Olive Press Newspaper - Issue 359 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

Merry Xmas to our readers...

...and in your Olive Press stocking this year don’t miss: Stunning, but was it worth €1.2 billion?

The local Spanish chefs with new ‘green’ stars See page 3

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Festive check before the revelry begins

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Andalucía

Your expat

voice in Spain

Mijas Costa

Vol. 14 Issue 359 www.theolivepress.es December 22nd - January 12th 2021

Down to the wire Critical Brexit deadline missed and hope for a deal remains balanced on a knife edge

GIANT SIZE: Malaga’s festive display is legendary

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has the right to veto it. The EU Council of Ministers had given midnight on Sunday as the cut off point if they were to have time to ratify the deal in the EU parliament before the end of the year. Unless a spectacular breakthrough is made, Britain will fall under World Trade Organisation rules, with a range of tariffs being imposed, in just over a week’s time. Despite the critical deadline being missed, chief UK negotiator, David Frost, and his EU counterpart, Michel Barnier, continued talks on Monday . “Talks remain difficult and significant differences remain,” a source insisted on Monday. “We continue to explore every route

to a deal that is in line with the fundamental principles we brought into the negotiations.” UK health secretary, Matt Hancock claimed that ‘unreasonable demands’ from the EU over fishing rights had thrown a roadblock across negotiations. However, he remained hopeful that a deal could be reached by Christmas.

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Deal

He said: “I’m sure that a deal can be done, but obviously it needs movement on the EU side.” If a deal is agreed in the next few days then there remains the possibility of it being ‘provisionally applied’ from January 1 until the EU parliament can meet later in the month. UK ministers meanwhile, have firmly ruled out extending the Brexit process into 2021. It comes after a group of MPs from all parties, plus London Mayor Sadiq Khan, had called for the Brexit transition period to be extended due to ALL AREAS COVERED the pandemic and slow progress on negotiations. 4G UNLIMITED

EXPATS in Spain have been left in Brexit limbo after the crucial deadline for a trade deal between the UK and EU was missed. Despite negotiators inching towards an agreement, Sunday’s deadline passed with France sticking to its ‘red lines’ over fishing rights in British waters. However, as the clock ticks towards the UK’s departure from the EU on January 1, there still remains hope that continuing negotiations could avoid a nodeal Brexit. One of the main concerns for negotiators - and the vast majority of British expats in Spain - is that all 27 EU nations must agree to the deal...and France

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Opinion Page 6

Festive plans wrecked for thousands

THOUSANDS of expats have had their Christmas plans ruined as Spain closed its borders to tourists from the UK. Spanish officials had called for an EU-wide response to the news that a virulent new strain – said to be 70% more contagious – was spreading through the South East of England. Spain has now decided to follow the lead of other European countries in restricting travel from the UK. The good news is that Spanish citizens and residents of the country will still be allowed to visit. It does not, however, help those expats who were gearing up for a visit from relatives. It comes as Gibraltar confirmed that it is the fifth country outside the UK to identify a case of the new mutated virus. Over a dozen countries - including Germany, France, Sweden and Denmark have suspended flights from the UK.

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CRIME

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NEWS IN BRIEF Shellfish criminal A 48-year-old Spaniard has been arrested for breaking into a Marbella restaurant and stealing a live lobster and 24 oysters as he prepared for a slap-up Christmas meal.

Don’t wrap up DRIVERS are being warned that a bulky overcoat could cost them a fine of €200 under new regulations should police decide the garment ‘interferes with the operation of the seatbelt’.

Road tragedy A 21 year-old man died after his car struck a wall in the El Atabal neighbourhood of Malaga at 11.45pm on Sunday. Three fire crews, medics and police attended, but he was declared dead at the scene.

Party pooped POLICE who raided a Sevilla brothel at 2am found 55 men holding a ‘bachelor party’ for one of their friends. Officers have reported all of them for ignoring social distancing regulations.

Red carded FAR-RIGHT founder of the English Defence League (EDL), Tommy Robinson has been banned from attending football matches in Spain. The fraudster came to prominence in Spain this summer when he claimed he was rehoming his family to the Costa del Sol due to ‘safety concerns’. He then said he might instead relocate to Gibraltar after pic-

Fascists caged

Notorious racist British thug behind EDL barred from all football matches in Spain turing himself on top of the Rock. However Robinson - real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon - eventually confirmed he had changed his mind, possibly after expats hounded him

Insta-sham AN Instagram ‘influencer’ is being sought by police for throwing an illegal house party and ignoring a police checkpoint in a top-of-the-range sports car. The Instagram star, with more than 300,000 followers, boasted of throwing a 500-strong house party at a ‘secret location’ on the Costa del Sol. In a string of made up claims, he claimed he had managed to get over 500 people to attend the party in Velez-Malaga. In reality however, just 20 people turned up at the bash, which still broke coronavirus restrictions. The man stupidly tagged Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez and vice-leader Pablo Iglesias in photos of his party, writing ‘We love pandemics!’ He is also wanted for dangerous driving in a rented Maserati sports going at 120kph in a 50kph zone in Velez-Malaga. In addition, officers say he ignored a police checkpoint and drove without valid insurance or an ITV.

SINGLE IMPLANT

December 22nd - January 12th 2021

during his month-long stay. A leading Spanish academic also criticised his double-standards for wanting to settle abroad as an immigrant. He said it was bizarre that,

Paedo priest jailed A PARISH priest has been jailed for 20 years for sexually abusing young girls in his care. The Cordoba sicko was caught in 2014, accused of sexually groping six girls between the ages of eight and 12 who were attending camps during the summer holidays. During the trial, the priest said he simply ‘liked to be hugged’ and that ‘girls were more sensitive than boys’. But the jury rejected his argument and found thim guilty of sexual abuse against four of the six girls.

IMPLANT BRIDGE

BAN: Robinson

‘someone who would expel all the refugees from the UK’ would run himself to Spain ‘for refuge’. Yaxley-Lennon’s four-year ban was handed down after he was filmed punching a fellow England fan to the ground in Portugal during the Nations League finals. That footage, from June 2019, was used by Bedfordshire Police to bring a civil case against Robinson.

Jail

The order bans him from ‘all regulated football matches, home and abroad’ for four years – including England at the next two Euro tournaments and the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. The diminutive Luton man has courted controversy since 2005 and has various convictions to his name as well as a number of jail sentences. Some are for fraud, others are related to his far-right activism and anti-Muslim and anti-refugee stance.

A WHITE supremacist planning to launch a race war has been arrested in Ronda. The suspect - whose house was filled with Nazi memorabilia - was cuffed as part of an intensive year-long investigation. He and an accomplice on the other side of Spain in Pamplona are charged with belonging to a terrorist organisation. The pair had been ‘trying to set up isolated and armed white communities’, claim police. According to their manifesto, seized by investigators in 2019, the group wanted to create armed communities in rural areas in preparation for a race war.

Nazis in our ranks A TRIO of soldiers have been arrested for singing a Nazi song and giving raised Fascist salutes at their barracks. The group from Spain’s elite Parachute Brigade were filmed at the Paracuellos military base near Madrid chanting the song, Primavera. The tune became the infamous rallying cry for Franco’s Blue Division that fought for the Nazis against the Soviet Union in the second world war.

IMPLANT DENTURE

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HOLY SITE: Antonio and Maria paid their respects

Holy visit MALAGA heart throb Antonio Banderas has been busy filming a new show for Amazon Prime, together with journalist Maria Casado. They took a break from filming to visit one of his passions - the Cofradia de la Esperanza de Malaga brotherhood, which dates back to 1641. Banderas often joins the brotherhood on their famous Easter processions parades to carry the statue of Mary that they take their name after. This time he brought colleague Maria to view the impressive figure on the festival day of the Esperanza de Malaga.

New stars are born, and only one lost, as the celebrated Michelin foody bible reveals its picks for 2021 IT must have been one of the hardest years in the food bible’s hundred-year history. But somehow the Michelin guide - which launched in 1910 in Spain - has managed to wheedle out a few new stars for Spain for 2021. A total of 22 new winners were selected for the guide this year, with a pair in Catalunya and one in Galicia being the highlight. While no new three-star restaurants emerged, for the first time in five years, Cinc Sentits, in Barcelona, Bo.Tic, in Girona, and Culler de Pau, in O Grove, all grabbed a brace. Meanwhile, the leading Andalucian restaurants maintained their star status, with

Star power By Jon Clarke and James Warren

Aponiente, in Cadiz, keeping its three stars, while Noor, Skina and Bardal kept their two stars in Cordoba, Marbella and Ronda. In total, only one restaurant in Spain lost a star (Albora, in Madrid), as the inspectors were told to be fair given the myriad of issues with COVID-19 this year. Chef Benito Gomez, of Bardal, in Ronda, was extremely grateful for this, having been forced to close in March and not opening all year. “It’s been a nightmare year, very tricky and so it’s great the inspectors have been lenient,” he told the Olive Press.

Quality

Royal greetings SPAIN’s royal family have released a Christmas card with an optimistic outlook for the New Year. Princesses Sofia and Leonor have been captured smiling in casual but chic outfits in Pravia, in Asturias. Wearing a khaki gilet and houndstooth coat the princesses look cheerful in front of the Spanish countryside. The decision to include only the princesses in the card is an unusual one, as recipients traditionally expect festive well wishes from Queen Letizia and King Felipe too.

Ace pad

December 22nd - January 12th 2021

The winners, announced at the much delayed online ceremony at the Royal Casa de Correos in Madrid, included a record 19 new one-Michelin starred joints. Meanwhile there were 53 new Bib Gourmands - or restaurants that have great quality to price ratios - with three new ones in Andalucia. The region now has a massive 38 restaurants in this category, with 16 starred joints. There were new stars in Alicante and in Murcia making up a total of 203 starred eateries. A new category was introduced this year to celebrate sustainability.

DOUBLE DELIGHT: Jordi Artal (Cinc Sentits), Albert Sastregener (Bo.TiC) and Javier Olleros (Culler de Pau)

OLIVE PRESS OPINION

Names to trust

The chefs behind the 21 new Michelin ‘Green Stars’ are among the true heroes of Spain - see story right. This select, forward-thinking group have been championing sustainability in the catering industry for, in some cases, over a decade. The Olive Press first came across Angel León in 2009 before he won his first Michelin star at Aponiente, which now has three. Back then, in a small backstreet joint, in the heart of el Puerto de Santa Maria, he was only listing unfashionable types of fish on his menu. Boycotting cod and tuna, he used almost all local ingredients and even gave a lecture series on sustainability to Cadiz university. Now, he is finally being recognised for his zeal and passion for the environment. As is rightly, Diego Gallegos, at Sollo, in Fuengirola, another thoughtful and endearing young chef, who we first met him cutting his teeth at the eccentric Algarinejo restaurant in the wilds of Cordoba a decade ago and knew he would go far. The pair were among the first chefs to feature in Olive Press editor Jon Clarke’s book Dining Secrets of Andalucia. Not secret anymore. And thankfully so. Called the Estrella Verde, or Green star, it went to 21 restaurants around Spain,

including one in Malaga, Sollo, in Fuengirola (see sidebar right).

Green award for top Costa joint A COSTA del Sol restaurant has scooped a prestigious new environmental gong in the annual Michelin awards. Sollo, in Fuengirola, has been handed a so-called ‘Green star’, or Estrella Verde, in the latest innovation from the celebrated food bible. The restaurant, bossed by ‘king of caviar’ chef Diego Gallegos, is one of 21 around Spain to be recognised for its sustainability. Gallegos has long championed the Slow Food movement and is very careful where he sources ingredients. “Sustainability is no longer fashionable, it is essential,” said Gallegos, adding: “Around 90% of our ingredients we produce ourselves.” Another Andalucian restaurant Aponiente, in el Puerto de Santa Maria, also garnered the award. Its three-Michelin star chef Angel León (below) has long campaigned against overfishing and doesn’t use endangered fish, such as cod and tuna. “We know we are not going to change the world, but we try hard to share our sustainable practices with as many people as we can,” he said.

NOVAK Djokovic has officially settled in Marbella after splashing more than €10 million on a secluded luxury villa. The tennis World No.1 has already moved into the property with wife Jelena Ristic (pictured together) and their two children Stefan and Tara, aged six and three respectively. The family had spent Spain’s nationwide coronavirus lockdown of March and April in the mansion, which sits in the exclusive Sierra Blanca urbanisation. Just a five-minute drive from Marbella centre.

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December 22nd - January 12th 2021

Right track?

Christmas cracker

Santa’s expat helpers! GREAT IDEA: Recycling works

Green cashback

RECYCLING in Spain is about to become rewarding, literally. Following successful trials, a waste management company, is setting up ‘yellow slot machines’ for recycling bottles and cans, which pay out a list of benefits. The company Ecoembes is starting with 100 machines, having already installed 10 machines at railways stations in Barcelona. Punters download an app and use a QR code to collect credits, which are later redeemed for rewards. This includes discounts on public transport, or the chance to win prizes such as an electric bicycle. Punters can also use the credits to make donations to charities such as Medicos Sin Fronteras (Doctors without borders), which has received €2000 through the scheme this year. Unlike in other countries, including Germany and Norway, you cannot currently convert the bottles or cans for cash. The ease of this system has contributed to both countries having impressively high collection and recycling rates for plastic bottles. As of 2015, Germany had a 94% collection rate, in comparison to Spain’s 60% and the UK’s 53%, and the recycling rate in Norway was 97%.

GUITARS, puppies and tropical fish! These are just some of the cornucopia of Christmas gifts being sent to loved ones on the Costa del Sol this month. There’s been a literal cascade of packages arriving at the English bookshop, in Sabinillas, that doubles as a mailbox depot for over 400 expats in the area. A staggering 250 to 300 packages have been arriving every day in December, owner Steve Davies told the Olive Press. “That’s at least triple last year,” he said, adding: “We had 206 packages from Amazon alone in one day and they are coming seven days a week at present. “People are stuck at home with nothing to spend their money on, they can’t go to Marbella or Gibraltar to shop so they are spending it online. “There will be plenty of fondue sets, but we have had guitars, puppies, tropical fish, two pallets of toilet rolls, washing machines, the lot. I always find space.” EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore

EXPAT bar and restaurant owners have been left fuming after being ‘sidelined’ in the new Christmas coronavirus plan. They are furious they are being treated differently to shops despite COVID-19 infection rates dropping dramatically, and the incidence coming from the hostelry sector running at less than 3% The Junta has ruled that establishments must continue to close at 6pm but will have an extra late/dinner service from 8pm to 10.30pm. Meanwhile shops are allowed to open until 10.30pm until the new year. “I think it’s mad that shops can open until 10.30pm but bars and restaurants must shut at six,” British hotelier Alex Neate told the Olive Press. “Especially after we have spent a fortune making our businesses compliant with COVID guidelines, with reduced tables, gel dispensers, masks, gloves

Hair raising A VILLAGE in south-west Spain is reeling after a severe outbreak of COVID-19 has been linked to a barber's trip to Turkey for hair transplant treatment. The municipality of Calamonte, 60km east of the city of Badajoz, Extremadura, has seen 29 of its 6,000 residents test positive for COVID-19 this month. The outbreak has caused the school to close to pupils, and numerous businesses to shut their doors. Heath authorities have begun investigating the outbreak, and have linked the spike in cases to a 36-year-old barber in the village. Manuel Parada, organised a three-day trip to Turkey, with 17 of his clients to undergo hair transplant treatment earlier this month. Since returning, Parada, and 14 of his clients have tested positive, leading to mass testing among 250 close contacts.

SNOWED UNDER: Steve and budding musical helper

Bitter

Hotel and restaurant owners warn of ‘disaster’ and ‘ghost towns’ after being ‘sidelined’ in Andalucia’s Xmas COVID plan etc… I’m really saddened.” Neate, 55, opened the El Nido de Chorro hotel, next to the Caminito del Rey in inland Malaga, just two years ago, after building it from scratch. “The first year was amazing and then this past year has been terrible,” the artist by day added, “I won’t reopen now until the end of January.” For Jackie Quick-Rice, 60, owner of Jackie’s Bar, in Fuengirola, the new measures are simply not enough to recover the losses suffered this year. “These measures are atrocious, it’s a financial disaster,” the Scot, told the Olive Press. “On Christmas Day customers will have to come for lunch then go home and not come back out, and on New Year’s I have a buffet and have sold 30 tickets but I will have to kick them out at 10.30pm. “The curfew should also be extended on December 25 and we should have been allowed to stay open until 1am on at least New Years Eve” Jackie said Fuengirola faces becoming a ghost town ‘within six weeks’ due to the rapid closure

FURIOUS: Alex Neate and Jesus Leal of businesses. “A lot of businesses are on their last legs, so many businesses are closing, it’s absolutely shocking,” she said. Like many in the industry, Jackie believes bars and restaurants are being unfairly punished, while the 1:30am curfew extension will see people go to house parties instead of businesses like hers.

Control

She added: “In the bars we can control how much they drink as well as the seating and the spacing.” Owner of popular Pub Charles,

in Marbella, Jesus Leal added: “I am completely against the measures brought in. “It is unacceptable to continue to place these restrictions solely on bars and restaurants,” added Leal, 67, who has been running his cocktail bar in the heart of San Pedro since 1982. “The measures are going to destroy nightlife and cocktail venues, and not because they accelerate the virus,” the grandfather added. “But because of the Government’s poor management of the crisis… this is the stupidest thing they have ever done. “They have taken away all of our customers and effectively sent them to shops to buy alcohol to celebrate in their homes with their friends instead… where most infections occur.” Indeed a study of over 8,000 infections by the Ministry of Health in October backed up this claim, finding that less than 3% of cases following the first nationwide lockdown came from the hospitality industry – while 40% came from family reunions.

Data

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But recent data from Andalucia has painted a different story. Up until October 1, some 30% of outbreaks in the southernmost region originated in nightlife venues and restaurants, that is, 147 of the 481 infection clusters. But since that date, which is when president Juanma Moreno ordered the closure of establishments in the afternoons, and until November 29, that percentage share dropped to 5%.

ANDALUCIA would remain in the hands of a right-wing government if an election were held tomorrow, a new poll has suggested. The Partido Popular (PP) would obtain 26.6% of the vote, securing a 3.1 point advantage over the PSOE socialists, who would win 23.5%. According to the survey, the PP would secure an absolute majority by pacting with centre-right Ciudadanos (Cs) and far-right Vox.

Lost

It’s bad news for the left, who lost the most populous region for the first time in the country’s short democratic history in 2018. Far right party Vox would obtain 15.7% of votes in a snap poll, some 3.5 points above Ciudadanos, which would receive 12.2%. Meanwhile Podemos and Izquierda Unida (IU) would collectively muster 10 to 12 seats. Regional elections are held every four years, with the next taking place in 2022.

Bottom shelf by choice A SPANISH sommelier has created a vino to hit back at wine snobs who only value bottles on a scale of one to 100. Enrique Lopez, from Malaga, has created his Cero (Zero) Puntos Parker brand in a direct snub to global wine guru Robert Parker, an American lawyer, who invented the 100 scale for wines. His bottle from Cigales, near Valladolid, is made from 100% Tempranillo grapes and has been selling like hot cakes. Its label is simple and to the point: ‘On the nose: it smells of wine. In the mouth: it tastes very very good. That’s it.’ The wine, the label of which features a group of friends at a party, is 14.5% in strength, and getting rave reviews in Spain, at least. It is not known yet what Parker’s Wine Advocate magazine and website will give it. Put simply by Lopez: “You don’t have to be a connoisseur to enjoy something that is simply very good.”

BOTTOMS UP: 0 puntos

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School’s out AN old school house on the Costa del Sol is to be converted into a 40-room boutique hotel. The historic building, in Torrox, was previously used to house teachers at a nearby school. Plans to reform the buildings began 10 years ago, but were shelved for various reasons. Mayor of Torrox, Oscar Media, says the project is still at ‘early stages’ but is confident that the project will be a success. “Our clear objective is to promote a charming hotel in the old town, which will serve as a dynamic element to increase the tourist attraction of the Las Palvas area,” said Medina.

Just got arrested A WEDDING party of more than 300 guests has been broken up by police in Sevilla. Police say the gathering was a ‘severe breach’ of coronavirus restrictions. The event had been organised in the common areas of a block of flats where hundreds of partygoers had gathered to celebrate the nuptials.

ANDALUCIA has announced plans to give ‘licences’ to anyone vaccinated against COVID-19 from December 27 onwards. Junta president Juanma Moreno said the plan was to make events and travel safer in the future by knowing ‘who has been vaccinated and who has not’. SPAIN has moved a step closer to passing a historic bill to allow medically-assisted suicide. A new law allowing long-suffering patients to take lethal drugs, was backed by several parties including Spain's leftwing coalition government. The bill passed by 198 votes to 138 against, with only the PP party and Vox opposing it. Spain is only the eighth country globally to pass such

December 22nd - January 12th 2021

Licence to travel “Of course no one will be forced to get the jab, but if someone is going to want to go to sporting or cultural events or they are going to want to travel, they will have to be vaccinated,” Moreno said.

It was not made clear when the vaccine cards would be required to be shown, but the comments will no doubt act as an incentive for mass vaccination in the new year.

Right to die Law to permit medically assisted suicide moves on to the Senate for final approval a law, the fourth country in Europe. Once it becomes law, pa-

Christmas cracker

Water gesture CHILDREN from deprived homes will be getting a Christmas present thanks to water company Emabesa. In an annual gesture, the Benalmadena company hands over new toys to some of the area’s poorest families. This year it has given 40% more gifts after Social Services identified many more families suffering financial hardship due to the pandemic. CEO of Embasa Joaquin Villazon and the company’s manager, Pedro del Campo, met up with Benalmadena’s councillor for social welfare Alicia Laddaga to hand over the gifts for distribution.

tients will be able to request the right to die, as long as they make four specific requests, the first two in writing over a period of two weeks. The procedure must be overseen by a medical team led by a physician and an independent doctor, and the patient must be of sound mind at the time of the requests. Regional governing boards will examine the requests and ultimately grant permission. The bill will also allow any doctor to refuse to perform the procedure on the grounds of belief. “As a society, we cannot remain impassive when faced with the intolerable pain

that many people suffer,” said Spain’s Health Minister Salvador Illa. Assisted suicide is also legal in Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, Luxumbeurg, Canada, Columbia, New Zealand and certain US states.

Experts

Portugal passed a similar bill back in February to legalise euthanasia, however they are yet to become laws. The bill will now pass to the Senate, where it will go to the vote with legal experts expecting it to pass without resistance. The ruling has gained widespread support across the country.

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NEWS IN BRIEF Party time THERE will be more than 10,000 illegal parties in Spain on New Year’s Eve, the National Association of Nightlife has predicted, with it demanding opening hours be extended to 3am despite COVID.

No protection SIX Moldovans have been arrested in Catalunya accused of 81 cases of selling non-existent COVID-19 protection gear worth €100,000 to local authorities across Andalucia and the Costa Blanca.

Mob arrests CORRUPT cops and politicians have been arrested in a major operation against a Russian mafia money laundering ring. Police described the operation in Altea and Alicante on the Costa Blanca as its biggest sting against the Russian mob ‘for a decade’.

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OPINION Look on the bright side IT’S not difficult to get depressed over what seems to be a never-ending stream of bad news. Yes, 2020 has been a terrible year. But as Christmas is upon us perhaps we would all be well advised to take a deep breath – and look on the bright side. For those of us lucky enough to live in Spain, the Yuletide period still has much to offer – as we show on these pages (right). Sure, you probably won’t be seeing relatives and friends planning to join us from northern Europe, particularly after the new UK strain fiasco this week. But it gives us all a chance to take a closer look around our region and discover a little more of what makes Spain such a great country to live in. From the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the beautiful cities of Sevilla and Cordoba, there is so much to see and enjoy. Take a ride around, keep wearing your mask and stay safe. Remember 2021 is just around the corner and you’ll no doubt see loved ones and friends queuing up to come down and visit us as soon as they can. After all, new vaccines are not just a light at the end of the tunnel, but also a clear beacon lighting up our way to a return to normality.

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Be classy Christmas is a time for dizzying excess and no-one knew how to treat herself quite like the 18th Duchess of Alba (pictured below). Before she died in 2014, Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart y Silva had enough land to allow her to walk from Galicia to Andalucia without setting foot off her own land. The 88-year-old held the Guinness World Records for the most titled person in the world - so many, in fact, that she allegedly demanded the Queen to bow to her whenever the two met. Her extravagant home, the Dueñas Palace in Sevilla, is now open to the public this Christmas. Just like the duchess, it is flamboyant, glamourous and totally OTT.

passes are currently only on sale until January 11. Cost of the day passes vary,

depending on the age of the skier, with adults in high season paying €52.

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Kirsty McKenzie kirsty@theolivepress.es

EAD to Picasso’s home town of Malaga and you will find one of the most spectacular light shows in Spain, even Europe. So good was the legendary Calle Larios light tunnel in 2018 that it was sold to the city of Liverpool last year. But this year’s display (pictured left) is still amazing and there are plenty of great restaurants and bars scattered around the side streets to stock up on calories and Christmas cheer. Meanwhile, most of the galleries are open and historical highlights include the stunning 16th-century cathedral and the Alcazaba, the Moorish fortress that overlooks the city.

Slide away

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Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es

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Dilip Kuner dilip@theolivepress.es

OR those hoping to hit the pistes this festive season, prayers were answered when the Sierra Nevada finally opened on December 18. Launching with 30kms of runs, it is expected to increase this number to nearly 100kms by the New Year. One of Europe’s friendliest ski stations, it has a fabulous range of places to eat and hotels range from good value hostels, right up to the fourstar Sol Melia. But if you’re hoping to head to the Granada resort, sooner is better than later as, due to coronavirus uncertainty, lift

This includes ancient Cordoba, Granada and Malaga at your beck and call, as well as rugged Ronda and Antequera and its antiquities. Then, of course, you have the desert landscapes of Almeria, where all those Hollywood film-makers ventured, and Cadiz and its dazzling fortified core. Here are a few other ideas for a COVID-friendly Christmas…

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Publisher / Editor

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es

Trip the light fantastic

Not heading abroad as normal this Christmas? Looking for something to do more locally in Spain? The Olive Press offers up a few seasonal ideas…

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AS the game of brinkmanship continues between the EU and UK over Brexit, we wish both sides would put their petty differences aside and just reach an agreement. The word is that 99% of a trading deal has been agreed. But both sides are intransigent – for stark political reasons – over the remaining ‘loose ends’. The politicians should remember that these talks will have an impact on the lives of millions of people and finally come up with a solution. And sooner rather than later.

T’S been the oddest of years and as the festive season lands upon us, nobody is quite sure who (or how many people) we are allowed to see… or where we can go? Well the good news is you can definitely take a trip around the entire region of Andalucia this Christmas assuming you live here (although make sure to check our website for the very latest in updates). That means you finally have a free reign to visit eight entire provinces from dusty Almeria in the east to sunny Sevilla in the west. Spain’s second-biggest region easily comes first for culture and landscape, with everything from soaring mountain scenery and a dozen national and natural parks, to numerous historic towns and cities.

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Get on with it

Feliz navidad

Capital adventure

HY not head to the capital of Madrid, which has a number of special seasonal things to see and do. These include a new Banksy exhibition (pictured right) called The Street is a Canvas, which has just opened at the Circulo de Bellas Artes in Madrid and runs until May 9.

For a very special show full of thrills and spills, the Circo Price Theatre (pictured below) is in the middle of its annual Christmas run. Tickets are still available for what has become one of Madrid’s classic events that runs until

January 10. This year the theatre has been transformed into a giant toy shop, with a storyline of the heroine Cometa trying to solve the mystery of why all the Christmas toys have disappeared. Meanwhile, the world-famous Prado is throwing the spotlight on major works by women from the times of Rosario Weiss (1814-1843) up to those of Elena Brockmann (1867-1946). Also on until March is an exhibition of German expressionism at the Museo Thyssen.

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December 22nd - January 12th 2021

Spending Christmas in Spain? These are a few of the customs you need to know about

HRISTMAS is celebrated in many parts of the world and each country adds its own festive twists. Spain, for example, likes to display figures of famous people ta-

king a poo and everyone eats 12 grapes at midnight on New Years Eve… oh, and there will rarely be a turkey or sprout in sight. Well not many. Check out these cool local traditions and a few tips - that make Navidad unique.

Scarlet fever

12 lucky grapes Grape guzzling is probably the best known Spanish festive tradition. During the last 12 seconds of the year before the stroke of midnight we attempt to chew or swallow a dozen grapes timed with the dongs of the church clock. It’s not as easy as you think but there’s an imperative to eat the lot in order to guarantee 12 months of good luck in the coming year.

You might not have realised it before but many Spaniards make sure to wear a scarlet pair of pants or knickers on New Year’s Eve as an extra guarantee of joy and good luck. It can also be a bra or socks but it can never be on show. You can stock up at a Chinese store where the rails turn red at this time of year as Asians too believe it’s a lucky New Year colour.

Don’t poo poo big day In Spain a Christmas tree in the plaza is not enough. Most towns also have at least one Belen de Navidad. These scale model nativity scenes are perfect in every detail, from the stable in Bethlehem to the baby Jesus, his parents’ animals, the three kings and shepherds. Despite the religious theme some visitors are shocked by the touches of irreverent humour which may come in the form of a ‘caganer’ - usually one of the shepherds caught with his pants down in the act of defecating. And, on that subject, carganars are huge in Catalunya and every year there is a prize for the best one. Everyone from the Queen to Muhammad Ali has one.

Sweetest journey Looking for something extra sweet? It would be sinful to forget the one dulce that marries Andalucians’ sweet teeth with their love of belenes (nativity scenes). Every year, talented artisans turn the attractive inland town of Rute (Cordoba) into a spectacular tribute to the birth of baby Jesus, using an incredible 1,500 kilos of chocolate. Covering a whopping 45 square meters, it truly is a sight to behold. Follow the north star before January 6 to take a look (and maybe a taste) yourself.

CHRISTMAS SHOCKER: President Trump as a ‘caganer’

Festive food

Sing to win

Forget turkey, the Spanish prefer seafood, particularly prawns and lobster, as well as good jamon, and occasionally lamb or roast suckling pig. We also like the more traditional yuletide treats that you won’t find anywhere else. There’s turron, a honey and almond nougat in brittle or chewy versions - either way, tough on teeth; mazapanes, also made with an almond dough moulded into different shapes; polvorones, a crumbly cake that melts in the mouth; and Roscon de reyes, a big circular cake with a hole in it filled with sugared fruit and cream, and the highlight of the family table on Three Kings Day.

Forget Christmas carols and those schmaltzy Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin numbers. In Spain we have our own festive songs known as ‘villancicos’ which are the true soundtrack of Christmas. Some, like ‘Alepun’, ‘Los peces van a beber al rio’ and ‘Pastores venid’ have been sung in the same way for centuries. They may be performed by a children’s choir or adults sitting around a brazier playing traditional instruments like the zambomba (earthenware friction drum), pandereta (tambourine) or improvised with a bottle of anis and a spoon. It’s a tradition on the verge of extinction but it still survives in small towns.

December fools December 28 commemorates the biblical King Herod’s plan to slaughter all babies under two years old, hoping the infant Jesus would be among them. Despite its gruesome religious origin, Día de los Inocentes, is the equivalent of April Fools Day. If you hear of any strange news stories on this day, you’d best take them with a very large pinch of salt.

Yule handout It’s a tradition on the verge of extinction but it still survives in small towns - COVID permitting. In the build-up to Christmas, children roam the streets, stopping at every door to sing a villancico in return for some yuletide pocket money known as an aguinaldo.

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

Wills you believe it? British royals smash their way into the top stories on Olive Press website in 2020

HE British royals have gatecrashed a list of the Top 10 stories on the Olive Press website this year. A story about future king Prince William thanking a school for hitting back at Americans who bullied their son George’s love of dancing, made No.8 in the chart. Proving the continued star appeal of the British royal family, the story has been read by over 100,000 visitors so far this year. The heart-warming tale reported how Wills and Kate (above) sent a thank-you letter to the Hurchillo School on the Costa Blanca, after its head wrote to them supporting George’s passion for ballet. Perhaps predictably, all the other top stories of the year were linked to the Coronavirus.

Popular

Proving www.theolivepress.es is now - by far - the most popular English website in Spain, we had over 80,000 views each for all our Top 10 stories. The most read was about tourists cancelling holidays in Mallorca, while the second most viewed was about where airlines were still flying into in the Spring. The only other stories in the Top 25 of the year that did not involve COVID included the shutting of Alicante airport by a snowstorm and a British fugitive who escaped from police by jumping off a Benidorm hotel balcony. Meanwhile 61,000 visitors read our story about how organised squatter gangs were running riot on the Costa del Sol and 62,000 dipped into our tale about an alarming TIE card hold up on the Costa Blanca. All in all, it has been a record year for our website now in its 15th year. A staggering 22 MILLION VISITORS read a total of nearly 40 MILLION PAGES this year so far. Despite introducing a metered paywall in September, the average visitor reads at least two pages and spent well over a minute reading them. Here’s to 2021 and the chance to raise a toast to a better range of top stories.

Here are the www.theolivepress.es Top 10 stories for 2020 season in Mallorca crippled by coronavirus 1-asTourist major events cancelled and scared tourists cancel holidays (129,023 views) Brits can fly to on Ryanair, Easy2- Spain’s airports jet, Jet2 and Tui (125,493) puts country on lockdown confining citizens 3-toSpain their homes - except for these 8 reasons (116,919) memes bringing comic relief to the 4- 10 hilariouscorona outbreak (115,545) We have toilet roll and gin as British holiday5- makers on Costa del Sol are enjoying the lockdown (112,087) del Sol declared special containment area as 6- Costa cases in Andalucia top 100 (106,828) industry won’t reopen until end of the 7- Tourism year as initial plans to lift restrictions are revealed (102,324) Kate and Will thank school on Costa Blanca for 8- support after Prince George was mocked on US TV (100,194) worries as holiday bookings plummet 9- Coronavirus in Spain with 35 now dead (86,433) residents flee to Costa del Sol, Valencia 10- Madrid and Murcia despite advice to stay at home (84, 609)

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‘Tis the season

to give help’

December 22nd - January 12th 2021

As the festive season is upon us the Olive Press has rounded up a pair of refugee charities in need of some Christmas cheer

Catch the spirit at Christmas CHEFUGEE: Charity helps refugees to help themselves and get jobs in Spain

Help the Olive Press give hope and cheer to those in need this season

HELPING OUT: Rachida and Jose of Chefugee which helped them find work

T’S easy to forget when surrounded by tinsel and festive feasts that Christmas began with a heavily pregnant woman travelling down long and dusty roads from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Riding a donkey for 90 miles along the River Jordan in pounding rain, it was only the heartwarming kindness of strangers that kept her safe as she and her husband welcomed their baby into the world. So, as much of a cliche as it has become, Christmas is a time for giving to others. That’s why each year the Olive Press selects a good cause or two that need the support of the expat community in Spain.

Humble beginnings At its core, the Nativity is a tale of a family seeking refuge. So, this year, the Olive Press has chosen two fantastic refugee charities to give a helping hand to over

How you can help

ESSENTIALS: Madrid for Refugees helps with household items

the Christmas period. Spain has seen more refugee and migrant arrivals than any other European country in 2020. Over 36,000 people have made the desperate and dangerous decision to travel across seas in the dead of

night to escape hardship and conflict. In many cases, their journeys have ended in disaster and tragedy, with the worst shipwreck of the year seeing 140 people lose their lives on the crossing from Senegal to the Canaries.

To donate head to madridforrefugees.org/ en/mfrwelcomekits

To help those in need find work and support their new lives in Spain, head to donations.chefugee.org

ARE YOU A UK NATIONAL AND STRUGGLING WITH YOUR RESIDENCY APPLICATION? UK NATIONALS

Madrid for Refugees is running a Christmas campaign to help families who have just arrived in Spain with limited funds. Moving is stressful under any circumstances but is twice as hard in a new country with a small budget, as many expats can understand. When you donate to the charity’s Moving Home Fund you will provide a family in need with basic household necessities like sheets, plates, cutlery, towels and hygiene items so they can focus on building their new lives in Spain. “Madrid for Refugees gave us a new opportunity to start over,” said Andrea, a refugee from Honduras.

“Thanks to donors, we were able to have basic clothes and kitchen items to start our future here. We will always be grateful to everyone who made that possible.”

Next steps Once settled, many refugees forge a future for themselves in Spain with their skills as chefs and cooks. With the slogan ‘Build Appetites, Not Walls’ the Chefugee charity hosts events, supper clubs and food festivals to help refugee chefs find employment in restaurants or start their own. “The Chefugee fund supports small business and culinary services of refugees and asylum seekers,” founder Natalia Diaz told the Olive Press. “Your donations will help Chefugee’s mission of ensuring integration, employment and well-being of refugees and asylum seekers,” she urged.

Get in touch to find out how we can support you CONTACT DETAILS UKnationalsSP@iom.int spain.iom.int Andalusia (0034) 650 339 754 / 616 825 704

SUPPORT FUND PROJECT

*The UK Nationals Support Fund Project is funded by the FCDO and all of our services are FREE of charge.

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NEWS

December 22nd - January 12th 2021

LETTERS

Pay them back time

Dear Olive Press,

er about bar and I WAS intrigued to read in your pap ents as a form paym g estin requ ers own restaurant ed by the panof compensation for their losses caus . demic. Good luck to them no doubt gamIt’s their livelihoods and they haveachievements. I r thei for hard ed work bled and obvious worr y honestly believe that apart from the tive PCR test nega a of about the virus, it’s the cost stry. that is damaging the hospitality indu£120 at Boots is date to seen I’ve pest The chea will return in 72 with no guarantee that the results to pay an extra have ld hours. A family of four wou £480 on top of their holiday cost. ks, then this is If you are going for one or two wee if you are staying quite a lot to ask. It isn’t so bad longer. be targeting the I think business owners should I’ve heard a large as ge char this ut abo government wouldn’t go benumber of people saying that theyTourism in Spain of ent cause of this. If the Departm then I’m sure this reimbursed this cost via a receipt, in. As a SpanSpa to ors visit ct attra to would help e out there and ish-loving Brit, I wouldn’t like to coms boarded up. shop and see the bars, restaurants until ‘we get Good luck to their plight, can’t wait al.’ back to norm Steve Williams, Swansea

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. I got the lads over – Tuejar, El Gallego & 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-

By Eugene Costello

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

THE WORD ON THE STREETS BEST FOOT FORWARD: The Olive Press Valencia team getting the message out around the city this week

Oh la landing Brexit!

Lifting the Val

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By Alex Trelinski

pying an area of 56 square metres. Some local political parties have criticised the cost of the enterprise, including €123,000 for the sculptures. payThere is also the bill of €14,000 for able to Guinness World Records certification. Councillor Manuel Jimenez justified the expense saying: “The visitor numbers justify it and we are seeing business being stimulated by the display.”

CAN’T BEAR IT

Dinner with destiny

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 sawJohnson travelling to Brussels in an attempt to salvage a deal. Von der Leyen confirmed that an EU summit will begin on today (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’. See Cash Crash, p17 and No News is Bad News, p22

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AN investigation has been launched after a pair of brown bears were gunned down on a ‘dark day’ for efforts to protect the endangered species. The adult females were shot dead by different hunters, with one claiming to have fired at the bear in self defence. In what has infuriated environmentalists, both animals were killed in conservation zones, in the week a law banning hunting in Spain’s National Parks came into force. The first bear was shot in the 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

Sarousse was shot by a hunter

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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 of England warned that a no-deal Brexit would be more economically damaging 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 between Brussels and the UK for years. Meanwhile, Ireland leader Micheal Martin said on Monday he was hopeful that a Brexit deal would be completed this week.

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have criticised the cost of the enterprise, including €123,000 for the sculptures. There is also the bill of €14,000 payable to Guinness World Records for certification. Councillor Manuel Jimenez justified the expense saying: “The visitor numbers justify it and we are seeing business being stimulated by the dis* play.”

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

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message out around the city this week A TRADE deal between the EU and Britain is on the verge of being finalised, after EU looked set to cave the By Dilip Kunar in on fishing rights. Taoiseach Martin An MEP broke ranks to say that it looked week we could see said ‘by the end of this likely the French promise He said it would the outlines of a deal’. mise with Boris would have to compro- France in order to get an agreement. come down to ‘political Johnson’s demands had UK waters. over back down previously been refusing to will, both in the United Kingdom on any clear the political Christophe Hansen will is there from and I’m near-parity to the fishing deal, demanding ropean said the EU the EuUK’s Union’. have to meet the UK’s demands to would It comes as the governorcoastal waters. an agreement. "There clinch of the Bank of En- EU ambassadors were told over will be compromis- gland warned that a no-deal the weekend that a trade deal es to be made on Brexit would with Britain is on be more economically the that is somewherefisheries. The status quo, COVID damaging than verge of being finalised. They were told the he told an event. we're not going to land,” Andrewto the UK. majority of the 11 Bailey said negotiation main French fishermen signed would create failure to get a deal with fewer issues have ‘joint legal texts are understood to a massive backed the compromise and fewer outstanding have points’. despite losing out trade blockage and damage cross-border The European commission on access to certain goodwill be- sula tween Brussels and von der Leyen, struck president, UrIt came after the fishing grounds. Meanwhile, Ireland the UK for years. EU’s chief negotiator leader Micheal Martin saying: “After difficult weeksa positive note, chel Barnier demanded Miwith very, slow the need to com- said on Monday he was hopeful that a Brex- days progress now we have seen in thevery it deal would be completed better progress, last this week. important files. This more movement on is good.”

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

on a cornucopia of Emerald Isle collectibles… and it even has Guinness turning it into Spain’s smallest pub. And if I say so myself, we’ve on draught. “After being cooped up like a man done a grand job.” in solitary in March I came up with Called El Irlandes, after his favourite Martin Scorsese film, it happily a plan,” the Valencia-based real es- fits his closest pals in tate consultant told the Olive Press. for the usual Friday night Blarney. “I had an old shed in the garden. got the lads over – Tuejar, El Gal-I Wilde, from Skerries, near Dublin, lego & Champ – and we set about has run the Found Valencia agency for two decades.

“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-

JOY OF SIX!

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 On, an app anyone can download, not just aimed at tourists.

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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.” Valencia team getting the message out around the city this week Opinion, page 6 A TRADE deal between the EU and is on the verge of being finalised, Britain Taoiseach Martin said ‘by the end By Dilip Kunar EU looked set to cave in on fishingafter the week we could see the outlines of a of this An MEP broke ranks to say that itrights. He said it would come down to deal’. looked promise in order to get an likely the French would have to comproagreement. will, both in the United Kingdom ‘political France had previously been refusing and I’m mise with Boris Johnson’s demands to clear the political over back down on any fishing UK waters. deal, demanding ropean Union’. will is there from the Eunear-parity to the UK’s coastal waters. Christophe Hansen said the EU EU ambassadors have to meet the UK’s demands to would It comes as the governor of the Bank of En- end that a trade were told over the weekclinch gland warned that a no-deal deal with Britain is on the an agreement. "There will be compromisBrexit be more economically damaging would verge of being finalised. es to be made on fisheries. The status than They were told the majority quo, COVID to the UK. of the 11 main that is somewhere we're not going negotiation issues to land,” Andrew Bailey said failure he told an event. to get a deal with fewer and fewerhave ‘joint legal texts outstanding points’. signed would create a massive French fishermen are understood to have trade blockage and damage cross-border The European commission president, Urbacked the compromise despite losing goodwill be- sula von der Leyen, struck a positive on access to certain fishing grounds. out tween Brussels and the UK for years. saying: “After difficult weeks with very,note, Meanwhile, Ireland leader Micheal very It came after the EU’s chief negotiator Martin slow progress now we Mi- said on Monday he was hopeful chel Barnier demanded the need that a Brex- days better progress, have seen in the last to com- it deal would be completed more movement on this week. important files. This is good.”

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Environmental groups unite after hunters kill two protected brown bears on ‘dark day’ for Spain SLAIN: Female brown bear Sarousse was shot by a hunter who claimed it was an act of ‘self defence’ AN investigation has been launched after a pair of brown bears were gunned down in a ‘dark day’ for efforts to protect the endangered species. The adult females were shot dead by different hunters, with one claiming to have fired at the bear in self defence. In what has infuriated environmentalists, both animals were killed in conservation zones, in the week a law banning hunting in Spain’s National Parks came into force. The first bear was shot in the 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

By Kirsty McKenzie

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 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.

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.

Costa Blanca Sur - Issue 29 Destination Relaxation

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Vol. 2 Issue 45 www.theolivepress.es December 10th - December 23rd 2020

The Olive Press Valencia

November 26th - December 9th 2020

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

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SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD crucial meeting with Von der I GO: Boris was set for Leyen last night BRITAIN’S Prime Minister deal with Europe. Palace conhad a date with destiny last It came after Johnson innight in Brussels. Boris Johnson was having sisted a deal with the EU was looking ‘very very diffidinner Com- cult’ on Tuesday. THE with WORD European ON THE STREETS mission president Ursula The frustrating news came Oh lader Leyen Lifting the Val von to see if there after landing was Environmental groups unite Brexit! any chance of salvaging a dealweeks of claims that was close to being fiafter a 147 so-called Tel: 952 834 soft Brexit trade nalised. hunters kill two protected brown “We’ll do our level best, bears on ‘dark day’ for Spain but I would just like to say to everybody - be in good cheer, there are great op- SLAIN: Female brown bear Sarousse was shot by a hunter who claimed it tions ahead for our counwas an act of ‘self defence’ try,” Johnson insisted. Talks with the EU have remained in deadlock for days because of disagreement over fishing quotas. While it comprises just 0.1% of the UK economy, the fishing row could spell a AN investigation has been hit of up to 3% for the econ- launched after a pair of brown now been launched. World By Kirsty McKenzie Wildlife Fund omy and up to the same for bears were gunned down in a The deaths came just 10 days Brown bears became(WWF). Spain, the biggest predicted ‘dark day’ for efforts to protect after police in Catalunya ar- tected species in 1973 a proSALES & RENTALS SPECIALISTS as part the endangered species. victim in Europe. rested a local The adult females were shot gunned her down at point- official over environmental of an attempt to grow numMoriara•Calpe•Jalon•Javea•Denia•Altea Pyrenees between dead by different hunters, blank range when she acted in third bear, a the death of a bers in the BORIS See Cash Crash on six-year-old male France and an ‘aggressive Spain.Johnson’s vital dinner date with p19 and No news is with one claiming to have fired being disturbed manner’ after called Cachou, who was killed The deaths EU as chief Ursula came sport by his dogs. and von der Leyen at the bear in self defence. www.moraira-hamiltons.net ended Bad news, p22 in the Val d’Aran without a Brexit hunting became deal. In what has infuriated envi- Sarousse, who had originally The Spanish area in April. commercial Seemingly, one thing the two sides Brown Bear illegal in Spain’s the National ronmentalists, both animals been captured in Slovenia be- Foundation agree on is described the kill- Parks oncan December 5. that things are not gowere killed in conservation fore being released in 2006, is ings as a ‘dark ing well. Von der Leyen day for conser- The law was actually passed in admitted the zones, in the week a law ban- the third bear to be killed in vation’. the EU were 2014, butUK theand then-ruling par- still ‘far apart’, ning hunting in Spain’s Na- the Pyrenees this year. while Downing Street Jávea / Altea ty, the PP, Spain’s environment minister granted a six year agreed ‘very tional Parks came into force. large gaps remain’ extension, which yorkshirelinencostablanca.com Heritage to in annegotiations. The first bear was shot in the Teresa Ribera slammed the Talks havecame now been extended until Palencia mountains, in Cas- deaths and said efforts were The group warned that de- end last week. Sunday, despite EU chief described the ban as negotiator tilla y Leon, by a hunter who underway to determine what liberate hunting carried pen- Hunters Michel Barnier ‘ecological disaster’ that previously stating claimed he thought the crea- led to the killings on Novem- alties of up to three years in there would be no will lead to job further discussion ber 29. and overture was a wild boar. prison. afterlosses of Wednesday the species. December 10. The A second bear, named Sarous- It comes after six green “This is enough. These bears population politician is said to be ‘very downbeat’ groups called se, was killed during a hunt in groups, including Ecologistas were everyone’s heritage,” Environmental and ‘very gloomy’, See page 19 for according to the Aragon’s regional council en Accion, SEO Birdlife and said the Aragon Pyrenees. Irish government. spokesman Garcia Paloall wild boar hunts The 21-year-old animal was Friends of the Earth, united to ma, who insisted the laws to suspend A No 10 spokesperson, has confirmed in the areas where presshot dead in the Bardaji valley. demand immediate action. needed to be strengthened. Johnson andthe von der Leyen ‘agreed is known. The hunter, who claimed he The Guardia Civil’s wildlife Bears, once critically endan- ence of bears that by Sunday a firm decision should was acting in self-defence, unit Seprona confirmed this gered in Spain, are now conbe taken about the future week that an investigation has sidered of the talks’. ‘high priority’ by the Opinion Page 6 How Amy’s guitar-maker from Valencia won over the world

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BRITAIN’S Prime Minister had a date with destiny last night in Brussels. Boris Johnson was having dinner with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen to see if there was any chance of salvaging a so-called soft Brexit trade deal with Europe. It came after Johnson insisted a deal with the EU was looking ‘very very difficult’ on Tuesday. The frustrating news came 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,” Johnson insisted.

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tween keeping life normal and keeping it safe.” While tourism is year, the tourist down 80% on last boss says all activities, including cinemas and museums, are open. Best of all, unlike locals and tourists much of Spain, between midnight must only stay in “It’s a great time and 6am. 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 high infection rates. to The city meanwhile,

has developed an activity card an app anyone called Valencia On, can download, not just aimed at tourists.

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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

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

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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. “This is enough. These bears were everyone’s heritage,”

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EXCLUSIVE UNABLE to have night down the his regular Friday on a cornucopia boozer during lockdown, expat Conor lectibles… and it of Emerald Isle col- turning it into even has Guinness novel idea for this Wilde hit on a on draught. pub. And if I say Spain’s smallest one - to build his “After own pub! being cooped up done a grand job.”so myself, we’ve like a man The Irish expat, in 46, got his mates a solitary in March I came up with Called El Irlandes, after over and converted his favourplan,” the Valencia-based ite Martin Scorsese his garden shed tate real es- fits his film, FORGET THE DRAUGHT: into what he consultant closest pals in for it happily Conor est watering claims is Spain’s small- “I had an old told the Olive Press. Friday and pals at makeshift the usual hole. shed in the garden. night Blarney. local Measuring 2.4m got by 2.5m, it counts lego the lads over – Tuejar, El Gal-I Wilde, from Skerries, near Dublin, & Champ – and we set about has run the Found Valencia agency for two decades.

Valencia is open!

VALENCIA remains open for visitors, with COVID relaxed than most restrictions more By Eugene Costello sists tourist chiefs. other regions, inThe city has been praised by busi- ‘sensible’ approach, which has nessmen and tourists kept the economy running alike for its sible. as best as pos-

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

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LIKE buses, Alicante has bagged world records in one fell swoop. two The city has been handed the Guinness World Record award after prise, including €123,000 for the building the tallest and largest nativBy Alex Trelinski sculptures. There is also the bill ity scene in history. of €14,000 payable to Guinness The display features a record-breaking 18-metre high statue of Joseph The display is also now the world’s World Records for certification. largest-ever static nativity scene Councillor Manuel alongside a smaller Virgin Mary Jimenez jusand occupying an area of 56 square baby Jesus. Created by Jose Manuel me- tified the expense saying: “The tres. visitor numbers Garcia its giant statue easily beats the Some local political parties have we are seeing justify it and old 1991 height record set in Mexico. criticised the cost of the enter- stimulated by business being the display.”

yesterday are administered in the UK reunited with our loved ones, not forgetsuit. lessons that this The news of the vac- ting the very important us.” cine’s imminent ar- terrible pandemic has taught in trials, the rival comes as num- With a 95% effectiveness the vaccine is now due to be supplied via the bers of active cases shrunk to 46 on to the GHA after months of testing. Rock, with only four in hospital. it was NHSfirst citizens to be vaccinated will be The The Gibraltar Government said over-80s group as well as healthcare ‘delighted’ by the approval of the regula- the who look after LIKE most has and theAlicante them buses, staff tor in the UK. bagged two world records I urge vulnerable in the community. “This is excellent news indeed, and Minister oneChief fell swoop. to However, until then,inthe everyone to take up the opportunity guard’. our been let down city has handed people to ‘notThe at the be vaccinated against COVID-19 Chief urgedvirus is still outthe and a vaccine there Guinness World Re“The said earliest possible opportunity,” cord award after building is not a cure,” he said. Minister Fabian Picardo. yourself, to protect tallest and largest nacontinue the 2020 “There is no better way to round off news, “Please, econand our GHAscene in history. your loved ones, ourtivity than with this extremely uplifting The display features a we omy. for which wear a mask where 18-mehave all been “Wash your hands,record-breaking distance a safe tre high statue of Joseph hoping for a you have to and keep alongside a smaller Virgin from others.” long time now. economy resilient Mary and baby Jesus. Crenormally Gibraltar’s vaccine “The sectourism atedto byits Jose Manuel Garcia is the first real has suffered a big blow beats towards tor from COVID-19.its giant statue easily step See page 11 it is exvaccine theold 1991 height record getting back to With the arrival ofthe - Brexit recovery swift set in Mexico. a make to pected normal a more life and being deal permitting. The display is also now the world’s largest-ever static nativity scene occupying an area of 56 square metres. Some local political parties

who claimed it was an act of

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Taoiseach Martin said ‘by the end of this week we could see the outlines of a deal’. He said it would come down to ‘political will, both in the United Kingdom and I’m clear the political will is there from the European Union’. EU ambassadors were told over the weekend that a trade deal with Britain is 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, Ursula von der Leyen, struck a positive note, saying: “After difficult weeks with very, very slow progress now we have seen in the last days better progress, more movement on important files. This is good.”

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spokesman Garcia Palounderway to determine what said who insisted the laws led to the killings on Novem- ma, needed to be strengthened. ber 29. once critically endanIt comes after six green Bears, in Spain, are now conEcologistas gered the hunt in the Aragon Pyrenees. groups, including and sidered ‘high priority’ by The 21-year-old animal - one en Accion, SEO Birdlife united World Wildlife Fund (WWF). of just 350 in Spain - was shot Friends of the Earth, action. Brown bears became a proto demand immediate as part dead in the Bardaji valley. wildlife tected species in 1973 numThe hunter, who claimed he The Guardia Civil’s this of an attempt to grow was acting in self-defence, unit Seprona confirmed bers in the Pyrenees between gunned her down at point- week that an investigation France and Spain. blank range when she acted has now been launched. The deaths came as sport and in an ‘aggressive manner’ commercial hunting became after being disturbed by his Heritage illegal in Spain’s National dogs. deaths came just 10 days Parks on December 5. Sarousse, who had originally The police in Catalunya ar- The law was actually passed been captured in Slovenia be- after a local environmen- in 2014, but the then-ruling a six fore being released in 2006, rested official over the death of party, the PP, granted is the third bear to be killed in talthird bear, a six-year-old year extension, which came a the Pyrenees this year. week. called Cachou, who was to an end last Spain’s environment minister male in the Val d’Aran area Hunters described the ban as Teresa Ribera slammed the killed ‘ecological disaster’ that will April. and overdeaths and said efforts were in The Spanish Brown Bear lead to job lossesspecies. Foundation described the population of the called killings as a ‘dark day for con- Environmental groupscouncil for Aragon’s regional servation’. boar hunts The group warned that de- to suspend all wild the presliberate hunting carried pen- in the areas where See page 24 alties of up to three years in ence of bears is known. prison. “This is enough. These bears Opinion Page 6 were everyone’s heritage,” By Kirsty McKenzie

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A TRADE deal between the EU and Britain is on the verge of being finalised, after the EU looked set to cave in on fishing rights. An MEP broke ranks to say that it looked likely the French would have to compromise with Boris Johnson’s demands over UK waters. Christophe Hansen said the EU would have to meet the UK’s demands to 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 out on access to certain fishing grounds. It came after the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier demanded the need to com-

3 1 / 1 2 / 1 9 .

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The Olive Press launches its SIXTH edition in Valencia

CHEERS: Health workers applaud

KIM CLARK

SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO: Boris was set for crucial meeting with Von der Leyen last night

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Green light given to COVID vaccine as roll out starts in the UK

“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.

NATIVITY DOUBLE!

two LIKE buses, Alicante has bagged world records in one fell swoop. The city has been handed the Guinness the World Record award after buildinghistallest and largest nativity scene in tory. The display features a record-breaking 18-metre high statue of Joseph alongside a smaller Virgin Mary and baby Jesus. Created by Jose Manuel Garcia, its giant statue easily beats the old 1991 height record set in Mexico. The display is also now the world’s largest-ever static nativity scene occu-

See pages 24 & 11

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

952 147 834 Ursula von der European Commission president, will begin on Leyen, confirmed that an EU summit Thursday to address the disagreements. has been firm EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier Wednesday and is that talks will not continue past according to the ‘very downbeat’ and ‘very gloomy’, Irish government. the first day As Johnson took to Twitter to celebrate Belgium’s presof the coronavirus vaccine roll out, ‘Made in Europe’. ident jibed that the jab had been of the European Meanwhile, Fabian Zuleeg, headhe was optimistic Policy Centre in Brussels, wrote and ‘swallow evfish’ on little a ‘get Johnson would erything else’. * O f f e r

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The Olive Press proudly launches its SIXTH edition in Valencia

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

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Illegal means criminal IT’S a crime to enter the country illegally. Therefore, they (illegal migrants) are criminals. If you don’t like that, then petition the courts to change the laws to make it legal for anyone to arrive in the country. Until then, it’s illegal and yes, fish are useful. Criminals are not. Marthinus Strydom Senior, via FB

Britain is to blame BRITAIN started the wars in the countries from which people are fleeing, or sold the weapons that caused the wars that made these migrants homeless. Joan Slattery, Kilkenny

Opinion Page 6

Costa Blanca Issue 45

Cruel irony

No choice

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UNABLE to have his regular Friday night down the boozer during lockdown, expat Conor Wilde hit on a novel idea for this one - 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 smallFORGET THE DRAUGHT: Conor est watering hole. Measuring 2.4m by 2.5m, it counts and pals at makeshift local

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

Page 15

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December 9th - December 22nd 2020 Vol. 5 Issue 137 www.theolivepress.es

vage a deal.

REFERRING to Mr West’s letter about electric cars (Last issue) I must admit that I am one of the persons that bought an electric car out of an ideological point of view and to collaborate in a positive way. Unfortunately, this is something 95% of the population does not do - you just have to look around. What I really hate is the negative comments from people like Mr West. It is amazing to hear what people make up in order to not have to collaborate or to react in a positive way. Regarding his points about rare minerals and people hiring out their children as slave labour, is it not better to put some effort into solving these problems rather than blaming a progressive project? To be honest, I sometimes feel like an idiot driving my electric car behind all these trucks and diesel cars which are killing us slowly by pumping out millions of tons of CO2. Where am I with my electric car? Indeed, in my opinion, you have to be brave to feel that silly. If the batteries are such a worry for Mr West, let him find a solution for unusable batteries. At least do something positive - there are enough eco-disasters to take care of!

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the EU is looking REACHING a trade deal with Prime Minis‘very very difficult’ claimed Britain’s ter this week. a deal was close It comes after weeks of claims that to being finalised. just like to say “We’ll do our level best, but I would there are great opto everybody - be in good cheer, Johnson said tions ahead for our country,” Boris yesterday. in deadlock for Talks with the EU have remainedfishing quotas. days thanks to disagreement overthe UK economy, While it comprises just 0.1% ofspell a hit of up to the fishing disagreement could same for Spain, 3% for the economy and up to the the biggest predicted victim in Europe. travelling Johnson see A final last minute push will an attempt to salto Brussels in the ‘coming days’ in

HAPPY: An early present IN the midst of one of the toughest times in recent years, with your help we have managed to expand to an exciting new 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 Spain’s third biggest. city. Delivered to over 100 spots around the city and up the nearby coast, it is most easily found on stands at Mercat Central or at the 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.

Be positive!

Spain VALENCIA / COSTA AZAHAR FREE Vol. 1 Issue 1 www.theolivepress.es November 26th - December 9th 2020

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MALLORCA

relaxed than more most other regions, Costello sists tourist chiefs. inThe city has ‘sensible’ approach, nessmen and been praised by busi- the tourists alike economy runningwhich has kept for its sible. as best as posBy Eugene

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

2020

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

Page 15

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Vol. 4 Issue 95 www.theolivepress .es December 11th - December

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Valencia is open!

VALENCIA remains open for tors, with COVID restrictions visi-

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- December 9th

EXCLUSIVE UNABLE to have night down the his regular Friday on a cornucopia of boozer during down, expat Emerald Isle lock- lectibles… col- turning novel idea for Conor Wilde hit on a on draught.and it even has Guinness it into Spain’s this one - to build pub. And if I smallest own pub! his “After being cooped up like done a grand say so myself, we’ve The Irish expat, job.” a man 46, got his mates in solitary in March I over and converted came up with Called El Irlandes, after a plan,” the Valencia-based FORGET THE his ite into what he claims his garden shed tate consultant DRAUGHT: real es- fits Martin Scorsese film, it favourand pals at told the Olive happily his closest pals makeshift localConor est watering hole. is Spain’s small- “I had an Press. in for the usual old shed in the Measuring 2.4m garden. I Friday night Blarney. by 2.5m, it counts got the lads over – Tuejar, Wilde, from Skerries, lego & Champ near Dublin, – and we setEl Gal- has run the Found about for two decades. Valencia agency

Page 6

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November 26th

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24th 2020

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

Page 16

Run by Visit Valencia range of discounts it offers a huge events, restaurants, for museums, transport and even hotels. You valenciaon.com, can find it at www. and it is completely free. Roland Wareham, 55, a company director from pressed by howAndalucia, was imwell the city handling the was pandemic. On a business trip from his Mijas this week, native he said: “I struck by how was Ruzafa, all thenormal life seemed. In were open, andbars and restaurants the terraces crowded with were enjoying the al families and friends “In Andalucia, fresco lifestyle. meanwhile, bars restaurants must and The Olive Press my town is like close by 6pm, and a ghost town at Valencia team “Valencia should getting the message night. out around the print for the rest serve as a bluecity this week of Spain.” A TRADE deal is on the verge between the EU and Britain Opinion, page 6 EU looked set of being finalised, after the By Dilip Kunar An MEP broketo cave in on fishing rights. Taoiseach Martin ranks to say that likely the French said ‘by the it looked week we could see the outlines end of this mise with Boris would have to compro- promise in order to get He said it would of a deal’. Johnson’s demands France had previouslyan agreement. UK waters. will, both in the come down to ‘political over back down been refusing United Kingdom Christophe Hansen on to clear the political and I’m near-parity to any fishing deal, demanding said the EU have to meet the UK’s would ropean Union’. will is there from the Euan agreement.the UK’s demands to clinch It comes as the governorcoastal waters. EU ambassadors of the Bank of es to be made "There will be compromis- gland warned that a no-deal were told Enon fisheries. The Brexit would end that a trade deal with over the weekthat is somewhere status quo, be more economically damaging than verge of being finalised. Britain is on the he told an event. we're not going to land,” COVID to the UK. They were told Andrew Bailey the majority of French fishermen said failure to negotiation issues the 11 main are understood signed backed the compromise have ‘joint legal to have trade would create a massive get a deal with fewer and texts cross-border despite losing blockage on access to certain The European fewer outstanding points’. out tween Brussels and damage goodwill commission It came after the fishing grounds. be- sula von and the UK for EU’s chief negotiator Meanwhile, Ireland der Leyen, struck president, Uryears. chel Barnier demanded saying: “After Mi- said on leader Micheal difficult weeksa positive note, the need to comMonday Martin with very, very it deal would be he was hopeful that a Brex- slow progress now we completed this days better progress, have seen in the last week. more movement important files. on This is good.”

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I AM afraid - in reference to Mr West’s letter - that we really have no choice when it comes to a sustainable future. It is no use refusing to do something about climate change because of real or imaginary problems. These are not insurmountable. What needs to be done is to solve the lesser problems posed by change rather than permit the greater evil to continue through inaction.

Serial killer concern as police probe if ‘the Pirate’ could be behind another missing man in the Balearics

John Andrews, Mijas

Tricky

It comes after Britain’s ter claimed that reachingPrime Miniswith the EU was lookinga trade deal difficult’ earlier this week. ‘very very “We’ll do our level best, but I would just like to say to everybody - be in good cheer, there are ahead for our country,”great options Boris Johnson said. Talks with the EU have deadlock for days thanksremained in ment over fishing quotas. to disagreeWhile it comprises just 0.1% of the A PENSIONER nicknamed ‘the Pirate’ UK economy, the fishing disagree- has been arrested by police hunting a ment could spell a hit of suspected serial the economy and up to up to 3% for Police believe killer in Mallorca. Juan Torres Serra, 57, a 48-year-old the same for Spain, the biggest predicted victim in could be behind the death of at least under strangeman who went missing Europe. four men in the Balearics, circumstances on Auincluding a gust 24. As Johnson took to Twitter to cel- German expat. Police are now ebrate the coronavirus They also think he may vaccine be behind doz- the body of the scouring the area for roll out on Tuesday, Belgium’s homeowner, who they president ens of armed robberies and violent believe jibed that the jab had been ‘Made in burglaries of homes around Mallorca the farmSerra buried on the grounds of Europe’. in Binasselem. and Ibiza. He is also suspected of kill- Serra told the police ing two dogs. Detectives picked up the man, whose name that the Spanish pensioner, who had been was given as Anstaying No News is Bad news tonio on p15 the grounds of a property owned in given L.M, had left for Ibiza and had by him a signed document that the house now belonged stating to him.

Mallorca - Issue 95 IT looks like being a miserable run up to Under this Christmas for bars and new meathe COVID-19 curfew restaurants after sure, bars and restauwas brought for- rants ward by two hours. must close at 10pm and The Balearic Islands government has en- restricted to people are forced a new 10pm to their homes 6am curfew from during last night. the curfew unless a justified reason such for This will stay in place as an until at least De- emergency. cember 21. Armengol President Francina Armengol said the that bars also announced measure ‘serves to combat and restaucoronavirus cases’ as ‘the the growth in rants in Lloseta, ting worse in Mallorca’. situation is get- Soller, Sa Pobla and Muro At present, the COVID-19 incidence rate be bannedwould over 14 days stands from 100,000 inhabitants. at 260 cases per serving indo Armengol said this figure and ‘shows an upward trend is ‘worrying’ since the rate stood at 198 in infections’ last week.

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HONESTLY, some people think immigrants are some sort of ‘thing’ that is less worthy of happiness, prosperity and a peaceful life than they are. The irony is that they are immigrants themselves most of the time! I just don’t get it at all. Laura Johann Criag, via FB

Pressure time THE world needs to place maximum pressure on the criminal governments running countries such as Nigeria. It’s an oil-rich country, but career politicians take all the wealth and leave their citizens to fend for themselves. Annie Macmillan, via FB

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LA CULTURA Maya and more

A PAIR of festive books take a close look at the lives of two famous Spanish artists. The first is a new biography on the enigmatic genius Francisco Goya. Written by Janis Tomlinson, the book, entitled simply, Goya, is a close look at the life of the reclusive artist, born in Aragon. It tells the story of Spain’s turbulent 18th and early 19th centuries, particularly exploring his series of sketches about the Peninsula War. The Disasters of War, as they were called, looked at the awful horrors that Napoleon’s French troops inflicted on their Spanish enemies.

Love

Goya was a great humanist and has even been described as a chronicler or journalist of his times. This book explains why. The second book looks at the relationship between Malaga-born Pablo Picasso with his eldest daughter Maya. The celebrated artist fell in love with Maya’s mother, Marie-Therese Walter when she was only 17 and he was in his 40s. The book features a number of the incredible paintings and sculptures of his young child, who he loved deeply. Called Picasso and Maya, it would make a wonderful Christmas present, although at over €150 it is a bit pricey.

Do you have a what’s on? Send your informa tion to newsdesk@theolivepr ess.es

December 22nd - January 12th 2021

Picture perfect Under the hammer

CONTEMPORARY: Works by Cabrita Reis are on display in Malaga

WITH more than 220 paintings and a breathtaking bronze sculpture collection, the work of the Portuguese artist Pedro Cabrita Reis has opened at Malaga’s CAC Contemporary Art centre. Spanning the artist’s 40year career from the 1980s to present day, the vast and varied collection includes everything from paintings to photography and installations to sculptures. The artist began his career studying painting at the

The International Brigades By Giles Tremlett The Award-winning author of Ghosts of Spain tackles the history of The International Brigade in his latest book. During the Civil war, 61 countries around theworld sent over 35,000 volunteers to fight against Franco, Hitler, Mussolini, and fascism.

Courage

It was the largest volunteer army since the crusades. Tremlett (pictured) sets out a fascinating story of resistance and courage against all odds and of European solidarity, through the experiences of The International Brigades. €21.90 The Bookshop San Pedro, www.thebookshop.es

Fine Art Faculty in Lisbon in 1983. Since then, Reis’ work has explored philosophical and poetic questions relating to space, memory and architecture. With each piece, the artist hopes to spark the viewer’s imagination and ‘take them to another dimension’. Named Cabrita, the exhibition is akin to a cabinet of curiosities, which were popular from the 16th to 19th century. Reis is inspired by neo-expressionism and the Italian Transavantgarde but his work is undeniably modern. The exhibition runs until March 14, 2021.

ART: Thought provoking

A SOROLLA masterpiece seized as part of the Malaya anti-corruption probe in Marbella has gone under the hammer for €801,500. Antes de la corrida (Before the bullfight - above), painted in 1898, was sold in a week-long online auction in London, despite a company claiming ownership at a Malaga court in a bid to stop the sale. Early valuations had indicated it might be worth up to €3 million, but only three bids were made. Spanish businessmen Andres Lietor and Carlos Sanchez, owners of the company CCF21, each attempted to claim ownership of Joaquin Sorolla’s timeless masterpiece. Lietor is the son of a businessman convicted in the notorious Malaya corruption case that rocked Marbella. Spanish courts believe that the Sorolla masterpiece is one of several valuable paintings that were ‘gifted away’ in order to avoid confiscation to pay fines and compensation.

Olga’s Plastic Problem A ‘FLOATING island’ sculpture consisting of 3,612 plastic bottles is on display in Alicante to highlight the problems of environmental pollution in the world’s oceans. The idea was conceived by local artist Olga Diego. It was originally going to be a large floating plastic sphere placed in the waters of La Albufereta beach for a few days in March. Pandemic restrictions put paid to that idea, so Diego decided to go for an indoor alternative. The fruits of her labour have been on display in Alicante’s Museum of Contemporary Art. Olga Diego said: “Art is a way of sending out a message over things that can improve our lives and I hope

PLASTIC: Highlighting environmental pollution that the floating island can do just that.” The inspiration for the piece came several years ago when she heard that a large area of plastic pollutants had gathered in the Pacific Ocean. “If the Earth continues the way it is, it will not last for long,” commented Olga. The ‘floating island’ was created with the help of students from the Miguel Hernandez Institute, who put together the plastic bottle collection, all of which is recyclable. The three-dimensional exhib-

it encourages people to use less single-use packaging and has lighting within it. Olga Diego enjoys pushing the boundaries in art, and often making it come alive. She created a square hot air balloon out of plastic in 2015 which she then took for a journey over Elche’s Carabassi beach. Three years later, she spent 58 hours locked away in London’s SCAN Project Room in a non-stop drawing marathon to see how far she could stretch her creative process.

LA CULTURA Sore losers 12

December 22nd - January 12th 2021

Madrid Naval Museum banishes its most popular painting because it glorifies a Spanish defeat ... but who are the real losers, wonders Cristina Hodgson

T seems that some people can’t take The large-scale work recalls the modefeat - even hundreds of years after ment when the ship, battered and out of the fact. ammo after days of intense battle, was A painting depicting the brave but ulti- forced to strike the colours of surrender. mately doomed final battle of a Spanish Admirers of El Glorioso say the paintwarship against British privateers has ing portrays a heroic action against a been removed from public display at the greater force that won even the eneMadrid Naval Museum. my’s praise. For many, The reason? Museum the picture depicting the directors think it ‘disreship and its brave crew Neither the spectful’ to the defeated who fought to the last captain to show the losing Glorioso or its bullet and cannonball is fight when it had gloriousinspiring story of hucaptain should an ly beaten the Brits in four man courage against the previous actions. But bosses at the be remembered odds. In place of the offending museum hold a different for defeat artwork they have hung a opinion. They are of the ‘more appropriate’ paintview that in an institution ing of an English ship set up to showcase great sinking... milestones and leading But the removal of the iconic painting in figures in Spanish naval history - a collecpreparation for the museum’s re-open- tion of 3,000 pieces in total - there is no ing has sparked a furious spat between place for a painting themed on defeat. directors and the general public. El Glo- “El Glorioso won four battles against the rioso, as it is affectionately known, has British and lost one. Neither the Glorioso been the painting most admired and nor Captain Don Pedro Mesia de la Cerphotographed by visitors since it was ac- da deserve to be remembered for that quired in 2014. defeat,” insisted Juan Rodríguez Garat, The reform of the formidable maritime admiral director of the Institute of Naval museum, one of the most important in History and Culture, in defence of the Europe, has been marred by controverartwork’s removal. sy over its glaring omission. “The painting does not reflect El ultimo combate del Glorioso by a significant event in the histhe current military history painter tory of El Glorioso or the Navy. Augusto Ferrar Dalmau, to give It has been replaced with a the painting its full title, shows the picture by Cortellini which deeponymous 74-gun warship shortpicts an English ship sinking,” ly before its capture in a battle added Garat. with a squadron of no Returning from Havana in less than 12 Brit1747, El Glorioso had not ish privateers off only fended off three Portugal in 1747. other attacks but

CONTROVERSY: This picture of El Glorioso’s last stand against British privateers has been removed from gallery (top) landed her valuable cargo safely on Spanish shores before doing battle against 12 British warships alone for three days and one night. It was a feat even British chroniclers, not usually given to praising the Spanish, greeted with respect, describing it as ‘honourable and extraordinary’. With tragic beauty, the magnificent painting portrays the ship in its final moments, stripped of its masts but still flying its flag,

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

with the men fighting like beasts on the splintered and smoke-filled deck, surrounded by English ships. Spanish novelist and journalist, Arturo Perez-Reverte Gutierrez (pictured left), who often draws on numerous references to Spanish history and colonial past in his novels, reproached the museum decision to remove El Glorioso, tweeting: “Please take this opportunity to explain why they (the Navy) have removed a

painting by Ferrer-Falmau on El Glorioso. Is it something personal against the painter, or is it simply stupidity?” Ironically, as Reverte also pointed out, in trying to hide the painting the museum has made it even more famous than it was before. “I am happy for Augusto Ferrer-Dalmau and for the memory of El Glorioso,’ he tweeted. ‘The naval museum that acquires it is going to be filled with visitors.’

Join us for a celebration of history, art, heritage and pageantry in a unique part of the world.

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A MERGER between CaixaBank and Bankia will generate a return on investment of 200%, according to estimates. When the two organisations merged in September this year, the collaboration became the largest banking institution in Spain. Together, the super-company now has assets totalling €664 billion. But, despite the merger’s success, Alvarez & Marsal consultant’s suggest that Sabadell, Unicaja and Liberbank are the most attractive due to their low price-books. In fact, they predict the merger between Unicaja and Liberbank, which is taking place in the coming weeks, could produce even higher returns than CaixaBank and Bankia with 270% . According to the firm’s report, ‘the opportunities for mergers and acquisitions must be evaluated based on the profitability provided to each entity; as well as the risk of integration, the net added value and other assessments’.

December 22nd January 12th 2021

Hospitality heartache

Bars, restaurants and hotels in Spain will have been hit to the tune of €67 billion by year end SPAIN’S bars, restaurants and hotels will suffer a revenue fall of at least €67 billion this year with a quarter of them shut for good. The claim comes from the Spanish Hospitality Business Confederation. Their statistics show an average 50.3% drop in hospitality trade turnover over the first nine months of 2020, compared to the same period last year. At least 85,000 businesses have folded so far in 2020, according to the Confederation. They add that the tally could rise to 100,000 if the national ERTE furlough scheme is not extended beyond February 2021. Confederation general secretary, Emilio Callego said: “If we reach 100,000 closures then we are talking of something close to a third of the total hospitality industry in Spain.” Hotels and accommodation lost 65.2% of their revenue between January

EMPTY TABLES: Revenue slashed by half By Alex Trelinski

and September, with catering establishments suffering a 42.8% drop. The biggest overall fall was in the tourist-dependent Balearic Islands with a reduction of over 70%. The Confederation says it fears that up to 680,000 jobs within the hospitality trade will have disappeared in 2020.

The sector has been promised an aid package from the Madrid government but there are fears that it may be too little and too late. Spanish Hospitality Association chairman, Jose Luis Yzuel said: “We need around €8.5 billion in direct aid but after two months of the government saying that it was working on a plan, we have heard nothing. There appears to be a total lack of empathy.”

On yer bike!

LOCAL businessman believes Ebikes could be the solution for Gibraltar’s increasing traffic problems. The Rock has around 40,000 registered vehicles meaning there are more than 650 vehicles for every kilometre of road, the highest proportion in the world. “We don’t have to look that far forward to see the impact that is going to have on our health, our well-being and our general quality of life,” said Stuart Hedley of Ebike Experience Store in Ocean Plaza. The green businessman was saddened by the public outcry that forced the government decision not to pedestrianise Line Wall Road. But he believes his electronically-assisted bicycle, also known as the Ebike could be the solution for Gibraltar’s transportation problems. Hedley also pointed to the economic benefits of his revolutionary Ebike, similar to the one used by the Chief Minister on his daily morning cycle rides. “About £10 will buy you a YEAR’S worth of EBike battery charging when you do 25km per week,” said the entrepreneur. “Plus, you’ll cut down on maintenance and insurance costs while parking is always free.” He also believes that using an e-bike help improve mental and physical health too. “EBikes promote movement and help battle obesity, heart disease and high blood pressure,” Hedley revealed.

“Riding an EBike can slash stress levels, boost your mood, and improve cognitive function as it is a great way to get your endorphins flowing.” Finally, he pointed out that Ebikes are better for the environment and the family, reducing noise and air pollution which contribute to climate change. The Ebike Experience Store at Ocean Village has now been open for nearly a year. It has seen both young and old try out the bikes which use pedal power with an electric motor for increased boost. There are even ECargo bikes available for rent to help companies to go green and avoid the traffic jams. Try out the latest EBikes now on a free 20-minute spin with the option to rent or buy later.

VAT information Free Sales, Guidedcontact Tours, Rentals For more EBike on +350 56004948, email info@ebikegibraltar.com or see ebike-gibraltar. com. Alternatively head down to the EBike experience store at Imperial Ocean Plaza, Ocean Village EBike Experience Store Imperial Ocean Plaza, Ocean Village

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FI160

165.000€ Coin, Malaga

2 bed, 1 bath Build: 95m2 The property and especially the 3,210 m2 plot, directly borders the river. There are reeds, palm trees, olive trees and fruit trees. We access the interior through a porch or terrace, and upon entrance, there is a kitchen on the left followed by a dining room and a wood stove.

Coin Office +34 952 741 525 info@inlandandalucia.com

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Remote working

BOOKINGS for Airbnbs in remote parts of Spain have soared in the past 12 months as tourists turn away from busy cities during the pandemic. The average price of a night in the small towns of Ferrol and Ourense, in Galicia, rose 28% and 9% respectively in the third quarter, according to AirDNA, which analyses data on vacation rentals. Meanwhile bookings and rental rates plummeted in major cities as high COVID-19 infection rates and restrictions kept holidaymakers away for months at a time. Barcelona and Madrid, two of Airbnb’s biggest markets globally, both saw a drop in the number of visitors over 2020.

Hard hit

Both cities were hard hit by the pandemic and data suggests Airbnb guests will now pay more to stay away from crowds in more rural areas. In Barcelona, occupancy fell by an average of 45% while owners in Madrid reported an annual occupancy rate fell 58%. Comparably, Gaucin - a picturesque hillside village near Ronda - saw the occupancy rate jump by 27% this year.

A LIFELINE is being thrown to homeowners who find squatters have moved into their property. The Junta has opened a freephone number for people to call to get immediate action. By dialling 900 100 112 they will be connected directly to their relevant provincial department which will be able to give legal advice. Staff will also alert police and lawyers with the aim of evicting squatters immediately, rather than having to enter a long drawn-out legal process. Junta vice-president Juan Marin said the region has had 1,500 reported cases of squatters in 2020, an average of six a day. Marin added that in many cases squatting was being organised by criminals who demand payment from property owners for their homes to be vacated without the need for lengthy legal action. If the property affected is a second home rather than main residence, then the first 48 hours of occupation is vital. This is the time frame in which police can take immediate action to remove squatters at low cost and little risk of le-

Squat victims’ lifeline Hotline to report squatters before it’s too late

OLIVE PRESS

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ANDALUCÍA

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Vol. 13 Issue 353 www.theolivepress.es September 30th - October 13th 2020

SEE PAGE 3

QUEEN Doña Sofia has caused a stir in the Axarquian fishing town of Rincon de la Victoria. The 81-year-old monarch arrived at the coastal town to participate in International Beach Cleaning the world's beaches after a summer Day, an incentive to tidy up During her 30-minute visit, Queen of use. Doña Sofia donned gloves, a mask and refuse bags and joined the volunteers in collecting trash from the Virgen del Carmen beach. In an effort to keep the crowds to a minimum during her visit, media was kept in the dark until the very last minute, however despite this, almost 700 onlookers During her 30 minute stay the gathered to show their support. support from the audience was overwhelming, with shouts of 'Long live the Queen!', 'Beautiful!' and 'Long live Spain!'. The love for the former monarch is far removed from the controversy surrounding her husband Juan tion into his corruption throughout Carlos I and the investigahis reign.

Maddie

Chief suspect ‘confessed’ to kidnap at Granada festival...

Page 5

gal action. If this window of opportunity is missed, then the illegal occupiers gain rights which can make it difficult to remove them In most cases, police will only kick out squatters without a judicial order is if it is clear they have just broken in and have not had time to settle in.

MEET THE STARS AT SAN SEBASTIAN

AN OLIVE PRESS SPECIAL REPORT:

Royal sweep

LITTER QUEEN: Doña Sofia

Saintly town

All you need to know about San Pedro de Alcantara...

Page 9

Castle heaven

A tour of Spain’s most iconic castillos...

Page 20

TRADING BEYOND THE HORIZON WITH BINCK

helped in costa clean-up

OUR SQUATTER HELL

A BRITISH expat has become scared to leave her own house ter being terrorised by a family afsquatters for the past two years. of Tina Cackett, 64, claims she been verbally assaulted and has received several death threats from the family since they illegally took over the property next to hers, which she also owns, in December 2018. On one occasion, Tina, a live-in carer, had to barricade herself inside her home while the father of the squatter family repeatedly screamed at her in her driveway that he was going to kill her. “It was terrifying,” Tina, from Colchester, told the Olive Press. “He looked deranged, like he was on something, and just kept screaming that he was going to kill me and that he had friends who would come and kill me. “His wife was holding him back and begging him to leave my driveway while I phoned police.” The trou-

Take control of your future and make your own financial choices!

Squatters take over British expat’s property meant for her sick daughter while threatening to kill entire family

EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore

“When they finally had a lawyer, he managed to find a misprint in the escritura which he claimed suggested the inheritors might not have had the right to sell the property, but it was just a typo.” To make matters worse, Tina had to find a new solicitor after discovering her SCARED: Tina Cackett and daughter Kristine (left) previous one was charging her for started throwing rocks hours not worked. at him,” Tina claimed, “even their She now has the documents in or- shouting death threats, it’schild was der to prove she bought the home just horlegally and is hoping for a resolution rible, and the mother is supposed to this year, but everything has been be a care worker! Even my daughter slowed down due to the COVID-19 has received threatening WhatsApp messages, which we have saved pandemic. for Meanwhile the squatter family police. “I’m scared to leave my continues to threaten Tina and her take my dogs for a walk in house to loved ones. case they Just three weeks ago Tina’s partner do something to me. was also threatened by the father, “This family has ruined our lives and it’s just not fair, while I paid all mother and son, who their bills they’re living rent free in is only around 12 years my property and driving around in old. a new “They told him to ‘go Tina car.” back to England you ly-run has contacted two privatesquatter removal companies English madman’ and but they said as there is a court case ongoing they cannot take on her case. THE SKY It comes as Spain’s right AUTHORISED wing parties are hoping to DOCTOR DISTRIBUTOR clampdown on squatting, ALL AREAS COVERED which has soared during the coronavirus pandemic. KEEP SQUATTERS OUT! 4G UNLIMITED The Partido Popular and Vox want to see stricter meaINTERNET Special Anti “Okupas” sures, including thousands IDEAL FOR alarm offer of euros in fines and up to STREAMING TV three years in prison. Immediate Police ALSO IPTV, However left-leaning parties SATELLITE TV response fear it may criminalise struggling families who have been tel: (0034) 952 763 840 Call: +34 611 475 892 unable to pay rent during the info@theskydoctor.com colin.securitasdirect@gmail.com COVID-19 crisis.

ble began when Tina bought the house, which sits just across a dried out riverbed from her own home, in Competa, Malaga, at the end of 2018. The previous owners, who she was very close to, had died, and the heritors of the property decided into sell it to Tina. “I wanted a home for my daughter Kristine, she is often ill and needs hospital treatment or looking after, so the setup was ideal,” Tina explained. But while waiting for the deeds to be put into her name, which took several weeks, the squatters moved in and changed the locks. Since then a legal battle has ensued, which has been delayed and extended on technicalities. “The first couple of times they turned up without a lawyer, which means the case gets adjourned,” added Tina. “I’ve been told it’s a tactic they use a lot to buy time.

NEWS: OP has reported often on squatting in 2020 BinckBank.com/horizon

www.theskydoctor.com

Opinion Page 6

Not Wimpey-ing out A BRITISH developer says that ‘lockdown misery’ is helping holiday home sales in Spain as they launch five developments for 2021. Taylor Wimpey Spain also

Staying positive

By Alex Trelinski

claims that the new properties will ‘boost the economic recovery of the country’.

The Property Insider

by Adam Neal

Quality of life, nesting and the importance of the home in 2020 and beyond

Mallorca is getting three new developments, along with one each at Marbella Lake on the Costa del Sol and in Javea on the Costa Blanca. Taylor Wimpey Spain marketing director, Marc Pritchard, said; “We’ve seen plenty of interest in Spanish second homes during 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.” “Many buyers are waiting out the travel and lifestyle restrictions and spending this time planning their property purchase,” he added.

Demand

ATURALLY 2020 was a year we wouldn’t want to repeat in a hurry. But in spite of lockdowns, restrictions and the temporary closing of our business premises, we also feel that there was a lot to be grateful for – including being able to keep all our staff employed full time on salaries. We also managed to translate our website into French, most of our blogs into Spanish and some into Russian as well, and contrary to expectations did not do too badly at all. In fact, with hard work, flexibility and a greater than ever dedication to service we actually managed to improve upon our sales results in 2019 which is frankly astonishing. While being grateful for these excellent results in challenging times, which in themself prove that demand for the property and lifestyle of the Costa del Sol remains in reality undiminished, we also take note of the fact that many of the restaurants, hotels and other businesses surrounding us in towns such as Estepona, Marbella, Benahavis and others on the Costa del Sol, have suffered greatly as a result of the restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the Coronavirus. We have been lucky but for many this has been a very difficult year. For the Terra Meridiana team, therefore, 2020 has not been a bad year, though naturally we look forward to a return to normal life, when we

Mijas Costa

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

PROPERTY

December 22nd January 12th 2021

The

IMPORTANT: People have improved and equipped their housing during the pandemic

can move around as we please; work, cooking equipment is testament to that. Howevtravel and socialise as people always er, I think you can go further and say the parhave done, and amount importance of the home above all see the in people’s lives has been firmly back of those pesre-established in 2020 and the During COVID ky masks! secondary home market has, as a One wonders whether 2020 withresult, benefited from this. Staying one’s home out such restrictions could have in became the new staying out in has become been a boom year given the level of 2020, allowing people to take stock demand we saw in the market. Or of life’s priorities, and with that a especially was the demand for overseas proprenewed appreciation of the home, important erty fuelled by the restrictions? the family and the quality of life. We all know that during the Which leaves us to wish our clients, COVIpandemic one’s home has befriends, colleagues and service procome especially important; the rise in consumer viders a very Merry Christmas, the best of health spending on home improvements and gym and and the very best for the coming year.

“We’re going to be fully prepared when that pent-up demand is suddenly released in 2021.” In spite of the push to get British and other foreign buyers, the company said that Spaniards have led the demand for properties this year at 18% nationally. That figure is even more dramatic on the Costa Blanca with 50% of all reservations coming from within Spain. Nevertheless, Marc Pritchard believes that lockdown misery in the UK and across Europe will get buyers flocking in to get a taste of Spanish sunshine. “Sitting on a terrace in the sunshine during a lockdown is a very different experience from being stuck indoors in the rain.” “That has been a driving factor for several of those who have purchased homes from us during the pandemic,” he added.

Terra Meridiana, 77 Calle Caridad, Estepona • 29680 • Tel: +34 951 318480. Office Mob: +34 678 452109 Email: info@terrameridiana.com. Website: www.terrameridiana.com OPTIMIST: Pritchard

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

December 22nd - January 12th 2021

DRAM-A

Cunning plan

A NEW campaign to encourage British tourists to Spain in the Spring has been launched. National tourism agency, Turespaña, has drawn up the strategy that aims to get Brits and other Europeans back on planes. Presented by Miguel Sanz, General Director of Turespaña, and Reyes Maroto, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, the ‘Travel Safe’ campaign will ‘offer a service of official and updated information to help restore confidence and security to the traveller,’ said Maroto.

SPANISH police have busted a major crime ring suspected of exporting fake whiskey. Over €800,000 worth of counterfeit booze has been seized and 14 people, aged between 37 and 52 years old, have been arrested. Cops launched Operation Fuco in the summer in a bid to bust what they believed to be the largest criminal network for the production and illegal distribution of whiskey. The group was widespread across Spain, with key bases in La Rioja, in Jaén and in Campo de Criptana, a town in Ciudad Real.

Star Trail

Over €800,000 worth of counterfeit whiskey seized in major crime ring bust By Kirsty McKenzie

The fraud had the potential to be worth more than €800,000 and cause damage to the unnamed counterfeited whiskey brand of almost €4 million. Officers seized nearly 300,000 whiskey bottles, 171,200 counterfeit tax stamps, and more than

Vital

The cornerstone of the plan, slated to cost €2 million in the first eight weeks, is to create a microsite, available in 10 different languages, on the official tourism website, spain.info. This will provide vital information to prospective holidaymakers on all things related to COVID-19, whether they are after a weekend in the capital or a beachside escape, such as up-to-date details on travel requirements, regional coronavirus levels, restaurant capacities, and restriction measures. BUSTED: Fake whiskey bottling plant uncovered

27,000 cardboard boxes with the logo of a well-known brand. Investigators suspect, but have not been able to prove, that some of the bottles seized were destined to supply the illicit market for alcoholic beverages, possibly in southern Spain. The people implicated used a legitimate firm involved in the distribution of alcoholic beverages in La Rioja. The first base of operations, in Ciudad Real, was run by an Asian businessman who imported from Asia fake tax stamps and counterfeit glass bottles, labels and caps for a well-known brand. The second base in La Rioja was in charge of preparing the alcoholic mixture and bottling it. The bottles were sent back to Ciudad Real where they added the labels and seals and got them ready for distribution. Those detained and the seized items have been made available to a court in Calahorra, La Rioja and the prosecutor at the La Rioja Superior Court of Justice.

MALAGA’S star hiking trail, el Caminito del Rey, has reopened again, coinciding with the lift of mobility restriction in Andalucia. After weeks of closure, The King’s Path, built into the walls of Los Gaitanes Gorge, in El Chorro, will return to its usual winter timetable. The hiking trail will be open from 9.30am to 3pm every day except December 24, 25 and 30 and January 1. It costs €10 for general admission and €18 for the guided tour in Spanish or English.

COVID-restrictions in Spain have pushed cava sales down as much as 40% this year. The early closure of bars and restaurants as well as limits on travel across much of the country meant that the country’s €1.2 billion fizzy wine sector is drying up. Brands like Freixenet have been hit hard according to Cava Regulatory Board Chairman Javier Page. Shipments of the fizz, mainly made in the northeastern Catalunya region, fell 10.5% in January to September from a year ago. Page said there was a bigger drop in domestic consumption than abroad, with sales to Britain, Sweden and Hol-

Fizzing out land remaining steady. Over a nine month period overseas consumption of cava dropped just 7% in comparison with a 13% dip at home. Damia Deas, chairman of AECAVA business group and manager of the Vilarnau brand, forecast sales could fall between 25% and 40% in 2020 from the 250 million bottles shipped in 2019. He said : “No doubt, it’s a terrible year...we had prepared for the worst but our sector has been able to resist a bit better than we thought.”

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December 22nd - January 12th 2021

T’S undoubtedly Valencia’s unique selling point, a surreal city of swooping white concrete and glass undulating along the banks of the old Turia riverbed like a CGI creation from Star Wars. Calatravaland , as it’s sometimes called, was envisaged at a time when the cities of Europe were vying to make their mark on the international stage. Once, majestic cathedrals were erected to show a city’s worth. In 20th century Spain it was the spectacle of structural gymnastics like the City of Arts and Sciences that changed the city skyline. Similarly to its medieval counterparts it was built by the taxpayers and it continues to be maintained by the same today. So is it worth it? La Ciutat de les Arts de les Ciencies, to give it its proper Valencian name, is truly a sight to behold. Tourists flock in their droves to visit this spectacular vision which brought in €314.4 million in 2018 and has raised Valencia’s cultural status to near that of Barcelona and Madrid.

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

UNREAL CITY: Dubbed ‘Calatravaland’ after its homegrown architect, is Valencia’s €1.2 billion City of Arts a world wonder or a monumental waste of taxpayers’ money, asks expat architect Kevin Cash

ANCIENT AND MODERN: El Palau de les Arts i l'Hemisfèric and Ciutat vella by Kevin Cash

Arctic Monkeys

Each year (with the obvious exception of 2020), it attracts tens of thousands of international tourists enticed by events such as free MTV concerts headlining major acts like The Cure and The Arctic Monkeys. In many ways this is important, with cities attracting the biggest mass migration of our times. Their benefits are power in numbers, jobs, municipal facilities, hospitals, schools and the arts. Their downside, overcrowding, rush-hour traffic, inequality, lack of access to facilities and suburban malls killing local trade. Good sustainable management of urban spaces is definitely the key to their success. And the ‘build it and they will come’ philosophy has worked to a point creating new spaces and allowing new neighbourhoods to gain a foothold within the city limits, such as Calatravaland, which sits just outside the city centre. However, it is my belief that this overpriced development was created at the expense of the existing urban structure, which has been sadly neglected for a quick return. In particular, the old town of Valencia - Ciutat Vella - where I reformed my own flat and have been living and working since 2003.

Did Valencia need Calatravland? It was the PSOE who envisaged it in the late 80’s, to the condemnation of the PP. But when the party took power in the mid 90’s the scheme mushroomed to even greater heights. As a result of the ‘too big to fail’ syndrome, costs spiralled four-fold from the original budget of €300 million to well over a billion euros. During its construction the old town was largely neglected and the rot

set in, with drugs and anti-social behaviour becoming more commonplace. Just think what the city could have done with this amount of money? Sure, the architecture is impressive… The Palau de les Arts dominates the site allowing the city to host major international events. But after the obligatory photos to show off to your social media friends, what else does Calatravland offer? L’Hemisfèric, a

FISHERMAN: One of the few people seen at the City of Arts and Sciences this month, while (right) and dog walker

cinema, albeit 3D; an arboretum and disco where young V alencianos strut their stuff, and an opulent opera house where the moneyed older demographic splash the cash, paying up to €130 a seat. But behind the glitz, there are glitches. It’s been prone to flooding in the past. And what is the true value of a

science museum where the permanent exhibition hasn’t changed in 20 years. To a scientist, maybe that’s the nature of permanent, but only now are there new exhibitions in the pipeline. Upwards and onwards to Calatravaland’s crescendo, a mussel-like coruscation of a building yet to be finished, closed to the public after host-

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

December 22nd - January 12th 2021

A MARVEL: But by night it ‘dies a death and becomes cold and clinical and without depth’ ing a couple of tennis matches and a fashion show. The Àgora, a classic oxymoron populated by ghosts. It too is to get a facelift by bringing the Caixa Forum here to match Madrid and Barcelona. This can only be topped by the twisted apartments in the sky project (design fees €15 million) that is still on hold, although housing may

well give Calatravaland back some much-needed function over form. Therefore, do we blame the architect for all its shortcomings? Being one myself, I stand in solidarity with my fellow professional and say no. Calatravaland is a product of its time and the cultural psyche - Nero fiddled while Rome went down the pan. It may have satisfied our immediate

craving for new, shiny objects to raise us up, while giving us a quick fix of so-called high culture. The big question remains, what is needed to give it purpose in an age where sustainability is the new buzz word.REDUCE, reuse and only then recycle. After the tourists have overdosed on Calatravaland, the magnet which may have drawn them to Valencia in the first place, they must be enticed to venture further afield and discover its polar opposite, the old city where people live and work and raise their kids. A pleasurable bike ride along the old riverbed, the amazing green lung of the city, leads to a world of total contrast to Calatravaland. You can still meander along the narrow streets, albeit many are interspersed with vacant lots, like missing teeth, and decaying buildings covered in green construction mesh But beneath the cobbles, medieval and Moorish imprints still underpin the core of the city, and under these the Roman city that began it all. This is the Rome to Calatravaland’s Nero. Nowadays, the streets tracing the old city walls are almost devoid of traffic and manage to retain their tranquil charm. The grand palaces with their quiet and reclusive internal courtyards and the less noble buildings that tie in the whole urban fabric give a real sense of place. This has been a gradual evolution over millennia, not one man’s vision built over a few decades, devoid of the life blood of a living, breathing city. So why is the old town not being treasured as it should be and what will be the consequence of this? Private development here is at a standstill if not regressing, stifled by

red tape and the additional costs and restrictions that come with free zone. developing in a historic neighbour- But it is time that neglected plots hood. There are new build opportu- were addressed. Redesign would nities elsewhere in the city that are encourage community ownership of more lucrative and less hassle. neighbourhoods through ‘passive Like many cities, there is also an surveillance’. For example more element of antisocial behaviour in semi-private spaces are needed to some areas, especially in August protect private domains, such as when most people leave the highs simple front gardens for existing of 40 degrees celsius for the beach ground floor social housing projects. or mountains and a less discernible All this would be for the greater good, element frequents the area, includ- creating an environment for everying the most vulnerone, as Calatravaland able of society, the continues to draw in homeless, drug addicts the tourists to the widCould and drunks. Although er city. it’s not as bad as the In conclusion, is CaCalatravaland, 1980s and 90s when latravaland, just too a heroin epidemic left be too modern? modern? Is that why most of the old town it’s so intriguing, beIs that why it’s cause no one really and the riverbed off limits. it? In my so intriguing? understands Before the pandemopinion the main dific, tourist rentals and ference is that ‘it just noise pollution plagued ain’t got soul’. the sleep of residents and the build- No doubt in architectural terms it’s a ing works, though desperately need- marvel, a sculpture to behold. But at ed, caused tension between home night it dies a death, becomes cold, owners within apartment blocks. clinical, without depth. It’s people inMoving forward, how can the char- side looking out, unlike the old town acter of the old town be preserved which is outside looking in. whilst being regenerated, along with The charming ruin of the much nethe wider city (La Cabañal, Beni- glected c iutat vellais a more human machet, Russafa, Patriax) ? Some scale, an area that carves out places measures have been put in place to as opposed to Calatravaland being address the situation, for example, objects within space. The old town is public consultation. Unfortunately, given life by its inhabitants and, even this is slow and small scale as the through this surreal time, it contintown hall is strapped for cash. ues to delight and give hope for the Some positive initiatives have also future. borne fruit, such as the traffic engi- The pandemic has given us pause for neering project to reduce vehicles thought. Let us use this opportunity and increase bike travel city-wide. to focus on our built heritage and reThe old town has benefitted the most invigorate what we have here in Vafrom this and is now an almost traffic lencia, the existing old and the new.

Photos by Jon Clarke

Clever-trava?

December 22nd January 12th 2021

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HEALTH Summer Target SPAIN’S health minister, Salvador Illa, has predicted that 70% of the population will be vaccinated by the end of the summer. He added that enough ‘herd immunity’ would be generated at that stage to witness the ‘beginning of the end’ of the coronavirus pandemic. Vaccinations will start in Spain next month with the first jabs heading to nursing homes and their staff, followed by health workers.

Dangers

Illa said that it was good news on the vaccination front but that people will need to wear a mask and follow social distancing rules for some time. “We must take precautions until the experts tell us we can start lifting restrictions,” Illa added. “We don’t want to keep emergency measures in place longer than necessary but there are serious dangers if we rush too quickly to lift restrictions.”

December 22nd - January 12th 2021

Good to go

LAMP tests accepted by Spain

By Laurence Crumbie

THE Spanish Health Ministry has confirmed that the LAMP test for detecting COVID-19 is now accepted for those wishing to enter the country. In an official state bulletin the ministry said that, in addition to the PCR test, the TMA (Transcription-Mediated Amplification) test and ‘other molecular detection techniques’ are now valid for travellers to Spain. This raised some confusion, as the TMA test is not yet available in the UK or Germany and there was no specific mention of the LAMP test, which was recently approved by the UK government. However, the Ministry of Health has now told The Olive Press that the LAMP test is valid as well. Like the PCR test, the LAMP (Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification) test detects genetic material (RNA) from the virus and is carried out using a swab from the nose or throat.

Health kick

UK: NHS workers applaud first vaccinations, now Spain will accept Brit LAMP tests According to an evaluation carried out by NHS trusts and universities, it is ‘accurate and sensitive enough to be used for COVID-19 testing, including for those without symptoms.’ “The OptiGene RTLAMP test was found to have a sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 100%, meaning the test is effective in identifying the cases who are infectious and are most likely to transmit the disease. “In samples with a higher viral load, the

Jungle fever

PRIDE KNOCKED: Lions in Barcelona have contracted coronavirus

FOUR lions have tested positive for coronavirus at Barcelona Zoo. Zala, Nima and Run Run, all females, and male Kiumbe underwent a COVID-19 test after displaying mild symptoms. Two staff members also tested positive for the virus and an investigation is now under way to establish how the infection spread. Zoo officials said the risk of the virus spreading to visitors or other animals was

By Lydia Spencer-Elliott

low since no one gets ‘close enough’ to the pack. The lions, all aged 16, have had no contact with other animals at the Barcelona facility. Zala, Nima, Kiumbe and Run Run are responding well to treatment, and aside from a minor cough are almost back to full health. They are being treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and moni-

tored closely. “The lions were given veterinary care for their mild clinical condition - similar to a very mild flu condition - and [they] responded well,” the zoo said in a statement.

Care

“The Zoo has worked with international experts such as the Veterinary Service of the Bronx Zoo, the only one that has documented cases of SarsCoV-2 infection in felines.”

sensitivity of the test increased to 94% for saliva and 100% for swabs.”

Cheaper

Importantly for travellers, it is also cheaper and produces results faster than the PCR test, because it is performed at a constant temperature. The LAMP test can be booked at London Heathrow, Man-

chester, London Stansted, and East Midlands Airports, where it costs £79 and gives results in under 90 minutes. You can book a LAMP test up to four weeks in advance at London Heathrow and up to two weeks in advance at the others. Travellers still have to obtain a negative result within 72 hours of their arrival in Spain.

SCIENTISTS in Spain are studying how exercising twice a week for 50 minutes can help boost recovery from so-called ‘Long-Covid’. Exercises used in the study include a programme of strength and aerobic exercises to help people return to full health post-coronavirus. Understanding the best rehabilitation methods is becoming increasingly important as people continue to report ‘long Covid’ symptoms - such as fatigue and dehydration - that have continued for many months after first contracting the virus.

HEALTH

December 22nd - January 12th 2021

estive check

With the run up to the rich foods and boozing of Christmas looming, Gabriella Chidgey (left) decided to go for a full health examination, with wine and a vegan diet brought to the fore

EACHING 50 and already While the advancement of heart losing friends to cancer disease follows a more predictthis year, I was anxious to able pattern, requiring screenfind out if I had anything ing every five years, cardiologist untoward lurking beneath the Henrik advises yearly screening surface. for cancer. With the festive season set to In our consultation immediately begin, I knew I’d be polishing after the test, he thankfully reoff double the usual calories for ported that he could see no obweeks on end, as well as prob- vious signs of disease or injury. ably tripling the recommended Nonetheless, the following week, alcohol rates. Would this set off he promised a more studied rea domino effect of pain and suf- port of the MRI scans alongside fering in the new year? the laboratory results of the I was particularly concerned blood, urine and stool tests. since I have been suffering from And then, perhaps predictably, debilitating digestive complaints the subject turned to diet, which that were beyond the range of according to his research should the familiar IBS symptoms this be our overwhelming priority. year. Now I am a pretty healthy eater I chose a full medical check at and have to be due to my stomExecutive Health, in Marbella, ach issues, but he surprised coordinated by me by suggestheart scientist Dr ing that I follow Henrik Reinhard Eating poultry a largely vegan, in the hope that plant-based, increases your wholefood diet. it would enlighten me. was more acrisk of prostate Icustomed The annual to rescreening inceiving platitudes and colon volves a thorough from doctors cancer MRI examination about reducing of the thorax, abstress and avoiddomen and pelvis ing the obvious alongside a clinical evaluation dietary irritants, namely cafof my heart, balance and coor- feine, spices and alcohol. dination, a lung function test, However Henrik claimed that and analysis of blood, urine and this would be much more than stools. a salve for the stomach. He exMagnetic Resonance Imaging plained that a vegan diet can (MRI) uses a powerful magnet- ‘modify our natural history and ic field combined with specific actually reverse the process of radio frequencies to create de- atherosclerosis’ (the dangerous tailed images of internal body calcification of the arteries that structures (organs, bones and can lead to heart attacks and tissues) with the aid of a sophis- cardiac arrests) a claim supportticated computing system. ed by scientific research. By detecting abnormalities, Since 40% of the population are cancerous and non-cancerous at risk of cardiovascular disease growths, damaged tissues, in- then this is revolutionary inforflammation, infection and much mation. more it can help diagnose the He added that other studies presence of disease or injury. revealed that eating poultry in-

MIX: Cut down red meat and eat more pulses, grains and nuts creases your risk of pancreatic, prostate and colon cancer by 72%. Red meat is considered even worse for your health, with pork slightly better than lamb and beef, while fish also has its dangers. Dr Henrik recommended following the approach to nutrition as outlined by Dr.Greger in his excellent book ‘How Not to Die’, which I conveniently have on my bookshelf. Greger advocates the consumption of a ‘daily dozen’, which includes servings of beans, fruit,

greens, grains, flaxseed, berries, spices, nuts, and also 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every day. As for the vast array of supplements I have bought over the years, Henrik advised just two; vitamin D3 and B12 cyanocobalamin.

Wine

He also mentioned - and this was the good bit - that medical evidence supported the benefits of a couple of glasses of wine per night, so long as there are also a couple of days of abstinence a

INSIDE OUT: An MRI scan can detect cancerous growths, inflammation and infection, and even more imbalances in the body

week. He did stress that. I took note and went home to pore over my copy of Greger, relieved to discount the many other diet books taking up valuable shelf space. About 10 days later, we met again to discuss the laboratory results and full MRI report. All of which were also given to me on a memory stick for future reference. Fortunately, nothing of any significance had appeared in the detailed report so no further consultations with specialists

For more information and to set up a health check contact Henrik at Executive Health on 603840984 or info@executivehealth.es

nor treatment programs would be necessary. The laboratory tests also confirmed that there were no infections present in my body and that my levels of good cholesterol were high and the bad cholesterol low .

Eggs

Using all the data gathered, Henrik was able to calculate my overall risk of heart disease to be just 20%. I was thrilled. For my part, since then by following a weekday vegan regimen with meat on the weekends, I have improved my symptoms by about 80%! The main culprit for me is probably dairy (including sheep and goat products) however Henrik suggested that I also continue avoiding gluten due to the general sensitivity of my digestive system. And then the good doctor threw down the gauntlet by suggesting I give up meat, fish and eggs completely. In his opinion this would lower my cholesterol from 115 to below 100, which in turn would reduce my risk of cardiovascular disease to just 5.8%, the lowest rate imaginable...one that practically no-one he knows has got down to. With Christmas coming, I may just make this my New Year Resolution!

COLUMNISTS A

Lisa Burgess

S a child, Alastair Sim as Ebenezer Scrooge scared the bejesus out of me. My mother, Ann Burgess, created the most magical Christmases every year and my memories are splendorous but I wondered youthfully how life would be without her as I watched him with utter fear. In Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol, Scrooge said: “I wear the chain I forged in life. I made it link by link and yard by yard and I girded it of my own free will”. I never understood that till I lived my own life. Rather than the material part of Christmas, I think forgiveness is the greatest gift we

December 22nd - January 12th 2021

Bah humbug! All I want for Christmas, ain’t you Lessons from Christmases past can give to all. If we were all visited by the Ghost of Christmas past, present and future let’s wonder where we would all be? We have all made mistakes, nobody is infallible. Yet we can change the paths of our life with small steps. If you are alone this Christmas and I will be too then these tips may help: Try volunteering on the day to help out at a shelter, wrap up and take yourself for a brisk walk so you see other people and most of all never fail to treat yourself. It doesn’t have to be all the

turkey and trimmings with sparkly people around you. Enjoy what you love.

Ruined

I hosted a huge Christmas once with my great aunt Lily. She had lost her husband and was so dreadfully unhappy. She ruined Christmas dinner because I had been given a car for Christmas and she didn’t think I appreciated it enough, never mind that it was on my credit card and though the big red bow was wrapped around it, I felt I had been had. I miss her and all those who have gone before her, especially my dear mum. So I say let’s raise a glass to Christmas present and future. As Scrooge said: “Can you forgive a pig-headed old fool with no eyes to see with and no ears to hear with all these years?” Yes, we can and I say Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to one and all!

OU may have noticed that we are in December and, as John Lennon famously wrote ‘And so this is Christmas, and what have you done?’ one. If there is something that Granted this is 2020, so I dislike even more than Ed for the vast majority of us Sheeran, it’s the Christmas the answer is not very much single. actually, apart from endu- Back in the age of vinyl, most re lockdown, binge on box artists were contractually oblisets and Netflix and become ged to release a Christmas embroiled in heated internet Album. The majority were arguments about vaccines, slickly produced and brilliantmasks and the car crash dra- ly marketed efforts by Sinatra, ma that are US elections and Deano, Elvis and Bing which Brexit in the UK. have become Personally, if it’s as much a part all the doing of of the festivities One of the a ‘Dark Cabal’ as putting up of 12 foot lizard the decorations, greatest people, let them while Phil SpecChristmas have a shot tor’s A Christat running the mas Gift for You’ albums of all world. Let’s face featuring the time it, our reptilian talents of The overlords can’t Ronettes, is one possibly do a of the greatest worse job than the politicians Christmas albums of all time. that we currently have. The Christmas single, howePandemic or no pandemic, ver, has seen some absolute this month proves that there turkeys. For every Last Christis one thing that is unaffec- mas, or Fairytale of New York, ted by world events. I am, there is a Paul McCartney and of course, talking about the Wings Wonderful Christmas Christmas single. Time, anything festive from I’ll be honest with you on this Robbie Williams (this year’s offering is a ‘COVID inspired’ song), or the inevitable All I want for Christmas is you. I once worked in a theme pub that started playing Christmas

Requiem for the Christmas card

DON’T know about you but I’ve got three solitary Christmas cards to display on my mantelpiece this Christmas. It’s nothing like ye old yuletide’s past when cards were sent from ‘The Becketts’ to all and sundry, from great aunts twice removed to Dad’s office caretaker. Throughout the month of December, the postman rang at least twice daily and reciprocal Christmas mail avalanched through our letterbox like the owl letters in Harry Potter. Cards not only decked the hall but covered every surface area, littering occasional tables, festooning the fireplace and hanging like bunting from the pelmets, an impressive testament to my parents’ wide social circle. These days everyone’s Zooming, emailing virtual Moon Pig cards or composing Christmas newsletters embedded with live video links to family weddings, christenings and holidays abroad - such as they were, in 2020. It is far more interesting than a card from someone indecipherable, scrawled in the handwriting of

a drunk, although it does leave one’s mantelpiece bereft. But who can blame them? No one wants to stand outside the post office in a slow-moving queue for stamps when they can press Send from the comfort of their own home office. My thoughts go out to anyone behind me in the queue at Los Barrios post office last week. I got the trainee who spent 13 minutes and 26 seconds finding out the price of a stamp to the USA and had never heard of Nueva Zelanda … or maybe it was my Spanglish accent … and thought it was probably in Europe. Mind you, with the recent lockdown confining us within borders, there were precious few decent card shops you could legally go into. Luckily I found some from last year at the back of a drawer so if you get one from me, you got leftovers! COVID has changed almost everything but it would be a shame if the Christmas card became another casualty. Like Charles Dickens, plum pudding and the 1951 Alastair Sim movie, Scrooge, they’re part and parcel of a tradition that goes

OP Puzzle solutions Across: 5 Mermaids, 8 Awed, 9 Weightlifting, 10 Miscarriages, 13 Music teacher, 16 Dairy products, 19 Bali, 20 Relished. Down: 1 Selenium, 2 Historic, 3 Ragtag, 4 Sean, 6 Magic, 7 Ski, 11 Ice lolly, 12 Sweet pea, 14 Sprain, 15 Chums, 17 Ajar, 18 Par.

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music on a non-stop loop from mid-October. That sort of torture does things to a man, trust me. Far worse, however, are the reality TV celebrity Christmas songs. In a world where auto tune can arrange the sound of you stepping on the cat into something resembling the St Paul Choir, even the most hopeless singers are getting in on the act. And so, just when you thought 2020 couldn’t get any worse, the year hits us with a parting shot. TOWIE star Gemma Collins and Darren Day have been tipped to be the Christmas Number One with their, ahem, ‘memorable’ rendition of Baby, it’s cold outside. Having seen ‘GC and The Dazzle’ on Social Media promoting the track with all the subtlety of a frozen Christmas Pudding thrown at the Flatscreen TV, 2021 and whatever global apocalypse it brings can’t come soon enough!

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

The ping of the inbox will never replace the postman’s knock, writes Belinda Beckett

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 back longer than you think. The commercial Christmas card was invented by Sir Henry Cole in 1843 but Queen Victoria was not, as is commonly thought, the first to send one. She was pipped at the post by learned German alchemist Mi-

Specialists in leak detection, repairs and renovations New pool builds with 10 year guarantees Installation of pool heaters and automatic covers chael Maier who sent one to James I of England in 1611. Only discovered in 1979, his long-winded message laid out in the shape of a rose read: ‘A greeting on the birthday of the Sacred King, to the most worshipful and energetic lord and most eminent James, King of Great Britain and Ireland, and Defender of the true faith, with a gesture of joyful celebration of the Birthday of the Lord, in most joy and fortune, we enter into the new auspicious year 1612’. In short, have a good one!

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

OLIVE PRESS Andalucía

Windy night

The

RUDOLPH and his flatulent reindeers will ‘emit’ up to 22 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) in Spain alone this Christmas Eve. Professor Phil Garnsworthy, from the University of Nottingham, has calculated Santa will cover 419,000 kilometres as he travels around the UK, with a similar figure in Spain. While the country has fewer households, it has more distance to cover. It also has to deal with the Three Kings and their ‘windy’ camels contributing to the climate crisis when they visit for the Epiphany. FREE Vol. 14 Issue 359 www.theolivepress.es December 22nd - January 12th 2021 Professor Garnsworthy, who conducted the study to publicise Fiat’s COVID queue E-Ducato electric van, said: “Rudolph, Vixen, FORGET COVID, one long Dasher and co have a standing Christmas travery busy night of work dition held firm on Monahead of them and the day when people stood in methane they will be line for hours to buy an El emitting, while considGordo lottery ticket at Maerably more potent than POLICE are on the hunt for a drid’s Doña Manolita shop, CO2, is respectable conBy James Warren light-fingered thief responsible renowned as a lucky store. sidering the work they’ll for the theft of dozens of expenbe doing. sive door knockers in Ronda. complained of the disappear“They’re a lot more efGirl power It comes after cops were alert- ance of their front door knobs, ficient than your avered to a treasure trove of 38 which are worth up to €400 age diesel van and they HAUL: 38 bronze knockers were found by police A GROUP of six wombronze door knobs in an indus- each. wouldn’t be subject to en who used to run cytrial estate in the town. According to a police, the with many well over a century to release the knobs as in the any congestion charges, cle tours in Barcelona majority of cases there was no Officers started their investiga- brazen thief targets antique old. but the sleigh they power have decided to take on tions after a series of residents bronze knockers and handles, The pilferer uses screwdrivers apparent damage to the doors is still a fair way off being Amazon and Deliveroo or signs of force. zero emission.” by setting up their own As well as the valuable knobs, ‘ethical, sustainable police have also found a series and inclusive’ delivery of hinges and handles, some service based on two showing significant signs of agwheels. ing and with a certain historical value. IT has put up the Dalai Lama, Charlie A campaign is now underway Till rings Chaplin and Winston Churchill. to reunite the items with ownThe Olive Press Now, one of Spain’s most prestigious hotels ers. A VALENCIAN businesshas been sold for a massive €165 million. The valuable artefacts can fetch wishes all our readers man has been awarded Grand Dame of Mallorca, Hotel Formentor from €200 to €400 at special€25,000 in damages after and clients a very - that has also catered to the whims of John ist auctions. a photo of him standing Merry Christmas and Wayne and Mijail Gorbachov has been The humble knocker has a dark next to a picture of a ficThe 90-year-old hotel, which opened in sold to the Emin Capital group. past, originating in Ancient hopefully a happier tional mafia clan in 2016 The five-star joint in Pollensa, is set to re- 1929, was described as the ‘chicest place Greece, where they were used Ben Affleck movie The New Year ahead. open as a Four Seasons hotel after a com- I’ve never been to’ by Hollywood star Jane to chain slaves to the door of Accountant was used by a We are out again on Birkin. prehensive upgrade. the homes of dignitaries to welfilm company. come guests. January 13

Your expat

voice in Spain

Bang out of order

FINAL WORDS

Police hunt for prolific doorknocker thief

All change at Stardust inn

Seasons greetings

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 .

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20/7/20 13:08