Mallorca Olive Press - Issue 61

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Vol. 3 Issue 61

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Your expat

voice in Spain

August 16th - August 29th 2019

Holiday HORROR

Is 5G really killing us?

We ask the experts, see page 6

British millionaire’s daughter found dead in pool

A BRITISH millionaire’s daughter has been found dead in a swimming pool in Mallorca.

Josie Clacher, 18, was found at the bottom of the pool in Alaro at 7am on August 13, shortly after returning home from a ‘night out’ with friends.

Mum Rachel, who co-founded call answering and live chat service firm Moneypenny, was also at the family’s holiday villa beneath the Tramuntana mountains.

Neighbours reportedly raised the alarm after hearing screaming. Emergency services rushed to the villa, but paramedics were unable to revive Josie by CPR. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Josie, a former pupil at exclusive boarding school Moreton Hall, had reportedly enjoyed a night out with friends the night before she died.

A well-placed source reportedly said Josie had ‘got back to the villa shortly before she was found dead in the pool’.

A post-mortem is determining the cause of death.

A spokeswoman for Moneypenny said: “We are all extremely devastated and our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this tragic time.”

Mum Rachel co-founded the communications provider in 2000 with brother Ed Reeves.

TRAGIC: Josie Clacher while (inset) mum Rachel

doing the right thing, treating people well and providing ongoing support.”

Rachel once revealed in an interview how she discovered she was pregnant with Josie, the second of her three girls, on her first day in her company’s new office back in 2000.

Josie’s father, David, is the practice director at Wrexham’s Schwarz optometrists.

Honour A spokesman for the firm said: Rachel received a CBE in the "We are all devastated by the Queen’s Birthday Honours List news and thoughts and prayers this year, thanking the Queen for are with the family at this diffithe ‘honour’ and ‘acknowledge- cult time." ment’ of her success.

A spokesman for the British ForShe also mentioned her charity eign Office confirmed: “We are WeMindTheGap, created in 2014 supporting the family of a Britto give unemployed people new ish woman following her death career paths and1 opportunities Untitled-1.pdf 16/06/2017 15:36in Majorca, and are in contact through paid trainee schemes. with the Spanish authorities.”

She said: “I strongly believe in Frustrated at not having anyone competent to answer calls, the pair set the business up with just £10,000 of their own money.

Moneypenny is now valued at more than £100,000,000 handling customer service for 13,000 businesses - from small regional firms to the likes of Google, Amazon and Microsoft.

SECRET GETAWAY Meghan Markle and Prince Harry reportedly enjoyed an under-theradar holiday to the Balearics... but the happy couple have received criticism for allegedly travelling by private jet

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CRIME

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NEWS IN BRIEF Abuse claims SPANISH opera legend Placido Domingo has denied sexually harassing fellow performers after at least four women came forward with abuse claims.

Peter picked A MAN has been arrested with 200 kilos of stolen red peppers in his car boot, with the Dos Hermanas resident accused of taking the produce from a farm in Sevilla.

Long time no sea A FISH company has upheld legal action against Spain after a failed drugs bust saw it forced to chuck out 24 tonnes of sardines.

Crime against fashion OFFICERS in El Portil, Huelva discovered over 250 bumbags, Calvin Klein underpants and football shirts as a huge haul of counterfeit goods police was seized in Andalucia.

August 16th - August 29th 2019

FIND HER! As prolific fraudster Mark Acklom is finally jailed police seek mysterious Spanish wife

POLICE want to speak to the Spanish wife of serial British fraudster Mark Acklom.

The conman has been jailed after pretending to be a wealthy banker and spy to swindle a single mother out of her life savings.

The 46-year-old was arrested at his lakeside Zurich mansion hideaway after more than two years on the run with his Spanish wife Maria Yolanda Ros Rodriguez.

It comes after Acklom conned

Sick rape A YOUNG British woman has claimed she was raped on the beach by a French tourist who ‘threatened to drown her if she resisted.’

The 22-year-old had been staying at the same four-star hotel in Magaluf as her alleged attacker, who reportedly filmed the assault and posted it online.

The suspect claimed the pair had ‘consensual sex.’

He awaits trial.

Carolyn Woods, 62, out of more than €320,000 after posing as an MI6 agent and promising to marry her.

The Olive Press previously tracked Acklom and Rodriguez down to Murcia, where they had set up a dodgy property company.

This paper also uncovered Rogriguez’s links to Cartagena, where she and her parents owned a home.

Now the retired detective inspector who brought Acklom to

HUNT: For Maria (right), wife of jailed Acklom (left) justice, has confirmed the wife “There is enough information of the UK’s former most wanted to speak to her,” Adam Bunting fraudster is still under investi- said. gation.

Rodriguez has been known to use the aliases Yoliando Ross, Maria Long and Mary Ross.

She is also a yoga enthusiast having reportedly taken regular €100-an-hour yoga sessions A BRITISH teen has been accused of bottling and always paid in cash. a bouncer so badly he needed 50 stitches.

When asked where the money The 19-year-old, who was partying in Magacame from, Rodriguez would reportedly say her husband was luf, allegedly attacked the Lithuanian man ‘the right-hand man’ of tech bilafter being refused entry to a club. lionaire Elon Musk.

A row broke out after the lad wasn’t allowed Acklom left the UK in 2013 and back in, prompting him to smash a bottle on fled to Spain with his family a terrace table, before allegedly plunging where he lived under the name into the man’s face.

Marc Long.

The bouncer was rushed to Palma’s Son EsRodriguez is understood to pases hospital, while the Brit was cuffed on have returned to Spain with attempted homicide charges. her children while her husband However, the boy was told in court that he serves his sentence in the UK.

50 stitches

will only face charges of wounding with a dangerous weapon.

Got a tip? Email newsdesk@theolivepress.es

EXCLUSIVE

‘You’re not human’ A SWEET seller has appealed an 18-month prison sentence handed to her following an alleged ‘racist attack’ by police.

Meylan Martinez, 25, from Honduras was plying her trade on a Benalmadena beach without a permit.

But instead of a fine, cops allegedly dragged her by the arm some 100 metres from Playa las Gaviotas, up a flight of steps and onto the paseo.

After three beach security agents apprehended five-feet tall Meylan, they radioed in for two Policia Local units.

One officer allegedly grabbed her neck and yelled ‘she’s not human’ and ‘I’m going to kill this one’. The former cleaner was put on Diazepam after sustaining severe neck pain and bruises on her arms.

“I couldn’t stop crying after being dragged,” Meylan, who studied electrical engineering and plays bass, told the Olive Press.

“People were screaming, telling the police to stop:” Karina said her sibling now ‘can’t sleep’ and ‘wakes up screaming in the night’.

The town hall and police failed to comment in time for press.

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NEWS

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DO-GOODER: Gere meets migrants

RICHARD Gere has highlighted the plight of migrants stranded in the Mediterranean after the Hollywood star boarded a Spanish rescue ship.

The actor met some of the 160 migrants trapped aboard the NGO boat, Proactiva Open Arms.

The vessel has been stuck for two weeks off the Italian island of Lampedusa.

The 69-year-old, who became a father with his Spanish wife earlier this year, appeared in a video message urging people to support the charity and the people onboard.

Gere said he spoke to almost everyone

Top Gere on board, saying ‘there are 121 stories.’

“These are extraordinary people, they are so strong, they lived such horrors, they were living in hell… torture, rapes, imprisonment,” he said.

The Pretty Woman star said he did not care about politics and that the point was to help people in distress.

“I am coming from a place with a very bizarre political situation, with a president who is putting an enormous amount of energy into dehumanizing people.”

Heir miles

Shining bright ANTONIO Banderas has hit the red carpet at the 2019 Starlight Gala in Madrid with girlfriend Nicole Kimpel.

The 56-year-old actor looked dapper in a black tux while his 39-year-old partner donned a sparkling, blush coloured ball gown.

The Malagueño co-hosted the charity event which helps raise money to improve the education, health and living conditions of low income families and children in Spain.

It comes after the couple stepped out for the premiere of Banderas’ new film Pain & Glory in London.

Harry and Meghan opt for a secret Balearic island escape but get into hot water over use of private jet PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle have taken their newborn son Archie on his first family holiday to Ibiza - by private jet.

The Duchess of Sussex had flown to the White Isle to celebrate turning 38 with a six day trip which saw the royal couple stay at a secluded villa.

NEWBORN: Archie

All Wright on the night MICHELLE Keegan has shown her wild side in Spain on a rare date night with husband Mark Wright.

The 32-year-old actress, of Coronation Street fame, showed off her tan in a leopard print mini-dress while her partner and former TOWIE star played it safe in black jeans and a shirt.

The couple were at STK in Ibiza to spend some quality time together.

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Despite talking up their eco credentials, Prince Harry and Meghan’s chartered jet would have emitted six times more carbon dioxide per person than a standard flight.

“The Duke of Sussex speaks wonderful and stirring words on the environment and then he flies off on holiday to a European destination in a private jet,” said Aaron Kiely of Friend of the Earth.

“He could have taken a train and then a boat.

“This would have been IN LOVE: Harry and Meghan the perfect opportunity to set emerged of the Duke and an environmental example.”

Duchess of Sussex and Archie, Ibiza has been said to hold who stayed at a villa away from a special place in Meghan’s the cameras. They travelled heart, she visited the island in with security personnel and it 2016, with a group of friends is reported that local security before meeting the British forces were not needed.” prince. A source told the MalOpinion Page 6 lorcan press: “No images have

FAN: Meghan on previous trip to Ibiza with pals

August 16th - August 29th 2019

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Rafa books venue R A F A E L Nadal will marry his fiance Xisca Perello at Sa Fortalesa, near Pollensa, sources close to the pair have revealed.

According to sources, the couple have booked the stunning fortress, which was used to defend against attacks from the sea in some 350 years ago.

In 2008 the property was put on the market for more than €100 million.

Around 500 guests are expected to be at the tennis pro’s wedding, including former King of Spain Don Juan Carlos.

The venue was a major filming location for the BBC hit TV drama The Night Manager.

STUNNING: Alleged wedding location for Nadal

Under el Sea JAVIER Bardem (right) is in talks to play King Triton in Disney’s upcoming live-action remake of The Little Mermaid.

News of the Spanish actor’s involvement - famous for No Country For Old Men and Skyfall - comes as One Direction star Harry Styles has this week turned down an offer to play Prince Eric.

Halle Bailey, meanwhile, has been confirmed as Ariel.

The Little Mermaid will be directed by Chicago director Rob Marshall and written by Finding Neverland screenwriter David Magee.

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NEWS

Strikes announced

MISERY: For Ryanair travellers

August 16th - August 29th 2019

RYANAIR has announced a set of September strikes in hopes of preventing the closing of bases in Gran Canaria, Tenerife Sur and Gerona.

A press release from the unions has stated that on September 1, 2, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, and 28 there will be a cabin crew strike, causing major delays and maybe cancellations to and from Mallorca.

Although the strikes have been announced, they are not officially registered yet and could be avoided with negotiations – although the unions find this option ‘highly unlikely.’

Face the music

Government investigating fascist song played at first Mallorca bullfight since 2017

A BANNED fascist anthem has been played during the return of bullfighting to Mallorca.

Around 400 anti-bullfighting protestors turned up to the Plaza de Toros in Palma, shouting, ‘it’s not art, it’s torture’.

Inside the arena 12,000

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WELL STOCKED: Stands are always regularly stocked such as Santa Catalina market

2 Point in question (5) 3 Highest singing voice in women (7) 4 Set (6) 5 Defeated (6) 6 Capital of Japan (5) 7 Indigestion remedy (7) 12 Stopper to keep out noise (7) 14 Jailer (7) 15 Entertains (6) 16 Greek goddess of wisdom (6) 18 Dried plum (5) 20 Seductively beautiful woman (5)

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FURIOUS: Protestors outside bullfight in Palma people watched the first dal to play a Falangist anbullfight on the island since them’.

2017, when it became proThe bullfights marked the hibited.

90th anniversary of the bullOne Dutch activist Peter ring and featured toreros, Janssen even jumped into Morante de la Puebla, Julian the arena with the words Lopez El Juli, Jose Maria ‘Bullfighting never again’ Manzanares and Fandi. written on his body, before In the wake of the 2017 being ejected. ban the Balearic IsBut the fresh lands Regional bloodshed was Government also accompahad promoted nied by fascist an alternative anthem Cara to the bloodal Sol (Facing sport. the Sun).

In that verPenned in sion the bull 1935 by Jose could not be Antonio Pristabbed with mo de Rivera, banderillas the song became (skewers) or be a passionate symin the ring for more bol for the Falangists than 10 minutes. in the Spanish Civil War. A €100,000 fine was also in The Government is now inplace for psychological or vestigating whether playing physical damage to the anithe song on the arena PA mals. system is a violation of DemBut the Supreme Court overocratic Memory Law. turned the bullfighting ban An online statement from in 2018 and only continued leftwing political party to prohibit alcohol sales and Podemos said it was a ‘scanrestrict entrance to over-18s.

‘We’re not slaves’ A SPANISH expat in the UK has blasted Spain’s tourism industry for treating workers ‘like slaves’.

Jesus Herencias, 55 from Marbella (pictured), said he was forced to return to the UK after being treated so badly on the Costa del Sol. It comes after the Asador restaurant in Guadalmina courted controversy when it put up a sign which blamed unemployment benefits on the fact that it could not find a rice chef.

“I worked on the coast’s restaurant scene for decades, in 2000 I was on €2200 a month after tax and NI, but by 2004 the sector was going downhill,” Herencias told the Olive Press, before adding that the sign on display was ‘an insult’. “If the owner can’t find employees it’s because of low pay, no days off in the summer and slave-like conditions.”

Herencias, who moved to Bedford in 2004, said he tried to return to Marbella in 2016 but that every job had ‘serious management and staff issues.’

The HGV driver added: “Many employers get what they deserve, a bunch of unprofessional, untrained staff.

“This is not good for the business or the tourism industry in general.” The father-of-two said he was so ‘disgusted’ he returned to the UK. “I can make a decent living for my family there,” he said.

“I am not a slave.”

Drownings double DROWNING deaths have doubled in Spain withthree deaths a day in July.

Some 94 people drowned in the first month of summer – up from 60 in July last year – according to the Royal Spanish Federation of Lifeguards and Rescue (RFESS). The president of the Federation, Isabel Garcia Sanz, said ‘a variety of factors’ caused the increase.

“What’s important is that 70% of deaths occurred in areas where there were no lifeguards,” she said.

Beach blaze

ES TRENC beach has been evacuated after a forest fire started just 200 metres from the the busy shoreline.

Around 100 sunbathers were moved by lifeguards while the fire in the pine trees spread as smoke engulfed the beach.

An aeroplane, two helicopters and a fire truck were roped in to tackle the flames, which were 'under control' within an hour.

An investigation has been launched to determine what started the fire.

Barking disgrace

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August 16th - August 29th 2019

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Bulldog puppy POSTED 1,000km in the wrong direction before being discovered on Calpe roadside

A BRITISH bulldog puppy has been posted over 1,000km in the wrong direction after an irresponsible dog breeder confused her with a ‘golden retriever’.

The pup was spotted in a plastic cage on a roadside in Calpe ‘sitting in her own poo’ and without water on Tuesday af-

REJECTED: Bulldog

Daughterganger A BRITISH mum has managed to fly from Bristol to Sevilla on her daughter’s passport after a series of airport security blunders.

Susan Rumsby, 55, had picked up the passport of her daughter Isobella, 22, before catching the Ryanair flight.

She passed through security at Bristol airport, where she only needed to show her valid boarding pass.

Ground handlers at the gate were supposed to match the name on the boarding pass to the travellers’ passports but

Susan was allowed through.

Susan was not stopped at Spanish border control as officials failed to notice any discrepancy.

Ryanair has launched a full investigation.

EXCLUSIVE

By Joshua Parfitt

ternoon.

A young British girl Xaidan, 10, saw the dog in the heat of the day and asked mum Daniella if they could take it home.

“My daughter was crying and wouldn’t leave the dog on its own,” Daniella, from London, told the Olive Press.

“She looked a pedigree, and they are worth a lot of money.

“But the puppy was just there on the roadside for anyone to steal.”

Daniella said a Spanish speaking friend confronted the courier company, MRW, who recovered the dog and took it inside their Calpe shopfront to be fed and given water.

A spokesperson for the company revealed to the Olive Press the client in Calpe ‘ordered a golden retriever online’ and had turned its courier away without paying the €450 on delivery.

He said the rightful owner of the bulldog was in A Coruña on the complete other side of

Journalists

ABANDONED: Pup Spain.

“I’ve been working here for 12 years and a dog has never been turned down like this before,” a spokesperson for MRW told the Olive Press.

“This really hurt me as I am a massive dog lover myself.

“But the owner just turned this puppy down like it was a box of shoes.”

Daniella asked the Olive Press to help adopt the homeless puppy, but it turned out the breeder had requested she be sent 1,000km to A Coruña over Tuesday night after already suffering a 500km journey to the Costa Blanca.

An Olive Press investigation revealed the dog was in fact picked up at 9.30am on Wednesday by owner Elena.

Speaking to this paper on the phone, Elena confirmed she had the puppy and was at the vets for a check up.

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www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain

A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than 500,000 people a month.

OPINION Royal debacle Harry and Meghan are under fire for taking yet another private jet flight.

This trip to Ibiza to celebrate Megan’s 38th birthday comes only days after Harry faced criticism for flying a private jet to a star studded climate change summit hosted by Google in Sicily.

The likes of Piers Morgan have waded in claiming it’s hypocritical, the Sussexes can’t be going around preaching to the masses about the catastrophic effects of climate change before jumping on another private charter flights- with six times the C02 emission than a normal trip.

As well as that, some less than loyal subjects may also be irked by the cost of the trip.

Which sees taxpayers potentially liable for the entire bill of up to €100,000.

In the royal couples defence the Prince has done a lot to champion the environment, his airmiles notwithstanding.

Climate change is a big issue and one that benefits massively from the Prince’s support.

And let’s be real, the royal couple can hardly jump on a Ryanair flight in complete safety.

W

FEATURE

HAT connects Spain to cancer fears, Chinese spies and a Gateshead Council court case?

Answer - the rollout of 5G. You may have heard of this new cellular technology, and the lightning fast speeds it promises for our smartphones. Watching Love Island from the heart of the Campo also supposedly just got a whole lot easier.

However anti-5G activists may have scared you with their warnings of ‘5G genocide’ and tales of governments frying our brains with radiation, one anntenna at a time.

On top of that, Chinese tech giant Huawei has been accused of state-sponsored espionage, prompting international calls to reject its 5G technology (see Spy Phone, Issue 319, pg 45).

Here in Spain, Vodafone has made waves in this shadowy area of tech as it unveiled the country’s first 5G network, spanning 15 cities and supported by Huawei (see 5-G that’s fast!, Issue 320, pg 33).

But what actually is 5G? Where is it being used? And should we be worried about our health?

This Olive Press guide tells you all you need to know.

August 16th - August 29th 2019

Hard cell?

As Spain’s first 5G network is unveiled, Charlie Smith taps into the controversial technology

What is it?

As the name suggests, 5G stands for ‘fifth generation’ (see pullout).

It is the most up-to-date form of mobile internet connectivity.

Unlike 4G, its predecessor, 5G networks use ‘super high-frequency radio airwaves’ transmitted via more localised means.

Small 5G transmitters are often located on lamposts, in public areas and closer to homes.

While 4G systems provide speeds of around 45Mbps (megabits per second), it is widely claimed that 5G could up that 20-fold.

Where is 5G?

Puppy post WHO puts a dog in the post? Readers may have wanted to post certain family members to save car journeys next to a chronic complainer.

But a dog in the post. Really?

Animals with the level of sensitivity and need for attention such as dogs should NOT be left to couriers used to handing out whatever Amazon accidentally slipped in your shopping cart.

If you’re willing to commit to a lifelong partnership with a dog, then a day’s journey visiting a proper breeder to collect one and bring it back personally is really nothing.

You can’t post a dog to the vets when it gets ill.

Don’t ever entertain such schemers, because if they’re dumb enough to post your product to the other side of Spain then God forbid we find out how their treat their stock.

Publisher / Editor Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es

Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es

Charlie Smith charlie@theolivepress.es

Joshua Parfitt joshua@theolivepress.es

Timothy McNulty tim@theolivepress.es

The evolution of 5G

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AWARDS

2016 - 2019 Best expat paper in Spain and the second best in the world. The Expat Survey Consumer Awards.

2012 - 2019 Named the best English language publication in Andalucia by the Rough Guides group.

Vodafone’s souped-up networks are located in 15 cities across the country, including Sevilla and Malaga (also Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Zaragoza, Bilbao, Vitoria, San Sebastian, La RADIATION: From phones falls within non-ionizing range of electromagnetic spectrum Coruña, Vigo, Gijon, Pamplona, Logroño and Santander). nology, the World Health Organisation (WHO) This improved service is purely commercial, Should we be worried about our health? published a report in 2011, listing mobile with a basic €49.99 plan available, and an advanced €109.99 package for gamers and Not according to Professor Malcolm Sperrin, phone radiation as a ‘carcinogenic hazard’.

Director of the Department of Medical Physics However, radiation from any mobile phone - 5G more intensive users.

Huawei technology supports the new service, and Clinical Engineering at Oxford University or otherwise - is not within the ‘ionizing range’ of the electromagnetic spectrum. while its phones too, are set to join Vodafone’s Hospitals NHS Trust. current crop of authorised 5G handsets by LG, “There has been no evidence to suggest that In other words, 5G frequencies are nowhere electromagnetic waves from mobile phones near those of X-rays or other radioactive sources Xiaomi and Samsung.

Vodafone currently has Spain’s only 5G net- and networks are bad for your health,” he says. which can break down DNA and cause cancer.

But that hasn’t stopped the In fact, thousands of studies have found no link work, with its rivals Telefonica, proliferation of pseudoscien- between mobile phones and the development Orange and MasMovil not set tific Facebook communities of tumours, although more in-depth research to unveil theirs until 2021 or Gavin Williamson where worried users air their could clear up the picture a whole lot more.

2022. apocalyptic concerns.

If you are on the beach or by the pool with South Korea launched the world’s first 5G network this was even sacked “The radiation from 5G is ille- your 5G phone and are worried about cancer, year, followed by the USA, but

by Theresa May gal and is not insured against,” bear in mind that the sun’s UV rays pose a far the founder of 17,000-strong greater threat. only in Chicago and Minneapoover a Huawei 5G group Stop 5G UK, Cathy ‘Getting sunburn just once every two years can lis.

Dowd, told the Olive Press. triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer’ says Ericsson then gave 54 cities in security leak But perhaps the most promi- Cancer Research UK. Switzerland 5G and the UK was nent activist is self-styled 5G Slap on the sun cream before you make that next, with EE launching new martyr Mark Steele - dubbed call. networks in London, Cardiff, Eda ‘Weapons Systems Head of Display Expert’ inburgh, Belfast, Birmingham and Manchester.

Huawei is behind much of the world’s new 5G - who is UK-based, but well-connected with capabilities and has been accused of aiding Spain. spying, due to its strong ties to the Chinese He was in a court battle with Gateshead Council after claiming its new ‘5G’ street lighting ‘miGovernment.

Australia, New Zealand and Japan have al- crowaved babies in their beds’, and was even 1G - The first generation of mobile ready rejected 5G from the firm, while US Presi- convicted of threatening two councillors. networks landed in Tokyo in 1979, Taking time out from his protests, he told the dent Donald Trump blacklisted Huawei. and used analogue signals.

Former UK Defence Secretary Gavin William- Olive Press: “It’s obvious 5G is a weapon sysson was even sacked by Theresa May over a tem as I have always stated.

2G - SMS - or texting - then beHuawei 5G security leak to the Daily Telegraph. “We are seeing a mass awakening to the 5G However, there is little evidence to suggest spy- crime that is being deployed across the councame possible with ‘second gen’ try.” ing took place. mobile phones, with the launch of Meanwhile, Russia, China, Japan, Brazil, South The Olive Press also spoke about the health the Nokia 1011 in 1992 (below).

Africa, India and eastern Europe are still in the effects of 5G with building biologist Juan Antonio of Cemprotecta, a bioconstruction firm in trial and test phases of 5G. 3G - Around 2001, video callGirona. ing and higher data capacities, “When you increase were then the gripping new the frequencies of features of the third genradio waves they can eration. react with human biology,” he said. “Higher frequencies allow 4G - The beginning of more data to be trans2010 then saw the first 4G mitted.” phones, which offered HD Meanwhile in 2017, data streaming for videos, 180 scientists from gamers and more.

36 countries wrote to the EU warning of the 5G - Featuring never‘increased exposure’ to radiofrequency before-seen ultra fast electromagnetic fields internet speeds of up to (RF-EMF) from 5G. 10Gbps, 2019 is just seeAlthough the FCC in ing the beginning of 5G. America has given the ACTIVIST: Mark Steele has taken anti-5G struggle into court green light to the tech-

www.theolivepress.es

FEATURE

A fruity story It could have been a lemon … but the Olive Press bore fruit of a different nature and now you can read the hilarious new book about how ‘Spain’s most popular expat newspaper’ first began

‘

GET us a copy of the Lemon Tree, love!’

Hmm…doesn’t quite have the same ring to it does it?

But that’s what the Olive Press would have been named were it not for a chatty Spanish olive farmer.

Jason Heppenstall, who originally founded the paper in the Granada village of Orgiva, reveals in his new book how the night before printing its first edition he was inspired to change the name.

“None of us were happy with it,” the 48-year-old, from Solihull, recalls today, “then the night before I was chatting to my olive farmer neighbour and he kept saying ‘olive press’ this and ‘olive press’ that and it just clicked.”

It’s just one of dozens of quirky, hilarious and somewhat unbelievable episodes behind the founding of ‘Spain’s GOING STRONG: The first and latest issues of the Olive Press now most popular expat newspaper’.

The Olive Press: News From the Land of have to read the book Misfits – available to order on Amazon to find out, but Jason – chronicles the trials and tribulations teases: “After we printof launching a newspaper in Spain and ed our first edition, we the funny mishaps – and characters – saw famous expat Driving Over that pop up along the way.

Lemons “It’s hilarious in parts but author also has a bit of an edge Chris Stewart C h r i s to it,” explains Jason, a former energy trader, now walking along the S t e w a r t walking based in Cornwall, who wrote the majority of it street with a copy along the 10 years ago, two years to hold his greasy s t r e e t with a after selling his majority churros! copy of share to current owner Jon it – exClarke. cept he “It was all set to be published but the publisher wanted to cut was using it to hold his out all the juicy bits so I said no, put it greasy churros!” would have away in a drawer and only discovered Who it again recently,” continues Jason, who thought that almost 15 returned to the UK, via Denmark, with years later the paper would be working on his Danish wife and two children.

And those juicy bits are? Well, you’ll a campaign with Stewart in his hometown of Orgiva in a bid to stop a string of electrical pylons from destroying the picturesque region?

“I’m so proud of the paper and what it has become,” added Jason.

“We originally launched it to give people and the expat community in the Alpujarras region a OLIVE PRESS FOUNDER: Heppenstall reveals his tell-all book voice and obviously it has grown a lot since then. had anything less than the ultimate re“But it’s great how things seem to have spect for what Jason and Mark did – as come full circle at the same time as me I wouldn’t have been able to do it alone publishing a book about it all.”

– and the foundations they laid were The current owner Jon bought into the invaluable, particularly the ethos of the paper within its first few months along- Olive Press being environmental in slant side Jason and co-founder Mark, a York- and highly geared to highlighting local shireman. corruption in what was, then, one of EuClarke, who initially launched a Western rope’s most corrupt countries.”

Andalucia edition having worked for 10 Look out for a serialisation of the book MUST-READ: Book about the Olive Press years in Fleet Street, said: “I have never in the Olive Press, coming soon!

August 16th - August 29th 2019

7

olive press online

Spain and Gibraltar’s best English daily news website

TOP DOGS THE Olive Press website has ascended into new heights this week as it entered the top 100,000 IN THE WORLD. It comes after months of repeatedly smashing our 1.5 million monthly hits record as readers from across Europe and the world continue to flock to the best English news site in Spain.

From alleged Finnish drug traffickers to in depth cultural features on the history of flamenco, only the Olive Press offers truly original and entertaining content.

And the figures show it, as we are now officially in the top 100,000 in the world, according to Alexa. com rankings.

This week it places our site above all of our rivals, including thelocal.es and thinkspain.com - the latter of which has been running for almost 20 years.

With an average 50,000 visitors a day from Spain, the UK, Gibraltar, Scandinavia, Germany and beyond, we can promise local businesses comprehensive exposure to tens of thousands of potential clients every week.

This is a healthy mix of local expats, as well as thousands of wealthy tourists every day.

Complemented by our 20,000 loyal Facebook followers and 7,000 Twitter fans, there are few people interested in Spain, who are not being reached.

Why is YOUR BUSINESS still spending far too much on Google adwords and other inferior websites, magazines and newspapers, when the Olive Press GUARANTEES results?

Send us an email today at sales@theolivepress.es or call us at 00 34 951273575 so we can find you a better, more effective way to market your business.

LEADING THE WAY: Latest Alexa rankings from the Olive Press (above) and Think Spain (below)

The top three most read stories on www. theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are:

1

-‘Maniac’ ties hostage to balcony railing after ‘slitting his throat’ in front of horrified British expats and locals on Spain’s Costa del Sol (57,286)

Brexit will cost Spain tens 2- Noofdeal thousands of jobs, study warns (17,625)

3

- Marbella waiter so ‘disgusted’ by ‘slavelike’ treatment of workers on Spain’s Costa del Sol he moved to UK to be a lorry driver (13,827)

Visitors: 539,009

Page views: 610,885

LA CULTURA

8 www.theolivepress.es August 16th - August 29th 2019 what’s on

T

he girls are back

THE Ella International Lesbian Festival is back in Mallorca with seminars, concerts, and activities both on the beaches and in the mountains for the modern LBGQ woman from August 30 through September 6.

C

lassical music

POLLENSA'S annual music festival continues for the 58th year of classical music and arts with evening concerts at the old town's convent on August 17, 21, 24, 27 and 31.

F

estival dance

of

TRADITIONAL Mallorcan dances are honoured at the Sant Bartomeu Festival in Montuiri, with the famous male 'cossiers' touring the town with the devil and a woman, happening now through August 25.

Do you have a what’s on?

Send your information to

newsdesk@theolivepress.es August 16th - August 29th 2019

Water wars All you need to know about Palma’s biggest water fight

THE largest water fight is returning to Palma to remember one of the capital’s longest running family rivalries.

Two noble clans from the 16th century, the Canamunts and the Canavalls, were sworn enemies for generations and feuded for over 60 years.

Their everlasting battles grew to involve other fam-

BRIGHT: Rojas’ work

Living art

WET AND WILD: Revellers from last year’s water fight

ilies from around Europe, and many of the thieves and scoundrels of the city

Morons de la Frontera POLICE have seized a collection of 31 ancient coins, which a pair of thieves made off with in a car.

Both men were caught red-handed, with metal detectors in their boot, in Moron de la Frontera, Sevilla.

They are accused by Policia Nacional officers of raiding an archaeological site in the rural town.

Also recovered by police were excavation tools, numerous coins and other objects.

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were hired to enact their petty revenge on each other. Much of Mallorca was involved and by the end of the feud most citizens had more or less picked a side.

Today Palma remembers the famous battle between the families with STOLEN: Ancient coins seized a water pistol fight in Parc The unlicensed dig sees the duo in de la Mar, breach of Andalucian Historical Hernear the Caitage Law and their finds will now be thedral. sent to the Archaeological Museum On September of Sevilla for classification.

1, all are invit-

SHOP with our signature collectiont Tuesday – Sunday: 9.30-21.00h RESTAURANT 19 by Livingdreams: Tuesday – Sunday: 09.30-15.00h 19.00-22.00h >>> seasonal changes at website

ed to join the pistol party and can wear either red to support the Canamnuts or yellow to side with the Canavalls.

Colour

Canamunts will meet at the Porta des Camp, while the Canavalls will gather at Placa Drassanes at 4:30 pm – each team will parade to the battleground of Parc de la Mar with their own band in tow.

To join in the fun, bring a water gun and dress in the colour of the team, or family, you wish to side with and get ready for a wet evening.

ALARO based artist Jose Manuel Menendez Rojas is the newest artist on display at Rialto Living in Palma.

The high-end home store is exhibiting Rojas’ collection, Humidity until September 17.

The 63-year-old’s paintings interpret the relationships between people and the environment through abstract sketches and rough images.

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Property

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www.theolivepress.com

Issue 32

August 2019

JAW-DROPPING: Spanish firm wows judges in battle for award SEE PAGE 12

New fans Why this medieval town - among others - is being praised by Spain’s top architects, see page 14

Sheikh it up Man City owner snaps up €16 million mansion down the road from Julio Iglesias in Andalucia

LUCKY: Sheikh Mansour

MANCHESTER City FC owner Sheikh Mansour will soon be neighbours with Julio Iglesias, it has emerged.

The football mogul, 48, has splashed out on a stunning €16 million, 25-acre farm near Monda.

Set on the edge of the idyllic Sierra de las Nieves, Finca Moratan y Bornoque comes complete with four farmhouses, a 72-metre-square pool and a guest cottage.

The Emirati royal can even get his hands dirty with his new home’s walnut plantations, cork farm and cattle fields, which can generate over

€150,000 a year in extra income.

His new pad even sports a 60 x 12 metre private dam, used for irrigation, watering animals and fire prevention.

Mansour, who is deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, will also count embattled Spanish pop star Julio Iglesias among his neighbours.

The lothario singer, 75 - whose love child was recently proved to be 100% his son - owns the €145 million Las Cuatro Lunas in nearby Ojen.

Even the Sheikh cannot rival the musician’s mansion, which boasts four pools, a recording studio and a guest

SPRAWLING: Sheikh’s new estate in Monda

house across 450 acres.

The estate - which Iglesias put on sale last year - was also the site of the

artist’s secret wedding to Miranda Rijnsburger in 2010, in front of just 15 guests.

10

August 2019

PROPERTY

Mark Stucklin

Choppy waters

www.spanishpropertyinsight.com

I

SEE signs that the Spanish Taking out a mortgage is getting more mortgage market is heading complex, which is sure to turn off some for choppy waters as a result of Government interference, foreign buyers at a time when demand is and it’s not great news for the already going soft, writes Mark Stucklin housing market in general, and foreign buyers in particular.

The other day Banco Santand- 17th June 2019. Overall foreign ing partner of Mortgage Dier announced their Q1 results demand declined in Q1for the rect, a company specialising in and tactfully pointed out that, first time in almost a decade, sourcing mortgages for foreign thanks to new mortgage regu- with pronounced falls amongst borrowers, for his thoughts on lations, it’s getting harder to northern European nationali- the subject. sign a mortgage in Spain due to ties like the British and Swedes, “We have not noticed any “longer and more complicated whom Spanish banks prefer to change in foreign demand for processes” in the words of Man- lend to when it comes to foreign Spanish mortgages yet, but aging Director José clients, as the pa- I feel it’s too early to see any perwork and credit marked change,” he told me.

Luis Álvarez. He scoring is easier. “Banks are still getting to grips was too diplomatic Some potential It’s not hard to with the new laws, not least the to criticise the Government in Madrid imagine that a per- situation where clients are not foreign buyers centage of poten- earning in Euros, as the general for its new mortcould now gage law but you tial foreign buyers interpretation is that they can don’t need a PhD abandon the idea will now abandon switch the mortgage currency to work out what of buying in Spain the idea of buying to the currency of the earnings if he was saying. The a home in Spain the exchange rate goes against new regulations because getting a them by a certain margin. This are going to make mortgage is simply is a huge risk and we will poit harder and more expensive to too much trouble. Maybe lend- tentially see more conservative take out a mortgage in Spain, ers were already adjusting to lending to those earning in GBP, especially if you are a foreigner. the draft regulations in Q1, with USD, CHF, NOK, etc etc.”

Foreign demand for property might help explain the decline Even if reports from the coal in Spain was already going in foreign demand that period. I face of the mortgage market are not yet bad, Kevin added, soft before the new mortgage don’t know. regulations kicked in on the I asked Kevin Monger, a found- “Things are changing by the

day with banks formulating new policies – It promises to be an interesting time.”

Personally, I can’t see how forcing borrowers using mortgages to visit a notary ten days before completion will not have a significant negative impact on foreign demand.

Mortgage Stamp Duty Increases in Catalonia Meanwhile, in Catalonia, the Regional Government has announced plans to increase mortgage stamp duty from 1.5% to 2% on all mortgages taken out in the region. This will distort the Spanish mortgage market, with higher borrowing costs in Catalonia than anywhere else in Spain. The move will increase setup costs by close to €800 on

a typical loan of €125,000, calculate the CECA banking association. As most loans in Catalonia are €140,000 or more, the cost to borrowers will be even higher, as it all gets passed onto borrowers one way or another.

The rising cost and complexity of taking out a mortgage in Spain, especially in Catalonia, is likely to discourage a certain amount of foreign buyers at a time when foreign demand is already going soft. Bear in mind that foreign demand is key to to some market segments on the coast and islands, and in cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Palma de Mallorca.

www.spanishpropertyinsight.com

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11 August 2019

Magnifique

Holy moly!

A FORMER monastery dating back to the 15th century has gone up for sale in Calvia.

The nunnery has been transformed into a 300,000 square metre luxury villa with 15 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms.

The property in Santa Ponsa also boasts elegant gardens, a helipad, tennis court and swimming pool and is yours for a cool €19.5 million.

The estate, first built in 1450, has stunning mountain views and consists of three main buildings.

The main house has three bedrooms, with a nearby guest house hosting seven more bedrooms. The last

Rocketing rents THE average cost of renting in Spain has shot up by 50% in just five years.

According to Idealista, the places worst-hit by the rent hike were Palma and Barcelona (more than 50%), followed by Malaga, Madrid, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Valencia (all around 45%).

The report found that rental charges have increased at a ‘significantly’ faster rate than housing costs.

It comes as anti-tourism groups have staged protests in hotspots like Palma, blaming holidaymakers for the spike in rents. Inland areas, meanwhile, saw the lowest bumps in rent.

CAPTION

five bedrooms are found in the staff house on the property.

The tranquil estate is for sale through Engels and Voelkers.

ARCHITECTS behind a new luxury residential tower under construction in Barcelona have revealed the full design.

The project entitled ‘Antares’ has been led by French architect Odile Decq and will comprise of a 30 story tower with 89 flats offering sweeping views of the city.

Located on avinguda di-

agonal, one of Barcelona’s broadest and most important avenues, the development will offer a selection of one to four bedroom apartments.

"Antares is my first residential development and its design speaks to the heart of my philosophy to bring originality and innovation to everything I do," explained Odile Decq.

COMING SOON: New tower

Painting history Picasso Towers to have cinema, gym and celebrity residents as more details of luxury development emerge AN Antonio Banderas-backed development on the Costa del Sol has claimed it will be the ‘most desirable in Spain’ and ‘possibly the world’.

Picasso Towers will bring a ‘new level of luxury’ to Malaga’s seafront with 71 luxury five-star homes ranging from two to five bedrooms and two penthouse apartments in each block (both with their own private pool).

Other new details to emerge include a cinema, several

swimming pools, gyms, office space, a child daycare centre and 24-hour concierge service.

Banderas has already purchased a home in one of the three blocks, where prices start at €650,000.

The average price per square

Raising the roof

ALL CHANGE: For Bilbao museum

Beauty "I hope antares sets a new standard for what a luxury building can be. from the building’s architecture, which embraces the beauty of the surrounding barcelona area, all the way to the finishes in the interiors, I have taken the utmost care and consideration into every aspect of its design."

Office blocked

GAME CHANGERS: Picasso Towers will arrive to Malaga in 2021

metre is currently between €5,000 and €6,000.

The project has been described as ‘Hyde Park One meets Malaga, without the ridiculous prices’.

Lead architect Maria Chocarro recently told reporters the ‘three towers will change the skyline of Malaga forever’.

Isaaq Majid Gomez, operations director for PrimeHouse,

FOSTER + Partners has revealed plans to add this incredible overhanging rooftop extension to the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum.

Created with local studio LMU Arkitektura, it was the winning bid in a competition that invited studios from around the world to ‘write a new chapter in the life of the institution’. The addition will contain a mix of gallery spaces and public viewing platforms. It will form part of a wider overhaul of the museum which will also see the restoration of several original elements.

the agency which will be marketing the development, has reported that 30% of residences in the first tower have already been sold off-plan.

The apartments are being built and developed by Metrovacesa and luxury property firm Sierra Blanca Estates Developments.

Meanwhile, famous Spanish architect firm Estudio Lamela is taking care of the design while awardwinning designer Jaime Beriestain is looking after the interiors.

The first block will be ready in 2021.

THE Mayor of Malaga has said he would like to see the city’s old landmark Post Office HQ be turned into offices.

It comes after some councillors suggested the the iconic but derelict block of 4,097 square meters, near Puente de Tetuan, be converted into a hotel or a halls of residence.

“While I have always said that Malaga needs hotels, I have also reiterated how much it needs office buildings for rent and warehouses for logistics,” said Mayor Francisco de la Torre.

Andalucia Minister of Finance, Juan Bravo, said there were ‘many companies’ interested in the site, but that the first priority would be to ‘clean the building’.

NEW FUTURE: Post office HQ

MD let us guide you home

Buying or Selling a property come to visit us in our brand new office, Plaza Portals nous. 3. or visit www.themallorcadeal.com

PROPERTY

12

August 2019

Out of the shadows Young Spanish firm up for ‘emerging architect’ of the year award

T

HE competition is heating up for this year’s Dezeen awards.

From thousands of architects and interior designers from around the world, the internationally renowned architecture publication will announce the winners on September 1.

Vying for the Emerging Architect of the Year is Barcelona-based studio Nomo.

The young firm has made an impression in the building biz with its whitewashed homes comprising unusual shapes.

Below we have rounded up its most memorable works.

WOW: Frame House in Menorca, built for a private family, offers stunning views

Keys Isl nd to the

By Amanda Butler

Mallorca’s Searing temperatures are not ideal for showing clients around luxury properties, writes Amanda Butler

J

ULY in Mallorca was the second hottest since records began according to Aemet, with the highest temperature registered being 40.6°C, 4 degrees hotter than the 44.2°C registered in Muro in July 1994.

For me it’s not the temperatures that are hard to cope with (I was born in Egypt, no perhaps not surprising), it’s the humidity that knocks me out.

I try to dissuade any high end clients from visiting in July or August, and instead to delay their visits until September when the temperatures and humidity have normally lowered, and of course the crowds have reduced and children go back to school.

I must admit I am rather looking forward to September!

Rentals The bank of Spain has revealed that the cost of rented accommodation has soared in Spain, in some instances as much as 40%.

Palma wins the award for the highest rise of 55%, outstripping all other cities in Spain, which of

Hotting up

course is bad news for the average employee.

These days even finding high end accommodation, particularly at this time of year, requires many a phone call to my ‘little black book’ of contacts.

Balearics in top percentile for property prices

Idealista has recently published a report showing that the Balearics have five of the most expensive municipalities in Spain for buying a home.

In first place is Formentera, the island just off Ibiza, at an average of €7,401 per square metre.

Deia is in second place at €5,342.

Andratx comes in at €5,000, and Calvia at €3,946.

Naturally this is an average, with many lower priced regions, but these high average prices are

GORGEOUS: (Top right) Stone House in Menorca while (below and right) its chic interior and views to the sea

influenced by mostly high end foreign buyers.

For those following my articles, both my hotel client and my ‘Fantasma’ are rather dragging their heels, with a few delays with proof of funds.

Whether anything transpires remains to be seen, so in the meantime I am dealing with a few smaller clients with lesser budgets, as well as looking around for a new home myself.

One would naturally assume that I’m in the perfect business to source a property for myself.

Needless to say, since much of my property search work is in the higher realms, my budget does not quite fit!

Champagne tastes on a ‘slightly’ more Sauvignon Blanc budget.

So this is going to be an interesting journey, which I hope won’t be too depressing for me as we progress.

For any questions or if you require assistance with selling or buying a property you can contact Amanda on ajb@mjcassociates.net, the Buyer’s Agent Specialist.

EYE-CATCHING: Nomo’s latest project, Bridge House, comprises stacked pentagon pods in Menorca

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The Olive Press (all editions) property section – 342mm x 256mm

LIFE

•

14 August

FUNERAL

14

August 2019

PROPERTY

Not just a pretty face Architects think these are the most beautiful villages in Spain

W

E’VE all read about the purported beauty of Spain’s pueblos blancos.

Andalucia in particular is awash with these glistening, white villages, often extolled in publications like Tripadvisor and Lonely Planet.

Perched on top of hills and nestled in mountain valleys, they are one of the hallmarks of property and travel writing, along with Moorish ruins, winding cobbled streets and Game of Thrones castles.

But there is so much more to Spanish architecture than picture-

postcard villages.

From rooftop hieroglyphs to 500-year-old air conditioning, we round up Spain’s most beautiful villages, from the perspectives of top architects.

And yes, there is a whitewashed pueblo or two on the list...

Albarracin, Teruel

Guadix, Granada

The ‘cave houses’ of this town - which number about 2,000 are its most remarkable feature.

These underground living spaces have been chosen by Andalucians since the 15th century, although these days, many are fitted out with full kitchens and even WiFi. Architect Roberto Benito described them as: “A natural insulator that causes the temperature inside to range between 18ºC and 20ºC all year.

“The silence and tranquility on the insides, which are also whitewashed to replace the lack of natural light in the deepest rooms, mean these types of homes are still being built today.”

Often dubbed the ‘most beautiful village in Spain’, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the red sandstone facades of Albarracin are purely aesthetic.

In fact, the stunning building material was sourced from nearby quarries for its waterproof and insulating qualities.

“The organic material also changes colour over time due to the impact of light,” according to Ignacio Vleming, author of urban architecture book, Fisura.

He also described the Medieval and Moorish icon as the ‘summary of much of the popular constructive forms of Spain’.

Alcantarilla, Murcia

Fornalutx, Mallorca This tiny village in the north of the Balearic island may have the most unusual roof tiles in Spain.

Set in the Serra de Tramuntana, stone-clad houses in winding streets are adorned with intricately crafted ceramic tiles, some of which date back to the 16th century.

Professor of Art History at Madrid’s UNED, Antonio Perla, said the the objects are ‘painted with scenes, images, symbols, prayers and dates’.

The mostly red tiles reflect the history of Fornalutx, including its loves, fears and even the weather.

“These set of homes come complete with towers, ditch systems and water mills, and reflect a traditional lifestyle from the garden of Murcia,” Architect Sanchez Llorens recently said of Medieval town of Alcantarilla. Original Moorish settlers channeled the Segura River, using the water for gardening and thus growing the mulberry in the 16th century so they were able to feed silkworms, adding Murcia to the silk road.

“That new source of wealth is reflected in its wooden structures,” added Sanchez Llorens, “which would have been expensive at the time.”

15 August 2019

Not just a pretty face continued...

Vejer de la Frontera, Cadiz

Arcos de la Frontera, Cadiz

“Vejer is another white town where the mixture of lime, water and sand applied annually to the walls of its houses is a perfect measure against heat,” explained urban architect Almudena de Benito.

“The walls of this colour reflect solar radiation meaning lower thermal absorption and, consequently, cooler interiors.”

Bougainvillea bushes creeping up walls and around doorways also help fend off the searing temperatures to hit this walled hilltop village.

Outside the battlements sit swathes of orchards and orange groves, while inside, is a myriad of quaint cobbled streets, packed closely together.

What you may not know about this town is that its whitewashed houses are ‘organised around courtyards to regulate temperature’.

“It has a clear Arab influence

but at the same time is a reflection of the rich mixing of cultures that made us who we are,” said architect and teacher at Superior Technical School of Architecture of Madrid,

Mara Sanchez Llorens.

She also claims that the organisation of gardens and buildings in Arcos de la Frontera even inspired Mexican architect Luis Barragan.

Campo de Criptana, Castilla-La Mancha It wouldn’t be travel writing without invoking a bit of Don Quixote.

The windmills of Campo de Criptana are those which allegedly inspired Miguel de Cervantes to pen his seminal work back in 1605.

Quixote famously loses his mind and fights the cereal mills, the 16th century architecture of which, is still preserved today.

“The route of the windmills can help us to visit landscapes in which, as in the desert, on the coast or other homogeneous environments, certain architectures allow us to have geolocation references and at the same time participate in a collective imagination,” said Sanchez Llorens.

Bendinat Golf – Delightful Garden Apartment with views over Bendinat Golf Course

El Gasco, Extremadura The stonepile homes of Las Hurdes are almost the antithesis to the heatstopping measures of Andalucia’s pueblos blancos.

These stacked slate structures are purpose-built to conserve heat, rather than reflect it, as in southern Spain.

For Sanchez Llorens, the village of El

M

Gasgo, which was the site of a meteorite impact a million years ago, is the most emblematic of this cool architectural style.

“It is interesting to assess how these popular architectures also need a certain technique to be habitable,” she added.

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BUSINESS Dealt a blow

17

August 16th - August 29th 2019

Pay on the go

CAIXABANK has reached one million mobile payment customers, an indication of the growing popularity of digital payments in Spain.

The number of Caixabank app users had grown by 87% over the last year and now stands at more than 1.4 million.

Customers are increasingly opting to use their phones to make payments, with this mobile users 10.8% of all Caixabank card customers.

In total, during the last year, cards paired with Caixabank’s mobile app have carried out more than 49.2 million transactions.

Caixabank CEO Juan Antonio Alcaraz said: “2019 has been the year mobile payment took off throughout Spain, a trend accelerated by the growing importance of the user experience as a success factor in any digital product.”

Half a million jobs to go in the UK in the event of a no deal Brexit, newlyreleased study finds A NO-deal Brexit would cause the loss of 1.2 million jobs across Europe, including 70,410 in Spain, according to a newly-released study by Belgium’s Leuven University.

The impact study, commissioned by the Belgian government, showed that the UK leaving the EU without an agreement would cause major job losses in every country in Europe.

France would lose 141,320 jobs, while Germany would suffer a massive 291,930 redundancies, the study said.

Of course, the country expected to suffer the most is the UK, where more than 500,000 jobs would be lost.

LESS than one call a day is made on each of Spain’s 16,000 public payphones.

The upkeep of the service costs telecoms company Telefonica €4.52 million each year.

But a Spanish law is keeping them alive thanks to rules that the company must supply one payphone for every 3,000 people in each town of 1,000 or more residents.

The company estimates that of the 16,000 present, half are never used and 12,000 ceased to be profitable years ago.

The numbers of these payphones have

The study looked at both the total number and the percentage of jobs that would be lost in each country.

Ireland would be one of the worst-hit countries percentage wise, as it stands to lose 50,330 jobs. Belgium too would lose a higher percentage of jobs, with 42,390 redundancies expected there in a no-deal scenario.

Impact

The study also looked at the potential impact if the UK left with an agreement. In that case, the number of jobs lost across Europe would be smaller – but still significant.

Not hanging up also fallen dramatically from 65,000 in the 1990s, to just 16,000 today.

But despite statistics from the National Commission on Markets and Competency (CNMC) that 88% of Spaniards have never used a phone booth, a royal decree was enacted last December prolonging the law.

With this decree lasting for a year, CNMC has called on the government to drop the universal service obligation.

MAPPED: Expected job losses from no-deal Brexit Spain was one of the EU nations nario, researchers assumed least affected by Brexit, but it the UK would leave the single was still expected to face 15,840 market and fall back on the job losses if Britain leaves the rules of the World Trade OrEU with an agreement. ganisation.

The study took into account Meanwhile, a separate data how supply chains across the set published in the FinanEU and globally would be dis- cial Times this week showed rupted, as well as the coun- how personal finances would tries’ direct trade links with be hit across Europe under a the UK. no-deal scenario, with the UK To calculate the impact, re- again worst hit. searchers defined ‘leaving It showed that southern with an agreement’ as a situ- Spain is expected to escape ation where the UK leaves the the effects, but those in the EU but remains part of the north and centre of the couninternal market or the Euro- try can expect to be around pean Customs Union.

50 euros worse off annually For the projected no-deal sce- on average.

A to Zed STRUGGLING supermarket chain Dia has been hit with yet another crisis as its new owner faces an ant-corruption probe in Spain.

Russian billionaire Mikhail Fridman’s owns 70% of the failing chain but now faces an investigation by Spain’s anticorruption prosecutor.

The probe centres around Fridman’s involvement in the bankruptcy of Spanish tech company Zed Worldwide.

The prosecution believes as a shareholder and creditor of Zed, Fridman achieved the company’s ‘financial strangulation.’

Fridman later acquired Zed for €20 million, well below the company's market value.

Heat strike

UNIONS have denounced 75 construction companies for exposing their workers to soaring summer temperatures in Andalucia.

This year has seen the largest number of complaints submitted to the Labour Inspectorate.

Andalucia is the only one of Spain’s provinces to protect workers during the hot summer, with work limited to between 7.30 am and 2.30 pm.

It comes after a 57-year-old worker Domingo Ocana fell from scaffolding at a school near Jaen and died.

The construction sector in Andalucia represents 7% of its total economic output.

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18

August 16th - August 29th 2019

Pay delay FREELANCERS in Andalucia have to wait more than 100 days on average to get paid, more than three times the legal limit.

Of the seven municipalities in Spain that have an average payment period of more than 100 days, six of them are in Andalucia.

Spectacular

The most spectacular case is that of Jaen, which has an average period of 532 days according to a report by the National Federation of Associations of Autonomous Workers.

In addition, other Andalucian towns such as Mijas, Huelva, Fuengirola, Cordoba Chiclana de la Frontera have also been found to exceed the maximum period of 30 days.

BRITISH design firm Victoria PLC has acquired the Spanish ceramic manufacturer Ibero.

Iberoalcorense, stylised as Ibero, was founded in 1958 and supplied specialised stores throughout Europe, North America and the Middle East.

The Valencia based company stopped trading in 2018 with a turnover of €30.9 million.

BUSINESS Role reversal

Number of British visitors to Spain drops amid pound drop and no deal brexit threat but European neighbours pick up the slack

GERMAN and French tourists are filling the void left by the drop in British tourists to Spain.

The latest numbers show its closest neighbours are visiting – and spending – more than their British counterparts.

According to the National Institute of Statistics, June saw a 5.3% drop in British tourists year-on-year, compared to a surge in German and French holidaymakers, of 8.4% and 8% respectively.

Other markets also saw a

notable boost, with visitors from Switzerland soaring 20.1%, Portugal by 17.9% and the United States 9.4%.

It comes as the ongoing Brexit saga has seen the British pound drop considerably against the euro amid increasing uncertainty and threats of a no-deal exit.

Overall, the number of international tourist arrivals in Spain rose 3.2% in June year-on-year, with a total of 8.8 million visitors.

Tourists spent €9.69 billion and continued eleven

Victorian “With a solid management team in Spain, we hope to develop the Iberian business as part of Victoria,” said Victoria group president Geoff Wilding.

“Ibera are very high quality manufacturer that fits in an excellent way,” he continued.

“According to our criteria, it

is an excellent investment , in terms of manufacturing facilities, and will generate benefits immediately.”

months of expenditure growth, thanks a lot to the French and Germans.

The British still spent the most in June, splashing out €1.945 billion, however this was a 4.3% drop on the year before.

The Germans, meanwhile, propped up the drop, spending €1.3 billion, a 7.5% increase while the French spent €664 million, an 8.8% increase.

From January to June, British tourists spent €7.747 billion, representing a 1% increase on the same period last year.

The Germans, meanwhile, spent €5.313 billion in the same period, a 2.1% yearon-year increase.

The French spent €2.962 billion, a 0.8% increase.

Spain is set to record another record year after welcoming 38.2 million international tourists in the first half of 2019, before the heights of July -September.

The first six months of this year show the UK

still brought in the highest number of tourists with 8.3 million, but it was a 1.4% decrease on last year.

While Germany sent 5.3 million holidaymakers, however, it was a 3.4% year-on-year increase.

In June, Catalunya reigned supreme among Spain’s holiday destinations.

Million

The home of Barcelona and Sitges welcomed 2.15 million tourists, enjoying a 2.2% year-on-year increase.

The Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, Formentera and Menorca) followed closely behind with 2.06 million international visitors, a 2.6% decrease.

Andalucia was third with 1.24 million visitors however it enjoyed a 6.4% increase on the year before.

Tourists spent the most in Catalunya, followed by the Canary Islands and Andalucia.

Water cycle A PAIR of entrepreneuring scientists in southern Spain have worked out a way to reuse waste water, solving a key issue in the circular economy.

Ricardo Martinez, 26 and his partner Cristina Varona, 25 have developed a new technology to transform industrial wastewater into drinkable water.

For every 100 litres of water used in the industrial saltpurification processes, 70 is filtered but the remaining 30 are thrown away, according to Martinez.

Through their company, Useful Wastes, the pair reuse this discarded ‘brine’ to produce clean water as well as bleach.

‘Water is an essential resource’ continued Martinez.

“Society is not conscious, because it misuses this resource, with disastrous environmental consequences.”

Martinez has predicted Spain will become ‘a pioneer’ in the sector and expand into possible markets such as the United States or Saudi Arabia.

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

19

August 16th - August 29th 2019

Selling porkies

Burger battle MALLORCA’S beefiest event is back and bigger than ever.

Palma’s famous Battle of the Burger festival is set to return to Palma’s Son Fusteret on August 31 and September 1.

Meat lovers can get in on the action for just €5 with pre-sale tickets and tuck into a loaded patty from 13 of Mallorca’s best burger joints, including The Royal Burger, The Burger Factory and Lemon Tree.

And to make sure visitors can try as many burgers as possible, vendors will be selling small versions and vegan options.

There will also be live rock music on stage all day from bands including Los Nastys and Billy Flamingos.

This year will also see the addition of new competitions, including the Man vs Burger challenge - competitors race to eat a burger with onion rings, fries and more weighing a whopping three kilograms. There is also a competition where guests eat a burger while riding a mechanical bull.

Fake jamon iberico on Spanish supermarket shelves is ‘Poles’ apart from the real thing CARREFOUR supplier and Spain’s biggest distributor of jamon iberico, Comapa, has been accused of labelling Polish pork as from ‘La Alpujarra’ in Granada.

The alarm was raised by the Association of Producers of Granada, who transferred its complaint to consumer rights organisation Facua, claiming the labelling was ‘misleading’.

The association has demanded the products – a third of the price of genuine SUPERMARKET chain Carrefour has started offering reusable cotton bags as an alternative to plastic.

Customers can purchase the 100% cotton mesh bags from the greengrocer section in stores, the company has announced.

Carrefour has become the first supermarket chain in Spain to adopt this approach. The retail giant has also removed plastic packaging from fruit and vegetables.

According to the chain,

Alpujarras jamon iberico – be removed from the market.

Comapa admitted the pigs were Polish, but claimed the production of its jamon is carried out in Granada.

In 2016, the Association of Producers of Granada registered the ‘Jamones La Alpujarra’ guarantee mark with the Junta de Andalucia.

The rules state the jamon must be made in the region, must come from a female or a castrated male and must

Cottoning on

these measures have helped the outlet to reduce plastic by more than 80% and were a direct result of consultation with customers.

What’s on for foodies!

G PIG’S EAR OF IT: Polish hams NOT from Granada not contain additives or pre- label, ‘Jamones Sierra Alpuservatives – only ham and jarra’, also in 2016. salt.

They maintain Poland ‘is The curing process must an EU country’ and so food take at least between 16 and standards are the same as in 20 months – whereas Coma- Spain. pa jamons are only cured for Francisco José Fernández is eight months. one of seven businesses in Sales prices in large super- the Association of Producmarkets such as Carrefour ers of Granada. He has been are around €25 per piece managing the family busifor a Comapa jamon – com- ness Jamones de Juviles, pared with an average of inherited from his grandfa€80 euros for the jamons ther, for 30 years. from companies registered “I feel helpless to see how under the Jamones La Alpu- my father and my grandfajarra label. ther have been fighting to “The hams they bring from make a name in the market Poland are of poor quality,” for hams in the region and Pilar Álvarez, representative now a company uses that of the Association of Pro- brand without producing in ducers of Granada, told El the area,” he said.

Pais.

“They denigrate the quality Comapa registered its own of the ham of La Alpujarra.”

rand opening PALMA'S newest expat hot spot Mike & Dave's American Street Kitchen is having a grand opening party on August 18, offering sliders, hot dogs, pizza and more with a drink for only €5.

T

asty tacos SANTA Catalina's favourite vegan restaurant is hosting a Mexican Streetfood Night on August 17 – find flavourful tacos and burritos at Sabores De Sandra.

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est brunch WEEKENDS are always a little better with Brunch - offered every Saturday and Sunday at the OD Port Portals.

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FOOD,DRINK

20

August 16th - August 29th 2019

Battle gastro Andalucia and Alicante are running neck and neck in the race to tempt travellers with stellar gastronomy.

Andalucia

S

Aponiente

PAIN has once again beaten its own record with more than 82.6 million international visitors in 2018. But these days it’s Michelin stars, not beaches, that are pulling in the punters.

The last 20 years has seen a revolution in Spanish gastronomy with an emerging generation of chefs at the forefront of culinary innovation that goes way beyond patatas brava, tortilla and paella. Young chefs are jumping on the locally-sourced bandwagon, rediscovering forgotten recipes and voicing their modernity through

The Chef of the Sea, as this celebrity chef is known, is famous amongst other things for being the first to introduce plankton as an edible ingredient in dishes. He was also on the jury for the first edition of Top Chef in 2013. Hailing from Jerez, he studied in Sevilla and worked in France before starting his own restaurant. Aponiente quickly earned a reputation for its avant garde dishes featuring fish and seafood never previously seen in cuisine. With three Michelin stars and three Repsol Suns, in 2011 the Wall Street Journal named it one of the 10 best restaurants in Europe while the New York Times considered it one of the ‘10 restaurants in the world worth taking a plane for’. Set in an former windmill, it boasts a team of 70 professionals for just 30 diners. The marine-themed tasting menus astonish with their elaborate presentation. Choose from the menu Mar en calma at €195 or the menu Mar de fondo, €225.

Francisco Cossi Ochoa, s/n. El Puerto de Sta María, Cádiz Tel.: +34 956 851 870 www.aponiente.com

Messina Mauricio Giovanni is another Argentinian from Cordoba who started his Spanish career making pasta ‘like many Argentinian cooks do’. In 2003 he opened Messina in Marbella, along with his wife Pia Ninci whose name is an homage to his grandparents who were natives of the eponymous Sicilian town. The restaurant has long been a favourite among Marbella’s dining cognoscenti although it didn’t earn its first Michelin star until 2016. Giovanni’s a la carte and tasting menus are based on local products, particularly fish and shellfish. He combines avant-garde culinary techniques with a simple and elegant presentation.

Thanks to Pia’s sommelier skills, Messina also has an impressive cellar numbering some 200 top wines.

Av. Severo Ochoa, 12.

Marbella, Málaga Tel.: +34 952 864 895 restaurantemessina.com

Noor Chef Paco Morales met his wife Mariana in her native Cordoba, Argentina, and in 2016 they realised their life project: opening Noor in Spanish Cordoba.

One year later they earned a Michelin star and a Repsol Sun. Noor’s interior is influenced

by Andalucia’s Moorish expanding their activiheritage, while dishes ties with a part reccombine modern cuipe/part history linary techniques book entitled with flavours Noor Restauand aromas rant, coming out in from the past. They November. Also in are now working on the works is a Noor new menus for next restaurant in Dubai, season themed on due to open in 2021. Only the Spanish discovery of America. Three menus will mix & Only One Za’abeelen will keep Arab, Jewish and Christian gas- an Andalusian-based menu in a tronomy and will star the Iberian more informal setting with dishpig. The power partners are also es to share.

Pablo Ruiz Picasso, 8.Córdoba Tel.: +34 957 96 40 55 - www.noorrestaurante.es

LU, Cocina y Alma Juan Luis Fernandez, also known as Juan Lu, was once the right-hand of Angel Leon at Aponiente, but left to follow his dream and opened his own place in Jerez. Last year LU became the first in town to be awarded a Michelin star. The distinctive interior was created by famous interior designer Gaspar Sobrino. It is a modern interpretation of Alice in Wonderland, with a white and blue colour scheme, ladders coming out of everywhere and tables made of marble. A maximum of 30 diners sit around a theatrical open kitchen at the centre of the dining room, where they can admire the artistry. The restaurant´s main concept is a French and Andalusian fusion, where Fernández adapts French cuisine to local Andalucian products - such as replacing the butter in a French dish with typical Andalusian manteca colora (red lard coloured with paprika and other spices). The tasting menus change daily, depending on the chef’s inspiration, and the result is always unique and very modern. It may have been a risk to open such an experimental restaurant in this traditional town a distance from the costas but it has paid off. Earlier in May, Fernández opened a restaurant in Marbella, Maison Lú. It is a more informal version of the Jerez restaurant and will offer a la carte instead of tasting menus.

Zaragoza, 2. Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz Tel.: +34 695 408 481 www.lucocinayalma.es

& TRAVEL

21

August 16th - August 29th 2019

of the giants

ALICANTE Quique Dacosta Dacosta is one of the most notable leaders of Spain’s culinary Nouvelle Vague. His Denia restaurant was awarded three stars in the 2012/13 Michelin guide and came fourth in the 100 best restaurants in Europe rankings by OAD (Opinionated About Dining). In his 2018 menu, entitled La evolución y el origen (Evolution and Origin), the 47 year-old chef explored the oldest techniques of conserving food in the Mediterranean, when salt was a fundamental ingredient: ¨It is a simple and universal product, but that does not make it any less relevant,” he said. “After all, humanity has survived thanks to salt.” For this year’s menu, Autorretratos (Self Portraits), Dacosta shows how imagination can help us overcome everyday monotony.

Claire Leibovich dishes up her A v A list of the best restaurants on both costas to help you pick a winner

theatrical reinterpretation. Tradition, culture and region are now celebrated in haute cuisine menus and although technique keeps improving, ingredients are the new protagonists.

In southern Spain, Andalucia and Alicante are the foodie hotspots at the heart of this culinary renaissance. Almeria, in eastern Andalucia, is 2019’s Spanish Capital of Gastronomy; Denia in Alicante was Unesco’s Creative City of Gastronomy in 2015. But it’s really no contest.

If fine dining is your thing, you can’t go wrong either way.

Carrer Rascassa, 1 Urb. El Poblet, 03700 Dénia, Alicante - Tel.: +34 965 784 179 www.quiquedacosta.es

BonAmb Born in 1984, Alberto Ferruz already holds an impressive record for such a young chef, and he shows much more promise. Originally from the Zaragoza region, Ferruz has trained and worked in France and Spain where he collaborated with Quique Dacosta. The BonAmb has been awarded two Michelin stars and three

Repsol Suns (only five other restaurants in Spain have that many). His style follows the up-and-coming trend of tradition, anthropology and innovation. “I am for an avant-garde cuisine that is 80% Mediterranean product, but I also recuperate old, forgotten recipes,” he said in a 2019 interview with Heraldo.

Carretera Benitaxell, 100. Jávea, Alicante Tel.: +34 965 084 440 www.bonamb.com

Beat Valencia-born Jose Manuel Miguel worked in the Ritz in Madrid and Le Bristol in Paris before returning to his native soil. He is now the chef of Beat, located in the Cook Book Hotel in Calpe, and was recently awarded one Michelin star. He also scooped the Sapiña Prize for Innovation in April. The 41year old chef has developed a very personal style, adapting highly refined and technical French cuisine to fresh, local products. His favourite bywords?

“Tradition, technique, elegance and innovation.”

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L´Escaleta

A family restaurant when it opened in 1980 in Cocentaina, it was called after the ladder you had to climb to get to it. Then it moved places and the second generation, chef Kiko Mayo and his cousin Alberto Redrado, took over. Since then, L’Escaleta has accumulated two Michelin stars

Manero Tapas Bar Delicatessen Sergio Serra and his business partner Carlos Bosch, already heading up Alicante’s El Portal restaurant, opened a tapas bar in the same city at the end of 2018. The place was decorated by fashionable interior designer Lazaro Rosa Violán with a Belle Epoque vibe. The bar offers a wide selection of seafood, ibérico hams, charcuterie, cheeses, vegetables, salads, classic and more innovative tapas and montadi-

tos. Sarra’s favourite ingredient is onion, which he loves using in different ways: ‘Raw, sauté, roasted, cooked at low heat...Onion is the starting point-basis of any cuisine.

Everything starts with onion.’They get a brownie point for the affordable prices: you can get a complete three-course meal for €20.

Médico Manero Mollá, 7., Alicante.

Tel.: +34 965 144 444 - www.barmanero.es

and three Repsol Suns. Mayo works with local products to produce tasting menus that change according to the season. He emphasises memory and a cuisine that goes back to forgotten recipes such as chicken crest.

When asked to define his cuisine in an interview with Información, Mayo answered: “It is as difficult as defining yourself. I aim to create a cuisine that is simple, honest and humble in every sense.” In another interview with alicanteplaza, the chef declares that ‘a dish has to tell a story’. If you want to learn more about Mayo’s very philosophical view of gastronomy, watch the featurlength documentary on L´Escaleta, presented at the Berlin Film Festival this year - Y en cada lenteja un dios.

Subida a la Estación del Norte, 205. Cocentaina, Alicante - Tel.: +34 965 592 100 www.lescaleta.com

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22

August 16th - August 29th 2019

COLUMNISTS

Mallorca diaries

Some like it hot W

ELL we can certainly say it's been hot, I know that's not a surprise to anyone being August, blah, blah, blah but I have to say this sort of heat doesn't do me any favours.

Once it crosses 30C my energy levels seem to take a nose-dive, and frankly I could never be described as a human dynamo to start with.

My skin literally screams at me to go somewhere shaded and cooler, breaking out into angry, itchy rashes.

My whole body sends out signals to insects inviting them to bite me at will and my hair flops with the humidity the moment I step outside. This means I spend all summer smothered in factor 50, insect repellent, anti-itch cream and hairspray, all of which are probably shortening my lifespan by quite a few years. How I envy people who never get bitten, love the heat and watch their skin bloom with health from being in the sun, however hot. (If you're that person and are currently feeling an intensely sharp pain, it's me sticking a pin into your effigy).

If all that isn't bad enough, I decided we needed to have a couple of days in Sevilla last week. We actually went there

By Lesley Keith

A trip to Sevilla in early August was a new level of heat for Lesley Keith

by car last year in November as here. but hadn't booked a hotel and Well let me tell you, at one point there wasn't a room to be had. the temperature hit 50C and I We could see enough from that don't care what anyone says, whistle-stop glimpse to know dry heat, humid heat, 50C is it was definitely worth another just too flaming hot! visit, so as a birthday treat to You know things are bad when me, from me, I booked the streets are deserted, when resflights. taurants project a mist of cool It was only when telling others water over their diners, no-one's what we were going to do that on the top of an open-top bus I started noticing their sideways and you don't actually drink glances or raised eyebrows. from public water fountains, I thought they you pour the were just jealwater down your ous. Talking to a back! barman a while It was a lovely ago he proudly You know things trip however and explained that my flight was unare bad when he came from no sethe streets are eventful, Sevilla. curity searches Delightedly, I or buzzers going deserted proudly told him off. I think the we were going fact that I have there at the benow changed ginning of August. my passport nationality from There was a look of horror on Angolan to British has definitely his face and he said something paid off. along the lines of 'Mother of The airport is just outside the God, are you off your head? You city so we got a taxi to our hotel, are going to die'.

The Palacio, and WOW what a That's OK I thought, he's just place! being dramatic, after all it's a White jacketed bellboys took 'dry' heat, not nearly so intense our meagre luggage, the recep-

BAKING: Sevilla in the summer can be a killer

tion was all decked out with black and white marble, a fountain tinkled in the cool courtyard..... Oh you're streets ahead of me here, yes, wrong hotel.

Ours was The Palacio Casa up the road. Suddenly no one was available to take our luggage or even look us in the eyes. We wandered, dejectedly to our actual hotel, and do you know what , it was even better. Really.

A boutique hotel in every sense.

Small enough to be cosy, friendly, and truly welcoming.

It also had a fountain tinkling in a beautiful shady courtyard but without the fat Americans wearing loud shorts with socks and sandals (and that was just the women). And, how good is this, they'd upgraded us to a wonderful, large, two roomed suite. Perfick.

Well back here we've actually had a couple of cooler days and

I've made the most of it by being a hive of activity.

I've changed the bed, done the shopping, gardened and cleaned but I don't need to look at my weather app to know it's becoming business as usual again.

Ah well, at least here you only have to go a very little way to get the benefit of lovely sea breezes and a refreshing dip. I think I'll clean my fridge again....

The paper NOT to miss on Mallorca island THE Olive Press is now distributing all over the island in an incredible 500-plus locations.

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lorca every fortnight. Look out for one of our many stands, as seen here at Santa Catalina market, in Palma, and in Andratx town centre.

We print between 7,000 to 8,000 copies every issue and take our distribution very seriously,

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SPORT

23

August 16th - August 29th 2019

Marc my words

SPAIN’S basketball hero Marc Gasol has played down injury fears ahead of the Basketball World Cup at the end of August.

“I am very well and very happy,” the 34-yearold said, despite being left out of a friendly against Lithuania.

The NBA champion, who plays

CRACK SHOT: Rogers

Bullseye BRITISH archery ace Thea Rogers has set her sights on Spanish gold at next week’s World Youth Championships in Madrid.

The 17-year-old from Cwmbran in Wales is part of the 24-strong British team travelling to Spain for the competition, which runs from August 19-25.

Chance

Looking ahead to Madrid, Rogers said: “Pretty much everyone in the world is going to be in Madrid.

“The Korean archers are very good, but if we do what we do then I think we’ll have a chance.

“When we came back from Romania we looked at what the weather was like in Madrid and it was around 38°C – and they haven’t reached the peak of their summer yet.

“But we’ve all been shooting well and things are good, so we’re going for gold this time!”

Pretty in pink SHINJI Okazaki has dazzled in pink as he sported the new Malaga CF kit for his first assist at his new club.

The Japanese forward ditched the blue of Leicester City to don the new completely fuchsia pink alternative kit made by Nike.

for Toronto Raptors, added that ‘taking risks is not the smartest thing’.

It comes as Gasol is expected to start in a warm up game in Malaga before heading off with the Spain squad to China for the World Cup, kicking off on August 31.

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Bale in

Bale brought back into the fold as Zidane recalls Welsh wizard for preseason clash with Roma

GARETH BALE has impressed upon his return to the Real Madrid squad, having been frozen out during much of pre-season by boss Zinedine Zidane.

The Wales international came on as a substitute in the friendly against Roma, scoring in a penalty shootout which Madrid eventually lost 5-4.

Bale’s future at the Bernabeu had looked uncertain with the forward having been left out of the club’s pre-season friendly against German side RB Salzburg.

But speaking after the match in Rome, Zidane seem to have have made a u-turn on Bale along with fellow outcast, James Rodriguez.

“James and Bale are players in the squad.

“They are both registered, but anything can happen and I, as a coach of Real Madrid, must count on them,” said the French-

STUNNNERS: In pink

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Home insurance with Linea Directa has you covered if your fridge or freezer breaks

M

ANY insurance companies offer home insurance, but what about the contents of your fridge?

A big part of our monthly expenditure goes on shopping for food and a fridge packed full of food is a significant cost.

Imagine your fridge or freezer stops working in these hot summer months and all the food is quickly ruined.

Will it be covered as part of your contents insurance?

STAYING PUT: Gareth Bale to remain at Madrid

man.

The 30-year-old had seemed set to leave the Spanish club this summer but a potential move to Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning fell through.

Sold

Zidane had previously said that Bale being sold would be ‘best for everyone’, sparking uproar from the player’s representative.

“It’s simple, Zidane doesn’t like Gareth.

“There’s no relationship between them. There never has been,” said Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett.

“Zidane is a disgrace - he shows no respect for a player who has done so much for Real Madrid,” Barnett fumed.

Pace

A quick turn of pace from the striker saw him set up teammate Hicham Boussefiane to score the only goal of the game against Melilla.

The win is the first of the preseason for the Costa del Sol club, whose first home game is against Las Palmas on August 24.

Food comes first!

New player appeal A FOOTBALL club has harnessed the buzz around transfers to revive interest in the almost two decades-long search for a missing Andalucian teenager.

Italian side AS Roma have highlighted the case of Maria Teresa Ferandez, who disappeared in Motril in 2000 when she was 15. Roma included the appeal in an announcement that Real Betis goalkeeper Pau Lopez had signed for the club.

It comes as part of a profile-raising campaign in partnership with missing people organisations from Spain, UK, Italy and the US. The post on AS Roma’s Twitter account will reach 88,500 followers while the same message on Facebook will be seen by more than nine million.

Bale, 30, signed from Tottenham in 2013 for the then world record fee of €92 million and still has three years remaining on his contract.

Fridge and freezer cover as standard Our home insurance policy covers the contents of your fridge and freezer up to a maximum of €300 per claim for food stored in a domestic refrigerator or freezer that has been spoiled due to the fridge or freezer unit breaking down or a power cut that lasts longer than six consecutive

2/8/18 17:01

hours.

Putting in a claim If you need to claim, simply provide a copy of the repair invoice for the fridge or freezer, and in the event of a power cut spoiling your food contents, then a justification from the electricity company confirming the power outage.

Tips for power cuts and surges Power cuts and surges are a nuisance and often occur during thunderstorms during the hotter summer months. And it’s not only the contents of your fridge or freezer that can be spoiled, expensive electronics, home alarm systems and other appliances may be affected. We recommend you install surge protectors and remember to unplug your most prized electronics during thunderstorms.

If you would like to contact Linea Directa please call 952 147 834 More information about Linea Directa online at www.lineadirecta.com

A BULL has sought revenge on its captors by charging into a butcher’s, trashing furnishings and attacking staff in the northern town of Estella.

FINAL WORDS

100 not out A EURASIAN lynx has been born in the Pyrenees for the first time in almost a century, with the mammal not spotted there since the 1930s.

Dirty Sanchez THE owner of a Madrid restaurant has renamed its pizza ‘Cojonuda’, the phrase used

by Pedro Sanchez - roughly meaning dog’s bollocks - to describe the dish in a 2010 tweet.

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August 16th - August 29th 2019

Trouble brewing

THE Spanish beer industry is at serious risk from the no-deal Brexit threatened

by Boris Johnson, producers have warned.

The departure of the UK Spain’s third largest beer market - from the EU is causing major headaches

Thigh in the sky COLOMBIAN police arrested a woman attempting to fly to Spain with a kilo of liquid cocaine implanted beneath the skin of her thighs.

Spain’s beer producer association issues stark no-deal Brexit warning for brewers.

Spain’s beer producer association Cerveceros de Espana has said a no-deal Brexit, coupled with an

Do not pass go

TWO 18-year-olds have been arrested and charged with fraud for trying to pay for drinks in a bar in Magaluf with Monopoly money.

The alleged incident took place when the two tourists, whose names have not been revealed, were in a pub in Punta Ballena, in Magaluf, Mallorca.

According to local newspaper Ultima Hora, on Tuesday night the teenage boys were very drunk and found banknotes on the floor of the

pub. The notes were reportedly fake colour photocopies with an English inscription that made it clear it was not legal currency.

The Irish teenagers are said to have tried to pay for their drinks using the notes, when the waitress noticed and called over the manager.

Local police were then called.

They are charged with a nonserious crime of fraud.

It is unclear what further action has been taken by police or if they are still in Spain.

economic slowdown, will have a ‘big impact’ on beer sales.

“The UK is a country with a big beer culture which doubles or triples our consumption and also helps us to export,” Jacobo Olalla, managing director of the group said.

The UK imported 467,132 hectoliters of beer from Spain in 2018 out of the total 2.97 million exported from the country.

In addition British tourists make up the largest group of foreign visitors to Spain and the beer they drink abroad is also an important factor.

Olalla added: “Brexit could have consequences for the pound (which hit its lowest exchange rate since 2017 at the end of July) and for

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BOJO: Threatening beer

tourism.

“A hard Brexit, which will probably limit freedom of movement, could send them [Brits] home. “Brexit is not good news for anyone.”

Spain is the EU’s fourth biggest beer producer and last year sold 40 million hectoliters, over half of it in bars and restaurants.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised a ‘do or die’ Brexit if no deal can be agreed with the EU before the October 31 deadline.

Tosser!

GUARDIA Civil have caught a man who videoed himself tossing a fridge off a cliff in Almeria while shouting ‘let’s recycle!’.

The man is caught laughing with a friend as the fridge hurtles down a steep valley side leaving a cloud of dust in its wake.

The man was identified by the Guardia’s environmental arm, SEPRONA, and ordered to return to the scene to dispose of it properly.

A second video tweeted by the Unified Association of Civil Guards showed the man struggling to drag the fridge back up the deep ravine where he had thrown it.

He was also fined €45,000.

Top that!

INSTANT pizza machines that can dispatch a margherita in three minutes are soon to make inroads in Spain.

The Let’s Pizza machine allows customers to choose toppings of ham and cheese, peperoni, margherita or bacon and cheese for around €6.

The 27cm base pizzas are then cooked inside the giant red vending machine to be enjoyed wherever and whenever.

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