Gibraltar Olive Press - Issue 119

THE COVID SURVIVAL ISSUE

OLIVE PRESS

The

Reuse Reduce Recycle We use recycled paper

FREE

Inside this issue we have dozens of tips and ideas on how to survive the Covid crisis, including...

GIBRALTAR

The Rock’s only free local paper

Vol. 5, Issue 119 www.theolivepress.es April 1st - April 14th, 2020

Dance your way to business success at home see p6

The best new TV shows to get you through the lockdown see p11

While the army is on the streets, 8000 have died, millions of jobs are lost and everyone is on a four week lockdown, there are...

LIFE OF BRIAN: Always look on the bright side of life

...REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL Global warming reverses

Price of petrol is down

Infection rates slowing

Wuhan’s back to work

New shelves finally up

Bees are buzzing

Already weeded the garden

Quarantinis in abundance

Parking spaces everywhere

Kane and Son will soon be back

From Joe to Ulysees... the Top 10 tomes to catch up on see p12

The best nearby escapes once the lockdown ends see p15

?

ND OUT

DO I STA

Even advice from Oprah

UK BASED

TRAVEL INSURANCE

see p13

for Spanish residents www.globelink.co.uk 96 626 5000 +44 (0) 1353 699082

CT CONTA ORE M L AS FOR MATION VISUA BE AS AN ISSUE 5 D 7 R L U O 5 O INF 951 27 3 ESS C LE AS £75 IT BUSIN YOUR FROM AS L 0034 HIS

952 147 834 T

Tel: 952 147 834

See page 16

TM

2

www.theolivepress.es

NEWS IN BRIEF

Helping hand THE Fuerte Hotel group in Malaga has donated more then 1500 kilos of perishable food to vulnerable families and individuals to be distributed by the Fundacion Fuerte after having to close.

Leading by example

MARBELLA Mayor, Angeles Munoz, has been drafted in as a volunteer doctor at the Hospital Costa del Sol, while also allocating €34 million for the coronavirus crisis.

CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL

TOGETHER, WE BEAT THE BUG

TEAM LEADER: Boss Graham at Iceland/Overseas

I

T was with some trepidation that the Olive Press distribution force set out on their journeys a fortnite ago.

After dozens of anxious calls, confirmation and cajolling, a dozen hardy souls set out from the four corners of the country to brave roadblocks and grillings from cops and concerned partners.

It was always going to be a nerve-wracking day with so much uncertainty about the spread of the coronavirus and who was allowed out and to do what jobs.

And the end result was a com-

How Olive Press distribution team (including the editor and three writers) got all FIVE editions out last issue

prehensive success as 100% of the papers got out into the hands of expats and locals around the country.

By focusing on putting double and triple the numbers in the hundreds of supermarkets, vets and petrol stations normally served around the country we were able to make up for the hundreds of restaurants, hotels and other businesses closed.

It was an important special virus issue updating readers on the state of the country and the way that expats were positively

Better call Bea! WHILE the majority of Olive Press staff have been working from home - or out on the streets reporting, one plucky receptionist has been plugging away in the office.

With her gloves and hand sanitiser at the ready, Bea Sanllehi, 35, has been on call every day answering dozens of queries from worried expats.

‘Bea’s Helpline’ has so far fielded calls about supermarkets, driving, police, the Royal Decree rules and even walking the dog.

The mother-of-two, from Catalunya, recently lent a hand to a vulnerable 80-year-old man in Fuengirola, helping him cancel a standing order at the bank.

Meanwhile another Olive Press reader in Valencia called on her to help him find out what time his hospital appointment would be. As if that wasn’t enough, Bea also spent hours chasing up local pharmacies for protection masks.

She eventually found out stocks have almost completely run out due to the incredibly high de-

mand, with deliveries due this week.

But Bea’s finest hour came as she assisted a British doctor’s scramble back to the UK on one of the last flights out of Spain.

“Bea is fantastic,” said Dr James Davies after she helped

demonstrate. “And it was as supporting the lockdown.

The paper was full of fun and well received as any editions I have distributed,” Distribution colourful ways to Manager Graget around the ham Warters lockdown and what explained. to do with the kids Editor Jon was “Even some at home. tasked with the of the places I It is worth noting thought would that there were complicated be open were considerably more copies of the Olive procedure at the shut, including paper Press in key spots Gib border shops. One like Overseas supoliceman permarket in Mijas kindly gave us and Marbella than our rivals, as photos clearly two pairs of rubber gloves.”

He continued: “Most of the guys were very upbeat, even Giles, him get a last minute Easyjet who does Marbella, was his norticket so he could fly back to be mal self.” with his family.

Columnist Giles Brown, who Bea said: “I feel obliged to help has done the Marbella distripeople and frustrated I cannot bution for six years, wasn’t so help more.” happy though when he got back The hard work put in by Bea to find his girlfriend insisting is admirable and sends out a he couldn’t come back in for clear message that we all have a ‘THREE weeks’. part to play in helping those in “I’m sure she’ll come round need. The Olive Press remains though,” he joked. open for business and ready to One key change was the usual answer your questions.

Gibraltar route, which had to be undertaken by editor Jon Give our team a call on +34 Clarke, and Gibraltar journalist 951 27 35 75 (office), +34 665 John Culatto. Due to the uncer79 86 18 (mobile) or write to tainty over the border’s closure, us at newsdesk@theolivethe pair were tasked with the press.es complicated procedure of get-

0 te ee ial 0 si Fr tor 0,0 eb i 0 w ed r 1 ay ou a-d in ort si

Sponsored posts on our website with and with an average of 100,000 page links to your site views per day

ting through customs at this stressful time.

But in the end there were no problems and the papers sailed through to all our key spots including Morrisons supermarket, and Eroski.

Meanwhile in the Costa Blanca, while many papers went out as planned on Thursday, plenty had to wait till Friday as many supermarkets were shut due to Father’s Day. If there is anything to sum up the week, it was the joy of British expat supermarket owner John Murray (above) on receiving an extra bundle at The Village Store, in Mollina, a 30-minute drive inland. “It’s great to get the paper and, particularly this week, with extra copies,” he said. “People will be thrilled.”

To conclude: Never a day late in 14 years, we didn’t plan to hit the newsstands late this week of all weeks!

And remember, if you miss it, you can always find it at www.theolivepress.es

Fully interactive digital copy of the all advertising seen online globally newspaper containing via Issuu

ce Fa

ur s to Yo ory d er st ote 00 low 0 l om 2, fo pr 2 ok bo

our s st ur y o o er Yo r d t low te ol ee 0 f Tw ,50 7 Our Twitter feed gives users direct and every digital newspaper publ access to all our stories ished

MUCKING IN: Journalist John at Morrisons in Gib and (left) John Murray at the Village Store

s r r nd ou pe sa in pa ou s s Th view new l of ita g di

vi

When you take out an advertising campaign with the Olive Press, you get a lot more than just the printed newspaper

April 1st - April 14th 2020

We promote you on our hugely popu 23,000 likes and as many followers lar Facebook page with

We give you more!

contact sales@theolivepress.es or 951 27 35 75 for more information

www.theolivepress.es

ROCK On the mend?

CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL

April 1st - April 14th 2020

Leading the charge

Gibraltar’s coronavirus recovery rate is a rare positive in the ongoing pandemic, writes John Culatto THE number of victims recovered from Coronavirus is nearly as many as the active cases in Gibraltar.

Official figures showed this week that 34 people had recovered from COVID-19 while there were 35 active cases.

Meanwhile, nearly 600 swab tests were carried out on people showing symptoms, with 201 tests still pending.

Delays on testing have occurred due to backlogs at the laboratory where they are being carried out in Spain, which has over 95,000 cases and, so far, over 8,000 deaths.

Spanish flu survivor - 105 years old!

LEGENDS: From left to right, Leo, Rafa, Pau and Pep are all playing the part in the fight aginst coronavirus

Spanish sporting heroes including Messi, Rafa Nadal and Pep Guardiola - join campaign to raise €11 million in fight against coronavirus

SPANISH sporting hero Rafa Nadal has teamed up with basketball ace Pau Gasol in a Red Cross campaign to raise €11 million to fight coronavirus.

They hope thousands more will donate to the Red Cross Responds campaign, which is giving aid to hospitals.

“This pandemic has changed everyone’s life, especially those who have experienced it first

hand or with a family member,” said Mallorca ace Nadal.

“The news is not entirely en-

Midtown

Over 100 people have so far been tested at the new drive-thru testing centre set up at the old Rooke site

by Midtown.

Each was ordered to visit by the Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA), which is planning to carry out tests in its own laboratory from later this week.

It would mean results being revealed within 24 hours, giving the government the possibility of carrying out even more swabs.

A programme of 400 random tests being carried out will help the authorities to get a better idea of which areas are worst affected and how the virus is being transmitted.

Delivery of a large amount of swabs will mean there is enough for a much larger scale diagnosis of the Gibraltar population.

There have been no deaths recorded from the virus in Gibraltar and one success story was the recovery of an 89-year-old woman from infection last weekend.

Building for the dead

AN emergency measure is seeing 200 new spaces being built in Gibraltar’s cemetery.

Construction work will see the Spanish style nichos introduced in case there is a sharp rise of deaths.

“We all hope they will not be needed,” said Minister for Public Health John Cortes.

It was also ruled that only ‘first degree’ relatives will be able to attend funerals.

3

couraging, but we must be strong and stay united to beat the virus.”

Nadal added he believed his help would encourage many more donors, as ‘the Spanish people, have never failed us athletes.’

Nadal called on other sports-

men and bodies to make urgent donations.

The appeal comes after Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi each donated €1 million to the fight against coronavirus.

Guardiola made his donation to the Angel Soler Daniel Foundation in Catalunya, while Messi’s contribution goes to hospitals in Barcelona and Argentina.

Real Madrid also made an undisclosed donation to purchase vital medical equipment for hospitals.

Thorny future

We’ve been left stranded HUNDREDS of British travellers have been left stranded in Spain, unable to follow UK Foreign Office instructions to return home immediately.

According to consumers’ group Which? Travel, an investigation found Ryanair, EasyJet and Jet2 have no more flights available to book from Spain.

It has left many British holidaymakers stranded and frightened.

Which? has been deluged with calls from people who have had to endure multiple cancelled flights and been given little to no information of what to do by the airlines.

One couple Sandra and Lewis Will had a flight booked with Ryanair from Alicante to Aberdeen on March 26.

When it was cancelled they rebooked for March 29, only for this flight to also be cancelled.

“We are in our seventies and I have recently been released from a Spanish hospital after having a mini-stroke, so this kind of stress does not help,” she said.

“We are in Spain under lockdown, hoping at some point there will be rescue flights.”

Ryanair offered a refund, which has been accepted as there were no alternative flights.

BRITISH snooker legend Willie Thorne has been locked down in a Spanish hospital battling leukaemia.

The sportsman, 66, who is also fighting prostate cancer, remains cut off from his three kids in the UK, due to the lockdown.

“It’s unbelievable, you couldn’t have written my script,” Thorne revealed, adding he was ‘punchdrunk’ after receiving his diagnosis, which he thought was a kidney infection.

“I’m vulnerable,” he added, “I’m not allowed visitors. I’m sitting in a room on my own. It’s absolutely terrible. All I’ve got is a 24-hour news channel and that’s all about the coronavirus, which is hard to watch.”

Thorne is held in isolation at the Costa Blanca hospital because he is at a higher risk of the Covid-19 virus.

The 80s star, who also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing after a stint as a BBC commentator moved to Villamartin, Alicante last year.

It came as he also split from his wife of 24 years, former Miss Great Britain Jill Saxby, who moved back to the UK. He has recently undergone a second round of chemo after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2015, before going bankrupt a year later.

COFFEE SHOP & RESTAURANT

Try Our “Just Roasted” Family Coffee from the Oldest Coffee Shop in Town Varied Lunch & Snack Menu · Salad & Quiche Bar Regional Specials & Pasta · Home-made Cakes · Afternoon Teas Busy Local Atmosphere & Arts Venue. All in a converted 19th Century Merchant’s House on the “Old Commercial Street”

57 Irish Town · Gibraltar

T. +350 200 70625

www.sacarellosgibraltar.com

Can’t pension us off!

A SUPER-strong Spaniard in his NINETIES has beaten off the coronavirus.

The 93-year-old has been discharged from hospital after battling the vicious virus in Valencia.

He was saluted as he left Gandia’s Francesc de Borja Hospital with policemen and ambulance drivers sounding their horns, while hundreds of health workers applauded.

His recovery brings a ray of hope to the 15% of victims in the Valencia region, who are over 80.

It comes as a 98-year-old victim Antonio Magdaleno also made a full recovery in Sevilla. The Granada man was clapped out as he went home.

Look to the heavens

FULLY AIR CONDITIONED FREE WIFI AVAILABLE

/Sacarellos-Coffee-shop

SPAIN’S only living survivor of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, ‘La Grippe’ has issued a dire warning about the severity of the coronavirus pandemic.

Jose Ameal Peña was four when the flu virus swept across the globe, claiming the lives of over 50 million people, making it the deadliest pandemic in human history.

Now aged 105, Jose has recallsed his experiences from his home in Luarca, Asturias, where 500 lost their lives to the disease.

“I watched from my window as a steady stream of funeral processions made their way to the cemetery,” he recalled, adding that he was the only one of seven siblings to catch the disease.

“I still can’t figure out how I’m here. When I woke up I could barely walk. I had to crawl on my hands and knees,” he recalls.

As he wrestled with a relentless fever, a doctor prescribed vapours of boiled eucalyptus and seaweed. He now fears a similar fate for the world if nations don’t stick together and that history will repeat itself.

“He knows exactly what is happening and is afraid that something similar will happen again, even though we’re living in very different times,” explained his daughter Anunciata.

FIND OUT MORE AT

www.sunborngibraltar.com

A PRIEST has carried out a blessing from his church rooftop in Extremadura.

The priest of Arroyo de la Luz, where nearly 10 people have died out of 500 inhabitants, wore robes to conduct the moving 20-minute sermon.

The feat was seen by most of the neighbours, who were able to observe the act from their balconies.

He continued his pastoral work by celebrating Mass on the radio and on the parish’s Facebook page.

4

www.theolivepress.es

Into the frying pan

NEWS IN BRIEF

OAP warning POLICE have warned pensioners to be vigilant when going to banks to pick up pensions or using the ATM in a bid to tackle theft during the state of alarm.

Checkpoint

FOUR youths were arrested after a policeman was seriously injured with brain damage after being run over at a virus checkpoint near Toledo by a stolen car.

Evil hackers POLICE in Madrid have uncovered an attempt by hackers to ‘infect’ hospital computers with a virus. The cyber criminals are targeting civilians as well, trying to steal personal information.

CORONAVIRUS NEWSSPECIAL

EXCLUSIVE

By Charlie Smith

A STRANDED British chef who feared he had coronavirus has been placed in an ‘impossible situation’ by his hire car company in Spain.

Yianni Papoutsis, 44, named as one of Britain’s 500 most influential people by society bible Debrett’s, fears he could be arrested after his Goldcar contract expired.

The restaurant mogul behind London’s ‘MEATliquor’ brand had ‘a nightmare’ after he jetted into Granada on March 10 with girlfriend Sophie O’Hara to celebrate her 26th birthday.

He rented a car for €220, but when the couple’s flights were cancelled due to the Covid-19

Gone Viral

SPAIN’S summer anthem has already arrived and is – you guessed it – about the coronavirus pandemic.

Part Latin dance banger, part public information broadcast, ‘#QuedateEnCasa’ has got the nation bopping along to a very serious message – ‘stay in your house’.

Singer-songwriter Ariel de Cuba’s now-viral tune is helping lift the nation’s spirits since a state of alarm was declared in Spain.

The Cuban artist introduces the song by

April 1st - April 14th, 2020

Catch-22 as quarantined UK celebrity chef faces arrest whether he takes hire car back or not outbreak, they desperately tried to extend its lease.

However, after repeated attempts, he was unable to modify the agreement, which expired on March 21.

The pair are now stuck with the car - which they are not driving - in the town of Gojar, and, incredibly, were told by Goldcar to ‘expect a visit from police’.

An email from the rental giant on March 23, seen by the Olive Press, explains that police could ‘seize’ the vehicle due to its ‘misappropriation.’

Marketing specialist Sophie told the Olive Press that she and

saying: “Hello my people, my best contribution to the campaign #QuedateEnCasa against coronavirus is with music.”

Ariel who currently lives in Spain, performs the song complete with dance moves accompanying the lyrics, covering his mouth with his elbow as has been advised after coughing or sneezing.

The upbeat track advises people that the best course of action is to stay at home as ‘the planet needs your attitude’.

It is the perfect tempo for a spot of zumba, and can also be enjoyed blasted across the street to those on a neighbouring balcony.

Buying or selling your property may be the most important transaction you will ever make... Attention to detail is crucial.

That is why when you choose Charles Gomez & Co for your conveyancing, our dedicated team of experts scrutinise everything and keep you informed at every step of the process.

35 Years of Excellence in Conveyancing

Yianni, who is on pain medication and has heart problems, have had ‘anxiety attacks’ over the situation.

“I’m literally shaking,” she revealed, “We don’t know if we will be able to sleep tonight both from the fact that Yianni thinks he has the virus and the police could arrest us at any time.”

The rental giant confirmed it is offering free contract extensions to affected customers, but after ‘dozens’ of calls and emails, the couple have so far been unsuccessful.

A Goldcar staff member in

Unfair cop AN alarming 700-plus police have copped coronavirus, while 7,400 are in isolation around Spain.

It comes after three Guardia Civil agents died in Valdemoro, Aranjuez and Ciudad Real.

Four Guardia Civil bosses meanwhile are in isolation after three tested positive, while many National Police chiefs are also in danger.

ANXIOUS: UK pair Yianni and Sophie in Granada Madrid confirmed that the Granada Airport office is closed and does not have a key deposit box in order to return the car.

They advised that Yianni, who has advised the British government on food policy, instead make the 300km-round trip to the next-nearest drop-off point at Malaga Airport, but added that Goldcar would NOT cover the return taxi fare.

They would also effectively be breaking current quarantine rules in force in Spain.

Yianni said: “If they have reported the car as stolen I will be arrested at the first roadblock.

“I’m really sick and the fact that I’m being told to drive to an airport and get in a taxi is just absurd.

“I should be lying in bed and self-isolating and not going

out,” he continued.

“It’s an impossible situation, it’s Catch-22.”

Extended

According to the couple they have been told that there are ‘more than 1,000 customers’ in this situation.

A Goldcar spokesperson confirmed they would be helping the couple and that they would not be charged a late return fee.

She said: “The safety of our customers is a priority, especially now. Our Customer Service team has been in touch with Mr Papoutsis and his rental period is extended until April 7.”

The pair have since set up their lockdown food blog @nice.olation on Instagram, which includes recipes for gazpacho and Plato Alpujareño.

www.theolivepress.es

Fake news warning THE Government has warned against relying on social media for information on coronavirus.

It comes after people were found self-medicating with chloroquine, an anti-malaria drug, after hearing about it on Facebook.

“Do not medicate yourselves on the basis of what you read on social media, you may hurt yourself or even kill yourself,” insisted Chief Minister Fabian Picardo Self testing tests that might have been purchased online have also been banned from entering Gibraltar, with only tests by the GHA approved.

“We needed to do this in order to maintain quality and to stop the entry of tests that would be unreliable,” added Picardo.

Acting Medical Director Krishna Rawal said that cases in the media of ‘healthy’ younger patients passing away probably had unknown medical conditions like motor neurone disorder.

He also affirmed there was no evidence to confirm that any particular blood group carries an increased risk of getting the virus.

The Acting Medical Director urged people to ‘please only follow official advice’ when it came to the Coronavirus pandemic.

“No evidence has been found that the Covid-19 virus is a risk to pregnant women.

“I understand everyone is worried about this but please be very careful with what you read on social media,” added Rawal.

Bojo’s Backing BORIS Johnson has sent a letter to Chief Minister Fabian Picardo extending his hand of support to the British territory.

The letter promised that the UK Government would be delivering personal protective equipment and the UK will provide any economic support if needed.

“We will support Gibraltar as you manage these challenging economic consequences,” wrote Johnson.

The Prime Minister said that he was ‘pleased to hear’ that soldiers in Gibraltar are providing military assistance to help fight against the spread of the virus.

CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL

April 1st - April 14th 2020

Ready for the worst

Locking down the free

GRILLINGS: Drivers face regular stops on the roads and also if out shopping (bottom). Above Fabian

As Chief Minister insisted the hardships are little more than cooking more and watching more TV, John Culatto has a look around locked down Gibraltar

A

S eloquent as ever, chief minister Fabian Picardo brushed off the forced lock down of Gibraltar as little more than a cakewalk and a chance to catch up on what we had missed on TV. Speaking as he declared a national incident over the weekend, he insisted the measures were nothing compared to those the war or shut border generation had to deal with.

“Let’s not be 21st Century snowflakes,” he said in his much watched broadcast.

“The evacuation generation went through war... The referendum generation went through General Franco...The closed frontier generation went through a siege...

“All we have to do is go through our Netflix collections or very full kitchen cupboards.

“Let’s not pretend that this is harder than it is.”

That said, creating a lockdown of the Rock’s tight-knit community has been more of a challenge than could have been imagined.

Like our near neighbours, Gibraltarians have a very sociable outdoor mentality so forcing them to change their ways was always going to be a challenge.

After the first case was recorded on March 3 by a man who returned from a skiing trip, there has been only a trickle of confirmed cases.

While initially residents mostly brushed it off as something that would simply peter out, it was soon pretty clear that changes would be drastic and necessary.

Bars, restaurants and cafes were the first to suffer when they were told to shut on March 14.

Two days later, the Gibraltar Government ordered the elderly to stay at home apart

from a very few exceptions.

This was followed by a social lockdown on March 24 which only allowed people out of their homes to go food shopping, visit the pharmacy or take exercise.

Spain meanwhile, stopped entry to Gibraltar except for key workers and flights from the UK stopped operating completely this week.

Suddenly, everyone started jogging or power-walking, dogs were being walked more than at any time in their lives and shopping was an almost daily activity.

While there are many who have followed the lockdown to the letter, there have been some people who have mocked the restrictions as exaggerated or unnecessary.

Numerous conspiracy theories and social media claims meanwhile have proliferated and have, frequently, not helped keep the lockdown in place.

Over the weekend I heard reports of people having picnics at Commonwealth Park, which turned out not to be true.

The Royal Gibraltar Police have called on the government to allow on-thespot fines, but so far the authorities have resisted, saying it would go against civil liberties.

What is clear is that while Gibraltar, unlike Spain, has controlled the outbreak relatively well, there will be serious challenges ahead.

The small tight-knit community is so dependent on each other, almost as second nature, that getting them to change was always going to be very difficult.

But now is our chance to nail this horrible virus once and for all.

Please, please stay indoors so we can try and get back to normality soon.

5

THERE are now more than 300 beds available for possible Coronavirus cases on the Rock.

St Bernard’s Hospital has 100 beds after a mass reorganisation of its different departments.

Non-urgent operations meanwhile were cancelled and staff from all non-essential departments were re-trained for the pandemic effort.

A new field hospital, called the Nightingale Facility, has been created with 190 beds at the Europa Point Sports Centre.

Meanwhile, the Europa Retreat Centre has an additional 30 beds for quarantine purposes.

A total of 24 life-saving ventilators are ready for use with other old ones reconditioned and new ones ordered to arrive in the coming weeks.

The Olive Press can reveal that there have been a number of cases within the healthcare profession, although the government has refused to give exact figures.

At least two were at the Mount Alvernia home and they are recovering in self-isolation.

Temperatures are now being taken of elderly care staff entering Mount Alvernia to ensure they are screened before they go to work.

A request for hospital equipment from the public has seen a number of crutches and wheelchairs returned to the GHA. The public and companies have also given generously with over half a million pounds raised to fight the Covid-19 pandemic on the Rock.

Exam fever calmed PUPILS in Year 11 and 13 set to sit GCSEs and A-Levels won’t have to worry about the stress of examinations.

This comes after the examining boards cancelled exams in May and June amid the pandemic.

Teachers will now be asked what grade the students should be given.

Teachers will need to provide evidence based on previously completed work by students.

“We will make sure that pupils get the qualifications they need and deserve for their academic careers,” said UK PM Boris Johnson.

For students who feel their grades are unfair they will be able to sit exams later in the year.

Some schools have remained open in a limited capacity for key workers who need a place for their children to be taken care of during the week.

6

www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain

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

OPINION We’ll all get back in the water IT is now the third week of the most draconian lockdown in Spanish history and the army is on the streets.

Everyone is wondering how much longer it will last, praying that April 11 will be our last day of confinement.

Then there is the fear of uncertainty, the fear for our loved ones, fear for our jobs, and fear for the future and what the fallout of this unprecedented crisis will hold.

Yet amid this period of alarm, there is an incredible sense of togetherness.

All around the country locals are trying to stay positive by joining together each evening at 8pm to applaud the nurses, doctors and police working hard on the frontline to keep us all safe.

Meanwhile we are all sharing tips and tricks to stay busy and sane...and sending out hilarious videos and memes.

Above all, we are trying to use the time wisely (and remember we may never have anything like this again) as we search for positives, such as a much necessary drop in air pollution and fewer road deaths.

With the army and police halting movement, it is a time to sit back and hope that the governments of Europe have the people’s best interests at play.

We must trust that they really believe that these extreme restrictions will lead to results.

So sit back and enjoy the sound of birds and bees in the garden, the chance to play with the kids and to improve your Spanish, and remember - once this is all over, and it WILL be over sometime soon - we will get back to normal and enjoy our lives as we did before.

It may, of course, take some time for people to want to submerge themselves back into crowds or get back on a plane, but as seen in the 80s blockbuster Jaws, eventually we all go back into the water!

Publisher / Editor

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es Charlie Smith charlie@theolivepress.es

Joshua Parfitt joshua@theolivepress.es

Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es

John Culatto johnc@theolivepress.es

Dimitris Kouimtsidis dimitris@theolivepress.es

Gillian Keller gillian@theolivepress.es

Joanne Oakley joanne@theolivepress.es

Simon Wade simon@theolivepress.es

Admin Beatriz Sanllehí (+34) 951 273 575 admin@ theolivepress.es

Office manager Héctor Santaella (+34) 658 750 424 accounts@ theolivepress.es

Distribution ENQUIRIES (+34) 951 273 575 distribution@ theolivepress.es

Newsdesk: 0034 951 273 575 For all sales and advertising enquiries please contact 951 27 35 75 Head office

Carretera Nacional 340, km 144.5, Calle Espinosa 1, Edificio cc El Duque, planta primera, 29692, Sabinillas, Manilva Deposito Legal MA: 835-2017

AWARDS

2016 - 2020 Best expat paper in Spain and the second best in the world. The Expat Survey Consumer Awards.

2012 - 2020 Named the best English language publication in Andalucia by the Rough Guides group.

CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL

We’ll survive A T a time of uncertainty for all, and with drastic measures in place to fight coronavirus, Spain’s economy has understandably been hit hard.

The loss of Semana Santa, Sevilla’s Feria de Abril, the Jerez moto GP and many more key Andalucia events has sent seismic shock waves through the region that will have knockon effects for most businesses, whether they deal directly with tourists or not.

Local expats show their true grit in the face of the COVID-19 catastrophe

As the nation enters into an enforced lockdown until April 10 and maybe beyond, the Olive Press asked a series of top expat businesses how they are coping and what measures they are taking to stay afloat.

Trying the knot

“We are still talking to clients around the world about future bookings,” says Scott from Sunshine Weddings Spain, which has been splicing couples in Andalucia for nearly two decades.

“But 2020 will become the first year the wedding season does not kick-off as planned. All weddings in April have been postponed and those in May are up in the air.

“Right now we are working on a dayto-day basis. Nobody knows how long coronavirus will affect us, that is out of our hands.

“But what is in our hands, is to reassure our couples they are not alone and that we will do everything possible to guarantee their perfect wedding, whether sooner or later.

“I have been working around the clock since to speak with each couple to discuss concerns and to seek solutions.

“My days have begun with calls to Australia and Singapore and with chats to clients in the US, Canada and Ecuador.

“This is an unsettling time for everyone, but if we are all patient and heed the rules, the lockdown period will be as brief as possible.”

SPECIAL DISPATCH: Soldiers from Spain’s crack Foreign Legion sent out to close roads around inland Andalucia as coronavirus takes an alarming hold, writes Jon Clarke

“Plans, projects, master classes, excursions, competitions, everything has been put on hold,” says Sarah Vogelin of Kizz Latin Dance, Benalmadena.

“Even worse I have caught the virus and am staying indoors in isolation.

“I’ve been bedridden for the last ten days, tired and drained. Isolated from my husband and children.

But I have been staying positive and making plans of how to survive when back on my feet.

“I’m going to offer online master classes, daily routines for beginners, intermediate and advanced levels in the three disciplines I specialise in.”

Cooking up plans “We are posting daily videos and recipes on our social media channels to encourage people to cook during this difficult time,” reports Mariola Ustaran at the Food Room cookery school.

“Cooking is a great activity for adults and kids to take their minds off their problems and get creative, so I hope that sharing our recipes and videos will give them more ideas and inspiration.

“Many clients have written me nice messages and hopefully they will come back to us after this period. I am trying to take each day as it comes, so I don’t worry too much.

“Hopefully things will get back to normal and people will come back to our cooking school to learn and have fun.

“Also, I think people will be having more events after this lockdown so our catering and private chef service will be in demand.”

Army on the str

L

IKE a tour of north Belfast during the troubles, four Spanish soldiers stand sentinel at a key junction in an inland town of Andalucia.

Ignore the purple marigold gloves, not since an attempted coup by Antonio Tejero in 1981 has the Foreign Legion, based in nearby Ronda, been out on the streets.

This is the entrance to Arriate from Setenil de las Bodegas and more crucially Alcala del Valle, where an alarming 58 people have so far been diagnosed with the deadly coronavirus and three have died, revealed an Olive Press source.

Just a short 20 minute drive down the scenic MA-7403, only essential traffic and the local bus is still being allowed to take the journey.

The authorities in the Serrania de Ronda area are taking no chances.

The Ronda regional hospital is steadily filling up with its own urgent cases of the deadly COVID-19 virus.

The Olive Press can reveal that so far four people have died in the celebrated inland town, with according to local police, ‘at least 18 people’ in a serious condition.

“The authorities have so far been keeping things quiet so

I have the virus but we won’t stop the dance

WATCHFUL EYE: Soldiers keep watch on all cars passing through the village of Arriate as not to alarm the local population, but the truth needs to get out,” revealed a local policeman, who asked not to be quoted.

“Things are much more serious here in Andalucia than the locals realise,” he added.

“We don’t want to panic people too much but they need to be worried and take precautions. Basically stay indoors.”

This is very much the case in Alcala del Valle, a village of 5500 people just across the Malaga/Cadiz border, where at least 36 residents of an elderly care home and an alarming 21 health workers have so-far tested positive.

In total, the village has an estimated 100-plus people with the virus (with three dead so far dead, two dying on Monday).

So critical is the condition that local mayor Rafael Aguilera has ordered the total shutting down of the village

and ordered everyone into isolation.

He has also rolled up his sleeves and gone in to work as a nurse at the care home, where staff shortages have become desperate.

At the weekend, the army’s Unidad Militar del Ejercito (UME) went around the streets officially disinfecting the virus and the care home.

And, after the mayor made an urgent appeal to the Junta de Andalucia, saying the town felt ‘abandoned’, mattresses, blankets and, more crucially, oxygen arrived for the elderly patients.

“It’s been a total circus,” explained local cameraman Pepe Frances. “Things moved so slowly until today when suddenly everything arrived in a rush.

“It’s fair to say the town is in lockdown and everyone is very worried.”

And this is why Ronda’s crack La Legion (Foreign Legion)

regiment was sent out to help lockdown the entire area.

While a quarter of the 800 regiment is currently serving in Mali, over 100 have been sent out to help the police in the Serrania de Ronda keep as many people at home as possible.

They are currently stationed on the streets in Ronda, Arriate, Setenil, Benaojan and Montejaque, while at the weekend they were also sent out into Granada province and down to Marbella and next door Benahavis and Estepona.

Inland, I joined them patrolling, alongside four local policemen and two Guardia Civil patrols in Arriate, a village of over 5000 people, just seven kilometres from Ronda, and seen as a critical weak spot, in danger from the vi-

April 1st - April 14th 2020

7

survive and thrive!

People will embrace contact after isolation

SUPPORT: Estelle

This is a challenge, but we are resilient “We have seen a drop off of clients as companies look for ways to decrease their costs,” explains Georgina Shaw, of Shaw Marketing Services, based on the Costa del Sol. “Unfortunately, marketing is often one of the first things to be cut, even though in times like these you need it more than ever.

“Our clients have been great

treets

and I know they wish they didn’t have to cut back, but we understand they need to control their bottom line and will use us again as soon as able.

“Given our business launched during the financial crisis 12 years ago, I know we’re resilient and can cope with tough times, but there’s no doubt this is a challenge.

“One thing for sure, there will be a lag while the customers come back into the restaurants and shops before the owners feel confident to resume their marketing efforts, so we have to be prepared to feel the effects for quite a long time to come.

“However, on the flip side, once doors open again and normality resumes, businesses will need marketing more than ever to boost their profits and so I hope that will lead to new clients and campaigns for us.”

“We have had to shut down as it’s hard to maintain a two-metre distance as hands-on practitioners,” explains Estelle Mitchell, who has run Bodyworks Health Clinic physiotherapy and wellness centre, near San Pedro, for the last 15 years.

“Most of our team of 10 are solely hands-on and need the patient in the same room, so are unable to work, while some can do some work online.

“We are offering video and telephone consultations where appropriate, and are giving as much advice and support as we can.

“Fortunately our clients have been incredibly understanding and supportive and we are trying to do the same for them.

“Right now the future is a blurry place, I think this situation will create some big shifts, but for better or worse, I don’t know.

“What I can see are people embracing contact after isolation and I’ll continue to do my best to help people stay active and pain free.”

OUR WORK HAS GONE VIRAL “I am far busier than usual and even have regular students complaining that they can’t find slots in my calendar to book lessons,” said John Wilkins, an online language teacher.

“I have seen my bookings double since the lockdown, with clients taking advantage of the extra time to brush up on language skills.

“However, sadly my partner who had just started a new job just four days before the lockdown in a local restaurant, has been forced to stay at home.

“He’s finding it difficult to cope with the boredom and of course it’s been a hit on our finances with him not bringing money in.”

we’re working out on the web!

“Because of the state of alarm we had to close because you can’t do anything in groups,” explains Adam Turner at Turnilla Yoga, Estepona.

“Also we can’t travel to give people private classes because it’s not deemed as essential work.”

“What we’re doing instead is making videos putting them on Youtube so people can practice out of the studio.

“Hopefully things will go back to normal fairly soon but until then we’re trying to make the most of the time we get to spend at home with our kids.” rus. Friendly, but also incredibly professional, they garnered total respect from the locals. After all, I was told that at least two villagers have so far caught the virus, while there is also a big residential care home ‘at risk’.

Thanks to this incredible military operation, the village went into lockdown, while two tankers and three tractors went about disinfecting every street and building in the town.

“We are taking no chances,” explained local policeman Manuel, whose own father is a pensioner in nearby Alcala del Valle. “It’s a very worrying time and we must ensure what happened there doesn’t come here.”

It is a scene being carried out in thousands of towns and villages around Spain this week.

Zero hotel staff is a 20 year first “We are learning to live in a near-total lockdown situation.” explains Andy Chapell, boss of Benaojan’s popular Molino del Santo hotel.

“We were due to open on March 27 but now we have no idea when we will be able to welcome guests again.

“Things are changing very quickly – and we hope they may change just as quickly in a positive way and that we will be able to open again sooner rather than later. Who knows? We are of course concerned for our staff who did not start working this season.

it’s business as usual for us “Although our offices are closed we are offering the same service as usual,” says Sonia Fendley, of STM Nummos Life, specialists in private health insurance.

“Our clients are located in different parts of the world - as well as Spain - so we can continue to offer advice and support via the telephone and internet in much the same way.

“Everyone we have talked to has been grateful for any assistance we have been able to give.

“Unlike other businesses, I don’t foresee much change after this is over, as people will continue to require health insurance.

Some will also be grateful for the peace of mind it offers them during times like these.

“Others may wish they had it, so decide to take out a policy.”

“We met to tell them of the decision on the terrace and at a safe distance.

It was so strange not to exchange hugs and handshakes – we all, without question, kept well apart.

“Even Sergio the gardener has been made redundant so for the first time in over 20 years there is no-one employed at the hotel.

“The staff will get a minimum payment from the government and, on the positive side, there is great support within the community.

“We will get through this and hope that many of us will slow down the pace of our lives and be a little more concerned for the well-being of others in the future.”

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

Users

2.4M

4.3 M 6.6 M

ON TOP: Olive Press website traffic for March

Going national

I

T is not often you get to include yourself in a select group of publishers, some who’ve been in business for OVER A CENTURY. But this week our online portal www.theolivepress.es has soared to new heights... and even above the UK’s long-established Daily Mirror, set up in 1903.

Sitting at 134th position in the most-read websites in the UK this week, we are also above the Metro, the Daily Star AND every regional newspaper you can name, according to Amazon’s Alexa.com.

It is a true honour to be jostling for position with one of the true greats of British publishing, the campaigning Mirror, a once five-million selling tabloid, whose famous editor Hugh Cudlipp, wrote the book Publish and be Damned!.

Of course, we know much of this is down to the current coronavirus crisis, but equally it is down to our excellent team of hard-working journalists.

The group of 16 scribes scattered around the country (and one currently trapped in London), have written a steady stream of exclusive stories on the biggest health emergency of our times.

So good they are, that over three days last week, one lazy, low-rent local rag, copied A SHOCKING 34 of them onto its website within a few hours of us publishing them.

But that’s not all.

Top 200 in Spain

In Spain, our website has also soared into the Top 200, sitting at 183rd position this week.

And globally, we sit at 6,372th most important site (by hits), if you accept Alexa’s analytics (right).

But even if you don’t you’ll hopefully trust our actual Google analytics figures, which we publish above.

They make for enticing reading for any business owner looking to get seen around Spain in these troubling times.

6,372 # 139

# 183 2.4 million audience in March For if you had a banner on our website, or a story - be it a sponsored, native or natural post - you could have been seen by up to 2.4 MILLION unique visitors in March alone.Now the country is just a couple of weeks from finally opening up again, isn’t it time you gave us a call to see how we can help get your business a much-needed post Covid head start?

Here are the top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks: - Lock-down may be working in Alicante province, no new Coronavirus cases for 24 hours (62,804 visitors)

1

BEEN WARNED’: Police and military 2- ‘YOU’VE to crackdown on rule-breakers (55,568) Spanish actress and La Casa de Papel 3- Famous star tests positive for coronavirus (45,054) ALL airports and ports to close in 4- BREAKING: Spain from midnight tonight (44,218) TOUCH: Pornhub offers free access to 5- NICEpremium content in Spain (40,682)

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

www.theolivepress.es

Road deaths plummet DEATH crashes have dropped by three quarters since the coronavirus crisis began.

The number of deaths since the lockdown was imposed is 73% lower than the same period last year.

Only 13 people have died in traffic accidents compared to 48 in the same period in March last year.

There were five days in March when nobody died on the roads.

Flooding alert

DOZENS of incidents of flooding were seen along the Costa del Sol this week.

A total of 20 emergency calls were dealt with in Malaga city and nearby Campanillas as up to 90 litres of rain per metre squared fell over a 12 hour period.

Orange alerts were called as a number of rivers and streams burst their banks on the coast and inland in Alhaurin de la Torre.

The warning from Spain’s state weather agency AEMET meant ‘significant risk’ of flooding early on Wednesday morning too.

Yellow warnings were also put in place for storms in Antequera, Cordoba, Sevilla and Huelva.

Temperatures are expected to drop to as little as seven degrees in Ronda, while snow could fall in Catalunya and Asturias.

AND (MOSTLY) ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

April 1st - April 14th 2020

Silver lining

POLLUTION levels around Spain have plummeted thanks to the coronavirus.

Cities have seen drops of up to 83% as traffic and industry abates.

Barcelona saw the biggest drop in Nitrogen Oxide (NO2) levels of 83%, while Madrid had a 73% drop and Valencia followed with 64%.

Other cities have also seen huge decreases in pollution, such as Castellon 76%, Ali-

Nationwide pollution drops dramatically - as do deaths - thanks to coronavirus

By Joanne Oakley

cante 68%, Bilbao 66%, Malaga, 55%, Zaragoza, 52% and Sevilla, 36%.

According to Greenpeace, the amount of NO2 currently being emitted in Spain is under half of the levels permitted by

the World Health Organisation (WHO).

It is the first time since the regulations came into force in 2010, that Madrid has not breached the designated levels.

In Barcelona the accumulation of NO2 halved after just three days.

Safe and sound MISSING mumof-two, Claire Ann Perry, 33, who was last seen getting into a taxi in Mijas on February 26 has been found.

The British expat, who had been on her way to Malaga Airport when she vanished, is now recovering in hospital.

It is currently unknown what happened to her.

The majority has been due to a 60% drop of traffic on the roads of Madrid and Barcelona, while in Andalucia up to 80%.

Clearer

An added halt in human activity and consumption, plus a reduction in industrial production is all helping to create cleaner air and clearer waters.

“The extraordinary situation will reduce the thousands of deaths that poor air quality causes each year,” said Adrian Fernandez, head of the Greenpeace mobility campaign.

An estimated 4.5 million people die each year from coal, oil and gas pollution around the globe.

Crime drop Crimes in Spain have dropped by 50% since the state of alarm began Almost all crimes have dropped dramatically apart from cybercrime which has increased however due to a change in habits since the lockdown, revealed the Guardia Civil.

OP QUICK Crossword

Sky high

THE price of marijuana has skyrocketed due to the lockdown.

A gram of the drug, smoked by an estimated 10% of the Spanish population, has doubled in price.

According to sources, a gram has gone up from €5 to nearly €15 over the last week.

It comes as the new freedom of movement lockdown has made it harder for dealers to reach their clients, with police stopping people and fining them if they don’t have a valid reason for being out of their homes.

Stand and deliver A SPANIARD has been arrested for a series of bandit-style highway robberies.

The gypsy blocked roads with rocks near his shanty town home, in El Vacie, near Sevilla, forcing drivers to stop.

The man, 40, then robbed the cars’ occupants while wearing a face mask.

Police swooped in after various incidents were reported near midnight.

The man was arrested, while various accomplices fled.

Police confirmed the man had been arrested on a total of 18 previous occasions.

Across 1 Roomy (8) 5 Image of a deity (4) 9 Borders (5) 10 Cushion for kneeling (7) 11 Dog of mixed breed (7) 13 Shouts (5) 14 17th letter of the Greek alphabet (3) 16 Overzealous (5) 18 Little drink (3) 20 Science of logic, quantity, shape and arrangement (Abbr.) (5) 22 Loss of memory (7) 24 Makes journeys (7) 26 Young hooter (5) 27 A great deal (4) 28 Frenzied rush (8) Down 1 Cooking vessel (7) 2 Inert elemental gas (5) 3 Underwriter (7) 4 Exclamation of disgust (3) 6 Draws aimlessly (7) 7 Finds pleasing (5) 8 Wan (4) 12 North African oil state (5) 15 Survive (7) 17 “Raiders of the Lost Ark” actor

OP Sudoku

8

--- Elliott (7) 19 Chatter (7) 20 Broken rock for road repairs (5) 21 Killed (4) 23 Find the answer (5) 25 Posed (3)

All solutions are on page 15

10

March 18th - March 31th 2020

PROPERTY Rent strikes

A PAIR of housing bodies are set to call strikes over rent payments by tenants struggling to pay rent during the Covid-19 crisis.

The tenants associations in Catalunya and Madrid insist that rents for families, small business owners and self-employed workers should be suspended during the crisis.

“The economic costs should not fall on the State or small landlords but on companies and financial entities,” insisted a spokesman.

In the case of small landlords,

VALENCIA was the region that has sold the most properties in Spain in 2019.

The eastern region registered a total of 15.2 sales per thousand inhabitants, while Andalucia came second with 11.9, alongside La Rioja and the Balearic Islands.

The country on average de-

The Property Insider

e

by Adam Neal

Housing bodies threaten strikes if tenants are forced to pay rents who depend on the income they make from rent to pay their bills, the State should be forced to step in to help them.

The news comes as Barcelona mayor, Ada Colau also asks for

Hard sell

creased its house sales to 10.8 per one thousand inhabitants, in comparison to 2018 when it was 11.06.

Across Spain, 503,875 house sales were recorded last year, a number that represents a 2.5%

a suspension of rent payments for flats and commercial properties in the city during the pandemic.

Colau has sent a letter to the presidents of the College of drop compared to 2018, the first drop in five years.

When it came to foreign buyers, the country saw a drop in sales, from 65,400 in 2018 to 63,000 last year. The Balearics had the most, with 42.28% of houses purchased being from foreigners. Valencia came in second with 27.08%.

Real Estate Agents, the College of Property Administrators and the Chamber of Urban Property asking for this.

In it she insists that action must be taken to ‘protect the most vulnerable and to prevent the spread of Covid-19.’

“The council has approved the suspension of the rent of more than 8,000 subsidised council houses and almost 400 commercial properties,” said the 46-year-old.

This comes after last week the Minister of Equality, Irene Montero, called for the Government to suspend the payment of rent for flats and commercial properties during the coronavirus crisis, with the State compensating landlords.

Get your house in order

Whether a resident or second home owner, here are some things you may wish to consider during the COVID-19 crisis, writes Adam Neale WHAT a difference a week makes. Less than ten days ago, life was carrying on as normal, it was business as usual and the coronavirus still seemed to be a remote threat, even in the worst case scenario.

As I write however, Spain and many other countries are now in what looks like it will be a long period of lockdown, with national borders closed, internal movement limited and everyday life totally altered.

In the meantime, what I can do is offer some helpful advice for foreign homeowners, whether you live here permanently, as my family does, or reside overseas and have a second home.

The property market has almost immediately stagnated and is likely to experience significant upheaval the longer the coronavirus pandemia lasts. So, if you have a home for sale, expect it won’t sell for a good while because buyers are, by law, staying at home.

And if you were in the market to buy, unless you like a gamble, the likelihood is that you’ll be waiting to see what happens next before making any kind of move.

Owners should therefore be prepared for an extended period of paying overheads and no longer receiving revenue from short-term rentals, as well as like-

ly losing personal income at the same time as work dries up.

As the owners of a small real-estate agency, this is our case and we have already begun to budget carefully to keep our business afloat and our family protected.

Although the government has announced mortgage-relief measures for people in real need, this only applies to those paying for a primary residence and who are classed as ‘economically vulnerable’.

If you are resident and work in Spain, and you lose your job, or more than 40% of earnings if self-employed or a business owner, or your total family income is less than 1,613€ a month, you may be eligible to benefit.

However, many foreigners who live here full-time will not fall into any of these cases and so, as regards mortgage and other payments, you may well be on your own.

After surviving bankruptcy in the wake of the 2008 global economic crisis by the skin of our teeth, we learned the hard way.. and I strongly recommend you prepare now to avoid problems later.

For owners who live abroad, it may be a while before you’re able to come back to your place in the sun, so the same advice applies and more so.

Aside from covering the cost of any outstanding financing, you should also consider the need to set aside funds for maintenance.

In our experience, when a property is not used, that’s when things break, so think about asking a neighbour or friend to look in from time to time.

And the growing risk of squatters is something you may wish to take steps against.

While our offices are closed for the time being, we, like many agents, are offering remote and virtual support for our clients and can provide property management services, if desired.

How long the COVID-19 pandemia will last and what consequences it will have, for our societies, economies and, in the context of this article, property markets, is anybody’s guess at this point.

For the Costa del Sol property market we believe there is some short term pain ahead followed by a return to normality but that is the subject of my next article. I certainly don’t claim to know what will happen next, but can only hope, as we all do, that as many of us as possible come out of this in good health and in a fit state to face whatever the future may bring. For now, stay home and stay safe.

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

Benefits Consultancy KIM CLARK If you suffer from...

• Mobility problems • Pain / Breathlessness • Falls / Stumbles

Or you need...

• Help with washing / dressing • Supervision

You could be entitled to extra income by claiming UK sickness / disability benefits while living in Spain FOR ADVICE OR TO BOOK A CONSULTATION call 950 169 729 or 663 297 568 www.ukbenefitsinspain.com

LA CULTURA

11

March March April 18th 4th1st- March - April 14th, 31th 17th 2020

Sleeping beauties

Don’t mention the war!

ONE cheeky fan of a yet-to-be cancelled show by legendary comic John Cleese, pleaded with the star: ‘Please don’t die, I've got tickets!’

It comes as the iconic Monty Python star confirmed he is ‘self-isolating’ from coronavirus ahead of his landmark first gig in Mallorca.

The 80-year-old British funnyman, who is in the ‘at-risk’ category for Covid-19, is still set to play Palma Auditorium on April 16.

The show is part of Cleese’s Last Chance To See Me Before I Die tour, which is still set to go ahead, according to the venue’s website. But fans are worried for the star, including Dutchman, Sidney Brandeis, who posted online: “Stay safe and please don't die. I bought tickets for your show.”

Cleese said: “Thank you. I am self-isolating but little has changed as I have very few friends.”

Delights of staying in

L WHILE Spain’s streets remain bereft of human life, a few new and colourful faces are still out and about in Estepona.

Just before the coronavirus lockdown came into force, the town’s annual mural competition returned. But it is unlikely the 10 new selected works will be seen by most any time soon, so the Olive Press set about capturing these sleeping beauties. Pictured are murals by El Chorro Arts, Vyacheslav Gunin and Andre Farkas.

Virtual visits

THE Guggenheim museum in Bilbao has created a virtual platform for its website and social networks in which it will publish videos recorded inside the museum.

The videos will show its exhibitions and some of the more unknown aspects of the museum.

This digital initiative is called #GuggenheimBilbaoLive, and will continually release new audiovisual content related to exhibitions and interesting facts.

The aim of this virtual platform is to ‘accompany and inspire’ and to make the confinement during the state of the alarm more bearable.

Museum staff will also share anecdotes about the current exhibitions and their favourite works and answer any questions about the Guggenheim.

Initial videos have already been published such as an exhibition relating to Olafur Eliasson, with more to be added over the next few days.

OOKING for the perfect Spanish series to watch while locked down, take your pick.

Best of these is La Casa de Papel, which returns for its fourth series to Netflix this week.

The hit series, known as ‘Money Heist’ in English, will hit screens on April 3, a great reason to stay indoors and binge on the next chapter of our favourite characters, El Profesor, Moscow, Denver, Helsinki, Tokio, Rio and Lisboa – who is currently recovering from coronavirus.

It’s great drama and a superb way to learn some Spanish.

Here are five other shows, featuring the case of La Casa de Papel, worth looking out for:

Mirage

– A mystery surrounding two storms 25 years apart sees El Profesor playing a very different role as husband David Ortiz.

Elite

– An exclusive private school sees clashes between the working class and the wealthy leading to murder. Herran plays a soldier in this historical war film

Lord, Give Me Patience - If you’re missing Moscow you can find him in this dysfunctional family comedy

Locked up –

The pair, Alba Flores and Alicia Sierra team up as close friends in this prison thriller

Who would you take to a Desert Island? -

Denver is one of four friends sharing a flat in Madrid

To Steal from a Thief

– Another bank robbery theme if Money Heist isn’t enough for you

LA CULTURA

12

April 1st - April 14th, 2020

Lockdown with a good book Where the Crawdads Sing by Delian Owens A masterfully written debut about a girl growing up utterly alone, abandoned by family and shunned by the locals, her isolation is intense and often unbearable, but she never loses hope. A beautiful read.

Professional bookworm Alicia Duggan reveals the top 10 self-isolation reads that should be on every expat’s list Ulysses by James Joyce Ulysses is famously the book that most people own but few have read.

This is the perfect opportunity to have a go at this witty and erudite literary classic.

Joe Wicks – Literally anything by him!

In lockdown it is easy to become sedentary. Joe Wicks’ books offer delicious, healthy recipes and easy to follow exercise routines which you can also find on YouTube.

The Eyes of Darkness by Dean Koontz This novel rereleased in 1989 is a standard, run-ofthe-mill thriller except for one aspect; it deals with a virus originating in Wuhan, China which becomes a global pandemic!! Is Dean Koontz the new Nostradamus? (The 1981 edition has the virus originating in Russia but by 1989 it has changed to China)

The Ghosts of Spain by Giles Tremlett Written with humour, great affection and full of interesting insights, this is considered The Bible for extranjeros who want to learn some Spanish history and understand Spain.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Trilogy in Five Parts by Douglas Adams Now, more than ever, we need a good laugh. These five hilarious novels by the late, great Douglas Adams will have you laughing out loud. Follow Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect as they travel the galaxy looking for the ultimate question to life, the universe and everything while trying to get a really good cup of tea.

DK (Hugo) Spanish in 3 Months So, hopefully the lockdown won’t last for a full three months! However, self-improvement is always a good way to pass time and Learn Spanish in 3 Months is an easy and comprehensive approach which takes you from beginner to intermediate level.

The Enemy by Charlie Higson A sickness has swept through the adult population killing most and turning the rest in to flesh eating zombies. Only those under 14 are immune. Now they must fight for survival. Although marketed as a YA book, this post-apocalyptic novel is an exciting, fast paced action horror for all ages.

Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett Maybe now is not the best time for a novel about the end of the world, but Good Omens is like a warm duvet of a book, enveloping you in it’s good humoured and good natured tale of fussy, sensitive angel Aziraphale, charming demon best friend Crowley and their attempt to avert the apocalypse.

Killing Commendatore by Haruki Murakami Killing Commendatore is the perfect introduction to the genius that is Haruki Murakami. His novels are enchantingly surreal and this one involves a reclusive artist, a mysterious hidden painting, a secret Nazi assassination attempt and a trip through the underworld. And at 704 pages it will pass many a lockdown hour!

T

HEALTH

HIS morning I woke to the sun streaming through the window and for a while all was well... until that jittery, anxious feeling welled up - the one that has been bubbling under ever since the word coronavirus entered our vocabulary - and that little demon voice inside your head is telling you, ‘what if…?’

With the virus’ rapid spread, grounded flights, economic fallout, and most importantly for those of us with family overseas - are they OK, when will I see them again and of course the big one, when will normality return - the helplessness that many of us feel is understandable.

So how can we keep ourselves on an even emotional keel in these unpredictable times?

Jill Hannam (top right) has

13

April 1st - April 14th, 2020

PEP up your PMA Keep calm and carry on with Life Coach Jill Hannam’s five top tips for cultivating Positive Mental Attitude (PMA)

been a Life Coach for many years, originally working with Blue Chip companies in the UK, before moving into private practice. Now based near Marbella, she offers

THE ENGLISH JEWELLER 30 Years Experience | Diamond Sales Design & Remodeling | Repairs The cheapest way to get fantastic new designer jewellery is to remodel your own jewellery Contact Tim (+34) 677 195 638

one to one consultations and a Skype service to clients around Spain and in the UK. “All our feelings come from thoughts, if we can identify the thought we can change it, rebrand it, crush it with facts and ultimately feel better,” she says.

“It’s natural to worry, feel anxious and panicky. But worrying pushes you into the future and that is beyond our control. It’s important to be in the here and now.

Control “During these uncertain times it’s important to look after yourself both physically and mentally, to put yourself first so you are in the best possible state to help others.”

Jill’s five-point plan to stay calm: Don’t worry - be happy All of us like a degree of control and in troubled times it’s what we crave and need. Understanding what’s in your control and focusing on that is empowering, comforting and essential.

If you find yourself worrying about something, the first question you should ask is ‘Is this within my control?’

COACH: Jill Hannam

HOPE: Deepak and Oprah team up for mediatation course

BRAVE: Anne Frank

If it isn’t, then worrying is like putting yourself through it twice, like hitting yourself with a big stick. Worrying will not stop you from getting sick. If anything it will weaken your immune system.

Follow the advice from the experts in terms of protecting yourself, cleanliness and isolation. Do what is within your control. If someone gets sick, trust your instinct

And breathe….

When all is chaos, connect to calm with Headspace - This app is brimming with relaxation and meditation programmes with courses for beginners to more advanced. Download is free and there are plenty of free sessions or you can upgrade to Headspace Plus to unlock more content, priced £4.99 a month with the first 14 days free. Try the Basic course, ten sessions of between 3-10 minutes which are a great introduction to meditation, mindfulness and ‘being in the moment’.

There are also programmes for better sleep and stress release workouts.

Finding Hope in Uncertain Times - Deepak Chopra and Oprah Winfrey

A free 21-day meditation course by one of the world’s most respected mind body advocates in collaboration with American media star Oprah. It promises to help you feel less overwhelmed with the world at the moment. Oprah has a velvety voice that’s easy to listen to, while Deepak is calm and reassuring. There’s an app to download or access through your browser.

in terms of the severity, seek and follow professional advice like you normally would.

Again, look at the facts. The likelihood of getting the disease is still low and the chances of survival are high.

Whilst I appreciate the threat of this particular disease is unprecedented, worrying won’t protect you.

Fill the void Focusing your mind on something that brings you joy leaves less room for overthinking and unhelpful thoughts.

Work it out It’s the perfect time to take on a personal keep fit challenge.. Exercise makes us feel good, and you’ll never regret a workout (once it’s done!), it makes us healthy and strong! All good things and all within our control!

Interact socially How on earth did people like Anne Frank (above left) survive a ‘lockdown’ without technology? Most of us are so lucky to have access to amazing tools to help us communicate with people all over the world! We’ve signed up for an app called ‘Houseparty’ and last night my husband did a ‘pub quiz’ with his mates whilst I caught up with some of my

pals in the UK. FaceTime, Whatsapp, Skype… a good old fashioned phone call!

Reach out to people who are vulnerable and alone.

Practice gratitude Sit quietly and list the things you are grateful for... the things that make you happy, the people you love. What is it about them that makes you happy? Spend five minutes a day on this. I promise you that when you are doing this, it is impossible to feel anything other than happiness, joy, optimism and thankfulness. What’s not to love about all those feelings! Sit and do this every time any unhelpful feelings come knocking at your door! For more advice on this, read Jill’s blogs www. jillhannamlifecoach.com At this current moment, most of us are healthy; our loved ones are well, and life is fine. So, be grateful for the things that are going well in your life right now and focus on the present – it is a powerful antidote to worrying about the future.

And let’s remember we are not alone in this. We are dealing with this as a community, as a country and as one world. Draw strength from your loved ones, and in turn, try to be strong and stay positive for them.

BUSINESS

14

AprilMarch 1st - April 2020 18th 14th, - March 31th 2020

BY Tim Govaerts AS I am writing from behind my home desk, it strikes me how fast we get used to this new reality.

Since my last article we have further witnessed some of the largest daily fluctuations in stock markets since the financial crisis with the last one being a jump of most indices of well over 10% following the $2Tn stimulus package agreed by the US congress.

If one could only time this! This volatility of the last weeks comes on the back of continued concerns with the virus, how long it will last and the impact on the global economy.

When discussing this with colleagues and clients, and when reading reports from fund managers and the financial press, the human dimension and our loved ones’ health is everyone’s primary concern, and then of course, this contraction and our clients’ interests are paramount.

For new investors this can be an extremely worrying time as they will not have been used

Investing wisely

As coronavirus sweeps Spain, keep your money safe by sticking to a few core principles to such short-term volatility.

For seasoned investors who went through the financial crisis of 2008, the technology bubble of 2000 and even black Monday in 1987, the short term pain being witnessed is often seen as a confirmation that although stock markets can’t always go up, over the long term they have done so.

How long will we continue seeing these jumps?

It is generally assumed now that with this contraction a recession seems inevitable.

Whether this will be a V-shaped one, i.e. suggesting soon a strong recovery, or a U-shaped one where the bounce back can take much longer, is a popular topic of discussion.

Some analysts say this contraction should prove the shortest ever, suggesting it could last two quarters, compared to the average of four quarters.

As the cause of market stress is a public health crisis rather than a leverage or profitability crisis, fundamentals would improve when we have a peak and then slowdown in Covid-19 daily infection rates in the US and Europe.

bottom yet?

At the moment we are still very much in this overreaction phase.

The next two weeks will be critical to see the effects of the containment measures and to estimate the potential length of the economic contraction.

Until then we can expect the high volatility to continue.

For long-term investors and fund managers alike, this offers new buying opportunities.

However, markets are unpredictable, so it would be wise to spread your risk through diversification in a longer term investment strategy, keeping a few core principles in mind:

www.blacktowerfm.com

with us for a long time, the eroding effect of inflation cannot be overstated.

Invest for the long term and stay invested: Trying to time the markets is really only done by luck. Missing the best up days can be as Diversification – diversification – diversi- bad as enduring the worst down days. fication: The best long-term portfolio is one that is diversified across asset classes such Always take professional financial advice: as stocks, bonds, cash and property as well as Emotions can play a key part in an investor’s being spread geographically, not being solely decision making and a rash decision could reliant on one economy such as the UK or US. have a negative impact on your portfolio. An adviser will review your portfolios and guide Start investing early if you can: Compound you through the investment cycles. interest can have an incredible effect on an Please remain safe with your health and your wealth, and contact us if you want to have a investment portfolio. review of your portfolio or would like to look Think twice before putting your money into the opportunities ahead.

Another question raised is if we have hit the in cash: With low interest rates likely to stay

Blacktower Financial Management Ltd is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV. Blacktower Financial Management (Int) Ltd is licensed in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV in Spain

Do you know if you need or how to exchange your driving licence? Liberty Seguros answers your questions.

There are many questions being bounced around about the consequences of Brexit and what effect it will have for those in Spain and other parts of Europe. And, of course, nothing is certain yet. One of the most recurring doubts is about the validity of driving licences. In this regard, you must know that all driving licences issued in any member state of the European Union and the European Economic Area are valid for driving in Spain while they are in force and have not been removed

for any reason.

While you have your permit in force, the exchange for an equivalent Spanish driver’s licence is completely voluntary. However, don’t forget that once you obtain your legal residence in Spain your licence will be subject to the Spanish regulations regarding its period of validity, control of your psychophysical aptitudes and assignment of a points credit. In those cases, where the driving licence is not subject to a spe-

cific period of validity, this will have to be renewed after two years since establishing your legal residence in Spain.

However, from January 1st 2021, the general regulations on non-EU countries will apply to the permits issued by the British authorities and you will be allowed to drive in Spain for only six months from your entry in Spain or from the date of obtaining your legal residence.

Therefore, if your driving licence was issued in the United Kingdom and you have been residing in Spain for a longer period than 6 months this will no longer be valid for driving in Spain from that date.

ASK ABOUT OUR LONG TERM RETALS NO HIDDEN SURPRISES OR EXTRA COSTS AT MALAGA AIRPORT

To continue driving on Spanish roads without problems, you must exchange your permit to a Spanish licence before the said date.

To do so, you must arrange an appointment with your nearest office through https://sedeapl.dgt.gob.es You still might use your Spanish licence in the UK for short visits or exchange it for a UK licence without taking a test if you return to live in the UK. What do you need to exchange your licence? · Official application form available at the Jefaturas de Tráfico (Provincial Traffic Departments) and on the DGT’s website (www.dgt.

es) · Proof of identity and residence: National identity card or passport; your residence card, national identity card or passport and your certificate of registration in the Central Register for Foreign Nationals if you are an EU national; residence card for non-EU nationals. · Foreign driving licence to be exchanged in force. · Up-to-date 32 mm x 26 mm colour photo · Number or proof of payment of having paid the fee II.3: 28,30€ There are three methods of payment: online www.dgt.es, by bank card at Traffic Departments and by direct debit from a bank account or in cash at financial institutions (model form 791 available at Traffic Departments and on www.dgt.es) All our over 300 agents and brokers are highly qualified with extensive experience and will be available to assist you with any questions you may have. And very importantly, this is done in a personal and friendly way, face to face, in an office environment and not by telephone, unless you so wish.

Liberty Seguros excels for the quality of its services, something very well valued by drivers, since they know that they can turn to their insurer at any time to discuss any queries they may have. Liberty Seguros is a very reliable and professional company that has the backing of one of the most important insurance groups in the world: Liberty Mutual.

To find the location of your nearest broker/agent, please visit www.libertyexpatriates.es. or simply call 91 342 25 49

ITH two weeks left of self-isolation (fingers crossed), keeping sane is a daily struggle.

But there is one uplifting activity you can add to your new regime of cooking, baking, exercising, reading (and excessive drinking) to keep stir craziness at bay - planning your next trip.

If this virus has taught us anything, it’s that life is unpredictable and tragically short, so why not experience as much of the world as you can starting at home in Spain.

There’s enough to see on these shores alone, including places even our most travelled readers have yet to tick off their bucket lists.

So check out our collection of some of Spain’s less-visited areas well worth a trip later this spring.

Osuna, Sevilla

The city of Sevilla generally grabs all the glory but the gorgeous ancient town of Osuna, one hour’s drive east from the capital, does not deserve to remain in its shadow.

It was dubbed Urso by the Romans who left behind a quarry, theatre and necrop-

As the countdown to the end of the coronavirus lockdown begins, here’s some inspiration of where to visit upon your release

Osuna

Cuenca

Albarracin

Sierra de Gata

El Coto

Sierra de Gata

Cuenca Catedral

Alcala del Jucar

Plan your escape

olis, which are all still visible today.

Meanwhile its Archaeological Museum in the Torre del

Agua on Plaza Mayor, tells the story of its many years under Islamic rule.

Other artefacts from that

era include the still-standing walls from the Alcazaba fortress and the unmissable collegiate church on Plaza Encarnacion.

Dating from 1531, this jewel of a church is a showcase to Baroque architecture and houses a world class collection of art from the 16th to 18th centuries.

Sierra de Gata, Extremadura If you’re a campo lover you’ll be in your element in the Sierra de Gata.

Nestled in a corner of the Extremadura region, the rolling hills are dotted with a collection of picture perfect white towns that will transport you back in time to a much simpler Spain.

Santibanez el Alto, perched on a hill some 650 metres above sea level, has been standing since the 9th century. Rumour has it that this delightful pueblo was established by a French woman who fled to Spain from persecution at home.

These vertiginous villages are populated by just a few hundred people at the most and ooze oodles of charm with their cobbled, narrow streets, stone houses and scattering of ancient ruins.

If driving, steer clear of the tight-fitting streets in town centres and don’t be alarmed to see many of them named

after the dictator Franco.

Albarracin, Aragon

This ancient village in Aragon was recently named among Spain’s most beautiful and it’s easy to see why.

The town is a masterclass in pretty with its red-washed buildings seamlessly etched into the mountainside since the 12th century.

WIth less than 1,000 inhabitants, Albarracin was declared an official National Monument in 1961 while its surrounding red sandstone cliffs make it a popular rock climbing destination.

The town is a historic site in its own right but while you’re there, don’t skip the outer city defense walls (Murallas de Albarracin), constructed

by Muslim rulers in the 900s.

Other must-sees include the stunning 16th century Catedral de Albarracin and the quirky Casa de Julianata, a (tiny) home in the centre of the citadel standing since the 1300s.

Cuenca, Castile- La Mancha Famous for its ‘casas colgadas’ - hanging houses cantilevered over the cliffs as if clinging by a thread - the Romans ignored Cuenca but the Moors saw it as highly strategic.

Following their successful

invasion in 714, they quickly built a fortress, named Kunka, straddling two gorges between the Jucar and Huecar rivers.

The location was secured by a surrounding kilometre-long wall, allowing an agricultural and manufacturing city to grow and thrive.

Today its breathtaking beauty is preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Don’t miss the impressive Cuenca Catedral, originally built between 1182 and 1270 and restored in 1902, and the 16th century Bridge of St Paul for panoramic views of the citadel.

Alcala del Jucar, Albacete This unassuming but striking town was only deemed an official site of historical importance in 1982.

Like much of Spain, it has seen invasions by Muslim, Christian and Catholic rulers alike who all left behind valuable mementos of their empires.

The Castillo de Alcala del Jucar is just one of these treasures, built by Arab settlers in the 12th and 13th centuries on a hilltop, providing a strategic vantage point over the entire town.

Don’t miss the quirky bullring whose irregular shape makes it a global one of a kind.

OP Puzzle solutions

Quick Crossword

Across: 7 Spacious, 5 Idol, 9 Edges, 10 Hassock, 11 Mongrel, 13 Yells, 14 Rho, 16 Rabid, 18 Sip, 20 Maths, 22 Amnesia, 24 Travels, 26 Owlet, 27 Lots, 28 Stampede.

Down: 1 Steamer, 2 Argon, 3 Insurer, 4 Ugh, 6 Doodles, 7 Likes, 8 Ashy, 12 Libya, 15 Outlast, 17 Denholm, 19 Prattle, 20 Metal, 21 Slew, 23 Solve, 25 Sat.

SUDOKU

W

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

15

April 1st - April 14th, 2020

The

OLIVE PRESS

Advertise here for as little as as £75 per issue

FREE

GIBRALTAR

The Rock’s only free local paper

Vol. 5, Issue 118 www.theolivepress.es April 1st - April 14th, 2020

Plane daft

A PAIR of Albanians have been arrested for driving their car into a Barcelona airport terminal.

The entered Terminal 1 via a revolving door, while the airport was practically empty.

The two men – both of which are Albanian nationals – were apprehended by the police, who claim they made an ‘Islamist-style proclamation’ but this has not been confirmed.

Neither man has a terrorist past and no explosives were found in the car.

Bread-handed POLICE in Granada have fined a man who could only produce a hard loaf of bread as evidence of a trip to the supermarket.

The man was stopped in Motril and asked to prove where he had been.

He was fined after police discovered he had only one loaf of bread ‘as hard as rock’.

Since March 16, the Motril Policia Local has issued 278 fines.

Stripper-gran

AN 80-year-old Spanish granny has been denounced for breaking the lockdown, possessing drugs and flashing police officers.

The woman from Navarra was stopped when walking down the street and asked why she was out of the house.

Her reply was that she was delivering the drug speed to her granddaughter.

The police then proceeded to search her and found three small bags conA BISHOP has been fined for driving with a neighbour taining the narcotic substance. in the passenger seat. The Bishop of San Sebastian The situation worsened for the octowas fined riding shotgun, which is in violation of the genarian when she lifted up her skirt state of emergency laws.He is facing a fine of €600 deduring the search and flashed the spite telling cops he was taking the man to the dentist. agents.

Frocking cheek

Shame of the parade A GROUP of penitents are facing real trouble after heading out for an impromptu Easter parade during the lockdown.

The five men from Utrera, near Sevilla, were stopped by police while undertaking a fake Semana Santa parade to dance music.

Two of those arrested were wearing the traditional nazarenos robes for the stunt, while two women wore the black outfits of the manolas.

The fifth person in the group can also be seen carrying a miniature paso – the elaborate religious floats paraded in Spain at Easter.

It comes after the virus caused the week-long Semana Santa celebrations to be cancelled for one of the only times in Spain’s history.

The cost for the city of Sevilla alone is expected to be around €400 million.

Get me out of here!

A MAN has asked police to arrest him as he can’t bear being confined at home with his mum.

The Galician man, 44, visited the local police station insisting he had coronavirus and needed to go to hospital.

But after confirming he did not have the virus he was sent home and ordered to stay there.

Quickie in quarantine A RANDY couple have been told they could face a €30,000 fine after flouting quarantine by having sex on a beach in Estepona.

The frolicking duo, a south American man and a Spanish woman, were caught mid-romp behind a chiringuito at night and were arrested for public disorder.