OLIVE PRESS
The
COSTA BLANCA
tel: 966 46 38 45
Schools out!
NEARLY 220 schools across Spain have recorded incidents of COVID-19, leading to the quarantine of classrooms and in some cases total closures. A total of 12 schools and 35 classes have been affected in Valencia. The Basque Country is the second most affected region with around 30 schools reporting cases of coronavirus either among staff or students by Tuesday. In total, only four of them had to be closed with the other centres adopting partial quarantine. Meanwhile Aragon has seen the closure of 24 classrooms, Castilla-La Mancha 20 classrooms, Madrid 26 classrooms. In the Balearic Islands, a total of 29 students have tested positive for coronavirus since the beginning of the school year.
expat
voice in Spain
Vol. 2 Issue 39 www.theolivepress.es September 17th - September 30th 2020
Hopping in
WWW.JAVEABLINDS.COM
EMPTY: Deserted classes
FREE
Your
WE’VE had to put up with the Germans bagging the sunbeds. Now it’ll be the French grabbing all the
best tables. When it comes to tourism in Spain, Britain’s Gallic neighbour – and tra-
ditional arch rival - has overtaken the UK. For the first time in decades – possibly since
Napoleon’s troops swept through Spain before meeting their Waterloo with Wellington – French
Zut Alors! Brits forced to relinquish tourist top spot to our Gallic neighbours
FRENCH INVASION: Gallic visitors have taken over from Brits in the tourism stakes
SALES & RENTALS SPECIALISTS Moriara•Calpe•Jalon•Javea•Denia•Altea
96 649 1883 www.moraira-hamiltons.net
SPOKEN
We are still living in fear NOTHING is in place to stop a repeat of the devastating floods that happened a year ago.
P O RTRA ITS Collaborate with an expert producer on your spoken memoirs Commission a ‘This Is Your Life’ style tribute for a wedding, birthday or anniversary Celebrate someone special with a unique, hugely meaningul gift
Contact Rosie Oliver t: +44 (0)7985 464314 e: rosie@tickertapeproductions.co.uk Find out more on our website
That is the verdict of a high-profile Costa Blanca mayor as experts met up at the National Flood Congress in Orihuela. A gota fria (cold drop) storm over the weekend of September 12 to 15 last year wiped out towns and villages across the Vega Baja region, killing seven people and causing millions of euros of devastation. “Yet we are still in fear as the urgent works have still not been done,” said the mayor of Orihuela, Emilio Bascuñana. He added: “The reality is we don’t have infrastructure to prevent floods from happening again.” He revealed that Orihuela has still not received aid that was promised from the regional government soon after the natural disaster. But urgent aid has failed to arrive in many areas, with the President of the PPCV party Isabel Bonig also slamming the regional and national authorities.
952 147 834
www.tickertapeproductions.co.uk
By Dilip Kuner
visitors have outnumbered Brits. To make it even worse, the Germans have also overtaken the UK when it comes to the number of tourists landing on Spanish shores. Just 378,000 Brits visited Spain in July when the UK government imposed quarantine restrictions on returning visitors… or a paltry 18% of the 2.2 million who arrived in July 2019. By comparison, French visitors numbered 597,000 – still a big drop from the 1.43 million seen in the same month last year. Second spot in the ranking went to the 432,302 Germans who visited, compared to 1.24 million the previous year. It is a historic reversal of trends – but perhaps a ray of light for the hard-hit Costa Blanca tourism industry. Some 80% of French holidaymakers arrive in Spain by road meaning the Costa Blanca is within easy reach for many.
Eclipsed
DEVASTATION: Floods brought chaos Paying tribute to the victims needed to alleviate ‘so much at an Almoradi event, she de- suffering’ because the entire manded it was not allowed to Vega Baja needs investments. happen again. “We must use all the means at our disposal to prevent a similar catastrophe from happening again,” she said. The PPCV president called for ‘more will’ on the part of the national and regional authorities to sort out the situation. She added that the money was
With Catalunya – long a favourite for the French – put out of bounds due to coronavirus outbreaks, many kept on driving into the Valencia region. The figures for August have yet to be released. And with the UK government unlikely to remove the current, strict travel restrictions on visitors to Spain, it could put Britain’s annual tourism top spot in danger of being eclipsed too. So if Britons are ever to emulate Wellington’s heroics and usurp the French, they will probably have to wait until next year when hopefully the coronavirus crisis is over.
Tel: 952 147 834 TM
See page 15
2
CRIME
www.theolivepress.es
NEWS IN BRIEF Angry teen AN 18-year-old Denia man was arrested for vandalising a home owned by a man who called the police about an illegal outdoor party.
Blackout BENIDORM’S bus station was left without lights after thieves stole copper wire from an electricity junction box.
Flat ale THE Ocktoberfest fortnight set to be staged in La Nucia after a 32 year stint in Calpe has been cancelled due to the pandemic.
Big hitter AN Alicante motorist hit six parked cars on Calle Indalecio Prieto and drove off before being arrested by the Policia Local.
Helpful CALPE council is to give grants of up €2,000 to help nightlife businesses pay laid-off staff after venues were ordered to close last month.
September 17th - September 30th 2020
Dirty cops
A JUDGE is probing a police spying network that allegedly aimed to protect high-ranking politicians from a corruption investigation. The surveillance operation, including wiretaps, was set up by former National Police chief Jose Villarejo to spy against disgraced PP party treasurer Luis Barcenas. It aimed to hide secret bank accounts and payments to national and regional politicians in the Gurtel corruption scandal. Under the scheme senior politicians in Madrid and in the Valencia Region were handed millions in black money in return for building licences. The move comes as two senior Madrid politicians were also accused of being involved in the spying operation. The judge believes Interior Minister Jorge Fernandez and PP secretary general Maria Dolores de Cospedal asked Villarejo to ‘carry out tasks paid for with PP funds.’
Former police boss facing jail term after findings discovered he ran 20 year spying operation
KEY MEN: Barcenas (from left) Villarejo and Rajoy By Jon Clarke
Villarejo, who has been held in custody since 2017, allegedly made millions from the cloakand-dagger black operations he ran for 20 years. His spying network allegedly kept tabs on judges, politicians,
Bloody nuisance AN IRATE patient at a Valencia hospital threatened to kill a doctor. The Spaniard, 23, also threatened two police officers on the ward, after nurses bandaged his hand, but then told him to wait as they needed to see patients that had more serious needs. The man then started shouting in the waiting room and removed his bandage with his blood dripping on the floor. He then threatened a doctor and said that ‘he would slash his neck and wait for him outside to kill him’, He was finally arrested on multiple charges including making threats and public disorder.
journalists and businessmen. Court documents show that Villarejo and other senior cops persuaded the Barcenas family chauffeur – a policeman named Sergio Rios – to aid them. The Gurtel operation was launched after El Pais newspaper revealed that the PP party ran a parallel bookkeeping system to keep track of hidden funds, in 2013. The party’s then-treasurer Barcenas, now in prison for 30 years, oversaw his party’s illegal donation scheme, millions of which were kept in Swiss bank accounts. After a five year investigation, dozens of businessmen and politicians, including Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, were linked to the corruption case, leading to a vote of no confidence in the government.
Expat paedo snared A BRITISH man is set to be extradited to the UK over sexually exploiting children. The 65-year-old was arrested in Alicante where he had arranged an appointment to get residency documents. A computer check revealed that he was the subject of a European Arrest Warrant and he has been transferred to Madrid for an extradition hearing.
LEGAL DISGRACE A BOGUS lawyer is accused of stealing €311,000 from a trusting client in the Valencian Community. The Guardia Civil arrested a 33-year-old woman from Castellon on fraud charges after getting a complaint from a female resident of Oropesa del Mar. The fake solicitor used the money to buy a property in her native Tunisia as well as pumping in the cash to improve her Spanish home and a hotel business. The victim split her time between Spain and Egypt, and needed help with a number of bureaucratic procedures in Spain, as she did not speak Spanish. She hooked up with the fake lawyer, who promised to work on her behalf. As her client spent lengthy periods in Egypt she was given access to her passwords to her bank accounts.
Trucking stupid A DRUNK lorry driver who wanted early retirement is most likely to spend a lot of it in prison. The Catalan driver downed enough booze to put him five times over the limit, then called cops and demanded he be given a breath test. The 56-year-old, from Barcelona, was parked on the AP-68 in La Rioja when he made his call. He told cops he had got drunk because he wanted to be sacked as he was after early retirement on state benefits. He added that if he was not arrested, he would continue his journey and cause an accident. Police arrived on the scene where he pleaded to be detained. He now faces multiple charges and certain prison.
FIBRE Shouldn't Your New Normal Include
from
Terms and Conditions Apply to All Offers
up to
600Mb
RE
ING OU AV
LANET RP
TH FIB WI
S
Tel: 965 743 473 sales@telitec.net www.telitec.com
29
99
€
plus IVA
per mth
NEWS
www.theolivepress.es
September 17th - September 30th 2020
Artful Dodger HE was one of the most audacious crooks in British history. And now the story of how a working class northerner climbed into London’s National Gallery to pilfer a painting by Spanish master Goya has been turned into a film. The movie ‘The Duke’, which was immortalised at the Venice Film Festival this month, retells the incredible swinging sixties yarn about how the painting, the Duke, was stolen. Made by Notting Hill director Roger Michell it stars Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren. MISSING: Goya masterpiece
A-listers assemble HE’S best known as Darcy in Pride and Prejudice and Mark Darcy in Bridget Jones’s Diary. Now British superstar Colin Firth is set to grace the boardwalks of San Sebastian for the world premiere of his new film Supernova alongside Stanley Tucci. It has been over a decade since Firth last attended the famous film festival in 2008, when he walked the red carpet for the first screening of Genova, directed by English filmmaker Michael Winterbottom. Firth was praised for his role as a mourning father in the drama and similar success is likely for the King’s Speech actor this year. When a state of alarm was announced in Spain in March, Firth was filming a new film Operation Mincemeat in Malaga alongside Kelly Macdonald. So, the A-lister has multiple motivations to make his return to Spain.
See Double Take on page 13
Got the message
An unlikely overseas friendship has been sparked after an American bottle landed in Spain By Kirsty McKenzie
WHEN a busy dad with wanderlust Jerry Whitt died suddenly in 2018, his wife Mary was determined that he would finally get his chance to travel the world. So she lovingly placed the American’s ashes into a bottle with a note and dropped him into the Atlantic Ocean from their favourite holiday retreat in Florida and waved farewell one last time.
STUNNING: Beautiful gown
FASHIONISTAS have flocked to Madrid fashion week. The 72nd edition of the event went ahead without a hitch from COVID-19. Famed for showcasing national designers, this year it teamed up with Amazon to give more visibility to everyone from independent to medium-sized fashion designers. It means users at home can shop straight off the runway and everyone could be in the front row this year.
FOUND: Ashes discovered on beach And to her surprise, two years later she received a phone call from a Spanish family who had found Jerry on a beach almost 5,000 miles away.
Princess in isolation fears HEIR to the Spanish throne princess Leonor has been placed in quarantine. It comes after Leonor’s classmate at Santa Maria de los Rosales school in Madrid was diagnosed with COVID-19. The eldest daughter of King Felipe and Queen Letizia will now have to self isolate for 14 days within the Zarzuela Palace and be monitored closely for symptoms. The rest of her class are now in isolation as well as her younger sister princess Sofia.
Best foot forward
3
ISOLATED: Leonor is now quarantined
Now, after a series of letters and calls, the American is hoping to come and visit the Alvarez family, who found the bottle on Praia de Razo, in Carballo, Galicia. “I decided to put Jerry’s ashes in a bottle, and his picture and a note,” said Mary, from her home in Kentucky. “I thought that this would be a good way that he could travel.” She is now delighted that the Alvarez family are to spread Jerry’s ashes in the north of Spain. Mary said: “It touched all of our hearts. It’s just so heartwarming and touching that they are this good to us.” Jerry’s daughter Emilee added: “I think he would be so excited to think that we have friends in Spain now. “We talk often and he would have absolutely loved that.”
Something for everyone at
HILL TOP GASTRO PUB
€1 off Sunday Roast
MADRID
WEEK
Movers international E U R O P E LT D
"
ALICANTE:(+34) 965 770 639 MALAGA: (+34) 952 426 560 PRESTON: (+44) 1772 651 570
Destination Relaxation
Properties to rent and buy in the sunny Costa Blanca
We have beautiful homes for sale and luxury villas to rent Commission fee is only €2500 tel: (+34) 965 074 546 | email: info@azul-homes.co.uk www.azul-homes.co.uk
Breakfast 08.00-13.00 – Lunch 13.00-18.00 Evening Meals 18.00-22.00 Thursday karaoke – Tuesday quiz night LIVE music most Saturdays (check Facebook) Pool and Terrace ALL SPORT biggest screen in Moraira, enclosed terrace Open 7 days week, early until late
www.moversint.co.uk movers.int@gmail.com
www.hilltopgastropub.eu
Calle Móstoles, Moraira tel: 965 74 43 66
MOVERS
•
STORERS
•
SHIPPERS
LIBERTYCASHBACK Until
When
23rd
DECEMBER
2020
YOU need it most
ALREADY A CUSTOMER?
A NEW CLIENT?
€60 CASHBACK
€30 CASHBACK
on each new policy
on your first policy & €60 from the second policy onwards
Take out a new Car, Life, Home or Funeral policy NOW to access our Cashback offer – because tough times deserve little treats!
#1
There’s no limit on the number of policies you take out, so there’s no limit on Cashback!
preferred expat insurer
Visit your agent or go to www.libertyexpatriates.es Offer valid from 27th August 2020 to 23rd December 2020. Policies must be paid by direct debit. Applies to new car, life, home and funeral policies only. Not for renewals or replacements. Conditions and minimum premiums will be applied in all cases. Visit our website or ask your broker/agent for full details.
The Olive Press all editions FP (342mmx256mm) September 16
NEWS
www.theolivepress.es
Waiving the rules A SURFER has been dragged off a Spanish beach for surfing after testing positive for COVID-19. Police in hazmat suits pulled the woman out of the sea and are set to fine her for breaking the mandatory 14-day quarantine rule. Someone who knew the woman called the authorities after seeing her in the water at La Zurriola beach, near San Sebastian. At first the belligerent woman refused to leave the water, despite being ordered to do so by the lifeguard and authorities. The lifeguard at nearby La Concha beach eventually came ashore and was handcuffed and arrested for ‘serious disobedience’. She could now face a fine of up to €600,000 for committing a serious offence under the Public Health Law.
ALICANTE is aiming to build the tallest nativity scene in history. The town hall is hoping to create a 15-metre high figure of Joseph alongside figurines of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus. A competition has been launched to find a traditional display that will be erected for three years in the town’s Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
September 17th - September 30th 2020
Biblical proportions Record breaking nativity bid
Display
Guinness World Records will be brought in to officially verify the scene as the tallest. The current record dates back to 1999 in Mexico with figurines of Joseph and Mary reaching 5.3 metres. The successful bidder for the contract will be given €70,400 for the first year,
By Alex Trelinski
plus payments of €26,400 for the following two years. A special jury made up of
councillors from all political parties as well as council officials and nativity scene experts will decide on who will be the winner.
Cheap as chips A FOOD truck once owned by General Franco has been served up at auction for just €3,200. The vehicle that served the former dictator for 36 years was previously valued at €30,000. The Ford 817 T, rumoured to be gifted to Franco by Henry Ford in 1937, was used by the fascist leader as a dining car during the Civil War. It was bought by Asturias businessman Jorge Sandoval after Madrid company Desguaces La Torre went bankrupt and was forced to get rid of its fleet of historic cars.
Party over
NEWS IN BRIEF Drowning A 78-year-old man died at Benidorm’s Poniente beach last Thursday(September 10) after he lost consciousness when swimming.
AN illegal rave party attended by around 150 people in Pego was broken up by police. The outdoor all-night event was held in a field off Cami Marja Majors and was organised by word of mouth and via social media networks. The field’s owner said that he knew nothing about the rave, which just happened to be organised by his son. Despite the rural location, authorities acted on noise complaints. Guardia Civil and Policia Local officers cleared the site which attracted party goers from several parts of Spain including Madrid.
Fines
SOLD: Franco’s food truck
5
The Guardia said that nobody wore protective masks at the event which flouted safety rules aimed at cutting down COVID-19 cases. Pego’s Policia Local said that people attending the rave now face fines.
Better Park JAVEA’S Avenida del Puerto car park is being resurfaced in a two-month project with improved lighting and eight charge points for electric cars.
Extension ALICANTE council has allowed bars and restaurants to extend their terrace areas and to open earlier to try to boost custom.
Boosted BENIDORM is the first Valencian Community area to become a tourist municipality which allows it to get extra money for local services
6
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 Big Planet THE modern world is characterised by globalisation. Watching an American film while eating a Thai curry perched on the edge of your Swedish sofa is a normal Saturday night. We have free roaming for our phone data and currency cards without transaction fees to make travelling painless. All these amenities to contemporary living make the antiquated restrictions that are now rearing their ugly head because of Brexit all the more frustrating. At Olive Press we wholly empathise with the trials and tribulations faced by expats. Since Big Ben’s knell shook parliament at midnight on January 31, life in the EU is significantly more complicated. Whether its a barrage of confusion at the extranjeria office (page number for TIE piece) or the news that Barclays is terminating credit cards for Brits living abroad (page number), it is clear ease of access has been replaced with increased exasperation. Since 1919, when commercial flights first began in the UK, we have benefited from a melting pot of homogenizing cultures . In this transition period of infuriating blurred lines and unspecified grey areas, it is more important than ever to remain outward looking and adventurous.
I
T started as a Cold War tale of intrigue involving a spy, international headlines and appearances from Robert and Edward Kennedy. It ended when a shepherd in a remote backwater of Spain discovered a decomposing corpse in a gulley. The mystery man could only be identified from documents found in a nearby wallet. Guardia Civil decided the body was that of 48-year-old Vladimir Kazan-Komarek – an American citizen of Czech descent. The year was 1972, with Spain still under the thumb of fascist dictator Francisco Franco and the world in the depths of the Cold War. The location was the now bustling - then sleepy - town of Estepona on the Costa del Sol. Kazan-Komarek had first
Cold war MYSTERY A documentary is studying the enigma of spy Vladimir Kazan-Komarek, 50 years since his death, writes Dilip Kuner
come to public attention six years previously when he became embroiled in a spy scandal that would not have been out of place in the pages of a John le Carré thriller. It involved the shadowy world
Vive le France! ZUT ALORS! Those crafty French have taken over from Brits when it comes to tourism in Spain. This is a stark example of the economic turmoil facing the country. Where once millions of Brits and their hard-earned cash boosted the Spanish economy, visitor numbers were down 82% in July. Putting tongue-in- cheek national rivalries aside, we welcome the news that the French – and Germans too – have continued to come to Spain for their sunshine breaks. Yes, their figures are down too, but without them many more businesses would have been sunk. So perhaps you can join us in a resounding proclamation of Vive le France! Publisher / Editor
Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es Dilip Kuner dilip@theolivepress.es
Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es
Kirsty McKenzie kirsty@theolivepress.es
John Culatto johnc@theolivepress.es
Isha Sesay isha.sesay@hotmail.com
Lydia Spencer-Elliott lydia@theolivepress.es
Simon Wade simon@theolivepress.es
Alex Trelinski alex@theolivepress.es
Admin Sandra Aviles Diaz (+34) 951 273 575 admin@ theolivepress.es
Office manager Héctor Santaella (+34) 658 750 424 accounts@ theolivepress.es
Distribution ENQUIRIES (+34) 951 273 575 distribution@ theolivepress.es
Newsdesk: 0034 951 273 575 For all sales and advertising enquiries please contact 951 27 35 75 Head office
Carretera Nacional 340, km 144.5, Calle Espinosa 1, Edificio cc El Duque, planta primera, 29692, Sabinillas, Manilva Deposito Legal MA: 498-2018
AWARDS
2016 - 2020 Best expat paper in Spain and the second best in the world. The Expat Survey Consumer Awards.
2012 - 2020
Named the best English language publication in Andalucia by the Rough Guides group.
RECEPTION: Robert Kennedy greets Kazan-Komarek
of espionage and high level diplomatic negotiations. Now, a French documentary team is looking into the mystery death of the American, trying to piece together his intriguing life. What was known was that on October 31, 1966, when Vladimir was returning from a travel agents’ conference in Moscow, the Soviet airliner on which he was traveling — supposedly on a nonstop flight to Paris —was diverted to Prague for ‘mechanical reasons’. It has never been proven that the flight was deliberately diverted at the behest of Czechoslo-
vakia, but the authorities certainly grabbed their chance to lay their hands on the suspected spy. He was hauled off the plane and charged with setting up and operating an underground espionage and terrorist network in the communist country between 1948 to 1950. They also held him responsible for the death of a policeman. Press reports from the Czechoslovak media had previously identified him as an agent for US Army Counterintelligence. A prisoner of the Nazis during World War II, Kazan-Komerak had worked for the US army in Germany in 1945 and 1946, before he returned to his home country. But when the communists took control, he fled Czechoslovakia in 1948 and lived in Paris before moving to the US in 1953. There he faded into the background, marrying a noted beauty, fathering five children and becoming a US citi-
TIEd up in Red Tape
It’s a bureacratic joke as I still can’t get my NIE after two months of trying By Lydia Spencer-Elliott
TIME passes at varying speeds: you age slower in a spaceship but faster when in the queue at the extranjeria office in Spain… A whole month has elapsed since I last wrote of my seemingly endless quest for a TIE residencia card. Since then I have mentally decayed faster than a peach in the Spanish sun … transformed from my prime (24) to the metaphorical autumn of my life, rotted by bureaucracy and fermenting with fury. Concerned that my A-level Spanish was insufficient for the task, a native speaker with five years experence in a legal firm called several official offices on my behalf to identify our next port of call on this marathon mission. “I’ll be honest, we don’t know the steps anymore, ” she was told. “Because of COVID and Brexit, everything has changed.” After another fruitless appointment at the police station in Estepona, some pleading and a borderline refusal to leave until we had more information than ‘no se’, we were handed the next clue in the treasure hunt: a website link. Into the search bar it went and three clicks later our appointment in Malaga was secured. Things surely had to work out differently on the fourth try. The instruc-
LONG WAIT: Lydia is still battling Spain’s infamous red tape tions had come straight from the horse’s mouth and, to mix metaphors, we knew better than to inspect the teeth of this gift horse too closely. Wrong decision, we discovered on our arrival in the city. “They told you the wrong thing,” said a genuinely sympathetic member of staff. “The appointment you need can only be booked on the phone. You have to come back another day.” It turns out lucky expats who secured residencia before July 6 are not required by law to obtain any new documents. But if, like me, you arrived after this critical date, the road to residencia is long, winding and may cause stress-induced alopecia. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Will our fifth attempt turn out to be the charm that works …or a one way ticket to an asylum? Watch this space.
7
September 17th - September 30th 2020
www.theolivepress.es
www.theolivepress.es
Olive Press online NEWS FEATURE
September 2nd - September 15th 2020 ‘Spain’s best English news website’
Bringing you the news SAFEGUARDING REAL NEWS After two years of rapid expansion, the Olive Press announces an online pay wall
A
S the Olive Press approaches its 15th anniversary it’s a good time to take stock of what we have experienced down the years. But even more important is to take the lessons we have learned as Spain’s only English language investigative newspaper and apply them for the next 15 years. Back in 2006 when a small but dedicated band launched the very first issues out of Ronda we couldn’t have dreamed how much we would expand in the coming years. A move to our head office in Sabinillas near Esteponsa proved to be a key move and within a few short years we went from covering all of Andalucia to launching editions in Gibraltar, Mallorca and the Costa Blanca North and
South. But perhaps the biggest change has been the rise of the internet as the medium through which we can reach a hugely expanded audience. We have striven to provide engaging, well researched and original content, with regularly over 20 stories and features a day. This has involved a heavy investment in the most important factor for any news organisation – the staff. Our dozens of fully-trained, NCTJ-qualified reporters have uncovered hundreds of exclusives which would make many a ‘bigger’ media group proud. It helps that many of our team have worked at UK national newspapers, including Dilip Kuner at the Sunday Mirror, Kirsty McKenzie at The Daily
Olive Press online ‘SPAIN’S BEST ENGLISH NEWS WEBSITE’
The top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are: Benidorm officials say 130 million 1-demolition bill for illegal towers is not in the public interest (30,996) Village engulfed in mammoth fire on Spain’s Costa del Sol (27,542) 2- Laguna Levante Beach to end 3- Benidorm’s restrictions this Monday as domestic tourist season ends (24,402)
PRAGUE: Kazan-Komarek (inset) was imprisoned behind the Ironfrom Curtain - Terrifying footage inside Laguna
4
zen, all while settling into life as a travel agent. Life seemed to be going well until he made his fateful Moscow trip. In Prague he was charged with high treason and espionage. During the Kazan-Komarek trial in 1967, the most serious charges that he had been an American intelligence agent were quietly dropped after an intense diplomatic campaign by the US government. He was instead convicted on lesser charges of subversive activities against the Czechoslovakian state and jailed for eight years. His rapid release was brought about largely through the intervention of Senator Edward Kennedy, whose brother Robert was present when Kazan-Komarek’s flight touched down on American soil. Once safely back in the US, Vladimir admitted that the charges against him were partly true. He had helped people escape from Czechoslovakia, believing that he was working for French intel-
ligence. Subsequent investigations found he was being rather modest with the truth. It is believed that he was one of the most important agents for the French Secret Service (SDECE). And that he returned to the other side of the Iron Curtain to organise a network to rescue people threatened with death or prison for their resistance against the regime’s dictatorship. The network was liquidated by communist police and Kazan-Komarek alone managed to make it back to the West after a shoot-out with border guards. Seriously injured, he returned to Paris and spent several months in hospital. While the case caused a sensation at the time, Vladimir faded into the background. He severed ties with the Harvard Travel Service, of which he had been president. Then in 1971 he left his wife and five children in Wellesley, Massachusetts and disappeared to Europe. In November that year he re-
Village fire on Spain’s Costa del Sol (21,677)
Fire at Estepona’s Laguna Village: surfaced in Estepona where zan-Komerak through the(19,212) pictures from the scene 5-Exclusive he lived alone in a small flat. documents found nearby, toGet in touch a today at sales@theolivepress.es Guardia Civil investigators gether with key to his front or call us at 00 34 951273575 for a special quote said he led a normal life, door. passing his time writing a Strangely, the US authorities book about flying. in Spain failed to inform his He made friends with expat widow of the death. That was Americans and was due to fly left to the Canadian couple to the US with a he had been Canadian couset to travple when he disel with some The mystery appeared. months earlier. On June 5, US State Deof his life and 1972, the Unitpartment offideath have ed States concials said there sulate in Sevilla was no indicanever been was informed tion that Kaquite forgotten z a n - Ko m a r e k by Samuel Berman, an Amerimight still have can living in Esbeen involved tepona, that Kazan-Komarek in intelligence work, and inhad been missing since May sisted he had not been em11. ployed by any United States The authorities discounted intelligence agency. And the report after being in- there the matter rested. formed he had been seen in But the mystery of his life the first week of June. But a and death has never quite body was discovered on Sep- been forgotten. There are tember 7 in a hillside gully on still people who wonder if the a farm outside Estepona. body truly was his and why A Marbella court decid- he should have given up a ed there were no signs of successful career and large foul play and confirmed family to disappear into what the corpse’s identity as Ka- was, at the time, a remote backwater of a country living under a dictatorship. Now, nearly 50 years on, a French documentary team led by Karel Prokop and Laurence Guyot is trying to unravel the mystery of Kazan-Komarek’s death and is looking for anyone who knew him, or had heard any stories about the man of mystery. Their ultimate ambition is to solve the enigma of Kazan-Komarek - and find answers to the puzzle that briefly thrust the quiet town of Estepona into world headlines.
SLEEPY: The quiet backwater of Estepona found itself at the centre of world headlines
You can approach the film makers through us by emailing newsdesk@theolivepress.es
Yes, those subscribi see a 90% drop in p and adverts being se every time you want t up on your favourite news site in Spain. And a fringe benefit our print editions wil main free, just as they have been. We are sure that ou readers will continue port us. After all, w asked for donations us provide news dur lockdown nearly 10 them rallied to the cau And we in turn have gotten these genero loyal readers. Anyon donated €25 or more a free subscription for while anyone who ga €10 or €20 will get t two months free. We thank them and l ward to welcoming many new subscriber coming years as we to maintain our posi Spain’s premier Engl guage news site.
A
T the Olive Press, there are few things Olive Press is following in the upgrades to an even better footstepsthan of The Times, Tele- unparalleled we love more a good story. news service. graph and New York Times respected Spanish pizza daiSure, ourand print night run and coflies such as El Mundo, El Pais Less adverts fee from andour Diario Sur to introduce a and pop ups pay wall. favourite corner And cafe it is extremely positive news. For, by charging just Best of all, anyone joining might be up there €4.99 -a month (or €49 a will find the service so much year) we can dramatically in- easier and cleaner to use, but the only thing crease investment employing with only one advert allowed Please contact us a more journalists and writers per story and a much simpler, desk@theolivepre that really beats for any questions to provide a news service that faster loading time. the thrill of setting the agenda and breaking the bigTO celebrate the biggest relaunch in the Olive cription to the new site, while a third r gest news stories Press is website’s history we are giving readers a will scoop a six month subscription. chance to win prizes in our 3-2-1 competition. Our first place winner will get to stay Top prize for one lucky reader will be a two-ni- stunning La Perla De Torrenueva villa hearing from our readers. ght stay and gourmet dinner in a luxurious vi- which comes complete with its own p lla onlisten the Costa del located between Marbella and Mij When you talk, we - Sol. whether it is pool when Second place will get a free 12-month subs- Set in an enclosed complex of eight vill rroundedof by lush gardens, the villa has you’re sharing your enthusiasm, differences tacular views over the Mediterranean, to Gibraltar and the Rif Mountains of Moro opinion or pointing us in the direction of an unThe lucky winner will also get to enjoy vateyou. three-course dinner cooked by F earthed story, we always love to hear from chef Joffrey Charles, who is well know coast. And receiving your feedback on the newthe payLa Perla villa complex (www.laperlade nueva.com) manages three exclusive wall is no exception. bedroom villas, a cottage, an apartmen an ensuite We’ve been thrilled with the uptake so far andbedroom and would be ide corporate groups and seminars. we hope you are equally delighted to be getting To enter the competition visit our we www.theolivepress.es top quality journalism for as little as €5.99 a month - or even better value at €59 a year. However, as your comments reminded us, not everyone can afford to pay, which is why we are happy to announce we will be offering a 50% discount to all pen- sioners and students. To those of you who have already subscribed, thank you. When you pay for journalism, you are paying for people who really excel at storytelling to do the work they love and the job they were trained to do. We are not working for clicks, we are working to bring you the biggest breaking news stories, the most important campaigns and the agenda setting content that has made us Spain’s only English language investigative paper and website. But we pay for our own late-night coffee runs. Promise.
Record and Jon Clarke at the Mail on Sunday, while our Costa Blanca reporter Alex Trelinski worked for many years at the BBC. This highly experienced group of journalists help to bring our young trainees through, showing them how to stand up stories and how to find and develop the many entertaining features that go into the Olive Press. And it takes a lot of resources. Historically our business model relied mostly on advertising, allowing our papers and website to be freely accessed at all times. But one thing the coronavirus crisis has taught us is that to rely on advertising alone is too slender a reed to hang our entire business on. While confident that businesses in Spain will bounce back from the present crisis as they have in the past, our thoughts have turned on how to guarantee our next 15 years as Spain’s leading English news outlet. Sure, we could go down the easy route and just translate what is in the Spanish news. That is cheap and easy to do, but offers no value to the reader. We prefer to employ real journalists and writers to look behind the headlines and come up with original content. This is why from this week the
WIN A LUXURY ROMANTIC BREA
Contact us at newsdesk@theolivepress.es for any The questions. top five most read stories on
www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are:
woman arrested after lying that €140 had 1- British been illegally withdrawn from her bank account (21,901) British expat on Spain's Costa del 2-SolEXCLUSIVE: has card details hacked losing nearly €500, but bank refuses to refund amount (20,363) Police in UK and Spain reopen case 3- ofEXCLUSIVE: Costa del Sol bar owner who vanished 27 years ago (18,001) Two arrested in Benidorm after robbing foreign 4-cars at ‘40 golf courses’ across Spain’s Costa Blanca (17,958) From June 8 you can travel throu5- BREAKING: ghout whole of Spain's Andalucia, Government announces (14,853)
Get in touch today at sales@theolivepress.es or call us at 00 34 951273575 for a special quote
8
www.theolivepress.es
Green cash THE Spanish government has just approved €181 million worth of subsidies for renewables-based projects. It is part of a €316 million package that the Ministry for Ecological Transition (MITECO) has put together for Spain’s renewable energy sector. The €181 million tranche will be available to finance solar photovoltaic (PV), wind, biomass and renewable gas projects. Geothermal and concentrating solar power (CSP) projects will also be eligible for grants, although these are expected to be relatively minor in scale. Initially, the grants will be handed out in the regions of Andalucia, Principality of Asturias, Castila-La Mancha, Catalonia, Extremadura, Madrid and Murcia, with the government expecting the grants to attract investment of €551 million from private companies. MITECO said that it expects projects funded through the scheme to save about 712,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually. It added that the scheme will also encourage an increase of renewable energy use in all sectors.
GREEN
Living in a tip ARTIST Laura Davies has spent a lifetime dreaming up fantastic projects and making them work against all odds. But even she wasn’t prepared for the dedication and satisfaction - that would come from building an ecohome entirely out of trash. The epic green challenge took over seven years to complete and required dozens of car tyres, hundreds of old drink cans and bottle bricks to form the breathtaking dome structure. But it resulted in a gorgeous dream home for a silly price, that cost an estimated €20,000 to build and peanuts to run! Environmentally-minded Laura and partner Dave Buchanan, both 55, moved to Andalucia in 2002 after deciding to give up the rat race in the UK to seek a simpler life in Spain. The pair initially settled in a cortijo in Saliente Alto, near Albox, in Almeria where they added eco-friendly twists to the traditional rural structure of their home.
September 17th - September 30th 2020
Expat couple spend seven years building a dream home that’s total rubbish
By Kirsty McKenzie
But soon they were fantasising about pushing their boundaries even further and building a house from the ground up using nothing more than local waste and old junk. After reading about architect Michael Reynolds’ concept of Earthships constructed from repurposed waste to pioneer radically sustainable living, the couple came up with ambitious plans to create their very own environmentally friendly pad in the Sorbas area of Almeria Province. Instead of heading to Leroy Merlin they scoured tips and junk yards for their raw materials. Other natural items used include the pine wood on the roof, designed to collect rainwater, which the couple use for washing, cooking and flushing the loo. Laura and Dave also transformed tired kitchen units and busted old doors to cre-
EPIC: Dave and Laura met their challenge
ate the dreamy new interiors for the home they now call Cuevas de Sol. “I never imagined that it would turn out as lovely as it is and be so nurturing to live in, and we haven’t even finished the interior yet,” said Laura, who can now enjoy joking that she’s living in a
virtual tip! “It is so light and airy - the insulation is natural cork from a forest in Valencia and the front of the building is glass. “It creates solar heat and keeps us warm during winter and cool in the summer months.”
The yearly running costs are minimal, with Laura estimating that the home only costs them an incredible €10 each month, on average. “The most fulfilling part of being here is living in it,” said Laura. “Sometimes we can’t believe we built it!”
Double mission Saving both money AND the planet is the promise of fast-growing Malaga company Mariposa Energia IT should come as no surprise that Mariposa Energia is rapidly spreading its wings. Meaning ‘Butterfly Energy’, the expat-run firm is now covering the whole of Spain with its double mission: to save you money AND save the planet. The green business, which only set up a year ago, is shaking up the electricity market by providing cheaper energy tariffs, while also providing 100% sustainable energy, coming exclusively from Spanish wind farms. And the team, based in Marbella, are so confident they can save you money they are more than happy to prove it. Simply send over a recent energy bill and the team of ten will calculate the amount you would save if your electricity was supplied by Mariposa. Consumers who switch, not only save money, but they’re also reducing their carbon footprint with one of the cleanest forms of electricity available. Electricity from wind farms has very little environmental impact and unlike traditional fossil fuels, there are no emissions that pollute the air, creating greenhouse gases. Furthermore, the turbines take up far less space than traditional power plants and don’t consume large quantities of water (for generating electricity or for 100% Certified Green Energy cooling purposes). Even better, wind energy is renewable, meaning it’s constantly replenished and won’t run out.
ELECTRICITY
“Saving the planet is something the whole team at Mariposa are passionate about,” insists CEO and founder Martin Tye. The British businessman, based in Marbella for years, adds: “We know it’s often difficult to prioritise the planet but our cheaper tariffs give everyone the opportunity to save money FLEET-FOOTED: Some of the rapidly growing Mariposa Energia team in San Pedro de Alcantara and do their bit for the environment.” to understand, a key selling point for Mariposa EnWhile switching energy suppliers is common practice ergía. in many European countries it is a relatively new con“Electricity bills are notoriously difficult to undercept in Spain. stand and it’s often challenging to know how much energy you have consumed,” adds Martin, a long-time green campaigner. “That’s why we’ve made our bills simple, straightforIt is an incredibly straightforward process, explains ward and easy to understand.” Tye, a father-of-three, whose solar panel and LED bulb And when it comes to customer service you won’t have company supplies schools and universities around to deal with a faceless call centre, as each Mariposa the UK. client has their own account handler for any queries. “The team will make the switch for you and almost “We’re helping businesses and households alike to instantly you will get cleaner, greener energy down save money. As long as you spend €25 or more per the same cables. month on your electricity we’re confident we can save “There is no need for any new equipment or for any you money. “Some of our clients are saving as much work to be done. It’s literally easier than flicking a as 35% on their electricity bills. switch. You won’t even notice it’s happened until you “If you’re a business that consumes a high amount of start receiving cheaper bills.” energy, such as a restaurant, that could make a big A further benefit is that your bills will be a lot easier difference to your monthly fixed costs.”
Straightforward
To find out how much you could save, the friendly English, Spanish and Swedish team can be contacted at their San
ON YOUR ENERGY BILL Pedro offices on 951 120 830 or at info@mariposaenergia.es or visit www.mariposaenergia.es for more information.
It’s time to take control of your financial future! Chorus Financial’s Senior Partner Tracy Storer and I have a combined 15 years giving financial advice here in Spain. We’ve seen it all and our industry has certainly evolved during those years. We’ve seen countless advisers come and go, and it’s true to say that Chorus have been largely responsible for the short careers of many an IFA (independent financial adviser) here in Spain. The truth is, when we opened Chorus the vast majority of firms here were recruiting advisers on the promise of huge commissions and questionable sales practices. Almost none of them had experience as an IFA, and even less had anything that would resemble a recognisable qualification. So, they arrived in Spain looking forward to raking in huge amounts of commissions, only to find that Chorus Financial had begun a marketing campaign against hidden fees and poor practice that would go on to be recognised Europe-wide, earning Chorus many awards and accolades. We’ve seen advisers of these firms drop off like flies over the years, leaving Tracy and I amongst Spain’s longest serving financial advisers. The reality is that running a successful financial services business involves a long journey, not short-term targets. Companies like Chorus survive and thrive not by taking huge commissions, but by building up a loyal and happy client-base over many
years. This is why during this CV19 pandemic Chorus have been able to maintain our usual high standard of client service and industry leading portfolio performance. Because we have a long-term, client focussed business model, rather than one that relies on making huge fees each and every month to survive. What do you want and need as a client of a financial advisory firm? Do you want to know your adviser is m a k i n g every decision based 100% on putting you first? Do you want to know that your adviser is fighting to get you the lowest possible fees and the highest quality solutions as possible? Well, with the Chorus model that is guaranteed. We only take a low, transparent up-
front fee, rather than a huge hidden commission, so we are absolutely aligned with your long-term goals from day one. By ensuring the needs of our clients are always put first, we also align the needs of our business by keeping our clients over the long term. This is a truly symbiotic relationship, and the only way a financial services company should operate. If your adviser has consistently put their needs ahead of yours, tied you into expensive products for years on end and put you into funds that paid them commissions (likely without you even knowing), then they have acted against your best interests. Forget the annual reviews, the friendly coffees and chats, most of this is just a sales spiel they have been trained for.The reality is, they have placed your financial
Providing multi-award winning advice for your pensions, investments & tax planning.
By Sam Kelly DipPFS, EFA, BA (Hons). Managing Partner, Chorus Financial long-term security at risk for their own selfish gains, and you should not continue to reward this. It is time to reconsider your financial future, and put yourself in proven, trusted hands. Chorus offers you the opportunity to take real control of your financial goals and outcomes, and build a long-term, transparent and honest relationship with your financial adviser. Whether you’re looking for a new solution, or have an existing plan, for example a QROPs, SIPP, or Spanish Compliant Bond from providers like Prudential, STM, Quilter PLC (formally OMI), SEB or Lombard International, it’s time to take control today. Call me direct on +34 664 398 702, email s.kelly@chorusfinancial.es or visit www. chorusfinancial.es for more information.
The advisers trading as Chorus Financial are members of OpesFidelio and authorised to give financial advice subject to contract in parts of the EEA, including Spain, CNMV No Registro Oficial 3970. OpesFidelio is a trademarked network of the Aisa Group which includes Aisa Financial Planning Ltd and Aisa International s.r.o. Aisa Financial Planning is authorised and regulated in the UK as an independent financial adviser for UK retail clients by the Financial Conduct Authority, Reference number: 189652, and has permissions throughout the EEA under both directives IDD and MiFID. Aisa International s.r.o. is authorised and regulated in the Czech Republic as a financial adviser by the Czech National Bank and has permissions through selected EEA countries, including Spain.
Investment contracts are intended as medium to long term investments, and all investments have some level of risk. Figures in our articles are examples of what can be achieved and cannot be guaranteed; the value of your investments can go down as well as up. Fees and charges can vary and will be fully explained to you before any advice can take place. This article should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular product.
IQ Glass Curtains
Windows & Glass Curtains
Covering the whole of the Costa Blanca
965 641 163
www.chorusfinancial.es info@chorusfinancial.es
96 597 3307 603 874 006
enquiries@iqglasscurtains.com
www.iqglasscurtains.com
10
HEALTH
September 17th - September 30th 2020
“Dentistry features in newspapers have never been an attention grabber because for many readers the dentist’s chair inspires fear,� says Dr. Joel Weinberg of Calpe Dental. Dr.Joel has had over 40 years of dental experience, having practised in Calpe for over 15 years. “Teeth are important and must be cared for,� he commented. He also likes to quote the great Spanish writer Cervantes and his line from Don Quixote: “Every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond.� Dr.Joel continues: “My philosophy as a dentist is to provide high quality gentile dentistry in a relaxed and professional environment. I am an implant specialist with 30 years of experience in placing successful implants.� What makes Calpe Dental stand out from
other Costa Blanca clinics is the state-of-theart technology and expertise. “All x-rays that are taken are digital and we have the latest 3D diagnostic scanners that allow us to place implants on a virtual 3D bone image as well as endodontics diagnostics(root canal treatment�, added Dr.Joel. If you hate having gunky impressions in your mouth, then you need not worry as Calpe Dental uses a 3D scanner to take an image of a tooth which is then sent to a lab, who will then start working on a crown within minutes. Using the 3D scanner also allows orthodontic treatments without using braces. Laser technology is used for tooth whitening and gum treatments and much more. “We carry out a high proportion
of our work by using a Dental microscope which allows me to offer the best possible treatment,� Dr.Joel added. He says that a speciality of his is the fitting of hand sculpted composite veneers to produce the perfect smile. “These are life-changing for people who have been embarrassed by their smiles and it is truly my art which makes me proud to produce beautiful smiles time after time.� Calpe Dental also has a professional and sensitive hygienist who has a very loyal following of very happy and satisfied patients. Dr.Joel is also keen to emphasise that safety is paramount; “We have the very latest technology to make sure that everybody is safe in this COVID-19 world.�
A free consultation is available to see what Calpe Dental can offer any patient.
Work in the UK. Live in Spain.
The clinic is on Avenida Ejercitos EspaĂąoles,16, Edificio Albamar Bajo, Calpe.
Live-in Carer ÂŁ83 - ÂŁ105 per day.
We are a highly awarded care provider looking for experienced carers for nationwide opportunities. So, if you are a carer with at least six months’ experience and want to keep your Spanish lifestyle while working in the UK, please get in touch.
For more information call Jayne on +34 634345685 or email Jayne.Nuttall-Blake@thegoodcaregroup.com
Phone: 965 835 657(24 hours) Emergencies: 628 095 249 Website: calpedental. com
OP QUICK Crossword
WWW.DUMASDESIGN.EU | MONDAY – FRIDAY 9h – 18h | SATURDAY 9h – 14h
GARDEN FURNITURE At Dumas Design they offer a wide range of beautiful garden furniture which will make your outside space the oasis of space and ambiance you always wanted. Collections contain Rope, Aluminium, Rattan and Textilene furniture that will make sure you find what you need. CUSTOM MADE FURNITURE Dining tables, made of Oak or Pine wood, made to the size you want. Outdoor kictchens, cabinets, chairs, tables and other furniture, designed just for you! Everything is possible at Dumas Design. Just visit the showroom and ask for all the possibilities.
POLIGONO INDUSTRIAL LA PEDRERA |CALLE ISAAC PERAL 3 | BENISSA INFO@DUMASDESIGN.EU | T +34 694 493 476
OP Sudoku
VISIT THE SHOWROOM | CAVA & BEER ARE COLD, COFFEE IS WARM
DECORATION & ACCESSORIES Also for custom made cushions you are at the right address at Dumas Design. Tell us what you want and we will give you a great quate. Outdoro heating, umbrellas and bean bags. Find it all‌ At Dumas Design. Even LED illumination to create an outstanding atmosphere‌ Anything is possible at Dumas Design.
Across 1 Uneasy (8) 5 Chilled (4) 9 Little (5) 10 Strange (7) 11 Vacant (5) 12 Small, powerful harbour vessel (7) 13 Dealer in smokers’ supplies (11) 18 Pilot (7) 20 Stupefy (5) 21 Virgin Mary (7) 22 Wide river-mouth (5) 23 Close (4) 24 Unfastened (8) Down 1 Dared (6) 2 Hair cleaner (7) 3 Boodle (5) 4 Fireproof theatre barrier (6,7) 6 Capital of Egypt (5) 7 Indicate (6) 8 Source (6) 14 Concentrate (6) 15 Bright red (7) 16 Freshwater food fish (6) 17 Recompense for hardship (6) 19 World’s largest democracy (5) 20 Relating to sound reproduction (5)
All solutions are on page 12
BUSINESS
By Lydia Spencer-Elliott
BARCLAYS is set to abandon its expat customers next month by terminating the accounts of anyone without a residential address in the UK. Because of Brexit, the bank will cancel all Barclaycard credit cards of Brits living abroad full time. Unlucky expats have been told to get their affairs in order as their cards will only function until October 22. After this date, they have been told to cut up their credit cards but continue paying back their debt with the usual interest rate. Their accounts will be frozen from November 16, with only deposits allowed in order to pay off any debt. Tommy Lee, 55, who has banked with Barclays for 15 years and lived in Alcoy for 14 of them, was horrified: “I’ve never missed a payment, ” he told the Olive Press. “They’re just being awkward.
September 17th - September 30th 2020
Don’t bank on us EXCLUSIVE Expat Barclays customers face being left high and dry
Maybe they’re using Brexit as an excuse to get rid of expats. I don’t know what to do instead.” He continued: “A lot of expats are using these cards to regu-
Barclays started pulling out of the EU in 2014 when it sold its retail banking business to CaixaBank for €800 million. Before Brexit, Barclays was once the largest foreign bank in Spain with over 500 branches in Madrid, Catalunya and Andalucia. A spokesman told the Olive Press this week: “With the UK due to leave the European Union, we can no longer offer credit cards to customers who larly live off. They need to be do not have a residential UK warned what’s coming and address linked to their Barthey better get ready. claycard. Take of your “If youcontrol need credit getfuture your and “We have written to customers act together thischoices! make your now ownbecause financial to give them advance notice of could be really serious.” this decision,” she added. BinckBank.com/horizon
TRADING BEYOND THE HORIZON WITH BINCK
Speedy roll-out
Wall of Wolf Street Olive Press columnist Giles Brown has been pipped to the post in a €100,000 investment challenge organised by BINCKBANK Marbella. The fantasy contest saw Giles and fellow Talk Radio Europe host Hannah Murray compete to see who could make the most money off the hypothetical
11
wad of cash. Although Giles got off to a flying start, Hannah swiped the winner’s title when she took a chance on an investment in Japanese Industrials. Thanks to the risky business, Hannah triumphed with a €9,000 lead on Giles’ investment returns. Victorious Hannah received a €1,000 donation to her charity of choice: Age Concern Marbella.
"Although I'm obviously gutted to have lost, having been in the lead until the final week, hopefully I have been able to raise the awareness of my chosen charity DEBRA, who I will continue to support," said Giles. "A massive thank you to Kaspar and his team at BinckBank for organising this event and proving that, in the world of finance, I am the Wall of Wolf Street..."
Eye tests available by appointment at Specsavers Ópticas. We’ve made some changes to our normal practices in store. We are thoroughly disinfecting the room and all the testing equipment used after each person we see, our team are wearing personal protective equipment and if you try on frames, we’ll ask you to give them back to us when you’re done so we can give them a good clean before they’re tried on or touched again.
For more information or to request an appointment visit specsavers.es Benidorm c/ Gambo, 2 Tel. 965 859 577 Calpe Avda. Ejércitos Españoles, 6 Tel. 965 835 367 Jávea Avda. del Pla, 125 966 463 420
Olive Press Alicante North – 170mm x 256mm – Colour - 17 September
THE last of the ‘big four’ mobile phone operators has launched its 5G service. MásMovil, has reached an agreement to use the super-fast network of French company Orange to offer its customers the latest technology. Initially the service is being tested in 15 Spanish cities. The test will see clients of Yoigo, which belongs to MásMovil, given the chance to hook up to 5G services that promise faster speeds.
POLLY’S International Bookshop
Quality Used Books since 1985 Polly’s Bookshop in Javea Port is 35 years old. “Polly’s is as old as me,” says Sam, her proud owner, “and to celebrate, we are opening a new Polly’s Bookshop in Moraira.” Like Polly’s Javea, the new shop has thousands of quality used books, fiction and nonfiction, in English, Spanish, German, French and Dutch. Apart from the books that are extra special, they’ll still be 3 euros each with a euro credit if you want to return it. We are continuing with our busy proofreading and editing services and our popular book finding and ordering services too. It feels great finding an out of print book for someone who has been searching for it.
Javea Port, Calle Santisimo Cristo del Mar 03730 – tel: 665 314 404 Moraira-Teulada, 237 Moraira Calpe Road 03724 – tel: 711 010 439
MORAIRA PLUMBING HEATING PLUMBING & AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTS
EAS Electric 25 basic Inverter hot and cold A++ Standard installation
SPECIAL OFFER*
555€ (inc IVA) *Available to Olive Press readers, Simply call and mention Olive Press
Air Conditioning | Bathroom Fitting Gas and Oil Central Heating | Electrics Certification & Inspection | Pool | Solar Energy
tel: +34 620 523 613 / +34 966 498 993 email: info@morairaph.com Calle Mulhacén, Ctra Moraira a Calpe, 3, 03724 Moraira New location further down the road towards Moraira town centre, next to Gemisant & Kostas Restaurant
www.morairaph.com
PROPERTY Movers and shakers 12
FINDING a dreamy rental property in Spain during the summer season often turns into a nightmare. But the arrival of COVID-19 in lieu of millions of holidaymakers - means landlords in hotspots across Spain are offering substantial discounts in some of the country’s most desirable postcodes. Some of the biggest bargains
September 17th - September 30th 2020
can be found on the party island of Ibiza, best known for its glamorous parties and big-name celebs - and counts Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Jade Jagger, Rafael Nad-
MOVE IN: Bargains to be had
OP Puzzle solutions Across: 1 Restless, 5 Iced, 9 Small, 10 Foreign, 11 Empty, 12 Tugboat, 13 Tobacconist, 18 Aviator, 20 Amaze, 21 Madonna, 22 Delta, 23 Near, 24 Unbolted. Down: 1 Risked, 2 Shampoo, 3 Lolly, 4 Safety curtain, 6 Cairo, 7 Denote, 8 Origin, 14 Attend, 15 Scarlet, 16 Salmon, 17 Reward, 19 India, 20 Audio.
SUDOKU
Quick Crossword
al and Michael Fassbender among its A-List fans. The island, nicknamed the White Isle after its traditional lime-washed houses, is known as the clubbing capital of the world and acknowledged for its high octane parties - and equally high rental prices. But even the most hardcore ravers were forced to call it a night after coronavirus swept the globe and pulled the plug on the party island. Still, if you’ve ever dreamed of living it large in Ibiza, now’s the time to make your move. For instance, rental sites like Idealista and Fotocasa are advertising homes all across the island for 50% less than
It’s the great Ibizan bargain hunt! Deals are on offer from chalets in Santa Eulalia to apartments in Sant Jordi their usual rental price. The rent on a three-bedroom chalet in Santa Eulalia has fallen from €4,000 per month to €2,000. Meanwhile €1,500 has been knocked off a two-bedroom luxury penthouse with a jacuzzi in the center of Ibiza, and €775 off another villa in the same spot. Rooms in shared apartments are also seeing prices slashed by up to half. A room in a two-bedroom shared apartment in the centre has gone from €1,200 euros to €650. And in the town of Sant Jordi, the landlord of a four-bed villa is now offering a room for just €300 after previously asking for €500. In the same town, a room in a five-bedroom villa has decreased in price from €850 to €500. But remember, just like bleary-eyed partygoers, properties in Ibiza move quickly. If you want to bag a bargain and secure a rental property in Ibiza, you better get a wiggle on.
LA CULTURA Double Take Do you have a what’s on? Send your informa tion to newsdesk@theolivepr ess.es
SPAIN’S top film festival opens this month with the premiere of a Woody Allen film about itself. Shot in the city last year, the action in Rifkin’s Festival starring Elena Anaya and Louis Garrel is set during festival week. It tells the story of a married American couple seduced by the magic of the Basque
September 17th - September 30th 2020
13
what’s on
San Sebastian Film Festival to headline controversial Woody Allen film about sex in its own city city and the fantasy of the event (she has an affair with a French movie director, he falls in love with a Spanish woman). Amid sexual assault allega-
tions towards the American director, the selection of the rom-com to launch the programme hasn’t passed without controversy. However, Allen, 84, will not
attend the festival himself, due to coronavirus fears. Running from September
The Midnight Library
by Matt Haig
Finding out what makes life worth living
B
etween life and death there is a library…and every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets?’ Nora Seed has lived her life trying to please others, however, her own life has left her feeling desperate and suicidal. When she finds herself in the midnight library, she finds that all her possible lives are stored in books, all the different scenarios had she made different decisions and choices along the way. Nora gets the opportunity to ‘try on’ different versions of her own life, from rock star to Olympic athlete, to glaciologist, but ultimately Nora must decide what makes life worth living for her. Nietzsche meets It’s a Wonderful Life meets Doctor Who in this poignant, nuanced and eloquent new novel from the masterful Matt Haig.
€19.90 The Bookshop San Pedro, www.thebookshop.es
18-26 and now in its 68th edition, the festival has long attracted esteemed directors such as Alfred Hitchcock and Francis Ford Coppola, silver screen legends (Elizabeth Taylor and Bette Davis) and current stars like Penelope Cruz, John Malkovich and Arnold Schwarzenegger. And this year, with Cannes cancelled and Venice scaled down due to the pandemic, San Seb is picking up the slack with top-tier cinema normally reserved for its famous rivals. Originally due to premiere on the French Riviera, Colombian filmmaker Fernando Trueba’s Forgotten We’ll Be will now close the festival. Other top movies to watch out for are Harry Macqueen’s British drama Supernova starring Stanley Tucci and Colin Firth and Chloe Zhao’s Nomadland, starring Oscar award-winner Frances McDormand.
All plans include unlimited calls & texts ‡ in Spain, to the UK and other countries
Large
Medium
Small
6 GB 12
€
15GB 18
€
Per month (inc. VAT)
30GB €
24 Per month (inc. VAT)
Pay month-by-month with no commitments and no hidden surprises. To join call free on 1661 or go to lobster.es
Per month (inc. VAT)
‡Unlimited calls & texts in and between most countries in Europe plus you can use your data there too. Calls & texts to the US from Spain are also included! Go to lobster.es/countries for more information.
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL What a deal!
14
September 17th - September 30th 2020
Sherry good!
Lobster increases data giving up to 50% more, for everyone, with no changes in price
THE UK’s Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, has been in Spain to pick up a butt of sherry. The poet, playwright and novelist, appointed last year, was in Jerez to keep up a long standing tradition. Poet laureates have been gifted a butt of sherry – or in this case 720 bottles – on their appointment since the 17th century. So Yorkshireman Armitage made the trip to Andalucia to pick up his wine this summer. He said: “I hope to put the bottles to good use as gifts and prizes to raise money in the name of poetry, which is now needed more than ever before. My wife drew the image of the cuckoo on the front label. The bird has a folklore connection with the village of Marsden where I grew up and where so many of my poems are rooted. “My dialect poem, ‘The Phoenix,’ appears on the reverse of the label and tells a version of the Marsden cuckoo story. “There’s an annual Cuckoo Festival in the village, perhaps some sherry will be involved in forthcoming years and become part of the tradition itself!”
LOBSTER, the only mobile operator in Spain “Our customers are using more and more data, to offer a service completely in English, has browsing the internet more, keeping in touch recently made all its tariff plans even better, with friends and family with video conferencwith no changes in price. ing services, watching their favourite series The company has increased data permanently with video streaming, and much more. We have by up to 50% on all its tariff plans, so Lobster increased data for new and current Lobster customers can now surf the internet more and customers with no changes in price. for longer! All tariff plans continue to include At Lobster it is important to us that our cusunlimited calls and texts in Spain, to the UK tomers have the highest levels of satisfaction and other countries, and start from just €12 in the market,” said Tony Watts, Marketing Diper month VAT included. rector of the company. Also, the tariff plans include ‘Roam It is very easy to become a Lobster Like At Home’ so that customers customer, just provide identificaOur customers can enjoy the same services while tion and pay month by month with at home in any country in the Euare using more no commitments. ropean Economic Area, at no addican cancel at and more data You tional cost. any time. Customers can keep their existing Signing up for browsing the Spanish number if they already the service internet have one or opt for a brand new can be done one. through any The Lobster brand was created to one of more establish an emotional bond with British valthan 600 retail stores. ues and service. Customers can easily The DNA of the Company is ‘English, easy and find the closest store effortless’ together with a personality that is to them using the store authentic and straightforward. The Lobster offinder on their website fering is based on simplicity and understandlobster.es. ing that customers enjoy a service and experiIf customers prefer, they ence ‘like at home’. can also sign up online or This, together with a service completely in Enby calling the Customer glish and competitive tariff plans tailor-made Contact Centre for free on for expatriates, has provided a winning formu1661 where all the la that has appealed to tens of thousands of agents are native happy customers and growing rapidly. English speakers.
Paella Battle ONE of Spain’s most famous dishes will get a big serving up this Sunday as World Paella Day is celebrated for the third time. Eight international chefs will battle it out for the World Paella Cup, with Valencia’s Chabe Soler, flying the flag for Spain. The competition, starting with quarter-finals and culminating in a grand final, will be held at the Mesalla Stadium, home to La Liga´s Valencia CF. It will be streamed online from 10am via the website, worldpaelladay.org Paella was created in the Valencian region and event organisers claim that with eight million internet searches for paella recipes every year, it is ‘the fourth most important dish on the planet’. All of the paella makers in Sunday’s World Cup battle have been told to use the same basic set of ingredients, but also to take account of regional variations and tastes.
100% Certified Green Energy
CHEAPER ELECTRICITY SAVE UP TO 35% ON YOUR ENERGY BILL
All plans include unlimited calls & texts ‡ in Spain, to the UK and other countries
Large
Medium
Small
6 GB 12
€
15GB 18
€
Per month (inc. VAT)
30GB €
24 Per month (inc. VAT)
Pay wit and
To j or g
Per month (inc. VAT)
‡Unlimite Europe p the US fro tries for m
Switching energy supplier with Mariposa Energía is easier than flicking a switch CONTACT US FOR A QUOTE TODAY +34 951 120 830 INFO@MARIPOSAENERGIA.ES WWW.MARIPOSAENERGIA.ES Mariposa Energía, Calle Soria, Edificio Alcantamar 16, Local Bajo 4, San Pedro de Alcántara, 29670, Marbella
FOOD & DRINK
September 17th September 30th 2020
15
Saving the day
KOSTA RESTAURANT I N T E R N AT I O N A L F O O D
Spanish ‘staycationers’ give glimmer of hope to tourism industry
AMID dramatic estimates of 40 million fewer international visitors already this year, the campers and caravanners of Spain are offering some financial solace to the tourism industry. Costa Blanca’s leading hotel association, HOSBEC, Benidorm has averaged a 50% hotel occupancy during lockdown, with only 28% in holiday apartments. However, campsites have enjoyed rates of up to 84%, thanks to Spaniards taking advantage of the unusually quiet beaches. In Northern Spain, the Cabarceno Nature Park in Cantabria has just had its busiest August on record, with 32% more visitors than usual. The Spanish Campings Federation (FEEC) claim that nationwide occupancy rates of 65% A SPANISH sausage has been linked to a salmonella outbreak in France. Fuet, a thin, dry cured Catalan sausage also known as Vic fuet, is suspected to be the cause of the foodborne outbreak. So far, 18 people have been diagnosed with salmonellosis. All of the patients, including a dozen children,
SAVIOURS: Caravanners boosted tourism coffers By Simon Wade
have ‘saved the season’. Spanish staycationers have increased in all communities apart from Madrid and Navarra, with an annual increase in spending of 25%, according to AirBnB. These figures are a ray of light
Ooh la la
had eaten the suspect Spanish sausage, which has also been exported to Belgium. While many Spanish chefs like to chop up fuet and use it in casseroles, soups or alongside warm bread, traditionalists say it is best served alone and sliced with a sharp knife.
compared to the data for international tourists. From January to August 2019, 58.2 million tourists arrived on Spanish shores, compared to only 13.2 million up to the end of July 2020. Assuming August had similar occupancy to the previous month (2.5 million), the total will be short of 16 million visitors this year. During the first eight months of 2019, tourist expenditure was over €64 billion. Spending from January to July 2019 was €14 billion, and if August 2020 was similar to July 2020, total spend would barely reach €16 billion. In areas that rely specifically on tourism, the situation is particularly grim.
tel: 865 778 300 email: restaurante.kosta@gmail.com Calle Mulhacén, 7 (539.41 km), 03724 Moraira – Costa Blanca
TM
952 147 834
* O f f e r v a l i d f o r n e w c u s t o m e r s 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 3 1 / 1 2 / 2 0 .
TheOlivePress-256x170-HOME0720.indd 1
20/7/20 13:08
We use recycled paper
FINALWORDS WORDS FINAL
Mistaken identity COPS busted a brothel in Tetuan and dished out 75 fines for flaunting COVID-19 restrictions after a man mistook the plain-clothed officers for punters and offered them ‘alcohol, girls and parties’.
Bomb surprise A DOG walker on a stroll in Murcia’s Sangonera la Verde stumbled across an active mortar grenade dating back to the Civil War in the late thirties.
Tomb raider 11 ANCIENT graves have been uncovered by student volunteers at Pobla de Ifach in Calpe on the northern Costa Blanca.
OLIVE PRESS
The
Reuse Reduce Recycle
FREE
Colour clash
COSTA BLANCA
Your
expat
voice in Spain
Vol. 2 Issue 39 www.theolivepress.es September 17th - September 30th 2020
Sign of the times
A STORM is brewing over the makeover of a 90-year-old lighthouse with a campaign group taking a dim view of the colourful changes. The beacon, near the Cantabrian town of Ajo, is at the centre of a cultural row after a vibrant paint job by local artist Okuda San Miguel.
Zebra crossings and children warning signs are deemed to be sexist ROAD signs in Spain have been branded sexist. A government report highlighted what it called the 'machismo' displayed in tra-
ditional road signage. In particular it claims that a ‘careful of children’ sign, which depicts a boy holding the hand of a girl leading
Missing post SPANISH police have tracked down a valuable painting by renowned Spanish artist Joan Miro that had been missing since it got ‘lost in the post’. Investigators tracked it down to a London auction where the piece was up for sale with an estimated price of €10,000. Investigations began after
the artwork from the famed Gaudi series failed to reach its destination.
her across the road, shows women in a 'situation of dependence and subordination.' Other signs such as those for 'zebra crossings' and 'tractors prohibited' are also under fire for showing only male figures. "Even when progress has been made, signs contrary to the principles of equality still survive,” said a spokesman for the Attorney General’s office. Critics argue that the signs, designed in 1957 by British typographer Margaret Calvert OBE, were created
without a specific gender in mind. A survey carried out in 2017 by El Pais showed that just 22% of Madrid's street names were after female figures, compared to 19% in Barcelona and just 10% in Valencia. This is not the first time that Spain has seen its roadside information come under fire. As early as 2006, the town of Fuenlabrada near Madrid gave all its signage and traffic lights a make over, swapping all of it's male signs for female outlines.
Vibrant
Some 4,000 people have signed a petition asking the council and the port authority to reverse the scheme for the monochrome sentry, which stood stark white over the Atlantic for almost a century. The council has been hoping the recently completed project, called Infinite Cantabria, would encourage tourists from across the globe to visit the landmark. Some of the money raised through events at the site will go to funding food banks in the area.
SUNBEDS | CUSHIONS | DINING SETS | LOUNGE SETS | CABANAS | OUTDOOR UMBRELLAS | OUTDOOR HEATING LED ILLUMINATION | AQUA BEANBAGS | LIFE-SIZE STATUES | HAPPY ART CUSTOM MADE WOODEN FURNITURE
FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
OPENING HOURS SHOWROOM MONDAY – FRIDAY 9h – 18h | SATURDAY 9h – 14h POLIGONO INDUSTRIAL LA PEDRERA |CALLE ISAAC PERAL 3 | BENISSA INFO@DUMASDESIGN.EU | T +34 694 493 476
WWW.DUMASDESIGN.EU