holiday high jinks sink to a shocking new low. Just this week we were sent a video from Benidorm which showed a British reveller putting his penis in the mouth of a passed-out compatriot.

And who can forget the brazen British girl who performed oral sex on 24 men for a free drink in 2016, or the man who fell from a balcony in Mallorca last month while trying to defecate over the edge. Closer to home, beach club brawls and stabbings at Costa del Sol haunts dominated the headlines last summer. Two rival gangs’ fight spilled onto the streets of Puerto Banus and ended with one member trying to run over his rivals. Is it any wonder that some of Spain’s biggest resorts are starting to resist tourists? ‘Tourists go home’ and ‘Tourist, you are the terrorist,’ are just some of the messages that have been graffitied across tourism hotspots in the past few years. Just because resorts make a killing from visiting Brits every year, it doesn’t mean they have to put up with such antics. We hope you will bear this in mind the next time you roll your eyes in disgust at yet another story about a British reveller behaving badly, and accept our apology on behalf of the whole damned lot.

Posing

Posing as potential clients with a holiday rental business in Marbella, our reporters were told by Fisher that the reviews would be ‘from real people’. “The reviews are from real people on the Costa del Sol, it’s not a bunch of fake accounts putting reviews on,” said Fisher, from Hull. “A potential customer doesn’t know if they are real or fake. It

is not illegal. You can’t get prosecuted... it’s just cheating.” Describing himself as a ‘web marketing specialist’, he explained how if our reporters bought 50 reviews, our new business would receive two five-star reviews per day from his network of users consisting of ‘friends and family friends’. He offered to do 20 reviews for €150 or the 50 reviews for €400 - with payments made by cash or PayPal. So confident was he that it would boost our business ranking he offered a 100% satisfaction or a ‘money-back guarantee’. “You’re paying for direct marketing - the higher you go on TripAdvisor the more you pop up as recommended and the more business you get,” he insisted. Sadly, the process is

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not new. TripAdvisor has been caught out before, including a famous stunt pulled off by VICE website in which an undercover reporter set up a fake restaurant, The Shed at Dulwich, and made it the number one restaurant in London. Just this week a simple Google search unearthed a US-based company, Reviews that Stick, offering packages on the global supersite from $69 per month. “We can provide TripAdvisor reviews that would help your hotel or restaurant to improve its reputation and increase its number of customers,” it offered. Local hoteliers and restaurateurs were quick to support out investigation. “I’m sure it is very common with restaurants here,” said Mark Wardell, manager of the Sunset Beach Club hotel, in Benalmadena. “TripAdvisor is particularly very open to manipulation and fake reviews. “You often see these small places pop up with phenomenal reviews that quickly sink without trace,” he added. Restaurateur Robert Grimmond, of well-established El Jardin restaurant in Frigiliana, added he had been aware of this practice for years. “It’s disappointing that businesses on the coast are still buying reviews in this way,” he added.

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“If you really want to know if a restaurant is good or not, ask someone you trust or go yourself!” Last night TripAdvisor thanked the Olive Press and confirmed it was ‘investigating the case’. “We strongly oppose any attempt to manipulate a business’

ranking,” said a spokeswoman, adding that its investigations team was ‘proactive and effective’ at catching anyone who attempts to market paid review services. “We take serious steps to penalize any properties caught using their services,” she added. After revealing ourselves as journalists, Fisher told the Olive Press: “People pay for direct traffic, people purchase the reviews, then a team of four will go into the premises, share food and leave a review on their experience… it’s a service that is genuine and helps everybody… the reason my clients pay is to cover the cost of the food purchased by each customer!”

Can a salad bar really be the best restaurant in Malaga, a city blessed Hot water with almost 2,000 eateries? It probably serves very fine salads but we’re not so green to really trust that a bar specialising in garden leaves deserves to be in this food capital. Meanwhile there are three pasta joints in the Top Ten and two Pipe fast ban food franchises in the Top 20. Fishy? Lettuce know what you think! 96 626 5000 +44 (0) 1353 699082

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Opinion Page 6

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SOME 14 fire bosses have been arrested for allegedly embezzling €7 million in public funds. The Policia Nacional found that the Consortium of Bomberos Cadiz took out mass early retirement insurance policies. But when their employees retired early, chiefs siphoned off the money from the payouts. Authorities also found discrepancies in the consortium’s training courses. Large sums were paid to a company to provide training courses, but no evidence has been found that these courses took place. Meanwhile, irregularities were also found in grants and subsidies, which cops believe were used to pay for private trips. The irregularities date back to 2008 and cops believe at least €7 million has been stolen by those at the top.

FRUIT growers in the Axarquia are facing a 60% reduction in water use from the La Vinuela reservoir with no solution in sight. The Junta has decided to limit its use as the reservoir is already at 22.7% capacity and could drop even lower if the dry weather keeps up.

We are concerned about the huge number of people who contribute just one restaurant review - usually giving it five stars - and wrting things such as ‘great restaurant, the food was delicious’ - with no other details. Highly suspicious, we’ve noticed reviews like this in Nerja and Estepona but you’ll certainly find them everywhere.

Costa del Sol hotel has three months to fight decision before it is demolished A HOTEL is to be knocked down for not having enough class! Benalmadena’s Hotel Vista de Rey must be demolished within three months, a court has ruled, Andalucia’s Superior Court of Justice ruled that the hotel falls short of its four-star

requirement.

No eno sta

Probing

It began probing the three star hotel and apartment block in 2011 after it was denounced over planning rules which set aside the plot for a four star hotel only. According to the PGOU town plan an apartment block was not permitted and it also breached rules by being over 700 square meters bigger

DOOMED: Costa hotel

SMUGGLERS’

POLICE officers have formed a human wall along a beach in La Linea to ensure construction of a beach wall went that the The wall, between the church ahead. of Nuestra Senora del Carmen and the perimeter wall of the fishing port of La Atunara, hopes to

deter drug as a drop o A combine local and n fears grew and disrup

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Sling your hook SHANE O’Brien must be caught and face justice for what he has done. We cannot imagine what the mother of his victim is going through. Tracy Hanson is desperate to get the man who is believed to have killed her son behind bars, and we must help out where we can. While we really hope O’Brien is not hanging around in Gibraltar or nearby Marbella, it is still our duty as a community to keep an eye out and contact the correct authorities (or the Olive Press), if we think we might know where he is. It’s these criminals that give our beautiful home a bad name, let’s make it clear that they are not wanted here.

September 26th - October 9th 2018

Lazy reviews #3 of 10 Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether a review is genuine or written by the restaurateurs best friend/wife or mother - but not always. In Cadiz, one reviewer actually awarded five stars to a bar after it was no longer open! And plenty of those leaving the worst reviews, such as many at Dani Garcia don’t leave real names and merely put up a photo of a beach or the moon.

The Olive Press investigation into fake Trip Advisor reviews in August revealed how some Costa del Sol restaurateurs paid cheats CGI Global €400 a throw to post a set of 50 fake five-star ratings on the website. Immediately after putting our findings to TripAdvisor, one of his clients - a restaurant in Benalmadena, only open for six weeks - dropped 80 places from Number One. And this foodie corruption has gone global. A couple of weeks ago a man was jailed in Italy for nine months for trying to sell more than 1,000 fake reviews.

Yo-yo ratings #7 of 10

Too good to be true #10 of 10 Last but not least, a common factor of Trip Advisor Top 10s is the questionable ratio of rave reviews to rubbish ones. Nobody’s perfect so when a restaurant has over 200 ‘Excellent’ ratings but less than 10 critical comments it defies the law of probability. And when the negative feedback includes comments like ‘not as good as other people say’ it confirms our suspicions.

The aforementioned Benalmadena restaurant isn’t the only example of how a restaurant’s ratings can rise and fall overnight. While you’re reading this, some towns’ lists will have completely changed. In Port de Soller, Mall o r c a , three small restaurants specialising in fresh local p ro d u c e mysteriously vanished from the Top 10 in one day, including one that was placed second in the list. How come? The same reason, as above.

OPINION

Impossible to use IT is becoming almost impossible to find good places to eat in the big cities and resorts like Manilva and Marbella these days. That is if you trust sites like TripAdvisor. On a recent weekend trip to Malaga, we struggled to work out where to eat for lunch or dinner, attempting to follow the suspect lists on TripAdvisor. Having not visited the city for a while I was

happy to go to a few favourite old haunts, I wanted to try a couple of new places. It was quite clear that TripAdvisor was actually hindering our search and we ended up finding a place simply wandering around and spotted a Michelin sticker and found a menu that looked inspiring. It proved to be exactly that. Jon Clarke

www.theolivepress.es

FEATURE SPECIAL REPORT

HOTSPOT: Algeciras port

olive press online

Drug dealer lifts the lid on police bribery in southern Spain and how the cartels get paid A SEASONED drug trafficker has revealed how 30% of his gang’s profits are spent on bribing Guardia Civil agents and port workers. In an alarming expose, the narco insisted corruption is ‘essential’ to his cartel’s business and that ‘everyone has a price.’ “Customs officers, Guardia Civil and businessmen laundering money, everyone has a price,” the Madrid-based trafficker, known as Zape, revealed in a no-holds bar interview. “Without corruption there is no business.” His claims come as it emerged the cocaine trade in Spain made more than €2 billion in profits in 2015, according to the Intelligence Centre against Trafficking and Organised Crime (CITCO). And according to Zape, a large chunk of this is thanks to people working on the inside of the law. Although mules, fishing boats and sailboats are used to move drugs, the cartels still favour using freight companies to shift large quantities of their goods. The most popular ports are Valencia and in particular Algeciras - the busiest shipping container port in Spain and one of the most important in Europe. “Customs have to tell us which companies are clean so we know which ones to work with to go undetected,” explained Zape to El Espanol newspaper. “Or we create a company and collaborate with an exporting company from a Latin American country. “We have to know which container can be relied upon to carry a huge amount of cocaine, from 500 to 2,000 kilos.” The career-criminal, who has been in the business for two decades, explains how usually several customs officers have to be bribed to ensure the container is not registered. “Then we bribe Guardia Civil agents and finally some of the dockworkers, otherwise it would not leave the port,” he added. Incredibly, he claims, plenty of small loads (around 100 kilos or less) are actually taken out of the port by dock workers and even police. Once the product has been removed from the containers, it will be officially re-sealed to look as though it hadn’t been opened. If there are more than 1,000 kilos, the container will have to leave the port on a truck. This means customs cannot investigate the container and Guardia Civil must allow it to leave. It then gets taken abroad before being put on

Each print issue of the Olive Press can be read in its entirety on www.theolivepress.es And our site is updated September 26th - Octoberdaily 9thwith 2018 the latest news, making it one of Spain’s most visited news websites. October 2015

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a ship and the drugs are divided up. “In total 30% of profits are spent on bribes,” explains Zape, “The Guardia Civil take most of it, around 16 or 17%. “If we shift 1,000 kilos, 300 are gone in bribes.” One kilo of cocaine costs around €24,000 in Spain. It means one shipment of 300 kilos will produce around €7.2 million in profits. And the price is worth paying, says Zape. “They always take their kilos and sell them, usually to local drug gangs,” he continued. “But their help is essential otherwise our product would not leave the ports. “It only needs a few of them to be corrupted. Money is very sweet.” Is it any wonder, numerous restaurants, kiosks and other businesses are ‘part-owned’ by police in Spain. Some 32,795 kilos of cocaine were seized in Spain last year, and the numbers of officials involved are damning. This April saw Policia Nacional interrupt the biggest ever haul in Europe when 8,740 kilos were seized, with a Guardia Civil agent among the 11 arrested. On July 4, the Central Operation Unit (UCO) arrested 21 people. Ten of them were workers from the port of Algeciras. They were part of a network that introduced large quantities of cocaine and other drugs through containers to deliver them ‘to drug traffickers all over Europe.’ But once the drugs make it into Spain and into the hands of dealers, how is it paid for? One method is ‘mirror payments’, explains Zape. Let’s say a Spanish drug trafficker - who has imported cocaine - needs to pay €40 million to a

cartel in Colombia. He will contact a Spanish businessman with large financial interests in South America such as a real estate company in Colombia, or an import business in Brazil. The trafficker asks the businessman to make the €40 million payment and, in return, he will be reimbursed 17% of the total transferred. The businessman will then send it to another company in Colombia which has been chosen by the cartel. This company will then deliver the €40 million to the cartel through highly complex financial manoeuvres. A recent study by the Colombian Observatory of Organized Crime said: "[The narcos] They never touch a kilo of drugs, much less a pistol. “Their weapons are an encrypted mobile phone, a varied portfolio of legally established businesses and an intimate knowledge of the world of finance.” Another payment method, albeit much slower, is the ‘conejitas’ - or ‘little rabbits’. It sees Spanish gangs bringing young Latin American women to Spain for several days. They usually make them travel in groups of ten spread across different flights and landing at different airports - some are passed off as lesbian couples and brought together. But before returning home, they place €100,000 in €500 bills inside a condom or special tube and insert them inside various orifices. If you owed €40 million, you would have to use 10 girls a total of 20 times until you paid your debt. The women are paid €6,000 for each trip, a huge payment for them.

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NEWS

September 26th - October 9th 2018

Wiped out Expat caviar business ‘destroyed’ by damaging flash flood that sent 30 cars downstream DAMAGE: To Gordon Ramsay’s favourite caviar producer By Laurence Dollimore

AN award-winning caviar producer - popular with British chef Gordon Ramsay - has been destroyed in a devastating flood. The organic producer Riofrio Caviar saw the majority of its fishes washed away in heavy rains, that left the village of Riofrio under a metre of water. Many of the fish were found in nearby fields, while some

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even made it 4kms away. According to locals, the sturgeon population, whose eggs are harvested to form the luxury food staple, has been ‘wiped out’. “It’s a disaster for the village,” British expat Paul Bateson told the Olive Press. “It is a key producer of some of the world’s best caviar and now all the sturgeon are dead or washed away, as are the trout.” In remarkable scenes around 30 cars were washed away in the floods, as well as a 500-year-old bridge. “Most of the restaurants have also been flooded, and all in about 15 minutes.” Manager of the caviar factory Alberto Domezain, said: “It was the cars that damaged our defences and sent our

fishes away, but luckily plenty are still here.” Also luckily for the firm, owned by a company from Finland, some 90% of this year’s Christmas stock had already been collected and canned. The Rio Frio region has been producing caviar since 1955 and includes luxury brands like Beluga. It was the first in the world to produce 100% organic caviar, and was visited by famous British chef Ramsay in a TV programme, a few years ago. Footage from the floods went viral after dozens of cars were seen getting washed away while locals looked on in tears. Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas were also hit by floods following a yellow alert.

Kiss of death A NASTY breed of bugs is on the rise in Spain and it’s transmitting a ‘silent killer’ disease. Known as the ‘kiss bug’ or ‘chinches del beso’ in Spain, the critters are spreading the Chagas Disease, which can be fatal. According to a new report the bugs are on the march and bite around the face, particularly around the mouth, before defecating next to it. Chagas Disease, previously limited to South America, can cause serious cardiac and intestinal complications - and most people infected don’t know they have it as there are few symptoms. Labelled a ‘silent killer’, one in three develop heart problems, leading to heart failure and even sudden death if they are not diagnosed in time.

OUCH: Bite from bug According to the American Heart Association (AHA) the disease is spreading through the US, Japan and Europe, particularly Spain and Italy. Some 42,000 people are believed to carry Chagas in Spain, with 300,000 in the US. The kiss bug is usually found outside, particularly around dogs and other mammals. They can make their way into the home, but prefer to live in cracks or holes or beneath porches and between rocky structures.

Not facing the rap! A BELGIAN court has refused to extradite controversial rapper Valtonyc back to Spain. The judge refused to comply with the order after the Mallorca musician was sentenced to prison for charges related to insulting the monarchy in his lyrics. The artist, whose real name is Josep Miquel Arenas, went into exile to Belgium in May after he was sentenced to three and a half years in jail. “For the moment he is free and he is free definitively in Belgium,” said his lawyer Paul Bekaert.

Terrorism

“There is no terrorism involved, there is no incitement of terrorism, so there is no question of a crime according to Belgian law.” However, he added that a European Arrest Warrant could be issued if the 24-year-old rapper travels to other countries. The Sa Pobla artist was convicted of glorifying terrorism, threatening right-wing politician Jorge Campos and making defamatory comments against the Spanish royal family in April. Organisations such as Amnesty International have campaigned for Valtonyc’s freedom arguing that it is a breach of freedom of speech. Meanwhile Pedro Sanchez’s new socialist government is working towards repealing the controversial Citizen Safety law dubbed the ‘gag law’.

Refugees welcome SPAIN is officially the most welcoming country for refugees. According to a new study by the Pew Research Centre, 86% of Spaniards support those arriving in Spain after ‘fleeing war and violence’. It was the highest percentage of 18 nations surveyed, including 10 European countries. Only 13% of Spaniards would ‘oppose accepting refugees fleeing violence and war’. Italy, Poland and Hungary were the least welcoming countries for refugees in Europe.

Pedro power THE PSOE would win a general election if it was held today, the latest polls show. According to the Centre for Sociological Research (CIS), Pedro Sanchez’s party would be 10 points ahead of their PP rivals. The Socialists would win just over 30% of the vote, with the PP trailing on 20.8%, followed by Ciudadanos on 19.6% and Podemos on 16.1%. The survey was taken earlier this month.

LA CULTURA

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Rude awakening I

TOO MUCH: Miro sculpture

COMMUNITY leaders have demanded the withdrawal of Antoni Miro’s latest explicit art exhibition in a bid to ‘protect children’. The famous Alicante-born artist’s series of erotic sculptures featuring couples and individuals performing sex acts are dotted around the Marina, in Valencia. But Vicente Morro, of Family Forum, has

called on the authorities to remove the works slamming them as ‘inappropriate’ for public spaces and in violation of laws to protect minors. Miro said the two-dimensional steel cut-outs, which pay homage to Greek pottery, are ‘the most normal thing in the world’ and accused critics of being ‘old fashioned’.

My roots True colours HOLI Colours, a global event attracting revellers throwing coloured powder, water and paint at each other, is coming to San Pedro on October 6. The iconic festival originated in India and is a Hindu celebration of spring and new life. The festival, which also features DJ sets, live performances and dance troupes, kicks off at 7pm.

Illustrations, stories and music merge to form a body of work titled Y Picasso recordaba el flamenco (And Picasso remembered flamenco) which debuted last week at the Alliance Française de Málaga.

asters Cup, Marbella

THE Seniors Masters Cup is hitting the courts of the Puente Romano Tennis Club September 28 - 29, welcoming legends Albert Costa and Carlos Moyua among others.

amily affair, Malaga

THE San Miguel Royal Fair will be kicking off in the centre of VelezMalaga with traditional folk groups, a concert and local cuisine from September 25 - 30.

Exhibition remembers Picasso’s untold connection to flamenco PABLO Picasso’s passion for flamenco has been one of the painter’s least explored interests, but a collaboration between an artist and a journalist explores the Cubist master’s relationship with the Spanish art form.

September 26th - October 9th 2018

ktoberfest, Marbella

The innovative and interdisciplinary artwork imagines Picasso’s real life encounters with El Piyayo, La Trini and Juan Breva - famous, and sometimes controversial, figures in flamenco and across Spain who would go on to inspire some of his important canvases.

Inspired

Artist Emmanuel Lafont’s illustrations, coupled with texts by journalist and curator of the exhibition, Francis Marmol, examine Picasso’s lifelong connection with flamenco in 18 chapters. The first part of the story begins in his hometown of Malaga and is inspired by events he is thought to have experienced during his childhood in the late 19th century, while the second part follows his adult life and builds on more established facts and documentary evidence as Picasso’s fame and fortunes grew. Marmol said the idea behind the work was to have the striking black and white drawings by Lafont create a ‘parallel story’ to the fictional and semi-fictional texts. Y Picasso recordaba el flamenco will be open to the public until December 21.

BARING ALL: Daring couple in Madrid museum

Rude awakening II A SPANISH couple have been thrown out of a Madrid museum after baring all in front of an iconic painting of Adam and Eve. Adrian Pino and Jet Brul shocked visitors at the Prado museum when they stood completely nude in a bid to emulate the biblical figures in Albrecht Durer’s famous work. While security quickly stepped in to remove them it

did not prevent the exhibitionists from proudly sharing their photos on Instagram. “We chose that painting because it represents the idea of gender,” said Pino who is posing starkers in museums across Europe as part of a controversial art project. Last year Pino was photographed in the nip in front of Goya’s La maja desnuda and Miguel Angel’s David.

PUENTE Romano will be celebrating the authentic German Volksfest tradition serving up cold beers and German fishes from October 6 - 7.

acing ahead, Marbella

THE 33rd Marbella Half Marathon, taking place on October 6, is open to nonSpanish athletes as long as they comply with the REFA.

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September 26th - October 9th 2018

As anti-Semitism continues to top Britain’s political agenda, Diana Tang visits the Toledo Catholic synagogue, symbolic of an age-old conflict in Spain

LA CULTURA

T has the look of a mosque, the title of synagogue and the status of a Roman Catholic Church. A religious monument like no other, the experience of setting foot in Toledo’s Synagogue of Saint Mary La Blanca even tops the experience of Cordoba’s more famous mosquecathedral. I did a double take as my eyes took in the golden ornamentation, whitewashed walls and forest of Moorish arches. In the atrium at the centre, sunlight streaming in from circular side windows illuminates a dark, bronze cross, hung high and proud. Built by Islamic architects in the 12th century for Jewish use under Christian rule, the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca was meant to be a symbol of the religious tolerance that existed – briefly – on the Iberian Peninsula before the brutal Inquisitions took over. Ironically, today it has become an icon of anti-Semitism and the subject of a theological tug of war over its rightful ownership. Taken over by Spain’s Catholic Church in the 15th century but marked by all three religions, the complex intertwining of histories is

ON SITE: Diana Tang

something the casual tourist cannot see and the two-paragraph information panel on the wall cannot hope to cover. For Spain’s small but thriving Jewish community, the synagogue stands not as a beautifully-designed building or even a holy place but a looming reminder of their country’s own anti-Semitism and the oppression of their people. It is the perfect heritage from the Inquisition and beyond. For Isaac Querub, President of Spain’s Federation of Jewish Communities who is fighting to return the synagogue to his people, the building is a blatant example of the inaction of the Spanish church in preventing the Jewish community from educating the public about their own history. It’s not a move to turn it back into a

September 26th - October 9th 2018

Toledo’s Catholic synagogue

STILL CONTROVERSIAL: The Santa Maria La Blanca

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September 26th - October 9th 2018

THE COAST’S LEADING PLAY & PARTY CENTRE Fun for the whole family Indoor and outdoor facilities Kids’ parties FREE entry for adults

IMPRESSIVE: Arches inside the disputed gem

Jewish place of worship, says Querub, but rather a symbolic gesture of returning a key building to its rightful owners and an admission of past wrongdoing. He has called not for condemnation but for open interfaith dialogue and closer Judeo-Christian relations. For him, the recognition of the building’s roots through

a transfer of ownership is key in revealing the true history of the tourist hotspot. But the Catholic Church remains unmoved. The archdiocese of Toledo issued a three-page response, solidifying church ownership of the building – only officially attained through the government in 1929 - and stressing the church’s role in restoring

ICONIC: A sea of white glows inside

it. In fact, the Spanish Catholic church has yielded little to the Jewish community compared to the individual actions of local communities and the Spanish government. From Pope Paul VI’s call for better relationships between the Catholic and Jewish communities to the law introduced in Spain offering citizenship to Sephardic Jews who were chased out of the country, there has been a concerted effort to extend the hand of reconciliation, even if the offer may be hundreds of years late. Visitors to the synagogue may wonder, as I did, why there is so little information offered about the history and importance of this popular tourist attraction. But I also wonder: if the Jewish community were allowed to present their own story, could the very nature of the Synagogue of Saint Mary the White evolve into something much different than it is now? Could it change the anti-Semitism that still plagues parts of Spanish society today? The answers to these questions remain elusive, but one thing is for sure: only with open communication and mutual respect between both parties can this century-old conflict be buried once and for all.

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LETTERS

LE T T E R S

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September 26th - October 9th 2018

Well done on your 300th anniversary

In Gibraltar

Just wanted to congratulate you on the 300th edition of the Olive Press - Really quite an achievement in the publishing world here. Well done :) Hope you are all well. Best regards,

The Olive Press is a great paper with a lovely team, who are always very professional, friendly and excellent at keeping in touch. We are thrilled to have a working relationship with them.

I’ve recently been writing about political corruption in Spain in my new novel, ‘One Drop’, which is set here. I turn to the Olive Press time and time again for leads and background. It’s amazing how their journalists just aren’t afraid to tell the truth. I love their sheer nerve! Well done on 300!

Gary Edwards - Photographer, Marbella

Larissa Minkova - SGI Mallorca

Karen O’Neill - Crime writer

Est. 1946

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Give it back

2018

September 12th - September 25th 2018

Brexit showdown

The Olive Press celebrates its 300th issue, find out why we are Spain’s best English newspaper in our special supplement, SEE INSIDE

EXCLUSIVE By Elisa Menendez

EXPATS may have lost millions over the suspicious collapse of a foreign exchange firm being probed over ‘criminal activity’. Dozens of victims have lost up to €400,000 each after Premier FX Limited was forced into administration by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). It comes after the firm - which operated from Mallorca, Portugal and London - suddenly stopped trading on July 27, following the death of director Peter Rexstrew. Since then, hundreds of clients, many of them expats, have been left completely in the dark and unable to access their funds.

Action

The group have now formed an action group with nearly 200 members demanding immediate answers. One British expat, based in Mallorca, told the Olive Press she has no idea what has happened to the €30,000 she was holding with Premier FX. “I had used them for many years and there were never any problems,” explained the 69-year-old, who asked to remain anonymous. “I had transferred the money and was waiting for the exchange rate to improve. “The next thing I knew, the money was gone. I feel sick about it,” added the pensioner, By Laurence Dollimore based in Palma. Another entrepreneur told the Olive Press she is missing a ‘GIBRALTAR is British’ was staggering €400,000. the overriding message at this The UK-based businesswom- week’s National Day celebrations as hundreds took to the streets to wave banners and Continues on page 5 flags in possibly its biggest

Teresa May joins the National Day celebrations promising to stand shoulder to shoulder over Brexit

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Readers react to Theresa May’s demand for respect at Downing Street speech in ongoing Brexit negotiations

ritory. Even British Prime Minister UK’s past, present and future ever the homeland of the GiTheresa May chimed in on the and I’m immensely proud to braltarians. celebrations with a video mes- help you celebrate it today.” “Our ancestors came from sage vowing to continue sup- The optimism was shared by every shore of the MediterChief Minister Fabian Picarporting the Rock post-Brexit. ranean and beyond, from “Today as we mark Gibraltar do, who vowed to turn Brexit Genoa, Malta, India, North National Day I can assure you ‘into a win’, saying the EU Africa, Britain,” he said. that this will not change as we divorce would ‘neither defeat “They built their dreams leave the European Union,” nor define Gibraltar’. in the face of adversity. We she said in the clip, which He said: “In or out of the Eu- overcame every siege to live was played on a big screen to ropean Union, we are a hard- the British dream. Leaving working people of peace, of crowds. the EU is just one more step “We joined the EU together. goodwill, a people who will on our journey.” ensure that our Rock is alWe are leaving together and Some 96% of Gibraltarians as we step forward into the ways first, foremost and for- voted to remain in the EU. latest chapter of our shared history we will once again do so together. “The Government of Gibraltar is fully involved in the Brexit negotiations and nothing will ever weaken our commitment to the people who call the Rock their home, as long as the people of Gibraltar want to remain British. “British is what the people of Gibraltar will remain and there should be no doubt whatsoever about our commitment to the double lock, a commitment as solid as the Rock of Ages itself. “Gibraltar is a vital part of the SHOWING SUPPORT: UK PM Teresa May

So easy to be an armchair critic, all I see is the EU trying to divide and conquer and simply do what they always do. Tell the people to go back and vote again until the EU gets its desired outcome. Tom McArdle, UK

Voted BEST

expat paper in Spain

EXCLUSIVE By Elisa Menendez

September 13th - September Vol. 2 Issue 37 www.theolivepress.es

DIGGING FRANCO

AN expat business owner is demanding action after neighbours put up ‘illegal’ bollards blocking his shop. Martin White, 54, claims his business Hot Spring Mallorca has been forced to cease trade for almost three weeks, after the series of 15-inch posts were installed. As well as blocking delivery trucks, it is putting off clients, he insists. “I’m suffering a loss of €1,000 a day. Delivery vans can’t get through to drop off stock,” White, from Hull, told the Olive Press. He has now called in police and Alcudia town hall, via a lawyer, to demand answers. The problem began when White, who is co-owner of the business with David Camping, 56, arrived to find the series of bollards blocking his shop on August 27. After contracting a legal firm he was told by both police and town hall that the posts were ‘illegal’. The businessman is now set to take the community of neighbours to court for discrimination and loss of business for €30,000 in compensation. The posts have also been installed in front of the Muslimowned supermarket next to him, although ‘mysteriously’, not the garage the other side. “It’s totally illegal,” he said. “You can’t just put them on one side without the other.” To make matters worse, three days after the bollards went in, one of the neighbours threw a bucket of water over him from above. He has also denounced the incident to the police. “I’ve had the shop for five years and I’ve never had a problem. “The administrator of the building told us this was a personal vendetta from residents,” he added.

What’s up at the Valley of the Fallen? Page 6

Expats demand the return of millions after FX company collapses amid fraud probe

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EXCLUSIVE By Elisa Menendez

EXPATS in Mallorca may have lost millions over the suspicious collapse of a foreign exchange firm being probed over ‘criminal activity’. Dozens of victims have lost up to €400,000 each in life savings after Premier FX Limited was forced into administration by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). It comes after the firm - which operated from Palma, Portugal and London - suddenly stopped trading on July 27, following the death of director, Peter Rexstrew. Since then hundreds of clients, many of them expats, have been left completely in the dark and unable to access their funds.

26th 2018

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make financial transfers via amount of money’ from the Barclays even after the compa“The next thing I knew, the collapse, according to a close ny had ceased trading. money was gone. I feel sick friend. The FCA has since discovered about it,” added the pensioner. The Portals-based expat pal, boss Rexstrew, who also lived in that the company, set up in “I just don’t understand why no who has also lost money, in- the Algarve, she was given no 2006, was operating without other media organisations on sisted Jones had been advised warning of the collapse. full authorisation. the island are tackling this.” to ‘go into hiding’ after he was “I simply found out when I tried It was forced into administraIn particular, she wants to pay ‘lambasted’. to make a transaction but no tion after being unable to know of the whereabouts of “I know him closely and he one would answer the phone. I debts and was ‘cash flow insolNick Jones, the island’s former said all employees were in total then emailed and I received this vent’ following Rexstrew’s suddirector, who has not been seen chilshock with the news. automatic reply saying they had den death, leaving his two for over a month. “He is not in hiding he has been ceased trading and there’d be dren as joint directors. She is angry that he had sent advised to keep a low profile no further transactions. Victims have so far received out an assurance email of the is oninvestigation the while she very little information from the “I immediately smelt a rat,” company’s financial stability going. And while a director, in added. company’s appointed adminon June 20, just days after the reality, he had no access to the When she called the UK’s Ac- istrators and Barclays and fear death of Rexstrew. accounts.” main exunoperator Press an Olive they will never get their money Assurance tion Fraud, However, the She added: “All this is very dis- plained he knew nothing about back. Jones, who Victims have now formed an derstands that office on Paltressing for him and his family. it. action group with nearly 200 worked out of anCalle La RamHe has been completely lam- “I’ve been stuck for two months in them prestigious of ma’s are many Criminal members basted. I understand people ‘a substantial without that money which I the Balearics - demanding im- bla, has also lost angry but there have been some need for my business. “It’s a real mindfield and like mediate answers. your head against really nasty comments. “It’s not just affecting people banging One British expat, based in “It is quite clear that Peter’s buying holiday homes, it is also a brick wall,” added another Palma, told the Olive Press she children were taking over the affecting business owners, who British retiree, who has lost has no idea what has happened business, not Nick.” money. Premier FX and Barcan’t pay staff or clients.” to the €30,000 she was holdAnother victim told the Olive Most victims had been prom- clays failed to comment in time ing with Premier FX. Press she has lost a staggering ised by Premier FX that their for press. An FCA spokesper“I had used them for many Olive Press: “We €400,000 due to the collapse. money was being held in ‘segre- son told the years and there were never The UK-based businesswoman, gated, personal accounts’ with are very concerned that there any problems,” explained the who lived for decades in Portu- Barclays, but administrators was criminal activity taking 69-year-old, who asked to regal, has made three monthly now think this was not the case. place at Premier FX in relamain anonymous. transactions with Premier FX It is also believed that many tion to missing funds. “We money the transferred had “I the business for 12 years. clients were still permitted to are investigating and was waiting for the exDespite being a friend of former 15:36 and will take action against MISSING: Nick Jones change rate to improve. any individuals we find to have broken the law in order to return money to customers of the firm.”

Ave de Gabriel Roca 4, Palma

Avenida Rey Jaime 1, Santa Ponca, 15 510 277out more on page XX 0034 871Find

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fire bosses have 14 IN MORE SEESOME been arrested for allegedly in millionhave €7 bosses THE RESTAURANT embezzling SOME 14 fire funds. for allegedly public been arrested INSIDE SECTION found in €7 million The Policia Nacional

Costa del Sol hotel Sol del three Costahas tothree months hotel has decision fight to months it is before fight decision demolished before it is HOTEL is to be knocked A demolished for not having enough

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Pipe ban Pipe ban

FRUIT growers in the Axarquia are facing a 60% reducLa from Axarusein the the in water tion growers FRUIT no sowith reducVinuela facing a 60% quia are reservoir sight.use from the La lution tion ininwater to has decided with no soJunta The reservoir Vinuela as the reservoir is limit sight. inuse lutionits to decidedand at 22.7% has capacity already The Junta if the is reservoir drop as thelower could use even limit its up. and keeps capacity weather dry at 22.7% already could drop even lower if the dry weather keeps up.

breached rules 700 square meters bigger

What a dragon, she is worse than Thatcher. She is not doing anything the people voted for, she is doing exactly what she wants, she wants really to stay in Europe and a no deal will suit her. She is the biggest two faced politician to walk on the planet. She has ruined Britain, the police force, the national health service, the fire service and yet she is still Prime Minister. ‘He deservess it’ deserve it’ Not What the‘Hehell is happening to the the country I once loved? Not ugh eno enough s star stars NEWS NEWS

2017 December 6th - December 19th 2017 December 6th - December 19th

From Page 1

DOOMED: Costa hotel DOOMED: Costa hotel

than permitted. Although the town hall and maintain this exdeveloper than permitted. the hall and corrected, the town was later cess Although this exthat the rectificaruledmaintain judge developer the taken place corrected, have was later tion cess would the lirectificagranting that theof ruled after judge the place count. nottaken have so does cence, tion would liapartof the has 61 the granting The after building spaccount. parking 46 not does and ments cence, so es. The building has 61 apartwas building spacand 46 parking The mentsoriginal planning permisgranted es. was Enrique mayor building then original sion The by planning permisin 2001. Bolin granted sion by then mayor Enrique 2001. in Bolin

SMUGGLERS’ WALL SMUGGLERS’ WALL

human wall POLICE officers have formed a that the along a beach in La Linea to ensure ahead.wall wall went a human beachformed of a have construction POLICE officers of Nuestra that the the church to ensure between in La Linea The a beach alongwall, perimeter thewent ahead.wall andwall del Carmen of a beach Senora construction to Nuestra Atunara, of hopes Lachurch port ofthe fishing between of Thethewall, wall Senora del Carmen and the perimeter hopes to of the fishing port of La Atunara,

the beach deter drug smugglers from using as a drop off zone. Civil, Guardia the beach using from of police presence combined A drug smugglers deter as national and off zone. officers were present local as a drop try would Civil, smugglers of Guardia drug presence grew that police fears A combined the work. officers were present as and and national localdisrupt would try fears grew that drug smugglers and disrupt the work.

a well slot on advice Page 1 From He even got himself a financial he snared unsuspectknown radio station, through which advice slot on a well ing even got himself a financial exHe victims. investigation unsuspectPress he snared which a comprehensive station, throughOlive However, known radio coins and gold. his scams that involved stamps, pal Barry Nathan posed ing victims. his close Press investigation exOlive how he and also revealed a comprehensive We However, and gold. criminals, coinsanonymously, a dozen stamps, up to involved dinedthat andscams wined posed his Nathan food column. how he and his close pal Barry through revealed We also the our expose, followinganonymously, dozen criminals, fled to a country up the eventually He and dined had wined him down to the UK, where he and tracked column. we soon but the food through coins selling expose, was our and poll following deed by country name the his fled changed He eventually cottage. where he had a small to the UK, from downBerkshire him on eBay tracked antiques but we soon conning and law ofcoins under was selling andEnglish guiltypoll found by deed was quickly He his name changed prison cottage. Berkshire suspended a small a given from and eBay people on antiques under English law of conning to health guilty reasons. only due found sentence He was quickly never to prison he apromised suspended “And and given peoplebecause one of the cons,”reasons. online his due to health back toonly go sentence victim explained. he promised to never British “And because caseofwith the not theone this is his online cons,” But to apparently go back he is still using victims explained. two victimclaiming British stamps and with case ‘dodgy’ coins not the sell to is apparently eBay But this usflat in is still using he Brighton, his unpaid claiming from two victims stamps and‘gqtrad‘gqtrading’ coins and ing sell ‘dodgy’ tonames eBaythe usBrighton, in flat ing2’. from his unpaid his broken ‘gqtradsure he hasand pretty‘gqtrading’ arenames “We ing the conditions and will have to finally bail ing2’. victim. his one broken he has prison,” suresaid back go pretty areto “We unbelievable.” to finally man willishave and nerve of this “The bail conditions he should have known insisted victim. last night said one landlord His to prison,” go back start. fromisthe unbelievable.” up man of this something a bit “The nerve was he was known thoughthave contracts heI should theinsisted to sign night we metlast “When His landlord coffee only for the barista to my start. to pay the I went fromfor was up slippery, something bill.” he was a bit paying his I thought without the contracts to sign me he metleft tell we had “When months to baristabut couple first only forofthe the for coffee paid my for to pay continued: He I went“He slippery, had been frozen his account his bill.” He told us paying just had left without then hestopped. tell me is probbut of months investigation, first couplewhich laundering paid for the to a money“He due acHe continued: frozen beenand contacting had him stopaccount to his us us told then told “He He true. ably stopped. just then which is probof harrassment. laundering investigation, cused a money to due tous and acill and can’t him work is seriously he us to stop contacting claiming he is“He then told “Now ably true. make us of harrassment. cused payments. to work in court.” he is seriously ill and can’t seeishim claiming “We’ll “Now he make payments. Opinion Page 6 “We’ll see him in court.” Opinion Page 6

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T first blush, The Story of Ferdinand comes across as an innocent and heartwarming tale. After all, it is a children’s book, as well as a 1938 Walt Disney film. Yet Ferdinand’s legacy has taken on an unexpected life of its own, with many layers. The pacifist bull who prefers flowers to fighting has been caught in the crossfire of political ideologies, drawing world leaders, behavioural psychologists and top professional

AUTHOR: Munro Leaf

UNDER PRESSURE: Theresa May

I am glad I moved to Europe and now consider myself European.

Barry Conacher, Granada

Wake up! It’s not too late for all you expat Brexiteers to bugger off back home if the EU is so nasty, bugger off back to your island and close the door on your way out. Never before have so many people been so blind as to see what is going on. Jacob Rees Mogg moves all his money offshore and his companies to Dublin. Farage wants to keep getting paid in Euros and his family have property in France. The elite are taking advantage of the plebs in the UK and beyond and the uneducated are lapping it up. 70 years of no war in Europe, the longest peace and most prosperous period ANY country or region in the world has ever had, and still people think the EU is a bad thing.

24/11/2017 11:18

Made your bed

24/11/2017 11:18

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Why do they think the EU will do them any favours? They chose to leave and must be made an example of to deter others.

Neil Hollow, Piedra

Letter

of the

week

Dear Olive Press, Your TripAdvisor expose was excellent but I doubt that TripAdvisor will do anything to prevent fake reviews. Being one of the Top reviewers on Amazon nearly every day I get requests from Chinese companies offering a refund by PayPal if I order a product and then write a 5-star review for their product. For a while I used to forward those requests to amazon HQ but while they replied saying they cared they said they were not able to inform me about their actions for ‘data security’ reasons. I began to realise that nothing was happening as I got the same requests again and again from the exact same Chinese companies. And I have now given up informing Amazon so the fraudsters won. Wolfgang, Málaga Has anything piqued your interest in this week’s Olive Press? Have your say on the matter by emailing letters@theolivepress.es or alternatively message us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OlivePressNewspaper or Twitter @olivepress

August 29th - September 11th 2018

THE BEEF ABOUT FERDINAND

sports stars into the argument. Seldom has any book, much less one written for youngsters, become a sounding board for so many. Written in 1936 by American author Munro Leaf, it quickly became a bestseller, with many reviewers proclaiming it ‘the greatest juvenile classic since Winnie the Pooh. The tale has been translated into 60 languages and has been in continuous publication for over 80 years. The plot is set in Spain with many illustrations depicting Ronda, rural Andalucia and Madrid. Ferdinand, unlike most bulls, is a passive and peaceful creature with no interest in bullfighting. He prefers to smell the abundant flowers, his true passion. One day, men come to his pasture to choose a fierce bull to fight in Madrid. Ferdinand, as usual, is in the meadow indulging his floral fetish when he is stung by a bee. The pain sends him wild, snorting, charging and causing mayhem. Mistaking him for an aggressive bull, the men rename him ‘Ferdinand the Fierce’ and take him away to the capital to fight. In the ring, Ferdinand is distracted by the many flowers worn by the female spectators and refuses to fight. After his adventure, he returns home to his favourite cork tree to continue smelling the flowers. The fictional tale ends there but the story opened up a

NO BULLY: Pacifist bull Ferdinand was taken from his homeland in a field near Ronda (right and below) on the long journey to fight in Spain’s most famous bullring Las Ventas in Madrid

whole new chapter of controversies. Because of the sensitive time it was written - three months before the start of the Spanish Civil War - hyper-political ideologies on both sides interpreted its meaning through very different lenses. Pro-Franco factions perceived it to be a political tract promoting subversive pacifist propaganda and Franco banned it, calling it a dangerous message that encouraged disloyalty to cherished Spanish traditions. It remained on the blacklist in Spain until after Franco’s death in 1975. In Germany, Franco’s ally Adolf Hitler was equally inflamed by the book’s ‘degenerate democratic propa-

LA CULTURA

ganda’ and ordered all copies to be burned. After the war, attitudes changed. In Germany 30,000 copies were distributed to the country’s youth in an international mission to promote peace, while anti-Franco ideologues saw Ferdinand as a positive metaphorical alternative to the ‘toughest, meanest bull’ (i.e. Franco). Other leftists saw Ferdinand’s behaviour as an effective sit-down strike against capitalist exploitation. The saga didn’t end there. Ferdinand’s message has

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We remember an incident some years ago involving about six undercover police who pushed a young man to the floor in La Nogalera after they asked him for his ID whilst not identifying themselves (Unfair cop, issue 300). All hell broke loose at it looked like a gay bashing. Turned out these police were from Madrid. No charges were filed, but lessons were learned! Anonymous, Torremolinos

Alex Brown, Malaga

24/11/2017 11:18

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LA CULTURA

www.theolivepress.es

Loved by Ghandi, banned by Franco and Hitler... how a loveable Spanish toro in a children’s book raised hackles all over the world, writes Jack Gaioni

AFTER SCHOOL CLUB

Page 20

Page 12

THIS is such a beautiful book and great piece! (The beef about Ferdinand, issue 299). I wish there were more Ferdinands than humans in this world!

Armchair critics

In Mallorca BLOCKED OFF

Inspiration

Idiot Do you really think he knows where Morocco is? (DONALD T R U M P : Spain should build wall in Sahara desert to tackle Europe migrant crisis, online). Or knows anything about Ceuta and Melilla and where they are? I doubt it. Ian Bushnell, Alhaurin

Avoid! TRIPADVISOR is one of the worst sites for reviews and general misconduct (Faking it, issue 299). I gave two bad reviews to properties rented through them, one in Copenhagen the other in Budapest. They were real complaints about how dirty the properties were on arrival and one even had the owner still living in the property when I got there. These reviews were taken off their website after a couple of weeks and having complained to TripAdvisor they gave a standard answer that they would look into it. Avoid them at all cost for accommodation. Tam Tango, Marbella

Property www.theolivepress.es

www.theolivepress.es

Little bit pricey

Is this Spain’s most expensive home?

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

September 2018

September 26th - October 9th 2018

VS INTERIORS WORLD CUP, PART 2 See page XXVI

Inland dreaming

ust an hour or two from the Costa del Sol you’ll find a range of stunning historical gems for sale, many going back to the Roman era and one where Napoleon (right) once stayed.

See page XVI

Page VI

Price hike

Taking a stroll around a mountain of bargains

Page IV

Casa or Cave

TRIPLE JOY: Historic internal patio in Cadiz stunner, while (below) ancient arches in Sevilla mill and a vineyard/equestrian estate, near Ronda

Fabulous photo report of Andalucia’s cave-dwellers

Page XX

Famous Guests Reform of stunning hotel where Virginia Woolf stayed

Page XXV

Nice little earners

ORE buyers than ever are snapping up second homes to rent out - and the Costa del Sol is the second hottest destination of choice. According to new research, more than two thirds of owners now rent out their second homes to cover part or all of their costs, reversing the trend of 50 years ago. The top three locations benefiting from the buy-to-let second home boom are the Costa del Sol, which has 4% of the international market, the Costa Blanca, also at 4%, and the Algarve, in Portugal, with 5%. Back in the 1970s, nine out of 10 homeowners kept their second homes purely for themselves.

Costa del Sol is cashing in on a buy-to-let boom

Even up to 2000 that figure only dropped to eight out of 10 homeowners. But times are changing with more buyers hoping to turn their holiday home into a nice little earner, according to a survey by Savills and HomeAway. In the early 2000s, only 14% of second homes were bought purely for rental rather than personal use. But by the time of the credit crunch, this figure had risen to 19% and now more than a third of second homes are

bought as investments. “In a low interest rate environment investors are seeking out income-generating assets,” said Paul Tostevin, associate director for Savills World Research. “Today’s second home buyers want properties to work for them financially and they’re increasingly looking not just to cover costs but to turn a profit.” He added: “Global tourism continues to grow, with international tourist arrivals up by 7% last year to a record 1.3 billion. At the same time, the rapid expansion of online holiday home platforms such as HomeAway opens up the market to new target groups and makes it much easier for owners to make their properties income-producing.”

II14

PROPERTY

September 26th - October 9th 2018

www.theolivepress.es

September 2018

Welcome from the publisher

What a change WELCOME to our brand new relaunched Property Magazine. Brought to you by the Olive Press, we hope you enjoy the varied mix of stories, features and columns, from our specialists around the region and Spain. It was four years ago that we came up with the idea of launching a stand-alone Property Magazine for our readers. After six years in the doldrums, the market had just started to pick up again and the region’s key agents were asking for somewhere to be heard… and, of course, to market their properties. We are delighted that half a dozen of those clients are still with us today, with many more dipping in and out on a regular basis. All of them are trustworthy and each can give you an incisive and definitive view of their local area. From our side, we vow to continue offering plenty of interesting content, this issue including analysis on the recent currency scandal that rocked Iberia and a lack of transparency for buyers. And, if that’s not enough, we look at Spain’s most expensive properties, interview key Inland agent Oscar Ernstsen and pit Germany v Spain in an interior design battle. Enjoy.

Jon Clarke

If you want to rent your future home out in Malaga, beware of the new rules and what’s to come, writes Mark Stucklin

Rental warning

able if everyone spot as once a property has its rental goes home in licence that information is shared with September, but Hacienda (the taxman). that’s not the Malaga has a relatively small market case. compared with say Barcelona or PalGetting the bal- ma, with 1.3m tourists staying in the ance right is key, city in 2017. as the economic It’s also the least regulated city and OLLOWING my recent rebenefits of more only requires owners to apply for a view of the changes to visitors, who licence and meet the required stanMadrid’s tourist rental typically spend dards. regulations this post covmore than As yet, there are no restricted zones ers Malaga. beach tourists, and around 3,500 properties have a It is getting tougher there, even can be balanced licence number and the list is availto the extent of outright bans in against what able online so visitors can check if the some blocks. residents will tol- apartment they are renting is legal. Buyers may even need to reerate. There is a telephone hotline for the think their plans if rental inDifferent areas public to report suspected illegal propcome is part of the strategy. OVERCROWDED: Some parts of Malaga are saturated have different erties. However, although small, the The reasons that Spain’s top city destinations are trying to tourists rose from 59m in 2007 to 82m requirements, some locations are tourist market is growing strongly and limit tourist rentals are many in 2017. overwhelmed while others don’t have in 2017 had the highest growth of any city in Spain. and include: Spain is now the second most vis- a problem. ited country in the world, just behind These differences were behind the Already the same problems are emerg• Locals are being squeezed France. 2013 decision by central government ing, such as sharply rising rents and out of city centres as long The rise in visitor numbers to Spanish to devolve legislative responsibility to more evictions, as well as noise and term rentals reduce cities is also a sign of a maturing tour- the autonomous regions so they could disruption. December 6t • Rental and sale prices are ism sector away from the typical beach come up with rules that best suited The mayor insists the council is watching the tourist rental market closely shooting up as investors visitors. them. move in making it unaf- There is a big market for cultural tour- There’s no doubt that the emergence and they won’t hesitate to impose December 6t fordable ism and these visitors head for the of portals such as Airbnb have led to more controls if necessary. • Noise from continual ten- cities, which has led to an increase in the rapid expansion of tourist rentals And owners themselves can also take ant turnover is growing rental yields in city centres. And it is all but with increased visibility it is also action and there are already buildings as • Local politicians are start- year round. much easier for the authorities to see in Malaga (and other cities, such December 6t Palma) in which the community of owning to get across their mes- But this growth brings problems. Cities who is doing what. SOME 14 fire bosses have ers have voted to change the statutes sages to sort it out here are relatively small in area and Not only are there fines for not declarDecember 6t He even got been arrested for allegedly the historic centres - where visitors ing income, up to €300,000 in some and ban tourist lets completely. known radio s embezzling €7 million in In one sense this is a sign of want to stay - have become saturated regions, big fines have been imposed Be careful if looking to buy one of these ing victims. public funds. SOME 14 fire bossesand have the strength of Spain’s tourism local residents feel crowded out. on both Airbnb and Homeaway for al- apartments to rent out. However, a co He even got The Policia Nacional found been arrested for allegedly sector. And worse than that. There is no low lowing unlicensed properties to be posed his scam known radio s that since the theConsortium of so no respite. Disruption for a listed. Visit www.spanishpropertyinsight. embezzling €7 million in In the decade 2008 season We victims. also revea ing Bomberos Cadiz took out of months A HOTEL is to beis knocked funds. recession public Spain’s overseas couple in summer bear- And tax avoidance is much easier to com for more information wined andadin However, co SOME 14 retirement fire bosses insurhave massPolicia early The Nacional found down for not having enough He even got through fo posed histhe scam been arrested for allegedly ance policies. that the Consortium of class! known radio s He eventually We also revea embezzling €7 million in SOME 14 fire bosses have But when their employees Bomberos Cadiz took out A HOTEL is to Hotel be knocked Benalmadena’s Vista ing He even got but victims. we soon t wined and din public funds. been arrested for allegedly retired early, chiefs siphoned mass early retirement insurdown not having enough de Reyfor must be demolished However, a co known changedradio his ns through the fo The Policia embezzling €7from million in off the moneyNacional thefound payance policies. class! within three months, a court posed hison scam ing victims. antiques eB He eventually that the their Consortium of public funds. outs. when But employees Benalmadena’s Hotel Vista has ruled, We also revea However, a co He was quickl but we soon t Bomberos took out The Policia Nacional found Authorities also found disA HOTEL is to be knocked retired early,Cadiz chiefs siphoned de Rey mustSuperior be demolished Andalucia’s Court wined and din posed scam peoplehis and gi changed his n mass retirement insurthat the Consortium of crepancies in the the consoroff theearly money from paydown for not having enough within three months, the a court of Justice ruled hothrough fo We also the revea sentence only antiques on eB ance Bomberos Cadiz took out tium’spolicies. training courses. A is to that be knocked outs. class! hasHOTEL ruled, He eventually wined and din “And because tel falls short of its four-star was quickl than permitted. But their employees mass early Largewhen sumsretirement werefound paidinsurto a Authorities also disdown for not having enough Benalmadena’s Hotel Court Vista but we soon t through thehis fo go back to Andalucia’s Superior people and gi requirement. Although the town hall and retired early, chiefs ance policies. company to in provide training crepancies the siphoned consorclass! de Rey must be that demolished changed his n He eventually British victim of Justice ruled the hosentence only off the money from the payBut when their employees courses, but no evidence has developer maintain this extium’s training courses. Benalmadena’s Vista within a court antiques eB but soon t But we this ison app “And because tel fallsthree shortmonths, of Hotel its four-star outs. retired early, chiefs siphoned been found that these courses than was permitted. Probing Large sums were paid to a cess later corrected, the de Rey must be demolished has ruled, He was quickl changed hishis nc twoback victims go to requirement. Authorities found disoff money from the paytookthe place. Although the town hall and company to also provide training judge ruled that the rectificawithin three months, a court It began probing the Court three Andalucia’s Superior people and gi antiques on eB eBay tovictim sell ‘d British crepancies the consorouts. Meanwhile, courses, but in no irregularities evidence has developer this extion wouldmaintain have taken place has ruled, starJustice hotelruled and that apartment of the hosentence He was from hisquickl unp But this isonly app tium’s training courses. Authorities also diswere found also found infound grants and been that these courses Probing cess was later corrected, the after the granting of the liAndalucia’s Court “And because people and gi ing the names block inshort 2011Superior after was detel falls of itsitfour-star two victims c than Large sums were paid to a crepancies in the consorsubsidies, which cops believe took place. judge ruled thatnot thecount. rectificacence,permitted. so does of Justice ruled that hoIt began over probing thethethree go back his sentence only ing2’. nounced planning rules eBay to to sell ‘d requirement. Although the town hall and company totoprovide tium’s training courses. were used pay fortraining private Meanwhile, irregularities tion would have place The building hastaken 61 apartBritish victim “And because “We prett tel falls short ofthe itsapartment four-star star hotel and fromare his unp which set aside plot for a than permitted. courses, but no evidence has Large sums were paid to a trips. developer maintain exwere also found in grants and after the ofthis the liments andgranting 46 town parking spacBut this is go to app his bailback condition ing the names requirement. block in 2011 after it was defour star hotel only. Although the hall and been found that these courses company to provide training The irregularities date back Probing subsidies, which cops believe cess was later corrected, the cence, so does not count. es. two victims British victim go back to pric ing2’. nounced planning rules Accordingover to the PGOU town took place. courses, but evidence has to 2008 and cops believe at developer maintain this exwere used tono pay for private judge ruled that the rectificaIt began probing the The building has 61 aparteBay to is sell But app “Thethis nerve of‘d original building was “We are prett which aside theblock plotthree for a plan anset apartment was Meanwhile, irregularities been found that these courses least €7 million has been stoProbing trips. cess was later corrected, the tion would have taken place star hotel and apartment from his unpc ments and 46 parking spactwo victims His condition landlord bail granted planning permisfour star hotel only. not permitted and it also were also found in grants and took len byplace. those at the top. The irregularities date back judge ruled that the rectificaafter the granting of the liIt began probing the three ing the eBay tonames sell ‘d something wa block in 2011 after it was dees. go back to pri sion by thenhave mayor Enrique According to the town breached rules byPGOU being over subsidies, which cops believe Meanwhile, irregularities to 2008 and cops believe at tion would taken place cence, so2001. does not count. star hotel apartment ing2’. from his “When weunp me nounced overand planning rules “The nerve of The original building was Bolin in plan an apartment block was DOOMED: Costa hotel used to pay private were also found in for grants and 700 square meters bigger least €7 million has been stoafter the planning granting ofpermisthe liThe building has 61 apart“We arenames prett ing the slippery, I wen block in after itplot was deHis landlord which set2011 aside the a granted not permitted and it for also trips. subsidies, which len by those at thecops top.believe cence, does not count. ments and 46mayor parking spacbail condition ing2’. tell me he had nounced over something wa four star hotel only. sion byso then Enrique The irregularities date back were used to pay for private breached rulesplanning by beingrules over The es. go to pri “We arewe prett Heback continued “When me which set aside the plotbigger for a DOOMED: Costa hotel According to the PGOU town Bolinbuilding in 2001. has 61 apartto 2008 and cops believe at trips. 700 square meters ments and 46 parking spac“The nerve of bail thencondition just The original building was slippery, Istop wen FRUIT indate the four hotel only.block was plan star an apartment least €7 growers million has beenAxarstoThe irregularities back es. His landlord go tomon pri dueback to ahe tell me had granted planning permisquia facing a 60% reducAccording to theand PGOU not permitted it town also len byare those atcops the top. to 2008 and believe at something wa “The nerve“He of ablycontinued true. The original building was He sion by then mayor Enrique tion in use from the La plan an apartment blockover was breached rules by being least €7water million has been sto“When me His landlord cused usweof ha then just stop granted planning Vinuela reservoir so- not Bolin in 2001. hotel FRUIT growers the no Axarpermitted and also aDOOMED: len by those at theinwith top. 700 square meters POLICE officers haveitbigger formed human wallCosta deter drug smugglers from using the permisbeach slippery, Iiswen something wa “Now cl due tohe a mon sion by then mayor Enrique lutionare in sight. quia facing a 60% reduc- breached rules by over along a beach in being La Linea to ensure that the as a drop off zone. tell me he had “When we“He me make paymen ably true. The in Junta decided to 700 Bolin in 2001. DOOMED: hotel police tion waterhas use from the La square meters bigger construction of a beach wall went ahead. Costa A combined presence of Guardia Civil, He continued slippery, I him wen “We’ll seeof cused us ha limit its use as the with reservoir is Vinuela reservoir no soThe wall,officers between the church of Nuestra officers as POLICE have formed a human wall local deter and drugnational smugglers from were usingpresent the beach then just stop tell me he had “Now he is cl FRUIT growers the Axaralreadyinat 22.7% in capacity and lution sight. Senoraa del Carmen and the perimeter fears grew along beach in La Linea to ensure thatwall the as a drop offthat zone.drug smugglers would try duecontinued topaymen a mon He make quia facing 60% reduccouldare drop even if the The Junta hasa lower decided to of the fishingofport of Lawall Atunara, hopes to A and disrupt the work. construction a beach went ahead. combined police presence of Guardia Civil, ably true. “He then just “We’ll seestop him tion in use from La FRUIT growers the the Axardry weather keeps up. limit itswater use as thein reservoir is The wall, between the church of Nuestra local and national officers were present as cused of ha due tous a mon Vinuela reservoir with reducnoand soquia areat facing 60% already 22.7%acapacity POLICEdel officers haveand formed a human wall fears deter grew drug smugglers using would the beach Senora Carmen the perimeter that drug from smugglers try “Nowtrue. he is“He cl ably lution in sight. tion water use lower from the La couldindrop even if the along beach in La of Linea to ensurehopes that the drop offthe zone. of the afishing port La Atunara, to as anda disrupt work. make paymen cused us of ha The Junta has decided to Vinuela reservoir dry weather keepswith up. no soconstruction of a have beachformed wall went ahead.wall deter A combined police presence Guardia Civil, POLICE officers a human drug smugglers from of using the beach “We’ll he seeishim “Now cl limit its as the reservoir is lution inuse sight. The wall, between the church of Nuestra local and off national along a beach in La Linea to ensure that the as a drop zone. officers were present as make paymen already at 22.7% The Junta has capacity decidedand to Senora del Carmen andwall thewent perimeter fears grew that drug smugglers would try construction of a beach ahead.wall A combined police presence of Guardia Civil, “We’ll see him couldits drop if the limit use even as thelower reservoir is of thewall, fishing port ofthe Lachurch Atunara, to local and disrupt the work. The between of hopes Nuestra and national officers were present as dry weather keeps up. already at 22.7% capacity and Senora del Carmen and the perimeter wall fears grew that drug smugglers would try could drop even lower if the of the fishing port of La Atunara, hopes to and disrupt the work. dry weather keeps up.

www.theolivepress.es

Costa del Sol Hot www.theolivepress.es hotel has three 4 www.theolivepress.es water Costa del Hot months toSol 4 hotel has three www.theolivepress.es fight decision water months Costa beforedel itto isSol Hot fight decision hotel has demolished Costa del three Sol Hot water before it is months to hotel has three demolished water fight decision months to before it is fight decision demolished before it is demolished

Pipe ban Pipe ban Pipe ban Pipe ban

N EWS N EWS

Not Not enough Not Not enough stars enough enough stars stars stars N EWS N EWS

‘He d ‘He d ‘He d ‘He d

SMUGGLERS’ WALL SMUGGLERS’ WALL SMUGGLERS’ WALL SMUGGLERS’ WALL

A ran A ran of Wa A ofran Wa

www.theolivepress.es

September 26th - October 9th 2018

September 2018

Clause to celebrate

Circle of life

Fair bnb? A THIRD of Airbnb’s Spanish rentals are run by big business - developers or companies which hold more than five properties. The largest agency, Villafinca, has around 854 properties listed on its website. The 10 most influential Airbnb ‘landlords’ have more than 4,000 properties in the major cities and tourist hotspots. According to research company, DataHippo, this undermines the idea of Airbnb as a service that can help hardpressed homeowners to pocket a little more cash. A spokesman said: “The level of transparency of these platforms is almost zero and many researchers and groups told us that they lacked data to be able to analyse further.”

A NEW way of communal living is being launched on the Costa del Sol. The development combining orchards, communal green spaces and sustainable architecture are the key aspects of this exciting new project. Introducing a so-called ‘circular economy’, the Be Lagom scheme, in Benahavis, aims to encourage a more collaborative community and a shared responsibility to protect natural resources.

The project of 13 luxury villas in the La Alqueria is combining natural materials with contemporary design and has already received the international ‘Breeam’ sustainability mark. Be Lagom, which means ‘the right amount’, promises to be one of the most exclusive and innovative residential projects on the coast.

SUSTAINABLE: The Be Lagom scheme

Day of reckoning THE Junta is set to rule on the fate of 40,000 illegally-built homes around Andalucia. A crucial vote this week will decide whether or not these homes can be classed as ‘AFOs’, which would grant them partly-legal status. It would mean owners scattered around the region would

III 15

Crucial vote could see tens of thousands of illegal homes legalised this week be able to get services more quickly, as well as getting greater legal certainty. Under the new plans, new urban areas, known as ‘asentamientos’ will be created to allow

needs the support of political party Podemos, which has until now abstained from supporting the change, much like the PSOE, which has repeatedly declared its opposition. Despite largely causing much of the mess. Campaigner Gerardo Vazquez, representing the families, said: “I do not know why it is so difficult to solve a problem that could easily be solved with political will. “The houses need regulation now, so that they can stop damaging the environment with uncontrolled emissions of waste, so that corrective measures can be applied and also so that a short-term solution is given to provide some form of legal certainty and that they can connect to basic services, as a matter of humanity. “The amendment will allow this for many thousands of these houses, allowing them to come out of the legal limbo in which they currently exist". AFO stands for Asimilación fuera de ordenación.

the homes to be legalised. The groups of illegal houses, represented by the Andalusian Confederation of associations and federations, are scattered through the Axarquia, in Malaga, and areas such as Almeria and Cadiz. A large number are owned by expats and many of them will join others from the group, known as A MADRID apartment CALU, to has been transformed into make their an art deco haven. demands Interior design firms heard in Gancedo and Rue Vintage Sevilla this 74 collaborated on the week. project, incorporating bold The vote colours and unique staple furniture pieces from the 19th century. From cacti made from esparto - a weed grown in DOUBLE the number of building licences Andalucia - to huge goldhave been issued in Marbella this year. plated palm trees and pineA total of 528 licences have been handed out apple wallpaper, the work - valued at €143.2 million - since the PP mayhas been praised by the oress Angeles Munoz came to power last year. likes of design magazines The previous 12 months saw only 272 licences Radar and AD. awarded, worth €70.2 million. Smaller works have also increased, by 30%.

Art deco haven

Double bubble

QUIRKY: A sumptuous feast in Madrid

MORE than 97% of floor clause victims have won their battles in court, new figures have revealed. It comes 15 months after 54 courts were set up to deal specifically with around 40,000 cases of mortgage abuse clauses utilized illegally by banks. According to the courts, 17,485 cases were resolved between April and June this year, with 97.3% being won by the claimants. But while the cases are being dealt with at a quicker rate, the backlog has soared after 50,000 new claims were brought before the specialised courts over the same period. The hidden floor clauses tied the homeowners to minimum monthly repayments of around 2%, even when interest rates went much lower. It meant they were forced to pay hundreds of euros extra per month.

Empty homes law SPAIN is planning to punish owners of empty homes. The government has drafted a set of initiatives that would affect homes owned by investment firms, banks and private citizens. There are more than 3.4 million homes lying empty in Spain and new laws could see sanctions for their owners if they remain unoccupied. It comes after some regional authorities started to fine owners, as well as forcing them to rent and even temporarily expropriating their properties in some cases. In some areas only banks holding repossessed homes can be sanctioned while in other regions private individuals are also being targeted. PSOE Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is trying to get agreement across all parties before introducing the bill.

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IV 16

PROPERTY

or in this case THEY say good things come in threes, 300! with In our fitting 300th issue we are packed than ANY other exclusives and original content - more English paper in Spain. TripAdvisor Aside from the news and our ongoingculinary delights probe, we have food features on the on how an of the Basque region, as well as a missive UK’s literacy rates Andalucian weed helped boost the in Victorian times. Valley of the Plus our in-depth dispatch from the with exhumed, be to Fallen, where Franco is soon Spain’s leading exclusive commentary from three of and Giles Hispanists, Paul Preston, Ian Gibson Tremlett. our 300th issue, And in a special supplement to mark came to be we tell the story of how the Olive Press currently reporters former our and where many of work, with some in Russia and America. grab a coffee Yes, there is a lot inside. So sit back, your with relax and wine of glass or reach for your favourite fortnightly newspaper. Hope you’ll still We’re here for at least another 300. be too.

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Expats demand the return of millions after FX company collapses amid fraud probe have been left completely in the dark and unable to access their funds. The group have now formed an action group with nearly 200 members demanding immediate answers. One British expat, based in Mallorca, told the Olive Press she has no idea what has happened to the €30,000 she was holding with Premier FX. “I had used them for many

EXCLUSIVE By Elisa Menendez

years and there were never any problems,” explained the 69-year-old, who asked to remain anonymous. “I had transferred the money and was waiting for the exchange rate to improve. “The next thing I knew, the money was gone. I feel sick

Mosquito Screens

Call Nick 647 072 861 See page 35

www.mosquitonick.ws nick@mosquitonick.ws

about it,” added the pensioner, based in Palma. Another entrepreneur told the Olive Press she is missing a staggering €400,000. businessUK-based The woman, who previously lived in Portugal for ten years, has made three monthly transactions with Premier FX for 12 years. Despite knowing former director Rexstrew, who also lived in the Algarve, she was given no warning. “I tried to make a transaction but no one would answer the phone. I then emailed and I

received this automatic reply saying they had ceased trad- EXPAT: Andrew Jones ing and there’d be no further transactions. “I immediately smelt a rat,” she added. When she called Action Fraud, EXCLUSIVE an operator explained he knew nothing about it. A GAY couple have denounced “I’ve been stuck for two months a Guardia Civil officer after he without that money and have allegedly assaulted them. no idea whether I’ll get it back. Expats Andrew Jones, 36, from “It’s not just affecting people London, and Mario Dieni, 39, buying holiday homes, it is also from Argentina, claim they affecting business owners, who were ‘pushed and grabbed’ for can’t pay staff or clients.” no reason. Both victims had been prom- The couple have called in the ised by Premier FX that their British embassy and filed an ‘segin held being was money official denuncia over the inregated, personal accounts’ cident, which took place near with Barclays, but administra- Torrox, at the weekend. tors now think this was not the Jones, who has bipolar discase. order, told the Olive Press he The FCA has since discovered was ‘really shaken up’ by the that the company, set up in alleged assault, which came af2006, was operating without ter they were routinely stopped full authorisation. at 1am. It was forced into administra-

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Unfair cop

Aggressive

“He was immediately aggressive. We are gay and he saw us together, perhaps it is discrimination. I don’t know,” he said. The British expat, who works in marketing, had been driving home having picked up his partner from work at a hotel in Nerja. “He went absolutely berserk, pushing me so hard that the officer behind had to catch me,” added Jones. “He then grabbed Mario and tossed him to one side.” Eventually the officer was moved away by colleagues, who then gave the couple his badge number, so they could file a complaint. A Guardia Civil spokesperson confirmed the incident was ‘being investigated’.

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September 2018

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T was upsetting to read about the expats caught up in the ‘brokers muddle’ on the front page of the last issue of the Olive Press. Hopefully administrators unravelling the ‘company book’ of Premier FX will not be delivering further bad news… and can soon throw out some life buoys to those customers left in choppy waters. It’s the very least we’d expect for an established financial company trusted with clients’ money. And given the UK’s very strict Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is now going through the foreign exchange company’s affairs I’d hope for a good outcome. So how do you recognize a good broker? Before I answer that question I went to Wikipedia, which defined ‘a broker’ as follows:

Key exchanges

Cashback? By FX trader Mark Rickard

No guarantee for victims of Premier FX, but authorities will help get money returned, writes specialist Mark Rickard * A broker is an Independent party, whose services are used extensively in some industries. A broker’s prime responsibility is to bring buyers and sellers together and thus is the third party facilitator between a buyer and seller. An estate agent or stockbroker are familiar examples. Regulation plays a key role in the financial sector, therefore watch for the FCA membership number on any FX company’s website and any correspondence their representatives send to you when engaging in business. Never be scared to ask representatives about their company’s regulatory status and safety of your funds: Good companies are always happy to answer, and should be definitive

in their response. Safety of your funds should be paramount when making large foreign payments, and all good FX companies segregate client monies in a ring-fenced account, so it does not form part the brokers profits or losses. Lawyers have similar segregated accounts as well, by the way, known as Clients Trust Accounts. Documentation to prevent money laundering is very strict in recent times, and getting stricter, as brokers understandably want to know who you are, before acting on your behalf. Therefore, the registration criteria will usually be thorough! This protects you and the broker alike...and if the registration process is not detailed, loose or slack, you should perhaps wonder why?

Lastly, and the most commonly asked question to brokers, and actually it’s the justification for their very existence is ‘the price’! The one you get for euros, dollars, yen, whatever. Brokers will always give you a better price than banks, as they have commercial terms with the principle party (they buy wholesale amounts of currency), unlike individuals or even companies. Also they will go to more than one bank to get better prices, hence offering you a better quote.

Beware

Probably the most hazardous sign to watch out for is when a broker offers a better price than ‘the market’ known as the ‘interbank rate’, because it will

mean they are likely to be taking risks themselves. They should be buying currency at the moment you buy your currency…it is a back to back transaction which has NO RISK. They should not be waiting for better exchange rates. That is gambling with YOUR money. I have been working in the financial industry for nearly 20 years, and there has never been more protection for clients what with the FCA, Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise, and of course the Government itself. There are also internal compliance departments to police activities.

However, there will always be feral and rogue institutions, company directors who behave improperly. And usually, in my experience the person most affected is the man on the street. I sincerely hope this sad chapter in FX history, is quickly brought to a close. And I hope to be writing a more cheerful story in my next column in October.

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

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Price: €4,200,000

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September 26th - October 9th 2018

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VI 18

PROPERTY

September 26th - October 9th 2018

www.theolivepress.es

September 2018

What can you buy in Spain when money is no object?

VILLA in Mallorca made headline news this month for being allegedly the ‘most expensive’ in Spain … although the owners of an even costlier Marbella-listed mansion might have something to say about that. At a staggering €65 million, it’s one of the many properties across the country that have seen their worth soar as the country’s property market continues to recover. Our Olive Press Property Magazine sleuths rounded up some of the most expensive homes in Spain’s hottest locations.

Expensive

PRIVILEGED: Location overlooking Palma

Palma

65 million

illa Solitaire in Son Vida, Palma was reported to be the most expensive property for sale in Spain this month at a cool €65 million (although it is still €15 million less than the Marbella-listed property below). On the market with the John Taylor real-estate, it was designed by Italian architect Matteo Thun and has stunning views over Palma Bay. ANUNCIO OLIVE PRESS ENERO 18 OK.pdf 1 The 2,300m2 pad has seven bedrooms and six bathrooms, a rooftop terrace with open-air cinema, gym, parking for six cars, a botanical garden, an elevator … we could go on ...

22/1/18

15:33

Looking for Design Inspiration? Sevilla,

13.5 million

wned by Joanne Hearst Castro, granddaughter of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, this grand 152-hectare estate is just 15 minutes from the centre of Sevilla and offers jaw-dropping views from every side. The 15-bedroom cortijo has its own chapel, dressage rings, pool, wine cellar with flamenco tablao and even a private bull

ring! It also comes with a horse and carriage collection - including the one Spain’s Infanta Elena rode in to her wedding. The 3000 m2 property, listed with Sotheby’s, was built in 1929 by Aníbal González before being upgraded in 1999. Sotheby’s is offering it fullyfurnished, complete with objets d’art collected from the most exotic corners in the world.

Marbella, 80 millio

his massive mansion is actually the most exp Listed with Prime Property Marbella, the 10built in 2002 and features a swimming pool, g Sitting on an 8000m2 plot, the beachfront hom pool, bars, cinema and barbecue.

The leading home decoration magazine for homeowners with style… Tel. (+34) 951 38 38 97 | info@homeandlifestyle.es | www.homeandlifestyle.es

www.theolivepress.es

Taste

September 26th - October 9th 2018

September 2018

Madrid 21 million

his sprawling modern home is located in La Finca, near Madrid, reckoned to be the safest residential area in Europe and a favourite among footie stars like Gareth Bale and Zinedine Zidane. The mansion, west of the centre of Madrid,

STYLISH: Sleek lines

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pensive in Spain. -bedroom, 17-bathroom giant was garage and enormous garden. me comes complete with a heated GORGEOUS: Gardens of Sevilla mansion

More eye-watering properties overleaf

VII 19

VIII 20

PROPERTY

September 26th - October 9th 2018

www.theolivepress.es

September 2018

Ibiza, 12.6 mILLION

he perfect party villa on an island that knows how to have fun, with spectacular sea views. Just 10 minutes from Ibiza town and the sandy beach of Talamanca, it’s listed with N.A.R.T. Ver waltungsgesellsc haf t mbH. Recently renovated with spacious surroundings and three separate guest apartments, the infinity saltwater pool has wow factor vistas to Dalt Vila and the hippy island of Formentera.

Cordoba, 2.5 million

beautiful Moorish mansion three minutes from Cordoba’s city centre, you’ll never have to worry about where to park the car. Slap-bang in the historic

quarter, the patio surrounded by a colonnade of 9th century arches with a Roman fountain at its centre is just one of the wow factors. All the doors of the Sotheby’s listed home are of hand-carved wood while

those leading to the dining room are antique, crafted by monks. Listed with Sotheby’s, the property is packed with antiques and comes complete with orange and lemon trees and a swimming pool.

www.theolivepress.es

September 26th - October 9th 2018

86 9, 00 0€

Tel +34 952 816 250

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

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

X22

PROPERTY

www.theolivepress.es

September 2018

September 26th - October 9th 2018

Price hike A

Alcaucin

Follow the new Axarquia walking trail to discover some bargain properties

NEW walking route will connect seven villages in the stunning mountain villages of Axarquia. Dubbed La Ruta de los Puentes - the bridges route - the 50km trail takes in Alcaucin, Canillas de Acei-

tuno, Sedella, Salares, Canillas de Albaida, Archez and Arenas. The project has received an initial €150,000 budget and will see the upgrade of pre-existing paths and the construction of four new bridges to add to five

already in place. It’s a wonderful area close to Malaga city and a nice place to live, so in the spirit of the walk, we’ve rounded up a property from each village which shows you can get some real bargains if you venture inland.

Canillas de Aceituno

Canillas de Aceituno €96,000 71 m2 - 2 bed

Arenas €126,000 90 m2 2 bed

Sedella, €85,000 85 m2 3 bed

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

It’s your move!

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September 26th - October 9th 2018

XI 23

September 2018

Alcaucin, €196,000 131 m2 3 bed

Sedella Salares

Canillas de Albaida €275,000 133 m² 3 bed

Canillas de Albaida Archez

Arenas

Archez, €65,000 73 m² - 2 bed

Salares €76,000 112 m² 3 bed

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XII 24

PROPERTY

September 26th - October 9th 2018

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September 2018

Struggling to pay your Spanish mortgage? Stuck in negative equity? We can help.

U Property Solutions are Specialist Debt Strategists who assist individuals with European Property Debt. The Spanish property market suffered severely following the global financial crisis of 2008 with property values dropping significantly. Many people found that their properties were in Negative Equity which occurs when the value of the property is less than the outstanding mortgage. Subsequently, many that had invested their life savings into their dream holiday homes were finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with the mortgage repayments. This had a domino effect and people were falling into financial difficulty thus leaving their UK assets at risk. EU property Solutions can help those in this situation. We provide the correct strategies and solutions to solve complex and problematic property issues. Please rest assured that help is at hand. • • •

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September 26th - October 9th 2018

PROPERTY

XIV www.theolivepress.es 26 September 2018 In the latest round of the Design World Cup, Nest Estepona’s Lotti Ander pits Germany against Spain

T seems all Europeans have their own unique DNA when it comes to interior styles, like stripes that never go away. In our last property magazine, I explained how I could tell with near 100% accuracy where the owners of a home were from depending on their interiors. Kicking off the Design World Cup, I pitted the furniture-loving Brits against the minimalist Swedes. This edition I take a look at the precision-loving Germans and colourmad Spaniards.

September 26th - October 9th 2018

Clinical vs Colour GERMANY

Order, grunge and gemütlichkeit!

ermans have a long history with industrial craftsmanship, producing designs systematically and methodically with a rigorous and refined approach to quality. Bauhaus, BMW and beer are all products of this ‘mit Präzision’ mentality! And when it comes to their way of living (Germans have a problem with voluptuous and fussy interiors) you can easily see their love for clean, staight lines. They tend to focus on one statement piece of furniture at a time rather than an overall concept, and they do it themselves - hiring an interior designer is a no-no! Seeing the home as an arena for self-expression is a completely outlandish idea to orderly German minds! Please follow the instructions below to give your home the Deutsch touch: •

• •

In every self-respecting German home there should be a brown leather sofa, preferably a 1960s Conseta model. No IKEA-wannabes please! Alternatively, opt for a very complicated module sofa, one that’s hell to hoover underneath and impossible to get up from! Bare brickwork walls and concrete ‘bunker style’ are popular design themes. Organise your home with floor-to-ceiling modular

ORDERED: Clean, tidy and organised in a German home shelves and containers. There should be no clutter. •

Gemütlischkeit demands plenty of throws, cushions and carpets. If you want to enhance the arty crafty feel, throw in a lambskin.

•

A square fireplace (no frills or mantelpiece) is a must, accessorised with honey candle lights and a wooden floor - zehr naturlisch!

•

For the finishing touch, something olde worlde. Why not a cuckoo clock?

SPAIN

Color, color y mas color!

H CAPTION

ow can I describe the art of Spanish interior design in just a few words? It’s virtually impossible because minimalistic they are not. Their motto is ‘more is more’ - and the more furniture/colours/objets d’art, the better! Also alien to the Spanish homeowner is the concept common in this age of over-consumption that when something is out of fashion, it gets chucked out and replaced by something more modish. This does not work for a Spaniard but honestly - why should it? We humans are all hamster hoarders at heart, but we have a problem admitting it. Spaniards don’t. Therefore you may have difficulty navigating a Spanish home because of the hulking medieval cupboards, sideboards, bookcases and chiffoniers blocking your way to the bathroom. It’s like an adventure into the Amazon jungle without a map. However, for those who are anal about organisation (like the Germans), the Spanish interior style is utterly liberating! If you want your home to be vibrant, full of life and furniture and with a colour scheme that will have paint supply companies laughing all the way to the bank, you should do as follows: •

Choose distinct, strong colours for your walls. To achieve this psychedelic

schizophrenic look, every room must be different, from the porch to the garage and even the dog kennel house! Think fuchsia, neon-carrot, toxin green, bubblegum pink and custard sauce yellow. •

Buy chunky, heavy dark brown furniture and let no space come between them when you line them up along the walls. Olé!

•

Install double lines of curtains. And awnings. And blinds. And blackouts. And use the electricity sparingly. Think dark side of the moon, then you are on the right path.

•

Why be practical when you can run with wet laundry up two staircases instead? Always keep the washing machine in the kitchen/basement - that way, you get your daily exercise without thinking of it!

•

Stash all your 101 cleaning products - the exterminate-everything-includingyourself stuff - in one of your many wardrobes. Not space enough ? Buy a bigger house, hombre!

September 26th - October 9th 2018

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

www.blackshawinteriordesign.com

+34 951 403 787 | +34 681 662 000 Avd. Canovas de Castillo 25, Marbella, Malaga, 29601

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www.theolivepress.es

September 2018

Fortress €7.5m

Country Mill

Gateway to HOMESELLERS REPORT

He is one of the best travelled agents in Andalucia… and few people know the inland region like Oscar Ernstsen (right), writes Jon Clarke

€295,000

Horses and wines €1.15m

This amazing equestrian property sits in the middle of top class vineyards (near Federico Schatz bodega) in Ronda, with the most amazing views to the Grazalema Natural Park.

www.theolivepress.es

September 26th - October 9th 2018

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September 2018

Roman beauty €899,000

I love this historical hacienda with Roman origins, near Antequera. It features some amazing nooks and crannies and plenty of space… and check this amazing

archaeological masterpiece from the first century that was found in the grounds. It’s called the ‘Efebo’ and it sits in Antequera’s town museum.

to dreams Heart-stoppingly romantic €700,000 Few places can take you back in time like this. Oozing history, it was once a monastery and features incredible arches and some of the nicest original features I have ever

Napoleon’s garret €1.55m

You will struggle to beat this award-winning restoration project, sitting inside the UNESCOprotected Sierra Norte de Sevilla Natural park. It was formerly

an ice factory, and later a farm for classic Jamon Iberico…Today it is a rural country hotel. Oh and by the way, Napoleon (right) once stayed here!

come across on my travels. It even has an old bodega and sits near the idyllic mountain village of Cazalla de la Sierra where famous designers Vic-

torio y Lucchino have a home, as well as the daughter of former dictator Franco… and price wise just €700,000.

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www.theolivepress.es

September 2018

by mortgage broker Tancrede de Pola

Spain’s impressive recovery continues 10 years after the global economy collapsed

T’S been exactly 10 years this month since the Lehman Brothers collapse in the US kickstarted the global economic crash which decimated Spain’s property market.

MORTGAGE THINK TANK

Back from the dead

And boy have we come a long way. After six years of real struggle the market in Spain finally began to get its confidence back from 2014

30 years of Space

FAMILY run real estate agent with a professional approach and over 30 years experience on the coast. Space Marbella pride themselves on providing a unique an exceptional service for any budget between Málaga and Sotogrande and invite clients to “find out what makes us different”. And they have the largest ‘sole agency’ portfolio on the coast, meaning it has more exclusive properties on its books than any of its rivals. But it’s the property management arm of the business which sets it above the rest. “Not only are we agents and developers, meaning we sell and build properties, but we offer property management as well,” explains director Jeremy, “that’s a rare thing to find on this coast and we’ve been offering this all-around service to our clients for almost a decade now.” Space has two offices, one in the centre of Marbella and another in Nueva Andalucia, near Puerto Banus. And they’re likely to speak your language, with English, Spanish, German, Swedish, Dutch and French all spoken by their friendly and experienced staff.

onwards, with prices and While Madrid – the country’s purchases increasing at a hottest market – led the pack healthy rate ever since. with 6,018 mortgage apPrices were 2.6% higher provals, Andalucia came in a across Spain in the second strong second with 5,154. quarter of this year compared This steady and impressive to the same period last year, recovery makes Spain an atthe latest figures have re- tractive investment, espevealed - the most recent sign cially if you’re suffering from of the country’s robust recov- the post-summer blues and ery. need a hot summer home to The national escape back to. property price But if you are index is now looking to inThe biggest 23.9% higher vest, it’s imporpitfall can be than it was tant to rememfour years ago, ber how crucial trap-related when the propmortgage broerty market products hidden kers can be. had just begun With established in small print to turn a corlinks to all the ner. major Spanish Meanwhile, the lenders the Filatest mortgage figures show nance Bureau acts as a gothat this April alone there between for the client and the was a 34% increase in loan bank – but it is important to approvals in Spain, while the remember that the broker is average mortgage value rose not connected to any one bank by 9.1% to €123,256. – and works to find the buyer It means banks lent €3.54 bil- the best deal available across lion, a 46.5% increase on the the whole of the market. same month last year. It is essential to have some-

Visit www.spacemarbella.com or call 951 203 716 for more information.

FORGET CRASH: Market is now 24% up on 2014 one in your corner to highlight time and money as they will and then minimise the impact be looking out for these hidof any hidden fees or com- den add-ons and will always pulsory add-ons tucked away look for ways to lessen their in the small print. Also to en- impact. sure you get the best possible But the best way to ensure a mortgage rate to suit your good mortgage that does not needs and circumstances. hide anything in the fine print One of the biggest pitfalls is to solicit the help of a mortcan be ‘trap-related products’ gage broker. that often get hidden in the When it comes to picking a small print. These additional mortgage, you must get it products get attached to your right on the first try as due to mortgage and usually include the relatively high transaction insurance policies. costs, it is virtually impossible Using a broker will save both to reverse.

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

NITROSHOOT MEDIA Do you want to gain fast Worldwide Exposure and distribution for your Real Estate properties? Increase your Marketing Power and promote your business through Video Marketing!

We also offer: Aerial Video & Photography for hotels, resorts, golf courses, marina’s etc.

A Web Video Tour is the Future and the ultimate way to promote Real Estate properties. Stand out from the competition and contact us today!

TAKE OFF TIMES: MONDAY-FRIDAY 08:00-22:00 SATURDAY 09:00-18:00 SUNDAY 09:00-18:00 SALES@NITROSHOOTMEDIA.COM TEL: + 34 611 312 434 WWW.NITROSHOOTMEDIA.COM

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September 26th - October 9th 2018

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Meet the cavemen

September 2018

THERE’S LIFE INISDE: Outside view of iconic cave homes

Photographer reveals amazing world of Andalucia’s cave dwellers

CHILEAN photographer has spent time in Andalucia documenting hundreds of cave dwellers and their fascinating homes.

As part of her project, Tamara Merino photographed cave homes and their residents in Gaudix and Sacromonte in Granada. “The most important thing was

AT HOME: A migrant settled in his new environment

not to have any preconceptions,” she told The National Geographic magazine. “I like to sit with people and hear their stories. I share my life with them as well.” Gaudix is home to around 2,000 underground houses, where residents still live an agricultural life similar to that of 500 years ago. “They still live with the animals inside the caves,” added Merino. Tocuato Lopez and his family have lived in the Guadix caves for four generations. They offer shelter from the unbearable summer heat while ‘providing a sense of deep-rooted community’. "I'm very proud of being from the cave and still living in the cave,” he said, “I will die in the cave." Sacromonte, which sits across from the iconic Alhambra in Granada, is mainly occupied by illegal squatters. Meanwhile, the lower portion is mostly home to legal residents drawn to cave life for environmental and cultural reasons. Many members of the community,

PROUD: Spanish family has lived in the caves for generations

like Henrique Amaya, continue to live in the caves as a way to honour their Romani culture. "I was born inside a cave with the animals and the beasts,” Amaya, whose family has lived in the Sa-

CAPTION

cromonte caves for six generations, told photographer Merino. His ancestors were the originators of the Zambra flamenco, first performed in the caves more than 500 years ago.

www.theolivepress.es

September 26th - October 9th 2018

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September 2018

Gibraltar property specialists EFPG raineinternational are back in Britain promoting the Rock as the perfect place to invest and live

Back

Blighty

ollowing the success of their attendance at A Place in the Sun Live earlier this year, the team at EFPG raine-international are back in Blighty again. They have been promoting the joys of the Rock from their stand at The National Exhibition Centre, in Birmingham this month. Now merged with long-established UK agent Raine International, they have been promoting the Gibraltar lifestyle and showcasing some of the new developments currently on offer. EFPG raine-international was formed by a merger of the UK and Gibraltar companies which currently have offices in both countries. EFPG Estate Agents have been serving Gibraltar with both property sales, lettings, commercial and property management for many years. The team, based in Irish Town Gibraltar, have extensive experience and knowledge of the local area and marketplace. Raine and Co, meanwhile, have been selling property both in the UK and overseas for many years, opening their first office in Hertfordshire in 1991. They have since become one of the largest and most respected inde-

PROUD: Gibraltar has a lot to offer when it comes to property and investment, say EFPG raine-international

pendent agencies in the south of England with a network of modern offices throughout the region. EFPG raine-international Estate Agents is perfectly placed in Gibraltar and with offices and sales agents in many other countries, making them a truly international company. The company is also unique on the

Rock as being the only Gibraltarbased property agents that exhibits at overseas international property exhibitions. At the National Exhibition Centre, in Birmingham this month they have been joined on their stand by members of the Gibraltar Tourist Board who will help to share the many ben-

efits of property ownership and life in Gibraltar. More than just an Estate Agent EFPG raine-international will also help their clients find suitable properties to buy or rent and offer advice on selling to achieve the best possible price. They are also specialists in relocation, helping smooth the journey

for people coming from overseas or looking to relocate to Spain. With their sister company, the European Financial Planning Group, they can offer customized financial solutions and investment advice along with top-flight tax planning services. Chairman Tom Fraser, says: “At EFPG raine-international we strive to be at the forefront of the market and our staff put an emphasis on high levels of service, communication, honesty, friendliness and a reputation to be proud of. “We have passion and energy to deliver first class service along with building long standing relationships’. Should you be thinking of selling or buying a property in Gibraltar or the surrounding area then now would be the perfect time to get in touch with EFPG raine-international. There are several upcoming events planned for the winter and they are introducing an ‘Inspection Visit’ programme bringing qualified potential buyers to view property in Gibraltar and the surrounding area over the coming months.

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

www.theolivepress.es

September 26th - October 9th 2018

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

www.casas-reformas.com â&#x20AC;˘ +34 654 663 814

info@casas-reformas.com â&#x20AC;˘

@casasreformas

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September 2018

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September 26th - October 9th 2018

Need for clarity Property Surveys We undertake pre completion condition surveys of property to provide clients with an overview of the general condition of the property, commenting on both structural and non structural elements including services, pools, grounds etc We aim to undertake an inspection and the issue of a report within 48 hours of instruction, subject to access. Other services; Valuations, Snagging reports All surveys and valuations undertaken by Charted Surveyors, all reports insurance backed. For a quotation please contact Paul S Gibson BSc, MRICS

Gibson Gale Chartered Surveyors Tel: +350 54029244 Mobile: +34 635 553 957 info@gibsons-spain.com www.gibsons-spain.com

Spain has a serious lack of online property data, Adam Neale explains why

UYERS coming to Spain from the UK and other parts of Europe may be surprised to find that there is a surprising lack of information available online. For example, the British HM Land Registry publishes data sets of prices paid for properties since 1995, transaction data since 2011 and a UK house price index going back to the mid 90s. Additionally, there are sites like www. nethouseprices.com that will tell you the last sale price of any property in Church Road, Bristol, for example, in seconds.

A lack of transparent pricing data We offer Properties for Sale and Rentals (short & long term)

Holiday and short lets in Torremolinos. All with new licenses (Junta de Andalucia) for tourists. Want to rent your apartment in Torremolinos legally for holiday lets? We can provide the necessary paperwork and management of bookings.

Non Resident (Patrimonio)

Taxes for the year 2017 due by December 2018. Our fee from 30€ + IVA. IBI receipt required, done within 72 hours.

However, although Spain's land registry collects the same sets of information, you won't be able to search for any of it via the internet, either in a government site or via any private sources. This begs some important questions to be asked, such as how does anyone arrive at an accurate property valuation and what criteria do they base their valuations on? Even the Nota Simple won't tell you*. This document may contain the vendor's details, a description of the property and the existence of any charges, embargoes or liens against it, but it won't say anything about the price paid for the property at the last sale. And bucking the world trend of rewarding customers with lower prices online - in Spain if you request a nota simple online it will cost you €10 but only €3,65 if you request a paper copy in person from the Spanish Property registry! There is no cutting out the mid-

Reforms

Would you like to refurbish your apartment but never have enough time to arrange? We have a selected number of builders, plasterers and kitchen/bathroom designers. View our portfolio of reforms. We also offer a property management service.

MORE properties for sale and rent needed to offer our clients

Tried and trusted

ITH more than 15 years experience in Spain, Casas y Reformas has made a name for itself as one of the most trusted construction firms on the Costa del Sol. Operating between Malaga and Manilva, the company can help you at any stage of the construction process, from consultancy on building plots, drafting of projects and technical reports to the final decoration of your home. “Our works speaks for itself with more than 300 projects completed to date,” explains Swedish manager Robert. “We made it through the financial recession thanks not only to our solvency but the quality of our work.” Casas y Reformas prides itself on quality, commitment and customer service in seven languages - Swedish, English, Finnish, Danish, German, French and Spanish. So if your villa or apartment needs a facelift or you’d like advice about building on a new plot, call 654 663 814 or visit casas-reformas.com. www.casas-reformas.com

dleman in Spain. It costs €29 + IVA to get a copy of the Nota Simple in English. Why keep the records – because we know the Spanish registry does have them – and yet not make them available to property buyers and real estate agents? Part of the problem lies in the fact that historically in Spain there is little similarity between a listed price and the price actually paid, as much of it used to be 'under the table'. Therefore, any historical data probably bears little relation to reality. Although this is hopefully a practice that is occurring less frequently than in the past, it does affect the accuracy of records going back a decade or more. A tongue-in-cheek thought is that if Spain did put information online, what would the government do with all the 'funcionarios' (civil servants) who have jobs for life pushing bits of paper around and ensuring that the wheels of bureaucracy revolve as slowly as possible?

Spain needs to improve its transparency

However, if other countries can provide easy access to property sales information, why can't Spain? It would add a new level of transparency to the market and make it more attractive to overseas buyers, because they would have less reason to wonder if the price they are paying for their Spanish home is commensurate with market values and with what the previous owners have paid. Many foreign buyers, particularly those from highly organised regions such as Germany, the Netherlands and Scandinavia, are not aware of these limitations and blame estate agents for what they perceive to be a lack of professional know-how. In reality, Spain's property professionals are more frustrated with this situation than anyone, as it makes their work so much more difficult than that of their colleagues in other European countries or in the USA, where the online property value reference Zillow has become an integral part of the real estate market. It is only once Spain releases accurate information that also includes specific breakdowns of its costas that the country will finally join the league of professional international property markets. Let's hope that day isn't too far away. •

Tip! You can find out how much was paid for a property indirectly by looking into the ‘afección fiscal’ that appears every time Transfer Tax or Stamp duty is paid. As the entry describing the afección fiscal tells the amount of tax paid, with some calculation you can deduce the price from this amount.

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

www.theolivepress.es

September 26th - October 9th 2018

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September 2018

Reviving a legacy Favourite of Matisse and Virginia Woolf, Madrid’s oldest luxury hotel checks in for another heyday

HE fast Edwardian set’s favourite Madrid hotel is back in business with a brand new look for a new century. The Gran Hotel Ingles was a reference point for high class hospitality in Spain when it opened in 1886, boasting luxuries unheard of for the times - lifts, lighting, steam heating and bathrooms on every floor. It quickly became the haunt of wellheeled travellers, socialites, intellectuals and artists like author Virginia Woolf (left) and French painter Henri Matisse (above). Some 130 years later, after falling into a state of disrepair, this neglected

ELEGANT: The new rooms at the Gran Hotel in Madrid

CLASSIC: But the €17 million refurb has brought the Gran Hotel Ingles back to life

grand dame in the Barrio de las Letras has been reborn as an Art Deco boutique hotel after a $20 million (€17 million) refit by the Rockwell Group. Bringing the capital’s oldest luxury hotel into the 21st century was not

without its challenges, including reducing the room count from 72 to 48, but many of the original features have been wittily reused in the new design. Old wall mouldings were deconstructed and extended across the ceiling to create a pattern resembling electric

circuits; time-faded photographs of guests decorate the walls; and wardrobes are lined with wallpaper copies of the hotel’s vintage postcards. There’s even a 1920’s Great Gatsbystyle library where guests can choose from over 600 books.

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www.theolivepress.es

September 2018

Into the hills! Inland sales are booming, reports agent Graham Govier

NEW LOOK: For old people’s home by Carrera (right)

HAT an incredible year we are having inland with property sales. We are 40% up on last year which itself was a good year. Can I tell you the reason? Quite frankly NO - we were actually expecting far more caution from buyers. Bargain properties are being snapped up by investors as soon as they come to market and our online ‘reserve a property’ facility is proving very popular.

Taking care It’s eco and elderly friendly too!

ARMCHAIR SALES

Other web portals seem shy to include the exact location of the property with up to date videos and information. Our buyers mostly make their shortlist of properties of interest from their ‘armchair’ as they make use of Google Street Maps to view all the local facilities. Add our internal property walk through video and so much time is saved in discounting any property that does not meet the buyer’s criteria. What a waste of effort in travelling to a property, to

ON THE RISE: Sales in inland Andalucia then find out that the location, neighborhood or facilities were not suitable. Social media activity has been our focus this year with Facebook, Instagram and YouTube promoting the lifestyle benefits of living in Spain. With over 900 property videos on YouTube, this could account for some of our success, by staying well ahead of any competition.

BUYER BEWARE

Quite amazingly the Junta trading standards officers are still insisting they do not have the resources to investigate and close, or even fine the illegal Real Estate agencies who avoid business registration. That means that any buyers using their services to purchase a property are not protected under the Euro-

MALAGA REMOVALS

Relax, your move is in safe hands REMOVALS

• Weekly full or part load removal service to & from UK, Costa del Sol and the Algarve • Full or part packing service • One box to full load removals • Villa to villa moves within Costa del Sol

SHOP ONLINE

• Shop at any main high street store or online and have items delivered the following week in Spain

STORAGE

• Secure warehouses in both the UK and Malaga

pean Trade Description Act. The excuses of Junta de Andalucia Trading Standards are astonishing and the more reporting we can do to warn potential buyers, the more armed they will be with whom they choose as their Agency to ensure a safe and secure purchase. Can you imagine a person selling houses from a pub in the UK, with no question of legitimacy? Crazy how some Buyers still leave their brains behind when they arrive in Spain to purchase a property.

WEB PORTALS

must take some responsibility. When searching through web portals as a potential buyer, you have absolutely no idea of the agency credibility, licensed or not. Even if the property exists or is still available for sale. Several years ago we reported to ALL web portals of their responsibility to be more diligent in whom they allowed to advertise on their platform. This resulted in every portal putting a ‘disclaimer’ in small print in the least obvious position of their website. It has always been about the revenue for these companies and not about the protection of their users. For sure, in the future European ruling will change and provide some protection. Meanwhile, it’s still BUYER BEWARE.. On a good note the Sun always shines here.

FRANCHISE

Call us NOW for a FREE quote UK DEPOT

Tel: +44 (0) 1621 850070 Mob: +44 (0) 7711 179842

MALAGA DEPOT

Tel: +34 951 218 877 Mob: +34 647 698 465

Email: sales@malagaremovals.com

www.malagaremovals.com

is the way forward. Next month sees the launch of our franchise network throughout Andalucia as we replicate our systems and appoint local partners to continue to provide that special, local service to vendors and buyers. The investment made in the latest systems technology and business practices with the employment of experienced Franchise consultants, will allow us to replicate our success. The Partner selection process is quite severe, in that the growth and use of the Inland Andalucia brand has to be protected so that our buyers continue to have confidence in our services. Contact franchise@inlandandalucia.com to find out more.

T looks more like a contemporary arts centre than a care home for the elderly, with its sleek angles and trendy industrial look. A vast picture window in the dining room gives occupants views of the pretty town of Blancafort in Tarragona worthy of a five-star hotel. Weathered steel and local stone from the area are also NATURE: Tree inside home incorporated in the edgy design for Spain’s first environmentally-friendly care home. Spanish architect Guillem Carrera created the centre on wedge-shaped plot in town, taking care that the build had minimal ecological impact and incorporating solar panels and thick, layered walls to ensure thermal regulation throughout the year. The materials were locally SPACIOUS: Inside home sourced where possible. The centre has two shared entrances and is built around two central courtyards to encourage residents and day visitors to mingle. “The initial observation of the plot and its environment led me to consider that the future building had to create an entrance to the village with its own personality and public character,” said Carrera. He added: “The home for the elderly directs its main space to the surrounding landscape, while the day centre directs its main space to a larger internal courtyard, designed for gathering together and more leisurely activities.”

LOOK OUT: Picture window lets in light and views

www.inlandandalucia.com

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September 26th - October 9th 2018

*includes videos *google street maps *full descriptions *chat box

by our 2017 customer database survey of 13,500. SEE for yourself

VOTED BEST and MOST INFORMATIVE WEBSITE

G R U P O

59.900 €

Town House – Sevilla

TH3869

Large double fronted townhouse sits in the beautiful town of Estepa. The property has been freshly painted throughout and offers a typical spanish kitchen, 3 bedrooms, one bathroom and a separate lounge with log burning stove.

54.500 €

Castillo de Locubin - Jaen

TH3868

This great value spacious 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom townhouse is situated on the edge of the large and popular village of Castillo de Locubin in the Jaen region of Andalucia.The property boasts spectacular views from your private terrace, patio and many of the rooms within this 213m2 three storey house.

129.000 €

Mollina – Málaga

TH3816

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

159.950 €

Alcala la Real – Jaen

VL713

This beautifully presented 3 bedroom villa with large pool boasts fabulous outside spaces and dramatic views over the Andalucian countryside and mountains. The gated private drive leads to a large car port and your many outside patios, terraces, gardens, featured barbecue, alfresco dining and swimming pool area.

Malaga Office

84.950 €

Antequera – Malaga

TH3823

This lovely well presented 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom townhouse sits in the beautiful historical town of Antequera located just below the castle grounds and only a short walk in to the center of town for all the local amenities shops, bars and restaurants.

39.995 €

Priego de Cordoba - Cordoba

CJ457

Situated in an elevated position on the outskirts of the village of La Concepcion this large 3 bedroom, 2 bath countryside home sits on a generous 258m2 plot with spectacular views over the Andalucian countryside and mountains.

170.000 €

Marchena - Sevilla

CH47

Well presented 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom , traditional Andalucian Chalet style Villa, situated in rural Marchena and only 2kms from the main A-92 motorway, and only 500m from the nearest bar and restaurant. The property sits within 5,800 m2 of land.

78.995 €

Alcala la Real – Jaen

TH3882

Completely reformed with modern decor this 3 double bedroom, 3 bathroom townhouse offers you a quality Spanish family home in the popular and historical large town of Alcala la Real in the Jaen region of Andalucia.

Jaen Office

Calle de la Villa 14, 29532 Molina, Malaga

Calle Abad Moya 4b, 23680 Alcala la Real, Jaen

info@inlandandalucia.com

contact@inlandandalucia.com

952 74 15 25

953 58 70 40

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September 2018

Oslo-sur-Med

SPANISH architect has received praise for his Norway-inspired and totally white house, lodged like an iceberg in the foothills of Alicante’s mountains. The impressive Oslo House, surrounded by pine trees, is the creative genius of Ramon Esteve who aimed to bring a refreshing hint of cool Nordic style to Spain’s hot and dusty sierras. Dubbed ‘the concrete block’, the property is made up of two overlapping spaces set back

from one another to draw in optimum daylight and ventilation. Designed to play with light and shadow as the sun moves at varying points of the day, gaps in the floor slabs allow daylight to flood through the building. The spacious living room, furnished in white like all the rooms in the house, sweeps out towards the infinity pool offering breathtaking sea views. Just be careful not to spill your coffee on the white sofas!

WHITE OUT: The stunning home near Alicante

SLEEK: The driveway of modern home praised for its cutting edge design

THE PERSONAL WAY TO BUY PROPERTY IN ESTEPONA!

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

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

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September 26th - October 9th 2018 NUEVA ANDALUCIA OFFICE Plaza de las Orquídeas 3, Nueva Andalucia, 29660 Marbella

MARBELLA OFFICE Marbella Old Town Calle Africa 2, 29600 Marbella Tel: (+34) 951 052 766 info@spacemarbella.com www.spacemarbella.com

SOTOGRANDE MARINA APARTMENTS

from 398,000 €

MIRAFLORES GROUND FLOOR APARTMENT

Brand new luxury development comprising of two buildings, with 8 and 56 apartments respectively and marvellous views of La Marina de Sotogrande. Situated in a private gated community with pools and garden areas. The nautical style residential complex blends into the wonderful scenery of the Marina, next to the yacht club. Enjoy your new home in a unique setting in one of the most prestigious residential areas in southern Spain. 2 bed | 2 bath apartments

TORREMOLINOS APARTMENT

149,900 €

This great 2 bed 2 bathroom apartment is located a few minutes drive from the coast. It is near the Commercial centre in Miraflores and is a short drive to Riviera and Calahonda. There is a small entrance hall, a fitted open plan kitchen which has a utility room, good sized lounge, two bathrooms (one en suite) and two bedrooms with fitted wardrobes. 2 bed | 2 bath apartments

CALAHONDA BEACHSIDE APARTMENT

Great city centre apartment with three terraces. Facing to the south west this roomy property enjoys plenty of afternoon sun. The property is in good condition and could be moved in to and enjoyed straight away. The busy centre of Torremolinos and it’s railway station are a less than 5 minute walk.

193,000 €

EL ROSARIO APARTMENT

LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! This beachfront apartment is situated in Calahonda only 20 metres from the beach and has a childrens play area, a tennis court, 2 swimming pools and lovely manicured gardens where you can sit and take in the peaceful view of the sea. This apartment offers amazing views of the sea from the lovely bay window in the dining area.

495,000 €

289,000 € The property comprises a large living & dining room, 2 bedrooms (originally 3) – the master with ensuite bathroom, 2 bathrooms. From the terrace you’ll enjoy sea and panoramic views. The unit offers satellite TV, air conditioning and a spacious garage. The urbanization has a communal pool and garden. The property is a walking distance to bars, restaurants and supermarket. Beach is less than 5 minute walk. Marbella is a short driving distance. 2 bedroom | 2 bathroom

2 bedroom | 2 bathroom

LA DUQUESA

249,900 €

Just 1 minute walk to the sea! This apartment is a walking distance to everything – bars, restaurants, supermarkets and more. The property is sold fully furnished, ready to move into. A lovely terrace offering sea and panoramic views. Very well maintained, the property is in perfect condition. Community pool and landscaped gardens plus community parking. Excellent option for permanent residence or as an investment. 2 bedroom | 2 bathroom

2 bedroom | 2 bathroom

CALAHONDA BEACH

159,000 €

NAGÜELES VILLA

1,695,000 €

Stunning new designer villas with modern and fresh designs. The ceilings of the first floor subtly cover the terrace shared by all the bedrooms, allowing light to enter conveniently according to the time of the day and the season. The villas have been designed to maximise the indoor-outdoor flow that is so essential for tropical living.

Fully refurbished quality classical style villa in Urb Nagueles. Located in a cul-de-sac close to Marbella center and amenities. South facing with sea views, private and quiet. Entrance hall way, living and dining area, fully fitted kitchen with Miele appliances, tv room or office, one guest bedroom suite, separate guest toilet. Direct access to the pool and BBQ area with covered and open terraces.

3 bedroom | 4 bathroom

4 bedroom | 4 bathroom

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PROPERTY

September 26th - October 9th 2018

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September 2018

Tile with style

HE Tile of Spain Awards is open for entries - and it’s cooler than it sounds. Architects, interior designers and students are invited to submit projects for a chance to share a €39,000 prize fund. Now in their 17th year, the awards celebrate projects from across the globe that make innovative use of Spanish ceramics. Organised by ASCER, the Spanish Ceramic

WINNERS: Barcelona subway and (below) Jorge Vidal’s winery

Tile Manufacturer’s Association, the cash prize will be split between three categories: architecture, interiors, and student degree projects. Jorge Vidal’s Mont-Ras winery was the winner of the 2017 architecture award. Check out some of the other memorable winners this decade. To apply visit www.tileofspainawards.com

PROJECTS: (Left) Spanish tiles used in Cambridge while (right) Vidal’s winery from the outside

A name you can trust FRANCE - ITALY - PORTUGAL

SPAIN - UK - IRELAND

DEFRA AUTHORISED ANIMAL TRANSPORTATION Operating on the Costa del Sol for over 40 years, you can rely on us to take care of every aspect of your move. From carefully packing your belongings to safely transporting your pet, we will give you a personal, professional and friendly service.

For an estimate and some expert advice

Just Call Jack.. (+34) 902 109 560

info@unionjackremovals.co.uk

www.unionjackremovals.co.uk

SCALE EFFECT: Winning bar in Barcelona while (below) two other winners in Spain

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September 26th - October 9th 2018

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restaurant, various swimming pools and a gymnasium.

September 26th - October 9th 2018

BUSINESS www.theolivepress.es

Huelva lot cheaper

THE cost of living in Huelva is a fifth cheaper than Malaga and almost half the cost of living in Barcelona. Huelva is the least expensive place to live in Andalucia, according to a report by Kelisto.es which compared day-to-day expenses including housing, food, public transport and the cost of entertainment such as cinema tickets. It found the most expensive cities in Spain are Barcelona, San Sebastian, Madrid and Palma de Mallorca.

September 26th - October 9th 2018

Tax evasion whistleblower to remain in Spain after extradition denied twice SPAIN is refusing to extradite a former HSBC employee to Switzerland after he exposed alleged widespread tax evasion. Whistleblower Herve Falciani has been hailed a hero by some after his leak of thousands of clients’ data triggered major investigations in several countries. Swiss courts sentenced the banker, 46, in absentia to five years behind bars for ‘financial espionage’.

Building blocks

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September 26th - October 9th 2018

Nothing to see here HERO?: Falciani

But the Spanish High Court denied for the second time the extradition request against Falciani, a French cit-

THE construction sector in Andalucia is bouncing back with a 22% increase in the number of workers over the past year. Some 191,800 Andalucians are currently employed in the sector, compared to 156,900 workers in 2017 and just 127,700 in early 2014. If the current trend continues, the employment level will soon return to 2011 levels. According Randstad, a global consultancy firm that crunched numbers from the National Institute of Statistics, the sector is returning to form across Spain with 1.2 million construction workers now in employment.

izen who worked for HSBC, because the charges in the Swiss ruling are not considered a crime in Spain. “The Spanish criminal code does not include any charge similar to the crime of ‘aggravated financial espionage’ for which the Swiss justice had sentenced Falciani to a five-year prison sentence,” the court said. The leak in 2008 was considered to be the biggest in banking history. Switzerland’s federal office of justice, which lodged the extradition request, said it did not comment on court

rulings. France, Austria, Belgium, Spain and Argentina launched investigations based on the information leaked by Falciani, but Swiss authorities insist the data was stolen and therefore legally inadmissible. Falciani was cuffed in Madrid earlier this year after speaking at a conference on whistleblowing in the capital. He was released the next day but Spain ordered him to remain in the country while the extradition request from Switzerland was being considered.

Real bandwidth

TEAM: Hypochip

RADICAL CHANGE:

Expat cognitive therapists Martin & Marion Shirran’s highly-esteemed work has been featured in Vogue, Marie Claire, The Times, Telegraph and The Daily Mail

A TEAM of students from the University of Malaga have won a prestigious prize for their invention designed to stop the poaching and trafficking of animals. The ‘Hypochip’, developed by biology, engineering and electronics boffins, allows for zoo and other captive animals to be chipped and monitored in order to prevent trafficking. The University’s team also participated in the global stage of the Zoohackathon competition held in Delhi, India, which aims to highlight technological solutions to combat the illegal trafficking and poaching of animals.

Our amazing successes

Costa del Sol-based cognitive therapists star on UK television special

olly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield have talked with Martin and Marion Shirran about their Gastric Mind Band® permanent weight loss treatment on the This Morning TV Show. The Costa del Sol is acknowledged around the world for a number of reasons, but for a few in the know, including a growing number of celebrities, it remains the Go-To destination for those wishing to achieve Permanent Weight Loss. The incredible story around the Gastric Mind Band® treatment goes back to 2012 when it was developed at a small clinic in Fuengirola, by Martin and Marion Shirran. Shortly afterwards Claudia Connell (left) of the Daily Mail, travelled to Spain to meet the developers and experience the treatment for herself. Two weeks later she wrote a two-page feature in the Daily Mail newspaper dePRIME TIME: Marion and Martin with Phillip Schofield and tailing her treatment that literally got the whole Holly Willoughby on This Morning world talking. Martin and Marion were then flown to New York to be featured in a Good Morning ment is evidence based. There’s no smoke and mirrors, no diet America TV special regarding their approach; resulting in them plan, and no exercise regimes to follow. establishing a number of licensed clinics around the world. “Helping people to successfully, and permanently lose weight is Following the TV appearances they signed a multi-title publisha complex task, requiring a careful fusion of empirically proven ing contract with leading Mind Body publishers interventions. The treatment incorporates CogniHay House in New York, and were then invited to tive Behaviour Therapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programshare details of their work at two leading EuroHelping people ming and the clinic’s own registered, TactileCBT pean psychology conferences at universities in with Mindfulness Techniques, each underlose weight is along Portugal and Poland. pinned as and when required by Hypnotherapy. They were recently invited to appear on the This a complex task The treatment has been further enhanced followMorning show to talk about the treatment and its ing the new and exciting research in the field of development, you can see the full interview on requiring various Neuroplasticity. the clinics web site – www.gmband.com. Various past clients have been interviewed in the techniques The revolutionary treatment which can be commedia and on TV worldwide. One Sara Price, lost pleted over either three or four days delivers what half her body weight following her treatment, Kais surely Utopia for dieters... Permanent Weight tie Drew, went on to lose over 100 pounds. Kaye Loss using a range of proven psychological interventions. Today Lindley, a past client was interviewed by Lorraine Kelly on GMTV the Gastric Mind Band® is regarded by many as the gold stanBreakfast show after losing 105 pounds and reversing her diadard in permanent non-surgical weight loss treatments. betes. The unique approach has been refined during a decade of research and extensive client trials. Every element of the treat- Read their stories at www.gmband.com

Believe the Hypo

Sara Price lost half her body weight, thanks to Gastric Mind Band

TRANSFORMATION: Katie

Drew lost 100 pounds

Gastric Mind Band Therapy Elite Clinic, Fuengirola +34 951 311 591 • mail@gmband.com www.gmband.com • www.pausebuttontherapy.com

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BUSINESS

September 26th - October 9th 2018

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September 26th - October 9th 2018

The earlier you plan for retirement, the better the result you’ll achieve, writes Woodbrook CEO Michael Doherty

ETIRING abroad has been the dream of many a British worker - sipping cool drinks under the shade of a palm tree, eating out at a fraction of UK prices, enjoying the sunshine without the need to make hay. Those who are already expats will take a more realistic view of what the future may hold and are more likely to have planned for their retirement in the sun. But even the best-laid plans have been rocked by Brexit,

Retirement abroad: Don’t wing it, plan it

so now is the time to go over it all again and if you are in any way uncertain, take advice from an expert. As far as the UK state pension is concerned, the situation is

clear, at least for now. Britons moving to countries within the European Economic Area (the EU27 plus Switzerland and Gibraltar) will continue to benefit from the UK govern-

ment’s “triple lock”, so their state pension will keep pace with inflation. But it is important to get advice if you are considering a move overseas because the tax position depends not just on where you live, but where you are domiciled. For instance, HM Revenue and Customs may still consider you to be liable for UK tax if you have a British property, or if it is clear you intend to return. Even if you do not intend to retire any time soon, it is important to plan for it. The earlier you start, the better result you are likely to achieve. Ask yourself these questions: At what age do you want to retire? What standard of living do you expect? Are you planning to retire abroad, or in the UK? If you are an expat and plan to retire in the UK, you must think about the most tax-efficient way to get back onshore the money you have saved. Offshore investment funds are often the cheapest and most flexible way for expats to save for retirement. If you are in a tax-free jurisdiction, then you will have, in effect,

BOSS: Michael Doherty

the benefit of a full tax rebate larly important for expats on contributions. Charges on since they are likely to have these are likely to be lower worked for employers in than an offshore pension, several countries, making it which will help boost returns. harder to keep track of penYou should always take inde- sions. pendent financial advice if Research shows that more you are unsure. than a third of Woodbrook expats have Group are exmisplaced perts in this More than a third their pension field. We offer pots. If you of expats have are in that a free pension review, helping nfor tunate misplaced their uposition clients plan for you the future. We should consult pension pots can help you an indepenunderstand dent financial your options, adviser with how to address your income cross-border knowledge. needs in retirement and how Preparation is the key to much wealth you will need to a happy retirement. Don’t support it. wing it, plan it. And never Proper advice is particu- hesitate to take advice.

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

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Ecce Vino THE iconic botched restoration painting of ‘Potato Jesus’, Ecce Homo, has hit headlines again but this time for inspiring an award-winning wine. The most famous failed paint job in history has become a tourism attraction in the town of Borja, Zaragoza. The legendary image sells t-shirts and trinkets and now a wine after social media users likened the Son of God to a ‘potato’ or ‘monkey’.

Chocolate

The vino, aptly named Ecce Homo (behold the man), is made by Campo de Borjabased producer Bodegas Aragonesas. Priced at €4 a bottle, it is a blend of old vine Garnacha, Tempranillo, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with cherry aromas and a hint of chocolate. It has even been awarded a silver medal at the Mundus Vini Grand International Wine Award. Thousands have made the pilgrimage to see the 1930 fresco at the Santuario de Misericordia church and the amateur painter, 81-year-old Cecilia Gimenez, has become a local celebrity. The winemakers say 51% percent of sales are donated to charity, while the remaining 49% go to Gimenez to care for her son who has cerebral palsy.

September 26th - October 9th 2018

September 26th October 9th 2018

Legacy lives on

restaurant | lunch and dinner restaurant | lunch and dinner

Anthony Bourdain’s highly anticipated final TV series features an emotional episode in Spain

FINAL episodes of the late Anthony Bourdain’s eponymous Parts Unknown series are set to feature a trip to northern Spain. The legendary celebrity chef was filming series nine of the critically acclaimed foodtravel show when he was found dead in a hotel room in France having tragically killed himself, aged 61. Incredibly emotional and full of classic Bourdain no-nonsense humour, the colourful final six parts include an episode on Asturias, while the first - a tour to Kenya - premiered last weekend. Joined by Asturian chef and humanitarian Jose Andres, the pair hike to a remote vil-

lage in the mountains to try a traditional fabada (bean stew), search ocean cliffs for rare percebes (gooseneck barnacles) and get lost in the region’s famous secret cheese caves.

Honour

The novelist and TV personality also tucks into a pitu de caleya (chicken stew) with local musician Pablo Und Destruktion and learns about Asturias’ miners and their working class movement. The show won six accolades at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards, including Bourdain’s ‘long-coveted’ honour for an outstanding short form

RIP: Legendary chef Bourdain

Emerald celebration AN iconic Andalucian restaurant has celebrated its 20th anniversary. Renowned for launching the food and drink scene in Vejer de la Frontera, Restaurante Trafalgar has been attracting locals and tourists alike since

CONGRATS: Trafalgar restaurant

two Madrilenos, Pedro Pardo and Javier Duenas, opened up shop in the late 1990s. Kicking off with live music from local acts and an enviable lunch, the quaint eatery - which has become a reference point for cuisine in the area - commemorated 20 years of gastronomy excellence. A typical Andalucian building with wrought iron balconies, with views of Plaza de Espana, the restaurant takes visitors on a culinary journey across the mediterranean serving everything from Portuguese bacalao dourada, to Cordoba salmorejo and Catalan arroz negro. With a well-deserved spot in the Michelin Guide for the last decade, the restaurant’s name references the Battle of Trafalgar battle fought nearby in 1805.

nonfiction or reality series something he had been nominated for numerous times. “It had always eluded him, the one he had always coveted, so it is with tremendous bittersweetness that I accept it on his behalf,” said producer Lydia Tenaglia at the ceremony. The father-of-one travelled to Spain and Catalunya multiple times, with an episode in Andalucia among critics’ favourites where he falls in love with Granada’s tapas, Alhambra and gitano culture during Semana Santa. He said: “Any reasonable, sentient person who looks to Spain, comes to Spain, eats in Spain, drinks in Spain, they’re gonna fall in love. Otherwise, there’s something deeply wrong with you.”

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FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

September 26th - October 9th 2018

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September 26th - October 9th 2018

Why Bilbao is one of Europe’s best gems and how to enjoy the city in 72 hours, writes Elisa Menendez

Basque love story

S I sat at a computer on my first day of work experience on a local newspaper, my phone buzzed. An email appeared reading ‘British Council Language Teaching Assistant Placement’. It was an email I had waited on for months to find out which school I’d be working at and where I would live during my university Erasmus year abroad. All hopes pinned on my first choice of Valencia, I opened the email crossing my fingers. Sestao. What? Where on earth is that? A Google search showed an overcast industrial town in the Basque Country, with cranes and run down grey buildings. My heart sank. Hardly the sangria on the beach experience I’d hoped for. A disappointed 21-year-old went home in tears fearing I’d spend the year stuck in a miserable town with no friends. Thankfully it was 40 minutes from Bilbao on the metro but the relatively unexplored city’s reviews back then were not as glowing as they are now. I read of constant rain, ETA terrorism, the cold nature of Basque people, heavy metal independence music and language barriers. The only saving grace, it seemed, was the cuisine. “Well it can’t rain as much as Manchester does,” said my mum in a bid to cheer me up as rain battered on the windows. So off we went, my life packed in two

VIEWS: Elisa overlooks the centre of Bilbao and (right) typical street

suitcases and mum ever supportively in tow. But neither of us were prepared for the breathtaking beauty and quirkiness my new home offered - and the fabulous bargain Zara jackets. We immediately fell in love with the boho shops and the 18th century architecture of the old town, drinking cafe con leche on the sparkling riverfront, befriending local waiters in an art deco bar, stuffing our faces with raw seafood pintxos and snapping pictures

with the Guggenheim’s 40-foot flowered guard dog, Puppy. And it was third time lucky when I bagged a room in the heart of the Casco Viejo, in an iconic red building which features on many of Bilbao’s postcards, with Zara visible from my balcony. Gold. The luck continued when I met my flatmates, a hilarious mix of Spanish and English students, with whom I spent the year travelling across Spain. In a city surrounded by mountains, di-

vided by a river, where old architecture meets modern, and a stone’s throw away from charming medieval towns, it’s not hard to see why Bilbao was awarded Best European City 2018. No Bilbao travel list can start without a trip to Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum. To truly appreciate the 33,000 titanium sheets that make up the architectural masterpiece, take a walk around the outside of the building, closely guarded by Mama the steel spider, a silver bubble tree, and Puppy, whose 37,000 flowers are changed by hand twice a year. I recommend taking a scenic walk alongside the Nervion River, before taking the lift up the bold Arcos Rojos bridge where the views are

spectacular. Check out Art After Dark - a cool monthly event held at the museum where you can party alongside exhibitions to Spain’s biggest house DJs. If you still can’t get enough of the Gugg, sample a variety of tasting menus at Josean Alija’s iconic one Michelin star restaurant, Nerua, housed downstairs. Another high class culinary option is the award-winning Yandiola, housed on the roof of impressive cultural hub, Alhondiga - try their bacalao al pil pil which won Best Cod in 2004 or enjoy the views with a cocktail from the swanky rooftop bar. But don’t forget the 110-year-old Museo de Bellas Artes with master-

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September 26th - October 9th 2018

LAUGHS: Elisa with Bilbao pals and (below) Puppy

STUNNING: The snaking river running through Bilbao pieces by Goya, El Greco and Sorolla. From there stroll through plush Parque Casilda Iturrizar, dubbed ‘Parque de los Patos’, and spot ducks, swans and peacocks roaming the classic carousel and fountains. Next head down to the stunning Casco Viejo and pintxo hop around Plaza Unamuno and Plaza Nueva. Head to Sorginzulo, a cave-like bar for some of Bilbao’s most innovative pintxos, try famous calamares at Cafe Bar Bilbao, or try Bizkaia’s Best Pintxo 2015 - the Sopa de Idiazabal, cheese, egg and mushroom soup at Gure Toki. To work off the calories, take the steps to Parque Etxebarria and watch the sun set over the city. Spend a day wandering the streets of the old town and stumble across the stunning Bilbao Cathedral, get lost down Siete Calles, enjoy fresh produce and live music on a Friday night at the Mercado de la Ribera, and pintxo hop and glug Kalimotxo (red wine and coke)

before exploring hippy shops until the early hours on Calle Somera. For just €3.25 and the best views of Bilbao, head up the Funicular de Artxanda (cable car) for panoramic mountain views and head to the cosy Restaurante Txakoli, a former shepherd and mountaineer hub, or to Kate Zaharra where you can sample over 1,000 wines from its bodega or try rare percebes (gooseneck barnacles) and lobster platters. Book tickets to see the Basque Country’s famous Athletic Bilbao football team in action at San Mames stadium before walking to Calle Pozas - a latenight drinking and pintxo street - and tuck into every variation of tortilla imaginable at Zaharra. If the weather permits (trust me it doesn’t rain all the time) take the metro to Playa de Plentzia, an untouched beach near the mouth of the Ibaizabal estuary. Then catch the metro to the UNESCO-protected 1893 Vizcaya Bridge - the first bridge in the world to

carry people and traffic on a high suspended gondola, or marvel at the timewarp of old white sailor cottages in Getxo’s Puerto Viejo. And if you’ve got extra time, hop on a bus to nearby gems San Sebastian, Pamplona, La Rioja or make the epic 241-stepped hike up to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (‘castle rock’ in Basque) and ring the bell three times to make a wish. Legend has it

FOR SALE Dutch 15mtr Steel Motor Yacht

QUALITY DUTCH BUILT 1985 ECONOMICAL LONG RANGE TRAWLER STYLE. DIESEL POWERED BY SINGLE M225 TI PERKINS. Pieter Beeldsnijder designed Built by Lowland Yachts / Neth Ships. Ideal Gibraltar live-aboard family motor yacht with lots of space inside and out. Beautifully appointed salon & galley with all new microwave & fridge freezer. Large feature double aft cabin with new custom ﬁtted mattress & own bathroom, forward twin cabin with additional head & shower. Vessel has built in washer dryer. Generator, hydraulic bow thruster, stern thruster, navigational aids, autopilot, sails, sunscreens, covers, all new upholstery and curtains. Bathing platform, storage for Jet Ski and dingy davits. Quality outside entertainment spaces, teak decks, deck shower, aft bathing platform. Jet-ski / tender davits. Pasarelle. Currently moored at the best location in Ocean Village, close to bars, restaurants & all amenities. Some works to be completed, ideal project for a boating DIY enthusiast.

Oﬀers on £59,000 for quick sale. Interested? Contact +35056438000 or +35056506000

the famous Game of Thrones filming location once welcomed witches, knights and even John the Baptist. Looking back on my anxiety at the thought of moving to Bilbao is laughable - a place that has become one of my favourite cities in the world and inspired my brother to move there after I left. Yes it does rain, but like my mum said, not as much as Manchester.

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

PEACE & QUIET REQUIRED? EXCELLENT FOOD ON OFFER PAMPERING ALSO AVAILABLE Do you deserve a break from everyday routine? Why not head to the hills near Ronda to a charming small hotel and restaurant where you are assured of the best of welcomes - and the best of experiences. “We’ve tried lots of hotels in the countryside near Ronda. Molino del Santo is by far the best.” M&P Sept, 2018

We close on the 4th November 2018 so don’t leave it too long to arrange a trip to paradise - visit to stay, visit to eat but DO visit soon. Last minute room rates sometimes available mentioning “The Olive Press.” Friendly English-speaking staff will do all they can to make your visit a memorable one.

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More information of any kind e-mail

info@molinodelsanto.com

www.molinodelsanto.com | info@molinodelsanto.com | 952 16 71 51 ESTACIÓN DE BENAOJÁN, NEAR RONDA, MÁLAGA

GOLF

September 26th - October 9th 2018

www.theolivepress.es September 26th - October 9th 2018

Tragic end

Spanish golfer ‘stabbed to death by homeless man’ on course

New rules

THE new official rules of golf have been published before they come into effect on the first day of 2019. In a first, a new ‘Player’s Edition’ is being introduced to provide a shorter, more user-friendly version of the rules for golfers at all levels. This version features a

‘purpose of the rule’ description at the top of each rule, as well as easy-to-follow, full-colour diagrams and charts and a simpler, more direct writing style. There will be two million copies printed of the rules, written by the R&A and USGA, published in more than 30 different languages.

A HOMELESS man has been charged with murder after a promising Spanish golfer was stabbed to death on a golf course. Celia Barquin Arozamena, 22, was found dead in the pond of her university campus near central Iowa, in the US, after Colin Daniel Richards, also 22, allegedly killed her. Barquin was found in a pond at Coldwater Golf Links in Ames, about 50 kilometres north of Des Moines. Police found Barquin’s body

with several stab wounds to her upper torso, head and neck. A police dog tracked Barquin’s scent to a temporary camp along a creek near the golf course, where Richards had been living in a tent. He had several fresh scratches on his face that suggested fighting, and a deep cut in his left hand that he tried to conceal. A friend of his told investigators that the suspect had said he had ‘an urge to rape and kill a woman’ while they were walking on a trail near the course. Barquin was recently crowned the Iowa State Female Athlete of the Year.

RIP: Celia Barquin The talented golfer, from Puente San Miguel, was finishing her civil engineering degree. She was one of the most accomplished players in Iowa’s history, the university said. Head women’s golf coach Christie Martens said

Barquin was ‘loved by all her teammates and friends’ and was an ‘outstanding representative of our school.’ “We will never forget her competitive drive to be the best and her passion for life,” Martens added.

Terrible news JON Rahm has said he is ‘horrified’ by the murder of his compatriot Celia Barquin Arozamena in the US. The 22-year-old golfer was preparing for a tournament when he found out the ‘cheerful’ rising star, also 22, had been stabbed to death by a ‘drifter’ during a round of golf in Iowa. Rahm said: “I am horrified. There is little that can be said in these cases.

“I played alongside her in some concentrations of Hispaniola and a Spain-France tournament which we won. “She was a cheerful girl and had an extraordinary future ahead of her. “It’s a tragedy. Terrible. It’s amazing that this kind of thing happens. I just want to send a big hug to your family and friends. All the strength and love of the world.”

Moving on up FINCA Cortesin is no stranger to glittering accolades - and it’s just been named as one of Europe’s top 10 resorts by Golf World Magazine. Assessed over five different categories – golf courses, accommodation, practice facilities, accessibility and amenities – Finca Cortesin scored an impressive total of 88.7 points of out of 100. The magazine’s judging panel singled out the resort’s recent investment in its golf facilities as the major factor for its new, improved position. It comes after the luxury Casares resort updated its greens with a new variety of Bermuda grass. The judging panel said: “Few other resorts in the list have implemented as many changes and improvements in the two years since our first resorts ranking was published.”

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New look SPANISH car company SEAT has unveiled its new flagship SUV, the Tarraco. Available in a five or seven seat configuration, it will be the biggest SUV on its books while coming in at lower price than the company’s Alhambra people carrier. The new motor was designed at SEAT’s headquarters at Martorell on the outskirts of Barcelona but it will be built in Germany alongside similar models from its fellow VW Group brands including the Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan All Space. While it strongly resembles its VW Group counterparts, the Tarraco arrives on the market at a time when SEAT is attempting to repositioning as a more stylish and affordable brand within the group and increase it profile in the VW family. The Tarraco, which promises lots of boot space, will be available to buy next year.

NEW: Tarraco

Car probe The National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) has launched an investigation into a number of unnamed companies suspected of anti-competitive practises when bidding for work with the General Directorate for Traffic (DGT). The CNMC is focusing on contracts to provide roadworthiness tests for commercial vehicles which it fears were manipulated by companies who colluded to charge the DGT excessive amounts. While the CNMC stressed that the investigation is at a preliminary stage, a number of premises have been searched by its officials. Any company found guilty of anti-competitiveness faces fines of up 10% of their income, unless they provide investigators with substantial information on their criminal collaborators.

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European Car Sales Rev Up SPAIN is Europe’s fastest growing market for car sales. Demand across Europe has accelerated but Spain is in pole position with sales up 19.3% compared to last year. The number of new cars rose sharply this summer across the continent and increased by 6.1% year-on-year in the first six months of 2018. According to the European Auto Manufacturers’ Association,

New discovery reveals how Romans were the biggest polluters of their time ROMAN mining in Andalucia was the biggest cause of lead emissions at the time, a new study reveals. Today its cars and planes polluting the atmosphere, but more than 2,000 years ago it was mining silver for money and to fund the empire’s wars. The Romans created the precious metal by smelting leadsilver ores and adding more lead to the resulting mixture to concentrate the silver. The two metals would be separated later in the process, but this activity, performed mostly at the Roman mines of Rio Tinto, near Huelva, was the major source of lead emission into the atmosphere for that time. Scientists from the Univer-

MINING: Romans

Roman emissions

sity of Nevada made the discovery by analysing lead levels in Greenland’s ice sheets. The emissions can be seen in the ice sheets as they build very slowly over time. As ice forms, it records the chemistry of the atmosphere at the time, creating a snapshot of the Earth’s atmosphere. For the first few centuries of Roman rule, mining activities were interrupted by various wars in Spain keeping emissions consistently low between 108 to 92 BC, and emissions dropped even further after 80 BC due to widespread fighting.

Plague

After Caesar’s successful campaign against the Iberians and the Roman generals and politicians who sided with them, mining activities recovered and emissions increased for about a decade. Then, civil wars and the end of the Republic put another stop to mining activities for about 50 more years before they restarted in 31 BC. Emissions increased until 165 AD when a plague killed up to five million people. It would be another 600 years before they returned to a similar level.

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Electric avenue A FLEET of 500 hybrid vehicles for carsharing have hit the roads in Madrid. The cars cost 24 cents per minute and options to rent the motors owned by WiBLE by the hour or day are available. The environmentally friendly venture, backed by Spanish oil producer Repsol and South Korea’s Kia Motors Iberia, is the fourth to offer commuters in the capital the possibility of picking up cars and leaving them in a different place, taking advantage of rules that exempt electric vehicles from driving bans in certain areas and paying for public parking. There are up to five spots reserved for WiBLE cars in eight underground car parks across the city. Repsol operates Spain’s largest network of charging points for electric cars with 30 located at its filling stations nationwide. WiBLE’s cars, which are a hybrid version of the five seater Kia Niro model, have enough juice to travel up to 600 km.

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Andalucia’s ‘Cinderella City’ was the belle of the ball this month, writes Belinda Beckett

Alge-seriously romantic!

LGECIRAS is rarely accused of being a romantic city. Hemingway ignored it on his trip to Ronda, while the poet Lorca stayed there and didn’t give it a stanza. Even the current guide books dismiss it as an ‘ugly industrial fishing town’ (Lonely Planet) or ‘a refuelling stop’ on the way to Morocco (Frommers Guide). But if their authors had been passing through during Algeciras Entremares earlier this month, they’d be in a flurry to update. Billed ‘an outdoor celebration of the cultures of the Strait

CELEBRATION: The Entremares in Algeciras, photos by David Cussen during the Romantic Era of the early 1800s’, the festival headlined over a dozen different events in the city’s most iconic public spaces. You could watch

Q&A with Angel Nozal Angel Nozal, vice president of the Mancomunidad, has been in local politics for over 30 years and had four years in government in Mijas. Mijas Matters put the politician in the hot seat... MM: How do you feel now about the broken pact with Ciudadanos? MIJAS Nozal: It’s water under the MATTERS bridge. I am just focussing on May 2019. By Bill Anderson MM: Would you go there again? Nozal: Ha, Ha. We plan not to need to go there again. MM: What do you think your greatest achievements were from 2011-2015? Nozal: Well, there were big projects, but I think it all hinged on getting Mijas out of debt. In 4 years, we paid off 70 million in debt, and remember, we were still in the height of the crisis. It is hard to make plans when everyone is working just to pay off debt. Having said that, we managed the Senda Litoral, a lot of major remodelling of roads, and we began the process of bringing services to the Urbanisations. MM: Do you have any comments on the current Mijas Government? Nozal: What do you expect me to say here? We have made our views very clear about what we want for Mijas. And yes, I feel that what is happening is falling short of the high standards I set for my team. Ultimately, it will be up to the people to decide if they want more of the same, or change. MM: Were you a hard task master as Mayor? Nozal: You should really ask my councillors that question, but I probably think I was. You see, being a councillor is not about being important or getting your photo taken at events. I expected my councillors to be available seven days a week, if necessary. I expected them to be out on the streets talking to people, finding out what needed to be done to improve Mijas. If they were in Mijas, they were working. There are easier ways to make a living than be a councillor on my team. MM: What could we expect from a Nozal government? Nozal: It’s too early to start electioneering, but I have gone on record with some plans: we want to receive the urbanisations AS THEY ARE. They would start to receive many of the basic services and general maintenance that other Mijas residents already have. I need 3 months to get rid of 4 years of accumulated dirt and rubbish. I have also stated very firmly that we want to address the problems of the Mijas donkeys and other abandoned animals. I also want to retrieve the disastrous legacy of the hipodromo and put all that investment back to good use. And the beaches. The Junta need to be pressured about school and 24 hour healthcare provision. This summer has been a disaster, and action must be taken for a long term solution. Above all, we will be available to the people.

Moors and Christians battling it out atop the recently-restored Moorish ramparts, listen to Gershwin in Maria Cristina Park after dark, sample Ronda cheeses and Moroccan pastries at a Romantic Era market and give the kids a ride on a hand-cranked Ferris wheel at a retro funfair. Algeceriños of all ages - from tiny tots to tottering abuelos and even the family mutt were dressed up to the nines in 19th century Romantic Era gear. They took to the streets in bandits’ bandanas and Dandy-

ish velvet suits and caps – and loom blunderbusses once that was only the men! The used by real bandits in these ladies were laced into tight- romantic-but-dangerous times bodiced gowns with lace man- were given an oil, spit and poltillas and mitish and fired off tens to match into the sky with - tailor-made for eardrum-shatAsses and the occasion tering bangs or rummaged that launched donkeys were from their greatthe resident pigreat-grandpargeon pack skycoaxed out of ents' attics. ward en masse. pastures Asses and The other grey donkeys were cloud was the coaxed out of weather which pastures and threatened to turned into mule trains. Heir- rain on the parade of this al

fresco fest but it turned out fine, allowing folkloric dance troupes from all corners of the Campo and as far as the Atlas Mountains to strut their stuff on a sunlit park stage beneath a curtain of autumn leaves. Part feria, part cultural festival, the nearest equivalent to this singular event, now in its fifth year, is the much more famous Goyesca Festival of Ronda at the end of August when folk are similarly attired in homage to the Romantic painter Goya. There are still a few rough edges to iron out - there was no one but us and five milkmaids in Plaza Alta for the 11am Procession which eventually got going at 12. But it’s a feather in the organisers’ dapper velvet Romantic Epoch caps and another of many new good reasons to make Algeciras more than a one-night stand.

It’s only Rock ‘n’ Roll Watch out, there’s a new 80s revival in town, but don’t except big hair and shoulder pads, writes Giles Brown

“

BROWNSTEIN! It’s Fish. I’m in a jam session in a bar in La Campana and have just been playing with Nader and Adam. We’re thinking of putting the band back together! Be up at Nader’s tonight for practice.” This was the voice message that greeted me as I blearily flicked on the mobile phone at stupid o’clock one morning. I had been standing in as the regular presenter had been away on a cruise, hence the early starts that even surprised the cat, who looked up with a start and wondered what in the name of Odin’s Raven I was doing up at this unmentionable hour. I took a long, hard, stubble filled look in the mirror. “Every time I think that I get out, they drag me back in,” I muttered a la Pacino in Carlito’s Way. The thought of playing guitar with Fish, Nader and Adam filled me with no little trepidation. Back in the 80s, when we were all big hair, bigger shoulder pads and smouldering attitude, Fish and I had played in a band called Medicine Show, fronted by the larger than life and fabulously named late, great Brenton Macbeth Blackwood.

ROCKING OUT: Giles playing with friends

Our chaotic but raucously fun career came to an abrupt end when Brenty, a devotee of The Doors, came over all Jim Morrison on us, drank a bottle of vodka before a major gig, and promptly passed out on stage halfway through the first song. The look of frozen fear that went between Fish on bass and me on lead haunts me still. Having moved to America, Fish opened for Blue Oyster Cult in Florida as well as playing the Hard Rock Café in Bogota, which must have been quite a gig. Imagine an audience comprised mainly of Shakira and Tony Montana look-alikes and you get the general idea. Adam comes from a long line of drummers, and I’d gigged with his multi-talented brother, and also international photographer, Wayne back in the 80s. Since then Adam had moved back to New York and been in a couple of ‘bubbling under’ East Coast bands. And Nader is, put simply, one of the most amazing guitarists that I’ve ever met, plus being a brilliant friend – the new album is out on Spotify by the way… And then there’s me. Since the vodka fuelled break up of Medicine Show, I hadn’t picked up an electric guitar in anger for decades, happy to strum away on a battered acoustic, more comfortable behind the microphone in a radio station than on stage. But Nader insisted that I come and play, as Fish was only visiting for a few days, so I duly found myself standing nervously in the rehearsal room in Nader’s beautiful house. He picked me out a suitable instrument from his ‘wall of guitars’ – I kid you not, his house is THAT cool - we plugged in, turned the amp up to 11, and off we went. What followed were the most fabulous couple of hours, playing, catching up, reminiscing on gigs and generally having a great time. I may have been the least gifted musician there, but I probably had the most fun. Afterwards we posed for the ‘Official Group Photo’ on Nader’s roof deck and I’m still grinning like a loon as I write this, 24 hours later. It may only have been Rock ‘n’ Roll, but I LOVED it. Benicassim here we come… P.S. We are available for weddings, bar mitzvahs, funerals, court appearances...

SPORT

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OPTIMIST: Rafa Nadal

I’ll be back RAFAEL Nadal has promised he will recover from yet another knee problem. It comes after the Mallorquin suffered a recurrence of an old knee injury when he was among the favourites to win the US Open earlier this month. The 32-year-old was forced to retire during his semi-final clash with Juan Martin del Potro at Flushing Meadows, New York, meaning he missed out on potential battle with Novak Djokovic in the final. “I would have liked to end the US Open in a different way, but this knee injury and everything got interrupted,” he said at a Banco Sabadell event last week. “This is an important part of the year for me, I play for many important things but you cannot predict injuries. It’s important to learn from mistakes and know when to stop in order to avoid more serious thing. “I am sportsman and the goal is to reach the limit in all the aspects, and the limit between being able and not be able is split by a very soft line during which you can make a mistake. “This year I had a very cautious schedule and despite it I suffered two hard injuries.” Nadal vowed to be back on tour in ‘as little time as possible’.

Croat crowned best male player of the year by FIFA REAL Madrid’s Luka Modric has been named the best male player at the Best Fifa Football Awards in London. The 33-year-old midfielder beat out former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. It comes after the Croat won his third Champions League title with Los Blancos in a row in May and guided his home country to their first World Cup final in the summer. Voting for the player and coach categories was conducted by national team captains and managers, selected journalists and, for the first time, an online poll of fans. Each accounted for 25% of the total. Modric said: "This award is not just mine. It is my teammates from Real Madrid and

Fifa top 11

David De Gea; Dani Alves, Marcelo, Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane; Eden Hazard, N’Golo Kante, Luka Modric; Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi.

Mad for Modric MAN OF THE MOMENT: Luka Modric Croatia. “Without my coaches, I would not have won this and without my family I would not This is the third edition of the Best Fifa Football Awards, set up after football's world governing body ended its association with the Ballon d'Or award.

be the player I am today.” Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said: “Luka Modric is the captain of my team, he's the best player in my team and in the world, and he deserves this award.” Modric made 56 appearances for club and country as he won the Champions League and reached the World Cup final - beating England in the semi-final - in what he admitted before the ceremony was his ‘best season ever’. And even England manager Gareth Southgate agreed, having voted for Modric to win the Fifa award.

ISCO has undergone surgery for appendicitis. The Real Madrid player has been ruled out for the next few matches although it is not yet known when he will be back on the pitch. The Spanish playmaker started against both Roma and Espanyol but will now be out of action for at least a month. Dani Carvajal didn't train either and is unlikely to face Sevilla.

No US matches LUIS Rubiales has blasted the idea of holding a La Liga match in the US. The Spanish FA president wrote to his La Liga counterpart Javier Tebas to express his strong opposition to holding a Girona V Barcelona fixture in Miami on January 26. According to Spanish sport outlet Marca, there is a ‘zero per cent’ chance the match will take place. However Tebas remains confident that it will. He said: “Obviously [the Spanish FA] aren't excited about [a match in Miami]," Tebas told reporters. "They are not saying no, they are just requesting more information. I have been talking about this for some time now, so I am optimistic.” La Liga needs the approval of the Spanish FA, Spain's Sports Council, Uefa, and the US Soccer Federation for the game to take place.

NOPE: Rubiales

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Referendum II THE UK’s Labour party has said it will back a second Brexit referendum if PM Theresa May fails to get a deal through parliament.

FINAL WORDS

Backtrack SPAIN’S central bank has changed its growth forecast from 2.7% to 2.6% for this year, citing a slowdown in the country’s export markets and concerns over trade wars involving the US.

Clean up ESTEPONA has invested €3.7 million on upgrading its cleaning fleet, including vehicles, machinery and 565 new bins.

On the rise UBER has announced it will be expanding further across Andalucia, launching its service uberX in Sevilla this week.

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Amateur hour Armchair archaeologist finds historic site by studying Google maps

AN amateur archeologist has unearthed an unknown site of huge historical interest near Cordoba by using Google maps. Jose Broch, a civil servant from Castellon, located a ‘man-made structure’ by following the course of the Guadalquivir River until he found ‘straight lines’. The exciting discovery, near Almodovar del Rio, could be the lost city of Medina AlZahira which was built more

EUREKA!: Site of ancient settlement than 1,000 years ago, but officials in Cordoba think it may be an outlying area of the Arabic city of Madinat Qurtuba or even a Roman villa. “I was reading a report about the lost city of Medina Al-

Desperate measures A BRITISH couple have moved to Spain for a year to save up for a flat deposit in London - because it’s much cheaper than renting in the UK capital. Ryan Crabbe, 33, and his wife Kiera, 36, are saving around £1,200 on living costs every month by ditching their rented property in Kensington. They are instead leasing a two-bed flat in Mallorca. The freelance finance consultants have managed to put aside £48,000 but decided to take another year to top up their funds to make their mortgage as small as possible.

Zahira and couldn’t believe it had never been found,” said Broch. “I thought I would take a closer look and see what I could discover.” Medina Al-Zahira was an ancient fortress town built on the outskirts of Cordoba under the dynasty of Almanzor. Blockbuster TV series Game of Thrones was partly filmed at Almodovar del Rio.

RULERS: Arabs in Spain

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Modern day love story A SOAP star has waded in on a lovesick Brit’s quest to find ‘the love of his life’ who he met while on holiday in Ibiza. Stoke-based Dan Millington had bagged his beau's number on the party island but was left heartbroken when his mobile was stolen and had no way of contacting her again. The Brit took his plea to social media to find ‘Stacey the 27-year-old beautician from Stoke who drives a mini’ and was retweeted nearly 4,000 times and liked nearly 8,000 times. Emmerdale star, Michael Parr, 32 - who plays Ross Barton - got involved in the love quest and wrote: “Help this geezer out. Stacey??? Where you at?” Despite the worldwide appeal, Stacey has yet to reveal herself. Some reports suggest she may have a boyfriend or gave poor Dan a fake name.

DONALD Trump has suggested Spain should build a wall across the Sahara desert in a bid to bring migrant numbers down. According to foreign minister Josep Borrell, the US president insisted the barrier would help tackle Europe’s migrant crisis. Borrell did not reveal when the leader floated the idea, but sources suggest it was in June, when Borrell visited Washington during the White House visit of King Felipe and Queen Letizia.

Popular

He ‘made it clear’ that he disagreed with Trump's diagnosis but insisted a policy was needed to deal with the fact that Africa would double its population in the next 20 years. Spain is now the most popular entry point for migrants in the EU, accounting for 6,500 arrivals out of 12,500 in August. Most arriving in the country came from Morocco, Guinea and Mali.

ROYALS: Meet Trump