SPAIN’S BEST 35 WINES
BOTTOMS UP: The Olive Press chooses...
OLIVE PRESS
The
ANDALUCÍA
Your expat
voice in Spain
FREE Vol. 17 Issue 431 www.theolivepress.es November 1st - November 14th 2023
DROP IT! Plea to town hall as expats left ‘panicking’ after being hit with giant water bills totalling hundreds of thousands A BRITISH expat has revealed her shock after being hammered with €74,000 of water bills. Gillian Hodge told the Olive Press she completely ‘panicked’ and is now suffering from extreme stress. The retired pharmacist, who lives between Spain and Scoland with husband Tom, received two eye-watering bills from La Viñuela town hall. “I couldn’t believe it at first when I saw I owed €73,640,” Gillian, 66, told the Olive Press. “I just felt raw panic. I’ve been overwhelmed with stress since I saw the bill last month.” The total comprises two big demands, one for the third quarter of 2022 for €28,420 and the other for the second quarter of 2023 coming to a whopping €45,220. Unbelievably, the two interim quarters came to just €15.48 and €14.18 respectively. The town hall, which administers the water, claims her three-bedroom property has used 2.6 million cubic
By Walter Finch
litres over the combined 180-day period - enough to fill an Olympic-size swimming pool - or 601 litres per hour. “They told my property manager we had a leak in July, but it was fixed immediately. This leak would have had to be massive and we were not even using the home at the time. “On top of that we are overlooking rural land which is bone dry. With that much water leaking out, you would have thought our land would be flourishing and green, but it isn’t.” Not permitted to just pay part of the bill and obviously unable to pay it all, Gillian is baffled. “I’m not refusing to pay for the water. We’re just refusing to pay €70,000. We don’t have the money and even if we did, it’s still entirely wrong.” Meanwhile her British neighbour, Lee Talbot, 60, has been forced to call in lawyers after being sent a bill for €43,000. The property developer from Kent has appealed the ‘crazy’ bill levied on his six-bedroom home, overlooking Viñuela reservoir. STUMP UP: Lee Talbot (left) and Gillian and John Hodge owe He told the €117,000 combined Olive Press
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that the town hall lawyer suggested someone had been stealing his water. “I laughed and said, ‘really? Is this a joke?’ But he confirmed that I had apparently used more water than the entire village combined.” Lee, who owns Marbella’s LT Construction, which employs 30 people, hired a technical expert to inspect his property.
No leak
He came back and told him definitely there was ‘no leak’ nor any water theft. The Olive Press understands there are at least three more people with life-changing, five-figure bills. A further 20 people - the majority British expats - have been landed with bills in the thousands. And, in addition, over 100 residents are also reeling from bills greatly inflated on the previous quarter. A trio of Spanish residents are also caught up in the fiasco. One resident, Paul Rouse, claimed his bank manager told him of a woman who had passed away years ago receiving a bill for €1,500. Suspicion has naturally fallen on the water meters. Some residents believe air is entering the pipes,
causing the meters to spin wildly and inflate the usage - literally paying for air. Councillor Amber Crookshank told the Olive Press an investigation has been launched and the meters have now been sent for testing to make sure they are calibrated properly. And the British expat admitted the town hall didn’t ‘understand the problem.’ “I’m frustrated because something needs to be done to figure out what’s going on and why people are getting these impossible bills.” Her colleague, Moises Cerrado, later admitted that water theft was ‘a big problem’ in the area. “Many of the residents do not live in their properties and they don’t know what’s happening while they are away,” he told the Olive Press. He expected the results of the investigation back within four weeks,
EXORBITANT: Six-bed property ‘used more water than whole village’ but added there were ‘no guarantees’ the residents will be happy. “We are in the middle of an extreme drought and some have been consuming huge amounts of water,” he explained. “The new rates are designed to penalise this wastage.” And he stressed the problem is not only affecting British residents, with some Spanish and ‘also Belgians’ getting big bills. “The water meters do not understand nationality and we are trying to help all our residents.” Opinion Page 6
THE MONSTER NEXT DOOR
AN evil Mexican cartel boss lived a low-key ‘no frills’ life among expats on the Costa del Sol years before being arrested, it has emerged. The paranoid chief (pictured left) was the suspected head of the infamous Los Zetas gang (above) operations in Europe for seven years. Yet, incredibly, he lived an anything but luxurious life in a normal back street of Fuengirola, police have revealed. Having finally arrested him at another home in Madrid, it emerged he lived in leafy Calle Nuñez Balboa for some years, while renting a small chalet in Mijas, See page 11 where he took many
ational
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NEWS IN BRIEF Homeless fears MALAGA has raised concerns about homelessness after the number of people sleeping rough increased by 50% over the past year, mostly due to the cost of living crisis.
Los pobres SEVEN of the top 10 poorest towns in Spain are situated in the southernmost region of Andalucia, new figures have revealed.
November 1st - November 14th 2023
DAYLIGHT SHOOTOUT
MARBELLA has been rocked - yet again - by a dramatic shooting in broad daylight. At least three people were injured after multiple shots were fired in the upmarket resort of Guadalmina Alta at the weekend. Expats and locals had just begun sitting down for lunch on Saturday when they heard guns being fired, forcing dozens to run for cover. According to witnesses, three masked men were seen firing bullets with one man shot in the leg, pelvis and arm, while another was shot in the hand. Both victims were taken to hospital for treatment withEXCLUSIVE By Walter Finch
Mega deal TELECOMS giant Vodafone Spain has been sold to a British investment firm for more than €4.4 billion.
Fright nurse SPAIN’S General nursing council has called for a ban on sexy nurse outfits because they ‘perpetuate negative stereotypes of the profession’.
CRIME
TRAGIC: Romina took selfie with British boyfriend
Gangland assassination attempt rocks popular Marbella hotspot in broad daylight EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore
out life-threatening injuries. Another was able to flee the scene in a Land Rover, but questions remain over what caused the assassination attempt, where ex-Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, football manager Vicente del Bosque and Belgian star Eden Hazard have homes. The Olive Press was quickly on the scene to picture
at least one unrelated car sprayed with bullets after being caught in the crossfire. One local shopkeeper claimed it was related to a dispute between a ‘brothel owner’ and the mafia, but refused to comment further over fears of reprisals. Other sources claimed it was a row between rival Dutch and Belgian drug cartels. “We had just ordered a beer and suddenly heard these really loud bangs and scream-
ing,” one British expat who was dining in the nearby Rincon de la Victoria told the Olive Press. “We were just metres away, it’s lucky no one innocent was killed. “We all know the crime that operates on the coast but to try and carry out a hit in the middle of a Saturday with kids around is just disgraceful, we hope it’s not a sign of things to come.”
DAD: Romina wasn’t involved in drugs
THE devastated father of a Chilean expat found dead after a five floor horror plunge has blamed her new British boyfriend for her death. Rodrigo Acuna told the Olive Press that while it appeared to be suicide, he confirmed she had been threatened in the weeks before her death. She had also been hospitalised the same day, allegedly at the hands of her new British lover, police confirmed. It came just six months after the killing of Romina’s doorman husband, Jose Pisani, 55, in a notorious bar brawl at Mijas restaurant Olivia’s La Cala owned by TOWIE star Elliott Wright. Speaking after visiting the morgue in Malaga he said: “Romina was a good girl who was really into fitness and exercise and not connected to drugs in any way. “Everything is very unclear but she was suffering a lot after the death of Jose,” he added.
“She was in a very bad way. “Then this guy, this British guy, her new lover, beat her up, and I think she just decided to end it all. “Of course I hold him responsible for my daughter’s death.” After she was found dead on October 14, her boyfriend was arrested on suspicion of homicide, but later bailed without charge. The 36-year-old electrician, who we are not naming for legal reasons, has ‘a history of assaulting previous girlfriends’, according to La Opinion de Malaga. The keen bodybuilder, who has lived on the Costa del Sol since 2011, posted a moving tribute on his Facebook page last week. Under a photo of the pair, he wrote: “What to do without you, my beautiful treasure? “I know that you will be by my side guiding me. I intend to carry on with what you have taught me.”
Smeared blood could be seen on various cars and on the nearby pavements. One waitress told the Olive Press: “It was crazy, like something from a movie. “I saw one guy earlier in the morning walking around the shops looking very nervous and chain smoking, it looked like he was searching for someone.” Three suspected gang members were arrested at a petrol station in nearby Benahavis, having apparently fled in a car. An Olive Press reporter saw one of them with his arm in a makeshift sling talking excitedly into a mobile phone, with a squad of National Police and Guardia Civil watching on. Yet so far, no official details of the crime have been released. “We cannot confirm anything as the investigation is ongoing,” said a spokesman.
NEWS
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November 1st - November 14th 2023
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ROYAL ASCENT SPAIN'S future queen, Princess Leonor, celebrates her 18th birthday today (Tuesday) and her family has released a portfolio of hitherto unpublished photographs to mark the occasion. The teenager is seen celebrating Spain's Euros soccer victory in 2012, awaiting the birth of her sister Sofia as well as photos taken before her graduation at Atlantic College in the Vale of Glamorgan this year. Leonor has been making solo appearances and training at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza to ensure she's ready for the throne.
Old age wonder
HAPPY FAMILY: Snaps from the album She's also seen giving public speeches like at the recent Princess of Asturias awards, which she has addressed since She was 13-years-old. The Royal Mint has also created a limited edition €40 coin to mark her birthday.
Dame good looking!
Genes of completely healthy 116-year-old Spanish woman to be studied SCIENTISTS in Spain have taken samples from the oldest woman in the world in a bid to discover her secrets to a long life - and to develop cures for diseases. Maria Branyas is an incredible 116 years old, but has no health complications other than hearing and mobility issues. The 'Super Grandmother', who regularly updates her followers on X (Twitter), beat Covid in 2020 and has survived the Spanish Civil War, a deadly earthquake in the US
By Laurence Dollimore
and a major fire. She previously advised anyone hoping to live a long life to cut out 'toxic people' and avoid 'excess'. Unlike most people her age, she has zero cardiovascular problems nor memory issues, and can recount stories from the age of four as if they happened yesterday. ‘She’s incredible,’ said Manel Esteller, director of the Josep Carreras leukaemia research institute and a professor of
genetics at the University of Barcelona. Manel has taken DNA samples (saliva, urine and blood) from Maria, whom he visited at her care home in Olot, Gerona, in northern Spain. Manel, a world leader in genetics, wants to discover how
far Maria’s genes go in explaining her longevity, and how much is to do with her lifestyle. Maria, the daughter of a journalist from Pamplona, was born in San Francisco (United States) on March 4, 1907, but returned to Spain as a child.
DAME Maggie Smith has sprinkled a little magic on Spanish design house Loewe. The 88-year-old British actress - who famously played Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise - is starring in the luxury brand’s latest advertising campaign. She looks spellbinding in the photos taken by celebrity German fashion photographer Juerguen Teller, and many of her fans are enchanted by the result. There has been a tremendous response on social media, with fellow Downton Abbey star Lily James saying ‘wow wow wow wow’, and Outlander actress Catriona Balfe sharing three love hearts. It might have taken 70 years, but being the face of Loewe’s Spring-Summer collection is the perfect riposte to her mother, who once famously told her ‘you will never be an actress with a face like that’ when Maggie was still a teenager. In her long career Dame Maggie has won two Oscars - as Best Actress in The Prime of Miss Brodie and as Best Supporting Actress in California Suite. She also has a Tony, five Baftas, three Golden Globes, and four Emmys.
Maria’s tips to a long life Maria has previously credited eating natural yoghurt each day for her longevity, and avoiding ‘excesses’, adding: “I have always eaten little, but everything, and I have never followed any regime. I have not suffered from any illness or been through an operating room.” Asked about her secret to a long life, she tweeted: “Order, tranquility, good connection with family and friends, contact with nature, emotional stability, lots of positivity and keeping away from toxic people.” However she admitted that she also believes it is down to genes and ‘luck’.
SIR NAME-A-LOT
A SPANISH aristocrat has been ordered to shorten the name of his newborn daughter after he tried to register her with a name that comprised 11 different words. Fernando Fitz-James Stuart, the 17th Duke of Huescar and heir apparent to the dukedom of Alba, found his daughter’s name fell foul of the Civil Registry. The 33-year-old and his wife, Sofía Palazuelo, recently christened their second child ‘Sofía Fernanda Dolores Cayetana Teresa Ángela de la Cruz Micaela del Santísimo Sacramento del Perpetuo Socorro de la Santísima Trinidad y de Todos Los Santos’. This name needs to be shortened to either a compound name (hyphenated name) or two separate names to comply with regulations.
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LEVI PROBE HALTED
New law bites
POLICE are hunting a dog owner after a pet pooch was found abandoned in Andalucia. Thefriendly pet was discovered dumped in the middle of a field in Lepe, Huelva. Policia Local are now appealing to the public to help find the individual responsible - who will face an epic fine. Under Spain's tough new Animal Welfare Law, the 'crime of animal abandonment' comes with a sanction of between €10,000 and €50,000. The force has told anyone with information to get in touch via phone, email or social media.
X Factor rugby star likely drowned in the port area of Barcelona
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POLICE have suspended an investigation into missing British rugby player Levi Davis. The former X Factor: Celebrity contestant was last seen in October, last year, outside the Old Irish Pub in Barcelona. His passport was found in the port area three weeks later, while neither his bank cards or phone have been used since he vanished. A court has now ruled police will only continue with their inquiries if new information appears. Authorities have effectively ruled out any criminality behind his disappearance after he travelled to the Catalan capital from Ibiza. It's believed Levi, 24, drowned near the port, where the last signal from his phone was 'pinged' by a mast in the early hours of October 30.
By Yzabelle Bostyn
It came after cruise ship staff claimed to have seen a man in harbour waters shouting for help. "Four staff confirmed seeing a man in the water… and asking for help in English, and gave the colour of his clothing,” said Levi's mother, Julie, this week. She added a life jacket was thrown from the ship and emergency sea and air rescue services searched the area but they were unable to find him. Police divers started combing nearby wetlands in May for his body, but were unsuccessful. Levi Davis was a promising young rugby player for Bath, and became the first player to come out as bisexual in 2020. After taking part in ITV's X Factor: Celebrity, he confessed he had suffered from
‘depression, anxiety and alcoholism’ as a result. Intriguingly, his mother revealed he had been blackmailed over compromising photos and the day before he disappeared, his Only Fans account posted a full nude photo of him. A private detective firm later told La Vanguardia newspaper Levi ‘owed £100,000 to Somali mafia’ and he had fled Ibiza, where he was staying with a friend, to go to Barcelona ‘to flee these criminals’. This has now been ruled out, in particular by his own mother, who said it was not being investigated.
REAL ART BUFFS THE exhibits in Barcelona’s Museum of Archaeology of Cataloni a were treated to quite the sight when it played host to a 90 minute nudist tour. Members of the tour strolled through the museum’s halls completely in the buff, offering a more ‘natural’ perspective on various works of art. Edgar Maestre, the guide for this event, explained: “We wanted people who came to see it to feel exactly the same as the work they were looking at.” In this case the had the opportunity to admire the ‘Bronzes of Riace’ exhibition, featuring Luigi Spina’s photographs of two Greek bronze statues of naked warriors dating back to the 5th century BCE. In this case The objective was to convey the emotions and sensations that these artworks evoke by allowing visitors to share a similar state of undress. The museum’s website even promised attendees the chance to ‘admire the works by posing in the same situation as they are, completely naked and surrounded by other bodies.’ This kind of event is relatively rare in Spain but has been previously held in other parts of the world, such as Paris.
STANDING TO ATTENTION: Naked tourists take in the exhibition
椀渀昀漀䀀氀愀眀戀椀爀搀⸀挀漀洀
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NOT RIGHT!
SPAIN’S far right Vox party has diverted millions of euros of public money to enrich its members, it has been claimed. Up to €11 million was syphoned to a company and separate foundation, both with links to the group. Former general secretary Macarena Olona, 44, revealed the money had been paid to the Disenso foundation, as well as a company, Tizona Comunicación. She challenged the party to take her to court if the claims were untrue. Olona – who was the party’s candidate for Andalucia – claimed most went to Disenso, run by Vox president Santiago Abascal. Tizona Comunicación meanwhile, is owned by Abascal’s advisor Kiko Mendez-Monasterio, as well as Gabriel Ariza, of El Toro TV, a mouthpiece for Vox. Vox denied the claims with its current general secretary, Ignacio Garriga, describing them as ‘science fiction’. Olona replied: “No this isn’t sci-
Work record
SPAIN’S labour market has set a new record, as the number of people in work broke the 21.3-million barrier for the first time. This is according to figures for the third quarter of the year from the Active Population Survey, which is compiled by the country’s National Statistics Institute (INE). There were 209,100 more people in work compared to the previous three months. But the number of unemployed in Spain also grew 3.3% from the second to the third quarter, to 2.86 million people or 12% of the active population. The reason for these two seemingly contradictory statistics lies in a sharp increase in the active population itself (those either working or seeking work), which went up by 301,000 people from the second to the third quarters.
Extreme nationalist party Vox accused of diverting €11m of public money By Simon Hunter in Madrid
ence fiction. It’s easy, there are two options: 1. If I am lying, then they take me to court. 2. If I am telling the truth, then they produce the paperwork. “If there is nothing to hide, we will see each other in court.” Olona, a state attorney, has just released a book of memoirs in
which she recounts her time within Spain’s third-biggest party in Congress. She describes the party - that won 52 seats in the 2019 election - as being ‘rampantly sexist’ and extremely anti-gay. The party however, lost ground in the recent July elections after it released an extreme right-wing party manifesto, leading to a fall to just 33 seats.
November 1st - November 14th 2023
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NEARLY €300 FOR NIGHT IN MARBS
HOTEL prices have soared in Andalucia with the highest rises in Marbella and Granada. The average price for a nightly stay in Marbella is a staggering €298. Granada, meanwhile, has also seen hotel prices jump by as much as 30% per room, discovered surveying giant Cushman & Wakefield.
The increases are in line with the rest of the country, according to its report, which states that the Spanish market is undergoing a period of ‘full recovery of hotel and tourism activity’ after the pandemic. The average price for a hotel stay is €145, which is a 7% rise on last year and a 20% increase on 2019.
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Photo exposure A MAN has been arrested after he was caught using a camera installed in his shoe to record up the skirt of a copy shop manager. Employees in the shop, located in El Ejido (Almeria), became suspicious that the man was ‘obsessed’ with the store manager, given that ‘he only appeared when the woman was in the location’. He visited on a daily basis, and ‘always requested the same service using a cutting machine’, which required the store manager to lean forward. In CCTV images he can be seen angling his left foot underneath her skirt apparently to get the right angle for his clandestine snaps. His actions were spotted and the alarm raised, with police finding photographic equipment in his shoe.
Good Samaritan A MAN who was stabbed multiple times in Estepona was a Good Samaritan trying to break up a fight. He had been viciously stabbed while trying to mediate in a street brawl around 6am in the port area. Police and paramedics rushed to the scene to find the man bleeding heavily. He was rushed to Marbella's Costa del Sol Hospital for immediate medical attention. There is no information on whether any arrests were made.
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NEWS FEATURE
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 Will sanity prevail? The insane water bills at La Viñuela seems like another fiasco that could have easily been avoided. New water rates designed to punish irresponsible users cannot be considered acceptable if they produce unpayable and, potentially, life-destroying bills. Furthermore, telling residents they have used ‘millions’ of litres of water is an extraordinary claim that requires extraordinary proof. Simply delivering unfathomable bills and telling residents to pay up regardless is not a workable solution. If the water escaped in a leak, or it was stolen by mango or avocado farmers, it needs to be proven. Staff at the town hall must work with the residents who are their neighbours, let’s not forget - to get to the bottom of the problem. A prickly, uncommunicative demeanour coupled with an appetite for punishment will only tear the community apart. The town hall should have engaged with its residents from the start and offered reassurances that the situation would be investigated thoroughly and fairly. It is, after all, obvious that the expat victims on our front page were not filling Olympic-size swimming pools or raising cash crops. Let’s hope sanity can still prevail.
Nolotil shame IT’S disheartening to hear that the dangerous drug Nolotil is still being administered to northern European patients, despite it being banned five years ago (Nolotil warning, page 8). The campaign to bring in regulations against the drug was one of the biggest successes achieved by the Olive Press. With the help of tireless campaigner Cristina Garcia del Campo, we persuaded the national government to stop the drug being given to light skinned foreigners without a prescription. There are now another string of rules attached to the medication, which has been known to cause serious illness and even death in people of northern European descent. We implore any Brit receiving care in Spain to avoid taking Nolotil wherever possible, and can only hope that the case of the British expat being given the drug at a hospital in Alicante was an isolated incident. If you have been given Nolotil with no warning, medical advice or prescription, please contact us at newsdesk@ theolivepress.es.
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Yzabelle Bostyn yzabelle@theolivepress.es
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Fighting for the young In the past eight years, Spain has seen a 25% rise in breast cancer with one in 10 cases among the under 40s. YZABELLE BOSTYN asks why and what is being done
L
AST year, an estimated 35,750 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in Spain, a shocking 7,000 more than in 2015. This rise is partly due to the growing numbers of younger women diagnosed with the disease. This year, an estimated 4,132 people under 44 are expected to have been diagnosed with breast cancer here, a 9% increase compared to 2021. It’s an alarming rise, but what is being done about it? “It’s a fact that breast cancer is increasing in younger women,” oncologist Dr Javier Salvador at Sevilla’s Hospital Virgen del Rocio told the Olive Press. “The general occurrence of cancer is rising and it is fundamentally associated with unhealthy habits. Breast cancer is no exception”. In the past 30 years, cancer incidence in the under 50s has risen by an incredible 79% according to a Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, and it's no coincidence that during this time our lifestyles have changed dramatically. Alcohol is believed to have been a major factor in 18% (2,100) of Spain’s breast cancer cases in 2020. And on a European level, 4,600 breast cancer diagnoses were linked to drinking just one glass of wine a day, according to the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM). “Cancer is fundamentally caused by changes in lifestyle choices,” explained Dr Ana Casa, founder of charity Actitud Frente al Cancer,
FRONTLINE: Dr Javier Salvador is at the forefront of cancer research in Spain who herself has had breast cancer. “Changes to diet, obesity, how we raise children, how much alcohol and tobacco we consume all make a difference,” she added. Leading a healthy lifestyle including a balanced diet, exercise and limited tobacco and alcohol intake, is therefore key to reducing the risk. Dr Casas also highlights that while unhealthy habits are influencing the disease, rates are also rising due to better detection via increased screening campaigns and improved awareness. In Andalucia, for example, the Junta has widened its ‘Early Detection Screening Programme’, from 50 to 69-years-old to 47 to 71-years-old. The new measures give access to screenings every two years and have already had a significant impact in the region. In just the nine months up to October this year, 387,906 women have been checked, which is a third more (34%) than in the whole of 2018,
when 289,552 people were screened. As a result, 881 women have been diagnosed. In Valencia, the Breast Cancer Prevention Programme screens 800,000 women aged between 45 and 69 every two years. The programme has been judged a success by the health authority - and since the programme started in 1992, almost five million mammograms have been undertaken. Last year, a total of 329,367 women were screened in the region and 1,420 cases of breast cancer were detected, the vast majority in an early stage. This early detection is vital, according to Dr Casas: “If we detect the cancer earlier, there is a much higher chance of survival,” she explained to the Olive Press. But for women who have experienced the aggressive disease first hand, 47 is simply not young enough to start screening. Expat Lisa Burgess was just 55 when doctors discovered she had 15 tumours in her
MAFIA EXPOSED After the Olive Press exposed how a key Russian Oligarch still owns a luxury villa in Marbella, Alex Trelinski and Laurence Dollimore explain how illegal Russian cash was laundered into shady property deals and used to buy influence on the Costa Blanca
I
T’S long been rumoured the Russian mafia has been wielding its influence along most of the Spanish costas. Now, a long-awaited trial is set to lift the lid on just a few of its alleged clandestine operations. Some three years after they were arrested, a judge in Benidorm has set a trial date for five members of a suspected Russian money laundering gang - including a well-connected lawyer. They are accused of using dirty Russian cash to buy millions of euros worth of property while pressuring politicians to act on their behalf even including apparently trivial matters such as introducing speed bumps around luxury urbanisations. It comes after 40 people were investigated by the Policia Nacional in December 2020 in what the force branded the ‘biggest operation against eastern European mafia’ for a decade. As the Olive Press reported at the time, Operation Testudo focused on the Marina Baixa area of Alicante province with arrests in the exclusive upmarket areas of Altea and Finestrat, as well as in Alicante City. In a Spanish-wide dragnet, gang members were also detained in Ibiza, Madrid, Andalucia and Valencia in a joint operation with Europol. The investigation started in 2013 and culminated in 18 raids on December 14, 2020. Russian businessmen were among those arrested and included a solicitor - Alexey Shorikov (left) - who runs an Altea estate agency and was de-
scribed by the judge as a ‘lobbyist’ for the conservative Partido Popular. In alarming claims, the judge accused him of creating a network of contacts with councillors and public officials as well as the police. On one occasion, a Policia Nacional inspector was handed an envelope stuffed with cash to speed-along immigration proceedings, while it is alleged the chief of Altea’s Policia Local was ‘persuaded’ to install speed bumps on an urbanisation where one of Shorikov’s clients lived. “The influence of Alexey on Altea town hall was noteworthy,” the judge said. “Intercepted telephone conversations revealed that Alexey, in appreciation for favours done for him, gave gifts and rewards via his businesses and clients.” The well-connected legal eagle is also accused of laundering his own money and that of clients by making bank transfers that were difficult for authorities to trace. According to court documents, Shorikov is also alleged to have funnelled laundered cash into an Ibiza warehouse and restaurant owned by Russian businessmen linked to organised crime. They are known only as Maxim K and Nikolay M, and they have also been charged. But conveniently, most of the suspects, including several politicians, were let off the hook following a series of shocking judicial errors. Charges were dismissed against 18 people after the authorities forgot to ask the courts for a time extension for their trial dates. And after the initial arrests and investigations in December 2020, PP councillors in Altea and Benidorm had charges against them suddenly dropped due to a lack of evidence.
November 1st - November 14th 2023
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WORTH PAYING FOR
W
E at the Olive Press are always keen to talk to our readers to get constructive comments and feedback. After all, without readers – whether for our printed papers or our website and online platforms – there is little point to our job. But one question we continually get online when faced with our paywall introduced in 2020 is ‘What do I get for my money?’ ‘Why should I pay? And ‘What am I paying for?’
Group Coordinator of the Andalucia Society of Medical Oncology, says there is no need to further drop it. He told the Olive Press: “There isn’t any solid data saying that it would be beneficial to do screening on women under 40. “Of course in some circumstances it would be sensible, if say, there is cancer in the family or if the woman has some sort of predetermined factors. But in general, I don’t think it's necessary to start earlier than 47.” In time, research will make this decision with hundreds of studies being carried out around Spain at present. The research gives patients more chances ‘to be attended to by oncology services’, ultimately giving them more opportunities for treatment and a better chance of survival. At Hospital Virgen del Rocio, in Sevilla, current research is focussing on identifying cancer biomarkers for more effective treatment. Biomarkers are genes, proteins or other substances which can provide information about the type of cancer a patient has. MAFIA HIDEOUT: Altea in Alicante Each persons’ biomarkers are unique and allow doctors to identify how effective treatments will be for the patient. The process means that patients can avoid unnecessary toxic, invasive and painful treatments. Alongside cancer screenings, the treatment will make treatment shorter, less traumatic and ultimately more successful for patients. Identifying the most appropriate treatments is also key to preventing the recurrence of the disease. But five are still facing charges, with the court claiming the Money Both Andalucia and Laundering Division of the Policia Nacional detected suspicious monValencia are heavily ey transfers between Russia and Spain via ‘shell’ companies. involved in Natalee, The funds were transferred to real estate and leisure businesses on an international study the Costa Blanca and the Balearic Islands, which the judge said came focussing on combinfrom ‘Russian businessmen linked to ex-Soviet organised crime’. ing treatments to preSuspicious purchases include a €600,000 home in Altea Hills, where vent breast cancer Shorikov acted as an ‘interpreter’ and a €484,000 La Nucia property. recurrence. A lump sum of €440,000 was also transferred from Russia and SwitThe treatment comzerland to buy land in Altea so that it could be turned into a campsite. bines the drug riboA Ukrainian hacker in Alicante’s San Juan beach area known only as ciclib with endocrine Denis K was also arrested in 2018 for being the alleged mastermind therapy to stop the of a gang of cyber thieves that stole over a billion US dollars from cell cycle, preventing banks around the world. cancer growth. Denis K is said to have worked for the two alleged Russian gang Some 190 Andalumembers, Maxim K and Nikolay M, who gained access to a bitcoin cian and 88 Valenwallet worth €55 million which was allegedly laundered by Shorikov cian patients are for their Ibiza purchases. involved in the interBut whle the net is drawing close around mafia activities, the Russian national study, which oligarchs seem to be getting away with massive money laundering in has already reduced Spain. Last edition the Olive Press revealed that Alexey Chepa, an MP the risk of breast in Moscow’s State Duma, is still in possession of a huge €15m estate cancer recurrence by in Marbella through a shell company owned by his son, despite sanc25%. tions. There is still a huge amount of work to be done by the police. Thanks to ongoing research projects like
The answer is simple: What you get is journalism… paying for people who excel at storytelling and uncovering information. Paying for journalists to do the work they love and the job they were trained to do.
breasts. The British-Irish journalist, based in Mijas, underwent four gruelling operations and has since become a pillar of support for other expats suffering from the disease. “I know from experience of the healthcare system that a lot of women are contracting cancer in their 30s,” she explained. “It’s getting really serious and the authorities need to start focusing on prevention, on detecting it earlier and at a younger age. “If it had been detected even in my 30s, it would have been much easier, possibly just radiotherapy. Not a mastectomy.” Research shows that young women diagnosed with breast cancer often have more advanced and aggressive forms of the disease, as a lack of screening allows the tumour to grow undetected. However, not everyone agrees on lowering the screening age. Fernando Henao, Breast Cancer Working
Being behind a paywall frees us from the tyranny of hated ‘clickbait journalism’. With the knowledge that money is coming in, we do not have to chain our reporters to their desks to continually chase page views. Thanks to those people who have signed up for just €1.50 per week (often less), we can afford to free our journalists to do what they do best – get out and about, meet people and report back to you, our readers. It is how we spent a few days in Ibiza tracking down the dodgy fashion boss accused of molesting young models and how we spent months probing the movements of dangerous sex offender Christian Brueckner around Spain and Portugal.
Killing Eve
ON THE MEND: Lisa Burgess was 55 when she discovered she had 15 tumours Natalee, survival rates globally have gone from 70% to 90% in the past 50 years. Just last year, a Mallorcan study succeeded in curing tumours initially resistant to treatment in the most aggressive form of breast cancer. Triple negative breast cancer usually affects younger women and is the fastest developing form of the disease. Studies like this help to give women the hope Dr Casas advises for those newly diagnosed. Reflecting on her own experience battling breast cancer, she said: “Firstly, learn as much as you can about the tumour and make informed decisions. “It’s important to have an active attitude. Secondly, be hopeful because treatments are greatly improving. Have hope and trust in the research.” For people suffering with cancer, much of this hope is found in the support of their community. For Lisa Burgess - who wrote a regular Olive Press column on her year of treatment - there was no better support than her fellow expats. “I received a lot of support from the expat community. They were completely wonderful. “Now, I speak to women everyday who have been diagnosed. It’s my small way of giving back. I support them as much as I can.” A strong sense of community, innovative research and forward thinking screening programmes clearly make the fight against breast cancer a more positive one. If you have not received a letter about booking a screening, contact your Primary Care District (Distrito de Atención Primaria), Health Management Area (Área de Gestión Sanitaria) or family doctor, who will give you an appointment.
Then there was the week spent tracking down the former ETA terrorist who had inspired hit BBC drama Killing Eve (above) in Extremadura. And more recently to Granada, to bring unrivalled coverage of the dramatic threeday hunger strike launched by the mother of ousted football boss Luis Rubiales (left). A testament to the quality of our reporting, it was picked up by The Telegraph, the Sun and even a string of Spanish national newspapers. Closer to home, we always strive to be first on the scene to bring you the latest updates. Hence this Saturday two journalists rushed to Marbella after three hitmen opened fire in front of Brits and locals just as they were sitting down for lunch. Once again, our exclusive reporting was used by the UK nationals, this time the Daily Mail and Sun. Couple this with all our exclusive restaurant reviews, travel articles and cultural features and, all in all, it explains why we have had thousands of new registered users and subscribers over the last two months. So thank you to everyone who has recognised that quality journalism is worth paying for!
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OBIT
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November 1st November 14th 2023
Literary princess
PRINCESS Anne is visiting Gibraltar to attend the annual literary festival, it has been announced. The popular British royal, 73, will arrive on the Rock with her husband, the Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence. The sister of King Charles will visit on November 17 and 18, as the honorary president of the International Literary Festival. The arrival of the Princess Royal is likely to raise eyebrows in Spain, which is not a fan of such visits from the British monarchy. Diplomats are said to view them as a direct challenge to the country's historical claims of sovereignty of the 'El Peñon' - the Spanish term used to describe Gibraltar.
SORELY MISSED Doreene Margaret Van Den Hout
"It is with great sadness that we are announcing that our adored Doreene Margaret Van Den Hout passed away on Sunday, 15th October. The world has lost some of its sparkle. We welcome any of her dear friends who would like to attend the service, at Crewe Crematorium on Friday 3rd of November at 10:00am. After the ceremony, a celebration of her life will be held at Willington Hall, Tarporley. For those wishing to attend, we ask if you would kindly let the family know in advance, so we can make sure there is an abundance of champagne flowing, to toast Doreene in true style.
Doreene has so many beautiful friends, far and wide and we understand if you are not able to join us at the service. Instead, please raise a glass or two of something nice on the day, in her memory. Vivacious, determined and glamorous - a truly inspirational woman. Please do not send flowers. Alternatively, please make a donation to Cudeca in Doreene's honour, a charity she volunteered with for many years: https://www.cudeca.org/hazte-socio/ en/make-a-donation The family may be contacted using: The.VanDenHouts@gmail.com"
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NOLOTIL WARNING
Outrage as dangerous Spanish painkiller continues to be given to Brits despite being banned EXCLUSIVE By Yzabelle Bostyn
A LETHAL painkiller is STILL being given to Brits five years after it was banned, the Olive Press can reveal. It comes after a reader contacted us to sound the alarm after he was given the potentially deadly drug while receiving treatment at HCB Hospital in Denia, Alicante. Nolotil, also known as Metamizol, is the most common painkiller in Spain and is often marketed as an alternative to Ibuprofen or Paracetmol. But the drug has been linked to several deaths and serious illnesses among British expats and tourists visiting Spain. Though usually harmless, Nolotil can affect Northern Europeans with fair complexions and is banned in the UK, Ireland, Sweden. In October 2018, the drug was banned for sale without a prescription to British people
visiting Spain following a months’ long campaign by this newspaper and tireless medical campaigner Cristina Garcia del Campo. Recommendations were also WARNING: Cristina has campaigned issued advising against Nolotil alongside the Olive Press medical staff to avoid giving she told the Olive Press. the drug to patients in urgent Now, Cristina is launching a care and to carry out follow lawsuit against the Spanish up blood tests if the drug is Ministry of Health after she given for seven days or more. claims doctors are not folThe directive note, issued by lowing the guidelines and pathe Spanish Medicine Agen- tients are still being given the cy (AEMPS), recommended drug ‘against their will’. medical staff monitor pa- A spokesperson for the hospitients given the drug to check tal said: “HCB Hospitals folfor potentially deadly side ef- lows the recommendations of fects like low white blood cell the AEMPS, and particularly count and sepsis. those for the foreign popuHowever Cristina, founder lation, we are very aware of of the Affected by Pharma- the recommendation not to ceuticals Association, says prescribe Nolotil to foreign the guidelines are ‘not strong patients.” enough’. It insisted that the recom“It's worrying because this is mendation is followed and something that can kill you, patients are informed about it has killed so many people,” the best available treatments. HIDE OUT: Millionaire boss of savage drug cartel lived ‘no frills’ life in Fuengirola
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LAIR OF THE BEAST
‘girlfriends’. The drug lord, whose name was given as Said.R, 54, was arrested following a joint operation between Spanish, Colombian and US authorities. He was picked up in Madrid, where he was ‘feared by everyone’, according to detectives, due to his gang’s violent nature. The Los Zetas gang is described by the US authorities as ‘the most technologically advanced, sophisticated and violent’ paramilitary-style gang in South America. They are known for their brutal tactics in Mexico, including mass killings, beheadings, kidnappings and torture. Said, who also had homes in Madrid, avoided capture for years by driving all
over Spain for his business discussions, which were as short as 20 minutes and ‘as early as 5am’, He regularly drove to Murcia, Valencia and, even Badajoz, using up to seven cars along the way to avoid detection. He would mostly meet in roadside ventas and local tapas joints, one of his favourites being in Guarroman in Jaen, a three-hour drive from Fuengirola. The majority of his phone calls were taken while moving in a car or in areas with poor signal, including next to the Fuente de Piedra Lagoon, in inland Malaga. When he was arrested this summer, police found eight SIM cards hidden in his phone case.
NEWS
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Red card
THE current president of FC Barcelona has been formally accused by a judge of bribing a referee. The charges being faced by Joan Laporta relate to his first tenure at the head of the club, from 2003 to 2010, when he is accused of paying bribes to the former vice-president of Spain’s Technical Referee’s Committee, Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira. The two presidents who succeeded Laporta, Sandro Rosell and Josep Maria Bartomeu, are also facing charges for the same offences. Negreira and his son are alleged to have received €7.3 million from FC Barcelona between 2001 and 2018. If found guilty of continuous bribery, Laporta could be facing six to seven and a half years in jail.
November 1st - November 14th 2023
CHILD ABUSE SHAME With 440,000 official victims, Spain has the worst problem of paedophile priests globally
AN ALARMING 1.13% of Spain’s adult population has been abused in connection to the Catholic church. According to the country’s ombudsman, some 440,000 living people are believed to have been victims of child sexual abuse at the hands of the clergy. Following testimonies from 8,000 people, Angel Gabilondo insisted forcefully: ‘Victims deserve to be listened to’. “The report reveals the devastating impact of abuse on real people,” he said. “There are people who have committed suicide because of
By Yzabelle Bostyn
it, people who can never rebuild their lives.” The shocking findings, which included 487 case studies, presented to parliament on Friday recommended financial compensation for the victims. The 18-month report insisted this should come from both the state and church, citing ‘the silence of those who could have spoken up’. Based on 779-pages of testimony, the numbers far exceed the 330,000 victims in France and puts Spain at the
PAINTING FOR PEACE
THE town of Linares has been filled with colour after its annual street art festival took place. Eight artists created murals across the city inspired by the theme ‘Make Art Not War’. The fourth edition of the festival, ‘23700 Arte Urbano Linares’, saw artists come from all over the world to take part
in the Jaen province event. The festival began four years ago as a way to rejuvenate the city, which was home to Spain’s highest youth unemployment rate for many years. With over 30 murals, Linares has now gone from being a sleepy mining town to the epicentre of international street art.
top of the list for existing victims. The figures don’t even include anyone currently under the age of 18, which will mean far more people abused. The poll discovered 1.13% of adults questioned said they were abused as children by either priests or lay members, including teachers at religious schools. Some 0.6% identified their abusers as members of the clergy. The Spanish Epispocal Assembly will now meet on October 30 to discuss the report. Investigations into paedophilia within the church have been underway since 2018, w h e n newspaper El Pais began researching the issue. Gabilondo later urged officials to act quickly, saying: “Victims cannot
wait any longer. Some have had to make multiple reports, which re-victimises them every time. “They say ‘please, we want change and reparation’.” While he did not rule out the need for legal reforms, he insisted the main purpose of his body’s 18-month investigation was to help the existing victims get answers and, above all, ‘reparations’. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez later ruled that publishing the ‘milestone’ report ‘already’ made the country a ‘little better’. “This was the truth that everyone knew for years, but no-one wanted to discuss,” he said from Brussels. His party’s spokesman Patxi Lopez later accused the church of continually trying to cover up the extent of the abuse and ‘blame’ the victims. Leader of Podemos Ione Belarra added: “Sexual violence against children has been a continual problem in the Catholic church, which has silenced the victims and protected the attackers. “Now is the time to put an end to this network of child molesters for good.”
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Pervert priest A MALAGA priest who allegedly filmed himself raping unconscious women has been imprisoned in a notorious Spanish prison alongside British killer Tony King. Father Francisco, priest for Malaga and Velez, is under investigation for four sexual assaults and five breaches of privacy offences. The priest is accused of drugging and sexually assaulting women, as well as capturing videos of the violent attacks. It is believed his girlfriend discovered the hundreds of videos when Father Francisco was serving at a parish in Melilla. Now, he has been moved from Alhaurín Prison to a high security prison in Herrera de la Mancha, Ciudad Real, where Spain’s most notorious criminals are jailed. Among them is British killer Tony King, who was sentenced to 62 years in prison in 2006 for the murder of two women and the attempted rape of another in Malaga province. Dubbed the ‘Costa Killer’, the British expat brutally beat and stabbed two women to death Rocío Wanninkhof and Sonia Carabantes, on the Costa del Sol between 1999 and 2003.
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GREEN
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Sigh of relief Andalucia boasts the best air quality in Spain, new study finds THE best air in Spain is found in the southernmost region of Andalucia. That’s according to the latest Annual Environment Report (IMA) 2022, carried out by the Ministry of Sustainability and Environment. In fact, according to the latest study, the autonomous community has recorded the best air quality for the last decade. The achievement is thanks to a series of regulations implemented by the Junta de Andalucia over the past decade. These include plans aimed at improving air quality in spe-
LET IT GROW! THE Sierra Bermeja will be reforested with some 20,000 trees after being devastated by a fire in 2021. The project, funded by Amazon, will see a variety of species put into the ground across the natural park in Malaga province, including pine, acorn and fern trees. The seeds have been genetically designed to regenerate the scorched earth and create a new ecosystem capable of supporting wildlife. The plan is part of the Cascos Verdes project, which will see some 2,500 volunteers reforest different areas of the park, including in Casares, Estepona, Genalguacil and Juzcar.
By Laurence Dollimore
cific areas, such as Granada and its metropolitan area, and Villanueva del Arzobispo in Jaen. As part of the Junta’s air quality plan, each province in Andalucia is obliged to bring down the number of pollutants being omitted wherever possible. This has meant pedestrianising town centres to reduce car use, creating more bike lanes and making public services use more renewable energies. It’s no surprise then that the
November 1st - November 14th 2023
Prime expansion AMAZON has announced 24 new renewable energy projects in Spain with a combined capacity of 794 MW, including 19 off-site installations and five rooftop solar arrays on its buildings. The new installations will raise Amazon’s renewables capacity in Spain to more than 2.3 GW, with a total of 67 wind and solar projects in the country, including 37 large-scale installations and 30 rooftop projects. Amazon’s several new off-site projects in Spain will include two wind farms in Castilla y Leon and 17 solar plants. The solar plants will be spread across various regions, with six in Castilla–La Mancha, four in Castilla y Leon, four in Valencia, and three in Andalucia, Aragon, and Extremadura.
FRESH: Andalucia has the best air in Spain city with the best air quality the whole of Europe, ranking in Spain is also found in An- 28th out of 375 cities studied. dalucia. San Fernando has very low According to the European levels of pollutants in its Environment Agency, that atmosphere, measuring beaccolade goes to San Fer- tween five and 10 micronando, in Cadiz, which also grams per cubic metre of air. has among the best air in
We need to move to renewable energy now
ECONOMIC REALITY
T
HE damage and destruction caused by climate change is well documented: hotter, longer heatwaves; longer droughts; extreme rain; flooding; wild-
fires. One of the main causes is our constant consumption of fossil fuels. A report out last month from the International Energy Agency stated that investment in fossil fuels needs to be cut in half. “Governments, companies and investors need to get behind clean energy transitions rather than hindering them,” said Fatih Birol, the Executive Director. Current events in the Middle East only reinforce this message. The Israel/Palestine war is not a localised conflict. This will roll out onto the worldwide stage and impact us all. Brace yourself for the impact of what will come as Israel, America and the West square up to the Arab world. In 1973 there was an oil crisis when Arab oil producers imposed an embargo in response to Western support for Israel in the Yom Kip-
pur war against Arab states led by Syria and Libya. As a result fuel prices rocketed leading to high inflation and an increase in unemployment. Throw in the actions of the unpredictable Putin regime and highly volatile gas prices, and the race to employ renewable energy solutions really is a no brainer.
Green
Matters
By Martin Tye
FOSSILFLATION Fossilflation is the name that has been given to problems caused through the continued use of fossil fuels. As the prices rise, economies are crippled. Families are left grappling with the burden of increased living costs. All this is going on while the European Central Bank keeps supporting big polluters who continue to rake in enormous and obscene profits. There are cleaner and affordable solutions available to remove our reliance on fossil fuels. Governments need to rapidly escalate plans to install solar energy and wind turbine production facilities.
GREEN ENERGY: A good investment
Householders need to (if they have a roof) install solar panels. Return on investment is quick. Immediate benefits include lower living expenses, cleaner air, a healthier climate, preserved biodiversity and a brighter future for the community you live in. The real crime is if you do nothing.
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LA CULTURA Puppet donation
A TEAM led by Taiwanese opera director Tseng Tao-hsiung will perform Spanish composer Manuel de Falla's puppet-opera 'Master Peter's Puppet Show' this month. The puppets will then be donated to The Museum of Manuel de Falla in Granada. They were first made for the opera's premiere in Taiwan in 1995. The performances will be at the Enrique de la Cuadra Municipal Theatre in Sevilla on November 4 and the Madrid Higher School of Singing on November 6.
November 1st - November 14th 2023
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Mother tongue Expat appeal brings ‘original version’ movies to popular tourist town - ‘pour l’amour’ A CINEMA in inland Spain has shown its first ever ‘original version’ movie without dubbing this week, thanks to an expat resident - and loving wife. Film lovers at the Multicine centre, in Ronda, were finally able to watch - and hear Oscar winners Leonardo Di Caprio and Robert de Niro acting in their own voices. The cinema agreed to show director Martin Scorcese’s new movie, Killers of the Flower Moon with subtitles instead of dubbing. The highly-rated film was shown in VO (or Version Original) thanks to the good
By Walter Finch
work of French expat Delphine Duboy, 54, who wanted her cinefile husband to watch films ‘as they should be’ once again. The former advertising executive moved to the mountain town from Madrid with husband Fernando and two children during the pandemic. “We used to go to the cinema all the time and watch films in their original language with subtitles,” Delphine told the Olive Press. “But since we moved here,
SPEAKING ENGLISH: De Niro and Di Caprio we have only been to the cin- to the coast to find a cinema ema twice, to watch Spanish that shows them. films which obviously are not “So this little idea I had was dubbed.” for my husband. And my En“In Ronda, original version glish friends, of course, too.” films simply didn’t exist, and An estimated 10% of Ronwe had to drive for an hour da’s 35,000 inhabitants are thought to be expats, although in reality the number is probably higher. In addition, it is the third most visited destination in Andalucia, after Sevilla and Granada, with tens of thousands of foreigners staying over each month. The Rioja University researcher Delphine also eventually found the ichnites - fossilised foothopes to introduce the local prints - on one of the escarpments Spanards to the ‘power’ and of the Leza River. ‘authenticity’ of original verThere are only a few other ichnites of sion cinema. swimming dinosaurs from the LowIf it is a success, the cinema er Cretaceous period, dated between has said it will put on an 145 and 100 million years ago. ‘original version’ night once a month.
DRINK TO THAT: Swimming dinos found in Rioja
FOOTPRINTS: found in cave
A TEAM of researchers have found a site of swimming dinosaur prints, of which there is very little evidence in the world. Palaeontologist Pablo Navarro discovered the prints in Laguna de Cameros, Rioja, with help from the municipality’s residents in 2020.
The King and Meryl MERYL Streep wowed the Spanish Royal Family with an emotional speech which paid tribute to the country’s rich cultural past. The Hollywood actress, 74, waxed lyrical about Granada poet Federico Garcia Lorca and Malaga painter Pablo Picasso as she accepted the prestigious Princess of Asturias award for her decades of contribution to the arts. The Devil Wears Prada star gave her speech in front of King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia and their daughter Leonor, whose title is the Princess of Asturias. When Meryl finished, the King could be seen saying ‘muy bonito’ to his wife. He then g a v e his own speech, in which he branded Meryl ‘majestic’ and ‘incredibly talented’.
952 147 834 * Vo l u n t a r y i n s u r a n c e c o v e r. S u b j e c t t o c o m p a n y u n d e r w r i t i n g c o n d i t i o n s . * D a t a e x t r a c t e d f r o m p r o c e s s c l o s u r e s u r v e y s a f t e r u s i n g o u r R o a d s i d e A s s i s t a n c e a n d b r e a k d o w n s e r v i c e s .
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LA CULTURA
November 1st - November 14th 2023
CREDIT: All Pictures by Yzabelle Bostyn
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LIERATURE FLOWS: through every aspect of life in the Alpujarras
INSPIRATION: Even the flower pots follow the literary theme - seemingly on every corner
Hiking by stanzas N
A Literary escape: From bins bearing Harry Potter covers to plant pots inscribed with poetry, is this the most cultured corner of inland Spain, asks Yzabelle Bostyn
ESTLED in the heart of the Alpujarra mountains of Andalucia lies the most charming village you've never heard of: Mecina Bombaron is a fairytale come to life, not least because it is an official ‘book town’ that has works of literature inscribed on practically every section of its whitewashed streets. Quite simply, books are infused with everyday life in this quiet spot, from plant pots paint-
COMFY SEATING: Benches outside Mecina Bombaron town hall pay homage to children’s classics
ed with poetry to bins bearing Harry Potter covers. You live and breathe everything from the stanzas of Federico Garcia Lorca to the tomes of Ernest Hemingway, the prose of Cervantes to the rhyming couplets of Shakespeare. And that’s not all. Mecina Bombaron is one of four book towns now connected by a series of stunning hiking trails, making the region the perfect escape for walkers and literary lovers alike. Together with Yegen, El Golco and Montenegro they have added a new exciting chapter on the history and cultural importance of the rich and varied Alpujarra region. The idea came about in the height of the Covid pandemic, when the Mayor of Mecina Bombaron, Jose Antonio Gomez, was confronted with a rapidly declining population, which dipped alarmingly below just 1,000 inhabitants in 2020. Together with leaders from neighbouring Yegen, El Golco and Montenegro, they put their heads together to come up with a plan to save the village through the power of literature. Inspired by celebrated British author Gerald Brenan, who lived in Yegen for many years, Granada’s ‘book towns’ were born. A great hook to celebrate the literary history of the area, the South of Granada author
brought London’s famous Bloomsbury Group to Spain in the first half of the last century. The likes of Virginia Woolf, Bertrand Russell and Lytton Strachey beat their way to his door in the rural escape, a hop and a skip from the snowline of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The legendary travel writer Bruce Chatwin even wove his way up to the 1,000-metre high village in the 1970s, later comparing the region to Afghanistan. So important was Brenan's love affair with the Alpujarras, he has been fittingly immortalised with a British-style blue plaque dedicated to him in Yegen (see sidebar on next page). From this humble beginning, the project is now thriving, explains the Mecina Mayor: “Literature is such a wide reaching topic it allows us to develop in many different ways, so it's a very sustainable idea,” he told the Olive Press. “It also complements the beautiful landscapes we are already surrounded by. The population here is seeing it more and more as their project and they choose the books we use. “That means the project has a future and so do we.” Visitors can take a stroll through the villages, spotting their favourite novels on benches, stables and fountains while admiring sweeping vistas of the nearby hills. The mix of classics like Don Quixote and Romeo and Juliet, alongside children’s books such as The Little Prince, make this a great activity for families, couples or solo travellers. Located in old phone boxes you will even find book exchanges, which are a free initiative designed to give locals and visitors the chance to discover a new book. And then comes the best bit with a series of carefully marked
WHERE TO STAY
● Benarum Hotel and Spa, Mecina Bombaron After a long day, relax at this spa-hotel with its steam room, jacuzzi and sauna or discover the Alpujarran way of life at its Casas Blancas rural accommodation. ● La Almunia de la Alpujarra, Yegen These cosy apartments are decorated in a traditional Alpujarran style with wooden beam ceilings and roaring fires. This tranquil oasis is surrounded by trees and the terrace offers panoramic views over the hills.
WHERE TO EAT
● El Rincon de Yegen, Yegen Offering traditional tapas and delicious pizzas, this restaurant is ideally located near the centre of Yegen. There is also an outdoor pool and plenty of beer, making this the perfect place to relax. ● Restaurante El Tinao, Yegen This restaurant prides itself on its great service and beautiful views over the town of Yegen. Serving simple but tasty tapas with a friendly atmosphere and rustic surroundings, this is a truly Alpujarran locale.
YEGEN: Which has long been a literary haven hosting Gerald Brenan and The Bloomsbury Club
LA CULTURA
routes going between all the villages, the best being the walking route inspired by Gerald Brenan around Yegen. But if a serious hike isn’t for you, a stroll around Mecina Bombaron’s acequias (streams) is a tranquil way to spend an afternoon, even in the summer thanks to the abundant shade of thousands of chestnut trees. Start at the ‘Fuente Libro Don Pio’, a delightful book-shaped fountain inspired by Pio Navarro Alcala Zamora’s sociological study of the town. Follow the ‘Acequia Baja’ which leads to a series of ramshackle stone houses and bubbling brooks, with views in abundance. On your return make sure to grab a coffee or cana at either Casa Joaquin or Bar Nevaillo. But beware, the sign outside the latter which warns customers; ‘I open when I come, I close when I go’, encapsulating the town’s
November 1st - November 14th 2023
Story of the south
laidback lifestyle. This relaxed attitude is not one officials want to change with their new influx of tourists: “The world is continually getting faster, more stressful and more artificial,” explains Gomez. “We offer a return to nature and the quiet life.” In the future, council leaders hope to expand the project, with plaques on each street dedicated to novels. They will be accompanied by a QR code so visitors can learn more about the novel, alongside a translation in braille. The towns are also now home to the Andalucian Poetry Prize (Certamen Andaluz de la Poesia Alpujarra) and next year, they hope to launch a new literary prize as well as literature conferences and talks. As poet Gabriel Garcia Lorca, a frequent visitor from nearby Granada city once said about the area: “There is nothing as sad as being blind in Granada.”
Brenan moved to Yegen in 1919 and began writing his most famous book, South from Granada in the early 1920s. Described as ‘an indispensable point of reference for modern ethnography’ it is one of the most in-depth, colourful books ever written about Spain, alongside the best by Laurie Lee, George Borrow and, of course, Chris Stewart, more recently. Recounting Brenan’s remarkable rural life in the village, which had no proper roads, nor running water or electricity, it paints a wonderful picture of this sleepy corner of Spain untouched by modern
SETTING: Yegen was an inspiration to the British author
life and is still a joy to dip into today. He lived in the village until the mid 1930s when he moved to Churriana, near Malaga, where his home has now been turned into a
2023/2024 winter season
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18th oct
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museum, thanks in part to an early campaign to save the cortijo from demolition by the Olive Press.
AT HOME: Visit the Brenan museum in the charming village
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more information: sierranevada.es
Putin apologists Dear Olive Press, Press for I HAVE been reading the Olive in. Spa to ed mov I e a few years sinc cle about Unfortunately, your recent arti ainian Ukr nt ome (‘M rii Sha toliy Ana bed with journalist’s home is firebom r years afte in Spa in s molotov cocktail e me reof threats from neo-Nazis’) mad it. hab the k thin infamous Your piece portraying the im of vict a as ger pro-Russian blog cast Ukrainian ‘pro-Nazis’ not onlypetencom l iona fess pro r you on bts dou tical loycy but also questions your poli basically cle arti ed tion alty as the men Ukraine repeats Kremlin assertion that by aned inat dom ny’ colo tern ‘wes a is ti-Russian ‘neo-Nazis’. of proMay I remind you that this kind regime paganda has been used by Putin’s aine? to justify its 2022 invasion of Ukr anymore As a result, the Olive Press isn’t list. on my reading Regards, Volly Oleiko ure you Editor’s Note: We can ass Putin. for ists log apo not we are - if you In fact the opposite is true years, read back over the last fewwritten you’ll see we have many nations stories exposing the machi Spain. of Putin and his oligarchs in l despot We think he’s a disgracefu r. tato dic l evi and
LETTERS
November 1st - November 14th 2023
MALAGA DANGERS Reader asks where’s the police when you need them?
I HAVE lived in Malaga for four years now and, as a woman, I’ve never felt like it was in any way dangerous. I would walk home alone all the time. I recently moved to La Trinidad. It is a bit poorer but nonetheless I never heard any of my friends or wider social circle being mugged or robbed. Unfortunately, on Saturday night I was mugged and attacked. I fought back but there were two of them and they managed to get my phone. Now I realise there are just not enough police cars in this area. And there should be far more, given the dangers. I want the Olive Press to warn other women and also to make the point about the police. As expats we can sometimes be frozen out of local events, and maybe we don’t hear the stories we need to hear about safety and danger in certain places. Joan Corrigan, Malaga
Our online story about a proposed train under the sea between Spain and Morocco has raised plenty of social media comment (see Business p8) Good start
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I’D have thought putting a line in that continues down from Malaga further than Fuengirola might be a good start before dreaming up underwater tunnels to go to a different continent.
ANY other country that thrived on tourism would have a train line from Cadiz to Barcelona. Why not start investing in your own country?
WE need something that connects the whole coast from Barcelona to Malaga, stopping en-route in places like Valencia, Denia, Benidorm, Alicante. I would love the option of going direct to any one of these destinations from where I live on the coast.
Paul Rholes
Leo Nard
Mandy Hendry
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GUADALHORCE November 2023
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Man and nature meet The white-washed villages set in the stunning natural beauty that surrounds Guadalhorce
TIMELESS: Alora is a stunning example of the white villages tucked away in the mountains behind the coast
F
OR years it was a sleepy, white-washed Andalucian pueblo known only to the most intrepid adventurers. That changed in 2015 with the reopening of the Caminto del Rey, a narrow pathway cut into the side of El Chorro gorge winding 10 metres above the rushing Guadalhorce river. Suddenly Alora was on the itinerary of half the world’s daredevil tourists. Not all of them venture into the town to take a closer look but they should. Despite its unwarranted modesty in keeping its fascinating history to itself for so long, Alora has blossomed into a hive of cultural activity. Marked out by its stunning Arabic castle atop Cerro de las Torres hill, the sprawling streets are brought to life through Moroccan and Roman influences before
them. The immaculately-preserved castle is even older built by the Phoenicians, expanded under Roman rule, destroyed by the Visigoths in the fifth century and rebuilt by the Moors. The Muslim minaret is still clearly visible today, protruding defiantly above the fortress walls. A short walk down narrow traditional streets leads to the town’s lowest-lying square. Here stands the impressive 17th century Catholic church of La Encarnacion, which somehow appears to be even larger on the inside. Adjoining the church is the municipal museum with its ancient pottery and historical displays placed between the stone columns and an intense mustiness emanating from its 16th century. Hidden in the heart of the town, an old molino where olive oil was traditionally produced is now used as an atmospheric concert venue. Various small museums and bars have sprung up in the centre since the turn of the century, continuing Alora’s legacy as one of the most important settlements in the Guadalhorce Valley. Today, as people get to hear about its charms, the town is more bustling than sleepy. But it is after sunset that visitors are treated to one of Alora´s most stunning surprises: the castle, lit up like a halo, is utterly alluring at night - a sight, as well as a historic ‘site’, not to be missed. There is much more to the Guadalhorce Valley Continues on next page
16
GUADALHORCE LA CULTURA All about
From front page
then Alora though. After nearly 20 years of campaigning, the stunning mountain range, the Sierra de las Nieves that towers over the valley, was designated as Spain’s 16th National Park. Largely untouched by tourists yet ridiculously close to the coast, it’s a weekend getaway begging to be booked. Highly endangered Pinsapo fir woodlands and rare wildlife including Ibex and otter helped to award its new National Park protection. Crisscrossed with hiking trails, it’s even possible to stroll up from Marbella, Benahavis and Mijas, while by car you are in the heart of the park within an hour via the stunning Juanar Valley. An even better option is to spend a weekend in the nearby Guadalhorce Valley, which buffers the range, while in the north you will find the Andalucian Lake District and the famous Caminito del Rey. The polar opposite to the glitz and glamour of the nearby coast the valley - where you will find the well known towns of Coin and Alhaurin offers a more peaceful, largely rural relaxed way of life. A great place to head for to kick off your exciting journey inland is Tolox, which is the back door to this incredible mountain wilderness. As someone once described it, ‘If
On the Guadalhorce trail
MOUNTAIN JEWEL: The town of Tolox
Coin sits at the foot of the Sierra de las Nieves, then Tolox is the toenail’. Formerly part of the Moorish Kingdom of Soleiman, this whitewashed village also draws visitors to dip into its Fuente AmaBy Nadia McDonald rga spa, with its legendary healing properties. HE Guadalhorce valley is famed for its olives Stress and musand olive oil. The campo is covered in olive cle fatigue are trees, their leaves rustle as light winds freshen washed away up the valley. with a variety of In late November families harvest the fruit before therapies rangturning them into an olive oil which is fragrant and full-bodied. ing from natural Aceite de oliva is a staple in every Spanish kitchen, but gas inhalation it’s so much more than an oil for cooking, it’s a vehicle to mud spray of flavour and often forms the main event of the dish. treatments. The rich notes of olive oil from this region enhance evHead uphill ery savoury dish and bread doused in the stuff is a for a couple of
LIQUID GOLD
T
simple but sensory dance for the tastebuds.
CAPTION XXX XXX
miles and you will find the eagle-eye views at the Cerro de Hijar hotel, one of Andalucia’s more remote places to stay. Every hairpin bend round the steep cliffs offers up a fresh angle on the Guadalhorce Valley. Looking down as far as Malaga and to waterfalls trickling below, it’s easy to forget that the Costa del Sol metropolis is just over the mountain. From here you head up towards the stunning white village of Yunquera embedded like a jewel in a setting of olive groves. The entrance to the village’s charming centre is marked by stone arches while the church – the crowning glory in most of these pueblos - can be seen against the skyline from the narrow streets below.
From the striking Santa Ana church itself, there are spectacular views towards the Sierra Prieta. Head back down into the valley and arriving in Alhaurin is like deja vu as a ‘castle’ looms into view. It’s the fa- of marble and iron ore which were mous brick water tower that starred used in the construction of Sevilla’s in the opening credits of the Eldora- famous settlement of Italica, the do series, built to look old. birthplace of the future Emperor, This is one of the most popular plac- Hadrian. es to settle in the valley and has a Reconquered by the Christians great mix of shops and restaurants, during a long siege in which Christowhile it has a true international feel pher Columbus allegedly took part, with expats from all around the it was also popular with another world. great explorer Captain Cook, who Coin, the region’s ‘capvisited in 1829. ital’ and largest town, After a visit to Caris a larger version tama, Alhaurin and The of its smaller neighCoin, he wrote, bours (Tolox, Yunquera ‘These villages are on Guadalhorce and Alozaina) with its rising ground above emblematic church, Valley is among the river and in beauseries of the most fertile ty of situation and squares and cultivation cannot be in all Spain a multitude of excelled. winding cob“They afford a specbled streets. imen of the whole Set up by the Romans, who country when possessed by the made it into a market town Moors, being surrounded by garbefore largely abandoning dens with orange, lemon and palm it for almost 500 years, it trees and abounding in all the was then brought back to fine as well as the more common life by the Moors, who re- fruits.” built it in 950 AD. Even today, the Guadalhorce ValMuch of this later success ley is considered to be among the came from the quarries most fertile in all Spain.
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LA CULTURA
November 1st - November 14th 2023
I
T was in Phoenician times that Alhaurin el Grande first developed its role as an important market town, as the already established Iberian tribes bartered their goods with new arrivals from Lebanon. Later the town thrived under Roman occupation when a number of wealthy merchants from nearby Malaga made money from the rich mineral deposits in the nearby hills. They built sizeable villas, such as Villa de la Mata, and labelled the town Lauro Nova. Evidence has been found in the numbers of coins, statues and pillars, a trio of which stand pride of place opposite the town hall today. But it wasn’t until Moorish rule that the town really blossomed, as the Arabs planted new crops in the wide fertile valley that is crossed by two rivers, the Fahala and Blas Gonzales. They introduced acequias (or water courses) to irrigate the entire valley and built a number of important mills, such as the Molino Morisco de los Corchos. An area of particular beauty – not to mention an extremely clement climate – it had soon taken on an ap-
Crisscrossed with streams, as well as modern and ancient acequias (man-made water channels), it has as much modern cultivation as it has wildlife, while signs of its
fecundity are found in the villages where you can pick oranges and lemons that line the streets - you can quite literally get a taste of Spain!
WALK: Country walk near the water tower above Alhaurin
17
THE GARDEN OF ALLAH STRIKING: ‘God’s Garden’ dates back to Phoenician times
propriate new name, that of ‘Garden of Allah’, or Alhaurin. Remnants of the eight centuries of Arabic rule can still be found, particularly at the Arco del Cobertizo, which was a gateway to the medina, that had a souk specialising in silk. One of the last towns to be conquered by the Catholic kings in 1485, it was eventually merged with Alora, Cartama and Coin in 1666 to form a single entity known as the Four Towns. Though it was anything but plain sailing for the united municipality and
there were epidemics of plague and even an earthquake in 1680. Later, Alhaurin was occupied for four years by the French during the Peninsular War in the early 19th century, which led to the inevitable destruction and upheaval. Since then, apart from the turbulent period during the civil war, the biggest threat to civil peace was an influx of English hooligans in the 2000s, who thankfully have now gone. There is no doubt that Alhaurin el Grande has been through a dramatic transformation over recent years but there is a now a real swagger about the place. Businesses are opening and the type of expat now coming to live here is more interested in integration, learning the language and enjoying the town’s varied culture.
Established in Álora since 1998 – We pride ourselves in providing a friendly but professional service Offering a diverse range of properties – Fincas, townhouses, cortijos, villas and country houses
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Bright, stylish 2 bedroom village house located in the historic centre of Álora pueblo. Accommodation extends to 74m2 and is distributed over 3 levels ; ground floor offers dining room, modern fully fitted kitchen and downstairs cloakroom, 1st floor ; double bedroom and spacious, bright, living room with balcony , 2nd floor ; double bedroom, modern shower room and fabulous terrace hosting fabulous views across the Andalucian countryside and down the Guadalhorce valley . An ideal spot to sip a glass of wine and watch the glorious sunsets which we enjoy all year round in this beautiful part of Southern Spain.
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FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL Simply the best
November 1st - November 14th 2023
GROUNDED?: Short haul
Short-haul threat A DEAL struck between the socialist PSOE and the Sumar party includes plans to cut domestic flights. The proposed law would target routes where there is a rail alternative of less than two and a half hours. There are only three regular air routes that meet this condition; Madrid-Barcelona, Madrid-Alicante and Madrid-Valencia, which all take less than two hours and 20 minutes by train. Three other routes, however, are just a few minutes over the 2.5-hour mark, including Madrid-Seville, Madrid-Málaga and Madrid-Murcia. It is not yet known if they will be included. The plans are still in their infant stage with a study still to be carried out if the socialist pact is able to form a government.
Why Spain has been branded among the top holiday destinations for 2024 SPAIN is the most sustainable holiday destination in the world and should be top of your list to visit in 2024. That’s according to the latest rankings by the highly-respected Lonely Planet. The country was named as the most sustainable in the publication’s Best In Travel awards, which were released to celebrate 50 years of the travel guide. A spokesperson said: “One of the globe’s most popular destinations, sun-washed Spain is making enormous strides in boosting off-sea-
By Laurence Dollimore
son travel to spread visitors across the year and to encourage travel to overlooked destinations. “New cycle paths, electric buses and train routes offer flight-free ways to see the country. “Creative small-scale hotels and other initiatives are revitalising the country’s rural areas and new train routes are making flight-free travel a breeze.” Lonely Planet cited the Jar-
FRENCH winemakers launched a stunning ambush on a convoy carrying Spanish wine and delicacies that they claim is undercutting their livelihoods. With howls of anger and frustration, the French farmers boarded the Spanish lorries and proceeded to throw all the boxes, crates and wine into the street. Like highwaymen from days of yore, around 500 indignant French farmers had set up a roadblock near the Le Boulou tollbooth, a mere 15 kilometres from the French-Spanish border.
SUSTAINABLE: The Jardin del Turia in Valencia
din del Turia in Valencia as a prime example of Spain’s strides towards a sustainable tourism model. The urban park, one of the largest in Spain, is spread
Sacre rouge! Videos from the scene showed the carnage and destruction of Spain’s national produce, as the streets turned red with cheap sparkling wine. The destruction was part of a ‘war against economic criminals who abuse ruined winegrowers,’ according to Frederic Rouanet, the president of a local winemaker syndicate that organised the protest.
over nine kilometres and features picturesque paths lined with orange and palm trees, becoming a tourist attraction in its own right. And in a bid to reduce pressure in tourism meccas like Barcelona and the Costa del Sol, Spain is encouraging holiday makers to visit lesser-known villages and towns. It comes after a wave of anti-tourism campaigns cropped up across the country this year, including in Marbella, Sevilla and the Balearics. Vigo, in Galicia, for example, was recently voted as one of the best locations to explore, according to flight comparison app Skyscanner.
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Gordon’s gong KITCHEN hellraiser Gordon Ramsey has returned from an around-the-world culinary odyssey raving about a dish he tried in Madrid. He concluded that the top three dishes on the planet emanate from Laos, Vietnam and Spain - specifically the Spanish capital. The celebrated chef lauded Madrid’s famous 'Cocido madrileño’, which is a stew made from chickpeas, vegetables, pork, and beef. Ramsay was captivated by this feast of complex, slowcooked flavours, which he said created an irresistible blend of aromas and textures. In Laos, he identified the traditional 'Laap,' a salad made from marinated beef or chicken with lime, fresh herbs, chilies, and toasted rice and in Vietnam, Gordon discovered the legendary 'Pho,' a noodle soup with beef or chicken that is a cornerstone of Vietnamese cuisine.
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FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL SPAIN’S BEST 35 WINES
November 1st - November 14th 2023
S
PAIN is gradually shedding its inferiority complex regarding wines, and it is high time. Alongside the country’s world-beating culinary skills, its winemaking acumen is
POP THE CORK!
now up there with the world’s best in France and Italy. According to the UK wine bible, Decanter, Spain is now very much part of Europe’s ‘Power Trio’. In this year’s ranking of a record 18,250 wines, Spain matched France with eight ‘Best in Show’ medals, followed by Italy with seven. On Spain’s performance in the summer competition, respected Master of Wine, Sarah Jane Evans MW stated: “Spain is the most exciting wine-producing country in Europe.” Apart from the exciting improvements in the traditional winegrowing region of Rioja - which scooped 23 Golds and two Best in Shows - she singled out the Alicante and Galicia regions. In particular, it was the north west
appellations of Ribeira, Bierzo and Rias Baixas that she really liked. Meanwhile a pair of Best in Shows came from Jerez, in Andalucia, both sherries over 30 years in age, from Harveys and Lustau. It was a similar situation with America’s hugely-influential Wine Advocate, based on the scores of doyenne Robert Parker and his team. Not only are Spain’s bodegas rapidly climbing up the charts, but in Marques de Murrieta, Spain now has a winery in the world’s top 10. Thanks to scoring yet another top score of 100 this year for its Castillo de Ygay white ‘Reserva Especial’, it now ranks alongside the world’s best vineyards, including Cheval Blanc, Petrus and Chateau d’Yquem. In total, 30 Spanish wines have so
Spanish wines are now - definitely - among the best in the world, alongside its chefs, writes Jon Clarke and Elsa Ibanez
far scooped the maximum 100 score from Wine Advocate, which is nearly 15% of the total. The reason it is not much higher is largely due to logistics and time, rather than anything else. Until 2007, there were no Spanish wines in the 100-club, mostly as Parker rarely had time to try wines from Spain, after he categorised French, Italian and American ones. Indeed, it wasn’t until 2013, that the guide started to take the country seriously, when it hired a professional full time wine expert. And even that was controversial, with Luis Gutierrez, based in Madrid, previously being a senior executive at Tetra Pak. That said, Gutierrez comes highly-rated in the wine world and tastes an average of 3,600 wines a year, according to Expansion newspaper. He had a wine column in El Mundo and arrived on the scene having worked as the Spanish correspondent for the respected UK wine website Jancisrobinson.com. Financial Times columnist Jancis herself is a regular visitor to Spain and even made an effort to visit Ronda for a series of tastings a decade ago. She is now a keen advocate for the fast-improving wines in Ribera del Duero and has seen the country adapt to the high temperatures to make some fabu-
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FACTFILE According to the Spanish Wine Federation, Spain owns 13% of the world's vineyards and is responsible for 25% of European wine production. Spain can also boast of being the country with the most vineyards worldwide. It has 70 DOs (denominations of origin) , 42 protected geographical indications, and 26 single-varietal wines. Spain has its own local Peñin Guide which rates wines under the best value-for-money criterion.
TOP RATED: The Ramon do Casar vineyard and (left) their ‘excellent’ wine
lous wines today. “After years on the sidelines of the world of fine wine, Spain is now a major player,” she says. “Investment and ambition in vineyard and winery are resulting in more and more rich – often highly alcoholic – spicy reds that are finding increasing favour among international consumers.”
In particular, she also praises the wide variety of local indigenous grape varieties and mixture of styles. Another globally important wine critic, James Suckling, of the Wine Spectator, has recently praised the huge leaps Spain has made over the last decade. In his Annual Report 2023 of 3,800
Spanish wines, he insisted the country is going through a ‘dynamic transformation led by an audacious new generation of winemakers’. “They are shifting the focus of wine appreciation toward a Continues on next page
T H E O L I V E P R E S S A N D P I C U BA N U S I N V I T E YO U TO A B OT T L E O F W I N E * W i t h eve r y t a b l e re s e r va t i o n - s c a n t h e Q R c o d e.
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FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL SPAIN’S BEST 35 WINES
From previous page
lighter, more delicate style that highlights clarity and drinkability over opulence and richness,” he explained. Apart from putting seven Spanish wines in his All-Time top 100 wines - including Lustau’s aforementioned 30-year-old Amontillado - he selected six for the perfect ‘100’ category this month. For the record they are L’Ermita 2021, from Priorat, Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2012 and Viña El Pisón 2021, from Rioja, Comando G’s two wines Rumbo Al Norte 2020 and Tumba del Rey Moro 2021, from Madrid’s DO, and finally Ribera del Duero’s Pingus 2021. And, in case you hadn’t guessed, these exquisite fine wines were already expensive, before Mr Suckling and Mr Parker put their global 100 top score rankings on them. As a rule of thumb, most of the 100 score wines cost from €150.
November 1st - November 14th 2023
SPAIN’S BEST 35 WINES
(Compiling Decanter, Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator’s scores, with vintages if particularly good) ● Castillo de Ygay Blanco Reserva Especial 1986, Rioja ● Castillo de Ygay Tinto Reserva Especial, Rioja ● Vina El Pison, Rioja 2004 ● Contador, Rioja, 2004 and 2005 ● Lalomba Finca Ladero, Rioja, 2018 ● Finca Lagunazuri, Rioja 2018 ● Las Beatas, Rioja, 2015 ● Remírez de Ganuza Gran Reserva, Rioja 2004 ● Numanthia Termanthia, Castilla y Leon 2004 ● Pingus, Castilla y León (2004,
2012, 2014, 2018 and 2021) ● Vega Sicilia Unico, Castilla y Leon (1962) ● Rumbo al Norte, Comando G, Castilla y León (2016 y 2018) ● Tumba del Rey Moro 2021, Cas-
tilla y León ● Bodegas Alto Moncayo, Campo de Borja (2007 and 2009) ● L'ermita, Priorat (2013 and 2019) ● Clos Erasmus, Priorat (2004, 2005 and 2013, 2020)
● Nit de Nin Mas d'en Caçador 2020, Priorat ● Les Manyes 2016 de Terroir Al Limit, Priorat ● La Faraona, Bierzo, (2014 and 2018)
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
November 1st - November 14th 2023
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TOP TIPS The Peñín Guide to the Wines of Spain 2024 has awarded its maximum score to three iconic Spanish reds, two from the DO Ribera del Duero and one from the DO Rioja, and for the first time to a white wine, from the DO Rías Baixas. Specifically, the 100 points went to the Ribera reds Vega Sicilia Único Reserva Especial (which includes wines from the 2010, 2011, and 2012 vintages) and Pingus 2021 by Peter Sisseck, the Rioja La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 890 from 2010 and the Pontevedra Albariño Pazo Señorans Selección de Añada 2013.
● ● ● ●
Viariz La Muria, Bierzo 2021 Las Tres Filas Mencía, Bierzo 2020 Sorte O Soro, Valdeorras 2020 Casa Castillo Pie franco, Jumilla 2020 ● Mar de Frades, Albariño, Rías
Baixas 2018 ● Ramon do Casar Treixadura, Ribeiro, 2022 ● El Corral Cremat Brut, Albet I Noya, Penedes ● Arrels del Priorat Ca Les Viudes Vi
de Mare 100 Anys ● Don PX Toro Albalá Convento Seleccion 1946, Montilla Moriles, Cordoba ● Alvear Pedro Ximenez Vintage 2011, Montilla Moriles, Cordoba
● 1905 Amontillado Solera Fundacional Lot B 2016, Montilla Moriles, Cordoba ● Moscatel Valdespino Los Toneles, Jerez ● Reliquia Barbadillo de Palo Cor-
tado, Jerez ● La Bota de Amontillado 49, Navazos, Jerez ● 30 Years Old, Oloroso, Lustau, Jerez ● 30 Years Old, Amontillado, Harveys, Jerez
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FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
F
OR some of us, navigating our way around the wine section can be a daunting task. With so many amazing Spanish varieties, how are we supposed to know which is the best tipple? Are screw caps a no go? Does age matter and price count? And what about how deep the ‘dimple’ of the bottle is? Confusion makes for pour choices! So in perfect time for Christmas, we sought the advice of the wine experts - in vino veritas - to decode the myths and help you find a drink that exceeds all your grape expectations.
Screw caps = poor quality Screw caps have long been looked down upon as cheap plonk. But although nothing is quite as satisfying as that lovely ‘pop’ as the cork slides free from the bottle, it doesn’t mean the wine is of any better quality. David Moore, who owns Michelin-starred restaurant Pied a Terre in London, says: “The one great advantage of a screw top is that the wine can’t be corked. This is when the wine is infected and takes on a very mouldy smell and taste. That can’t happen with a screw top.”
Heard it through the grapevine Decanting the greatest myths about Spain’s top tipple
A silver spoon keeps bubbly fresh
Red wine doesn’t go with fish
Rumour has it that putting a silver spoon, handle first, into the neck of a champagne bottle will preserve its fizz. You guessed it, that doesn’t work either. The best method is to use a stopper with a vacuum seal. Expert Robin Copestick says: “Keep it cold – it’s more likely to retain some of its fizz and will still be drinkable for a day or two.”
Sure, some white wines pair beautifully with fish, but it’s not a blanket rule that red wine can’t go with white flesh. It all depends on what fish you are eating. Experts say a pan-fried salmon pairs wonderfully with a Californian pinot noir, while a meaty swordfish goes down great with a glass of Merlot.
Old wine = better quality Just because a wine is old, doesn’t mean it will taste good. Expert Peter Mitchell explains: “Whilst a small percentage of wine does age well, the vast majority of wines today have been made to be ready to drink on release and will not benefit from ageing. “Most will keep for a few years if stored properly but few will be as good, let alone have improved.”
November 1st - November 14th 2023
No white wines with meat Red wine and juicy steak are a marriage made in heaven but that’s not to say red meat and white wines should never pair up. As expert Smith explains: “You’d be surprised what a generously oaked Chardonnay can do when put side by side with a juicy chunk of meat. “The rich flavours sit beautifully alongside one another and create a fantastically mouth-watering pairing.”
You get what you pay for
Legs = Better quality People like to swirl their wine and look at how many droplets – or ‘legs’ – ooze down the side of the glass. The bigger the legs, they say, the better the quality. WRONG. As Adrian Smith, a wine blogger points out: “In actual fact it’s just a higher concentration of alcohol resulting in the leftover wine sliding down the glass at a slower pace, nothing more.”
Supermarket plonk may not match up to bottles that cost hundreds of euros each, but it doesn’t follow that the more you pay, the better the wine is. Experts advise that spending around €12-15 will give you the best quality/ value ratio.
FOOD, DRINK & TRAVEL
November 1st November 14th 2023
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FOOD, DRINK & TRAVEL
A unique dining experience in a inspiring location boasting stunning views of the Andalusian landscape all the way down to the Mediterranean Sea
HEF Leandro Caballero is serving up a treat at his Cortijo Santa María 1962 restaurant in Sotogrande, classic tuna territory. With the autumn tuna-fishing season underway, Caballero has introduced a stupendous ‘Tuna Experience’ tasting menu. Located at the five-star SO/Sotogrande hotel, it showcases the best of classic Barbate-caught red (or blue fin) tuna. Over five exquisite courses, all the finest cuts of the tuna fish are put to their best use. Starting with cured tuna loin over toast, sprinkled with olive oil and pine nuts, it completely melts in the mouth while the crunchy toast brings its own counterpoint. A rich white coconut and garlic soup accompanies a mound of tuna steak tartar
RESERVATIONS: +34 951 74 47 77 / +34 627 12 14 43 clive@cotorestaurante.com www.cotorestaurante.com
SWANKY: Classic tuna territory
and even at this stage the taste buds are dancing. This delicacy does not even mark the halfway point of the menu, although it is helpfully washed down with a selection of local wines. A slightly more delicate dish follows, with thinly-sliced ‘ventresca’ red tuna garnished with a modest medley of mixed vegetables.
Monday to Saturday: 11am-12am Sunday: 11am-6pm Ctra. de Ronda, A-397, Km. 44, 29679 Benahavís, Málaga
With the autumn tuna season upon us, SO/Sotogrande debuts a new tasting menu straight from the nets of the Barbate fishermen CREDIT: All Pictures by Walter Finch
TUNA-TASTIC C
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The cheek of the tuna represents the heartiest cut of the fish in the menu, being accompanied by orange and saffron rice. All through the meal, the waiters continually refresh your glass with a variety of wines in the pleasant and glowing confines of this exclusive restaurant. Fish caught locally and served exquisitely to the highest standards, it’s a very compelling combination. Reserve your seat at the table for €85 a head.
TUNA: The menu has five courses
FRESH FISHING
Meet the Scottish Andalucian who is introducing a new and sustainable way of catching Cadiz’s famous tuna
A
TARIFA fisherman of Scottish descent has brought a sustainable and pioneering new method for catching the region’s famous bluefin tuna. Juan Carlos Mackintosh, 61, has eschewed the huge nets of the trawler, which scoop up sharks and dolphins and all manner of unwanted bycatch, for something more traditional. Mackintosh hails from a family with Scottish origins thanks to his great-grandfather John Mackintosh, who sold coal in Gibraltar to British warships during the First World War. Later settling and investing in land around San Pedro, the family grew strong and is still behind various local restaurants and developments. Together with son Daniel, Juan Carlos brought the innovative 'greenstick' technique to Spain after learning about it from a small fishing village in Japan. Via this method, they land their catch using single-line hooks and only to order, ensuring there's no overfishing and minimal harm to the fish. The JC Mackintosh company, based in Tarifa, has also now adopted the Japanese slaughtering technique known as ‘Ike Jime’ which guarantees to preserve the fish's quality. They renamed the entire process the 'Five Mackintosh steps' in their Tarifa fishery, emphasising their dedication to following all the steps meticulously. A key part of the process includes stunning the fish to stop it flapping and suffering, while also
CAPTAIN: Juan Carlos Mackintosh descends from Scots ensuring the highest product quality. The innovative method has faced mockery from rival fishermen, who are wedded to Cadiz’s traditional ‘almadraba’ net fishing, which takes place at six towns on the Costa de la Luz. The almadraba is an ancient system that dates back to Phoenician times. It involves an intricate maze of nets and enclosures set up along the migratory routes of bluefin tuna. When the tuna swim through these nets during their annual migration from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, they get trapped. However, Mackintosh’s courage has paid off; in just six years he has nearly doubled his turnover tenfold and he sells his tuna both in Spain and abroad.
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by mortgage broker Tancrede de Pola
Talking money The Finance Bureau’s Tancrede de Pola outlines some of the costs of taking out a mortgage
W
HEN taking out a mortgage it is important to know what fees you will be charged so that you can take out an appropriate loan. These can be quite substantial but are not always set in stone, so it is advisable to consult with a mortgage broker who can negotiate the best deal for your particular circumstances. Mortgage origination fees are costs associated with the process of securing a home loan and these are typically charged by banks and financial institutions to cover the administrative costs of processing your mortgage application. While specific fees can vary from one lender to another and may depend on individual circumstances, here is a general overview of mortgage origination fees in Spain. 1. Bank Fees: whereas we do have one product that carries a 0% fee, most Spanish banks charge an arrangement fee which can vary but is typically between 1% to 1.5% of the loaned amount. It's important to note that these fees are often negotiable, and borrowers with good credit and financial standing may be able to secure more favourable terms. 2. Notary and Registration Fees: the good news is that, since the new european directive lcci ley 5/2019 came into force, these now must be paid by the bank. 3. Appraisal Fees: lenders will require an appraisal of the property to determine its value. This cost is typically ball-park 0.1% of the valuation amount and is normally borne by the borrower. 4. Taxation: Spain imposes a mortgage tax known as the Actos Jurídicos Documentados (AJD) but again, these must now be paid by the
BUSINESS GETTING ON TRACK 28
MORTGAGE THINK TANK
bank according to the lcci directive. 5. Early Repayment Fees: these fees can vary, but according to the lcci stipulation they cannot exceed 0.25% during the first three years; 0.15% in years four & five; thereafter 0%, for a variable rate mortgage. Fixed-rate mortgages carry a penalty of 2% during the first 10 years and 1.5% in the second 10 years. These are maximums allowed by law and your broker can often negotiate these down further. It's essential to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of any mortgage offer you receive in Spain. You should compare offers from multiple lenders to find the best deal for your specific situation. Remember, it is not all about interest rates; The Finance Bureau can help find the best deal for you that takes into account all the costs involved as well as loan term options. We have many years of experience and in-depth knowledge of the mortgage market in Spain and can help you through the entire process to decide on the correct loan to suit your circumstances.
To contact Tancrede for all your mortgaging needs call: +34 666 709 743 or for insurance queries call: +34 952 801 401 Email: tdp@thefinanacebureau.com The Finance Bureau Centro Comercial Guadalmina II, Oficina 7, Guadalmina, 29670, Spain
November 1st November 14th 2023
Routes for high speed rail tunnel from Spain to Morocco proposed
Strait Tunnel Project in April THE long-anticipated dream this year, of an underwater train con- a g r e e i n g ramp necting Spain with Morocco to up studies could be that much closer. the New research funded by into Spain and Morocco has iden- technology LINK: Morocco’s Al Boraq line could join Spain’s tion would be between Motified several proposed routes required for such a feat. for the project, including According to Moroccan rocco’s Tangier and Tarifa or Madrid to Casablanca in just state media outlet SNRT- Algeciras, just a few kilomefive-and-a-half hours. News, experts are looking tres from Gibraltar. It comes after both countries at several routes that would Earlier this year, Spain’s relaunched the Gibraltar pass through Sevilla and the transport minister Raquel coastal cities of Algeciras Sanchez vowed the two countries would give much more and Tarifa. “The high-speed rail line support to the project, which existing in both Moroc- has been promised on-andco and Spain is expected off since 1979. to significantly reduce Sanchez described it as ‘stratravel time compared to tegic’ not only for Spain and regular trains," the news Morocco but also wider Europe and Africa. outlet said. Morocco opened its first In a meeting with Moroccan high-speed rail line in minister Nizar Baraka, she 2018, connecting its added: “We are beginning a northern hub Tangi- new stage in the revival of er with its capital Ra- the fixed link project across bat and tourism Mecca the Strait of Gibraltar, which we launched in 1981, hand ROUTES: from Africa to Spain and Casablanca. beyond The most likely connec- in hand.” By Laurence Dollimore
Investment Considerations for Americans THE OLIVE PRESS ARE you an American living on the Costa Del Sol? Join financial advisor Shane Clark at an upcoming investing and tax panel event for Americans living there on Thursday November 16. The Costa del Sol’s warm climate, picturesque coastline and Mediterranean lifestyle make it one of the most sought-after destinations for Americans relocating to Spain. Yet, amid the excitement of adapting to a new culture, U.S. expats face distinct challenges and opportunities when it comes to investing. These include: ● Investment challenges ● Tax advantaged retirement plans ● Trusts, gifts, and inheritance Investing as an American here presents unique challenges compared to living in the U.S. For example, American expats in Spain can face obstacles to investing in U.S. funds due to EU regulations like MIFID II. Conversely investing in Spanish funds can trigger US tax and reporting. Another challenge relates to currencies, as the value of your investments in different currencies can be affected by fluc-
tuations, while transferring funds to make an investment in the U.S. can incur losses due to exchange rate movements and fees, and similarly when drawing in investments in the U.S. So deciding where to invest, and what to invest in, to minimize currency related losses and tax and reporting can be complex. U.S. tax reporting All U.S. citizens have to report their worldwide income on Form 1040 every year, including Americans living in Spain. Americans also have to report any foreign financial accounts they may have on an FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report) form, including investment accounts, as well as on IRS Form 8938 under FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) rules, depending on the total value of your investments abroad. There are other U.S. reporting rules for owners of foreign companies and certain types of foreign mutual funds too, so it’s always sensible to consult an expat specialist financial advisor to ensure that your investment decisions won’t trigger unnecessary tax or reporting, as well as an expat specialist CPA to ensure you meet your reporting responsibilities. Note that while Americans are subject to both U.S. and Spanish tax reporting, they can claim tax credits when they file to avoid double taxation on the same income.
IS RECRUITING the U.S. Tax rates can vary across different regions, making it important to understand local tax rates and exemptions. Spain offers an expat tax benefit known as the Beckham Law, allowing Spanish residents, including those in Costa del Sol, to be taxed as non-residents for a limited period of up to six years, including the year of arrival. Under this regime, taxation is primarily based on Spanish-sourced income and assets, providing potential tax benefits for Americans moving to Spain. To register for the seminar pls visit: https://financial-planning-expats-costa-del-sol.eventbrite.com Shane Clark is an American expat living in Spain and founder of EuroAmerican Financial Advisors, an investment advisory firm for other Americans in Europe.
Spanish tax reporting American expats here should be prepared for potentially higher taxes than in
YOU CAN FIND OUT MORE ABOUT EUROAMERICAN FINANCIAL ADVISORS AT WWW.EUROUSAFA.COM
The Olive Press newspaper group is looking for an enthusiastic SPANISH SPEAKING salesperson to join our team based in Marbella. Must be fluent in SPANISH and have a knowledge of ENGLISH ENGLISH.. Sales experience is a must, but full training will be provided. Good basic and excellent commission. Driving licence is essential, as travel will be required.
Please email your CV to admin@theolivepress.es
BUSINESS
BUDGET hotel chain Travelodge which operates nearly 600 outlets in the UK, Ireland, and Spain has opened its sixth Spanish hotel - The Travelodge Madrid Coslada Aeropuerto. Travelodge has two hotels in Barcelona and one in Valencia, in addition to its now three Madrid operations. Some €1 million has been spent on converting the 78-bedroom NH Villa de Coslada hotel to the Travelodge brand.
November 1st November 14th 2023
Hotel expansion The operator has also worked with consultancy firm Christie & Co on exploring further opportunities in the Spanish hotel market. A top 20 list has been identified for expansion including Alicante, Barcelona, Bilbao, Cadiz, Granada, Malaga, Madrid, Palma, Sevilla, and Valencia.
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Travelodge's general director in Spain, Angelo Beleno, said: “Spain is the fourth most visited country in the world and its tourism industry is an important engine of the Spanish economy.” “New opportunities are being created in the Spanish hotel market especially in the budget and mid-scale range which allows Travelodge to bring its brand to new business and leisure locations across Spain,” he added.
Godmothers’ gala
Club for female entrepreuners goes from strength to strength THE Mayor of Marbella, Maria Angeles Muñoz, will host an awards ceremony for Costa del Sol businesswomen this December. Organised by Andalucia’s fastest growing business club, Singerias Femininas, the Gala Sinergica 2023 will take place on December 15 at Marbella’s glitzy Boho Club. The event’s second edition, the ceremony will include
an award honouring Isabel Garcia Bardon, President of Fuerte Group Hotels. Among the nominees is Sevilla-based psychologist Isabela Magdala and Salesa Gonzalez, local candle guru and owner of Agapimu Candles. Sinergias Femininas, a club for female entrepreneurs, was started by interior designer Helena Olcina during the pandemic. Since then,
DIA BOOST
SPANISH retailer Dia has reported a 4.5% increase in sales on a like-for-like basis in the first nine months of the year, to €4.64 billion. The turnover achieved excludes the sales registered in the stores transferred to Alcampo. The group said that its performance underlines the 'strength of Dia's
it has grown exponentially with members from all over the world. Despite their diverse backgrounds, strategy in a complex environment'. the women share In the third quarter of 2023 alone, the same guiding gross sales in Spain reached €1.28 principles: to grow billion, which was an increase of together and sup8.3% on a reported basis and 9.7% port each other. on a like-for-like basis. The private busi“The business is advancing at a ness club has over good pace, consolidating the new 150 members value proposition and growing posfrom a variety of itively in gross, net and comparable sectors. The busisales,” said Martin Tolcachir, chief ness women are executive of Dia Group. divided strategi-
cally into 12 groups, each led by a ‘godmother’, whose experience and contacts are a valuable resource for group members. ‘Godmother’of the group supporting international business women is English TV presenter, Nicole King, who currently works on Marbella RTV and Good Morning Spain. According to club founder Helena Ocina: “Growing together with women from all over the world enriches all the members of the club both personally and professionally.”
Dear Jennifer:
TRAVEL SAFELY
We can cover your insurance needs
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DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF A SECOND OPINION JOIN US AT OUR PRODUCT AWARENESS DAY ON ‘SPANISH SUCCESSION TAX AND UK INHERITANCE TAX’ FROM 9AM - 3PM ON: Tuesday 14th November Salles Hotel, Malaga Wednesday 15th November Hotel Granada Palace, Monachil, Granada Thursday 16th November Parador de Nerja, Nerja TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE BY BOOKING A FREE CONSULTATION WITH US.
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AFFORDABLE BUSINESS November 1st - November 14th 2023 CONTACTS
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SPANISH scientists are working on a new way of treating cancer, which involves ultra-fast blasts of powerful radiation. The Institute of Instrumentation for Molecular Imaging (i3M) is running experiments involving radiation being administered via a laser for less than a second on living cells. The study will investigate the impact of different dose rates. The Polytechnic University of Valencia is one of the institutions involved in the project. A spokesman explained that conventional radiotherapy sees a continuous beam of particles applied to a patient, which can have bad side effects. He added that if a higher radiation dose is given in less than a second, then the negative impact on healthy issues appears to be considerably reduced.
A STUDY has revealed that in 2016 cancer deaths were 42,132 lower than expected in Spain, representing a 30% decline. The study carried out by Frank R. Lichtenberg, from the University of Colombia (USA) was published last week. Titled ‘The relationship between pharmaceutical innovation and mortality from cancer in Spain between 1999 and 2016’, the research evaluated treatments for 56 different types of cancer. The study found that new pharmaceutical innovations caused the mean global age at which
Phone app for food allergy sufferers could save lives
THROUGHOUT SPAIN AND THE UK
patients died to rise by almost three years between 1998 and 2015. According to the findings, the more modern the treatment, the less likely the patient is to die prematurely. In Spain, the years of potential life lost before the age of 75 was reduced by 333,000 as a result. During this period, Spain spent €1.09 billion on cancer treatments. Although Spain was behind in the use of combined cancer treatments, it is set to double their use in the next five years.
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By Alex Trelinski
A PHONE app that could help save the lives of food allergy sufferers has been inspired after a Spanish allergy specialist treated a girl whose father is into modern technology. The free app called AllergApp can ‘prevent scares and save lives’ according to its creators. Around 6% of under 15s are susceptible to food allergies.
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Mobile: +34 711 009 547 72 Avenida Ricardo Soriano, Portal B, 1st Floor, Marbella, Malaga, 29601 The adult population that has to be careful about what they eat is around 1.5% to 2.0% of the population. Doctor Antonio Letran has been treating a girl called Alba who suffers from a nut allergy.
Virus arrives A DEADLY tick-borne virus has been detected on the French-Spanish border. The illness is reported to kill up to four in 10 people who catch it and the ticks which carry it have been detected in France for the first time. Known as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), the virus is closely related to Ebola. Commonly seen in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Balkans, the illness is rarely spotted in Europe, with occasional appearances in southern Europe, including Spain. However the effects of climate change are now pushing the disease further north, with more occurrences in Spain, France and even Britain. The disease was detected on cattle in the Pyrenees when live ticks were found harbouring the illness. Symptoms, which appear suddenly, include achy muscles, abdominal pain, vomiting and a sore throat. Broken capillaries can also trigger bleeding from the eyes, nose or skin.
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She endured an accidental poisoning and part of the problem was trying to have all the necessary information quickly at hand and an allergy. He built up a friendship with Alba's parents, including her father Jose Carlos Toajas, who is a project manager at an aeronautical solutions company. “I knew that Jose had developed an app for something else and I suggested one should be developed that would allow a caregiver or allergy sufferer access to all the information in two or three clicks,” explained Doctor Letran. The app is simple as once diagnosed with an allergy, the patient transfers all their personal data, including height, weight and age, as well as the treatment prescribed to combat any reactions. The app includes a virtual 'first aid kit' with a list of the needed drugs and doses depending on the phases of the allergic reaction because, as Letran points out, ‘the sooner it is treated, the sooner it is controlled’.
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Treasure trove A BENT Ukrainian priest is among five arrested after police in Spain tracked down 11 historical gold items dating to the 8th century BC worth €60 million that disappeared from a Kiev exhibition.
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Dirty devil AN easyJet flight from Tenerife to London was cancelled after a passenger defecated on the toilet floor, but not before passengers were left waiting onboard for 3.5 hours.
Monkey business
TAKING THE P**S
Baker who urinated in bowls used to prepare food awarded €25k compensation for ‘unfair dismissal’ A BAKERY worker who was sacked after being caught on camera peeing into food preparation bowls has won €25,000 compensation after a tribunal decided her privacy was infringed. The Catalan court ruled that her rights had been violated when the bakery rumbled her with a secret camera. Footage showed her squat-
By Walter Finch
ting down and filling cookery bowls with her pee in the food production area. She would then lightly rinse them in the sink and place them back among the clean items for use in the preparation of bread and pastries. Neucroissant, the owner of
THIS is the moment a no-nonsense police officer was willingly tasered by colleagues as part of a bizarre training session in Sevilla. A video from Guardia Civil training shows an officer being shot in the back with the electrical weapon - sending bolts of electricity charging through his body. He screams in agony before two other officers, who are holding onto each of his arms, place him
Good news FENTANYL, the synthetic opiate that is causing a major health crisis in the United States, is yet to arrive on Spanish shores, officials have said.
the Cafe de la Estacion in Barcelona’s main train station, then fired her by letter for ‘breach of the contractual good faith and abuse of trust in the performance of work’.
Shock tactics down on a blue gym mat. The officer holding the weapon then zaps his calf for good measure, causing him to shriek once more. The room is then heard erupting into applause as he says: “Ouff god, what a trip, my soul left by body!”
She received the dismissal letter while she was on sick leave due to another unspecified workplace incident. Outraged at her treatment, the worker filed a complaint with the Labour and Social Security Inspection. She alleged that she was dismissed during her sick leave and did not receive documentation related to her disability and unemployment benefits. The court ruled that her dismissal was unfair, but not for the arguments she put forward. Instead, they decided the company had violated her privacy by filming her without her knowledge using a hidden camera.
BIZARRE dolls depicting monkeys dressed in baby clothes have sparked a racism debate. A stall at the San Pedro Feria in Marbella was pictured selling the souvenirs next to dolls that mostly depicted black children. This led observers to accuse the seller of making a clear comparison between black people and monkeys, much like the centuries’ old racist trope. However many locals and Brits argued online that there were also a handful of white baby dolls and that people ‘look for any excuse to be offended these days.’ One commenter wrote: “THIS is called racism!”, while another said the monkey dolls were racist because their palms are lighter, while ‘in real life gorillas are 100% black.’ They added: “So we already know what has inspired the creator of these dolls.” However scores of mostly Spanish locals hit back, claiming people were overreacting. One wrote: “There are white babies, black babies and baby monkeys… the only thing racist is your mind.”
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