Olive Press Newspaper - Issue 358 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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VALENCI A / COSTA AZAHAR FREE Vol. 1 Issue 1 www.theolivepress.es

November 26th - December 9th 2020

LOCKDOWN LOCK-IN EXCLUSIVE

COUNTDOWN TO BREXIT

A n da l u c í a

Don’t forget The new rules allowing you to drive in Spain until next summer Page 6

UNABLE to have his regular Friday night down the boozer during lockdown, expat Conor Wilde hit on novel idea for this one - to build a his own pub! The Irish expat, 46, got his mates over and converted his garden shed into what he claims is Spain’s smallFORGET THE DRAUGHT: Conor est watering hole. and pals at makeshift local Measuring 2.4m by 2.5m, it counts

Your

By Eugene Costello

‘sensible’ approach, which has kept the economy running as best as possible.

Back to Blanca

expat

on a cornucopia of Emerald Isle collectibles… and it even has Guinness on draught. “After being cooped up like a man in solitary in March I came up with a plan,” the Valencia-based real estate consultant told the Olive Press. “I had an old shed in the garden. got the lads over – Tuejar, El Gal-I lego & Champ – and we set about

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

How Amy’s guitar-maker from Valencia won over the world Page 15

voice in Spain

turning it into Spain’s smallest pub. And if I say so myself, we’ve done a grand job.” Called El Irlandes, after his favourite Martin Scorsese film, it happily fits his closest pals in for the usual Friday night Blarney. Wilde, from Skerries, near Dublin, has run the Found Valencia agency for two decades.

Valencia is open!

VALENCIA remains open for visitors, with COVID restrictions more relaxed than most other regions, insists tourist chiefs. The city has been praised by businessmen and tourists alike for its

tween keeping life normal and keeping it safe.” While tourism is down 80% on last year, the tourist boss says all activities, including cinemas and museums, are open. Best of all, unlike much of Spain, locals and tourists must only stay in between midnight and 6am. “It’s a great time to discover the city as there are no queues,” adds Bernabe.

“We take the pandemic seriously, but we also believe in the right to have a full life.” Currently few places in the Comunidad face tough restrictions due to high infection rates. The city meanwhile, has developed an activity card called Valencia an app anyone can download, On, not just aimed at tourists.

Blueprint

Palace con

A bunch of crooks tried to sell my hotel for a song Page 16

Vol. 14 Issue 358 www.theolivepress.es December 9th - December 22nd 2020

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

NOW OUT: Valencia flag sits proudly on new edition THE WORD ON THE STREETS

BEST FOOT FORWARD: The Olive

No deal danger! REACHING a trade deal with the EU is looking ‘very very difficult’ claimed Britain’s Prime Minister this week. It comes after weeks of claims that a deal was close to being finalised. “We’ll do our level best, but I would just like to say to everybody - be in good cheer, there are great options ahead for our country,” Boris Johnson said yesterday (Tuesday) Talks with the EU have remained in deadlock for days thanks to disagreement over fishing quotas. While it comprises just 0.1% of the UK economy, the fishing row could spell a hit of up to 3% for the economy and up to the same for Spain, the biggest predicted victim in Europe. A final last minute push will see Johnson travelling to Brussels in the ‘coming days’ in an at-

See page 6

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Press Valencia team getting the message

CAN’T BEAR IT Lifting the Val

Is Baqueira really Spain’s top skiing resort? Page 20

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tempt to salvage a deal. European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, confirmed that an EU summit will begin on Thursday to address the disagreements. EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier has been firm that talks will not continue past Wednesday and is ‘very downbeat’ and ‘very gloomy’, according to the Irish government. As Johnson took to Twitter to celebrate the first day of the coronavirus vaccine roll out, Belgium’s president jibed that the jab had been ‘Made in Europe’.

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Oh la landing Brexit!

See pages 24 & 11

o n l y .

S u b j e c t

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A TRADE deal between the EU and is on the verge of being finalised, Britain EU looked set to cave in on fishingafter the An MEP broke ranks to say that itrights. likely the French would have to looked compromise with Boris Johnson’s demands over UK waters. Christophe Hansen said the EU have to meet the UK’s demands to would clinch an agreement. "There will be compromises to be made on fisheries. The status quo, that is somewhere we're not going to land,” he told an event. French fishermen are understood to have backed the compromise despite losing on access to certain fishing grounds. out It came after the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier demanded the need to com-

out around the city this week By Dilip Kunar

promise in order to get an agreement. France had previously been refusing to back down on any fishing deal, demanding near-parity to the UK’s coastal waters. It comes as the governor of the Bank gland warned that a no-deal Brexit of Enbe more economically damaging would than COVID to the UK. Andrew Bailey said failure to get a deal signed would create a massive cross-border trade blockage and damage goodwill tween Brussels and the UK for years. beMeanwhile, Ireland leader Micheal said on Monday he was hopeful that Martin a Brexit deal would be completed this week.

Taoiseach Martin said ‘by the end week we could see the outlines of a of this He said it would come down to deal’. will, both in the United Kingdom ‘political clear the political will is there fromand I’m the European Union’. EU ambassadors were told over the end that a trade deal with Britain weekis on the verge of being finalised. They were told the majority of the 11 main negotiation issues have ‘joint legal texts with fewer and fewer outstanding points’. The European commission president, sula von der Leyen, struck a positive Ursaying: “After difficult weeks with very,note, very slow progress now we have seen in the last days better progress, more movement on important files. This is good.”

3 1 / 1 2 / 1 9 .

Environmental groups unite after hunters kill two protected brown bears on ‘dark day’ for Spain

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SLAIN: Female brown bear Sarousse was shot by a hunter who claimed it was ‘self defence’

AN investigation has been launched after a pair of brown Hugo Broker. bears were gunned down in a ‘dark day’ for efforts to proU will meet him soon. tect the endangered species. The adult females were shot dead by different hunters, with one claiming to have fired at the bear in self deWe are rebranding! fence. In what has infuriated environmentalists, both animals were killed in conservation zones, in the week a law banning hunting in Spain’s Na*Saxo Bank Awarded ‘Best Retail FX Platform’ at thetional Parks came into force. The first bear was shot in the e-FX Awards 2020 organised by FX Markets

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Palencia mountains, in Castilla y Leon, by a hunter who claimed he thought the creature was a wild boar. A second bear, named Sarousse, was killed during a hunt in the Aragon Pyrenees. The 21-year-old animal - one of just 350 in Spain - was shot dead in the Bardaji valley. The hunter, who claimed he was acting in self-defence, gunned her down at pointblank range when she acted in an ‘aggressive manner’ after being disturbed by his dogs. Sarousse, who had originally been captured in Slovenia before being released in 2006, is the third bear to be killed in

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the Pyrenees this year. Spain’s environment minister Teresa Ribera slammed the deaths and said efforts were underway to determine what led to the killings on November 29. It comes after six green groups, including Ecologistas en Accion, SEO Birdlife and Friends of the Earth, united to demand immediate action. The Guardia Civil’s wildlife unit Seprona confirmed this week that an investigation has now been launched.

Heritage

The deaths came just 10 days after police in Catalunya arrested a local environmental official over the death of a third bear, a six-year-old male called Cachou, who was killed in the Val d’Aran area in April. The Spanish Brown Bear Foundation described the killings as a ‘dark day for conservation’. The group warned that deliberate hunting carried penalties of up to three years in prison.

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“This is enough. These bears were everyone’s heritage,” said spokesman Garcia Paloma, who insisted the laws needed to be strengthened. Bears, once critically endangered in Spain, are now considered ‘high priority’ by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Brown bears became a protected species in 1973 as part of an attempt to grow numbers in the Pyrenees between France and Spain. The deaths came as sport and commercial hunting became illegal in Spain’s National Parks on December 5. The law was actually passed in 2014, but the then-ruling party, the PP, granted a six year extension, which came to an end last week. Hunters described the ban as ‘ecological disaster’ that will lead to job losses and overpopulation of the species. Environmental groups called for Aragon’s regional council to suspend all wild boar hunts in the areas where the presence of bears is known. Opinion Page 6

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CRIME

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NEWS IN BRIEF Ancient discovery SCIENTISTS believe that mammal hair trapped in amber around 110 million years ago and unearthed by a team in Aragon may be the oldest ever found.

Horror crash ONE person died in a tragic accident on the A-337 in Manilva on Saturday after a vehicle overturned and left them trapped.

Sandy landing AN aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing on a beach in Torrox after its engine failed. No one was hurt and the plane itself was not damaged.

No escape TWO Brits have been arrested in connection with a gangland murder. A 27-year-old man was captured in Marbella, while a 22-year-old man was nabbed at Glasgow airport after fleeing Malaga.

Car-jacked

December 9th - December 22nd 2020

Party shots

British couple robbed by ‘good Samaritan’ gang as they leave Spanish port A BRITISH businessman and his wife have been robbed in a car-jacking incident by criminals posing as ‘Good Samaritans’. Company director Chris Ogilvie-Taylor and his wife Linda were forced over by motorbike robbers in Barcelona during the broad daylight attack. The couple, 65 and 64, were en-route from their home in Portugal, to their holiday home in Palma, Mallorca, via ferry, when they were attacked. The couple had decided to drive into the Catalan capital for lunch with three hours to spare

EXCLUSIVE before their ferry. “I guess we looked like wealthy targets with the car being on Portuguese plates,” said Ogilvie-Taylor, from London, who was driving a Mercedes GLC. “I’m pretty certain we were tailed as we left the port. “We were apprehended as we drove near the zoo by Parc de la Ciutadella when someone on a scooter tapped on my window, pointing to my rear tyre. “And at that moment the onboard computer indicated the

tyre had deflated rapidly,” he continued. Naturally, he pulled over to inspect the tyre, while the rider explained to his wife, who speaks good Spanish, that he had seen the tyre blown. “He said not to worry as he knew a mechanic who would be able to bring a spare and then he drove off, promising to return with his friend.” It was then they suddenly realised that the man had been distracting them while an accom-

New evidence in Maddie probe GERMAN police are gathering new and ‘interesting’ evidence as they prepare to question the chief suspect in the Madeleine McCann disappearance case. Chief Prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters revealed he is following up new information on Christian Brueckner, who spent over a decade travelling around Spain and Portugal. This includes new photos from holidaymakers at the time of Maddie’s disappearance, in 2005, in Portugal. “There are quite good leads we are following

SINGLE IMPLANT

up,” said Wolters. It comes as Brueckner, 43, was moved to a notorious high security jail once used by the Gestapo as an execution centre during the Nazi reign. The German pervert is serving a 21-month sentence for child sex offences as well as seven years for the rape of an American, 72, in Praia da Luz, where Maddie went missing. He had an application for parole turned down last month and will be in prison until at least 2026.

IMPLANT BRIDGE

VICTIMS: the OgilvieTaylors and Mercedes plice had opened the rear door and snatched two expensive designer handbags, which contained their passports, credit cards and some cash. “A haul of over €10,000,” added Ogilvie-Taylor. It emerged the tyre had been slashed by a long knife – suggesting the hijack could have got very violent if they had tried to stop it. “It’s a classic ‘Good Samaritan’ theft, which I call the modern equivalent of lawless 18th-century highwaymen,” continued Ogilvie-Taylor. “The fact it can take place in broad daylight in a modern, European city like Barcelona, is amazing.” Last year, Spanish police warned tourists about a migrant gang who were slashing car tyres, then robbing owners by posing as Good Samaritans when they were forced to pull over. The gang from eastern Europe preyed on tourists on a 450mile stretch of the AP-7 motorway, running from Catalunya’s border with France to Murcia.

DOCTORS raised the alarm after a man was shot at an illegal private party on the Costa del Sol. An investigation has been launched after a Moroccan, 37, was shot twice in the back on Saturday morning. The victim had been enjoying an illegal party in the Los Flamingos urbanisation in upmarket Benahavis. At least 28 people who were at the party were fined for breaking coronavirus measures aimed at halting the spread of the virus, police said. Currently only six people can meet inside homes or at bars and restaurants. The shooting victim is expected to recover after doctors at the Quironsalud hospital treated him quickly.

Footloose FAMED flamenco dancer Rafael Amargo has been arrested for drug trafficking. The performer's partner was also detained while the authorities searched their home, where they found drugs. Amargo, 45, is allegedly facing charges for drug trafficking and criminal association. He was due to star in a new production in Madrid this month.

IMPLANT DENTURE

NEWS

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TOP: Letizia Ortiz, Isabel Diaz and Elena Ochoa

No kidding around NINE-year-old Solea Fernandez Moreno from Sevilla, the youngest contender at this year’s Junior Eurovision Song Contest, has done her country proud by taking third place. Born into a family that is part of the famous flamenco clan Farrucos y Fernandez, Solea proved that musician’s blood runs in her veins by interpreting Palante, a catchy number that fuses flamenco and urban pop. Her performance earned her 470,000 online votes – over 10% of the total share – and proved that Spain may well have a new Rosalia in the making, as many have suggested. The winner was France’s 11-year-old Valentina, with J’Imagine who burst into tears at the result.

FORBES has done what it’s known best for and made another list that ranks society’s elites. But the twist in this tale is that all of Spain’s ‘most influential people of 2020’ are women. Clocking in at number one is the Reina de España herself, Letizia Ortiz. A public sweetheart, Queen Letizia has presided over numerous important events this year when her husband, King Felipe VI, has had to self-isolate.

Girl power

The rest of the list is largely dominated by politicians, presidents and CEOs. Ana Botin, President of Santander bank, is the silver medallist, while the President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Diaz Ayudo, comes in at third. Other famous faces on Forbes’ list include psychologist and gallery owner, Elena Ochoa Foster.

December 9th - December 22nd 2020

Top e of th

pops

Love is blind LOVE ISLAND’S Theo Campbell is suing an Ibiza beach resort after nearly going blind from a flying fizz cork. The reality star, who rose to fame after appearing in the third season of the hit ITV show, was partying at a champagne spray party hosted by Wayne Lineker when tragedy struck.

TV star sues swanky Ibiza beach club after champagne cork blasts in face and leaves him partially sighted By Kirsty McKenzie

While enjoying the celebrations at O Beach Club one of the party’s official bottles

PAIN: Theo partying and, right, recovering

Bare All SPANISH on-screen superstar Penelope Cruz is set to reveal the most intimate details of her life in a new documentary TV show, Pongamos que Hablo de, available on Atresplayer Premium this December. The detailed series will track the actress’ life from Alcobendas to Hollywood to Madrid, through over 30 interviews with the star herself and those closest to her.

popped in his direction and penetrated the cornea of his right eye. Theo required 11 stitches after surgery in Ibiza and the UK, but is still suffering severe sight issues. The 29-year-old Great Britain runner says the incident has significantly reduced his ability to work, and wants answers as to why his sight has never fully recovered. “The last 15 months or so trying to come to terms with what has happened have been hard,” he said. “I’m a positive person and try and remain upbeat but as time goes on the chances of my sight getting back to normal become reduced. “I’m speaking with doctors about what may or may not be possible but I also have a number of questions about what happened to me. “I don’t know what the future may hold with regards to my sight but I feel that the least I deserve is answers to what happened and why. “Bringing this case was something that hasn’t been done lightly but I feel that at present it’s the best opportunity for me to get the answers I deserve.”

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POPULAR: Bad Bunny

LATIN rapper Bad Bunny has been named as Spotify’s most-streamed global artist of 2020 with fellow reggaeton singer J Balvin (pictured below) trailing close behind. Bad Bunny, 26, born in Puerto Rico, shot to stardom after collaborating with Cardi B on her single I Like It in 2016 and went on to become one of the best-selling Latin music artists in the world. Famous for performing Latin trap and reggaeton, Bad Bunny - real name Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio - has garnered millions of fans in Spain, the UK and beyond. In 2020 he hit more than 8.3bn streams, beating out the likes of Drake and J Balvin for the global top spot. His second album YHLQMDLG was the most streamed release of the year, ahead of After Hours by the Canadian singer The Weeknd, Hollywood’s Bleeding by Post Malone and Fine Line by British singer Harry Styles.

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Lockdown Lock-in UNABLE to have his regular Friday night down the boozer during lockdown, expat Conor Wilde hit on a novel idea - to build his own pub! The Irish expat, 46, got his mates over and converted his garden shed into what he claims is Spain’s smallest watering hole. Measuring 2.4m by 2.5m, it counts on a cornucopia of Emerald Isle collectibles… and it even has Guinness on draught. “After being cooped up like a man in solitary

ALMOST 90% of Olive Press readers support loosening coronavirus measures significantly in Andalucia this Christmas. In a snap poll of over 1,000 (1069) readers, 86% (919) said they were in favour of ending tough regional measures designed to halt a third wave of coronavirus. Readers believe the government should allow restaurants and bars to open later and for people to travel between towns and provinces this Christmas. Only 139 respondents (14%) said they would be opposed to the idea. It comes as the Junta refused to allow Andalucians to travel

CHRISTMAS CHEER

in March I came up with a plan,” the Valencia-based real estate consultant told the Olive Press. “I had an old shed in the garden. I got the lads over – Tuejar, El Gallego & Champ – and we set about turning it into Spain’s smallest pub. And if I say so myself, we’ve done a grand job.” Called El Irlandes, after his favourite Martin Scorsese film, it happily fits his closest pals in for the usual Friday night Blarney.

Let us out!

Nine out of ten expats insist Junta should further loosen Covid rules at Christmas EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore

between regions over the festive period apart from to see family. This is despite the central Government ruling that from December 23 to January 6, travel between regions would be permitted for those visiting family or close friends. Hundreds of expats are de-

ANDALUCIANS will NOT be allowed to travel to meet ‘close friends’ this Christmas. The Junta announced last week that it will only allow travel for ‘family reunions’ over the festive period. It comes despite the central Government allowing travel between regions between December 23 and January 6, with a maximum of 10 people to ‘visit family or close friends (allegados)’. But Andalucia president Juanma Moreno

manding a change of the Junta’s opinion saying it should follow Madrid’s lead. “Please let us out. My son is supposed to be here for Christmas, he is flying to Murcia but at the moment I can’t collect him,” wrote one. Another expat, based in Mijas, insisted: “We need to move. In Mijas we have very limited shopping, we need to support

Brakes on

said the term allegado was ‘far too ambiguous’ and could cause an ‘onslaught of consequences in the spread of the pandemic.’ The PP leader said people being allowed to travel to meet friends would be a ‘breeding ground’ for a dreaded third wave, something the region is trying to avoid ‘at all costs.’

December 9th - December 22nd 2020

all our local areas… It’s ridiculous splitting Mijas from Fuengirola!” “It’s time to move on and start the recovery,” declared another, “I realise some of the old and vulnerable would be worried, but they can still stay in lockdown mode.” However, Adam Parsburg, in Cadiz, wrote supporting the Junta’s decision, saying it was ‘Better safe than sorry’. “It is worth waiting another couple months or so and hopefully the worst of the virus will be over and we can get back to having a normal life again and can safely book flights. “I can’t wait to go back to England and visit my family, I haven’t seen them since January!” Andalucia will announce its new coronavirus measures on December 10.

All Aboard TAXI drivers in Cordoba have reached an agreement with the town hall to give the elderly and vulnerable a special guided tour of the city's Christmas lights. Drivers will be undertaking 200 special hour-long tours around the city’s key highlights. Pensioners will be picked up from their home and the taxis will be specially adapted with protective screens, masks and hand gel, and will be disinfected between each journey.

Santa aid THE Junta has appealed for people to shop locally and ‘responsibly’ this Christmas. The message ‘buy local whenever possible’ is vital to support a sector that has been ‘particularly harmed by COVID-19.’ “Buying locally is also better for the environment by reducing spending on transport, both for goods and shoppers,” said a spokesman. It also called for ‘responsible’ shopping, asking residents to plan in advance what and where they are going to buy and ‘only what is really needed.’

In The Dark SEVILLA is the only Andalucian capital without a lighting plan, even though over €1 million-worth of decorations were installed a month ago. The Christmas lights are a focus of attraction, although the council sees little point in illuminating areas which are closed off due to COVID rules. The traditional date to switch on its Christmas lights on December 8 has been put back until at least this weekend.

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NEWS FEATURE

www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain

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

OPINION

The healing taste of home

Could Spain’s restaurant industry be the answer to its refugee crisis? Lydia Spencer Elliott reports on the asylum seekers whose home cooking skills are ‘building appetites, not walls’

Fair game? EVEN before last week’s gruesome shooting of two bears at the hands of swaggering hunters in Spain, we’ve been worrying about the fate of the creatures that roam the country’s national parks. The number of Cantabrian brown bears has steadily grown since the 90s, from a record low of 60 to the current 350 living in the Cantabrian Mountains and an additional 40 in the Pyrenees. But they are still an endangered species and the senseless death of two females is a particularly hard loss. Supporters of hunting may argue that their expensive activities provide job opportunities but that shouldn't be at the expense of the animals. It would be far better to boost the economy by creating jobs in National Parks that allows us to enjoy life alongside the animals instead of working against them. Publisher / Editor

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es Dilip Kuner dilip@theolivepress.es

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S BOMBS rained down from the sky in Syria, all 38-year-old Wesal could think of were her children. In terror, she fled the civil war-torn country with her two-year-old in her arms, leaving behind her home and a successful medical career for a safer life in Spain. Arriving in Madrid but not

speaking Spanish, she was unable to use her qualifications as a phlebotomist (blood specialist) and her employment prospects looked bleak. But what she did have was a talent that crossed borders and communicated without language: she could cook. “Chicken and rice with mint, parsley and Middle

Hit for six! Sometimes five times a fortnight is just not enough, as Olive Press prints new sixth edition in Valencia

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LOCKDOWN LOCK-IN EXCLUSIVE UNABLE to have his regular Friday night down the boozer during locka down, expat Conor Wilde hit onhis novel idea for this one - to build own pub! The Irish expat, 46, got his mates over and converted his garden shed into what he claims is Spain’s smallest watering hole. Conor DRAUGHT: THE FORGET Measuring 2.4m by 2.5m, it counts and pals at makeshift local

COUNTDOWN TO BREXIT

Don’t forget

The new rules allowing you to drive in Spain until next summer Page 6

ELL we did it again. In the midst of one of the toughest times in recent years, with your help we have managed to expand to a new and exciting region. Despite the spectre of Brexit and COVID-19, the Olive Press now has a SIXTH edition in Valencia and the Costa Azahar. Our fortnightly mix of news and features, experts and entertainment went down well in the sophisticated city, Spain’s third biggest. Delivered to over 100 spots around the city and up the nearby coast, it is952 most 834 147 easily found on stands at Mercat Central or at the car park entrance of El Saler shopping centre. It is also well sited at the excellent Paris-Valencia bookshop by Corte Ingles in Plaza D’Alfons and at the popular Bear Club Irish pub. “It’s certainly been flying off the stand outside our office,” said Chris Solomon, manager of HomeEspana estate agency. “It’s obviously convenient being next to an Irish pub… but we’ve noticed quite a few Spanish also taking it.” Meanwhile, you’ll also find it up the coast in town’s like Castellon, where restaurants Puerto del Sol, el Faro Industrial and L’Antigua Valenciana all stock it. Meanwhile golf clubs like Escorpion, in Betera, and the four star Porto Cristo hotel in Peniscola welcomed it with open arms. “It is great to have an English newspaper launching in the area,” said chef Isaac Sidro, owner of the el Faro Industrial restaurant, in Castellon. And UK honorary consul Martin Hayes welcomed us saying: “It’s great to finally have your excellent paper here.” It has been a busy few years for the Olive Press group, having launched three new editions in just two short years, starting with the Costa Blanca north and Costa Blanca south editions last year and now Valencia. Backed by our website and strong social media presence, most expats already knew of the Olive Press before we launched in each region. Since our inception 15 years ago the Olive Press has built up a loyal readership in all of our regions, that also include Andalucia, Gibraltar and Mallorca. We have long known that the large expat

Eastern spices, Wesal was an amazing chef,” remembers Natalia Diaz, founder of the Madrid charity Chefugee whose slogan is, ‘Build Appetites, Not Walls’. “Syrian food is delicious and, when we started, nobody in Madrid was serving hummus or tabbouleh. Now Wesal has her own catering company and

The Olive Press proudly launched its SIXTH edition The

colon a cornucopia of Emerald Isle lectibles… and it even has Guinness on draught. “After being cooped up like a man in solitary in March I came up with esa plan,” the Valencia-based real tate consultant told the Olive Press.I “I had an old shed in the garden. got the lads over – Tuejar, El Gallego & Champ – and we set about

Valencia is open!

VALENCIA remains open for visitors, with COVID restrictions more inrelaxed than most other regions, sists tourist chiefs. The city has been praised by busiits nessmen and tourists alike for

By Eugene Costello

‘sensible’ approach, which has kept the economy running as best as possible.

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

Back to Blanca

How Amy’s guitar-maker from Valencia won over the world Page 15

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

Blueprint

Palace con

A bunch of crooks tried to sell my hotel for a song Page 16

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

HAPPY: readers including chef TS found the Isaac THE WORD ON THE STREE new paper at Oh la landing 100 locations Brexit! BEST FOOT FORWARD: The Olive

Lifting the Val Is Baqueira really Spain’s top skiing resort? Page 20

Tel: 952 147 834

See pages 24 & 11

o n l y .

S u b j e c t

t o

c o n d i t i o n s .

E n d s

Press Valencia team getting the message

Britain A TRADE deal between the EU andafter the is on the verge of being finalised, rights. EU looked set to cave in on fishing looked An MEP broke ranks to say that itcomprolikely the French would have to over mise with Boris Johnson’s demands

out around the city this week By Dilip Kunar

promise in order to get an agreement. to France had previously been refusing back down on any fishing deal, demanding near-parity to the UK’s coastal waters.of Enthe Bank UK waters. would It comes as the governor of Christophe Hansen said the EU clinch gland warned that a no-deal Brexit would than have to meet the UK’s demands to be more economically damaging an agreement. "There will be compromisquo, COVID to the UK. to get a deal es to be made on fisheries. The status to land,” Andrew Bailey said failure cross-border that is somewhere we're not going signed would create a massive goodwill behe told an event. to have trade blockage and damage UK for years. French fishermen are understood the and Brussels tween out Martin backed the compromise despite losing Meanwhile, Ireland leader Micheal on access to certain fishing grounds. Mi- said on Monday he was hopeful that a Brexnegotiator chief EU’s the week. after this It came to com- it deal would be completed chel Barnier demanded the need

Opinion, page 6

of this Taoiseach Martin said ‘by the enddeal’. week we could see the outlines of a‘political He said it would come down to and I’m will, both in the United Kingdom the Euclear the political will is there from ropean Union’. weekEU ambassadors were told over the is on the end that a trade deal with Britain verge of being finalised. 11 main They were told the majority of the texts negotiation issues have ‘joint legal points’. with fewer and fewer outstanding UrThe European commission president,note, sula von der Leyen, struck a positive very saying: “After difficult weeks with very, last the in seen have we now slow progress on days better progress, more movement important files. This is good.”

3 1 / 1 2 / 1 9 .

21/6/19 13:30

community – of ALL nationalities – in Spain see the fortnightly publication of their local edition as one of their highlights. They are a huge mix of nationalities and around 10 to 15% of our readers are actually Spanish. Packed full of well researched news and features we have continued to produce an exceptional read through the difficulties of the coronavirus pandemic. And we are sure that we will attract a whole new set of fans with our latest edition. Our team, led by distribution chief and logistics expert Jamie Gantley, got the papers out during the worst storms of the year a fortnight ago. They will be doing it every fortnight from now on. Meanwhile our team of journalists - who include Alex Trelinski and Simon Wade, both based in the Valencia region - will be sniffing out the best exclusive stories and look behind the headlines to bring our readers the news that matters. Olive Press editor Jon Clarke said: “I have long been aware that there is a whole section of the coast north of Valencia and in the city with a large expat community that has

been poorly served by English language titles. “I am delighted to be able to rectify this. We will bring our readers the very best local news – and offer our advertising clients a fantastic platform to publicise their businesses.” Print day meanwhile, was a hectic affair as the entire team pulled together to produce a fantastic launch edition. While Sales Manager Charlie Bamber and local rep Melissa Boer brought in business right up to the final hour, our head office staff of editors and designers pulled all the stops out to hit print deadlines. No small task when considering that all the existing five newspapers had to be produced as well! And there were no less than SIX unprecedented power cuts that left the team kicking their heels for an hour-and-a-half in the dark in Malaga. The number was perhaps prophetic.

www.theolivepress.es

December 9th - December 22nd 2020

7 Olive Press online ‘Spain’s best English news website’

TOGETHER: Hala with her team in the Refusion Restaurant hummus is in every restau- aged to escape. rant.” “Food is healing,” adds Diaz. “ Set up by a group of volunteers It always reminds you of home. in 2016, Chefugee’s mission is The smells, the scents, it’s like to provide refurecreating your gees and asylum childhood.” seekers with the Elsewhere in We have a opportunity to the capital, Hala earn fair wages Dondieh discovmoral rather and share their ered food’s healthan a paper cultures through ing powers worktheir culinary ing in the refuand ink skills. gee-run restauFunded and prorant Refusion contract moted through alongside chefs culinary events from Venezuela in Madrid, inand Sudan. cluding a week-long Refugee “I’ve grown as a person, as Food Festival, today the team’s an artist and as a chef since proteges are working all over I started working here,” says the Spanish capital, every- the 29-year-old who left Syrwhere from pizzerias and pop- ia in 2013 after her mother ups to upmarket eateries. was persecuted for criticising “It was actually quite hostile President Bashar al-Assad. when we started in 2016,” says “I’m learning how to make SuDiaz. “Restaurants in Madrid danese food and I’m sharing didn’t want to hire refugees. my recipes, which is the most “But food is a great cultural beautiful thing.” bridge and refugees are proud “We have a moral, rather than to talk about their culinary cul- a paper and ink, contract beture. It’s good for people to see cause we’re trying to build a them in a positive light, rather platform for people in the futhan just pity what they man- ture,” says Hala. “That future

LEARNING: Students at the Mescladis cooking school

DELICIOUS: Dinner made by refugees for a project like this is a beau- rant owner Martin Habiague tiful kitchen with people from is convinced food could be the all over the world,” she says. answer to the refugee crisis. “We have chefs from three con- “The hospitality sector in Spain tinents now, but why not have is very strong,” he says. “Even all of them? Food will always though we are suffering with gather us together.” says Hala. the pandemic on top of us, it’s But as coronavirus restrictions a good sector to create inclucontinue to damage Spain’s sion and gain social, economic restaurant industry, not every- and political rights for people.” one shares Hala’s multi-cultur- Habiague’s not-for-profit cafe, al enthusiasm. Espai Mescladis in the El Born This month, over 1,000 Span- barrio, currently employs 16 iards took to the streets of Gran migrants in chef and server Canaria to protest the soaring roles, as well as students from number of arrivals from Afri- Venezuela, Honduras, Guaca to the Canaries, with many temala, and multiple African demonstrators brandishing countries learning how to cook ‘stop invasion’ placards. professionally. “I have nothing against the “Historically, we have three immigrants,” one unemployed ways of dealing with people protester told reporters. “But we consider ‘other’,” he says. if there isn’t enough to go “We go to war and kill each otharound for us, how can there er, which is what we’ve done be enough for them?” for centuries, we build walls “It’s not all like a happy end- around us so people can’t ing,” confirms meet or interact, Diaz. “Wesal still which is what struggles with we’re currently Refugee run paperwork and doing, or we prorestaurants rent payments mote dialogue, and a lot of our which brings are becoming a chefs were furpositive results.” loughed or let trend all around Gastronomy is go at the start of a great equalthe world lockdown.” iser, he affirms: “But everything “Geography, that we make history, culture, from our events goes to the sal- social habits, even politics or ary of the chef and a fund for economics, these are all things refugee businesses in the fu- we can talk about when we talk ture. So, when this whole thing about food,” he says. happened we used that to buy “We are the only animal on groceries for refugees who the planet that modify the elwere out of work and money.” ements to feed ourselves, it’s Despite pandemic and preju- how we define ourselves as hudice, refugee-run restaurants man beings and it’s something are becoming a trend, pop- we all have in common.” ping up everywhere from Lebanon to London and Brooklyn to Berlin. While mostly private initiatives, the appeal of the food industry for asylum seekers has been noticeable in government-funded projects too. Throughout this year’s European Commission enterprise, which found over 1,000 refugees jobs tailored to their interests in Spain, the most popular job after farm work was waiter or chef. Barcelona Restau-

BREAK OPEN THE BUBBLY: It was smiles all round as the Olive Press editing and production team celebrated the paper’s sixth edition in Valencia last month. It came after a superb Autumn saw our online visitor numbers for November double on last year’s figures. While the number of unique visitors and visits doubled to 750,000 and 1.8 million, the numbers of pages read went over three million for yet another month.

The top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are: gets a much-need live entertain1- Benidorm ment boost on Spain’s Costa Blanca (27,485 views) predicted to give Spain’s Costa Blan2- Storms ca a big drenching (21,705 views) You will not be permitted to travel to meet 3-close friends in Spain’s Andalucia this Christmas (21,517 views) British-led drugs gang ran marijuana busi4-ness out of restaurant on Spain’s Costa Blanca (21,436 views) Benidorm’s bars and restaurants issue 5- ultimatum to top politicians in Spain’s Costa Blanca (20,153 views)

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Vol. 2 Issue 44 www.theolivepress.es November 26th - December 9th 2020

LOCKDOWN LOCK-IN

UNABLE to have his regular Friday night down the boozer during lock- ness on draught. est pub. And if I say so myself, down, expat Conor Wilde hit on â&#x20AC;&#x153;After being novel idea - to build his own pub! a in solitary cooped up like a man weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done a grand job.â&#x20AC;? The Irish expat, 46, got his mates a plan,â&#x20AC;? in March I came up with Called El Irlandes, after his fathe Valencia-based real vourite over and converted his garden estate consultant Martin Scorsese film, told the Olive it happily fits his shed into what he claims is Spainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Press. closest pals in for the usual Friday night smallest watering hole. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had an Measuring 2.4m by 2.5m, it counts garden. I old paellero shed in the Blarney. Wilde, from Skerries, on a cornucopia of Emerald Isle El Gallegogot the lads over â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tuejar, near Dublin, has run the Found & Champ â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and we set Valencia collectiblesâ&#x20AC;Ś and it even has Guin- about turning agency for two de- FORGET it into Spainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s small- cades. THE DRAUGHT: Conor and pals at makeshift local

All shook up!

LANDING BREXIT

Why Spain is suffering a spate of

LETTERS

December 9th - December 22nd 2020

Waste not

earth tremors Such an agreement would even see the airport being included Page 6 as part of Schengen. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The arrangement we are looking at would solve the mobility conundrum and the ability of persons to move goods with them,â&#x20AC;? Picardo told the lords. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It would permit the wholesale and commercial movement of goods into Gibraltar without Customs friction. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It would be a common travel area between Gibraltar and the Schengen travel area. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It may be that we have a different legal form in coming weeks which is more acceptable to the TALKS: Michel Barnier and PM European Commission, UK, Johnson Gibraltar and Spain.â&#x20AC;? We examine the coming motoring Picardo revealed it was unlikely revolution COSTA BLANCA SUR / MURCIA to mean Gibraltar would have full membership of both SchenPage 11 FREE Vol. 2 Issue 28 www.theolivepress.es November 26th - December 9th 2020 gen and the Customs Union treaties. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whether it is full or associated battling coronavirus FREE Vol. 4 Issue 94 www.theolivepress VALENCIA / COSTA AZAHAR membership of Schengen or DEATHS: St Bernardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s has been UNABLE to have his regular Friday .es November 27th BRITS arriving in Mallorca November 26th - December 9th 2020 December 10th 2020 extension of Schengen or simnight down the boozer during lockrelatives in the future. proof of a negative PCR without about our daily lives.â&#x20AC;? FREE Vol. 1 Issue 1 www.theolivepress.es ply treating the entry points at down, expat Conor Wilde hit on a sadly lost to CoVID-19 were Since the outbreak, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;In just 11 short days, Giresult for coronavirus will be sent Gibraltar, the port and airport FIVE people have died from novel idea - to build his own pub! of the generation who lived homes run by Elderly Res- braltar has sadly mourned set about turning it into Spainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s By John Culatto This warning was laid home. as Schengen entry points, is the coronavirus on the Rock in down by BaleThe Irish expat, 46, got his mates through the hardships of the idential Services have been the deaths of five members smallest pub. And if I say so myaric government president vithis to subject of our final consider- the past two weeks, includcommunity our of Evacuation. Francina over and converted his garden self, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done a grand job.â&#x20AC;? Armengol on the day and too soon.â&#x20AC;? locked down to prevent any ations,â&#x20AC;? said Picardo. PCR tests being a school friend of Chief youngvictims over 90-years- â&#x20AC;&#x153;They endured the long further infection of the most cious virus,â&#x20AC;? said Picardo. shed into what he claims is Spainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in solitary in March I came up with Called El Irlandes, after his facame required for international Two ago, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to find a way that is Minister Fabian Picardo. than two years of a closed frontier, all a plan,â&#x20AC;? the Valencia-based real vourite Martin Scorsese film, it travA TRADE dealweeks between the EU and smallest watering hole. communi- â&#x20AC;&#x153;less ellers flying to Spain. agreeable to all the parties and Four of the deaths were di- old were the other casual- the while keeping up the un- vulnerable in the lostisnobody.â&#x20AC;? we had Britain on the verge of being finalMeasuring 2.4m by 2.5m, it counts estate consultant told the Olive happily fits his closest pals in â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have the power to doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cross any of the sover- rectly caused by CoVID-19 ties from the pandemic. go shakable Gibraltarian spirit. ty. repatriate anyised, afterthe the neighbourEU looked hinted In contrast, on a cornucopia of Emerald Isle Press. control one who does not comply for the usual Friday night Blarsmallest reg-set to cave jurisdiction Spainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sand eignty, died from â&#x20AC;&#x153;our deepest sympathies of â&#x20AC;&#x153;We should all remem- The Chief Minister is being ing inCampo it into region col- turning on fishing rights.is to the while another collectiblesâ&#x20AC;Ś and it even has Guin- â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had an old paellero shed in the ney. Wilde, from Skerries, near UNABLE to have his mandatory measure,â&#x20AC;? said with this on a cornucopia of Emerald Isle us bring weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve family and friends that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;a new protocolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of myself, eachso of five red lines if I say average an broke regular Friday on a cornucopia ber their sacrifices now as arranged to allow the public istering Armengol. another condition while suf- to the An MEP ranks to say that it UNABLE to have his regular Friday lectiblesâ&#x20AC;Ś and it even has Guinness pub. And garden. I got the lads over â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tue- Dublin, has run the Found Valennight down the boozer ness on draught. As the first flight jetted the deceased,â&#x20AC;? said Picardo. increasgrand job.â&#x20AC;? day, and perlikely done atable.â&#x20AC;? during lock- lectiblesâ&#x20AC;Ś and of Emerald Isle col- turning it into into the island make vitally important fering with the virus. FORGET THE DRAUGHT: Conor â&#x20AC;&#x153;After being cooped up like a man jar, El Gallego & Champ â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and we looked the French would have night down the boozer during lockdown, expat Conor Wilde on Monday, six passengers on draught. it even has Guinness Spainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s smallest members of our we visit their elderly family deaths favourto his go â&#x20AC;&#x153;Three cia agency for two decades. new after vicwe a 100 fatal way on Irlandes, than first El hit the to the more Wilde Called are man of es to compromise with Boris Johnsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hit on a on draught. They pub. And if I say so myself, failed to and pals at makeshift local up like a have changes down, expat Conor novel idea for this one present their â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;fit to flyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; his â&#x20AC;&#x153;After being cooped I came up with ite Martin Advantages weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve Scorsese film, it happily tims connected to the dis- community who we hours. - to build his â&#x20AC;&#x153;After being cooped every 24 documentacases done a grand job.â&#x20AC;? demands over UK waters. novel idea for this one - to build own pub! tion. in solitary in March pals in for the usual which had es- fits his closest Meanwhile, in solitary in March I up like a man Called El Irlandes, after Christophe Gibraltarians Hansen travsaid the EU own pub! Gibraltar would not ease in Gibraltar, fatalities. The Irish expat, 46, got said All were ordered to take a plan,â&#x20AC;? the Valencia-based real He came up with ite his Blarney. cannot night SALES & RENTALS SPECIALISTS his mates a plan,â&#x20AC;? the Valencia-based entering Martin Scorsese film, favourmarket until now avoided would Spain have to meet until the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deThe Irish expat, 46, got his mates tate consultant told the Olive Press. Fridaytake in the single over and converted his part test by contracted airportan antigen near Dublin, it happily Skerries, real esla linea from two Gibraltar garden shed tate consultant el outside mands toofclinch an agreement. over and converted his garden shed â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had an old shed in the garden. I Wilde,despite into what he claims this, Valencia agency The first slapped with a â&#x201A;Ź600 fine. staff and told the Olive Press. fits his closest pals in for the usual Moriaraâ&#x20AC;˘Calpeâ&#x20AC;˘Jalonâ&#x20AC;˘Javeaâ&#x20AC;˘Deniaâ&#x20AC;˘Alt FORGET THE DRAUGHT: GOOD HAUL: Compromise with 10. the Found December occurred on the at least Friday night Blarney. ea "There will be compromises to be French fishermen could help into what he claims is Spainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s small- got the lads over â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tuejar, El Gal- has run Conor est watering hole. is Spainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s small- â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had an old shed in the garden. Meanwhile, local business added that even if the UK deaths of november 21-22 Hedecades. to and pals at makeshift set up a Brexit deal says MEP the rules after I Wilde, from Skerries, for two comeson It made got the lads over â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tuejar, fisheries. Theinstatus quo, local est watering hole. A TRADE deal between the EU and Measuring 2.4m by 2.5m, have criticised the enforcementunions lego & Champ â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and we set about leaves the EU without a deal, weekend near Dublin, which El Gal- has The new rules allowing you to drive first was a man over 65 it counts lego & Champ â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and FORGET THE DRAUGHT: Conor Measuring 2.4m by 2.5m, it counts fight of the thatCoVID-19, is somewhere we're not going to Britain is on the verge of being finalPCR test in belief that they talks with Spain could continue The also suffered from unwe set about for run the Found Valencia agency perimein Spain until next summer By Dilip Kuner and pals at makeshift local cludes who two decades. www.moraira-hamiltons.ne land,â&#x20AC;?closing he told the an event. ised, after the EU looked set to cave pensive and will put off are too exafter December 31. in t now municipalities health conditions. of all fishermen tourists from ters French are understood Page 6 in on fishing rights. An MEP broke deaths ty of personal responsibility Gibraltarians travelling. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think anybody will gain derlying extended werethe demands over UK waters. N a tight-knit community where talked have to realise is in their hands, often literally. theto region, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The patient died on novemhave backed compromise deIn collaboration with with a no deal,â&#x20AC;? said Picardo. ranks to Christophe Hansen said week. and marriages are some of the mostcasual- Though these might in fact be coping strate22 from respiratory failthis spite losing out on access to certain the EU Confederation of Hotels the Spanish â&#x20AC;&#x153;Life will be very different and ber as a result of CoVID-19 COVID-19 open, recent the still stress, say are subjects, would that emotional borders about have to meet the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deand Tourist Asfishing grounds. gies to lighten the load on Accommodation, the Mallorcan we will lose a lot of the mobility ure alhave beenbeen it looked mands to clinch an agreement. confirmed a must in fact be a residents ties have been a shock to the system. Gib Hotel France had previously It came after the EUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chief nego- hopeful Association has launched than two these deaths of real people and a lot of the other advantag- pneumonia,â&#x20AC;? the refusing likely the â&#x20AC;&#x153;There will be compromises to pass thatrequesting With five deaths reported in less lowed a Brexit deal would be a campaign hospital spokesman. to back down through on any fishing deal, to be tiator Michel Barnier that the pan- wake-up call. es. Vehicles re-registered in Spain F r e n c h made on fisheries. only remain have indeed but can second victim was a weeks, it is no longer a question frontier week. the government to instead demanding near-parity to the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The status quo, to compromise in order told them completed this The way that whole economies of the most ask travellers â&#x20AC;&#x153;The essentials we are provid- The under 50 who died as a linea. to to la get take w Taoiseach the o lethal. u that is an l lives d is antigen neighbouring Martin demic somewhere weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not going trade talks if incoastal said â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;by the end of that man test. waters. In a letter will always shut down to preserve the ing for would only ensure there is to be an agree- this week we sent to Prime Minister have to to land,â&#x20AC;? he told an event. and keepEven if the latest wave of cynicsthat disturbs vulnerable in the community shows the oppoThe only exception would be could see to result of multi-organ failure life normal the outlines Pecan continue keeping ment. tweenthe essentials For the re-registration of cars, c o m p r o - French fishermen are understood of a dealâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. dro Sanchez they said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;PCRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s will â&#x20AC;&#x153;Life goes on and we must move cry wolf at the sign of anything if people are registered as caused by CoVID-19 pneusafe.â&#x20AC;? that site is true. ing it flow.â&#x20AC;? to France had previously been refus- He said generate tremendous Dealhome caring mise with have backed a compromise last monia and sepsis. it would problems for forward,â&#x20AC;? insisted Antonio BernabĂŠ, the norm, it is now no longer in question having their primary By Eugene Costello VALENCIA remains open for visidown to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pomotorbikes, motorhomes and caravans, despite ing to back down on any fishing litical It has shown that the state is indeed While tourism is down 80% on many come B o r i s losing out on access to certain theyKingdeceased pertown. is not the only are excessively comes as the governor of the Bank director of the Turismo Valencia COVID-19 kills. inItanother inbecause tors, with COVID restrictions more the United fish- deal, demanding near-parity to the dom will, both year, the tourist boss says all activ- â&#x20AC;&#x153;I knew the expensive ones who for the people and that money inand not available to the Olive Press, this our school Johnsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ing grounds. and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m new restrictions of England warned that on a no-deal Often they are the most afraid, the as well as the transfer of ownership These clear the relaxed than most other regions, political will in some UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coastal waters. ities, including cinemas and muse- sonally from countries.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sensibleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; approach, which has kept Foundation, find ways to priority. of explained is there from were economies have Brexit would be more economically fear death so much they need to movement the European Unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. days and more recently sists tourist chiefs. ums, are open. conspir- Countries that have put their Earlier the economy running as best as pos- week.have struck a good balance bethis month, the Spanish It comes as the gov- EU ambassadors Spanish registered vehicles, contact: by Picardo. grief engulfclearlythan damaging COVID to the UK. of Spain, from my role in governâ&#x20AC;&#x153;We inoculate its danger with improbable more The city has been praised by busigovtold over suffered the consequences, with Best of all, unlike much ernment were its sible. en-to get a ernor of the Bank of the weekend announced of Gibraltar COVERED fines of up to Bailey said failure resident AREAS acy theories. only stay in ment,â&#x20AC;? revealed Chief Minâ&#x20AC;&#x153;AAndrew that a trade ALL must nessmen and tourists alike for tourists with locals and â&#x201A;Ź6,000 victims were ing them like a tidal wave. Gibraltar Campo for anydeal England warned that Britain is on is subject traveller arriving to Spainwould deal signed create to a massive While it is true that most of the tering the verge ister Picardo. being fibetween midnight and 6am. the fact Just across the bay in the to a no-deal Brexit would nalised. Spain by sea orofair. constraints the same cross-border trade blockage and elderly or had underlying conditions, passing around five deaths have been recorded every exactly time to discover the city â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am deeply saddened too greatUNLIMITED â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a 4G applies countries deemed be more economically They were It linea,â&#x20AC;?Brussels over of la goodwill between a resident told the to that the virus has quickened their asdamage â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;at riskâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; majority of the are no queues,â&#x20AC;? adds Bern- hear of his passing, See page 17 - 24 day, as people swear by their normality as there and includes damaging than COVID 11 main negotiation who, after re-registering over Voted most European nations, BEST away can no solidarity. INTERNET and the UK. to GBC. explained he issues 3,000 vehicles, expat have abe. with a requirement be- Micheto the UK. then go FOR â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;joint legal texts longer be de- There is hope on the way, though. cannotIreland IDEAL TALKS: Michel Barnier Meanwhile, leader the test to be â&#x20AC;&#x153;They pandemic seriously, in the andfor fewâ&#x20AC;&#x153;We take will put you on the right sidepaper taken with and PM Johnson up tofewer Andrew Bailey said fail- er outstanding Spain bound- he was 72 hours TV save lives nied. before the trip. the municipal al Martin said on Monday of the yond pointsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. road Mijas Costa also believe in the right to SAVED: the stunning The vaccine programme will likely but weSTREAMING The measure How Amyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guitar-maker from Vaure to get a deal signed their came despite studies reunless linea The politics of through the power of science and the research of la hopeful that a Brexit deal would be aries full life.â&#x20AC;? countryside and how have aALSO vealing that only 0.08% IPTV, lencia won over the world the would with agencreate hidden keeping a a in onwards. is masComucompleted this week. of the travel few places it would have looked that keeps humanity charging Currently Progress nated from international cases origiSee page 7-10-12-16 TV in sive cross-border trade SATELLITE they orsaid Page 15 to da are always The detractors to this change are part of the Taoiseachrules Martin â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;byare the end of arrivals. Spanish with the pylons nidad face tough restrictions due blockage and damage The European commission presiescape beyond humanity is an this week we couldit.â&#x20AC;? see the outlines registered rates. problem too, and probably why high infection www.spanish-number-plates.com 840 goodwill between Brus- dent, Ursula von der Leyen, struck a tel: (0034) 952 763 from the reali- more in crisis than ever before. * O f f e r of a dealâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. has developed Black out v a l i d f o r The city meanwhile, n e w positive note, saying: â&#x20AC;&#x153;After difficult sels and the UK. c u s t o m e r s info@theskydoctor.comOn, o n l y . He said it would come down to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;poJĂĄvea / Altea S u b j e c t t o an activity card called Valencia not info@spanish-numberGREEN campaigners are rejoicing c o n d i t i o n s . Meanwhile, E n d s Ireland weeks with very, very slow progress plates.com www.theskydoctor.com litical will, both in the United King3 1 / 1 2 / 1 9 can download, By Laurence Dollimore an app anyone yorkshirelinencostabla after plans to erect over 100 giant pyleader Micheal Martin now we have seen in the last days dom and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m clear the political will nca.com . just aimed at tourists. lons were effectively sparked out this TheOlivePress-256x170-HOME02.indd said on Monday he was better progress, more movement on is there from the European Unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. 1 week in Andalucia. behind the project, we managed to important files. This is good.â&#x20AC;? EU ambassadors were told over the In a shock win, they thanked the Ol- get the story printed in the national Blueprint weekend that a trade deal with Brit21/6/19 13:30 ive Press for its year-long campaign newspapers in the UK. a huge 3 1 / 1 2 / 1 9 . E n d s ain is on the verge of being finalised. Run by Visit Valencia it offers c o n d i t i o n s . t o to stop the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;motorway of power linesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Robert Howard, singer of the Blow b j e c t S u museums, for o n l y . They were told the majority of the 11 m e r s of discounts c u s t o range E n e w f o r through two iconic Granada valleys. Monkeys, who has a home in the v a l i d and transport * O f f e r main negotiation issues have â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;joint events, restaurants, Our Fight the Power campaign, Lecrin Valley, described the scheme legal texts with fewer and fewer outeven hotels. You can find it at www. 21/6/19 13:30 launched in March 2019, strongly as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ravagingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for the region saying it NEWS: Start of the Olive Press standing pointsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. valenciaon.com, and it is completely Tel: 902 123 282 opposed the long lines of pylons and would â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;have devastating consequenc- campaign 902 123 282in March 2019 The European commission presifree. 1 a giant electricity substation in the es environmentally and economicalTheOlivePress-256x170-HOME02.indd dent, Ursula von der Leyen, struck a Roland Wareham, 55, a company awareness and fight it. Alpujarras and Lecrin Valley. lyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. impositive note, saying: â&#x20AC;&#x153;After difficult TRAVEL director from Andalucia, was â&#x20AC;&#x153;Technically this line can still be conWe were joined by celebrated writer Driving Over Lemons writer Chris INSURANCE weeks we have seen better progress, pressed by how well the city was Chris Stewart and pop star Dr Robert Stewart added it was â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;heedless de- structed,â&#x20AC;? she explained, â&#x20AC;&#x153;However, on important files. This is good.â&#x20AC;? handling the pandemic. of the Blow Monkeys to oppose the structionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and showed private inter- there is no substation to connect to. On a business trip from his native A bunch of crooks tried to GOOD HAUL: Compromise See No hard â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;crazy abominationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. ests â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;riding roughshod over the will â&#x20AC;&#x153;So we continue to question the lewith French fishermen Mijas this week, he said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was REJOICE: Chris Stewart sell my hotel for a song We examine the coming shoulder, page 6 gality of a proposal which included a The battle had erupted when locals and rights of the peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. In could help set up a motoring struck by how normal life seemed. Brexit deal by this A TRADE deal between 30/11/18. Not valid for renewals. Subject revolution substation, and of the Jununearthed energy giant Red Electri- Now the Junta has effectively ruled *Offer ends'fictitious' to conditions. weekend hints MEP Page 16 Ruzafa, all the bars and restaurants Christophe Hansen and Britain is on the verge the EU caâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s state-funded plan to erect the that REE cannot build its second ta's approval of such a project.â&#x20AC;? Page 7 of being were open, and the terraces were By Dilip Kuner COSTA BLANCA CARE HOME. WE CARE finalised, after the EU 80m high structures, mostly on pri- substation, which would connect the Olive Press publisher Jon Clarke said looked set crowded with families and friends vate land. long lines of pylons the region. last night: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is amazing news and FOR YOUR ELDERLY OR SICK ONES. TheOlivePress-256x170-BIKacross E-4.indd 1 to cave in enjoying the al fresco lifestyle. environment. In the case of British expat Steve A subsequent appeal by the electrical a great win for2/8/18 the 17:01 on fishing mands over UK waters. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In Andalucia, meanwhile, bars and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m proud that the Olive Press has Holdup, 63, the REE scheme would giant has also been rejected, accordand 6pm, by close r i g h t s . Christophe Hansen said the EU restaurants must been able to help achieve this victohave seen a pylon going up in his ing to campaigners this week. An MEP would have to meet the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s demy town is like a ghost town at night. back garden. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great news,â&#x20AC;? Teresa McKeon ry, showing that the press still has France had previously b r o k e mands to clinch an agreement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Valencia should serve as a blueFULL TIME CARE AT OUR HOME Ironically, the tower and service road told the Olive Press. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thank you so relevance and can put pen to power. been refusprint for the rest of Spain.â&#x20AC;? ranks to â&#x20AC;&#x153;There will be compromises to be ing to back down on any fishing He said it would come down to ,OR IN YOURS. would have been installed right in the much for all your articles and the This is what a genuine peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paper â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;political will, both say that made on fisheries. The status quo, deal, demanding near-parity does.â&#x20AC;? middle of the retired teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own campaign you launched. SHORT OR LONG TERM. Opinion, page 6 to Kingdom and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m in the United it looked that is somewhere weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not going the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coastal waters. out around the city this week clear solar panel project. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We continue to work behind the It comes after REE reportedly igcal will is there from the the politiPress Valencia team getting the message It comes as the governor likely the to land,â&#x20AC;? he told an event. BEST FOOT FORWARD: The Olive Grassroots movement Di No a Los scenes to try to safeguard the natu- nored prohibition orders slapped European of info@costablancacarers.com of this F r e n c h French fishermen are understood Bank of England warned thatthe Unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Torres (Say No to the Towers) was ral beauty of our landscape from this down by town halls in Orgiva and Taoiseach Martin said â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;by the enddealâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. a EU ambassadors w o u l d to have backed a compromise de- no-deal Brexit would be more Britain Lanjaron which were designed to quick to argue the high voltage tow- and other threats.â&#x20AC;? week we could see the outlines of aâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;political By Dilip Kunar eco- the weekend that were told over A TRADE deal between the EU andafter the have to spite losing out on access to cer- nomically damaging than COVID a trade ers would have a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;devastating effectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; McKeon explained that REE's prevent work starting back in July He said it would come down to and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m is on the verge of being finalised, rights. Britain is on the verge deal with to the UK. c o m - tain fishing grounds. on tourism, agriculture and health. megaproject included two lines last year. will, both in the United Kingdom the Euof being fiEU looked set to cave in on fishing looked promise in order to get an agreement. nalised. will is there from OUR SERVICES p r o m i s e It came after the EUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chief nego- Andrew Bailey said failure to After probing the shady interests crossing the valley. The first had been Councillors had issued the bans over An MEP broke ranks to say that itcompro- France had previously been refusing to clear the political get They were told published in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;environmental fearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, but REE sent with Bo- tiator Michel Barnier told them a deal signed would create a masthe majority of the demanding ropean Unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. likely the French would have to weekover back down on any fishing deal,waters. the BOJA in in diggers and dump trucks regardris John- to compromise in order to get sive cross-border trade blockage 11 main negotiation issues have EU ambassadors were told over the mise with Boris Johnsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s demands Carers Respite Care near-parity to the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coastal deal with Britain is on the N o v e m b e r less, to begin preliminary groundsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s de- the trade talks if there is to be an and damage goodwill between â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;joint legal texts with fewer and the Bank of En- end that a trade UK waters. Is Baqueira really Spainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top skiing agreement. fewer outstanding pointsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. finalised. Brussels and the UK. would It comes as the governor of 2017 and was work. Nursing Care Recuperation and Post Operative Christophe Hansen said the EU clinch gland warned that a no-deal Brexit would verge of being of the 11 main resort? Meanwhile, Ireland subsequent- Now, for the time being at least, than They were told the majority Page 20 have to meet the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s demands to leader Mitexts Day Care End of Life Care be more economically damaging ly approved the electrical giant will have to find See pages 11 & 24 negotiation issues have â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;joint legal cheal Martin said on Progress an agreement. "There will be compromisoutstanding pointsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. quo, COVID to the UK. by the Junta somewhere else for its electrical Monday he was hopeto get a deal with fewer and fewer es to be made on fisheries. The status The European commission to land,â&#x20AC;? Andrew Bailey said failure cross-border The European commission president, Urbefore locals pylons. going not we're ful somewhere is that that a Brexit deal presisigned would create a massive struck a positive note, were able to goodwill be- sula von der Leyen, weeks with very, very would be completed dent, Ursula von der Leyen, struck he told an event. Opinion Page 6 to have trade blockage and damage raise public a positive note, saying: saying: â&#x20AC;&#x153;After difficult See page 7-10-16 years. this week. French fishermen are understood â&#x20AC;&#x153;After difseen in the last out tween Brussels and the UK for Martin slow progress now we have movement on See pages 24 & 11 Taoiseach Martin said ficult weeks with very, very slow backed the compromise despite losing Meanwhile, Ireland leader Micheal progress, more on access to certain fishing grounds. Mi- said on Monday he was hopeful that a Brex- days betterfiles. This is good.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;by the end of this progress now we have seen in the important this week. It came after the EUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chief negotiator week we could see the last days better progress, more to com- it deal would be completed movement on important chel Barnier demanded the need outlines of a dealâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. files. This is good.â&#x20AC;?

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Energy giant sent packing after campaigners and Olive Press win long battle against â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;destructiveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pylon plan

SPANISH NUMBER PLATES FIGHT THE POWER! Leigh Blann

952 147 834 On the eve of Andalucia day, we look at the history of one its most famous group of residents, gypsies

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Celebrities join furious expats and locals to stop â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;abominationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of pylons set to ruin series of celebrated tourist valleys

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A BRITISH expat couple â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;disasterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; after they learntare facing a one of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;monstrousâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; electricity masts to be built in their back garden.(left) is Steve Holdup, 62, and wife Karen, 61, who live on a self sufficient near Orgiva, could ironically farm even lose their sole source of solar panels, which are inpower from the way. The retired teachers, who moved from Cumbria a decade they have been kept in ago, claim energy company REE, andthe dark by out about the pylon from only found a friend. Steve told the Olive Press: â&#x20AC;&#x153;From having a fantastic house from scratch ten years we rebuilt ended up with a disaster. ago, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve â&#x20AC;&#x153;We put all of our life saving into it and now we face having a 220 volt tower directly to live with behind our home.â&#x20AC;? If built, the tower and adjoining vice road will cut right through sertheir field of 13 solar panels. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So somebody in Germany gets a load of electricity from Morocco as a result of putting a tower at the back of our house and we end POWER STRUGGLE: the little electricity we have up losing Christ Stewart and for ourselDr Robert (inset above) ves.â&#x20AC;? He added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has been join long, snaking X-GENESIS drummer protest against pylon the most chevalier fashion done in project you could Stewart has joined Chris Over Lemons novel made the imagine. the fi- gion famous reEXCLUSIVE ght against a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;motorwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; - added While supposedly necessary of growing collective his name to a By Tim McNulty power lines planned of campaigning to take Howard, electricity from Morocco daluciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iconic Alpujarras for An- expats battling the proposal. to Europe, Valley forwho has lived in the Lecrin it is set to ruin the untouched two decades, told the These include former The British author - whoseregion. Olibeauty 80s star Doc- again private financial interests are of the area, Driving tor Robert, enjoyed by tens of thou- ve Press: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The project to take these from the Blow Monkeys, riding roughshod over the TM massive pylons across the rights of the people, will and sands of nature lovers each year. who an abomination. It will our valley is leaving, as The Di No A Las Torres li- ever, have devas(Say No To tating consequences ves in the tion,â&#x20AC;? a wake of heedless destruc- The Towers) group n e a r b y this Stewart told the Olive Press, tage towers would argues high vol- lly and economically. environmentahave L e c r i n â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oneweek. ting effectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on tourism a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;devasta- â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a magical place, a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Vale day the tide will turn and and agricul- ppinessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, Of V a l l e y , reasonable, more ture, as well as health. as the Moors called Hasustainable ways it, a TM which is prevail; place A but seemingly not yet; will a petition has been launched, while vation.of natural beauty and conseralso set to itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s protest saw over a thousand so... peo- â&#x20AC;&#x153;These giant be badly Theback to the barricades again.â&#x20AC;? ple march near the village pylons will scar the outrage comes after it of Con- landscape, a f f e c t e d vealed was re- char on Sunday. could destroy the local energy by tourist businesses and the ca de EspaĂąa company Red Electri- The protest, which included ravage the (REE) plans to install expats many environment. See pages 40 project. and children, is the start a network of some 211 of â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are no benefits â&#x20AC;&#x153; O n c e across giant pylons many to stop the scheme. at all for local the two valleys. people - we Blow Monkeys singer Robert Ecotourism must fight to stop them.â&#x20AC;? is vital to the which was nominatedregion, UNESCO World Heritageas a site in 2017, mainly for having *Offer ends 30/11 some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest /18. Not valid for olirenewals. Subject to conditions. UK BASED ve groves. Some 245 businesses rural tourism and the work in which is set to have 109valley of the pylons - receives an estimated Reliable private hire transfer 8,000 visitors every weekend. 2/8/18 17:01 for services any occasion The figures for the Alpujarras, for Spanish which will see pylons â&#x20AC;˘ Luxury vehicles residents â&#x20AC;˘ Door to door service ching all the way to the stretria border, are certainly Almeâ&#x20AC;˘ Airport collections much www.globelink.co.uk higher. â&#x20AC;˘ Weddings transport Scottish expat Teresa â&#x20AC;˘ Sightseeing day trips See page 2 Keon, 49, who has been Mcâ&#x20AC;˘ Restaurant shuttles at the forefront of the campaign, 96 626 5000 Find out more at: the Olive Press: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The told whole www.simply-shuttles.com +44 (0) 1353 699082 place is going to be destroyed tel: 951 279 117 it is just awful... it really is awwww.eliteglasscurtains.com info@simply-shuttles.com ful.â&#x20AC;?

902 123 282

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Costa Blanca Issue 44

RECYCLE: New scheme

An eco-disaster

Across 6 Loses signal strength (6,2) 8 Hogwarts posties (4) 9 Load (6) 10 Close, but no cigar (6) 11 Together, they're a charm (12) 14 Ghostly cop is incoherent expert on how we tick (12) 17 Small settlement for a Shakespeare character (6) 20 Coordinated (2,4) 21 Indolently (4) 22 Meets up with (4,4)

Dear Olive Press,

OP Sudoku

All solutions are on page 30

Kirsi Oras, Fuengirola

YOU state that electric cars are the future (Motoring supplement all. editions). This simply is not true Electric cars are the most horren-r dous thing to happen to the moto industry, let alone the environment. Millions of tons of precious minerals are taken to build the cars and batteries, minerals that are mined by young children ranging from seven years upwards. The batteries canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be recycled, andare second class due to their limitd ed life. The minerals are only foun in China, Russia and the Congo. I could go on, but there is nothing good about very overpriced carst that no one can afford, with shor mileage ranges. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an eco-disaster just waiting to happen. Europe needs to think again, before we are drowning in unusable batteries.

Down 1 Hunkers down (8) 2 Very widespread (8) 3 Leaped (6) 4 Wordsworth words (4) 5 Mountains (4) 7 Branch of Islam (5) 12 According to some ... (2,2,4) 13 Set off (8) 15 Uproar (6) 16 Three bright stars are his belt on high (5) 18 Increases (4) 19 Narrative songs (4)

THIS refund system (Olive Press Online) has been working in Finland and France for more than 40 years, and all glass and plastic bottles and cans are recycled at a rate of 98%. So finally it is coming to Spain too. Maybe in 10 years this system will be in operation in the whole of the country.

Not going to last THE recycling machines will be vandalised and obsolete in months, just like the hundreds of pop-up basura bins that must have cost tens of thousands to install and the so-called water dispensers that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t last a summer. Who pulls these ideas, from whose arse?

Martin West, Leeds

Michael Bath, London

Too little, too late WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;VE had these recycling machines and this scheme in Norway since 1972, and we recycle over 90% of our bottles and tins. Earlier on, we only got money back for recycling, but now thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an option to either get the money or to donate to the Red Cross. These machines should have been all over Europe decades ago, in my opinion. Rune Jamne, via FB

Has anything piqued your interest in this weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Olive Press? Have your say on the matter by emailing letters@theolivepress.es or message us on at www.facebook.com/ OlivePressNewspaper or Twitter @olivepress

Stupid world

he world is falling apart from corruption that all governments are involved in, so in some regards this is the most important period in human history, and yet people are complaining that shops are empty on Black Friday (Olive Press Online). What is going on in this stupid world? Aleksander Keltanoski, via FB

Those Christmas shopping blues Open then shut

Nowhere to go

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T do shopping! Because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the time of the year when governments earn extra money! Christmas will be the same. They open the gates for two weeks, then lock you up after that!

WHAT did the shoppers expect?! I cannot get to Puerto Banus, which is five minutes away. For sure, I cannot go to La Canada either. That means me and lots of other people are left without an income.

Reena Merkel, via FB

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December 9th - December 22nd 2020

CASTLE find

A PREVIOUSLY unknown medieval fortress has been discovered on Mount San Paio, in Vila de Cruces (Pontevedra). The site was originally catalogued as another Galician castro, but has now yielded a unique find for the Iberian Peninsula. The ancient fortification is a motte-and-bailey type fortification, characteristic of northern Europe, dated between the 9th and 10th centuries and which has come to light at a site in Vila de Cruces. A motte-and-bailey castle is a fortification with a wooden or stone keep situated on a raised area of ground called a motte. Windsor Castle, in England, is an example of such a construction, as are many others in the UK. However, until now, nothing like this had been documented on Spanish soil.

DIG: Secrets unearthed

Bank-sy-ing on art

ART: Works by Banksy will be on show

SOME of the works of British street artist Banksy will be on show in Spain in the coming months. An exhibition called The Street is my Canvas has just started in the Circulo de Bellas Artes in Madrid. It marks a return to the capital for work by the anonymous artist, after the BANKSY: Genius or Vandal exhibition at the IFEMA centre last year. Fans of his art will - coronavirus restrictions permitting – have until May 9 to see some of his most notable works. It is billed as a multimedia exhibition with around 30 pieces. It is the first time this particular exhibition has been on show in Spain and is promoted as ‘a unique opportunity to learn more about the legacy of one of the most relevant artists internationally’.

Crowing glory

The Spanish city had a starring role in the Netflix series MALAGA was transformed into the Australian outback to provide the set for the most recent season of the hit Netflix show The Crown. The largest city in southern Spain had a starring role in the royal drama, with spots including AC Hotel Malaga Palacio featured in the fourth season. The big-budget series, rumoured to be one of the most expensive TV shows ever to be made, cut costs by filming scenes set in Oz in the Andulucian city. Scenes for Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane were all shot in the city of Malaga while Uluru, the landmark formerly known as Ayer’s Rock, emigrated to the deserts of Al-

By Kirsty McKenzie

meria. The brief appearance of a well-known city in the episode - named Terra Nullius also had Spanish fans pretty excited. One Twitter user joked that Brisbane ‘was filmed in the most Spanish city you’ve ever seen in your life’. Another spotted that one scene was captured from the top of AC Hotel Malaga Palacio. Shooting for the special Australian episode which follows Charles and Diana on their 1983 tour down under, took place last year. Emma Corrin and Josh

CINE MAGIC: O’Connor and Corrin on location O’Connor, who play the young royals, were also spotted filming in Almería ,

by Philippa Gregory

The Queen of historical fiction is back with a captivating tale of secrets and lies in 17th century London. Two strangers arrive at Alinor’s warehouse in London. One is a beautiful young woman who claims she is Alinor’s son’s widow and pregnant with his child. The second is a wealthy man who believes Alinor’s son is his illegitimate child. Alinor’s doubt and mistrust grow as the two new arrivals in her life demand more of her. An intriguing story of love, loss and deceit. €19.50 The Bookshop San Pedro, www.thebookshop.es

VAT Free Sales, Guided Tours, Rentals EBike Experience Store Imperial Ocean Plaza, Ocean Village e. info@ebike-gibraltar.com

A MASS grave in northeast Spain could shed light on the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. Workman in Tauste, near Zaragoza unearthed the ancient Islamic necropolis, which is said to contain more than 4,500 skeletons. Archaeologists say the 400 tombs across the five-acre site are likely to date back from the 8th century. By 711, Arab forces had invaded Spain after crossing the Strait of Gibraltar and conquered most of the Iberian peninsula in just three years.

Power

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Grave discovery

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where Clint Eastwood filmed many of his famous spaghetti western films. Actor Richard Roxburgh, who plays Bob Hawke in The Crown, said the spot had ‘a desert kind of light’ that was the perfect substitute for the Australian Outback. Netflix added that they relied on ‘a little cinematic magic’ and used special effects to superpose iconic famous Oz landmarks like Uluru and The Opera House onto the background.

They remained in power for the next seven centuries until 1492, when the area was totally reconquered by the Christian kingdoms. The discovery of the graves is viewed as highly important because it is one of the few pieces of evidence that Muslims lived in the area. The human remains, which were only discovered in recent weeks, are to be exhumed by the end of the year. The findings will undergo DNA analysis to determine the origins of the population and provide a deeper understanding of the spread of Islam in Spain.

Global success NETFLIX has announced a Korean remake of the Spanish hit series Money Heist. And with over 65 million households tuning in to watch the original series, it's no wonder the streaming service wants to capitalise on the show's success. While the original Money Heist (Casa de Papel) was written by Alex Pina, the Korean version will be penned by Ryu Yong-Jae who is previously known for My Holo Love. “Korean creators have been developing their own language and audiovisual culture for years. They have managed, like our series, to go beyond cultural borders and become a point of reference for thousands of viewers around the world, especially among young people,” Pina told Variety. "That's why I find it so fascinating that the world of La Casa de Papel is so attractive to Korean creators to do an adaptation. The fact that the action is set on the Korean peninsula also seems to me to be a milestone, which I'm really delighted about,” he said. In a statement Netflix told reporters: “The international popularity of the La Casa de Papel is proof that significant works based in different cultures and languages can be widely distributed by Netflix and loved by audiences worldwide.” It has been announced that the Korean remake will have 12 chapters, but the release date is still unconfirmed. Meanwhile, the fifth and final season of the original Money Heist is currently in production and slated for 2021.

A Vol. 14

The ll about

Issue 358

errania de Ronda

www.theolivepress.es

December 9th - December 22nd 2020

City of dreams Inspirational to novelists and poets, its Moorish history, Renaissance architecture and excellent cuisine make Ronda an irresistible destination

‘

NICE promenades, good wine, excellent food and nothing to do…’ Thus Ernest Hemingway wrote off the town where he spent numerous holidays drinking the local wine and carousing at corridas, no doubt disappointing many of Ronda’s proud residents with his puzzlingly lacklustre review. Most of today’s travellers - including Britain’s last two prime ministers and an American First Lady - would certainly disagree with him. Ronda has been crowned Andalucia’s third most-visited town and it’s not hard to see why. The so-called ‘City of Dreams’ is a true wanderlust gem and somewhat of a celebrity hang-out. Theresa May, Anne Hathaway, Ricky Gervais, Jodie Whittaker, Gordon Ramsay, Kristin Scott Thomas and Spain’s ex-premier Mariano Rajoy have all allegedly visited the stunning mountain town... so say locals in the know.

Picture by Jon Clarke

Obama

Michelle Obama also made headlines when she visited in 2010, touring the old town and discovering the Moorish dynasty with her daughter Sasha. Celebrity chef Jean Christophe Novelli went house hunting in the town after falling in love with it in 2009. With its spectacular high sierra setting, leafy parks, cobbled lanes and atmospheric ventas it’s no wonder Ronda has stolen the hearts of so many travellers. Over the centuries a slew of writers have waxed lyrical about its timeless character, stunning views and charming locals. The German poet Rilke baptised it the ‘City of Dreams’, Orson Welles took a shine to its bullfighting scene and COLOURFUL: Legends, including Hemmingway, Michelle Obama, Anne Hathaway, Jodie Whittaker and Ricky Gervais have enjoyed Ronda’s sites

Continues on Page 12

tel: 952 87 89 85

Calle Virgen de los Dolores 11 29400 Ronda, Málaga, España Tropicanaronda@gmail.com

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City of dreams

errania de Ronda

Hemingway himself capitalised on its culture of bullfighting for two of his own works. Ronda’s legendary torero Pedro Romero who slew more than 5,600 bulls was the muse for his noble matador in The Sun Also Rises; while the fierce rivalry between Luis Miguel Dominguin and Antonio Ordonez, the city’s other most famous bullfighter, is chronicled in The Dangerous Summer. But it seems the good people of Ronda overlooked the Nobel Prize-winning author’s slight on their hood. Instead, they paid homage to him with the Paseo de Ernest Hemingway, a pathway that teeters along the top of Ronda’s crown jewel – El Tajo gorge – which offers up gorge-ous views across the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park. This 120-metre-deep chasm slicing the city in two is bridged by Ronda’s most photographed structure. The magnificent Puente Nuevo is anything but new, having been completed in 1793. As you cross the cloud-touching bridge, it’s like stepping into a medieval fairytale. The backdrop of soaring mountains crowned with traditional Andalucian white villages is equally dramatic. Taller than London’s Centre Point tower, the structure took a staggering 40 years to complete, claiming the lives of some 50 builders who died bridging the gap. They left behind an awe-inspiring fusion of na-

Picture by Geoff Scott Simpson

From front page

Trailblazers IRISH novelist and poet James Joyce (1882-1941)

“Ronda with the old windows of the houses, the eyes which spy out hidden behind the latticework so that their lover might kiss the iron bars.”

The word on the street from some of Ronda’s famous visitors…

Syrian prince Abu’l-Fida (1273-1331) “Elegant and lofty city in which the clouds serve as a turban and its towers as a sword belt”

American author Orson Welles (1915-1985) “A man is not from where he is born, but where he chooses to die.” German poet Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926)

Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges (1899-1986)

“It is here, in Ronda, in the delicate penumbra of blindness, a concave silence of patios, leisure of the jasmine and the light sound of water, which summoned up memories of deserts.”

ture and architecture connecting the new town of Mercadillo with the old quarter, La Ciudad.

A chamber above the bridge’s central arch was used as a prison during the Spanish Civil War. Leg-

REGULAR VISITOR: Orson Welles end has it that Republican and Nationalist prisoners were tortured and thrown from the windows to the

“The spectacle of this city, sitting on the bulk of two rocks rent asunder by a pickaxe and separated by the narrow, deep gorge of the river, corresponds very well to the image of that city revealed in dreams.” deadly rocks below. Later it housed a bar, today it’s a museum dedicated to the history of the bridge and

At the heart of nature F INCA La Donaira is a luxury eco-retreat, organic farm and equestrian centre with Lusitano horse breeding. The hotel is a nine-bedroom farmhouse designed and decorated with the simplicity of the traditional Andalucian vernacular and the uniqueness of the contemporary. The retreat in the Serrania de Ronda includes a state-of-the-art spa and an infinite list of tailor-made activities ranging from horse riding, paragliding and ‘bee bed meditation’. There are numerous home-grown products including organic wine, extra virgin olive oil, honey, almond milk, as well as eggs from free-range chickens. You are bound to find yourself in good company, with conversations around the table continuing late into the night under starry skies, with one or two glasses of good biodynamic wine. La Donaira counts on stunning custom suites and two international award-winning yurts, and guests wake up to birdsong, before swimming in the infinity pool. Take a walk around the 1,700 acre estate, which homes over 50 mares that live in free-

Horse whispering, bee bed meditation and more at Andalucia’s finest 1,700 acre eco-retreat

Finding a sanctuary, a place separate from time, is not so different from finding faith - Pico Iyer

dom with their foals as a backdrop. All your five senses will be awakened at an altitude of 1,000 metres during the four

STUNNING: Views towards the Grazalema Natural Park greet guests at the luxurious finca

seasons of the year. Everything is designed to help guests feel good, from the healthy, eco-friendly food designed by chefs each morning with the fresh produce they harvest in the garden, to places for meditation, the outdoor swimming pool powered by spring water or the yoga platform. Interested in riding? The equestrian activities are designed for beginners and advanced riders, while you can learn natural horsemanship with a horse whisperer, or practice grounding, a way to connect with the horse through breathing exercises. Guests can also visit the organic farm and orchards and even be a farmer for a few days and collect their own free range eggs. They might also like to visit the medicinal garden with over 350 varieties of healing plants, or meditate on one of only four bee beds to be found around the world. There are a variety of hikes and guests can

take a bike to go for a cycle. Then again you might just want to do nothing more than relax under a 700-year-old holm oak and enjoy the peace and views across beautiful mountain meadows towards the soaring peaks of the Grazalema Natural Park. La Donaira grants one of the most precious gifts - it allows its guests the simple and forgotten luxury of enjoying nature and time.

For more information call (+34) 951 39 00 59 or email info@ladonaira.com

13 December 9th - December 22nd 2020

Gateway to history It’s been a key nerve centre since the time of the Romans and back in the days of Al Andaluz, Ronda was a key stopping off place for travellers. Today, it is famous for its old doorways and will definitely feel like you are stepping back in time.

AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE AT AN ORGANIC VINEYARD IN RONDA Guided visit of the Kieninger bodega and vineyard, plus a tasting of four distinct wines, alongside a range of delicious local quality tapas from the Serrania.

Picture by Jon Clarke

RESERVE: Tel: 952 879 554 Mob: 618 685 152 Email: araceli@bodegakieninger.com VIDEO PRESENTATION:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gL3VdNftgUE&t=13s

www.bodegakieninger.com

BIBLICAL: Shepherd pats his sheepdog under old town walls, while (left) the famous bullring ated by a water wheel, bringing water up from the River Guadalevin below. A stroll around the immaculate chambers, arches and columns conjures up images of the lavish lifestyle enjoyed by travellers in what was then the Kingdom of Granada. A fantastic reconstruction film brings it all to life. Another Moorish highlight is the Casa del Rey Moro, the palace where Michelle Obama surprised onlookers in 2010 when she descended the 300 perilous steps down to La Mina the water mine – an experience many tourists choose to pass on. Built in the 14th century during the Moorish occupation, it was on these vertiginous steps that chain gangs of Christian slaves formed a human conveyor belt to pass up containers of water from the river Guadalevin. The heart of the new town is the bustling main shopping street, Calle Espinel - known as ‘La Bola’ by locals. It’s bursting with handicraft shops, local produce and infinite places to stop off for churros and chocolate or Ronda cheeses and wine. Another way to explore Ronda is via its exquisite wine tours. Since Phoenician and ancient Grecian times, wine has been produced here and probably transported to the great cities of the Roman Empire. Take a visit to any of the 20 or more bodegas (we recomend that of Kieninger) and you’ll be filled in well. If you’re spending more than a couple of days in Ronda, the cave art at the Cueva de la Pileta is another mustsee. Nestled in the village of Benaojan some 20 kilometres southwest of the city, the belly of the cave reveals Stone Age paintings of horses, goats and fish which can be marvelled at by torchlight with a guide. A trip to Ronda, whether it be for a day, a week or even a month has the uncanny ability to transport any visiHISTORICAL: Alleyway leads up to Spain’s oldest bullring tor to another time.

Picture by Jon Clarke

its skyscraper jail. For a picture-perfect view of the bridge, hike down to the bottom of El Tajo. You can access the scenic walking routes from either side of the bridge. Take the old town side for a more challenging hike or the new town side for the easier route. Ronda’s bullring, poised between new town and old, also gets huge amounts of attention for being the oldest and most beautiful in Spain. There’s a museum inside and you can take a tour. Despite bullfighting’s alleged waning popularity, this famous arena is mobbed in September for the annual Goyesca bullfights, a homage to Ronda’s two most famous matadors and the Spanish artist Goya. Ronda is a tale of two cities. Its old and new towns each have their own distinctive styles with Roman and Moorish influences. Built in 9 BC, it’s one of Spain’s most historic settlements and was a key military bastion in the Roman Empire. It was completely transformed by the Moors, who were responsible for many of its tourist-magnets today. The banos Arabes is one, originally built in the 13th century and oper-

14 December 9th - December 22nd 2020

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As I Walked Out One Midsummer

Seasoned walking writer Guy HunterWatts on the joys of the new long distance footpath that circles Ronda

HEN Spain finally lifted the State of Emergency after almost three months of enforced isolation, what I, like many people, most craved was a breath of fresh air, in both the literal and metaphorical sense. And what better way to escape the nightmare of lockdown and rediscover a sense of space than with a long hike through the mountains? Fortunately for me, I live in a small village 20 minutes from Ronda and so hiking the new ‘Gran Senda’ was a natural choice for a trek close to home. The GR-141 - La Gran Senda de la Serrania de Ronda, to give it its full title - is among several GR walking routes that have recently been created in Andalucía. GR stands for Gran Recorrido and comes from Grande Randonee, a term first used in France to designate a long distance hiking trail. The Gran Senda is a six stage, 110km circuit that begins and ends in Ronda. The walk links several of the prettiest villages of the surrounding Guadiaro and Genal valleys via tracks, footpaths and an ancient drover’s route that once linked the Campo de Gibraltar with the summer pastures of the Serrania. You can walk all of it, part of it and, if you stay over a night, almost all the villages have small hotels and restaurants, so you don’t need to carry camping and cooking gear. High summer wasn’t an ideal time to be tackling a long distance walk in Andalucia. But I knew that by carrying plenty of water and making early starts, the hike would be the tonic I needed. Leaving Ronda’s old town via a spectacular path that snakes down beside its famous gorge I felt elated to be back on the trail, my thoughts turning to Laurie Lee’s celebrated onfoot adventure, As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning. The 24 kilometres of stage 1 are its most challenging, leading across the depression in front of Ronda’s towering cliffs before descending into the Guadiaro valley.

Passing through Benaojan the trail leads south to the sleepy village of Jimera de Líbar via a riverside path where I chanced upon a kingfisher, a grey heron and – rare luck! – a family of otters gliding through the clear waters of the Guadiaro. From Jimera, the trail’s second stage runs south past Cortes to the plunging gorge of La Buitrera where you’re guaranteed close encounters with the colony of griffon vultures that nests on its vertical cliffs. Reaching Colmenar after another 23kms of stunning views, but with the temperature in the MOUNTAIN VISTAS: New trail rolls around Ronda and its surrounding villages high thirties most of the way, the beer I gulped down in the station’s railside bar while the narrow path leading up towards the Puerto de could not have tasted better. Encinas Borrachas is overgrown with prickly gorse and Leaving Colmenar, stage three heads up a steep climb to thistles; by the time I began my descent into the sandGaucín where the trail swings back towards Ronda. Here stone gorge of El Tajo del Abanico my legs were looking you enter the cork oak forest of the Bajo Genal before like one of Jackson Pollock’s messiest creations. descending to the valley floor and a beautiful section of If you’re looking for a challenging week of walking, La riverside walking. Gran Senda de La Serranía de Ronda has much to offer, Oak forest gives way to vast stands of chestnut trees as and in these troubled times there’s nothing quite as good you pass through Benarraba, Benalauria, Atajate and Al- heading out into them thar hills. pandeire. These middle three stages of the Gran Senda are shorter Guy leads bespoke half day and full day walks along than the first two but still tough enough, with a couple of the most beautiful trails in the Ronda mountains punishingly steep ascents. and Grazalema Park. He is soon to publish his book The final leg of the Gran Senda - from Alpandeire back to on the GR-141 and is the author of several walking Ronda - proved to be unexpectedly challenging. Sections guides to Andalucia. For details see www.guyhunterof the trail were washed away by flash flooding in 2018 watts.com or call Guy on + 34 616 057 184

15 December 9th - December 22nd 2020

SADDLE UP!

Cycling, culture and cuisine! The perfect mini break from the Costa del Sol awaits you, writes Ashley Higgins

HE Costa del Sol and Gi- Our unrivalled knowledge of the braltar are home to many nearby Grazalema Natural Park expats who, like most of and the Sierra de Nieves means us, spend their free time we can tailor the riding to suit exploring Andalucia and looking your requirements, but it also means we will stop at the best for great experiences. While there are many activities cafes for tapas or coffee and on the coast, there are also cake. some amazing days out to expe- We love showing our clients this rience if you venture just a short stunningly beautiful corner of Andalucia and, for us, the bike distance inland. is by far the best By leaving the way to experiCosta behind for ence the countrya day or two you It is the most side, culture and can get into the heart of Andaluextraordinary cuisine. However, your cia and discover the Spain you location with its stay with us is just about never knew! world famous not the bike. We Andalucia offers are also happy gorge so much more to recommend than its gorgeous local places of sandy beaches, interest to visit magnificent golf off the bike, our favourite local courses and busy nightlife. My wife, Claire, and I have been tapas bars/restaurants for your living in Montecorto, near Ron- evening’s entertainment and the best Ronda wines to try! da, since 2004. We fell in love with the Ronda We could show you the Pueblos area, which was recently vot- Blancos (White Villages) that ed in the top 25 most scenic are synonymous with Andalucia towns in Spain. It is the most and well worth a visit. extraordinary location and with its world-famous gorge and bullring, it is no wonder it has become Andalucia’s third most visited town/city. We launched the first cycling holiday business in the Serrania de Ronda in 2005 with four hybrid bikes and two bike racks for our car. Today we have a fleet of 70 bikes including road, hybrid and e-bikes, two vans and a couple of townhouses, which are the base for the Andalucian Cycling Experience.

My favourites, in no particular order, are Setenil de la Bodegas, which is famous for its cave houses, Zahara de la Sierra, which is perched on top of a hill and overlooked by a Moorish castle, and Grazalema, which is surrounded on three sides by mountains. But our own village of Montecorto is also a wonderful traditional village, and has a lovely feel to it. Also well worth a visit is the Via Verde de la Sierra, an old railway line that has been restored for recreational purposes and no vehicles are allowed on it. It runs from Olvera to Puerto Serrano through 36 tunnels and over six viaducts making a perfect day out on the bike. Whether you fancy a day trip out, a few days away or have time for a full week of riding we can organise a memorable trip for your whole family. Contact Ashley or Claire ashley@andaluciancyclingexperience.com or call 952184042

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December 9th - December 22nd 2020

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17 December 9th - December 22nd 2020 DREAM RIDE: Ronda circuit takes in the stunning Arriate valley on route to Setenil and Roman Acinipo

Picture by Geoff Scott Simpson

HOW TIMES HAVEN’T CHANGED

YOU can almost imagine a donkey or horse walking out the old Almocobar gate into Ronda old town, as they used to do back in the 19th century (right). It is the same up at Ronda’s stunning cathedral (left), once a mosque, and still with its minaret, which sits in a square, hardly changed in centuries. And as for one of Spain’s most famous views - that of the Tajo from below - it has been a magnet for tourists since the 18th century, when the first Romantic travellers first arrived from northern Europe - and recently appearing in the cartoon movie Ferdinand

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WHERE TO EAT

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Aerrania de Ronda ll about

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MELTING POT

HERE are few places that get to be Number One. So, it was all the more surprising to find that an intimate, little-known restaurant in my home town of Ronda had been voted Spain’s top restaurant by TripAdvisor. Ok, not the best of the best for cuisine, but top

Top of TripAdvisor, Michelin stars and more...there are mountains of great restaurants in Ronda, writes Dining Secrets of Andalucia editor Jon Clarke of the pile for all round good quality, great local restaurants. And that was where I found

Tropicana, in the catego- wines and dishes. Just ask ry for ‘Best Everyday Dining him. You’ll love it. in Spain’ when the annual Another amazing new joint in awards were announced in Ronda is Escudero. This is October. And, while I have one of the absolute must-visit never been a big fan of the places in this soaring mounUS food giant, I have to agree. tain town. Tropicana rocks. Run by a For staters, you won’t find betlocal father and son team, ter views. Nowhere. It looks Jose Antonio and Jose Anto- over the ancient old town of nio, conveniently, are making Ronda, with an almost Biblimassive waves for Ronda cui- cal landscape folding out in front of you. sine. While dad delivers a great Next, you will love this crerange of carefully considered ation of hard-working owners dishes focusing very much Jose Manuel and girlfriend on local ingredients and with Rocio, who have created a small, but anything but major charming and busy eatery in twists, his son is charm per- possibly the hardest time in history. sonified in the sala. This is one of It certainly helps the hottest that he has travplaces to hang elled the counHe trained at out in Ronda try honing his today and I’ll let the cathedral skills - including you know why: a year at Martin of food, Jose knows his Berasategui’s legendary three Akelarre, in San stuff when it comes to food. star restaurant Sebastian He has worked - and he speaks in the trade for English to boot. 15 years, with But like any good restaurant, there is a story to most of the three Michelin star chef Dani

SOUL FOOD: Views at Escudero and (inset) langoustine dish Garcia, when he got his first Martin Berasategui, as well accolade at Tragabuches in as at Tragabuches, alongside Ronda over a decade ago. Dani Garcia. He has also had the honour His restaurant is a super-cool to have personally served a spot on the edge of Ronda’s luncheon to Michelle Obama industrial estate in a huge inwhen she dined at his old dustrial unit. While focusing family restaurant of Escudero on great cuts of meat cooked a couple of years ago. Ask the on an open parilla-style Arstory. It’s hilarious. gentinian BBQ, there is a lot Another hip local restaurant more besides, with a burrata is Kutral where you will find salad with sun dried tomatoes chef Martin Abramzon, who a top pick and the lemon curd has cooked for Gareth Bale pudding a total winner. and Cristiano Ronaldo and The current star of Ronda trained at various Michelin must of course be Benito Gostarred restaurants, run by mez, whose two Michelin star

ESCUDERO R E S T A U R A N T E

–

R O N D A

Modern tastes with a Timeless backdrop!

Restaurante Escudero Ronda – Reservas 649 120 208 Carretera Ronda San Pedro KM1, Ronda restauranteesdudero@cartatech.es

November 20th - December 3rd 9th 2019 December - December 22nd 2020

RONDA ALL STARS: Martin at Kutral, Javier at El Almacen, Benito at Bardal, Javier at Porton and Tomas and Carlos at Pedro Romero AUTHENTIC: Ronda Romantica is getting great reviews

Calling all romantics!

OU can really feel the weight of history at Ronda Romantica apartments. The most exciting new place to stay in Ronda was once the historic home of Pedro Romero, who constructed the town’s stunning bullring. Beautifully converted by local building firm Ari Contratas, it counts on many of its original features including vaulted ceilings, ancient doors and rejas, while also being the very definition of luxury. “It was a delight to work with such a charming historic building and to have converted it to a high standard of luxury,” said boss of Ari Vicente Compas. And, as a special offer for Olive Press readers this winter, anyone booking to stay at Ronda Romantica for two nights, can have a third night completely FREE.

NEW BREW: The father and son team at Tropicana and dish while (right) El Muelle de Arriate, where the menu is always fresh Bardal, just gets better and better. For history lovers take a ride to the town’s grandest restaurant Pedro Romero sitting opposite the bullring, with wonderful bullfighting photos and posters, as you might expect. Run by brothers Carlos and Tomas, a top sommelier, you should try the fantastic rabo de toro and let him select the wine.

A total contrast is El Almacen, run by talented Javier Pimentel, a local Ronda lad, who went around the world and back before opening his restaurant two years ago. It’s a stylish spot, with a great selection of music, including a huge pile of records. But you are here for the food and Javier doesn’t disappoint, after training at San Sebastian’s three-Michelin cathedral of cuisine Akelarre, and

in Ireland, and two years in London. Soulful Almocabar has been consistently one of the town’s finest places to eat for over a decade, with a superb wine list and atmosphere personified, particularly if eating in the square outdoors at summer time. In the same square in Barrio San Francisco is an exciting new addition, Cerveceria Bandolero, which really could be the friendliest place to eat in Andalucia. It’s very much service with a smile from these two cousins, who run backwards and forwards charming guests and plying you with excellent simple and local fare, with a bent towards Carnes a la Brasa. For wine lovers you mustn’t miss Entre Vinos, which has over 100 wines from Ronda, with more than a dozen wines available by the glass. There are some excellent tapas and its a charming place to while away a few hours. Just up the hill is Siempre Igual, which is exactly that ‘Always the same’, its a bloody excellent place to enjoy tapas and some excellent wine with friends. Run by a friendly family team (below left), they always have some experimental new dishes, worth a try and in a great location, just up from the bullring.

For those up in the heart of Ronda, authentic Porton – an institution run by Javier for the last 40 years - has wonderful old photos on the wall and a guaranteed feel good factor. Here, you will find my favourite Ronda tapa, the wonderful quails egg with ham on toast. Venturing out of Ronda there are so many amazing country escapes for lunch or supper. My favourite is easily El Muelle, in Arriate, which boasts hundreds of regulars who drive all the way from the coast - and even Sevilla - for lunch. It’s no surprise that this old railway storeroom is extremely atmospheric and boasts excellent local authentic fares to boot. Continues on Page 20

AUTHENTICITY: Siempre Igual

SELECTION: One of the best wine lists is at Entre Vinos

Contact gabschidgey@ gmail.com or telephone 654152122 to reserve your stay.

20 December 9th - December 22nd 2020

ll about

WHERE TO EAT

errania de Ronda

Virtual reality

DINING SECRETS OF RONDA From Page 19

Run by friendly Dutchman Frank Rottgering, alongside talented local chef Isa, there are plenty of new dishes each month and the menu is full of their colourful creations. The wine list is simple but inspired and the food is always amazing fresh and beautifully served… Even better are the prices. It would be unfair not to mention chef Ian Love at La Cascada, at hotel Molino del Puente (www.hotelmolinodelpuente.com).

He and his wife have been pleasing the punters with their tasty creations for well over a decade now and its amazing riverside terrace cannot be beaten in good weather. For great coffee, and the best place to watch the footie and grab a snack, Buenos Aires in the heart of Ronda’s Calle la Bola cannot be beaten. www.diningsecretsofandalucia.com

FRIENDLY: At Cerveceria Bandolero in Plaza San Francisco and (right) Monolo at Almocobar with one of his home cooked special stews

Online sales make for a busy time By Kirsty McKenzie

OU can buy almost anything online these days, from clothes you’ve never tried on to cars you’ve never driven. But would you buy a house, the most expensive purchase you’re ever likely to make, without stepping a foot inside? Estate agents are embracing technology more than ever before, using virtual viewings to sell homes during the COVID-19 crisis. And for Olvera Properties, the creative switch up seems to be working. As well as selling five properties from virtual viewings alone, the agency - which covers a big area from the Serrania de Ronda to the Sierras de Cadiz - has had some excellent clients.. “Against all the odds we’ve had our busiest summer ever,” said boss Zoe Males. “Demand is usually higher for us between March and June so as soon as travel restrictions lifted people were flying out to buy a property immediately. “The vast majority of our clients were British and Brexit is definitely on their minds. People want to get their holiday Phone: +34 684home 092

DREAM TEAM: Kevin Park with Zoe and Anne Marie sorted before the end of the transition period ends.” COVID-19 restrictions have also influenced what buyers are looking for, Zoe adds, with clients desperate for space and sunshine after months of being cooped up indoors. “Country homes are selling incredibly well,’ said Zoe. “In previous years buyers were looking for townhouses, now they want big terraces and outdoor space.” Having worked in the area since 2004, Zoe knows better than most how to handle all the challenges and changes that come with a dynamic property market. Today,/she and686 her team, 967 +34 131which 908

also includes Kevin and Anne Marie, handle over 230 properties, stretching from Ronda to Zahara de la Sierra and from Olvera to Campillos. “It’s a big area, but we know every listing inside out and are good at matching buyers with homes,” explains Zoe. ‘That’s why clients are comfortable with virtual viewings. They know they are in safe hands.” Visit www.andaluciaolveraproperties.com and contact the team at olveraproperties@hotmail.com or (0034) 686 131 908 or 684 09 29 67 in spain or 206957 in the UK /(0044) +347969 628450 402

Phone: +34 684 092 967/ +34 686 131 908 / UK +44 7969 450 206

Olvera Properties A N D A L U C I A

R E A L

email: olveraproperties@hotmail.com Calle Llana Bajo 2, 11690 Olvera, Cadiz, Spain SL

www.andaluciaolveraproperties.com

E S T A T E

Find the steps to the church and castle and you’ll find us! We specialise in helping you buy property in Olvera, a medieval town in the North of Cádiz province, 1 hour from Jerez & Sevilla airports, inland from the Costa de la Luz, where prices are still reasonable.

TOWNHOUSE 58,000€ ref: Z482

COUNTRY HOUSE 220,000€ ref: KP028

STUNNING FINCA 575,000€ ref: KP026

RUSTIC FINCA 199,000€ ref: AM294

GORGEOUS TOWNHOUSE 125,000€ ref: Z530

2 bed 1 bath Build: 91m2

5 bed 2 bath Build: 210m2

5 bed 2 bath Build: 200m2

4 bed 3 bath Lot: 1 Hectare

3 bed 2 bath Build: 158m2

Secret Garden Views is on one of our favourite streets with easy walking to the old town, close to the main street in Olvera, but with a real feeling of being in the country. The back of the house opens onto one of the towns Peñon, a gated garden in the middle of the village, with benches and trees.

Beautiful country house located in de Sierra de Cadiz on the top of a hill on the edge of the provinces of Sevilla and Cadiz in a fully natural surrounding on its own 25,000m2 land. The property benefits from tiled entrance hall, modern design kitchen, dining area and living area.

Just outside Ronda in a rural setting off the road to Campillos lies this stunning finca set within 7,000 m2 of olive groves with 5 bedrooms, a fabulous double height sitting room and a swimming pool, it is superbly finished throughout.

Set in the beautiful Valle Genal minutes from the village of Farajan. Within the fully fenced land you have a small stone cottage which offers open plan living\ kitchen area and a sleeping platform and a bathroom . 3 lovely individual wooden cabins with bathrooms in two and a kitchen in one.

This beautiful house, has been lovingly renovated into the cosy and welcoming home it is today. There is an arch revealing a snug sitting room to the left, down a step in-front of you there is the central sitting room with log burner. Country kitchen with low level cupboards.

21 December 9th - December 22nd 2020

Secret Serrania From bandit hideouts to Roman wine cellars, there is so much to see and do close to Ronda, writes Jon Clarke

ONDA is surrounded by two natural parks, the Sierra de las Nieves and the Sierra de Grazalema, not to mention its very own breathtaking Serrania. These surrounding hills are creaking with wonderful walks and pretty towns and villages to visit, all easy to reach in the car and most with their own excellent places to stay and eat. Here are a few top picks for a trip out of Ronda.

THE historic Roman town of Setenil de las Bodegas is a real eye opener and amazing for p h o to g r a phy. Nestled in the rolling landscape, 20 minutes out of Ronda, it was built around a series of caves, w h i c h served to keep the wines of the Romans cool in summer, hence its name. It is best to leave your car outside the town, wander up to the old fortress before heading down to the famous overhanging cave for a fine tapas lunch.

REPUBLIC OF FUN FRIENDLY Arriate sits just five minutes outside Ronda, but is a completely different world. This charming village of nearly 5000 souls is a bustling place and fiercely independent of big sister Ronda, from whom it officially broke free some 400 years ago. It has a warm, homely feel about it and a great mix of local shops, restaurants and places to stay. Pick of the bunch to eat is El Muelle, a converted train station, while you must spend the weekend at either Hotel Arriadh or finca Alcantarilla. Its Fiesta en el Aire festival in early Autumn - hopefully back next year after COVID - is now legendary and attracts nearly 20,000 punters over a long weekend.

Preaching the blues

Cavemen colony

WHILE it’s about as stunning as any of the pretty villages around Ronda, there is one big difference with Juzcar… it’s blue. This is thanks to the Smurf movie that in 2011 decided to use the tiny village as the ‘mythical ‘base of the tiny creatures. It has been used a handful of times since and voted to stay blue some years back despite the film-makers’ offer to return it to a more traditional white. But apart from the many attractions for kids, based around the movie, it is also the perfect place for a walk and to see Griffon vultures and crag martins.

Bandit territory THE Serrania was once a major stronghold for bandoleros (bandits) and the tiny towns of Benaojan and Montejaque were famously where many holed up. But there is much more, such as the Cueva de la Pileta, near Montejaque (left), which has the oldest cave paintings in Spain, while Benaojan is the centre of the ham and sausage industry. There is also a fabulous walk from Benaojan Estacion down the river to Jimera de Libar, from where you can get the train back. At each end is a great lunch spot, with hotel Molino del Santo, when open in season, the obvious pick.

OUTDOOR VIBES: Visitors to Fiesta en el Aire festival

Fanning its fortune

Prehistory kept alive FOR anyone wanting an idea of what life was like in Ronda 5,000 years ago, head to Algaba, a short drive out of Ronda. This wonderful estate has recreated a prehistoric village showing clearly how the area’s forefathers lived, how they ground their bread, decorated their homes and what they did with their dead. There are also lots of rare breeds of cows and goats and you can even stay in the nearby finca if you fancy it. Visit www.algabaronda.com

Roman Ronda A 15-minute drive from Ronda takes you to the ancient city of Acinipo, where the Romans built another ancient settlement. The highest hill for miles around, it still has much evidence of their skills with a large part of its amphitheatre intact and a lot more to look at, not to mention the views. The visitor centre is only open for the morning, but one can always climb up to the amphitheatre out of hours.

AN hour walk from Ronda will take you to one of the most stunning natural sites, the Cueva de Abanico (the Fan Cave). Near here celebrated flamenco star Estrella Morente, and husband bullfighter Javier Conde were planning to build a hotel and it is no surprise why. This is one of the most beautiful walks imaginable, with bits of Roman road to discover, ruined towers and then the amazing cave and river at the end, perfect for a picnic.

Established in 2006 we specialise in inland property with an extensive portfolio of white village and country homes. Ronda Properties Estate Agent Inland Andalusia, c/San José, 1 29400, Ronda, Malaga, Spain

Tel: (+34) 952 187 313 Mob: (+34) 608 765 990 Email: info@rondaproperties.com www.rondaproperties.com

Mountain-Side Villa

Country Estate 20 Ha

Country bungalow

Superb mountain-side villa built in a modern rustic, open-plan style, flooded with light and sunshine and with outstanding views. A quiet country track leads to the completely fenced property, entry is through an electric gate. South facing providing stunning views.

Good Investment – Country Estate with 2 splendid houses, offering a total of 9 bedrooms, pool and outbuilding. Main House: 5 bedrooms all with large built-in wardrobes, 3 complete bathrooms, spacious sitting-room with feature fireplace and wooden beamed ceilings.

Attractive bungalow with swimming pool, covered porch, outbuilding 20m2 with a pretty orange grove. The property comprises large sitting-room with stone feature fireplace, American style kitchen, two double bedrooms and family bathroom.

Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 4

Bedrooms: 9 Bathrooms: 5

Build: 1690m2 Plot: 200000m2

Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1

€900,000

Ref: 81495

Ref: 101994

Build: 241m2 Plot: 4495m2

€895,000

Ref: 101260

Inmobiliaria - Real Estate

La Serranía Services

Build: 110m2 Plot: 8002m2

€195,000

tel: (+34) 952 187 313 movil: (+34) 608 765 990 www.laserraniaservices.com

Welcome to Serrania Services, Ronda Estate Agents, we are inland property specialists in the Serrania de Ronda, Andalusia. We have properties for sale and to rent in Ronda and the famous White Villages, Pueblos Blancos of the Serrania de Ronda.

Renovated Village House

Traditional Townhouse

Business Opportunity

Village house in Arriate with patio and terrace affording lovely views over village and mountains. It’s been renovated to a very good standard and offers a mix of traditional and contemporary features. Porch with space for table and chairs, spacious, open-plan sitting room-diner.

Situated in the elegant Historic Quarter of Ronda. The house comprises 3 large bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, master bedroom with balcony affording unrestricted views to the mountains, family bathroom, sitting-room with dining area and feature fireplace and kitchen.

Bijou well presented country house with pool comprising 2 bedrooms, second bedroom in loft and outbuilding. A quaint, character property located only 5 minutes from Ronda comprising open-plan sitting-room-diner with fireplace and American kitchen.

Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1

Build: 160m2 Plot: 76m2

Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2

Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1

Ref: 101449

€122,000

Ref: 101423

Build: 117m2 Plot: 51m2

€250,000

Ref: 101445

Build: 105m2 Plot: 1364m2

€180,000

BUSINESS

Take it easy

WORKERS in Spain could soon be enjoying a four day week under proposals being considered by the country's left-wing government. The Spanish finance ministry is examining proposals to offer financial incentives to companies that reduce the working week to 32 hours without cutting employees salaries. Deputy Prime Minister Pablo Iglesias has said they are studying how shorter working hours could help boost employment and productivity as part of the 2021 budget. Speaking in an interview to RTVE the Labour Minister said: “The reduction of the working day, the control of overtime, the right to disconnect or work-life balance are elements that must be discussed in this necessary debate "

Grants

The €50 million plan to offer grants to companies who cut working hours with no pay loss was proposed by small left-wing party Mas Pais. Iñigo Errejon, an MP from the party said that it was a ‘policy for the future’. He said: "Now that we have to rebuild our economy, Spain has the opportunity to go for the four-day or 32-hour week. “It is a policy for the future that allows for an increase in the productivity of workers, improvements to physical and mental health and reduces our impact on the environment.”

Investor cries foul British businessman takes legal action over football club deal

A British businessman who spent €800,000 on a Spanish football team is taking legal action after his money was banked and he was then thrown out of the club. A judge is investigating ex-La Nucia (Costa Blanca) sports councillor, Jose Antonio Benavente over fraud and falsifying a document. The angry investor is Stanley Yu who owns Sockaytyes, which makes sports equipment and has international agreements for advertising at sports venues.

By Alex Trelinski

It also runs soccer academies for youngsters, including the first one that was set up in the Benidorm area. Just 10 kilometres up the road, the financially-struggling CF La Nucia was desperate for investment and it tapped up Yu and Sockaytyes for some help. Yu opened talks with La Nucia council and a deal was struck in October 2019 for a takeover worth €800,000. The new owner and his rep-

RED CARD: Yu (inset) was thrown out of La Nucia resentatives were removed from the CF La Nucia board on January 23, which was the very day that Yu’s money was transferred into the club’s bank account. He has now issued a denun-

Hard hit SPAIN has been struck so hard by the coronavirus pandemic that for 19% of Spaniards are having trouble paying their rent or mortgage. In a survey carried out by the financial think tank Funcas, 31% of Spaniards said they had been forced to dip FINANCES: Spaniards have had to dig deep into their personal savings – a much higher figure than those for France This is the second highest proportion in the (15%), Germany (14%) and the Netherlands EU (after Hungary at 44%) and over double (12%) and 14% had asked family or friends for that of its neighbour, France (20%), which has imposed similarly severe restriction measures financial support. The Funcas survey also reported other signifi- this year. cant findings, including that 42% of the Span- Overall, 48% of EU citizens believe the ecoish population has acknowledged a loss of in- nomic impairment caused by the restrictions is greater than the health benefits. come since the outbreak of COVID-19.

cia against Benavente which accuses the former La Nucia sports councillor of dissolving a 10 year deal over an agreed board of directors. The previous board was then simply restored but with €800,000 to play with. Yu alleges that Benavante appeared at the ground on January 23, accompanied by council officials including the mayor, Bernabe Cano, as well as police, and a notary. His statement says: “The police and officials were there to back up the notary who told me and the new board that my signed contract was being unilaterally ended, and we were forced to leave, despite being a legally and constituted board of directors.” Yu’s declaration also makes it clear that though he is taking legal action against Jose Antonio Benavente, he regards long-standing Partido Popular mayor, Bernabe Cano, as having taken all of the decisions behind the scenes.

No monkeying around!

December 9th - December 22nd 2020

Mayan monkey chocolate factory boss lands big floor clause payout thanks to Fairway Lawyers

OTHING could be sweeter for chocolate factory magnate Jason Godwin after scooping €26,000 from dodgy floor clause mortgages. The owner of the Mayan Monkey Mijas mortgage payments were low, when rates was overjoyed when Diego Echavarria of started to go up they got stung. Fairway Lawyers helped him to recoup the From 2009 when the credit crunch arrived money from Santander bank. and interest rates started to rise, so with it He had taken out two mortgages with the the payments increased every month. They bank in 2002 and 2004, both with the became horribly high. dodgy ‘clausula suelo’ floor clauses. Then finally when in 2011 interest rates Now, after a six month battle, Fairway Lawand re-payments began to drop, it unforyers was able to get a favourable sentence, tunately wasn’t good news for the Thompwhich meant a return of all his overpaysons or Jason Godwin or many others. ments and the scrapping of For while it was initially good the clauses. news, the benefit of drop“To say we were happy is an ping rates stopped because Diego was understatement,” Godwin their banks had included efficient, fast a ‘clausula suelo’ or ‘floor told the Olive Press this week. “After fighting the banks for clause’, which meant the and friendly many years and failing to rebank always wins. coup any of the extra interest with No Win No An amazing 3.5 million varithat was overcharged, I conable rate mortgages were Fee tacted Fairway Lawyers. awarded in Spain during the “Diego was efficient, fast and last 20 years. friendly and as there was No For most such mortgages, Win no Fee we had nothing to lose and afthe interest rate is linked to the Euro Interter recouping all the money this Autumn the bank Offered Rate (EURIBOR). company took its 10%. If interest rates increase, the mortgage “There are clearly tens of thousands of repayments go up and if the EURIBOR depeople out there in a similar position and creases, then interest payments will fall. I would strongly recommend using Fairway However, when they drop to a certain level Lawyers.” (decided by the floor clause) the mortgage The victory comes after many expats holders do not benefit further. around Spain were able to recoup money When they reach the ‘suelo’ or floor, it after getting the clauses scrapped. doesn’t matter how much the EURIBOR One British couple in Mojacar, Almeria, redrops they are not going to benefit more. cently got €50,000 after a battle with BanThe level of the floor clause varies by bank, kia bank. but it was typical to see a floor set at 3% The Thompsons, like so many buyers who to 4%. took out mortgages between 2002 and While deemed illegal by both the Spanish 2009, found their mortgage was not fairly and European courts and ruled as an ‘abuset up. sive’ practice, in reality many mortgage While initially the interest rates and the owners have no idea their bank made the

Cash crash SPAIN’S economy is the most vulnerable to a hard Brexit research from the Bank of Spain has found. While experts have said the impact of Brexit will vary from country to country, Spain’s exposure to calamity is ‘notably higher’, analysis has found. Due to its significant relationship with the United Kingdom, Spain is at greater risk of negative financial and commercial impact in comparison to other countries in the eurozone. In a worst case scenario, the Bank of Spain’s analysis calculates that the UK’s exit will cause the GDP of the European Union to drop by 0.4% by 2022. Meanwhile, the UK’s economy will suffer a significant blow with a fall of between 1.5% and 3% of GDP by 2022. “Whatever the final modality of Brexit, its economic effects will be significant on the UK economy,” the bank reported. It comes as the European Commission’s head of relations with the UK, Michel Barnier, announced that Brexit negotiations will not continue past today (Wednesday). If a last minute deal has been made, all 27 EU prime ministers and presidents will meet in Brussels tomorrow to authorise the agreement. There have been severe warnings from financial advisers that leaving the EU without a deal could be disastrous for the economy.

F a ir w a y L AW Y E RS

ARE YOU OWED THOUSANDS FROM YOUR BANK? Did you have an illegal floor clau se inserted in your Spanish mortga ge?

charge. Be it La Caixa, Santander, Unicaja, Sabadell or Banco Popular, they all levied the charges. Fortunately Fairway Lawyers, in Marbella, are able to quickly check and go after the bank. The team has dedicated nearly five years investigating the clauses and, so far, has had dozens of victories. It has a 99% success rate… and best of all the set up is NO WIN, NO FEE. And even if you sold your property and paid off the mortgage you are still entitled to apply for compensation plus interest.

What are you waiting for? Get in touch with the team at www.fairwaylawyers.com or diego@fairwaylawyers.com or call 0034 952771150 or 0034 606307885

Millions of homeowners were wron gly charged thousands of euros due to underhan d tactics, now outlawed after being exposed by the courts. Let us take a look at your documen ts and help you through the complicated process of claiming it back, PLUS damages. Our bilingual team of Marbella-b ased lawyers understand the situation well and can move quickly and efficiently.

NO WIN, NO FEE.

Get in touch and we will check your mortgage deeds for free and let you know if you have a claim against your bank.

Contact Diego at Fairway Law

yers

Tel: 952 77 11 50 diego@fairwayla wyers.com

www.fairwaylawyers.com

C/Nuestra Señora de Gracia 28, 1C 29602, Marbella (Malaga) SWINGING IF YOU’RE WINNING: Jason Godwin of the Mayan Monkey factory celebrates his big win with Diego of Fairway Lawyers this month

PROPERTY

Holy goal PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

TH4651

59.950€

Castillo de Locubin, Jaen 3 bed, 2 bath Build: 68m2

Ready to move into this well presented townhouse is situated in an elevated position close to the historical city of Alcala la Real. Enter the property into an open reception area with a dining space leading to your fully tiled kitchen/diner with a door to your utility area.

Alcalá Office +34 953 587 040 info@inlandandalucia.com

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

www.inlandandalucia.com

EIGHT Spanish neighbours have made it their duty to rescue a crumbling Gothic church in their village, and are succeeding. Founded in the 16th century, the iconic San Lorenzo Martir church in Fuenteodra, northern Spain, is blessed with awe-inspiring architectural features. However, its grandeur is marred by patches of mould on the columns and numerous cracks that zigzag through its walls and ceiling – defects that both lend the building a haunting beauty and put it at risk of imminent collapse. Now locals are taking matters into their own hands and have already raised €40,000 of the €300,000 needed. “We are obliged to future generations to preserve this unique legacy of our ancestors, which they raised together, with a titanic effort,” they said on their Crowdfunding page.

December 9th December 22nd 2020

House for €3

A BRITISH couple are offering potential buyers the chance to purchase tickets for their €400,000 home complete with a swimming pool - for less than €3. Gina and Wayne Ironside have lived in the luxury pad worth nearly half a million for seven years but have decided to make the decision to move from Tenerife to be closer to family in the UK. The pair are selling their pad on the website Prizevillas, where potential buyers can purchase a ticket for just €2.80. The family are selling 23,0000 tickets to raise the sum of €440,000 - just a little over the estimated asking price if it was sold on the

Expats put luxury home up for raffle

BARGAIN: buy a ticket and take your chance

open market. Once all the tickets are sold one lucky winner will be chosen at random and given

Rental concerns

RENTAL home prices have fallen in Spain in tandem as defaulting tenant numbers rise. With the economy contracting due to the pandemic, the average price of rental housing reached just over €10 per square metre between July and September this year. That’s a fall of 8.4% over the first three months of 2020, with Barcelona, Madrid, and Palma hitting above average figures, according to the real estate platform, BrainsRE. Figures taken since mid-September show that the number of people unable to pay their rents has risen from 3.5% to 5.9%, according to contracts monitored by the File of Defaulting Tenants. A combination of job uncertainty during the second wave of COVID-19 cases along with economic concerns is said to have caused the spike in non-payments.

the keys the incredible home that boasts three bedroom, stunning hillside views and a jacuzzi. Set in the picturesqu Adeje area of Tenefife, the villa has three double bedrooms on the first floor with two having en-suite bathrooms and each with their own private balconies.

Study

Downstairs there is another double bedroom and a large study, playroom or store room. Additional features include a high spec kitchen, living room and spacious gardens complete with a terrace and a communal pool.

MORTGAGE THINK TANK by mortgage broker Tancrede de Pola

Go for broker

Why you need a mortgage broker when buying in Spain

UYING a home abroad can be a go-between for the client and the bank complicated process but it doesn’t – but it is important to remember that have to be. the broker is not connected to the bank Whether you are looking for a per- and works to find the buyer the best deal manent move or want to expand your available. property portfolio, teaming up with an When buying abroad it is imperative to experienced local broker can help buyers know how much you have to play with through the often-tricky process. when scouring the foreign property marPerhaps the largest and most complex ket. This will be dictated by various facpart is actually financing the move. tors including the amount of deposit A small few are lucky to opt for cash available as well as the level of income of transactions, but most buyers will need the applicant. to take out a mortgage. It is ALSO important to reAnd getting financial advice member that banks in most is the most important thing countries will not take propGetting to do before taking the property rental income into acerty plunge. financial advice count when offset against Despite the economic hit of the loan repayment. In is the most the pandemic, Spain’s propSpain however, most banks erty market is holding up, important step will accept rental income so and it remains a good time long as these are declared when buying to buy. in your personal tax return. But despite this, it can be difWhen looking for a properficult to get banks to finance ty, mortgage amounts are your move abroad. only measured against your total monthly In most cases you’ll have to arrange a loan commitments and must be between loan with a bank based in the country in 30 to 35% of your net monthly income which you’re looking to move to – which in order to qualify. It stands to reason, can obviously have its obstacles if you therefore, that these calculations can be don’t speak the language or aren’t famil- adversely affected if there are mortgages iar with the country’s processes. on your buy-to-let properties. That is where the Finance Bureau can But the best – and easiest – way to make help Brits looking to move to Spain. sure your dream move abroad comes We have established links to all the major through with no hiccups is to talk to a broSpanish lenders and act as the perfect ker… that is what we are here for after all.

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

LIBERTYCASHBACK Until

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The Olive Press all editions FP (342mmx256mm) December 9

Safe, happy F & learning While anti-bullying, remembrance day and helping those struggling at Christmas are other key themes at Laude this term

ROM young to old it has been an incredible first term for Laude school. And it will be the perfect Three Kings present if the school in San Pedro starts to get back to normal in the New Year. As Spain awaits the arrival of the imminent COVID-19 vaccine, the school will continue with its impeccable safety protocol that has kept the school almost completely coronavirus-free since September. With the holidays approaching, a team of ‘Christmas helpers’ worked to get a series of trees and decorations up around the school. And this month the pupils are beginning to bring in spare food for those less fortunate

at Christmas. They have been asked to bring in dried food, tinned food, pasta and rice for the charity, Collective Calling, which will distribute these donations to struggling local families. As well as numerous other festive events and traditions planned, the school held an important Remembrance Day celebration to remember those fallen in the two world wars. “I have been so pleased to see the school teams working to ensure that we maintain as many of our Laude activities even with the Covid protocols,” said principal Amanda Hughes. “These events help the children enjoy some

of our traditional celebrations at this special time of year.” While the early years have been learning about empathy the entire school, up to 18 years old, took part in anti-bullying week. It is a key message with head of Secondary and Sixth Form, Catherine Davies, insisting it was well received by students and provoked ‘numerous important conversations ’. “We strive to create a safe environment where all students are able to complete their studies without fear of bullying,” she added. “This is a theme that we will continue to enforce throughout the year and educate our students on the importance of respect and kindness to one another.”

FOOD, DRINK & TRAVEL

December 9th December 22nd 2020

Takes the cake!

All aboard

CANFRANC train station, situated in the Pyrenees between Spain and France, is set to reopen next month after being shut for half a decade. A historical landmark, the terminal was where many Jews fled Nazi Germany, including the painters Max Ernst and Marc Chagall. Originally opened in 1928, the station was used to transport goods - including Swiss gold.

Spanish lesson for Italians as Iberian panettone scoops awards

By Alex Trelinski

A SPANISH bakery has won a major Italian award by showing the locals how to make the world’s best panettone. The sweet bread was originally created in the Milan area and has spread around the globe as a treat that is especially popular over the festive season in countries like Spain. Fartons Polo sent off some of their special bakes to Rome and got a gold award in a contest organised by the Italian Federation of Pastry, Ice Cream and Chocolate. The 60-year-old Alboraya

Chateau

Once called the ‘Titanic of the Mountains’ the terminal boasts a French chateau design and the second-largest high-speed rail network in the world. The gargantuan building that’s ten times the size of St. Pancras in London -had its services brought to an abrupt halt in 1970 when a derailment destroyed a bridge on the French side of the line. But thanks to a collaboration by France, the European Commission and the Aragon government, the railway will be restored to its former glory. “Canfranc [station] is part of the memory and our identity, of our DNA, of our most intimate feelings as a people,” José Luis Soro, Regional Minister of Mobility for Aragon, told reporters.

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

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

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

TASTY: Spain beat Italy at its own game (Valencia) based company has been baking panettones for over a decade, both in a traditional version and one with

Bottom of the class SPAIN could lose out on tourism because of poor language skills. The nation ranks worst among all EU countries when it comes to learning English, a new report has found. The country has swapped bottom place with Italy, which climbed three places in the annual table. Only a handful of Eastern European countries, including Albania, Ukraine and Turkey, fare worse. The Dutch came top of the survey, with many of the Lowlanders speaking better English than those from the UK.

chocolate chips. They started work last year on creating an artisan panettone made with homemade sourdough. Fartons Polo thought they had come up with something special and decided to see how good it was by entering the competition, which featured over 300 international rivals. They are keeping the exact baking process under their hat, but besides the fresh sourdough, the Fartons blend includes vanilla from Tahiti, orange and lemon zest, and cream.

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

A SPECIAL PLACE FOR YOU AT LA SALA THIS CHRISTMAS SKI LODGE 2020-2021

E YOUR HOM OME MH AWAY FRO TMAS! THIS CHRIS

YOUR HOM E AWAY FRO OME hMrisHtm THIS CHRCIS as T 2 0M 2A 0 S!

Christmas may feel a little different this year, however you can always count on La Sala Puerto Banus to make it one to remember. Whether you are looking to enjoy an unforgettable Christmas dinner together with family, celebrate the New Year in style or organise a pre-Christmas celebration with friends or colleagues, we guarantee that you will experience the finest festive season at...

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Affordable Business December 9th December 22nd 2020 Contacts

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XIT COUNTDOWN TO BRE

VER the past week, apart from the excitement of a vaccine becoming available for use in the UK, intense talks between the EU and the UK have been taking place with not much being reported which was seen to be a positive outcome. That old adage ‘no news is good news’ though seems to be in question as talks look to be on the verge of collapse with the countdown stopwatch being paused while David Frost and Michel Barnier report back to their principals that the ‘conditions for an agreement are not met’ and Boris Johnson saying a deal is ‘unlikely’. Neither side wants to compromise although a no deal could spell problems for both the UK and the EU. The fishing industry is one stumbling block as France, in particular, wants to continue to fish in British waters but Britain is digging its heels in and part of its ‘taking back control’ wants to control that access and, with the last EU

No news is bad news Waiting with bated breath for a Brexit deal which is on a knife-edge

summit this year on December 10, France could veto any deal it doesn’t like. We wait with bated breath as to the outcome but, as has been predicted by many since the referendum back in 2016, it has certainly gone to the wire! Meanwhile, the haulage firms are left unable to plan for any new rules because that information, due in August, is still not forthcoming. So, as previously reported, delays at customs and queues regardless of any deal, might mean food shortages in the UK which, in turn, will likely lead to price increases as the extra tariffs and costs of delays are offset. 26% of the UK’s food imports come from the EU, produce like fresh fruits, salad vegetables, meat and wine could become scarce and unbelievably, even most of that very British

WON’T FIT: Final piece of the jigsaw is proving hard to place

Cheddar cheese comes from Ireland! And, of course, the site in Ashford, Kent where all these lorries are due to be held while the paperwork is checked, is still under construction. Rain has stopped work there for some time but the construction wasn’t even started until late summer. Nothing like leaving things to the last minute! Spain has announced the requirements for visas for Brits visiting after December 31. The 90 days in any 180 days Schengen rule still stands but longer stays will need a visa being granted in advance upon application for those Brits who, as non EU citizens, wish to come to reside, work or study here. Spain continues to try to meet our increased and late demand for those residencies and exchange of driving licences but, with appointments being few and far between, many Brits are very worried for their residential status here come next year. We, at Brexpats in Spain, are doing our best to help but 24 hours in a day at the moment frankly do not seem enough! The EU is interested in our plight with TV and radio wanting interviews and talks with our members over the next couple of weeks but, disappointing though not surprising, nothing requested from any British-based press!

December 9th - December 22nd 2020

Unseasonal greetings

ND just like that, it was Christmas. Traditionally the festive season is a little different for freelancers like myself as we indulge in the yearly game of ‘Make sure you get paid by all your clients by the second week of December, or you won’t see your hard earned until they get back after Three Kings”.

Have yourself a COVID Little Christmas time

Special

In a funny way, I will miss the equally traditional response of all secretaries and PAs at this special time of year that goes something along the lines of ‘I’m sorry, he’s gone skiing in Sierra Nevada’. The movement restrictions have put paid to that one. 2020 being The Year That Was, the last time I looked at the slopes they were absolutely pristine, but all activities are banned. You can bet your bottom ‘centimo’ that when we are allowed to ski, there will be a never before experienced thaw… Christmas festivities have been curtailed as well. A 1.30am maximum curfew has

NOT OPEN: Skiers will have to wait but will snow last?

been announced for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve that means we may be treated to the sight of the devout legging it home at 1.15am after Midnight Mass. A 1.30am curfew and no gatherings to do the grapes etc. on New Year’s Eve will also be somewhat of a damp seasonal squib. Whereas in the UK, midnight is the highpoint

OP Puzzle solutions Across: 6 Breaks up, 8 Owls, 9 Burden, 10 Almost, 11 Hummingbirds, 14 Psychologist, 17 Hamlet, 20 In sync, 21 Idly, 22 Runs into. Down: 1 Crouches, 2 Pandemic, 3 Sprang, 4 Poem, 5 Alps, 7 Sunni, 12 It is said, 13 Detonate, 15 Outcry, 16 Orion, 18 Adds, 19 Lays.

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RULES: People will have to take care this Christmas

of the festivities, where everyone is well oiled and then goes around kissing anything in range, including the Labrador shirking in the kitchen, the Spanish haven’t even got out of their festive first gear as the clock strikes. As well as this, the lack of season celebrations will have serious implications for a freelancer like myself. I can normally count on at least two Christmas events to ward off starvation, plus I normally carry a discreet man bag containing Tupperware. ‘One for the plate, one for the takeaway’, is my mantra. Even the baccalaurean celebration that is the Olive Press Christmas Lunch seems to have been put on hold. So this year it looks like I will spend the Festive Season watching my specially commissioned ‘Highlights 2020’ video (all 30 seconds of it) while dressed in my New Year’s Eve Fancy Dress Outfit – a giant Scotch Egg…

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