Olive Press Newspaper - Issue 158 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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Vol. 7 Issue 158

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Expats flee home after police fail to deal with years of abuse from neighbours EXCLUSIVE By Mason Jones dating,” said Ian Baker, 42, who runs an air conditioning business. Over the years the family have been burgled five times and had their home attacked over a dozen times. The final straw came when his van was set on fire a fortnight ago. He has now fled him home with his wife, Claire, 39, and his two

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EXHAUSTED: Baker with Harry and Zaria and Alhaurin children Zaria, 9, and Harry 12. “We moved out two weeks ago and the property has already been broken into again twice,” he added. “There seems to be no way of stopping them getting in. I have no idea what to do.” He claims his family are the third British family to leave the street after becoming victims of a gypsy community in the Bajondillo area of the town. He insists all attempts to talk to the group have failed. When he saw a group of youths shooting an air-rifle towards his house he told them to pack it in. “The next thing a bullet came through my son's window,” he said. He has been forced to go public on the situation as the police have failed to do anything to protect his family. “It just seems a waste of time contacting the police, there are so many break-ins in the area,” he added. Each time he has reported it the police have done nothing, he insists. “Clearly they are very understaffed.

seepage page13 15 see

April 4 - April 18, 2013

Forced out A BRITISH family have been driven from their home after suffering ten years of attacks from their neighbours. The Baker family have been forced to flee their home in Alhaurin el Grande after a string of breakins and intimidating tactics that even included firing airgun pellets through a child's bedroom window. “We’ve had our front door set fire to, tyres slashed, windows broken and shot at, they are very intimi-

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When I called them to tell them my van had been torched they said they were busy on another job.” They were unable to use CCTV he had installed, as the footage was not clear enough to identify the perpetrators as they set fire to his van. Of the two other British owners who have fled, one house has been 'completely wrecked' while the other 'now has gypsies living in it!', claims Baker. A spokesman for the town hall insisted she was unable to comment on the case. Police were also unavailable for comment. Over the years the neighbourhood has seen various schemes to try and improve the relationship between the gypsy community and other locals. In 2006, €180,000 was allocated to improve Bajondillo and other surrounding areas, while in 2011 Mayor Juan Martin Seron called for ‘more solidarity and social balance’ between the gypsy community and other locals.

Junta boss was 'cashier' in ERE scandal JUNTA boss Jose Antonio Grinan has been accused of sanctioning the ERE slush fund scandal. The fraud – the biggest public money scam in Spanish history - saw a regional development fund used to pay bogus early retirement payments to up to 100 individuals, often for companies they had never even worked for. A further four people have been arrested in the scandal which the PP party believes could total up to one billion euros illegally syphoned off by Junta officials.

Embezzled

Grinan has now been forced to stand up for his 'honour and dignity' after PP boss Juan Zoido accused him of being the "cashier of the ERE" during his time as Finance Minister. He added that he must have known about the money that was syphoned off during his time in charge between 2004 and 2009. Fellow Employment Minister Francisco Guerrero - who masterminded the scheme that has so far seen €136m of public money embezzled - has now been jailed again without bail. Turn to page 14

the olive press - April 4 - April 18 2013

CRIME NEWS

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Bad company Resignation calls as Galicia leader is linked with infamous Spanish drug lord By Mason Jones OPPOSITION leaders are calling for a PP boss to resign after photographs emerged of him holidaying with a convicted drug smuggler. Albert Nunez Feijoo, leader of the Galicia region, faces a grilling after several pictures were published of him in the company of notorious drugs lord Marcial Dorado. The pictures, believed to have been taken in the mid-90s, show Feijoo and Dorado relaxing on a boat while others show the pair at a property owned by the criminal. The politician has admitted to having a ‘personal relationship’ with Dorado but insisted he had no idea about his friend’s illegal activity at the time. Feijoo said he immediately cut all ties with Dorado following his arrest. However, a spokeswoman from the Galician Left Al-

CHUMS: Feijoo (front) and drug dealer Dorado on his speedboat ternative party insist that the whole region knew of Dorado’s links with organ-

Extradition for drugs

A BRITISH man and woman have been arrested in Malaga in connection with the production of over €2.4million worth of cannabis. The couple are believed to have fled to Spain following raids on three cannabis factories in the UK in 2011. A spokesman from Kent Police said the pair were caught after a European arrest warrant was issued. They are now awaiting extradition back to the UK.

ised crime. The party has also demanded that the PP official pro-

vide ‘convincing explanations’ as to why he was so close to Dorado.

More police in drugs arrests FIVE local police officers are facing seven years in prison after being accused of trafficking impounded drugs in Mijas. The officers were first arrested in November 2009 after seizing 175 kilos of hashish before allegedly transporting it in patrol cars to a civilian’s home for storage. The homeowner who allegedly stored the drugs faces up to four years in prison. The case is one of several similar incidents of police being involved in drug dealing around Andalucia in recent months.

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the olive press - October 04 - 27, 2012

Gone rotten

THE crisis is even hitting Hollywood's finest. Javier Bardem has been forced to sell his family restaurant in Madrid. La Bardemcilla is shutting down 'after two years of prolonged losses', explained a spokesman for Bardem, who is married to Penelope Cruz. “Like many small businesses it is closing its doors,” he added. Eleven workers are set to lose their jobs when the restaurant, which is situated in the capital’s Chueca district, finally shuts up shop. It comes just months after Bardem suggested that the country’s high unemployment figures actually 'suited the government'.

Tea with Tommy GARDEN lovers will have the chance to get some top tips from Ground Force star Tommy Walsh over tea and cake this month. Weight loss specialists Cambridge 800 is offering 30 tickets to meet the star when he appears at the Homes, Gardens & Lifestyle Show in Torremolinos. "We always want to encourage healthy eating and one cup cake will contain approximately 225 calories, so a good walk around the exhibition and you will have burned off all those calories,” said Sarah Hawes, director of Cambridge 800. “A little of what you fancy, occasionally, is good for you!" Tickets are just €2.50 with a percentage going to the Positively Pink charity. The show runs from April 27 to April 28 at the Palacio de Congresos with an action packed line-up of activities and exhibits already scheduled.

BRITAIN’S most famous glamour model has tied the knot again with Kieran Hayler, this time with a touch of Spain. Katie Price, 34, designed the provocative wedding gear herself, opting for an ostrich feather bodice hand stitched in Spain before being encrusted with Swarovski crystals.

The Return of Spanish Tony

Former bodyguard to Rolling Stone Keith Richards has book published in Spain

HE will go down in folklore as one of the mystery men of the heady Sixties. And now a book, published in Spain for the first time, tells the story of Spanish Tony, who became Rolling Stone Keith Richards drug dealer and bodyguard in London. The book 'I was Keith Richards Drug Dealer' (Yo fui el camello de Keith Richards) tells how the son of poor Spanish migrants landed the incredible position with one of Britain's most legendary groups. Heralding from Cadiz, Spanish Tony was working as a croupier in a Soho casino when he had met Richards, and later Brian Jones and even Beatle John Lennon, via an art dealer friend who lived in Mayfair. He had soon become the Stones guitarist's gofer, dealer and bodyguard and served as his confidente regarding his chequered love life. His book chronicles the incredible drug taking that went on at the time, the turbulent relationship between Keith, Mick Jagger and Anita Pallenburg and the life of a Spaniard living in London.

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LICENCED TO THRILL MARBELLA has a licence to thrill with a Tribute to 50 Years of 007. The James Bond charity evening takes place at the Beach House this Thursday and will mix all 007's style, glamour and sophistication with a cocktail and canapé reception. As well as a three course meal an auction will be hosted by The Olive Press’s columnist Giles Brown, in conjunction with Thomas Crown Art. The proceeds are going to Mijas Costa-based animal shelter, PAD. Dress code

Katie's Spanish nuptials

is Bond and Bond girl, or your favourite Bond villain.

CLIENTELE: Tony (far left) and here (at back) with Richards and Anita Pallenburg The book talks about his inevitable addiction to cocaine and later heroin and how his girlfriend died of a drug overdose. Mystery surrounds his later life, after he published his memoirs for the first time in 1979. While he later moved to Valencia he is said to have died in 2000.

the olive press - April 4 - April 18 2013

NEWS

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While it was the wettest March on record plenty of Semana Santa parades went ahead as planned

THERE'S SOMETHING BEHIND YOU

THE CROSSES WERE OUT IN FORCE IN SETENIL DE LAS BODEGAS ON MAUNDY THURSDAY

NEWS

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the olive press - October 04 - 27, 2012

EASTER SPECIAL

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the olive press - April 4 - April 18 2013

OPINION Security issues IF people do not feel safe in their own home, as Ian Baker claims in our front page story, then there is a serious problem that needs to be dealt with urgently. It is rare that we come across a story of such lawlessness and bullying in Spain... and one that Baker's family has had to endure for years. The town hall and police should not be shying away from the issue, but instead be tackling it head on. It does not look good for the town, or for the police, if local expats feel unprotected by the local authorities. What makes the situation worse is that Baker claims he is not the only one to feel this way, with at least three other families also falling victim to harassment, vandalism and theft in the area. The town hall must admit there is a big problem that needs rectifying before something even more serious happens.

FEATURE

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Reasons to be

CHEERFUL

Moving forward IT seems that what was once brushed under the carpet and put down to individual cases is finally being recognised as an endemic problem in Spain. While we have been reporting on it for years, it finally seems that the public realises the problem that corruption is causing the country. Indeed in an explosive new poll 40% put it as the country's second biggest issue to tackle. It comes as Judge Mercedes Alaya oversees an investigation into the biggest public money scam in Spain’s history, the ERE scandal. Four more people have now been jailed and the Sevilla judge seems intent on following up at least 80 more individuals suspected of taking illegal payouts. That this money was destined to help struggling companies and to stimulate growth is nothing short of disgusting. At least the country is now recognising the problem and with the likes of Judge Alaya pursuing the wrongdoers, perhaps Spain can start to stamp out its second biggest problem.

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theEE

The original and only English-language investigative newspaper in Andalucía

olive press

Tel: 951166060 (admin) or 951127006 (editorial) 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. Luke Stewart Media S.L - CIF: B91664029 Urb Cayetano Arroyo, Buzon 13, Arriate 29350 Malaga Printed by Corporación de Medios de Andalucía S.A. Editor: Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es Reporters: Frances Leate frances@theolivepress.es Mason Jones mason@theolivepress.es

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Despite the gloomy Easter weather and equally gloomy forecast for the economy, there are still plenty of positives giving Spain hope for the year ahead... Here Giles Brown picks out his Top Ten IT'S not all doom and gloom in Spain. Although the country still seems to be bumping along the bottom of the 'crisis' and the Bank of Spain warned last week that unemployment may reach 27% with no growth likely until 2014, there are still some reasons to be cheerful. And many of the things that Spain excels in can be found right here in Andalucia! Here is my list of the 10 things proving that Spain is anything but on the verge of complete collapse:

Liquid Gold Andalucia has been producing and exporting olive oil for over a 1000 years and now accounts for 22% of the global market. The Deoleo factory in Almeria is the second biggest in the world and the company exports to 120 countries. Andalucia has also seen a steady increase in ecological oil, with a 37 % increase since 2004. At the the Third European Market for Organic Products in London last year, nine organic companies from Andalucia promoted their products, including three olive oil producers from Jaén and Córdoba.

Tourism Not suprisingly, tourism also rates highly. According to the World Tourism Organisation, Spain has "the best tourism balance in the world" a statement that is supported by the fact that Spain is also the fourth most popular tourist destination in the world.

Wine The country is the third largest producer of wine in the world, after France and Italy and enjoys a great reputation in China, one of the fastest growing markets in the world. In the list of the 100 best wines in the world 'Wine in China' magazine includes 21 Spanish wines and 19 scored over 90 points. China has also doubled the amount of Spanish wine that it imports, up to 1,5 million litres last year. Something to drink to!

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FEATURE

Doners

Obviously we hope that you will never need to have a transplant, but if you do you're living in the right country. Spain leads the world when it comes to organ transplants, with 35,3 doners per milllion people and more than 4,200 transplants took place in 2011.

Solar Energy

Fuentes de Andalucia, just outside Sevilla, is the world leader in thermosolar energy thanks to the Gemosolar plant in the town. Abengoa Solar, which has a factory in Sanlúcar La Mayor, is currently constructing the largest thermosolar plant in the world in Arizona. The largest solar panel plant in Europe sits on the border of Granada and Almeria provinces.

Leather In the world of fashion, the leatherworkers of Ubrique in Cadiz province provide leather for international brands including Calvin Klien, Prada and Christian Dior, making up 36% of the market. The most valuable markets are Japan, which imported €12,1 million last year, and Hong Kong which imported €11,7 million.

Food Forget the calamatous calamares, terrible tortilla or ghastly gazpacho, Spain has become a world leader in gastronomy. The Basque region now counts a mouthwatering 28 Michelin stars. There are even half a dozen Michelin-starred restaurants in Andalucia and Marbella's very own Dani Garcia (two starred Calima) recently launched his first venture in New York.

Sport Where do you want to start? Rather than the usual British way of watching sport (with your hands covering your eyes while cowering behind the sofa until we lose on penalties/go out to a big serving Slav in the semis/drive into the wrong pit) Spain's sports stars make it all look easy. At least the King gets to take his mind off his current domestic problems by flying around the world to hand out trophies to winning Spaniards!

Music Though you may not be the biggest fan of Iglesias Snr or Jr, Alejandro Sanz, Miguel Bose or any other Spanish act, Spain has some of the best music festivals in Europe and this year is no exception. Sonar in Barcelona in June will feature Kraftwerk, Pet Shop Boys and Skrillex, while Benacassim in July is headlined by Primal Scream and The Killers. The glitzy Starlite Festival in Marbella meanwhile will see Julio Iglesias, Buena Vista Social Club, Alejandro Sanz, Paco de Lucia and Jamie Cullum perform this summer.

Fast Trains: Spain has the best fast trains in Europe and arguably the world, and not only has America consulted Spain about its fast-track AVE lines, now the country has landed the peach contract to build the so-called Desert Train from Meca to Medina in Saudi Arabia. Planned from a factory in Las Tablas, near Madrid, this lucrative project will be finished in 2016 and demonstrates how the Spanish frequently lead the world in technology and engineering.

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NEWS WHAT A CHEEK!

THOUSANDS of lager-loving British students have descended on Spain for the 11th annual Saloufest. Billed as a ‘sporting tournament’ the drinking bingo, in the Catalan resort of Salou, has failed to show holidaymaking Brits in their most attractive light. Disgraceful scenes show students guzzling beer and vodka, dressing up and most of the time ending up semi-naked or being sick. Despite this, many local business owners insist the three week event provides a welcome cash injection to the crisishit town, with many bars full to capacity on many nights

EXPAT BURNS TO DEATH IN HIS CAR POLICE are investigating the death of a British pensioner who was found inside his burnt out car in Almeria. Neighbours tried desperately to extinguish the fire, which enveloped the car outside Keith Bleakley's house in Oria, near Albox. It was his wife's Ford Fiesta and it initially appears to be an accident, say sources.

Botellon Blues

IT is not just British lagerlouts who have been shocking Spain. An estimated 18,000 Granada teenagers left a shocking 49 tonnes of rubbish to clear up after their annual so-called 'macro-botellon' in the city. The mass drinking event, which is attended by more people each year, caused outrage in the city, in part after causing six kilometres of tailbacks. It certainly can't have pleased the local dustmen.

Flower Power Health and safety case against three cemetery florists thrown out

THEY were only trying to help the bereaved keep the graves of their loved ones clean and put up flowers. But three florists found themselves taken to court for lending step ladders to families at the cemetery where they worked in Granada. Now a judge has ruled that bosses were wrong to denounce them for helping relatives. The case was brought by the company that runs the San Jose cem-

etery in Granada, insisting that the ladders caused a risk of injury as well as damage to the cemetery itself. Since banning the florists' ladders in 2012, Emucesa offered the option of having “trained ladder operators” clean headstones and place fresh flowers for a fee of €6. The judge ruled against the company and ordered Granada Town Hall to pay costs.

the olive press - April 4 - April 18 2013

NEWS

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Despite a dry winter, the heavens opened last month

WETTEST MARCH FOR 60 YEARS

IT seems the rain in Spain falls mostly in March, according to recent figures from meteorological officials. You probably guessed it, but

after a generally dry winter March was the wettest on record. A total of 150 litres per metre square fell across Spain on average last month,

Stuck on you A COLOURFUL exhibition has highlighted the difficult years that Spain faced during transition to democracy. The exhibition in Salamanca comprised of stickers, which became an important method of protest during the late 1970s. The first sticker appeared the day after the death of Franco in November 1975 with the pro-democracy legend 'Juan Carlos I Rey de España'. In the following, transition years stickers were used to express all types of opinion, including

pro and anti-abortion. One showed a picture of a baby holding a placard which read: 'It is good to live... when you are wanted' while another pleaded: 'Reds – no thanks!' in a play on the UK slogan 'Nuclear Power – no thanks!'

which is 50% more than normal. The previous highest figure was in 1947 when it rained 147 litres. It comes after December, January and February saw a combined figure of just 143 litres, compared with an average of 220 litres. Over the last nine days of the month nearly 100 litres fell around the country. Local daily records were broken in Soria and Zamora where nearly 30 litres fell in just one day. And while we may feel grateful we are not experiencing the prolonged freezing temperatures blasting through many parts of Northern Europe, it certainly has put a dampener on things. But on the bright side, experts say most of Spain’s reservoirs are almost completely full.

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NEWS

11 NEWS

Adios Raton

the olive press - October 04 - 27, 2012

Spain's celebrated bull ‘Raton’ - who claimed the lives of three - has died at the age of 12

INTO ACTION: Raton at an event

A POPULAR star of Spanish bull runs has died at the age of 12. Raton, who mauled three people during his bull fighting career, passed away in Sueca, near Valencia. Known as 'Mouse' in English, the fierce bull attracted fees of up to €18,000 to appear at town festivals

and fights. The black and white bull reportedly weighed 550kg when he died earlier this month. Owner Gregorio de Jesus now plans to stuff the beast and put him on display at the ranch. Some 3,000 people turned out for his final run before he retired in September 2011.

ANIMAL SHELTER AT RISK OF CLOSURE ter has started displaying notices informing AN ANIMAL shelter that has been looking people that no more animals can be acceptafter abandoned cats and dogs for almost ed the staff find dogs and cats dumped on 20 years has made a desperate appeal for their doorstep daily. help. President Lisa Emeny explained, “PAD curPAD insists it will be forced to close in a rently has enough funds to survive the next couple of months unless it gets some urtwo months and after that, if we don’t find a gent donations soon. way to get some money in, I don’t know what The Mijas centre, which currently cares for we will do.” around 60 dogs and 250 cats, is facing extreme financial hardship. To help call 658 351 642 or email info@padThe charity’s source 1of 30/01/2013 income is entirely CT 145 x 244_Layout 09:32 Pagecatsanddogs.org 1 based on donations and although the shel-

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the olive press - April 4 - April 18 2013

GREEN NEWS

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Save our beach! Locals slam decision to develop 'unspoilt' El Cristo beach

Sunny delight for walkers A GROUP of 50 people, including many expats, walked through the orange groves of the Lecrin Valley for Granada-based hospice Acompalia. The walk in unscheduled sunshine raised €315 for the organisation which provides palliative care for terminally ill patients of all ages. “The weather was kind to us and so were the local growers,” said Tina Emmott, president of Acompalia, which is raising funds to set up a helpline staffed by professional counsellors and nurses. To donate or suggest fundraising ideas call 958 784 055

EXCLUSIVE By Mason Jones LOCALS in Estepona have spoken out over plans to develop one of the area's last undeveloped beaches. It comes after the town hall gave permission to build a beach club and restaurant above scenic El Cristo beach. Critics have joined former mayor David Valadez to blast the decision, which would see a 1,250 square metre development “block on the beach”. There will also be a plaza constructed, which is set to cover a further 1,000 square metres. While councillor Susana Arahuetes insisted the development would not affect views around the beach, local expat Steve Myhill disagrees. “To say this won’t affect views of the beach is disingenuous.

Protests

“It may not if you are driving past, but if you are on the beach it certainly will,” he insisted. “It will inevitably concrete over an existing natural area enjoyed by many people. “I wonder if it is a done deal or there will be protests? Local Havana Beach chiringuito owner Adela Ramirez also slammed the decision. “It's totally unnecessary... people come here precisely because it’s natural and unspoilt,” she told the Olive Press. “No one has even told us anything or showed us any plans, the first I’d heard of it was on the news. “There is a lot of wildlife in the area, such as rabbits and birds, and I fear they will leave.”

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GREEN NEWS

Stick your neck out ANY ideas what to call this recently arrived giraffe? Selwo Adventure Park, in Estepona, needs Olive Press readers to help come up with something appropriate. The youngster, pictured here with his mum Carmina, is already over two metres tall and weighs over 40 kilos. To suggest a name for the giraffe tweet it to @selwo_aventura with the hashtag #nombrejirafa or email the Olive Press.

RIF AID

KEEN adventurers who want to raise funds for a worthwhile cause are being invited on a charity trek. Gibraltar-based charity, the Rif Community Foundation ( Rifcom) is organising two treks, one in May and another in October, to raise money for the poor Moroccan region. The treks, which cost €415 per person, aim to raise awareness of the Rif Mountains, its people and its culture. In October a trek will head up North Africa’s highest mountain Jbel Toubkal and requires those taking part to raise €1,000 in sponsorship. Robert Dyke, who took part in the trek last October, said: “I gained so much from my experience including friendship and fresh insight. “It's easy to be busy with first world problems but once you go to Morocco and see the struggles people face every day, it gives you fresh perspective and reminds you how lucky you are.” For more information on Rifcom and their 2013 treks, visit: www.rifcom.org or email: info@rifcom.org.

News IN BRIEF

Safety measures MIJAS town hall has held a meeting with officials from the Environment Department, the Infoca wildfire unit and forestry experts to draw up plans to avoid summer fires.

Cocaine nights Guardia Civil have arrested two people and seized 590 kilos of cocaine found on a yacht moored in Sotogrande port.

Strike off Malaga taxi drivers have cancelled the planned strike of the airport to be held in protest of non-local drivers being permitted to pick up airport travellers.

the olive press - October 04 - 27, 2012

the olive press - April 4 - April 18 2013

NEWS

Crooked concerns

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Year of the Dragon

Nearly half of Spain believes corruption is country's main problem THE Spanish public is now twice as concerned about corruption as it was three months ago. It has been recognised as Spain’s second biggest probFrom Page 1

ERE Scandal It comes as Sevilla Judge Mercedes Alaya jailed a further four people over the scandal. A total of 80 officials are now being considered as suspects. In a mammoth 24-hour hearing she jailed the bosses of private consultancy firm Vitalia, a Eurobank subsidiary hired to manage the fund as well as an intermediary Juan Lanzas who is accused of syphoning off 1.8m for himself. It emerged he had managed to buy up to 20 properties over the last few years due to the proceeds.

lem according to a national opinion poll. Results from the most recent CIS survey reveal that 40% of Spaniards now believe corruption and fraud is second only to unemployment. The poll was taken just a week after El Pais published the alleged ledgers of former PP party treasurer Luis Barcenas, who was found to have an offshore account in Switzerland worth millions of euros. The number of people concerned about corruption has more than doubled from the 17.7% in January. The perception of corruption has been on the rise since 1994’s ‘Fadesa case’. Other cases include the Gurtel investigation, new allegations against the king’s sonin-law and alleged acts of espionage in Cataluna. Unemployment, which has now topped over five million people, remained the first concern for 79.9%.

REVELLERS: Festival goers head to the site in Granada THERE were only two arrests at this year's infamous Dragon Festival in Granada. The festival, which has been dogged with controversy for a decade, took place in its new home of Santa Fe with very little incident. Police estimated that around 300 vehicles and 1000 people attended the festival, which marks the beginning of spring and traditional took place in the Alpujarras. Always a highlight among the hippy community, there had been concerns about safety and noise levels and so this year the authorities had promised to be particularly strict. In the end, police only made two arrests, one for a traffic infringement and another for drug dealing. "We know that we sometimes bother the nearby residents, but we don't mean to bother them" said one festival goer.

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GIBRALTAR NEWS

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‘Terror trio’ released Paragliding terrorists to be released despite possession of explosives By Mason Jones THE Supreme Court has ordered for three men accused of plotting a terrorist attack in Gibraltar to be released due to lack of evidence. Russian nationals Eldar Magomedov and Mohamed Ankari Adamov were arrested last August along with Cengiz Yalcin, from Turkey, after an anti-terrorism probe was launched in Spain. Police arrested Yalcin, a site manager in Gibraltar, at his home in Las Palomeras, San Roque, after following a trail of suspicious behaviour. Yalcin, a paragliding enthusiast, had allegedly asked

Fined for oil leak AN oil and gas drilling company has been fined €150,000 for an illegal fuel leak in Algeciras Bay. The Jasper Explorer, a mobile offshore drilling unit, was found to be responsible for a significant diesel spillage. Port inspectors matched oil stains in the water with samples taken from the ship.

Bus fare hike

THE Gibraltar Bus Company has announced that bus fares will go up by 50% from May 1. A one way adult fare will cost €1.78, while a one way adult day pass will be around €2.67.

his instructor about taking photographs of Gibraltar shopping centre from the air. The trio were also spotted flying a motorpowered paraglider over Gibraltar, hinting RELEASED: Magomedow, Ankari and Yalcin they may have been planning an airborne pects were detained at a rest nandez Diaz at the time. attack. area in Valdapenas while on A court spokesman said that Police also reportedly found although the men are still their way to France. a video of Yalcin flying a They later found enough ex- suspected of being part of a remote-controlled aircraft plosive material to 'destroy terrorist organisation, there dropping packages from the a bus', according to Spain’s is insufficient evidence to sky. The two Russian susinterior minister Jorge Fer- hold them any longer.

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May Day fun A FULL day of activities and events for children and adults will be taking place in Gibraltar to mark May Day. The day is being organised by the Gibraltar Trades Council and will include live performances and children’s games. Celebrations will take place in Casemates Square on May 1.

DIRECT TO THE MIDLANDS A NEW route from Gibraltar to Birmingham Airport has been launched by Monarch airlines. The flights to and from Gibraltar will operate three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday until the end of April and then Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from then on. Monarch Airlines’ managing director, Kevin George, said: “Gibraltar has always been a popular route for Monarch Airlines’ passengers and it’s great now that we can offer this service from the West Midlands.”

Gibraltar apes to be monitored around the clock by National Geographic 'monkewwy cams'

GIBRALTAR NEWS

the olive press - October 04 - 27, 2012

Hey hey we’re the monkeys!

THE OLIVE PRESS IS NOW DISTRIBUTING 4,000 COPIES ON THE ROCK Here are the main places stocking the Olive Press in Gibraltar:

By Frances Leate FROM what they eat, to where they go and where they sleep... the troublesome Macaques in Gibraltar are going to be monitored 24/7 by National Geographic. Government officials and animal experts are hoping to keep up with the apes every move in the hope of learning more about them. As part of the project, led by leading scientists from America and Europe, three Barbary Macaques will have High Definition (HD) cameras attached to them. In addition, GPS tracking collars will be attached to another six apes. This will allow remote tracking of their movements for several months, which will be downloaded onto a computer programme, revealing the routes they use, where they sleep, where they for-

age, and how much time they spend in different areas. The project is being sponsored by leading American magazine National Geographic. The Minister for the Environment, Dr John Cortes,

said: “The information they will gather is vital, and we are using top of the range monitoring equipment. “This work will help us understand the Macaques better, which will in turn help us to reduce the nuisance

factor. “Once we have done this, we can start enjoying and being proud of them once again.” A public talk is being held to coincide with the project at 7pm on April 3 at the O'Callaghan Eliott Hotel.

• Café Fresco • O’Reileys • Ibex Insurance • Morrisons • Elliot Hotel • Sacarellos • ICC Shopping Centre • Cafe Solo • Café Rojo • Colourworks • Rolex • Caleta Hotel • Ibex Insurance • Eroski city (Waitrose) • Gala Casion • King’s Bastion

AXARQUIA NEWS

the olive press - April 4 - April 18 2013

Axq IN BRIEF Local forecast Velez Malaga is to have a weather station installed to monitor earthquakes, air pollution, wind speed and rainfall in the area.

Poker faced

POLICE have busted two gangs in Torre del Mar and VelezMalaga as part of a crack-down on illegal gambling in bars.

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BUHO BUS AXARQUIA revellers have a fantastic new night bus service. The new M-168 service – called the 'Búho' bus (or 'owl bus') - will run on Fridays, Saturdays and holiday evenings. The service will operate from Malaga to Rincón de la Victoria from 00.30 until 03.00am with the last

A new night bus has been launched for Axarquia night owls

return service leaving at 03.45. The service will run as far Cotomar, and there are

Ready for Renovation

plans to extend the line as far as Los Rubios in 2014. The fare from Málaga will cost €3,50 or €2,50 if using a Málaga Metropolitan Transport Card. Transport delegate Marta Márin commented: “We needed to introduce a new night route to cater for the demands of our citizens, as well as to increase their leisure opportunities”

Car Trouble A HISTORIC venta in the heart of the Axarquia is looking for private investors for an exciting new project. 300-year-old Cortijo Veleta, near Riogordo, is hoping to become a new focus for rural tourism and already has planning permission for seven apartments and a campsite for 23 caravans or motor homes. Antonio Vida Pérez and his wife Antonia, along with son Jesús, are looking for an investment of €400,000.

By Rebecca Maguire

A VELEZ-Malaga woman has been arrested over a rather extreme method of avoiding traffic fines. The woman had reported her car stolen in order to avoid paying a number of traffic fines. She had in fact sold the car to a local car dealer, who could prove he had legally bought the vehicle from her.

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the olive press - April 4 - April 18 2013

POTTED POINTERS ANDALUCIA RESERVOIR LEVELS This week: 92.19% full Same week last year: 75.32% Same week in 2003: 62.57% 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 1.3 American Dollars 0.6 British Pounds 1.34 Canadian Dollars 7.46 Danish Kroner 10.08 H Kong Dollars 7.44 Norwegian Kroner 1.62 Singapore Dollars

STOP THE ROT

Dear Olive Press, I was pleased to see your article in this weeks Olive Press about the Santa Marta hotel. We reside in El Paraiso, almost opposite the development, which is an eyesore. Everyone around this area, is absolutely appalled that such a development should have been allowed. Particularly when, as your article points out, so many hotels are either not open or in financial difficulty. Why oh why are we building such a large hotel? Of course change has to occur and the Santa Marta was in need of some upgrading, but this new hotel is just another blot on the landscape, with no hope of survival. Today is all about being ecofriendly and encouraging rural tourism. What planet are these developers from? I hope your paper will continue to pursue this development and assist the local community to get a successful outcome. The previous hotel was charming, very low rise, with tranquil gardens and a water feature leading to a pool just off the beach, a real joy to visit, with an excellent beach

SPIDER ALERT!

computers and telephone talks – imagine that clients are trying to contact a resort from outside and suddenly electricity has gone? Or the 5-star guests are sitting in their hotel room and are watching television or are trying to make a telephone call! The instability of the electricity network is neither a recommendation nor an acceptable situation in a region where so many people depend on tourism. Christian Hörig Costa Natura

DAYLIGHT ROBBERY Dear OP, I found this fellow hanging around in my bedroom and wondered if he was dangerous? Can any of your readers help? Pete Jukes, San Pedro bar and restaurant. This has just been destroyed, all we have now is a seven storey monster to look at, which when it is finished will probably remain empty. Pauline Wells, Estepona

NEFARIOUS PRACTICES Dear OP, Thank you for the cover story last issue, ‘Make it stop’! Nothing surprises me about the development. Mayors and other leaders of one kind or another have been charged with corruption but does anyone seriously believe that this will put a stop to it? Given the attractiveness of the climate, there could very well be another construction boom here in Spain and because the old nefarious practices are unlikely to stop, we’ll be into another boom and bust era. It might be interesting and instructive if the Olive Press asked readers their stories of the recent boom and bust in construction: how a consortium pulled out of its responsibilities after just one year by breaking up because of ‘disagreements’; how houses were given the all-clear by town halls without the proper licenses; how flats were given over to the new owners with mould on the walls; and on and on. Then, at least, the problems would be out in the open for all to see. Michael Parsley Spain

LIGHT THE WAY Dear OP, The Junta and Spain in general are trying to build their economy more on tourism. This is certainly a good idea but the conditions and facili-

ties must be appropriate. We are living in a mediumsized holiday center – Costa Natura – and next to us situated is the 5-star hotel Elba. Both resorts together are certainly good for quite a lot of money. However, since we moved in here last September there was nearly no week without a blackout of electricity. Usually, these blackouts are short – sometimes just some seconds but sometimes half an hour. Short interruptions are already enough to interrupt

Dear OP, Having found a buyer for our property recently, our lawyer of many years, advised me with a very straight face that the plus valia would be €40,000. I protested loudly but no, that was correct he reassured me, several times. We considered this to be excessive, and after a little jaunt to the ayuntamiento, found that it was in fact half that amount. Needless to say we are no longer clients of his! It is high time that lawyers stopped this disgraceful practice of what is in fact, bleeding expats dry. We have always paid our dues and are tax payers here in Spain but resent these le-

CROSSMOT 5

Across 1 Settee (4) * 3 Helado (8) * 9 Realizar (7) * 10 Criadas (5) * 11 Disturbing (12) * 13 Touched (6) * 15 Giraffe (6) * 17 Que Representan (12) * 20 Matorral (5) * 21 Inútil (7) * 22 X-Ray (2, 5, 1) * 23 East (4). Down 1 Apoya (8) * 2 Granjas (5) * 4 Común (6) * 5 Fighters (12) * 6 Existed (7) * 7 Mástil (4) * 8 Considerablemente (12) * 12 Ranges (6, 2) * 14 Más Clara (7) * 16 Problemas (6) * 18 Artículos (5) * 19 Utilizado (4). L = 198

galized robberies.

Jean Leftwick Alhaurin de la Torre

PHONE LOCKDOWN Dear OP, As a regular tourist, coming to Fuengirola for over 10 years I’ve experienced no problems whatsoever with petty crimes, at least until this weekend! I had stolen my (codelocked) Smartphone. Of course I took all the steps necessary to block accounts, passwords etc. However I was a bit shocked on hearing from the manager of my internet shop that this allegedly happens quite often, only for the people who seal them to take them to the Apple shop in Malaga and get them unlocked there! He is then regularly offered these phones at discount prices. It seems that the Apple shop in Malaga has special software to break code-locked phones. I have tried contacting Apple Spain and of course the local police, but with low expectations. I would like to get the message out there in order to put pressure on local franchises to clear up their act? S. Baker UK

BANGED TO WRITES! Dear OP, I feel compelled to point out some errors, all on the front page of your last issue. The first was the headline, ‘Make it stop’. Do you mean stop it, or perhaps, get it stopped? The second was ‘the macroproject that dwarfs over the previous hotel’. I’m not sure whether macroproject is one word or even hyphenated, it could be 2 words. However, I am certain the macro project does not dwarf over the previous hotel. Did you mean the hotel is dwarfed by it? Then this caption by the larger pic is badly written and there’s a grammatical error: ‘A homeowners view is dominated while (right) building on the beach’. I hope you don’t mind me pointing out these errors but as a freelance journalist myself I felt moved to do so as they spoil an otherwise excellent publication. Regards Beverley Saunders Hi Beverley-Are you looking for a job as a proof reader?

Letters should be posted to Urb. Cayetano Arroyo, Buzon 13, Arriate 29350, Malaga or emailed to letters@theolivepress.es The writer’s name and address should be provided. Published opinions are not necessarily those of the Editor.

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Carrot and stick Out of plastic approach One theatre has come up with an ingenious way to get around the crippling IVA rise that is hammering the arts - sell carrots, not tickets THE tarpaulins are finally to be removed from Marbella's stunning Rio Verde Roman villa. After three years of restoration, the archaeological site, between Marbella and Puerto Banus is to be unveiled to the public. The 380,000 euro project has seen the introduction of a new viewing platform. The villa’s stunning mosaics date from around 99 AD and feature an eclectic collection of everyday items, including shoes and kitchen utensils. "This renovation means

Marbella is finally recovering its heritage," insisted mayor, Angeles Munoz. The villa, whose name comes from the nearby river, was originally excavated in 1962. Archaeologists believe it originally belonged to an affluent Roman family that lived off the popular trade of fish salting.

A SPANISH theatre has come up with a clever ruse to get around the crippling 'culture tax'. Bosses of the theatre in Bescano, Catalunya are selling punters carrots instead of tickets in a bid to woo them back. Because the vegetable is a staple food product, it can only be taxed 4% rather than the 21% IVA now levied on tickets. "The theatre world is in a very bad shape, and this IVA tax rise will basically kill off small theatres like ours if we don't act," said Quim Marce

By Mason Jones (pictured above), who is selling carrots for €13. "Other theatres will have to follow our example and find ways around this unsustainable tax rise," he added. The news comes after a recent report found that audience numbers had fallen by a third since the IVA rise from 8% to 21% last year. In the four months following the tax increase in September on cultural events, theatres nationwide reported a total loss of around 1.8 mil-

lion clients. With rocketing ticket prices, theatres have suffered a 33% drop in takings and a loss of over 600 jobs. Industry officials have branded the increase ‘tragic and devastating’, calling for the government to repeal the new IVA rate. "With the increase in IVA, the government ignored the crisis already hitting the sector and aggravated it to unsustainable extremes,” said Daniel Martinez, President of the Federation of Theatre and Dance Companies Associations (FAETEDA).

21 21

what’s on oin, April 11 at La C Trocha shopping centre. An afternoon

dance with live music and a charity raffle. For more information call 610972536. Free entry.

uengirola, April FVarietes 6 at the Salon Theatre. A

musical tribute to Michael Buble, Tom Jones, Robbie Williams and Elvis Presley by classically trained vocalist Ricky Lavazza. For more information call 952 474 542.

alaga, now until June 16 at CAC Malaga. At home I’m a tourist, an exhibition displaying some of Selim Varol’s toy collection which is the biggest in the world with over 15,000 objects. Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00. Free entry.

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the olive press - April 4 - April 18 2013

Kill the hippy! In the second part of our serialisation of James Goodwin's book Bad Seed, fugitive Mark Blake comes face to face with a 'hippy traveller' BRIEF CATCH UP: On the run from a killing and embezzlement in the UK, Mark Blake flees to Spain. From the back streets of Almeria he bankrolls a partnership with ruthless peasant Pedro Gonzalez. Armed with Blake’s money Gonzalez begins building a powerful agricultural consortium based around plastic greenhouses. A COUPLE of months later when Gonzalez sent for Blake and told him there was a problem, Blake knew it was something he had been waiting for. They had trouble. An assortment of migrant workers and a ‘hippy traveller’ had occupied one of the new invernaderos and made a set of demands. ‘The leader is Inglesi,’ Gonzalez said. ‘It is best you go and talk to him. Make him realise the foolishness of his ways.’ ‘Does Juan know about this?’

Blake said. ‘It is best that you and I deal with this, Marco.’ ‘Why is that?’ ‘Juan would want to send for the police. You think that is a good idea?’ ‘No,’ Blake said. ‘We will deal with this without the police.’ ‘I agree,’ Gonzalez said. ‘No police. We must be firm, Marco. If the Mahgrebi see we are weak, he will take advantage. There is only one language such people understand.’ ‘Let’s talk first. See what they

want,’ Blake said. There were twenty-seven of them, twenty-six migrant workers and a young Englishman called John Gleeson. Gonzalez explained to the migrant workers what they were prepared to do. They shrugged their shoulders and looked towards Gleeson. Blake started taking pictures. Within minutes the migrants began to take fright. They agreed to Gonzalez’s terms and said they would be back to apply for jobs. They did not want their pictures taken. Blake understood only too well why that might be. But John Gleeson was not intimidated by such action. He strode across to Blake and asked, what he thought he was doing. He tried to take the camera. Blake pushed him hard in the chest. He reeled back, stumbled and fell. He got to his knees. The remainder of the migrants

ran. Gonzalez and B l a k e watched G l e e son pick himself up from the hardpacked dirt floor. ‘You’re Capitalist Bastards, you know that. You treat people like shit and think you can get away with it. Well not this time. This time you’re going to get more fucking trouble than you bargained for,’ he said. ‘Just leave,’ Blake said. ‘There’ll be no more trouble.’ ‘You’re English,’ he said and stared at Blake. ‘I know you.’ ‘I don’t think so,’ Blake said. Gleeson continued to stare. ‘Yes, I do. I know you. I can’t remember just where, but I’ve seen you. On the telly or in the newspapers, I’ve seen you. I reckon you probably look different but I still recognise you. What is it?’ He stood for a moment, looking, thinking. ‘Oh yeah, I’ve got it. I come from Moseley, in Birmingham, just like you. I know who you are.’ For a moment the two men stared at each other. Then Blake hit him hard in the solar plexus. Gleeson gasped and doubled up. Blake hit him again on the side of the neck. He fell to the ground. Blake looked to Gonzalez as if asking what he should do. ‘You must finish it, Marco. You have no other choice.’ Blake wondered how the old man knew. Without thinking he took the command and dropped with both knees onto Gleeson’s chest. He put his thumbs into his throat. Gleeson’s eyes stared in terror, his tongue started from his mouth, struggling, searching for air. He raised his hands, thrashed around, his hands pulling feebly at Blake’s wrists. Then Blake stopped. He released his grip and pushed himself up, looked down at the gasping figure. The bucking subsided and he became still. For a moment Blake thought he had simply passed out, had feinted in fright. But as the figure lay in the dust, realization dawned and a sense of horror at what he had done. ‘I have a place where he will never be found,’ Blake turned. Gonzalez said, ‘Believe me, Marco, he will disappear forever.’ Gonzalez drove them high into the mountains. The track was uneven and they bounced

over rocks and potholes, the body banged against the steel sides behind them. It took nearly an hour before Gonzalez stopped the car. ‘Over here,’ Gonzalez said. ‘Follow me.’ Blake put the body across his shoulder and followed the old man along an animal track. They climbed a slight incline and passed through a narrow cleft in the rocks. Blake sweated under the weight pressing down on him. There was a quarter moon and bright stars shone down from a deep sky. In the cleft he could not see

“He handed the gun to Blake. This is a very nice pistol, you agree? Blake took the gun and weighed it in his hand." and stumbled. ‘Careful here, Marco. Is very steep.’ The old man took his arm and led him through the narrow passage. ‘Down there, Marco. Down there it will never be found. It was too dark for Blake to see what was below them but he heaved the body in the direction of Gonzalez’s pointed finger. He heard dull thuds and a swishing of undergrowth. A few rocks were disturbed and he could hear them fall-

ing far below. Then there was silence. A week later. Gonzalez sent for him again. ‘There is someone I want you to meet,’ he said. ‘This is Ramos Martinez, my new foreman. The business has grown and a new man is needed to help with all the work. Martinez, this is Senor Blake. Blake shook his hand. ‘Hello, Senor Blake, I’m very pleased to meet you,’ he said in English. ‘Hello,’ Blake said. ‘You speak English very well. ‘A little. I learn at school and then go to language school in England for one year. I like England. I live in Birmingham for a while and then London. Senor Gonzalez tells me you come from London. You know Birmingham, maybe?’ ‘I don’t, no.’ ‘Is nice place. I think we speak in Spanish now so that Senor Gonzalez can understand.’ He nodded to Gonzalez. ‘Thank you very much, Martinez. That will be all, now. You can go and see to your work.’ Martinez nodded, and turning to Blake he said, ‘Very nice to meet you, Mr Blake. I will see you again very soon,’ and he turned and walked from the room. ‘Martinez is a very valuable employee,’ Gonzalez said. ‘He knows many things. Come, I have something to show you.’ He took Blake to a

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wall cupboard and unlocked it. Inside was a collection of guns. He took out a pistol. ‘I like you, Senor Blake. I think we have much in common, you and I. When I was young like you, I was much feared. I think many men might fear you too, Marco, if they knew the kind of man you are, if they knew what you are capable of.’ He handed the gun to Blake. ‘This is a very nice pistol, you agree?’ Blake took the gun and weighed it in his

hand. ‘If you say so. It’s not something I know much about.’ The old man laughed, took the pistol and put it back into the cupboard. ‘I think we have much to offer each other. There are many favours I can do for you, and a few favours I may ask in return. Little things. Things that a man with your talents could carry out easily I think. You are becoming a very rich man from your investments on my

land, eh, Marco? Let us have a drink. A drink to the future where I will help you, and you will sometime help me.’ He poured two glasses of wine. ‘Rioja,’ he said. ‘Only the very best for my compadre. To the future, eh, Marco?’ Blake took the glass. ‘The future,’ he said.

Don't miss the next installment in our next issue

the olive press - October 04 - 27, 2012

The Olive Press NOW has 33,000 papers delivered across EIGHT provinces of Andalucia and Gibraltar every fortnight by our hard-working team of distributors ALAMEDA Mobile Home Park • Posada Tempranillo • Petrol Station • Casa Benito ALCALA Conexions Centre • Hotel Torrepalma • Library • Tourist Office • Optico Real • Hotel Zacatin • Estate Agent Andaluz • BP English Food Shop (opposite Mercadona) ALGATOCIN BP Service Station ALHAURIN el Grande Guzman Garden Centre • BP Service Station • Alhaurin Golf • La Boma • 1st Tabacconist • Annas Butchers • Christinas Paper Shop • Arte Hair and Beauty • Martins Paper Shop • 2nd Tabacconist • British Supermarket • Posh Pets • Cudeca • BP Service Station • AID Dog Home • Las Brisas Restaurant • Montemar Restaurant • Lauro Golf 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 • Bahia Tropical Hotel ALORA Hardware Store • Tropicana • Repsol Petrol • Cudeca • Zalea Bar ALOZAINA Petrol Station •Dia ANTAS INDUSTRIAL ESTATE The Full Swing • El Poligono • Costa Cars • Cepsa ANTEQUERA Lidl • La Veronica • Amapola • 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 (El Pinar) Urb. Offices BENADALID Los Labros BENAHAVIS Canela Cafe /Bar • Amanhavis BENALAURIA La Molienda BENALMADENA Halfpenny Bridge Pub • Kiosko Puerto (Marina) • Tourist Office (main road) • Culture Centre Bil Bil • Paloma Library • Irish Time Bar • Xanit Hospital • UK Foods • Discovery • Rubens xchange • Sunset Beach • Supersave • Miura Bar • Benalmadena Bowls Club • Bar Ibense Fedex/ Post Office • Cudeca • Anns Bookshop • Riu Puerto Marina • Riviera Hotel • Potters Lodge • Kwik Save • Dolce Vita • Crystals • Bil Bil Golf • Dalziel Bar • Bar None • Star Bar • Wellness Centre & Gym • Aguila • Los Brothers • Martins Hair & Beauty • Jupiter • Torrequebrada Golf • Sensara BENALMADENA COSTA Wins Bar • Los Mimosas Golf Bar • Divas • Bull Bar BENAOJAN Meroil • Papeleria Ruiz BENAVISTA Bowls Club • Ibex Insurance • Grumbles • Experience Group • English Butcher • Costa Less Supermarket • Plaza Hotel • Dog House • Brubecks • El Paraiso Golf •Peggoty’s Fish & Chips • Petrol Station • Kids Kingdom • Agro Jardin • Calpe School • Laude International BENAMACARRA Hotel Cortijo Bravo BONANZA SQUARE Anne’s Book Shop • Kwik Save • Dec’s Irish Bar BUBION Supermercado Coviran CABOPINO Pina Pinaka • Cabo Pizza • Sportsmans Bar • Cabopino Camping • Garage • Shebeens Pub • Paper Shop/Supermarket • Plaza Bar • Alberts Restaurant CABRA Tourist Office CALAHONDA AParty Party • The Pit Shop • GT Mc Kenna Butchers • Mercadona • RBL • Club Naranja • Prensa Piscis CALYPSO MPA Estates (Bryce) • Inspirations Haidressers CAMPILLOS Fernando s Coffee Bar • BP Petrol Station Wildmann-Chard Health & Beauty Centre CAPILEIRE Supermercado Coviran • Cafe Moraima CARTAMA ESTACION Aguamania • Topres CASABERMEJA Petrol Station CASARES Arroyo Honda • The Forge • Venta Garcia • Villas and Fincas • La Tienda •Mi Cortijo • Venta Victoria CHICLANA Tourist Office COIN ROAD The Warehouse Outlet • RMDC Glass • Favel • Tamisa Golf • St Anthonys College • Speedys Garage • Camping Fuengirola • BP Garage COLMENAR CO2 • Bar Campesino •Belen Hotel COMPETA Todo Papel • Pavo Real and Restaurant • Sugar and Spice

TOTAL COVER

Covering the costas and ALL 8 provinces of Andalucia Less than 1% returns and a much bigger footprint than our 3 main rivals:

CORTES Camping el Salitre • Mary Becker • La Fuente CORDOBA Bodegas Campos • Hotel Casas de la Juderia • La Fuente CORTES DE LA FRONTERA Petrol Station •La Fuente CUEVAS DE ALMANZORA (Desert Spring Golf) Restaurant / Clubhouse DIANA Royal Nordic Club • Man Friday Supermarket • Super Market • Aud Dublin • Big BlueBox DUQUESA PORT Paparazzi Neswagents • Supermarket • Las Galleries • English Butcher • Duquesa Golf Club • Paper Shop • Gaston Golf • Manilva Properties • Topline Paper Shop • Clubhouse Bar • La Bella Vista Camping El CHORRO El Kiosko • Hotel Posada el Conde EL FARO El Faro Supermarket • Post Room • Zurich Office • Captains Bar EL ROSARIO German Bakery/Cafe • Da Fabio Restaurant • Mozaic/ Els News • Marbella Golf • The Jeans Factory EL TRAPICHE El Trapiche Cafe/ Bar ELVIRIA Martys Hairdressers • EIC School • Aventura • Amazonia • TFC Restaurant • Studio B • Bar Casi Casi • Regalos Isabel y Paco • Asia Foods • Playwrights • Mancomunidad ESTEPA BP Garage ESTEPONA Longmans Bookshop • Fergussons Bar • Cudeca Shop • Dune Bar • Laguna Village Paper shop • Hospiten • Albayat Resort • Best Coches • Terra Sana • Digi Print Optica Machin • Muebles Gavira • Furniture World • Techno Aluminio • Lidls • Amapola • Tourist Centre • Estepona Golf • International Club of Estepona • Costa Natura • Laguna Village: Entrance • Tibet Clothes Shop ESTEPONA MARINA Sailors Cafe • Business Centre EportBic Universal Estate Agents • The Irish Fiddler Marlow Chip Chop FRIGILIANA Hotel Almazara FUENGIROLA Iceland Store • Scotties Butchers • Specsavers • Cudeca • Dunnes Stores • Yorkshire Linen • Euromarkets Cayetano (C/ Malaga) •

Euromarkets Cayetano (C/ San Isidro) • Euromarkets Cayetano (Av de los Lirios) • Salon Varieties• Old Gold• Marfil• Tourist Office• Fafa Foods• Prensa Iberia• Califonia 7• Cafe Fresco• Dunnes Las Rampas• Opticos Vicente• Anthonys Diamonds• Prensa Maxim • David Bookshop • Spainsburys • Woodys • Yaramar • Prensa Quijote • Joys Pies • Prensa Don Luis • Torreblanca Supermarket • Caravajal Supermarket • Red Dragon • Oasis • Torreblanca Post Office • Wessex Bar • Cheers Bar • Manila Bar • Mananas Bar Tonys Shanleys/ Chequers Golf • Estanco PYR FUENTE DE PIEDRA Bar Rebujito • Corner Bar • Diane’s • Donkey Sanctuary GARRUCHA Clinica Veterinaria • Hostal Timar GAUCIN Repsol Petrol Station • Hotel Caballo Andaluz • Pura Vida Health Shop • Benassim Deli • Fructosa • El Convento • Casa Antonia • La Fuente • El Puente GIBRALTAR Café Fresco • O’Reileys • Ibex Insurance • Morrisons • Elliot Hotel • Sacarellos • ICC Shopping Centre • Cafe Solo • Café Rojo • Colourworks • 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 HUMILLADERO Restaurante Cinco Rios IZNAJAR BP • The Yoga School • Bar Verde JEREZ 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 Cafe Boulevard • Cocinas Plus • Prensa Quetzal • BP Garage • Snack Attack

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 COLONIA Euromarkets Cayetano (C/Lagasca) • KSM Properties LA HERRADURA The Hideaway Bar • Libreria Coral • La Tartana Hotel • Restaurante S. Nico LA HEREDIA The Best of Holland • The Dutch Butcher • Panaderia • La Casita • K Bar LA VINUELA Hotel Vinuela • A & N Gas Petrol Station • Bar Atilla LANJARON Cafe Bar Health • Tourist Information • Los Llanos LAS BUGANVILLAS Cactus LECRIN VALLEY E.S Leman Gasolina LOJA Cafe Continental LOS GALLARDOS 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 Museum • Robert Boyd • Plaza Restaurant • Hotel Don Curro • Hotel Molino Larios • Tourist Office • Hotel Vinci •Escuela de Turismo MALAGA AIRPORT Helle Hollis • Car Parking Malaga • Arrivals Information Desk • Monarch MANILVA Manilva Solicitors • English Bookshop • Manilva Properties MARBELLA BP Garage -Marbella Arch • Hotel Fuerte • Swans International School • Vergola • Puente Romano Hotel • MC Cafe Marbella Club Hotel• Polo House • Cocinas Plus • Panorama • International School

MIJAS PUEBLO Tourist Office • Town Hall • BP Garage • Mijas Hotel MIJAS ROAD World of Sofas • Centro Idea Danish Centrel • Euromarket MOJACAR PLAYA (Centro Comercial) Masko Cafe • Habana Cafe•Diego Ortega Notaria • Michael Davis Solicitors • Clinica Dental • Ibex Insurance • Pippas Cafe MOJACAR PLAYA Gas Station • Koi Cafe • Kasbah Romantic • Sal’s • Currency Exchange • Paco Salas Farmacy • El Olivo Restaurant • Total Entertainment • Tomas Supermarket • Mojacar Estates • Beachcomber Restaurant • H Puntazo Hostal • Trufibar • Kimrick Restaurant • Parador • Cafe Bellagio • K7 Real Estate • Price, Brown Partnership • Tourist Office (Playa) Tito’s • Los Arcos Bar • Los Amigos Bar • La Posada • ELC MOJACAR PUEBLO Centro de Arte Municipal • English Library • Bar Pavana •Bar Habanero •Bar Cherigan MOLLINA Bar Margarita • And Estates • Brit Shop • Lazy Days Mobile Home Park MONDA Paper Shop • Petrol St. •Design Academy MONTEFRIO Alan Russell MONTE HALCONES (Ronda Road) One Stop Café • Irish Café MONTEJAQUE Las Casitas MOTRIL Café AL Campo • Tourist Office Los Moriscos Golf • Bar/ Rest Moriscos • Gran Elba Hotel NERJA Hotel Carabeo • English Book Shop • Supermercado Iranzo • Smiths Bookshop • Tourist Office • John the Barber • H2O Bar • Keyhomes Estates Agents • Team Estate Agents • Olas Bar • Cocinas Nerja NUEVA ANDALUCIA Aloha News • Garden Bar • Yanks • Wilsons • Alberts • La Sala • HIFX • Mad Hatters • Terra Sana • H10 Hotel OLVERA Petrol Station • Dynos • Olvera Properties • Via Verde • Rest. El Puerto ORGIVA Indoor Market • Camac • Internet Café • Alpujarra Supermercado • Baraka •Limonero PAMPANEIRA

50 NEW DISTRIBUTION SPOTS IN FUENGIROLA AND BENALMADENA including Xanit hospital, Woodys, Spainsburys, Caravajal, Kwik Save and Torreblanca supermarkets AND 50 IN MARBELLA / PUERTO BANUS INCLUDING Marbella Club Hotel, BP, Bookworld, Cravings, Aloha News and Guey

Cafe Alfonso PERIANA Cantueso •Verduga PITRES Camping • Bar La Taha • Bar Frenazo PIZARRA Spa • Aliprox PRIEGO DE CORDOBA Tourist Office • Kiosko Maribel Cepsa Garage PUENTE DON MANUEL Moreno’s • Ian Petts Dentist • English Shop • Arkwrights PUERTO BANUS Bookworld • Iceland • Cravings Cafe • Starz Cafe • La Sala • Mad Hatters • Yanks • Asiatic Food • HIFX • Studio B • Aloha News • The Garden Bar • Terra Sana H10 Hotel • Hairworks • Currencies Direct Guey Skybar 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 ROAD BETWEEN CAMPILLOS AND RONDA Meson Diego • Petrol Station Cuevas del Becerro • BP Garage RONDA Almocabar • Bar San Francisco • Tourist Office • Atrium • Chocolat • Casa Ortega • To-Toro • Traga Tapas • Hotel Maestranza • Hotel Colon • Hotel Polo • Hotel Don Miguel • Locutorio • Serrania Services • Libreria Dumas • Huskies • Heaven Irish Pub • Pedro Romero RONDA ROAD Monte Halcones One Stop Cafe • Irish Cafe RUTE Estanco SABINILLAS English Bookshop • Eden • Visage Hairdresser • Coast to Coast Properties • Bar • Lidls • Kwasi Bar • Curtain & Bedding SALINAS Casa Monolo • Meson Estacion SALOBRENA Best Western Hotel • Post Office Antonio Machado • Tourist Office Plaza Goya • 1616 Books SAN PEDRO Tourist Office • Passion Café • TRE Radio Station • Staysure SAN ROQUE San Roque Golf Suites Reception area and golf clubhouse • Okay cafe • Supermarket SAYDO MARKET Angela Sat • Bakery • Chrissy • Hotel Reception SIERRA DE YEGUAS Kiosko SITIO DE CALAHONDA Club Naranja RBL • Plaza next to Paper Shop SOTOGRANDE GUADIARO Newsagent • Corner Café • Lemon Tree Café • Estate Agent • English Butcher Shop • Sotofiesta • Business Centre NH Hotel • Abbeygate Insurance • Mara Rest. • Anglo Wines SOTOGRANDE MARINA Videola • 50K Bar • La Brasserie • Hairy Lemon • Hotel Maritimo • Midas TARIFA Tourist Office TOLOX Cross Road Bar • Vent Garradena TORRE DEL MAR Papeleria el Faro • English Bookshop Pasatiempo • Expatriate Help Centre • Lukuma • Baviera Golf • Las Yucas • Cudeca TORREMOLINOS Tourist Offices x 2 • Cudeca Town Centre • Baileys BP Garage • Parador Golf Hotel • Parador Golf • Riu Belplaya • Shennanigans • Hotel Melia • Rubens Exchange • Nigel & Cheryls Rest. • Cosy Nook • El Mojito • Toms Tavern • Wellness Clinic • Fig & Olive • Full House • Talk of the Tyne • BP Garage TORROX Russels English Shop • El Pino English Shop • Light of India • Tourist Office TURRE Fundraiser Shop• Zambra • Casa Diego • Total Entertainment • Tio Tomas •Connexions UBEDA Golden Poppy English Center VEJER Tourism Office • Califa • Camping Vejer • Monte Medio Golf • Barca de Vejer • Castilleria Restaurant VELEZ MALAGA Garden Centre La Palma • Eroski Centre • Bar Jamaica • Dunnes • Pronumatico VERA Iceland • Galasaa 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 Station • Bakery ZAHARA DE LA SIERRA Al Lago

IF YOUR NORMAL DISTRIBUTION SPOT HAS CLOSED OR DOES NOT HAVE PAPERS THIS WEEK PLS EMAIL ADMIN@THEOLIVEPRESS.ES

ll about

Issue 158 April 4 2013

SEEING THE LIGHT: The new San Pedro underpass has completely opened up the centre of San Pedro

an Pedro

& Guadalmina

Tunnel vision Now that San Pedro finally has its underpass, Giles Brown believes it no longer suffers from a Cinderella complex

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San Pedro special

the olive press - April 4 - April 18 2013

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Upwardly mobile Overlooked for years, San Pedro is now a desirable location in its own right

T used to be little more than a shabby town with a bus station approximately half way between Marbella and Estepona. But the forgotten Cinderella of San Pedro Alcántara has suddenly found itself invited to the ball that its other Costa del Sol rivals have been enjoying for years. After half a decade of disruption installing an underground car park, a new seafront promenade and, most importantly, its now-infamous

85 million euro underpass, San Pedro has suddenly emerged re-born, and with a distinct new swagger. A rediscovered destination for tourists and businesses alike, the once workaday suburb of Marbella is finally coming into its own. There is a definite buzz about the place, and although it's easy enough to walk around the town in little over an hour, there is more than enough to keep the visitor entertained. But first, a little history les-

son. Compared to the towns that surround it – Marbella, Estepona and Benahavis San Pedro really is the new kid on the block. General Manuel Guiterrez de la Concha, the first Marques de Duero, came up with an ambitious plan to convert land to the west of Marbella into agriculture in the middle of the 18th century. Aided by the Re-population Laws, the good general founded the farming colony of San Pedro Alcántara. T h e colony took its name from the general's devotion to tions. natthe patron saint of Extremad- This has since become ura San Pedro, as well as in something of a sore point. ural living festival, honour of his mother Lady Pe- 'Sanpedreños', as they are concerts and even (bizarrely) known, feel decidedly inde- a reenactment of the Nortra de Alcantara Irigoyen. In the years 1860 to 1870 pendent of Marbella and mandy landings. new crop systems were put have repeatedly called for If you are feeling really enerin place and thousands of their own municipality, a call getic and have the time it's possible to walk all the way to hectares were drained and that has fallen on deaf ears. ploughed. New irrigation sys- A stroll around confirms that Marbella along the walkway San Pedro really does seem and at the very least you can tems and reservoirs were introduced, some of which are to encapsulate what is great get to Puerto Banus in a quarstill in use and the settlement about living on the Costa ter of an hour. del Sol. The newly renovated Head back into the centre grew in stature. In addition to the main village promenade is easily one of itself however, and you'll find the nearby smaller settle- the best on the coast with yourself walking along well ments of Cancelada and Cor- statues, exercise machines kept roads between neat urbanisations tes were also with cycle paths, established, impressive founand workers tains and even from Valencia, a large fishing Murcia, Granaboat as a piece da and Almeria of public sculpwere recruited ture. to help work At the bottom of the land. the main road, The town carnext to the inried on in a evitable roundsleepy agriculabout, you're tural kind of standing on the way until the roof of the San mid-40s, when Pedro tunnel, street lighting the one piece and cleaning of infrastrucwere introture that has duced and the transformed main road was the town. Takpaved in the OH WHAT A LOVELY WAR: San Pedro re-enacts ing twice as long 50s. as planned and Tourism soon fol- the D-Day landings, while (above) its church three times over lowed and San and chringuitos and swish budget it has however crePedro grew quickly, resulting beach clubs rubbing shoulder ated a quiet, largely pedesin Marbella Town Hall opening trianised centre and a much a special office to deal with to shoulder. the paperwork and transac- The paseo has been the easier walkway down to the scene for an art and craft and

San Pedro special

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ACTIVE: San Pedro's paseo is just a 15-minute walk to Puerto Banus, while (top) some exclusive homes beach. the surprisingly international Although this area is currently nature of the town. a muddy impromptu car park, There are Irish pubs, Asian the authorities have plans to restaurants, Cuban Mojito put in green areas with parks dens, Dutch bars and even a protected from the elements great value Filipino restaurant by giant sails. When complet- complete with game shows ed it will be a fabulous area direct from Manila blaring out to enjoy the sunshine, and from the giant flatscreen all several restaurants with large next to authentic tapas bars terraces have already opened and Spanish restaurants. in anticipation. Best of all, the town has One of these is the popular Rincon de la Sala, which was opened by owner Ian Radford with the help of some of his professional footballer friends, including David Bentley and Stephen Carr. As businessman Radford, one of Marbella's main employees explains: “The town has such a distinct feel to it. It's so different to Marbella, a proper Spanish town with all the local amenities and a great beach to boot.” Local events organiser Lara Gonzalez agrees. "We are getting increasing numbers of people coming through and there is a real buzz about the town." There are certainly plenty of shops heading up the BUZZ: Lara Gonzalez at Eventoshop main street, Calle Marqués del Duero, which is partially pedestri- thankfully avoided the hordes anised and leads up to the of TOWIE wannabies and Stag main square and church. and Hen parties that plague It bustles with restaurants, nearby Puerto Banus and bars, cafes and ice cream therefore has a more relaxed palours and really underlines and family friendly feel.

There is even a Moroccan barbers, where this unkempt reporter had a trim and a shave courtesy of the extremely hospitable Jamal! The main square is dominated by the church, where Tony and Cherie Blair were spotted at mass a few years ago. Have a coffee up here on a sunny Sunday afternoon and you'll realise why it's nicknamed 'Plaza de las Americas', with central and south American workers enjoying the afternoon off. A bandstand in the plaza is an occasional venue for open air concerts, with the El Ingenio Cultural Centre on the western side of town also putting on all kinds of performances including flamenco, funk to comedy and serious drama. If you fancy being a little more energetic with your spare time then there are plenty of sporting options. Golfers have the nearby Guadalmina Alta and Guadalmina Baja courses to choose from, and there is also a municipal driving range. If you want to go water skiing, but haven't got your own speedboat, then head to the cable ski next door, it's the only one for 100 miles. The Nueva Alcantara Club has excellent tennis and padel facilities and San Pedro once also boasted its

own baseball team, the Sun Devils. But if you'd rather just cheer on the local team, UD San Pedro plays in the same division

the olive press - October 04 - 27, 2012

as both Estepona and Marbella, which makes for some tasty local derbies. There are all the usual shops and services that you would expect in a town this size (approximately 26,000 inhabitants) and the town is also nowadays a petrolhead's paradise. It's home to several supercar garages selling dream machines such as the top-of-the line McLaren, Ferrari, Bentley, Pagani and Mercedes, while if your thrills are more on two wheels you can even get your chopper custom designed and built. Of course, the catalyst for the return of the feel good factor in San Pedro was the opening of the underground tunnel. Previously the area was a notorious traffic black spot producing huge delays. The tunnel and its supporting network of roads into the town and also up to Ronda has had a huge impact, a fact that

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was underlined at the official opening last year. Marbella mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, was joined by the Minister of Development, Ana Pastor and stressed that it was a 'big day' not only for Marbella, 'but for the entire Costa del Sol' adding that the infrastructure would aid 'tourism development'. As Irish restaurateur Malcolm Spendlove, the owner of Passion Cafe and the recently opened Mr Gourmet Burger, explains: “My advice would be to come on holiday here. It's cheaper, more Spanish and more family orientated and you can pop down the road to Puerto Banus or Marbella for your fix whenever you feel like it.” San Pedro Alcántara might have come late to the party, but she looks like being the belle of the ball.

the olive press - April 4 - April 18 2013

San Pedro special

27 www.theolivepress.es

The furniture triangle The San Pedro area is one of the best on the coast to furnish your home

AS GOOD AS NEW: Kristel with some of the recycled wood furniture at the Wood Factory

T is slowly becoming known as 'the furniture triangle'. And the San Pedro area is literally full of excellent places to furnish your house. Whether you are looking for sumptuous sofas, decorative

pieces or antique doors there is plenty on offer. One of the best established is Imperial, whose Dutch owner Tony Beeks has been serving the coast up in the Campo de Gibraltar for years.

The shop in the San Pedro industrial estate is full of good quality furniture imported from around the world and Tony is a personable sort of chap always happy to help and advise.

Another interesting place around the corner is the Wood Factory, which provides furniture of a very different kind. Made entirely out of recycled wood, the majority imported

San Pedro special

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from Holland, there is a huge range of tables, benches, sofas and chairs. Also available made-to-measure – a team puts it together in a workshop next door – the style is fast becoming the rage this year. As owner Kristel SchoemanDaneel explains: “We are getting so many enquiries and are battling to turn things around quickly. “Best of all, because it is recycled wood we can keep the costs down.” Another interesting place, also run by a Dutchman Jelle

ALADDIN'S CAVE: Dutch antiques specialist Jelle at Cavon and (left) one of his team repairs a door Haagsma and his Swedish business partner Camilla, is the long-established Cavon. Hard to miss, sitting right on the main road after the tunnel, this is one fabulous Aladdin's Cave full of antique furniture, doors and other amazing artifacts.

GREAT STOCK: Some of the wares at House & Gardens

Set up 35 years ago, this is one place you really must visit even if not buying... and particularly around lunchtime when you might get offered a glass of rose. There is a stunning range of curios, as well as candlesticks, coins and chandeliers. “I have always been a collector,” explains Jelle, sitting in front of a stack of manuals and encyclopedias on the antiques world.. “I got it from my grandfather who was a painter.” Arriving in Andalucia as a sailor in the 1970s, he had ended up setting up a thriving antiques business, which continues to this day. The most incredible heavy oak doors – some which date back centuries – can weigh up to 500 kilos each and cost as much as 4,500 euros. But there is also plenty of good value furniture and collectible items well under 100 euros and they also make their own beeswax polish which is exported around the world. The polish is also for sale at his partner Camilla's daughter's exciting new shop Tejaima, up on the Ronda road. Finally another new shop House & Garden has recently been opened in the Guadalmina area.Formerly Batavia it stocks an excellent range of mirrors, lamps, pictures, outdoor furniture and sofas.

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San Pedro special

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WHILE Marbella's got the stars, San Pedro's got the talent. And while people head to Marbella or Puerto Banus to be seen punters go to San Pedro to be fed. And you can certainly eat well in San Pedro, where, in my opinion, there are three or four excellent restaurants. Aside from a couple of great beachside joints, the real stalwart must certainly be Albert & Simon, which has perhaps been the coast's finest purveyor of French cuisine for nearly 30 years. It is little short of a scandal that this wonderful restaurant run by brothers Albert and Simon does not have a Michelin star. Head chef Albert is constantly upping his game and producing food to put many of France's own top restaurants to the sword. Much of this is due to his selection of quality ingredients and a constantly evolving menu. He is also the region's elected member of the Eurotoques group, which counts Spain's best eateries Arzak, Akelare and formerly El Bulli on its roster, not to mention many other European luminaries, such as Paul Bocuse. Around the corner is another fine spot, also dabbling in

WHERE TO EAT

The real stars of Marbella

Understated, but San Pedro is where those-in-the-know go to eat, writes Jon Clarke a range of creative cuisine. Umami, owned by longtime coastal restaurateur Lee Varhos, is exactly what it claims; 'a world of flavours'. Having lived around the world, the friendly Turk was always going to run an international place. But Umami has everything from Thai fishcakes to Lebanese felafel and from Swedish herrings to Moroccan spring rolls. But there is also a comprehensive sushi menu (from Japan, of course) as well as plenty of salads and specials of the day. “We are trying to change the face of San Pedro,” he explains. And he has certainly done that.

TALENT: Chef Albert Another man on a mission to help change the face of San Pedro is Malcolm

Spendlove, who has been at the helm of the ever popular Passion Cafe for the last few years. Not content to run, arguably San Pedro's busiest restaurant, he has now undertaken a new project Mr Gourmet Burger on the main drag. Only open for half a year, this fantastic spot is already getting a good name. Loosely modelled on the UK's GBK chain, it definitely provides some of the best 100% beef burgers on the coast. “We get a huge cross section of people from groups of mums and toddlers to ladies in their fifties,” explains the Irishman. “People like to eat a burger as simple as that

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and this is my take.” Kids will particularly like making their own 'Junior G' burgers in 'four easy steps', while there are other choices such as lamb tikka and an enticing chicken menu. By far the most exciting opening over the last year though has to be Rincon de la Sala however. In pole position in the heart of the town with a great pavement location, it is this restaurant more than any other that embodies the revitalisation of San Pedro. Part of the popular La Sala group, TASTY: Ladies lunch at Umami Oh and if you are lucky in my opinion you might just bump into the food here – care of fora range of footballers, who mer Albert & Simon trainee part own the restaurant inManolo – is better than its cluding David Bentley, Paul sister restaurants. Robinson and David Pleat. There is a busy menu that I had the pleasure of recentchanges regularly and there ly eating opposite former is a daily 'menu del dia' with Spurs manager George Graa couple of choices that ham, who turned up with his weighs in at just over 12 euleg in plaster. ros.

San Pedro

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the olive press - October 04 - 27, 2012

Taste sensation BURGER MASTER: Malcolm Spendlove

Great burgers, great salads and cold beers at Mr Gourmet Burger

HERE is a new guy in town! Mr Gourmet Burger on Avda Luis Braille 20 opened its doors to provide the town with a brand new funky restaurant, with a fresh take on burgers. A new concept in dining on the Costa del Sol, it brings together fun and informality with high quality cooking, to provide a unique range of luxury speciality burgers served in relaxed funky surroundings. Although the restaurant is owned by the team behind the successful nearby Passion Cafe Mr Gourmet Burger offers a completely different

dining experience. Eating out should be an enjoyable experience; food should be exciting, service friendly and the atmosphere uplifting – so why not apply this to burgers? Setting the tone, there is a life size Mr Gourmet Burger positioned outside the restaurant allowing for kids and the young at heart, to have a photo taken. The surroundings are modern, fun and equally appealing for families and those who simply enjoy substantial food, great flavours and cold beer. Forget traditional fast food,

this is the modern alternative. All burgers are made of excellent quality ingredients; we’re talking about succulent lamb, juicy steak, caramelized onions, smoked mozzarella, pickled ginger and avocado. With over 20 years in the restaurant business and having weathered the storm of the San Pedro road closure, Passion Café is well placed to make this new venture a great success. Mr. Gourmet Burger, Avenida Luis Braille no 20, San Pedro de Alcántara. 952 785 257 www.mrgourmetburger.com

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A World of Colour and action

SAN PEDRO IS AN AREA OF SURPRISING COLOUR, FROM ITS EXCELLENT LINDAVISTA GARDEN CENTRE TO ITS BEACHES, WATERSPORTS AND THE VIEWS UP TOWARDS RONDA

G G b

San Pedro special

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Guadalmina – Great for business I

T is one of the most understated, yet exclusive areas of the Costa del Sol. Little known to tourists, yet for those-in-the-know Guadalmina is THE place to spend their holidays. Located to the west of San Pedro, this is one of the oldest and QUALITY: What's Cooking (above), while (left) wealthiAznar at Albert & Simon restaurant est areas of Mar- Aznar’s visits to Guadalmina perhaps rubbing shoulders always see a huge increase with Aznar. It is not for nothbella. A p a r t in security, with around the ing that the area gets the f r o m clock police protection out- nickname 'Guadalpijo' during boasting two top notch golf side his huge villa, as well as these months. "It is certainly a well to courses, there are dozdo affluent area," says ens of excel-lent shops Tina Law, who owns and restaurants and upmarket deli What's hundreds of megaCooking opposite Sumillion mansions dispersol. "We can sell any creetly tucked away number of upmarket along the tree-lined gourmet items. In fact leafy streets. the better quality the It is here that Formula better." 1 world champion and Her shop, which she playboy James Hunt runs with husband once lived, frequently Adrian has a fantastic being seen jogging mix of fine foods and around the area, while dishes ready to take former Spanish Prime away. There are wines Minister Jose Maria UPMARKET: Taking tea in Guadalmina from Ronda, ham from Aznar has a second fre-quent road blocks. Aracena and cheeses from all home here. Aznar’s wife, Madrid mayor over. And you can now even Ana Botella likes to eat in the shop. spend her time hacking Local businessman Paul Bearound the golf course, van, who runs a furniture while Aznar eats at vari- shop in the main shopping ous restaurants, includ- area, says: “I think that Guaing Asador Guadalmina dalmina has improved since or drinking at the yuppie the road got better. The reabar Donde Fatima. son that I moved here is the Every holiday season - location. especially during Easter “Basically I couldn’t get this and August - Guadalmi- shop for what I paid in Marna is packed with up- bella, so it was a no brainer. wardly mobile Madrile- My unit has a great position, ños and the PP faithful ample parking and it’s easy to who con-verge on the find us. It is a great place to area with the hope of do business.”

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the olive press - April 4 - April 18 2013

San Pedro gets top marks THE Advanced Tutorial College (ATC) offers a variety of educational options to students sitting their A-levels. And since opening at a fantastic new location, ATC has seen an influx of new students. “We're unique because we tailor the timetable to suit the individual student,” explains Dr Dianne Firby, Head of School. “ We have students who come part time because they are doing scholarships - golf or tennis, for example, while another is a top rider so she can only study in the afternoons. So we can devise individual timetables and that’s quite unique because in a big school it is impossible. “Most of our students go back to the UK or the USA, with the majority of them wanting to get into universities in the UK if they can. We also have had a growing number of Russian students.” Having been based in the area for over a decade, Dianne has seen dramatic changes in the area. “When we first started coming here, San Pedro was on its own. All this was just beach and fields. Now Guadalmina has almost merged into San Pedro. “Getting to San Pedro now is very easy, with the tunnel and the new roads, and when they finish the landscaping and the planned parks that will go on top of the tunnel, San Pedro will be beautiful”.

ATC set up in 2004 and follows the English National Curriculum allowing students to gain A Levels, AS levels or IGCSEs. It aims to keep class sizes no bigger than seven people.

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San Pedro special

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Only for smart investors FOR the smart investor who wants to buy in Marbella but is looking for a better deal then San Pedro is ideal. San Pedro offers you the Marbella address yet is only a five minute drive to the old town and a 15 minute walk to Puerto Banus. Best of all, houses and apartments here come in at a much more manageable price. “At the same time everything is on your doorstep and the infrastructure is more modern,” explains Daniel Enquist, from estate agent Crystal Shore. “San Pedro is one of the most sought after areas in the 200,000 to 250,000 euro range and there is plenty on offer,” he adds. And since the tunnel has been finished the area is seeing increasing demand. “There is a good vibe here now and a real sense of possibility,” he explains. “In fact we are so busy we are actually taking on new staff.” The agency, based in Guadalmina, was set up in 2006 by Peter and Paula Smith from Nottingham. Previously in the textile trade, they have done well to build

EXCLUSIVE: Some of San Pedro's most affluent villas

up the company to one of the most popular in the area. “In particularly Guadalmina has a strong market. It is very Spanish and very popular with Madrilenos and buyers from the Basque Country,” adds Enquist. Another local agent Alistair Stephenson has a good range of properties with his agency Alcantara Estates. “We have become very busy this year and the market seems very buoyant,” he ex-

plains. Finally you will certainly want to take a look at La Heredia Real Estate Solutions website, which has a range of good properties in the area. Set up by Tom and Fiona Sweeten in 2010 they have an office in the attractive same name development up on the Ronda road. “Now is definitely the time to buy and demand is strong with often more buyer competing for the same property,” explains Fiona.

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the olive press - October 04 - 27, 2012

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San Pedro special

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La Sala style in San Pedro The hippest new Rincon de la Sala restaurant has created a distinctly hot vibe in the heart of the old town, writes Giles Brown

I Going the extra nine metres IT is an original new concept. The interesting shop Tejaima, up on the Ronda road, involves a clever idea where local artists, designers and other clients literally rent out space to show off their wares. “We have had so much interest up and down the coast for the idea,” says owner Pernilla Smidt. Using a 'M2' logo similar to music station MTV, the things on sale are an eclectic mix of jewelry, furniture, artwork and even wine. “I even have estate agents renting some space,” she adds.

T has completely taken the town by storm since opening last year. Revolutionising the centre, El Rincón de La Sala has very much the same vibe as its sister venues in Puerto Banus... but there is a distinctly more Spanish flavour. Much of its success is thanks to the vision of its owner Ian Radford. But a lot is also to do with the capable chef Monolo de la Chica, who trained under Dani Garcia at La Moraga, as well as San Pedro stallward Albert & Simon. The extensive menu contains an array of Sala Group's firm favourites such as ‘Chateaubriand served with baby potatoes, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms and Béarnaise sauce,’ along with an exquisite selection of authentic Andalucian-style dishes including ‘shrimps served in a paper cone’ and ‘crayfish served with garlic and chilli.’ In addition to the gourmet

a la carte menu, there is a snack menu containing the El Rincón Burger and a light bites menu boasting Fried Aubergine with Cane Honey and Curried Tempura Chicken

Salad. The restaurant meanwhile is run by Miguel Mena, who previously worked at Gorki. As Sala Group’s chairman Ian Radford explains: “Our aim

for El Rincón was to not to stray from our roots, giving it the same feel and fondness our clients love at La Sala but adding an authentic Spanish twist.”

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the olive press - October 04 - 27, 2012 41 monthly youth and education section

treme

Great Outdoors New app gets children out of the house enjoying nature THE National Trust is using an ingenious way to get kids back outdoors. While computers and technology are often blamed for creating ‘couch potato’ children, the British nature body believes it can be used to make them more interested in nature. As part of its Outdoor Nation campaign, the organisation is employing the newly developed ‘iSpot’ app to help children identify plants and animals. “The online world can be seen as the enemy, but it doesn’t have to be,”

said the app creator Martin Harvey. “Children grow up surrounded by technology and tend not to perceive the same divide between real and online worlds that exists for adults. “By linking real A SPANISH couple are spending three months in natural history to prison after failing to send their children to school. online interaction The Chipiona couple were also hit with a 960 euro we get the best of fine for not insisting that their two daughters atboth worlds,” he tended classes. Cadiz province is currently looking added. into 52 cases of truancy, 28% of which related to A recent study repeat offenders. found that youngsters spend an av-

Prison for skive parents

By Mason Jones erage of two-and-half hours a day watching television, with less than 10% of playtime spent in woodlands or other ‘wild areas’. In Spain, more time is spent outdoors, much of this put down to the weather. A recent study found that 65% of Spanish children watched television between one hour and three hours of television a day with an average of around two hours a day.

FUNDRAISERS: Swans Caritas charity day

What do international schools offer? WHEN people refer to a school being ‘international’ it can mean many different things, in the context of the ‘Costa del Sol’ it generally means British. Lessons taught in English by native speaking teachers is the industry standard among the most established, including Swans. These schools offer a range of different academic courses, in the secondary years all offer IGCSEs or GCSEs to their students. This means that as well as the normal ‘core’ subjects of Science, Maths and English students can study History, Geography, ICT, Business, French, and of course Spanish. In some cases students can also even study Mandarin. There is also an emphasis on the more creative subjects of Art, Music, Drama and Physical Education until, at least, the age of 14. Almost all the international schools have adopted the system known as the International Baccalaureate Diploma as their pre-university course or what some call the ‘Sixth-form’, although a few still offer the more traditional ‘A-level’ system. What do parents look for? It is often the case that parents will visit a range of different schools be-

fore making a choice for their son or daughter’s future education. Here is a basic parent’s guide to choosing an ‘international’ school: •Facilities – carefully inspect the facilities...can you imagine spending over 35 hours a week in the surroundings provided by the school? Check the state of classrooms, the corridors, the library, the canteen and even the bathrooms!

•Location

– where is the school? What is the road access? Can you park, pick-up and drop -off easily? Is there public transport available?

•Price – given the current economic climate this is a factor that is becoming more important for some. Most schools charge termly tuition fees (you can normally pay them all at once if you wish) and there are additional costs as well. Schools will provide a full breakdown of costs upon request. • Academic excellence – Of course the most importance of all these factors is the quality of education. Can the school help your children reach their full potential and move onto the university of their choice, whether in Spain or abroad?

OP 30

the olive press - April 4 - April 18 2013

Fancy a movie? If you want to head to the cinema this weekend, but your Spanish is not up to scratch, check out the VO/ VOSE films (Original Version) available in your area Hansel & Gretel Gran Cinema Marbella 18:00 (weekdays) Cinesur Mirimar, Fuengirola 16:15, 18:15, 20:15 (weekdays) Plaza Mayor, Malaga 20.30 (daily) Beautiful Creatures Cinesur Mirimar, Fuengirola 16:30, 19:00 (daily) Plaza Mayor, Malaga 18.15, 20:45 (daily) King Bastion leisure centre, Gibraltar 18:00 (daily)

Xtreme

VITAL VERSES

Learning poetry from a young age can bring benefits in later life, claims celebrated poet IRISH poet Seamus Heaney has urged parents and teachers to teach youngsters poetry ‘off by heart’ and as early on as possible. The author of what are considered to be some of the most important poems in English Literature - including ‘Digging’ - said children should be taught to memorise poetry which will set them up for a lifetime of poetry appreciation. Speaking at the Oxford Literary Festival he was responding to education secretary Michael Gove’s proposals to put memorising poetry on the primary school curriculum.

Wreck it Ralph (top) King Bastion leisure centre, Gibraltar 15:30 (weekends) Aladdin King Bastion leisure centre, Gibraltar 16:00 (weekends)

What a bookish lot

By Frances Leate

When asked about plans to ‘force’ children to learn poems by heart at school, he said: “I believe in people learning poetry by heart, definitely. “If it is not done at an early age it is difficult for the ear to pick up and appreciate poetry in later life.” He also said that poetry can have an important role in the lives of those going through crisis, providing them comfort.

SWANS Primary School celebrated World Book Day dedicated to literary themes globally. Students discussed how important books are in their lives and what it means to be able to have access to so many books. There was a presentation by the author Michael Rosen and illustrator Helen Oxenbury, and the children were taken on a fantastic journey into the book ´We´re going on a Bear hunt´. The children were also invited to take part in a competition to design their own book marks.

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Top hats Headmistress Sian Kirkham takes her hat off to the participants in this year’s Easter Bonnet parade at BSM FORGET Ascot, it was clearly the hat-wearing event of the year at The British School of Marbella (BSM) on the last day of term. Balanced precariously high upon the heads of countless youngsters was an array of Easter Bonnets so astonishing brilliant that they inspired gasps of awe and openmouthed amazement from passers by. Hours of meticulous planning went in to the building of these impressive feats of engineering for the annual show down in the school hall. A panel of judges chose a winner and runner up from each year to receive a hardearned chocolate egg. Of course staff also dutifully donned their headgear for the competition and paraded around the school hall not

feeling the slightest bit silly. And based on the results of an ‘applause-o-meter’, nursery teacher Mrs o’Regan was crowned this year’s Easter Bonnet champion. Other highlights of the morning included a parent versus child Easter Quiz. Not surprisingly, egg heads Julieta, Christian and Sebastian annihilated a team of parents who had volunteered (and I use that term loosely) to take on the might of the children’s combined brainpower. To be fair, the adults questions were quite hard and included having to spell the name of the only bird that undergoes a form of hibernation before waking up in the spring (the lesser known Phalaenoptilus Nuttallii those of you who are wondering).

Top Dollar

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The Olive Press fortnightly business section taking a look at the Spanish economy and offerolive press - October 04 - 27, 2012 43 ing tips on how to savethe AND make money

Va va Voom...

Cash-strapped businesses could cause more trouble

RENAULT has announced the creation of 700 new jobs in Spain. The French firm, which became famous for its Va Va Voom catchphrase and a beautiful French model Nicole (pictured), is expanding due to the popularity of its new Captur model (above). The majority of the new positions will be working on the production line at its Valladolid factory with 100 workers also being hired at the Sevilla plant.

SAVINGS SCARE EU denies that savers could see accounts raided to save the euro

EU bosses have been forced to step in to deny that savings accounts in Spain, Italy and other European countries could be raided if needed to preserve Europe's single currency. It came after the Dutch chairman of the Euro group claimed that the so-called 'Cyprus solution' could be used elsewhere to prop up failing banks. While he later insisted that he had been misunderstood, Jeroen Dijsselbloem told the Financial Times that the involvement of shareholders, creditors and large customers in the Cyprus bailout deal could become a model for the future.

By Frances Leate The policy had naturally alarmed hundreds of thousands of British expats living in Spain and elsewhere in Europe, who have transferred their savings to European banks. Dijsselbloem said: “If there is a risk in a bank, our first question should be 'Okay, what are you in the bank going to do about that? What can you do to recapitalise yourself? “If the bank can't do it, then we'll talk to the shareholders and the bondholders, we'll ask them to contribute

in recapitalising the bank, and if necessary the uninsured deposit holders.” However, the Dutch finance minister tried to row back from his comments by insisting that ‘Cyprus is a specific case’. His comments were also described as 'wrong,' by European Central Bank executive board member Benoit Coeure. The European Commission likewise rushed to assure Europeans that the involvement of large depositors and creditors in the bailout of Cypriot banks was in no way a model for the future. "The Cyprus case is unique for several reasons," said Michel Barnier.

SMALL companies in debt could cause more problems for Spain’s creaking economy, say business experts. Defaults by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)- the biggest employers in Spaincould be a factor leading to a further dip into recession. Javier Santoma, finance professor at Spain's IESE business school, said: “You can be sure that if these companies' bad debts rise, you're going to see more bad loans to families and credit card bills that won't be paid.” One in 10 Spanish loans were in arrears for three months or more in December, and research firm Axesor said February was the worst month since 2008, with more than 1,000 companies filing for creditor protection. Unemployment, which is already at a record high of 26%, is also expected to climb as a result of struggling businesses as employers are forced to lay off staff.

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Road to Riches, by Richard Alexander

Is Cyprus just more fodder for those PIGS?

I'M not sure if I should apologise for the headline but it occurs to me that the recent proposals to levy a tax on bank account balances in Cyprus might just give others ideas! Portugal, Italy, Greece and Spain (ie the PIGS) were all mentioned at one time or another over the last week or so as other countries that might consider a similar levy. At the time of writing, the Cypriot government has voted against the terms of the latest bail out plans but my fear is that this type of idea could gather momentum in other areas. Of course if common sense dictates then they won't do it, as it could spark a

Richard Alexander wonders if the latest scheme to tax savers in Cyprus could be introduced elsewhere

run on the banks, the like of which we saw in the UK with Northern Rock and once that happens we are into a pretty serious bail out scenario. To a certain extent it is re-

ally about politicians playing politics here as well and a certain amount of sabrerattling from Germany; so much so that it is difficult for the man in the street to interpret what it all really means. However, the thought of potentially losing up to 10% of savings in one fell swoop does beg the question – how safe are our savings in the bank? For EU member countries there is an insurance backed deposit guarantee scheme to protect balances of up to 100,000 euros per investor in each banking institution. This has led to many people spreading their money around several banks which

of course helps in normal times. But I am not sure of the legality or implications of governments being able to take money from savers, to provide cash to avoid banks failing when they had be assured by the governments that the deposit guarantee scheme protects them if a bank does fail. Put that all together and it seems a rather raw deal for the savers – yet again you may say! Perhaps it is time to review some of the sayings we use when talking about security – “It’s as safe as houses!” for example. So what lessons can we learn from these situations and how can we protect ourselves from the preda-

tory influences that undermine markets and see hard earned money disappear in tax? Well far be it from me to start a one-man run on the banks but the answers are simply that a robust financial planning exercise will ensure that you have a reasonable spread of investments.Ultimately you should try not to be over exposed to any one market

and wherever possible, investments should be 'wrapped' in a way to minimize tax. Funnily enough, you may just find that there are better returns to be made than cash deposits as well, without taking on higher risk along the way. It is certainly a good time to ask a few questions and to perhaps take stock of where you are with your capital.

Richard Alexander Financial Planning Limited is an appointed representative of L J Financial Planning Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority in the UK. Contact him at Richard@ra-fp.com

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‘Bail in’ balls up Keith Spitalnick believes Cyprus was a mess but the problems won't spread

UST when you thought it couldn't get worse Cyprus happens. This bombshell happened in such a short space of time and will see big depositors and other creditors lose large sums following the radical downsizing of the country's biggest bank, the Bank of Cyprus, and the shuttering of its second largest, the Cyprus Popular Bank. It is the first time such a 'bail-in' has been seen in the three-year euro-zone crisis. And it is incredible that the EU waited until Cyprus was on the brink of mass bank failure before trying to reach a deal. The concern for some has been that this could spread to the other struggling economies within the Euro, but this seems unlikely as they have already received their bailouts and are currently on track or ahead of their pledges set out when they were in Cyprus’s position. In January it was reported that some of the banks who borrowed money cheaply via the ECB to help keep them afloat have already started to repay them early. It has been boosting the Euros' strength, so it seems unlikely that this current disaster in Cyprus will spread outside its border. As before, most of the damage was done in the run up to the bailout and a swift recovery usually came

quickly afterwards. For clients holding off on large sums of money, they may want to be aware of this pattern as Cyprus strengthening in the coming weeks could render a Sterling surge dormant. Take a step back though and nothing has really been solved. Cyprus may just be able to raise €5.8billion by destroying what is left of its banking system, but what will the island do next time it needs a cash injection? And it will come. With the family silver already sold, it would appear that full-scale default has simply been deferred rather than averted.

Keith is head of European Sales at HiFX. To contact HiFX and find out how the team can help you with your international transactions, call in at the office in Centro Plaza, call 951 203 986 or email olivepress@hifx.co.uk

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Proposals to change pension age as well as contribution requirements

Pensioner shake-up EXPAT pensioners will receive a flat-rate pension from 2017. Following proposals made during last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget talks, only those who have contributed for at least 35 years will get the proposed ÂŁ144 per week. However, the new single-tier system

will only affect people who reach retirement from the time it is introduced. Those already receiving a pension will continue to do so under existing rules. Also included in the Bill is the plan to increase the State Pension age to 67 between 2026 and 2028.

Another suggestion is the idea of automatically reviewing the State Pension age every five years. However, the proposals have not yet been approved by parliament and with a General Election in 2015 modifications to the Bill are likely to occur.

It's a Helterskelter ride W

A LOOK TO THE LEFT

ELL the last two weeks have been a real helter-skelter, what with the Cyprus bank shenanigans and the general uncertainty that these numbskulls in Brussels have caused. Ask yourself, would you give ANY one of the finance bosses a job at the moment? (30 minutes pondering...and no, neither would I.) There is no doubt the European banking and finance system is in a total mess at present, but I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hold the radical view that it is about to collapse in its entirety. So to suggest that you immediately convert your savings to gold, or lodge your cash in a Lithuanian bank is not my advice. However if you have a little spare, well why not spread it around. So what to do? As mentioned before, it is important to define between what you spend on lifestyle investments and investments that have to achieve earnings over shorter periods. If you are looking for a viable income, then we suggest that you look into the commercial property market here in Spain and Portugal. Now let me give you a warning. This area of the market is vastly different from the residential market and holds benefits and pitfalls in equal measures. On the downside, buy the wrong property or portfolio, and you will stand little chance of earning from rental incomes and there are still substantial areas in this market that are still dropping On the upside however, we now have clients receiving between 7.5% and 11% income on recent purchases with expected capital improvements within the next couple of years

But there is no need to make a run on your bank just yet, writes David Ballard in his second column

of around 9%. And even small investors can normally expect at least 50% bank financing on these properties. We further have schemes whereby the actual tenants of these properties almost fully underwrite the exposure of the owner for the duration of the tenancies. The final benefit of the commercial market is that it is far easier to resolve problems with commercial tenants, such as non payment. Over the past 13 years we have assisted in the acquisition of many commercial properties, ranging from small single retail unit investments to large hotel and industrial units. And generally these clients have achieved the desired results even over the past difficult few years. Whatever your position, do proper research, solicit good advice and take care. Email David at info@intelligent-realty.com or call 693 751 858

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Top Dollar Welfare worries www.theolivepress.es

Benefits consultant Kim Clark sheds light on the groundbreaking UK benefit reforms that come into place this week THE Welfare Reform Act of 2012 sees the biggest shake-up to the welfare system since its introduction. Steeped in controversy, it throws up the inevitable debate as to whether people will be better off, whether claimants are being ‘taxed’ and whether the changes are fair. The government claims that the introduction of Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) to replace Incapacity Benefit (IB) has already reduced the number of claimants. What it conveniently ignores is that fact that those claiming contributionsbased ESA can now only claim it for 365 days unless put in the ‘support group’.

This clearly penalises those people who have paid into the system by working but are no longer able to work. The government will point to the fact that they can continue to claim ESA on an income-based basis once the 365 days are up, but this will reduce the household income of a couple where one member is earning a wage. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is gradually being phased out to be replaced by Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for those aged 16 to 64. Most people will have face to face consultations with health professionals as part of a more complex decision-making process which will doubtless put a lot of people off

Advertorial

Get your skates on for this month's declaration THE Spanish government expected to collect around €2,500 million in unpaid taxes through the recent ‘tax amnesty’. But towards the end of 2012 only €150 million had been collected with the disclosure that there was €12,000 million of undeclared assets out there, much of it owned by foreign residents. In order for Spaniards and expats alike to meet this year’s deadline for new law 7/2012, it has been extended in exceptional circumstances to the end of April. All tax residents and companies are now obliged to file a declaration disclosing the ownership of all non-Spanish assets over €50,000. This annual declaration is for informative purposes and does not involve paying any tax. However, having given the tax office all of this information they may then check that income and wealth has been declared. With fines starting at €10,000 it is imperative to check if this applies to you! This disclosure is not just for simple ownership of foreign assets but also for persons or companies who are beneficial owners, or have €50,000 or more in foreign assets. All shareholders of foreign companies must supply certificates of residence showing their tax paying status. If not supplied the company will be charged tax as an offshore company at 3% of the value of its assets. In the worst possible scenario if the tax office discovers a Spanish tax resident owns an undeclared foreign asset it could presume the whole asset value represents undeclared taxable income. It would regard the asset cost as general income generated in the oldest of the non-prescribed tax years (e.g. four years ago). Tax rates vary between 24% and 56% in various parts of Spain (15/30% corporation tax), including potential fines of 150% of the unpaid tax, late payment interest plus the fines for failing to disclose. The total payment would almost certainly be substantially more than the value of the hidden asset. Wincham sees a number of cases where the undisclosed foreign assets do not, in fact, represent much of a problem and we can rectify by re-filing income declarations and paying a small amount of tax. This simple solution then allows the new declaration to be filed in April without any worries and a further declaration for your income will then be filed in June. Contact Wincham International now to discuss your wealth and tax declarations. We can handle your Spanish tax matters for 2012/2013 for a fixed fee of £300 plus VAT.

claiming. The worry is that many people who qualified for DLA will miss out on the extra income they so desperately need. Current recipients of DLA under the age of 65 will be contacted sometime after October 2015 to be re-assessed for PIP unless their award runs out prior to that or they have a change in circumstances. Those aged 65 and over on April 8 2013 can continue to receive DLA for as long as they are eligible. At present children under the age of 16 can continue to claim DLA. Those living outside of the UK and in receipt of affected benefits will be contacted by the DWP to be reassessed.

Attendence

I receive an increasing amount of enquiries concerning the transfer from Incapacity Benefit to ESA and a lot of people are having their benefit cut due to the 365-day rule. This is because income-based ESA is not payable outside of the UK and this also has implications for those claiming disability benefits. Disability benefits such as DLA, PIP and Attendance Allowance can now be claimed by people living in an EEA member state such as Spain but they must have what they term a genuine and sufficient link. This in broad terms means that they or a family member must be in receipt of a contributions-based payment such as state retirement pension or contributionsbased IB or ESA. Many of those are taken off ESA will therefore also lose their entitlement to DLA. I also receive a lot of calls from people wishing to claim DLA or Attendance Allowance only to be told by the DWP that they cannot do so if living in Spain. This is wrong. Others are told that they must have spent 26 weeks out of the previous 52 in the UK prior to claiming. This is also wrong. My advice to people is to not be put off by this misinformation and to put in claims regardless which will be assessed under current legislation. Contact Kim Clark Benefits Consultancy on 663 297 568 or visit www.ukbenefitsinspain.com

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Law

57 41

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AGONY ANT

To pay or not to pay YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED

Antonio Flores takes a closer look at the new European Court ruling on mortgage repossessions and assesses whether it was right or wrong A RECENT court ruling by the European Courts of Justice (ECJ) has given Spanish Courts the right to be flexible regarding mortgage repossessions. But it has not declared Spanish eviction laws completely illegal, as has been widely reported. So what has changed? Until now, Spanish repossession laws were deemed inflexible and among legal professionals seen as a oneway street. So when a bank foreclosed on a client you either had to pay up the whole sum owed or launch criminal proceedings to prove that the loan was fraudulently given. There were no other possible defenses to stop eviction. Now Spanish courts have the powers to delay or freeze the eviction process, while judges assess the fairness of certain terms and conditions within the loan contract. It comes after it was ruled that previous laws had created a significant imbalance

to the detriment of the consumer. It will now add to rising public pressure on the government in Madrid to change a tough mortgage regime that has allowed banks to evict tens of thousands of struggling homeowners. What did the ECJ particularly object to?

BENCHMARK: Aziz won legal ruling

The ECJ criticized the laws as they allowed banks to take away a home after just one failure to pay an installment, and allowed interest rates to go as high as 18.75 per cent, as in the case of Mohamed Aziz on which the court was ruling Q. I am told that if I go to court over (see below). The ECJ has ruled that an unpaid debt, it will take years to reSpanish Courts solve. How true is this? are now able to determine the A. According to the Judicial General validity of these Council, the average statistical term for clauses. a court to resolve an ordinary civil dispute is of 10 months. Depending on the Why did it hapspecific court dealing with your case, pen? you may have to add on a few more months. The ruling dealt with the case of Q. Are courts likely to favour a national Mohamed Aziz, over a foreign litigant? who in 2007 took out a mortgage of A. This recurring question is baseless â&#x201A;Ź138,000 from and yet, it lingers in the minds of many. Catalunyacaixa, In a ruling as recent as March 11 this a lender that was year, the Supreme Court ruled that forlater nationalised. eign investors in property should actualHe stopped payly enjoy 'more protection' as they were ing his installess likely to understand Spanish laws. ments the followThe answer is therefore negative. ing year, and was

Ask Ant

eventually evicted from his home in 2011. Mr Aziz argued his eviction was illegal because the original mortgage agreement was unfair, and should have been annulled. He pointed out the contract allowed the bank to take away his home after just one failure to pay an instalment, and provided for a default interest rate of 18.75 per cent.

Was This a Good Ruling? Well the EU ruling is likely to keep people in their homes and not on the streets. It is good as it will protect families who really need help, but at the same time others will now inevitably take advantage of it and live interest free (and payment free) for years. It is certainly not a good ruling for taxpayers who will ultimately have to pick up the tab for everyone in this situation. So how does this affect my existing mortgage loan? The ECJ has opened the door for Spanish Courts to annul mortgage loan clauses that are deemed unfair. However, it does not give the borrower the right to stop paying the loan, avoid the debt altogether or stay in the property for good without keeping up the repayments. So don't think you can simply now get away with not paying your mortgage payments.

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53 31 the olive press - October 04 - 27, 2012

I WAS NOBBLED BY THE NHS British expat charged €1,100 after being forced to spend a night in a UK hospital while on a trip back home

June to care for her elderly mother, who was in the last stages of Alzheimer’s. has lived in Alcala La Real During her three month for six years was forced trip she became ill herself to return to the UK last and was admitted to hospital after suffering a panic attack. After a night of tests she was given the all clear and sent home to care for her mother, who was eventually taken into care. So it came as a real shock when a few weeks after returning to Spain her sister contacted her to inform her that a bill had arrived from the NHS. The letter also stated that if she didn’t pay the money by the end of the month, she would be detained by border control if she ever tried to re-enter Britain. Mrs Woodman, who is a Spanish resident, said: SPANISH health bosses are hoping health tourism “What upset me could be the answer to the country’s struggling econthe most was that omy. I have spent the Medical tourism is now worth around €75 billion majority of my life worldwide, according to the Organisation for Economworking in the UK ic Co-operation and Development (OECD). and paying all my Now tour operators, business leaders, private hospitals, and health authorities in Southern Spain are taxes. teaming up to promote the good value medical services “I have had only two here. stays in hospital my Prices for medical treatment in Spain are around 30% entire life which to 70% cheaper than in the UK and for patients from was when I had my the US the savings are even greater. children. For example, a nose re-shaping in a private UK hospi“I’d gone back to tal would cost a patient anywhere between €3,535 and England, not for €4,710, but in Spain the same surgery is available for a holiday, but to around €2,400. care for my very ill Prices for knee or hip replacements are around half mother. The last what they are in Britain. thing on my mind Its reputation and high standards of care mean the was ending up in Spanish healthcare system is currently ranked seventh hospital. in the world by the World Health Organization. “But I did and now I Dr Miguel Such, head of cardiovascular surgery at Malhave had to pay for aga’s Clínico Universitario hospital, said: “Our objecthe consequences.” tive is to attract foreign patients to Malaga’s many good private health centres and put Malaga on the global She added: “It has healthcare map. not been easy find“Spain's tourism sector has been ignoring this market ing the money and I and we have been selling sun and sea without realizing really dread to think that we could do much more. Our healthcare system is how many other well regarded internationally, and there is significant people have had to demand from foreigners to use it.” pay out in this way.”

AN EXPAT who paid taxes in the UK for 40 years, was handed a whopping €1,180 bill for a one-night stay at a Bristol hospital. Sue Woodman, 56, who

EXCLUSIVE by Frances Leate

Sun, sand and surgery!

Leading health officials say ‘medical tourism’ could help lift Andalucia out of the recession

talk radio europe

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FLESH-EATING SPIDER NEARLY KILLED ME by Frances Leate

Mother of three spent six months in Spanish care after being bitter by rare spider

A BRITISH woman has narrowly escaped death after being bitten by a spider on an Andalucian beach. Sue Isaac, 58, (pictured left) was bitten on the

bottom by the dangerous insect while holidaying at a friend’s villa in Albox. It came after she sat on a sarong she had left out overnight on a sunbed. “It brought tears to my

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Yoga

with Rachael Hemming

Down Facing Dog -AdhoMukhaSvanasana Benefits • Stronger hands, wrists, low-back, hamstrings, calves and Achilles tendon • Decrease in back pain by strengthening the entire back and shoulder girdle • Elongated shoulders and shoulder blade area • Decrease in tension and headaches by elongating the cervical spine and neck and relaxing the head • Deepened respiration • Decreased anxiety How to do it • Start by sitting on your knees and shins, feet tucked in behind you. Soles of feet facing upwards, toes pointing away from you. Nestle your bottom as far down towards your feet, as you can. Do not strain to do this; just relax with gravity, sitting, weight down towards the floor. • Keeping your bottom down and backwards towards your feet, open knees to hip width apart, stretch your torso over your thighs with arms stretched as far away from you as possible. Hands should be splayed and positioned shoulder width apart. Middle fingers point forwards. Feel the stretch from the backs of your arms through and under the arm pit to your shoulder blades and down the sides of your torso. • Without moving your hands, breathe in and come up, taking your weight forward, onto your hands and knees and curl your toes under your feet, breathe out. Try not to move hands and feet from this position, throughout this posture. • Feel strong through your hands and wrists, ready to take your weight. Breathe in and come up with your knees bent take your bottom into the air to create a straight, inclined line, from your hands to your bottom. Breathe out as you settle into the position. Take a few rounds of breath as imagine you are being pulled up and back from your hips to create a 45degree line from the floor through your hands, along your spine to your bottom. eyes, it was like a bee sting but it didn't go away,” she explained. Over the next week Isaac started to feel unwell and noticed that a small bruise had developed on the inside of her left thigh. She added: “I felt poorly all the time, I had a fever and no energy.”

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Within days, the bruise had doubled in size and was surrounded by clusters of blisters and she could not get out of bed. She was taken to hospital and admitted to an intensive care unit where doctors told her an infection had entered her body via the spider bite.

• Breathe in and as you breathe out straighten your legs, locking your knees and take your heels towards the floor, do not more your hands or feet. Don’t worry if your heels don’t reach the floor. It’s about trying to take your heels towards the floor on the out breath. • Head is relaxed, look at your knees or feet, chest is going backwards towards your knees. Take regular breaths without breath longer than the in breath only working on the out breath. Shoulders rotate towards each other, back, back is long, bottom up, heels down, smile and breathe. Imagine the shape of a soft upside down V; a soft slope from the hands to bottom. • • Hold posture for 7 rounds of breath if you can. Working the posture on the out breath, out breaths in yoga are longer and slower, release the tension on this breath. Don’t strain. Breath in and when you breathe out come out the way you went in, back onto hands and knees, then bottom to heels. Bring your arms to a place to relax and breathe. Notice how you feel. • • If you have any concerns about practising yoga please consult your doctor. • • Rachael Hemming ; 634 872 450 • www.theyogicemporium.com

Despite being given antibiotics, after eight days in hospital her left thigh had swollen to three times its normal size and the bruise had grown to 10 inches. Tests found 14 types of bacteria in the wound, including flesh-eating Streptococcus pyogenes. She said: “'I thought I was

going to die, or, at best, I thought I was going to lose my leg. “At one point I asked to be left alone because I wanted to be by myself to die. I can't believe I got through it.” She required six months of further treatment before she could return home to Essex.

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DEEP, DEEP SOUTH

You are what you eat IF you've lived in Spain for any length of time you'll know how important food is. The Menu del Dia is an integral part of the working day, as a visit to any venta will confirm. In summer sleeping off the post lunch siesta is also written in stone. I remember the outcry during the precrisis years when it was suggested that the three-hour lunch break be scrapped and Spain should adopt the northern European model of one hour for lunch. The reason being that Spain was booming and because of air conditioning in modern offices, workers didn't feel the sleep-inducing effects of the the hot sun after lunch. In these crisis times, of course, we can take as many siestas as we wish during the day... But I digress. I've always thought myself something of a wizard in the kitchen, a budget Dani Garcia if you will, and was regailing a South American friend of mine with tales of the Asianstyle dish that I had made the night before. "What was it?" my friend asked "Soy Chicken" I replied, expecting her to be impressed. "I asked what you cooked, not what you are," she shot back with a withering look...

I've never been big on the whole trappings of religion, but as a friend of mine had never seen the Easter processions before, we decided to check out the Thursday night events in Marbella Old Town. It reminded me of when I lived in Estepona and rented a flat in the centre that was slap bang on the procession route. It made the whole thing very civilized. I just sat with a glass of something and watched the procession float by. Pretty much in the same way (and in the same, ahem, frame of mind that 'La Melanie' does when she watches Antonio do his thing during Easter week in Malaga. Allegedly) This Easter, however, entailed spending about an hour and a half trying to find an above-ground parking space or paying through the nose at Marbella's more than a little pricey underground car parks. Obviously my prayers to the Parking Gods fell on deaf ears so, having left the car three floors underground, we made our way to join the crowds on Marbella's main street. Perhaps it is the C of E in me,

Following Virgins through Marbella but the assembled throng in their finest - a smattering of furs and more Barbour jackets than the Grand Final of One Man and his Dog (Madrileños love their Barbours almost as polo shirts) - it struck me that perhaps being dressed up to the nines isn't the most

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pious way to view a procession depicting Christ's final suffering? It was however, quite a spectacle, although my friend didn't realise that the processions stopped so often. I helpfully explained that the Spanish didn't celebrate Easter like Londoners

do the Notting Hill Carnival, with dancing crowds following a huge float with a great big sound system. That said I think the idea could catch on. Indeed a group of atheists in Granada have been demanding an alternative non-religious procession for some time,

Proving that things are not always what they seem, I came across this gem of a photo taken of some Afro-American tourists during Easter Week and posted on Facebook. What a superb double meaning, if you get my southern States of America drift. although not sure it includes music by Steel Pulse or Beenie Man. The following day my friend – perhaps predictably – Facebooked her friends that Giles had spent the previous night 'Following Virgins through Marbella'. You can guess the response.

U J p the

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ardin path MOTOR

59 59

HE KNOWS HIS ONIONS! by Peter Langdale

Tackling the spring-time pests I

think I have been April fooled by this unsettled weather. Just when we thought spring was here yet another front comes in from the north atlantic. For all those plants now sown or planted, they do not need irrigating and are really romping on. One of the first fruits of the season is the nispero or loquat but it is quite sensitive to attack by the fruit fly. I suggest you check your fruit fly traps and where neccessary top them up or replace them. The next six weeks is an ideal time for planting any type of fruit tree or ornamental tree/bush. If you are a member of the RGA (Reluctant Gardeners Association), it is best you

go on holiday as your garden needs you now almost day and night. I suggest you list your priorities so as to avoid going around in circles. Suggested list; (1) Weeds, (2) Plant remaining borders, (3) Feed lawn, (4) Control snails, (5) Check fruit and veg for aphid (greenflies) and caterpillar. Snails...with the present weather conditions slugs and snails will become a real challenge. If using snail/slug pellets, be sure to keep them away from your household pets. However, if you do not wish to use slug pellets, they tell me coffee granules do a good job or a sprinkling of iron sulphate.

Herb specialist Sue Rodgers reveals the best natural remedies for avoiding hay fever

Ditch the itch

or millions of people April is the start of the hay fever season, especially if you are allergic to tree pollen. Hay fever is an overreaction of the immune system. Pollen from trees, grasses and flowers trigger a response that causes the often debilitating sneezing, wheezing and itchy eyes, not to mention fatigue and lack of concentration. For those who do not like the side effects of antihistamine pills, there are a number of herbal alternatives. Elderflower (flor de sauco) is one of the most effective. Fresh flowers are difficult to come by in Spain; however, you can buy ready-made elderflower tea-bags from the supermarket. Make an infusion and drink three to four cups a day to ease hayfever symptoms. The tea bags can also be used, once they are cooled â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or better still chilled in the fridge, by placing them on the eyes to sooth the dry,

itchy eyes that often accompany hay-fever. Chamomile (manzanilla) tea bags or infusion also works well to relieve itching eyes. Eyebright was used by the Roman herbalist Dioscorides to treat eye infections in Roman soldiers. A cooled infusion reduces irritability and calms inflammation around the eye. Eyebright can be taken in pill form or as a tincture from herbal shops. Scutellaria baicalensis is a traditional Chinese herb used to treat hay-fever with some success. It can be bought online in pill form; as always when buying online only buy from reputable companies. Quercetin, a plant-based chemical, helps prevent the release of histamine in the body therefore reducing the symptoms of hay fever. The good news is that Quercetin is

found in a number of common foods, including apples, citrus fruits, onions, broccoli, parsley, tea, tomatoes and perhaps best of all, red wine! Increasing these foods in your diet may help relieve mild symptoms. For those with more severe symptoms then supplements can be bought, but those with liver conditions, pregnant or nursing must avoid taking the supplements. Omega-3, which is found in oily fish, eggs and walnuts are also beneficial to allergy suffererâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

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

Sowing the Seeds A revolutionary food bank is to protect rare vegetable species for future generations THEY are some of the finest strains of vegetable to be found anywhere in Spain.

Yet little by little the rare species including the Farajan tomato, the Montecorto watermelon and Arriate's black courgette are in danger of disappearing. So concerned are ecologists in the Serrania de Ronda that a new scheme has been launched to save them. The new project aims to create a seed bank to ensure that none of the vegetable plants are lost. Among other plants being conserved are the purple acelgas of Ronda, the broad bean of Benadalid and red maize of Genalguacil. Another aim of the scheme run by the agricultural college Universidad Rural Paulo Frere (URPF) in Benalauria is to eventually start reintroducing them again in the area. Rafael Galindo of Ecologistas en Accion Silvema Ronda explained: “The objective of the seed bank is to conserve, regenerate and re-sow the Serranía with its traditional plants” The seed bank has benefited from the donations of over 300 different types of plant, cereal and vegetable seed from local farmers in the area. A list of seeds can be found on www.universidadruralsr.com

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Meaty treat

Spaniard discovers his make-shift ham press could make him a multi-millionaire A ROCK used by a Spanish cattle farmer to press ham has turned out to be a meteorite worth over €4million. Faustino Asensio Lopez, from Ciudad Real, found the rock in 1980 while tending to livestock with his father. Sitting on his patio for over three decades, the 100kg rock was used as a weight during the curing process

for his family’s ham business. However, alarm bells rang when Lopez saw a report on meteorite sightings in Spain and decided to get in touch with renowned geologist Juan Carlos Gutierrez Marco. After several tests, the rock has been confirmed to be a pre-historic metallic meteorite which survived the impact of hitting the Earth.

Food for all

A RESTAURANT in Velez-Malaga has opened to help families who are struggling feed themselves in the current economic-crisis. The eatery, set up by the Velez Workers Association along with other volunteers, aims to provide healthy and affordable food for anyone in need with two-course meals available at just €2. Located on Calle Pilar de San Roque, organisers say they will keep the restaurant open for as long as it is necessary.

Only three other meteorites of this kind are known to have been found in Spain. Previous ones were found near Quesa, in 1898, near Granada in 1912 and near Zaragoza in 1950. Bizarrely, the Lopez family said that although they are considering selling the rock should they receive a strong enough offer, they have not ruled out keeping it for themselves. The family added that the meteorite has been ‘hidden in a safe place’, and LUCKY: Lopez family with will remain there priceless rock until a decision has been made. turing a fragment broken Madrid's Mining Museum off for testing, along with a has already opened a disfull-size replica of the origiplay of the discovery, feanal rock.

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Andalucia's Angel Leon up for Spain's top gong

From Chef of the Sea to Chef of Spain ANDALUCIA could soon boast Spain's 'top chef', after Cadiz’s Angel Leon was short-listed for the title in the prestigious National Gastronomic Awards. The self-styled 'chef of the sea' will be up against Valencia’s Ricard Camarena and Madrid’s Mario Sandoval. Leon’s Michelin-starred restaurant Aponiente, in El Puerto de Santa Maria, was also recently rated as one of the ten best restaurants in the world by the New York Times.

By Rebecca Maguire The famous eatery is renowned for its small portions that allow diners to experience new flavours: 'the essence of the sea on a plate'. The winner is to be selected by the Royal Academy of Gastronomy later this summer. A passionate sailor and fisherman, Leon launched his first book ‘Chef of the Sea’ in December as an accompaniment to a documentary on Canal Sur.

The programmes and more information can be found on his website www.aponiente. com.

A final recipe from Patria restaurant

and spends much of his time surfing on the nearby famous surf beach at El Palmar. The book also tells the story of what it was like for he and his wife to move to a foreign country and to raise two children here. “There has never been a dull moment,” says Ase.

Baked sweet potatoes with honey, cottage cheese and garlic (serves 4) 4 medium-sized sweet pota- til the potatoes become tentoes der and soft but not mushy. 1 handful coarse salt They should be like baked potatoes. Cheese dressing: 200ml cottage cheese Cheese dressing: ¼ lemon Stir a few drops of lemon 1 garlic clove, grated juice, a little lemon zest, 1 tablespoon good virgin ol- garlic and virgin olive oil into ive oil (e.g. Masia el Altet) the cottage cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste. To serve: 8 basil leaves To serve: 2 tablespoons honey Slice a cross into each potato and lightly squeeze with Rinse the sweet potatoes your thumb and index finger well and place them in an to open it up. Spoon the ovenproof dish sprinkled cheese sauce into the midwith coarse salt. Bake in a dle and sprinkle chopped 180-degree oven for approx- basil and lemon zest on top. imately 45-60 minutes – un- Drizzle a little honey over the

the olive press - October 04 - 27, 2012

JUST ten minutes from Ronda, there is a small hotel and restaurant which has been punching above its weight for many years. Deep in the countryside, in a really idyllic spot, Hotel Molino del Santo continues to offer excellent service and quality in all it does. With 18 comfortable rooms in the hotel and wonderful terraces alongside a mountain stream where amazing food is served every day, it is little wonder that thousands of people visit the hotel every year.

Great Food

Never a dull moment HEY have spent the last seven years getting to know the Cadiz province like the back of their hands. And now Tomas and Ase Donso have converted their knowledge of the region into a new book. The book Food & La Vida features over 50 of their favourite recipes. But it also has a series of tips on what to see and do in the area and where to shop. A laid back fellow Tomas loves the region

Awardwinning hotel and restaurant 39

FOOD & DRINK

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top to finish. This is a delicious and flavorful recipe that works well served on its own or with a green salad. Chives also make a good alternative to basil.

Trip Advisor users love Molino del Santo – making it a winner for the 3rd consecutive year – and the restaurant gets rave reviews from all quarters. A whole range of eating options is availa-

ble from light snacks to full tasting menus where each course is matched with a glass of a local wine – and the wines are also delicious. The local train stops just 300metres from the hotel – but only four times a day. The timings are perfect to visit for lunch or to use the train in to return from walks in the area. Lunch by train from San Roque makes for an unforgettable day out. Fancy staying over? Ronda is just up the road but there is so much to see and do in the area that you may need to stay in the hotel for longer than you planned. For a different day out or a break from the coast, the reception staff – who all speak English – have great knowledge of the area and will be delighted to help you in any way they can. www.molinodelsanto.com T: 952 16 71 51

the

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Malaga madness

FINAL WORDS

THE doctor at the heart of a Spanish blood-doping scandal has caused speculation over whether Real Madrid also used banned drugs. Eufemiano Fuentes is currently on trial accused of overseeing a large-scale doping operation within the cycling industry. However, the doctor has stated that he has also worked with athletes from other sports, including professional football. Leaving court, Fuentes told a Spanish radio station he was “interested in collecting a debt from Real Madrid”. Real Madrid insisted the money Fuentes referred to is from his participation as witness in a lawsuit the club undertook against French newspaper Le Monde. The club later confirmed it was suing him. The following day Fuentes quickly tried to backtrack stating: “I have never given a Madrid player as much as an aspirin,” he added. The football giants are not the first club to be linked to Fuentes. In February, former president of Real Sociedad, Inaki Badiola, admitted the club paid for their players to be doped from 20012007, hinting at Fuentes as a possible supplier.

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The port of Malaga will see its busiest month of the year with a total of 37 cruise ships expected to bring over 60,000 passengers to the city.

Park life €200,000 is to be spent on repairing facilities and improving lighting in Paloma Park in Benalmadena.

Day of destiny

Don’t forget your cape

the goods in front of a sold out home crowd. "These are the games that footballers want to play in, we're very happy to enjoy this atmosphere and that the fans can join in, you can sense the club's dreams everywhere you go,” said Sanchez. “These are games in which the big teams prove themselves," he added.

INSPIRED by the highest paid bullfighter in the world Jose Tomas, who lives on their doorstep, Estepona residents are taking to the ring themselves. A small group including lawyers, architects and even schoolchildren have started to learn the art of bullfighting. Estepona Bullring has launched the classes in a bid to teach the basics of being a matador to anyone interested in the sport. Using a cart in place of a bull, the apprentice matadors are being taught the different passes and cape techniques used by their hero, who has lived in Estepona for some years.

But can Malaga use their home advantage against the Germans in their Champions League quarter final tonight?

THOUSANDS of German football fans have been descending on the Costa del Sol this week to watch Malaga face their sternest test in history. The fans of Borussia Dortmund are expecting an easy win against the minnows of Malaga in the quarter-finals of the Champions League tonight. On paper, the German champions should have no problems beating Malaga across the two legs of the competition.

Impressive

Malaga, who currently sit in fourth position in the Spanish league, have never progressed this far before. It was a major surprise when they made the last eight following last month's 2-0 second-leg win over Porto. The German side's path to the quarter-final was just as impressive, finishing three points clear in a group which featured Real Madrid, Manchester City and Ajax. However, Malaga winger Joaquin Sanchez is confident his side can produce 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