Olive Press Newspaper - Issue 361 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

OLIVE PRESS

The

Fat not fit is what matters IT’S impossible to be ‘fat and fit’ and even if you are slightly overweight you are unhealthy, a new study found. Researchers in Spain found the risk of heart attacks and strokes rockets as BMI increases. And while they agree that exercise does reduce the risk of some illnesses like diabetes and hypertension, those who were active and obese were twice as likely to have high cholesterol than inactive people of a normal weight. The findings challenge the long-held ‘obesity paradox’ belief that it’s possible to be fat and not at an increased risk of death from heart disease. The study of over 520,000 Spanish adults by the European University, in Madrid, revealed that overweight people were actually four times more likely to have diabetes... and five times more likely to have high blood pressure. “One cannot be fat but healthy,” said lead researcher Dr Alejandro Lucia. “This study shows that being regularly active is not likely to eliminate the detrimental health effects of excess body fat. “Our findings refute the notion that a physically active lifestyle can completely negate the deleterious effects of obesity.” The team found that while exercise undeniably had positive effects, participants that were overweight or obese were undeniably more at risk of developing major health problems. “More activity is better, so walking 30 minutes per day is better than walking 15 minutes a day,” Dr Lucia said. “But exercise does not seem to compensate for the negative effects of excess weight.”

While other health tips for the new year include...

INTO THE ABYSS: Proof that Editor Jon Clarke DOES have a heart - see page 10

SUNNY DELIGHT: Soak up those rays - see page 13

YUM!: Juicy tips to help you detox and leave you bursting with life - see page 15

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Andalucía

Good health

Vol. 14 Issue 361

From mice to men

www.theolivepress.es

January 27th - February

COVID vaccine 100% effective in first tests with human trials poised to start

App ‘n go

have been AN app to prove people COVID is to be immunised against days. launched in the coming those who have The Junta says that of the vaccine been given two doses the app, will be able to download code. This will which will show a QR so people can be able to be scanned vaccinated. This prove they have been them travel decould be used to let example. spite restrictions, for

Watch that chat

Esteban. ‘creates 100% against researcher Mariano has verified that the vaccine susceptible to proven to be 100% effective Arriaza said that the team in a humanised mouse SPANISH vaccine has protection against SARS-CoV-2 important.’ COVID-19 in mice. infection, which is very been modified to replicate Mariano Esteban and Juan will the SARS-CoV-2 The jab, developed by virologists the MVA virus has Centre for Biotechnology, In the Spanish vaccine, of SARS-CoV-2, which is the key that allows Garcia Arriaza at the National S protein ‘within weeks’. to eradicate the complete to enter human cells. move on to human trials of the virus that was used the coronavirus the protein and teaches the Journal of Virol- It therefore introduces the immune system to The vaccine uses a variant the results published in smallpox, according to and eliminate it. vaccine protected belonging it how to recognise one or two doses of the ogy. Spanish biotech giant Biofabri, According to the study, mice from COVID-19. It is being developed withplans for clinical trials already in motion. vaccine blocked repli100% of the ‘humanised’ to the Zendal group, with jab uses the ‘Modified Ankara vaccinia’ vi- Arriaza added, however, that two doses of the in the lungs. protein that manDubbed MVA-CoV-2, the coronavirus COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2 a the of to transport the coronavirus, cation results demonstrate that the MVA vector-based rus (MVA) as a vehicle animal system defense against “These and complete efficacy in the reages to stimulate an immune for Scientific Research. produces robust immunity clinical trials,” the Spanish Medi- vaccine and supports its future application in reported the Higher Council models, for the green light from Biofabri is now waiting the first of two clinical human trials, which searchers declared. progressing before weeks could begin in a few cines Agency to kickstart Clinical phases I and II could start in a few weeks.the MVA-CoV-2 vaccine candidate gener- to phase III. on hamsters and macaques. of neutralising “We have observed that now also be carried out response with the production explained Tests will ates a robust immune of T lymphocytes in mice,” antibodies and the activation

DELIGHTED:

Esteban and Virologists Mariano

9th 2021

R-RATED

a 10% rise in SCIENTISTS say that the chance of mask wearing triples infection rate keeping the R number for COVID below one. Health, reWriting in Lancet Digital the numsearchers said that keeping the pandemic is ber below one means shows the numshrinking. The R rate by each carrier ber of people infected of the coronavirus. people in the They studied 300,000 conclusion. their reach to USA

Juan Garcia Arriaza,

developers of the vaccine

chat without a HAVING a 30-secondventilated room facemask in a badlycoughing for half could be worse than to COVID ina second when it comes fection. of CamA study by the University College London bridge and Imperial results in a found that while coughing droplets, speech large number of big These then produces finer particles. air for longer – stay suspended in the up to an hour. people to wear a The report advises and othmask to protect themselves just talking and are they if even ers, not coughing.

GOOD START

race to vaccinate its AS Spain started the Andalucia was population against COVID, an early leader. the vaccination proIn the first weeks of Spain’s first tranche gramme one in four of in the region. of injections was made

And much more in our special eight page pullout - see page 9

Tel: 952 147 834

See page 24

Talk to us Expat feared 77-year-old mum battling coronavirus was dead after being ‘refused update from hospital’ for five days ‘IS my mother dead or alive?’ That’s what expat Lee Samuel, 54, was left pondering for five days straight as his 77-year-old mum Carole battled for her life in an Andalucian hospital. The property salesman is now warning other families of what to expect if a loved one is admitted after he was repeatedly refused updates from the Hospital Costa del Sol in Marbella last week. “It was absolutely terrifying,” the Club La Costa employee told the Olive Press. “We phoned again and again but they kept telling us they could not give out that information over the phone and that we would have to come in,” he continued. “But my dad Stephen was also in bed with the virus and I also had it, so there was no way we could come in.” He continued: “One receptionist kept hanging up on me... it was terrible.” The last Lee (pictured left) had heard from his mother was on Wednesday, last week, when she told him that she had double pneumonia - meaning both her lungs were filling up with fluid. She said she was being put on oxygen pumps.

EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore

“We then heard nothing for five long days,” added Lee. “I understand that the hospital is under pressure and we totally get that the focus is on treating people, but surely there should be a better system in place to update loved ones? “I was literally thinking ‘is my mother alive or dead?’ for days on end, it was horrific.” The family were first struck with the virus when Carole began feeling ill two weeks ago. The retiree tested positive, as did husband and former financier Stephen and son Lee. Carole was taken to hospital after her symptoms became serious last Wednesday. But despite having paid for private insurance for 16 years, Sanitas could not make room for her and she was sent to the Hospital Costa del Sol. After the five-day silence and dozens of calls from family in the UK and Spain, Carole was finally strong enough to speak on the phone on Monday. “Thank God we got her on the phone, and a doctor happened to be in the room at the time,” added Lee. “We asked if we could move her to a private hospital but the doctor said it was too risky as it could disrupt her antibiotics and oxygen supply.” After the Olive Press contacted the Junta and the hospital for a comment, doctors have begun keeping the family updated. “My mum has now got

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RECOVERING: Stephen and Carole worse and needs more oxygen,” Lee told this paper last night, “But they are keeping us updated now, which is much better. “We just want others to be aware of what can happen if a loved one is hospitalised at the moment and we hope a better system is put in place going forward.” The Hospital Costa del Sol told the Olive Press: “Due to the ongoing pandemic situation, the information given to the relatives of COVID patients is made by telephone and, for this, the telephone numbers that are in their Clinical History or those that are provided by the patients are called to inform loved ones. “No one can be informed who is not authorised due to the Data Protection Act. In some cases, if no telephone is available, the requests of family members who enter through the different channels have to be reviewed, checked and verified i.e. people who request to contact their admitted relatives.” British expat Paul Whitelock had a similar situation in Ronda this month, as he and his wife Rita battled COVID at the same time. The former schools inspector, who speaks fluent Spanish, was continually told he couldn’t get an update on German Rita, who was critically ill in Ronda hospital for nearly two weeks. “They kept failing to communiALL AREAS COVERED cate what was going on… how her health was,” he told the Olive Press. “In the end I waited three to four days to hear how she was. 4G UNLIMITED She was so ill she wasn’t reading INTERNET Whatsapps or answering calls. It IDEAL FOR was very worrying. “In the end I had to literally deSTREAMING TV mand I was coming in to take her home. Only then did I finally get a ALSO IPTV, call from a doctor.” SATELLITE TV He continued: “It’s the system. The locals just accept everything that is chucked at them. They just tel: (0034) 952 763 840 accept it. People need to start deinfo@theskydoctor.com manding change.”

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Opinion Page 6

CRIME

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NEWS IN BRIEF Party’s over POLICE in Marbella busted seven illegal parties over the weekend, including one held in a hotel and two others in nightclubs.

Steak out A GANG which sold cheap and spoiled meat to at least 10 restaurants has been arrested in Malaga, with 122,000kg of chicken, veal, rabbit and pork seized.

Sniffed out BELGIUM’S most wanted drug trafficker Yannick M.W. has been arrested while visiting family in the Axarquia.

Shut it down A BROTHEL has been shut down in Alicante over fears that several of the women working there were infected with coronavirus.

January 27th - February 9th 2021

Model justice? A WELL-KNOWN British expat and former glamour model is set to go on trial this week. Jody Smart, 44, has been called to answer questions in a multi-million euro pensions s c a m , that lost hundreds of expats their life savings. She is set to be joined

Death of a smuggler

Expat fashion designer due in court over €35 million pension plunder trial by three other former employees of Continental Wealth Management (CWM) at the Costa Blanca hearings that are a year behind schedule. Fashion designer Smart - aka Jody Bell and Jody Kirby - will be grilled over how her Denia-based company, CWM, collapsed in 2017, leaving many of the firm’s 750 mostly-British

clients with huge financial problems. While many lost all their savings, and a couple committed suicide, Smart allegedly travelled business class to America and lived in huge luxury villas. She also allegedly received up to €1 million to set up her company Jody Bell SL and launched charity Grant a Wish, which re-

Inside job

MOB JUSTICE

A TERRIFIED expat couple hid on the roof as one of their own private security guards raided their property. The armed raid in an upmarket urbanisation in Estepona led to their on duty guard being tied up and handcuffed. He was later found by police badly beaten up and locked in a room of the compound. The hooded men raided two properties stealing jewelry worth more than €70,000. In the second home they found the expat Belgian couple hiding on the roof and also tied them up after seizing their cash and credit cards. All three robbers were revealed by police to be security guards, one of whom worked at the actual urbanisation. The trio were tracked after using the stolen cards to withdraw cash in San Pedro, Ojen and Marbella. They are being held without bail ahead of a trial on the raids that took place in August.

A LARGE crowd has been recorded beating a man almost unconscious after he allegedly sprayed a woman with nitric acid. In a widely shared video, tens of people can be seen throwing punches until the suspect falls to the ground outside a block of flats in Malaga city. He is then repeatedly kicked while others jabbed him with household items-turned weapons, including a broomstick and an umbrella, before the police arrived to arrest him. The 31-year-old is accused of throwing the acid, which was mixed with water, on a 55-year-old woman - who was also arrested after officers discovered she was wanted in connection with another crime. The alleged acid attacker is not believed to be romantically involved with the woman.

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

IN COURT: Jody Smart

ceived lavish praise and publicity in various local publications. In Channel 4 programme How the Other Half Lives about her fashion business, Smart boasted how she was worth €13 million while showing off her floor-to-ceiling shoe collection and wearing limited edition Jimmy Choos. The trial, which resumes in Denia this week, will ask her - and fellow employees Paul Clarke, Stephen Ward and Anthony Downs - what happened to clients’ money that was put in high-risk investments. The private prosecution against the four co-defendants has been brought by 17 former CWM clients. The last evidence was heard in February, with the April hearings postponed due to the pandemic.

A TRAFFICKER has been killed in a dramatic broad daylight boat chase off the Costa del Sol. He died when his narco boat collided with a Customs Surveillance Service vessel off the beach at Estepona. The deceased, known only as Dieguito or the initials J.D.G.S, was from La Linea, an infamous hotbed for drug mafias. Dieguito was in the boat with three other men, all of whom were arrested after the Sunday incident. The previous day residents near Estepona marina filmed a now-typical scene as a RHIB boat carrying drugs was dramatically chased by a police vessel and helicopter just off the shore. The high-speed chase was recorded by a resident overlooking Playa del Cristo. “It was pretty intense, shots fired and all,” one witness told the Olive Press. “But it's nothing out of the ordinary any more, everyone who lives here is under no illusion of what goes on, not just here but along the whole coast.”

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NEWS

www.theolivepress.es JAMES BLUNT has offered a cash reward for information on the thieves who broke into his family home in Ibiza. The ‘You’re Beautiful’ singer revealed that his villa in Santa Gertrudis was robbed last week. The crooks stole his cufflinks, clothes and sunglasses as well as a pocket watch given to him by his grandfather and a bayonet from his days as a soldier. In a statement to Diario de Ibiza, Blunt said with a touch of humour: “The thieves took about 100 items, including a black and white rug that

More stars join live music plea OVER 100 more UK musicians have joined criticism of Boris Johnson’s failure to help them tour Europe for free. Bob Geldof, Ed Sheeran and Liam Gallagher have joined a petition demanding the British government agree to visa-free tours of the EU to avoid 'costly’ work permits. Even Brexiteer Roger Daltrey signed the open letter which claims they have been 'shamefully failed' by the government over post-Brexit travel rules.

Overseas

Sir Elton John, John Lydon and Sting have also been outspoken on the issue, despite the latter two actually living abroad. Government Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden however, hit back insisting the musicians should be asking the EU why they 'rejected a sensible UK proposal'. The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michael Barnier insisted that the UK government had actually rejected an offer to grant exemptions to musicians and other artists. An online petition calling for a visa-free travel cultural work permit with the EU has so far attracted more than 263,000 signatures.

January 27th - February 9th 2021

Blunt reward

my wife did not like, so I suspect she could be involved. “They also took all my t-shirts and shirts, so they must not have a very good sense of style, since I am not known for mine.” He continued that he ‘understood that it was a difficult time for many people on the island’ but that his ‘only real sadness’ is that they took an old watch that belonged to his grandfather and a bayonet from his time serving in Kosovo.

Not missing a beat Steel Pulse could join British stars including Baxter Dury, Sham 69 and Metronomy in Spring invasion A RAFT of British musical legends are set to land on Spanish shores this Spring despite the toll of COVID and Brexit. Led by reggae stalwarts Steel Pulse, the groups will play a series of shows around the country.

By Glenn Wickman

Assuming COVID restrictions lift in time, bands including Sham 69 and Metronomy, will take to the stage in March and April. Steel Pulse are the first to

ROCKERS: Sham 69 land, playing Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia between April 20 and 23. The legendary Birmingham rastas, who formed in 1975, will present their latest album Mass Manipulation, as well as playing many of their old hits, including Handsworth Revolution. Meanwhile, Punk and Oi! founders Sham 69, whose continuing legacy and influence on the global streetpunk movement cannot be overstated, will (hopefully) tear up Madrid on March 6 and Barcelona on July 31.

Festivals

INVASION: Steel Pulse leading the way

TOM Jones and Lionel Ritchie have confirmed their appearances at this year’s Starlite Festival. The Marbella-based series of concerts has planned ‘coronavirus restriction compliant’ events for its 10th anniversary. Organisers will be hoping that travel restrictions are lifted for the festival, which will be held between July 2 and August 28. Last year the festival managed to go ahead, although

Sexbomb

several concerts were cancelled as the event scaled down to comply with strict rules about social gatherings. Organisers say no cases of COVID have been reported as being traced to the event, so they have decided to go ahead again this year. Concerts will be restricted to 1,500 spectators, with founder Sandra Garcia-Sanjuan saying: “Our rigorous compliance with health regulations has led tit to be an example throughout the world for the return of live music to the stage.”

And Devon-based electronic outfit Metronomy are booked to play Madrid’s La Riviera on Wednesday April 7, Barcelona’s Razzmatazz on April 8, and the Primavera Sound in Barcelona from June 2 to 5. Finally Indie icon Baxter Dury also hopes to make it over the pond to grace the Barcelona area, with an appearance at the Vida Festival in Catalunya in July.

LOVE LOCKDOWN: Pair shacked up

Zapped by virus THE romance dubbed the ‘pandemic love story’ has come to an end as Hollywood actor Ben Affleck and Spanish TV star Ana de Armas part ways. Heartthrob Affleck, 48, has now promised to take a vow of celibacy after his split from Armas, who grew up in Madrid. The pair began their relationship right as the COVID-19 pandemic was sweeping the world after meeting on the set of the soon to be released Deep Water in New Orleans. The 32-year-old Bond star moved to Los Angeles to live with Affleck and his daughter from his former wife Jennifer Garner. However after just one year under strict confinement laws, the pressures of lockdown have finally taken their toll.

Gap

Friends of the couple claim the 16-year age gap pushed too much of a divide between them. “Anna did not want to live in Los Angeles with Ben in the end, but with the confinement she had no choice and the pressure became too much.” Armas has now moved to New York where she recently posted a new hairstyle on Instagram. Ana de Armas was born in Cuba before moving to Madrid as a teenager. It was then when she became the darling of Spanish television, starring in a number of hit TV shows such as El Internado and starred in films such as Sex, Parties and Lies. She gained dual Spanish-Cuban citizenship before moving to Hollywood where she starred in a number of high grossing hits, including Bladerunner 2049 and Knives Out.

SINGING: Baxter Drury

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NEWS

4 www.theolivepress.es Big bust A COSTA del Sol drugs gang dubbed the most active in Europe has been busted. Spanish police started an investigation in September 2019 after finding out about a group based in Malaga province, which they suspected of transporting drugs to Poland. This led to the uncovering of Polish drug lords who were living in a luxury urbanisation in Estepona. It soon turned out, however, that these were not the only trafficking top dogs enjoying a life of crime in Andalucia, as the police managed to verify links to several mafia organisations, which were using Granada as the main supply point for marijuana.

Illicit

Local cops teamed up with the Special Division for Drug Trafficking and Organised Crime of the Polish Police (CBSP). Officers identified a Polish man as the kingpin, with important players from Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain serving as his ‘lieutenants’. The organisation had numerous plantations in houses and warehouses across Cadiz, Malaga and Valencia and used sophisticated double bottoms made in trucks, cars and buses to smuggle contraband. In total, the authorities arrested 110 people. More than €500,000 in cash, eight firearms, various vehicles and €5 million worth of property and vehicles were seized.

AN expat has been reunited with his beloved BMW after an eagle eyed Olive Press reader spotted it a year after it went missing. Kenny Greenhow went on a mission of his own to track down the convertible which had apparently been stolen by transport company Mission impossible. He had been horrified to hear that company boss Simon Davies was a convicted fraudster after his car disappeared while

January 27th - February 9th 2021

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE

supposedly being transported to the UK. Not one to be outsmarted, Greenhow grabbed his spare key and made a 100 kilometre dash from his Costa Blanca home to ‘steal’ back his own car 12 months on from its disappearance after the Olive Press alerted him. A reader had seen the car and suspected thief, both of which had featured on the front page of this paper more than a year ago. We had reported that Mission Impossible was paid to take the rare convertible back to the UK in late 2019, before it - and the car - disappeared without trace. TAKE BACK: Kenny (above) ‘steals’ back his car from Davies Despite reporting the

alleged theft to both Spanish and British police, Greenhow feared he would never see his BMW again, until our newsdesk received an email. Davies had been seen behind the wheel of the very same car in and around Palomares in Almeria, over 100 kilometres away. Greenhow - originally from South Shields - responded immediately by driving down with a friend from his home in Lo Crispin, near Ciudad Quesada. There he found the car parked outside Davies’s home, so the spare key was used to retrieve the car back from under his nose. Greenhow said: “My heart was pounding, but I knew I had to get my car back and tell the police. “There was the slim chance that the car might not actually be mine, but when the door opened, I almost leapt for joy.”

Squatter rotters Horrifying images show destruction of expats’ dream villa ‘set alight by squatters’ A BRITISH couple feel ‘violated’ after their dream holiday home was burned down by evil squatters in Spain. The pensioners, who wish to remain anonymous, were horrified to learn their property on the Costa del Sol was set ablaze just three months after a Spanish couple illegally moved in.

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The distraught husband and wife, from Bournemouth, told the Olive Press their villa, in Cartama, was left ‘completely destroyed’. They believe the blaze started after an argument between the two squatters. “Our neighbours overheard them rowing. She is a well

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known career squatter in the area and she was telling him she was finished with him,” said the husband, a former tennis coach. “They both disappeared before the police arrived and they obviously left in a hurry as their clothes were still on the washing line. The couple, aged 68 and 70, added that they will ‘never get over what has been lost’. “The house holds so many memories but because of them we feel violated,” added the

Flight risk SPAIN has denied claims it plans to stop tourists flying in until after the summer. Tourist Minister Reyes Maroto said it is untrue and he wants to welcome the first arrivals by the end of spring. He insisted the country was hoping to ‘reactivate tourism’ as soon as possible and that the vaccination programmes in other countries could help see the return of holidaymakers quicker. It comes after Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told a tourism conference in Madrid that when 70% of the Spanish people are vaccinated, the sector could see a return to ‘normality’. That vaccination target, he said, would likely be hit at the end of summer. But minister Maroto contradicted his statement saying: “Our priority in 2021 is to reactivate tourism and resume safe mobility on a global scale as soon as possible,” he insisted. “We hope that at the end of spring and especially during the summer, international travel will resume and travellers will choose Spain as their destination.”

Quarantine

The risk now are the rules set by the British government regarding the need to quarantine on holidaymakers’ returning home. Currently Boris Johnson is set to bring in a rule this week which will enforce all passengers to isolate at an airport hotel for 10 days on their return to the UK. “This would be a sure fire way to destroy our aviation and travel industries,” said Paul Charles, boss of travel company PC Agency. It came after fellow agency Nemo revealed it had seen bookings to Spain increase by 300% in early January compared to November. However, Brits appear to be booking for later in the year in the hope that there will be fewer travel restrictions. Advantage Travel Partnerships, one of the largest travel companies in the UK, said 40% of its bookings are between September and December while 27% are in 2022.

New Kirsty TV Probe THE Olive Press is helping a UK documentary team in a new investigation of the Benidorm balcony death of Kirsty Maxwell in April 2017. The TV programme is being made by Viacom Studios. Their camera crews and producers have been in the resort trying to find fresh evidence over what happened to 27-year-old Kirsty at Apartamentos Payma nearly four years ago.

Secret

The expertise and local knowledge of the Olive Press has been used as the production team conducted interviews around Benidorm. Any fresh findings are being kept secret for the time being, and there is no transmission date yet for the documentary. It's not the first TV programme to feature 27-year-old Kirsty's story. BBC Scotland in 2018 aired Killed Abroad,'presented by retired detective, David Swindle, who has been assisting her family in their search for the truth. Kirsty, from West Lothian, had been for a hen party weekend in Benidorm, before tragedy struck shortly before 8am on April 29, 2017, when she fell from a room belonging to five men from Nottingham celebrating a stag party. A judge ruled Kirsty’s death as accidental.

GUTTED: Before and after the home is covered in soot wife. “All our personal possessions were inside, including antique furniture worth €3,000,” she added. “Now it’s all gone. We feel numb and devastated.” The former coach and his wife have spent nearly two decades turning the property into their dream home after purchasing it in 2004 but haven’t been able to visit since the start of the pandemic. The pair first heard their residence had been targeted by squatters three months ago by concerned neighbours.

Memories

Despite help from their gardener, the couple were told it would take more than a year to evict the illegal inhabitants. “They were staying there for free and we couldn’t get them out. Then a week ago we had a phone call from our community president informing me that these unsavoury characters had burned our house down and subsequently left our home. “We have lost everything and we created all our memories there with our friends and our daughter and we wanted it to be their home eventually.” Although the pair have insurance they are awaiting an official report from assessors before they can start to rebuild the house. They now want to see stricter laws against squatters put in place so no one else has to suffer the same loss. “It’s enough to put you off Spain,” they said. “The squatter rights here are just outrageous. We were even paying their electricity bills.”

TV: Kirsty Maxwell

Spied on A SPANISH security firm spied on Julian Assange (pictured) on behalf of the USA while he was in London, it has been revealed. UC Global S.L, a company based in Jerez was allegedly employed to protect the Ecuadorian embassy during the Australian whistleblower’s long controversial stay. However, in true James Bond fashion, the company is said to have struck a deal with the CIA to record confidential meetings and conversations between the Wikileaks boss, his lawyers and associates. The case is currently being tried at the Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid, after national media uncovered the scandal several weeks ago. Official documents allegedly prove that the Andalucian company handed over audio and video files of a private nature to the US intelligence services. Assange himself launched the legal proceedings against the company and its manager.

The whole solution W

HILE the coronavirus pandemic has been hitting the headlines, there has been a whole raft of ‘COVID victims’ who have suffered the consequences of the virus, without actually catching it. These are the people who have almost imperceptibly found themselves drawn into the world of addictions without realising it - and are now having to find help. On the frontline treating and aiding these people are the dedicated health staff and carers of Marbella-based Villa Paradiso Rehab Spain who find that their hard-won skills in treating people with addictions are more needed than ever before. The long hours of lockdown and remote working have taken a toll on the mental health of many people, who often turn to self-medication in the form of drugs or alcohol. This is where Villa Paradiso Rehab Spain can bring its long experience to bear. It offers a safe and healing environment with a mixture of therapeutic and holistic therapies in the natural surroundings of nature, with daily fresh and healthy food cooked by a private chef. Ruth Arenas Mata, the inhouse psychiatrist of Villa Paradiso, has many years of experience in addiction treatment and has been nominated for the Doctaralia Awards for the best psychiatrist in Spain.

Villa Paradiso Rehab focuses on treating the underlying issues of addiction

She explained: “As a result of the COVID cri- that is distinct from other clinics. Each and sis, a higher incidence of obsessive problems every person is different so each addiction is is observed. Patients feel more anxious and too. fearful. On the other hand, Matthew explained: “We keep social and family relationships our group to only five clients are limited, leading to feelings at a time, which gives us more ‘We are here of loneliness and hopelessness. time for a personal approach to help you not and to really concentrate on This results in increased alcohol and drug use at home.” the core issues. We are able to just now but Mathew Idle, Villa Paradiso’s help people achieve a lifetime lead therapist, explained: “In of recovery. There is an answer well into the the case of alcohol people for everything and we find the future’ have found themselves drawn right solution.” into abuse and reliance almost “Too many clinics focus on by accident. Where before they the substance or behavior. We might have had a drink after work, they now focus on the person and how best we can find themselves reaching for the bottle at lun- address their negative behaviors and show chtime - and not stopping. them positive coping skills.” Ruth added: “In people who had a risky but This approach is nothing new at Villa Papreviously non-problematic use of alcohol, radiso. Ruth said: “We work on the whole the amount and frequency of drinking increa- package, from detox to treatment and reses significantly. All this leads to more depres- covery planning. Treatment at Villa Paradiso sion and suicidal thoughts, family and rela- starts with a consultation, then an inductionship problems and economic difficulties.” tion plan which may include a detox in the Matthew has over 15 years’ experience su- calm surroundings of the villa. The detox are pporting people with addiction and obsessive overseen by me supported by medical staff compulsions, teaching them how to use po- 24-hours a day who ensures the well-being sitive coping skills and developing of each client.’’ new ways of living a positive and Matthew said: “The recovery team will work fulfilled life and supporting them to on teaching the client how to identify their “We work on the achieve their goals. own feelings and emotions, which we know “Every addiction or negative be- is the key to long term recovery.’’ whole package, havior has an underlying reason, The professionals at Villa Paradiso have an from detox whether it’s dealing with emotion individual care and recovery plan drawn up or core emotional trauma. Until for each client. We are able to help people to treatment you deal with this the addiction will because we adapt all our expertise to their and recovery always resurface. “It’s not stopping personal situation. these negative behaviors which is “We also involve their family or significant planning.” difficult, it is staying stopped that is others to understand that this negative behathe hard part.” vior is not always done consciously but has Dr. Ruth Arenas Mata The staff at Villa Paradiso have for- become more of a dependency and a way of mulated their own treatment plan dealing with their issues. “

SUPPORTIVE: Mathew Idle It is important that everybody close is involved and understand the recovery journey so they can support them when they leave.” The care does not end with the client’s departure from the villa. The team keeps in close touch with the clients for a full 12 months of aftercare. This involves 1:1 sessions and online Villa Paradiso recovery support groups. Villa Paradiso also offers treatment in Tunisia for any Arabic and French speaking clients, in a beautiful, luxurious private villa overlooking the sea. Matthew added: “In Villa Paradiso Tunisia we are using the same model as we use in Spain, including recovery planning and ongoing support. All programs are written in French and Arabic to support the emotions and feelings in their languages of choice.”

For more information or advice contact Villa Paradiso on (+34) 689 80 67 69 or email info@villaparadisospain.com

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OPINION Cautionary tale LEE’S story (see front page) should act as a cautionary tale for anyone living in Spain. With hospitals currently overrun with the virus, it’s more than possible that health professionals will be swamped with caring for patients and may miss the opportunity to update loved ones on their progress. Regardless of this fact, considering that Carole had double pneumonia and was on oxygen support, five days of no updates put the Samuel family through an unnecessary ordeal. The failure to communicate was made worse by the fact that multiple family members were calling the hospital several times a day begging for any piece of information. The hospital must do better and to be fair, it sounds like it has now begun communicating more with Lee after we raised the issue with the Junta and the hospital itself. To help avoid a similar fate, if a loved one is admitted to hospital in the coming days or weeks, it is essential you make sure all your telephone numbers are recorded and attached to the patient’s details so that you can be contacted. But more importantly, stay home, wash your hands and avoid unnecessary contact with others. We must remain vigilant over the coming weeks to get over this third wave.

Squat On Imagine working tireless, saving up every penny and squirrelling it away to finally afford your dream home. Then imagine it being taken away or tarnished by anyone at a moment’s notice with no knowledge of when you’ll get it back. It’s one thing to take away a person’s home, but squatters are also robbing people of memories and peace of mind. These squatters may need somewhere to stay - and everyone deserves a place to live - but taking away a feeling of security from others is simply unfair. We all deserve to feel safe in our own homes. Why should squatters have more rights than anyone else? Especially when they’ve done diddly squat to earn them.

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TANDING in the Patio of the Lions admiring the world’s most famous collection of big cats, I am drawn to one major difference. There is no sound of clicking, no enane selfies and no endless lines of tourists interrupting your every view. With up to three million visitors normally descending on the Alhambra Palace each year, you not only need to plan your visit to Spain’s top site carefully, but you normally have to book at least a week or two in advance. But this spring, things are rather different. On a recent visit to the city of Granada, we had the choice of every half hour slot throughout the day - and at 4.30pm there were still well over

Keys to the The 10 secrets to understanding Spain’s top monument, writes Jon Clarke 150 spaces available to visit the celebrated Nasrid palace. Arriving at 2.30pm for a good stroll around the gardens and the nearby Generalife Palace, we were amazed to find the place so empty. Indeed, we probably saw no more than 100 people in the entire afternoon, with our

Hiding on the throne

he throne room, of the Hall of the Ambassadors, was designed so that subjects would only ever see the silhouette of the caliph. He would sit on his throne with light emanating in from behind, so no-one would get a good look at his face. Meanwhile, take a close look around and you will see that the throne room is based on amazing symmetry and is known for its precision.

T FIRST GLANCE, you might think a sci-fi writer had dreamed up this polar scenery of icelike foam sheets atop a dazzling green sea. Small natural pockets, akin in appearance to the breathing holes of Arctic seals, disrupt the venous white plains that extend over 1000 hectares. In the middle reside pools of deep emerald liquid and channels of the same colour criss-cross the surface, creating patterns in this surreal landscape. The result is an area of unusual beauty – at least when viewed from above. The reality on the ground, however, is a different story. Born through careless dumping, these lakes of phosphogypsum and other dangerous substances are located only 500m from the urban centre of Huelva, Andalucia. They are the waste products of fertiliser production, a business which began in the region during the days of Franco, when environmental laws were lax. For almost 30 years, fertilis-

MUST LOOK UP! Keep your eyes peeled for the stunning cedar wood ceiling in the throne room. The intricate design has over 8,000 multicoloured panels and symbolizes the seven heavens of the Koran. It is adorned with stars and diagonal lines that radiate from the centre, representing the four trees of life.

Toxic cover-up Fertiliser company’s plan to bury its past is a ticking chemical time bomb, writes Laurence Crumbie

CONTAMINATION: Earth and clay could be used to protect the lakes er company Fertiberia produced 2.5 million tonnes of phosphogypsum annually, discharging 20% of it into the Odiel river estuary. Some of the lakes’ contents have seeped into the sea, drawn out by the tide.

In response to an order from the National Court to prevent contamination, Fertiberia has proposed to cover the lakes in earth and clay. But not everyone is pleased with the plan. ‘It is a joke and they will leave a chemical bomb under the

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protection of the tides and climate change,’ said Julio Barea, head of a water campaign for Greenpeace. Likewise, Aurelio Gonzalez Peris from Mesa de la Ría, an environmental group that has been critical of Fertiberia for years, said that the proposal threatens both the nearby marshes and the wellbeing of Huelva residents.

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guide Asier saying he had never seen fewer people. There has never been a better time to visit the best example of Islamic architecture in Europe and possibly the only existing medieval Muslim palace left around the world. Here are some of the key things to look out for during your visit:

WASTELAND: Lakes of phosphogypsum are found 500 metres from Huelva

Although a group of 19 scientists have said that burying the lakes would put them at the mercy of earthquakes, the plan has gained initial approval from the government. Now, the future of this toxic legacy lies in the hands of the Nuclear Safety Council and the Junta.

January 27th - February 9th 2021

Alhambra Assault on the senses

ll the patios of the Alhambra - like the majority of Nasrid palaces in Granada - take the same basic format. They were designed to be an assault on all five senses, so most of them have myrtle hedges for scent and a gentle trickle of water for sound. Most importantly, they have rectangular pools in the middle, which appear to increase the size of the palace buildings utilising a mirror effect. Finally, take note: You never enter at one end, but normally a third of the way along one side, creating privacy and intimacy.

seen’ - feared his ‘scribbling’ would never do justice to the city’s crowning monument. But his book, the Tales of the Alhambra are as popular today as they were nearly 200 years ago, and a plaque has been placed in his honour above his former apartment.

Trickle down effect

he clever use of water in the Alhambra gardens is synonymous with the way the Moors cleverly utilised water in Andalucia… and it transformed the once-barren Sabika hill into a microclimate of lush woodland and forestry. Look out for the main water channel, called the Acequia real (its original arabic

name), which still functions to this day. It divides into a series of channels that ran directly into the Generalife gardens and then down into the Alhambra itself. In an inspiration to gardeners the world over, the channels reached all corners of the gardens and even the fountains with enough pressure and they still do today.

Sight for royal eyes only

ichly decorated with mosaics and lit by rosettes and stars, the baños reales are a wondrous part of the Alhambra that few lay eyes on. They are not normally open to the public and are so private that in the days of the

hey can grow to 30m high and live as long as 1,000 years. And the cypress trees that you see all around the Alhambra are also seen in abundance in the ancient Albaicin quarter on the facing hillside.. And indeed most of Granada. But that’s not all. Two sections of the Generalife gardens are named after them - Patio de los Cipres and the Paseo de los Cipreses - and the cypress tree has effectively become the national tree of Spain, like the oak in the UK, or the yew in France, with the Alhambra palace its most celebrated home.

You read it here first!

nce the stage for bullfights, the remarkable circular courtyard of the Palace of Carlos V was one of the few surviving works of Pedro Machuca, a former pupil of none other than Italy’s Michaelangelo. Its comAbination of Ionic pillars and coffered ceilings, added as recently as the 1960s, make it a striking and atypical piece of Renaissance architecture.

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Michaelangelo’s influence... in a roundabout way

bling sound of water, which is both soothing and doesn’t even cause the faintest ripple on the pool.

Touching the skies

Yankee retreat

The palace was once home to American ambassador to Spain, Washington Irving. The former politician, best known for his romantic writing, actually lived in a private apartment created for King Charles V for nearly a year in 1829. Built around the atmospheric Lindaraxa Courtyard Garden, he shared the 16th-century apartment with a host of cats, a few donkeys and a lunatic. The American author - who described Granada as ‘a most picturesque city, situated in one of the loveliest landscapes that I have ever

Keystone fountains Look carefully and each pool will normally have a keyshaped fountain at one end. From here emanates the bab-

Nasrid dynasty singers and musicians who performed there were blind, the legend goes, to conserve the modesty of the royal harem. While closed, you get glimpses of their splendour via doorways along the Patio de la Lindaraja.

Keeping it minimal

HE ancient Islamic rulers of the Alhambra did not clutter their palaces with furniture, but preferred to keep things minimal. They would have the odd seat (or throne), corners of rooms would have but mostly sat on cushions or had beautiful vases and the brightly-coloured rugs, while the occasional musical instrument.

La Linea shut down THE border town of La Linea de la Concepcion has been handed extra harsh coronavirus strictions by the Junta rede Andalucia. The municipality, which borders Gibraltar, placed into Level has been 4.2 of the region’s coronavirus tier system. The town is facing edented climb in an unprecthe number of cases and was forced to order all non-essential and trade to cease business activity from midnight on Sunday. This includes shops, restaurants and bars hotels, - with the exception of businesses such as essential supermarkets or petrol stations. Experts made the along with regional decision Juanma Moreno on president Friday after the town’s cumulative incidence rate reached 1,247.9 cases per 100,000 people.

Double

That is more than average rate of thedouble the besieged Campo de currently Gibraltar health district, which stands at 506.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The whole district, made up eight towns, is currently closed down, meaning no one can leave or exit without a justified reason, such legal or for work. as medical, These measures will remain in place until at least January 25, Moreno said at a press conference today. The campo was first closed off when health authorities discovered the more UK variant of the contagious arrived in Gibraltar.virus had Since then, La Linea, receives cross-border which ers daily, has seen workan extremely sharp increase in COVID-19 cases. One worker told Press this week thatthe Olive the situation in the area was ‘out of control.’ The young woman, who works on the Costa del Sol in the Campo, and but lives ner are still both her partwaiting to be tested after coming into direct contact with infected person. a COVID-19

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PERI-LESS CROSSING

HE tale of Joseph Lathey’s Nando’s border drama has made headlines around the world. The Olive Press’s frontpage exclusive last edition was quickly picked 952 147 834 up by national newspapers in the UK, Spain and even as far away as Russia. We first told the story of how Spanish customs officials confiscated Joseph’s Nando’s Peri-Peri sauce at the Gibraltar border, claiming new Brexit rules as justification. And it wasn’t long before the yarn was picked up by LadBible, followed by the Sun, the Daily Mail and eventually the FRONT PAGE of the Telegraph, and later Russia Today (RT). Even several Spanish publications, including the popular 20minutos, ran with the story. “It has definitely kicked off,” Joseph told the Olive Press this week following almost a fortnight of media appearances, “Nand o s h a v e already contacted me and are going to be sending me a parcel.” It was just one of several exclusives - spread across our six regional editions that we continue to deliver every fortnight. Dark times

THERE have been a total of 16 deaths from COVID-19 since the pandemic first struck in Gibraltar. The last four occurred weekend the vaccines on the arrived on January 9. finally The majority of the deaths were of elderly people with underlying conditions although there were also some exceptions. COVID-19 active cases passed the 1,000 mark surjust after the Christmas period although they have since stabilised. The strict measures imposed in the social lockdown introduced by the government on ber 27 and January Decem2 have finally taken effect. Public health experts believe the start of the third wave was initiated by Black Friday shopping on November 29. As the pre-Christmas shopping spree continued and families started to meet it is believed to havetogether spread further.

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STUMPED: Lathey was angry when his chilli and cloves were accepted but his Peri-Peri hot sauce A BRITISH expat was confiscated at the has branded border Spanish border officials and ‘clueless’ after they ‘ridiculous’ his Nando’s Peri Peri confiscated sauce at the Gibraltar border. Joseph Lathey, 27, was when much of his weeklyleft fuming shopping was binned as he tried to cross back “I said it was ridiculous into La Linea. as that would mean most of This meant seeing his Exclusive by my shopping prohibited list. But Spanish would also not be allowed legisleeks being tipped intobananas and Laurence Dollimore lation, specifically law in.” a customs Indeed, officials officer’s bin. told the Brit the dictates that vegetables 2019/2072, only items from his £55 and vegetawho asked not to be named, It also included his vegetable saadmit- ble-based products are prohibited could cross the frontier shop that ted that he stuffed mosas, one of his favourite bacon down his from entering the peninsula weekly cloves and chilli powder. were his underwear after from a treats he buys from hearing they were ‘third country.’ Ramsons, on “It didn’t make any sense,” Waterport Road. he add- seizing the majority of someone The Gibraltar Government ed, “they seemed to be told the Meanwhile, his chilli Olive Press: “The pretty clue- else’s products. less. The EU now classes were deemed acceptable.and cloves understanding is thatGovernment’s “I asked them to provide EU law third country, bringingthe UK as a cifically “I was completely stumped. exempts plant productsspein tougher I had a to justify what they were documents controls on what chicken which I thought inthey just sent me a phototaking and cross the border can and cannot tended for personal consumption been stopped but not might have from official controls at into of the a link bloc. the Peri-Peri to a Spanish Government Border ConAccording to the Gibraltar sauce,” Lathey told the Olive Press. Gov- trol Posts on introduction to the EU. Lathey was told he couldwebsite.” “The officials said it contained take his ernment website, several items shopping back onto puree, meaning it containedonion the Rock to for personal consumption are now store it. proAgreement banned, including all cessed veg and was meat and milk therefore not “I ended up selling it allowed over. all for £20, products (bar powdered infant milk, “Therefore, the Government will which is better than nothing,” be baby added for food and special food required seeking to clarify this matter with medical reasons or pet the relevant Spanish Authorities. Lathey. food re- “Until the final agreement It comes after quired for animal health reasons). several reports You cannot bring in more than 20kg respect to Gibraltar’s future with on social me- of any fish product or more than 2kg tionship with the EU is settled,reladia of Brits of other specific animal products, unless the Government advisesand See page 16 on including honey, oysters, specific having food live mus- ogationsbridging measures or derseized at the sels and snails. having been agreed whilst The Government reminder, that agreement is negotiated, border. pub- braltar Gilished on January 4, will be treated as One expat, vegetable does not products as being on list country for the purposes of a third EU custhe toms controls.”

British expat left fuming including the Peri-Peri after most of his shopping sauce - was labelled at Gib border due to ‘contraband’ new Brexit rules

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The top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are: - Listed: The municipalities ordered to close borders 1Spain’s and those facing total lockdown in malaga province as Andalucia announces new COVID-19 restrictions (20,645 views)

- Breaking: Spain’s Andalucia announces new 28pm COVID-19 restrictions as it requests permission for curfew and total lockdown of 91 municipalities (15,811 views)

president calls for home confinement in 3- Junta Spain while notifying mobility will be limited in Andalucia (14,176 views) - Breaking: Majority of Spain’s Costa del Sol de4including clared an extreme risk for COVID-19 transmission Marbella, Estepona, Mijas and Manilva (14,069 views)

British wife of chronically ill husband 5- Exclusive: cannot return to Spain unless he is close to dying (12,822 views)

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Peri-less crossing

A BRITISH expat has branded Spanish border officials ‘ridiculous’ and his ‘clueless’ after they confiscated at Nando’s Peri Peri sauce the Gibraltar border. Joseph Lathey, 27, was left fuming when much of his weekly shopping was binned as he tried to cross back into La Linea. This meant seeing his bananas and leeks being tipped into a customs officer’s bin. It also included his vegetable samosas, one of his favourite treats. Meanwhile, his chilli and cloves were deemed acceptable. completely was “I stumped. I had a chicken which I thought been have might stopped but not the Peri Peri sauce,” Lathey told the Olive Press.

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Last stretches of pristine coast by new law, alongside inland endangered beauty spots

advance and hours in entitled’ to a Civil under 24 ‘not to the Guardia Malaga was therefore denuncia Griffiths to the contract, no (OMIC). de- refund. clause 11 of and reported However Press, makes inEXCLUSIVE Trading Standards and any registration re- seen by the Olive Parfitt in cancellations By Joshua But withoutbe difficult to see mention of what will happen to it will Ma- tails this stead details person is present speechless,” to stop no sults. the event determined I was absolutely Press. a pet. Vila. Press “I’m the Olive his moth- receive a post conman. for a pet ria told from the Oliveof years man,” insisted mododgy, using alleged serial “Articles “He is so a number an English Heart-attack on Facebooka came up overdying in transit and er’s address and be used The recommendation company to Jermoney would transport Vila lose €350 and about dogs I then found by the Olive He said the bile number.” a pet ‘for charisaw Mariaclaims is a ‘scam’ other problems.one poor client’s When contactedwas unrepentant to help bring over firm she ‘without appropriate emy insistingbecause it was ‘over- Press, Griffiths business was reg- ty’ in the future.Dianne Lunt, from insisted his – however Com- It comes after her pet pug sufoperating dog had diedfat’.” trans- and and in the UK licences’. had contacted record of the Marbella, said “Most pet while in tranthe weight in amazing istered House has no The 43-year-old to arrange to She continued: fered a heart-attackfrom Spain known are for panies existing. Pet Taxi Transport porters I’ve over backwardsis an company ever for the UK’s De- sit under Griffiths cat from London will bend but this man January. travel of her A spokespersonCompliance Team Alec Strathern, paid and in Spain in pet, is 2013. her home checks she her a beloved that therefor Another expat, Pet Taxi Transthe fra Transport in emails bring crook.” Despite further three dogs in full to also denounced authorisation for confirmed Gats- utter immediately cancelled claiming his a refund the company She Rex called ‘no transporter port after in a van without asked for Valencia. del Mar, were transported and with holes kitten, a Cornish order and 25 trip. in Gandia, was Mr Griffiths’. in Torre by to her villawhen owner Jeremy the Januarywhen no refund shell Griffiths, basedadded Maria had ‘air conditioning’ refused comIt was only However, was forced to near Malaga, 11’ of the in the floor. (above right) compashe a separate ‘violated clause Griffiths €275 for as she cancelled provide basic became made, requests to out an extracompany to delivera pany’s contract that Vila made ny information transport has now kitten.She suspicious. his name into Google and her 649 18 29 “I then put company website, Tel. (+34) 96 to find his info@hispaniahomes.es

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The hulking shell of concrete - once set for a 311-room mega resort - has remained an eyesore for years after SWATHES of rural Andalucia are in work was halted by the courts. danger of being concreted over after Bunkers are also being dug to stop a new planning law was brought in 700-home golf course scheme, neara by the regional government. Nerja, which will see the developGreen groups including Ecologisment of one of the Costa del Sol’s tas en Accion and Greenpeace have final stretches of pristine coast. joined with hundreds of local assoAnd protesters in Mijas are also ciations to fight on a series of new digging in to stop the law being fronts opened up during the COVID used to build in woods overlooking SOON LEGAL?: Algarrobico crisis. the sea at El Chaparral. They are up in arms over the so- one, but TWO new hotels on virgin The first of many called LISTA law - passed during beaches in the supposedly planned protect- took place outside council protests the lockdown - that is set to allow ed natural park of offices in Cabo de Gata. la Cala de Mijas this dozens of previously outlawed proj- The first involves the green light for It could also see week. ects to go ahead. the controversial a 30-room hotel In particular, activists are outraged famous Bahia denear the globally Valdevaqueros project of hundreds Los Genoveses of homes go up about a controversial new golf beach, while the second on is for a two- tected virgin beach, a heavily-procourse in Nerja, as well as a final star hotel close to near Tarifa. the pristine Cala Under the recently stand of woodland in Mijas. resubmitted de San Pedro bay project, backed by TV celebrity Ana They are also furious about not Protestors fear the(pictured above). new law will also now allow the legalization of nearby Rosa Quintana, the stunning area between Bolonia and El Algarro- see a series of hotels Tarifa would bico hotel, Ecologists are also get built. worried built dis- Los Merinos project for that the two-golf gracefully courses and hundreds of houson a virgin es on UNESCO-protected virgin beach, near land near Ronda could See page 24 Carboneras, despite being quashed be revived, by the Sudue to a preme Court. planning mix up. Fairway to hell: See page 6

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Mallorca - Issue 97

British wife of seriously-ill husband cannot return to Spain ‘unless he is close to dying’

had I known I would back to husband Frederick be CONCERNED: Carole is desperate to get not Spanish citizen. have not been able A British Embassy spokesperson allowed who has Mallorca who Press they would I mare for the pensioner,husband, to return home - even in some back pa- told the Olive her we went to those with the correct w o u l d long lived with be looking into it, as both from Ports- cases in order. not have Frederick, 81, told me press. at La Herradu- perwork “The Spanish Embassydeathbed, flown in mouth, in a villa the first ra, in Granada. a negative PCR that unless he is on his Compassion be allowed back,” Carole Despite having place.” back €120, I won’t the ishas test, which set her having a de- said.“It’s horrific, my husband said: “We have raised It that out but he is She of compassionate cases with t u r n e d Carole was told did not qualify should not be going sue authorities, who out to be pendent husband Her situation alone and has no choice.” in the Spanish contotal as an exemption. confirmed they will basis, comes after Spain brought It a have on people many tougher restrictions sider, on a case-by-case n i g h t - reflects that of on UK arrivals fol- the circumstances of nationals lowing the discovery who wish to enter the counof a more contagious try on compassionate grounds coronavirus strain, to support a vulnerable family dubbed the UK vari- member.” See page 5 ant. returning Anyone Opinion Page 6 from the UK must be either a resident or a

Divisive Tel: 952 147 834

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The Olive Press front page article (Deathbed threat, all editions) has drawn a huge response from readers. Opinion is divided on whether Carole Clarke was right to leave her seriously ill 81-year-old husband Frederick in Spain to deliver presents in the UK at Christmas, only to find herself unable to get back to care for him due to coronavirus restrictions. While most responders have criticised the expat of over 20 years, from Almuñecar, others are more sympathetic to the plight the couple have found themselves in.

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British wife of seriously-ill husband cannot return to Spain ‘unless he is close to dying’

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Best wishes, but….

Dear Olive Press,

DID your reporter ask Carole why they did not already have residencia papers, having been here for 20 years? Did he also ask if they have Spanish driving licences, for the same reason? With the background of the governments of both Spain and the UK making travel policy decisions, why did she take such a risk of travelling on December 19, being on a plane with possible positive cases, leaving a vulnerable person exposed for her return? It is difficult to have any sympathy for her in such poor decision making but hope he survives the trauma ok.

IF this gentleman is so seriou go to the UK to deliver par sly ill, why did his wife mas with her family insteadcels and spend Christof with her ‘seriously ill’ husband? If she has lived in Spain for ample opportunity to obtain 20 years she has had wait until two weeks beforeher residencia, and not Brexit became official to get it. We have had loads of remind ernment website, and others ers by the British gov, to do it over the past three years. In your article you quote her husband should not be goinsaying ‘It’s horrific, my and has no choice,’ yet she g out but he is alone UK over him when she wen chose her family in the By December 19 it was stat there for Christmas. ing in the Olive Press, that ted everywhere, includSpanish citizens and expatsSpain would only allow mentation, as well as a neg with residencia docuative COVID-19 test, to come to Spain. Please, you are a good new does nothing for your reputa spaper but this article tion. It is ver y biased.

sunny Costa Blanca

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Costa Blanca Issue 47 CONCERNED: Carole is desperate

John Price (by email)

Go home AS as an expat from the UK I think Spain is right to stop Mrs Clarke from returning. This couple and many thousands of people like them live in Spain without having the correct paperwork. Anyone in Spain this long - 20 years - who does not have 100% of the paperwork Spain requires should be sent back to their own country and not be allowed to apply for it at the 11th hour . If these people want to be together let him go to England. And hopefully take all the other paperless Brits with him.

M. Bosano, Benijofar (Alican te)

out to be a total nightmare for the pensioner, who has long lived with her husband, Frederick, 81, both from Portsmouth, in a villa at La Herradura, in Granada. Despite having a negative PCR test, which set her back €120,

Tel: 952 147 834 TM

S u b j e c t

contagious coronavirus strain, dubbed the UK variant. Anyone returning from the UKa must be either a resident or Spanish citizen. A British Embassy spokesperson told the Olive Press they would be looking into it, as we went to press.

Compassion

OLIVE PRESS

She said: “We have raised the issue of compassionate cases with the Spanish authorities, who have confirmed they will consider, on a case-by-case basis, the circumstances of nationals who wish to enter the country on compassionate grounds to support a vulnerable family member.”

Opinion Page 6

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to get back to husband Frederick

Carole was told that having a dependent husband did not qualify as an exemption. Her situation reflects that of many people on the Costa Blanca and Valencia who have not been able to return home - even in some cases those with the correct paperwork in order. “The Spanish Embassy told me that unless he is on his Jávea / Altea deathbed, I won’t be allowed back,” Carole yorkshirelinencostablanca.com said.“It’s horrific, my husband should not be going out but he is alone and has no choice.” It comes after Spain See page 17 brought in tougher restrictions on UK arrivals following the discovery of a more

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www.theolivepress.es 1 Issue 23 week of this the city this FREE Vol. ‘by the end out around Martin saidoutlines of a deal’. the message Taoiseach see the down to ‘political team getting week we could and I’m Press Valencia would come Kunar He said it in the United Kingdom By Dilip from the EuSOMETHING Britain will, both will is there the EU and the the political an agreement. deal between finalised, after FOR THE to clear Union’. over the weekA TRADE order to get been refusing of being rights. ropean were told is on the promise in in on fishing is on the verge demanding EU ambassadorsdeal with Britain WEEKEND? set to cave to say that it looked France had previously fishing deal, a trade EU looked ranks down on anyUK’s coastal waters.of En- end that being finalised. to Spain’s have to comproof the 11 main of An MEP broke over back to the Bank Take a visit texts French would near-parity the governor of theBrexit would verge were told the majority ‘joint legal secret Acropoli likely the Boris Johnson’s demands points’. issues have a no-deal It comes as than They mise with Urnegotiationand fewer outstanding damaging EU would gland warned that president, See page 10 UK waters. Hansen said the to clinch be more economically with fewer commission a positive note, Christophe the UK’s demands to get a deal The European struck to the UK. very compromishave to meet "There will be status quo, COVID Bailey said failure cross-border sula von der Leyen, weeks with very, last seen in the on an agreement. on fisheries. The to land,” Andrewwould create a massive goodwill be- saying: “After difficult now we have signed and damage es to be made we're not going years. slow progressprogress, more movement the UK for trade blockage that is somewhere to have tween Brussels and leader Micheal Martin days better This is good.” event. out he told an Ireland that a Brex- important files. are understood Meanwhile, despite losing he was hopeful French fishermen this week. compromise on Monday backed theto certain fishing grounds. Mi- said would be completed negotiator it deal on access to comthe EU’s chief It came after demanded the need chel Barnier page 5 EDGE, See LIFE ON THE

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EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore

A BRITISH expat stranded in the UK has been told she can only return to her chronically ill husband ‘if he is on his deathbed.’ Carole Clarke, 68, is pleading for help after she got stuck in Belfast after flying out on December 19 to deliver Christmas presents to her daughter and grandchildren. is Her husband Frederick, 81, chronically ill back at home near Almuñecar, suffering lung disease COPD and diabetes. Despite this, the former nurse and aerobics instructor, who has lived in Andalucia for 20 years, was refused boarding on her easyJet flight back to Spain after new coronavirus measures demanded she must prove her residency. “I have been trying to get an appointment since December to start the process but it was impossible, ” Carole told the Olive Press. “There were none available anywhere.” I She added: “If I had known would be not allowed I back would not have flown in the first place.” has It turned

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Blueprint offers a huge Valencia it museums, for Run by Visit discounts transport and range of it at www. events, restaurants, You can find even hotels. and it is completely valenciaon.com, 55, a company free. was imRoland Wareham, Andalucia, city was the director from how well pressed by the pandemic. his native handling trip from was said: “I In On a business week, he Mijas thishow normal life seemed. struck by the bars and restaurants were Ruzafa, all and the terracesfriends and were open, with familieslifestyle. crowded and al fresco enjoying the meanwhile, bars and by 6pm, “In Andalucia, must close at night. restaurantslike a ghost town a bluemy town is should serve as “Valencia rest of Spain.” print for the page 6 Opinion,

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Women on the frontline in Spain

January 14th - January 27th 2021 Vol. 2 Issue 47 www.theolivepress.es

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Last is still alarming. and action women 12 months getting heard, year was a dark women kiBut there is is being taken. in Spain with 55 after or ex We may be Over a century still so far to go. lled either by partners figure Day in a new cendownfall of The highest celebrating the is 1911, so now decade are International Women’s and the partners. the only N equal world Livermore tury and a new Harvey Weinstein, Domin- since 2015. It's not these figua difference? an enabled world. first started, Karen any shaming of Placido of se- country where of we making in it’s easy to This is the theme are things really At first glance, go over his admission but res are rising. However, International Wo- say yes. There’s something asks, move the Vox harassed women, 2020? On March from their xually Arabia women are a disturbing for cuts that feels like real better in men's Day 2020. unpalatable men in Saudi to wo- in the air The #metoo and to party is lobbying gengiants, companies, positions, but the views still high fiving their right 8 the spotlight turns funding to combat were media Bethe world change. from public without the in men throughout for gender #timesup movementswhere politicians and stars. they represent, own a passport guardian. Continues overleaf and powerful moment who are striving consent of a male in a palpable not only being ing male, rich no longer a acceptance. matter to and Gender violence against were suddenly parity in the workplace, a Things that in sports, womenbut their voices were was Out of it has come women, are finally their businesses, not only affect arts, and in heard, were calling shield. in culture and real effort to shift, powerful. They previously untouchable their communities. started in out The movement culture and in in to change the work that we needed if we wanted to see advances doing so society reflected in the the field of equality. ideas have been for “Since then these policies that we first pushed Ana Botín, equal opportunityin Santander in the UK and more President of she in Banesto, thenSantander group as a whole,” bethe Santander recently in the I emphasised thedata banking group continued. “In thatinspeech company. And with that having of diversity the honorary nefits different studies, I explained apart from Botín made an to the from managerial positions, ot only was Ana Besides talent, more women in Elizabeth II for services dame by Queen 2015, she was also awarded being fair, was good for business. that complement in Financial sector for Responsible Capitalism after women bring skills to business communica– better interpersonal and a capathe first Award the year before. thinking run those of men taking the helm a pioneer. The first woman to empathy and cooperation, horizontal ranked eigth tion, to really listen as well as more Ana, 59, is also city bank, she’s been a major European of World’s Most Powerful Wo- the ability to prioritise.” a life-work balance also introduced keys to equal opporon the Forbes’ listcorporation, this financial whizz ai- Botín has to celebrate Inter‘one of the men. Within her of boosting female direction, scheme because, Let’s raise a glass Day 2020 or, as has made a point its CEOs to be women by 2025 tunities lies in domestic work.’ their share of this de national Women’s Día Internacional ming for 30% ofaccount for 20%). Beyond 2025, She said: “For men to increase policies that allow we say in Spain, means a 60%- responsibility, we need public in Spain from (they currently equality, which and in the workplace.” la Mujer. Ten women in the aim is technical of gender. share their views no discrepancy for greater flexibility all walks of life LinkedIn page Ana is adamant there will be 40% ratio, irrespective female staff members published on her inspirational stories In an article she debate over her feminist creden- salaries between male and in a banking instituin response to a “I have spent years as an execu- taking on equal responsibility to know 16th in the world. potials, she wrote, I have seen enoughdeal… In a tion that is ranked also notes that Botín has a a fair tive; years in which and companies Forbes magazine women don’t get that in general to a room full of men in Bilbao licy of ‘backing small companies speech deliveredabout the importance of women owned by women’. in 2008, I talked confidence in ourselves and acting with more

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She added: “If I had known I would not be a l l o w e d CONCERNED: Carole is desperate to get back to husband Frederick back I mare for the w o u l d long lived pensioner, who has the Costa Blanca and Valencia from the UK not have Frederick, with her husband, who have not been able to return ident or a must be either a resflown in mouth, in a81, both from Ports- home - even in some cases those A British Spanish citizen. Embassy spokesperson villa at La Herradu- with the the first ra, in Granada. correct paperwork in told the Olive Press they would place.” Despite having a negative PCR order. be looking into it, as we went to “The Spanish It has test, which set her back €120, that unless he Embassy told me press. t u r n e d Carole was is on his deathbed, told that having a de- I won’t out to be pendent husband be allowed back,” Carole Compassion a total as an exemption. did not qualify said.“It’s horrific, my husband Her situation should not n i g h t - reflects that of many people on alone and be going out but he is She said: “We have raised the ishas no choice.” sue of compassionate cases with It comes after Spain the Spanish authorities, who brought in tough- have confirmed they will coner restrictions on sider, on a case-by-case basis, UK arrivals follow- the circumstances of nationals ing the discovery of who wish to enter the counSee page 21 a more contagious try on compassionate grounds coronavirus strain, to support a vulnerable family dubbed the UK vari- member.” ant.

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Costa Blanca Sur - Issue 31

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and keeplife normal tween keeping on last ing it safe.” is down 80%all activsays While tourism musetourist boss year, the cinemas and ities, including of Spain, ums, are open. unlike much stay in Best of all,tourists must only and 6am. the city locals and between midnight time to discover Bern“It’s a great no queues,” adds as there are seriously, abe. to the pandemic the right “We take believe in but we alsolife.” Comuhave a full few places in the due to Currently tough restrictions nidad face rates. has developed high infection On, Valencia The city meanwhile, card calleddownload, not an activity can an app anyone at tourists. just aimed

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5, on April about Santa starting are worried With Semana weeks will in Spain businesses of Spain’s busiest whether one traditionally as normal. go ahead a million visitors combined More than Sevilla and Malaga Kouimtsidis descend on Week. By Dimitris Gross Domestic during Holy according 14% of Spain’s A total of and restaurateurs from tourism, hoteliers the devasProduct comes Travel Commission. NERVOUS themselves for Santandhave on to the European Director Eduardo are bracing coronavirus could virus on EuIt’s Executive impact of the — we’re tating effect industry. chiefs who fear er said: “The will be massive Spain’s tourism week, by tourist the ropean tourism losses.” Semana Santa They are joined about big surge in cases here, Airways, to critical of the holiday seaa major hit the owns British drop in talking issue travel the start has yet toas Spain has of the company that suffering a of any But despite which heralds UK authorities seen its number in Vueling and Iberia9%, the highest son. to the country, number than as Spain has warnings Italy. 35. It comes to over 150, with the insists that value of more with in the Ibex Transport AssociaOffice simply any addicases soar almost overnight. will done Air firm Forward- company outbreak in The UK Foreign comply with in place by Madrid doubling booked The International should put that the virus billion travel analytics travellers measures Data from international flightsdown al- tion estimates more than €26 screening US were up until cost the sector Keys shows be the most Hollis- tional UK and the Spanish authorities. from the for a five-week period football may analyst, Ralph virus is the 2020. 4 and Travel and tourism said: “If the the end Meanwhile, most 20%23. see page Ryanair GlobalData impact by Easyjet, February ter, from the same could start to inPage 4 started cancelling British Airways, Opinion have all and those to China. still having cancellationsas consumers deem Lufthansa than in order of April, rate Europe cut prices reducing crease at a rapid health to be greater flights within drastically their Some have seats, with Ryanair the risk to a holiday.” to fill empty IAG, their need for Italy by 25%. too, with flights to plummeting Stocks are

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must move on and we “Life goesinsisted Antonio Bernabé, forward,” of the Turismo Valencia Press, this director to the Olive Foundation, balance beweek. struck a good “We have

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Peri-less crossing

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A BRITISH expat has branded Spanish border officials ‘ridiculous’ and ‘clueless’ after they confiscated his Nando’s Peri Peri sauce at the Gibraltar border. Joseph Lathey, 27, was left fuming when much of his weekly shopping was binned as he tried to cross back into La Linea. This meant seeing his bananas and leeks being tipped into a customs officer’s bin. It also included his vegetable samosas, EXCLUSIVE one of his By Laurence Dollimore favourite weekly treats he A BRITISH expat stranded in the buys from UK has been told she can only R a m s o n s , return to her chronically ill huson Water- band ‘if he is on his deathbed’. port Road. Carole Clarke, 68, is pleading for Meanwhile, help after she got stuck in Belfast his chili and after flying out on December 19 cloves were to deliver Christmas presents to deemed ac- her daughter and grandchildren. ceptable. Her husband Frederick, 81, is “I was chronically c o m p l e t e l y Almuñecar, ill back at home near suffering lung diss t u m p e d . ease COPD and diabetes. I had a c h i c k e n Despite this, the former nurse and aerobics instructor, who which I t h o u g h t has lived in Andalucia for 20 might have years, was refused boarding on been stopped her easyJet flight back but not the Peri Peri sauce,” after new coronavirus to Spain measures Lathey told the Olive Press. demanded she must prove her “The officials said it con- residency. tained onion puree, meaning “I have been it contained processed veg pointment trying to get an apsince December to and was therefore not al- start the process but it was imlowed over. possible, ” Carole told the Olive “I said that that was ridicuPress. “There were none availlous as most of my shopping able anywhere.” would not be allowed in.”

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British wife of seriously-ill husband cannot return to Spain ‘unless he is close to dying’

CONCERNED: Frederick and Carole

She added: “If I had known I would not be CONCERNED: Carole is desperate to get back allowed to husband Frederick back I mare for the w o u l d long lived pensioner, who has the Costa Blanca and Valencia from the UK not have Frederick, with her husband, who have not been able to return ident or a must be either a resflown in mouth, in a81, both from Ports- home - even in some cases those A British Spanish citizen. Embassy spokesperson villa at La Herradu- with the the first ra, in Granada. correct paperwork in told the Olive Press they would place.” Despite having a negative PCR order. be looking into it, as we went to “The Spanish It has test, which set her back €120, that unless he Embassy told me press. t u r n e d Carole was is on his deathbed, told that having a de- I won’t out to be pendent husband be allowed back,” Carole Compassion a total as an exemption. did not qualify said.“It’s horrific, my husband Her situation should not n i g h t - reflects that of many people on alone and be going out but he is She said: “We have raised the ishas no choice.” sue of compassionate cases with It comes after Spain the Spanish authorities, who brought in tough- have confirmed they will coner restrictions on sider, on a case-by-case basis, UK arrivals follow- the circumstances of nationals ing the discovery of who wish to enter the counSee page 9 a more contagious try on compassionate grounds coronavirus strain, to support a vulnerable family dubbed the UK vari- member.” ant.

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No sympathy I HAVE no sympathy for this person. She had six months to get her TIE card. And as usual did not think of the amount of expats who would all want to get their card. So leaving it to the last minute is stupid. PK (via OP website)

Anyone

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WHILST feeling sorry for this couple, I must say that they have brought this on themselves. Having seen the chaotic shambles of the Brexit negotiations, any sensible person would conclude that it would end badly, and would not have waited until past the last minute to try to legalise themselves. These people are typical of the average head-in-the-sand Brits. Ed Naughton Coin (Malaga)

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THERE have been a total of 16 deaths from COVID-19 since the pandemic first struck in Gibraltar. The last four occurred on the weekend the vaccines finally arrived on January 9. The majority of the deaths were of elderly people with underlying conditions although there were also some exceptions. COVID-19 active cases surpassed the 1,000 mark just after the Christmas period although they have since stabilised. The strict measures imposed in the social lockdown introduced by the government on December 27 and January 2 have finally taken effect. Public health experts believe the start of the third wave was initiated by Black Friday shopping on November 29. As the pre-Christmas shopping spree continued and families started to meet together it is believed to have spread further.

28th 2021

By Eugene

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smallest it into Spain’s myself, we’ve Isle col- turning if I say so of EmeraldGuinness pub. And job.” has after his favouron a cornucopia done a grand and it even El Irlandes, film, it happily lectibles… regular Friday man Called Scorsese in for the usual lockhave his up like a ite Martin UNABLE to the boozer during on a on draught. being cooped I came up with fits his closest pals night down Conor Wilde hit his “After Blarney. in March real esDublin, in solitary Valencia-based Press. Friday night Skerries, near agency - to build down, expat for this one Valencia a plan,” the I Wilde, from told the Olive novel idea mates consultant the garden. run the Found own pub! expat, 46, got his shed tate an old shed in El Gal- has decades. over – Tuejar, about for two The Irish converted his gardensmall- “I had got the lads – and we set over and he claims is Spain’s lego & Champ into what hole. counts est watering2.4m by 2.5m, it Measuring

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most of his shopping British expat left fuming after- was labelled ‘contraband’ including the Peri-Peri sauce rules at Gib border due to new Brexit

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for visiremains open more VALENCIACOVID restrictions regions, intors, with most other relaxed thanchiefs. by busisists tourist its been praised alike for The city has and tourists nessmen

branded A BRITISH expat has ‘riSpanish border officialsafter diculous’ and ‘clueless’ Nando’s they confiscated his the GibralPeri Peri sauce at tar border. 834 952 147 Joseph Lathey, 27, was left fuming much when of his weekly shopping was binned as he tried to cross back into La Linea. This meant seebananas his ing and leeks being tipped into a customs officer’s bin. It also included his vegetable samosas, one of his favourEXCLUSIVE ite weekly By Laurence Dollimore he treats buys from stranded in the R a m s o n s , A BRITISH expat she can only on Water- UK has been told ill husreturn to her chronically port Road. M e a n - band ‘if he is on his deathbed.’for while, his Carole Clarke, 68, is pleading in Belfast and chilli help after she got stuck 19 cloves were after flying out on December presents to deemed acto deliver Christmas ceptable. her daughter and grandchildren. 81, is “I was comHer husband Frederick, home near p l e t e l y chronically ill back at lung disstumped. I Almuñecar, suffering had a chickand diabetes. which ease COPD en the former nurse thought Despite this, instructor, who I m i g h t and aerobics in Andalucia for 20 have been has lived boarding on s t o p p e d years, was refusedback to Spain not her easyJet flight but measures the Peri Peri after new coronavirus prove her the Olive demanded she must sauce,” Lathey told residency. apPress. it conbeen trying to get an to “The officials said meaning “I have pointment since December tained onion puree, it was imveg start the process but the Olive it contained processed not alpossible,” Carole toldnone availand was therefore Press. “There were lowed over. was ridicuable anywhere.” “I said that that shopping She addlous as most of my in.” “If ed: would not be allowed

January 13th - January 26th 2021 Vol. 5 Issue 139 www.theolivepress.es

at the border but his Peri-Peri hot sauce was confiscated his chilli and cloves were accepted STUMPED: Lathey was angry when A BRITISH expat has branded Spanish border officials ‘ridiculous’ and ‘clueless’ after they confiscated the his Nando’s Peri Peri sauce at Gibraltar border. prohibited list. But Spanish legisJoseph Lathey, 27, was left fuming lation, specifically law 2019/2072, Exclusive by when much of his weekly shopping “I said it was ridiculous as that dictates that vegetables and vegetaLaurence Dollimore was binned as he tried to cross back would mean most of my shopping ble-based products are prohibiteda into La Linea. would also not be allowed in.” the from entering the peninsula from who asked not to be named, admitThis meant seeing his bananas and Indeed, officials told the Brit his ‘third country.’ ted that he stuffed bacon down leeks being tipped into a customs only items from his £55 shop that they were Government told the the frontier were his underwear after hearing someone The Gibraltar “The Government’s officer’s bin. sa- could cross majority of Olive Press: the seizing powder. It also included his vegetable chilli and cloves understanding is that EU law speany sense,” he add- else’s products. mosas, one of his favourite weekly on “It didn’t make to be pretty clue- The EU now classes the UK as a cifically exempts plant products intreats he buys from Ramsons, ed, “they seemed consumption third country, bringing in tougher tended for personal Border ConWaterport Road. less. what can and cannot from official controls at Meanwhile, his chilli and cloves “I asked them to provide documents controls on trol Posts on introduction to the EU. they were taking and cross the border into the bloc. were deemed acceptable. a to justify what me a photo of a link According to the Gibraltar Gov“I was completely stumped. I had they just sent ernment website, several items Agreement chicken which I thought might have to a Spanish Government website.” his for personal consumption are now take could he will be told been stopped but not the Peri-Peri was Lathey to banned, including all meat and milk “Therefore, the Government sauce,” Lathey told the Olive Press. shopping back onto the Rock to clarify this matter with products (bar powdered infant milk, seeking “The officials said it contained onion store it. required the relevant Spanish Authorities. with selling it all for £20, baby food and special food puree, meaning it contained pronot “I ended up than nothing,” added for medical reasons or pet food re- “Until the final agreement relacessed veg and was therefore better which is respect to Gibraltar’s future quired for animal health reasons). Lathey. allowed over. tionship with the EU is settled, and It comes after You cannot bring in more than 20kg 2kg unless the Government advises on several reports of any fish product or more than COSTA measures or derbridging BLANCA SUR / MURCIA on social me- of other specific animal products, specific having been agreed whilst ogationsVol. 2 Issue 31 dia of Brits including honey, oysters, live mus- FREE Giwww.theolivepress.es January 14th - January 27th 2021 that agreement is negotiated, food sels and snails. having See page 16 braltar will be treated as a third seized at the The Government reminder, pubpurposes of EU cuson January 4, does not list country for the lishedexpat border. A BRITISH has branded as being on the toms controls.” products expat, vegetable One Spanish border officials ‘ridiculous’ and ‘clueless’ after they confiscated his Nando’s Peri Peri sauce at the Gibraltar border. Joseph Lathey, 3 1 / 1 2 / 1 9 . 27, was left E n d s c o n d i t i o n s . t o fuming when much of his weekly shop21/6/19 13:30 ping was See page 21 binned as he tried to cross back into La Linea. This meant seeing his bananas and leeks being tipped into a customs officer’s bin. It also included his vegetable samosas, one of his favourite weekly treats he buys from EXCLUSIVE Ramsons, By Laurence Dollimore on Wat e r p o r t A BRITISH expat stranded in the Road. UK has been told she can only M e a n while, his return to her chronically ill huschilli and band ‘if he is on his deathbed.’ c l o v e s Carole Clarke, 68, is pleading for w e r e help after she got stuck in Belfast d e e m e d after flying out on December 19 a c c e p t - to deliver Christmas presents to her daughter and grandchildren. able. “I was Her husband Frederick, 81, is c o m - chronically ill back at home near p l e t e l y Almuñecar, suffering lung disstumped. ease COPD and diabetes. I had a Despite this, the former c h i c k - and aerobics instructor, nurse who en which has lived in Andalucia I thought might have been for 20 years, was refused boarding on stopped but not the Peri Peri her easyJet flight back to Spain sauce,” Lathey told the Olive after new coronavirus measures Press. demanded she must prove her “The officials said it contained onion puree, meaning residency. it contained processed veg “I have been trying to get an apand was therefore not al- pointment since December to lowed over. start the process but it “I said that that was ridicu- possible, ” Carole told was imthe Olive lous as most of my shopping Press. “There were none availwould not be allowed in.” able anywhere.”

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habitants. The whole district, made up eight towns, is currently closed down, meaning no one can leave or exit without a justified reason, such as medical, legal or for work. These measures will remain in place until at least January 25, Moreno said at a press conference today. off The campo was first closed when health authorities discovered the more contagious UK variant of the virus had arrived in Gibraltar. Since then, La Linea, which receives cross-border workers daily, has seen an exin tremely sharp increase COVID-19 cases. One worker told the Olive Press this week that the situof ation in the area was ‘out

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border THE town of La Linea de la Concepcion has been handed extra harsh coronavirus restrictions by the Junta de Andalucia. which municipality, The borders Gibraltar, has been placed into Level 4.2 of the region’s coronavirus tier system. The town is facing an unprecedented climb in the number of cases and was forced to order all non-essential business and trade to cease activity from midnight on Sunday. This includes shops, hotels, restaurants and bars - with the exception of essential businesses such as supermarkets or petrol stations. Experts made the decision along with regional president afJuanma Moreno on Friday inter the town’s cumulative cidence rate reached 1,247.9 cases per 100,000 people.

January 27th - February 9th 2021

OLIVE PRESS

The

1 Wash (5) 2 Nell Gwyn sold them (7) 3 Whipping up (6) 5 Badinage (5) 6 How a submariner might view a parachute (7) 7 Cruelly rapacious person (5) 14 Without mercy (7) 16 Too blue? (7) 17 Lifting device (5) 18 Good-hearted people (6) 20 1954-77 Far Eastern alliance (2,1,1,1) 22 Squads (5)

All solutions are on page 22

But not everyone was unsympathetic to the plight of the Clarkes…

Have a heart

Just shocking

JUDGING by some of the online comments, many people are condemning this couple. Surely this is missing the bigger picture. In a case like this, humanitarian reasons should be taken into consideration. Frederick needs help and his wife is willing to give it. Why should she not be allowed back into the country to help her loved one? I am sure she would be happy to take PCR tests and maybe isolate in a hotel to ensure she was not infected?

IT is just shocking that Carole Clarke cannot get back to her husband. My partner is in the same situation, but luckily we are both in good health. I am in Alhaurin el Grande, which is a little far from Almuñecar, but if I can help her husband in any way, maybe by getting a support group going that is more local to him, I will. Maybe people can help with his shopping or something? I hate to think he is struggling alone.

James Johnson, Castellon (Valencia)

Kerri Geddes , Alhaurin El Grande (Malaga)

Our front page story of a man having his groceries confiscated (Peri-less crossing, all editions) also proved a hot topic...

Try to understand

Stop remoaning!

A MAN is complaining that some of his merchandise was confiscated when he crossed the EU border from Gibraltar to buy groceries (Peri-less crossing, the Olive Press, all editions)? We have a pandemic with strong recommendations not to make any unnecessary travel and constantly changing rules. Why take the chance and travel anyway, in particular outside the EU? Millions of people all around the world have not had the possibility to meet their friends and family due to the pandemic. On top of that there’s Brexit. The UK is no longer in the EU. There are import rules no matter if you shop in Gibraltar or Afghanistan. It’s no longer business as usual but time to learn new habits. It’s sad that so many people have not understood this.

WITH regard to your front page article and Alex Trelinski’s Brexit article (Old and the new as Brexit bites, all editions), myself and my wife are in our 70s and have lived in Spain for over 16 years, voting ‘out’ in the referendum. We have only been out of the EU for less than two weeks and already the remoaners (sorry remainers) are queuing up to tell us, ‘we told you it wouldn’t work’. The difference between the remoaners and the Brexiters is that the Brexiters knew that the EU would give Britain a hard time when we left ,and that we knew that Britain would have a hard time for three to four years before things started to get better. What the remoaners have got to realise is that it is not Britain which is stopping people at ferry ports and border crossings and saying you cannot take these sandwiches or this bottle of sauce (Peri-less crossing the Olive Press all editions) into the EU but it is their beloved EU doing it. We would still vote out again if we had to.

Bo Edlén, Denia (Alicante)

Tony and Sue Wade, urb la Marina (Alicante)

ll about

Vol. 14 Issue 361

Good health

From mice to men A

www.theolivepress.es

SPANISH vaccine has proven to be 100% effective against COVID-19 in mice. The jab, developed by virologists Mariano Esteban and Juan Garcia Arriaza at the National Centre for Biotechnology, will move on to human trials ‘within weeks’. The vaccine uses a variant of the virus that was used to eradicate smallpox, according to the results published in the Journal of Virology. It is being developed with Spanish biotech giant Biofabri, belonging to the Zendal group, with plans for clinical trials already in motion. Dubbed MVA-CoV-2, the jab uses the ‘Modified Ankara vaccinia’ virus (MVA) as a vehicle to transport a SARS-CoV-2 protein that manages to stimulate an immune system defense against the coronavirus, reported the Higher Council for Scientific Research. Biofabri is now waiting for the green light from the Spanish Medicines Agency to kickstart the first of two clinical human trials, which could start in a few weeks. “We have observed that the MVA-CoV-2 vaccine candidate generates a robust immune response with the production of neutralising antibodies and the activation of T lymphocytes in mice,” explained

COVID vaccine 100% effective in first tests with human trials poised to start

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January 27th - February 9th 2021

R-rated SCIENTISTS say that a 10% rise in mask wearing triples the chance of keeping the R number infection rate for COVID below one. Writing in Lancet Digital Health, researchers said that keeping the number below one means the pandemic is shrinking. The R rate shows the number of people infected by each carrier of the coronavirus. They studied 300,000 people in the USA to reach their conclusion.

App ‘n go AN app to prove people have been immunised against COVID is to be launched in the coming days. The Junta says that those who have been given two doses of the vaccine will be able to download the app, which will show a QR code. This will be able to be scanned so people can prove they have been vaccinated. This could be used to let them travel despite restrictions, for example.

Watch that chat

researcher Mariano Esteban. Arriaza said that the team has verified that the vaccine ‘creates 100% protection against SARS-CoV-2 in a humanised mouse susceptible to the SARS-CoV-2 infection, which is very important.’ In the Spanish vaccine, the MVA virus has been modified to replicate the complete S protein of SARS-CoV-2, which is the key that allows the coronavirus to enter human cells. It therefore introduces the immune system to the protein and teaches it how to recognise and eliminate it. According to the study, one or two doses of the vaccine protected 100% of the ‘humanised’ mice from COVID-19. Arriaza added, however, that two doses of the vaccine blocked replication of the coronavirus in the lungs. “These results demonstrate that the MVA vector-based COVID-19 vaccine produces robust immunity and complete efficacy in animal models, and supports its future application in clinical trials,” the researchers declared. Clinical phases I and II could begin in a few weeks before progressing to phase III. Tests will now also be carried out on hamsters and macaques.

DELIGHTED: Virologists Mariano Esteban and Juan Garcia Arriaza, developers of the vaccine

HAVING a 30-second chat without a facemask in a badly ventilated room could be worse than coughing for half a second when it comes to COVID infection. A study by the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London found that while coughing results in a large number of big droplets, speech produces finer particles. These then stay suspended in the air for longer – up to an hour. The report advises people to wear a mask to protect themselves and others, even if they are just talking and not coughing.

Good start AS Spain started the race to vaccinate its population against COVID, Andalucia was an early leader. In the first weeks of the vaccination programme one in four of Spain’s first tranche of injections was made in the region.

In the mood

January 27th February 9th 2021

ll about

Good health

Into the abyss

T felt like being slotted into a sock, or the middle of a doughnut, and had it not been for the panic button I’d have fought my way out in a chispa. But as the MRI scanner whirred into life, I lifted my COVID mask up over my eyes and started to count my breaths and meditate. I was in for a 90-minute screening and once cocooned in my own darkness I soon forgot the constraints of the narrow tube I had been strapped into. I had chosen a full medical

Getting an MRI scan, while terrifying, gave JON CLARKE an intriguing indepth analysis of his health

check at Executive Health, in Marbella, overseen by leading heart scientist Dr Henrik Reinhard as a new year resolution to keep closer tabs on my health now I’m in my 50s. The annual screening package involves a detailed exam of the abdomen, pelvis and thorax, as well as a clinical evaluation of the heart and lungs and an analysis of blood, urine and stools. The MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine was the highlight, using a powerful magnetic field combined with specific radio frequencies to create detailed images of my internal body structures. Enabling Dr Henrik to take a close look at my bones, tissues and organs, he would be able to detect any abnormalities, such as cancerous growths, inflammation, infections and more. While the advancement of heart disease follows a more predictable pattern, requiring APPREHENSIVE: Jon gets prepared for the screening every scan

TREASURE: Elissa’s elixir of love WHEN it comes to love and passion during coronavirus lockdowns, it seems that women have needed a little help. Perhaps being in close proximity to loved ones for extended periods of time has proven to be a little bit too much of a good thing, and bedroom activities have gone a trifle stale. But not ones to take this state of affairs lying down, many British women have apparently turned to a ‘Viagra’ for ladies to keep them in the mood. The maker of Elle Sera, which was launched before the first coronavirus lockdown, says that sales have soared during the pandemic. Also known as the Empowerment Pill, it is not a medicine, but is sold as a ‘supplement’. Elissa Corrigan, the 35-year-old veteran of Bear Gryll’s reality show Treasure Island is behind the golden tablet. She claims that sales have grown 400% as woman want to ‘feel sexier and flirtier’. But this feeling comes at a price - a 30-day supply costs around €70.

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five years, cardiologist Henrik advises yearly screening for cancer. But the first test was actually managing to stay inside the MRI machine. “It’s true quite a few people can’t handle the claustrophobia,” admitted Henrik. “Particularly men, so you did well to fight it off.” Ordeal over, I stepped into his office for an immediate consultation, in which he reported he could see no obvious signs of disease. A few days later I was back to get the full results and see some, quite frankly, fascinating scans and images. While it looked like a haunted face from a ghost train (see above), my main chest and heart scan was apparently ‘pretty healthy’ and Henrik gave me a 3% chance of heart issues over the next decade, but based on current risk factors measured my lifetime as over 50%.

“That’s 10% higher than the average risk in in Western countries, but you can get that down pretty easily,” he explained, insisting it could get down as low as 8%. The best way to do this is with diet, cutting down meat to once a week and eating more ‘good fats’, which was basically fish and nuts, as well as a lot more vegetables, particularly kale, spinach, broccoli and cauliflower. While my blood and urine tests were normal and my kidney and liver function were fine, my blood sugar levels were elevated and I would have to bring them down to avoid developing diabetes. I also needed to lose a bit of weight, which was no surprise after the festive period, when I had put on nearly three kilos. Last, but not least, he spotted I had a small 2cm opening of a hernia in my left groin, which had indeed been giving me a little bit of grief over the last few months. But he said this could be improved by losing some weight and could easily get better on its own.

Great Dane The Danish doctor Henrik Reinhard, 45, and team spent two years researching the best place to open his Executive Health clinic with its MRI scanner and other high tech machines. Costing over €1m to buy and over €300,000 to install he needed to find the perfect location. “We tried and paid for “check up” at five clinics on the Costa del Sol and wasn’t exactly impressed with the results,” he explains. “I knew we could do a lot better.” In the end the father-of-three was able to rent a floor of the Helicopteros Sanitarios clinic in Puerto Banus, which ticked many boxes for its central location and large membership of potential clients. Going into partnership with a Swedish businessman, the clinic opened in aprhil 2017. And he and his wife Rikke have now more than settled on the Costa del Sol, having previously lived in Australia and Trondheim in north Norway, and are expecting 2021 to be a busy year. “We are working really hard to give the best possible service and finding the clients very receptive,” he adds. “In particular because with all the COVID issues I am sure that many Olive Press readers have not been getting their normal health checks at the local hospital. We can do the same and a lot more in a far safer environment.” Contact Executive Health at info@executivehealth.es or visit www.executivehealth.es

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SPECIAL OLIVE PRESS OFFER In a special new year’s deal for Olive Press readers, the Executive Health clinic is offering a full annual medical check up with 4 MRI scans for just just 895 €895, euros, or over or over half halfnormal the the normal price. price. The significant annual health check needs to be booked in in advance advanceand anddepends dependsononavailability. availability. Visit www.executivehealth.es for more details

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Vaccine passport holders will be able to skip restrictions THE first so-called ‘vaccine passports’ will be handed out to residents in Andalucia ‘within days’, the Junta has announced. Spokesman Elias Bendodo told a press conference today that those who have received their second dose of the COVID-19 jab ‘will be able to prove it with a QR code.’ “The QR code will act as a certificate so they can prove it when taking a trip or any other activity that requires it,” Bendodo said. He added that Andalucia has so far administered 163,048 doses, more than 75% of the total number of vials sent to the region. “We will reach 80% between today and tomorrow,” Bendodo said, “And we will maintain a strategic reserve of 20%.” He added that the third wave of the virus ‘is the most aggressive we have suffered due to its explosive evolution.’ The QR code will be sent to the mobile or any other device of people who have received two jabs. It can also be printed as a paper

Elixirof A

ll about

A Good health

ll about

Jab and go? Andalucia certificate for those who do not own a mobile or tablet. The Junta announced plans for a vaccine passport last year, vowing that those in possession of one would be able to skip certain restrictions. Junta president Juanma Moreno said on December 19 that the plan was to make events and travel safer in the future by knowing ‘who has been vaccinated and who has not’. “Of course no one will be forced to get the jab, but if someone is going to want to go to sporting or cultural events or travel, they will have to be vaccinated,” Moreno said at the time. It has not been confirmed when those who are first to receive their vaccine certificate will be permitted to travel or skip other restrictions.



Milk matters Children who drink full-fat milk are less likely to be overweight than those given skimmed or semiskimmed. The findings were published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and they found that children who drank whole milk had 40% lower odds of being overweight or obese compared with their peers who drank lower-fat varieties. It has been speculated that whole milk causes children to feel fuller, which reduces snacking. The research combined the results of 28 studies that were conducted across seven countries, which had explored the correlation between children drinking cows milk and the risk of being overweight.

The magnificent seven active ingredients of a southern Spanish lifestyle

TRADITIONALLY a time for detoxing and gruelling health regimens, those beginning the new year in Spain are luckier than most. The Mediterranean diet is frequently lauded by health experts but there are many more natural remedies on our doorstep that come with the territory. Check out these magnificent seven health benefits of an Andalucian lifestyle.

1. Food glorious food Often dubbed the ‘market garden of Spain’, Andalucia abounds with fresh fish and seafood, veggies, fruit, grains and pulses but its olive oil may be the star of the show. The American Food and Drug Administration prescribes a daily dose of 1½ tablespoons to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

2. Europe’s best healthcare Analysis by Bloomberg recently revealed that Spain’s public health service is the best in Europe and third best globally. Taking into account efficiency, as well as cost, the analysis put Spain way ahead of the UK, just behind Singapore and Hong Kong.

3. A sporting chance

椀渀昀漀䀀氀愀琀攀爀氀椀昀攀⸀攀猀眀眀眀⸀氀愀琀攀爀氀椀昀攀⸀攀猀

Exercise can reduce your risk of major illnesses like cancer and heart disease by up to 50% and decrease the likelihood of an early death by 30%, according to the UK’s NHS. And in Andalucia, home of the outdoor lifestyle, you won’t need to go far for hiking, swimming, paddle tennis, football, golf and even horse riding.

Good health

January 27th - February 9th 2021

5. Curative costas

4. 320 days of sunshine The Costa del Sol gets its name for a reason, and scientists have long linked catching some rays to prolonging life. Two Malaga doctors, Raul J. Andrade and Maribel Lucena, recently said that soaking up Vitamin D can stave off the risk of Multiple Sclerosis.

With over 1,000km of coastline, many Andalucians are hardwired to love the ocean - something scientists call the ‘blue mind’. Dr Thomas W. Ferkol is one of those who extols the sea’s benefits, claiming salt clears lungs and is antibacterial, while beach life can improve sleep patterns.

6. Red red wine Every year the benefits of a ‘small’ amount of red wine are proclaimed, it being proven that ‘vino tinto’ is packed full of antioxidants. Now the latest study by a Spanish research team, in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, also finds it can reduce tooth decay and gum disease.

7. Soothing siestas

It is one of Spain’s most enduring images, especially to foreign eyes, but a siesta can lower blood

pressure and is part of a natural sleep cycle. According to the Spanish Society of Primary Care Physi-

cians, it should be no longer than a 30-minute catnap taken on a sofa or chair.

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14 January 27th - February 9th 2021

Ten tips for life

Egg on my face

British ex-COVID denier felt close to death after testing positive for the disease A BRITISH expat has admitted he was wrong to doubt the dangers of COVID-19 after becoming infected while visiting the UK. Marbella-based Richard Williams, 49, said he initially thought the disease was a hoax but began to have his doubts after ‘carrying out his own research.’ These doubts were confirmed when the Forex trader started to feel ill over Christmas while back in Birmingham, before testing positive for the disease on January 4. “I thought I had just overdone it at Christmas,” the former professional kickboxer told the Olive Press. “But I ended up being hit really hard. I was a right mess in there, I don’t think people wanted to come near me, it was like a scene from Contagion on Netflix.” Williams’ test on January 4 came back positive and his

EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore

wife Helen tested positive the following day. Williams, who has lived in Marbella for 10 years, was told to self-isolate at home, but his condition rapidly worsened. “When I was sat up shivering at 3am night after night I felt so weak I just wanted to give up,” he added. “I felt like it was never going to end, my wife called the doctors every day for a week because I was getting worse.” Williams said he was eventually prescribed amoxicillin for possible bacteria in his kidneys and co-codamol for his aching joints. “It started out like a cold runny nose and sneezing, but then the sweats really kicked in and these ruined me as I was waking up drenched in cold sweat, freezing cold and

We share timeless tricks to improve well being, from sports and fitness to diet and sleep

1 Start supplementing

Regardless of your age or lifestyle, these really are a must to maintain good health. These are the basics you need to feel good at any age. VITAMIN C - It’s a vital support to our immune system and a protective antioxidant. A good daily dose is 500mg. Taking more than 1,000mg a day may cause stomach pain, diarrhoea or flatulence. And of course living in Spain, take advantage of the juiciest citrus fruits and add more to your diet. B COMPLEX- Essential for energy production in your body and to support your hormones. A good average dose is 25-50mg of each of the main Bs (1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and smaller amounts of B9 and B12) in one B-complex tablet. These nutrients are not stored in the body, so you need to top up the supply every day. OMEGA-6 EVENING PRIMROSE OIL (or starflower oil) slows signs of ageing, balances hormones and helps with PMS and menopause symptoms. Take 1,000mg daily, increasing to three times a day for hormonal imbalances, such as PMS. OMEGA-3 FISH OIL OR linseed oil can help reduce inflammation and maximise brain function. Take 1,000mg daily or twice a day if you suffer from dry skin or sore joints. Your body’s cells are dependent on Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), such as Omega-3 and -6; without them, your body will deteriorate more rapidly. If you’re getting enough, your skin will be beautifully strong and supple. VITAMIN D You need this to absorb calcium and phosphorus to keep bones and teeth healthy, most of our body’s vitamin D comes from exposure to sunlight. Thank goodness for the Spanish sun!

CONVERT: Richard Williams was wrong

then roasting hot, that was probably the worst part. “I also have dry mouth, aching joints, non-stop migraines, lower back pain and aching kidneys, all preventing me from a decent night’s sleep. “We almost called the ambulance when my dry cough and tight chest caused real breathing problems.”

Conspiracy

He added: “I think I’ve been wrong to say it’s bullshit.. I never believed in it and I wasn’t quiet in saying so. “I do now and I’ve got egg on my face.” It comes as conspiracy theorists around the world have claimed the disease is a hoax designed to ‘control the population’. Wilder theories claim it is all a ruse to allow for a mass vaccination campaign so that Bill Gates can inject people with microchips.

Keeping an eye on you, and more udging by its name it would be all too easy to expect Sol Eyes to simply look after your eyesight, but they have also become positively known for a wide range of other medical services. Plastic surgery, orthopedics, women’s doctor and physiotherapy to name a few. The whole team are both happy and proud of the fact that they did and do continue to help patients even in the depths of the coronavirus crisis. The clinic only closed it’s doors during the first lockdown from march to June and that was because they had been earmarked as a reserve health facility if needed to deal with the crisis and so were keeping the decks clear. Directly when the restrictions allowed, the doors were re-opened in September 2020 with a smaller service. As most of the Finnish specialists stayed in Finland due to the travelling restrictions. Clinic Manager Ninni Collan said: “Regard-

ll about

less of the pandemic we have managed to keep busy by being stubborn, understandYour medical specialists ing and being creative! on the Costa del Sol! Of course the numbers of patients is smaller now, for example catCombine your perfect vacation with for example getting rid of your glasses, or improve the reduced functional capacity through physiotherapeutic treatments aract, eye infection or are specialists in eye surgery – correction of cataracts, presbyopia and refractive surgery by laser a tense neck does not knowWethe calendar. We also provide services with Nordic high quality Spanish prices! At this time we are and always will be aawide range of optician’s We check our phones a and gazillion times needed branch. Now it’s up to us doing the Pre-examinations for Eye Procedures a day and if you’ve taken yours into the best out of what we have and what we can, toilets, NOW FOR you’re ONLYnot 35€the only one! But that for example doing campaigns and trying to phones carry about 10 times as Until means 14th of February! (normally 49 €) keep the smile on ours and everyone’s facmuch bacteria as most toilet seats. And Our service scope is getting bigger during the Spring 2021 as es stepping in the door. British researchers found that one in six our Finnish medical specialists return to the Coast after a long break. Specialist Antonio Soller has kept busy devices were contaminated with E. coli!). Sol Eyes Clinic and Medical Center with eye surgery, cataract, presbyopia and Use cleaning wipes that don’t contain retina surgeries and is now also offering bleach as that’s safer for your phones Book Your appointments easily online! Tel. +34 952 470 073 eyelid operations. Optician Lassi Tulonen and tablets and do it every week. Booking: timma.fi/soleyesfuengirola info@soleyes.es www.soleyes.es does a remarkable job with pre-exams, tests and measurements for people looking for a new prescription for glasses or similar. Also Our eyes are often ThermoFlo dry eye called ‘windows to treatments have bethe soul’ but they come very popular, are also a very efprobably because fective window to our we spend more time overall health. Many people with AC-machinery, first learn they have diabetablets, computer tes, high cholesterol and etc that may irritate even cancer from a routine the eyes in the long eye exam. So as well as evalrun. uating whether you need glasses or a new prescription For a full range or have glaucoma, an annuof treatments al eye check could be one of available at the best things you can do Sol Eyes, visit for your health. Researchers soleyes.es are even working on an eye test that can identify your risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Disinfect your phone!

Dr Antonio Soler Ophthalmologist and eye surgeon

Lassi Tulonen Optician

Sanna Garcia Perez Physiotherapist

Get your eyes tested

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4 Hop it! Hopping for five minutes a day may protect women from breaking their hips, according to a new study. It could strengthen bones in the legs, making them more dense and less likely to break. Brittle bones, caused by a condition called osteoporosis which makes holes inside the bones, is a common issue for women who have been through the menopause. Scientists at Loughborough University, followed 35 women aged 55-70 over the course of six months and told them to do up to 50 one-legged hops each day. At the end they found the density of their leg bones had increased in the hopping leg while it had decreased in the non-hopping leg. The team also did MRI scans of the women’s knees to check the exercise had not done any damage to the joints, which it hadn’t.

,sessalg ruoy fo dir gnitteg elpmaxe rof htiw noitacav tcefrep ruoy enibmoC stnemtaert citueparehtoisyhp hguorht yticapac lanoitcnuf decuder eht evorpmi ro

Good health

15 January 27th - February 9th 2021

A bit of juice

Look after your mouth Regular dental check ups and brushing twice a day is a must, but add in flossing once a day and tongue cleaning once a day and you’re on the way to the gold standard in oral health. If you don’t clean your tongue, bacteria can build up on it quickly, leading to discolouration and risking bacteria spreading to your teeth and gums. Tongue cleaning also helps prevent bad breath.

You may have heard about Mindfulness but in 2020 it’s all about Kindfulness. According to Freud, we all have a part of the mind that is unnecessarily critical. It can make you beat up on yourself over anything - the career you have chosen, your relationship- or lack of, even the huge piece of chocolate cake you just guzzled. Kindfulness is about recognising where YOU come on your to do list. It’s not about treading on others to make sure your needs are met, but its OK to recognise what those needs are and love yourself, even if you’re not always perfect. Celebrate who you are instead of comparing yourself to others and make yourself the most important person in your life. To find out more, check out Kindfulness by Caroline Millington, available on Amazon Books.

6 Don’t fear fats

Raw nuts, avocados and olive oil are all rich in good fats you should eat them regularly. Avocados are also a good source of Vitamins E and C, which are important for skin health. Vitamin C helps make collagen, the protein that keeps skin plump and elastic, while Vitamin E is an antioxidant which helps protect skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays.

Key into Kindfulness 8

After the excesses of the holiday season, give your body a break and start juicing. It’s a great way of using up leftover fruit and veg and you get an instant shot of nutrients. Some swear by a full on 3, 7 or ten day juicing detox regime, but you don’t have to go that far. Even pledging to start your day with a healthy cucumber juice will make a difference. Check out Gym Junkie cafe in San Pedro de Alcantara, they are the experts on nutritional juicing, detoxing and protein shakes and can whisk you up a tasty drink to get you started..

Add some 9 spice to your life

Turmeric should really be k n o w n as trendy spice given everyone was talking about it last year. And not without reason. It’s an incredible anti-inflammatory and can help ease rheumatoid pain.Ginger like turmeric is also anti inflammatory and is a powerful remedy for upset stomachs and nausea

Get a better nights sleep 10 One in three of us don’t get a good night’s sleep. Overthinking, the glare of TV, phone and computer screens are all sleep wreckers. Lack of sleep impacts your mental and physical wellbeing. If this is you, try the 4-78 breathing method which can help calm before sleep. Breathe in for a steady count of 4 – hold for 7 – breathe out for 8.

Your medical specialists on the Costa del Sol! Combine your perfect vacation with for example getting rid of your glasses, or improve the reduced functional capacity through physiotherapeutic treatments We are specialists in eye surgery – correction of cataracts, presbyopia and refractive surgery by laser We also provide a wide range of optician’s services with Nordic high quality and Spanish prices!

Pre-examinations for Eye Procedures

NOW FOR ONLY 35€ Until 14th of February! (normally 49€) Our service scope is getting bigger during the Spring 2021 as our Finnish medical specialists return to the Coast after a long break. Sol Eyes Clinic and Medical Center

Dr Antonio Soler Ophthalmologist and eye surgeon

Lassi Tulonen Optician

Sanna Garcia Perez Physiotherapist

Book Your appointments easily online! Booking: timma.fi/soleyesfuengirola

Tel. +34 952 470 073 info@soleyes.es

www.soleyes.es

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Demand for healthy food has gone crazy,” says Ben Hayes, the head executive chef at Gym Junkie Cafe. “Especially at the start of the year, people are more conscious to make more smart choices when it comes to eating. But that doesn’t mean meals have to be boring.” Certainly not. Since opening five years ago, Gym Junkie has been serving up delicious lean clean meals without sacrificing flavour. And while Ben agrees the healthy eating boom really has grown from strength to strength, that’s not to say appetites haven’t changed over the years. “Using organic ingredients and offering vegan alternatives has become really important for us,” explains Ben. “We need to keep moving with the times.” Part of that means a revamped menu, with an emphasis on homebaking and comforting flavours. “At this time of year it’s great to have comfort food with international flavours, like our Korean Beef dish. The secret is hearty lean beef, no salt and no oil and enough sauce to keep you satisfied.

Superfoods

“We’ve been making everything in house from our blueberry and banana bread, to protein bars and vegan super bowls, so everything is as fresh as it can possibly be.” The team has also launched their new online home delivery service www.gymjunkiecafe.es so that customers can stay fighting fit and healthy over lockdown and beyond. “We’re offering the full range of our menu delivered to your doorstep....fresh juices and smoothies packed with vitamins and nutrients to boost your immune system....exciting new specials every week.. and an improved meal prep menu....so you can trust that you are eating the right thing during lockdown without piling on the weight.... “It’s also great for people on their own, it’s much cheaper than buying in all the ingredients yourself and helps to minimise waste.” We also have available for purchase organic CBD products and gym supplements from our online shop www.gymjunkiecafe.es “COVID has really changed things for a lot of people,” says Ben. “But we want to make sure we can still cater to our customer as best we can.”

January 27th February 9th 2021

ll about

Good health

Save our son

Young Dylan has lost movement of arms and legs following diagnosis of spinal cancer AN expat family have launched an urgent appeal after their young son was diagnosed with spinal cancer over the festive period. Parisian David Olsson, 55, is desperately trying to raise funds to afford his son Dylan, 21, life-saving surgery with a world-class specialist in Malaga. David, who raised Dylan between London and Marbella, has private insurance for his family but the policy will not cover the cost of the expen-

EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore

sive care. “It has been the worst festive period ever,” David told the Olive Press, “Dylan came home to Marbella and had problems with his left arm and suddenly lost huge amounts of weight, he weighed just 45kg.” Fearing the worst, he got a well known Marbella neurosurgeon to run some tests on Dylan, who is in his final year

PROUD: Dad David Olsson with Dylan

HELP NEEDED: Dylan with mum Monica studying business at Man- has been incredible and has really lifted us and made us chester University. Doctors found a tumour in feel supported.” his cervical spine before fur- Dylan, who attended Laude ther tests revealed the cancer School in San Pedro, is unhad spread to up to seven ver- dergoing further testing tebrae, with some now frac- ahead of a potential surgery. The family, including Argentured. “He is such a young boy, but tinian mum Monica, have set has lost movement in both up a GoFundMe page which arms and he is on fentanyl for has already raised €20,000. But the urgent surgery will the pain,” added David. “They are planning surgery likely cost more. to remove the tumour and to “Dylan loves football and rebuild the broken vertebrae true to his French roots he loves to cook,” added David, ASAP. “it’s really tough seeing him go through this. He’s norSupport mally full of life.” “He has also suffered nerve The family has private insurdamage due to the cancer ance that covers some of the spreading to the neck verte- fees, but ‘not the neurosurbrae.” geon’s intervention’. He added: “It has been a “We humbly ask our friends nightmare…but we are just and family to collaborate trying to remain positive, with whatever amount you that’s all we can do. can and to pray for us in this “The support from the expat hard and painful time,” addand local community here ed David.

ATTENTION ALL GYM-GOERS!

GYM JUNKIE CAFE IS NOW BRINGING FRESH HEALTHY FOOD AND DRINKS TO YOUR DOOR! tel: +34 951 89 99 53 +34 646 121 563 www.gymjunkiecafe.es HOME DELIVERY & TAKEAWAY Due to Covid restrictions please check website for opening times www.gymjunkiecafe.com Our online delivery website is now live! Order fresh, healthy food to your door www.gymjunkiecafe.es You can also order a fresh and healthy takeaway for collection from the cafe by calling us on +34 951 89 99 53 or Whasapp us on +34 646 12 15 63

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BUSINESS Costa crisis

January 27th February 9th 2021

CLC World liquidating much of its empire but timeshare side ‘to remain intact’ MUCH of the iconic Club La Costa World in Mijas has gone into liquidation after being hit hard by COVID-19 restrictions. Several companies within the resort are affected, not only in Mijas but also in Tenerife and the UK. Hundreds of jobs are likely to be lost as the companies in charge of maintenance, restaurants, sales and marketing have all filed for bankruptcy. Bankruptcy administrator Juan Carlos Robles told Diario Sur that the liquidation does not affect the timeshare aspect of the business. He said that there has been an ‘avalanche’ of calls for interest in the properties and that the timeshare side will remain ‘intact’. However he added that many of the services, including maintenance or marketing, will not be fully operational during the INTERNATIONAL Airlines Group (IAG) - owners of BA and Iberia - has agreed a takeover of struggling budget rival Air Europa. IAG completed the long awaited agreement in what has been a long, drawn out process thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Laurence Dollimore

coming months. CLC World told the Olive Press: “Last year Club La Costa announced its cessation of selling new timeshare products and whilst current members and clients will continue to have full access to their usual services, as expected, certain

Air raising The worldwide crisis also cut the asking price for Spain’s third largest airline by half, with the contract being signed for just €500 million, half the original asking price.

service companies which were linked to the sale of timeshare are being restructured. “This has unfortunately led to the company having to make difficult decisions regarding some recent redundancies in Spain.” There are around 700 employees in Spain, spread across Mijas and Tenerife, the majority of whom are on ERTEs due to the ongoing pandemic. Sources said the priority is to try and save ‘at least’ half of these jobs, meaning hundreds are likely to become unemployed. Robles blamed Brexit and coronavirus for being behind the losses, saying the group of companies were not in a bad position just a year ago. “You can’t go a year without any activity,” he said.

Fairway L AW Y E R S

Glovo Boost ON-DEMAND Spanish delivery app, Glovo, is looking to expand its ‘dark stores’ in Spain and across Europe. The pandemic has given a boost to on-line shopping and Glovo has done a deal with the Swissbased real estate firm, Stoneweg, for a €100 million investment to find more distribution bases.

Outlets

The so-called ‘dark stores’ are Glovo’s distribution sites and they are keen to open up a new one in the Valencia area to add to their bases in Barcelona and Madrid. The company has outlets in Lisbon and Milan, with plans for similar stores in Bucharest, Porto and Rome. In November, Glovo launched a dedicated unit called ‘Q-Commerce’ to stock products on behalf of businesses and have them delivered on their behalf to shoppers within 30 minutes by its team of couriers. Glovo is very much banking that shifting trends of home shopping that were boosted during the pandemic will continue in post-vaccination Spain.

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NTERESTED in studying in the US, but not sure where to begin? Agave Education is an American education company with a presence in Marbella, Spain and Missouri, America. We consult international students and high schools who

EXCITING: One of Agave’s US partners, (above) Rachel Hartley-Martinez

are seeking US higher education (university) guidance. And we are proud to partner with a wide, yet highly selective group of well-ranked, globally-recognized and fully-accredited research universities that ple- HISTORIC: Auburn has been welcoming foreign students for decades dge support for international students. you through the entire journey two kids. A spirited advocate We help by offering a streamli- of researching, selecting, appl- of international education and ned application process, ying and choosing your dream exchange, her vision for Agave is to ensure that educational scholarship opportunities for university. high-achieving international Our services include: Acade- opportunities are as accessible, mic and Career authentic and sustainable as students, personalized pre-arrival Advice, University possible. guidance, extensiApplications, ComA spirited ve on-campus acapetitive Academic advocate of demic and cultural Scholarships, Employment Counsesupport, internship international Pre-Departure and professional education and ling, Consultation, and development programs and more. Tutoring and Exam exchange Navigating the US Preparation. education system Agave Education doesn’t have to be confusing, was founded by Rachel HartContact Rachel at and you don’t have to do it alo- ley-Martinez, M.Ed. in 2020. rachel@agaveeducation.org ne. Originally from America, she or on +34 663267018 or No matter which university you now lives in the Marbella area have in mind, we can support with her Spanish husband and visit www.agaveeducation.org

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BREXIT will make some property purchases more complicated for British people in some parts of Spain due to an old law dating back to the days of the dictator, General Franco. The Provincial Association of Promoters (Provia) claims that around 800 home sales in the southern part of the Costa Blanca region could be delayed each year due to the legislation. The same regulations apply all across Spain, but it is unknown exactly how many properties could be affected.

Francoist

Provia’s general secretary, Jesualdo Ros, said: “There is a 1975 Francoist law that forces non-EU citizens to apply to the Ministry of Defence for permission to buy property in areas that have been classified as being of strategic interest for the defence of the country.” The law decrees that nonEU nationals have to obtain ‘military authorisation’ if they plan to buy a home close to restricted areas, before a deed is granted or registered.

January 27th February 9th 2021

Switch to rent

Home ownership dreams die for Spain’s youngsters

SPAIN’S home ownership figures are likely to fall as young people turn to renting, according to a major developer. With young people increasingly unable to save enough to make down-payments on homes, a trend toward increased home rentals may accelerate, according to David Martinez, chief executive officer of Aedas Homes. Aedas this month signed a deal with two developers to build 655 apartments for the Spanish rental market. That’s part of the firm’s view that a generational change is underway in housing that will see Spain slowly pivoting closer to the situation in Germany where only about half of people own their own homes. At 76%, Spain has the highest ratio of home-ownership in Western Europe after

By Alex Trelinski

Malta. In an interview with Bloomberg News, David Martinez said: “No one can question that there’s a generation of young Spaniards who don’t have access to

Good value ONLINE property portal Hogaria, which lists more than 1.5 million properties across Spain, has launched an automated valuation tool or owners looking to sell their homes or buyers wanting to check the value of their target purchase. Struggling with coronavirus restrictions on movement that have slashed footfall and left properties vacant for months, more Spanish real estate firms have moved online with virtual visits or e-signatures to draw in clients. Hogaria chief executive Francisco Loriente said: “Now more than ever, the real estate sector needs greater digitalisation to avoid unnecessary movement,” He added that the tool was designed before the pandemic, but the roll-out had been accelerated.

housing. The pandemic has accelerated that shift toward a German model.” Martinez said that Aedas expects to announce similar rental apartment agreements by the end of March. Rental prices fell 7.3% in Madrid last year, the first decline for the city since 2014, and 9.4% in Barcelona, according to property website, Idealista.

Competitors

Aedas’s competitors are also entering the rental sector. Neinor Homes in September bought a 75% stake in Renta Garantizada, a rental management platform with 2,500 units under management. Banks have also begun to tighten credit for developers, according to David Martinez. “The cost of credit has gone up and lenders are also now insisting on 50% of homes in a project being sold before construction starts compared to 30% before the pandemic,” he commented.

Brits abroad

THE number of young Brits looking to make the leap and move to Spain jumped by nearly 500% last year, new research has revealed. Online property platform Kyero.com says they saw a 446% year-on-year increase in Britons aged 18 to 24 viewing Spanish property on its website. Site founder Martin Del said: “A new, younger generation of ‘corona nomads’ are embracing a move to Spain. “With no office job, mortgage or family responsibilities to tie them down – as well as no prospect of getting on the UK housing ladder – an increasing number of young British people are considering buying property abroad in Spain.” He added: “While we’ve seen increased interest in Spanish properties from younger people of all nationalities over the last year it was British interest that really skyrocketed, suggesting that Brexit is a key factor.” Alcaudete, Deltebre and Jerez De La Frontera in Cadiz were among the areas that saw a massive increase in property enquiries in 2020, with the latter seeing a 70% jump in searches.

“Many young people don't want to lose their freedom of movement across Europe, and by becoming Spanish residents, they regain their pre-Brexit rights as EU citizens,” said Bell. “There is little doubt that coronavirus and higher levels of remote working has driven up interest in property overseas as the dream of moving to Europe becomes a realistic possibility. And it also appears that many young people disillusioned by Brexit are searching for a European lifestyle in the sun.”

Attractive

Another trend that Kyero has identified is a change in the types of locations becoming more popular for overseas buyers. Bell said: “Because of the surge in remote working, people can often base themselves anywhere for longer periods these days, making more remote and often cheaper areas of Spain increasingly viable – and therefore popular – options. Combined with Spain’s already affordable property prices, it’s a very attractive option for young UK buyers.”

LA CULTURA THE world-famous Fallas festivities in Valencia have been cancelled again this year due to COVID-19. City mayor Joan Ribo made the dreaded – but expected – announcement on on Radio Valencia, ahead of the official statement by the regional Health department. This will be the second consecutive March without the spectacular paper-mache statues decorating the streets for a week before going up in flames, together with the daily mascleta firecracker displays, processions, flower offerings and months of partying and preparations.

January 27th February 9th 2021

By Kevin Wilson

Blown out again Added to last year’s cancellation, this is so far the second longest gap in the fiesta’s long history, only ‘beaten’ by the three-year Civil War period from 1937 to 1939. The decision has not come as a surprise for anyone involved, but has still triggered intense feelings of sadness and loss throughout the huge Fallas community. Neither did anyone need to be reminded of the reasons for putting the muchloved festivities on ice once again.

A RENOWNED: Fallas festival

Cave reviews Iconic dolmens in Malaga get swanky new museum after millions of euros worth of investment

THE restoration work on Antequera’s Dolmens Museum has been completed. After an investment of €4.5 million and 33 months of work, the centre in Antequera will open to the public this year. The inauguration is expected to take place towards the end of the year and will be dedicated, respectively, to the researcher Manuel Gomez-Moreno and the poet Jose Antonio Muñoz Rojas.

Design

With the construction of the site completed, the centre is now working on the design of its first two

temporary exhibitions. The restoration of the museum began in February 2018 and has largely consisted of reducing the visual impact of the previously existing building, according to the recommendation of UNESCO, which declared the Dolmens Site a World Heritage Site in 2016. The Regional Minister of Culture and Historical Heritage, Patricia del

Pozo, who visited the museum together with the Minister of the Presidency, Elias Bendodo, to mark the end of the renovation work, said that this space will be ‘a great point of reference, not only in Andalucia and Spain, but also outside our country’.

Prehistoric

Antequera is home to the largest and most com-

Time to think again A SPANISH playwright has written a modern take on a show first performed a century ago – but this time from a murdered woman’s point of view. Award-winning Lola Blasco has taken an unfinished 19th century story and re-written it in a way that examines gender violence. The story was first turned into the opera Wozzeck by Austrian composer Alban Berg, just under 100-years ago.

It focused on a poverty-stricken soldier who killed Marie, the mother of his child. But in Blasco’s version, ‘Marie’, attention is thrown on Wosseck’s victim, rather than her being used as simply an element in the anti-hero’s downfall. The co-production between Madrid’s Teatro Real opera house and the smaller Teatro de La Abadia is intended to make people think MARIE: the symbolic more critically about protagonist gender violence in Spain. Blasco said Marie is a symbol of all the women EXPERTS have discovered a 3,000-year-old crystal dagger in who have died an ancient tomb in the Sevilla area. The remains of several peodue to gender ple were found buried in a ritualistic way but what caught the violence and eye was the rock crystal dagger. It has been dated to at least whose stories 3,000 BC, making it the ‘most technically sophisticated and are then told impressive collection of rock crystal material culture ever by others, found in Prehistoric Iberia’, according to site investigators. with more Prehistoric humans in Europe made most of their tools attention from chert and flint. Tools made by knapping ‘rock crysoften given tals’ (macro-crystalline quartz) were far less prevalent but to the permanufacturing techniques were created in the south-west petrator part of the Iberian Peninsula. Although rock crystal tools than the were more difficult to fashion and the raw materials weren’t victim. as abundant as sedimentary rock, prehistoric people cher-

Ye Olde Dagger

ished them due to their social value.

Nothing to See Here

plete megalithic structures in Europe, with three 5000-year-old prehistoric burial chambers.

quirky, funny, and charming story exploring friendship and the lengths people will go to for those they care about. Lillian and Madison have been friends since school; however, they haven’t seen each other in years, communicating primarily in letters. When Madison contacts Lillian asking her to help care for her stepchildren Lillian immediately accepts only to discover that the children have a condition which causes them to spontaneously combust when they get agitated. Kevin Wilson has created a story which is beautiful, hilarious and utterly captivating. €12.50 The Bookshop San Pedro, www.thebookshop.es

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FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

Bleaching heck!

MERCADONA has launched a disinfectant for fruit and vegetables. The product is sold under the supermarket giant’s Bosque Verde cleaning brand and promises a ‘thorough’ cleaning of food products. Costing €2 per 500ml bottle, users add three caps of the product to one litre of water and submerge their fruit and veg, without peeling, for five minutes - or 15 for a ‘thorough’ cleaning. They must then rinse them with ‘plenty of water’ before consuming. The product is made by the SPB Global Corporation, based in Valencia.

January 27th - February 9th 2021

Seeds of the future

HE is Spain’s definite Chef of the Sea, an off-the-wall maverick, more than worthy of his three Michelin stars. But now Angel Leon of Cadiz’s revolutionary Aponiente believes he has found a global food breakthrough that could be a game-changer for sustainability. His super-food ‘Zoster’ has just been approved by the UN as an official grain.

Tourist pains

Let it snow!

THE record-breaking snow and sub-zero temperatures brought by Storm Filomena are set to do wonders for wine growers across Spain. The accumulation of snow has helped vineyards from Granada to Madrid and Rioja build up their water reserves, making them less likely to dry out in the crippling summer heat. And because the snow falls softly and is less abrasive than rain, there is little to no soil erosion or damage to the vine.

Culinary genius gets his underwater ‘superfood’ approved by the UN

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation has given him carte-blanche to develop it and will promote it in turn. Better known as eelgrass, it is not only healthy but it is extremely good for the environment. As well as providing a home to numerous species of marine creatures, seagrass

SPAIN’S tourism sector lost €106 billion last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. According to the Exceltur trade organisation’s annual report the worst-hit holiday area was Barcelona, which saw tourist-related business slashed by 90.9%. It was followed by the Costa Dorada on 83% and the Costa del Sol with a 79.7% fall. The Costa Blanca came fourth in the country’s largest falls in tourist sales with a 76.6% drop. The Exceltur report says direct and indirect tourist revenue collapsed by €106 billion in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The sector has seen 293,000 people lose their jobs permanently with 435,000 others on the ERTE furlough scheme. While unemployment figures have risen in Spain by 2.5%, the figure leaps to 38% in the tourist sector. YUM!: Apparently edible

meadows absorb CO2 up to 35 times more efficiently than rainforests do. The cultivation of eelgrass could also help to regenerate degraded coastlines – of which there are many in Andalucia and around Europe. He believes the creation is the ‘most important of his career’. “The possibilities are endless,” he told Sur. “If resources are put into this discovery, we can possibly cultivate other products under the sea.” He has spent years working with the straggly grass as he scoured the seabed for potential new ingredients. But he did not know it was edible until he came across a Science article from 1973 documenting the diet of the Seri, hunter-gathers from Mexico, who had created a paste out of the grain and ate it with honey. “You can do anything with it that can be done with rice, from eating it whole

Vines

CHEF: Angel Leon

grain or refined, to making flour and pasta. It takes two minutes longer to cook than normal rice,” he explained.

Sowing seeds

Small and dark in appearance, the eelgrass seed is said to taste like a cross between rice and quinoa, boasts high levels of fibre and omega-3 fats, and is gluten-free. Of the some 22,000kg of eelgrass seeds that he is due to harvest this year, 19,000kg will go towards creating more farms as Leon once again sets his sights on sowing the seeds of future dining – quite literally, on this occasion.

Freezing temperatures can also kill off disease-causing parasites which tend to hide in the bark of the vines during winter, waiting for the heat to strike. The benefits of snow has long been known to wine growers, hence the popular Spanish phrase ‘Año de nieves, año de bienes’, which roughly translates as ‘A year of snow is a year of prosperity’. It’s good news for the likes of Castilla La Mancha, the largest wine growing region, which suffered a drought last year. Pelayo de la Mata, Marqués de Vargas and president of the homonymous wineries, said snow helps ‘preserve a good sanitary state of the vine’.

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COLUMNISTS

January 27th - February 9th 2021

Lisa Burgess

Just wish it was over Changing times

HEN I flippantly mentioned in my last column that I didn’t see many people writing that 2021 would be their year, I didn’t actually think that I would be wishing for the end of it just three weeks in. Having reported on the pandemic since the early days of last year, I always thought I was more aware of catching the virus than most. Living in splendid isolation on the lake I don’t really meet that many people, plus radio broadcasts mainly involve sitting in

2021 gets off to a miserable COVID start for Giles

Coping with the pandemic needs

time?” ingenuity By the way. If you are wondering how you give a gorilla hand sanitiser, the answer is very, very carefully... N old proverb says ‘a wise man adapts Even my hermit-like, if not downright anhimself to circumstances, as water shapes ti-social, behaviour couldn’t save me from itself to the vessel that contains it’. This the virus however. After the test revealed I pandemic has been an enormous struwas positive (and as a long time Marbella ggle for every business. Some have adapted in party person I’ve had worse things shoved unique ways and you have to admire their ingeup my nostrils, trust me) it was off for a nuity. spot of Fear and Self isolating in Istan. Many restaurants in Spain have changed their business model from dining to delivery and And although I may grumble takeaway. Large global companies such as about people in Marbella at the LVMH, the company behind Louis Vuitton, immebest of times, as soon as my diately started making hand sanitiser in response friends found I was unwell they to coronavirus. were in touch bringing more Many more small businesses have been truly infood, fuel and even ready prenovative, from a travel package agent who starpared meals. I was half expectted a log delivery business, a singing teacher who ing a bouncing bomb style packsystem to the point Terenia Taras launched a singing studio called Sing Space that age across the lake... where you don’t know Telling it like it is now has 11k members, to a wedding florist who With the symptoms not shifting what the hell you’re alnow sells house plants online. after my quarantine, friends suglowed to do anymore! Then our landlord gave us I started my own online digital media marketing gested that I get checked out at the news about having to move out! Oh and let’s business, Media Savvy, during the pandemic. We the hospital. It was the busiest not forget the COVID show running in the backbring businesses online and manage, analyse that I have seen, but the staff ground. We get a vaccine finally, yay! Then the and increase their digital media presence. It has were unflappable and unflusbloody virus hits back with a new strain, he’s got been brilliant to see true technophobes adjust. tered, even when a Brit, bored some bigger, badder mates to take even more If you don’t have a business that can go online of waiting, ripped his tube out people down! Come on life, enough is enough, during these challenging times then why not gain of his arm, leaking blood everyhow much more do we need to endure? other qualifications to either start a new business where. Ok, it’s a new year, ‘onwards and upwards’ I said! or get that new job? There are a myriad of courI’m happy to say that I seem to So back to our home in Mallorca after enduring ses online to choose from, especially now. be on the mend and will soon be another PCR test to get back into the country. My daughter, Georgia Downey, after lockdown back to normal. Whatever that Since we returned all I seem to have done is pursued her passion for beauty. She now has is. Stay safe. And wear a mask. view apartments back-to-back until they started certificates and training in Gel Nails, Eyelash Exmerging into one. Then we go into another locktensions, Brow Lamination, Lash Lift & Tint, Brow down and in the words of Amy Winehouse, back Shaping & Tinting, Lash Botox Therapy & Brow to black! Botox Therapy. She has started her own business And that was the moment, people, that I lost my called Beauty By Georgia in Elviria, Marbella shit! (Whatsapp 666 856 181). There were tears of sheer frustration after trying At first everyone is hesitant to try something new so hard all of 2020 to build a new life and earn because it takes confidence and that can be hard a living here in Mallorca amidst the pandemic. I to muster but you have nothing to lose by forging was desperately missing my son who was also ahead. Always remember that challenges are on lockdown in the UK and with movement bewhat make life interesting and overcoming them tween countries proving near impossible unless is what makes them meaningful. you’re COVID-free and a Spanish resident, I feel like we’re all just trapped for now. How much worse can things get when we’re already at the threshold of hell! Oh and did I mention that I suffer from anxiety, which up until this point I had managed to keep a lid on? Well the lid has blown and I’m having to up my medication just to keep the panic attacks at bay! Quick Crossword Please life give us all a frickin break before the sh•tshow tips those of whose mental health is Across: 1 Blooms, 4 Scour, 8 Attack, 9 Erased, 10 Reagan, really starting to suffer over the edge and others 11 Sifted, 12 Gut, 13 Those, 15 Posse, 17 Hub, 19 Presto, joining our party! 21 Rise up, 23 Shoals, 24 Credit, 25 My God, 26 Aspens. *And another thing. At the time of going to press my son in the UK rang to say he had COVID! Down: 1 Bathe, 2 Oranges, 3 Making, 5 Chaff, 6 Useless, 7 Beast, 14 Harshly, 16 Obscene, 17 Hoist, 18 Bricks, 20 YOU CAN FOLLOW ME @tereniataras SE A T O, 22 Units.

an empty room talking to yourself. Your basic job for mad people. The only time I met up with others was to see some of the Goddaughters over Christmas. My friend works at Bioparc Fuengirola, she is tested on a regular basis for the very good reason that you can’t really multitask when it comes to zoo animals. “Jose, I know that you normally feed the small reptiles, but Pedro has COVID, so could you just pop into the Tiger enclosure at feeding

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ELL, it finally happened! I had the mother of all meltdowns last week! I have really tried to be positive throughout the whole COVID crisis but whilst we were in the UK for Christmas and New Year our landlord contacted us to say he was having to move back into the apartment which we rent from him. That was the final straw which broke the camel’s back because our home here has been the only constant in a year of total uncertainty and stress. We moved to Mallorca less than a year ago and a few months prior to that I moved with my son from our home in Harrogate into my partner’s house. So that involved consolidating two houses full of our stuff into one house and the rest was given away or put in storage. We then moved country to arrive in Mallorca just in time for the COVID sh•tshow to begin. My PR consultancy business, which was doing great up until then, took a slow and steady decline as businesses were closed and people furloughed. Not to worry, I could always write and work as a journalist! Paul, my partner who works as a pilot for Jet2 has yet to even take off, as he’s not flown since we came to Mallorca and was put on ERTE. Ok, we have some savings between us so we’ll manage.Then he broke his leg falling off his road bike, so that put us both out of action for several weeks as he was laid up and I took on the role of carer and general run-a-rounder. I’ve got this! Once Paul was back up and about again, life resumed until we both tested positive for COVID, back to self-isolation, do not pass go, do not collect £100! This game of life was starting to get a bit frustrating now. But we got over COVID with the help of Netflix and plenty of vino tinto! We flew back to Britain for Christmas on a 12-hour journey via Madrid and had a lovely Christmas despite moving up and down the tier

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GREEN

www.theolivepress.es A SPANISH city is leading the way in trying to persuade people to switch to solar energy by offering swingeing tax cuts. Homeowners across the country will be looking at the scheme with interest, hoping that their regions follow suit. Valencia city has decided to offer people whose properties generate electricity a 50% discount on their IBI property tax. The deal has been announced by mayor Joan Ribo as part of a new packet of tax measures aimed at encouraging reliance on renewable energy sources. Ribo revealed that an estimated 90% of households in the regional capital will be eligible for the tax cut, applicable for a maximum of 10 years. In addition, property owners who fit the panels will also be able to apply for grants covering 95% of the so-called ‘Icio’ tax, payable upon installing

Shine on me Switching to green energy could save homeowners half their IBI over 10 years By Glenn Wickman

solar power systems. The council leader explained that these changes to the municipal income laws are part of a wider series of new policies aimed at fighting climate change. Ribo also recalled that in 2009, Valencia joined an international alliance of cities against the climate emergency, with a commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40%, increase energy efficiency by 27%, and promote the

Hunt’s over

production of energy from 100% renewable sources until at least 27% of the total power used by the city or town, by the year 2030. Accompanying the mayor was local Finance councillor Borja Sanjuan, who explained that,

if the IBI reduction scheme goes according to plan, the town hall will raise an estimated €5.5 million less in taxes over the next 10 years. Sanjuan did not clarify how that missing income would be recovered.

January 27th - February 9th 2021

Going solar IKEA is launching an all-in-one solar panel service in its Spanish stores. The Swedish home decor giant has teamed up with Contigo Energia to offer what it calls a ‘turnkey solution’ for solar home energy. Contigo Energia will be responsible for the installation and management of the systems, which are expected to start from just over €4,000. Launched this Spring, the product ‘Home Solar’ is already sold in nine other countries, including France, Germany and the Netherlands. “We want to make clean energy available to many people,” said a spokesman. “To have a real impact we know we need to make our offer affordable, and combine it with an attractive financial offer. “Our home solar solution is designed to do just that. It includes solar panels to be fitted on the roof, and an easy control system that monitors production. “It’s a cost-efficient solution that allows as many people as possible to generate their own power, reduce carbon emission – and save money at the same time.”

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THE Ministry for the Ecological Transition has proposed to increase protection of the Iberian wolf, meaning it would be illegal to hunt the animal except under exceptional circumstances. The move has been lauded by Ecologistas en Accion and other wildlife organisations, though cattle farmers and the governments of the autonomous wolf communities are less enthused. Some 2500 specimens inhabit the Iberian peninsula, spread mostly across the northwest of Spain. Currently, the Iberian wolf is the only species of wolf that it is legal to hunt, yet only in Spain.

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FINAL WORDS

SPANISH superstar Rosalia has teamed up with American sensation Billie Eilish to produce a haunting yet melodic number called Lo Vas a Olvidar? - or Can You Let it Go?, as they translate it.

Spotless streets A VIRAL video of a robot vacuum that escaped from a shop in Barcelona and began hoovering the pavement has got people wondering whether they have just witnessed the future of street sweeping.

Your expat

voice in Spain

Vol. 14 Issue 361 www.theolivepress.es January 27th - February 9th 2021

Back from dead A GRIEVING husband who had been told his 85-yearold wife had died of COVID had the shock of his life when she turned up at his care home 10 days later. Rogelia Blanco had been taken to hospital from the

Spanish woman who ‘died’ of COVID returns 10 days later San Bartolomeu de Xove care home in northern Spain on December 29 after testing positive for the

virus. Her family was not allowed to visit her because of coronavirus restrictions. They

The Great Wall of the costa

Beer talk CRUZCAMPO has used AI to resurrect the voice and features of legendary Spanish singer Lola Flores for its latest, controversial advertising campaign.

A MAN from Vilafranca (Castellon) is building a replica of the Great Wall of China around his home, entirely by hand, in his spare time. Work began 20 years ago, and the wall currently measures two kilometres long by up to 2.5 metres high at some points. Francisco Javier Deusdad Ros, 49, explains that the idea for this highly ambitious and spectacular project stems from his love for a primitive construction method known as

Photos by Javier Ortí

Dreamy duet

Coca-dillo

Andalucía

ROCK STAR: Fruit of Ros’s labour pedra en sec (dry stone), invented by farmers in medieval times and which forgoes the use of cement or mortar, fitting the individual stones together like a jigsaw puzzle.

were told that she died on January 13 and been quickly buried with none of the family in attendance. Husband Ramon - who lives in the same care home – was distraught, telling La Voz de Galicia newspaper: “I could not believe it. I was crying after the death of my wife.” But after 10 days of grieving Rogelia turned up. While for her family shock turned to joy, the opposite was the case for her roommate. An identification mix-up meant that the unnamed woman’s family had been told she was alive. Her brother said: “They told me she was cured, I traveled to see her and when I arrived I found out that she had been dead for 10 days.” Now a court will have to annul the death certificate for Rogelia – until that is done she is officially dead.

POLICE in Spain have discovered a brick of cocaine hidden inside a sandwich in northern Spain. At least one arrest was made in Lugo, Galicia, after officers opened up the jamon bocadillo to discover 300g of the drug. “Hey, you have a bit of sandwich in your drugs,” Policia Nacional jokingly tweeted alongside a video of the find. “This sandwich had more than just flour in the bread. “It was carrying 300g of cocaine hidden inside. Arrested in Lugo.” The suspect has been charged with drug trafficking.

Moodunnit? LA Linea council is searching for the owner of a cow that wandered over the Higueron motorway on January 18, causing an accident in which a vehicle was damaged and the animal lost its life.

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