Olive Press Newspaper - Issue 142 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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FREE Hang bankers and seize land, urges mayor EXCLUSIVE by Mason Jones

RADICAL PLAN: Gordillo A COMMUNIST mayor who advocates ‘hanging bankers’ is leading the occupation of a village in protest over central government cuts. Controversial Marinaleda mayor Juan Manuel Sanchez Gordillo - dubbed Spain’s Robin Hood - insists his 400-strong following will not leave the land in the Cordoba hamlet of Moratalla until they are issued with an eviction order. The protest is part of a wider movement against cutbacks from Madrid, which has seen demonstrators march from Jodar, the town with the highest unemployment rate in Andalucia. Gordillo hopes the action will encourage other town halls to reject spending restrictions imposed on them. He told the Olive Press last night: “We, the people, have to pay for the debts the banks made. Turn to Page 7

Vol. 6 Issue 142

EXCLUSIVE by Wendy Williams A BRITISH family is demanding action after their ‘precious pug’ died while being transported between Spain and the UK. Dianne Lunt, 54, from Marbella, alerted the authorities after her daughter Amy’s beloved pet Wasabi allegedly collapsed from heat exhaustion and suffered a cardiac arrest while in the care of courier company Pet Taxi. The mother-of-three called in police after the dog failed to arrive at an address in Suffolk last week. The UK authorities are now investigating after it emerged that the Torre del Mar-based company was warned about its vehicles only three months ago. It is understood that up to seven other pets may have been temporarily handed to the RSPCA to care for after the van arrived in Dover, minus the body of Wasabi which was left in Calais. Lunt, who has lived in Spain

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Don’t let the banks cash in www.hifx.co.uk see page 13

August 23 - September 05, 2012

In the doghouse LOSS: Amy Lunt with her beloved late pug Wasabi

for 28 years, told the Olive Press: “I got a call from boss Jeremy Griffiths on Tuesday evening telling me he was dead. “He was unbelievably cold. I couldn’t speak. I was in shock.” She continued: “Wasabi was so loved and we were so careful about who we chose to take him home. “Jeremy assured us he and

Pet courier company under attack after dog dies from heat exhaustion en route to Calais his staff were all pet lovers and we trusted him. “Now the vet has confirmed he died of heat exhaustion, causing cardiac arrest. “I doubt my children can ever forgive me, but I do in-

Ever felt you are being cheated? In an eight-page special supplement, the Olive Press investigates the phenomenal success of TripAdvisor and its numerous flaws, and gets the views of those in the know across Andalucia. Turn to Page 21 for some surprising findings...

tend to stop it ever happening again.” Shockingly, another owner has also come forward to reveal that his golden retriever Dexter also died three years ago in similar circumstances. Roger Holdsworth, from La Mairena in Marbella, explained how a French vet told him Dexter had also died from ‘heat exhaustion’. “This is despite frequently contacting Pet Taxi for updates during the trip and always being reassured he was doing well,” he said. “You can imagine my horror when I heard he had collapsed and died. “We still feel his loss and are tormented by the circumstances of his death,” he added. Tellingly the new death comes just months after expat Alec Strathern also denounced Pet Taxi after

claiming the van his three dogs travelled in ‘was in a deplorable state’. “The air conditioning was broken and there were holes in the floor that we had to tape up to stop the exhaust fumes seeping in,” claims Strathern, who also travelled behind the van on the trip back to the UK. He was so angry he demanded the van be inspected by Defra when it arrived in Dover.

Condemned

“Defra condemned the vehicle and the lack of permits and only allowed us to continue the journey subject to a later vehicle inspection.” He added furiously: “I can’t believe the company has got away with it this long and is still taking orders.” Boss Griffiths however, denies the accusations and claims he is ‘mortified’ that Wasabi died in his care. “He was taken to the vets for a post-mortem as the cusTurn to Page 4

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CRIME NEWS

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The Olive Press - Number One for crime and investigations

COCAINE RING SMASHED

FORTUNE: The haul was worth millions

MORE than 3,000 kilos of cocaine with an estimated street value of €150 million has been seized after police intercepted a ship off the Cadiz coast. The haul is the largest in Spain this year and is part of an international anti-drug trafficking operation that has seen 31 people detained in connection with the Spanishbased network. The drugs, originally from South America, were bound for the Galician coast where they were due to be transported to Madrid, according to police. The suspects, from Columbia, Bulgaria and Spain, were seized following an eight-month operation by Spanish police, working with authorities in Bulgaria.

British expats guilty of €13 million fraud Husband-and-wife team swindle millions out of innocent expats in decade-long investment scam

CONMAN: Hirst

THEY seemed a respectable couple who enjoyed a lavish lifestyle of luxury holidays, sports cars and a €1.5 million gated Spanish villa. Spending over €200,000 on a Las Vegas wedding and reception and paying for family and friends to jet around the world, they were the life and soul of the party. But little did associates of John and Linda Hirst know they were unwittingly funding the spending spree after being conned out of €13 million. The couple defrauded up to 100 British expats over a period of nearly a decade through a bogus Ponzi Scheme, run from their base in Mallorca.

By Mason Jones Hirst, 61, from West Yorkshire, along with his 62-year-old wife and accountant Richard Pollett persuaded the expat investors to hand over large sums of money to his company Gilher Inc, with a false guarantee of an 18% a year return.

Copper…nicked

Dodgy dosh MORE than 400 people have been arrested for creating €19 million worth of counterfeit bank notes in the last three years. The arrests are the result of a joint operation between the national and regional police forces across Spain. The National Police, which have a specialised counterfeit unit, has smashed 35 gangs and closed 24 factories used to create the fake notes in this time. The European Central Bank has issued a guide in English to spot fake notes. Visit www.ecb.int/euro/banknotes/security.

Guilty

In reality, the money was going to offshore accounts held by Hirst, with only small amounts going back to investors each month, just enough to persuade them the scheme was working. An investigation began in 2009 after a series of delayed payments to A POLICEMAN is facing three investors alerted years in prison for allegedly pockthe Serious Fraud eting tourists’ on-the-spot parking Office. fines. Hirst had preThe 59-year-old, while working for viously been the Guardia Civil in Sevilla, allegconvicted of a edly kept up to 21 fines totalling €600,000 fraud €2,670 in a five-week period in after conning 2010. British miners out According to the prosecutor, the accused struck when offenders – of their redunall non-residents of Spain – paid dancy payments cash upfront in order to benefit in the 1990s. from a discount in their fines. The trio, who On one occasion it is thought he pleaded guilty to made €1,260 in one day after isfraud and moneysuing up to 10 denuncias to three laundering chargforeign motorists on the A-66. es, are due to be He now faces prison plus a €1,200 sentenced at Brafine in a trial set to take place in ford Crown Court November. on August 31.

NEWS

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RECOVERING: Take That star Barlow

Gary Barlow scraps Mallorca plans X FACTOR judge Gary Barlow has cancelled his Spanish travel plans. The Take That singer, 41, was supposed to bring his team to Mallorca for the ‘Judge’s House’ round of the competition, but will now remain in the UK, as he and wife Dawn recover from the loss of their stillborn daughter Poppy. “The Mallorca plan has been ditched. Gary is in no fit state to be out of the country. Everyone is completely behind whatever he wants to do,” one source said.

the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012

Eva’s big heart

Desperte Housewives star takes time out of charity work to pose with fellow diners at Nikki Beach in Marbella SHE has shown she is a big star on the Costa del Sol. But 5’2” Desperate Housewives actress Eva Longoria looked even more petite than usual when she posed with a rather tall diner - former basketball player Fernando Romay - at Nikki Beach restaurant in Marbella. Joined by fellow TV stars Amaury Nolasco and Terrence Howard for a bite to eat, the starlet smiled for the cameras with the jolly giant before heading to the 2012 Global Gift Gala. Longoria has been in Andalucia to promote several charity events throughout the week and said she has missed Spain since visiting last year with Antonio Banderas. In particular the 37-year-old star at-

tended the Global Gift Gala to represent The Eva Longoria Foundation, one of the three beneficiaries of the evening at Aqwa Mist Club. The annual event was attended by footballer Julio Baptista, model Maria Jose Suarez and many others in a bid to raise funds for children with cancer both locally and worldwide. Longoria also took part in walk-a-thon charity race to raise money for developmentally-disabled children. She tweeted: “Having so much fun at the walk here in Marbella for the @GlobalGiftGala. So many people today!” The pint-sized actress, who has recently split from singer Eduardo Cruz, was born to Mexican-American parents with her ancestors leaving Spain in 1603.

Competition

Barlow has also pulled out of the X Factor press launch but a spokesman for the show confirmed ‘he will stick to the planned September 10 and 11 dates’ when each judge is expected to have a final team chosen. The singer’s bandmate Robbie Williams will help him with the selection process, as he did last year. Meanwhile the other three X Factor judges Louis Walsh, Tulisa Contostavlos, and Nicole Scherzinger, are set to go abroad to film those episodes of the singing competition.

Diver Tom Daley aces Spanish A-level

DIVER Tom Daley has aced his Spanish A-level. The 18-year-old Plymouth College student, who won bronze in the 10m individual platform dive, tweeted the good news to his 1.5 million followers: “I got an A in Spanish! Overall I have A* photography (A2), A Spanish (A2) and A maths (AS) :) thanks PlymColleg1 :D” The school replied on Twitter: “Brilliant, well done. A nice addition to your Olympic bronze medal!” But Daley insists the hard work is not over just yet. “The plans now are for me to go back to school, do a couple more maths modules. I’ve got to go to the Junior World Championships in October, in Adelaide, and then it’s working towards the World Championships next year.”

New look for Penelope Cruz

FASHION ICON?: Cruz as Super Mario

SPANISH actress and model Penelope Cruz has traded in her normally sexy outfits for blue dungarees and a handlebar moustache to pose as virtual icon Super Mario. The Madrid-born starlet teamed up with her sister Monica in a promotional video for Super Mario Bros 2, the latest release for game console Nintendo 3DS. In the commercial, the two are playing the new game and, upon losing, Penelope must dress up as the most famous plumber of the video game world, while her sister looks on in laughter. The game is now on sale in stores across Spain.

New voices for iTalk

LITTLE AND LARGE: Petite actress Eva Longoria poses with former basketball player Fernando Romay

EXPAT radio station iTalk has taken on four new presenters including a British soap star and a US chef. The first recruit to DJ Maurice Boland’s venture is actress Debbie Arnold (pictured here), who is certainly no stranger to showbiz. After an early job as a Marilyn Monroe impersonator, Debbie later starred in Birds of a Feather, The Russ Abbott Show and soaps Coronation Street and EastEnders. “I’ve done lots of radio but it’s always been a wish of mine to have my own show,” said Debbie. Meanwhile US food expert Chef Sonny – who attended the Cordon Bleu in Paris – is another new iTalk addition.

Blairs in Benahavis

© FAMEFLYNET.UK.COM FORMER Prime Minister Tony Blair has been soaking up the Spanish sun at a friend’s house in Benahavis. The ex-politician and his wife Cherie (above) were spotted dining in Puerto Banus after attending Sunday mass at San Pedro’s parish church. It was also speculated the Blairs would meet up with former Spanish prime minister, and close ally Jose Maria Aznar during their trip. Although there is yet to be a picture of the two together in Andalucia, one twitter user wrote: “Spotted in Guadalmina, Marbella: Tony Blair is visiting my neighbour Jose Maria Aznar!” Current Prime Minister, David Cameron, and Deputy, Nick Clegg, were also in the country last week. While Cameron jetted off to Mallorca, Clegg headed to Valladolid.

the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012

News IN BRIEF Relentless heat

40 provinces across Spain remain on high alert as the heat wave continues.

Football row

Real Madrid and Barcelona FC games will not be broadcast on ‘open’ TV next season due to money disputes.

Sinking rates

Interest rates have fallen after Spain sold €4.4 billion in a debt auction amid talks of a bailout.

Bike death

A British boy aged 17 has been killed after his bike came off the road in Orihuela Costa on Monday night. He was not wearing a helmet.

NEWS

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Town hall under fire

From Page 1

Tragic dog deaths

Homes narrowly avoid being destroyed after firework display causes blaze Concerned residents had questioned the wisdom of going ahead with the event while high winds were gusting, but Benalmadena Town Hall refused ANGRY expats have hit out at town to cancel after claiming to have rehall officials after a firework display ceived a ‘guarantee there would be no led to a fire that destroyed nearly accidents’. Expat Jeremy Standley, 42, a profesthree acres of land. sional photographer whose home was threatened by the fire said: “It was not a question of if there would be a blaze but a question of when. “The trees caught fire and if the wind had not died down the houses would have gone up too.” One resident claimed officials were ‘launching fireworks everywhere’ during the FIREWORKS: The blaze was worsened 15-minute display, by high winds

EXCLUSIVE by Mason Jones

TERROR: The flames destroyed three acres while others were forced to throw buckets of water on the blaze and evacuate their homes until firefighters arrived. Fire crews from as far away as Malaga were drafted in to help contain the inferno, with one witness describing a ‘total lack of communication’ between the police and firefighters. A Benalmadena Town Hall spokesman told the Olive Press: “The town hall is not responsible for the fire. “The company we used to organise the display guaranteed there would be no accidents. “Someone even asked the company about the high winds yesterday and they said it would be safe.”

tomer instructed,” he said. But he refuted Lunt’s claim that the post mortem ruled he died from ‘excessive heat and dehydration’. “It wasn’t heat exhaustion at all. The vehicle is fitted with air conditioning. He had suffered a collapsed trachea in the throat,” he insisted. “The pug was overweight and I raised concerns before the journey, especially as we had to take him to the vet as he had thousands of ticks.” He continued: “The claims we are operating illegally are rubbish. We are Defra registered. I have heard nothing from Defra since the incident. “I am devastated about what happened but we are continuing as normal.” Defra confirmed a vehicle had been intercepted at Dover in a joint operation between Dover Police and the Animal Health and Vetinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA). An AHVLA spokesman said: “The incident has been referred to the local authority for investigation. We cannot comment on individual cases.” Has your pet died while travelling to the UK? Contact newsdesk@ theolivepress.es

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5 olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012 the

NEWS

End of our idyll RUINED: The view as it is today and (inset) Lynda and Bradley

A BRITISH couple are bewildered after their town hall approved plans for an enormous recycling plant to be built on the doorstep of their rural home. Lynda Elliot, 66, and her partner Bradley Wolfenden, 54, bought a €240,000 bungalow deep in the Coin countryside six years ago. But in June, Coin Town Hall approved a 215,000 square metre recycling centre in the La Jara valley, 150m from their house.

Outrage over €16 million recycling plant planned for unspoilt valley in Andalucia EXCLUSIVE by Eloise Horsfield “We are devastated,” said Elliot, originally from Lancashire. “When we bought the house the estate agent told us we wouldn’t be able to change anything because the whole area was non-urbanisable. “Now it is going to be worth literally nothing,” added the former adult education co-

ordinator. The €16 million project to be built on private land criss-crossing a stream abundant with wildlife - is riddled with unanswered questions about access and its environmental impact. “They have promised us the only impact will be visual, but they refuse to answer any of our questions,” said Lynda. “What about noise, dust, opening times and pollution? The only plan we have

SPAIN TURNS VOLUME DOWN SPAIN may have garnered a reputation as one of the noisiest countries in the world, but the volume is about to be turned down following a crackdown by town halls. Authorities are turning to new technology to reduce noise levels in the street, with sound measuring equipment, audioabsorbent pavements, and more controls

on bars and nightclubs among some of the schemes being implemented. It comes after town halls last year received guidelines on how to implement ‘sustainable urban mobility plans’ to minimise noise levels. Noise pollution remains the number one environmental concern for residents in Andalucia.

seen shows roads that don’t exist or have weight limitations. We have no idea what they are going to do about access.” A spokesman from Coin Town Hall said, rather bafflingly: “The developer’s proposal is compatible with Coin’s town plan which allows non-urbanisable land to be developed.”

Compensation

“There will be no compensation because the plant is legal.” Regarding environmental implications, he said: “All new developments are assessed through an Environmental Impact Study. Fellow expats and Spaniards living in Coin have also complained about not being warned about the plant, with some taking legal action against the Junta.

the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012

OPINION OPINION False Maddie trails MORE than five years after Madeleine McCann’s disappearance, the media spotlight remains firmly on the little girl’s fate. Despite continued speculation about her whereabouts and a consistent stream of potential sightings, the trail remains cold. With each story that appears, hope is temporarily revived only for it to seemingly be dashed again, but the media has a duty to keep these cases in the public domain. However unlikely or tenuous the link may be, there remains the possibility that one piece of evidence could become a vital piece in the jigsaw. The danger is that the story becomes a case of the boy who cried wolf, and that when a genuine sighting emerges, no one takes it seriously. Either way, the real tragedy of the case is that there are thousands of other missing children around the world who do not have the benefit of worldwide media interest in their fate.

Rubbish idea Many expats move to Spain for a more peaceful lifestyle with landscape a key consideration. Andalucia, you would think, could provide all these things and more with its rolling countryside. And the term ‘non-urbanisable’ should provide an escape from Britain’s ‘build on every free space’ mentality. Unfortunately this has been abused in the pursuit of a quick buck, with developers snapping up all available space including land classified as rural. You would think planning officials would have learnt their lesson by now and stick to the already ruined brownfield sites. But as our story on page 5 shows, it seems they are not satisfied unless they are ripping up one of the region’s biggest assets. The longer this unchecked development goes on, the less appealing Andalucia becomes to tourists…its very lifeblood.

Franco throwback The news that Spain’s right-wing government is attempting to gag journalists who disagree with its policies is an alarming development that brings to mind the dark days of the Franco era. A free press is one of the cornerstones of any democracy and any attempt to stifle it will never be viewed in anything other than a critical way by the rest of Western society. It is important therefore given the current financial gloom engulfing Spain that the country is seen as putting on a united front. This starts with the government and the press working together to promote the country in a positive light. It would also go some way towards showing that Spain is finally ready to leave the Franco era behind.

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Meeting the Spanish ‘Robin Hood’

OR Juan Manuel Sanchez Gordillo, the credit crunch currently crippling Spain proves the model of leadership he has brought to Marinaleda for the past 33 years is what the rest of the world should replicate. Despite the depressing statistics highlighting the region’s troubled plight, Gordillo is adamant his town of 3,000 people has no such job worries. Speaking proudly - appropriately in front of a portrait of Che Guevara that adorns his office - the mayor With unemployment at 33% declares: “The truth is there is in Andalucia, and 5.7 million nobody unemwithout work in Spain, the ployed in this town. Olive Press meets the radical “If people lose mayor who has become a cult their jobs they can come to the town figure by leading the mass hall where we will food raids to feed the poor assign them jobs to do in town. “Be it re-building pavements or laying roads we can give them work that will fighting for the mayor to fi- “Overall it took many years not only provide them with nally wrestle the right to cul- but he never stopped fightmoney but will also improve tivate the land for his people ing for what he thought was from the power of an infa- rightfully ours.” the area. “Also, season permitting, mous wealthy landowner, the there is often work up on the Duke of Infantado. Gordillo winces co-operative for those who Nowadays people even come suddenly find themselves from nearby towns and vilwhen the term lages such as Ecija to work jobless.” ‘communist’ is Indeed, working for the town as part of the team. hall, hundreds of local peo- The very fact that the land used to describe ple can be guaranteed €47 is now completely owned by the village is undoubtedly for a six-and-a-half-hour day. his model And it is this much-vaunted Gordillo’s finest achievement co-operative that has been to date. Since the acquisition of the heralded as a shining light “Gordillo was the inspiration land, it has been gradually for towns and cities across behind us finally being given transformed from a barren, the world struggling against this land,” explained co-oper- dry wasteland to an irrigated ative worker Antonio Gomes. the global slowdown. and fertile stretch that can El Humoso is located eight ki- “Every day for two months he grow a huge range of veglometres outside of the village would lead us on a peaceful etables and fruit. and is a crucial source of work march up here to protest for All the revenue made by the right to be granted the for many residents. selling the produce is re-inIt took 12 years of political land. vested back into the system

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to buy new tractors or tools and increase productivity yet further. Such is the community spirit of the town there is not even need for a police force, as the town’s elders assume responsibility for ensuring youngsters stay on the straight and narrow. Inevitably, the heavy socialist leanings of both mayor and the majority of townsfolk have led to communist parallels being drawn. However, Gordillo visibly winces when the term is used to describe his model of governance. “How would you describe someone who is green, socialist and utilitarian? I don’t know what you could use to describe what I believe in.”

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A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in southern Spain - 186,000 copies distributed monthly (120,000 digitally) with an estimated readership, including the website, of more than 500,000 people a month. Design and page layout: Luke Stewart Media S.L - CIF: Jackie McAngus B91664029 Admin/advertising sales: Urb Cayetano Arroyo, Buzon Pauline Olivera 13, Arriate 29350 Malaga admin@theolivepress.es Printed by Corporación de

FEATURE

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FEATURE

the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012

What is certain however is the man’s contempt for how the excesses of capitalism have reduced the Costa del Sol’s coastline to a sea of half-built houses standing desolate and unused. “It is disgusting how developers have been allowed to ruin our lovely coastline,” he said. “They have been allowed to earn billions of euros and care nothing about the environmental consequences.” It is a far cry from Marinaleda – where greedy construction firms dare not set foot due to Gordillo’s Buy and Rent strategy. The building of homes is strictly regulated by the council whereby those in need of housing join a waiting list and are subsequently allocated a plot of land. They can then choose to actively build it themselves, work alongside town builders or employ a team to build the property. LEADER: Communist mayor Juan Manuel Sanchez Gordillo in Marinaleda and (inset) posing The process can take up to four years but, once com- with a copy of the Olive Press under a picture of Che Guevara plete, the house will have Gordillo’s influence before we arnation to ensure his townsfolk do Gordillo wants, he often tends to cost on average, €20,000. rived,” explained Eddie, 59. not suffer from want even extends get from the Junta, due to his graviAn additional monthly rent of just “We decided to move here because beyond the essentials of work and tas and fame. €15 a month ensures that no it was the cleanest and best looked housing. Either way, the few expatriate resibuilding companies could even after town we came across when A short walk around the town´s dents who number around 10 famcome close to providing equally we were house hunting. spotlessly-clean tree-lined streets ilies, are extremely lucky. cheap housing. “Gordillo does everything for the vilcertainly demonstrates that the Take Eddie and Pat Norton, 60, “In my opinion, affordable housing lage – he asks the people personresidents are well catered for. from Essex, who cannot believe is an essential human right, not a ally what they want to see provided. Despite just a 3,000-strong populahow lucky they were to stumble business,” explains Gordillo. “He caters for all ages and makes tion, citizens have three municipal across the village four years ago. “It is disgusting these companies sure every citizen is looked after swimming pools at their disposal, a “Like a lot of expats who live here, over-inflate the asking price of from the cradle up to the grave. state-of-the-art football pitch, gym we had no idea homes and destroy our land at the and a lovely public park. about the posame time.” It is even rumoured that fellow litical leaning And yet Gordillo’s fierce determimayors are jealous as whatever of the town or From Page 1

‘Robin Hood’ of Spain

We have to refuse to pay this debt, because it is not legitimate. “Pay checks are cut, pensions are cut, people are being made redundant and in the meantime, the prices of electricity and the VAT go up,” he added. “This crisis has its own hangmen and those are the bankers. Well, I say; let’s throw them in jail now for the destruction of so many lives, for stealing and robbing. “No jail is too good for them, we should just hang them.” Gordillo made headlines earlier this

month after encouraging union workers to ‘steal’ food from supermarkets to donate to the regions poorest families. The action led to seven arrests but earned Gordillo the nickname of ‘Spain’s Robin Hood’. “There are people who don’t have enough to eat. In the 21st century, this is an absolute disgrace,” Gordillo said. “We want an employment plan, the use of under-utilised public land, and a basic income for 350,000 families here in Andalucia.”

“The people love him - when he went to Sevilla for his job march last month half the village went with him. Gordillo is still not scared to take on anybody. “Having lived here for four years we don’t want it to change... in fact it’s so good, we don’t want anyone else to move here!” However - as no doubt Gordillo would agree - it would be anything but utilitarian to prevent it.

the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012

News IN BRIEF Early voting THE Basque elections have been brought forward to October, ending four years of coalition government.

Flight frenzy Nearly 150 Birmingham bound passengers were stranded in Tenerife for two days after a ‘technical fault’ on their Monarch flight.

Pay homage A memorial service for the victims of the 2008 Spanair crash in Madrid has been held in Terminal 2 of Barajas Airport on its fourth anniversary.

Hash ahoy! Spanish Customs and Excise have arrested three Italian citizens after seizing 2,600 kilos of hashish from a recreational boat in Adra, Almeria.

NEWS

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Corruption probe over illegal licence Three-year planning investigation leads to 10 arrests TOWN hall officials and two architects are among 10 people arrested in connection with the illegal construction of an apartment block. The group, which also includes a property developer and three technicians working for the Junta, are facing charges of corruption, false documentation and insider trading after a licence was granted in an incredible three days for the complex in Benalmadena. The developer and architects are accused of duping planning officials into approving the project after

By Rund Abdelfatah misleading them into believing it was to be used as a hotel, in order to bypass building restrictions. Meanwhile, town hall technicians allegedly signed off safety checks which had not been carried out. The investigation began following a routine inspection in 2009 which found the building was being used as a residential block that was built on greenfield land and had 80 apartments, despite the limit for such developments being 15.

Warming the cockles A BRITISH couple have handed in a rucksack carrying €3,800 in €50 notes. The lost bag also contained bank statements and other documents. “They didn’t leave their names. They just handed the bag in and left,” said a spokesman at Manilva police station. Police later tracked down the rucksack’s rather careless owner in Sabinillas.

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the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012

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Twitcher’s paradise ANDALUCIA is promoting itself as a birdwatcher’s paradise after tourism chiefs travelled to the UK to highlight what the region has to offer. The delegation attended the British Birdwatching Fair in Rutland, the largest of its kind in the world

CHARM: Bee eater and often described as the birdwatchers’ Glastonbury. Representatives from the Junta joined birdwatching companies at the fair to highlight Andalucia’s main areas for twitching and the key species visitors can expect to see. Andalucia boasts around 150 natural protected areas totalling 3.3 million acres, more than 60 Special Protection Areas for birds which together are home to over 300 species of birds.

GREEN NEWS

the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012

Green alert for ‘fireproof’ trees

A CLUSTER of cypress trees that survived the recent blaze in Valencia has left scientists baffled. According to aerial images, 50,000 acres around the town of Andilla were left completely scorched following the fires. That is except for a vibrant patch of 946 green cypress trees, which survived completely unscathed. Now scientists are investigating why the cypresses, planted 22 years ago, were the only vegetation to have survived, sparking a debate about whether ‘fireproof’ trees might be the answer to preventing the spread of wildfires. “The trees acted like a screen against the fire,” explained Bernabe Moya, the director of forestry for the Valencia region. “They could be planted strategically: between three and 15 lines of cypresses to reinforce the firebreaks in hard to-reach areas,” he added.

Cypress tress could hold the key to preventing wildfires, writes Wendy Williams ISLAND: The cypresses escaped unhurt

Green jobs

Others remain sceptical. “We will have to find out what really happened,” said Raul de la Calle of the Official Association of Technical Forest Engineers. “The cypress is not a very combustible species, but to the point that it doesn’t burn at all. There is no such thing as a fireproof tree,” he said.

Meanwhile others believe planting the trees could actually have a damaging effect on the environment. “Introducing a species that isn’t native is a mistake. It changes the ecosystem and endangers the rest of the flora,” said Nicolas Lopez, a botanist and expert in species conservation at SEO Birdlife.

THOUSANDS of jobs have been created in Andalucia thanks to the development of the renewable energy sector. A total of 44,259 jobs were formed last year, with the construction, operation and maintenance of power plants accounting for 23,203 positions, according to the Andalucian Energy Agency. Moreover the Agency estimates the industry will have generated as many as 110,356 jobs in Andalucia between 2007 and 2013 thanks to the Andalucian Sustainable Energy Plan.

News IN BRIEF Unfair exports ARGENTINA has filed a complaint to the EU against Spanish rules on biodiesel imports, which it claims breach world trade laws.

Sea test The procedure for controlling toxic spills has been tested off Malagueta beach in Malaga in an exercise involving five boats.

Fire help The village of Arriate is collecting funds to help reforest the Catalan town of La Junquera following four major fires in July. The two towns have been twinned since 1997.

Jelly go Fishing boats in Algeciras have removed a ton and a half of jellyfish, with Estepona authorities removing a ton from La Rada beach.

the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012

NEWS

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Man believes he saw the missing girl on a flight to Germany

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Was Maddie in Ibiza? A GERMAN holidaymaker has claimed he saw Madeleine McCann aboard a flight from Ibiza to Munich. Frank Bode, 42, was returning home to Germany earlier this month following a five-day break in Spain when he caught sight of a girl that immediately reminded him of the missing toddler. “My intuition told me that the girl, who was around seven to 10 years old, could be Madeleine,” Bode told the Olive Press. “She didn’t seem to fit with her family at all. Her father was clearly German, as were her two brothers, both around 10 to 12 years old, but her mother appeared to be British. “They were all speaking German except for the girl, who I clearly heard speaking British English.” He continued: “The two boys were touching her strangely and the girl seemed totally out of place – nervous, stuttering, just not normal. And her mother, who bore no resemblance to the girl, was a strange woman and didn’t talk the entire trip. “I was never very interested in the case but my instincts told me something was up, and I’m almost never wrong about these kinds of things,” added Bode, a sales manager for a currency printing company. “I took a photo and showed it to some of my friends who agreed it could definitely be Maddie.”

IDENTITY: The blurry image of the girl resembling Maddie Bode was so convinced the girl on his Lufthansa flight was Maddie, who disappeared from Portugal in 2007, he immediately contacted the British police. “The woman at the hotline said it is on file, but that’s all she said. “I’m mainly interested in the family getting the photo, but it’s difficult to find a channel through which to contact them.” When the Olive Press contacted British police about Bode’s report, they said: “At this time we cannot find any record of his information.”

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012

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the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012

NEWS

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Spanish censorship SPAIN’S right-wing government stands accused of persecuting probing journalists who disagree with its policies. A number of controversial sackings have occurred at state radio and TV broadcaster RTVE, who critics say were removed because they asked ‘difficult questions’. The latest casualty is Ana Pastor (above), presenter of TVE’s breakfast show Los Desayunos. “They’re getting rid of me for acting as a journalist,” 34-year-old Pastor declared.

Government under fire following controversial sackings at state broadcaster RTVE

While TVE’s official statement said: “Pastor has turned down an offer to conduct a weekly night show,” the presenter herself claims she was not offered an alternative. It follows a string of sackings including head of news Fran Llorente. TVE was famously accused of bias by the PP in the months leading up to the

Superjudge seeks asylum for Wikileaks founder SPANISH ‘superjudge’ Baltasar Garzon has vowed to go to The Hague if Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is denied asylum. The head of Assange’s defence team said he will travel to the International Court of Justice if Britain denies the Australian national, who is wanted in Sweden on sexual assault charges, safe passage to Ecuador. Following a meeting with his client, Garzon said Assange is in a ‘fighting spirit’, willing to face a Swedish courtroom ‘but with minimum guarantees’ that have so far not been ensured.

April 2011 election, with the party’s secretary general saying, “I don’t think we are seeing the news impartiality one would expect from public TV.”

Grillings

It raises a number of questions about Spanish journalism, where interviews with politicians are walks in the park compared to the live public grillings on the BBC by David Dimbleby and Jeremy Paxman. “Politicians in Spain are not used to being contradicted, or even pressed to answer a question,” said journalist Miguel-Anxo Murado writing for the Guardian. “They expect the interviewer to nod sheepishly while they deliver their speech. “The newly jobless represented a new trend in Spanish political journalism: they asked real questions to our political leaders.”

www.theolivepress.es

NEWS

Ryanair woes By Rund Abdelfatah THOUSANDS of expats could be affected if a threat to ban Ryanair from flying in Spain comes to pass. The budget airline has been told it could lose its licence for three years after three Madrid-bound planes were forced land in Valencia on July 26 as a result of bad weather. The aircraft were given landing priority after their pilots issued ‘mayday’ calls

Thousands stand to be affected if budget airline loses its licence indicating they were running low on fuel. But now an investigation has been launched to probe why the low-cost carrier needed to make the emergency landings after the Spanish Airport Authority issued a denuncia to the State Air Security Agency. The Official College of Commercial Aviation Pilots (CO-

BULLFIGHTS TO SUFFER FROM IVA INCREASE COULD Andalucia’s most controversial attraction be the next casualty of Spain’s imminent IVA (VAT) increase? From September 1, IVA on bullfighting is to increase from 8% to 21% in a move that is expected to net the Treasury €8 million more per year. The sector is already suffering – with Andalucia hosting 27 fewer fights in the first six months of 2012 than in the same period last year. San Sebastian has just announced it will not host any more fights from 2013, with its mayor saying the bullring cannot be maintained at the public’s expense ‘for just seven bullfights a year’. “We deeply regret the government’s decision to increase VAT on bullfights,” said a spokesman for Spain’s bullfighting union Mesa del Toro. “It is a hard blow to bullfighting.”

PAC) suspects the airline is prioritising economic efficiency over safety, as less fuel means less weight and lower consumption. But Ryanair has denied any safety failures and blames the air traffic controllers for the three ‘mayday’ landings after they were obliged to fly over Valencia for an hour.

Irregularities

“Every one of the three planes had enough fuel on board for more than 90 minutes beyond normal landing. However they were obliged to circle above Valencia for over an hour, which is not normal,” insisted airline chairman Michael O’Leary. If the investigation reveals irregularities in the company’s conduct, the airline could lose its operating licence to fly in Spain for up to three years and face a fine of €4.5 million. This would have a massive impact on expats living in Spain who rely on cheap airlines for flights home to see their loved ones.

the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012

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17 the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012 17

GIBRALTAR NEWS

Gib IN BRIEF Flight boost BRITISH airline Monarch will offer three flights a week between Gibraltar and West Midlands Airport from March 2013 as part of its expansion plans.

Chess champs Around 75 youngsters aged between 12 and 15 have descended on the Rock for the Junior International Chess Festival held at Caleta Hotel.

Jessie J is a Rock star BRITISH singer Jessie J is heading to the Rock as the star attraction at Gibraltar’s biggest ever live music event. The Price Tag and Do it Like a Dude star will perform at the Gibraltar Music Festival, to be held at Victoria Stadium on September 8. The singer is the first British female artist to have had six top 10 singles on one album and recently performed at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games in London. The 24-year-old took to Twitter to express her excitement, saying: “I’m SO HAPPY to announce I will be headlining the Gibraltar Music Festival at Victoria Stadium.” The event also features UB40 star Ali Campbell, alongside a number of local bands. Tickets from £30-£50 with children under 12 allowed free entry. Visit www.gibraltarmusicfestival.com for further details.

New law for bereaved women WOMEN faced with the heartbreak of a stillborn child are to benefit from new legislation. Under employment laws, a woman is deemed to have given birth if she has a stillborn child after 24 weeks of pregnancy. But under the terms of the current Births and Deaths Registration Act, a stillbirth can only be registered if it occurred after 28 weeks. This means the stillbirth is recognised under one piece of legislation but not the other, which in the past has lead to unnecessary distress. The new bill - designed to make the definition consistent across the board now describes stillbirths as after 24 weeks. Health Minister John Cortes said: “I hope that this rectification will go some way to comforting those families devastated by the loss of a baby.”

Hijack drama Gibraltar family caught in middle of armed robbery on motorway By James Bryce A FAMILY from Gibraltar have described their terror after being caught up in an armed carjacking on the Costa del Sol. The husband and wife, who wish to remain anonymous, were travelling with their young son along the A-7 toll road near Calahonda when the incident occurred in broad daylight. They looked on in horror as four armed men, believed to be African, forced their way into a black Mercedes next to their car as they waited to pass through the ticket barrier. “The men were unmasked and wearing casual sum-

mer clothes, but they were shouting ‘open the door or we’ll shoot’,” said the Gibraltarian, who is now being treated by police as a key witness. “My wife and son both crouched down to the bottom of the car in case a shot went off, and I shut my window and locked all doors.

Shocking

“It all happened within a couple of minutes and left us in shock. My son in particular was shaking.” A spokesman for Royal Gibraltar Police confirmed they are liaising with the family and ‘assisting Spanish police with their enquiries’.

Miss Gib Miss Gibraltar 2012 Jessica Baldachino is set to return home after competing in the 62nd Miss World Beauty Pageant in Ordos, China.

Bike arrest An 18-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run incident involving a motorbike which left a Gibraltar man with a broken wrist and several broken ribs.

the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012

GIB NEWS

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Latching on BREASTFEEDING mothers have come together for a synchronised ‘Big Latch On’ in Gibraltar. The 23 mums gathered at Cafe Solo in Casemates Square to show their support for World Breastfeeding Week, which is celebrated around the globe each August. “I am very happy with the turnout for the event,” organiser Tamsin Suarez told the Olive Press. “Breastfeeding requires patience and support for the mum and social acceptance to become the norm. “The benefits to mum and baby are enormous and extend throughout the child’s entire life. “The more it is promoted the greater the numbers of mums that attempt to breastfeed. It is especially important in Gibraltar, which has a high child obesity rate.”

BREAST IS BEST: Mums gather at Cafe Solo

No net gain in fishing row

Fallout continues after Gibraltar government maintains ban on fishing in its waters

SPAIN has made an official complaint to the British government after accusing Gibraltar of performing a ‘Uturn’ over the fishing ban. Outraged officials in Madrid sent a memo to London reiterating their stance that the waters around the

Rock were not ceded to Britain under the terms of the Treaty of Utrecht. The protest comes just days after Gibraltar’s government announced it would be maintaining the ban on commercial fishing with nets in its waters.

After receiving the results of a preliminary report by marine experts, it claimed there were a number of ‘serious gaps in the data’ which were hampering further analysis. It also said the report had identified a number of species that ‘may be over-exploited’ and that it was affecting catches.

Disappointing

The fallout led to long delays at the frontier, while a number of reports over the weekend suggested Spanish fishing boats had continued to flaunt the restrictions by fishing in Gibraltar waters. La Linea mayor Gemma Araujo described the announcement as a ‘disappointment’ and called for negotiations to continue between the Spanish fishermen and officials in Gibraltar. Meanwhile, a spokesman for the fishermen slammed the findings of the report, accusing the commission of lacking ‘anyone with knowledge about fishing’.

www.theolivepress.es

AXARQUIA NEWS

BRIT RECALLS ‘HORROR’ SCENES A BRITISH man has described the moment he saved the life of a 12-yearold boy being ripped apart by a boat’s propeller. Lawrence Harridge, 47, from Tiptree in Essex, was holidaying with family on Maro beach near Nerja when he saw a power boat bobbing on and off the rocks, clearly out of control. “We then saw there was a boy in the water,” said Harridge, who works in asbestos management. “The

Tourism boost

MALAGA authorities are on the verge of signing an agreement with Spain’s Tourism Ministry to turn the Axarquia into a sustainable tourism hub. The new plan hopes to turn the region into a ‘product’ recognised by potential holidaymakers throughout the Mediterranean and beyond. “We aim to create a new tourist destination, a new Axarquia – an area which has yet to be exploited fully,” said Malaga tourism boss Elias Bendodo. He said the Western Costa del Sol possessed all the ‘necessary assets’ to become a tourism hub, for example biodiversity, climate, coastline, traditions and rich gastronomy. Adding that the Axarquia has much more to offer than other destinations on the Costa del Sol. Bendodo underlined his intention of all developments being fully sustainable. “Above all, we must avoid making mistakes linked to overcrowding and overdevelopment,” he said.

water was red. It was like a scene from a horror film.” The courageous Briton dived straight into the water to help the youngster and lifted him into another boat where his wife, Vanessa, did her best to stem the bleeding. The youngster received horrific injuries to his abdomen, arm and both legs. His condition was stabilised on the beach and he was later airlifted to Malaga children’s hospital where he is currently being treated.

River death ONE man has died and two have been injured after a car drove off a bridge into the river Almachar in Benamocarra on Friday.

Golden steal

HERO: Harridge

Crusade against ‘illegal’ terraces Furniture held to ransom as town hall clamps down on illegal street trading NEARLY a hundred pieces of furniture have been confiscated in Nerja as part of a town hall clampdown aimed at tidying up the streets. Officials seized a whopping 23 tables and 72 chairs from one hotel – which they did not wish to name – because it was using the street to trade illegally. “If restaurant owners want to extend their trade onto the street, they need to

19 the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012 19

apply to the town hall to be able to use a certain number of metres,” said a spokesman. “Some go over their authorised limits,” he added, “whereas others never even apply.” The tables and chairs were stored in a town hall warehouse until the restauranteurs paid off their fines. “We don’t want to give the name of the hotel because we are not trying to damage anyone’s reputation,” he continued, adding that the furniture was returned after the establishment paid their dues in full.

Campaign

“We will continue our campaign over the next few days,” said the spokesman. The campaign, launched in July, began after several complaints from locals. “We understand businesses need to use public spaces, but we also need to defend citizens’ rights to be able to move around the streets and the squares of Nerja,” he continued, adding that most restaurant owners comply fully with the rules.

A person has been arrested after jewellery worth €100,000, thousands of euros in cash plus weighing equipment was found at a house in Nerja.

Moon beach A summer full moon party is to be held on the gorgeous Benajarafe beach. Blue Moon Party will be held at Rocinante restaurant on August 31, complete with live music and typical Andalucian food. Ring 677 215 371 to book a table.

the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012

POTTED POINTERS ANDALUCIA RESERVOIR LEVELS This week: 59.39 per cent full - Same week last year: 81.86 per cent - Same week in 2002: 52.41 per cent AIRPORTS Gibraltar 00350 22073026 Granada-Jaen 958 245 200 Jerez - 956 150 000 Malaga - 952 048 844* *For English press 9 Sevilla - 954 449 000 EMERGENCIES Police 091 Guardia Civil 062 Medical service 061 Fire 080 EURO EXCHANGE RATES 1 euro is worth 1.2355 American Dollars 0.7863 British Pounds 1.2208 Canadian Dollars 7.4461 Danish Kroner 9.5837 H Kong Dollars 7.3163 Norwegian Kroner 1.5479 Singapore Dollars

LETTERS

www.theolivepress.es

A very weighty issue Dear Olive Press,

I read with interest the letter regarding inaccurate weights of fruit and vegetables being sold at La Cala market (issue 141). I too recently experienced being sold fewer cherries than I paid for at the same market. The stall I visited had a very small weighing machine, which I am now convinced was not even functional. Needless to say, I will never attempt to purchase fruit from that particular market again and will warn off any of my visitors from doing so. A genuine mistake is readily forgivable but to deliberately mislead your customers is most definitely not. Heather Taylor, Calahonda

Worten Woe I was reading the letter about Worten (issue 141), and felt I had to put fingers to keyboard in agreement. I know of many people

Donkey disgrace

Logging the news

I read the story ‘How do you use yours?’ (issue 140) and thought you might be interested to see what I do with my old copies of the Olive Press. I make paper logs for the fire in winter using an eco-log making device I bought online. I soak the paper for a few hours to soften it and then shape it into bricks. They dry out quickly in this heat and are a great source of fuel in the winter. Of course, the paper is a great read before it becomes an eco-log! Susie Boyland, Coin

who have experienced the same bad attitude from Worten staff when trying to return a faulty or incorrect ink or toner cartridge. We all know how expensive these items are, so if we do receive a faulty one we should expect an apology and credit or exchange without too many questions asked. They are happy to sell you very cheap printers, in some cases they practically give them away. But buying cartridges at Worten is expensive, and they often do not have the one you need in stock. I have since found a much better alternative near me in Mijas Costa that offers reasonable prices and polite and helpful staff. It has been a breath of fresh air.

Common mis-hake

Keith Lowrey, Mijas

Regarding ‘Curtains for

As someone who sold live shellfish when I first came to Spain, I think I should point out a couple of errors in the ‘Keeping the heart healthy with seafood’ article (issue 140). Lobster is actually called bogavante in castellano and langosta is actually crayfish. The large prawns you refer to are called langostinos. Hope you do not find me too tedious in my corrections, I love reading the paper. Robert Caley, Mijas

Sex debate

sex ads…at last’ (issue 141), this is fantastic news. There is an advert in one paper that is disgusting, very explicit and very large. Dai Huncj, via website

Sex ads fine

I agree with the writer who sent in the picture of the poor ponies being used on the carousel at Virgen del Carmen fiesta in Malaga (issue 141). I think it is cruel and unnecessary to use live animals like this. It is awful to see these mistreated animals at the donkey sanctuary in Malaga. Some of them have backs that are badly bent and they need drugs to keep the pain away from having to carry heavy people up hills in the heat. People need to be more kind to animals. We are, after all, supposed to be more intelligent. I wonder! Trilby Belcher, via email

Maintaining the special relationship

Has anyone spared a thought for the girls who will lose their income as a result of this? At a time of recession is it right to remove €40 million a year from the media and the very lifeblood of many of the girls who sell themselves?

I enjoy your very comprehensive articles and the way you always ‘tell it like it is’. It is not great for those who are up to no good, but enjoyed by most readers! I regularly spend time in southern Spain and love reading the Olive Press. Thanks for the good read – keep it up.

Andy, via website

Joe Molitor, New York

LEA Letters should be posted to Urb. Cayetano Arroyo, Buzon 13, Arriate 29350, Malaga or emailed to SE WRnot letters@theolivepress.es The writer’s name and address should be provided. Published opinions are ITE necessarily those of the Editor.

www.theolivepress.es

Aug 23, 2012

the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012

An 8-page Olive Press supplement

Are these really the best hotels and restaurants in Andalucia? In an objective (as possible) in-depth investigation, the Olive Press takes on TripAdvisor... with some remarkable and surprising results

By James Bryce and Jon Clarke

E admits to waking up every day And there lies the problem. and needing to pinch himself The reviews – that give scores of zero to when he looks at the current list five – are mostly done by amateurs, by of Andalucia’s best restaurants, travellers who have frequently never visaccording to travel website TripAdvisor. ited a city before, and may have hardly For at the top of one of the region’s eight eaten out. provinces comes his very own establishThese are diners who will boast about ment, which even he admits should not giving a ‘zero’ score to a restaurant bebe there. cause of its high price and experimental “It is nowhere near the best. Sure, it food, when it is famous for being creative should be in the top 20, but at the top, and has a couple of Michelin stars, as no way,” he concedes, understandably was the case recently with Andalucia’s insisting on anonymity. award-winning Calima. What it boils down to, he ‘Trippies’ like nothing more admits, is plain and simthan to wax lyrical about a ple, knowing ‘how to play hotel’s failings or a restauTripAdvisor’. Claims businesses rant’s errors. There have “It is all about knowing been documentaries post favourable even how to make your puntmade about their ecceners happy,” he continues. tricities. reviews about “It certainly helps to get It is no surprise then that the all-important five-star their own places hoteliers and restaurateurs reviews... and, of course, are coming under everare manifest to deal with the bad reincreasing pressure to taiviews as quickly as poslor their businesses to the sible,” he adds. site’s users in order to gain This, of course, is hardly favourable reviews. surprising with TripAdvisor now easily Some, as it turns out, have been doing the most powerful travel website in the rather more than tailoring, with quesworld. tions increasingly being asked about the It can make or break a business and authenticity of some of the reviews. is becoming increasingly influential in Claims that businesses have posted fashaping the itineraries of millions of tourvourable reviews about their own estabists seeking recommendations on where lishment are manifest, despite the site to stay and eat. insisting it employs the most rigorous Attracting 56 million visitors a month, tests to prevent it. the website, set up by Stephen Kaufer in Among the more serious accusations are 2000, has 60 million reviews posted in claims of ‘organised racketeering’ in the 21 different languages. All-in-all, 26 businesses are reviewed evTurn to Page 22 ery minute.

TOP RATED: La Villa Marbella hotel and De Locos Tapas restaurant are the region’s best, according to TripAdvisor

21 21

22 22

tripadvisoron trial

the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012

30 Top Hotels in Andalucia according to TripAdvisor: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

La Villa Marbella, Marbella Hotel La Casa, Torrox Molino del Santo, Benaojan Hotel Los Castanos, Cartajima Vincci Seleccion Aleysa Hotel Boutique and Spa, Benalmadena 6. Casa Grande, Jerez de la Frontera 7. El Cielo de Canar, Canar 8. The Marbella Heights Boutique Hotel, Marbella 9. Hotel Palacio Blanco, Velez-Malaga 10. Hotel Finca El Cerrillo, Canillas de Albaida 11. Hotel La Luna Blanca, Torremolinos 12. Hotel La Fuente De La Higuera, Ronda 13. Hospederia de El Churrasco, Cordoba 14. La Almunia del Valle, Monachil 15. Hotel Casa 1800, Sevilla 16. Hotel Ronda, Ronda 17. AlmaSevilla – Hotel Palacio de Villapanes, Sevilla 18. Apart Hotel Koala Tarifa, Tarifa 19. Hacienda Minerva, Zuheros 20. El Cortijo La Prensa, Rute 21. Hotel La Seguiriya, Alhama de Granada 22. Hotel Don Paula, Cordoba 23. Hotel Puerta del Mar, Nerja 24. Hotel La Fonda, Benalmadena 25. Hotel Claude Marbella, Marbella 26. Hotel Casa Rosa, Benalmadena 27. Cortijo Puerto el Peral, Almogia 28. Santa Isabel la Real, Granada 29. Corral del Rey, Sevilla 30. Hotel Holos, Sevilla

30 Top Restaurants in Andalucia according to TripAdvisor: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

De Locos Tapas, Ronda Restaurante La Fuente, Benalmadena Tapeo de Cervantes, Malaga Cafe Fresco, Torremolinos The Lounge at Pinoccios, Benalmadena 6. La Montana, Bedar 7. Erase Una Vez, Benalmadena 8. Casa Joya Guesthouse, Velez Rubio 9. Restaurante Patria, Vejer de la Frontera 10. La Mandragora, Calahonda 11. La Vista de Medina, Medina-Sidonia 12. Restaurant Il Girasole, Benalmadena 13. Meson El Sacristan, Ronda 14. El Chaleco, Almunecar 15. Oliva, Nerja 16. Henleys, Sitio de Calahonda 17. La Pampa, Estepona 18. Restaurant Molino del Santo, Benaojan 19. Santorini Restaurant, Fuengirola 20. Splash Bistro, Frigiliana 21. Restaurante Messinna, Marbella 22. Amanhavis Hotel and Restaurant, Benahavis 23. Bijou Bar and Bistro, Marbella 24. Bar Valentinos, Olvera 25. La Oliva, Granada 26. Kate’s Cottage, Torremolinos 27. Cala Luna Restaurant, Fuengirola 28. La Pincelada, Sevilla 29. Mulse, Rincon de la Victoria 30. Bar Kiki, Granada

From Page 21

trade of good reviews, which some believe have become a form of currency. One Italian chef, Amerigo Capria, told El Pais this month about how he had been offered five good reviews on TripAdvisor from a wine supplier instead of getting the customary free case of wine for every 10 he bought. “I was quite surprised and rejected the offer but I have heard of companies that charge €2,000 to provide favourable reviews for your business on the site,” he claims. He has now made a formal complaint to Italy’s restaurant association, which has started legal action against TripAdvisor. There have also been problems in the UK, where the advertising watchdog has launched an investigation into TripAdvisor following more than 2,000 complaints from hotel and restaurant owners about fake or defamatory reviews. It follows a lawsuit issued by Scottish restaurant Cock & Bull against TripAdvisor for failing to remove a potentially defamatory review. The issue has also raised its head here, with well known Spanish hotel reviewer Guy Hunter-Watts telling the Olive Press how ‘unscrupulous’ businesses are often tempted to boost rankings via friends. As he explains: “It’s surprising how often, reading through the reviews, you come across repeated words and phrases or a remarkably similar style of writing: the temptation is clearly huge.” Others go even further, such as hotelier Don Gonzalo del Rio Gonzalez-Gordon, from Sevilla, who insists: “I don’t trust it at all. It is extremely unfair. Normally all the horrible people write reviews, the nice ones never do. “I would never trust it at all.” As the Olive Press has indeed discovered with our in-depth study of the website’s picks in Andalucia the site is riddled with mistakes and discrepancies. Our team of six journalists has taken a general look at the website’s top ranked business-

www.theolivepress.es

Some serious in MARKED DOWN: Despite their charms, rural gems La Cazalla and Molino del Arco near Ronda scored low because of dirt track access

es, as well as focussed on four key towns – In particular, we found that restaurants that Marbella, Vejer, Ronda and Sevilla - to see if had only been open for a few months were the findings of TripAdvisor are correct. ranking much higher than well-established Using a string of travel guides, websites, plus and consistently performing stalwarts. up to 10 local professionIn some cases TripAdvisor als and journalists in each is simply inaccurate, as with town, we have compared the listing of the highly-popand contrasted a Top Five of ular Molino del Santo hotel, restaurants and hotels for near Ronda. each location. While situated in the village And it is little surprise to of Benaojan in Malaga provdiscover that places like ince for 26 years, accordthe ‘Slice of New York Pizza’ ing to TripAdvisor it is the restaurant in Sevilla – in the number one hotel in Cadiz Top 10 for Sevilla province province. – should in fact come noFor a site that claims to be where near the top. professional this is a seriAs local businessman and ous inaccuracy. hotelier Patrick Reed, of NOT IN FAVOUR: Even worse is the case of Corral del Rey, confirms: Author Michael Jacobs certain restaurants deliber“That is a complete joke. ately receiving bad reviews. How can it get in there? It is just a slice of Ase Donso, of Vejer’s top ranked restaurant pizza. Patria, told how a friend’s establishment got “It is anomalies like that that make TripAdvia bad review by a couple who had not even sor flawed.” eaten there. “It turns out this couple had not got a table two nights in a row, having failed to book, and were so disgruntled about it they slammed the restaurant on TripAdvisor,” she reveals. “It is just not on.” Then there is the problem of bad reviews from dissatisfied customers who complain about issues well beyond the control of the hotel and restaurant owners. In Ronda, top of the list is Fuente de la Higuera, a well-known rural hotel that has long come top in the town and is usually in the Top 10 for Andalucia. It is a fantastic place to stay which ticks all Hotel guide editor Guy Hunter-Watts on why TripAdvisor’s the boxes. But just 400 metres up the road is the top ratings do not necessarily lead you to its best hotels equally charming Molino del Arco, a beautifully renovated, historic building with huge WHILE recognising its place in the hoThen, of course, there is that strange grounds that consistently scores much lower tel world, I always approach TripAdvisor little band of reviewers who take huge on TripAdvisor than its neighbour. with a fair degree of caution. pleasure in taking out the scalpel and When the Olive Press analysed why this was, It is surprising how often, reading homing in on everything that is negative it found that while both benefitted from custhrough the reviews, you come across rewhile failing to mention a hotel’s good tomers waxing lyrical about their experience, peated words and phrases or a remarkpoints. It is a kind of online power trip the difference was in the 10% who comably similar style of writing: the temptafor these people who know that their replained about access. tion is clearly huge for the more unscruviews really do make a difference to the Despite being in close proximity, the two hopulous hoteliers to pump up their ratings number of bookings that are made. How tels are accessed via different public roads, with their own reviews or to ask friends exciting to give an abysmal rating to a with Fuente de la Higuera having a tarmac to do the same. place because something about it was road and Molino del Arco a dirt track. And also you need to bear in mind that not quite right! Access, it seems, is clearly a very important some of the more pushy hotel owners This is why I deeply believe that there is consideration for many reviewers on TripAdviand managers will single out the cusstill very much a place in the online marsor and is something that can prove the downtomers who have had a good time and ket for individually selected portfolios fall of even the best hotels and restaurants. encourage them to post a review. like my own or that of Alastair Sawday, In one instance another Ronda hotelier, RoBut how many would ask a dissatisfied i-escape or Mr and Mrs Smith, as well as drigo Ashorn, saw his La Cazalla hotel drop customer to do the same? local restaurant websites like Dining Seout of the Top Five after receiving a heavily All this, of course, means that TripAdvicrets of Andalucia. critical review from a punter who got a puncsor’s top ratings in any particular town Ultimately ‘more’ can really mean ‘less’ ture on his way to the hotel. do not necessarily lead you to its better when it comes to online guest reviews of “I actually went out of my way to change the hotels. the TripAdvisor kind. tyre for them and was more than sympathetic, but then they suddenly wrote this awful Guy Hunter-Watts, who works as an inspector for i-escape and Sawdays as well as review about how impossible it is to get to his own guidebooks, will be moving all his selections online this autumn. They can be us,” he explains. found at www.guyhunterwatts.com in two sections; ‘Gran Reserva’ and ‘Solera’. “It is so unfair, it is a public road which is the

A degree of caution

tripadvisor

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naccuracies town hall’s responsibility, we have actually spent money on trying to improve it and it really is not that bad. “At the end of the day it is a rural hotel and we make that very clear, so sometimes you cannot avoid things like that. “But we have now dropped out of the Top Five and it is damaging our business,” he adds. Despite the site’s popularity, not everyone is a fan of TripAdvisor, with some preferring a more traditional approach to finding a bed for the night. “I am not at all in favour of it,” Jaen-based author and travel writer Michael Jacobs tells the Olive Press. “I would rather use local websites like Dining Secrets of Andalucia or ask people on the street in the city I am visiting than consult TripAdvisor. “For starters they always miss the eccentric places.”

TripAdvisor is a fairer representation of hotels than restaurants But while there is plenty of negativity surrounding the site, there is no denying the potential commercial benefits to hotels and restaurants which may otherwise remain hidden gems. As Donso of Vejer’s Patria

ROW STEWING: Chef Amerigo Capria and TripAdvisor founder Stephen Kaufer confirms, the website has been very important to her business, bringing ‘probably two tables a night as a result of TripAdvisor’. Whether good or bad, the site is considered a ‘bible’ for many travellers, meaning a spate of good reviews can drastically increase revenue that may otherwise not have been generated. And one thing that must be made clear, there are quite a few overlaps – often as much as 50% – between our more objective Olive Press rankings to TripAdvisor’s Top Fives. When comparing businesses of a certain age and ones that have been reviewed hundreds of times, it seems to start evening out.

LOST MARKS: Calima scored low because some punters felt a two Michelin starred restaurant should be cheap and less experimental

How we did it

The Olive Press’ team of six journalists used four Andalucian towns as the focus for our study of TripAdvisor. For Marbella, Ronda, Sevilla and Vejer de la Frontera we spoke to between five and 10 people who had expert local knowledge, as well as consulting guide books and other websites. The aim was to create an overall picture of which hotels and restaurants were deemed the most deserving of a Top Five listing, while attempting to remain as objective as possible. We felt it was important to highlight the flaws and various discrepancies in the way TripAdvisor ranks establishments, and the negative effects this can have on a business. But we also wanted to acknowledge the positive aspects of the site and how it can help to boost businesses in places which may otherwise not benefit from passing trade. In some cases as with Marbella’s and Ronda’s top hotel, it was spot on.

“I think TripAdvisor is a fairer representation of hotels than restaurants because with a restaurant you only have a couple of hours to get it right,” reasons James Stuart, owner of Hotel La Casa del Califa, also in Vejer. “But hotels might have three or four days to get everything right and fix any problems that a client might have, which is to their advantage.” He adds that restaurateurs and hotel owners should have equal rights to respond to reviews, with current rules loaded in favour of customers. “You are allocated less characters and the text is a lighter colour when responding to criticism,” he claims. Another important factor in which businesses do well on TripAdvisor is the type of clientele that they attract. Gary Biston, owner of La Vista de Medina, voted the number one restaurant in Medina Sidonia, says: “Certain restaurants attract clients who are more likely to use computers and put up a review. “While others are full of old Spanish money and discerning travellers. “These people do not use computers, they have staff that use computers for them and they just do not review restaurants. “They recommend them by word-of-mouth to the people they went to public school with.” Luckily though, it seems, travellers are finally getting the message that you cannot rely on TripAdvisor. As Patrick Reed, from Corral del Rey, whose own hotel scores highly on the site, coming third in Sevilla, explains: “I would never just use TripAdvisor for a holiday. I use various boutique hotel sites and then cross reference by looking at the reviews on TripAdvisor, always reading between the lines.” So perhaps the site has a place, after all.

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RONDA HOTELS & RESTAURANTS

T first glance of TripAdvisor’s top fives for Ronda, perhaps most surprising is that two extremely new restaurants (Meson El Sacristan and De Locos Tapas) come in tops – pushing stalwarts Almocabar and Traga Tapas into fourth and fifth position. Yet number one restaurant De Locos Tapas – unbelievably also currently Number One for the whole of Andalucia - has only been operating for a few months. Our reviewers agreed that while it is a pleasant spot with some of Ronda’s more adventurous food, the service is somewhat chaotic and it certainly does not deserve to come above well-established Almocabar and Traga Tapas, who top our poll. Even its experienced chef/owner, from the culinary capital Bilbao, expressed disbelief at his restaurant’s first-place spot. “Let’s just see if I can keep myself up there for a year,” he exclaimed. It is also a surprise to see three-month-old Meson El Sacristan coming in at Number Two – especially when you consider it only has 16 reviews compared to Almocabar’s 86. Fourth and fifth Almocabar and Traga Tapas meanwhile are well established on a large number of websites including Lonely Planet and Rough Guide which list Almocabar in their top two. Meanwhile local foodies Rodrigo Ashorn, a hotelier, and Vicente Vives, a tennis professional, believe that Traga Tapas, whose chef Benito has experience at some of Spain’s top restaurants, should be at the top. Vives describes it as having the ‘best atmosphere in Ronda’, while Ashorn praises its ‘first-class ingredients’.

FAR

By Eloise Hors

Another downfall of TripAdv its failure to categorise esta systematic way geographica For example Andy Chapell’ taurant Molino del Santo in jan is listed as the second in Cadiz province, despite a Malaga province – and very He said: “As a hotelier I am what TripAdvisor does for us brought us many thousand of business as we are so hi “But it’s very random geogr that are not in Ronda get li da and some that are near their respective villages. “Also there is no attempt to distinguish between very different dining experiences and the price being charged. “Tapas restaurants cannot be compared with full-blown restaurants.

Acc

5 To 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

D M P A T

5 To 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

F H H A H

www.theolivepress.es

R TOO SOON!

sfield

visor seems to be ablishments in a ally. ’s hotel and resn nearby Benaod best restaurant actually being in y near Ronda. m very grateful for s. It has certainly ds of euros worth ighly rated. raphically. Hotels isted under Ronrby get placed in

“Users of TripAdvisor need to be aware that it is not totally reliable – you may miss some gems if you only scratch the surface.” Another well-placed critic, wine expert Fernando Angulo of Placer Ego wine shop, rated Bar Los Cantaros for its pigs trotters and Bar La Reja for its tripe. However, neither of these even features within TripAdvisor’s 96 restaurants for Ronda…although surprisingly the fast food chain Telepizza does, sitting proudly at number 39. It all goes to highlight the fact that it is really the locals who are the best authority for proper Spanish food. LOCAL KNOWLEDGE: Andy Chapell (with wife Pauline) at Molino del Santo believes listings are ‘random’ geographically. While (below and left) top spots Fuente de la Higuera and Almocobar

cording to TripAdvisor:

op Restaurants in Ronda

De Locos Tapas Meson El Sacristan Puerta Grande Almocabar Traga Tapas

op Hotels in Ronda

Fuente de la Higuera Hotel Ronda Hotel Alavera de los Banos Arriadh Hotel Hotel San Gabriel

According to the Olive Press:

5 Top Restaurants in Ronda 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Almocobar Traga Tapas Carmen la de Ronda Pedro Romero Casa Santa Pola/ El Porton

5 Top Hotels in Ronda 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Fuente de la Higuera Hotel San Gabriel Molino del Arco Hotel Alavera de los Banos Hotel En Frente Arte/ La Cazalla

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SEVILLA HOTELS & RESTAURANTS

‘Appalling choice, very mediocre’ A

S the shining capital of Andalucia, Sevilla attracts tourists from around Spain and across the globe. With so many different visitors passing through the city each day, hotels and restaurants must attempt to meet the needs of a vastly mixed clientele. Yet this diversity seems to be under-represented, and indeed neglected, on TripAdvisor. As Gary Biston, owner of restaurant La Vista de Medina, notes: “TripAdvisor users are predominantly English speakers from the United States, Canada and Britain.” The result is a highly skewed perspective of what qualifies as the ‘best’ places to eat and sleep, which fails to consider the many other demographics that do not contrib-

ute to the site’s ratings. “Spanish speakers largely make recommendations by word-of-mouth, and many visitors probably do not even know that the site exists,” he added.

UNFAIR RANKINGS: Zelai restaurant and Hotel Corral del Rey

ly all their lists. In fact, one expert, renowned Spanish hotelier Don Gonzalo del Rio Gonzalez-Gordon, described With this in mind, we conthe choice as ‘appalling’, citsulted six experts and eleven ing its ‘bad decoration and travel guides to evaluate Trigeneral mediocrity’. Likewise, the number four hotel, Hotel Holos, did 5 Top Restaurants 5 Top Restaurants not appear on any in Sevilla in Sevilla other list and most experts had not 1. Restaurante Zelai 1. La Pincelada even heard of it. 2. La Azotea 2. Bar La Corona And the number 3. Vineria San Telmo 3. Vineria San Telmo five pick, El Rey 4. Eslava 4. Eslava Moro Hotel Bou5. Egana Oriza/Abantal 5. La Mojigata tique, made it into just one other top 5 Top Hotels in Sevilla 5 Top Hotels in Sevilla five. 1. Corral del Rey 1. Hotel Casa 1800 But not all of Tri2. Hotel Alfonso XIII 2. AlmaSevilla - Hotel Palacio de Villapanes pAdvisor’s selec3. Las Casas del Rey de Baeza 3. Corral del Rey tions were that far 4. AlmaSevilla - Hotel Palacio de Villapanes 4. Hotel Holos off. 5. EME Catedral 5. El Rey Moro Hotel Boutique The number two hotel, AlmaSevilla –

By Rund Abdelfatah

According to TripAdvisor:

pAdvisor’s listings for the top five hotels and restaurants in Sevilla. Suprisingly, TripAdvisor’s number one hotel, Casa 1800, was absent from near-

According to the Olive Press:

VEJER HOTELS & RESTAURANTS

ITTING neatly between the sierras and the sea, a labyrinth of cobbled streets and narrow winding roads make up the hilltop town of Vejer de la Frontera. The Cadiz town also boasts a variety of highly praised hotels and restaurants – one of the most stylish and original collections in Andalucia - many of which feature on TripAdvisor. But there are sadly many discrepancies, such as popular stalwart El Jardin del Califa not making TripAdvisor’s Top Five, despite our professionals raving about it. It also has more reviews

Doing it right By Mason Jones

OUR NUMBER ONE: El Jardin del Califa

than any other restaurant in the town and 82% of visitors recommending it as a great place to dine.

Thankfully owner James Stuart does not take the site as gospel, but merely as a way to address any issues customers may have. “I don’t measure my success by looking at criticism posted on TripAdvisor, I look around the restaurant which is full every night. “Indeed, at the moment we are fully booked almost two weeks in advance. We must

be doing something right!” But the website has certainly got something right... its number one restaurant Patria, most certainly deserves to be there. “It deserves to be number one, not only in Vejer but for the whole area,” insists fellow hotelier Gary Biston. It has grown increasingly popular in the six years it has been open – something owner Ase partly puts down to TripAdvisor: “We’re in the middle of nowhere so TripAdvisor

According to TripAdvisor:

According to the Olive Press:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

5 Top Restaurants in Vejer

Restaurante Patria La Vera Cruz La Terraza de Sindhura La Nueva Tajea Quatro Gatos

5 Top Hotels in Vejer 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Hotel Sindhura Hotel La Casa del Califa Hotel Hotel El Palomar de la Brena Hotel Convento de San Francisco Casa Rural Leonor

5 Top Restaurants in Vejer

Restaurante Patria Castilleria El Jardin del Califa La Terraza de Sindhura Vera Cruz/Garimba

5 Top Hotels in Vejer 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Hotel La Casa del Califa Hotel Hotel Sindhura Hotel El Palomar de la Brena Casa la Siesta Hotel V

TOPS: Patria restaurant really helps tell people we work hard,” she said. But, as for our second choice La Castilleria – raved about by all our critics - it inexplicably comes in number 10 on TripAdvisor. As one specialist, who asked to be anonymous, explains: “This is a true secret. An amazing place that has got better and better each year.” And as Biston adds: “It’s problem is that it is full of traditional old Spanish money and discerning diners. They don’t use computers, they have staff that use computers for them. “They recommend it by word-of-mouth to the people who went to public school together.”

Hotel Palacio de Villapanes, showed up in six other guides including Lonely Planet and topped travel writer Fiona Flores Watson’s list, with iescape inspector Guy HunterWatts putting it second. Additionally, number three Corral del Rey was unanimously agreed upon by our experts as a ‘perfect chic, if pricy city retreat’ and ranked number one for Sevilla Tourist Guide and two others. But while some of TripAdvisor’s Top Five Sevilla hotels held up when put to the test, its restaurant picks fared pretty poorly. The number one spot, La Pincelada, number four Bar La Corona, and number five La Mojigata, all failed to make it onto any of the travel guide or expert lists. Top ranking La Pincelada only has 18 reviews and starting from just two months ago! The only restaurant almost universally voted into the top five among the experts was Vineria san Telmo, which our own Dining Secrets of Andalucia editor Jon Clarke, first located four years ago. More contested was the number two pick, Eslava, with some experts strongly advocating in its favour while others like Don Gonzalo contended that ‘while good, it is not worthy of second place’. This controversy – which encourages us to challenge the thinking of even expert minds – is noticeably lacking on TripAdvisor Just one bad review can severely outweigh many positive ones, thereby lowering the establishment’s ranking. For example, Don Gonzalo’s hotel Casa No 7 in Sevilla, currently placed at number 112 on TripAdvisor ranks sixth on i-escape, a UK-based travel guide that features reviews by a team of independent travellers. With such discrepancies, tourists should exercise caution when they consult TripAdvisor, keeping in mind that all may not be as it seems.

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EDITOR’S OPINION

HILE working as a travel writer for the British national press, I never went anywhere without having slavishly poured over every article I could find on the place I was visiting and arriving at the airport loaded up with the latest guidebooks. A major prerequisite for a successful holiday, it was also the only way I felt qualified to elegise about a city, resort of country. When I moved to Andalucia a decade ago nothing had changed and I spent my early years getting to know the region intimately through my job as a journalist. I never went anywhere without my copies of the Rough Guide and Lonely Planet, and restaurant guides including the Michelin and Gourmetour. But I soon began to realise that even the highly-respected Michelin guide was unable to get near to finding all the exciting restaurants that were cropping up in every single town and village. With allegedly just one inspector covering the whole region – as well as Murcia – it was clear he was hardly able to keep an eye on the existing places, let alone look for new ones.

Wide of the mark Dining Secrets of Andalucia editor Jon Clarke (left) on how TripAdvisor has reduced the fun of travelling and made it harder to find the region’s true gems

Ultimately it gave me an idea to put together a book on the region’s restaurants. Incredibly, the first time it had been done, Dining Secrets of Andalucia took me two years to put together and went on to sell thousands of copies around the world. A comprehensive guide with over 100 hand-picked restaurants, my only rule was that they had to have been open for at least a year. The project has now morphed into an interactive website of the same name, now religiously followed by thousands of serious foodies from Huelva to Almeria, many suggesting new places each week.

thousands of euros to get to the top of the page. The truth is the website is skewed towards new places that have only recently been discovered – even opened and sadly too many businessIt is already doing well, hav- most travellers eat. ing launched in January, but Put in the name of any city and es get their friends to put up now it finds itself in danger ‘best restaurant’ or ‘best hotel’ reviews. from an even bigger threat and expect to see often the In the four towns analysed, too for tourists attempting to find first 10 listings – sometimes many brand new places are making the Top Five... and to the best place to eat around more - linked to TripAdvisor. Andalucia. You are extremely unlikely be honest the Top 30 restauSince TripAdvisor came along to find any local, indepen- rant picks for Andalucia are a few years ago it has slowly dent guides, or newspaper well wide of the mark. ground down the internet. or magazine articles on the While there is no doubt that a Like any monopoly it is starting front page, apart from the place like De Locos Tapas in to dominate and dictate where ones that can afford to pay Ronda is a great place to eat – I have tried it and enjoyed it – it does not deserve to be listed as ‘the best restaurant FOR various reasons TripAdvisor seems to fare better with hotels. in Andalucia’, Clients stay for longer and hoteliers have longer to get things right, so nor even Ronda. there seem to be less gripes shooting from the hip. The facts are In fact, our lists correlate much more closely to those of the website the chef is from than with the restaurants. Bilbao, which is Indeed, it is with some pride that of the 30 so-called Top 30 hotels in a good start, he Andalucia, no less than 13 are clients of the Olive Press. has trained at So, if TripAdvisor can iron out some of the issues of delightful rural various restauplaces scoring badly because of a dirt track, or city hotels getting rants in Andaslammed if one bellhop is in a bad mood, then we might be getting lucia, including somewhere. the Fairplay ho-

Hotels do better

tel in Benalup, and he knows a fair bit about cooking. But he has only been open for four months and only has one other member of staff, for heaven’s sake. Bottom line, if he is still churning it out in a year’s time and is still popular, then he will certainly deserve his place in Ronda’s Top Five... as for Andalucia’s Top Five, let’s wait and see. Above all, it is really irritating to find diners criticising twoMichelin starred restaurants for being too expensive, when the same place in France or the UK costs double the price. Then there are the joints that get a couple of ‘zero’ reviews, bringing down the average, for one of their waiters simply having an off night. Much of it seems to boil down to the issue of service. As one leading restaurateur tells us, it is all about ‘knowing how to play TripAdvisor’ and giving that smile at the front door always works, as, guess what, the Americans have always known.

the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012

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tripadvisor

MARBELLA HOTELS & RESTAURANTS

HESE days ‘Marbs’ may be best known for the invasion of Britain’s TOWIE stars, but it has always attracted an international crowd, with the wellheeled rubbing shoulders with the towering-heeled. This eclectic mix of clientele has inevitably influenced the variety of food and hotels on offer, something which has resulted in an interesting mix being thrown up by TripAdvisor. The number one restaurant on the site’s list for Marbella is Restaurante Messina, which gained wide approval among the band of experts we quizzed about the list. “It’s very small but it has been getting rave reviews for years,” says Hot Marbella editor Giles Brown. It is a view reflected by prominent Marbella businessman Sunil Ram, who listed Messina at number two on his personal Top Five. TripAdvisor’s number two restaurant, Bijou Bar and Bistro, has gained 151 reviews, 122 of which rate it as excellent, with the most recent review

Handle with care By James Bryce

waxing lyrical about ‘stunning food for a fantastic price’. But the eatery did not register so much as a ripple among those in the know within Marbella, and failed to feature in any of their Top Fives. Similarly, the final three in TripAdvisor’s Top Five, Sloanes Bistro, Stuzzikini and II Cantuccio all failed to make any of our experts’ lists, although Stuzzikini was highly-commended for ‘doing great pizzas’. Among our team of six critics,

UNANIMOUS FAVOURITE: La Villa Marbella

According to TripAdvisor: 5 Top Restaurants in Marbella 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Restaurante Messina Bijou Bar and Bistro Sloanes Bistro Stuzzikini II Cantuccio

5 Top Hotels in Marbella 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

La Villa Marbella The Marbella Heights Boutique Hotel Hotel Claude Marbella Marriott’s Marbella Beach Resort El Oceano Beach Hotel

According to the Olive Press: 5 Top Restaurants in Marbella 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Calima Messina El Lago La Sala Nermans/Mumtaz/Stuzzikini

5 Top Hotels in Marbella 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

La Villa Marbella La Morada Mas Hermosaa Marbella Heights Boutique Hotel Town House Hotel Puente Romano/Marbella Club

DELIVERING: Dani Garcia they were almost unanimous about Dani Garcia’s wellestablished two Michelinstarred restaurant Calima, described as ‘still delivering’, and El Lago, a ‘great setting and talented chef sourcing local produce’. The restaurant is a keen member of the important Slow Food Movement. El Lago is ranked 28 and Calima, 69, with other notable entries by our experts including La Sala (47) ‘for the full Marbella celeb experience’. The overall feeling regarding TripAdvisor seems to be one of scepticism, with a cautious acknowledgement of the benefits it can have. “It can be very hit and miss with TripAdvisor,” cautions Brown. Ram is more explicit in his views: “There are some really phenomenal restaurants out there that don’t score very highly at all. “Yet there are others which seem to have an unnatural amount of reviews, which makes me a bit suspicious.” Another Marbella restaurateur Ian Radford is equally suspicious. “If you look at the top of TripAdvisor, there are many restaurants that certainly are not great at all,” he says. “But obviously have someone working on the mechanics of TripAdvisor and how to get to the top, and knock their competitors down. “The site certainly has its flaws.” But he adds: “Generally TripAdvisor is good, I would like to think that the majority of the time it gives people the chance to share their experiences, and get some honest feedback.” The lesson from Marbella seems to be that TripAdvisor can be a great tool for putting restaurants in the limelight, but just don’t take the rankings too seriously.

The Olive Press’ www.theolivepress.es

LONG gone are the days of passing notes under the desks. Today’s teachers are faced with up to 30 mobile phones in their classrooms, and they are often powerless to do anything about it. In the UK, some teachers have had students film them as they try and keep order in the class, waving their mobiles in the air as the footage is played back to them. Some have even found their class uploaded to the internet for the world to see. With the new generation of smartphones, kids are unlimited in what they can watch during class time. According to Leonie Hodge, founder of Teen Boundaries, an anti-cyber-bullying charity that works with children in schools, one of the main subjects is pornography. She insists: “The women on these sites are often violently assaulted and raped. It’s warping youngsters, especially boys, and making healthy relationships very

the section olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012 29 monthly youth and education

treme

British teachers are welcoming a new ban on mobile phones from next month, writes Wendy Andersen

Class time LOL

difficult.” But teachers have limited tools to cope with this class nuisance. It’s a brave teacher who is willing to run the gauntlet of angry parents who insist their children be contactable at all hours of the day and night. When one teacher confiscated a phone in class in the UK recently, she was met by an angry father after school. When the teacher explained that his daughter had accepted two calls during class, rather than apologising for her behaviour, the irate father threatened the teacher with an official complaint and branded her a thief. Unsurprisingly many UK

teachers are now applauding the announcement by the UK’s Chief Inspector of Schools, that pupils are to be banned from having mo-

DISTRACTION: Mobile phones in class

Thumbs up!

Boris calls for Etonstyle kids’ sport LONDON Mayor Boris Johnson has called for all children to have to do two hours of sport each day, just like he did at Eton. In a thinly veiled attack on the government’s decision to scrap Labour’s two-hour-a-week target for compulsory sport, Johnson said ministers should set the bar even higher. He added that widening pupils’ participation in sport following the Olympics was of ‘profound’ importance for the ‘happiness and success’ of the country. “I would like to see a much more thorough effort. I think we must build on the achievements of these Games,” said Johnson, who once famously rugby tackled a player during a charity football match. “I think the government totally understands people’s appetite for this, they can see the benefits of sport and what it does for young people. “I think they understand very, very clearly the social and economic advantages. “I would like to see, frankly, the kind of regime I used to enjoy – compulsory two hours sport every day. I have no doubt that is the sort of thing that would be wonderful for kids across this country,” he added.

bile phones in school as part of a new Ofsted crackdown on discipline. Schools will be penalised for failing to tackle persis-

A NEW board game aimed at helping children deal with issues including bullying and cyber safety has been developed by a family based on the Costa del Sol. The Street Smart game - featuring four animated characters known as the ‘Thumb Buddies’ - contains real-life scenarios which help develop a child’s decision-making skills. The game is already being used in Australian schools and disciplinary units and could be adopted more widely in the future. “When we began developing the Thumb Buddies Street Smart game back in 2009, the goal was to create a way to help protect innocent children from dangerous and compromising situations in a play to learn capacity,” says co-founder Paul DeCouto. Visit www.thumbbuddies. com for more information.

tent low-level disruption in lessons under a tough new inspection regime being introduced from next month.

Confiscated Pupils will no longer be allowed to send text messages, take or make calls or surf the net during classes. Luckily here in Spain it seems to be less of a problem. Students know that if their mobiles are seen they will be confiscated for several days before being returned. The policy is administered on an ad-hoc basis, with directors deciding how to implement the rules for their school.

Asleep on the job PARENTS are being offered classes on helping primary school children sleep because more and more pupils are too tired to cope in lessons. Experts are teaching the importance of sticking to bedtime routines and restricting children’s night-time use of video games, mobile phones and computers. Teachers are increasingly reporting cases of pupils falling asleep at their desk or having problems concentrating due to a lack of sleep. Poor diet and a lack of exercise are also common causes of sleep deprivation among youngsters. Up to 40% of children suffer sleep problems, according to sleep expert Dr Andrew Mayers, causing poor concentration and hyperactivity.

Xtreme

30 the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012

T has been yet another stimulating summer of programmes at Swans International School in Marbella. A fusion of fun and learning has allowed for over 80 students to nurture both their creative streaks - with our paint and pot workshops and delicious cookery sessions - and their cognitive and competitive skills, with science fun, ICT, daily swimming time and outdoor sports. Ranging from three to 10 years of age, and enveloping almost eight cultures, the alumni have showed constant tolerance for one another, once again revealing ‘the Swans way’ of keeping the family feeling within this wonderfully rare eclectic environment. And it’s still not over! The highlights of the coming weeks include visits to the crocodile park and the upcoming surprise science experiments. The teaching staff will remain as involved and enthusiastic as ever, providing a lasting memory for each student to take home with them.

A summer of fun and games

MAKING THE MOST OF THE HOLIDAYS: Swans students have enjoyed exciting trips and activities such as daily swimming and other outdoor sports this summer

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Ch-ch-changes! A

NEW school means new friends, new teachers and new class rules. Then there is the new building, the new games and, of course, the bullies. Starting a new school can be very daunting, particularly if you are not going to be taught in your mother tongue. Getting off to a good start is

ADVERTORIAL the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012

What crisis? English TEFL teachers are bucking the trend finding plenty of work in the heart of the recession

OPX editor Wendy Andersen on preparing your children for a new school

vital and can have a crucial effect on your youngsters’ confidence, attitude and performance (both socially and academically). Rather than spending the next few weeks worrying about it, use the time wisely to help them

prepare. By planning ahead and maintaining a positive attitude, parents can make a huge difference. Having moved around the world with three young children, I know these tips are worth addressing.

Top tips - a parent’s weapons: 1) Familiarity: In the battle against newschool angst, the first weapon in your arsenal is taking away the fear of the unknown. Primary schools start on September 10, with secondary schools a week after, but staff will be on site the week before. If possible, take your kids on a tour the week before school starts. Most directors will encourage this and it will give you and your child a chance to ask questions. Make sure your child knows where things are including bathrooms, play areas, dining areas and the main office. If you can, meet your child’s new teacher – especially important for younger children. You can express any special concerns you have and ask about the possibility of the teacher assigning a ‘buddy/minder’ to help your child for the first week. Nearly all classes here have a delegado, a student elected to represent the class and take care of newbies. Mention your child’s interests, so the teacher will have a better idea of who to assign as a buddy. Remember to ask what materials will be needed – it’s bad enough to be the only new kid in the class, but the new kid who didn’t know he needed a semi-circle ruler? Well, that is unforgivable! Be sure to ask about school uniforms or restrictions on clothes. Many schools, for example, don’t allow flip flops. If you can’t visit the school, hit the net. Most Spanish schools have a website where you can do a virtual tour. Go to the Junta’s site http://tinyurl.com/ dyhbofo and find your school’s website. Check out extra-curricular activities and find something your child might be interested in. Above all, focus on all the good things about the new adventure ahead. 2) One friendly face: Make Herculean efforts to help your children meet another child in their year before the first day – just one other child in the class will make a huge difference. This is all well and good, but how? It’s not so easy if you have just moved to a new town (the main reason for kids entering new

schools). Start close to home, by having a slow drive around the neighbourhood – look for kids of the same age then chat to the parents to see which school they go to. Now is not the time for being shy – you’re doing this for your child. If it helps, remind yourself most Spanish families don’t move and will be sympathetic towards anyone going through what they see as the unthinkable! Invite them and their child over for a play date or ask where local children spend their time in the summer holiday. If your child is into football, head to the campo de futbol, check out the schedule, meet the trainer, ask if they know other kids who would be on the same team. You might also join the parents’ association (AMPA), which will probably meet before school starts. Ask how parents can get involved – they are usually desperate for help – and quiz them on who has children in your child’s year. 3) Debunk the fear: Make sure the fear doesn’t get out of control. Part of this means ensuring our own fears are not transmitted to our children. Remember all those times you pretended to like spiders in the hope your little ones wouldn’t be afraid of them? It’s time to put on a happy face again. Your child still takes their cues from you. When you speak about the new school it should be presented as something exciting and positive – so focusing on ‘all those new friends’ rather than ‘what a big change’. Having said that, it is normal for a child to feel anxious so instead of ignoring it, offer alternative ways of looking at the situation. Let your child know that you understand it is difficult, and take time to listen. Remind your child of other ‘firsts’ that they have experienced – the first day at their last school, or a swimming class – to help build confidence and remind them that risks can pay off. If they have previously had a bad experience, stress that this presents a new opportunity.

ENGLISH teachers continue to be in high demand despite the unemployment gripping Spain. According to Miriam Levie, founder of the English teacher training centre TEFL in Spain, the profession is thriving. “Today, everyone wants to learn English and nearly every town around the globe has an English school looking for certified teachers,” she explains. “With a TEFL certificate you can teach anywhere around the world, but Spain is the Mecca of English language teaching due to its great weather and fabulous lifestyle. “And best of all there is currently a high demand for English teachers here. We teach students what it is like to work here to prepare them for a teaching career here. “Traditionally, Spaniards have had difficulties in mastering English,” adds Miriam, who set up the school after years of teaching English and obtaining BAs in Business Administration and Translation Studies, and an MA in Applied Linguistics. “It is a big problem for Spain. There is an ever greater need for a high level of English to find a good job,” she continues. Her company TEFL in Spain offers fourweek full-time and 10-week part-time courses giving advanced English speakers the skills and knowledge needed to work as confident English teachers.

Best of all, the centre collaborates with Acadomia, an important teacher recruitment agency, so most trainees will be offered a job consisting of a minimum of 15 hours per week, at €15 per hour, once they have finished. In addition, TEFL in Spain is about to launch a website for live online language classes in virtual classrooms. And the schools are paired with wellestablished Spanish language schools - Escuela Montalban in Granada and Futura Idiomas in Malaga - so students can also get to grips with the language here. “It is extremely useful to have at least a basic knowledge of the Spanish language. It helps you understand the difficulties Spanish learners of English have,” added Miriam. And it seems to be paying off, according to the first group of students to graduate from TEFL in Spain. “TEFL in Spain has opened the doors towards English teaching, with a very practical and up-to-date methodology that prepares you for countless job opportunities,” explains Isaac. “I’m really happy with the investment,” he added. Fellow student Sara agrees: “The course really prepares you to enter the world of teaching. You are helped and supported throughout.” She continues: “The experience you gain teaching real classes is second to none. It’s hard work, but if teaching really appeals to you, it’s worth it.”

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the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012

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Headteacher Sian Andrews explains why children should be excited about the new term at the British School of Marbella

Counting down OLE: BSM staff and children at last year’s United Nation’s Day

FEATHERED FRIEND: Joe the Harris Hawk is set to pay a visit

LAS, the long summer holiday is drawing to a close with the start of term just over a week away. But fear not children of BSM, for we have so many exciting events planned you’d wish you had stayed at school all summer (well almost). To kick off the school year we will be inviting Estepona-based falconers Susanna Armstrong and Jorge Quiros to show off their birds of prey. Armed with ‘Joe’ the Harris Hawk and ‘Gandalf’ the European Eagle Owl, the bird lovers will let the children get a hands on experience with the feathered friends while watching them swoop around the playground at fantastic speeds. Our Foundation Stage Leader Donna Fry, who I like to refer to as my number two, has also been busy over the holiday period, despite the rumours about her legendary afternoon siestas. Word in the staffroom is that she is currently busy organising a Rainbows group for children

in Marbella to be based in our main building However, on the plus side this means the after school hours. other children will get a turn with the football And on top of that she is inviting the ecological now! charity Marbella Arboretum to help show our But hang on to your pencil cases because we school how to become more eco-friendly. will also be welcoming four new members of Animal lovers are also in for a four-legged staff to the BSM family to cope with our expansurprise as we are set to welcome volunteers sion this year. from animal charity Triple A. So straighten those ties, sharpThe Marbella-based sanctuary looks after hun- en those pencils and get your dreds of dogs, cats, pigs, and rumour has it, a thinking hats on because it’s seagull, that have been abandoned in Marbella. going to be an epic new year. Expat Jan Weima is expected to give a talk at the school pronto to show children some of their animals and explain how they can help. Unfor tunately with former Malaga footballer Santi Cazorla moving to Arsenal we have had to say goodbye to his son, one of our star pupils on FANCY DRESS: BSM Children have the playground lots of events to look forward to football pitch.

la cultura

31the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012 33 33

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July 26, 2012

Picasso cover-up

Tourist technology

PICASSO continues to cause controversy from beyond the grave after forcing Edinburgh Airport into an embarrassing Uturn. Red-faced officials had been displaying the artists’s painting Nude Woman in a Red Armchair as part of an advertising campaign for an exhibition, but were forced to cover it up following a string of complaints from passengers. The image - showing Picasso’s mistress Marie-Therese Walter reclining naked on a chair - was later reinstated. “On reflection we are more than happy to display the image in the terminal and we would like to apologise, particularly to the exhibition organisers, for the confusion,” said an airport spokesman.

TOURISTS looking for information about beauty spots and cultural venues on the Costa del Sol are to benefit from a new ‘quick response’ coding scheme. Visitors with Smartphone or Android devices will be able to receive instant information by scanning QR codes placed at beaches and other hotspots in Marbella and San Pedro. The codes are capable of storing text, phone numbers and email addresses and allow tourists to access special offers from local businesses.

Banderas puts the divorce rumours to rest and writes a new film for his wife

Banderas builds his bridges

MALAGA actor Antonio Banderas is building bridges with wife Melanie Griffith. Quashing rumours they are heading for a divorce, the star has penned a movie called The Bridge, with his wife in mind for the lead protagonist. “It is a story of migration, to be set in Spain,” explained the 52-year-old, who is also set to begin filming his role as fellow Malaga man Pablo Picasso in Carlos Saura’s film 33 days next month. “It’s about people leaving Africa because they Eventful don’t have anything to eat. Meanwhile, Malaga’s Pi- “Just the other day, on Spanish television, they casso Museum has an- showed how they picked up immigrants in a panounced details of its tera boat in a critical situation,” he added. CAPTION: autumn programme of It comes just weeks after the high profile couple events, which will include were forced to deny rumours of an impending diexhibitions, poetry read- vorce after Griffith was spotted without her wedding ring. ings and family theatre. But the couple were seen putting on a united front week when they attended the star-studded For more information, last Starlite Charity Gala in Marbella with their teenvisit www.museopicasso age daughter Estela de Carmen.

what’s on

alaga, August 31 at 21:00h. The English Cemetery in Malaga Foundation and St George’s Anglican Church, Avda de Pries No 1, are hosting a Classical Guitar Concert with Spanish classical guitarist, Javier Villafuerte in the grounds of the English Cemetery. Tickets €5 per person. Cash Bar. Info and tickets: 952 400 006/638 339 691, www.cementerioingles malaga.org or look us up on Facebook: Fundacion Cementerio Ingles Malaga/English Cemetery Malaga Foundation.

evilla From 03 to 30 September. The Flamenco Biennale is back for its 17th edition with 70 shows (20 of them premiers). Sevilla dresses up for this occasion in the best of flamenco.Tickets: €10 €49 on the door (Lope de Vega Theatre) and at generaltickets.com. Official website: www. labienal.com

malaga.org.

Throwing shapes at Creamfields

S our car approached Creamfields – one of Spain’s biggest dance music festivals – I knew I was in for a proper boogie. The question was, who would dance the hardest out of me, news editor James and publisher Jon? Top of our must-see list was 90s British electronica duo Orbital. sore heads but determined And with an inspiring mix of to make the most of the best dubstep, drum’n’bass, house music festival in Andalucia. and techno tracks, many While things were looking a from their April 2012 album bit too techno for comfort for Wonky, the pair kept us go- a while, we soon found someing for almost thing we liked two hours until in the form the start of yet of pioneering I was determined another fantashouse DJ Wally tic British duo Lopez. to make the – the Chemical The two of us Brothers. most of the best later got down Their DJ set was to a back-toan all-round hit, music festival in back set by climaxing in Four Tet and Andalucia three of their Caribou, two biggest hits…so of my favourite I’m told. DJs who I was Sadly I didn’t hear quite to the delighted to be seeing for a end as by this point I’d had third time. far too many Alhambra beers, At nearly five we decided to and spent the next hour doz- call it a night, making James ing on James’ knee as Jon – who had soldiered on danced on. throughout both nights – the On Saturday night James and clear winner in our endurI ventured back, still with ance challenge.

Eloise Horsfield attempts to outdance her two colleagues at Creamfields Andalucia

CROWD-PLEASERS: Orbital rock the stage while James (top) and Eloise and Jon (right) get involved

The magic of music and sherry Elizabeth Gould enjoys a memorable evening at Gonzalez Byass Bodega

We arrived at the beautiful bodega on a perfect summer’s evening ready to enjoy an evening of classical music played by the world class Soloists of London and to sample excellent sherry. We were divided into small groups and visited three different areas of the candlelit bodega where we experienced different concerts and Sherries. The first concert was Vivaldi’s Spring from Four Seasons and we were offered a glass of Tio Pepe which complemented the music perfectly. We then moved to the Royal Wine Cellar which holds wine barrels dedicated to the royal family. Writers and artists have signed barrels in this part of the bodega. The second concert was Schubert’s Death and the Maiden, with a lovely Pedro Jimenez Nectar. The third stop was the magical cellar of the Apostles where the brilliant pianist Martin Cousin played Debussy’s Claire de Lune by candlelight as we drank Oloroso Alfonso. A grand finale by pianist Martin Cousin playing Rachmaninoff was the perfect end to a memorable evening. The Soloists of London are performing in Sotogrande on 29th September. For information contact mariposaevents@zoho.com Tel: 683 337 342

34 the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012

SUMMER FEATURE

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Making a splash Rund Abdelfatah explores some of Andalucia’s finest spots for getting wet

S the mercury rises around Andalucia, nothing is more refreshing on a sweltering summer day than a cool dip in one of the region’s many inviting swimming pools. Besides the numerous public and hotel pools on offer, there are also a wide range of extraordinary beauty spots to enjoy, far away from the hustle and bustle of the beach. Whether you are seeking adventure or relaxation, family-fun or a romantic getaway, here the Olive Press picks out some of Andalucia’s finest swimming spots.

FRESHWATER POOLS t El Nobo Hotel, Gaucin, Malaga

Clinging to the side of a hill, this infinity pool blends the worlds of man and nature. The expansive view stretches across the valley to the Mediterranean, with Gibraltar and Africa in the distance.

t Finca Buenvino, Aracena, Huelva

This Palladian style hotel pool overlooking rolling oak hills is truly spectacular. Buenvino is a long-established country retreat run by Sam and Jeannie Chesterton who built it from scratch in a distinct Italianate style with matching pool house.

Alqueria de Morayma, Alpujarras, Granada u

Located a bit off the beaten track, this quiet hotel is the perfect escape from the chaos of city life. Overlooking the Sierra Nevada, the pool transmits an atmosphere of earthy tranquility and relaxation.

Fuencaliente Pool of Orce, Granada u

This public pool deserves recognition for its uniquely fresh water. Funnelled from Fuencaliente, a nearby natural spring, Orce’s public pool sustains a comfortable year-round temperature of 21C and keeps the water perfectly clean without any treatment or maintenance. The secret? A small natural source at the base of the pool that constantly bubbles away beneath the surface.

SUMMER FEATURE

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NATURAL POOLS Cueva del Gato, Ronda, Malaga

Enter into the cat-shaped cave and discover a remarkable cove literally carved into the limestone. Tucked away in the Serrania de Ronda, this pool is unconventional to say the least. The cave’s naturally produced pool marks the end of an underground river that has travelled four kilometres from the Rio Guadiaro, bringing crystal clear water into this hidden enclave. For the adventure seeker, the cave provides the perfect challenge. But the water is very chilly.

Junta de los Rios, Almunecar, Granada

Known colloquially as the ‘Junta’, this coastal treasure features a beautiful gorge at the juncture between two rivers. As they merge together, the winding rivers form an elegant network of inlets and waterfalls, eventually making their way past the towns of Otivar and Jete and touching the sea at Almunecar. This natural waterpark, with its unbelievable scenery, promises a memorable outing and fun for all.

Cascadas del Hueznar, San Nicolas del Puerto, Sevilla

This breathtaking spot is a natural haven for swimming enthusiasts. Situated on the central channel of a river that cuts through the Sierra Norte Natural Park, the intimate getaway overlooks a forest of willow, elm and ash trees.

SALTWATER POOLS El Ancla Restaurant, San Pedro de Alcantara, Malaga

Beside the sea, this famous salt water pool gives a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘surf and turf’. Spend the day eating delicious food and swimming seaside whilst surrounded by ornate gardens. But if this popular destination is booked, just make your way to one of the other dazzling salt water pools in the area like those featured at the Bora Bora beach club, the Goyaba Chiringuito or Taberna del Alarbadero.

LADIES POOL Diva Espana, Comares, Malaga

Situated opposite Mount Maroma, this hotel’s salt water pool falls against an absolutely striking backdrop that generates a calming environment. But one key provision prevents just anyone from diving in: the hotel only accommodates lesbians.

THERAPEUTIC POOLS Therapeutic pools, Alhama de Granada, Granada

This ancient spa town has perfected the art of aqua therapy. Just like in Roman times, therapeutic springs are channelled into thermal baths, which funnel the hot therapeutic water into a series of thermal pools that overlook the Sierras de Tejeda and Almijara.

Aire de Sevilla, Sevilla

Located in the heart of Sevilla, these transformed Arab baths invoke the tradition of relaxation through water. Amid the unique ambiance of stuccoed and tiled walls, clay works and bronze lanterns that dimly illuminate the bathhouse, you encounter history like never before. On the 90 minute tour, you travel to baths of varying temperatures and environments for a truly holistic experience.

the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012

The Olive Press NOW has 33,000 papers delivered across EIGHT provinces of Andalucia www.theolivepress.es and Gibraltar every fortnight by our hard-working team of distributors

the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012

ALAMEDA Mobile Home Park • Posada Tempranillo • Petrol Station • Casa Benito ALCALA Conexions • Hotel Torrepalma • Library • Tourist Office • Optico Real • Hotel Zacatin • Estate Agent Andaluz • BP ALGATOCIN BP Service Station ALHAURIN el Grande Alhaurin Golf • La Boma Rest. • 1st and 2nd Tabacconist • Annas Butchers • Christinas Paper Shop • Arte Hair • Martins Paper Shop • British Supermarket • Posh Pets • Cudeca • ALHAURIN de la Torre BP • Las Brisas Restaurante • Montemar Restaurante • Lauro Golf ALMUNECAR Spar Supermercado • Tourist Office • El Faro Bar • Olivares Shop • Danny s Bar ALORA Harveys • Tropicana • Repsol Petrol Cudeca • Zalea Bar ALOZAINA Petrol Station ANTAS Frandi • The Full Swing • El Poligono • Costa Cars ANTEQUERA Lidl • La Veronica • Antequera Golf • Tourist Office • Hotel Plaza San Sebastian • BP • Hotel Las Villas de Antikaria ARCHIDONA Cepsa Garage • 3R Café /Bar • Mercadona Garage • Sunset Estates ARDALES Paco’s Bar ARRIATE Petrol Station ATAJATE Andalazar BEDAR Town Hall • Empalme • Cajamar Olive BENADALID Los Labros BENAHAVIS Canela Cafe /Bar • Amanhavis BENALAURIA La Molienda BENALMADENA COSTA Super Save • Hapenny Bridge Pub • Kiosko Puerto (Marina) • Tourist Office • Paloma Library • Irish Time Bar • Xanit Hospital • UK Foods BENAMARGOSA La Vaqueria BENAOJAN Meroil • Papeleria Ruiz • Hotel Molino del Santo• Cuatro Paradas BENAVISTA Bowls Club • Card Shop • Ibex Insurance • Grumbles • English Butcher • Costa Less Supermarket • Plaza Hotel • Dog House • Brubecks • El Paraiso Golf •Petrol Station • Kids Kingdom • Agro Jardin • Calpe School • Pegotty’s Fish & Chips • Experience Group BENAMACARRA Hotel Cortijo Bravo BUBION Supermercado Coviran CABOPINO Pina Pinaka • Cabo Pizza • Sportsmans Bar • Cabopino Camping • Garage • Shebeens Pub • Paper ShopSupermarket • Plaza Bar • Alberts Restaurant CABRA Tourist Office CADIAR Pagamenos CALAHONDA Age Care • Party Party • The Pit Shop • Sol Finders • GT Mc Kenna Butchers • Internet Café • Mercadona • Spikes Hairdressers • RBL • Club Naranja • Plaza next to Paper Shop CALYPSO MPA Estates (Bryce) • Inspirations Haidressers CAMPILLOS Kiosk • BP Petrol Station CAPILEIRE Supermercado Coviran • Bar CARTAMA ESTACION Aguamania • Topres CASABERMEJA Petrol Station CASARES Arroyo Honda • Venta Victoria • Venta Garcia • Villas and Fincas • La Tienda •Mi Cortijo • Muebles Gavira CHICLANA LHD • Monopoly • Oasis Bar • Tourist Office • Posthouse COIN Tourist Office • Cudeca • Guerreros • Insurance Office • Bohem Rest. • Internacional • La Trocha • Chain • Leslies • BP • Buyrite • Robertos COLMENAR CO2 • Bar Campesino COMPETA Todo Papel • Pavo Real and Restaurant • Sugar and spice • Alicats CORTES Camping el Salitre • El Gecko • Mary Becker • La Fuente CORTIJO CABRERA Restaurant

A WIDER REACH

Covering the costas and inland to eight provinces And here’s how our rivals fare:

CORDOBA Bodegas Campos • Hotel Casas de la Juderia • La Fragua CUEVAS DEL BECERRO Petrol Station DIANA Royal Nordic Club • Man Friday Supermarket • Super Market • Aud Dublin • Big BlueBox DUQUESA PORT Paparazzi Neswagents • Supermarket • Las Gallerias • English Butcher • Duquesa Golf Club • Marlows Restaurant • Souvenir Shop • Gaston Golf • Manilva Properties • Monte Duquesa Sq • La Bella Vista Camping • Clubhouse Bar • Duquesa Estates • Castillo Foreign Resident Centre • Macues Restaurant • Penguin Bar El CHORRO Olive Branch BB • El Kiosko • Hotel Posada el Conde • Rest. Boca Bella EL FARO El Faro Supermarket • Carlton Bar EL ROSARIO Bar • Bar • Town Hall ELVIRIA Martys Hairdressers • Bio Nature Shop • Town Hall • EIC School •Beach House Restaurant •Aventura Amazonia •El Lago Restaurant ESTEPA BP Garage ESTEPONA Hospiten • Best Coches • Arte Escuela Ecuestre Restaurant • Pointer Vets • Eden Bar • Laguna Village Entrance • Terra Sana Digi Print • Optica Machin • Carrefour • Longmans Bookshop • Fergussons Bar • Cudeca Bar • Dune Bar • Furniture World • Padel and Sports • Techo Aluminio • Lidls • Amapola • Tourist Centre • Estepona Golf • International Club of Estepona • Costa Nature • Albayat Resort • Muebles Gavira ESTEPONA MARINA Sailors Cafe • Business Centre EportBic Universal Estate Agents • The Irish Fiddler Marlow Chip Chop FRIGILIANA Hotel Almazara FUENGIROLA Iceland • Camping Fuengirola • Scotties Butchers • Salon Varieties • BP •

Specsavers • Cudeca • Dunnes Stores • Yorkshire Linen • Speedy s Garage • RMDC Glass • Euro Market • St. Anthony s College • Tamisa Golf Hotel FUENTE DE PIEDRA Bar Rebujito • Corner Bar • Diane’s • Donkey Sanctuary GARRUCHA Clinica Veterinaria GAUCIN Repsol Petrol Station • Hotel Caballo Andaluz • Pura Vida Health Shop • Benassim Deli • Fructosa • El Convento • Casa Antonia • La Fuente • El Puente GIBRALTAR Bray Properties • Café Fresco • Kristina Szekely • Laziz Rest. • Ipanema Rest. • O’Reileys • Ocean Village Express • Ibex Insurance • Morrisons • Savills • Rock Hotel • Elliot Hotel • Sacarellos • Icc Shoping Centre • Chamber of Commerce • Cafe Solo • Copywrite • Café Rojo • Colourworks • MH Bland • Sovereign • Rolex • Caleta Hotel • Ibex Insurance GRANADA Airport • Hotel Macia Plaza • La Romanilla • Hotel Fontecruz Granada • Metro Bookshop • Hannigans 1 • Hannigans 2 • Tourist Office • El Catrachod • Jardines de Zoraya • La Alacena de Andalucia • Hotel Palacio de Santa GUADALMINA Tricky Rickys • Bookworld GUARO Petrol Station IZNAJAR BP • The Yoga School • Sueños • Los Cuatro Vientos Bar JEREZ Los Jandalos • Tourist Office JIMENA DE LA FRONTERA Cepsa• Papeleria Los Garabatos • Bar Cuenca • La Tasca • Hostal Anon • Bar Oba • Estate Agents • Casa Henrietta JIMERA DE LIBAR ESTACION Bar Allioli LA CALA DE MIJAS Corner Café • Lions Charity Shop • Pensioners Bar • Internet Café • Papeleria Quetzal • Captains Bar • Zurich Office • BP Garage

LA CALETA Papeleria las Colonias LA HERRADURA The Hideaway Bar • Libreria Coral • La Tartana Hotel LA VINUELA Hotel Vinuela LANJARON Ambienza • Cafe Bar Health • Tourist Information • Los Llanos LAS BUGANVILLAS Victor’s • Cactus LECRIN VALLEY E.S Leman Gasolina LOJA Cafe Continental • Repsol garage LOS GALLARDOS Unicaja • Subministros Ridao • Gas station • Camping los Gallardos LOS ROMANES Camping Bar LUCENA Carrefour Pet Shop • Hotel Bronces • B.P near the fire stn. MALAGA CITY British Consulate• Dunkin Coffee (Corte Ingles)• Hotel Tribuna • Pizzeria el Laboratorio • Restaurante Vino Mio • Terra Sana & Gorki restaurants (El Muelle Uno Shopping Centre) • Calle Brusseles • Celtic Irish Bar • Café con Libro • Picasso • Robert Boyd • Hotel Don Curro • Hotel Molino Larios • Tourist Office • Hotel Vinci •Posada del Patio MALAGA AIRPORT Helle Hollis • Car Parking Malaga • Easy Park • Aena Information Desk • Monarch MANILVA Kwasi Cafe • Curtain & Bedding • English bookshop.Manilva Solicitors • Dr Santos Centro de Balud • Fathom’s Bar • Natura Garden Centre • Vets • Eden Gift Shop • Visage Hair Salon • Coast to Coast Properties. MARBELLA Cayetano/Euromarket Supermarket • La Cuisine • Casa del Te • Hotel Fuerte • Hotel Morada la Hermosa • Town House Hotel• Villa Marbella Hotel • Swans International School • Vergola • Puente Romano Hotel• Polo House • Absolute Café • Deli next Door

• Casa Mono • Casanis• Lawbird MIJAS PUEBLO Tourist Office • Town Hall • BP Garage MIJAS ROAD World of Furniture • Centro Idea Danish Centre MOJACAR Gas station • Masko • Habana Koi • Marina de la Torre Club • Costa Coches • Kasbah Romantic • Sal’s Diego Ortega • Pippas • La Collera Paco • El Olivo • Comptoir de la Crepe • Jolly Lemon • Total entertainment • Tomas • Mojacar Estates • Beachcomber • H Puntazo • Trufibar • Clinica Dental (Parque comercial) • Kimrick • Parador MOJACAR PUEBLO Centro de Arte Municipal • Thao • English Library • Bar Pavana MOLLINA Bar Margarita • And Estates • Brit Shop • Lazy Days Mobile Home Park •Saydo park MONDA Paper Shop • Petrol St. MONTEFRIO Alan Russell MONTE HALCONES One stop café (Ronda road) • Irish café MONTEJAQUE Hotel Montejaque • Las Casitas MOTRIL Aki • Café AL Campo • Tourist Office Los Moriscos Golf • Bar/ Rest Moriscos • Ideal Papeleria • Gran Elba Hotel NERJA Hotel Carabeo • English Book Shop • Supermercado Iranzo • Dancers Bar • Smiths Bookshop • Tourist Office • John the Barber • H2O Bar • Keyhomes Estates Agents • Team Estate Agents Mojito Bar NUEVA ANDALUCIA Aloha News • Garden Bar • Yanks • Wilsons • Alberts • La Sala • Mad Hatters • Terra Sana • N10 Hotel • RWK furniture OLVERA Petrol Station • Dynos • Olvera Properties • Via Verde • Rest. El Puerto ORGIVA Indoor Market • Camac • Internet Café • Alpujarra Supermercado • Baraka

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PAMPANEIRA Hotel • Gasolinera PERIANA Cantueso PITRES Camping • Bar • Bar PIZARRA Kiwi • Aliprox PRIEGO DE CORDOBA Tourist office • Kiosko maribel Cepsa garage x2 PUENTE DON MANUEL Petrol Station • Moreno’s • Petts Dentist • English Shop • Arkwrights • Bar Atilla PUERTO BANUS VIPS • Gift Shop (Port) • Moneycorp • Mumtaz • Jacks • Bookworld • Iceland • Cravings • Kristina Zekely • La Sala • Starz Cafe PUERTO REY (VERA) Club Deportivo • La Esquina RINCON DE LA VICTORIA Tourist Office • Hotel Rincon Sol Anoreta Golf RIO FRIO Hotel Almazara RIOGORDO Coviran RIVIERA DEL SOL Miraflores Bowls Club • La Terraza Supermarket • La Terraza Paper Shop RONDA Molino del Puente • BP • Almocabar • Bar San Francisco • Tourist Office • Siete de Copas • Atrium • Chocolate • Casa Ortega • Osaka • TragaTapas • Hotel Maestranza • Hotel Colon Hotel Polo • Hotel Don Miguel • Locutorio • Serrania Services • Libreria Dumas • Huskies RUTE Estanco SABINILLAS English Bookshop • Eden • Hairdresser • Coast to Coast • Bar • Lidls SALINAS Casa Monolo • Meson Estacion SALOBRENA Hotel Salobrena • Correos • Tourist Office • Café Goya • 1616 Books • Abyla Papeleria • Restaurante Flores • Café Emilio SAN PEDRO Cayetano/Euromarket Supermarket • Tourist Office • Passion Café • TRE Radio Station • Staysure • Book Shop by N10 SAN ROQUE San Roque Golf Suites Reception area and golf clubhouse • Okay cafe • Supermarket SIERRA DE YEGUAS Kiosko SOTOGRANDE GUADIARO Newsagent • Corner Café • Lemon Tree Café • Estate Agent • English Butcher Shop • Sotofiesta • Terra Sana Business Centre NH Hotel • Abbeygate Insurance • Mara Rest. • Anglo Wines • Lidls • Videola • Irish Pub • Hairy Lemon •La Terrace •Cafe Ke TARIFA Tourist Office • lidl • cafe central • hurricane hotel •hotels in centre TEBA Meson de Diego TOLOX Cross Road Bar TORRE DEL MAR Papeleria el Faro • English Bookshop Pasatiempo • Expatriate Help Centre • Lukuma • Baviera Golf • Las Yucas • Cudeca TORREMOLINOS Tourist Offices x 3 • Cudeca Town Centre Baileys Pub • BP Garage (Towards Benalmadena) •others TORROX Russels English Shop • Sol y Sombra • Light of India • El Pino English Shop • Tourist Office TRIANA Bar Triana TURRE Fundraiser • Chili • Zambra • Super Turre • Casa Diego • Total entertainment • Tio Tomas UBEDA Golden Poppy English Center UGIJAR Juan’s Bar and Bookshop VEJER Bookend, Hotel Califa, Tourist Office, Castilleria VELEZ MALAGA Garden Centre La Palma • Eroski Centre • Bar Jamaica • Dunnes VERA Iceland (Suzzanne) • Galasa • Terraza Carmona VILLANUEVA DE ALGAIDAS La Bodeguita VILLANUEVA DE ROSARIO Bar • Bar • Town hall VILLANUEVA DE TAPIA La Paloma Rest. VILLANUEVA DE TRABUCO Ronnies • La Plaza • La Rubia • El Rincon de Teresa • Trabuco Books YUNQUERA Petrol St. ZAHARA DE LA SIERRA Al Lago

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Recession is skin deep

YOUR bank balance may not be the only thing to be suffering as a result of the recession. Nine out of 10 dermatologists claim increased stress levels since the onset of the credit crunch have triggered a rise in skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne. A survey of 105 doctors and nurses, carried out by the British Association of Dermatologists’, found 41% had seen a noticeable increase in stress-related breakouts.

Distress

Moreover, 5% cited a ‘huge’ increase with almost half seeing a slight increase. With the distress of skin conditions leading one in six sufferers to self-harm and some to even contemplate suicide, the British Skin Foundation has stressed the importance of addressing any underlying emotional problems that trigger physical symptoms. “The recession brings with it a set of problems that add further stress and misery to the millions that live with a skin disease,” said BSF member Bevis Man.

37the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012 37 45

New test could help patients avoid having to undergo unnecessary chemotherapy

CANCER PROGRESS IN SPAIN CANCER patients could avoid hours of unnecessary chemotherapy after Spanish scientists developed a method for predicting the spread of the disease. Researchers found they were able to determine breast and lung metastasis - the spread of cancer from one organ to another - by analysing the genetic information of tumours. Scientists at the Catalan Oncology Institute and two hospitals in Madrid implanted malignant tissue in rats, whose bodies are affected by the disease in much the same way as humans. They found they were able to differentiate between those patients who required chemotherapy treatment and those where less intensive alternatives were possible.

CHEMO: But is it necessary? However, the technology is unlikely to be used in hospitals for at least the next two years, with further tests required. Meanwhile, a €2.1 million project led by Spanish researchers has identified why advanced lung cancers resist certain drugs. The international team, also based at the Catalan Oncology Institute, pinpointed an extremely powerful agent that resists drugs designed to inhibit the progress of the faulty gene EGFR. While the four-year study focused on lung tumours, researchers are confident the results will also be relevant to other cancers. “It’s a great discovery which will encourage the industry to carry out clinical trials of new drugs,” said Rafael Rosell from the Catalan Oncology Institute.

Snoozing your way to good health SPANISH scientists have confirmed what the country has always known – indulging in an afternoon siesta is good for you. A report by the Spanish Society of Primary Care Physicians has found taking a regular nap after lunch is actually part of the body’s natural cycle. A snooze of no longer than 30 minutes can help reduce stress as well as improving alertness and memory. Siestas should take place in a chair rather than a bed where you are more likely to fall into a deep sleep - and are only beneficial if they are taken regularly.

the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012

FEATURE

S I navigated the empty streets of Ecija on the hottest day in nearly ten years, I came to sympathise with the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz – utterly convinced I was melting. As soon as I set foot in Europe’s ‘frying pan’ I understood how it had gained its nickname. With the sun seemingly inches above my head and the stagnant air lacking even a wisp of wind, the entire town transformed into an alfresco sauna. Not even my Middle Eastern roots could prepare me for this kind of heat. But despite the high temperatures, registering as high as 50C, I was determined to make the most of my first trip to the picturesque town. With my guide book in one hand and a camera in the other, I set out to explore the

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‘I SURVIVED As the mercury hit 40C and red alerts came into force, the Olive Press sent Rund Abdulfatah to survive a day in Europe’s hottest place: Ecija, aka ‘The Frying Pan of Spain’

town centre, using the ringing church bells as my map. Street after street of quaint whitewashed houses quickly began to blend together and I became more lost with each moment. Looking around for someone who could provide directions, it dawned on me that I had not actually encountered another person since I left the bus station. In fact, with all the shops closed and the roads empty, I felt as though I was walking

through a ghost town. And with the heat growing ever more stifling, it was no wonder the local folk were avoiding the outdoors. It seemed they had figured out the key to living in this heat: avoid it at all costs! But I was on a mission to determine whether Ecija lived up to its reputation as the hottest destination in Europe. As beads of sweat filled my forehead and my eyes fought to stay open against the intense sunlight, the answer

How to keep safe in the heat: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Drink plenty of water and avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine Stay indoors out of the sun, ideally in an air-conditioned space Take a cool shower or bath Reduce strenuous activities during the hottest times of the day Protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat and apply sunscreen of at least SPF 15 6. Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing 7. Never leave pets or people in a parked vehicle 8. Keep an eye on the elderly, the sick and children under five – all particularly vulnerable to the heat 9. Take a siesta to preserve energy 10. Don’t eat large, protein-rich meals that can increase metabolic heat and warm the body

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FEATURE

THE FRYING PAN’ was a resounding yes. Eventually, by some miracle, I came to a church (below) – almost certainly not the one whose bells I had heard – but a church nonetheless.

pear as soon as I reached it. While my heat-filled adventure across Europe’s frying pan was certainly memorable, I would not recommend that anyone travels outside in such high temperatures. In light of the recent heat The midday wave that swept through Andalucia, it is particularly imsun continued portant to exercise caution on exceedingly hot days. to shine with an Following a deadly heat wave intense fervour in 2003 that affected most of mainland Europe and After taking a few snapshots caused 141 deaths in Spain of the charming, Moorish- alone, the Spanish Ministry inspired structure, I noticed of Health developed a colourthe tower of another church coded health watch warning in the distance and set off to- system to help protect people from extreme weather. wards that. Along the way, the midday Last week, Ecija and much of sun continued to shine with Andalucia were placed on red an intense fervour and any alert – the most severe gradbit of shade seemed to disap- ing on the scale. Yet even with these new measures in place, two people tragically died from the heat in Cordoba, showing how serious it can be. Indeed, the average overall risk of dying during an exCHARMING: A treme heat day mystery Ecija church increases by nearly 25%.

PARCHED: Rund takes a swig of water Heat stroke, also known as sunstroke, is the most serious heat-related illness, which can cause permanent disability or death. The body becomes unable to control its temperature and the sweating mechanism fails, making it unable to cool down. Symptoms include a seriously increased body temperature, red, dry skin, a rapid strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, and nausea. If you do plan to brave the heat, wear a hat and lightcoloured clothing, apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water. Oh, and probably best to stay out of the Frying Pan!

39 the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012 39

Help for asbestos victims

NEW laws are set to help expats suffering from asbestos-related diseases claim compensation. Insurers will now be obliged to establish a fund to help those who have been exposed to mesothelioma secure compensation from untraced insurers. “It is a piece of good news we have been anticipating for some time,” explained Andrew Lilley, from Manchester-based solicitors JMW. “Often, the employer responsible for a victim’s exposure is no longer in existence and their insurers are untraceable, which can make securing compensation difficult. “This fund ensures that this isn’t an issue, and mesothelioma victims can receive the compensation they deserve.” The fund applies to anyone exposed to asbestos while working in the UK and diagnosed much later on, even if they are now living abroad. For more information visit www.jmw.co.uk

40 the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012 See the NEWS on page 39

Top Salud!

O you have symptoms of clinical depression? Sure, most of us feel sad, lonely, or depressed at times. And feeling depressed is a normal reaction to loss, life’s struggles, or an injured self-esteem. But when these feelings become overwhelming and last for long periods of time, they can keep you from leading a normal, active life. That is when it is time to seek medical help. If left untreated, symptoms of clinical or major depression may worsen and last for years. They can cause untold suffering and possibly lead to suicide. Recognising the symptoms of depression is often the biggest hurdle to the diagnosis and treatment of clinical or major depression.

What are symptoms of depression? • Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions • Fatigue and decreased energy • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness • Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism • Insomnia, early-morning wakeful-

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Are you feeling down? Dr Raymond Prats looks at the symptoms of depression, what treatment is available and how to seek help in tackling the illness. ness, or excessive sleeping • Irritability, restlessness • Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex • Overeating or appetite loss • Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

How are symptoms of depression treated?

How is depression diagnosed?

When should I seek help for symptoms of depression?

The diagnosis of depression often begins with a physical exam by a doctor. Although there is no ‘depression test’ that a mental health expert can use to diagnose symptoms of depression, there are certain features, which he or she will look for in order to make the proper diagnosis of depression. Your doctor will want to know when your symptoms started, how long they have lasted, and how severe they are, as well as any family history of mental illness.

If a physical cause for the symptoms of depression is ruled out, your doctor may begin an initial treatment, or else refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

If symptoms of depression are negatively affecting your life - such as causing difficulties with relationships or work issues or causing family disputes - and there is not a clear solution to these problems, then you should seek help. Talking with a mental health counsellor or health care professional can help prevent things from getting worse, especially if symptoms persist for any length of time.

For more information visit www.simplecarehealthplan.com

U J p the

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ardin path

41the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012 41

NEW WEAPON AGAINST PALM WEEVIL Phone technology will enable tracking of devastating beetle throughout Spain

A CLEVER phone ‘app’ is enabling users to track the spread of the palm weevil. ‘PicudoPhone’, invented by three Spanish secondary school students, allows users to log infestations and upload photos onto Google Maps. It is hoped the virtual map created by this free software will help town halls

and other groups control the spread of the beetles, whose larvae kill palm trees by boring right through their trunks. Originally from Asia, the weevils have wreaked havoc on the quintessentially Spanish palm tree and nobody is quite sure how to tackle the problem. The new app is available for Android

and iPhone and can be obtained by contacting El Campico school in Alicante where it was designed - www. elcampico.org

Sue Rodgers looks at how to settle your stomach this summer…

E have all experienced at some time or another that slightly nauseous or dodgy tummy feeling that can spoil a holiday. And with so many of us travelling during the summer, changes in diet, water and general routine can have a negative impact on our digestive system. But there are a number of readily available herbal remedies for such occasions. A handful of dried blackberry root simmered in water until brownish black, cooled then drunk, will

Delhi belly help ease the symptoms of mild diarrhoea. In fact blackberry root was one of the ingredients in the fittingly named Spanish Tummy Mixture by traditional herbal firm Potter that is sadly no longer available. The dried root is available from most health food shops. Tannins found in a wide range of foods, berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and cranberries, and some nuts including almonds, wal-

SOOTHING: Herb remedies nuts and pecans, all have an anti-inflammatory and an astringent effect upon the digestive system.

HE KNOWS HIS ONIONS!

Expert gardening

Peter Langdale from Garden La Palma offers his top tips as we head towards September

T this time of year it is important to start removing all the dead flowers, stems and leaves from your plants and space out your watering times, taking care to water your plants when it is cooler. In September you can choose between lots of autumn bulbs to plant so you can enjoy the colours before the arrival of winter when many will lose their flowers. As for the vegetable patch, onion bulbs, spring onions, artichoke cuttings, seed potatoes and a variety of seasonal vegetables are available for planting. September is also the time to replant the grass, particularly the areas of your lawn that suffered in the summer heat. And if the heat continues make sure you do not neglect pest control as the bugs are still in their element. For anyone considering getting a pond, now is the best time to do so. As the heat disappears you will be able to get your project underway in the garden, as the falling temperatures mean you are less likely to tire than in summer. Here at La Palma you will be able to enjoy our ‘10% discount weeks’ throughout September, featuring a different family of plants each week.

For fast first aid against diarrhoea make strong black or green tea without milk or sugar and drink three to four cups throughout the day. Dried blueberries and bilberries, easily found in supermarkets, contain not only tannins but pectin, a soluble fibre that bulks out watery stools and can soothe an irritated gut. Slowly chew about one or two teaspoons, up to three times day. Slippery elm, obtained from the inner bark of the slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) discovered by English colonists from North American Indians, is one of the most useful herbs to treat digestive upsets. It is a smooth slippery substance that coats the lining of the intestines and not only soothes any inflammation but also protects, heals and nourishes the intestine. Taken as a pill or in powder form it can be bought at most health food shops. An old favourite, peppermint tea, will also ease and relax the gut after a meal; in fact it has become so popular that many restaurants now offer peppermint tea in place of coffee. As with all medical conditions, if symptoms persist or are severe, always seek medical advice.

C lassifieds

42 the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 201224 42

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BLACKMAIL

HAVE been known to point out the weaknesses in the wind turbine argument, especially the paradox whereby the more we come to rely on wind energy the more we must invest in conventional power generation for those frequent but unpredictable moments when the wind don’t blow. For a brief instant, in the last issue of the Olive Press, I thought that common sense was starting to permeate the dense ministerial numbskulls who manage these issues in NSGB. News items reported a planned reduction of 25% in the appallingly high subsidies that the government pays to the compa-

nies, most not resident in the UK, that use wind turbines to generate electricity – subsidies that are passed directly to the consumer in the form of higher unit charges. Now it seems that, in order to protect their obscene profits, these foreign conglomerates have threatened to withdraw from the UK unless government takes another look at planned subsidy reductions. In my book, that’s blackmail. These are the moments when I regret not being a younger man and back in the middle of the action. First, I would have told these extortionists to take a running jump; then I would impose a punitive tax on the profits of foreign-

owned wind farms; then I would consider the other seriously viable methods of green power generation before building enough nuclear power stations to guarantee supply for the next century. What did the lily-livered, spineless numpties in Whitehall do? They immediately acquiesced and reduced the subsidy cut from 25 to 10%. As a consequence, the entire energy ministry, from Ed Davy down, should be pilloried in the streets so that irate consumers, faced with continually escalating fuel bills, have an opportunity to pelt them with rotten tomatoes. David Cameron should be ashamed that he has allowed the Liberal sandalistas to dictate on this crucial issue. He should not be surprised when the Tories are ousted from their brief tenure at Number 10 after the next election. Regular readers of this column will be aware of my implacable opposition to the ubiquitous wind turbines that blight this and other fair lands and of my utter contempt for the politicians who have toadied to the sandalistas in a futile attempt to appear ‘green’. This latest episode may go some way to explaining my intransigence.

Mad Dog vs London 2012: The closing ceremony

ITH his mad staring eyes and wiry, white mullet, how much did Brian May remind you of Doc from Back to the Future? When Jessie J joined him on stage, I assumed it was to fling over an emergency bottle of Frizz Ease. Unfortunately, this was wishful thinking. She was actually there to murder a medley of Queen classics. What a shame Brian/Doc didn’t go back in time – to snatch Freddie from the Live Aid stage. Who knows? Maybe the DeLorean was having a service. But even so, surely a chunk of Danny Boyle’s budget could have been spent on giving Daniel Craig’s chopper time-travelling capabilities? After all, what’s more important, a parachuting monarch, or keeping Jessie J locked in her dressing room? Next, it was Russell Brand’s turn to act like a Big Queen, doing naff impersonations of Willy Wonka. As a self-confessed sex addict (or pervert, as we used to call them) surely Gene Wilder’s porn-equivalent of Willy W*nker would have been more fitting. Luckily, the ineptitude of the Spanish commentary team lightened the mood, firstly mistaking Pet Shop Boys for Pink Floyd, then greeting Kate Moss with cries of: “Ahhhh… Annie Lennox!” It was puzzling to see the Kaiser Chiefs belting out Pinball Wizard. It later emerged that this was all down to a misunderstanding. Apparently, at the audition, Seb Coe had said: “Who???” – and the

Leeds lads had taken him literally! And how emaciated did the lead singer look? I Predict a Riot? More like I Regret that Diet. And on the subject of food, in that flesh-coloured bodysuit, you could almost see what Jessie J had eaten for lunch. Maybe she thought Flash or Fat Bottomed Girls was on Queen’s setlist? During one daring, dance manouvre I’m sure I saw a boll*ck pop out. Still, there’s always that risk when (alleged) trannies wear leotards! I have to say, I enjoy Lennon’s Imagine, The Kinks’ Waterloo Sunset, and Liam Gallagher’s Wonderwall. After a few cervezas, I even welcomed the long-awaited Spice Girls reunion. But they could have stuck around a smidgen longer. We all know they’re getting on a bit but surely Girl Power hasn’t become Menopause Power just yet? Then, there was some late-night drama when organizers had to bundle Tom Daley into a taxi. Initial reports suggested that Caroline Flack had Rohypnolled his Lucozade – a claim strongly refuted by her management. However, sources later revealed the real reason. When The Who arrived backstage, the boyish high-diver was removed for ‘his own safety’. Apparently, Pete Townshend is eager to ‘research’ images of Tom’s in his swimming trunks for a new book he’s writing, due to be launched with the other one…..in, erm…..never.) As the clock struck midnight another blast-from-the-past took to

Wicked Whisper

WHICH FC Barcelona player could soon be hearing the pitter, patter of tiny, gifted, footballing feet? If the rumours are true, his famous wife’s breasts won’t be ‘small and humble’ for much longer.

the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012

Talk sport D

URING the course of the recent sporting festival in NSGB the Bartie household was glued to the TV for most of every day. The Lady Bartie loved the gymnastics, especially the men’s events, though the cycling also attracted her attention. I suspect that Lycra has as much to answer for as sporting prowess. Personally, I was disappointed to discover that golf doesn’t feature in the Olympic schedule so my interest waned approximately twelve and a half minutes after the opening ceremony. The sight of Sir Paul McCartney and his brown wig convinced me that the ladies volleyball was a more attractive option. Nevertheless, I could not resist grazing the channels in search of anything remotely watchable. Thus, my enduring memory of London 2012 will be the disgraceful diction of the many and varied commentators who were thrust into the Olympic limelight as the Beeb struggled to fill 24-hour coverage on at least three channels (and possibly more). It took only moments for me to deride those commentators who insisted on talking about ath-a-leets! I assume they were referring to the impressive athletes who were doing their best to lift gold, silver or bronze. Next, it took some time for me to realise that the reporters who mentioned events scheduled for next Mondee, or possibly Wensdee were actually referring to Monday and Wednesday. For these people, every day in the week ends in ‘dee’. In earlier times poetry was an Olympic event. Maybe we should consider awarding a gold medal in The Queen’s English to any pundit who can properly speak it.

Disgruntled of Andalucia (formerly of Royal Tunbridge Wells)

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SEE-THROUGH: Jessie J the stage. With the world’s eyes on Britain, and Kenyans and Kiwis cheering from the mosh pits, Take That blasted out Rule the World. Wow, it was like we’d returned to 1814 – and British Imperialism was Back for Good’. But where was Robbie? Maybe he’d gone on ahead to help re-colonise India. Let’s face it, five-bellies never could resist a good ruby! And then that was that….the flame went out, Mo Farah went back to his day job and all the athletes who’d swam in the Thames – were taken off to quarantine (Heptathlon? Hepatitis-thlon more like!) But joking aside, London 2012 was an inspiring and iconic Games and made me feel very proud and privileged to be British. Oh well, it was good while it lasted, but at least Brits can now get back to what they do best – ignoring each other and bitching about the recession.

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Edible artefacts dating back 2,000 years have been found across the Mediterranean

FANCY VAT! THEY do say that wine gets better with age, but 2,000 years seems a little excessive. A Roman amphora dating from the first century has been discovered full of wine in Andalucia. The airtight ceramic container had been neglected for over 50 years in a dusty back room of Velez Malaga Town Hall. Tests have shown the vat

contains between 25 and 30 litres of wine still in ‘perfect condition’ after having been sealed using resin and lime. The metre-high amphora, due to go on display in a museum dedicated to Velez Malaga’s past, was originally discovered in the basement of the Beniel Palace in 1960 and is thought to have been destined for Italy during the Roman age. It comes as a near intact Ro-

No cerveza surrender! SPANIARDS may be facing the worst financial crisis in years, but a beer is still considered ‘necessary’, according to a survey. While many residents are being forced to cut down on luxuries such as holidays and eating out, 61% still find enough to spare for a cold glass or two with friends. The specially-designed BAR-o-metre, created by the Breweries in Spain Association (BSA), also found that six out of 10 Andalucians have not given up their favourite tipple, with 66% still preferring to drink in bars rather than at home. “The data shows the strong roots of beer in Spanish culture as a beverage that when drunk in moderation helps us beat the heat, allow us to share good times with friends and family, and for many it is now their only luxury,” explained a BSA spokesman.

ANCIENT: Italy find man ship has been found at the bottom of the sea off the coast of Genova, Italy, with jars of food containing pickled fish, grain, wine and oil. The merchant vessel sank about 2,000 years ago on her trade route between Spain and central Italy with a full cargo of more than 200 amphorae. “There are some broken jars around the wreck, but we believe that most of the amphorae inside the ship are still sealed and food filled,” said Francesco Schilardi, who led the police divers. Amphorae were used by the Romans for the transport and storage of a wide range of products.

the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012

FOOD & DRINK www.theolivepress.es with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

E are truly spoilt living in Andalucia, where we can pretty much eat outside all year round. Apart from the odd rainy week in winter, we are never short of sunny days to head down to our favourite restaurants for a lazy two hour meal on their terrazas. Living in Andalucia for the last decade I have made it my business to find all the best restaurants around the region’s eight provinces. And I have certainly been spoilt for choice. In Ronda, the best of the bunch, must be Almocobar, sitting in an ancient square by the historic Almocobar arch, while nearby Arriate has its charming El Muelle, next to the train station, perfect for watching the sun set. Two other fabulous picks nearby are Al Lago in Zahara de la Sierra and Molino del Santo in Benaojan. Both have spectacularly good terraces for dining, the Molino by a raging stream with plenty of trees for shade, Al Lago with some of the best views in Christendom (and once, of course, under the Arabic Kingdom of Granada). Down on the coast we have got to know some of the best places to eat out. The Beach House in Elviria takes some beating, sitting on a quiet stretch of sands, while Polo House, in Marbel-

Taking the air Nothing beats alfresco dining, writes Dining Secrets of Andalucia editor Jon Clarke

la, and La Sala, in Puerto Banus are THE places to watch the coast in action. In Malaga city, Restaurante Vino Mio, right by the Cervantes theatre, has a great terrace to while a way a hot summer’s evening, while in Nerja, Carabeo has an amazing garden terrace overlooking the sea.

Hairy Lemon Now well-established in Sotogrande, the Hairy Lemon is one of the area’s best hangouts. Serving fresh food all day, there is a good list of wines and over two dozen tapas created by chef Lorenc, who spent 14 years working in the restaurant trade in London. The best include homemade Scotch eggs with lemon mayonnaise and great mushrooms stuffed with goats cheese.

Other personal favourites include Patria and La Castilleria in Vejer de la Frontera and wonderful Tesoro near Tarifa and Cancha II in Sotogrande. You are also spoilt for choice in Casares, where the Forge, Venta Garcia and Arroyo Honda all have amazing terraces to dine on. Ultimately you could spend

every day of the year eating a fine meal outdoors in Andalucia. That is apart from the 25 days a year when it rains, when you will just have to sit inside! Here, the Olive Press focuses in on a few other chestnuts around the Sotogrande area, and one in Casares:

FOOD & DRINK www.theolivepress.es

with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

La Terrasse Right in the heart of Sotogrande port, with a perfect view of the boats, is the lovely restaurant run by Belgians Jessy and Anne Hoornaert. The hard-working pair have many years experience between them and first started their reign in Spain just up the coast in Duquesa at a beach-side joint called Babelu. It built up a good reputation over a number of years, before the pair headed off to the Dominican Republic with their children for four years. Well, they have now returned and are doing a great job in Sotogrande providing a great mix of

Spanish, French and international dishes with a bit of flair that they picked up in the Caribbean. Either go for the main menu, which has some great dish-

es like tagliata of fillet steak, or try the new tapas menu, which can be taken in the new chill out area outside.

The Spinnaker It is one of the few restaurants where you can literally arrive by boat. And these days The Spinnaker, owned by friendly couple Monica and Janus (John) from Budapest, also has a great cocktail bar to go with it. An enterprising pair, the menu is very international with a great range of wines, but, best of all, as from this week, they have a fabulous new cocktail bar right by the water which is really making waves.

Casa Curro Why not head up to explore in Casares, just 10 minutes inland from the coast, where you will find the authentic family-run restaurant Casa Curro. Everything is made from scratch and there are plenty of vegetables. Best of all, sit on the terrace and enjoy one of Andaluciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best views across one of the most authentic Andalucian towns.

the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012

the FRE

48 the olive press - August 23 - September 05, 2012 Voodoo gang E FIVE people have been arrested in Malaga for running an organisation that forced Nigerian women into prostitution under threats of voodoo rituals.

FINAL WORDS

ERE release Former Junta employment boss Antonio Fernandez, who is being tried on fraud charges in the ERE scandal, has left prison after raising the €450,000 needed for his release.

Jaw breaker A 28-year-old Briton was detained at Malaga Airport as he tried to flee the country after being accused of breaking a Spaniard’s jaw.

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The football club’s wealthy owner has allegedly put Malaga FC Vodka shots for Alex up for sale, with fears the move may jeopardise plans for a multimillion euro marina in Marbella

SHEIKH-UP AT MALAGA FC

Sea-wife A man has proposed to his girlfriend from a tank at the Benalmadena’s Sealife Centre wearing a diving suit and holding up a sign.

Onwards and upwards in 2012 with 186,000 papers www.theolivepress.es (120,000 digital) and around 150,000 visits to the Sell your property THIS website each month… The Olive Press just keeps growing!

SALE: The Sheikh

SHEIKH Abdullah Al Thani has reportedly put Malaga FC up for sale. The debt-ridden club is being swamped by rumours over its ownership after Spanish radio station Cadena Cope revealed the Qatari Sheikh held talks with multi-millionaire Rezart Taci, head of the Albanian petrol group Taci Oil, to sell the club. The decision comes as a surprise for many who had touted the Sheikh as a saviour of the Costa del Sol

after he purchased Malaga FC two years ago, and announced plans for a new €400 million marina at La Bajadilla in Marbella. Now many fear that his other projects on the coast could also be at risk. And the Mayor of Marbella, Angeles Munoz, is talking to the Ministry of the Environment to try and ensure the marina project goes ahead. Meanwhile, Malaga FC has denied Al-Thani has pulled the plug on his investment.

Barca goalie in fraud probe BARCELONA FC goalkeeper Victor Valdes has been charged with forgery and fraud. Valdes is accused of falsely acquiring a seafaring permit to operate a yacht without ever taking the exam. Police in Valencia have linked the football star to a wider fraud operation, which has been under investigation since last March and has led to the arrests of more than 100 people so far, including former Levante winger Asier del Horno, ex-basketball player Fran Vazquez, and actor Oscar Jaenada. While some of the alleged fraudsters purchased their yacht captain certificates, others obtained the title by wearing an earpiece during the test that fed them all the answers.

Schoolgirl scouted in Spain A SCOTTISH schoolgirl has been scouted by AC Milan after taking part in a Spanish kick-around. 10-year-old Aisha Saini played so well in the competition at the resort of La Manga, Murcia, the Italian team have invited her to take part in their European football academy tournament. The schoolgirl’s father, Michael, 44, said: “We are so proud of her. We just enrolled her in the tournament to keep her busy because we thought she might be bored. “Aisha was the only girl in the tournament. The scouts said they have never asked a girl to join their academy,”

A statement on the club’s website read: “Malaga Football Club has started a process of internal restructuring within the organisation to adapt to the standards of financial fair play and with the intention of guaranteeing the self-sufficiency and sustainability of the organisation. “This process doesn’t mean the current owners have refused any type of investment. “This will involve some changes in the current organisational entity of the club and will make the organisation stronger in the future.”

Unpaid

It follows an unsettling summer for Malaga FC, with several senior players reporting the club for unpaid wages and other clubs claiming that payments for previous player transfers have not been met. Meanwhile Fernando Hierro has confirmed his departure from the post of general director while Malaga and Arsenal have agreed the transfer of midfielder Santi Cazorla for €15 million.

OLYMPIAN: Smith

Pommel medallist comes to Marbella BRITAIN’S poster boy for London 2012 has planned a holiday in Marbella following his impressive performance at the Olympics. Louis Smith, , 23, won silver in the individual pommel horse and a historic bronze as captain of the artistic gymnastics team – the first podium medal for a British gymnastics team in 100 years. Now he is heading to Marbella for a well-earned break. “We’re going to Marbella – the whole team and some of my mates – to sightsee and unwind,” the Olympian said. “I’m not the kind of guy to go out and abuse the fame – but we’ll let our hair down, have a good party in Marbella then come back and go from there.”

STAR: Aisha Saini he added. The young midfielder will now join a handful of selected youngsters from all over the continent when she returns to the pitch in October.

No part of this publication may be used or reproduced without the explicit permission of the publisher. While efforts are made to ensure the authenticity of advertisements and articles appearing in The Olive Press, the publisher does not accept any responsibility for claims made, nor do contributors’ opinions necessarily represent his own. Copyright Luke Stewart Media S.L 2012