Olive Press Gibraltar - Issue 138

The Christmas crackers in your Olive Press stocking this issue...

The local Spanish chefs with new ‘green’ stars

The ‘Super Santa’ doc making a difference on the Rock

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See page 4

OLIVE PRESS Breathe easy!

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The

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Why it’s a custom to wear red at Xmas in Spain

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Vol. 5 Issue 138 www.theolivepress.es December 21st - January 12th 2021

Government ‘pleased’ as air quality ‘best since records began’

IT will come as a massive breath of fresh air for Gibraltarians in this COVID-hit Christmas.

While the pandemic is forcing festive plans to change, there has at least been some good news about the environment.

The latest figures from the Gibraltar Government show that air quality is at the best level since records began.

Data provided by the Environmental Agency alongside UK firm Ricardo’s shows that the two types of dangerous particulate matter, PM10 and the more dangerous PM2.5, decreased in 2019.

This particle matter and levels of nitrogen oxide can cause chronic lung disease, reduce plant growth and even discolour furniture.

The findings have been published in the Government’s Department of the Environment annual statistical report… and pollution is expected to have dropped considerably more this year.

Contaminants

Air quality is now at EU-recommended levels for the second year running and closer to stricter World Health Organisation standards.

Other pollutants like benzene were also down after the construction of a much cleaner liquid natural gas LNG power station at the North Mole.

While air quality is afflicted by the nearby Campo de Gibraltar oil refinery and chemical factory, bosses have tried to do what they can to reduce contaminants.

Meanwhile, temporary diesel power generators in the south district

See page 12

Festive check before revelry begins See page 15

Christmas plans sent into disarray

HOW IT WAS: Murky air envelopes the Rock in years gone by the GSLP/Liberal election victory.

By John Culatto “We were up against high levels of pollution and fanning the possibility which cause a lot of the pollution of high level fines from the EU. are being removed and the old pow- “We have successfully dealt with all er station has now been decommis- of that and attained recorded levels that we must be very pleased with. sioned.

As a result air monitors will now “Air pollution from power generabe moved to the north district to tion has now been dealt with almost analyse and tackle pollution there. entirely.”

It could be affected by aeroplane Both the LNG power station and moves towards more renewable enexhaust.

The next challenge the authorities ergy have been made to satisfy the are trying to tackle is pollution from protocols of the Paris Agreement and COP25 as they try to tackle clitraffic and shipping in the bay.

The first moves have already been mate change. made with electric buses and post- Minister Cortes even runs a Climate al delivery vehicles being examined Change portfolio within the government, the first time so much energy for their possible extended use.

“In 2011 we set has been dedicated to saving the out to tackle planet. the different “I am of course, still not happy with strands af- our air quality,” said Cortes, a forfecting our air mer environmental campaigner See page 16 quality,” said himself.

Minister for “Traffic and, on occasions, shipping, the Environ- are now the main contributors, and ment John we must all work together to tackle Cortes about these and improve further.”

Tel: 952 147 834 TM

So was it worth €1.2 billion?

ALL of the Rock’s restaurants, cafes, bars and gyms have been closed from December 22 until January 10 as the amount of active COVID cases reached unprecedented levels.

A ‘major incident’ has now been declared and the authorities are set to reopen the Nightingale Field Hospital, as the enclave reached an alarming 209 active cases.

In new rulings, masks are to be worn in all public areas as the Gibraltar Government took action to avoid having to order a full lockdown.

A maximum of three households will be allowed to mix over Christmas, while all religious worship has been stopped.

Elderly people have been strongly advised to stay at home.

Companies are being asked to get staff to work remotely, while it is thought unlikely that schools will reopen early in January.

It comes as the number of

infected persons has gone up five times since the 37 active cases recorded on December 13 and is many more than the previous record of 129.

While planes can continue to land, all visitors must have a negative certificate or take a test on arrival.

Border

Visitors from Spain will not face restrictions, however, it is understood Spain is set to bring in new tougher restrictions on those crossing from the Rock. The country announced yesterday that it was banning all tourists from coming in from the UK after a new strain spread rapidly around the South East.

The government blamed the rapid spread on a particularly busy Black Friday.

An angry protest from the Gibraltar Catering Association outside No.6 Convent Place on December 18 led to fines for organisers and participants.

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CRIME

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NEWS IN BRIEF Piping up NEW Year’s Eve Watch at Home presenter James Neish asked people to send in ‘fun and inspiring’ messages to the live show that will greet 2021.

Bike calamity A LOCAL 18-yearold woman whose motorbike was hit by a Spanish car at Winston Churchill Avenue on December 17 had to be taken to hospital for an X-ray.

Giving it all THE Leay couple have donated £5,000 from their Diamond Jubilee presents to St Bernard’s hospital after life saving surgery following a heart attack this year.

Gang smash A HASH smuggling clan responsible for barging a police car in September has been closed down in a police operation across the Gibraltar Campo that saw 17 arrests.

Red carded FAR-RIGHT ex-convict and founder of the English Defence League, Tommy Robinson (pictured) - real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon - has been banned from attending football matches around the world.

The fraudster came to prominence in Gibraltar this summer when he claimed, and then denied, that he was rehoming his family to the Costa del Sol due to ‘safety concerns’. He then said he may stay in Gibraltar after picturing himself on top of the Rock.

His four year ban was handed down after the 38-yearold was filmed punching an

A DRAMATIC car chase on Gibraltar streets that resembled an episode of Narcos has led to a Customs vehicle being damaged.

The incident occurred at 11pm on December 17 when a vehicle was spotted by a Customs patrol car leaving New Harbours industrial estate and speeding down Queensway.

They quickly radioed in another patrol crew around Europort Avenue that started chasing the suspect car.

December 21st - January 12th 2021

Secret smugglers

EDL founder Robinson barred from all football matches

England fan to the ground in Portugal during the Nations League finals.

That footage, from June 2019, was used by Bedford-

Car chase It continued down Waterport Road and onto Watergardens where a third Customs car was blocking the road.

Instead of coming to a halt, the fleeing car swerved the roadblock onto the other side of the road and escaped.

As the suspected smuggler dodged the patrol car, it damaged the Customs vehicle and left it unable to move. No arrests were made.

History, adventure and romance.

That’s just the setting.

shire Police to bring a civil case against Robinson.

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 leading Spanish academic, openly criticised Robinson’s double-standards for wanting to settle abroad as an immigrant.

He said it was curious that, ‘someone who would expel all the refugees from the UK and then apparently run to Spain for refuge’.

POLICE joined the dots to discover a drug smuggling gang that used a truck to hide their fast launch.

The puzzle unravelled after RGP officers chased and arrested three Spanish men suspected of smuggling near Eastern Beach.

As Drug Squad officers dug deeper they searched a property on Catalan Bay Road.

There they found a semi-rigid ‘Zodiac’ launch.

Impounded It was impounded along with a car, transceiver radios and a number of plastic petrol tanks used for the ride to and from Morocco.

A similar boat with engine and fuel containers found hidden inside a parked truck at Europa Point was also confiscated.

Hash browns A SUSPECTED hash dealer has been arrested after £3,600 of hashish was found in his flat and garage.

The 23-year-old man was raided at his Montague Gardens address by RGP Drug Squad officers.

Police also found digital scales and plastic wrappings used to distribute the illegal substance.

The suspect was later interviewed and formally charged with owning the cannabis resin with intent to supply it and was released on police bail.

Joyride mystery A STOLEN moped used by two men who failed to stop at a police checkpoint has been found close to Moorish Castle Estate.

The incident occurred on Prince Edward’s Road when RGP officers on patrol signalled the pair to come to a halt.

Thanks to information from Drug Squad officers, the Response Team found and seized the motorcycle parked at the Northern Defences.

Two motorcycle helmets were found thrown away close to Crutchett’s Ramp believed to be related to the theft.

Investigations are continuing to find out the identities of the two suspected thieves.

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

With a UNESCO world heritage site offering 120,000 years of human history and only short drive from the Costa del Sol, enjoy the warmth of the British Gibraltarians and splash out VAT-free in Sterling.

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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 21st - 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).

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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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Well done!

SPECIALIST Medical Clinic boss David Deardon (pictured with colleagues) donned a Santa Claus outfit recently to raise money for African children.

The whole crew dressed down to support the action4schools campaign to raise at least £2,500 for a new well this Christmas.

Deardon and his jolly team of medical experts will be handing out chocolate Santas to private patients who donate to this worthy cause.

Action4schools is a Gibraltar-based charity which has already provided 67,000 wells for 27,000 children in remote areas of Sierra Leone.

December 21st - January 12th 2021

Flying high Wizz Air UK has announced new routes from Gibraltar Airport.

The airline will now offer twice-weekly flights between London Luton and Gibraltar.

The Rock remains on the travel corridor list, meaning passengers arriving into England from Gibraltar don’t have to self-isolate on return.

The connection to London Luton launched on December 11 and will operate every Monday and Friday on a year round basis.

The debut flight was welcomed with a water cannon salute provided by the Gibraltar Airport Fire and Rescue Service and passengers were greeted by the Gibraltar Re-enactment Society and the Gibraltar Sea Scouts. Arriving and departing passengers were presented with gifts by a team from the Gibraltar Tourist Board.

School Elderly start delay

isolation

SCHOOLS might have to start on January 25 after a major incident was declared by the Gibraltar Government.

Educational authorities will try to open schools on January 11 or 18 but this could depend on cases dropping considerably.

The most heavily hit school with new cases from December 7 to 13 was Notre Dame Lower Primary which recorded two cases.

Three staff members and five pupils were ordered to self-isolate as a result of one of the cases, and none from the other at Notre Dame.

The first person infected with COVID-19 was found at the Hebrew Primary School.

It led to four lunchtime staff members and ten pupils being sent home by the Contact Tracing Bureau.

NEWS

FAMILIES will not be allowed to reunite with their elderly relatives at Gibraltar residences over the festive period.

The decision by the Gibraltar Government came as active COVID-19 cases on the Rock hit their highest level ever.

An initial decision to allow visits for Christmas and New Year was reversed after cases bordered 150 on December 20, “Due to the increase of positive cases in the community, Public Health and Infection Control has advised to stop visits to the ERS facilities,” said a spokesperson for the Gibraltar Government.

“Elderly Residential Services have reverted to high alert in the interests of saving life.”

Chief Minister Fabian Picardo tweeted about the last-minute ban on visitors to the elderly in care: “This is very sad and very tough but we have no choice.

“We do this with a very, very heavy heart.”

Sixth pandemic death A SIXTH person has died in Gibraltar from the COVID-19 virus as active case numbers took a pre-Christmas hike.

The 65 to 70-year-old man died from being unable to breathe ‘as a result of COVID-19 pneumonitis’, a government spokesperson said.

Cases went up to 60?? In the lead-up to the festive season as people thronged the street to do some last-minute shopping.

New air service from Gibraltar to UK

Sadness

WELCOME: The new WIZZ Air service was greeted by Daryanani (inset)

By Kirsty McKenzie

Also there to welcome passengers was Minister for Business, Tourism, Trans-

GIBRALTAR’S police chief has said he is ‘proud’ of how his force has coped with the COVID pandemic.

RGP Commissioner Richard Ullger spoke of how the lockdown and mask regulations had pushed the authorities to assess how police acted with the public.

“Police officers act with proportionality and necessity in mind,” Ullger told The Olive Press.

“This helped us strike a balance between the rights of the individual and the collective.”

Officers arrested people for being out on the streets during the lockdown and more recently fined over 100 people for not wearing masks in the town centre.

He revealed that the COVID-19 strategy was based around what he called ‘the four ‘E’s’.

“It has not been easy to police the measures implemented by regulations intended to protect our

port and the Port the Hon Vijay Daryanani MP, along with representatives of Gibraltar International Airport and the Gibraltar Tourist Board.

Policing the pandemic vulnerable and over 70’s,” said Commissioner Richard Ullger.

“I am proud of the way in which we engaged with the public, encouraged people to abide by the regulations, explained to them the need to protect others and enforced the regulations.”

These actions were all based on public health advice for the Rock.

Crimes

Asked whether COVID-19 had led to an increase in crimes in Gibraltar, he said the opposite was the case.

“The number of criminal incidents has fallen this year,” said Illger.

He also spoke glowingly of the co-operation with Spanish law enforcement, which he said has been ‘to our mutual advantage’.

Minister Daryanani said “I was delighted to welcome a new airline to Gibraltar and extra capacity for the North London market.

“Wizz Air UK is expanding quickly and I have no doubt that they will become long term partners for Gibraltar.

Exciting

“I negotiated personally with the airline to attract them to the Rock. Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar is committed to attracting an expansion of air services.

“I will continue to work hard at this and make sure that we have more airlines operating out of the airport than ever before.”

Owain Jones, Managing Director Wizz Air UK, said: “With the launch of our affordable flights to Gibraltar today, we are offering passengers yet another exciting travel opportunity, this time to the Mediterranean peninsula of Gibraltar.”

It follows five other deaths mainly of elderly people with other underlying health problems.

Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said: ‘It is with extreme sadness that we must announce a further death in Gibraltar due to COVID-19.

“I had a commercial relationship with the deceased and I respected him greatly.

“I am genuinely saddened by this death.”

He said this latest casualty was a reminder that the pandemic was still going to make us change the way we live our festive season.

“Although vaccines are on their way, we are not protected yet,” said Picardo.

“I implore you to please follow all the requirements in place to keep you and your loved ones safe, and don’t take any unnecessary risks.

“Wash your hands, wear a mask where you need to and keep a safe distance of at least 2 metres.”

Over 100,000 tests have been carried out, three times the resident population of the Rock.

More than 1,000 people have recovered from the virus, while there are around 200 in self-isolation at this current time.

Skater boy

STREET artists have given the skatepark at the Bayside sports centre a new lick of paint to brighten it up.

Led by the expertise of local graffiti artist Barry Gaduzo with a helping hand from the Youth Service, the park is now looking better than ever.

“The values chosen by the users of the skate park are represented on each wall giving it a strong identity,” said a Gibraltar Department of Youth spokesperson.

“Skateboarding is very physical and offers an array of benefits including coordination, stress relief, discipline and patience.”

Minister of Youth Stephen Linares (pictured) visited the completed works and saw the skills of its sportspeople against the new backdrop.

NEWS FEATURE

www.theolivepress.es The

OPINION Time to take stock THESE festivities will go down in history like no other but the public cannot let their fear take hold of them.

Emotional intelligence has long been a feature of successful modern living and it is at this time that people and even businesses need to start thinking about the other.

COVID-19 has exposed the emotional problems that people go through when they are deprived of normal, everyday interactions.

In Gibraltar, the dependence on these is what makes life bearable so having them removed inevitably pushes the sense of entitlement to a new panic-stricken high.

The reaction of the catering industry is also predictable but not dosed with much common sense.

Around 80 ‘businesspeople, customers and workers’, according to reports, demanded answers to the desire to keep businesses open.

The Royal Gibraltar Police might not have done anything on the night but now they are planning on fining the individuals who organised the protest £1,000 each.

Feliz navidad

I

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.

Trip the light fantastic

Survive

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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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John Culatto johnc@theolivepress.es

Be classy

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Kirsty McKenzie kirsty@theolivepress.es

H

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

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The need to make a profit and survive is the key goal of every businessperson who strives to be independent of government help.

This is where more of the £500 million loan taken out with Natwest will now have to be spent as the Chief Minister promised to bail out the catering industry.

Gibraltar’s six deaths so far are a warning that the virus kills and with the sort of community reaction to draw together in crisis, this will inevitably lead to more infections.

Rather than dwell on the losses of privileges in the present, the public needs to draw on the same spirit of survival that helped them overcome the past struggles.

The only thing is that the limitations have changed and that shift has to be considered too, just as the frontier closed overnight and people adapted.

The vaccine might be an effective deterrent when it arrives but patience is necessary to save as many as possible now, many who laid the foundations of the modern Gibraltar in the first place.

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…

Capital adventure

W

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

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O LIVE P RESS

Voted top expat paper in Spain

GIBRALTAR

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December 21st - January 12th 2021

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

C

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.

Wills you believe it?

Scarlet fever

12 lucky grapes

T

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.

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.

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.

‘Spain’s best English news website’

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-

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.

Sweetest journey

Olive Press online

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.

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 sent a thank-you letter to the Hurchillo School on the Costa Blanca, after its head wrote 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 ten stories.

The most read was about tourists cancelling holidays in Mallorca, while the second most viewed was where airlines were still flying into.

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 an escaped British fugitive who escaped from police by jumping off a Benidorm hotel balcony.

Meanwhile 61,000 visitors read our story about how organized 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 read 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 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) Madrid residents flee to Costa del Sol, Valencia and 1-Murcia despite advice to stay at home (84, 609)

Get in touch today at sales@theolivepress.es or call us at 00 34 951273575 for a special quote

8

LA CULTURA

December 21st - January 12th 2021

Picture perfect

Maya and more

Rocking Christmas IBRALTAR will be living a G more peaceful Christmas than most this year.

Festive lights have gone up all over the British Territory, with a large Christmas tree at the Piazza.

Family parties might be limited in size and restaurants will need to close early but locals will still be enjoying things as best as possible.

Although no events are planned in the open air, Gibraltar Cultural Services will be serving some tasty morsels in its online festive programme.

There will also be a modern art show featuring the Kitchen group until December 23 at the GEMA gallery.

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.

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 euros it is a bit pricey.

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 40-year 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 Fine Art Faculty in Lisbon in 1983.

Since then, Reis’ work

OP QUICK Crossword

OP Sudoku

Down 1 Chopped elm in use in photoelectric cells (8) 2 Memorable (8) 3 Disreputable (6) 4 Screen Bean (4) 6 Sleight of hand (5) 7 Snow runner (3) 11 It's licked on a stick (3,5) 12 Climbing plant with fragrant flowers (5,3) 14 Wrist injury, perhaps (6) 15 Close friends (5) 17 Partly open (4) 18 Average (3)

All solutions are on page 14

Under the hammer

ON SHOW: Art pieces

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), 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 in 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.

The International Brigades BOOK REVIEW

Across 5 Folkloric swimmers (8) 8 Impressed (4) 9 Bodybuilders' practice (13) 10 Failures (12) 13 Catchier muse changed note coach (5,7) 16 Milk, butter and cheese (5,8) 19 Indonesian resort island (4) 20 Enjoyed with zest (8)

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

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 the world sent over 35,000 volunteers to fight against Franco, Hitler, Mussolini, and fascism. It was the largest volunteer army since the crusades. Tremlett sets out a fascinating story of resistance and courage against all odds and of European solidarity, through the experiences of The International Brigades.

T? U O D N DO I STA

CT CONTA ORE M THIS FOR MATION UAL AS S I V I N FO R 3 5 7 5 O R R E S S . E S S BE A SUE 951 27@THEOLIVEP COULD S €75 AN IS S S E N A ITLE BUSI SA L E S YOUR FROM AS L

LA CULTURA Sore losers Do you have a what’s on?

Send your informa tion to newsdesk@theolivepr ess.es

December 21st - 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

I

T seems that some people can’t But bosses at the take defeat - even hundreds of museum hold a years after the fact. different opinion.

A painting depicting the brave but They are of the ultimately doomed final battle of view that in an a Spanish warship against British institution set up privateers has been removed from to showcase great public display at the Madrid Naval milestones and Museum. leading figures in The reason? Museum directors think Spanish naval hisit ‘disrespectful’ to the defeated cap- tory - a collection tain to show the losing fight when of 3,000 pieces in it had gloriously beaten the Brits in total - there is no four previous actions. place for a painting In place of the offending artwork themed on defeat. they have hung a ‘more appropriate’ “El Glorioso won painting of an English ship sinking... four battles against But the removal of the iconic paint- the British and lost ing in preparation for the museum’s one. Neither the re-opening has sparked a furious spat Glorioso nor Capbetween directors and the general tain Don Pedro Mepublic. El Glorioso, as it is affection- sia de la Cerda deserve ately known, has been the painting to be remembered for most admired and photographed by that defeat,” insisted Juan visitors since it was acquired in 2014. Rodríguez Garat, admiral The reform of the formidable maritime director of the Institute of museum, one of the most important Naval History and Culture, in Europe, has been marred by contro- in defence of the artwork’s versy over its glaring omission. removal.

El ultimo combate del Glorioso by the “The painting does not recurrent military history painter Augusto flect a significant event in Ferrar Dalmau, to give the painting its the history of El Glorioso full title, shows the eponymous 74-gun or the Navy. It has been warship shortly before replaced its capture in a battle with a picwith a squadron of no ture by CorNeither the less than 12 British pritellini which Glorioso or its depicts an vateers off Portugal in 1747. ship captain should English The large-scale work sinking,” recalls the moment be remembered added Garat. CONTROVERSY: This picture of El Glorioso’s last stand when the ship, batR e t u r n i n g against British privateers has been removed for defeat tered and out of ammo from Havana after days of intense in 1747, El battle, was forced to Glorioso had not only extraordinary’. tured left), who often draws on nustrike the colours of surrender. fended off three other attacks but With tragic beauty, the magnificent merous references to Spanish hisAdmirers of El Glorioso say the paint- landed her valuable cargo safely painting portrays the ship in its fi- tory and colonial past in his novels, ing portrays a heroic action against on Spanish shores before doing nal moments, stripped of its masts reproached the museum decision a greater force that won even the battle against 12 British warships but still flying its flag, with the men to remove El Glorioso, tweeting: enemy’s praise. For many, the pic- alone for three days and one night. fighting like beasts on the splin- “Please take this opportunity to ture depicting the ship and its brave It was a feat even British chroni- tered and smoke-filled deck, sur- explain why they (the Navy) have crew who fought to the last bullet clers, not usually given to praising rounded by English ships. removed a painting by Ferrer-Faland cannonball is an inspiring story the Spanish, greeted with respect, Spanish novelist and journalist, mau on El Glorioso. Is it something of human courage against the odds. describing it as ‘honourable and Arturo Perez-Reverte Gutierrez (pic- personal against the painter, or is it CAR INSURANCE Their car insurance comes with a wide range of covers designed to provide even greater peace-of-mind and all manageable online from the comfort of your home.

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NOVELIST: Perez-Reverte

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.’

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10

BUSINESS Cashing out

Home from home

A HALFWAY house for mentally ill people has been given the go-ahead to continue its work by planning authorities.

The Meddoc-run home on Red Sands Road had already been working for nine months without permission as a result of COVID-19.

Opposition

There was opposition from neighbours who claimed that the property was not suited to the role and that there had been incidents where the police needed to be called.

However, ministers backed the continued use of the building for this role by a majority at the last Development and Planning Commission meeting on December 17.

Two applications to build three townhouses at Humphreys and at John Snow Close were rejected at least for the moment.

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

Cash support of £1 million a month slated for businesses up until March promises Picardo ONE million pounds a month will be offered to businesses until the end of March 31 so they can overcome the COVID-19 crisis.

Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said in Parliament the BEAT 4.0 measures were designed to ‘protect jobs and our economy as best as we can’.

The total amount a business receives will be 30% of the amount calculated from the first BEAT payments during the first lockdown.

Half of shop, hotel, bar and restaurant workers can now be made redundant in BEAT 4.0, compared to 30% in BEAT 3.0 in October and November.

Rates for these businesses will not have to be paid in the first three months of the year, with a 25% early rates payment dis-

Hospitality heartache

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.

LIFELINE: Empty businesses can ask for aid

By John Culatto

count for all other companies who pay on time.

Private landlords will be urged 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.”

to do the same or face high taxes if they do not.

Loans will also be provided, backed by the government to ensure these companies can have a lifeline, with payments only due from April.

Welfare

“This year the Christmas takings will not be so strong in the hospitality industry,” said Picardo. “There will be less tourists coming to visit to eat or shop. It is by keeping our economy on this life-support system that we can avoid a longer term increase in our welfare spending.”

December 21st - January 12th 2021 A MERGER between CaixaBank and Bankia will generate a return on investment of 200%, according to estimates by Alvarez & Marsal.

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’s suggest that

Cashing in 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 of the entities; as well as the risk of integration, the net added value and any other qualitative, strategic assessment or politics.”

Homing in THE new Eastside entry to Gibraltar via the never ending tunnel construction is shaping up more like a mini-Monaco everyday, Top-class developments like E1, The Hub and Forbes will transform the skyline while being mirrored on the beachside.

A feature of these new properties is that many of them will put a lot more studio apartments on the market.

The appeal of Gibraltar to younger locally-based business people has never been greater with the rise of the gaming and insurance industries.

The Hub, for example, is fully composed of just studios, with their own commodities based on the spending power of their owners.

It will incorporate its own car-sharing scheme, laundrette and social areas to allow single people or couples to have a better community dynamic.

The only sticking point is still the tunnel construction, which despite being supposed to be completed by February this year has not opened yet.

On yer bike!

A

LOCAL businessman believes Ebikes could be the solution for Gibraltar’s increasing traffic problems.

The Rock has around 40,000 registered vehicles, 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

t. +350 56004948

e. info@ebike-gibraltar.com

w. ebike-gibraltar.com

PROPERTY PROPERTY sales in Spain fell by 13.4% in October over a 12-month period according to the College of Notaries.

The drop was significantly more than the 0.7% drop in September, but still far less than at the height of the pandemic in May, which saw a 53% decline in house sales.

Unsurprisingly, property mortgages granted in October stood at 36,167, down by 6.7% compared to a year earlier.

The Notaries pointed out significant regional variations in home sales with the Balearic Islands down by 24.1% in October compared to September, followed by La Rioja, Madrid, and Catalunya.

In contrast, the Extremadura region saw a 15% hike in deals.

December 21st - January 12th 2021

Square flair

Real estate

slowdown The largest year-onyear fall was in the Balearics at 31.2%.

The Brainsre.com real estate website says that the pandemic has also seen a fall in property prices.

After analysing over a hundred online property sites and real estate agencies, they point out that before the State of Alarm began in March, the average Spanish house price stood at €1,760 per square metre.

Fall Now the average price is €1,753 per square metre based on figures compiled for July to September this year.

A MAKEOVER of one of Gibraltar’s historic squares has been completed to give it ‘a new lease of life’, said the Minister for Urban Renewal.

John Cortes, also Minister for the Environment, has overseen the retiling, replanting of trees and refitting of new benches at the Piazella.

Located at Governor’s Parade next to Theatre Royal Park, the square has been something of an eyesore in the heart of town.

Heart

No longer is this the case, however, with six London Planes, similar to those in Commonwealth Park, promising to deliver some summer shade as soon as they grow.

“This is another area in the heart of Town that

RENEWED: Piazella has been given a new lease of life in heart of town has been given a new lease of life, with significant greenery introduced,” said Minister for Urban Renewal, John

Cortes.

“I am very grateful to the owners of adjacent properties for their support during the works.

“Most importantly, I hope that families who live, shop or dine in town, will make use of this restored open space.”

We’re 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

By Alex Trelinski

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

Staying positive

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.

The Property Insider

by Adam Neal

e

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

N

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

11

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.

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

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,” claimed Pritchard.

Demand

“We’re going to be fully prepared when that pentup 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.

OPTIMIST: Pritchard

12

December 21st - January 12th 2021

I

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.

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.

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

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

FISHERMAN: One of the few visitors to the city of arts this month

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

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-

December 21st - January 12th 2021

13

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 vella​is 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?

14

December 21st - January 12th 2021

Lisa Burgess AS 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

COLUMNISTS

Bah humbug!

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 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?

Lessons from Christmases past 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.

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 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!

Requiem for the Christmas card

DON’T know about you weddings, christenings and but I’ve got three solitary holidays abroad … such as Christmas cards to display they were, in 2020 …. Far on my mantelpiece this more interesting than a card Christmas. It’s nothing like ye from someone indecipherable, old yuletide’s past when cards scrawled in the handwriting of were sent from ‘The Becketts’ a drunk, although it does leave to all and sundry, from great one’s mantelpiece bereft. aunts twice removed to Dad’s But who can blame them? No office caretaker. one wants to stand outside Throughout the the post office month of Dein a slow-movcember, the ing queue for The postman postman rang stamps when rang at least at least twice they can press daily and recipSend from twice daily rocal Christmas the comfort mail avalanched of their own as cards through our lethome office. My avalanched in thoughts go out terbox like the owl letters in to anyone beHarry Potter. hind me in the Cards not only decked the queue at Los Barrios post ofhall but covered every surface fice last week. I got the trainee area, littering occasional ta- who spent 13 minutes and 26 bles, festooning the fireplace seconds finding out the price and hanging like bunting from of a stamp to the USA and had the pelmets, an impressive never heard of Nueva Zelanda testament to my parents’ wide … or maybe it was my Spansocial circle. glish accent … and thought it These days everyone’s Zoom- was probably in Europe. ing, emailing virtual Moon Pig Mind you, with the recent cards or composing Christ- lockdown confining us within mas newsletters embedded borders, there were precious with live video links to family few decent card shops you

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.

SUDOKU

Quick Crossword

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 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 Michael 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 wor-

All I want for Christmas, ain’t you

YOU may have noticed that we are in December and, as John Lennon famously wrote ‘And so this is Christmas, and what have you done?’

Granted this is 2020, so for the vast majority of us the answer is not very much actually, apart from endure lockdown, binge on box sets and Netflix and become embroiled in heated internet arguments about vaccines, masks and the car crash drama that are US elections and Brexit in the UK. Personally, if it’s all the doing of a ‘Dark Cabal’ of 12 foot lizard people, let them have a shot at running the world. Let’s face it, our reptilian overlords can’t possibly do a worse job than the politicians that we currently have.

Pandemic or no pandemic, this month proves that there is one thing that is unaffected by world

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

shipful 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!

events. I am, of course, talking about the Christmas single.

I’ll be honest with you on this one. If there is something that I dislike even more than Ed Sheeran, it’s the Christmas single.

Back in the age of vinyl, most artists were contractually obliged to release a Christmas Album.

The majority were slickly produced and brilliantly marketed efforts by Sinatra, Deano, Elvis and Bing which have become as much a part of the festivities as putting up the decorations, while Phil Spector’s A Christmas Gift for You, featuring the talents of The Ronettes, is one of the greatest Christmas albums of all time.

Turkeys

The Christmas single, however, has seen some absolute turkeys. For every Last Christmas, or Fairytale of New York, there is a Paul McCartney and Wings Wonderful Christmas Time, anything festive from 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 music on a nonstop 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.

Memorable

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!

HEALTH HEALTH 15

F

December 21st - January 12th 2021

15

estive check

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

R

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

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

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

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!

OLIVE PRESS

Windy night

GIBRALTAR

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. 5 Issue 138 www.theolivepress.es December 21st - 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 own- The Olive Press would Now, one of Spain’s most prestigious hotels ers.

A VALENCIAN businesslike to wish all our has been sold for a massive €165 million.

The valuable artefacts can fetch man has been awarded Grand Dame of Mallorca, Hotel Formentor from €200 to €400 at special- readers and clients a €25,000 in damages after - that has also catered to the whims of John ist auctions. very Merry Christmas a photo of him standing 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 and hopefully a tional mafia clan in 2016 1929, was described as the ‘chicest place The five-star joint in Pollensa, is set to reGreece, where they were used happier New Year Ben Affleck movie The 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 ahead. We are out Accountant was used by a Birkin. prehensive upgrade. the homes of dignitaries to welfilm company. again on January 13 come guests.

The Rock’s only free local paper

Bang out of order

FINAL WORDS

Police hunt for prolific doorknocker thief

All change at Stardust inn

Seasons greetings

TM

952 147 834

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