Olive Press Spain - Issue 366 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

Hottest new restaurants, secret escapes and hidden gems... Sevilla is the first in our new series of incisive Insider’s guides to the very best of Spain

OLIVE PRESS

The

Andalucía

Mijas Costa FREE

Decision time ANDALUCIA is not expected to loosen the current COVID-19 restrictions in Andalucia this week. However, Junta chief Juanma Moreno believes tougher restrictive measures to curb the spread of a potential fourth wave of coronavirus are not yet necessary. “With an incidence rate of 154.4 in the region, there is no need for more restrictive measures,” he said yesterday. While the incidence level has grown by 15 points around the region, he estimated that it is not yet deemed to be urgent.

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Vol. 15 Issue 366 www.theolivepress.es April 7th - April 20th 2021

Keep out

‘Fury’ at Spanish airport as 40 Brits deported back to UK, while dozens are kicked off Málaga flight from Gatwick DOZENS of Brits arriving at Alicante airport have been refused entry to Spain and sent back to Manchester on the same plane despite having evidence that they had residence status. Border guards had erected a sign in the terminal stating, ‘NO TIE CARD, NO ENTRY’ to the amazement of travellers, some of whom were flying to Spain to collect their TIE cards. Some 40 people who had arrived from Manchester Airport were left upset, angry and confused - considering UK border officials AND airline staff had approved exit from the country. Stuart Miller, a 47-year-old offshore-worker from Manchester, described the situation as ‘absolutely diabolical”.

“For now, with the data we have, we can control this wave,” he insisted. The current restrictions in Andalucia are some of the toughest in Spain, being the only region to have maintained provincial border closure during the Easter week. Despite Moreno’s optimism, he highlighted the poor vaccination delivery rate. According to Moreno, at the current pace, Andalucia will be lucky to have 40% of the population immunised by December - a long way from the 70% target set by central government two months ago.

Your

EXCLUSIVE By Simon Wade

“Even travellers who had letters from Alicante Foreigners’ Office asking them to collect their residency cards were turned away,” Miller told the Olive Press. “I mean what more proof do you need of residency?” Some of the others sent back included a woman wanting to see her sick father, stranded and alone in hospital. So heavy handed was the arrivals desk that border agents were flanked by armed police, putting ‘the terror of God’ into those waiting to be questioned. “It appeared that only those who were actually on a list of legal residents, possibly checked in advance against the plane’s manifest, were allowed in,” said Miller.

Tension

“The rest of us were sent back without even being able to explain our legitimate reasons.” As the 40 plus travellers re-boarded, the flight was subsequently delayed, adding further to tension in the cabin. Miller added: “There was no advice, no help and no good reason for us being turned back at Alicante.” Ryanair staff had assured every traveller that their documentation - including COVID tests, letters and DISAPPOINTED: Stuart Miller passports - was sufficient to gain entry into Spain. Mr Miller’s wife, Caz, warned other travellers: “Whatever See page 29/32 paperwork you have with you, and whoever tells you that

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21/6/19 13:30

DIABOLICAL: Brits were turned away by Spanish authorities you’re okay to travel, be prepared to be carted back on to the plane and sent back. “I think the airport policy depends on nothing more than the mood of the officials at the border.” Since the incident, other Brits travelling from UK airports to Spain have been subjected to ‘arbitrary rules made up on behalf of another country’, according to one Olive Press reader. One expat based in Rincon de la Victoria, near Malaga, told the Olive Press that a ‘staggering dozen or so passengers’ were refused to board his flight from Gatwick to Malaga yesterday (Monday). The retired businessman, 60, who asked not to be named, described it as ‘running the gauntlet’. “It was so traumatic. You just had no idea who was going to be allowed on. “Everyone turned away had valid PCR tests or they had valid reasons to travel, whether to see ailing relatives or to secure or visit their properties,” he said. Meanwhile, a retired IT professional described how he was turned away from boarding a Ryanair flight to Alicante at Manchester on Monday. He had specifically checked the gov. uk website to check that buying a property was one of the ‘reasonable excuses’ for travel to Spain.

He described how he and six others were turned away at the gate because they weren’t in possession of a TIE card, regardless of their reason for travel. “Ryanair staff had made the arbitrary decision to deny their passengers travel on behalf of the Spanish authorities,” said the 63-year-old who only wanted to be identified by his first name Alec. He claimed that staff had ‘no intention’ of engaging in any conversation and couldn’t back up or justify their own ruling with any evidence in print or online. Others refused on board the FR4007 included a woman with Italian citizenship who was travelling back to her family home in Spain.

Embassy

And a married couple, where the husband had the TIE card, but not his wife. “It is crucial that when making plans to travel from the UK to Spain, a UK National must make sure that they meet both the requirements to leave the UK and those to enter Spain, bearing in mind that they are not the same,” said a statement from the Embassy in Madrid. Opinion Page 6

CRIME

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NEWS IN BRIEF

SEEN HIM?

Dodgy PCRs

BRITISH police are appealing to expats in Gibraltar and Spain in the belief someone in the country may hold the key to solving a 27-yearold cold case. Karen Reed, 33, was shot five times after answering the door at her home in Woking on April 30, 1994, to a hitman disguised as a pizza delivery driver. “Intelligence from the original investigation suggested that suspects involved in the murder could have left for Spain in order to lie low from police,” DI Gareth Hicks of Surrey police told the

POLICE have arrested 31 Romanians entering Spain from France travelling with false PCR test results. It comes after French police tipped off their counterparts fighting illegal immigration and false documention.

Terror arrests THREE men who allegedly used humanitarian aid for Syrian orphans as a cover to finance terrorism have been arrested in Madrid and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

DJ death A PAIR of Germans have been arrested over the shooting death of a DJ at an illegal party in Marbella after cops picked up the duo in Malaga as they prepared to catch a flight home.

A fine time A TOTAL of 16,618 fines have been handed out in Malaga during the first quarter of the year for flouting COVID-19 rules.

April 7th - April 20th 2021

Swoop for bird killer

VICTIM: Karen Reed and (left) the suspect

Olive Press. Investigators believe it was a contract killing but that the intended target may have been Ms Reed’s sister, Alison Pointing, whose husband was jailed for murdering a former Chechnyan prime minister and his brother.

Crash for cash

POLICE have dismantled a 'crash for cash' insurance fraud leading to dozens of arrests. Police rounded up a gang of 17 who set up dozens of fake car accidents to claim compensation from unsuspecting insurance companies. The intricate scheme even recruited bogus 'damage inspectors' and fabricated medical certificates.

Insurance scam faking car accidents leads to arrest of 17 By James Warren

Police were alerted to the gang in Malaga when an unnamed insurance company enlisted the help of an accident investigator to look into

Brit nabbed

A DRUGS baron who was supposed to be serving a life sentence in the UK has been picked up on the Costa del Sol. The British cocaine dealer, whose initials are PDT, was snared in Estepona and quietly sent to Madrid for an extradition hearing. No indication has been given on how the fugitive, 37, ended up in Spain rather than behind bars in the UK. The 37-year-old was held on an International Arrest Warrant.

one potentially fraudulent case. They eventually located a video that showed an unnamed man at the wheel of a car outside a garage in Cartama, repeatedly driving into another stationary car. It emerged that the man was an expert in re-creating exact cosmetic damage on vehicles to match forged incident reports. Working out of a workshop in the town’s industrial estate, he was one of the linchpins of the operation that was said to be behind a spike in insurance claims around Malaga. As details of the scheme were revealed, the intricacy of the operation became clear.

The gang would recreate damage in an extremely accurate way, then would 'hire' an damage assessor to review the damage and sign it off in an official document. In the accident report, police noticed that the accidents happened usually during holiday periods, where there were very few cars on the road.

Fake

Members of the gang would also go to hospital to gain fake medical certificates for injuries supposedly sustained during the accidents. Eventually police performed raids on a number of properties in Cartama and arrested 17 individuals, all Spanish and ranging between 18 and 58 years old.

POLICE in Granada are on the hunt for the culprit of a growing number of cases of wild birds found dead with their legs bound by zip ties. It comes after residents in the city reported an alarming number of dead birds tied up in a similar way, sometimes with the legs amputated, causing them to bleed to death. The main target for the sickening attacks are pigeons, but numerous sparrows and other songbirds have also been found. The Vegas del Genil animal protection association has denounced the cruelty and is working with Seprona to try to catch the culprit. "We are looking for a killer of birds, a professional at mistreating animals," said Latifa Moutaouakil, of the charity.

Jab in the dark CALLOUS crooks are conning people into buying potentially dangerous fake COVID-19 vaccines online. The untested, unsafe products could lead to deaths, insisted the boss of global crime body Interpol. Secretary General Jurgen Stock insisted there are numerous individuals behind the risky products. “The risks to the public are clear: not only do they not protect against COVID-19, but they pose a serious health hazard if ingested or injected.”

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

April 7th - April 20th 2021

LOVE RETURNS ONE of Britain’s most popular reality series is set to be filmed in Spain this summer. Love Island is reportedly gearing up for its big return after the coronavirus halted last year’s production plans. Producers of the hit dating show had earlier confirmed that the series would be going ahead as hoped for 2021 and sources have claimed it will return to Mallorca this year. A source said: “All precautions have been taken to make sure it goes smoothly. They’ve included COVID safety measures and increased checks on contestants’ mental health.”

Walk off

VALENCIA football team walked off the pitch after an allegedly racist slur directed at one of their players. The game against Cadiz on Sunday night was temporarily abandoned after 30 minutes when Cadiz’s Juan Cala allegedly flung insults at defender Mouctar Diakhaby. Cala, who has since ‘strenuously denied’ allegations against him, received a yellow card for his actions and seconds later Valencia players made the decision to halt the match and walk off the pitch in protest. Diakhaby eventually urged his teammates to continue the match and Hugo Guillamon took his place on the pitch. Cala stayed on for Cadiz and the team eventually won the match 3-0. Following the incident, Valencia released a ten-point statement entitled ‘no to racism’ on their official website. They added that Diakhaby is the ‘latest victim of racism in football’.

Footballers behaving badly Stars flouting COVID travel restrictions

TROUBLE: Goncalo Guedes

HAPPY FAMILY: But Marcelo could be in the dog house REAL Madrid star Marcelo could be fined €2,700 for breaching COVID-19 regulations after he posted a photo of himself enjoying an unauthorised day trip to Valencia.

Royal approval

By Kirsty McKenzie

The club’s €10 million player is under investigation after he shared a snap of his family at

QUEEN Letizia never puts a foot wrong, and continued to show off her array of high fashion ensembles as she attended celebrations to mark 275 years since the birth of Spanish artist Francisco Goya. The royal, 48, opted for a tailored jacket and skyscraper heels for her appearance in Zaragozaher alongside her husband King Felipe VI, 53, to remember the painter who was born near the city in the town of Fuendetodos in 1746. The mother of two cut a stylish figure as she greeted members of the Goya Foundation in Aragon.

ESTUCO INTERIORS

Malvarrosa beach on Instagram last week. In the image, Marcelo can be seen beaming alongside his wife and children, with none of the family wearing a mask. Marcelo, his wife and eldest son now face being slapped with individual fines amounting to €700, €600 for not respecting the perimeter closure plus €100 for not wearing a mask in a public space. The fines amount to 0.01% of his salary. Marcelo is not the only one who has been misbehaving of late - Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman was spotted in Marbella and Valencia player Goncalo Guedes went to Ibiza over the Easter weekend.

Jammy Queen! SEVILLA’s Moorish Royal Alcazar palace is famed for the colourful splash of its orange trees. But palace authorities face a problem of what to do with all the fruit when they pick them to encourage new blossoms. Now they have decided to get rid of some of the problem by sending them to Queen Elizabeth. In a revival of an old tradition, a crate of the citrus fruit is to be packaged up and presented as a gift, with the oranges destined to be turned into marmalade to grace the royal breakfast table. The tradition of Sevilla gifting oranges to the British royal family dates back to the reign of Queen Victoria. Her granddaughter Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg married into the Spanish House of Bourbon.

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NEWS

Rest in peace Rohan Kenneth Jnr. (Enniskerry, County Wicklow) died 30th March 2021 in Mexico. Adored by his two sons, Alexander and Christopher, and dearly beloved by his mother Brenda and father Ken, sister Ali, brother Jamie, sister-in-law Lucy and brotherin-law Liam. He will be greatly missed by all his family, his wife Brooke and his wide circle of friends. In accordance with government directives, a private Funeral Service will take place. Kenneth’s family would like to thank you for your understanding at this most difficult time.

Flocking in

IT is one of the most stunning sights in southern Spain. And so far over 7,500 flamingoes have flocked to the Laguna de Fuente de Piedra to prepare for the mating season. There are currently 7,585 flamingos at the wetland area, near Antequera, of which 1,200 are mating pairs. The lagoon is the biggest in Andalucia, covering over 1300 hectares and is home to over a dozen species of birds. From February until July, flamingoes from all along the Mediterranean and the North African coast migrate here to breed. Last year saw a total of 6,030 flamingo chicks born at the reserve, the largest number in Europe.

Expat death fall Tragic 16-year-old Irish exchange student died in Granada in third fall in a month

YOUNG: Alannah Dunn

AN Irish student has died after falling from a wall in Granada, the same wall where two other youths fell just three weeks ago. Prosecutors are looking into possible negligence or foul play, after Alannah Dunn, 16, from Dublin, fell off the five metre wall near the historic

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April 7th - April 20th 2021

A SWEDISH woman has been arrested for a devastating wildfire that swept across the cliffs of Maro, near Nerja. The 51-year-old admitted that she started the fire after burning prunings on her rural plot. The fire flared out of control and destroyed about 10,000 square metres of countryside in a highly protected area that is home to hundreds of rare species of flora and fauna. At the height of the blaze, 42 firefighters fought the flames. Five homes had to be evacuated.

Fuente del Avellano monument. Police say she had been attending a ‘botellon’, a gathering of young people in public spaces, usually with music. She suffered multiple facial and skull fractures and later died in hospital. Granada’s association of Menores is now probing the incident and, in particular, whether the city council can be charged for negligence. Lawyer Rosa Guerrero is particularly concerned as it is the third accident in as many weeks. In one of those cases a boy and a girl, both minors, fell down the very same wall, but escaped with light injuries. Alannah was on an exchange programme in Granada for a few months.

On the prowl

A WOLF has been spotted in the Vall de Boi (Lleida). The snapshot was taken thanks to a motion-activated camera set up by Rural Agents to survey wildlife, especially bears in the Pyrenees. The sighting of a wolf in the Alta Ribagorza in Aragonese has recently been confirmed and experts are now studying whether the image belongs to the same specimen or to a different one. According to members of the Department of the Environment of the Generalitat, DNA samples are being sought throughout the High Pyrenees, in order to determine the origin of the animal.

Sad end A BEACHED dolphin has died despite frantic efforts to save it by wildlife experts. The 7ft-long (2.13m) common dolphin had been washed up at Misericordia beach in Malaga. Lifeguards, police and bathers all tried to revive the stranded animal, however, although it had initially shown signs of life, it died shortly after it was transferred to Aula del Mar’s marine species recovery centre (CREMA).

NEWS SPAIN is giving €650,000 to help pay for the exhumation and identification of Civil War victims buried at the infamous Valley of the Fallen site outside Madrid. The remains of 33,833 people are interred at the site from both sides of the conflict. They were mostly brought there from cemeteries across Spain between 1959 and 1983. Around half of the bodies have never been identified. On the orders of former dictator General

April 7th April 20th 2021

Closing a chapter Franco, construction of the monument began in 1940 and continued over the next 18 years. The dictator was himself buried at the site when he died in 1975 but the current socialist-led government of Pedro Sanchez ordered the removal of his remains to a family mausoleum in 2019.

Optimistic Sanchez

No plans to extend State of Alarm past May 9

PRIME Minister, Pedro Sanchez, has said that he does not plan to ask Congress to extend Spain’s second State of Alarm beyond its scheduled ending of May 9. Sanchez also detailed the country's vaccination schedule at a news conference on Tuesday with 70% coverage to be achieved by late August. The current State of Alarm was introduced to give the country's

17 regions legal support for introducing local curfews and border closures to slow down COVID-19 infections. Pedro Sanchez said: “We want May 9 to be a full stop and we are working towards that. We have no plans to extend the State of Alarm any longer.”

Mask off!

A NEW law has caused a backlash after it appeared to make wearing a mask obligatory even on beaches or in the countryside. The daft decree led to headlines around the world, damaging Spain’s already reeling tourist industry. Until now, the coverings

were only compulsory in public and outdoor spaces when it was not possible to keep safety distances, specifically in urban areas and indoor public spaces, as well as on public transport.

Sanchez was bullish over the vaccine roll-out programme with a large rise of doses expected to be delivered over the coming weeks and months. Ever since December, the Prime Minister has stuck to his guns that 70% of the population would be inoculated by late summer. He backed up his confidence with details of Spain's vaccination timetable. “We will be getting 3.5 times more doses in the second quarter of 2021 compared to the first,” he stated. That adds up to 38 million doses, rising to 48 million between August and September. “10 million people will have got two injections by the first week of June.”

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NEWS FEATURE

www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain

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

OPINION GET A GRIP! THERE was a depressing inevitability about the latest round of bad news relating to Brexit and the ongoing travel restrictions between Spain and the UK . The blame for this fiasco lies squarely with an incompetent and disorganised relationship between the two governments. Boris Johnson and his cronies were part of a dishonest campaign during the 2016 referendum which led to the country voting narrowly for leaving the EU. In the mess that followed, Johnson refused to back sensible compromises and instead pursued an ideologically rigid Brexit that was oblivious to the concerns of thousands of people who rely on free movement, whether it is to be with their families or boost the economy. We’re still paying for the recklessness of Brexit – with no end in sight. And while vaccines will deliver us from the worst of the travel restrictions, the hard truth is that it will take some time before faith in travelling between Spain and the UK is restored. But there is something that the Spanish government can do now - and that is GET A GRIP! It is unforgivable that it can not ensure its own agents - police and border controls for example follow ITS OWN RULES. These incidents reported on our front page must not be swept under the carpet or tied up in knots with red tape. And while potential solutions are not obvious, the UK Government must provide as much support to Brits to help them navigate this nightmare - not wash their hands of the problem or worse, direct them to another vague statement on the government website. The rules need to be clearer, the communication needs to be stronger between the EU and the UK and airlines need to assure passengers that they won’t be hauled back home on arrival. We can accept Brexit has happened. But no one agreed to this fear and uncertainty as a result.

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AWARDS

2016 - 2020 Best expat paper in Spain and the second best in the world. The Expat Survey Consumer Awards.

2012 - 2020

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

Driven to distraction EXCLUSIVE By Fiona Govan

PAIN and the UK are holding high level discussions to allow Brits to continue to exchange their driving licences for Spanish ones without the need to take the Spanish driving test, a senior British diplomat has told the Olive Press. It is one of those issues that has been a thorn in the side of Brits living in Spain as Brexit loomed; the need to exchange British driving licences for Spanish ones. The issue took on an urgency for Brits as the end of the transition period approached. Appointments at the DGT were scarce due to a sudden last minute rush compounded by delays during the pandemic Brits were told that as long as they registered their intent to exchange their driving licences before December 30 then they would have six months in which to do it.

Test

Battle of 100 DAYS ON: The phoney war’ is well and truly over three months after the end of the withdrawal transition period and the consequences for expats are just starting...

HOUSANDS of British expats who were oblivious to rule changes in the New Year have been left exposed and unprotected in the new age of Brexit, warns The Expat Centre in southern Spain. Under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement, Britons wanting to enjoy the rights and freedoms they previously enjoyed living in Spain, must now prove they lived here legally prior to December 31. While most registered as residents under repeated advice by both British and Spanish authorities, and hundreds more are still in the process of getting their documentation, there are still many who failed to start the process before the end of year deadline.

Those who missed the boat have been told they will have to take the Spanish driving test. However, there is some hope that a simple swap may be re-introduced. David Hunt, the Head of Citizens’ Rights and Mobility Department (Europe Directorate) at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office told the Olive Press: “We are working on an agreement with the Spanish authorities that will allow Brits to exchange their driving licences for Spanish ones without the need to undergo a practical test.” However, he could not guarantee that a bilateral agreement would be in place before the present June 30 deadline and warned people to follow the legal requirements in the meantime. “We are hopeful for a future agreement, but in the meantime ask people to follow the rules of the road in the countries where they live.”

By Fiona Govan

Brexit is ringing the changes in Spain - but it’s not the sound of till bells

This leaves potentially thousands of Brits unprotected in Spain without healthcare, without rights and – thanks to COVID-19 – without a way of easily getting back to the UK. Those who are not legally resident or in the process of applying for residency, risk falling foul of the 90-day rule that came into effect at the end of March. “Any stays beyond the 90 days in any 180-day period will be dependent on the applicable visas and immigration rules for Spain. This may require applying for a visa and/or permit,” warns the British Embassy. Many of those struggling to get their paperwork in order have

HOMEWARD BOUND: How many Brits will have to leave?

Costa packet OST deliveries, disastrous delays, hefty hidden customs duties when goods do arrive – business owners in post-Brexit Spain report that things have changed but not for the better. Nadine Walker (pictured below), who runs Nest gift boutique in one of Madrid’s coolest neighbourhoods, has faced nothing but obstacles in the three months since the Brexit transition period ended. Over 13 years she has built up the business to become the capital’s go-to place for British greeting cards, funky wrapping paper

By Simon Wade

and handcrafted knick-knacks imported from the UK. “But since Brexit I have had huge problems with deliveries,” she fumes. “Orders used to arrive within three to seven days but since New Year, I’ve had deliveries go missing, packages that have been turned around and returned to the UK and had to be resent … And I’ve had to pay couriers cash on arrival to cover customs duties that weren’t included in the original price.” When you run a small business with narrow margins, this is more than a mere annoyance. “At the beginning of January, I made a big order of cards and gifts for Valentine’s Day but it didn’t arrive until well after February 14, so I lost out on all that trade,” she adds. She now has to pay between €10 and €50 extra on each delivery and often has to struggle to get receipts so that she can claim it against tax. “My margins have become smaller, and I’m trying to source things from elsewhere within the EU, such as Ireland. But I set up the shop specifically because there was a gap in the market for the sort of things I could find in the UK but not here.” Nadine hopes that these are just teething problems that will be sorted out in the coming months. “The big problem seemed to be that no-one knew what the new rules were, especially the courier companies. I’m already worried about Christmas which is when I need to rely on deliveries coming in on time.”

Fighting for

NNE Hernandez is supposed to be retired. Instead she spends her days and much of her nights helping Brits across Spain sort out problems that have been caused by Brexit. “Since January 1, I have been busier than ever,” the President of the Brexpats in Spain organisation told the Olive Press. “It’s incredible how often I was accused of scaremongering when insisting people needed to sort themselves out and get their paperwork in order before the deadline. “Now they are coming and asking for help to get residency, sort out their driving licences, get in the health system, but many of them have just left it too late. “There was this arrogance of ‘Oh I’m British and the Spanish need us here so they’ll sort something out for us,’ and only now are they realising the full impact of not being registered as residents,” she said from her home in Mijas Costa “I just can’t fathom why so many people left it until the last minute. There are those Brits who just had their head in the sand about the whole thing and ignored the warnings and have no-one else to blame but themselves,” she explained. “But there’s also a whole lot of people who tried to do things properly and went to lawyers or gestors and unfortunately were given the wrong advice.” She complains that different issues arise from region to region, province to province and often depending on different civil servants working within the same office. “We have a Spanish system that has just

Time’s up!

Olive Press online

By Kirsty McKenzie

become overwhelmed with applications and apparently confusing guidelines that means the decisions are often left to individuals behind the desk. “The decision on whether your residency application is accepted or rejected could come down to whether the clerk is having a good day or has skipped their morning coffee,” she said. Spanish authorities have not stated what measures will be taken for those who overstay or whether exemptions will be made for those affected by travel restrictions imposed during the pandemic. “No-one knows the real implications of overstaying as we have no real guidance about what will actually happen to people if they don't leave when the 90 days is up. Could they be fined and told to leave the country? Or will they be deported?” Hernandez asked. “Some of these people don’t have homes anywhere else and yet could be banned from Spain,” she said. “Brexit has caused a hell of a mess,” she concluded.

BUT The good news is…

RITISH holidaymakers can now claim back the IVA (VAT) on goods bought in Spain - as long as they are not resident in an EU country. As Francesca Cerqua, Knowledge Manager at Marosa VAT in Spain, clarifies: “If a UK traveller visits Spain and makes purchases where Spanish VAT is charged and the value of those purchases is above €90.15, he or she will be able to reclaim that Spanish VAT at the airport before taking the plane back to the UK.” In addition to spending a minimum of €90.15, a British holidaymaker shopping in Spain must: - Live in England, Scotland or Wales. - Take the unused goods outside of the EU within a three-month period. - Display their passport upon purchase together with a separate document providing proof of address. - Complete an electronic refund document while in EU territory and have it validated at EU customs.

When making the purchase, request an electronic refund form (known by the initials DER in Spain), which you must validate electronically before checking in your luggage at the airport. To do this, go to the indicated counters, or the offices displaying the tax free seal, and show them: - Your passport. - The goods for which you are requesting the refund. - Your boarding pass or ticket. This is a fully digital process, so you won’t receive a physical document after validation. However, people can check the status of their refund at any time by putting their CSV number (secure verification code), which appears on their electronic tax free form, into a search bar at the official website. And remember, if the goods are worth more than £390 in total, they will have to be declared at customs in the UK, incurring import VAT and possible duties. Happy shopping!

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THE START: The first edition of the

Olive Press in 2006

March 24th - April 6th 2021 Vol. 15 Issue 365 www.theolivepress.es

As the Olive Press reaches its 15th birthday, we recall a few of our favourite interviews and remember a couple of our top readers, such as ex-prime minister Rajoy (above) and prime joker Paul Gascoigne...

after a EXCLUSIVE: Private school warning moved to Spain, convicted British paedophile and found dodged criminal record checks work as an English teacher Spain INTERNATIONAL schools around a British have been put on high alert after most man began teaching at one of Madrid’s conexclusive colleges months after being victed in the UK. Lewis, Questions have been raised after Ben be31, was able to work at the school despite ing on the UK’s sex offenders register. Lewis, The Olive Press has discovered that sex ofwho is now awaiting trial for child V, fences at Centro Penitenciario Madrid and a managed to hoodwink TWO schools

NAMES: two different passports

Fiona Govan in Madrid

idenlanguage academy after creating a new tity, using forged documents. reFormer colleagues of the sex offender to dodge vealed that he created a new namerun sumcriminal record checks in order to to mer camps and teach private classes young children. after He had changed his name to Ben David and being convicted in June 2016 of taking in possessing indecent images of children England. As well as being placed on the sex offender list and being handed a two-year suspended sentence, he was barred from leaving the country or working with children. Yet within weeks he had moved to Spain and found work in Zaragoza as a livein au pair to a family with three young children. The following year he relocated to Madrid and began teaching children at a well-known language academy after getting a criminal record check from Zaragoza police to show he had no convictions in Spain over the previous 12 months. Then in December

Horrified

for 18 “We worked together at the school gomonths, took on private classes together for ing to the homes of some of the children summer extracurricular teaching and ran a said the camp at the school during 2018,”horror at Irish colleague, who is filled with the access he had to children. the day The Olive Press has discovered that his after sentencing in the UK he changed Lewis name by deed poll from Ben David just 15 to Ben David, in a process that takes minutes. a British He then applied for and received also prepassport in his new name, while he Israeli sented a doctored photocopy of his a passport stamped and verified by non-existent law firm that showed his name as Ben David Rose. The Olive Press has seen photocopies of these, plus a teaching degree and Qualified Teaching Status (QTS) certificates presented in the name ALL AREAS COVERED of Ben David Rose as well as certificates in his original name. 4G UNLIMITED What is amazing is that by April 2019 he had applied for a teaching INTERNET job at a leading private school in the IDEAL FOR upmarket Arturo Soria district that STREAMING TV teaches the British curriculum to the ALSO IPTV, children of Madrid’s elite. By now he also had a DBS certificate SATELLITE TV

Award Winning Rehabilitation Clinic

post DANGER: Lewis got teaching teacher 2017 he accepted a job as an English secat a leading semi-private (concertado)from ondary school that receives subsidies the state. David by “He was going by the name Ben another then and was offered the job aftera former teacher dropped out mid-term,” the Olive colleague Natasha Fitzsimons told Press. the posi“I think they were desperate to fill as tion so maybe they weren’t as thorough they should have been.

...meanwhile, we spend time at the home of the world’s most famous plumber as he announces he’s becoming a Spanish citizen, after 15 years here and losing €15m to his ex-wives...

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Opinion Page 6

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BRITS are still happier in Spain, despite reports suggesting 90,000 have abandoned the expat dream. An exclusive Olive Press survey found that more than three quarters of our readers are happier since making the move.

For the full story, see No end to Spanish dream on page 4.

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Goldman fled Spain last year amid accusations of fraud, leaving behind dozens of victims owed a total of €15 million. While he refused to answer questions, he seems happy living with Couling, her two daughters and two cats in the modest three-bedroom property. While the pair are Kintbury’s hottest topic of conversation, they are rarely seen and ‘keep themselves to themselves’. Couling’s family live nearby in Hungerford. In fact, the secretive man from Del Monte is seemingly only ever seen leaving the house to go to the post office. When the Olive Press confronted him in his countryside retreat, Goldman refused to come to the door, instead briefly poking his head out of his bedroom window.

**Western Edition**

Issue 26, January 24th 2008

are they?

And were these men involved?

EXCLUSIVE: The Olive Press can reveal that convicted fraudster Nigel Goldman is back in business using the false name ‘Howard Del Monte’ his partner Suzanne Couling are peddling their wares via a joint Ebay account called ‘Bensons Emporium’. Village post office staff told the Olive Press that he regularly collects parcels addressed to ‘Del Monte’, and also ‘sends many packages’.

See page 8 & 9

www.theolivepress.es

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Hypocrisy in Spain

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HIDEOUT: Goldman’s UK bolthole and (top) with Suzanne with a parking ticket. “I don’t understand why he hasn’t been arrested, if a traffic warden can find him then surely the police can,” said Parking ticket the neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous. His hair was disheveled, but “Everyone in the village he did not have the mous- knows he’s Goldman, whattache some have claimed he ever name he goes under.” is now sporting as part of his Goldman, who deleted his disguise. Facebook account recently, is The previous morning, Coul- currently being investigated ing was seen leaving the for failing to return millions house at 9am to load up their of euros to investors in his fisilver Vauxhall Zafira with nancial companies. boxes and head off, possibly Various victims told the Olive to a car boot sale. Press that they are practically One neighbour explained that destitute after losing their life the day they moved into the savings to his schemes, that house, a traffic warden arContinues on Page 4 rived and issued the couple

“I have nothing to say to you, but I look forward to meeting you again,” he called down.

While Brits’ dream home is demolished in Almeria

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Within an hour, the team scrambled Olive Press learning to Fuengirola, car, Sammon that he from another and remainedcovered his face out at thewas currently builder questioned silent by the Olive when After a dayferia ground. camped He was Press. then bundled Londoner working nearby, BMW and duly arrived the be taken to into the English-plated fingerprinted Madrid in his campervan. cream Moncayo to for extradition. and prepared Parking Following up, he looked as he took two Reid the arrest, father-ofrelaxed his dog said he around to see Sammon was ‘relieved’ the feria for a walk spoke with “As ground taken away. neighbours. and the soon as I saw Once identified, most wantedhis face among Guardia we called said I felt sick,” the “I Reid, from Blackpool. pers and Civil and Crimestoplet him hang so began hour waiting a tense dren, around my chilgame, withthree- arms we took him sitting in Reid wiser. and at first in with open Sky Newsthe car beside were none us. tin Brunt crime reporter the “But we was soon Mar- a always thought Eventually, there bit weird, he was he’s a and truly as night hadtoo. never well “He talks about real loner and black BMWfell, an unmarked his family. creeped plain clothes arrived and my family much that two Incredibly, I fired him.” out so detectives moved in cating his for the arrest, swiftly evidence police did not take Frisking passport and confis- cluding from his campervan any phone. him at the his computer inside of the and other CONTINUES Est 1984

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His take jailed foron the Brits “saving environment” the

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How the CEO of crime corrupted organized a town hall PAGE 8

EAGLE-EYED readers Olive helped snag Press ain’s most one of BritSpain, just wanted fugitives WORDS By Rob AND PICS in been named.hours after Horgan he had Laurence and Following Dollimore suspected a tip off to the paper, al Crime Agency, Sammon paedophile Matthew the scene who arrived after campervanwas dragged at from his “Well done the arrest. time raid in a dramatic and whisked night- thanks to the Olive Press and an unmarked expat for police car.away in son tipping us off, thiscommunity Working is the reaDaniel closely with informant The we run these campaigns.” dramatic firstly Reid, we were day had track down able to when Crimestoppers started to Fuengirola, Sammon annual list issued of most Guardia then call wanted its in the tives in Torremolinos On the Civil to arrest him. fugiday morning. on Thursmon - arun for two years, blackbelt Sam- Leading to hundreds was wanted stories in Jujitsu around of ing indecent in the UK for the worldpress shar- on national television, His seizure images of children. and was immediately the hunt came just after he on. 10 hours But, it was was named tion Captura in Opera- newspaper to popular and recorded the Olive local arrest inis the quickest that expat plasterer Press and Spanish the joint reached Reid, police UK ‘do out “It was the job to, trusting us 40, a fantastic operation. Steve Reynolds, to SUCCESS: In a seriesproperly’. result,” said from the of Facebook Reynolds Reid, Horgan, Nation- sages, he announced mesand Brunt mon, 45, as a labourer had workedthat Samand was living in for him currently the Mijas a campervan and Fuengirolaaround area.

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On behalf of all at the British tes, I want Embassy and Monkey to wish huge Consulabites fox at the congratulations Olive Press on to all your 15th anniversary. The English plays a vital language press Mafia town role nationals in Spain in keeping UK we very much informed. And appreciate your help in getting EXCLUSIVE: snare one key messages Expat of UK’s tip leads Olive out to UK nationals most wanted Press team Secret Malaga paedophiles to After an incredibly here. year for so many difficult of us, including many businesses, it is great to see In the Serrania Press thriving. the Olive We look forward to seeing the next 15 years what bring. 2 FOR 1 BRITISH CONSUL ANTHONYS Estepona Antiques, 952 INVESTIGATIONS: 887 125 Jewellers CHARMAINE & Pawnbrokers 59€ ARBOUIN Matthew Sammon,Tracking down paedophile Fuengirola 952 465 588 probing missing (right) and exposing animal cruelty Amy (far right) Foxes star Louisa monkey on a trip bitten by to Gibraltar

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April 30 - May 14 2014

The man from Del Monte

COSTA del Sol fraudster Nigel Goldman is hiding out in a classic English country cottage under the false name ‘Howard del Monte’. Goldman - aka ‘Del Monte’ has also returned to the business of buying and selling coins, stamps and antiques, it can be revealed. Renting on a six month lease in the charming Berkshire village of Kintbury, he and

It’s MORE fun in the sun

EXCLUSIVE

The Olive Press can reveal that the Russian President may have bought a multimillion euro Marbella mansion with a group of six businessmen.

ELECTRICITY

365 March - April 2021

The original and only English-language investigative newspaper in Andalucía

Vol. 8 Issue 186 www.theolivepress.es

See full story on page 2

Cartel behind Putin’s mystery costa home

R UN

Getting things done

olive press

EXPOSED: COSTA CONMAN FOUND PEDDLING COINS FROM ENGLISH VILLAGE

A PAIR of young girls paedophile PR guru Max Clifford sexually assaulted on the Costa del Sol have led to his conviction. Clifford - a long-time visitor to the coast and involved in charities and local events - has been found guilty of eight counts of sexual assault, mostly on minors. At least two were groomed on the coast, after being lured in with promises of stardom. He is pictured here with his showbiz chum Kenny Lynch at a bash in Marbella.

I BELIEVE you used o cover he Tarragona reg on bu or some years you have s opped cover ng h s area s here any reason why? I m ss oca news n Eng sh rom he area Wha wou d ake o ge a sec on or somebody cover ng h s reg on?

CHEAPER, GREENER

Vol. 15 Issue

ROM its very first issue in 2006 the Olive Press paigning for its has been camcommunity. Whether fighting for the environment or digging taken some big into crooks, we have Starting from scalps. we highlightedIssue One (see top right) the ridiculous build 2000 houses, plans to two golf courses and two hotels land near Ronda,on UNESCO-protected as well as exposed the madness A decade and monstrosity onof building a 350-room a a virgin beach scored some bighalf of campaigning has ria’s Cabo de Gata. in Almewins for the Olive Both schemes - Los Merinos, Press maverick Jeremy da, and the Algarrobico in RonGriffiths, and hotel, in Alme- Goldman, a ria - went into Nigel When it comes degenerate gold-dealing dirt-bag, who had made the UK reverse after our stories the first Englishto corruption we were a restaurant column in a local newspaper, newspapers andAND Spanish national legends Ferran about the ERE newspaper to write which he used Adria scandal at the cover his tracks. ing Greenpeace green groups includand Gordon Ramsey. to de Andalucia that Junta cost an estimated cion joined our and Ecologistas en Ac- We also tackled And it was nice billion euros to the taxpayers, Muldoon, who timeshare crook Toni also tackled And then thereprotests. to Ciudadanos to chat certainly deserves town hall theft while we Albert leader Crimestoppers’ were the crooks, like mention for conning on a local a scale Rivera, as well ple and eventually thousands of peo- Animalon dozens of occasions. Johnston, a bankMost Wanted Daniel as the only newspaper cruelty robber, and Matthew went to prison setting up fake Sammon, a to be able to for bugbear and we has been a continual dangerous paedophile, pose a have exposed Meanwhile, ourescort websites. who we single-handedly couple of questions evil abusers, so many tracked to missing teen Amy crime reporting on who allowed as well as the scoundrels to a village near Michelle Obama Sevilla and a cardown the in Fuengirola. case’, to use Fitzpatrick ‘blew open circus lions hunters to kill innocent visit to Marbella on her park and tigers at a a few mother, while the words of her grand- tremadura And fraudsters years ago. finca in Exour like David ‘the Klein, pet transport dogman’ tion into missing continuing investiga- On a more (see below). Indeed, the yielded exclusive Maddie McCann has to interview positive front, it was great far outweigh positives everyone frequent links after exclusive, with its ana’s atives and wethe negDON’T MISS OUR 20-PAGE SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT ON ESTEPONA to Spain. ex-lover James from Princess DiHewett to cooking prefer to be would the over 50 ratherjudged than 15 years. FREE As far as we are cerned we have cononly just begun. Where

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THERESA May has Britain half out’won’t accept a vowed ‘half in, speech Brexit in a landmark that is long-lasting likely to have and all expatseffects on Gibraltar The Prime in Spain. Minister 12-point issued a out of plan to take the EU, Britain ing Street looking with Downsingle market to scrap toms union and current EU cusIn the biggestaccess. month tenure,speech of she said: her sixclear, what “To be not mean I am proposing membership cansingle market.” of the She added longer give Britain would no EU, however‘huge sums’ to the Parliament she conceded that will vote on the deal. have the final Maintaining travel area the common Kingdom between the United Ireland and the Republic is also a of the Brexit priority EXCLUSIVE By Gabrielle However, negotiations. during Pickard-Whitehead and Laurence tar with the border of Dollimore tioned. Spain was notGibral- A BRITISH menafter finding expat has a late-night five of her called in police Control The Guardiamassacre. dogs executed in “We want Civil are ing the migration to control rushed our imof Illonahorrific attack now investigatMay. “We from the EU,” later. to the vets he that also in 2004, died 30 gouged Mitchell’s horses left importance also recognise said An X-ray out. minutes in their found the five with its one The detectives showed the of the pens on rescue dogs eye and the shot through he the Reyes January brightest section shot Meanwhile, the roof also had a bullet recognisebest coming here. (Three Kings). 6, the night Seprona from the environment Her beloved of his mouth. it was one the contribution We told Mitchell, of was one of Mitchell’s have made.” seven-year-old of the also seen and of the worst they friendliest May is believed eye may attacked, so 12 attacks 48, that Dizzy, ‘one meet’ and They havewere visibly shocked savagely horses they had dogs to permit Vets havehave to be removed. that its shot dead a puppy calledyou will ever system favour a workan eye on put on extra by been struggling trigger Article as she looks four-year-old, patrols it. the estate Meanwhileat the gates of Maisie were night. 50 by March. to treat to at weekendsto keep It comes he has become named Coco and their pens. shot in the “I am Rocco, and at publishedas the House Deeply too nervous sickened because ing theytheir beds, with Domingo, were traumatised would carry as to and skittish. had cowered Mitchell der closuredata showingof Lords thankfully before being by the attack baric attack out such why someone with Spain a borin their believ- ter Ella, was not seen put 40% a cruel - that Coco, two, killed in cold kennels on innocent, animals,” and barby her daughbraltar. of jobs at risk would so angry 11 - Mitchell continued: had been blood. she told week. range between in Gishot the Olivedefenceless The The 32 thing as that someone “I am year-old the eyes,at point-blank Press this mother-of-one, page-report, on Gibraltar animals.”disgusting as would do somewhile threeside of hisDomingo was her estate this to innocent above, who shot through governmentbased dence, estimates Mitchell, in mountains They later face. bought from the tack Rock’s 26,000 10,500 evinear Granada found Jack, German is linked Chester, believes workers of the the border a six-year-old ban hunters to her recent the atunder a Shepherd, having crossed nearby “A frontierdaily. estate that from her huge decision tree, but convulsions to necessary which lacked the Sierra sits in stunning 173-hectare despite being de Baza. the fore put fluidity would scenery in Est 1984 of 40% directly at risk thereContinues of the Gibraltarthe jobs on Page force,” said 4 For all Opinion a spokesman. workAntiques, May’s speech Page 6 insuranceyour was cheered Leave campaigners, Jewellers needs! by pushing & Pawnbrokers A huge for a ‘hard’ who are She said:“We variety Brexit. 1 carat diamondof over adopt a do not by othermodel already seek to jewellery. estepona@ibexinsure.com seek to countries. We enjoyed HIGH STREET bership hold on to bits of do not as we leave,” mem“The British OUR PRICE: PRICES: 7,000€ said May. people change. 1,500 - 2,000 + Choose Fuengirola voted for And it one ment’s job is € lens offers of our great UNBEATABLE to deliverthe governit.” or get 30% fuengirola@ibexinsure.com off selected Opinion PRICES WE BUY, Page 6 frames GUARANTEED WE

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ing handed a two-year suspended sentence, he was barred from leaving the country or working with colleges months after being children. Yet within weeks he had convicted in the UK. Questions have been raised moved to Spain and after Ben Lewis, 31, was able found work in Zaragoto work at the school despite za as a live-in au pair being on the UK’s sex offend- to a family with three young children. ers register. The Olive Press has discov- The following year he ered that Lewis, who is now relocated to Madrid awaiting trial for child sex and began teaching offences at Centro Peniten- children at a wellciario Madrid V, managed to known language acadhoodwink TWO schools and emy after getting a a language academy after criminal record check creating a new identity, us- from Zaragoza police to show he had no ing forged documents. NAMES: Lewis Former colleagues of the sex convictions in Spain over the and doctored and his real passport offender revealed that he previous 12 months. created a new name to dodge Then in December 2017 he tencing in the UK he changed criminal record checks in accepted a job as an English his name by deed poll from Ben order to run summer camps teacher at a leading semi-pri- David Lewis to Ben David, in a and teach private classes to vate (concertado) secondary process that takes just 15 minschool that receives subsi- utes. young children. He then applied for and reHe had changed his name to dies from the state. Ben David after being con- “He was going by the name ceived a British passport in his victed in June 2016 of taking Ben David by then and was new name, while he also preand possessing indecent im- offered the job after another sented a doctored photocopy teacher dropped out mid- of his ages of children in England. Israeli passport stamped As well as being placed on term,” a former colleague and verified by a non-existent the sex offender list and be- Natasha Fitzsimons told the law firm that showed his name Olive Press. as Ben David Rose. “I think they were desperate The Olive Press has seen phototo fill the position so maybe copies they weren’t as thorough as degree of these, plus a teaching and Qualified Teaching they should have been. Status (QTS) certificates presented in the name of Ben David Rose as well as certificates Horrified in his original name. “We worked together at the school for 18 months, took What is amazing is that by April 2019 he had applied for a on private classes together teaching job at a leading private going to the homes of some of the children for extracur- school in the upmarket Arturo ricular teaching and ran a Soria district that teaches the British curriculum to the chilsummer camp at the school dren of Madrid’s elite. during 2018,” said the Irish By now he also had a DBS cercolleague, who is filled with tificate (a criminal record check horror at the access he had to children. The Olive Press has discovOpinion Page 6 ered that the day after sen-

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THE START: The first edition of the

As the Olive Press reaches its 15th birthday, we recall a few of our favourite interviews and remember a couple of our top readers, such as ex-prime minister Rajoy (top) and prime joker Paul Gascoigne...

Fiona Govan in Madrid

The

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INTERNATIONAL schools around Spain have been put on high alert after a British man began teaching at one of Madrid’s most exclusive

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NAYour MDLOG expat YTLIUG voice in

...and our team of long-term writers, recall their decade and a half living in the world’s most exciting country. See pull-out inside.

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Luxury rehab

Editor s note: You will be thinking of the Catalan Olive Press that was not connected with us and closed some years back You ll be pleased to hear we are now in Valencia and Castellon and slowly moving up that way Be patient

pHOENIX

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Ban and a fine OF course we know what w hap pen t w be the same th ng that has been happen ng for years to Amer can and Canad an tour sts who overstay n the Schengen area t s up to the d scret on of the offic a who catches the scofflaw but they may mpose a fine of thousands of euros and a mu t year ban from the Schen gen area f they so choose

Brenda Sherman v a FB

Hot air THE 90 day ru e s u er y mean ng ess you wa and app y or your T E n Apr w s be gran ed and he 90 day ru e s ns an y wa ved A so un he yrann ca commun s rave res r c ons are ed everyone has a per ec excuse or overs ay ng M ons o a se pos ve oke PCR es resu s resu ng n se so a on cance ed fl gh s w h no re unds orced ho e quaran ne upon re urn ec So ong as Br s head home a r y soon a er fl gh s res ar he Span sh au hor es won say boo o a goose Be ween now and hen he 90 day ru e s no h ng bu a a ry s ory

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Across 1 Roman Empire expert (6) 5 More likely to be off work (6) 8 Resort to violence (3,5) 9 Clever remark (3) 10 Five flew on Apollo 17 (4) 11 Lord ---, Lord Chancellor 1970-74 and 197987 (8) 12 Crackers (4) 13 Off this, it’s not made for you (3) 14 Fix socks (4) 15 Unforeseen difficulties (8) 18 Way of walking (4) 19 Parisian nose (3) 20 Surgery hang-ups? (8) 21 Cause trouble (4,2) 22 Night flight (3-3)

OP Sudoku

INCE the start of the pandemic last March there has been a sharp rise in the number of people turning to alcohol and drugs to combat feelings of isolation, loneliness and even boredom. At Phoenix Programmes, they have not only seen a rise in individuals struggling with problems due to substances, but also behavioural addictions and compulsive disorders, such as gambling, video gaming, OCD, and anxiety, as people try to find ways to let off steam, use their time or deal with difficult feelings and emotions in what is a trying situation for many. However, what starts off as a bit of fun, a break from the routine or simply the desire to feel better; can turn into a devastating problem as the need for the drugs, alcohol or behaviour comes before everything else, work, money, health, and even loved ones. Phoenix Programmes is run by husband-andwife team Chris and Anita and was established based on the experience and knowledge they have gained from working for over 25 years in the field of addiction treatment, their aim is to help individuals struggling with problems related to alcohol, drugs, addiction, and emotional or compulsive disorders. Phoenix Programmes offer immediate admission to a range of flexible, affordable treatment packages varying from highly structured residential through to outpatient day care, and there is even a facility for online therapy. All their programmes and courses are based around the proven 12 Step therapy model and come with the benefit of their highly experienced and professional team of doctors and therapists. Whatever type of rehab programme you are

Our story ‘No one knows the real implications if Brits overstay the 90-day rule’ drew a response

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Phoenix Programmes helping people who are struggling 25+ YEARS EXPERIENCE - PROVEN SUCCESS RATES in the pandemic

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Down 2 Uplifting (13) 3 Help-yourself spreads (7) 4 Bridge hand (5) 5 Oozing (7) 6 Thoroughly searches (5) 7 Remarkable (13) 13 Idle pup messing about in a heap (5,2) 14 Fuel for Rovers? (3,4) 16 Unclear (5) 17 The highest degree (5)

All solutions are on page 30

LA CULTURA

Floored!

ONE of the biggest Roman mosaics ever found has been unearthed. The El Altillo Roman Villa complex was discovered in an olive grove near the village of Rus in Jaen after fragments of the floor were spotted. A team from Jaen University led by Marcos Soto Civantos and Jose Luis Serrano Peña excavated the site to reveal an extensive villa dating mainly from the 4th century AD. Within the villa, a mosaic measuring 18 metres by nine was discovered. It consists of geometric designs and guilloche patterns. Next to the villa, archaeologists also found a cemetery, a tile kiln and an olive oil mill. Rus Mayor Manuel Hueso now wants the site to be declared an Asset of Cultural Interest allowing the town council to secure grants for future digs and to preserve the remains.

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IT is one of the most famous and popular beaches on Southern Spain’s Atlantic coast. Its kilometres of white sandy beaches have proven to be an irresistible draw for families bringing their children for a fun day by the sea. But it would seem that there is nothing new in this – proof has just been discovered that Neanderthal man did just the same thing 106,000 years ago.

April 7th - April 20th 2021

Footloose Modern humans following in the footsteps of Neanderthals

Love of music

Play Fossilised footprints from what appears to be a family group – young children included – have been found that scientists believe show the youngsters skipping around – as if at play around a lagoon. The discovery was made by chance. Two biologists from the nearby Doñana national park - Dolores Cobo and Ana Mateos - were taking a stroll along the Matalascañas beach when they came across a section of beach in front of the Asperillo Cliff that had been washed away by winter storms. Revealed were numerous footprints made by deer, wild boar and dogs. But what re-

PRINT: Proof that the beach has long been popular

By Dilip Kuner

ally caught the attention of the team of researchers from the University of Huelva who came to study the site was

A GROUP of amateur actors in Fuengirola are rallying to help save Spain’s only English speaking theatre. A fundraiser has been launched to protect the future of The Salon Varietes Theatre, which is threatened with closure amid the financial stress caused by the pandemic. Established in 1986 and run by volunteers, the venue has been described as ‘more than just a theatre’ and ‘on par with any UK small profes-

the presence of hominid footprints. After months of analysis, the results of the study have just been published in the journal Nature Scientific Reports. In addition to studying the shape

sional venue’. The stage has been graced by seasoned members young and old and major - from 90-yearold luvvies to rising stars still at primary school. Even major British act Cannon & Ball have performed on its stage Unless the performing centre can raise €250,000 to cover day-to-day expenses, the cultural institution is in danger of closing its doors.

of the feet of the Neanderthals who made them, they have been able to establish the biological and social characteristics of the group that set foot on the beach of Matalascañas millennia ago. Researchers believe the footprints were made by nine adults, 15 adolescents and seven children. The presence of children and women indicates that the lagoon could have served as a playground for the youngest members of the group, while the abundance of mammals and the proximity to the coast made it a very useful place for hunting and fishing.

A RECORD number of people gathered at a concert hall in Barcelona to watch the Spanish band Love of Lesbian perform, marking Europe’s largest musical event since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some 5,000 packed into the Palau Sant Jordi hall as part of the government sanctioned concert to test whether events in controlled settings could restart again without contributing to the spread of coronavirus. Ticket holders were asked to take a high-speed antigen test ahead of the sold out show, with ticket prices covering the cost of the test as well as a face masks which had to be worn for the duration of the show. People with heart disease, cancer, or those who have been in contact with someone infected by COVID-19 in recent weeks were asked not to sign up. The concert was backed by local authorities .

Opportunities Abound: Why Consider Studying in The US Now? A With everything that's happened in the last year internationally, it might not feel like the right time to approach a study abroad program. But 2021 might just be the best year yet to get acclimated with the opportunity a study abroad program brings with it

PARTNER: Auburn has been welcoming foreign students for decades

s COVID-19 vaccinations are sweeping the world, universities across the United States are prioritizing their students' safety WELCOME: President Biden and health with added securi- NEW is bringing a new face to America, ty and public health measures. while (right) Agave partner FIU Students attending campus activities are largely required to take ted States alone might make it their temperature and monitor feel like now isn't the right time to their health daily, reporting every travel. Under the new administrasymptom as soon as it occurs. tion, things are changing rapidly. Students, faculty, and visitors are President Biden has advocated for required to wear masks in com- study abroad experiences, plans pliance with Centers for Disease to tackle immigration reform, and Control and Prevention (CDC) is in the works to make temporary guidelines, and hand sanitization and permanent work visas more is highly encouraged. These cam- readily available. He is already puses are probably the cleanest cultivating a more welcoming enthey have ever been right now. vironment for students and visitors Right now, many from abroad. universities are utiUniversities have lizing combination Biden is more been focusing on online learning and the improvement of welcoming to are looking to do so their study abroad into the near future, programs in recent students who so whether you are years. After student ready to apply now wish to study in activities and reguor you're looking lar scheduling was the US ahead to apply in taken out of the coming years, there picture last year, should be more learning options there was more time to focus on than usual. This will make lear- the needs of students across the ning more accessible and often spectrum. The universities Agave easier to acclimate to. Education partners with offer foThe political turmoil in the Uni- cused attention on international

students. This includes additional material to help them acclimate to their environment, and an array of unique career and academic advancement opportunities. Reach out for your free consult today!

Contact Rachel at rachel@agaveeducation.org or on +34 663267018 or visit www.agaveeducation.org

LA CULTURA

April 7th - April 20th 2021

Girl in the Walls by A.J. Gnuse WHEN 11-year-old Elsie suffers a tragedy, she returns to her old family home. However a new family lives there now, so Elsie hides. She lives in the attic, the walls, under the house, completely secret and hidden. The house is Elsie’s last connection to the parents she has lost. Eddie is 13 and calls the same house home. But Eddie senses there is a girl in the house, just out of reach in his peripheral vision. When his older brother admits to sensing her too, they formulate a plan to get rid of the presence they are not sure even exists. A captivating and tense novel examining grief and fear of the unknown.

Madam Dynam te Jack Gaioni honours the Republican resistance fighter whose heroism literally blew people away ….

€16.90 The Bookshop San Pedro, www.thebookshop.es

HE’S dynamite! It’s a compliment today, although you would never have associated the phrase with Rosario Sanchez Mora, had you met her in later life.

Dishevelled

Dishevelled in dress and disabled, with only one hand, she could often be seen on the streets of Madrid selling contraband American cigarettes and snuff. A widowed single mother with two

DEADLY: Rosario took up arms (right) and made grenades daughters, she was hardly the picture of a privileged citizen.

Yet, people who knew the explosive story of Rosario ‘La Dinamitera’ (The Dynamiter)

as she became known, would tell you differently. Not content to stay behind

New Tax Year, New APARI

APPY New Year! No we haven’t gone mad, or hopped into a time machine - we, of course, mean Happy New Tax Year! And a new year means a new start and big changes all around! With the spring budget announcement in March, new tax rates and allowances are now in effect, and it also looks as though we are starting to see the green shoots of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic - putting an end to a year most of us would rather forget! Alongside government and economic changes, APARI are also embracing that ‘New Year, New Me’ feeling with an amazing new look, new logo and, more importantly, at the end of April, we will be releasing our New Software! APARI has been a labour of love for our founders Sudesh & Anita Sud, and the whole team

It’s the time to be thinking about the UK tax year

are really proud of what’s been achieved by the original APARI Product - but staying ahead of an emerging market means we have to adapt and adjust with our users and their UK tax requirements. As showcased during our March Webinar, the upcoming upgrade of the software includes enhanced features designed to make your transition to Making Tax Digital (MTD) as smooth as possible. APARI has been created with you in mind it is not only a tool to calculate and submit tax, but also to manage your property and business portfolio. Our brand new mobile application will enable you to keep up to date on the go, and amazing features such as snap and save receipts along with bank feed connection, will make digital record-keeping near effortless. Some things will stay the same - APARI

has always, and will always, remain free for the whole MTD submission journey, and we will only charge for enhanced optional features.

Right

So, how do you know that APARI is the right product for you? Well, to be honest, that’s something only you can decide - but the joy of APARI is that you can sign up and find out for free! And, even if you’re still unsure, it really is the best time to prepare and start digital record-keeping, ready for the official switch to MTD in the UK in 2023.

But just remember, even though the new APARI software won’t be released until later this month, the current APARI software is always here to support you in the transition to MTD.

Find out more at www.apari-digital.com

All change LIBERTY SEGUROS explains the new changes with respect to the so-called Green Card

the front lines in the Spanish Civil War, Rosario was just 17 (and something of a brunette bombshell herself) when she volunteered for the brigade engaged in the skilled, but extremely dangerous task of making homemade bombs. The only woman at the front, she was given, La Dinamitera, stuck throughout the war. She devised a specialised way of pouring dynamite powder into recycled condensed milk canisters to make hand grenades. Later, she could calculate the calibre of her rudimentary bombs by using fuse variations. But in September 1936, just

a few months into the war, ly sentenced to death by the she came within inches of victorious Francoist governher life when one of her milk ment. However, her sentence can-hand grewas commuted nades detonatto 32 years in ed prematureprison, of which She had lost ly as she was she ultimately throwing it into served three. her hand, youth an enemy bunShe had lost ker. She lost her her hand, her and much of right hand. youth and much her personal Fearlessly deof her personal termined to refreedoms but freedoms turn to the front never the paslines, after her sion for her berecovery she lief in the strugwas back delivering rifles, gle for the Spanish Republic. mail and supplies. She also A war bride, after her resupplied intelligence as a re- lease she tried to find her sistance activist. After the war she was initial- estranged husband but

The beloved Spanish poet and so s playwright, Miguel Hernandez, wa te wro he ry sto life moved by Rosario’s : ode ing the follow

Rosario Dinamitera (the Dynamiter)

The dynamite watched over on your pretty hand envying its fiery attributes… The enemy knew well the hand of this maiden because it ignited the dynamite and made her a star!

Franco had dissolved all Republican civil marriages and he had remarried. To support her family, Rosario set up a tobacco stall in Madrid. She was in her 80s when she was finally formally recognised as one of Spain’s mutilada de guerra (war wounded). She died on April 17, 2008, at 88 years of age and was buried in the civil cemetery of Madrid. With the tricolored Spanish Republican flag waving, Hernandez’s ode (see left) was read aloud to the many who attended. La Dinamitera, fearless volunteer soldier, war veteran, underground resistance activist and lone woman in a man’s world, died a hero. Rest in peace, Rosario.

S of April 1, the green card -which verifies the validity of Compulsory Liability Insurance for vehicles- was no longer green and will now be sent by email to policy holders by their insurance provider. In a move that will see more of the sector enter the era of digital transformation, drivers will be able to print their own green cards, with black and white prints on standard A4 paper. This change has been driven within the decision of The Council of Bureaux, the organisation acting for the protection of cross-border road traffic and coordinating the activities of the different EU members of the Green Card system, to check the validity of Third Party Liability Motor Insurance through a new centralised single platform. Now, using advanced security measures, its centralised web platform will allow insurers of its member countries to generate “QR-coded” Green Cards, which will then be sent to policy holders as downloadable PDFs. So, these documents no longer need to be printed on the traditional, green-coloured paper and as such, the traditional Green Card may simply become black and white. These changes mean that when you are driving in a Bureaux member country, the authorities will be able to check automatically, through this platform, if a vehicle is duly insured. But, despite these changes, LIBERTY SEGUROS reminds that when you are visiting countries that are not part of the European Economic Area (such as the UK and Gibraltar), the green card document, although now a printed version, will be mandatory as it always has been. In the same manner, insured vehicles from countries OUTSIDE of The Council of Bureaux and those that are not part of the European Economic Area (including, UK and Gibraltar-registered vehicles) will also be required to carry the document whilst driving in Spain.

Welcome For LIBERTY SEGUROS, no longer having to print and post Green Cards in a specified colour and format will be a welcome change. For policy holders, LIBERTY SEGUROS assures drivers that the new process is as easy as printing an airline boarding pass. With the changes that surround Brexit, LIBERTY SEGUROS understands that there’s a real need for clear and transparent information regarding changes to driving in Spain, and it remains on-hand to keep you informed with regard to your obligations as a driver. The expat’s preferred insurer, LIBERTY SEGUROS offers a wide range of covers for car insurance that can be tailored to your individual needs, with advantages that stand out against competitors. For example, with LIBERTY SEGUROS, there’s no need to declare vehicle accessories if they have been fitted by the manufacturer; and, in the case of a claim, any luggage or personal belongings are covered up to 500€. LIBERTY SEGUROS also offers extended cover in case of Total Loss or Total Theft at 100% of the value ‘as new’ if the vehicle is less than 2 years old, or at 80% of the value ‘as new’ if the vehicle is between 2 and 3 years old. A courtesy car is included as standard for up to 45 days (35 days for vehicle breakdown) and policy holders are free to choose a garage of their choice in the event of a claim. What’s more, LIBERTY SEGUROS has specific cover for electric vehicles too. There are other benefits as well. With LIBERTY SEGUROS there’s no maximum age for drivers – provided they have a valid driving license – and Roadside Assistance is available from Km.0. Furthermore, with LIBERTY SEGUROS you can also take out car insurance for UK-plated vehicles (except for vehicles registered in Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Gibraltar), as well as cover for classic vehicles and Spanish and UK-registered motorhomes! With an extensive network of more than 300 expatriate brokers and agents that speak YOUR language and who are at YOUR disposal for friendly and expert advice that’s tailored to you, it’s easy to see why LIBERTY SEGUROS has become expat insurance provider of choice in Spain with over 175,000 expat clients.

To find the location of your nearest broker/agent, simply visit: www.libertyexpatriates.es. or call 91 342 25 49.

LA CULTURA

April 7th - April 20th 2021

Surrealist love

As France and Spain agree to set up a joint commission to prepare for the 50th anniversary of the death of Picasso, Dilip Kuner takes a look at the colourful love life of the man behind the paintings

ICASSO was once told by a doctor to have ‘plenty of sex and good wine’ – an adage he certainly must have followed having lived to the ripe old age of 92. To say Picasso had a colourful sex life is an understatement. While there is often talk of his ‘seven’ lovers – who we will take a look at below – the real figure probably runs into the hundreds. Possessive, yet unfaithful, Andalucia’s most famous son rarely committed to women and was untrue even to those he loved dearly.

Virginity

After losing his virginity at the age of 15 in Barcelona, Picasso ended up breaking many a woman’s heart and leaving in his wake at least two suicides and two nervous breakdowns. Yet, without this promiscuous nature, the work of Spain’s most prolific artist would not have been what it was. Indeed, it was at 19, after he slept with the love interest of his impotent friend Carlos Casagemas, causing his subsequent suicide, that he entered his famous ‘Blue Period’, where he used dingy colours to depict miserable scenes incorporating beggars and drunks. “I started painting in blue when I learned of Casagemas’s death,” he later admitted. Picasso’s first real love was Paris ‘it’ girl Fernande Olivier,

MAN OF MANY WOMEN: Fernande Olivier (left) with Dora Maar (main picture) and long suffering first wife Olga Khokhlova cided to take a new lover – Feran artist’s model whose relaxed nande’s friend Eva Gouel. and independent outlook was a Eva later died of tuberculosis, refreshing change from the reli- and while Picasso was devastatgious Spanish ladies and prosti- ed, he still found the energy to tutes he’d hitherto enjoyed. conduct an affair with a woman Fernande sparked called Gaby, a new phase, the while Eva was ‘Rose Period’, Fernande was on her death where from his palbed. often locked up Struggling to let Picasso chose warmer orange and when possesive keep up? So are pink tones, paintwe! ing happy scenes Picasso went Still sad about of harlequins and Eva, Picasso out clowns inspired by went to Rome Fernande’s womanwhere he met ly form. Although Pithe bourgeois casso was possessive and would Russian ballet dancer, Olga often keep Fernande locked up Khokhlova. In 1918 he married when he went out, he soon de- Olga – his first wife – and she

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gave him a son, Paulo, whose birth inspired a series of paintings of babies breastfeeding. Olga was insanely jealous, and once again this sour turn was reflected in his painting, which now depicted grotesque females with warped body parts. Indeed, Olga never recovered from her Picasso experience and continued to send hate mail after they split. But she had reason to be jealous – as Picasso had since met 17-year-old Marie-Therese Walter (Picasso was now 46). “You have an interesting face,” the artist told the blonde when he spotted her at a Paris department store in 1927. “I am Picasso.” Marie-Therese provided youthful solace from his bitter wife Olga, and the pair were happy enough to produce another child.“She was the greatest love of his life. He absolutely adored her,” said a friend. Indeed, the Frenchwoman inspired some of the Picasso’s greatest work. His love for her is perhaps obvious by the fact her statue was later placed over his grave. It didn’t, nonetheless, stop him from being tempted by Dora Maar, with whom his secret affair was wrenched out into the open when the two women met by accident in his studio one day. “Marie-Therese turned to me and said, ‘Make up your mind. Which one of us goes?’” Picasso later said. “I was satisfied with things as they were. I told them they’d have to fight it out for themselves. It’s one of my choicest

memories.” And fight it out they did, literally. Dora won the wrestle. She moved in, and Marie-Therese left. Inspired by the drama, Picasso later depicted the mo- LOVER: Eva Gouel with furry friend and (inment in a painting, set) Picasso with Marie-Therese Walter Birds in a Cage (below), where a black dove (Dora) is only of Picasso’s seven to have shown fighting with a white dove the strength to do this. (Marie-Therese). Jacqueline Roque was another of Despite eventually leaving him Picasso’s models, with whom he voluntarily when he started had begun an affair while Fransleeping with new muse Fran- coise was still on the scene. coise Gilot, Dora suffered a men- She was 24, while Picasso had tal breakdown and decided to reached 70. live the rest of her life like a nun, In 1961 she became his second famously saying ‘After Picasso, wife, taking on a secretarial role only God’. to manage his New flame Franwork. coise was 21, But she was posDora decided while he was in sessive, barring to live the rest the artist’s chilhis mid-60s. She went on to and grandof her life like dren bear him two children from the children, Claude house and, una nun after a and Paloma, and derstandably, not breakdown moved to Antibes keen to share her in France – but husband with oththeir bliss was er lovers. shattered when the mentally In painting terms, this triggered unstable Olga, who lived nearby, a throwback to the ‘Blue Period’, started breaking into their home where the artist once again used and physically attacking Fran- glum colours to reflect the incoise. tense goings-on in his private life. The drama continued, with Picas- He painted almost 400 pictures so continuing to philander with of Jacqueline, who some say was new conquests. the only woman to reign Picasso Francoise hated this – but her in – encouraging him to live an allover just told her ‘women are most hermit-like existence during machines for suffering’. his last years. She finally escaped relatively un- While Jacqueline was by Picasscathed, and perhaps was the so’s side when he died in 1973, she later shot herself, unable to cope without the man she had called ‘God’. The cost of Picasso’s attitude to relationships was certainly borne dearly by the women involved. The fruits of this constant stream of emotional turmoil, however, will be appreciated for evermore by those contemplating Picasso’s incredible body of work.

MODEL: Marie-Therese posed for Picasso (left)

GREEN

www.theolivepress.es

What is Bitcoin doing for our environment, asks Martin Tye

GOOD question when you consider Spain’s move to a renewable and sustainable future. We all prefer good news rather than bad. Sweet is better than sour. Positive better than negative. How inevitable when elections were looming in Spain in 2019, the Government raised its renewable energy target to 74% by 2030, with a goal of 100% sustainability by the year 2050. This is all conveniently in line with the climate neutral strategy set by the European Union. The main technologies to be employed to achieve this target are wind and solar. How are we faring so far:

WIND

In 2020 wind power generation represented 28,000MW capacity. The target for 2030 is 50,000MW. So basically an increase of 78%. 100% Certified Green Energy

April 7th - April 20th 2021

IS THERE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL? So is this going to be possible? We would all like to think so, but as I have commented before, if we (the government and us) all do a little, we will only achieve a little. I really want to believe we are on the right track, but then I read an article that illustrates human madness in its finest form.

SOLAR

In 2020 solar power generation represented 8,500MW capacity. The target for 2030 is 37,000MW. So an increase of 335%!

Bitcoin in the works

A SPANISH city is turning a squishy mess into green electricity. While orange trees are an emblematic part of Sevilla - with the heavy scent of their blossoms ladening the air at the moment - disposing of fallen and rotting fruit has long been a problem. The bitter oranges are not a popular choice for eating amongst Spaniards and are grown mainly for their fragrance and colourful display. Some of the fruit from Sevilla’s 50,000 orange trees are exported to the UK, to make ‘Seville’ marmalade, but most end up falling onto the city’s streets, where they rot and can cause people to slip as well as attracting flies and insects. Now, the city is turning this nuisance into clean energy. The city’s water utility company Emasesa has started a pilot scheme that uses the waste oranges to generate clean energy that runs one of its purification plants. The juice from the citrus fruit is combined with sewage and left to rot. As the mix decomposes and ferments, methane is released. This in with Mariposa Energía turn is burnt to power a generator to produce king a switch electricity. Results of the pilot show that a ton of oranges can produce up to 50 kilowatt-hours of electricity – enough to power five homes for A QUOTE TODAY one day. Emasesa says if all Sevilla’s oranges were harvested, they could create enough electricity to 20 830 power 73,000 homes. AENERGIA.ES The skin and pips of the fruit are used to make organic fertiliser. AENERGIA.ES

Green matters

By Martin Tye

No matter how many times my learned friends try to explain Bitcoin to me, my eyes still gloss over. It’s a bit like Ohm’s law and why Easter is a different date every year, and Christmas not. What I do understand though is that creating bitcoins uses more energy than Spain does, according to research by the University of Cambridge this year. In order to ‘mine’ Bitcoins, as you do, specialised computers (usually large numbers of them, even warehouses full of them) are connected to the cryptocurrency network. They all commune together for a period of time, using a lot of electricity, and, hey presto, a bitcoin is birthed! The problem is, do we really need to have them? Why can’t we just use the normal banking system? I can’t help but think all this electricity is being wasted in a lottery, fuelled by human greed. Is there light at the end of the tunnel? Or are we our own worst enemy? You tell me. SEND ME YOUR COMMENTS AT….. Martin Tye is the owner of energy switch copany Mariposa Energy. Email him at martin@mariposaenergia.es

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ENERGY: Oranges are the new green

Staying clean MORE than half of the energy generated in Spain during March came from renewables. Some 53.7% of power came from solar, photovoltaic and wind energy, and 76.9% was produced from technologies that do not emit CO2 equivalent, such as hydro and nuclear. Wind energy was responsible for 25.5% of the electricity produced and continued to be the leading technology in the national mix for the fourth consecutive month. Electricity demand grew 5.2% on the mainland to 20,835 GWh. and increased 1.4% in the Balearic Islands and fell 4.4% in the Canary Islands.

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22/01/2021 17:03:05

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given that

GAZELLE LIMITED

(IBC No. 007438) of 2nd Floor, Allied Building Annex, Francis Rachel Street, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles is being dissolved and the dissolution commenced on the 24th March 2021. Whoever has any claims against the company must lodge their claims with the liquidator within 1 month hereof.

BUSINESS LEADING phone and internet provider MasMovil has launched a €2 billion 'friendly' takeover bid for rival firm Euskaltel. MasMovil said it would maintain the Euskaltel, R, Telecable and Virgin brands as well as keeping jobs within those companies. The Euskaltel board has agreed to go ahead with the takeover which they described as 'attractive'. A MasMovil statement said: “The move would boost the company's growth and

Mobile merger continue transforming the telecommunications sector in Spain.” Any acquisition would have to be approved under Spain's competition laws and regulations with the key issue being whether customer choice will be significantly reduced.

Off the Rails

Dennis Raymond Gilson of Apt 81/82 Costa Natura KM 151, Ctra de Cadiz, 29680, Estepona, Malaga, Spain, has been appointed as liquidator of the company. Dated this 29th day of March 2021. Dennis Raymond Gilson LIQUIDATOR

April 7th April 20th 2021

THE FUTURE?: Super-fast travel

A SPANISH consortium is taking on the world as it tries to revolutionise high speed rail travel with a hyperloop project. Zeleros has revealed that it will be taking a six me-

Spanish firm’s Hyperloop concept to be debuted in Dubai tre life size replica of its hyperloop concept to the Dubai Expo later this year in its first overseas public appearance since its development. Born from a 200-year old idea by British inventor

By James Warren

George Medhurst, re-born in 2015 by tech mogul Elon Musk, a crack team from the Polytechnic University of Valencia rose to

Locked wallets THE eventual end of COVID restrictions will not lead to a spending splurge. Seven out of 10 people will hang on to any cash they may have saved during the pandemic, according to a global survey. When asked the question: “Are you likely to spend the majority of the extra money you have managed to save over the last 12 months?” 72% responded ‘no’, 16% said ‘yes’ and 12% did not know. The 450-plus respondents were clients of the deVere group who currently reside in North America, the UK, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, East Asia, Australasia and Latin America. Britons have amassed around £100 billion of ‘excess’ savings during the lockdowns, according to the Bank of England. The household saving ratio soared to an alltime high of 29.1% in the second quarter of last year. It’s a trend that is mirrored in most major economies around the world including Spain.

the challenge to compete in an international competition to bring the concept to reality. The idea of the hyperloop concept is to create a method of transport that utilises vacuum technology to propel passengers and goods at speeds of over 1,000 kph in a sealed ‘tube’ using magnets that levitate the capsule four inches off the ground. Powered exclusively by electricity, the technology is being heralded as the future of rail transport, is environmentally friendly and hopes to connect Europe’s major cities with a travel time between Barcelona and Paris of under one hour.

Backers

The project has received a handful of high profile backers, including Airbus, ArcelorMittal and Red Electrica and has seen direct support and collaboration with the central government of Barcelona. Ximo Puig, president of Valencia, has been vocal in his support for the project, and will accompany the team to Dubai in October.

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The Olive Press all editions - FP_342x256 - PROMO MAN - April 7th

PROPERTY

Crypto buyer

AN apartment in Sevilla has become a nationwide first by being the first property in Spain to be sold using crypto currency. Investors hope that it is the first of a new trend in property sales. The apartment was bought using Ether (ETH) the digital currency of the crypto provider Ethereum. It was put up for sale on the Spanish crypto exchange program Criptan through the real estate investment firm Rental IT for the price of €55,000. The funds were raised through a collective of 32 international buyers from Spain, Argentina and Mexico who invested a minimum of €100. The property will now be rented out by Rental IT.

April 7th - April 20th 2021

Optimism over prospects of property market recovery AN international real estate consultancy says it is optimistic about a property recovery later this year as the COVID-19 vaccine continues to roll out. CBRE Spain commissioned an investor survey which shows that 55% of European property investors plan to build in Spain this year.

Looking up

Climbing

That takes in both commercial and private developments with purchases potentially climbing up to 20% more than last year, when business was severely curtailed due to pandemic restrictions. CBRE Spain's Mikel Marco-Gardoqui said: “The survey sug-

gests that there are genuine grounds for optimism in the property sector, helped by increased vaccinations.” The survey says 56% of investors are keen to attract and retain solvent tenants, and to

work towards increasing their rental income by expanding their portfolio of homes and business properties. Pressure on landlords to keep home rental prices affordable, especially in large cities, could

mean residential property investors who are able to undercut market rates for tenants will find the houses and apartments they buy in high demand. In spite of the sharp rise in home-working forced upon most countries by the pandemic, sales and purchases of office blocks continue to be one of the favourite areas for investment, with 52% saying this was their preferred option. Domestic properties like apartment blocks or urbanisations consisting of several villas, are the second-most popular type of likely investment in Spain this year. 14% of investors told the survey that this would be their main objective for 2021.

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PAIN’S judicial system struggled to cope with the hundreds of thousands of ‘floor clause’ cases brought before them. Despite 54 specialised courts set up across Spain with at least one in every province - the sheer onslaught of cases has proved to be overwhelming. Many victims claimed they waited up to a year just for their cases to be admitted. The situation wasn’t helped by banks, which appeared to challenge every single ruling despite losing 97% of cases. Lenders created a second bottleneck of appeal cases which was ‘unjustifiably hobbling’ the system with an ‘artificial litigiousness that could easily have been avoided, and which consumed huge amounts of public resources,’ according to the head of Murcia’s High Court Miguel Pasqual de Riquelme. Looking back at the scandal, it is important to remember how victims found themselves locked into dodgy mortgage contracts. Floor clauses, which were often secretly written in, imposed a minimum interest rate on floating-rate mortgages by setting a limit on how far they could fall in tandem with

the benchmark rate. In practice, this meant that Spanish mortgage buyers did not profit fully from record-low interest rates which Spain enjoyed for several years. The clauses were ruled illegal by the Spanish high court in 2013. It took some families up to 10 years to get their money back, or even get their case admitted to court. If you want to avoid such situations, the answer is simple always hire a mortgage broker. The Finance Bureau has established links with the biggest lenders and acts as a go-between for the client and the bank but - crucially - the broker is not connected to the bank and works to find the buyer the best deal available. We also highlight any hidden fees or compulsory add-ons tucked away in the small print it is important to know exactly what is attached to your mortgage. When it comes to picking a mortgage, you pretty much have one shot to get it right. Hiring a mortgage broker is a small price to pay for peace of mind and a legal and fair contract.

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

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FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL As the Olive Press prepares to launch a brand new travel website, we give you a preview by taking a look around Andalucia’s historic capital

SEVILLA SPECIAL

April 7th - April 20th 2021

Snapshots of Sevilla

STUNNING: Sevilla is a city noted for its beauty, architecture, gardens and lifestyle By Dilip Kuner

HE streets of Sevilla are normally thronging at this time of year. Tens of thousands of people flock to the capital of Andalucia to witness and savour the solemn pasos, or processions, that wend their way through the historic heart of the city at Easter. An extremely popular tourist destination - equally busy for the Feria de Abril a few weeks later - Sevilla is famous for its beautiful architecture as well as its outdoor lifestyle and terrace dining. But, as these pictures show, now is the time to visit if you want to avoid the queues - and it is all down to COVID-19 restrictions. Of course you may have to wait a few weeks for the restrictions to finally lift, but these photos give you a taste of the treats in store when you CAN finally make a trip to one of the most famous cities

in Spain. In this four-page special, to celebrate the launch of our dedicated travel portal to Spain, the Olive Press takes a look at some of the highlights of Sevilla. The first city to be spotlighted in our new travel website, in the coming months we will be taking a close look at Cordoba, Granada, Ronda, Madrid and Valencia, plus all the other key destinations around Spain. Aside from the articles included here, there will be dozens more vignettes and features on Sevilla and its wonderful province. This includes potted guides to the key towns of Carmona, Ecija, Osuna, as well as special features on the curious communist town of Marinaleda, mountain escapes like Cazalla de la Sierra and the wonderful Roman city of Italica. At the moment, while many foreign tourists are missing out on their travel dreams, at least the local expats can make the most of what is easily Europe’s most diverse and colourful country. Watch out for the new portal which will be at: https://travel. theolivepress. es/

EMPTY: Sevilla’s streets are normally packed at Easter (below centre)

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

Barack Obama

April 7th - April 20th 2021

Time travel

Uma Thurman

Columbus

OU can easily picture Christopher Columbus setting off for the Americas as you stroll along the banks of the Guadalquivir in Sevilla’s central neighbourhood of El Arenal. The medieval shipyards here - which have existed since the days of Julius Caesar - are central to this ancient city’s history. Boasting a Gothic style, the galleys they built played an important role in the battle for the Strait of Gibraltar and the Hundred Years’ War - and more notably as the launchpad for Columbus’ explorations. (They also played an important role in the fictional world of Game of Thrones, posing as the crypts of the Red Fortress in the seventh season of the hit fantasy

There’s no better place to get lost in history than Sevilla, the city which hosted the departure of Christopher Columbus - just ask the likes of Barack Obama and Uma Thurman, writes Laurence Dollimore

series). the explorer’s plundering of South AmerTo this day you can sail along the river, ica, saw the country’s empire become just as the explorer did, and gaze in awe among the most powerful in the world. at the medieval marvels along the way. Between 1492 and 1681, gold and othAnd just a stone’s throw er minerals from the ‘New away in the Santa Cruz World’ catapulted Spain neighbourhood you’ll find into an era of wealth and Murillo and the tomb of Columbus at prosperity, with its literaVelazquez are ture and arts also flourthe Catedral. The largest Gothic church ishing (showcased best just two who in the world, covering at the Museo de Bella some 23,500sqm, it chose to live in Artes). was completed in the Just ask the greats Muearly 1500s before being the historic city rillo and Velazquez, who registered as a UNESCO chose to live in the romanWorld Heritage Site in tic city. 1987. The former has gorgeous gardens It is one of dozens of remnants from named after him while you can still visSpain’s Golden Age, which, thanks to it the birthplace of the latter tucked behind a narrow street in the Alfalfa neighbourhood. Luckily for us, the era also saw the Habsburg Dynasty solidify HE Alameda neighbourhood is the area surrounding and including the Alaand create some meda de Hercules, a long mall accompanied by bars, cafes and restaurants of the cities most on either side. stunning sites. Lying in the northern part of the city’s old town, the Alameda was once a These include meeting point for the elites in the 1800s. the stunning Real However following the Spanish Civil War, it quickly deteriorated into one of the Alcazar palace poorest barrios and was ravaged by drugs and prostitution - with up to 35 brothand gardens, just els operating in 1989. opposite the CatBut it is now back in action following a rescue plan in the early 2000s which saw traffic limited and the promenade edral. restored, and lined with poplar and hackberry trees. Declared a World Today it is the place to be for the young, cultured and anyone looking for a good time. Heritage Site by It also the most gay-friendly quarter of Sevilla, with bars like Dilema, Nua and 1987 acting as the warm up acts to nightUNESCO in 1987, clubs Holiday, Fun Club, Men to Men or Itaca. it is among the There are also great cocktail bars like Gigante (which does a great Moscow Mule) and a flavourful selection of restauoldest palaces rants, from the traditional to the nouvelle. in Europe having begun conEATING... struction in 913, If you’re looking for gastro-tapas then you cannot leave Sevilla without visiting Eslava (on Calle Eslava). You may have when the caliph to queue to be seated (opt for a spot at the bar for a shorter wait) but it is more than worth it with one of the quirkiest of Andalucia Abd and tastiest menus around. al-Rahman III first Among the classic pork ribs and solomillo or jamon, other highlights include Vaca Tataki (beef tataki), vegetable strudel and manchego cheese ice cream. For Middle Eastern fusion head to Arte y Sabor, situated along the Alameda promenade. Boasting a sun-kissed terrace it is unique in its wide range of vegetable dishes and innovative and creative salads. If you want something more traditional, stop at Casa Ricardo, which has been serving locals since 1898. Their melt-inthe-mouth jamon can be knocked back with a cold sherry while enjoying the old-school writing of orders with chalk on the bar and walls adorned with religious art. If you’re looking for something less Spanish, Nickel has some of the best burgers in Sevilla while Al Solito Posto has delicious pizzas. Or if you want a taste of gentrified London, head to the Cereal Cafe.

Potted barrios guide to... Alameda

decided to build a fort. However, it was along Calle Betis. over 500 years that the grounds were The riverbed comes alive with food and added to by successive Moorish, Chris- drink stalls lining the riverside calle while tian and finally Catholic rulers, making it during the day a centuries’ old competione of the most emblematic attractions tion known as the La Cucana sees parin a region characterised by its multicul- ticipants attempt to walk along a boat’s tural history. bow which has been slathered in grease And don’t miss the Giralda bell tower at- and attempt to catch a little flag attached tached to the Catedral, the top of which at the end - with prizes for those who is accessed via a series of ramps which complete the task. used to be ascended by Moors on horse- Back over the river, however, something back before calling citizens to prayer. new is brewing. But it’s not just the old town centre In the central neighbourhood of Alfalpacked with sites, with medieval church- fa, the Soho Benita area is proving this es, convents and centuries-old food mar- ancient city can also host 21st century kets around every corner. gems. No neighbourhood knows this more than Covering six streets (Golfo, Perez Galdos, Triana. Don Alonso el Sabio, Ortizo de Zuniga, Once home to sailors, potters, Flamenco Santillana and Jose Luis Luque), it indancers and bull-fighters, Triana’s rich corporates around 20 small businesses, history is as colourful as its buildings including a modern art gallery, nail salon which light up the river bank on its iconic and traditional barbers, and was recently Calle Betis. tipped as a must-place to visit by the New The barrio was once known as an arra- York Times. bal, the name given to areas separated The newest arrival is the RecoVeco from the centre of Sevilla. And many in restaurant on Calle Ortizo de Zuniga, the town still see themselves as strictly opened just this year. trianero and distinct from The Spanish ‘heritage’ the rest of the Sevillanos, eatery promises traditionoften referring to the al and seasonal AndaBelieved to neighbourhood as the lucia dishes but with an Independent Republic of Avant Garde twist - and all have been Triana. in a super-chic setting... founded by the the perfect place to treat Believed to have been founded by a Roman col- Roman emperor yourself or loved ones for ony under emperor Traa night. jan, it is entered by crossAnd you wouldn’t be the Trajan ing the Isabel II bridge, a first to want to hang out in landmark in itself. the Alfalfa barrio. It’s home to a traditional Former US President pottery and tile industry - with a museum Barack Obama was papped entering the paying homage to the crafts - vibrant fla- popular eatery Bache San Pedro after menco festivals and hugely popular mar- attending a climate change summit in kets and festivals. the city. If you’re braving the Sevilla heat between No one knows what he opted for, but the July 21 and 26, don’t miss the Vela San- pork with ‘special sauce’ is sublime, as ta Ana festival held every day and night is its famous cheesecake, made with

SITES….

At either end of the promenade you’ll find two Roman-style columns. The northern side features a lion atop each column while the other end features Hercules and Julius Caesar. The two lions and Hercules represent the emblem of Andalucia, which bears the Pillars of Hercules and, obviously, two lions. Legend has it that Hercules founded Sevilla while Julius Caesar also ruled it for a time. Head to Convento Santa Clara and marvel at its impressive cloister which is frequently used for exhibitions. While there, don’t miss the Torre de Don Fadrique, named after the late owner of the site and which offers a stunning example of early Gothic architecture in Sevilla. Built in 1252, the tower is also surrounded by beautiful gardens. Finally, the Convento San Clemente is adorned with fascinating frescoes and artwork from the 1500s and you can also buy some pastries made by the nuns who live there. STUNNING: The Moorish Alcazar is a must-see in Sevilla

A L L SEVI FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL L SPECIA

April 7th - April 20th 2021

OLD AND NEW: The architecture of Sevilla is stunning, whether it is the El Salvador church (far left) historic centre or the modern La Seta (above) payoyo cheese from the hills of Cadiz. Back in 2015, Uma Thurman dressed up as the Virgin Mary while drinking at the uber traditional El Garlochi bar - a watering hole like no other, with more religious art than wall space and only the holiest of music blaring through the speakers. Alfalfa provides the perfect snapshot of Sevilla, where centuries’ old traditions live in harmony alongside 21st century upgrades. Just head to the modern-day Las Setas in the neighbouring Encarnacion barrio. Officially known as the Metropol Parasol, the imposing structure boasts six parasols and is spread over four levels. It was designed by Berlin architect Jurgen Mayer who entered into a government-run competition to renovate the area in the early 2000s.

Repeatedly ranked as the number one tourist attraction in Spain by TripAdvisor users, the Plaza de Espana is truly a work of art. Designed by Caidon Fox for the 1929 Sevilla Expo, it was created to showcase Spain’s industry and technology exhibits at the historic fair. The complex is a huge half-circle with buildings continually running around the edge, boasting a mix of 1920s Art Deco, Baroque and Neo-Mudejar styles The buildings are accessible via four bridges - representing the

Plaza de España four ancient kingdoms of Spain - built over a moat which runs the whole length of the complex. In the centre sits the Vicente Traver fountain while by the walls are tiled alcoves, each depicting a different province of Spain. If you REALLY have time to kill, you can row a boat in the moat in what is possibly the most unnecessary tourist trap - although it does make for a nice photo.

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL IT is known as El Sarten, the frying pan of Spain because it’s location in a dip surrounded by the olive groves of La Campina means it regularly records the hottest temperatures in southern Europe. But Ecija is also dubbed the ‘City of Towers’ and ‘City of Palaces’, no surprise when you see the skyline interrupted by several dozen towers, some with detailed ceramic work and usually topped by a stork nest. Located 85km from Sevilla, a visit to this gem of a town is like stepping back in time. And if you are struggling under the weight of tourism in the provincial capital, or nearby Cordoba, you certainly won’t be here: It’s unlikely you’ll hear a single English accent, even after COVID. Narrow cobbled streets, white-washed

SEVILLA SPECIAL

April 7th - April 20th 2021

Fry away inland Ecija: A visit to the charming city known as ‘the frying pan’ of Spain, where ‘cat soup’ is on the menu By Fiona Govan

houses and alluring porticos reveal glimpses of bloom-filled patios within. While avenues are lined by orange

STUNNING: One of dozens of mosaics found

ROMAN CITY: Ecija is awash with historic monuments and priceless Roman statues

trees, their blossom filling the air with the powerful scent that screams this part of Andalucia. Once an important Roman settlement known as Astigi on the via Augusta, or A-4, the longest and busiest Roman road in ancient Hispania, the town became Madinat al-qutn (City of Cotton) when it fell under Arab rule in 711 and was renamed Ecija when Christian settlers moved in after the reconquest in 1240. This is the place to visit churches, even just to raise your eyes to admire towers such as Las Gemelas (the twins) of the Iglesia de la Purísima Concepcion or the exquisite triple bell tower of Iglesia de San Juan. For fans of the Baroque style, don’t miss a visit to the Church of Limpia Concepcion with its fabulously ornate plasterwork ceiling, decoration that was added in the 18th century and the Iglesia de los Descalzos with an altarpiece which is said to rival that of Sevilla’s cathedral. Then there’s the palaces. In the 18th century the city was home to 40 noble families whose patronage saw Ecija transformed under a golden age that is still possible to see glimpses of today, with some open to the public. At the Palacio de los Palma the rooms

are preserved as they were in its heyday with all the original furniture, while Palacio de Peñaflor is the place to marvel at frescos - some of the best in Spain - stretching across 60 metres of its exterior walls. The Palacio de Benamejí is home to the tourist office, a good courtyard restaurant Las Ninfas (with its Roman statues) and the Museo Historica which boasts a series of breathtaking mosaic floors from Roman times. It also housesthe 2,000-year-old Amazona Herida, a perfectly preserved statue which was discovered in 2007 when digging out a car park under the city’s Plaza España. Dine out with locals at one of the many restaurant terrazas in Plaza España or around the fountain in Plazuela de Santa Maria or grab a table on the little Plaza del Nuestra Señora del Valle and enjoy views across to the magnificent half ruined Iglesia de Santa Cruz, which was damaged in the Lisbon earthquake of 1755.

WHERE TO EAT

eing the capital city of Andalucia, the dining scene in Sevilla is unsurprisingly diverse. Famous for its central tapas bars, where locals typically tapear at up to five or six different bars in a session, it also has a bustling restaurant community that is as competitive as it is var-

ied. I first found the likes of Tribeca and Abantal over a decade ago, buzzing joints that I included in my book and website Dining Secrets of Andalucia. They are still around today, with the latter now with its own Michelin star, thanks to the hard work of its chef Julio Quintero. He himself had trained at the legendary Taberna del Alabardero, a glamorous grand dame of the local dining scheme that had its own culinary training scheme, but is, to be fair, a little stuffy. I also picked Vineria de San Telmo in a great location next to the Alcazar, which brilliantly combines good food and wine. Its Argentinian boss Juan

MIX: duck ham tapa at Casa del Tigre and La Sal terrace

CREATIVE: sea urchin dish at Canabota and (right) Eslava

MY TOP FIVE IN SEVILLA Jon Clarke shares his dining secrets in the Andalucia capital

Tarquini skillfully manages to provide both at excellent prices, and it’s still around today. But you should also look next door where there is a brand new hip joint freshest seafood on offer called Bar la Sal, serving up the very and changes by the day with best local seafood - particularly tuna a new menu. - that you can imagine. It’s not cheap, but it’s the Opening in December 2020, its dy- place to have shellfish, namic owner Charo Alvarez already such as razor shells, which has another restaurant in the city were served with a delicious and a famous joint in cream of algas Zahara de los Atunes, soup or the on the Costa de la Luz, amazing puntilA wonderful in Cadiz. litas with fresh With this place she peas and an mix of flavours wanted to make it more onion caldo. informal, less punishBut its piece de from around ing on the pocket, yet resistance was Spain and still serving up the best the medley of bluefin tuna you will cuts of Mero, Spain’s abroad ever eat in a dozen difmost popular fish ferent guises. known as ‘grouper’ At least three of her in English. We had tuna starter dishes have won prizes an amazing trio of belly, fillet and as the best tapa in Zahara’s famous spine, some of the tastiest fish I annual tapas competition. have ever eaten. It’s the most buzzing spot around this The wine list is great and you can Spring and you will need to book one have Bollinger champagne by the of the excellent terrace tables that glass at €10. sit next to the For a totally different take on dinc e l e b r a t e d ing, head to the recently opened Jardines de La Casa del Tigre which is one of Murillo park the most romantic, original diners with its amaz- in Andalucia. ing trees. Opened by four friends just before A n o t h e r the COVID lockdown in December amazing fish 2019, it got its name after an old restaurant - zookeeper who infamously kept a probably the tiger upstairs in his flat for years. best in Sevilla It is sumptuously decorated with and, among acres of velvet, but also stylish the best I patterns and artworks, doffing have eaten at their hat appropriately to African in Andalucia - wildlife. is Canabota. The food is hard to describe as This minimal- anything other than eclectic, but ist joint only it is a wonderful mix of flavours has the very from around Spain and abroad, in-

cluding fish cheeks, beef mollejas (glands next to the heart basically) and the most amazing Taco de Puchero, basically an unreconstructed grandma-style croquette. Don’t miss the cool foie and duck ham starter that comes on a bed of lettuce, while the wine list was exceptionally good, with plenty of wines by the glass. Finally, if you’re looking for gastro-tapas then you cannot leave Sevilla without visiting Eslava (on Calle Eslava conveniently). You may have to queue to be seated (opt for a spot at the bar for a shorter wait) but it is worth it for one of the most original menus around. Among the classic pork ribs and solomillo or jamon, other highlights include Vaca Tataki (beef tataki), vege• La Casa del tigre table strudel • Canabota and manchego cheese • Bar la Sal ice cream. • Esclava

• Vineria San Telmo

FOOD, DRINK & TRAVEL Getting back to normal

April 7th April 20th 2021

20th Anniversary! – 20 years serving you from our Mijas Shop

Last orders

RECORD breaking chef Pepe Becerra has passed away at the age of 70. He had become a symbol for Spanish gastronomy,and was regarded as a hero in his local town of Castellon. His many successes include Guinness World Records for the largest ever potato omelette, the biggest fideua – a typical Valencian fish and noodle dish – and the largest salad in the world. Although originally from Badajoz (Extremadura), Chef Becerra was linked to Castellon Province for the whole of his professional career. After running several top restaurants in the 1970s, Becerra was best known for preparing giant paellas for thousands of people over the years. BOTTLED water sales in Spain have risen by 8.5% between 2015 and 2019 with higher increases in regions where people don’t like the taste of their tap water. A survey compiled by the Sustainability Observatory showed that in 2019, which offers the last available annual figures, the average

SPAIN’S Tourism Minister has said that she is ‘confident’ that the new EU vaccine passport will be ready by July. Reyes Maroto (pictured) says it will play a key role in allowing foreign holidaymakers to return this summer. “The digital passport will hopefully be ready by July and will help everybody to be safer,” she commented. Officially called the ‘Digital Green Certificate’, the pass will be free and bilingual in the language of the issuing

Tapped out

Spanish bottle spend was €62 per annum. People in the Canary and Balearic Islands spend up to €140 each year on bottled water. The Costa Blanca region has

Splash Pools Mijas S.L. (just below the restaurant Valparaiso)

EU vaccine passport in July but UK not included By Alex Trelinski

EU member state and English. It will be available in either digital or paper formats and will have a QR on it to guarantee security and also the authenticity of the certificate. Maroto said that her department had done surveys that shown a 12% hike in bottled water purchases in the four years up to 2019, with an average annual spend of €85. Murcia’s average is just below €90 per annum. At the other end of the scale, the northern Basque Country comes in at €20, which the survey concludes is a strong endorsement of their local tap water taste.

show that ‘travellers want to come to Spain’ and that the pandemic had ‘not damaged the brand’. The minister added that previous mooted plans for ‘safe tourist corridors’ would not be needed as the digital passport was now the way forward

Large shop and office just off the Carretera de Mijas Easy parking for collection of chemicals Extensive stock of pool accessories, pool toys and games and equipment FREE test of pool water at the shop – just pop in with a small sample Professional maintenance service – tailored to suit your needs | Pool Construction Specialists in leak detection, repairs and renovations New pool builds with 10 year guarantees Installation of pool heaters and automatic covers

Summer

“It may not be the summer that we all want but are getting ready to welcome back tourism on a gradual basis,” she stressed. The vaccine passport works ‘both ways’ and will therefore allow people living in Spain to travel freely to other EU countries. The UK, as a non-EU member, still has to decide on whether it will introduce a similar scheme.

Open 8am to 3.30pm Mon to Fri Tel: 952 591 053 / 667 788 291 For directions go to: www.splashpoolsmijas.com

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Delicious fruit has health benefits STRAWBERRIES not only taste delicious, but they’re good for you. This is the conclusion of scientists who have published a report highlighting the ways in which fresas play a vital role for good health. The fruit is said to be very rich in vitamin C, E, B3, B6, B2, B1, B9 and A and are a prime source of minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, iodine and zinc. They are great for people who are on a diet, as 100 grammes of strawberries contain a mere 35 calories - in fact, 90 grammes out of 100 are water. Consumers with diabetes or high sugar levels need not worry, as they contain very few carbohydrates and have a low glycaemic index. Their high levels of soluble fibre also helps prevent or

History, adventure and romance. That’s just the setting.

improve constipation. One of the least known benefits of strawberries relates to eyesight, as they include several pigments that offer a high degree of protection against degenerative diseases of the eyes. The Valencian study also reveals that fresas contain a type of antioxidants known as anthocyanin – a flavonoid that contributes towards delaying the ageing process of cells and preventing cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

Protect

Interestingly, teeth also like strawberries, as their high levels of xylitol help combat demineralisation, protect the enamel and reduce plaque. However, it might not be a good idea to cover the fruit in sugar or artificial squirty cream though.

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Look east

April 7th - April 20th 2021

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Chinatown is coming to Spain SPAIN is to finally get its very own Chinatown. The plans were unveiled after the project attracted the fourth highest number of votes in a scheme known as ‘Decidim’ (‘We decide’), in which residents of Valencia chose from a list of proposals. Chinatown Valencia will follow the footsteps of other similar developments in London, New York and Sydney, with Oriental-style gateways welcoming visitors. The arches will be built by artists involved in the construction of the Fallas monuments and will reportedly be located around Calle Xativa in the city centre, at the intersections with Calle Pelayo and Calle Convento

Jerusalen. This area is home to up to 100 restaurants and businesses run by the Chinese, and already hosts the extremely popular Chinese New Year celebrations.

Promoting

Work is expected to begin over the new few months, with an initial budget of €14,000 for the planning process. City Hall sources highlight the promotional benefits of the project, as Chinatowns usually become a magnet for visitors. Spokespeople for the local Chinese Cultural Association have applauded the plans, revealing that they have been promoting the

Top destinations

FOUR Spanish cities have appeared in a list of best places to visit in Europe. Each year Travel and Leisure asks its readers to vote for their best loved destinations, rating their favourites based on sights and landmarks, culture, cuisine, friendliness, shopping, and overall value. While Florence grabbed the top spot, Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla and Granada were not far behind. The article reads: “Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated cities on their sights and landmarks, culture, cuisine, friendliness, shopping, and overall value. “One of these is Spain, which has four cities represented, including historic citadels like the Moorish city of Granada, at No. 11, and the buzzing capital, Madrid, ranked No. 10. Barcelona, which remains incredibly popular with visitors from around the world, came in at No. 8 among T+L readers.” Sevilla was the top pick for Spain, ranked at number six, with travellers praising its ‘unparalleled beauty’. Granada and Barcelona were both called a ‘must-see’ and readers also warned those with wanderlust not to skip the capital. It read: “While some travelers have tended to skip the Spanish capital in favor of Barcelona or Basque country, voters said there’s no excuse for missing Madrid.”

What’s the beef? THE drive to legalise the sale of cultured meat in Spain and Europe is under way. As the product is so new and revolutionary, it requires an entirely new legal framework to regulate the market. According to Valencia-based technological centre Ainia, the European Commission is currently considering including laboratory-grown meat products for human consumption under the ‘Novel food’ regulation. This refers to the marketing of ‘constituted foodstuffs and those produced via cellular cultures or tissues derived from animals, plants, microorganisms, fungi or seaweed’ say Ainia.

Mix it up at Jimmys. Whatever you want - Meat, Fish or Vegan. Delicious breakfasts and International tapas including the tastiest vegan selection on the Sol.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maintains that artificial meat is an acceptable alternative source of protein. The process to obtain the authorisation to market cultured meat can take up to two years after applying for a licence. The debate about the suitability of this product is raging throughout the world, with supporters and detractors practically equal in numbers. Synthetic meat products prevent animal suffering and slaughter and in addition, climate change is forcing an urgent review of eating habits, as livestock farming – especially beef – is one of the main culprits behind greenhouse gas emissions.

PLAN: Valencia hopes Chinatown will be a draw area among their countrymen for several years. There are currently an esti-

mated 20,000 residents of Chinese origin in Valencia city.

All welcome and pet friendly too. So plant your feet at Jimmys. See you soon.

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FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

MIJ AS DINING

Back on its legs

April 7th - April 20th 2021

Mijas can return to being the toast of the coast with a vibrant restaurant scene now the Covid crisis is starting to ease, writes Jon Clarke

T’S been a tough year for the restaurant scene in Mijas. With the village and coast below relying heavily on tourism, perhaps more than Marbella, it has been a real struggle to keep things going. But now that the Covid crisis is starting to ease and we are, hopefully, on the cusp of the borders around the region reopening, if not the whole country, Mijas is set for a resurgence. You used to blink and you’d miss a new restaurant opening in Mijas. But now it will be the case of dozens of popular stalwarts reopening again for the start of the season. There have been some casualties, such

as Steven Saunders who has had to close his Little Geranium restaurant in La Cala and move back to the UK. The former celebrity cook, a regular columnist in a local newspaper, is opening a restaurant in Cambridge soon, he told me this week. Other sad closures are Joffreys, Tapavino and the Blue Marlin, consistently one of the best fish restaurants on the coast. But other, tougher restaurateurs like Elliot Wright - at Olivia’s - is gunning for it, with a whole new raft of talent on board and with an eye on a Michelin star, no less. Having hired American chef Ryan Murphy, former head chef at London’s Savoy

hotel, he is pushing the boat out. The chef, who trained at three-Michelin star Daniel in New York, as well as under French maestro Alain Ducasse, is taking over the reins of this amazing beachside joint in La Cala. “He’s amazing and we are so lucky,” Elliot, from Essex, told the Olive Press. “He has also worked at the Lowry hotel in Manchester and one of Donald Trump’s restaurants in New York. He even managed to get two Michelin stars in Sweden from the off.” Wright, who has invested €2.5 million in his glamorous restaurant, has spent the last year ‘getting organised and scouring the coast for talent’ and has also hired a new operations director, Frenchman Stefan Guicheteau, who worked at the

TREATS: Pura Sangre (above) and Elliot and Sadie Wright welcome you to Olivia’s

Continues on Page 26

D E S LO C SHUT: Tough year for (clockwise from bottom) Steven Saunders, Joffrey Charles and the Blue Marlin’s Steve and Alison Hyatt

DINERS in search of top class Chinese food served in a stunning seafront location will finally have the perfect spot to go. Max Beach has added a new restaurant to its complex in Mijas Costa to give yet another fine dining option to people on the Costa del Sol. Called Mao, it will offer authentic Chinese cuisine with stunning views over the Mediterranean. Expect homemade Peking Duck, Char Siu barbecue pork and a stunning array

Quality Chinese of Dim Sum. It partners the already popular Max Beach restaurant part of the Metro Group - and promises to offer the same great service, top-notch dishes and vibrant atmosphere. It is located right on the seafront at Riviera del Sol (Mijas Costa) and will open its doors on Friday (April 9). For more information and bookings, visit: ww.maorestaurante.es or call 951891505

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

El Oceano...paradise is closer than you think!

HE fabulous El Oceano is delighted to announce that it is now open for the 2021 season. After a challenging year, this family owned and operated oasis of laid back luxury is pleased to welcome you. Throughout April you can enjoy the coast’s number one beachfront dining experience with the hotel re-opening slightly later to guests in May. The Oceano’s restaurant is well known for offering top-class cuisine, with each dish created with imagination and flair and served with attention to detail. The stunning waterfront terrace menu presents some a la carte favourites, plus some more relaxed daytime options. For those who simply want to unwind a little in a stunning location, the option is open to pop in to enjoy an expertly shaken cocktail or two. And don't forget the famous Sunday lunch with top class live entertainment all afternoon. Apart from the fabulous restaurant, it is also the perfect beachfront hotel, situated between Marbella and La Cala de Mijas, and offers

From Page 25

MIJ AS DINING

April 7th - April 20th 2021

Back in business

famous Nobu chain for 19 years. “I want to improve the service, but keep the glamour and party atmosphere, while also aim for a Michelin star. We are definitely going to push for it,” he revealed. an outdoor pool, pool bar, VIP It is clear evidence that while Marbella sunbeds and the Martini Lounge. may still be the culinary capital of the SIMPLY STUNNING: El Oceano recently reopened its famous restaurant And it helps that there’s always Costa del Sol, Mijas is fast catching up. friendly and highly trained staff reIt is perhaps telling that global superstar Cepa wine bar. restaurant Aroma. ady to offer impeccable service. Michel Roux Jr cited Mijas as the town Both are run by talented local chefs and It’s a delight to kick back in the beautiMeanwhile, the rooms, which were that inspired him to follow in the foot- have a good range of dishes. ful garden in good weather where you recently redesigned, are spacious steps of his famous father at two Miche- Also maybe try Florida Beach, which sits can enjoy a nice mix of authentic Iberiand luxurious and give every guest lin star Le Gavroche in London. in an excellent spot and has been beau- an dishes alongside Argentinean fare – The British-born star of Masterchef and tifully renovated. The food is said to be particularly steaks - thanks to co-owner a ‘feel good factor’. Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen visited amazing, ‘very upmarket’. Hugo German. Most of them are Ocean-Front Mithe pueblo with his family as a child and It is a close neighbour of wonderful Part of a group of restaurants owned by ni-Suites offering stunning views. tried things he had ‘never tasted before’. El Oceano, which also sits right on the Hugo and his business partner Thomas But for those who prefer to self-ca“I remember I got a great big chunk of beach and promises a superb mix of Weller, make sure to look out for their ter, there are 15 beautifully appoinhoney in the comb and dishes, plenty with an Taberna Meguinez (which means ‘Are ted south-facing studio apartments was baffled as to how to Asiatic flavour. you winking at me?’) which has an exceloffering a little privacy, away from attack it. I ended up just I have always liked the lent menu. Clear evidence the main hotel. And don’t forget scraping and sucking it. beef tartare, marinated Then there’s Tapintxos, inspired by the hotel’s Penthouses. that Mijas is “I had orange juice, too overnight, as well as the Thomas’s love of the north of Spain, and They consist of four spectacular, – made with fresh, real tempura prawns with his new Italian La Cucine di Nico, where private Penthouses, all with unintecatching up squeezed oranges.” wasabi. the osso bucco is something special. rrupted sea views. It is a legacy that was with Marbella in The restaurant offers There are some excellent wine bars with Many of the rooms offer spectacucontinued with the likes front row seats right on tapas such as La Bodega del Pintor, lar views of the North African coast, culinary terms the beach and, after a which has a lovely hidden garden at the of London-trained chefs, the Pillars of Hercules and the Rock such as William Squires, multi-million euro over- back. of Gibraltar...and just under your at El Oceano restaurant. haul, is even more glam- Welcoming owner Amparo was actually nose, there’s a quiet, secluded “It’s getting better and better here and orous than before. born in this charming spot, which offers there is a lot of competition,” he told me Up in the pueblo things are a bit tough- visitors the chance to dine in a historic beach. Heaven. in 2019. er, explains Thomas Weller, a seasoned 300-year-old townhouse. Atmospheric Squires, who worked for four years under restaurateur, who owns half a dozen in the extreme, the restaurant serves up El Oceano...where else! famous Melbourne chef Joel Valvason. joints up there. plenty of wines by the glass too. “There are a lot of young chefs with new The Canadian dynamo, who has lived “I wanted to create the sense that you Contact us now on info@oceanohotel.com or call ideas and it’s great to try new things, in the village for years, admitted they are dining in someone’s home,” explains then get back and do things with a new are mostly ‘staying on ice’ until the late Amparo, whose family still lives upstairs. 952 587 550 or see our webpage at twist,” he adds. spring or summer, although two have Another good spot is La Bella Coppia, an www.oceanohotel.com for more information Take a spin around La Cala and while it closed ‘for good’ and a couple are open- Italian restaurant run by Pedro for nearly is not as buzzy as ing for weekends and with very limited three decades. As well as a great range it was in 2019, hours and service. of pastas and pizzas, the place specialyou will still find One that will certainly be opening at ises in steaks and quality meats, grilled The Award-winning pizza maker, who has some great spots some point is the incredible oasis known to perfection. to eat like Pura as the Secret Garden, tucked away be- Make sure Pedro also carves you a few consistently broken Guinness World Records Sangre and Pura hind its more typical whitewashed sister slices of his amazing ham.

Come and find out why Antonio Pucci is an official ‘Master Pizza Maker’ of the A.P.I.

Taking it to the Max

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS Holder of the longest pizza 31st May 2011

TUNNING views deserve stunning food and Max Beach does not disappoint. The Riviera del Sol restaurant and upmarket beach bar has been around for years, but it has taken the knowhow and professionalism of the Metro Group to take it to the next level. Head Chef Daniel Kozak and General Manager Maria Parshina are in charge now, and I was curious to see how they are doing. First impressions were very favourable. Maria herself greeted me - and it is nice to be welcomed with a big smile. Not that I could see it of course, what with Maria (together with all the staff) wearing a COVID mask. But there was no mistaking the twinkle in her eyes which showed her good cheer as she led me and my companion to a table on their sheltered terrace, right on the beachfront. We could have chosen to eat outside by the pool or taken a shady spot amongst the elegant decor of the restaurant, but decided to enjoy the gorgeous sunny weather in comfortable seating with a great view. So far so good - Maria definitely passed the test! But the real testing is in the eating! As all the best chefs do, Danny creates constantly evolving menus showcasing the talents of his team. Sushi is a big feature and is particularly popular with the poolside crowd, as are their pizzas. But that is by no means all that is on offer. From a shortish but varied selection of starters focussed to my approval on quality rather than

number of dishes - I chose the lobster croquettes. Now, these should be flavoursome, crisp on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside. The five large croquettes did not disappoint - perfection. My French companion chose a classic fig and goats cheese bruschetta, which met her approval. Next she chose a lamb ‘kebab’ from the extensive selection from the grill. Words don’t do the dish justice - but I need say no more than that if you can satisfy a French woman’s palate you have definitely got it right! I tucked into a lovely fillet of turbot, served on a bed of creamed potato. Fish is easy to spoil if you overcook it - but this was grilled with the care and attention such a beautiful piece of fish demands for spectacular results. By the time it came to dessert we were too full to really go for it, so we made do by sharing the citrus raspberry mess. The sharpness of the fruit perfectly balanced the sweetness of the meringue to make for a delicious end to a satisfying meal! We will be back! Dilip Kuner

For bookings and information contact info@maxbeach.es or call 952 930 858

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MOTORS Ride like a girl

IN what is still to this day a predominantly male dominated sport, two female motorcycle racers are pushing stereotypes and fighting for victory after what has been the hardest year of their lives. Laia Sanz and Ana Carrasco, are fierce competitors in both on and off-road motorcycle racing and regularly beat their male counterparts. Yet despite both appearing to be at the top of their game in their respective careers, both have had to endure their own individual struggles during 2020 that almost put a halt to their careers. 35-year-old Laia Sanz (pictured inset) is a legend in the sport of motorcycle endurance and trial, winning the indoor trial championship 13 times before moving onto competing in the most gruelling race in the world, the Dakar Rally. She has won the female catego-

April 7th - April 20th 2021 A SPANISH village with a population of just 95 had more than 10,000 cars registered as being owned there in 2019 alone. Serratella (Castellon) is one of 25 across Spain that have become ‘tax havens’ for car registration. The reason is that registration tax is much lower in those towns - and car hire

More cars than people and business fleets are taking full advantage. They are officially ‘homing’ their cars in those villages and towns rather than where they actually operate. Town halls have the power to

apply discounts of up to 75% as they see fit, leading to huge differences in price. A study by Associated European Motorists revealed that seven Spanish towns – five in Madrid and one in Barcelona provinces – with population figures of between 500 and 14,000account for 37.5% of all company vehicle registrations in the country.

Two women are taking on the men in the world of motorsports, writes James Warren

ry in the 8,000km race six out of six times and has recorded a best finish of 16th overall, beating some high profile names in the process However in the run up to the 2020 Dakar event in Saudi Arabia, Laia contracted Lymes disease from a tick whilst training near her home. The crippling disease left her bed bound for weeks and impacted her training schedule dramatically leading up to the event. Despite almost no training, she turned up at the startline and promptly finished 25th out of 147 competitors, claiming her seventh victory in her category, a heavily emotional win on

the anniversary of the death of her husband at the event a year prior. Carrasco (main picture) swaps dirt for tarmac, and competes in the World Supersport 300 championship, a motorcycle series that pits highly tuned 300-400cc production bikes against one another in one of the most exciting series in the world. After a stint becoming the first female rider to compete in the Moto3 World Championship, Carrasco moved to WSSP300 and soon became the first female rider to ever win a world title in a professional bike racing series, a feat recently recognised by the King of Spain, who awarded her the royal King Juan Carlos Medal at the National Sports Awards.

Operations

In September last year, the 23-year-old suffered two fractured vertebrae in her spine during a testing accident in Estoril, Portugal, ending her season and leaving her fearing for her career. After being told there was a possibility of permanent damage, Carrasco endured numerous operations and embarked on a vigorous rehabilitation program and after just five months, the Murcia native was back on her Kawasaki Ninja 400 and preparing for 2021. Carrasco’s motto emblazoned on the side of her helmet reads, ‘Ride Like a Girl’, and in these two cases, that could not be any closer to the truth.

IN UNCERTAIN TIMES, WE SPEAK YOUR LANGUAGE As a road user you’re accustomed to expecting the unexpected. However, if you have concerns about the impact of Brexit or the Coronavirus pandemic may have on insurance policies, Línea Directa would like to reassure its customers that their car insurance policies are one constant to be relied on in these uncertain times.

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