OLIVE PRESS
The
COSTA BLANCA
FREE By Joshua Parfitt and Robert Firth
BRITISH expats are understandably in turmoil about their futures in Spain, following the Conservative Party’s huge election victory. Healthcare, pensions and the fate of the pound are bound to keep many of us awake this Christmas, now that Boris Johnson (far right) has promised to ‘get Brexit done’ by the end of January. But, while it could be an unsettling festive period ahead, it may not be as bad as many of us fear, believes Our Man in Spain.
Sparkle
“No deal is now a very remote pos-
sibility and our citizens rights are still in place,” insisted ambassador Hugh Elliot at a meeting with expats on the Costa Blanca this week. Putting a little sparkle back on the Christmas tree, he promised that the same healthcare agreements, uprating of pensions and rights to work will not change for British expats until December next year. And after that period, they will
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Nightmare Before Christmas stay ‘the same as long as you remain a resident in Spain’. However, Anne Hernandez, of
Brexpats in Spain, insisted it was still not clear and claimed ‘mounting’ confusion was causing many
But British ambassador offers crumb of hope to expats nursing wounds following Boris Johnson’s landslide victory residents distress, with some even contemplating suicide. “It is putting people under incred-
...but there are plenty of reasons to be cheerful... There’s so much to read in this bumper Olive Press special festive edition
ible pressure. Some have said; ‘I am so suicidal,’ particularly some of the elderly,” she told the Olive Press this week. British councillor for San Fulgencio, Darren Parmenter, hit back however, criticising the ‘amount of misinformation’ groups like hers have been pedalling. He told the Olive Press that once the current withdrawal agreement was signed everyone would be much more optimistic. “Not once has any of these groups said that, if the withdrawal agreement is passed, you have nothing to worry about,” he slammed. “It might have saved lots of unnecessary panic, ‘feelings of suicide’ and even people selling up and moving back to the UK because of the uncertainties.”
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Christine Rowlands, chair of Conservatives Abroad on the Costa del Sol, had a more conciliatory view. Despite being a ‘staunch remainer,’ she told the Olive Press she was glad the election result meant Brexit would ‘finally be over’. “The reaction has been good from both sides,” she said. “My members just want the job done.” She added the party was now ‘passionate’ to overturn the 15-year voting ban for expats who have lived abroad that long.
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Parental advisory POLICE have arrested a British couple on charges of child abandonment after their 17-month-old baby girl nearly died when she ate a stash of cannabis at their upmarket family home in Marbella.
Caught out AN INFORMANT has been gunned down while he was spotted conversing with a police officer on a roadside in Barcelona. The informant was providing information on a violent armed gang when shot.
Serial killer POLICE have unearthed bone fragments in the continuing search for missing sailor Simon Parkes in Gibraltar, who is feared to be the victim of notorious serial killer Allan Grimson.
Not so fast FOUR girls have escaped a potential kidnapping when their Cabify driver sped past their requested destination before ploughing into a roundabout on Spain’s Costa Blanca. The four local teens had told their hail-a-ride driver to stop at the Playa San Juan in Alicante. but when they arrived, the man ‘lost his head’ and swerved through traffic before ruining his black Mercedes van at a roundabout. “When we told where he had to leave us, he started to accelerate, without any explanation,” Clara said. “We started yelling at him to stop, but he kept going, dodging several cars, until we hit the roundabout and went flying.” Clara is still recovering from breaking a rib, a fracture in her finger and bruises all over her body. Her companions are also suffering whiplash caused by the incident. She added the driver conducted himself ‘fine’ during the trip, apart from telling the girls he had just had his birthday for which nobody had congratulated him. The driver tested positive for amphetamine when questioned by police, according to sources. An investigation is open as whether the man committed a crime of reckless driving. Cabify reportedly offered the girls a 15% discount for the next three trips.
CRIME Brit locked up for stealing bus dangerous joyride A BRITISH man who stole a coach in Benidorm before embarking on a reckless joyride could face up to seven years in prison. Josh Wannan, 27, has been remanded in custody without bail as the Benidorm judge said there was a ‘risk’ of him fleeing the country. The holidaymaker is charged with dangerous driving, theft of a vehicle and attacking a police officer. Wannan reportedly stole the keys to the Premier coach on Sunday night before riding round Benidorm streets on a two-kilometre rampage that saw 29 vehicles damaged. CCTV footage of the outrageous joyride caught the moment motorbikes went
December 19th - January 8th 2020
Coach poach RECKLESS: The stolen coach
flying as the disorderly driver mowed into a parking lane on Benidorm’s Camino Salto de Agua. The bus crashed on Calle Bélgi-
Pigs in handcuffs THIEVES have nicked more than 300 legs of jamon from the back of a lorry while the driver took a siesta. The delivery man had been en route to Malaga when he decided to take a nap at a service station, while he waited for businesses to open at dawn. While he was snoozing a gang of robbers forced open the backdoors of the van and stole €42,000 worth of prized jamon Iberico. The massive loot comes after authorities reported a surge in the theft of ham and sausages across Andalucia with the approach of Christmas. Across Andalucia the Guardia Civil are investigating the theft of 130 pieces of jamon in just over a month. The meat can fetch as much as €600 on the black market during the festive season.
ca metres from a Policía Local station where Wannan resisted arrest and attacked a police officer. The Benidorm magistrate said the reckless journey was made ‘consciously’ and ‘violated the most elementary rules of road safety’. The magistrate added the suspect was ‘a foreigner’ who lacks residency in the Spanish territory, and therefore could avoid appearing before the courts. He has been placed in jail without bail as prosecutors press for up to five years in prison for dangerous driving and two years for assaulting a police officer.
Sextortion CYBERCRIMINALS in Spain are tricking teens into sharing intimate videos before blackmailing them with their release to the tune of €50,000. Hiding behind fake profiles on online chat sites and dating apps, the new breed of scammers seduce teens into posing for illicit content before ‘sextorting’ them into coughing up huge amounts of cash. The scale of the blackmailing has now been revealed by 18-yearold Alvaro (not his real name) who revealed how an ‘innocent game’ as he was exploring his sexuality turned into a ‘nightmare’. “This man sent me my own photos and told me to pay him, and said that if I told anyone or reported him he would post everything on the internet and send the photos to my house,” Álvaro said. The scammer’s request was for an unbelievable €50,000 – money far out of Álvaro’s reach, who was 17 at the time. “I begged him not to ask for so much and told him I was going to work and save, so he told me to make up for it with more sexual images, and I’d do it.” He said that when money didn’t arrive in time, the cybercriminal did not bluff in sending photographs to Álvaro’s house with a letter. The revelation came as Spanish non-profit organisation Stop Haters took on Álvaro’s case and succeeded in taking the perpetrator to court. Article 243 of the Spanish Criminal Code states that sharing intimate pictures without permission can be punished with between one and five years in prison.
NEWS
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December 19th - January 8th 2020
Resigned to sleepless HE may have lost millions of voters in Nonights! vember’s Spanish elections.
Putt a ring on it
But Alberto Rivera clearly hasn’t lost his mojo. The ex-leader of Ciudadanos party and his pop star girlfriend Malu have announced they are expecting a baby. “I am very excited to share this wonderful gift that life has given us,” the 40-year-old
said in the post he shared with followers. Rivera and Malu certainly haven’t wasted any time in embarking on family life. The couple have only started seeing each other this year, soon after Rivera’s breakup from his four year relationship with influencer Beatriz Tajuelo.
Royal retreat
A star is re-born
HE may have won numerous trophies in 2019, but now Spain’s top golfer Jon Rahm has won what he wanted most of all – his girlfriend’s hand in marriage. The 24-year-old tied the knot with American fiancee Kelley Cahill, 25, in a fairytale winter wedding at his childhood church in Bilbao. It comes after the world number three won his second Race to Dubai last month, in the same year he was crowned European Tour Golfer of the Year. The Arizona-based newlyweds will return to the US for another wedding in San Diego in April.
There will be chorus’s all round if Banderas wins a Golden Globe
STIFF COMPETITION: From (clockwise) Pryce, Driver, Bale and Phoenix HE has taken another star-studded step towards Academy Award recognition. Now, Malaga’s favourite son Antonio Banderas has come one step nearer, after being nominated for the prestigious Golden Globe in his latest role in Pedro Almodovar’s film Pain and Glory. THEY are believed to be two of the wildmen of American rock. But Slash and Axel Rose are normally on best behaviour when they visit Spain these days. According to Olive Press sources the pair, who get on well, usually stay with their families at luxury Malaga hotel Finca Cortesin, never making any noise or mess at some point during the tour. Now the pair will reunite
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for a massive Guns N Roses show in Sevilla next year. The legendary US band, behind hits like Sweet Child O’ Mine and Paradise City, will play at the Benito Villamarin Stadium in May, in what will be their only date in Spain. It will be the second date of the European leg of their tour, which starts in Lisbon on May 20. The tour then heads to Germany, England, Sweden and many other countries.
By Robert Firth
However, the 59-year-old, who is currently starring in his version of musical, A Chorus Line, in Malaga, is under stiff competition. Banderas will have to beat Christian Bale, Adam Driv-
No need to lock up your daughters Tickets go on sale on December 20. The group has performed 160 concerts for more than 5.5 million fans around the world.
er Joaquin Phoenix and Jonathan Pryce to win the best actor globe in January, which is normally a predictor for the Oscars. In the film Pain and Glory, he plays an aging film direc-
tor, afflicted by a creative block who recalls significant life events such as first loves and breakups through a series of flashbacks. It is a semi-autobiographical look at director and writer Almodovar’s life, for which he is up for a director’s award. Banderas meanwhile, picked up the best actor accolade at the European Film Academy awards in Berlin. He was also named best actor at Cannes, where the film premiered in May. Malaga-born actor Pablo Puyol will replace Antonio Banderas in A Chorus Line when he heads across the pond for the Globes and the Palm Springs Film Festival. A Chorus Line will run at Malaga’s Soho Caixabank until January 19.
RELAXED: Smith HE plays Prince Phillip in The Crown. And Matt Smith has been spotted relaxing at a destination suitably fit for a king. The former Doctor Who star was seen chatting to rowers on the exclusive Canary Island of La Gomera, ahead of the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge. The race is one of the world’s toughest rowing competitions, which sees contestants travel 3,000 miles from the island to Antigua in the Carribean. The 37-year-old looked relaxed as he shared a cuppa with the competitors prior to the start of the race. It was a world away from his love troubles back in the UK, where he is reported to have split after a five year romance with actress Lily James in favour of co-star Claire Foy (below), from the Crown.
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No Closure
A BRITISH pensioner has been living without a working front door for three months after being told he can’t repair his house following September’s gota fria floods. 80-year-old Jim said he felt ‘afraid’ leaving his house after all his doors and doorframes became swollen with floodwater in Catral. He said he left the house in a state of disrepair over fears that insurance assessors needed to see the damage. “We have absolutely no security,” Jim told the Olive Press. “I can’t close my front gate because the electric’s gone and I can’t lock the front door. “We just don’t know if we should repair anything in the house.” Jim said a dehumidifier working ‘24 hours a day’ has taken 200 litres out of his bedroom and the same from his living room. His wife has meanwhile fallen ill requiring an inhaler twice a day for ‘breathing problems’. He added they were still sleeping in the same beds swollen with floodwater since September, while the walls of his bungalow have black marks ‘5ft high’. “We just have no idea what to do,” he said. A spokesperson for Spain’s Consorcio de Compensacion de Seguros (CCS) told the Olive Press they ‘advise people to maintain their houses in the damaged condition’.
xmas Odd job SPANISH classified ad website Milanuncios has been pressured into dropping a job offer that promised extra bonuses for ‘sex’. An advertisement looking for a ‘sexy
December 19th - January 8th 2020 housekeeper’ read that prospective employees would be well paid and have the potential to earn more cash. “Lingerie is essential, cleaning only but if there is sex the difference will be paid,” the advert said. “Looking for a woman aged between 20-40 in fine physical form, good breasts and
very pleasant. Ugly women please refrain.” The denigrating job offer saw widespread condemnation on social media, before northern Spanish paper La Voz de Galicia succeeded in pressuring Milanuncios to drop the advert.
Hamlet under the hammer
IT’S a project that could fill an entire series of Kevin McCloud’s Grand Designs. Among the second-hand bicycles and used sofas on classified listing site Wallapop, an entire Spanish village is up for grabs. And for €90 million, the
Entire Valencian village goes up for sale on Spain’s answer to Gumtree
40 houses, theatre, olive press, restaurant, flour mill, post office and church could all be yours. Declared as a ‘first class agricultural colony’ on
Happy 106th
SHE’S had 106 Christmases. Happy birthday Rosa Maria Schaller, who was born in Germany and now lives in Javea. The expat of 23 years celebrated with 106th with her family and the town mayor.
“John had no idea his investment fees were so high!”
John came to see me because he wanted a second opinion on an investment plan he had set up when he first moved to Spain 5 yearsago.Somehow,despitestrongfinancial markets, John’s portfolio had barely beaten inflation in all that time. John was helpful enough to bring along all theoriginalpaperworkandvaluationshisIFA hadprovidedsincehestartedhisplan,along with some Fund Fact Sheets.
The first thing I noticed was that the original recommendationhadincludeda10-yeartiein and a very high annual bond fee of 0.95%. I also quickly realised that the funds that had been recommended to John had incredibly high annual fees and below average performance. John’s had been recommended funds that were costing up to 5 times more than the average due to undisclosed fees they were paying to his adviser. Due to the complex way the fees were dis-
guised and layered, John had no idea his investmentfeesweresohigh.Therewereonly 2 small reassurances I could make. Firstly, he was not alone – 10,000s of expats in Spain have been set-up with similarly over-priced portfolios as this is widely practised by firms here. Secondly, it’s a very easy problem to solve. John agreed for Chorus to take over the management of his portfolio, and we immediatelysoldthoseover-priced,under-performing funds. Unfortunately, as John had already signed paperworkforthat10-yeartie-in5yearsago, there was nothing I could do about those high bond fees, and he would continue to paythemforafurther5years.Chorusclients cannowbenefitfromexactlythesameinvestmentbondforjust0.25%perannum,withno tie-in. It’s just a shame he hadn’t sought a second opinion from us before signing up. The good news is that John now has a diverse portfolio of FCA regulated funds, with a strong track record from well-known, UK basedinvestmentinstitutions.Evenwiththat
July 1, 1887, La Colonia de Santa Eulalia, in Valencia, was designed as a self-sufficient socialist utopia. It centred around a onetime liquor factory and train station catering to 200 workers, who shared resources in a long-lost agricultural co-operative. The high ideals and stunning hills between Sax and Villena saw the Colonia used as a set for popular Valenciano sitcom L’Alqueria Blanca. Over the years residents abandoned the 275 ha plot, but the historical pedigree of the hamlet has
made it hard to forget. The hamlet has been declared a Bien de Interes Cultural by the Valencian Community in honour of its ‘great historical value’ – meaning its management is the responsibility of the municipality of Sax, and could be open to European Union grants. “We’ve been negotiating with the owner of the land for three and a half months,” said Sax mayor, Laura Estevan. “We are looking for options for its protection because it is a heritage of all Sajeños.” The Colonia de Santa Eulalia is featured on classified listing site Wallapop.
DINNER
EXPATS are being encouraged to join a New Year’s Eve ‘bring-your-own-dinner’ to celebrate the lifting of AP-7 motorway tolls. They plan to enter the AP-7 at Benissa and drive to the Sant Antoni service area at Kilometre 613.2 where they will enjoy a picnic supper before celebrating both the New Year and the abolition of tolls by driving to the Ondara exit. For the first time since the AP-7’s Altea-Ondara section was opened in 1979, there will be nothing to pay, said the Adeu AP-7 group, which has publicised the event via the social media and has already received enquiries from 300 people.
Providing multi-award winning advice for your pensions, investments & tax planning. By Tracy Storer, Senior Partner high bond fee remaining in place, his annual fees have now reduced by 1.6%, meaning John will save significant amounts in fees over the coming years, which will have a positive effect on the growth of his plan. Although past performance can never be a guaranteeoffutureperformance,theportfolio we placed him into has substantially outperformedhisexistingportfoliohistorically, andI’mconfidenthe’llseebetterreturnsmoving forward. Theexactoverallfeesyoumaypayforanyinvestmentorpensionsolutionwilldependon your specific circumstances so can vary, but Chorusprideourselvesonfair&transparent feesandarenowofferingSpanishcompliant investment bonds and platform options with no tie-in.
965 641 163
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If you would like me to demonstrate where I can help reduce costs and improve the returns on your existing portfolio or a new recommendation, including QROPS, SIPPs and Spanish Compliant investment Bonds, please call me today for a no obligation consultation on 664 398 702 or email t.storer@ chorusfinancial.es for more information.
Investment contracts are intended as medium to long term investments, and all investments have some level of risk. Figures in our articles are examples of what can be achieved and cannot be guaranteed; the value of your investments can go down as well as up. Fees and charges can vary and will be fully explained to you before any advice can take place. This article should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular product.
Chorus Financial is a trading style of Tourbillon Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Commission (Gibraltar), Licence Number FSC1118B, registered with the UK FCA reference 539348, registered with the Spanish DGS and CNMV Nº Registro Oficial 3214.
NEWS
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58 Migrants dead AT least 58 migrants have drowned after their boat capsized in the Atlantic Ocean en route to Spain. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) confirmed at least one boy and three women were killed, while a further 83 migrants on board the boat managed to swim to the coast of Mauritania, alerting authorities to the shipwreck. A further 40 migrants are feared dead, while 10 of the survivors are in a serious condition.
Drawing breath!
A SPAIN’S Got Talent contestant has almost died after failing to escape from a sealed underwater box. Viewers and judges of the Telecinco show were left in shock as they watched Pedro Volta literally drowning onstage. Medical staff rushed to free the Galician escapologist who was knocked out after he stopped breathing during a live broadcast of the semifinals. The magician had intended to free himself from a straitjacket inside a double locked container filled with water. The talent show was won by two-year-old carol singer, Hugo Molina, who wowed judegs with his rendition of Campana sobre campana.
Let him stay
A BRAVE Costa Blanca street hawker is set to get a residents permit from the Valencian government. It comes after immigrant Gorgui Lamine Sow made headlines when he saved a disabled Denia resident from a burning first floor apartment. Heroic Gorgui was pictured rescuing the 39-yearold, known as Alex, down a precarious ladder while the disabled man vomited due to smoke inhalation. Yet incredibly, the 20-year-old undocumented immigrant, from Senegal, lives in a Gandia squat
December 19th - January 8th 2020
Festive demands for heroic migrant to get residency after saving local man’s life
without a front door with his wife and young child. A Change.org petition hopes to change this, demanding he gets permanent residency. The plea demands a ‘better future’ for the African who
Bible plague
THOUSANDS of dead fish have washed up on an Andalucian beach in an environmental catastrophe of biblical proportions. Green group, Ecologists in Action, reported that a shoal of dead fish mixed with plastic and other rubbish had washed up on the beach in Granada. Members of the environmental organisation believe the disaster, which has seen dead fish
came to Spain for his family’s security. “His gesture should be rewarded and the authorities should grant him citizenship.” Denia Town Hall, it emerges, has already requested
cover the entire length of El Penon de Salobrena beach, may have been caused by a toxic spill. “It appears too extensive to be the discarded catch of a fishing boat,” said a spokesperson from the group. “The fish have open mouths and spots along their bodies,” they added. The group suspect the nearby Motril Sewage Treatment Plant may to be blame and are calling on relevant authorities to launch an investigation
residency for Gorgui and his family via the Spanish government’s subdelegation in Valencia. The town will also decorate Gorgui for his heroic act with a municipal bravery medal. “I saved Alex because my heart told me to,” explained Gorgui, who arrived in Spain in 2017, after living for a few years in Brazil and Argentina. “I’m poor. I have nothing. But I am also strong and can help. I don’t like to see people suffer.” He added: “I need papers so I can work and live here with my family,” he said.
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Burking mad
A SWIMMING pool has been swamped by complaints over a Muslim wearing a ‘burkini’. Calp’s municipal pool was hit by 22 complaints over the local woman’s attire. October. The burkini is a female swimsuit that completely covers the woman’s body, except the face, hands and feet. Australian sportswear designer Aheda Zanetti created it in 2004 so that Australian Muslims could bathe in public without contravening Islamic obligations. Calp’s department of sports has not yet responded to the grievances.
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FEATURE
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OPINION Britain’s Chrismtas no.1 On Friday we discovered what was top of the British people’s Christmas list. Santa Claus promised them a ‘Christmas gift’ they couldn’t turn down. And they lined the streets queuing up for it. And they got it. ‘Let’s get Brexit done,’ said Boris Johnson, ripping off his beard. Brexit they got. But like every child who sits on Santa Claus’s knee and tells them all his wishes, the British people were sold a lie. And you don’t have to wrap yourself in an EU flag outside Westminster to believe that. For Boris Johnson like Father Christmas can’t ride through the sky, granting everyone’s wishes with a gusto-filled ‘ho ho ho.’ Even as Johnson’s hefty parliamentary majority will allow him to whizz Brexit through the commons by Christmas and have it ‘done’ by the end of January, years of wrangling over the EU and Britain’s future relationship and ehem trade deal waits around the corner like a new year hangover. And the future of every British citizen living in Spain is tied up in that. Only yesterday Micheal Gove - who is in charge of no-deal planning - refused to rule out no-deal when challenged over the government’s plans to make it illegal for Britain to ask the EU for an extension to the transition period which ends in eleven months. Fair enough, he might have been doing himself out of a job by ruling out the possibility his job exists to plan for. But that will be no reassurance for those whose futures these politicians are meddling with.
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December 19th - January 8th 2020
Assassins for neighbours Nearly 40 years since his articles coined the phrase ‘the Costa del Crime’, it is not surprising we’re STILL living in a gangster’s paradise, writes author and journalist David Baird (right)
H
that there was no way they could strong, respected newspaper) be extradited from Spain to the detailing a crime wave along the UK following the collapse, in coast. The article was headlined 1978, of a long-standing agree- ‘The Costa del Crime’ and the ment between the two countries. name stuck. A logo of a shifty guy This extraordinary extradition in a black hat by a palm tree beloophole was not closed until came almost seminal. 1985. Although the report was totally So Brits on the run began buy- factual the coast’s tourism bossing properties on es were furithe Costas in the ous, accusing late 1970s and me of saboThe coast’s early 80s, flaunting tage. Howevtheir ill-gotten gains er, since then tourism bosses and frequenting the number of the top night spots. were furious, shady individHitmen, conmen enjoying accusing me of uals and bank-robbers the good life in rubbed shoulders our midst has sabotage with aristocrats and multiplied. bullfighters. Among the They were soon more notorimaking second fortunes being ous residents was Ronnie Knight, conveniently close to the vast once married to Carry On star plantations of marijuana - which Barbara Windsor. He was wanted was getting increasingly fashion- for his part in the 1983 theft of £6 able - across the pond in Moroc- million from the Security Express co. headquarters in Shoreditch, east In the early 1980s I filed a report London. to the Sunday Express (then a I ran him to earth along with Sue
ERE’S a question you don’t often ask yourself: how many murderers have I known in my lifetime? The answer is - almost certainly more than you imagine. No matter how tranquil and law-abiding you are, you are likely to have come into contact with somebody who has committed a fatal crime and got away with it - by sheer luck, thanks to a cleverly faked accident, or whatever. And, if you live on Spain’s Mediterranean coast, the odds you have been elbow to elbow with a most wanted criminal are even greater. Not for nothing has the region been dubbed the ‘Costa del Crime’, a tag that originated in the early 1980s. Until then, the coast was mostly famed for the antics of international jetsetters, from Prince Alfonso Hohenlohe, founder of the Marbella Club hotel, and millionaire arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi to film star Stewart Granger and society hostess Gunilla Von Bismarck. But then more sinister sun-seekers arrived: Underworld figures learned
Organised crime was shocking a decade ago. But, warn the authors of Costa Nostra, it’s nothing compared to the drugs cartels’ vice-like grip today BREXIT could threaten attempts to bring the drug trade under control along the Costa del Sol warn journalist and author Miguel Diaz and IU politician Antonio Romero. It comes a decade after their book, Costa Nostra: The mafias on the Costa del Sol, sent shockwaves through Spain and threatened its essential tourism trade. The authors say the same problems with criminal organisations still exist, but ‘with even more intensity. “The political context today is about less cooperation,” says Diaz. “The UK is key (in helping tackle the mafias) and Brexit keeps Europe from having common legislation.” This comes after John Sawers, the ex-chief of the UK’s foreign intelligence service, said Britain’s security depended ‘heavily’ on the security of Europe and he hoped relations between the EU and Britain would not completely collapse after Brexit. Diaz and Romero believe the growth of mafia activity is to do with social impoverishment, and unemployment. Thousands of people in drug
Haylock, his girlfriend, in their luxury home in the hills behind Fuengirola, but they (not so politely) declined to be interviewed. When Ron and Sue married, in typically flashy style at a Costa restaurant, an army of expat crooks turned up in force, brazenly flaunting their wealth and contempt for the law. But Ronnie’s cash dwindled and he and Sue ended up running a Fuengirola bar, attracting thrill-seeking British tourists. Eventually Ronnie was forced to return to the UK to face the music. So too was Freddy Foreman, a fearsome hitman and friend of the notorious gangsters, the Kray brothers. He loved the Costa, remarking recently: “Sun and sangria and birds. I would still be there if I could!” Meanwhile, along the coast in Almería, known as the home of spaghetti Westerns, another arch-criminal once ruled the roost. On the surface Juan Asensio Rodríguez, a chunky, balding
COSTA mafia to the duo, due to some authorities and institutions looking the other way.This has been seen at Algeciras port, where 30% of drug profits are said to be spent bribing dock workers, customs agents and police officers.
trafficking hotspots like La Linea, on the Gibraltar border, are employed by gangs, often throwing stones and attacking police during chases of suspects. “There are lawyers and financial advisers who create companies to launder the ill-gotten cash,” the pair said.“A network of professionals collaborate with the mafias because they generate wealth in the short term.”
There are around 120 organised groups along the coast, according to the Ministry of Interior.“. “Officials previously denied the mafias saying they were isolated events, but now they admit it’s a well-installed phenomenon.” The gangs
Bribing
The crisis has also been allowed to fester, according
Timeline of the crimes
Jan. 21
2019
Popular businessman Marco Yaqout shot to death while driving his Bentley home in Marbella
Body of French man, 23, found dumped in Guadalhorce industrial estate after being shot 10 times
Mar.17
2019
Young man of Moroccan origin shot in his leg in Benalmadena as a suspected warning from a rival drug gang
April 1
2019
May.27
2019
come from an increasing internationalised scene and are either collaborating or clashing, with Dutch and Italians taking over, alongside British and Irish. “There is growing cooperation between the gangs,” continued Diaz and Romero, “who share the work in the criminal chain.“There are very specialised individuals who weave alliances between groups.“They outsource work - criminals come in, do the job, and leave.“ The renewed focus comes after one of the most wanted in Europe was arrested while
The body of a man is found dumped on the side of the A-7 between Marbella and Mijas showing signs of violence
Sep.17
2019
Oct.27
2019
Bulgarian man British father and son found dumped disappear from Costa in a ditch near del Sol and have STILL Marbella and not been found. Daniel and Liam Poole, 46 and Istan, just hours 22, are feared dead from after being shot three times a drug deal ‘gone wrong’
Dutchman shot dead outside property in Marbella before killers made off in his car Nov.15
2019
Frenchman, 60, executed with series of shots outside restaurant in Cabopino, by two masked hitmen
Nov.21
2019
Dec. 5
2019
Briton Peter Williamson, 39, killed outside his property in Mijas. Police believe the murder was drug-related
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FEATURE
December 19th - January 8th 2020
7
EXPOSES: David’s stories in the early 1980s, the front page interviews with Ronny Knight (below) businessman, was a pillar of society, controlling all 12 Almería cinemas. But by night he inhabited a sleazy netherworld frequented by prostitutes and men with criminal records; a world of bleak, garishly-lit establishments with obliging hostesses which cropped up like mushrooms along the main highway. Many a ‘chorizo’ (petty criminal) had his bail paid by Asensio, who then put them on his payroll. They bore nicknames like Rambo and El Loco. And those who fell out with him suffered nasty sometimes fatal - accidents. Asensio’s estranged wife was killed outside Almeria’s Imperial Cinema. Apparently a corpulent man in a black leather jacket shot her several times, finishing her off on the ground. No witness could be found. Joaquín Abad, editor of the Crónica, an Almería paper, campaigned against Asensio. He told me several attempts had been made on his life and then I understood why his office was protected by bullet-proof glass, Almería’s astonishing period of
lawlessness was ended when campaigning Judge Balthasar Garzón, scourge of drug-traffickers and organised crime, dispatched a squad of Civil Guards from Madrid to tackle him head on, deliberately not advising the local authorities. Asensio was released after eight years in jail, but in 2004 he was executed gangland style, leaving his family to squabble over his €100 million fortune. Another Costa execution occurred in 1990 when Charlie Wilson, a key player in 1963’s Great Train Robbery, discovered there is no hiding place when you fall out
with fellow criminals. A blond man on a yellow bicycle turned up outside his house near Marbella. He shot Wilson, who was preparing a barbecue to celebrate his marriage, and made his escape. In 2008 Judge Garzón turned his attention to the Costa del Sol, launching Operación Troika, a huge operation against money-laundering mafia gangs along the coast. Some 400 police made 30 si-
strONGhold celebrating his birthday in Puerto Banus some weeks ago. Whilst the infamous Marbella-Fuengirola-Estepona triangle has been hotter than ever, the action is spreading to Mijas.“The Algerian mafias operate in El Zoco,” the experts revealed. “There is little suspicion raised around there.”
Bombs
There have been six shootings, including the death of a British man, Peter Williamson, who was shot to death by a man ‘of Arab origin’ in Mijas, as well as a Frenchman, who was executed in the car park of a Cabopino restaurant. “A man was also shot in
Nagueles, Marbella while taking his boy to school and we have seen bombs and arson attacks by Dutch mafias in the infamous triangle recently,” added Romero. Asked how to tackle the problem, the pair said an increase in specialised police would be ‘a start’
multaneous raids. Arrests were made in Almuñécar, Nerja, Frigiliana, Marbella, Estepona and San Pedro, with a further 10 detentions in other provinces. Near my village, police swooped on a luxury residence. The Russian owner kept a low profile, posing as a respectable expatriate. But his mansion did have some special features, such as unusually high walls and the presence of a security guard. One of my friend’s daughters was well-paid for looking after his children and taking them to school. Treated as one of the family, she even went to Moscow on holiday with them. An innocent abroad indeed. Then, abruptly, the picture changed. The discreet neighbour proved to be Alexander Malyshev (left), a notorious gang leader, accused of several killings. He was arrested and taken to Madrid to await trial, along with his wife Olga and my acquaintance, the children’s maid. It turned out that Malyshev had been jailed on at least three occasions in Russia on murder
charges and illicit possession of arms. He led one of several Disturbingly Judge Garzon, who competing mafia groups involved brought many criminals, includin heroin smuggling in St. Peters- ing Chile’s President Pinochet, to burg in the 1990s, when Vladimir book, was banned from practising when his enemies in the judiPutin was deputy mayor. After several attempts on his life cial system organised his removal from office. Malyshev had That’s good news sought a safe reffor the internauge and moved Sleeping with tional cohort of to Spain where criminals who (according to The an axe and a have moved to Guardian) his machete under the Costa, and group allegedly laundered more his pillow to fend their arrival has not stopped. than US$62 milMost recently, lion through real off rivals Dutch and Irish estate. gangsters have A huge invesbeen settling tigation was launched but Operación Troika accounts in public fashion as a collapsed in October 2018, when warning to their enemies. These no case could be proved against mobsters of various nationalthe 17 accused, consisting of ities don’t have much faith in seven Russians, five Spaniards, the Spanish authorities’ ability two Ukrainians, a German, an Es- to protect them. When a leading tonian and a Lithuanian. By then Russian mafioso was arrested in Malyshev, surprisingly let out on Mijas in 2017, he was sleeping with an axe and a machete under bail, had fled Spain for Russia. his pillow to fend off murderous rivals. Meanwhile, my one-time neighbour Alexander Malyshev is back in St. Petersburg with partner Olga, where with two sons they run several successful businesses. Local publications have noted: ‘The godfather of the 90s has returned’. David Baird has been reporting from Spain since the 1970s. His books include Between Two Fires, an account of the guerrilla war in southern Spain in the 1940s and Sunny Side Up, how the 21st century hit an Andalusian village. Published by MaroEXECUTION: Of Frenchman in Cabopino just weeks ago ma Press (www.maromapress. wordpress.com)
8
what’s on January 1
s n a l l -
EVERY year the Lancashire Bruja in Javea organises a New Year swim to raise money for charity, this year for expat Luke Thomas as he recovers from an accident this year. Lancashire Bruja, Javea (meet) 12pm
a f s .
December 2629
l d h -
a n t c e n ,
p l
LA CULTURA There’s room at this inn
December 19th - January 8th 2020
The Margallons al Festival Sons d’Hivern series of concerts featuring music from around the world. Pego 7-8pm
December 28 Guided walk through Alicante, covering its colourful history and surprising characters. Reserve a place via contact@turiguiasalicante. com. 7-9pm
January 1 Every year the Lancashire Bruja in Javea organises a New Year swim to raise money for charity, this year for expat Luke Thomas as he recovers from an accident this year. Lancashire Bruja, Javea (meet) 12pm
O
n a Friday night in the run up to Christmas, Chueca is throbbing with a young hip crowd that pack its many bars and restaurants. One of the first districts in Madrid to be gentrified, Chueca is now synonymous with smart and trendy, which is why you can’t help but feel surprised by the altogether different crowd hanging out under a large star half way up Calle Hortaleza. “Look!”, says one passerby. “There’s that futuristic church!” The crowd gathered here does not consist of aliens, though they are used to being considered as such. Rather they are a mix of Spanish and immigrants who have rocked up to San Anton because they have nothing to eat and nowhere to sleep and they have heard that it is the one church in Madrid that is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. ‘There’s no room, there’s no room” says Padre Angel, the man behind the open doors initiative. “That’s what everyone says nowadays just as they did to a certain family in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago. The doors of the churches should be open in times of snow and cold, but also the doors of palaces and senate - the palaces where the politicians work.’ The founder of Messengers of Peace, an NGO set up in 1962 that works with underprivileged children, immigrants and drug addicts, Padre Angel had to fight with the upper echelons of the Church to keep his doors open 24/7, “My idea has always been to have a church where people can go to pray at any time. But
Rebel priest shocks Catholic traditionalists by opening his church to the homeless
those who came were people who were cold and sleeping rough. Well, God bless them, it’s here for everyone” says the 82-yearold who has since collaborated in similar initiatives in Barcelona and Mexico and now in the centre of Rome where the Church of the Holy Stigmata of St Francis has been an around the clock sanctuary since December 9. Is it a trend that will catch on? Padre Angel laughs at the suggestion. “I’ll be lucky if they don’t close this one down,” he says referring to San Anton.
Solidarity
Inside the church, the back pews are stacked with shabby bags overflowing with belongings of people clearly in need of a safe haven. Some sleep sitting up, others lying out on a pew and more stare towards the altar where Padre Angel stands giving mass. There is WiFi in one corner, toilets in another, a place to have a cup of coffee and facilities to change nappies. Such is San Anton’s reputation, people come to take a look, and there have been those within the church - cardinals and bishops - who have popped in to make sure no black magic is being performed, according to Padre Angel. “In social issues, you have to be humble but you also have to be a rebel. You can’t conform,” he says. The only magic here is that the church is being used to carry out the fundamental Christian message. It’s a message that, with the rise of Vox and the extreme right, seems to be increasingly unfashionable. But Padre Angel, who was awarded this year’s Beato de Liebana prize by the Cantabrian government for nurturing harmonious coexistence and international cooperation, is determinedly upbeat on the subject.
“There has never been so much nancial assistance for an orphansolidarity,’’ he tells me. “I remem- age in Asturias. To his surprise, ber as a child when Andalucians the dictator agreed to donate came to Asturias to find work, but subsequently sent the trifling they were insulted. That would sum of 2,000 pesetas - equivanever happen now. But at times, lent to 12 euros. His response? instead of concern for people “What was I meant to do with who are different, there’s precau- that?” An attempt to send it back was discouraged tion. We are cauby the governor tious about doing of Asturias who too much for The church is predicted dire immigrants, careconsequences ful not to open being used for them both, so our borders too to carry out he had it framed wide. Instead of instead. He is seeing how many the Christian outspoken on we can take, our the lack of politimessage politicians try to cal action on the see how few we refugee situation can get away with. Its shameful. If they come to my which is currently unfolding outcountry it’s a blessing. It means side the doors of Samur Social in Madrid, the municipality’s social I’m doing something right. In 1972, he famously ap- services. “The politicians try to proached General Franco for fi- make it society’s responsibility to sort it out. Instead of feeling ashamed that local people are providing the food and blankets they encourage it. It’s like keeping the streets clean, we are paying for these things.” Naturally Padre Angels boldness get himself into trouble on occasion. Besides his open door policy for his church, he has been ciritcised for mingling with celebrities and giving ho-
mosexual couples his blessing. “I don’t like being criticised,” he tells me. “I’m not a masochist. But at times I understand my critics.” San Anton initially provided breakfast for the socially excluded but when people started turning up for dinner as well, Padre Angel and his Messengers of Peace opened the Robin Hood chain of restaurants in Madrid and Toledo which allow the homeless to dine with dignity every evening from 7-8pm, meals that are funded by paying customers at other times. And this Christmas Eve there will be a dinner for around 200 sleeping rough hosted by Padre Angel and attended by Madrid Mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida. “We do it every year,’’ he says. “We have held it in the Circulo de Bellas Artes and the Prado museum. We’ve asked to do it in the Senate this time and they’ve agreed. The purpose of the event is to make people aware that the poor have as much right to be waited on as the King and other rich people - to dine with dignity.” As part of the Christmas mass given at the dinner, Padre Angel wants to flag up the “No room at the Inn’ issue and the ease with which we turn immigrants away. “We fear differences because we are not very adventurous,” he says. “People like their comfort zone, they like certainty. We need revolutionaries, people to stir things up.” And Padre Angel intends to keep doing just that.
LA CULTURA
Dun Roman
9
December 19th - January 8th 2020
what’s on
POLICE have seized a trio of Roman jugs an expat tried to flog online. Guardia Civil confiscated the ancient amphoras, used for transporting oil and wine, from a Russian man living on the Costa Brava. The 46-year-old resident of Lloret de Mar had been trying to sell the historical artefacts for €2000 a piece online. Officers working as part of Operation Pandora IV, which targets the illegal sale of cultural objects, seized the items.
Javea
FROM December 2031, Javea will hold its Christmas celebrations. Look out for Santa Claus from 11-1.30 on the Promenade on Saturday, December 21, and the street market from 11-2 on the Paseo Maritimo on Saturday and Sunday, December 28-29.
Guiri gong By Joshua Parfitt
A BRITISH tourist, an American expat and a boat load of illegal migrants. These are the key ingredients for one of the hottest foreign films ever up for a Spanish film award. With its backdrop of barbecues, fine wine and boat trips, it is the perfect setting for a classic summer sojourn. But Foreigner - filmed in Cala de Moraig in Benitachell, Alicante, and Cadiz - has
From November 30 until January 5, Benidorm is throwing a huge Christmas party. Look out for the bouncy castles in the Plaza de la Navidad, theatre shows for kids, and the Cabalgata for the Three Kings on January 5.
English-language film, Foreigner, tipped to win prestigious Spanish film award been nominated for ‘best short film’ at this year’s prestigious Goya awards. One of four films up for the gong, it seeks to unite the experiences of the characters, who come across a boatload of migrants in life-or-death circumstances. “I think the nice thing Foreigner
Bickering bishops
A SPANISH bishop has won a court case against a Catalan bishop, demanding the return of 111 pieces of religious art. A court ruled that the Diocese of Lleida in Catalunya must immediately return the artefacts to 43 parishes which lie within Aragon’s Diocese of Barbastro-Monzon. Judge Carlos Lobon said: “The assets are property of each of the parishes they come from and must be returned immediately.” The 111 pieces of art (including the one above) are currently split between the Diocese of Lleida and the Museum of Lleida. The ruling comes after a decade spanning legal battle between the two dioceses, which
Benidorm
began in 1998. It has taken the judges months to sift through 25,000 pages of documents spread over 36 volumes, in order to reach a decision on the case.
Happy 106th
SHE’S had 106 Christmases. Happy birthday Rosa Maria Schaller, who was born in Germany and now lives in Javea. The expat of 23 years celebrated with 106th with her family and the town mayor.
aims to show is that no matter who you are, you will perceived as foreign in a particular environment; whether that be due to nationality, sex or sexual preference,” lead actor Josh Taylor told the Olive Press in an exclusive interview. “Ultimately, it’s a story of people trying to survive in the circumstances they fall into.” Taylor added the film crew jetted from from Cadiz to Benitachell as the water was ‘warmer’ and it was ‘easier to film in the light of the full moon’. The shocking midnight scene unravels as Mark (played by Taylor) goes out with an old friend on his speedboat into the shimmering Med. But a strong current sees Mark drift into mortal danger, until he is rescued in the pitch black by the anxious immigrants, who include pregnant women on board. The short film ends with an innovative scene shot from a beachgoers’ phone as the migrants sprint through sunbathers and into, as is often the case, newspaper headlines. Foreigner has so far won ‘Best International Short Film’ in the prestigious Bogota film festival, as well as winning three awards at the Spanish annual Cortogenia short film festival.
Denia FROM December 6 until January 3, Denia has an extensive programme for its Christmas residents and visitors. Look out for the lighting of he Christmas tree on December 22, and the New Year’s celebration from 11pm until 4am on the Calle Marques de Campo. PORTRAIT: Goya’s man and boy and (inset) Irons
Goya wouldn’t have fingered me! VELAZQUEZ would have been too ‘superficial’ , while El Greco would have accentuated his fingers too much. For Jeremy Irons, Francisco Goya would have been the ideal Spanish master to encapsulate him. The Hollywood actor revealed his passion to have sat for Goya, best known for his satirical engravings and black masterpieces. He was talking to promote a new documentary he presents about Madrid’s Museo del Prado, which houses
works by Spain’s greatest pre-20th century artists dozens by Goya. “Velázquez might have done a superficial portrait. El Greco, with those elongated figures, I’m afraid I wouldn’t have gotten my best profile, so I’m staying with Goya,” said the Oscar winning actor. He added that he was ‘delighted’ to get the opportunity to return to Madrid to present the documentary, Painters and Kings of the Prado.
December 22 10km hike covering the Barranco del Mascarat, the stunning Castellet de Calp and the Morro del Toix mountain. Message +34 606735971 to register. Calpe-Altea 9.30am
December 28 GUIDED walk through Alicante, covering its colourful history and surprising characters. Reserve a place via contact@ turiguiasalicante. com. 7-9pm
10
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Like Scotland, Gibraltar might avoid ‘trap’ of joining an EU trade deal
FABIAN Picardo has insisted braltar can ‘walk away from any GiEXCLUSIVE bad deal’ signed with Europe. By John Culatto The Chief Minister added that enclave was ‘ready’ to swerve the for Gibraltar. agreement that was bad for the any “No deal with the EU may be better ritory, which voted by 96% to stayter- than a bad deal.” in Picardo referred the EU. to those who are It comes after Johnson’s landslide ‘foolishly wringing their hands with glee at talk of vetoes’. victory at the UK elections that left the Tories with a sufficient majority to leave the European Union on JanHistoric uary 31. It comes after Marco Aguiriano, However, Picardo revealed that Gi- Spanish Secretary of state for the braltar has the option of not signing EU, the Future Trade Agreement (FTA) Spainsaid that ‘it is very clear’ that would have the final word on with the EU. Gibraltar He told Parliament definitively that Aguirianoin the FTA. said that despite trying to the FTA ‘may not include anything ‘consolidate the prosperity with the of interest to us’ on the benefit side, Gibraltar while ‘many obligations’ on the neg- holding Campo,’ he would not be back ‘on the historic reinative side. forcement on the claim to Gibraltar’. This would be the case even if Picardo FTA included the possibility of the know continued: “I think we all nancial services privileges for fi- ally that EU member states generGihave a veto over the internationbraltar companies to passport into al agreements that the EU enters the EU. into “We will need to be involved from He with third countries.” added that they would have to be the beginning but ready to walk careful not to be provoked over the away in the end if the balance following months. STRENGTH: Gibraltar is looking rights and obligations is bad for of “We elsewhere in face of Brexit will always want to have strong braltar businesses,” said Picardo. Gi- relations with the EU, our closest needs to understand that we are right for a commercial “We must hold our nerve and never going to compromise on matadvantage.” be neighbour. He said that the Gibraltar commuready to walk away from a bad deal “But everyone beyond Gibraltar ters of sovereignty,” he added. “We are never going to sell our birth- nity had to “consider carefully what part of any future UK – EU Free Trade Agreement’ they want for Gibraltar. He added that Johnson had confirmed his ‘continued and entirely fulsome support for Gibraltar’ in GIBRALTAR is pushing for new a fi- tengo, Senior Executive of phone call since his victory. nancial services work with the secthe Min“Although it was not our choice, and istry of Financial Services told ond largest economy in the world. the we continue to see the challenges Olive Press. As the territory decides to leave it presents, we will leave the EU with European Union on January 31 a the Both Astengo and Minister for Firethe United nancial Kingdom,” said Picardo. Services Albert Isola took cent visit to China is being seen as Despite the blow to the territory’s stepping stone to greater things. a the stage at the Free Trade Port Ininterests, thanks to the work of ternational Cooperation Forum “This is a very big development the be- Digital Economy and Blockchain on Gibraltar Government, the Withcause China makes up about a fifth drawal “The Agreement forum was held following on will now apply of the world’s population,” Paul As- from the announcement by Gibraltar when it leaves the EU to the Chion January 31. nese government “This means that we will enjoy that it was going the benefit of the transitional arrangeto adopt blockments applying to Gibraltar also,” chain at creating he told Parliament. their own which At one point, there were reports that is a very big de- Mike Ashton is providing informa- this would not be the case because velopment,” As- tion on insurance of Spanish pressure. services. tengo revealed. UK BASED “It has proved With Joe Bossa- companies to attractive to Chinese no working on in terms of see what we’re doing been doing that they invited us to other aspects of said Astengo.our licensing regime,” a closed-shop event limited to 500 people.” Chinese trade, “It’s a recognition of the work we’ve He said Brexit would lead to more links being established with other for Spanish countries and China was one of the residents priorities. “There are now more Chinese peowww.globelink.co.uk ple living in Gibraltar than there ever were in the past, a lot related to See page 19 the types of businesses we’re developing,” he concluded. 96 626 5000 “These are the small seeds that we +44 (0) 1353 699082 hope will grow into something more substantial.”
New pledge from Gibraltar’s Extinction Rebellion
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UNRULY: Magaluf clubbers subject to Government ban on rowdy tourists
Hotels and bars in Mallorca’s top tourist destinations to be handed eye watering fines and shut down in NEW crackdown on boozy Brits
pact. “I’ve never heard of them,” said beat to patrol pedestrian areas during the owner of JJ’s Sports Lounge in the summer season. An Irish barman Calvia. He added that he would catch By Gillian Keller and Robert ALL inclusive holidays at party Firth at popular Magaluf drinking hole Zep- up on the new measures when he rehotspots will be banned under tough pelin’s Live Music Bar said he hadn’t new measures to tackle troublesome from holidaying in Tenerife. the new laws, but said he turned tourists being debated by politicians. be forced to close during high season heard of The fresh crackdown on troublesome was concerned police might try and visitors comes as Mallorca tries to reThe new rules would see balcony throughout June, July and August. laws to impose jumping tourists sent packing back Hotels will also be targeted as part of misinterpret the new invent itself as a leading tourist destithe collapse of Britsh to their home countries immediately the drive and could face hefty fines if harsher fines. it’s not the music nation following and impose draconian fines on busi- they fail to swiftly kick out disruptive “They never stop. If with, it’s some- tour operator Thomas Cook. The nesses found to be selling alcohol out- guests. The sanctions drive marks a they’ve got a problem Olive Press. Balearic Isle was disproportionately he told the buisness’s failure in side of licensed hours. departure from the harm prevention thing else,” sell alcohol after affected by the The zero tolerance approach to badly measures that have previously been He added: “If you fined. As long as September. 1.2 million of the 16 milwho visited Malbehaved tourists will target destina- favoured by the Mallorcan govern- hours you should get drinking up lion holidaymakers with Thomas tions popular with British holiday- ment, such as makeshift first aid units the police don’t confuse People get half lorca in 2018 travelled makers, including stag do favourite on popular bar strips. Residents of time with after hours.It’s a problem if Cook. The tough new rules are expectSant up. and drink de to Palma Playa hour de an Magaluf, Playa Magaluf, tourist hotspots like ed to be approved next January and then.” Antoni have previous- the police start coming in Olive Press come into force for the 2020 season. Antoni. Under the new measures, the be Palma and Sant bars selling booze after hours could to ly criticised politicians for gimmick Most other bar owners of them and Opinion Page 6 contacted had no heard slapped with crushing fines of up responses to problem holidaymakers, potential imtheir by the unfazed on euros. of seemed bobbies thousands British tens of such as getting Offending establishments may also
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on record. T will go down as the hottest decade on land and With temperatures soaring, botha major issue sea, global warming has become for the world. above the average With temperatures about 1.1C has been spreadfrom 2010 to 2019, desertification Spain. ing, in particular, through southernand Almeria are The provinces of Granada, Malagalarge parts of Vain serious risk, while Murcia and conditions. lencia are also at risk of semi-desert the world was anThe ‘exceptional’ heat around Organization nounced by the World Meteorological Thunberg (pic(WMO), as climate activist Gretaen route for a key tured) arrived in Portugal by boat week. climate summit in Madrid this a donkey ride from The Swede snubbed an offer ofpreferring the modLisbon to the Spanish capital, ern comforts of the train. climate activist It would have taken the teenage Madrid on donkey more than five days to reach have missed half back, by which time she would the capital for two the summit. She is set to stay in this Friweeks, taking part in a huge demonstration day. the 1.5C warming Temperature rises are close to weather and that scientists insist will cause extreme many places. Other the loss of vital ecosystems in heatwaves and impacts include severe droughts, over the seas there floods across all continents, and have also been heatwaves. this year will be that show WMO The findings by the the second or third warmest records since began.
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Vol. 13 Issue 333 www.theolivepress.es December 18th - January 7th 2020
Festive fears for British expats after Boris victory slides UK ever-neare landslide r Brexit...
BRITISH expats are in turmoil about their futures in Spain, following Boris Johnson’s huge election victory. Healthcare, pensions and the fate the pound will keep expats awake of at night this Christmas, now that Johnson has promised to ‘get Brexit done’ by the end of January. With the overwhelming majority of
By Karen Livermore and Robert Firth
expats voting to remain, there are to be many uncomfortable and set unsettling periods ahead. “People are disappointed with the way this has panned out and are feeling very uneasy,” said British coun-
...but there are plenty of reasons
There’s so much to read in this bumper Olive Press special festive edition
cillor in Mijas Bill Anderson. “I am hearing many concerns and confusion over what will now happen, particularly from constituents who are retired,” added the respected Olive Press columnist. “They are worried about their pensions and whether they will be index-linked. They are worried about
to be cheerful...
On the slopes with the pros in snowy Granada Page 17
health cover and of course how Brexit will affect the pound, which in turn will affect the amount of income they have to live on.” He continued: “In five or 10 years time expats are scared they won’t be able to afford to continue living here.” He added that many people are now considering returning to the UK, because - above all - they fear they won’t be able to afford healthcare. A quarter of a million Britons officially live in Spain, making it the most popular European destination for British people living abroad. Many more live here unofficially or for half the year. However, expats on the mainland still lack clarity over healthcare, pensions and rights of family when the UK finally leaves.
Suicide
Tracing the origins of the Costa del Crime
Page 6-7
Home cooking with the biscuitbaking nuns
Page 38
* O f f e r
v a l i d
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Anne Hernandez of Brexpats in Spain, which promotes the rights of British expats in Spain, said the confusion is causing many residents distress, leading to some even contemplating suicide. “It is putting people under incredible pressure. Some have said; ‘I so suicidal,’ particularly some of am elderly,” she told the Olive Press. the She added she was ‘bitterly disappointed’ with the result of the election, which put an end to all calls for a second referendum. Now Johnson has a majority, MPs are expected to start the process of passing the EU withdrawal bill through parliament on Friday, with Johnson promising a Brexit ‘Christmas gift’ to voters. Christine Rowlands, chair of Conservatives Abroad on the Costa del offered up a more optimistic viewSol, of the future, at least. Despite being a ‘staunch remainer,’ she told the Olive Press she was glad the election result meant Brexit would ‘finally be over’. “The reaction has been good from both sides,” she said. “My members just want the job done.” She added the party was now ‘passionate’ to overturn the 15-year voting rule for expats who have lived abroad that long. “It's ridiculous that in my position here I cannot vote either. It would be the icing on the cake if this happened.” Opinion Page 6
Tel: 952 147 834
952 147 834 TheOlivePress-256x170-HOME02.indd
Readers react to the free pass for Brexit after Boris Johnson led the Tories to the biggest election landslide since Thatcher (Online December 13)
See pages 5 & 45
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1
LEAVERS: Trio of Brits in Spain
Boar off I came face to face with a huge wild boar and three piglets as I came out of our back gate d just last Thursday. Get educate
than 10 feet I froze for a moment as I was no more Moore sees the EU, essentially, as a political Rose away. The in the pg 7). 325, Issue andssproud, move hip (Leave every dictators g its watchin motionle As i stood states, sovereign 28 are There . gave me opposite even the is never reality boar the that realised I s, darknes UK, which voluntarily chose to become thelook. including a second wouldoff the UKeyes that themy believes taking Steve Dunne associate past without I slowlyd.walked going atoflinch. I’m not Not on WTO without betterand fair rooting onso. carried it justterms. animal and when chapter quoting page by letters s later moment weigh a few still there were boarsyour The down the into looks Steve that nd recomme I but verse, shop. I returned from the Trumpa quick That took knows. that he industry anymore now and specifics t by confiden little I felt a of trade deal with an EU-free UK should get avideo. trying toand ispicture Trump’s know: want toeven above the you all headsdeals you their trade tell lifted never animals The speaks for Mahler Brent Finally, labels. US-first have floor. force due EU armed citizens of UK poor quality number a The a very of an are of videowary and picture closer an ever and s. union. However, these are ideas darknes to the am not EU policy. by specific s nearI Torrenue floated de Miraflore is Angeland tion people My urbanisa years of pro40-plus insidious the at worried more va. h, same Mail,allTelegrap thethey the EEC/EU said the paganda and people by to several I spokeagainst did What apparen Sun.there The and tof course, Times Express, are there animals theand, thing, that was so anhe why asked was he when say Murdoch them. of families ly three go into of: “When the lines g along and they in the Iarea ti-EU? anyone harmed have never TheySomethin when I go to the EU.” The do awhat they on No. basis. dailyI say: are10seen appointm for anwithout ask time to the hadall much as soent! is that implicati them by he Peopleonpass glance. a second Martin Lovatt, La Cala de Mijas
Voter apathy
Fleeting moment I met the guy like seven or eight years ago in San Pedro (Doggone, Issue 332, pg 1). He was honest about the fact that they were not real driving licenses, but said you could ‘try your luck with the inland Guardia, the ones on the coast might know’, etc etc. At €500 a pop for it, he must have made a fortune. If I recall correctly, he paid for my coffee. Alex Brown, Marbella
Are these the British expats that couldn’t be bothered to vote. In my, albeit very small, group of expat work colleagues, five out of five couldn’t be bothered to vote. Jenni Johnston, Malaga
Years in the making
Broken system
How did they get away with it for so long (Reptiles, Issue 332, pg 6-7)? It’s incredible! Whole streets, whole villages, town halls etc. knew about it for years but nobody thought, ‘this can’t go on’. It’s only thanks to the Judge that this has come to justice, which has taken years because in Spanish democracy you’re not guilty until proven, even though the evidence is screaming at us. Ingrid Telford, Mijas
The results are due to the voting system, they are not what people really want. If there was a proportional voting system, the outcome of this election would be different. Zuzanna Marecka, Gibraltar
15-year rule
I’m an expat in Spain whose vote, like many, was taken away by my own government! Actually I would have voted Brexit because I think it is best for UK. There is no reason on earth why Brits will not be able to work or retire here if they wish, just as they could before the EU was in existence. Pauline Laverick, Torrevieja
No crib for a bed
Both as bad as each other
If Diane Abbott and Jeremy Corbyn were the alternative, then I guess I have nothing to say. This is like shooting oneself in the foot instead of shooting your other foot. Brian Alexander, Marbella
Future at risk
If the immigration point system is introduced there will be consequences for future migration from the UK worldwide. Bob Ludgate, Norfolk
The In 1978 there were no decorations and Christmas day lasted just that (IF YOU KNOW YOUR CUSTOMS: Today’s the day for getting your Christmas tree up in Spain, online, December 9). Later on when we got Corte Ingles they sold nativity scenes, but every Jesus got stolen from the crib. The next year the poor chap was Sellotaped down!.
Has anything piqued your interest in this week’s Olive Press? Have your say on the matter by emailing letters@ theolivepress.es or message us on at www.facebook.com/OlivePressNewspaper or Twitter @olivepress
Paul Hickling, Manilva
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All solutions are on page 31
ASierra Nevada ll about
Vol. 13 Issue 20
www.theolivepress.es
White world
+34 958 481 170 +34 675 470 669 www.alquileressierranevada.es
2019/2020
First-time skier Charlie Smith slopes off to the Sierra Nevada to discover the thrill of the chill on our doorstep
S
By Charlie Smith We step out at Borreguiles, which sits some 2,700 metres above sea level. This is the basecamp for many of the Sierra’s runs, which range from the green-coloured ‘muy facil’ pistes to those in black, labelled ‘muy dificil’. Blinded by the brilliant white sheen given off by the snow, I meet my teacher for the day, Joey, from the British Ski Center. Having only ever skied on the dry slope in Halifax, Yorkshire, Continues overleaf
photo by Telemark
ILENCE. There is not a single peep as I climb upwards through the valley to meet my maker. I poke my head out of the cable car window and the Sierra Nevada’s fresh alpine air hits my lungs. Then I hear it – a sweeping crunch down the crisp white piste, as a snowboarder whizzes past below. Another tears through, and then a third, all weaving down the mountainside at blistering speed. I’m definitely more terrified than the three Spanish guys sharing the carriage with me. We have left behind the cosy bars and restaurants in Pradollano, the main town of Andalucia’s only ski resort.
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Pascual perfect WANT to avoid all the chaos of queuing for skis and kit on arrival in the resort? Why not take a short stop at Pascual Ski on the way up? Opposite the BP garage in the village of Cenes de la Vega, just off the main road, here you will find Jose Luis Pascual, 65, who has nearly 50 years of working in the Sierra Nevada. He has a great range of new skis and boots and all the tools to repair and prepare your own skis in advance of your arrival. You can literally park right opposite the shop at the petrol station. As well as speaking perfect English he has a big number of skiing instructors available to connect you to. “I have always been one to look after the clients,” explains Jose Luis, who did his military service at the age of 19 with the so called ‘legion blanca’ in the Pyrenees. “We can do repairs that people might think are impossible and we take particularly care of the boots we rent out.” You can find it at Camino de la Vega, 23, Cenes de la Vega or call 958481048 or visit www.pascualski.com
Sierra Nevada
THROWING SHAPES: Charlie shows some classic early form after getting ‘Bambi legs’ From Page 17
Halifax’ finest
on a school trip, it’s fair to say I am out of my depth. Joey takes me over to a small conveyor belt up a very gentle incline slope, that is probably classed as ‘muy muy facil’. He puts me through my paces and after an hour of intensive training, I’ve gone from Bambi on ice to actually skiing. It’s time to hit the slopes. The pair of us hop onto the Emile Allais ski lift, named after the French alpine ski champion of the 1930s. And maybe Emile would have been proud – if not a bit bored and bemused – as I safely ‘snow ploughed’ my way to the bottom. Saying goodbye to Joey, I pop into Restaurante Borreguiles for a much-needed and reasonably-priced cafe con leche and bocadillo, while I reflecting on my newly-discovered sporting prowess. With the sun now beating down, I take my confidence – or should that be cockiness – back up the slope and prepare for my first solo run. All goes well until I cross a small but slippery patch of ice – a rarity on most of the Sierra Nevada slopes, which are generally icing sugar-soft. A €9 million cash injection for the 2019/2020 season has seen the introduction of 33 new snow cannons, which produce the same amount of snow
in half the time, meaning the environment benefits as well as the slopes. As I hurtle over the ice, desperately trying to slow myself, I clip the skis of 10-year-old boy, sending us both flying. As I look up I realise his classmates have witnessed the whole thing. But rather than giving me a dressing down, the lad’s teacher imparts some words of wisdom and encouragement.
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Old age pleasures
IDYLLIC: The Sierra Nevada puts skiers on top of the world
SURFS UP: Some daredevils ditch skis and snowboards as they ride the slopes
for a hot steam bath and soak up some me-time at one of several This friendliness is a characterising feature of the Sierra Nevada, as hotel spas. locals and tourists – from Portugal, Britain, Germany and ScandinaBut all year round, the Sierra Nevada is paradise for fresh air fiends. via – seem at peace among the tranquility of the idyllic landscape. After ‘the melt’, the resort becomes a haunt for walkers, wildlife lovGiven that my ‘victim’ and I both walk away unscathed, all in all, I ers and mountain bikers. count my first ever day’s skiing as a roaring success. Get the best views by taking advantage of the ski lifts, which in sumThe prices for all this fun in the snow are not to be sniffed at either. mer carry both people and bikes to the summit to enjoy the breathMy adult’s one-day ski pass was €50.50 (low season price, which rises taking routes back down. in high season to just over €52). Seven-day options start from just €271, while there are generous dis- Borreguiles, the resort’s imprescounts for children, elderly and disabled customers. sive ski bowl, boasts a bike park This is a bargain when you look at what the Sierra Nevada has to offer, in the hotter months. Youngwith 124 different runs for every ability, whether you’re Shaun White sters can test their strengths in or Barry White. the mini-olympiads zone or race Beginner and intermediate slopes are in abundance with 19 green against each other on the pedal runs and 41 blues – my kind of territory. car track. And for Beijing Winter Olympics hopefuls there are 50 red runs (dif- Guided dawn and dusk walks ficult) and 14 black and orange (very difficult). and a bumper running and cyThere is even more adventure for the 2019/20 season, with some 30 cling race calendar are a magevents including Snowrunning (snow mountain race), Potholes (free- net keeping the resort busy 12 style), School (alpine skiing) and Veterans (alpine skiing) competi- months of the year. tions. Back in the icy present, it’s time But perhaps the most exciting will be the Snowboardcross event, on to sample some of Pradollano’s March 6 and 7, starring legendary athletes like Lucas legendary apres Eguibar and Regino Hernandez. ski scene. It’s hard to believe that 106,8 kms of pistes and 124 runs For the perfect The bar’s walls (75% open in mid-December) lie just two hours from start, drop into sunny Marbella on sea and half an hour from Granada. include a family Bar Esqui where It truly lives up to the marketing hype as a place where affable landlord you can ski in the morning and sunbathe on the coast, photo featuring Nichu slings pina colada in hand, by the afternoon. cañas across the a fresh-faced Expert skiers treasure the snow which, particularly in counter like a springtime, is quite unlike the tightly-packed ice found King Felipe VI bartender in a in many European winter sports resorts. western saloon Some ski fans even brave the mountain descent in bikiwhile blasting nis for the last day of the season in May (la bajada en bikini), an un- punters with everything from missable occasion charged with champagne, hedonism and near-nu- Michael Jackson to 90s club dity. classics. A hearty pub grub menu Even on my trip in cold December I spotted some shoeless surfer – with quality albondigas – is on dudes, wetsuits and boards in tow. offer as you scrutinise the history “Constant improvements and an ability to produce a lot of snow are adorning the bar’s walls, includjust two of the strengths of our resort,” said Santi Sevilla, who has ing a family photo featuring a been working at Cetursa, the resort’s administrator, for eight years. fresh-faced King Felipe VI. “Add to that the arrival of the Freestyle Ski World Championship and An equally-tasty post-ski belSnowboarding here in March, and the affordability of ski passes, and ly-warmer is the lentejas, freshly you can see why it is one of the most attractive resorts in Europe. served up by Jose Carlos and his “One of my favourite new additions is the Pista del Mar in the heart team at the cosy and modestof Borreguiles. ly-priced Casablanca. “This has been created to make a fun and safe area where families and La Visera is also a great spot for beginners can enjoy the snow.” steak, while Swell, Tito Tapas Santi is far from the only skier smitten by Pradollano’s charms. and La Bodeguita are all defiOver one million people visit the resort each year. nitely worth a trip too. That is an impressive achievement considering it was only construct- For those with a bit more spended in 1964, making it a newbie in comparison to some of France’s ing money, La Muralla’s relong-established resorts like Chamonix and Courchevel. vamped menu makes that hard But there is much more to the Sierra Nevada than sliding down it on work on the slopes all worthtwo planks of wood. while. The melt-in-the-mouth You can tackle it by toboggan and snowboard, or on a snowshoe hike carrillada is a must, as is the (akin to walking with a tennis racket strapped to each foot). courgette carpaccio with fig Family-oriented Mirlo Blanco park gives kids their adrenalin fix as sauce and the peanut tart to finthey brave the star attraction, Trineo Ruso (Russian sled), which ish. And of course, nothing goes whisks riders around a several hundred metre track with tight turns down better at this time of year and a 550 metre descent. than a steaming glass of tinto de A magic carpet slide and bouncy castles can also be found in the zone, Invierno - spiced, mulled wine. along with mountains of snow for DIY fun. Salud! And if that sounds like too much action, you can always swap icy snow www.britishskicenter.co.uk
THEY have been coming to the Sierra Nevada for decades from their home in Almeria. And, best of all, retired expats (above) Martin and Brenda Carney, 72 and 70, now get their ski passes completely free of charge. “All we have to do is rent our gear and we have been using the same shop Ski Sol since we first came,” explains former UK hotelier Brenda. “We love it up here and the snow is usually excellent.” Shop boss Montse (pictured with them) explains that they have dozens of clients in their 70s, and one Norwegian in his NINETIES. “He’s been coming down here for years,” she reveals. “He is amazingly fit and I think skiing really helps him stay that way.” Many of the local business owners still ski every day, well into their sixties. They include Jose Carlos, at Bodega Casablanca, and EOE skiing school boss Jose Luis Hernandez, 64, who explains: “It’s a great sport, using almost all your muscles, your arms, your legs and your dorsals, not to mention the heart. “My brother Manolo still skis and he’s in his 80s and I intend to ski when I’m 90.” Statistically 2.7% of skiers in the Sierra Nevada are over 60 years old. Last but not least there are a lot more Asian skiers coming these days, including the group (left) from China who live in Malaga.
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Sierra Nevada
Jetting in! World champion Jet Skier David Selles has set up on the slopes
H
AVING whizzed around the world as a professional jet skier David Selles has slid onto the Sierra Nevada slopes with an exciting new business. The seven-times World Champion, from Benidorm, opened a ski shop and school in the heart of Pradolla-
HOT SEAT: David with team and (top) after winning jet ski title
no last season. Be Snow is the culmination of a three-year search for the perfect way to make a living on the slopes. “Since buying a home nearby some years ago, I haven’t stopped looking,” Selles, 48, tells the Olive Press. And when decades-old ski shop Pascual Ski, in Plaza Andalucia, came up for sale he jumped at the option. Now half a year later he has finally opened with a stylish new urban look, with a few of the former staff and with tens of thousands of euros of brand new equipment. “We’ve got 650 new pairs of skis and 800 pairs of brand new boots,” he boasts. “It is the most important thing for anyone wanting to guarantee to have fun on the slopes. “Top class skis with fantastic edges and the most comfortable boots you can find. We can promise that.” It has been an exciting couple of de-
cades for the father-of-two, whose Brazilian wife, Alyne, often helps out in the shop. After growing up in Finistratt, near Benidorm, he took up the sport of jet-skiing and won his first world championship in Crete in 1997. He then competed around the world in countries as diverse as Japan, Canada, Alaska and Chile, before winning his final championship in Marbella in 2008. It was a pretty full on two decades and, technically, he was not allowed to ski during all the time as a professional. “Contractually my sponsors would not allow it, but - of course - I couldn’t resist and came quite a few times incognito,” admits the businessman, who first skied in Candanchu at the age of eight. “Now I couldn’t be happier. This is my passion, not a business. I get to ski every day and make a living at the same time,” he concludes.
Don’t boob this one
THRILL-SEEKERS: Get their kit off every year
A COLLECTION of Sierra Nevada’s bravest and silliest thrill seekers rush down the mountain in swimsuits for the last day of the season. Next year, the V Bajada Swim, will start at Borreguiles where participants hand in their clothes to take to the slopes into Pradollano where drinks and hedonism awaits. Budding nudists also get a discounted ski pass if they sign up to the official page. However, space is limited to 500 people and prizes are given to the best and most outrageous outfits.
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December 19th - January 8th 2020
Century in the making +34 958 481 170 +34 675 470 669 www.alquileressierranevada.es
The history of Telemark - one of the Sierra Nevada’s oldest ski companies - has roots as far back as 1912 PROUD: Luis shows a off a photo of his grandfather skiing near Madrid
THEY say a photo is worth a thousand words. And the picture of Luis Casanove’s grandfather 100 years ago is certainly no exception. Taking pride of place on the wall of his company Telemark’s office in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, the grainy black and white image shows him skiing in Spain, in 1912. In the hills of the Guadarrama range, north of Madrid, he actually appears to be snowboarding at first
glance. “He is actually Telemark skiing, which was the original way, before Alpine skiing became more fashionable later in the century,” explains Luis, in faultless English. “And here we still offer Telemark as well as many other types of skiing classes.” Be it hiking, Telemarking, cross country, snowboarding or off-piste skiing, there are not many inches of the Sierra Nevada that Luis and his business partner Jesus
Timeline of a ski station • Angel Ganivet, Spanish Consul to Helsinki, gave birth to the idea of turning the Sierra Nevada into a ski resort at the end of the 19th century. He likened his Granada homeland to the ‘Finland of Andalucia’ in a local newspaper. • 1898 marked the creation of Diez Amigos Limited, a group that led skiing excursions around the area. • Thanks to their continued success, the organisation was able to create the first youth hostel in the area not long after rebranding itself Sociedad Sierra Nevada in 1912. • The main road from Granada to Sierra Nevada and a cable car were both put in place at the beginning of the 1920s, which allowed more people to discover the joys of snow-oriented fun. • The boom years of the resort began in 1964, when Centros Turísticos S.A. (CETURSA), was created, allowing its rapid development. • Sierra Nevada is the southernmost ski station in Europe and sits at the highest point in Spain. The station hosted the World Alpine Ski Championships in 1996. It has also welcomed several Alpine Ski World Cup events, with the first in 1977. In addition, it has been the main venue for the Winter Olympics. • In 2017, the Sierra Nevada hosted the FIS Snowboard and Freestyle World Championships (see poster right), a major international contest put together by the board of the International Ski Federation.
Fernandez don’t know. Going for three decades, they are well known for their famous off-piste mountain adventures that last from a morning to two days. But their school, set up in 1989, is now focusing very much on families and children. “We have realised that our knowledge and know-how is perfect for families who want the perfect personal one to one break,” continues Luis, who spends half the year in the resort and the other half in Africa. The company also runs amazing wilderness trips that literally end up in another world... the charming cobbled villages of the Genil valley, in the Alpujarras. These one or two-day adventures take you through deep off-piste snow onto narrow mountain tracks. “We try to put an emphasis on ecology and nature and it is impressive to see the typically old farmhouses in the area and how little they have changed,” adds Luis. “It is a real, fun adventure, something you will not forget. “Best of all, a team of mules ends up helping to bring your stuff back to Pradollano,” he adds.The day trip costs just €100 per person and includes transport and lunch. Another popular pastime for those who don’t fancy risking life and limb on the pistes, is to have a day of cross-country skiing on two or three well established paths around the resort. “It is great fitness and you do get to enjoy the fabulous views and nature at the same time,” he adds. The company can also help organise hard-core uphill climbing for mountaineers to a half day soft snow walking trip with snow rackets. Contact the team on telemark@telemark.es or call 958 48 11 53.
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December 19th - January 8th 2020
FLYING S
CARVE UP: Some of the sections of the superpark Sulayr
L
OCALS boast of its cream snow. So it is no wonder the Sierra Nevada is a Mecca for thrill-seeking snowboarders, who come in their droves to take advantage of a soft and sumptuous ride. For beginners and experts alike, Spain’s highest resort is a glorious setting. With its stunning scenery and top-class facilities, it was no surprise that it won the bid to host the Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships two years ago. One of the best places to catch the top riders in action is at SuperPark Sulayr, Europe’s largest freestyle snowboard park. Sitting at an altitude of 2,700 metres on Borreguiles, the famed snowboarding park houses the country’s biggest permanent half-pipe.
Measuring a height of six the side of th Rookies will sort, thanks reguiles. Here, lifts d groomed are Many profes their home a These includ their passion “It’s a fantas Spain, if not over the last
Carigüela La Carigüe La
Carigüela
Warm and friendly local in the heart of the Sierra Nevada
Urban legends
The Sierra Nevada’s treacherous nature has created a land of myth and folklore
T
O local Granada folk, the Sierra Nevada mountains are hugely important - and not only as a source of tourism and pride.
Their snow-capped peaks are the setting for many legends and urban myths. The stories, designed to help explain tragic events and natural phenomena like avalanches, have been passed down over the centuries and remain • The Mulhacen peak is 3478 metres high and is the highest classics to this point of continental Spain. day. Below are the two • There are 66 plant species and 80 animal species native to most famous. the Sierra Nevada National Park.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Sierra Nevada has been part of La Vuelta a España with the final stage of the cycling race ending there on several occasions.
• At 1200 metres it has the largest difference in gradient in any resort in Spain.
• Night skiing is held at Pradollano on weekends, weather permitting
• The Super parque Sulayr has a 165 metre Half Pipe for freestylers and snowboarders and is Europe’s largest freestyle snowboard park. • It is the most Southern ski resort in Europe and 80% of its days are sunny during season.
Fabulous fish, amazing salads and various Moroccan dishes tel: 958 480 010
Calle de la Virgin de las Nieves, 16 Edificio Edelweiss, 18196 Sierra Nevada
MONKEYING AROUND: But the Mono Careto warns against this
• Sierra Nevada ski station hosted the Alpine World Ski Championships in 1996 and the 2015 Winter Universiade, the world university games.
• The name Sierra Nevada means ‘Snowy Range’ in English
• Sierra Nevada has 107km of skiable slopes, with 115 runs (40 blue, nine black, 50 red and 16 green as well as cross-country ski trails). • The resort’s ski lifts can carry 45,555 skiers every hour.
• In case of a lack of snow, there are 353 artificial snow cannons which cover 35km of piste.
The mono careto
The literal meaning is ‘monkey face’ but the mono careto may be a magical monkey or a mystical fairy, depending on who is telling the story. The small, hairy creature is blamed for many of the ills that befall the local populace, including the ‘la malafolla granaina’, a bad mood that makes you snappy towards others. It has also been fingered for causing avalanches which have buried mountaineers, cutting climbers’ ropes and throwing rocks at visitors. The cheek critter is believed to have been created as a metaphor for how dangerous the mountains can be if you don’t treat them with respect.
The Devil’s Broom
Legend has it that there was once a wealthy lord who lived with his beautiful daughter in a remote castle in the Alpujarras, on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada. The lord planned to marry his daughter off to a fellow landowner, and kept her hidden away from the world so she could not meet anyone else. But unknown to him, she had been sneaking out of the house at night and had already fallen for a local shepherd. When the lovers learned of her father’s plans, they decided
A
ll about
STARS
Sierra Nevada The Sierra Nevada is fast becoming a natural haven for Spain’s top snowboarders
FREESTYLE: Riders catch some air
GNARLY: Snowboards are well catered for at the Sierra Nevada
an astonishing 165 metres in length with a metres, the special design flattens the snow on he half-pipe so boarders can jump on both sides. also find a place to carve their niche in the reto the gentle gradients of central station, Bor-
deposit snowboarders on a smooth and wellea where they can hone their skills. ssional snowboarders class Sierra Nevada as and a few shops specialise just in snowboarding. de South Star, where Jesus and his brother juggle n for the snow with running their own two shops. stic place for snowboarders, one of the best in t Europe,” explains Jesus. “It has grown loads t few years and we are always busy.”
to elope north through the treacherous, snowbound mountain passes, even if it meant their deaths. On his way to meet her, the shepherd bumped into the devil who offered him a broom to hide his tracks in the snow. Pursued by the rich lord, the couple fled until they reached the 3,371-metre peak of Mount Alcazaba, just a few metres short of the mighty Mulhacen (3,482m) But when they dropped the broom it began to sweep by itself, causing an avalanche and burying their pursuers. The story goes that the broom was left there forgotten, where it still sweeps, causing landslides to this day.
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December 19th - January 8th 2020
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December 19th - January 8th 2020 WHERE TO EAT
introducing...
SHIMBUYA RESTAURANT
REBEL SUSHI AND MUSIC
tel: 958 88 55 06 Virgen de las Nieves, Edifico Bulgaria (local 7), Monachil
Après scoff
There are mountains of good places to eat in the Sierra Nevada, writes Jon Clarke
IN their matching outfits and sparkly tops, there is a real sense of fun at Ci Vediamo. But the real reason to visit is the wonderful creative food of chef Stevie Silva and his team of hip, young chefs. Now in his 11th year on the slopes, this talented young chef spends his summers in Asia or south America, with girlfriend Luna, picking up new dishes to test out on his faithful clients. The pair deserve all the success they have had, opening just as the worst recession in Spain’s history kicked in. Their excellent dishes this season include a ceviche of scallops in a bloody Mary sauce and an amazing false risotto with coco-
TOP TUCKER: Olive Press editor Jon enjoys Nevada Suiss, while (right) team at Ci Vediamo
nut milk, kimchi and prawns. Also look out for the amazing uzukuri of turbot with yuzu and an amazing soft crab tempura. But let’s not forget they also have some of the best pizzas in the resort and lots of more traditional dishes to boot, not to mention a great wine list. They also have a new Japanese inspired restaurant Shimbuya, halfway up the resort, that keeps getting better and better. Staying faithful to the Japanese style of minimalism, it has electric blue tiles on the wall and lots
of plain wood and even a slot machine at the door. I particularly liked their California Roll with a king prawn, salmon and sesame seeds. Next door, keep an eye out for the excellent local Swell next door, which is a cool place to hang out, grab a burger, salad or wok and watch the football. Close by is another recently-opened restaurant, La Cariguela, run by the team behind the most popular bar in town Bar Ski, set up by Nichi two decades ago. Here you will find Nichi’s partner Fatima running a classic soul kitchen concentrating on excel-
lent quality fish and the resort’s only Moroccan dishes, including a delicious chicken tagine. This is a classic local place, warm and friendly, where service is at a premium and where you will eat some of the resort’s best food, including my personal favourite the tartare of bluefin tuna with avocado, apple, cucumber and caviar. In particular, stop to chat to Fatima’s son Mohamed, who is a livewire of information and at 22 as ambitious as anyone I’ve met in the Sierra Nevada. In the heart of the resort, few places come more traditional than Tito Luigi, where at least
Michelin trained chef Esteban Silva produces classic Italian style dishes with a modern twist
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • Monday to Saturday • 12.00-16.00 & 20.00-24.00 Plaza Andalucía, Edf. Salvia s/n • Pradollano • Tel. 958 480 856 • civediamosn@gmail.com Find Us on Google Maps with 360° degree view
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Sierra Nevada
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December 19th - January 8th 2020
FACES: At La Visera, Vertical and Tia Maria bar (below) Nichu shows off his skills at Bar Ski
KINGS OF PRADOLLANO: Javi and Luis at Tito Luigi, while (below) Fatima and Mohamed at La Cariguela two kings of Spain have eaten. Take a look on the walls and you’ll find evidence of the royal family’s many sojourns down to the golden slopes… and plenty more aside. Indeed, over the last three decades, this wonderful restaurant, run by pals Javier and Luis, has also provided dinner for bullfighters, Hollywood stars and politicians. And it’s perhaps no surprise for a joint that consistently provides for 250 covers every evening during the busy season. Specialising in good Italian fare, it serves up great pizzas, pasta dishes and my favourite squidink spaghetti with prawns. The pair have another, hipper restaurant Tito Tapas just up the road and a third more formal restaurant up the hill in the middle of the resort. Next door look out for the also well established La Muralla, run by Argentinian Gonzalo Funes, and appropriately with the best steaks in the resort, not to mention excellent wines by the glass. The melt-in-the-mouth carrillada is a must, as is the courgette carpaccio with fig sauce and the
FACES: At La Visera, Vertical and Tia Maria bar (below) Nichu shows off his skills at Bar Ski peanut tart to finish was a sure- lanueva, who grew up on the slopes, with his father opening fire winner. The ‘tostas’ are also great and one of the first hostals in the come in various guises, while I 1960s. The historic photos add to the loved the milhoja of foie gras. He and his brother Luciano also atmosphere (as does a framed run the brand new Muralla Olive Press article!) and the Burger, almost next door, which heart-warming soul food is always excellent, specialises in the and includes best quality burgstews, lentils as ers on the slopes. A cool crowd well as prawns It’s a lovely spot and you will wrapped in poand makes a tato with a soya great addition to struggle to find mayonnaise and what is easily the a seat on many lovely lamb chops most competitive with whisker-thin run of restaudays wild asparagus. rants in the Sierra Looking for Nevada. views, the recentAnd don’t forget the brothers’ other bustling ly-opened, Al Dente faces right spot Las Gondalas, right in the onto the slopes and has a suheart of the town and perfect for perb mix of Italian and Spanish some apres ski light bites, a hot dishes. My tomato, mozzarella bruschetdrink or a beer. The cool sounds playing to the ta with basil and black olives was terrace attract a cool crowd and original, while I particularly loved you will struggle to find a seat on the Saltimbocca, which is fillet steak stuffed with ham and with many days. Just up from here, look out for a rich ricotta sauce. the amazing Bodega Casa- There were some delicious ‘nisblanca run by Jose Carlos Vil- calo’ mushrooms added for ex-
tra measure. Owned by friendly Granada lawyer Antonio, his team are knowledgeable and service is crisp. He also co-owns the well established La Visera next door, along with chef Pepe, who is a very capable chef and always leading the charge in the kitchen. Another excellent place overlooking the slopes is Tia Maria, which has a good mix of dishes and is a great place for breakfast. Run by Carlos, the brother of Tito Luigi’s Javier, this is an institution and place to while away the day. Newer and really leading the charge food-wise is La Mar Sala, where Carlos has created an ambient spot, perfect for tapas and wines by the glass. This prime spot by the Melia hotel is normally filled to the rafters and counts on some excellent
wines by the glass and the very best seafood from Motril, including boquerones, cigalas and conchas finas. A genuine find. He has also just opened another place called La Mar del Bueno, which is a stylish place and promises to be a true winner this winter, with a decent, creative looking menu. For coffee, breakfast, and in fact just about everything, Vertical is hard to be beaten and also has a great range of snacks and
light bites, including hot dogs for the British clientele. Another brilliant option, particularly for great coffee and amazing pastries, is La Croissanteria, in the heart of the main square. Run by friendly Argentinians Cristian y Jessica, service is very much with a smile and there are even a couple of unusual south American chestnuts I had never tried before.
WHERE TO STAY
Snow dreams
There are hundreds of places to stay in the Sierra Nevada, but only a handful are really reliable, writes Jon Clarke IT is hard to describe Pradollano as an authentic mountain village. But, with a metre of snow on the ground and the sun finally out, it certainly has its charms. There are lots of places to stay but easily one of the most charming has got to be the authentic Hotel Kenia Nevada, which is well located near the centre of town and open most of the year. Run by the friendly Don Pedro – who used to ski for the country as a youngster - it is clean, well run and serves up one of the best breakfasts in Spain. It also has a gym and spa, with an in-house masseur, and plenty of communal areas, filled with charming old furniture. You could also go upmarket and splurge on one of the two wonderful Melia hotels, right
in the heart of the resort. The rooms at the Melia Sierra Nevada have been recently renovated and the New Premium rooms have been built on floors 7 and 8. Meanwhile the nearby Meliá Sol y Nieve hotel offers The Level experience, which is the hotel group’s most exclusive commitment to luxury and personal service. Another good budget option is the GHM Monachil, which is well located right by the slopes and has had a massive upgrade over the last couple of years and continues with the rooms now. It has an excellent breakfast buffet and a big car park, which costs just €10 a day for guests. Another popular option is to rent an apartment in the resort, of which there are many.
Be careful, of all the many deals on the likes of airbnb and booking you could be in for a shock when you arrive, being stuck out in Babylon or find the place much smaller and dirtier than it initially looked in photos. A much better option is to trust the long-time local specialists, Sierra Nevada Alquileres, which has a massive 150 apartments on its books, which start from €80 euros a night and go up to well over €1,000 if you want something really exclusive. It even has some chalets to rent to boot. The company is always busy but its boss Antonio always has time for a chat if around and will always find you a good deal. Visit www.alquileressierranevada.es) for more information.
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Sierra Nevada
It used to be a two hour bus ride from Granada and then a donkey up the slope
Going uphill slow T HE only way to get to the top of the slope was to walk... or take a friendly donkey! Indeed, until the first two ski lifts (Borreguiles and Parador) were built in 1969, this was the preferred route. The resort actually dates back to 1912 when Spain's oldest ski club, the Sierra
Nevada Society was founded. However, it was not until the 1920s – with the modernisation of Granada’s roads - that the Sierra Nevada started to become known. By the 1950s a bus used to chug its way up to the slopes, while cars would turn up in their dozens at
AVALANCHE: Of snow (below) but rarely more than a dozen cars came up in the 1960s
YOMP: Most skiers had to walk up until 1969, while (right) a donkey lift
weekends. Visitor numbers slowly grew from then and, in 1964, Cetursa, a business dedicated to reserving ski tickets, was founded. It was around then that the resort was at its most glamourous with the likes of Principe Alfons Hohenlohe, the owner the Marbella
Club hotel, regularly bringing up friends, including Sean Connery to ski. The best selection of old pictures, not just some of the vintage visitors to the resort, can be found in the charming Tito Luigi restaurant, which has been open for 30 years and counts the King as an occasional visitor. “We have had them all in here,” explains owner Javier, who heralds from Menorca. “Spain’s best footballers, bullfighters and
CHUGGING UP: An old bus takes skiers up the slopes with a bit of help from its passengers
its leading politicians... everyone loves to ski in the Sierra Nevada.” One of the longest-established workers in the resort Jose Carlos Villanueva re-
members the 1960s well. “I actually had my first communion on the slopes wearing ski boots and a jersey. I was the only one in Spain,” he explains pointing at a photo of him as a child, with his sister.He had arrived there in 1961 when his father got a job running the 'alberge' one of just three buildings in the resort back then. Living there for five years, it was no surprise that he always had a strong urge to return and at the age of 15 he became a ski teacher. Now, appropriately – after 38 years teaching and an incredible 50,000 students – Jose Carlos is running the charming bar Bodega Casablanca.
Dear Jennifer: Why do I need travel insurance and will Brexit make any difference?
A good question and I can offer you a number of answers. I started my company over 26 years ago, originally working from home and developing the business slowly. Once established, I employed staff and rented a large office in Javea port, where I am still to this day. How life has changed for me since, and for the better. I realised when I moved to Spain that there was very little help available, and what was available was normally in Spanish. There was no private health insurance, no funeral plans and no insurance dedicated to the expat, and little customer service. So I started my business selling health insurance for a British company, along with funeral plans. Having lost my husband in Spain, I realised how difficult it was to arrange a funeral and the costs were enormous. Being very disciplined myself (probably due to my time in the Air Force), I have a strong work ethic. I used to work from home during the day, and I would go out early evenings making home visits until I was busy enough to take someone on to help me. From those early days when I worked tirelessly, I built my company and now have seven offices. I demand from my excellent and loyal staff that they treat all my clients with respect, courtesy and honesty and offer them the best service possible. I pride myself that the after sales service is the best – a service very rare in Spain. I have a Claims Administrator and a dedicated Renewal department, who will make sure that as your circumstances change, your policies could change, and you should remain fully aware of your coverage. These are just some of the reasons why we are so special. We are more than just a voice on the phone, offering good, old fashioned service. Not always the cheapest, but the best, working with Liberty Seguros and ASSSA healthcare, who both provide special expat policies and are the best in the market.
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BUSINESS
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December 19th - January 8th 2020
Rich get richer Spain’s richest man adds another couple of billion to his fortune
AMANCIO Ortega has an extra €2.75 billion in his pocket this Christmas thanks to a huge stocks recovery. The firm he founded, Inditex, has seen a 5.2% increase in its stock value fol-
lowing the announcement of its third quarter sales. The Galicia-based textiles giant saw a €2,758 million revaluation in shares — this is 59% of the company’s total capital. It comes after the market
Barcelona’s saving grace CATALANS have received the best Christmas present after a year from hell. Their most famous cathedral has made it into the top 10 tourist sights, according to TripAdvisor. The Salvador Dali designed La Sagrada Familia (right) was the only attraction in Spain to make the list. SPAIN’S uncertain political landscape after its general election, has prompted investors to splash the cash in Portugal instead. National and international investment has increased in the country following the November 10 vote that saw the PSOE party left without an overall majority. Portugal has a GDP growth rate of 2% compared to that of Spain, which stands at just 1.6%. Tax exemptions of up to 10 years under Por-
Record
Viva portugal!
tugal’s NHR program for non-habitual residents, also make the country an attractive prospect for Spanish investment. Law firms and real estate agents have been among the businesses to have registered their interest in Portugal in recent weeks. Spain remains unstable, while acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez enters negotiations with other parties.
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reacted to the news that up to October of this year Inditex’s sales had increased by 7.5% to €19.8 billion. The first nine months of 2019 is a record period for the business, which has exceeded €19 billion for the first time in its history and has almost hit the €20 billion mark. Only a few years ago, this figure was the equivalent to the multinational company’s sales for the whole year. Clothing firm Zara brought in 70% of sales for Inditex, which also owns Bershka, Massimo Dutti, Pull and Bear and Stradivarius.
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Turnover in the third quarter of 2019 also surpassed €7 billion for the first time ever, and was also 9.2% higher than the same three months of 2018. The quarter is also the best Inditex has had since 2017 and exceeds the 8.5% growth in turnover, predicted by Bloomberg analysts from August to October. Inditex president Pablo Isla attributed the impressive figures to the integration of online and offline stock, which has allowed the company to streamline its inventory by 5%, which improves gross profit margins.
24
December 19th - January 8th 2020
I
T’S beginning to smell a lot like Christmas, here in Spain, when the buttery aroma of mantecados warm from the oven wafts from bakeries and abuelas’ kitchen windows, filling the chill December streets with festive expectation. Sinful homebaked sweetmeats have been a guilty Christmas pleasure in these parts since Moorish times and every town, village, peña and brotherhood has its own traditional recipes – frequently jazzed up with a naughty nip of cider, sherry or aniseed liqueur. But who could have guessed that some of the nicest (and naughtiest) are produced behind convent walls by nuns! Some sisterhoods have been tempting mortals with their convent confections since the Middle Ages, guarding their recipes with the secrecy of the confessional. So it was with a fair degree of excitement that the Olive Press got to spend a morning baking with a group of group of nuns
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
A taste of the divine Get thee to a Spanish nunnery for the best sister act in home-baking since Two Fat Ladies. Karethe Linaae gets an exclusive cookery lesson in Ronda
at the Convento San Francisco in Ronda… and the results were divine! Convent pastries - such as Huesos de Santo (Saints’ Bones), Trufas de Madre de Dios (Mother of God Truffles) and Corazones (Sacred Hearts) de Santa Clara - are often christened to reflect their saintly origins. And the nuns work their culinary alchemy with the humblest of ingredients.
Augustine nuns at Sevilla’s Convento de San Leandro have been baking since the 16th Century and their most famous pastry, Yemas de San Leandro, contains only egg yolks, sugar and a few drops of lemon. They are among a heavenly host of artisan reposterias made in Andalucía’s convent kitchens. Carmelite, Cistercian and Franciscan are among the orders now busy at their de-
votions to produce seductive sweetmeats for Christmas. While initially selling to the surrounding communities, some
convents now have websites, offer gluten-free alternatives, and can ship anywhere in the world.
Our local nuns in Ronda have also gained quite a reputation for their blessed dulces. We are led in to meet them
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December 19th - January 8th 2020
DID YOU KNOW?
Among the most typical Christmas pastries are Roscos de Vino. Andalusian children will keep three to give to the Three Kings on Dia de los Reyes, known as Roscos de Reyes. While the grandmothers of every household used to bake these ring-shaped pastries infused with sweet wine for the whole family, today that task is often left to the local nunneries. Borrachuelos are a traditional Christmas treat from Malaga’s villages - miniature empanadas filled with cabello de angel (angel hair, a spaghetti squash marmalade). Borracho means drunk, and these tipsy treats are laced with a generous glug of cider. Each piece is then deepfried and dunked in sugar for extra naughtiness. It’s no surprise that some pastries date from the Al Andalus era. For example alfajores (from the Arabic al-fakher, meaning luxurious), have been found in the Spanish dictionary since the 14th Century, and are a particular speciality in the Cadiz pueblo of Medina Sidonia. Alfajores were also exported to the New World and have become a traditional Christmas treat in South America. in their wonderful authentic them”. kitchen in the bowels of their When I ask them where they wonderful home, just off the keep their recipes, they look mountain town’s historic plaza down at their busy hands, prede San Francisco. tending not to hear. We are soon watching ancient Each convent has its own speSister Natividad cracking a cialties and the recipes are sack of almonds on a tree sacrosanct. trunk in the convent patio with What I can disclose is that a giant hammer. no pastry is made with more As December begins, the sis- than a handful of ingredients ters can be found rolling dough and contains no preservatives around the clock, kneading or artificial flavourings; just their love, care and culinary ground almonds or wheat flour, traditions into every bite-sized butter or lard, cider or sugar treat. and a touch or cinnamon, lemThey are baking an incredi- on peel or orange zest. ble 35 kilos of mantecados – Most ingredients are grown meaning a few thousand cook- locally, some in the monastic ies – by hand in a single day! gardens. Some closed conOriginating in Antequera and vents still sell their confections brought to fame in the tiny clandestinely through a revolvtown of Estepa, mantecados ing Lazy Susan embedded in have gone the wall so as not nationwide to show their faces, to become but our nuns now They are all synonymous sell them from their baking an with a Spanlittle store, albeit ish Christstill behind bars. incredible mas. What’s People here say the secret? that the nun’s re35 kilos of Could it be posterias taste of mantecados the generous home cooking, old amount of village kitchens and lard? a bit of heaven. In their industrial-sized Thanks to the income from 19th-century kitchen, the their baking, the sisters can sisters chat softly as they fill continue their simple lives and tray after tray with neat round maintain their convent. dough balls which one of the By purchasing their artisan novices will top with sesame pastries, you are not only sharseeds. After baking, each man- ing in a best-kept Spanish gastecado is individually wrapped tronomic secret but also keepin a silk paper with the con- ing alive an important part of vent’s seal. the country’s culture. “Working and praying is our And when you get to eat them life”, Sor Isabel tells me. - believe me - heaven can wait! Madre Nieves, the Abbess, adds touchingly: “With all the The convent in Barrio de San bitterness in the world, we Francisco is open for purchaspray that our treats will sweet- es from 10.00 to 18.00. Tel: en the lives of those who eat 952872177
WHOLESOME: Nuns baking some treats
Why not try for yourself? Mantecados 1 cup lard ½ dl sweet sherry 5 gr salt 850 gr pastry flour Sugar to sprinkle on top
In a bowl, mix lard, sherry and salt. Gradually add the flour until the dough won’t stick to the hands. Form small identical balls and flatten them slightly. Place the mantecados on a pregreased oven tray. Bake at 180* C for 15 minutes. Remove and sprinkle abundantly with sugar.
They may not taste as great, but it’s always fun to try: ALFAJORES 1 kg Almonds 500 gr sifted pastry flour 100 gr sugar + 100 gr icing sugar ½ water two types of sugar in a saucepan, adding the water.
Make a syrup mixture without letting it change the colour. Remove from heat. Cover the balls with syrup and icing sugar. Form balls into tubular shapes. Let cool before serving. on top In a bowl, mix
26
,DRINK FOOD & TRAVEL ,DRINK FOOD & TRAVEL 26
December 19th - January 8th 2020
December 4th - December 17th 2019
Creating festive magic!
When it comes to Christmas traditions, it’s the simple pleasures that mean so much. Just take a look in the nearby hills, writes Gabriella Chidgey
C
HRISTMAS is coming and my heart sinks just a little. This is the first year that both my children are non believers, and with Father Christmas out of the picture, where does the magic and ritual come from? I shall miss the hanging of the stockings and the letters I answered as if from the head elf. I shall miss being woken up at 5am with squeals of excitement, hard as it may seem. Despite being at a Catholic school in Ronda they are non-believers so church rituals won’t fill the gap. Since our families live in the UK, it won’t be about a big family get-together, nor about sending cards since I never make it to the post office between the opening times of 11.45 and 14.30. This Christmas I am instead concentrating my resources on the feasting and decorating part. And, in the current tradition of eco-consciousness I am
In the villages around Spain, the women traditionally infuse anis with herbs and spices at Christmas. In most homes you will see a bottle with small glasses on a tray with ‘rosquillos’; homemade donuts with orange lemon and cinnamon flavoring alongside them. C o i n c i d e n t a l l y, the anis my village of Arriate has been trademarked ‘Mistela’, its local name and can be bought around the region
being as organic as possible. In times gone by, I have designed, bought, created, cooked, decorated and directed the entire production for family and friends. I wanted to fulfil expectations, and I completely exhausted myself. This year, I want to do Christmas, but I want to do it with grace and ease, and I want to enjoy it. But how is this possible? In Spain everything begins on December 8 - the ‘puente’ bank holiday - which celebrates the feast of the Immaculate Conception.
This is the day when families traditionally put up their decorations. And until only a few years ago, this ritual would be unpacking the boxes of small figurines to compose the nativity scene. Meanwhile, moss would be collected from nearby woods to simulate the ground and often mountains, rivers and extended villages created around the manger. Now, however, the northern tradition of the Christmas tree has been adopted by many Spanish families and garden centres are filled with pine trees sold in their thousands.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Puritans banned Christmas in 1647, both for its Pagan decorations as well as its ‘debauched’ festivities. Leader Oliver Cromwell removed the public holiday of December 25 since it was not a named day in the bible. The public was not amused. Violent disturbances ensued with the worst taking place in Canterbury and the repercussions of the rioting there led eventually to a rebellion and a second civil war.
my wintery interior. Outside the saturated blue sky and evergreen landscape of holm oak, olive and pines around our Ronda valley is dappled with the golden leaves My British roots mean that I am glass decorations, most have of poplar, acacia and mulberry. firmly established in the tree been bought locally in Ronda, It is a wonderful time to be tradition, and the boxes we rit- but certainly not made there, or outside and I feel enormously ually unpack are full of lights, indeed anywhere vaguely local. grateful for a winter as colourful as this. baubles, stars and angels. As my mother took back the Finding these boxes rather figurines she had from her own I am also glad I have set myself depleted this year following a childhood and my children re- the task of collecting and makvicious cull of all half-working fused to hang any apples and ing the decorations instead of lights in a rather puritannical walnuts from our garden, a box heading for the nearest shop, post-festivity purge last year, I of unbreakable mass-produced particularly when it means wondered how I might replen- red, shiny and glittery baubles walking in these surroundings. Once back inside, I put this ish stocks. were added to the Aldi trolley. Luckily I still had a few strings I did however go out in search mountain of foliage and fruit of lights, which are the cen- of evergreen leaves and berries into all the jugs, vases and any tral decorative element to this in the knowledge that my quest other appropriate receptacles I winter solstice celebration that to beautify my home was as could find. signifies the return of light and much a Pagan tradition of ven- I then mixed roses with rosewarmth after the darkest days erating tree spirits as it was a mary and smaller olive tendrils, while bay branches were are over. wider celebration of the winter paired with olive branches and The rest of the decoration is solstice. berries largely inspired by the Paradise It also serves Pine cuttings tree, a fir tree hung with apples the practical turned out to be I returned for that represented the Garden of purpose of using very malleable Eden. A 16th century German the suckers and the last of the and were great tradition that became a Chris- new shoots that wreaths and tian ritual and slowly spread proliferate on my, red roses and for circular tree across Europe and America. as yet, unpruned filled a basket o r n a m e n t s . Redemptive wafers are trans- trees. They are easily formed into the current predi- Pleased that my with quinces fashioned withlection for cookies, and apples, husband has out any wire or nuts and berries are now bau- bought new sestring. bles. cateurs, I easily Tree decorations became a gathered armfuls of bay, olive, With time, I can see how you globalized commercial venture rosemary and cypress tree could make rather lovely tree decorations and next year I will after about 1840, following the branches. popularisation of the tradition I returned for the last of the give it a go. Originally these circular decby Queen Victoria. red roses and filled a few basFashionable Americans fol- kets with quinces (which grow orations symbolized the Holy lowed suit and today the total in abundance), persimmons, Trinity with its triangular shape. revenue in the US alone is esti- oranges and a few remaining Wreaths meanwhile, were made from larger branches mated at 26 billion dollars. pomegranates. Although I do have a couple The fiery life-giving colours of and by the 19th century had of very beautiful hand blown these fruits really warmed up become the symbol of advent. Currently, making wreaths seems all the range, looking on my Instagram feed. There are even workshops you can attend, which is a great way to spend a day with other people; getting into the Christmas spirit without just imbibing it. The historian Ace Collins wrote that ‘The wreath was born out of not throwing things away’ and I don’t want to throw away my seasonal cheer and love on the quest for a perfect Christmas. I started out feeling resentful about the advent of Christmas, but I now I feel inspired. I want to create a verdant, nature-filled home. I want to set aside time to go for a walk with my husband and gather more foliage. In the future, I would like to set aside time to make cookies and natural decorations with my children, friends and strangers. I want to create a ritual out of this and I would like it to feel companionable, undemanding and unhurried. A winter tip is quinces which can be found all around inland And, of course, may this fuSpain. They are wonderful to scent a room and the Victori- ture also be resplendent with ans used to keep them in the linen cupboards to perfume the twinkly lights and hundreds of sheets. They are also delicious poached in a syrup with cinna- spice scented candles mon, star of anis, cloves ,lemon and maple syrup.
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
Pocket winners
27
December 19th - January 8th 2020
AMAZING HOLIDAYS:
The Magical Mediterranean
A PAIR of Valencian gluggers have been named joint-winners in a nationwide 'best value’ wine competition. A Tempranillo from Hoya de Cadenas, in Utiel, was joined by a Monastrell from Alicante-based winery Mo Salinas Monastrell. The Valencian tipples were joined by Rioja’s Cune Crianza in the 'Los Mejores del Súper' contest, adjudicated by journalist judges around Spain. The Hoyas tempranillo is aged in American oak barrels at the 300-hectare award-winning winery's estate, while the Mo Salinas Monastrell is a mix of 85% Monastrell grape with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Garnacha tintorera. The five-star rating offered by the supermarket guide takes into account several factors: taste, information given to the consumer, and the sale price. Both Valencian wines can be found for under €7, while the Cune is under €8.
THE Mediterranean is the world’s most stunning open-air museum. From 16th century terracotta houses clinging to Genoese coasts, to the naturalist architecture of Gaudi in Barcelona and the Vieux-Port of Marseille, where fresh fish has been landed for the last 2,500 years, the Med is culture at its finest. Which is why leading cruise operator MSC Cruises is now offering a special Mediterranean tour covering the best of the Med, with a taste of the Atlantic thrown in. The 12-day cruise departing from Barcelona will take passengers down to Morocco’s Casablanca, before anchoring in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Portugal’s Funchal island, back to Malaga for a victory lap of Rome, Genoa and Marseille. Instead of uncomfortable aeroplane seats and reheated meals, guests will be treated to the lavish MSC Poesia cruiseliner with a spa and sushi bar to boot. The superb amenities on board include three top-deck swimming pools, four whirlpool baths and a giant poolside cinema screen. If you’re wanting to stay in shape during your cruise, there are many sports and fitness activities available on board, including a basketball court, tennis court and state-of-the-art gym. Passengers can choose from five different rooms, from the interior Bella room (€599) to the interior Fantastica (€649), outside Fantastica (€749), balcony Bella (€949) and balcony Fantastica (€999). The cruise departs on November 5, 2020. There’s no better time than now to book one of our Mediterranean cruises. Enjoy an incredible vacation to the Med surrounded by cultural capitals, stunning coastlines, sophisticated towns and delicious food.
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Centro Com. Mongtó Avda del Pla 68, Jávea
Partida Planet 177 Altea
T 966 462 275
T 965 841 399
Mon to Fri 10.00 – 19.00 Saturday 10.00 – 18.00
Mon to Fri 10.00 – 19.00 Saturday 10.00 – 14.00 www.spanishlinen.com
ularly in 6 to 12 weeks following the ave a first treatment. Multiple areas , with can be treated in one session,
28
December 19th - January 8th 2020
The wobbles
You may think that loose teeth can only be solved by dentures, but Karan Sud Dental’s fibrebond technology can save you the time, effort, pain and cost
SUFFERING with loose teeth? You may have been told you will now need dentures or implants. But this is not actually the case, especially with regards to the front teeth. At Karan Sud Dental, in Calpe, we use fibrebond technology to splint loose teeth together and replace missing teeth. This innovation uses a resin-based fibre, placed behind the affected teeth, that can strengthen them without having to pull them out and allows you to keep your teeth for much longer. Dentures are bulky, and affect both taste and function. They also can jeopardise the health of remaining teeth. Dental implants in the anterior region - or front teeth - are also very complicated. They involve surgery, and take a lot of time, effort and expense. With fibrebond technology, however, you can save on all of these things, as well as pain. If you have mobile or missing teeth, please call us to see British dentist Calpe if you’re a suitable candidate for this innovative treatment.
Dr Karan Sud
“Very pleased with my new dental treatment from Karan and the team. My teeth were loose, but this treatment solved the problem completely. I am usually very nervous around the dentist, but the procedure was pain-free and the aftercare was easy and exceptional. Well done.” Glenys Cook
For more information visit www.ksuddental.com Tel: (+34) 965 837 553 - 24h emergency: (+34) 602 612 688 Clinica Britannia, Avda Ejercitos Españoles 16, first floor, Calpe
Breaking the mold
HEALTH APPOINTMENt By Jeremy Kenton
The sunny weather in Spain is what we’re all here for, but our homes can become a breeding ground for black mold, writes medical expert Jeremy Kenton One of the disadvantages of living in a beautiful climate in Spain is humidity and moisture in the summer, and even in the winter. We have all stood in supermarket queues and smelt a faint odor from the clothes of fellow queuers. Or, we have glanced at the bottom of shower curtains and the grouting of tiles, and found small, black spores that invade the home through lack of ventilation combined with the humidity and dampness. We go down to an under-
build to retrieve the winter clothing and only find black mold. It isn’t just the visual presence that I’m worried about here, but it’s the fact that these spores also enter into your airways through your nose and your mouth. The World Health Organization has looked closely at the effects of mold and found it to be a cause of many respiratory illnesses. Far more worrying is the proven link between spore inhalation and the start of asthma – especially in
young children. And it’s not just children who are affected, but adults as well, with a mixture of conditions ranging from lung conditions, to skin and eye irritation, coughing and sneezing. More worrying is the fact that pulmonary hemorrhage with bleeding into the lungs and nosebleeds can also come about as a result of mold spore inhalation. If you buy a property or rent a home when you first visit, smell it. Then look for signs of black mold infestation. Diluted bleach is an effective way of getting rid of this evil black substance, but ensure that your home is well ventilated. As you stand in the aforementioned supermarket queue, please make sure you have purchased a couple of spray bottles of an effective mold cleaner, and go home to scout for signs this evil, black little devil is not the cause of some of your undiagnosed problems.
HEALTH 30
29
December 19th - January 8th 2020
Danger dish www.weekender.news
Health & Beauty
Look better in the buff: Get your sexy back Dinner crime without giving up everything you love Government issues stark prawn warning that could leave bitter taste for seafood-lovers
HORRIFIED parents have launched a campaign to improve the quality of school dinners after their children complained of rotten fruit, bits of bone in rice and maggots. Children at the Costa del Sol school are also being served fish with large bones, stale bread and extremely salty vegetable sauces, according to the group of parents. They have now lodged several complaints with the Andalucian Public Education Agency, after collecting signatures from other parents at the Estepona school. The concerned parents have now organised monthly tasting sessions of the school menu in order to monitor the quality of the food being served. “The worst were the egg tortillas. They had a disgusting texture and a very bad taste,” said Estefanía Vaca, whose children attend Colegio Pu-
blico Ramon Garcia. Looking sexy, svelte or built She added: “The children in your clothing is one thing. began to complain tellis a Looking better inand the buff us certain things. When they whole other ballgame. Clothing got home we low-cut had tonecklines, feed them - even shortagain because hunshorts or they tight-fiwere tting tees - can gry. hide your flaws and accentuate “The food was even worse your assets, but when you are than what children nude,the there’s nowhere -told or way - toand hide anything. us. Salty watery sauces, youwith wantatohorrible look better meat and Iffish naked,taste you are not rotten alone. Far smell and and fruit.” from it. More and more people healthy living Anotherare into mother, whoseand getting fit these days. The good 8-year-old daughter attends news said is that there finally the school, that sheis had somethinginyou can When do about found stones rice. it that doesn’t involve giving she confronted school up carbs andthesweets, doing about the foreigncrunches objects,orstaff excessive having tried toinvasive accusecosmetic her daughter surgery. of adding Fully them herself. one-third of The Junta of Andalucia’s edAmericans opt for minimally ucationinvasive department said they fat reduction or body were aware of the complaints sculpting treatments to look better in thethe buff,regional according to and confirmed a new survey was of 500invesmen and education agency tigating.women from Cutera, Inc. And those who exercise regularly The company responsible are most likely to have for catering at the school de- a clined tobody-sculpting comment. treatment, with
SPAIN’S Ministry of It’s why the metal has Health has warned been classed a category 1 against sucking the heads carcinogen for humans but additional treatments loving by their truSculpt iD BPT ofbyprawns. International Agency may bethe required for optimal results. In a separate study runners health and yoga enthusiasts The body has Research onof Cancer sculptingfor results. individuals who had the topping the list. iD is a very procedure, 100 percent said sounded the alarm over“TruSculpt (IARC). According board- excitingGiven new development in they were high levels to of cadmium its potential for ac-satisfied, would get certifiedin the plastic surgeon non-surgical body contouring. it doneliver again and would refer (Cd) crustacean, a cumulation in the Walter L. Bernacki, MD The lower abdomen and love a friend for truSculpt iD. And heavy metal associated and kidneys of animals, of Ohio Plastic Surgery in handles can be treated in just a everyone felt better in - or out with and lead the highest levels ofoccur in Centralzinc, Ohio,copper “The newest single 15-minute comfortable - their clothes. ores. the edible non-surgical body contouring treatment session. Our offal patientsof animals So, if you’re thinking about (Kidney, liver etc).looking into a new kind of system is Cutera’s truSculpt have been very pleased with the iD that uses radiofrequency body sculpting High results consumption levels body sculpting they can personalized dysfunction (RF) technology to target and achieve are withalso this innovative without resorting to drastic found with shellWhile it occurs naturalpermanently destroy fat in your system,”fish, says Dermatologist because inmeasures, manyfind a truSculpt iD ly in the environment, trouble spots (think muffin tops Jeffrey S. Dover, MD, near you by searching cases the FRCPC wholeprovider animal and love handles) - in just 15 of Physicians in https://trusculpt.com/find-ahuman activity such as Skincare is consumed, including comfortable minutes with no Chestnut Hill, MA. provider. mining and the burning of the viscera (liver, downtime. We have that hasBy and large, people are kidneys fossil fuels andfound waste etc), where cadmium is the treatment worksin on all seen a spike itsskin pres- concentrated. types, sizes and physiques, ence. including individuals who In the case of prawns, the The metal can accumulate majority of these organs were previously not considered in the human body, maincandidates for body contouring are contained in its ‘head’, ly in the liver and kidneys, before the body. procedures.” What’s more, truSculpt over a period of 10-30 In products of plant oriiD produces an average fat years. gin, the highest levels are reduction of 24 percent, and After prolonged exposure, found in algae, cocoa, wild improvements are seendysitvisible can cause renal mushrooms and oilseeds. in 6 to 12 weeks following the function and failure first treatment. Multiple areas and in long term, cancer. canthe be treated in one session,
Sapheon VenaSeal closure system The Sapheon VenaSeal closure system is a unique and minimally invasive treatment that uses a medical adhesive specially designed to treat varicose veins quickly and effectively. Using ultrasound, the doctor guides a small catheter through a small access site in the skin to the diseased vein. Next, the VenaSeal dispenser delivers a very small amount of medical glue to close the vein. Once the diseased vein closes, the blood is immediately redirected to the other healthy veins in the leg. Unlike other treatments: – VenaSeal does NOT require tumescent anesthesia (which is injected into the leg through multiple needle punctures),
– NO anesthetic sedation, whereby patients can return to their normal activities immediately after treatment. – Unlike heat-based procedures, with VenaSeal there is NO risk of skin burns or nerve damage. – VenaSeal usually does NOT require any medication for post-treatment pain, or uncomfortable compression stockings.
Come and visit us. We will inform you. CLINICA BRITANNIA, 16 BIS (next to 16) FIRST (not Ground) Floor, Ejercitos Españoles Av Tel 965 837 553 - 24H 607 255 755
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December 19th - January 8th 2020
Farm Flash
COLUMNISTS
GetTING ConnectED
Remembering How The Bloody Cats Stole Christmas Sophia By Susan Weeding
The shocking tale of how the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre evaded re-capture
FORGET what you’ve heard. The Spanish police do care for animals. My husband Rod has been there on the front line with Policia Nacional, their weapons drawn, ready to defend the freedom of a starving horse. This was the case with the incredible rescue of Diplomat. It was in San Javier this time, where someone tipped off the authorities to a skeletal horse trapped by a piece of rope to a fence behind someone’s house. Rod got the call and turned up flanked by four police officers – two with guns ready – and followed by an ambulance with two paramedics. One of the armed agents guarded Rod’s trailer, while the other stalked down the track to where Diplomat was locked behind the iron fence. A police officer carrying bolt croppers cut through a chain on the fence and sliced through the wires so we could get him out. The agents were nervous – the owners of the horse were gitanos, gypsies, and very violent people. The problem with them is they make threats to the local police, saying ‘we know where your daughter goes to
school’. Let’s just say the paramedics were called in for a reason. Fortunately, this time they weren’t needed. Diplomat went straight into the trailer and the team disappeared as quickly as they could back to the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre in Rojales. Diplomat was a handsome devil, a stallion, but it was obvious he’d been bashed around. One of his hips couldn’t move freely from a blow or an accident, so I imagine he was given to the gypsies to use him for breeding. Because despite his deformities, he’s still the most handsome horse you’d ever seen. And now this handsome beast lives his days out in the air, 24 hours a day. He’s the kind of horse that makes all the mares go ‘oooh, look it’s Diplomat!’ He ignores them, though, to be with his best friend Mystery – another strange horse we found tied up to a rubbish bin behind the rescue centre, hence Mystery. How wonderful he’s had a chance to shine here, because he had no life when we found him in that terrible state, tied to a fence and beaten around. And all thanks to the police. This is risky business: we get a few death threats from the gypsies too, because they know where all these horses go. But the police will come in an instant to help us out, because they too know where these horses go, and how lucky we are to see them given a second chance.
By Loraine Gostling
A goodwill adoption of two cats turns sour for Javea Connect admin Loraine Gostling as the creatures terrorise her Christmas decorations So this is Christmas, and what have I done? The truth is... not much. You see, something dreadful happened to us that stopped me getting in my elf outfit on November 30, ordering Alexa to play Christmas tunes (with a strict ban on Mariah Carey, as she really grinds my gears) and starting work on the seasonal decorations. Yes, this year we’ve acquired cats. And the two furballs have put paid to the Gostling Christmas twinklies. The new additions to the family – namely Draco Meowffoy and Muggle – were unwanted by their previous owner and ended up at APAC Protectora de Caballos in La Xara. Now, the M&M brothers are not your usual unwanted moggies: they were spoiled rulers of their previous kingdom, fed on caviar, sleeping on sheepskin rugs, peeing in that posh kitty-litter with the sparkly bits and
wearing diamond collars. Hell, they even had their masculine bits replaced with artificial testicles known as ‘neuticles’ – or sili-balls as we call them – so they still looked like Lion Kings from the rear! But feline fate stepped in and they soon found themselves living in the APAC stable (a little like that other famous Christmas Dude). Being cats, they are sly little buggers, and learned to act like that cunning pussy in Shrek with the big eyes, and they flung themselves around my daughter’s neck, purring and mewing and BANG... next thing I knew, we had adopted two fiends destined to ruin my season of goodwill for years to come! My normal three, fully -adorned, twinkling trees have been replaced by a stupid little artificial model that has to be hidden in a moggie-proof cabinet. Oh, the shame! But, as always, I digress! So as 2019
comes to a close, let me quickly brief you on the sagas and cliffhangers of this Getting Connected column: KFC Ondara is now open and STILL causing finger-wagging discussions on Javea Connect; Tortie the missing randy tortoise from Jalon has still not been found; the swingers discussion lasted for over three weeks and is still being followed (for a friend obviously); I have not been back to the airport to see if I can master the sauce level of the Burger King one-arm bandit; and, as far as I am aware, there is still no cure for stupid. So folks, ‘Javeaselves A Very Merry Christmas’!
MOTORS
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December 19th - January 8th 2020
Ending on a high
IBERDROLA has promised to install 25,000 electric car charging points by 2021, despite not meeting its 2019 targets. It follows the Spanish energy giant’s pledge to install 200 EV charging points for electric vehicles by the end of this year, which is understood not to have been fulfilled.
The firm, along with Madrid’s fairs-organising body IFEMA, set up a ‘charging fairground’ for the COP25 climate conference in the capital. The new infrastructure, named ‘Iberdrola Electric Recharge Parking’, is capable of simultaneously charging 34 vehicles and aims to move towards the ‘decarbonization of the economy’.
Tesla Spain profits soar despite ‘pedo’ slur and ‘cybertruck’ blunders by boss Elon Musk the Model S, Tesla’s electric saloon, which boasts a battery life distance of 610km – the largest of any battery-powered road car.
Boasting
With just 152 units shifted in 2018, there was a 27% drop in the vehicle’s sales, while sales of the seven-seater Model X increased 8% to 154 units. The news comes after a year of PR disasters for Musk personally, with the
48-year-old entrepreneur having been embroiled in a €170 million court battle. He got sued by heroic British diver Vernon Unsworth who rescued children from a Thai cave, after labelling him a ‘pedophile’ on Twitter, but has now been acquitted. Meanwhile, Musk was also left red-faced after boasting in a keynote speech that the windows of the new Tesla Cybertruck were ‘indestructible’, only for them to be smashed with a metal ball moments later.
OP Puzzle solutions
Quick Crossword
Across: 1 Images, 5 Sickly, 8 Florida, 9 Afar, 10 Bomb, 11 Regulate, 12 Tore, 13 Fee, 14 TASS, 16 Bacteria, 20 Iran, 21 Soon, 22 Illegal, 23 Statue, 24 Shrewd. Down: 2 Mafioso, 3 Goodbye, 4 Skier, 5 Spangle, 6 Crawl, 7 Least, 13 Fertile, 14 Trigger, 15 Swallow, 17 Adopt, 18 Tenet, 19 Atlas.
SUDOKU
Get down to Electric Avenue
THE profits of Tesla Spain have surged by 93%, amid a series of high-profile blunders from billionaire CEO Elon Musk. The subsidiary of the California-headquartered electric car company ended 2018 with a net profit of €373,286. Its profit before taxes stood at €495,526 in 2018, which is a 106% increase compared with the year before. Increases in Tesla Spain’s net and gross profits come despite selling just 306 units in 2018 – a 13% decline. This has been explained by lower sales figures of
TWO earthquakes in a week were felt in Jumilla and Lorca (Murcia region) measuring 4.0 on the Richter scale.
FINAL WORDS
Flasher arrested CHILDREN at a Murcia school were subjected to a 46-year-old man dropping his trousers and underwear at the gates during break. Police were on the scene quickly and he was arrested for exhibitionism.
Green schools ALICANTE has given approval to install solar panels at 33 schools before next summer. Work will be carried out in three stages at a cost of €1.1m.
Pass, do not pay THE AP-7 motorway between Tarragona, Valencia and Alicante will be free as of January 1, 2020.
OLIVE PRESS
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Did the earth move?
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Vol. 1 Issue 20 www.theolivepress.es
Your expat
voice in Spain
December 19th - January 8th, 2020
Round the bend! A SHOCKING video has captured the moment a dopey lorry driver rammed a car sideways down a motorway for 2km. The scary footage shows a female driver in a damaged Nissan Micra being pushed
Oblivious lorry driver ‘T-bones’ motorist down Costa del Sol road for miles without stopping
around by the trucker who had no idea there was a vehicle in front of him. When the Spanish driver was
Costly moss-take
THERE is little more harmless than a Christmas nativity scene showing baby Jesus in a bed of hay at the local church. But top environmental lawyer Agustin Bocos has warned of laws sanctioning the harvest of moss – a common element of nativity scenes – from the Spanish woods. According to Bocos, ‘the forest regulations of 1962 consider a serious infraction for the cutting or tearing of the moss from the mountainside’. The expert said that fines for removing protected species from woodland areas range from ‘€1,000-100,000’ and up to ‘€200,000’ if harvested from a protected area. Moss is considered a ‘cornerstone’ of woodland ecosystems, as they form a lawyer that absorbs water, prevents soil erosion, captures nitrogen from the air and serves as a shelter for microorganisms that make the soil fertile. The lawyer admitted however there exist ‘little means’ for authorities to catch suspected criminals at present. He suggested flower arrangers and decorators use ‘synthetic moss’ or other materials for making nativity scenes.
finally stopped by dozens of fellow drivers on a dangerous bend in Mijas he revealed he had ‘no idea’ she was there. “I didn’t see her, where was she?,” he can be heard saying in Spanish, “I thought I had a puncture.” The terrified woman, called Ana, believed to be from Sweden, adds: “I was in the right lane, he was pushing me for miles.” Local English chef Steven Saunders shot the video, coming off the A-7 at La Cala de Mijas. He revealed: “Oh my god, she is lucky to be alive!.” The Nissan sustained body damage, as well as a flat tyre and a broken wing mirror in
the incident Police later breathalysed the driver, who is believed to have passed a test. The Spanish-plated truck appears to be from haulage company, Palletways.
O Christmas tree! A DOG-WALKER has shared his surprise at finding a fully decorated Christmas tree in the middle of a Costa Blanca woodland. Hugh Somervell was out with his Australian shepherds when he spotted the mystery pine complete with red baubles, silver stars and a Santa Claus on top. In a now-viral social media post, Hugh shared his joy a the ‘amazing sight’ and fascination with the fact that ‘no one had pinched the decorations’. “It’s a lovely sight when walking the hounds,” he said, adding the sighting occurred on the edge of the Granadella forest on Carrer del Passarell in Cost Nova, Javea. An Olive Press investigation revealed the tradition had begun ‘more than five years ago’ by two Brits Liz Dickson and her friend Dawn. “Some years back Dawn suggested we decorate a tree in the woods to bring some Christmas cheer to dog walkers,” Liz told the Olive Press. “Dawn walks her dogs there twice a day, and several others did too, including me. It was a lovely idea and so nice to see. “But this year one of the Swedish ladies told Dawn the original tree was ugly, so a proper Christmas tree was bought and put up there.” She the new tree may be a little over the top, as there were already a ‘shedload of trees in the wood’, but she hoped it brought a smile to walkers out this festive season.