Olive Press - Issue 374 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

OLIVE PRESS

The Mijas Costa

FREE

Trio of offers include a holiday, concert tickets and books

ANDALUCÍA

Vol. 15 Issue 374

www.theolivepress.es

PIANO MAN

Your expat

voice in Spain July 28th - August 10th 2021

Wegiveyoumore

SECRETS TO THE GRAVE! THE infamous son of a British tycoon who killed a woman in a drink drive incident and stood trial accused of kidnapping a model in Marbella has died. Westley Capper (left), who was facing prison over the disappearance of Latvian Agnese Klavina, 30, had a stroke, reportedly brought on by COVID-19. He died on Monday after being admitted to hospital several days earlier, the Olive Press has learnt. A business acquaintance close to the family confirmed he had died after spending ‘a few days at least’ at a hospital understood to be the Quiron in Marbella. “He had definitely been in hospital for a few

By Dilip Kuner and Jon Clarke

days seriously ill having caught COVID,” the businessman, who is close to the Capper family, told the Olive Press. “We are waiting to see what plans his father and the family are going to make in terms of a possible wake and funeral but we are not bothering his father now,” said the estate agent, who asked not to be named. The 44-year-old - who killed a Bolivian mother-of-four while over the limit on drink and drugs - lived in Benahavis. Capper had been spared jail at trial in 2020 after admitting to the manslaughter of Fati-

ma Dorado (above) in San Pedro, in 2016. But in an earlier case Capper and his friend Craig Porter, 38, were handed suspended sentences of two years and six months respectively on charges of coercion after being cleared of the kidnapping of Klavina (right). Continues on Page 2

Global warming and huge increase in temperature is putting 75% of Spain at risk of desertification and the loss of dozens of beaches DRYING OUT: Desert spread map and (below) reservoir

Green Specia

Heatwave hell

● Sea rises of up to 8mm leaves Valencia, Cadiz and Huelva in danger ● Six annual heatwaves a year now just two in 1970s ● Maximum temperature readings 3C higher than 60 years ago

DOZENS of Spain’s most beautiful beaches could vanish due to rising sea levels. Hundreds of thousands of coastal homes could also be in danger within decades, as a result of climate

change. Key cities such as Valencia, Cadiz and Huelva could lose large areas to rising seas, according to the prediction by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Some parts of the coast could see predicted rises as high as 8mm a year. It comes as it emerged that 19 of the hottest years on record have been this century, claimed ALL AREAS COVERED the US space agency NASA. The rapid rise of 4G UNLIMITED climate change INTERNET is putting an IDEAL FOR alarming 75% STREAMING TV of the country at the threat of ALSO IPTV, extreme desertiSATELLITE TV fication, according to studies. tel: (0034) 952 763 840 “Spain is highinfo@theskydoctor.com risk for climate www.theskydoctor.com change impacts,”

GREEN SPECIAL By Alex Oscar, Cristina Hodgson and Elena Gocmen Rueda

SKY + THE DOCTOR +

Tel: 952 147 834

See page 24

scientist Francisco Blanco Velazquez told the Olive Press this week. “The frequency of heat waves has increased significantly over the last ten years and we need to adapt to this threat because it is a risk for human health,” added the climatologist. Maximum temperature readings in Malaga are on average 3C higher than they were 60 years ago. According to meteorologists at the University of Malaga, the maximum heat reached on the hottest days in the 1960s was 42.8C, while last year it was 46C.

Swamped

The ongoing study found an average 1.93 heat waves per year in the 1960s and 1970s, while today there is an average of six heatwaves a year. The rise in heat, which causes an increase in ice melting near the poles, is in turn putting the precious coastlines of Spain at risk. Since 1900, global sea levels have risen between 13cm and 20cm;

while throughout the previous 2,000 years, sea levels essentially didn’t change. The rate of the rise is also increasing: between 1900 and 1990 levels rose by around 1.3mm a year. But since 2000, according to the IPCC, the rate has been 3.6mm a year. By the end of the century some estimates suggest a rise of between 2959cm. To see how the rise could affect where you live or own property, website Climatecentral.org has constructed a map detailing which parts of the world could be below sea level over the next few decades. It indicates that much of the Spanish coastline and especially its bay towns could be devastated by 2100. However, by 2050 large areas of Cadiz, Huelva and parts of Valencia, which are already struggling with rising sea levels, could be swamped. See Heatwaves, droughts and floods, in Green special starting on page 6, 7 and 9

CRIME

www.theolivepress.es

NEWS IN BRIEF

STEPHEN Yaxley-Lennon, aka Tommy Robinson, has been told to pay £100,000 (€115,000) damages to a schoolboy he libelled in 2018. The ex-convict fraudster, who spent some of last year in Spain, has also been ordered to pay costs of an estimated £500,000 by the English High Court. He made headlines when he announced he was seeking refuge in Marbella, despite persistently campaigning against refugees entering the UK for many years.

Bad night A 35-year-old British man was rushed to a Malaga hospital for emergency surgery after he was allegedly stabbed with the neck of a broken bottle during a party at a villa in Marbella.

Sad death A 63-year-old Peruvian maid has drowned in the swimming pool of the villa she worked at in the Bahia de Marbella urbanisation.

Fork death A 42-year-old worker died after being trapped under a forklift truck in the Valdicio industrial estate in Malaga.

Shell shock THE Guardia Civil has neutralised a 105 mm artillery shell in the bullring of Santa Elena in Jaen.

July 28th - August 10th 2021

From zealot to zero The Olive Press reported how he was looking for schools and property in the area. The founder of the English Defence League (EDL) got into trouble when he responded to an online clip of school bullying by falsely claiming the 15-year old victim was guilty of threatening to stab others and attacking ‘young English girls’, himself.

YOU TWIT!

British hacker arrested over massive Twitter bitcoin fraud that targeted presidents A YOUNG British expat has been arrested in Spain for his role in the hack of multiple Twitter accounts including those of Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Bill Gates. Joseph James O'Connor, 22, was detained after being tracked down to the Costa del Sol by the FBI. Working alongside British and Spanish police, O’Connor was eventually located in Estepona,

Peeping Tom A 58-year-old man has been arrested for recording intimate images of young girls in their homes by inserting a phone through the windows.

By Katherine Brook

where he had allegedly been studying. Under a criminal complaint from California, O'Connor is formally charged with cyberstalking, extortion and making threatening communications. The July 2020 Twitter attack hijacked a variety of verified accounts also including Tesla boss Elon Musk, Warren Buffett and Jeff SEVEN British fugitives have been tracked down Bezos. and arrested in Spain during the past three weeks, TV realthe UK’s national crime agency has revealed. ity star The fugitives were all hiding out on the costas, five Kim Karon the Costa del Sol and two on the Costa Blanca. dashian The men were wanted on charges ranging from a n d drug offences to arms trafficking and from causKanye ing wounding with conspiracy to robbery. West were

Sol 5 - Blanca 2

From Front

Westley’s untimely death The friends were also ordered to pay €10,000 to her family and one third of their legal costs. The charge of kidnapping – for which the British pair faced 12 years in prison – could not be proved, leaving Klavina’s family ‘stunned’. While the judge agreed that they had conspired to force her into their car following a late night at a Marbella nightclub, the prosecution was unable to prove why she has not been seen since. This was despite a large, heavy bag being seen taken onto Capper’s father’s boat four days later in Duquesa port, according to statements produced during the trial. “The family are very disappointed,” Fernando Scornik Gerstein, representing the Klavinas, told the Olive Press at the time. “They are heartbroken at losing a daughter, sister, and the two people they believe are responsible have got such light sentences.” The Madrid-based lawyer said he strongly disagreed with the judge’s interpretation of the law. “We will be appealing this verdict to the Supreme Court,” he added. The case has still not been resolved. The family lawyer had asked the court for long sentences and €85,000 in compensation for the pair’s alleged role in the disappearance from Aqwa Mist nightclub in Puerto Banus, in 2014. Capper was also set to appeal the coercion conviction, and had been told to lie low at his multi-million euro home in the upmarket Madronal development. Robert Taylor, the lawyer of privately-educated Capper, who attended private Aloha College in Marbella, told the Olive Press: “He had no intention to take Agnese Klavina against her will and she entered my client’s car of her own volition.”

Ahhh... Ahhh... SuMMER! A PLACE TO RELAx!

UK LANDLORDS WITH HMRC’S NEW MAKING TAX DIGITAL RULES

SCAMMED: Kanye and Kim

also hit. Fake tweets were sent from the accounts urging followers to send them Bitcoin payments. “I have decided to help my community. All bitcoins sent to my address below will be doubled,” some of the accounts tweeted. The messages were swiftly deleted, but investigators estimate the scam would have allowed the hackers to take in more than €110,000 in cryptocurrency. He is also wanted for the takeovers of TikTok and Snapchat accounts and is accused of sextortion, as well as cyberstalking a 16-year-old juvenile.

DUO: Capper and Porter on a night out

Hi David,

Ahhh... Ahhh... GREAT FOOD!

MOLINO DEL SANTO!

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO IF YOU LIVE ABROAD Keep digital records of property income and expenses Submit 5 tax returns a year using a HMRC recognised software

With special discounts this summer only (we hope), book your room or a table at the Ronda area’s favourite small hotel and restaurant.

SCAN OUR QR CODE TO FIND OUT MORE!

e-mail us for our best offers from just 40€ B&B per person. We are now open 7 days a week.

ttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt

MOLINO DEL SANTO

www.molinodelsanto.com | info@molinodelsanto.com | 952 16 71 51 ESTACIÓN DE BENAOJÁN, NEAR RONDA, MÁLAGA

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

July 28th - August 10th 2021

VIVA LA VIDA!

KICKING BACK HE’S got every right to lie back and take it easy. Having won the Golden Boot at the Euro 2020s championships, Cristiano Ronaldo deserved a long and luxurious break. And the Portuguese star certainly looks to be having it swanning around on boats in the north eastern corner of Mallorca. He and girlfriend Georgina Rodriquez, from Murcia, have been renting the magnificent Castell de Manresa estate, near Pollensa.

The pair were seen out and about with their four children, while the Juventus star also posted images of his holiday on Instagram. The Castell de Manresa was a citadel built in 1715, which has now been converted into a luxury holiday home where prices start at €50,000 a week. It comes with a fully staffed kitchen and personal spa. It also has its own helipad, tennis court and, of course, private beach. Conveniently he also has his €6m yacht the Azimut Grande 27 on hand nearby.

Piano man zooms in

E has supported a host of famous acts, including George Benson, Simply Red and Michael Bolton. But now Paul Maxwel has an amazing show of his own to demonstrate why he has the nickname ‘The Piano Man’. Tinkling the ivory since he was nine years old, the Marbella-based expat has a huge, fitting concert at the recently-opened Marbella Arena next month. Showcasing his exciting new project The Elton John Experience, he will be playing alongside the Malaga Symphony Orchestra. Belting out the famous hits of Elton and songwriting partner Bernie Taupin, it is expected to be a sellout show, which he then takes on a world tour. Born in England, Paul moved to the Costa del Sol with his showbusiness parents at an early age and began playing the piano at nine years old. Music is his life and he has had many successes including his song I’m So High, becoming the official composition of the 2008 European Championships, which Spain won.

COLDPLAY frontman Chris Martin, 44, and his 31-yearold actress girlfriend Dakota Johnson have been living la vida in Mallorca. The long-time couple have been spotted enjoying themselves on a romantic break in Palma, as the Balearics welcome back more than their fair share of A-list stars this summer.

Paradise gained

A PAIR of British brothers who have made fortunes investing in property and aluminium have turned their sights on Spain. But this time, David and Simon Reuben claim to be sinking their cash into protecting the environment rather than turn-

ing a fast buck. The brothers, 82 and 79, who have an estimated wealth of €25.1bn, now own 1,360 hectares in Mallorca, including a staggering 18km of virgin coastline. Their spending spree has been quietly taking place over the

Billionaire brothers buy swathes of Mallorca to protect coastal paradise past 18 months with the purchase of six separate properties in the north, east and west of the island.

Green Specia

The show takes place at the Marbella Arena on August 21. For more information visit www.corteingles.es or 0034 633647260

WIN, WIN, WIN

In vogue

Email your answer to newsdesk@theolivepress.es with the subject catchline ‘Piano man competition’.

Although the Balearic property portfolio includes several villas, a restaurant and a yacht club, the vast majority of land cannot be built on. Comprising sandy beaches, rocky coves and even an inland lake as well as virgin forests, almost all is classified as rural and non-developable. The brothers meanwhile, have also bought 180 hectares of land including 7.3km of coastline in Ibiza, just south of the famous party resort of San Antonio. According to a Mallorca architect, who knows the brothers, none of it is intended to be transformed into lucrative tourist developments.

Wary

SAVED?: Mesquida headland and (inset) the Reuben brothers

of tickets offering two pairs The Olive Press is g show, plus a backstage to this breathtakinand the band. meeting with Paulswer the following question: To win, please an Elton John Top 40 hits has How many UK had?

SHE’S the world’s highest paid model. And Kendall Jenner looked fittingly sensational as she revealed the cover of her latest shoot with Vogue Spain. The brunette beauty, 25, who is being lauded for her campaigning for mental health, showcased her long limbs in a gorgeous sheer floral dress, paired with high-waisted trousers.

AN influencer has been chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a guest at the five-star hotel in Huelva for the whole summer. Lorena Garam, who has 41,700 followers on social media, is to be paid €2,000 a month to share the highlights of her stay. The hotel attracted more than 500 applicants, in a competition to find an influencer for the job.

EASY MONEY

“At first I thought they were strategic investments to make land swap deals with town halls interested in preserving natural spaces but I have been changing my mind,” he told El Mundo. “Instead they are aware that space will increasingly be a greater luxury, and ultimately they are buying luxury in a paradise,” he said. The duo own more than 100 properties across London and the UK and recently acquired Manhattan’s 189-room hotel The Surrey for a reported $151 million. The brothers are descended from Iraqi Jews and were born in Mumbai before moving to London and making their fortunes in scrap metal, later dominating the aluminium trade in Russia.

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

NEWS IN BRIEF Lux-living GERARD Pique’s family investment company has secured a deal worth around €50 million to build a five-star hotel in a prime Malaga location.

Man down SPAIN’s top golfer, Jon Rahm, is out of the Olympics after he tested positive for Covid-19. He was vaccinated earlier this year with Johnson and Johnson.

No jackpot POLICE in Sevilla have arrested a 39-year-old man while he was robbing a gambling saloon wielding a knife.

Fire death AN elderly couple died in a raging fire in a two-storey house in San Lucar de Barrameda (Cadiz).

ANDALUCIA’S vaccination programme has opened up to 18-year-olds. Since yesterday, all 18 and 19-year-olds - those born in 2002 and 2003 - resident in Andalucia, can apply for the COVID-19 jab. And from tomorrow (Thursday) those born

JABBING THE YOUNG in 2004 and 2005 (17 and 16-year-olds) will also be eligible for their first COVID-19 vaccine dose. Appointments can be requested from authorised groups according to the vac-

cines available. They can be requested directly on the Andalucian Health Service (SAS) website via ClicSalud+, through the mobile app and the Salud Responde telephone number

July 28th - August 10th 2021 (955 54 50 60) and also at local health centres. Immunisation for young adults will be carried out with the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, of which 308,880 doses of Pfizer and 91,600 from Moderna are expected to be delivered to the region this week.

Licence to ill A BRITISH expat has been told he has to retake his driving test in Spain after the authorities claimed he never registered in the system prior to the cut-off date. This is despite Jeff Lewis insisting he called the special number 060 and registered his intent to change his licence on December 11. But after hearing nothing from the Trafico department the Londoner sought advice from

Brit must take driving test to get a licence despite registering before Brexit.. And he’s not alone his Gestoria, which said it was ‘unable to help people’ change their licences after December 18. He has since been to his local DGT (Department General de Trafico) office multiple times to try and prove he did indeed register, only to be told he ‘isn’t

To infinity… STUDENT Pilot Oliver Daemen became the world’s youngest person to travel to space at the age of just 18, after training at the One Air pilot school in Malaga. The Dutchman joined billionaire Jeff Bezos, his brother Mark Bezos, and 82-year-old Wally Funk (part of Mercury 23 in the ‘60s and now the oldest woman to go to space) on the Blue Origin mission. The New Shepard Rocket took off from a desert in Texas and performed a suborbital flight, reaching a maximum altitude of around 107km (351,210ft). Daemen obtained his licence at the Malaga pilot school in March, and was invited on the monumental trip.

Why waste time doing laundry We pick up and deliver right to your door. Order online Flat rate pricing Branded laundry bags

mrkliin.com 690 849 277 mrkliin

EXCLUSIVE By Katherine Brook

on the system’. “I drive a 2L motorbike so it’s not a simple exchange for me,” Lewis told the Olive Press. “To gain a licence for my motorbike I have to do both a car driving test and a motorbike test. “And even then I still won’t be able to use it as the licence only allows you to drive a scooter. I would have to wait another two years before I could take a third test just to be able to drive as I have been in Spain for the last 20 years.” The 50-year-old believes he is one of ‘thousands’ of expats struggling to obtain Spanish driving licences due to ‘faults in the system’. British residents actually had until December 30 to register in order to carry out the simple

GUTTED: Jeff Lewis driving licence exchange before the Brexit deadline. For those who had registered before this date and are still awaiting their appointment, they now have until October 31 to exchange their British licence for a Spanish one.

Exchange

Lewis isn’t the only one who’s had difficulties proving he registered on the system. Chrissy Sims insisted her husband registered his driving licence in November and still has the call log - 24 minutes. Similarly, Ben Alford was also told there was ‘no record’ of him, even though he had a printed confirmation PDF. Have you had similar issues? Contact newsdesk@ theolivepress.es

Two-way terrific DOUBLE jabbed expats travelling to the UK may soon be able to do so without having to quarantine. The news comes after reports in the UK media suggested Spain may escape being put on the dreaded amber-plus list. UK Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi confirmed the government was working hard on a scheme to offer quarantine free conditions to those who have been fully vaccinated abroad.

Reciprocal

“We want to offer the same reciprocity as the 33 countries that recognise our app and that will also happen very soon,” he said without committing to a deadline. The exemption from quarantine for those arriving from amber list countries currently only applies to people who were vaccinated in the UK and have an NHS COVID certificate or digital pass. A decision to put Spain on the amber-plus list, which would mean travellers having to self-isolate on arrival in the UK, is expected to be made on August 5. It is believed more likely that France will come off the amber list than Spain going on it. See Olive Press plea to Sky News, Page 7

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

Solar bust

A GANG operating between Gibraltar and Sevilla has been busted over an elaborate scheme to launder drug money through solar park investment projects. Police arrested five people during an investigation that uncovered a plot to launder more than €120million in drug money. During an investigation dubbed Operation Jarco police discovered that the gang set up a series of shell companies and laundered drug money through third parties who took cash to invest in a solar park schemes. The gang acted like a bank, investing and transferring illicit funds while charging interest of between 3% and 15%. The organisation was able to launder more than five million euros since 2015, investigators said but recently hit funding problems and was facing bankruptcy.

Mega-party EXCLUSIVE: Police and councillors unite to break up illegal drugs rave of 1,300 people

A PAIR of local councillors had a rude awakening when they were asked to join their police force in breaking up an illegal rave of around 1,300 people. The duo joined up to a dozen police to break up the mega-party in the early hours of the morning. It came after numerous emergency calls were received from neighbours of the pri-

Laughing gas tragedy A LADS stag-do became a horror story when one member of the party had a fatal accident in the villa swimming pool. The 26-year-old was spotted floating unconscious in the pool by his friends, who had been partying in Marbella. Friends of the young Swedish man performed first aid, before handing over to the paramedics, who were able to restart his heart, but were unable to stabilise him. National police are awaiting the results of an autopsy but allegedly the young man had recently taken laughing gas, and believe he may have hit his head on the bottom of the pool.

PARTY PEOPLE: Illegal rave shocked councillors By Katherine Brook

vate bash in Cadiz at around 1.30am.

Jail

The organiser of the illegal gathering could face jail as well as a fine up to €100,000. The unofficial event, near Vejer de la Frontera, has caused considerable outrage as the COVID-19 figures continue to soar around the region. The gathering took place at a private estate, after a post went out on social media and quickly went viral. Tourists and expats joined locals to make their way to the isolated finca, where they partied until it was broken up at 2.20am. Local police called in the councillors after neighbours had noticed an unusual number of cars traveling up and down the local roads.

Mayor of Vejer, Francisco Flor told the Olive Press it had been ‘a huge mission’ to find the estate. “It’s a plot with hardly any houses; the music was very low and there were very few lights,” he said. He added it came as a real shock to his team to find ‘up to 1,300 people of all different ages’, with some clearly under the influence of ‘narcotic substances’. Police took the details of those found in possession of drugs and according to the mayor, ‘calmly broke up the party’.

July 28th - August 10th 2021

Messi of drugs reform THE ‘Messi del Hachis’ organisation in the Campo de Gibraltar has been broken up again. Some 77 people have been arrested and eight tons of hashish have been seized in the operation. In addition to 14 raids on drugs plantations, 10 house searches were made in Algeciras. Known as the ‘hashish Messi’, leader of the gang Abdellah El Haj Sadek, is currently on the run from the Spanish justice system. Investigators say that despite numerous police operations, he is still responsible for most of the drug trafficking in the strait. Since his escape in March 2019, the part of his organisation based in Algeciras has been dismantled four times.

ESTUCO INTERIORS

Biggest

“This isn’t the first illegal party to take place in recent months, but it is the biggest in the history of Vejer,” he added. “Those involved will be dealt with firmly, and the owner of the property will be prosecuted for ignoring health regulations.”

Centro Plaza 56-57, Avda. Manolete s/n, 29660 Nueva Andalucia info@estucointeriors.com, www.estucointeriors.com, +34 952 810 633

GREEN SPECIAL

www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain

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

OPINION QUESTIONS NEED ANSWERING IT seems like every day there is a new headline reminding us of the very real effect of climate change on our environment. Just this week we have seen record temperatures in Aragon, fires raging in Catalunya and drought warnings in Andalucia. Another week and there might be flash floods, coastal erosion, warnings of overfishing. We are very aware that Spain is particularly vulnerable to the dangers of climate change but are we really doing enough to tackle it? Volunteers may give up a day here and there to pick up litter on a local beach or wildlife spot. And we all do the best we can to recycle don’t we? COVID may have curtailed our air travel and therefore reduced our carbon footprints over the last year, but let’s face it, we still rely too much on gas-guzzling cars, on air conditioning in summer and central heating in winter. We still want our favourite vegetables available on supermarket shelves even when they are not in season. We still eat too much meat. Even environmentalists aren’t united on the way forward as our recent reports on the protests against mass solar parks illustrate. But it’s time we woke up to the disaster ahead and pushed our governments to take it more seriously. Why has no-one been held accountable for an ecological disaster as huge as the one we have witnessed in the Mar Menor (see right)? Are the energy companies going to be allowed to continue to make big profits, and big polluters to get off scot free while the rest of us sort through our plastics and carry home our shopping in hemp bags in the belief that we are doing our bit?

Heatwaves, droughts As desertification threatens 75% of Spain and sea level rises spell doom for tourism, Shannon Chaffers takes a look at how the country is handling climate change

RECENT heatwave that swept across Canada and the United States set record temperatures, while flooding in central Europe claimed at least 100 lives. Both due to global warming. And while Spain swelters in yet another scorching hot July, it won’t come as a surprise to learn that the Mediterranean region is particularly vulnerable as global temperatures rise. A 2018 report identified that 75% of Spain’s land mass is now at risk of desertification, making it one of the most atrisk nations in the world. Desertification means more than just the expansion of deserts, although that is one very real result, particularly if temperatures rise to more than 2ºC

above pre-industrial levels… climate scientist Francisco Blanand the Mediterranean has al- co Velazquez. ready seen an average rise of He told the Olive Press that pro1.5ºC since the end of the 19th longed periods of extreme heat Century. officially described as heatwaves Extreme heat - will only become leads to the demore frequent as terioration of soil the region warms. For every to the extent that “The frequency of it can no longer heat waves has degree of sustain former increased signifiwarming there cantly over the plant life. It becomes less and last ten years and will be a 4% less productive. it will not change. The problem is drop in rainfall Spain knows that often worsened we need to adapt by over-cultivato this threat betion, deforestacause it is a risk for tion, and urbanization, all con- human health,” added Velazquez tributing factors placing Spain who works at Evenor-Tech, a even more in the danger zone. company that researches the im“Spain is one of the countries pact climate change has on soil. classified as high-risk for cli- Unfortunately, adverse impacts mate change impacts,” insists don’t stop there. With rising tem-

Small sea, GIANT PROBLEM

Kirsty McKenzie kirsty@theolivepress.es

Alex Trelinski alex@theolivepress.es

Isha Sesay isha@theolivepress.es

Katherine Brook katherine@theolivepress.es

Simon Wade simon@theolivepress.es

Glenn Wickman glenn@theolivepress.es

Graham Keeley graham@theolivepress.es

Cristina Hodgson cristina@theolivepress.es

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

NEWSDESK: 0034 951 273 575 For all sales and advertising enquiries please contact 951 27 35 75 HEAD OFFICE

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

AWARDS

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

2012 - 2021

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

www.theolivep

Vaccine fury

it went on page

ress.es

July 15th - July

Female expat makes moving tribute to her famous bullrunning dad

28th 2021

DISASTER: Tens of thousands of dead fish, our report last issue (above) Jo Scott

DOOMED T O CLOSE

OVER 40,000 signed a petition people have cinated British to allow vacthe UK without Expats to visit It comes after quarantining. pats expresse dozens of exrule that maded outrage at a them exempt and needing their return to quarantine on to see family friends back home. or The digital claimed the petition, which rule prejudic up to six million ed Britons living abroad, caused a rapid response from the ernment, defendin UK govg its ‘pragmatic approach RECENT A spokesman ’. said: “Public Blanca LY-reopened Costa already health has always hotels will have put been our close again to off making many families number one if UK a plunge for their will not risk priority and we do not pick up next bookings summer holidays month. in Spain our hard-won throwing away The regional hoteliers this year. achievements.” asso- But there ciation, Hosbec For the petition are insists that it ered in Parliame to be consid- is very difficult sands who are tens of thoureach 100,000 nt it needs to itable without to stay prof- to travel for still planning signatures. their annual masses of Britishthe normal break in the sun. tourists. The British “If British tourists Letters special government’s do not confusing arrive in August, on page 10 and frequent hotels are ly-changing messages have- doomed to closure,” ed Hosbec presiden insistt, Toni bike rentAL • e-scoo

Fiona Govan fiona@theolivepress.es

OFFICE MANAGER Héctor Santaella (+34) 658 750 424 accounts@ theolivepress.es

I’m running things now

Your

expat

voice in Spain

VALE NCIA / COST A AZAH FREE Vol. 1 Issue AR

Rollercoaster ride getting married onfor our man Euro final Find the Rock during out how

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es

ADMIN Sandra Aviles Diaz (+34) 951 273 575 admin@ theolivepress.es

OLIVE PRESS

peratures come reduced rainfall and drought. The MedECC group (Mediterrranean Experts on Climate and Environmental Change) estimates that with each degree of warming there will be a 4% decrease in rainfall. And this will bring an increasingly arid climate with more droughts and fires, phenomena that Spain is already seeing. There is also the threat of rising sea levels, as increasing temperatures have caused faster melting of glaciers and ice caps, resulting in the sea level rising globally at a rate of about 3mm per year over the last two decades. While it is uncertain exactly how much the Med will be affected, experts have made clear that Spain’s coastal regions are par-

See page 14

PUBLISHER / EDITOR

Dilip Kuner dilip@theolivepress.es

The

Green Specia

ters BIKE TOURS • repair S

By Alex Trelinsk

Costa Blanca for the retur hotels are left praying n of UK touri Germans and sts French stayi - with ng home

EU COVID certifica te would bring in EU Mayor. tourists as France and Mayor regards Germany are most the last the UK as al- not recommending Spanthe summer hope in saving ish travel, which just leaves season with already gloomy an us with the British market,” visitors from outlook over said Mayor. France and Many hotels only Germany. reopened in late June “Rising COVID or early this month cases in have anticipa reduced the hope that the laxed UK travel tion of rerules as they are heavily depende nt on the i

British market. From July 19, ‘fully-va cinated’ ctourists from England going ber-listed countryto an amlike Spain will no longer have to go into self-quarantine on their return. However all British tourists, minus children under the age of four, will still need two negative They have to COVID tests. fore you get be booked beand can coston your flight up to £100 (€117) each. Holidaymakers will also have to get a gen test prior negative antito flying home.

Pollution probe

No bar

CALLE ABASTOS 5 46011 VALENCIA

T’S an area that was long known for its beauty with its breathtaking geography and varied flora and fauna. But today the Mar Menor, in Murcia, makes headlines for the horrific pollution that has ravaged the lagoon killing tens of thousands of fish as people in power stood by and appeared to do little or nothing about it. Take a trip to the southern shore, an area once teeming with tourists drawn to the golden sands and clear blue water of Punta Brava beach, in Los Urrutias. Today the coastal stretch is awash with dirty mush, covered in algae and emitting a putrid ‘rotten-egg’ stench. The water is distinctly murky and, not surprisingly, there’s barely a bather in sight. Cleaning teams from Cartagena City Council come and go, but are faced with a thankless task as any work is quickly undone with a fresh wave of algae sweeping in. Los Urrutias is one of the worst pollution blackspots because of its close proximity to a creek dumping gallons of nitrate-laden irrigation water into the lagoon. So bad was the situation that in 2016 phytoplankton, also known as microalgae, came under attack, due to the high levels of nitrate in the water.

delivery service

availabl e www.bikEalao.com (+34) +(34)693 960 227 433 007 bikEalaovalencia 932 info@bikEalao.com

A GOLF course judge investiga is among a blacklist of polluters given into the Mar ting the dumping of imprope to a rly-treated water Judge Angel Menor. Garrote has ordered nesses to testify, 42 agriculture-based as well as the busibosses

The surface ended up turning dark green stopping sunlight reaching lagoon vegetation and leading to the loss of 80% of its seagrass, according to the Institute of Oceanography. Within a year, all of the Mar Menor’s beaches were stripped of their ‘Blue Flag’ status. Just when it didn’t seem things could get worse, in September 2019, exceptional flooding saw excess water pumped in the lagoon, which in turn led to tens of thousands of oxygen-starved fish washing up dead onto beaches such as Villanantitos at San Pedro del Pinatar. The images flashed around the world as over three tons of fish and crustaceans were collected from the beaches. Tests confirmed they had died of anoxia (lack of oxygen) and, worse, there were countless thousands more dead on the bottom of the lagoon. It caused a national outrage and, as covered in the Olive Press, some 55,000 people marched on the regional parliament (see right) in Cartagena to call for urgent action. “The floods were the last straw,” recalls La Manga resident, Graham Bradley. “There was anger that nothing had been done for years about preserving such a beautiful area. It is incomprehensible how this has been allowed to happen,” he added.

Continues on

Page 4

Germany last fied the whole week classiof Spain as ‘high risk’ for COVID-19, but there is currentl y no outright bar on German visitors coming to Spain an EU COVID if they have certificate. The same applies to French tourists, who are the second-highest eign visitorsnumber of forafter the UK. traditionally However a French Junior Minister suggeste d that both Spain and Portugal were not ‘safe destinat tion denied byions’, a suggesism Minister Spain’s Tour, Reyes Maroto.

And it certainly is not a recent problem. Environmental campaigners have spent the last four decades slamming the huge number of farms in the area that allowed their wastewater to enter the inland lagoon. Warnings were first sounded when the dangers of intensive farming, urban development and mining were seen to pose a serious threat to the area’s ecosystem. “I remember a scientist saying in 1980 that if farming developed close to the lagoon, then remnants of fertilisers and other nutrients

July 28th - August 10th 2021

www.theolivepress.es

and floods

T ticularly at risk for erosion and flooding. This poses not just a threat to those who live in coastal and floodplain areas but will have a massive impact on Spain’s

tourism industry, which currently drives 12 to 15% of Spain’s economy and much more in key regions like the Balearics, Valencia and Andalucia. Flood risk is also predicted to increase throughout

the country, as extreme rainfall events become more common in a warmer world. But increased rainfall doesn’t mean an end to water shortages, quite the opposite: Torrential rain and subsequent flooding threatens water stores, destroys drainage and water supply systems and compounds the risk of drought. These same factors also threaten Spain’s food supply. Heat waves, droughts, and heavy rainfall all have a detrimental effect on crops, while the ex-

pected rise of invasive species also poses a threat. This food scarcity issue could be compounded by the effects of rising temperatures on Spain’s marine ecosystem. Already, overfishing is a major problem in Spain. With warmer ocean and freshwater temperatures, combined with ocean acidification due to higher levels of CO2, once abundant species of fish will become more scarce. But amid this doom and gloom, Velazquez believes Spain has the right tools to adapt to climate change. “I think that the strategy to adapt to climate change is [on the right path]. Several initiatives are on the table and they will be adapted if it is required,” he explains. Indeed, Spain recently passed its first law aimed at combating climate change, putting the country on track to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 in line with EU goals. Velazquez believes this plan sets Spain on the right track. “The current carbon neutral plan is ambitious but if it is correctly implemented, and other countries do it too, the final results will set us on the right path,” he said. But for some Spanish environmental activists, the plan falls far short of what is needed. The Spanish government was recently hit with a Supreme Court petition by activists insisting it lacked ambition and had no chance of preventing global temperatures from rising 1.5ºC by 2030.

Bison

Spain’s Mar Menor is Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon, and now the site of one of the continent’s greatest ecological disasters, writes Alex Trelinski would end up in the water and would annihilate the flora and fauna,” recalls one campaigner Isabel Rubio. There were other issues too. Like much of coastal Spain, the 1970s saw tourists flood in from abroad leading to a construction boom with buildings constructed all along the shore, particularly in the mid-1980s. Then followed dredging work to allow access for bigger boats that further damaged the delicate ecosystem. But the biggest environmental threat came from the large number of unlicensed desalination plants that were introduced by farmers for irrigation around the

Campo de Cartagena. A law change in 1979 meant irrigated zones increased by over ten times, while an alarming quarter of the region became ‘watered’ illegally without licences. It was good news, of course, for northern Europe, as internationally-exported crops saw their reliance on rain reduced. Fruit and vegetables ended up on UK supermarket shelves with customers oblivious to the environmental price paid to get them there. It was a similar situation in the Campo de Dalias in Almeria, where the aquifers were drained so fast by intensive agriculture, mostly under plastic, that the spread of desertification rapidly sped up. However, while these green gold crops brought a Continues on page 9

The fight against climate change extends beyond action at a national level, however, and Spaniards are walking up to the need to become more environmentally friendly at home. Aside from recycling far more, in Andalucia, farmers are being handed subsidies to switch to more sustainable methods of farming in a bid to fend off desertification. Elsewhere, both Malaga and Madrid have released plans to create a green belt around their cities (see green page 9), while other initiatives include the reintroduction of bison, long extinct within Spain, for the effective way they graze on undergrowth and help to prevent forest fires. The jury is still out whether these efforts will be enough to mitigate the impending consequences of climate change, but Velazquez believes that with continued action on the issue, we have a chance. “Climate change impacts are inevitable,” he concludes. “The increase of droughts, heat waves, and wildfires will affect us, but we can reduce their impacts if we work on it now. If we delay any longer, maybe it will be too late.”

Live on

HE Olive Press has been batting for Spain live on Sky twice over the last week. Editor Jon Clarke pleaded with the UK government not to put the country on the amber-plus list despite rising COVID-19 figures. He told Sky News breakfast show that, despite a sharp rise in infections, the key statistic was far lower hospital numbers. Alongside the Greek Tourist Minister, he also pointed out how well Spain had done to get 55% of the country vaccinated - overtaking France and even the UK. It means that it is largely youngsters catching COVID in Spain now and they mostly ‘swat it away easily’. The Olive Press team are regularly appearing on UK news channels, also including the BBC and ITV, giving their detailed local analysis on key issues around Spain. We have also helped on a trio of investigative documentaries, including one for Swedish national TV and another for Australia’s CBS, over the last month. We are the most trusted English media outlet in Spain, which is reflected in rising online numbers of well over 20,000 visitors a day. Thousands of regulars have now signed up to our paywall, which provides over 20 stories a day about the country.

The top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are: luggage rules over flight switches are 1- Ryanair ruled unfair by the Supreme Court in Spain knitters create beautiful crochet screen 2- Local to keep sun off the streets in town inland from Spain’s Costa del Sol known towns worth a visit on 3- Five lesser Spain’s Costa del Sol this summer expat returns to Spain to find squatter 4- Irish living in her home and demanding money to move out Spain’s Balearic Islands will cover cost to repa5are-triate Covid-19 positive tourists whose holidays prolonged with mandatory 10-day quarantine

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

KIM CLARK

Benefits Consultancy If you suffer from... • Mobility problems • Pain / Breathlessness • Falls / Stumbles

Or you need... • Help with washing /dressing • Supervision

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

The Marks Brothers Experts and Specialised in Dental Implants Mark Dental Clinic, a highly recommended Dental Clinic on the coast Our success is

Trusted by over 10´000 patients

due to the confidence given

Modern facilities, quality materials and attention to details

FUENGIROLA 952 917 164

ESTEPONA 951 272 267

by our patients.

info@markdentalclinic.com www.markdentalclinic.com

GREEN

www.theolivepress.es

MADRID has unveiled plans to create a ‘green belt’ of forest around Spain’s capital in a bid to combat climate change and reduce pollution. The project involves trans-

Madrid plans ‘urban forest’ to reduce pollution and combat climate change forming disused areas between roads and buildings by planting more than half

GreenMatters By Martin Tye

HE song Too Much, Too Little, Too Late by Johnny Mathis was a massive hit back in 1978, but the words could be seen as prophetic when put into a modern contect. Try applying those words to our environment which is clearly under attack.

Earlier this month the European Union announced many climate change proposals , with the target of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050. That is 31 years away! Right now we are witnessing events all around the world that more than prove the time for action is now: • Hailstones the size of golf balls in the UK in July • Flash floods across the world • Widespread forest fires • Temperatures rising • Sea levels rising How can this be kicked down the road by the politicians who talk the talk but never walk the walk? The EU’s draft proposals have to be ratified by the bloc’s

July 28th - August 10th 2021

GREEN BELT ELT

TOO MUCH, TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE!

Too much – climate change and pollution Too little – action Too late – is it?

Green Specia

a million trees to create a 75km long urban forest. The trees will be chosen from varieties indigenous to Spain that require very little watering and can withstand heat. Once developed the Bosque Metropolitano, as it’s being termed, will help improve city air by absorbing 175,000 tons of carbon dioxide each year. “We want to improve the air quality in the whole city,” said Environment

By Fiona Govan

Councillor Mariano Fuentes. “To fight the 'heat island' effect inside the city, to absorb greenhouse emissions and to connect all the existing forest areas around the city.” The urban forest is just one phase in a city-wide plan to fight climate change that includes more pedestrian zones, bicycle lanes and restrict-

From Page 7

27 member states and the EU parliament (herding cats comes to mind). Plans include taxing jet fuel and effectively banning the sale of petrol and diesel engines within 20 years. The measures will increase household utility bills and increase the cost of flying within the EU. Surprise surprise – the plans triggered serious infighting at the European Commission. EC President Ursula von der Leyen said: “By acting now we can do things another way, and choose a better, healthier and more prosperous way for the future.” Yada yada yada or in Spanish ‘bla bla bla’ Greepeace European boss Jorgo Riss, who said: “Celebrating these policies is like a high jumper claiming a medal for running under the bar.” I agree…………DO YOU?

Martin Tye is the owner of energy switch company Mariposa Energy. +34 638145664 ( Spain Phone ) Email him at martin@mariposaenergia.es

SOLAR PV PANELS

big influx of cash to local landowners, they spelled further bad news for the Mar Menor - or Small Sea - lagoon. Once wells and rainwater supplies dried out, the farmers began to use desalinated water which ended up mixing with fertilisers as well as residues from old opencast mines. It was a chemical time bomb, which the politicians and water authorities appeared to be largely unconcerned about because farmers were in the money. It has since emerged that huge numbers of these desalination plants were illegal and they were quite simply not properly monitored. Unfortunately, the economic consequences stretch far beyond agriculture in a region where tourism now plays a vital role in the economy.

Tourist disaster

“It’s simple. This region depends on tourism and tourism depends on the lagoon, “ local expat Jo Scott told the Olive Press. The councillor, who represents the PSOE party at Los Alcazares council, continued: “We are working on new ways to remove silt residues from our beaches because once you go into the water for a swim, it is crystal clear.” Scott, who has lived in the area for 16 years, blames the regional Murcia government run by the Partido Popular since 1995. “The government has paid little attention to the Mar Menor for decades,” she declared. Her town hall is now fighting to get a unique legal status for the area, giving it extra protection.

ing private car use. Deputy mayor Begoña Villacis described it as ‘the largest green infrastructure to be created in Europe in the next decade’. The cost of planting the estimated 600 hectares is expected to reach €75 million and take ten years. Madrid already boasts more trees per capita than any other European city and has great stretches of woodland on its outskirts with El Pardo and the Casa de Campo as well as the Retiro park at its centre.

Snout to laugh about THE climate impact of wild boars is nothing to snort about. The mischievous animals are to blame for 4.8 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide every year - equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions of 1.1 million cars, a new report from Australia has discovered. In their never ending search for food, the wild boars dig endlessly, exposing microbes in the soil to oxygen, which reproduce at a rapid rate, producing carbon emissions in the form of CO2. Scientists have always known the boars were a problem but only recently have they realised the extent of it.

No menor scandal

SCANDAL: Mar Menor fish lie dead in their thousands Four months ago, the Ministry for Ecological Transition in Madrid finally produced an ‘action plan’ aimed at improving the state of the lagoon. Measures include a clamp down on any illegal behaviour that causes pollution to the area with the promise of ‘severe’ penalties. As for bringing the polluters to justice, it is a long-haul job. While a fortnight ago the Olive Press reported on our cover that 42 farmers and a golf course have been ordered to testify in a court hearing in Murcia, it is not expected to see any conviction this year. Furthermore, many abusers are likely to escape justice with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) claiming that ‘over 1,000 desalination plants were putting poisonous nitrates into the Mar Menor’. Worse, the WWF report, alongside local group ANSE, claimed that politicians ‘ac-

tively permitted desalination’ in protected areas. Prosecutors have now also threatened legal action against Murcia’s Environment Ministry if it fails to investigate a further ten companies accused of polluting the lagoon. The European Parliament also launched a probe last year into what four Murcia presidents, all from the Partido Popular, did to prevent pollution. Meanwhile the United Nations this year began hearing complaints from environmental groups that Spain had breached international rules over the lagoon. So far, not one single politician or administrator has been brought to account for the disgraceful situation. But what is certain is that the whole sad tale is even murkier than the colour of the waters at Los Urrutias beach.

100% Certified Green Energy

GENERATE YOUR OWN ELECTRICITY Make huge savings Get paid for any surplus

Make free use of the sun!

FULL INSTALLATION & REGISTRATION - MAINTENANCE - 20-YEAR GUARANTEE - LOW-COST FINANCING

GET A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE TODAY! +34 951 120 830 | INFO@MARIPOSAENERGIA.ES | WWW.MARIPOSAENERGIA.ES

LETTERS

My 90 day woes Dear Olive Press, 17 As a homeowner in Spain for it years and recently retired I findday all very confusing around the 90resistay rule and registration as a go as dent, wishing to just come and mess planned before Brexit. What a plans that has caused and makes my will much harder. Do you think theynear sort out an easy solution in the t the future or is becoming a residen only solution? Keith Day, UK plicatED: Hi Keith, Yes it’s com ation situ xit Bre the il unt and ed er, settles down and we get a calmeen betw ship tion rela xed more rela lly you Spain and the UK technica dency are going to have to get resi or abide by the 90 day rule…

BOTELLON VANDALS Vandals and litter turning paradise into a dump, with residents having to pay

FOR the last couple of weeks, gangs of youths have been roaming the streets around the La Fossa Beach area of Calpe, throughout the night. Each morning, the footpath from the harbour is littered with bottles and rubbish from their activities in the night. This morning however, the path was covered with broken glass. Vandals had smashed a large number of the street lights that lit the path. I felt that this is something that should be reported and questions should be asked as to why the Local Police are seemingly not interested in stopping their activities. Ultimately it is us residents who will have to pick up the bill which is unforgivable.

T I C I A PA R

AUGUST HOROSCOPES by Leticia Parmer

A cluster of outer planets – Jupiter, Saturn Neptune and Pluto – are already retrograde and now the other outer planet Uranus also turns retrograde, easing recent contradictions between tradition and innovation. Thus, for the month of August, life should run more smoothly with fewer strugglesr surprises.

ER ARIES

Patience is a virtue but not normally one of your strong points. However, this August you would do well to slow down and pay more attention to detail and focus on precision. So change your mantra from ‘got it done’ to ‘getting it right’.

TAURUS

At times you can be quietly dignified and reserved but this August you will be far from shy, in fact you might elbow your way right onto centre stage. So it is the spotlight for you, whether as a performer or merely as the kids’ cheerleader.

LEO Money is hot in your hands this August, it may pour in fast but can pour out just as quickly. Like a river, money flows through you and on, to the next deserving soul but do resist the urge to be overly extravagant this month.

GEMINI

SAGITTARIUS

CANCER

CAPRICORN

LIBRA

AQUARIUS

You can be a bit of a wil-o-the-wisp, as you weave and dodge through life, always fun yet wriggling to obtain freedom. But this August you are more settled, quite homely in fact. Why not re-design your nest or perfect that new recipe. Buzzing with ideas this August, you cannot wait to share them. You will be talkative and very visible on social media. Communications are key for you now. You are so quick witted and persuasive you could sell ice to the eskimos! Dreams may be more vivid than usual. This is because Mars is firing up your imagination this month. Just what you need to provoke you into getting on with that writing or art project you have been procrastinating about.

SCORPIO

The whole social scene will stimulate and energise you this August. You may surprise yourself as you cast aside your usual reticence. Now you don’t need to stay protective, private or hidden, you want to reach out and share.

AN airline has called on the UK Government to bring an end to unnecessary and expensive testing for flying abroad, in line with much of Europe. Two-thirds of British adults are now fully vaccinated, but still face prohibitive PCR test costs in order to travel with a family of four paying up to £400 for COVID tests – even to Green list countries. Being able to travel was a key driver (47%) for many to get the vaccine. Nearly nine-in-10 (88%) Brits believes the UK Government travel policy advice over the past 18 months has been confusing according to new research. It is a disgrace and no surprise that easyJet insisted that UK holidaymakers could be priced out of their first holiday abroad for the first time in two years if test costs and rules remain. David Anderson, Newcastle

Jim Gracey, Belfast

ED: Hi Jim, I don’t think it is a problem. You might need a PCR test. A Scottish journalist we know came in via Dublin, no problem. He might have just been lucky... but as far as I know, there is no bar to entering Spain from the UK anyway. Please check first though about the test.

7 Laconic (8) 8 Garnish (4) 9 Finish it once and for all (3,2,4,4) 10 "Deep ---" (1998 Morgan Freeman film) (6) 12 More secure (5) 14 Humble dwelling (3) 15 Big name in harvesters (5) 16 Be that as it may ... (6) 17 Bedfordshire/Essex neighbour (13) 20 Principal (4) 21 Nude song about old lockups (8)

Curiosity and maybe a little suspicion, push you to investigate. Whatever you focus on it will be with intensity and depth, stimulated to dig down beneath the first answer. Whatever you discover, resist the temptation to cut and run.

Down

PISCES

Partnership stimulates you now. You would rather be in a two-some than flying solo because teamwork feels energising and inspiring. You are diplomatic, charming and peaceful, but will react fiercely to a perceived injustice.

For a private appointment with Leticia for an in depth reading of your own Astrological Chart email: leticiaparmer@yahoo.com. Also check out Leticia's insightful book WHY ON EARTH which is available from Amazon

AS a regular reader (now online), can you help me answer a question I’ve been asking without a definitive reply, including from the consuls in Dublin and Edinburgh. As a UK passport holder, resident in Northern Ireland, am I permitted to enter Spain via Dublin? Northern Ireland has a peculiar status under Brexit, still being subject to some EU laws, in particular exports, imports and travel. I am a property owner in Torreblanca (and Sports Editor of the Belfast Telegraph, for my sins).

Across

Travel beckons and you feel fired up by thoughts of adventures away from home turf. You’ll enjoy learning from other cultures and traditions and may be inspired to share your own expertise by teaching or coaching others.

With Mars, the planet of energy and vitality, in your own sign for the whole of August you will be a force to reckon with. Others would be wise to take a back seat and let you shine in the helpful role of organiser and planner.

Help the Irish

OP QUICK CROSSWORD

It is time to start taking stronger career steps and putting energy into establishing yourself so others will take you more seriously. A father figure or wise male elder will have a strong and positive, mentoring influence on you now.

VIRGO

DISRACE: Litter bugs

Airline plea to UK

OP SUDOKU

E S TA R S B

Stuart Eynstone-Hinkins, Calpe

July 28th - August 10th 2021

1 One of Eve's three (4) 2 Contest at the bar? (8) 3 Safe (3,2,3,5) 4 Seeing daunting nerds in error (13) 5 Defect (4) 6 South Africa's administrative capital (8) 11 Of the Middle Ages (8) 13 Steam or internal combustion engine component (8) 18 Look after (4) 19 Offensively malodorous (4)

All solutions are on page 19

LA CULTURA

July 28th August 10th 2021

World renowned Iconic Madrid sites put on UNESCO heritage list

l Green Specia

GREEN ESCAPE: Retiro park

NO BULL

AN account promoting a Spanish matador has been banned from Twitter after posting videos of his latest bullfight. Footage of Jose Antonio Morante de la Puebla taking part in a corrida in Algeciras on Saturday breached the network’s rules for ‘promoting sadistic pleasure’. The social media giant suspended the account of @moranteinfo, which is run by a fan of the famous bullfighter, because of the ‘explicit content that breached the site’s basic rules’.

MADRID will appear on the list of world heritage sites for the first time after its Retiro Park and Paseo del Prado was awarded the coveted status by UNESCO. The tree-lined avenue of the Paseo del Prado is one of the main attractions in the capital with six museums along its length including Spain’s most famous art museum, El Prado, the Botanical Gardens next door and Museum Thys-

Crochet shade

Torture

“You cannot share on multimedia scenes which are gratuitous (injuries, violence, torture),” it said, explaining the ban. “The showing of gratuitous bloody scenes can be prejudicial, especially if the content is published with the intention of promoting cruelty or sadistic pleasure.” The ban provoked outrage from the account holder who posted: ‘freedom in this country does not exist, enough is enough’ alongside the response he had from Twitter.

COLOURFUL: Crocheted awnings in the streets of Alhaurin de la Torre are a striking sight created by local residents

sen-Bornemisza opposite. The Retiro is one of the finest city parks found in all of Europe. Its 118 hectares include woodland areas, a boating lake, a rose garden, a sports centre and a glass palace which hosts art exhibitions. The Paseo del Prado was described as ‘one of the first boulevards inside the city limits of all European cities and capitals...where all citizens, without distinction of class, could enjoy leisure and a stroll’, by Spain’s foreign ministry.

The President’s Daughter by Bill Clinton and James Patterson

HE duo who brought us the international bestseller, The President is Missing, are back with a new standalone

novel. Former President and one time Navy Seal, Matt Keating, is about to face any parent’s worst nightmare. His daughter, Melanie, is kidnapped by a terrorist whose family had been killed by Keating’s Administration in the first year of his Presidency. As Keating’s personal life becomes a matter of national security, he must draw on all his skill and training as he sets out on a one-man special-ops mission to save his daughter. With Bill Clinton’s insights and Patterson’s prowess for action packed drama, The President’s Daughter is a suspenseful, and exciting thriller filled with twists and turns.

€19.50 The Bookshop San Pedro, www.thebookshop.es

Iconic

Unesco included the ‘Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro’ as ‘a landscape of Arts and Sciences’ on the World Heritage list, saying: “The avenue features major fountains, notably the Fuente de Cibeles and the Fuente de Neptuno, and the Plaza de Cibeles, an iconic symbol of the city, surrounded by prestigious buildings. The site embodies a new idea of urban space and development from the enlightened absolutist period of the 18th century. It added: “The 120-hectare Jardines del Buen Retiro, constitutes the largest part of the property displaying different gardening styles from the 19th century to the present.”

Smart Photovoltaic Systems - an investment with immediate return Many years of experience means that Frank Weiss can give you the best solution when it comes to solar energy We connect you to the sun The company Smart Photovoltaic Systems SL stands for high-quality photovoltaic systems made in Germany. The owner and founder of the company is Frank Weiss, who speaks fluent English, Spanish and German. He has been in the solar business since 2007. It all started in Mexico with the installation of the first grid-connected photovoltaic system in June 2007.

EXPERT: Frank Weiss has the solution

After about 1,300 installations in residential buildings, industrial halls and solar parks, Weiss moved his business to southern Spain. One reason: the Spanish Solar Tax was abolished practically at the same time, thus clearing the way to now also use photovoltaic energy for self-consumption. Smart Photovoltaic Systems is based in Alhaurín de la Torre. Amortization as fast as never before Due to constantly rising electricity prices and falling costs for photovoltaic modules, owning your own photovoltaic system pays for itself more quickly than ever before. In addition to the possibility of saving electricity costs and contributing to environmental protection, there is another advantage why homeowners should consider producing their own solar power - you will also benefit from the feed-in tariff. The surplus electricity generated by your system will earn you money. As there is plenty of sunshine on the Costa del Sol, a photovoltaic system generates surplus electricity on many days of the year. Feeding it into the grid pays at least 5 cents per kilowatt hour. A 5 kWp photovoltaic system produces about 8,000 kWh per year, and pays for itself after only three years following the last

SMART MOVE: Solar panels pay for themselves in just three years

electricity price increase. Not only that, but the solar modules come with a guarantee of 25 years. The basic price for a 5 kWp system is about €5,000 plus tax, depending on the installation costs. Solar power around the clock Smart Photovoltaic Systems also installs hybrid inverters, which store the solar power with the help of a battery bank and release it again at night, for example to charge an electric car. In this way, the consumer can use solar power around the clock. By opting for a photovoltaic system, you also become an active climate protector and help to significantly reduce your personal CO2 emissions.

For more information, contact Smart Photovoltaic Systems S.L. by phone on +34 657123513, by E-Mail: contacto@smartpv.es or visit www.smartpv.es and see what they do on Instagram: smartpvcostadelsol. Smart Photovoltaic Systems are located on Pasaje de Camioneros 83, Poligono Industrial, 29130, Alhaurín de la Torre.

Frank Weiss works exclusively with his own staff and pays attention to the best quality and good service and customer service. All solar modules, inverters, cables and fuses used come from selected, well-known manufacturers. We will be happy to provide you with a non-binding cost estimate for a suitable photovoltaic system. All we need is a brief description of the property in question and a current electricity bill or, in the case of a new building, an estimated electricity consumption. We will be happy to advise you free of charge and without obligation. Frank Weiss and his team look forward to hearing from you.

LA CULTURA HOLY MOLY 12

T is Spain’s east coast conurbation. The country’s third biggest city with an important port, occasional grand prix and half decent football team. But for decades, Valencia has been too often overlooked by tourists, who flock to the famous cities of Madrid and Barcelona, or the historic gems further south, like Granada, Cordoba and Sevilla. Today however, Valencia has truly come into its own. It is now one of the country’s fastest-growing cities… and for all the right reasons. Aside from its stunning City of Arts and Sciences that has truly put Valencia on the global architectural map, it has worked

July 28th - August 10th 2021 Architectural masterpieces, history aplenty and even the Holy Grail. Jon Clarke and Shannon Chaffers take a poke around Valencia

hard to make its gem of a city centre pedestrian-friendly and scooped some key environmental awards along the way. It is not for nothing that thousands of new expats have been relocating from other parts of Spain to make the city their home over the last few years, with Ruzafa, Cabanyal and Patacona some of the favourites. They appreciate the quality of life of Valencia, which is far better value than its bigger neighbours, but has an equally good climate and friendlier locals. So what is there to do in this wonderful city?

CONTRASTS: The modern City of Arts and (below) Palace of Dos Aguas and (left) the Holy Grail

History tour

OR history lovers, there is much to explore. Occupied by the Romans, and later the Moors, Valencia has a unique blend of architecture. First up is the famous Cathedral (right), built in 1262 on the site of a former mosque. Intricate with Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic styles, it is most famous for the cup Jesus is said to have drunk from during the Last Supper, known as the Holy Grail, and with its own room, understandably. While 200 sites in Europe lay claim to the relic, Valencia’s is one of the strongest, given its cup has been confirmed to be Middle Eastern in origin and forged between 2BC and 1AD. The cathedral’s charms don’t stop there and we strongly recommend

CAPTION xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx climbing the 207 steps of the El Chapel. Migulete bell tower for stunning Make sure you don’t miss the panoramic views. Palace of Marques de Dos Aguas, Nearby you’ll find the Church of which is regarded as one of the San Nicholas, celebrated for its best examples of Baroque armagnificent interior, which has chitecture in Spain and a true been likened to that of the Sistine joy. Inside you’ll find a ceramics

museum with prehistoric, Greek, Roman, and Arab works. Also in the centre are the Torres de Senarros towers, built in the

14th century and once serving as the main entrance to the city. Another gothic gem is the Silk Exchange, a UNESCO site and hallmark of Valencia’s once thriving silk trade. The industry is well explained inside, as well as at the

Silk Museum, which you will find in the Velluters barrio. Other museums are the Institut Valencia d’art Modern or Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia for a great sampling of medieval and contemporary Spanish works.

LA CULTURA

July 28th August 10th 2021

SPACE AGE: The City of Arts and Sciences is a creative gem

Stratospheric Despite costing €1.2 billion, Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences is a world wonder, believes Olive Press Editor Jon Clarke

T was one event not to be missed. The Cure playing a free concert at the not-long finished City of Arts and Sciences. It was March, 2008, and well worth the drive up from Malaga to see one of my favourite British bands fill up a section of one of Europe’s most expensive architectural masterpieces. The final sections (mostly the bridges) of Valencia’s mega-site had just been finished and the controversial project was said to have been four times over budget and costing €1.2 billion, or about ten times the price of Bilbao’s amazing Guggenheim museum.

Justify

I had seen photos but I wanted to see with my own eyes how Spain’s architect Santiago Calatrava - coincidentally best known for his bridges - had converted the banks of the old Turia river that once skirted Valencia’s centre. Could the city really justify that huge cost? Having seen it then and returned again recently, I would give it a resounding ‘yes’. The giant collection of surreal buildings that give a space-age look to one edge of the city have put Valencia very much on the map. Just like the celebrated Guggenheim effect revolutionised the run-down northern Basque city of Bilbao, Calatrava’s swooping lines of white concrete and glass have created an addictive unworldly creation that is definitely the city’s unique selling point today. It has changed the city’s skyline and created a wonderful counterpoint to the surprisingly impressive historic centre, which itself is also full of medieval gems. Yes, there is still some work to do in uniting the two cities, as local expat architect Kevin Cash wrote in the Olive Press last year, but I believe the

prize is there for the taking. Tourists who brought in €314 million for the city in 2018 are set to start flying in again in their droves… and Valencia has in that one complex, a feature that can’t compete with anything else in Spain, except maybe Bilbao. Yes, Aviles, in Asturias, has its Oscar Niemeyer Cultural Centre and yes, Sevilla has its Setas (also controversial), but nothing comes near to the sheer impact and scale of the City of Arts. I particularly like the use of water, which reflects the otherworldly creations and the way the former riverbed area is incorporated into the overall design. It is easy to spend an hour sitting and marvelling at the curving lines interjected by arches and cross beams, and at its scale as cyclists zip by or a lorry unloads its wares. Each of the half dozen buildings have their own flavour. The Palau de les Arts dominates the skyline with its jutting silhouette, while the L’Hemisferic is like a reptile's eye, lurking half underwater. The Oceanographic aquarium has a life of its very own, while the mussel-shaped Agora is finally entering the fray. I also like the way you can meander up the shady riverbed from this magical collection of buildings towards the Ciutat Vella, which is crammed full of charming squares and equally alluring buildings with most of the streets traffic-free.

Paseo Maritimo de la Patacona n 14, 46120, Alboraya, Valencia I T. 96 372 40 95 I 618 356 043 I info@casapatacona.com

Mediterranean Cuisine

Open every day Closed Monday

Medieval

Indeed, for the City of Arts to be a true success the vast bulk of tourists need to be pulled into the casco historico to understand how cleverly designed the original medieval footprint of Valencia was and how well it has aged today. Like chalk and cheese, it is the contrast between the old and new that helps to make Valencia one of Spain’s most exciting places to visit this year.

reservas: 963 51 49 94

Market life o get a flavour of local life and culture make sure to visit Valencia’s Mercado Central, one of the oldest food markets in Europe. Described as a ‘foodie paradise’,

Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine in a beautiful environment

here you’ll find a full range of Valencian produce located in a beautiful building with domed ceilings adorned with mosaics and stained glass.

reservas@palaciodelabellota.com www.palaciodelabellota.com C/Mosent Femades, 7 CP. 46002 VALENCIA

BUSINESS

NOT COOL

July 28th - August 10th 2021

Green Special

SOME 22 Spanish companies are under investigation for smashing open electrical compressors to ‘recycle’ while releasing the equivalent of 35,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide. Environmentally hazardous refrigerant gases from old fridges and air conditioning units were released into the atmosphere as the firms stripped out valuable metals without following strict environmental protocols. The firms are based in the provinces of Alicante (six), Valencia (four), Murcia (six), Almeria (two), and one each in Malaga, Albacete, Ciudad Real and Mallorca. Police discovered that the companies were not officially authorised to handle electrical or electronic device refuse. The method most commonly used was to smash open the devices to extract copper and other valuable pieces from inside. The unwanted remains were then shipped out to a processing plant in Pakistan without the correct paperwork.

Dear Jennifer: Can you recommend a good travel insurance provider for British expats in Spain? UNFORTUNATELY due to Brexit, the travel insurance company that we worked extremely well with for over 20 years is no longer able to offer cover to British expats in Spain. At first, this did not worry me as there was no travel allowed. However, it seems as though this is changing and people are hoping to be able to have holidays and visit loved ones this summer. It was therefore necessary to me to discover if there was a company which offered similar cover at reasonable realistic prices. Fortunately I discovered one of my members of staff had experience with an alternative travel insurance provider, which provides the policies and covers that expats are used to.

Quotes

That means I'm pleased to be able to offer this service to my clients again. We are in the process of contacting all our travel insurance clients, by email and a follow up call to explain the new policies and to issue quotes. We can now provide travel insurance for both annual and short trip policies with a choice of three levels of cover and there is an additional option for COVID-19 protection. The policies are underwritten by Lloyds of Belgium, so of course, the company is fully authorised and regulated within the EU. After such a long time of not being able to offer travel insurance because there was no need for it due to the restrictions, I am now full of hope that our long wait is drawing to a close, although I am still feeling apprehensive. To be able to hug a loved one after such a long time will be such joy- a word that is rather under-used at the moment.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR A QUOTATION, PLEASE CONTACT ONE OF MY OFFICES, VISIT THE WEBSITE WWW.JENNIFERCUNNINGHAM.NET OR EMAIL INFO@ JENNIFERCUNNINGHAM.NET

THE government has given the green light to yet another bank merger, this time between Unicaja Banco and Liberbank. The Ministry of Economics and Digital Transformation approved the deal which is expected to complete before the end of July. The terms will see Unicaja fully absorb its rival to create a bank with €110 billion in assets, creating the fifth largest bank in Spain. The deal will reduce the number of banks in the country to a mere 10, down from 55 prior to the 2008

Another merger economic crisis. This latest consolidation of Spain’s banking sector follows the merger earlier this year between Bankia and Caixabank to create the largest domestic lender. The shareholders of Malaga based Unicaja will hold 59.5% of the capital of the combined entity, which will be headquartered in Malaga. Unicaja’s president Manuel Azuaga, will be its executive chairman,

while Manuel Menendez, CEO of Liberbank, will hold the same post in the new entity.

SLEEP EASY

Siesta time ban on mobile phone cold callers SPAIN'S top phone companies have promised to cut unsolicited calls pestering people to sign up to their services. The traditional siesta period between 3pm and 4pm will be kept clear of sales pitches after a deal struck between Movistar, Vodafone, Orange and MasMovil. The companies have also agreed to start calls an hour later at 10am on a weekday. The firms have been widely criticised for persistent hawking calls offering new services to poach customers

By Alex Trelinski

from their rivals. They've also been severely fined and rebuked by Spain’s Data Protection body. The new code of conduct will start in January 2022 and replaces a previous agreement that kicked in 11 years ago, but was largely ignored. The agreement also states that there can be no calls after 9pm on a weekday, and none at all at the weekend

ELECTRICITY prices have jumped to their highest level in nearly two decades, with average megawatt hour costing over €100 today. It means today’s cost of using electricity in Spain is now the second most expensive daily average price in the country’s history. The most expensive day in history for electricity in Spain was in January 2002 when a megawatt cost €103.76 per hour. A megawatt hour is currently averaging €101 — its highest rate since July 2 when it stood at €99.8 an hour. Reasons for the soaring prices include an increase in demand - this time last year Spain was in lockdown with many businesses closed - escalating gas prices and an increase in penalties for CO2 emissions. In addition, experts have highlighted a series of problems with the French nuclear power system, which has led to a surge in

and on bank holidays. The firms have also promised to wait three months

Sparking anger activity and impacted the global European market. Daily market prices have skyrocketed from €17.65 per megawatt hour in 2020 to €101 today. As reported previously by the Olive Press, electricity is now much more expensive from 10am to 2pm, and then again from 6pm to 10pm, Monday to Friday. Average rates are now applied from 8am to 10am, 2pm to 6pm, and 10pm to midnight, Monday to Friday. Low times, i.e. the cheapest, are from midnight to 8am Monday to Friday, and all day at weekends and on bank holidays.

before calling again if a customer rejects an offer. Orange's Spanish head, Jean-Francois Fallacher, said: “We telecommunication operators all through the years have adapted our actions to consumers’ habits.”

Infractions

The Spanish Agency for Data Protection(AEPD) has handed out 78 sanctions in recent years to the companies, with 46 transgressions committed by Vodafone over ‘marketing infractions’. In February, the AEPD hit Vodafone with a record €8.2 million fine after siding with complaints about excessive nuisance calls. Vodafone has appealed the verdict and fine to the National Court.

Does your property lack First Occupation License/Licence of First Occupancy? Did you know architects can now issue these licences? Having a First Occupation Licence/Licence of First Occupancy Will enable you to comply with current laws if you wish to rent your property short-term OR will improve your chances to close a sale if you wish to sell your property.

Lawbird is a firm of English speaking lawyers who specialise in property law, corporate law, litigation and immigration law. Whether you plan to buy a house, start a company or relocate to Spain, we offer a no-nonsense service to assist you.

LPO Architects, in collaboration with Lawbird Legal Services S.L.P., can help you get this licence in record time.

Lawbird Legal Services Slp

CALL OR WRITE TO US TODAY AND WE WILL GET BACK TO YOU WITHIN HOURS!

C.Ricardo Soriano, 19 29601 Marbella (Spain) TEL: +34 952 861 890 FAX: +34 952 861 695 gary.newsham@lawbird.com

Avenida Ricardo Soriano 19, Marbella 29601 info@lpoarchitects.com TEL: +34 952 86 1890 www.lpoarchitects.com

www.lawbird.com

If you’re looking for a career where you can make a real difference to people’s lives, become a live-in carer for Helping Hands Home Care. Earn up to £650 per week • Flexible working patterns • Travel costs covered • No paid experience necessary • Be part of a friendly, supportive team •

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK D € CE 000 U D 6, RE M 3 O FR

PROPERTY

July 28th August 10th 2021

SELLING UP The masked avenger returns for good having put UK property on the market for €3.4 million By Katherine Brook

HE may have been mooching around Malaga for a couple of years now, but now Antonio Banderas is making the move apparently permanent. The Hollywood heartthrob

TH4332

29.000€ Alcaudete, Jaen

3 bed, 2 bath Build: 130m2

On a one way street with parking, this townhouse has the original wooden double doors. Step into the lounge off which is a bedroom. The kitchen is a good size and opens onto a patio with grapevines and a lemon tree also a laundry/bathroom.

Martos Office +34 953 704 319 info@inlandandalucia.com

Calle Lope de Vega, 6, 23600 Martos (Jaén)

www.inlandandalucia.com

Yanked out the water!

A TV producer is looking for ‘fish out of water’ Americans who have recently relocated to Spain and are renovating properties. Casting director Jesse Rosales expects to find quite a few Americans in Spain, as well as in Italy and France. As he explained: “Whether you are leaving everything behind and buying a $1 villa in Italy, a vineyard in France or some other overseas destination we want to document your journey for a fun series.” He added that the show is going on a premium streaming platform and is open to those who are considering moving, as well as those who have already relocated. While the show will mostly revolve around the participants’ properties, it will also focus on their adaptation to the culture of The drama of the show will come from

SPANISH POWER OF ATTORNEY

Why you should let your lawyer handle your financial and property affairs

T is common in Spain for foreign non-residents to grant Power of Attorney to legal firms so that lawyers can deal with matters on behalf of their clients when they are not in Spain. A Power of Attorney will often be the most practical way of enabling a Spanish lawyer to undertake tasks and sign documents on behalf of their clients so that they do not have the expense and the inconvenience of having to attend in person to sign or authorise each part of a legal matter. Spanish Wills and Inheritance Tax are both important considerations if you have property and/ or investments in the country. It is normally recommended that you draft a Spanish Will to cover assets located in Spain and a foreign Will to cover any assets in other countries. It is important that there are no legal or tax conflicts between the application of the Spanish Will and the international Will.

XXX

If you own property in Spain, or if your beneficiaries reside in Spain, then you will be liable for inheritance or succession tax. The main difference between UK and Spanish inheritance tax is that there is no exemption between husband and wife. When one dies, the other is liable for inheritance tax on worldwide assets. A surviving spouse may be left a `life interest´ in the property instead. If you are UK domiciled you are liable to pay tax in both countries, but these liabilities can be offset against each other. An offshore trust can mitigate inheritance tax and further protect your assets. It is not uncommon for people who have a property in Spain to also want to purchase and own a boat to take advantage of the beautiful sea.

By Malini Peñalva, Spanish Abogada at Del Canto Chambers Ibiza However, buying a boat in Spain requires understanding many complicated tax laws. For non-residents in Spain, there is a route to avoid the payment of these taxes, but it is dependent on whether the purchaser is an EU resident or from outside the EU. Under the scheme called ‘matricula turística’, a non-Spanish resident from another EU country will benefit from an exemption on the matriculation tax, therefore avoiding the extra 12%, although VAT must be paid. If the buyer is from outside the EU, the total amount (both the matriculation tax and VAT) will be exempt. Who is buying or selling the boat can also make a difference regarding the amount of tax to be paid. If there is a professional agent/ intermediary acting on behalf of the buyer/seller in the boat Transaction, then the tax liability may differ. If the transaction takes place between two individuals, but the buyer is non-resident in Spain, the transaction will be tax-exempt in Spain. With such complicated tax implications, it is important to seek advice before buying or selling a boat in Spain. Del Canto Chambers has a team of expert lawyers who are dual-qualified in the UK and in Spain, meaning we are perfectly positioned to support our clients with any legal or tax requirements. We help ensure you are fully compliant with your tax position, helping you plan and protect your income as best as possible.

To make a no-obligation enquiry, please either call Del Canto Chambers now on: +44 2070 430648 or complete our online form on our website’s contact page, which after receipt we will come back to you within 24 hours. Our office in Ibiza are located on: Calle Illa Plana 7, 07800 Ibiza, Islas Baleares. Contact us directly on 971 761 171

STYLISH: Banderas’ super-green Surrey home has put his stunning British any time soon. mansion on the market and The Zorro star is hoping to doesn’t look to be returning get £2.95 million (€3.4m) for

the ‘fish out of water’ experience, so subjects don’t necessarily need to know the language or culture of the country they’re moving to. For more information email Jesse at buyingabroadcasting@gmail.com

the Surrey home where he lived officially from 2015. The leafy property in the celebrity hotspot of Cobham counts on five bedrooms, a private cinema and neighbours including Andy Murray and John Terry. He moved out of the leafy home he shared with Nicole Kimpel just before the Covid lockdown and has recently confirmed he’ll be moving back to Malaga, where he lived until he was 18. Banderas has become more committed to Spain since he opened the Teatro de Soho CaixaBank, in Malaga, in 2019. He lived in Los Angeles with his ex-wife, actress Melanie Griffiths, with whom he has a daughter, Stella, 24. The Oscar-nominated actor has just announced he’ll be appearing in the 5th Indiana Jones film, premiering this week.

MORTGAGE THINK TANK by mortgage broker Tancrede de Pola

Help needed! When talking to lenders the list of documentation can seem endless

T can be more than a chore to find, negotiate and sign a mortgage in Spain – it can be the single most important financial decision you make in the country. It becomes doubly difficult if you are not from Spain, and are not used to the steps you have to take and the pitfalls to avoid. One of the biggest challenges for an expat looking to get a local mortgage is to be aware of the different documentation required by banks to make sure everything is in order. Make a mistake here and it could cost you time and money – as well as a huge amount of hassle – at best or, an outright rejection, at worst! To give you an idea of the complexity we will take a closer look at the documents required for a mortgage application in Spain. We need to point out that there is no standard documentation for all banks when it comes to applying for a mortgage. But there is a general pattern including some documents that just about every lender will require, whether applying as a resident or non-resident, so that it can analyse the application and make a decision on whether to lend or not. Adding another layer of complication is that these will vary according to whether you are employed, self-employed or a company owner but, in any case, everyone will need at least the following: ● A valid ID card of each applicant. If you have a green NIE card, you will also need to provide your passport

● Employment record of each applicant (this must be dated within the previous 30 days…for resident clients this is called a vida laboral ● Your income tax return for the last 2 years. ● Account movements of the last 3-6 months. ● Credit report, from the country of residence. ● Rental contracts for any existing buy-tolets. ● Nota simple of property being purchased. ● Last three paid receipts for all existing Spanish mortgages In addition, employees will need to show their three most recent payslips for each of the applicants and their employment contract. Resident Self-employed people will also have to show their last four quarterly income tax and IVA returns. This is not an exhaustive list – many more documents may be needed depending on your marital status and the individual lender. Do not despair however! At The Finance Bureau, we have many years of experience in helping people find and successfully apply for mortgages to fit just about any circumstance. We can help you navigate the red-tape as well as find you the most suitable product for your personal needs.

For any more questions contact the Finance Bureau on 952 801 401

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL Tuck in Boozy lottery

ANDALUCIA’S most famous white wine label is celebrating its 200 year anniversary this summer and offering a host of prizes to those with winning numbers hidden in its corks. Bodegas Barbadillo founded its winery in 1821 in SanLucar de Barrameda, Cadiz province,where it produces the top-selling white wine in Spain, its Castillo de San Diego, known simply as Barbadillo. To celebrate its bicentenary, the winery has launched a lottery with numbers hidden on its corks. Winners can claim top prizes of €3,000 and two-for-one offers on visits to its historical bodega and wine museum.

THE best fine-dining restaurants in the world have been named by Tripadvisor, with two restaurants in Spain making the top 10. Beating the likes of Quintessenza and Ristorante Villa Crespi, El Xato in La Nucia (Alicante) and Martin Berasategui in Lasarte-Oria (Gipuzkoa) were given a shout out on the highly influential foodie list.

Spain has two of best fine dining restaurants in the world

Exquisite

El Xato and Martin Berasategui came in sixth and seventh on the Tripadvisor’s 2021 Travellers’ Choice ‘Best of the Best’ Restaurants Awards, which are decided by an algorithm that analyses the millions of reviews and opinions collected in a single year from travellers around the world. Top of the global ranking is The Old Stamp House Restaurant in the UK, followed by Restaurant La Mai-

ANDALUCIA has exported more agricultural produce this year than ever before with sales reaching close to €5.9 billion in the first five months. The southern region now leads the agrifood market in Spain, contributing almost one in four euros (24.1%) to national sales (€24.6 billion). One of the biggest reasons for the 4.9% growth is down to a huge increase of export companies, which has grown by 20.2% year-on-year, taking the total number of export markets to 3,125 export markets, according to Extenda-Andalucia Exportation and Foreign Investment (Extenda). Europe tops the chart as the main destination for Andalucian agriculture exports.

son d’ a Cote in quaint Montlivault, central France, then by Ise Sueyoshi in Tokyo.

Fruitful year However, Asian destinations are also thriving, with China the third fastest growing market (+18.9%) in this period (January-May). It comes as no surprise that vegetables and fruit were the biggest drivers for the market, with sales of €1.8 billion and €1.6 billion respectively. Followed by olive oil at €1 billion. That said, meat, fish and horticulture were the sectors that grew the most in the fivemonth period, with plants and flowers topping the chart, at 35%.

Spain’s top-rated spot, El Xato, has a 100-year-old history and a highly prized Michelin star. In its iconic bodega-turned-restaurant beside the local church, head chef Cristina Figueira serves up mouthwatering traditional, rice-based dishes.

Glowing

One glowing review said: “A great experience. The ambiance is very welcoming and charming. Amazing wines, and service. Staff are extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The food was exquisite. One of the best experiences I have ever had in a restaurant. I would highly recommend ‘El Xato’.”

July 28th - August 10th 2021

READER EXCLUSIVE

uthor Sabina Ostrowska moved to Spain seven years ago. Enchanted by the beauty of the Andalucian countryside and excited by the prospect of owning a large piece of rural land complete with olive groves, she and her husband spent all of their savings on their dream home and new adventure. However, it wasn’t the smooth encounter they had anticipated. Misleading estate agents, dodgy builders, financial struggles, not to mention their limited Spanish vocabulary - sound familiar? In her book, The Crinkle Crankle Wall: Our First Year in Andalusia, Sabina openly shares the story

The Crinkle Crankle Wall: Our First Year in Andalusia of her move from the glamorous UAE to the Costa del Sol. It’s witty, humorous and nail bitingly frustrating at times as she shares mistakes relatable to so many who have moved countries in search of a more ‘relaxed’ life in Spain. Sabina is originally from Poland and is a non-fictional text book writer. Her book is available on Amazon in both paperback and digital editions. Exclusively for Olive Press readers, Sabrina’s book is available to download for FREE online at amazon.com between July 29 and August 1. Sabina is currently writing her next book in the series. Follow her on Facebook for more updates @sabinawriter.

A Pizarro of the action ACCLAIMED Spanish chef Jose Pizarro will open not one but two new restaurants in the hallowed grounds within London’s Royal Academy of Arts in Piccadilly. The Extremadura-born chef who has been dubbed ‘the Godfather of Spanish cooking’ in the UK will open a tapas bar offering simple fare such as tortilla de patatas, pan con tomate and empanadas on the ground floor and a more upmarket restaurant in the Dorfman Senate Room upstairs.

Spanish staycation

A hidden gem that will make you feel at home in the lap of luxury, writes Katherine Brook

RAVELLING to other countries (restriction free) still feels pretty ambitious which means most of us will probably spend our holidays in Spain this year. But with so much beauty around every corner is it really such a bad thing? If your travels take you to Manilva I highly recommend you check out Three Palms Boutique B&B, and if you live there the same POOLSIDE DRINKS: At the honesty bar applies. Why not treat yourself to a long weekend leave - but you might just be break where you can relax tempted to for breakfast on and recharge in fabulous the sun-drenched terrace overlooking the gardens and surroundings. Situated just up from Sabi- views beyond. nillas town in La Duquesa, Spend your days relaxing located midway between by the pool, check out the Gibraltar and Marbella, this infrared sauna, or book in beautiful Boutique B&B is a for a treatment: manicure, real hidden gem with strik- pedicure, massage. Feeling ing views across the sea to thirsty? Help yourself to a the mountains, it provides a drink from the honesty bar great base for exploring this and make yourself at home. beautiful area. LONG WEEKEND Inside it’s like an art gallery with many of the pieces SPECIAL OFFER: painted by owner Julie herBetween July and self. The rooms are large, October 2021, book each with an en-suite bathroom, multi-channel flat Friday and Saturday screen TV, and fridge, not night and get the to mention beds so comSunday free of charge. fortable you’ll not want to

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

ROOTED IN HIS ORY

HEY have been standing for the best part of 1,000 years, wooden-hearted witnesses to war, flood, fire and famine rooted in the bloody soil where Moors fought Christians and Nationalists

Discover 10 trees that witnessed 1,000 years, with Fiona Govan battled Republicans. Some have become sacred places of pilgrimage, others have been decla-

red Natural Monuments, all are awesome in their own arboreal way. Although sadly for tree huggers,

their trunks are way too wide to get your arms around! The Olive Press checks out 10 famous Spanish trees that bear evergreen testament to centuries of history.

The Sacred Chestnut of Istan, Malaga

The Grandfather Oak, Castilla y Leon

l Castaño Sagrado is the oldest tree in Andalucia’s newest National Park, that of the Sierra de los Nieves and a favourite spot with locals for scattering the ashes of loved ones. A mere sapling when the Moors ruled Spain, it has grown to an immense size with a trunk spanning over 21 metres in girth. Sadly it is not in good shape, having come under siege from the dreaded

HIS legendary old man of the forest nicknamed ‘El Abuelo’ has led a long and charmed life, surviving lightning strikes, loggers’ axes and the mischief of arsonists. While its siblings from Palencia’s Parque Natural de Fuentes Carrionas have been felled to supply railway sleepers, prop up mines and feed bakers’ ovens, this ancient oak still stands tall, providing shade for weary pilgrims straying from the nearby Camino de Santiago trail. At between 500 and 800 years old, it’s not the oldest tree in the Spanish woods but it’s noble bearing and mighty 9.8-metre circumference command respect.

chestnut gall wasp and despite a campaign by locals to grant it Natural Monument status, it remains unprotected.

ROWNING a wind-blasted plateau 1,600 metres above sea level, this geriatric juniper has withstood the elements for circa 1,000 years. Of a variety that dates from the dense steppe forests of the Tertiary period up to 65 million years ago, this living relic growing in the Parque Natural Sierra Maria-Los Velez is so special it has been awarded ‘natural monument’ status. The species was highly prized by cabinet makers in times past, leading to industrial-scale felling. But as its gnarled trunk and thick green canopy testify, this juniper is the tree that got away.

THE ANCIENT JUNIPER OF ALMERIA

Take advantage of the special offer now available by calling +34 627 920 580 or visit the website www. threepalms.es to book

THE

ROMAN OASIS

CR A ZY

Over 30 years of experience in cruising through the warm waters of the Costa Del Sol...

MINI GOLF & BAR tel: 952 892 380

Come aboard this magnificent 42ft luxury sailboat and let it take you out to sea... Private charters departing from el Puerto Deportivo de Marbella.

Child r Niño en s

ts Adul os t l u d A €

5.50 € 9.50 18 challenging holes for adults and children alike who love it too, and are enthralled by Maverick, George and Charlie our naughty parrots! Great for families. CHILDRENS PLAY AREA

+34 633 142 040 www.marbella-yacht-charters.com

Opening hours: 10.00am - 9.00pm if people are still playing, otherwise bar closes at 8.00pm Closed Wednesday Season will last until the river rises! Ice Cold Beer, Lavazza Coffee, Shady Terraces, Jungle Atmosphere, Great Bar!

FOOD, DRINK & TRAVEL T

July 28th -

Green SpeAugust cial 10th 2021

1,000 peseta note and it has a door in its trunk. This gives access to a 6-me-

THE OUTSIZED OLIVE TREE OF JAEN

The Millennium Dragon Tree, Tenerife

UDGING from the blank page, Wikipedia can think of no good reason to visit the small town of Olmeda de las Fuentes an hour’s drive

HE town of Arroyo del Ojanco is notable for little else but this most impressive specimen. Olive trees are usually diminutive but such is its size, it’s listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest in the world. Standing at 10 metres tall with a canopy that casts a shadow of 116m2, it certainly measures up to its Natural Monument status.

SEGOVIA’S GIANT SEQUOIA QUEEN

tre-high cavity which has a fan installed to help with ventilation.

Madrid’s humongous holm oak from the capital. But we at the Olive Press can. For it is here that you can find one of the most notable trees in the Community of Madrid: the Encina de la Pica, a holm oak that stands over 18 metres tall and has been around for at least 900 years. It may not be top of your bucket list on a trip to the city but maybe it’s time you branched out!

OP Puzzle solutions Quick Crossword Across: 7 Taciturn, 8 Lard, 9 Get it over with, 10 Impact, 12 Safer, 14 Hut, 15 Deere, 16 Anyway, 17 Hertfordshire, 20 Main, 21 Dungeons. Down: 1 Face, 2 Litigate, 3 Out of the woods, 4 Understanding, 5 Flaw, 6 Pretoria, 11 Medieval, 13 Flywheel, 18 Tend, 19 Rank.

SUDOKU

HIS famous tree has been a symbol of Tenerife since it was declared a national monument way back in 1917. Lording it over all others in the Parque del Drago, El Drago Milenario stands over 20 metres tall and is the world’s oldest and largest living specimen of dragon tree. The only tree species in the world with red sap - the colour of dragon’s blood Tenerife’s ancient landmark has other claims to fame. Its image once graced the

NOWN as La Reina, this giant sequoia queens it over all other trees in the gardens of the royal palace at La Granja de San Ildefonso, in Segovia province. Standing sentinel at the gates alongside her partner, El Rey, since at least 1867, ‘she’ is thought to be one of the oldest examples of the trees imported from America into Europe. But at 40 metres tall she is still a baby. Giant sequoias are among the tallest trees in the world, growing to over 1,000 metres during their staggering l i fe s p a n of up to 4,000 years, making them the world’s oldest species of tree.

Quality Horse Stables Livery | Training | Horse Care | Dressage

Come and enjoy our Boutique Horse-Hotel with us +34 682 538 563 www.lacuadraronda.com

FOOD,20DRINK &FOOD,DRINK TRAVEL &

serving your table for a re n he w s es Pr ive Ol e l Mention Th e of Cava with your mea ttl bo RY TA EN IM PL M CO

INTO THE DEEP

ODS of dolphins, flying fish and pilot whales. These are just some of the wonderful species you might see on a yacht excursion into the Med. While it cannot be guaranteed, the 30-years of experience of skipper Pete Ashworth at Marbella Yacht Charters means you will certainly get a wonderful flavour of a life on the ocean waves. “You see dolphins 60% of the

A yachting adventure into the Med can’t guarantee whales… but definitely a fabulous day out! time and you might see flying fish, tuna and occasionally pilot whales,” the London-born sailor explains. He has been taking regular excursions on his 42-foot yacht Bliss from Marbella port for the last five years and knows his

SAIL: The best way to explore the Med

P U E R T O

D E

L A

way around the local waters like the back of his hand. Having sailed around the world ‘at least ten times’ he has a pretty good idea where to take his clients (up to 10 at a time) for a sunset sail or a whole day’s cruise. This is definitely not a ‘booze cruise’ though, he stresses. “We want to show people the ropes and get them involved in the whole sailing experience,” explains Pete, who started sailing dinghies off the Essex coast at the age of six. “Yes we will have a glass of wine and some nice food, but not lots of beer and whiskey. “We want to introduce our clients to the world of sailing, ideally getting up to full sails and 15 knots. “What is certain is whatever direction we go in a day on the boat is refresh-

D U Q U E S A

Come and stay in our luxury villa overlooking the mediterranean sea at Puerto de La Duquesa, between Estepona and Sotogrande. Enjoy 5-star accommodation at Three Palms Boutique B&B. All rooms have top quality Hypnos beds with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, flat screen multi-channel TV and fabulous breakfast included.

Telephone +34 627 920 580 or visit our website www.threepalms.es

AMAZING SPECIAL OFFER BOOK TWO NIGHTS AND GET A THIRD NIGHT ABSOLUTELY FREE Valid from 1st July until the end of September 2021

FOOD & DRINK TRAVEL Green Specia

BLUE ing, with the wind and the ocean and it’s a day you won’t forget. It should certainly blow away the cobwebs.” The aim of the charters, which can be up to six hours long, is to sail as much as possible and use the engine only when needed. The backdrop of Marbella and its La Concha mountain is always a joy to behold while out at sea and seeing the double pillars of Hercules of Gibraltar and Morocco is also special.

July 28th August 10th 2021

We are open – See you soon!

FREEDOM: Sail into the sunset

The Costa de la Luz’s most emblematic restaurant and hotel. In the stunning white town of Vejer de la Frontera.

Snorkeling

The boat will carry paddle boards and snorkeling gear to use when the boat anchors out at sea. Jet skis, banana boats and kids water park access is an add on fee. Before heading off Pete always likes to assess the sort of day clients are looking for, whether it is a gentle sail or a thrilling adventure. The 38-year-old has worked in the boating world for two decades now and has raced, taught and delivered yachts all over the world. Born in London, he pretty much left home at the age of 16 for a career in yachting. A trip costs from 520 euros for a three-hour Sunset sail. For more information contact www.marbella-yacht-charters. com or call Pete on (34) 657 355 147

CalifaVejer.com tel: +34 956 44 77 30 Plaza de España, Vejer de la Frontera,Costa de la Luz, Cádiz

AFFORDABLE BUSINESS CONTACTS

July 28th August 10th 2021

KENNELS & CATTERY

CLASSIFIEDS CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES

Eurodog

Stressful home life? Advice on all things parenting including sleep and behaviour packages. info@maatfamily.com +34 602 472 460 www.maatfamily.com

www.eurodog.es - Email - info@eurodog.es

TRANSLATIONS

AIR CONDITIONING We specialize in Air-Conditioning and heating systems with thousands of satisfied customers. We also service and repair any make and model of Air-Conditioning. Maintenance contracts available from only 5.80€ per month. Ecosense movement sensors fitted from 100€

ALL LANGUAGES. SENT BY COURIER.

We are authorized installers by the Junta de Andalucía as the new law states (real decreto 115/2017)

654613094 sanpedrotranslations@ gmail.com

AIRFLOW AIR CONDITIONING SL

coolandcosy@hotmail.com www.coolandcosy.es

TV REPAIR

SOLICITOR

PLUMBING

EXPERIENCED BRITISH SOLICITOR

Leak Finder

yea

experiers nce

PLASMA, LCD, LED TV’s Same day FREE estimates

IPTV & Sky boxes, Hi-Fi & Microwaves Call John: 952 491 723 Mob: 600 706 201

av_services@hotmail.co.uk Can collect

RADIO PLUMBING

Spanish speaking providing legal advice: conveyancing, residency, wills and inheritance. Contact Victoria at: www.britishlawyerspain.com or + 34 678 826 771

www.locksmithdelsol.com Tel: +34 622 522 201 Riviera • Calahonda • Marbella • Nueva Andalucia Puerto Banus • San Pedro • Benahavis • Estepona

STORAGE

OFFICIAL TRANSLATIONS.

tel: (+34) 952 443 222 airflowspain@live.com

TELEVISION REPAIRS 35

LOCKSMITH Car key copy programming Emergency 24hrs Upgrades in doors security CCTV systems Small home repairs

Challenging child behaviour?

679 786 669 - Alan - 952 464 947

AIR CONDITIONING REPAIRS AND NEW INSTALLATIONS

Residential | Cars | Emergency

Lack of sleep? Unsettled baby?

Fully Licensed Sanitary Approved Large Secure Runs Purpose Built Secure Play Area Established For Over 20 Years 5 Minutes From Fuengirola

AIR CONDITIONING

LOCKSMITH

BABY AND CHILD WHISPERER

Boarding Kennels & Cattery

We DO NOT accept sex adverts!

Motorhomes - Caravans Boats - Cars & Vans Delivery & Collection available Short Term - Long Term Established 15 years Safe & Secure - 24hr CCTV

679 786 669 - Alan - 606 101 807

www.eurodog.es - Email - info@eurodog.es

Plumbing Service

Working on the coast since 2000 Quality Assured

tel: 625 70 27 72

email: sburnay@yahoo.com

CONSTRUCTION

POST SHOPS Having difficulty sending and receiving mail on Spain? OFFEX offer a secure, reliable and cost effective solution for both businesses and individuals requiring mail and courier services to and from Spain Full range of Royal Mail services Worldwide door to door courier service for time sensitive documents and small packages Economy Courier: Worldwide for to door courier service for less urgent documents, small packages and parcels Budget Courier: European door to door service for non urgent items Luggage Service: Low cost unaccompanied baggage service for your personal effects Iberian Peninsula Courier: Overnight deliveries within Spain Postal Service: Priority Courier:

THE POST SHOP

Avda. De Tivoli, C.C. De la Miel, Local 13, Arroyo de la Miel Tel: 952 577 816 Mon to Fri: 10.00-17.00 Sat: 10.00-12.00

LEISURE

HEALTHCARE RECRUITMENT

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND We offer stiff competition on all enhancers for both gents and ladies

Weekenders • Jellies Blue & Green

FREE DELIVERY

& Discounts on Large Orders

CALL: 604 385 476 costadelgolfshow@gmail.com

PCR & Antigen Covid Testing Antigen from

€39 per test

PCR from

€99 per test

Results within

We come to you At home, at work, at your event, for schools, on yachts, corporate private testing and more. Additional fees apply for home testing service.

24 hours

Clinics across Costa del Sol T: +34 711 088845 Book your test online

www.dam-health.es

OLIVE PRESS RATS! SPLASH OUT The

ANDALUCÍA

REuse REduce REcycle We use recycled paper

Live free

FINAL WORDS

A CAMPAIGN has been launched offering young families a free house and job in Spain to those willing to relocate to Griegos, Teruel.

Red hot A NEW wildfire app has helped to raise the awareness of 84 fires in Andalucia since it launched in June, sending information to local users to warn them of the blazes.

Your expat

FREE

voice in Spain

www.theolivepress.es

Vol. 15 Issue 374

July 28th - August 10th 2021

New Airbnb-style app allows you to rent a swimming pool from €12 per person THINGS could go a bit more swimmingly for cashstrapped Spanish property owners this summer. A brand new website is allowing punters to rent private swimming pools by the hour or day.

A Legacy MALAGA regional boss Elias Bendodo has commissioned an oil painting of himself for €26,000. The portrait will be done by Malaga artist Revello de Toro.

By Katherine Brook

Swimmy could earn owners over €1,000 a month by renting their pool for those who aren’t lucky enough to have one.

Still got it BUDDY, a retired Gibraltar police dog, has still got a nose for it, after he found a stash of cannabis in a stationary vehicle. The 12-year-old Golden Labrador was out for an evening walk when he detected the drugs and alerted his master - an off-duty police officer. Police later found 64 grams of cannabis, worth roughly £300, and arrested the owner.

The app has seen the number of users soar during the pandemic, as the tightening of restrictions saw the closure of all public pools. And even when municipal pools did open again, many people opted for the more secluded option, many for health reasons.

Profit

Described as ‘the Airbnb of swimming pools’; owners register their pool and then rent it to guests for hours, days or even events. The app has over 150,000

users across Spain and France, who can take their pick between over 3,500 pools. In Madrid, prices tend to range from €12 to €30 per person, for half a day. Meanwhile, in Marbella, the average price for a pool for a half day was around €14. In Sevilla, one pool in the centre costs €120 per person to rent. The pandemic has been favourable on pool manufacturers. Fluridra, the world’s largest pool equipment maker, posted a 40-fold jump in profits in May.

LAWMAKERS in Andalucia’s regional parliament had an unusual visitor during a debate when a rat entered the chamber. The rodent was first spotted by speaker of the house Marta Bosquet, who was conducting proceedings when she let out a shriek and clasped her hand over her mouth. The rat was first spotted under the chair of an MP from the VOX party, Angela Mulas who ran from the chamber, alongside other parliamentarians.

Vote

The speaker urged calm and moments later there was applause as the rat was ushered out allowing the vote to resume. PP politician Elias Bendodo later described it as an unusual sighting, but added: ‘it is not the most dangerous species in Parliament’. Podemos member Diego Cañamero quipped: “If parliament was suspended each time a rat entered the chamber, nothing would ever get done.”

952 147 834 * O f f e r

v a l i d

TheOlivePress-256x170-HOME0421.indd 1

f o r

n e w

c u s t o m e r s

o n l y .

S u b j e c t

t o

c o n d i t i o n s .

E n d s

3 1 / 1 2 / 2 1 .

23/7/21 11:27