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FESTIVE TRIP TO THE SLOPES: Don’t miss our 16-page Xmas gift on the Sierra Nevada inside
December 2023
PIZZA-SLICE PERFECT es
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is The Costa del Ski s perfect for Christma card snowscapes and adrenalinepumping thrills, writes Iona Napier, recalling her ‘pizzatips shaped’ teaching
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On the right track INTRIGUING plans for a long-awaited Malaga to Marbella train line could see it take a long arc inland. The proposal by a local engineering group would see the route head inland to Alhaurin and Coin before dropping down to Marbella and San Pedro Alcantara. The Platform for Malaga Infrastructure group has drawn up plans for the route that would first stop in Churriana, then Alhaurin el Grande, Alhaurin de la Torre and finally Ojen before dropping down to the coast again. The platform, made up of engineers, has also proposed the construction of a tram line between Coin and Marbella, passing through Monda. It would have two ‘essential’ stops at the Hospital Costa del Sol and Marbella bus station. The journey from Malaga would take around 40 minutes and the train line could then be continued to Estepona, Sotogrande and eventually Algeciras. The plan would cost up to €2.6 billion and take 10 years to complete. Some 300,000 locals will benefit from the plans, claims the group.
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voice in Spain
Expat squatter lives two years free of charge after bragging ‘I know the law!’ EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore
Instagram account show her dancing around and smiling inside the home, for which she has not paid rent for 23 months. According to her website her artworks sell for thousands of euros each, although it is not known if she has sold any recently. In an email seen by this paper, she wrote to Cox: “I know my rights. I know the law… unless you give me back my money now you can both go f**k yourselves. “As for the builders, if they set foot on this property as long as I’m living here then they are trespassing… if they come I will call the Guardia Civil.” Cox and her estate agent husband are now at their wits’ end after an attempt to pay her to leave also failed. Despite taking Bonnici to court to evict her, no date for a trial has yet been set. To complicate matters, Bonnici is demanding money from them for ‘damaged artwork’ from termites and water leakage “She’s obviously out to get everything she can,” Cox, from Worcester, told the Olive Press. “As soon as
3 1 / 1 2 / 1 9 .
STAYING PUT: Squatter Carmen Bonnici, while right, the house in question
she moved in she started making a list of complaints, the truth is the home was incredibly clean and in a good condition, our former tenant was there for years without a complaint.” She continued: “I’m worried my home is going to be trashed, all the stuff she was complaining about was outrageous. “She won’t allow us in, she actually refuses to open the door.” When contacted by the Olive Press, Bonnici said the house was ‘simply not habitable’ and that she was ad-
vised by police and the town hall to ‘stop paying rent.’ She claimed there are holes in the roof, dangerous wires and no functioning toilet or hot water. When asked why, if it was so bad, she had stayed for two years, she added: “The landlord hasn’t given my money back so I can’t leave. “They said they would give it to me after I leave the house, but I know they won’t. “Since time has gone by, more artwork has been damaged. They’ve never offered to fix the termite infestation that has eaten most of my clothes. I’m in a vulnerable situation, I can’t move, I’m not financially able to, I don’t have any money. You can go from selling art for thousands of AS SPAIN NETS 38 NEW STARS, WE EXPLORE WHY THE COUNTRY dollars to selling nothing.”
Chefs
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Vol. 17 Issue 434 www.theolivepress.es December 13th - January 10th 2024
A BRITISH expat is demanding action after being forced to pay thousands in energy bills for a fellow British squatter who moved into her home two years ago. The tenant, Carmen Bonnici, is refusing to pay rent, claiming the house has been inhabitable since she moved in - a charge the owners deny. The artist rented the cottage in Arriate, near Ronda, in December 2021, but after paying one month’s deposit, has refused to pay anything since. Meanwhile, the owner, Irene Cox, a retired English teacher, is forced to pay for her electricity, water and other bills, costing, so far, more than €2,000. Bonnici has repeatedly claimed the house is not suitable to live in, but has allegedly failed to let builders in to undertake repairs. Worse, she has now declared herself as a ‘vulnerable adult’, making evicting all the more difficult under SpanSee pages 9, 45 & 46 ish law. Meanw h i l e videos from her
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CRIME
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NEWS IN BRIEF Ultimate betrayal A GERMAN man has been arrested after allegedly stabbing his own mother in the back during a trip to the Axarquia in Malaga. Police arrived to find the 61-year-old victim with the knife still in her back.
Sniffed out A MEGA cocaine bust has seen authorities confiscate a staggering 7.2 tonnes of the white stuff from a warehouse in Galicia. The seizure was made following a raid of a frozen fish company.
Catfish scam FRAUDSTERS posing as Denzel Washington and Hugh Jackman have scammed victims out of €75,000 on Spain’s Costa del Sol after persuading them to ‘donate to bogus charities on their behalf.’
Mafia mayhem MEMBERS of a French mafia have been arrested in Marbella for torturing and almost beating to death a man after he refused to sell them his popular business.
December 13th - January 10th 2024
Maddie’s army Legion of former friends and exlovers flying in from Spain and Portugal to help cage Christian Brueckner for life
AN army of expats from around Spain and Portugal are queuing up to put Madeleine McCann suspect Christian Brueckner behind bars for life. The group, that includes ex-girlfriends, former acquaintances and police, will be flying in to Germany in February to give evidence The German sex offender is facing a permanent life sentence if found guilty of a trio of rapes, as well as two further child sex offences all committed in Portugal. A total of 46 witnesses and police have been summoned for the trial at Braunschweig Criminal Court, between Feb-
EXCLUSIVE By Jon Clarke
ruary 16 and June 27, the Olive Press can reveal. This includes a number who have never spoken – or even been identified – before. At least three are flying in from Spain, where Brueckner spent considerable time, mostly around the hippie communes, near Orgiva, in Granada. It was there, in 2008, that Brueckner allegedly confessed to snatching toddler Maddie from her bed in Praia da Luz a year earlier. He told friend, Helge Busching, that ‘she didn’t scream’
EX-PALS: Includes Helge Busching, Michael Tatschl and Manfred Seyferth
at Orgiva’s Dragon Festival. At least four of his former acquaintances, all petty crooks including Busching, Manfred Seyferth, Michael Tatschl and Mario Schonberg - lived for long periods in Andalucia. “All the dates are now in the diary,” prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters explained. “We hope to get all the charges read out on the first morning, a half day, on February 16, and then the trial continues the following week.” According to the schedule, spread over 29 days, his first lover, SilPOLICE have arrested 32 people for their involvement in a 'marriage ke Becker takes of convenience' scam that enabled foreigners to get Spanish residency. to the stand on The Spaniards and Moroccans were detained in Jaen, Cordoba and April 10. Malaga including the gang’s 43-year-old leader. Brueckner had The gang recruited Spanish citizens - mainly women in Cordoba - who fled Germany to were paid around €400 each to register a civil partnership with people live in Portugal from Africa. with Becker, in They had no previous relationship with the men who paid up to €5,000 the mid 1990s, each for the service. in the process
Wedding residency scam
failing to complete a prison sentence for child sex crimes. Other girlfriends include Marina Flache, a travel agent, who had helped clear incriminating evidence from his rented home in the Algarve, when he had been sent to prison in April 2006.
Sadistic
Her evidence helped cage Brueckner for seven years over the sadistic filmed rape of an American pensioner Diana Menkes, 72, in Praia da Luz in 2005. He is currently still serving this sentence at Oldenburg prison. At least five Portuguese police will also be taking the stand over two days in May. A leading forensic psychiatrist, Dr Christian Riedemann, will be in court every day to monitor Brueckner’s behaviour.
LINEKER LET OFF A PAIR of Dutchmen have been dramatically acquitted of the 2021 murder of a Kinahan cartel bagman who was killed in a hail of bullets while driving his Bentley in Marbella. The gangland hit on Abdelhadi ‘Marco’ Yaqout, 49, who partowned Linekers bar in Puerto Banus, was thought to have been ordered by a member of the Dutch-Moroccan mafia. The playboy businessman, a pal of gangster Daniel Kinahan, was shot 12 times by two hooded men as he arrived at his luxury two-storey villa in the early hours of January 21, 2019. Marco part-owned several bars and nightclubs in Puerto Banus as well as the popular joint set up by Gary Lineker’s brother Wayne. The two accused, named as Badr K, 33, and Omar C, 23, were arrested in Spain and held in pre-trial detention for four and three years respectively. Despite the acquittal in Spain, Badr K received a 25-year jail sentence in Holland for a separate 2019 murder in Amsterdam this year.
SLAIN: ‘Marco’ Yaqout
December 13th - January 10th 2024
SIMPLE ENTERTAINMENT
ONE of the eighties’ biggest rock bands, Simple Minds, is set to return to Spain next summer. On July 22 the group will take to the stage at the Starlite Festival in Marbella alongside other famous names like Take That and Sheryl Crow. Simple Minds last played the festival in 2022, wowing audiences with their hits from their 20 album career.
Considered one of the most famous groups of the 1980s, the rock quintet has sold over 60 million records with hit tracks like Don't You (Forget About Me), Sparkle in the Rain and Once Upon a Time. Led by Jim Kerr, Simple Minds has been loyal acts to the Starlite Festival, first playing the event in 2012. The 2024 edition is due to take place from June 14 to August 3.
A Real boost The wonderful gift from Jude Bellingham and co that made the dreams come true for an autistic British boy whose life has been turned around by football AN autistic British boy received an early Christmas present when his hero Jude Bellingham and the Real Madrid team gifted him a signed shirt at a match with Cadiz CF. UK-born Ben Nadarajah Marr, 17, known to everyone as Benjy, has been inspired by his hero Bellingham as another young British footballer making it in Spain. It managed to turn a r o u n d what otherwise was a disappointing 3-0 defeat for his beloved Cadiz CF, the club Benjy plays for in the Inclusive League (La Liga Genuine). He had brought a gi-
EXCLUSIVE By Walter Finch
ant poster asking former Birmingham City and Borussia Dortmund star Bellingham to give him his shirt as he was subbed off the pitch after scoring Madrid’s third goal. Bellingham saw the sign and gave a smile and a wave. “He was so happy to get the shirt signed by the team and it means so much to someone like Benjy,” mother Renuka (pictured with Benjy) told the Olive Press. “Because of his autism and ADD, he really struggles to make friends and he doesn’t understand why people don’t want to be
WHEN it comes to Christmas markets in Spain the variety is plentiful, but you can’t look past Spain’s oldest, the Fira de Santa Llucia in Barcelona. This beloved market stretches out along Avinguda de la Catedral in the gothic quarter of the Catalonian capital and was traditionally where single women went to attract a husband. It originally sold paper and clay nativity figurines to churchgoers in 1786 and first mention of the market was by Rafael Amat, a Catalan writer in the 18th century.
his friend. “So when he gets this recognition from the Real Madrid players - global megastars - it gives him a sense of acceptance and belonging.” Benjy’s difficulties in life were laid bare when Spanish football TV show El Dia Despues captured on camera Benjy’s efforts to catch Bellingham’s attention. They put together a comical segment laughing at his persistent efforts to catch the attention of the Real Madrid bench and the irritated reaction of the other fans to Benjy’s commotion. The editor of the show called Renuka within minutes of her sending an email pointing out Amat made reference to a ‘party in her son is authe street’, where nativity scenes, tistic to apoloimages of saints, shepherds, animals gise profusely and a ‘multitude of people’ gathered. and promptIt was also known as the ‘fair of ly sent a TV the girls’, since it was believed that crew to meet single girls went there to arrange Benjy and marriages. film an inGirls were accompanied by their terview with mothers, were well dressed and well him. groomed, in order to find a suitor. Benjy was diagnosed early
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in life with autism, dyspraxia, attention deficit disorder and delayed development. After a tough childhood in England and Gibraltar, Benjy’s mother, who has raised him as a single parent, relocated them to Cadiz in search of a fresh start when he was 12. But troubles followed him and Renuka really feared for Benjy’s future. “He’s had zero friends for the last five years,” Renuka said. “There might have been one or two people who were nice to him in school and kind to him but nobody wanted to invite him to the movies or play football.” Benjy’s dream was to meet Messi, who was ‘like a father figure for him’, and it led him, by chance, to Cadiz CF and the Inclusive League. Suddenly he had found a group, all of whom had different disabilities and special needs, where he did not struggle so much with social cues and interactions. Since he joined Cadiz CF’s inclusive team, Benjy’s behaviour and performance in school have improved immeasurably. “It really has saved both our lives,” Renuka said.
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A PREVIEW of the latest trends in Flamenco fashion has been given in Sevilla. The ‘official’ season for designers to show off their latest creations starts with the We Love Flamenco show, being held in Sevilla’s Hotel Alfonso XIII from January 13 to 19. But a glimpse of some of the designs on show has just been given at the Casino de la Exposicion to whet the appetites of Flamenco fashionistas. The show, which was first held in 2009, has since become one of the most important events in the Flamenco fashion world.
ROYAL RUMPUS SPAIN’s Royal family is remaining tight-lipped after the ex-husband of the Queen’s sister claimed he had an affair with Letizia following her marriage to King Felipe. Jaime del Burgo, 53, who was married to Telma Ortiz from 2012 to 2014, revealed the alleged affair in a tell-all book about the former journalist, providing a photo and series of Tweets and messages as supposed ‘proof’ of their relationship. Many doubt del Burgo’s claims as there is no evidence that Letizia actually sent him the photo or accompanying messages. The Royals have declined to comment.
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NEWS
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December 13th - January 10th 2024
CHARITY CONCERN
VOLUNTEERS at a wellknown expat charity are raising concerns over how it is run. Current and former staff claim the president of Estepona Age Concern is running it like a ‘private business’. They insist president Marie-Andree Gleeson, 58, is failing to act transparently and is offering scant care to the local community. The Olive Press can reveal that three members of the executive committee resigned earlier this year. The trio walked out over ‘bullying’, ‘being ignored’ and Gleeson ‘agreeing to things that never happened.’ They were also uncomfortable that she had appointed herself treasurer - on top of being president. But the final straw was an extravagant €1,375 anniversary lunch at La Madera beach restaurant in Estepona, paid for out of donations. Former shop manager Maggie Heatherington, who worked
Concerns mount over Costa del Sol expat charity EXCLUSIVE By Walter Finch
there for seven years, insists ‘it is time Marie resigned’. “I just got sick of the amount of money either sitting in the bank or being wasted,” she told the Olive Press this week. “We had so much money and this huge lunch for 25 people was just a way to burn through some of it. “It’s incredible how much is being spent on frivolous things, such as a 12-seater minibus hired to take just five staff to one of our fundraisers in Sotogrande. “We ended up spending more money than the whole event raised.” The concerns were backed by the respected former president of animal charity ADANA. Mary Page had agreed to help the charity in 2020 in a bid to improve its marketing and im-
COIN has received three new defibrillators and life saving training thanks to a campaign by a local real estate company. ‘Touch of Kindness’, a campaign by Mediterranean Homes, has seen three new defibrillators installed in Coín. The latest device was installed at Huertas Viejas Primary School. Members of staff also received life saving training to ‘give the youngest members of our community and their educators the
KNEES UP: Lunch La Madera beach restaurant caused concern age. Yet when she tried to find out how many elderly the organisation was helping, her queries were dismissed out of hand. “In fact, instead of sharing this information, Gleeson told me to back off,” she explained. “I don’t think she ever actually genuinely wanted the publicity.” Page added that she could ‘only laugh’ when she saw the organ-
Big hearted
protection they deserve’. It comes just days after Afacol, a local Alzheimer's association, received a new defibrillator, also serving two other charitable organisations located in the same building. Mediterranean Homes provided staff with in depth training on how to use the device.
isation’s accounts which were just ‘an A4 piece of paper with no system of accounting whatsoever.’ Gleeson hit back strongly at her critics, telling the Olive Press that she looked after ‘at least’ 100 elderly or vulnerable people in the community. She went on to insist that the accounts were audited by an internal accountant and sent off to the tax authorities quarterly. And she added that, because she held multiple roles and worked ten-hour-plus days, she did not have the time to produce monthly accounts. She insisted she had not wanted to hold both positions and that she had ‘done everything’ to fill the role of treasurer. However, despite Gleeson’s protests, another long-time volunteer was even more damning about the ‘mismanagement’ and deteriorating quality of
care under her watch. She said that even she was not aware of how many clients the organisation looked after due to the lack of transparency. The situation has become so bad that former volunteers say they have taken to helping independently on their own. “Nothing is transparent and nothing seems to be accounted for,” she added. “I cannot see where any money is being spent. Apparently a few meals on wheels, but I have no evidence of it.”
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Smears
She continued: “Only one person has access to the money now Marie has made herself treasurer as well. Now there is no accountability at all.” The remaining executive committee member, Alex Aldous, came to Gleeson’s defence, insisting that she saw the accounts and everything was in order. “Marie is the victim of a smear campaign,” she told the Olive Press. “She’s an excellent and dedicated welfare officer who works so hard for everyone who comes to her for help.” The Olive Press wishes to clarify that Age Concern Estepona has nothing to do with Age Concern on other parts of the coast.
Rain dance THE Junta is set to launch a raft of measures to counter the most prolonged drought since the 1960s. The €71 million plan, called ‘Sequia Plus’, involves extensive borehole drilling, as well as deploying portable desalination units. A total of 1,097 hydraulic projects are being launched, including more wastewater and reservoir transfers, while water may also be shipped into Algeciras and Malaga as ‘a last resort’. Councillor Carmen Crespo stressed that she hoped prolonged rainfall might avert the need to bring in water by sea. “However, if no rain falls in certain areas from now on, the ships might be necessary by next summer,” she admitted. Despite recent rainfalls this month, the drought situation has hardly improved and reservoir levels remain critical. While Malaga’s reservoirs are at 17.4%, the Axarquia, Campo de Gibraltar and the Costa del Sol are particularly affected by shortages. Across Andalucia the figures are at just 20.5%, while in Almeria the reservoirs sit at just 10.2%. The portable desalination units will give up to 20 hectometres of cubic water for some areas. Modifications are also planned for transferring 100 hectolitres of water from Huelva’s Andevalo reservoir. It has been the hottest year on record so far. See Poisoned Waters, page 6
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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 End the scourge of the squatters THE latest story about squatters from Ronda is an all too familiar story for landlords across Spain (Artful dodger, p1). For far too long the Spanish justice system has been too slow to react to the purge of non-paying tenants. If there is a genuine dispute, such as an illegal contract or mistreatment on behalf of the landlord, then it is understandable for a person to withdraw their rent. But to stay for two years or, in some cases longer, without paying a penny, and for arbitrary reasons, is totally unjustified. If you are not happy with where you are living and believe it is ‘inhabitable’, surely you then move somewhere else.
Money
If you think the landlord owes you money or you have another legal dispute with them, take it to the authorities and the courts. It cannot be right that homeowners are forced to endure months or even years of electricity, gas and other bills while people live in their homes for free. Owning a home in Spain is a stretch for almost everyone’s pockets, and landlords absolutely have the right to be rewarded with reliable tenants. They are, after all, providing a much-needed service. If the Spanish legal system was tougher on so-called ‘okupas’, perhaps there would be less desire for homeowners to turn their properties into holiday lets in an effort to evade headaches.
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POISONED WATERS
DISPATCH: The idyllic Andalucian retreat favoured by expats that is being torn apart by excessive water bills that are threatening some property owners with ruin
C
EXCLUSIVE By Walter Finch
LOUDS of paranoia are gathering over the lush green hills of La Viñuela and its once-great reservoir, now little more than an alarming puddle. As the Olive Press first reported a month ago, the truculent town hall slammed a number of its residents with unfathomable water bills in the tens of thousands of euros, without warning and a year late. Since followed up in the UK media, including the Daily Mail, and with the Spanish media now taking up the baton, the beleaguered mayor has, not unexpectedly for Spain, put on his tin hat and dug a deeper trench. Insisting there is nothing wrong with the council’s billing system, he has even, shockingly, insisted the residents, mostly northern European expats, can ‘afford to pay’. Protests have been called, but incredibly, the case has not yet come to the boil. It soon will, as we discovered on a trip to the area this month. The first many residents knew about the saga was when they received a call from their banks in September telling them they had, often, five-figure direct debits coming out of their account. Thus the stage was set for a showdown between the town’s mayor, Jose Jiminez - affectionately known as ‘Juani’ - and its expat residents who occupy dozens of wonderful rural properties located around the lake. “We penny-pinched all our lives to be able to retire here,” Howard Kilduff and his wife Jane, both 69, told the Olive Press. The quantity surveyor and primary school
EXPATS: Howard Kilduff (top), Lee Talbot’s private water tank (right) and Paul and wife Jules (far right) teacher bought their remote, three-bedroom finca five years ago for its ‘tranquillity’ and spectacular views. But their plans to further renovate it and refurbish the kitchen have been put on hold after the town hall tried to take €6,000 out of their account on September 18. Now, like two dozen other residents - mostly Brits - they face the crippling possibility of their bank accounts and then homes being embargoed if they don’t pay up. One expat, Lee Talbot, 63, from Canterbury, was stunned with a demand of €43,000 from the third trimester of 2022 - now standing at €53,000 after further bills were added. Absolutely adamant he didn’t use this water, he is refusing to pay and has turned off the mains water to his six-bed property and now ships in his own supply privately. “Hardly cheap, but better than continually receiving water bills in the thousands from the town hall,” he told the Olive Press. Talbot is one of the few residents to make a As if to prove exactly how ridiculous the situ- formal legal complaint to the town hall, who ation has become he even received a bill of duly took his water meter away for testing, only €3,600 last month - despite the valves being to return a few days later conceding there was nailed completely shut. a small error in the reading - and knocking “In total it works out at €1,500 a month in €600 off the total. water usage - that’s like having another mort- “Now pay up the rest,’ is basically what they gage!” told me,” continues the property developer,
I
T was exactly a year ago that I sat down with friends for one of the most otherworldly culinary experiences of my life. Seated in an almost spaceship-style capsule, we were taken on a three-hour journey through the science of food by Paco Morales at Noor in Cordoba. A genius long-aiming for the stars, it was highly appropriate then that he should land his third Michelin star last month, becoming Spain’s 15th restaurant with the world’s highest accolade. To say Spanish cooking has gone stratospheric over the last decade would be an understatement. A decade ago, the country had 148 stars, with just seven places snaring the top honour. Today Spain has 271 stars handed out from the French food bible. The numbers are soaring by the year, and let’s not forget how painful the French find handing out plaudits to other countries when it comes to cuisine. So perhaps a better measure of Iberian success is the recent ‘Best Chefs’ in the world' award, which saw an incredible HALF of the top 10 coming from Spain. At the awards ceremony in Mexico last month, number one for the third year running was Dabiz Munoz, from Madrid’s amazing Diverxo. I’ve been fortunate to meet the man on a couple of occasions
Chef
SCIENCE LESSON: Jon with Noor’s Paco Morales
and sat down with him a decade ago for his first interview after snaring three Michelin stars for the first time for Madrid. Almost the exact opposite of the intellectual Morales, he insisted he wanted his food to ‘feel like a bullet in the heat’. It was certainly a meal I’ll never forget. But Spain has always had these incredible mavericks, the eccentric types who grabbed the world’s attention with their culinary skills.
Famous five
It started with the likes of Pedro Subijana, Martin Berasategui and Juan Mari Arzak in the Basque region and soon spread to Catalunya in the guise of Joan Roca and Ferran Adria,
The Spanish are now the world’s number one cooking nation, grinding the French, Italians and Japanese into a pulp, writes Jon Clarke. And not just for quality, price too!
at world-renowned El Bulli. This group of five chefs were always among the world’s best at one time or another, for their groundbreaking (yet all different) styles of cooking. But what is different now is the sheer numbers of chefs that are leading the world. Aside from Munoz at number one in the Best Chefs poll, Spain has Albert Adria (Ferran’s brother) at number two and Andoni Luis Aduriz, from Mugaritz, in the Basque region in fifth spot. That’s three in the top five, and when you add in the team at Disfrutar in Barcelona at seventh and Joan Roca at Celler de Can Roca at eighth and it really is hard to deny Spain the
top spot. The Best Chefs poll is selected, I should point out, by 150 professionals around the world, including critics, initially, before it is refined by 200 global chefs in the final round. This makes it a genuine industry award, a chef’s chef honour and it is easy to see how well Spain has grown since the list first came out in 2017, when Spain had seven chefs in the Top 100, while France had 23 chefs and Italy 17. Today, six years on, Spain now has 17 restaurants in that select 100, while Italy has 15 and incredibly France has just nine. Talk about tables turned, the French must be feeling just a
December 13th - January 10th 2024
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who has an office in Marbella. village. “It was like checkmate. But they never released Jimenez infamously said in a newspaper interthe actual report into this investigation they view that ‘if the residents used the water, they claimed to have done,” he continued. “We still must pay - and they can pay.’ don’t know how they made their calculations.” Yet the actual Spanish locals we spoke to this This experience has deterred other victims month were keen to impress they got along from having their meters tested, fearing that very well with their foreign neighbours and that it is just a means for the town hall to rubber the community was actually well-integrated. stamp their bills. But one woman’s face hardened when asked if The reluctance of the town hall she sympathised with those hit and the mayor to address the with the bills issue or even reassure its resi“If they used that much water, The town hall dents has slowly introduced ‘a they have to pay for it,” she said. poison’ into the community. However, a handful of Spanish was paying This wouldn’t be happening ‘if residents do also count among €10,000 a it were the Spanish getting the the victims. bills’, is the grumble being whisLocal goat farmer Jose Antonio month to pump pered louder and louder. received an assurance from the its water La Viñuela town hall has still not mayor that he would resolve the published its accounts for 2022 issue. - as it is legally obliged to do “Then they hit me with a bill for and it sat on the huge water bills for months €17,000 without warning. I only found out I’d before sending them out. been charged when I saw it in the bank. It is This was apparently due to a ‘technical glitch’ basic robbery.” in their computer systems, an excuse that has He continued: “In other villages, if a huge bill been greeted with scepticism. arrives they would ring the person and explain It has prompted some to wonder out loud if the what is going on. They needed to warn us betown hall is deliberately passing on huge costs fore sending out the bills.” to ‘los guiris’ in order to shield the rest of the Theories to get to the bottom of the matter
fs
BEST CHEF: Dabiz Muñoz has been number one for three years little browned off and wondering how to spice up their boeuf bourguignon. Well, take it from me, having spent nearly two decades writing about Spanish cuisine and even publishing my own book Dining Secrets of Andalucia, they need to concentrate on basic local produce and respecting their ingredients. What I think the Spanish have done so well over the last two decades is to think local and cook local… but then again, the Spanish did have a head start.
All the local chefs had to do after all, was simply head down to their local markets and see what was in season and arriving that day. Aside from the legendary vegetables and fruits that grow all around the country, the pork from around Jabugo and Salamanca, the beef from Cadiz and Galicia and the fish from around Barbate, Denia, and Murcia, so much more is staggeringly good. Take the rice from around Valencia, the saffron from inland and the wild mush-
rooms from the many varied sierras, the list could go on. And I’ll leave you with a thought: After our amazing 11-course adventure at Noor last Christmas, we were left with a bill of just €115 per head. Sure, now it’s got three stars the price has gone up, but at just €145 a head, Noor is still easily one of the best value leading restaurants in the world. See Star Turns, p38
IRECT exposure to the Olive Press’ 30,000plus registered online database is getting amazing results. Our followers get daily news emails, twice-weekly travel mailouts and a detailed health newsletter every Sunday. As well as announcing financial seminars and special surgical procedures, a number of astute restaurant groups and hotels have caught on. Musaka in San Pedro got 20 bookings from a one off deal including a free bottle of wine. as Party at Musaka Book your Christm DINNER – LUNCH PARTIES – Meanwhile, Malaga’s Metro group has used the OlCHR ISTM AS ) (groups of 4 and more ive Press’s Turk unique tool on three separate oct Beef ey, Roasmarketing Scrumptious Christma gs the trim casions thisallyear somin far. ed with or Salmon Fillet serv h from 33.90€ Luncdiscount A rse 50% for0€the open3 Cou 49.9 from drinks included OR withing hours) exclusive fortnight – 2,5their drinksof (wine, cava, beer, soft 49.90€ Nomad restaurant got 96 5 Course Dinner from 0€ 74.9 from ded OR with drinks inclu bookings, while drinks – 3 hours) (wine, cava, beer, soft F offOF brunch 20% 15% OFFa 25% 10% OFF for boo king s for boo king sdeal brought 18 peopleover 30. over for bookings le peop over 12 over 6 people 23’ G ‘MUSAKA “We’ve been very happy with the results” DISCOUNT BY USIN APPLY FOR YOUR SPECIAL DATES explained boss, E D DECEMBER E N Cmarketing & JANUARY LU F N I K E E R G L U s WO N D E R F MIXED GROUPS Karen Wolfson. 24th, 25th – Christma OD FO N A E N A Y R R UAR E T I JAN MED Lunch from 59.90€ DECEMBER & Five-star Kempinski hotel ner Day ng h/din Boxi lunc 26th Christmas 7th, 8th, 9th, Lunch from and SO/Sotogrande spa59.90€ y EVERY WEEK 14th, 15th, 16th, - New Years Eve Part 31st S W have used our database, O H S 85€ 21st, 22nd & 23rd Dec C I 5 course dinner from LIVE MUS ary 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th Janu 119€ with OR from 72 42 while an67exclusive room disApp: 602 s hats drink tel/W soft , m for beer a.co , wine info@musak Sundays available count ed atonDDG Retreat, near Estepona, Parties Private Christmas Sunday Clos le e Kings Thre Jan 6th groups over 20 peop 20, tero Quin takers - ‘even moreLunc bookfor anos Alvarezof Hermdozens Av.got h from 59.90€ (the Restaurant is solely Pedro de Alcántara in the 0, San 2967 you and your guests ings than the Times’. hours 1pm - 5 pm) m) (between 8pm-11.30p
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abound, with the most prevalent being that air is entering the pipes and causing the meters to spin wildly and inflate the count. Retired mechanical engineer and unofficial ‘Viñuela water bills’ spokesperson Paul Rouse is adamant that this occurs when the water pumps are switched off and on again. But this was dismissed as a ‘bad theory’ at the town hall amid a finger-jabbing conversation when we were finally able to confront someone at the town hall. The mayor was ‘on holiday’ for most of the week. “If that was the case, then all the properties in the same road would have the high bills,” the official - who demanded he was not named pointed out. “But it’s not the case. You have houses next to each other with very different bills.” The town hall continues to insist that each case is different and it is just a coincidence with no common cause - despite the high bills all coming in the same quarter and being followed by two quarters of low bills. “Such huge bills are almost impossible to justify,” the former expat mayor of neighbouring Alcaucin, Mario Blancke, told the Olive Press. “Something has clearly gone wrong there.” The real estate boss, from Belgium, holds the distinction of being the only expat to become mayor in the region. “La Viñuela used to get most of its water from a borehole in Alcaucin free of charge in exchange for paying the electricity bill on the pump and maintaining it,” he explained. However, Blancke added that the electricity costs came to €10,000 a month. In an ironic twist, it was a bill that Jiminez and the town hall ultimately found exorbitant themselves. In a series of back door deals that were never written down, according to the Belgian ex-mayor, the two town halls negotiated a new deal to just charge for the water going through the pipes from Alcaucin to La Viñuela. He also added that recent water bills include a 50% surcharge tax by the Junta which are going towards new sewage stations in the region. But it still does not explain the mystery of the shocking water bills. “In Alcaucin we offered residents the option to have a second meter installed to give two readings, at a cost of €120.” Perhaps this is a simple measure that could help head off future problems in La Viñuela , but what is needed is a solution now. The ball is in the hands of the local mayor - let us hope common sense prevails and he does not drop it.
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The top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are: strikes in Spain: Which flights will be 1- Airport affected by walkouts planned for December? This town in Malaga province has been crow2-ned the best in Spain to spend New Year's Eve IPTV illegal in Spain? All you need to know 3- Isafter British expat is arrested for 'breaking intellectual property laws' holidays in Spain: When are they in 4- Bank December and what shops will be open? WATCH: Vintage video from 1962 shows how 5-Spain's Costa del Sol looked before the arrival of mass tourism
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NEWS IN BRIEF Carwash crush A 71-YEAR-OLD man met a horrific death in Valencia after becoming trapped in a car wash and being crushed to death between the machine’s pillar and his vehicle.
NHS woes DOZENS of Spanish nurses have said the UK is no longer an attractive option for work following Brexit and new strict immigration rules.
Netflix slam RAFAEL Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz will go head-to-head as part of a tennis tournament organised by Netflix in Las Vegas next year.
Freedom fine? A PROTESTER has been fined €100 for attending an anti-government demonstration in Spain and shouting ‘viva España!’ and ‘Sanchez is a traitor!’
STARS ALIGN AT GIANT PLANETARIUM
SPAIN’s biggest planetarium has been given the thumbs up for the Costa del Sol. The €10 million Malaga Planetarium will have ‘cutting edge technology’ and ‘stunning surround sound’ and have a capacity for 400 people. The biggest in Spain and one of A RENTAL scammer has been exposed by the Olive Press after defrauding a young British expat out of hundreds of euros. Jose Maria Herrera took €300 from the 24-year-old woman who had just moved from Leeds to the Costa del Sol to begin a new life in the sun. The Catalan conman bagged her deposit and then broke all contact, refusing to return the money. And when the qualified journalist, who asked not to be named, contacted the police, she claims she was treated with ‘almost total disdain’. “They treated me like I was an idiot to be honest,” she told the Olive Press.
the largest in Europe, it is uniting astronomer Alberto Castro, with Sky-Skan, a German company specialising in planetariums. Expected to have 500,000 visitors a year, it will feature dedicated exhibitions, interactive zones and educational facilities for youngsters.
Scam alert Our reporters threatened as they expose outrageous rental scam by Catalan-based fraudster EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore
“I don’t have much hope in getting my money back but I just want to warn others to be more careful when looking for a room or flat on the costas. “It’s a bit like the Wild West at times out here!”
Her nightmare began after she posted an advert on the popular online property portal Milanuncios. Within hours she was contacted by Herrera, who showed her photos of an apartment on the Estepona seafront before, brazenly, sending over a photo of his genuine ID and credentials.
Spy scandal
MADRID-Washington relations are at risk of worsening after two spies were exposed for ‘passing information to the US’. The Spanish Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, has complained to the US ambassador after the ‘hostile’ action against Spain’s intelligence services. It comes after the shocking revelation that two Spanish agents were bribed for ‘secret’ information by US authorities. The head of the National Intelligence
Service (CNI) called the US ambassador, Julissa Reynoso, to her office to ask why such action had been taken between the allied countries. The Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares, is also said to have conveyed the Spanish government’s displeasure over the incident.
Believing he was a legitimate landlord, she transferred over the deposit, before he swiftly blocked her on all social media platforms and telephone. When contacted by the Olive Press, Herrera became extremely aggressive and threatened one of our female reporters. He said: “I know who YOU are and I have your details, if I see a story I will denounce you and it will be very expensive for you!” He then shared a photo of the reporter saying: “Is this you?” When we told him we were taking this to the police he swiftly blocked this reporter too. The Olive Press has handed all the information over to the police, who said they are investigating.
Christmas crackdown
OVER 100 new age travellers are being turfed out of their homes just days before Christmas. It comes after their infamous Granada commune - yet again - hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons. The caravan dwellers of Beneficio, near Orgiva, have been ordered to move in order for ‘vital flood defence’ measures to be built in the area. Around €50,000 is being spent on excavating the river floodplain car park area making the area ‘unlivable’, say residents. Some locals believe the plans - which include social services targeting children - are ‘revenge’ for the recent bad press. The works have displaced dozens of residents, forcing them to park their vehicles 1,000 metres away. The ‘alternative community’ has played host to a string of controversies in recent years including a skull being dug up on its grounds, as revealed in the Olive Press two years ago. It was most recently discovered to be the home of a young man accused of being a terrorist. Naraya Gomez was accused of orchestrating the assassination attempt on far-right politician Alejo-Vidal Quadras. His father, Sirio, and stepfather still live on the site. "The time has come to put an end to this," said Orgiva mayor Raul Orellana, claiming it is a ‘danger’ that people live in ‘a ravine’ where heavy rains could carry them away.
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Ford Escort MK2
Car hire firm denies Brits their vehicle because they had no international permit
5 door 1975 left hand drive Spanish registration Good running condition Same owner for over 30 years Remarkably sound Originally from Italy
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December 13th January 10th 2024
DRIVEN ROUND THE BEND!
BRITISH tourists are being denied rental cars in Spain if they fail to show an international driving permit (IDP), it has emerged. Christine Lewis, from Somerset, was left stranded at Malaga airport with her husband after being told their UK licences were not valid. Christine claims the company, Delpaso, never warned them that they would need an IDP, and told them their licences would not suffice after the couple refused to pay for the company’s insurance package. However, according to post-Brexit legislation, an IDP is only required for rentals in Spain if your licence was issued in British Overseas Territories such as Gibraltar or the Isle of Man.
EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore
Please call 696 363 360
“It’s disgraceful, we have never had a problem like this with other companies,” Lewis told the Olive Press. Christine said she was attracted by Delpaso’s low prices, but when they arrived and refused additional insurance - having bought their own via a third party - they were told ‘no IDP, no car!’ The couple were told to raise any complaint with car hire search engine Carjet, which they had used to make the booking. Christine added: “The lady
OFFICIALS in Brussels have warned there is a ‘high risk’ of terror attacks across Europe this Christmas. European Commissioner Ylva Johansson issued the warning this month, citing recent attacks in Paris and Brussels, where two people died, as well as the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The warning comes after a spate of arrests throughout Spain, where known Jihadists have been brought to justice.
REJECTED: Christine Lewis with husband who answered said it was not terms and conditions.” their problem and said it was Incredibly, Delpaso’s website a requirement of Delpaso’s makes no mention of Britons needing to provide an IDP. “It was very upsetting as we could not get another hire car after landing late in the evening, their attitude was apIt includes the arrest of top Jihadi recruitpalling,” continued Christine. er, Mustafa Maya in Melilla on October 23 “I dread to think of young and ‘Said B’, a Jihadist Tiktokker arrested families or tourists arrivin Barcelona for planning attacks on the ing on their own and being Jewish and LGBT communities. left stranded, as taxis and In October, four individuals were also arlast-minute car hires can cost rested as part of nationwide anti-terror a fortune.” efforts. Delpaso has been contacted for comment.
Terror warning
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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December 13th - January 10th 2024
Recycling by design
Park deal secured
Woman is turning olive waste to use in high fashion
A BRITISH woman is turning olive waste into luxury clothing. The sustainable venture uses left overs from oil production to dye clothing. Hanna Whiteman, 39, spent 14 years living between Granada, Cordoba and Orgiva before returning to the UK. When studying for a BA in Textile Design in London, she returned to the Alpujarras in search of a solution to fashion’s environmental impact and the climate crisis. In a local olive mill, she discovered that olive pomace, a soil residue, could be used as an alternative to harsh bleaches to remove colour from base fabrics.
Water ruin THE President of the Junta, Junama Moreno, has warned Andalucia could suffer ‘economic ruin’ as a result of severe droughts in the region. It came as part of a warning where he estimated five million Andalucians could be subject to water restrictions if it doesn’t rain enough by June. Moreno called the situation ‘alarming’, claiming the drought had caused the region’s GDP to shrink by 1%. The Junta President also called on the central government to take action to tackle the drought. He said: “As a country we need to make a global strategy and, above all, put water as an absolute priority. Often, water is not included in the discourse, but without water there is no life, no tourism, no agriculture or industry.” The warning comes after another dry summer has seen reservoirs drop to just 20% of their capacity.
By Yzabelle Bostyn
The Central St Martins graduate also realised that olive pits could be used as a natural ink for textile printing. She said: “Fashion has had a negative past but there is an opportunity to turn it around. “I saw lots of problems but also lots of possibilities. The high unemployment rate and waste products could be solved by diversifying the income of farmers through fashion.” The project was also inspired
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by Andalucia’s history and aesthetics. Orgiva used to be a centre of luxury silk production and ancient al-andaluz was well known for its natural dyes. Hanna said: “The south of Spain is a very aesthetic place, it’s full of patterns of geometry and nature. That definitely had an impact on my design.” Now the project has attracted the interest of a-list designer
RECYCLING: Hanna and (above) clothes made from her cloth Stella McCartney and Hanna hopes to return to the Alpujarras to further develop the project. Visit @hacheforhanna on Instagram
THE national government and the Andalucia region have signed a deal to stop illegal irrigation in the drought-hit Doñana wetlands. It brings the end of a two-year battle between the region and Madrid, with the national park in a critical state with lagoons drying out and biodiversity declining. Some €350 million will be invested by the national government to stop the crucial breeding grounds for birdlife drying up. Farmers will get financial aid to stop cultivating and to switch to re-forestry projects in 14 municipalities in Huelva province. The government aid is in addition to €356 million committed by Madrid to environmental improvements a year ago, and will be matched by €700 million from the Junta. As part of the agreement, Andalucia will cancel previously announced plans to expand irrigation near Doñana - a decision that Unesco, the national government and ecologists criticised for putting more pressure on the aquifer.
More bad news than good from the COP 28 summit in Dubai
OP 28 has drawn to a close. The Conference of Parties is an annual event attended by almost 200 countries to discuss tackling the challenges we face with climate change. The ‘F’ word is fossil fuels. Remarkably, reference to fossil fuels only commenced during COP 26, two years ago in Glasgow. It has historically been swept under the carpet. Self interest of the major economies of the world has prevented real time solutions. The answer is known by all, yet put aside by many countries. The only way to decarbonise coal, oil and gas is to stop producing it - quickly, completely and permanently. Pope Francis, who was scheduled to talk at the conference, but couldn’t due to illness, had the right message delivered on his behalf: “Renewable energy is crucial to saving the world as well as the elimination of fossil fuels.” He’s hit the nail on the head, and highlighted the good news/bad news outcome of COP 28.
THE ‘F’ WORD
Green
Matters
By Martin Tye
GOOD NEWS
● Many countries committed to triple the deployment of renewable energies ● Many oil companies have pledged to stop releasing the potently planet heating gas methane during oil and gas production by 2030.
BAD NEWS
● More bad than good. To start with, hosting a climate conference in a petrostate is like the beginning of a bad joke. ● No real commitments made about the cessation of fossil fuel production ● More greenwashing talk about carbon capture. The science simply does not exist to capture sufficiently high amounts of carbon in an economical manner. ● Oil rich countries continue to talk about climate action whilst at the same time they are ramping up production. ● Many national oil companies still talk about reducing emissions by 2050. The Internation-
SPOT ON: Pope Francis is right
al Energy Agency has stated that this needs to be by 2030. Profit before Planet is still the order of the day. The Saudi Energy Minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, summed up the oil region’s attitude perfectly during a TV interview. When asked if his country would support a pledge to phase out fossil fuels, his response was ‘ABSOLUTELY NOT’. We are still heading down the road to witnessing more and more devastating climate induced disasters.
Martin Tye is the owner of Mariposa Energía, a green energy company specialising in solar panel installations. Email him at martin@mariposaenergia.es or call +34 638 145 664
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Live concerns
THE PERFORMING arts and classical concerts in Spain are still fighting to regain attendances and revenues lost since the Covid-19 pandemic struck in 2020. The SGAE Foundation's report for 2023 used the Valencia region as an example and looked at figures for last year. It logged 1,957 classical concerts - 23.9% down on the 2019 figure, with attendance 50% down on three years earlier. For theatre and dance, it was the same percentage fall, with revenues dropping by 37.4% compared to 2019. The falls were far lower for pop music concerts and festivals, with income down by just 0.8%.
Old home ARCHAEOLOGISTS in Cantabria have found evidence of a cave dwelling constructed around 16,800 years ago by prehistoric humans. The dwelling - occupying five square metres - was found in the La Garma cave complex. The ancient home is delimited by an alignment of stone blocks and stalagmites that supported a structure of sticks and skins leaning against a ledge of the cave wall. Evidence was found of a small fire in the centre, surronded by animal bones.
December 13th - January 10th 2024
Rigoletto rumpus Outrage over sex acts and nudity at Madrid’s opera OPERA fans attending the first night of Verdi’s Rigoletto were taken aback by actors simulating sex acts and dancing in the nude, with many storming out during the interval. Boos greeted director Miguel del Arco along with shouts of 'out' when he took to the stage for a curtain call. The anger was not aimed at the singers who were given a hearty ovation. Audiences saw 15 dancers simulating sex acts while the best-known song from the opera, La donna e mobile, was performed by tenor Javier Camarena (in the role of the Duke of Mantua) - describing the
By Alex Trelinski
provocative women as 'charming', 'elegant' and 'deceitful'. The dancers appeared in the nude towards the end of the production. There were strong comments uttered by audience members during the intermission like: “They were all f----g”, 'The red curtains made it look like cheap cabaret', and 'This looked like a porn theatre'. But del Arco defended the production, saying that the right environment for Rigoletto had to be in a brothel, as it is based on Victor Hugo's book, Le roi
TOP VELAZQUEZ A TWO-METRE high portrait of Isabel de Borbon, Queen of Spain, is set to smash auction records next year for any work by Diego Velazquez. The painting is valued at over €30 million - more than doubling the current auction record for a Velazquez. “This exceptional painting is remarkable not just for its beauty and quality, but also for its scale and subject matter,” said George Wachte from Sotheby's. The Isabel de Borbon canvas was bought in the 19th century by Henry Huth, a merchant banker and book collector, who hung it at Wykehurst Park in Sussex. It has since been in private collections, and with its current owners since 1978.
SHOCKING: For some patrons Rigoletto was too much s'amuse. He argued that the plot was all about ugliness and immoral seducers with dark alleys see-
ing women chased down to be delivered to the king. The Madrid-born playwright added that he was not bothered by the audience's angry reaction. As for the cast, Ludovic Tezier, who plays the court jester, claimed that there is a need to find new opera audiences, but an 'opportunity to offer a production for the whole family at Christmas time has been missed'. The much-celebrated soprano, Adela Zaharia plays Gilda and says she finds the furore absurd. "I'm from Germany and I'm delighted with this production in which they don't make me do anything strange." Rigoletto runs at Madrid's Teatro Real until January 2.
Online treasure A TREASURE trove of Spanish documents captured by Britain during historical conflicts between the two countries have been made open to the public thanks to a German university. The project is a collaborative effort between the UK's National Archives and the University of Oldenburg (Germany), aiming to digitise and make publicly accessible this historical legacy. A significant portion of the collection, known as the Prize Papers project, comes from 130 Spanish ships seized during the War of Jenkins' Ear and the Austrian Succession War in 1739-1748. These wars saw the Bourbon powers and Great Britain on opposing sides. This display, available online at the Prize Papers website, includes letters, drawings, recipes, official records, and more, offering a tantalising glimpse into historical maritime activities and the lives of those on board.
WAR: Spain versus UK
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CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS Spain has no shortage of festive traditions that differ regionally. Starting at the beginning of December and ending in January there are plenty of scrumptious treats on offer as well as parades to go and see. Here are some of the interesting traditions that make Navidad special.
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Christmas started early (as usual) when decorations went up last week between Constitution Day and Immaculate Conception Day. As well as trees, lights and baubles, many homes and towns feature a nativity scene celebrating the birth of Christ known as Belens. These vary from a small collection of figurines to elaborate recreations of Bethlehem featuring its landscape and the Magi. Some nativity scenes add ‘hilariously’ crude elements, for example the ‘caganer’ that depicts a peasant with his trousers down doing his business although in recent years the role of the peasant has been taken over by celebrities and politicians. Live nativity scenes are also popular and the village of Beas in Huelva is famous for them, where its inhabitants represent over 30 biblical scenes.
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December 13th - January 10th 2024
LOTTERY DEC 22
For many the start of Christmas is December 22 when Spaniards gather around radios and televisions holding their tickets in hope of winning the Christmas lottery. Dating back to 1812 in Cadiz, it has been held every year since without interruption (even during the Civil War). People purchase the €20 decimos (tenth of a ticket) annually from July. The draw occurs at Madrid’s Loterias y Apuestas del Estado draw room and the top prize is known as El Gordo valued at €720 million.
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MALLORCA MASS - DEC 24
Every Christmas Eve, Christians attend a midnight mass (La Misa del Gallo) to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Mallorca does something else during the mass known as the ‘chant of the Sybil’ ; it is recognised as Intangible Heritage by UNESCO. The chant is performed by a character dressed in a tunic, helmet and sword.
4 FOOD - DEC 24 On Christmas Eve people across the country leave work early to gather with their families to enjoy a feast of traditional dishes. The menu differs regionally but many favour seafood or baked fish for mains as well as suckling pig and lamb. This is followed by desserts such as turron (honey and almond nougat), marzipan and polvorones (crumbly shortbread).
CAGA TIO LOG DEC 24
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This pagan rooted Catalonian tradition of the Caga Tio (Pooping log) is a log that parents give to their children in early December, on which they draw a face, cover it with a blanket to keep it warm and crown it with the typical Catalan barretina (a red wool hat). Children give him food and look after him so that, when they sing and hit him with a stick on Christmas Eve, he poops out turron for them.
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OLENTZERO & APALPADOR - DEC 24 Instead of Father Christmas or the Magis some Spanish regions have their own gift giving friends such as the Olentzero from the Basque Country. The kind natured Olentzero loves food and drink. He lives in the forests of Navarre and the Basque Country making charcoal, but comes down on Christmas Eve to bring gifts to good children. Head northwest and you will reach Galicia, home of Apalpador. The redbearded
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charcoal burner always carries a lit pipe in his mouth, a beret on his head and a walking stick. He is known to travel throughout Galicia on December 24 and 31 ensuring everyone is fed. Originally sweets and chestnuts were given out but now small toys are also given to children.
DÍA DE LOS INOCENTES - DEC 28
Just a fews days later marks the celebration of the Dia de los Inocentes on December 28. The festivities commemorates the failure of King Herod’s plan to murder all the babies in Bethlehem for fear that baby Jesus would take his throne. Throughout the day Spaniards play pranks on each other varying in extremity and many newspapers try to trick readers by publishing false articles - much the same as April Fools Day in the UK.
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EN OPesday y Tu nda u to S
LA CULTURA
December 13th January 10th 2024
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NEW YEARS - DEC 31 & JAN 1
THROUGHOUT SPAIN AND THE UK
Thousands congregate in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol each year to hear its clock produce the 12 chimes that are broadcast on radio and television across Spain counting down to the new year. A popular tradition that started in 1909 is trying to eat 12 grapes to the rhythm of the clock’s chimes. In order to have a lucky year one must eat the last grape at the last toll of the bell. Champions and unlucky participants alike toast the New Year with a glass of cava to wash it all down and at the end of the night a tasty portion of churros con chocolate. Another lucky talisman is the wearing of red underwear underneath one’s clothes which is said to guarantee a prosperous year. Someone to look out for on December 31 is the ‘man with the noses’, a mythical character who has as many noses as there are days left in the year. He can be seen on New Year’s Eve at midnight in Placa de Palau, Barcelona, the only night he has a normal appearance. The next day on January 1 he will have 365 noses all over his body.
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THE THREE KINGS - JAN 5-6 Although some children await the arrival of Father Christmas, this custom is not as popular in Spain. Most leave their shoes out and some food awaiting a visit from the Three Wise Men - Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar - in the early hours of January 6. If a child has been naughty they will receive a lump of coal and if they have been good they will receive some gifts. Three Kings Day also marks the end of Christmas in Spain. The celebration begins on January 5 with the Cavalcade of the Magi, parades that are organised all over Spain. Children can see the three
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Wise Men, their camels, and o t h e r magical characters parade around and throw sweets to them. It is also customary to share a Roscon de Reyes, a sweet ring shaped treat filled with cream and candied fruits. The treat also contains two items - there is a small figurine and whoever finds it is crowned king of the house for the day and a dried bean which is supposed to bring bad luck to its finder.
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December 13th - January 10th 2024
As you settle down to watch your Christmas favourites a guide to what IPTV services are legal
XPATS across Spain enjoy watching their favourite UK channels, movies and sports through what’s known as an IPTV service - but are they breaking the law? IPTV - or Internet Protocol TV - allows people to stream television channels and other types of content over the internet. They pay a company a set annual or monthly fee to hook them up to a range of content, allowing them to enjoy it from the comfort of their own home. However what they might not know is that many are in fact illegal, as they are showing content that they simply do not have the rights to. In Spain, content that is already free, such as national television channels, are legal via IPTV, but other content such as football,
tennis and sports fixtures are not, as a huge multinational company typically has the rights to the programming. The last few months have seen a crackdown on IPTV operators across Europe. In November, a British expat was cuffed in Benidorm for running such a streaming service for more than a decade. He sold content to bars, restaurants and residents and had made more than €200,000. While his customers were not prosecuted by the authorities, that could soon change. In Italy, some 1,600 IPTV customers were recently sent fines for breaking copyright law. They must pay around €150, or in the case of repeat offenders, up to €1.032. In Spain, the use of illegal IPTV in homes continBUSTED: A Brit in Benidorm ues to be was arrested for selling illegal TV to a grey area. bars and restaurants Law 13/2022
of the General Audiovisual Communication statute, states that an IPTV is not illegal if the retransmission of content has been authorised by WARNING: IPTV users might find all their channels suddenly disappear the original author or owner. privacy of individuals.” police, you might find you will suddenHowever, "it is illegal and the law Another intellectual rights lawyer Car- ly lose access to all your channels punishes crimes against Intellectu- dador Rodríguez agreed, adding: "In and streaming services. al Property, including broadcasts of Spain, police action would be more Trading Standards Scotland advises: material that infringes Intellectual limited to judicial authorization. With- “Be wary of using illicit streaming deProperty… as long as a direct or indi- in these measures could well be the vices. Consider the risks to your own rect economic benefit tracking and recruitment and your family’s safety before puris obtained, and it is of users who use IPTV… chasing a device or downloading any a detriment to a third although in practice, the software which would allow you to While party.” actions would be more access content which would normally Leading Spanish law- customers were limited than those car- require a subscription.” yer Maria Cerviño told ried out by the Italian It adds that illegal IPTV can risk intro20Minutos that there not prosecuted, police.” ducing malicious malware into your are currently ‘large poIt means that, for now home while lining the pockets of sethat could soon lice operations against at least, police in Spain rious and organised crime. unlicensed IPTVs’. are focusing on those It adds that if the service fails, the change However she added: who operate and make only support available to customers “It is not ruled out money by selling illegal is reprogramming, which usually inthat the trend of focontent via IPTV, and curs another fee, while the streaming cusing on the user will continue, not the customers themselves. provided can be removed without nobut it would be very difficult to jus- However, do be warned, if your IPTV tice and fail when being accessed by tify this type of interference in the service is illegal and it is rumbled by large numbers of people.
Holiday Club Come and join the Holiday Club at the International School Estepona. Monday 18th, Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th December f rom 9:30 - 13:30 We will be doing lots of fun activities such as: Arts and Crafts, Sports, Music and lots more! All children f rom 4 to 12 years old 70 euros for all three days For further information contact Miss Rachel on rachel@marbellaschool.com or +34 952 556 926
All about www.theolivepress.es
THE
December 2023
PIZZA-SLICE PERFECT The Costa del Ski is perfect for Christmas card snowscapes and adrenalinepumping thrills, writes Iona Napier, recalling her ‘pizzashaped’ teaching tips
“
THERE’S no way I’m skiing down that. I’ll walk up, get my ski and take the lift down,” insisted my Olive Press colleague, looking longingly uphill, while skiers zipped gracefully past us. His grimace was barely visible through the layers of buff, hat and goggles, but the snarls were audible as he lay spread-eagled one ski 20 metres above him, where he’d taken a tumble. It had been a testing day on the slopes for ski virgin Rob, and after a particularly ambitious blue run with three consecutive wipeouts, his sense of humour had vanished without trace. It didn’t help that the rest of our impatient group had zoomed back to base for a Continues on next page
ICY BLAST: The snow cannons going full blast, while (inset) the view from the top
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December 2023
All about
From front page
cana, without a second thought for Rob. With my several years of experience I had naturally ended up volunteering to become his impromptu ‘professor’. After rescuing his ski and a bit of gentle cajoling, we set off gingerly down the highest mountain range in peninsular Spain, making ‘giant pizza slices’, as my first teacher had called them, with our skis. He was soon back in the saddle and I was considering a career change, as I later sped down the Olympico run, in the Laguna de las Yeguas valley, which at the top has amazing views towards the Rif mountains of north Africa across the shimmering Med. It was the beginning of the perfect Sierra Nevada weekend, with perfect powder snow, bright sunshine and some of Spain’s best après ski at the end. The Sierra Nevada is easily Spain’s best skiing resort, with nearly 113 kms of pistes over 1200 vertical metres. The longest piste, SLICING UP: The pizza slice shapes Aguila, is a dreamy need improving 6.3km of easy turns and magnificent views, while the series of black runs, including Trampolin by late afternoon. and Visera, that will test most skiers. And on the subject of sunbathing, Of course the resort is most famous some fanatics - including me - even for allowing tourists to test the adage brave the slopes in a bikini for the last of being able to ski in the morning and day of the season in late April or early sunbathe on the coast, a cava in hand, May (la bajada en bikini see pic above).
HALF PIPE HEAVEN
Believe me, it’s an unmissable day festooned with champagne, near nudity and plenty of hedonism. But it’s not just for fun junkies; expert skiers insist the snow, particularly in springtime, is a soft and sumptuous
ride, unlike the tightly-packed icy pistes found in many European resorts. The long termers call it ‘cream snow’ (nieve crema), and most say it is at its best from February to April, although the season often begins in late November, weather permitting (this year it began on Dec 3 with just a few kilometres open). Best of all, the price for passes has not gone up much over recent years (it’s €37.50 to 58.90 for an adult day pass depending on time of year). “It’s a magnificent place with sun and a great location,” explains Mercedes Delgado, who has worked in the resort’s Cetursa admin team for over three decades. “The temperature is usually pleasant and makes for excellent snow conditions, with late night skiing too, and the season usually continues to May making it very versatile.” She continues: “And our proximity to Granada city is a huge plus, whereas many European resorts are very isolat-
ed. “You can come to the Sierra Nevada and also see the Alhambra, eat some famous Granada tapas.. . there is something for everyone.” She is one of many long-timers, who have worked in the resort for verging on half a century. Take a wonder around and chat to the various business owners and you’ll be amazed at how experienced they are.” There’s Luis Casanove, at Telemark, who began on the slopes in 1987, while Jose at Skisol is now in his 41st year working here. It wasn’t long after that in the 1990s that Giles Birch and Jonathan Buzzard set up together, going on to run their now famous British Ski Center (yes, American spelling). The strategic location is near the beach, not far from Madrid, and perfectly accessible from most of southern Spain (Valencia, Murcia etc) and increasingly Portugal.
Est.2002
Sierra Nevada
English Ski & Snowboard Instructors Holiday Arrangements: sierraessence@skisierranevada.co.uk
info@britishskicenter.co.uk T: 670 461330 / 646 178406 www.skisierranevada.co.uk
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December 2023
POCKET-FRIENDLY RESORT
THE Sierra Nevada is incredibly good value, blasting the international competition out of the water. A day ski pass averages at around €49, while Colorado resort Beaver Creek charges a mind-boggling €212 per day, Whistler in Canada is also €212 and Switzerland’s Zermatt can set you back €94. In terms of ski hire it comes in around €25, while skiwear is found as cheaply as €20 per day, with a small helmet supplement which is a must, regardless of your vanity.
Alongside a loyal British crowd, many of them expats from Alicante and Malaga, the majority (around 80%) of the skiers are Spanish. They are particularly drawn to the resort’s authenticity and charm that swanky French resorts have long since lost, with prices to match. The place was quietly successful in the 1980s, but grew massively since the world ski championships in 1995. Spanish is still the lingua franca – although virtually all restaurateurs speak English. By contrast, in high-end Swiss resorts or in France’s Courchevel or Meribel, where the super-rich walk their Chihuahuas in white skin-tight salopettes, you’re hard pushed to find a native
French speaker. The resort is very family friendly, with the majority of the 139 runs at a beginner or intermediate level. There are several zones purpose-designed for little ones: with magic carpet lifts, bike-skiing and toboggan runs for kids or non-skiers. More experienced skiers - and hundreds of snowboarders - head to the Sulayr Terrain Park, where there are well over 100 different ramps and rails, with the largest ski-jump in Europe. The cool kids also hang out in the Loma de Dilar area, which boasts the biggest permanent halfpipe in Spain, with a cross country ski and snowboard run. And it’s not just the class skiing that keeps punters coming back, the nightlife and restaurants are second to none. And the Sierra Nevada’s businesses are delighted to meet you, friendly down to earth businesses that do not mock their customers with ski-high prices. Try Nichi at Bar Ski for some apres-ski vibes of the highest calibre… his bar and the ones around it are perfect for a cheeky beer or glass of wine before heading to one of the nearby restaurants. Looking for a bit of the high life, you will easily find yourself distracted by Marbella Club’s Sierra Nevada outposts, El Lodge, or its recently added sister Meribel, two sumptuous, high-end additions to the local scene. These are the sort of top end places that rival anywhere in Ibiza or Cannes, and keep the wealthy expats on the Costa del Sol more than happy whether there is snow or not. And you can easily get a slice of it (even a high-end pizza slice) for a lot less money than you might realise as their restaurants are open to everyone.
IN THE FAMILY
More than 4 decades experience
MEDIUM – BEGINNERS Ski’s for 25€ – Snowboard & Snowblades for 25€ HIGH – INTERMEDIATE Ski’s for 35€ – Snowboard & Snowblades for 34€ PREMIUM – EXPERTS Ski’s for 45€ – Snowboard & Snowblades for 44€ Jackets & Trousers – 22€ Helmet – 6€
I
T is a classic family business. Jose Antonio Lopez and his wife Montse are now joined by their two children, particularly when the resort gets busy. But thankfully it’s not too far, the family living in nearby La Zubia, just at the foot of the slopes. In an excellent location, their shop Skisol has some of the best quality skis and snowboards to rent and customer service is the key to its success. “We always put the customer first and have plenty of returning business,” explains Jose Antonio, who has been renting out skis in the Sierra Nevada for four decades. Visit www.skisol.es or call 958 48 08 57
NATURAL SETTING: And (top) competing in the European Championships
EXPERIENCED: Montse with son and pal
Snow Glasses – 5€
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All about
December 2023
It used to be a two hour bus ride from Granada and then a donkey up the slope
T
HE only way to get to the top of the slope was to walk... or take a friendly donkey! Indeed, until the first two ski lifts (Borreguiles and Parador) were built in 1969, this was the preferred route. The resort actually dates back to 1912 when Spain’s oldest ski club, the Sierra Nevada Society was founded. However, it was not until the 1920s – with the modernisation of Granada’s roads - that the Sierra Nevada started to become known. By the last 1950s a bus used to chug its way up to the slopes, while cars would turn up in their dozens at weekends. Visitor numbers slowly grew from then and, in 1964, Cetursa, a business dedicated to reserving ski tickets, was founded. It was around then that the resort was at its most glamourous with the likes of Principe Alfons Hohenlohe, the owner the Marbella Club hotel, regularly bringing up friends, including Sean Connery to ski.
OLD DAYS: It wasn’t quite as easy to reach the slopes...
The route to the top The best selection of old pictures, not just some of the vintage visitors to the resort, can be found in the charming Tito Luigi restaurant, which has been open for nearly 30 years and counts the King as an occasional visitor. “We have had them all in here,” explains owner Javier, who heralds from Menorca. “Spain’s best footballers, bullfighters and its leading politicians... everyone loves to ski in the Sierra Nevada.”
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TROLLING through the doors of the Crescendo bar at the foot of the slopes is like going back to the 1970s. Its retro furniture, mirrors and glitter ball give off the sensation that John Travolta might stroll in and put in a couple of swift turns. And this is appropriately where seasoned British Sierra Nevada legends Jonathan Buzzard and Giles Birch met well over two decades ago. Now their second office, this is where you’ll find the pair propping up the wooden bar after a hard day’s teaching on the slopes, which they know like a fox in a fox hole. Step back to the 1990s, a boom time in Spain, and Giles was looking for the ideal transport rep to help him grow his fledgling travel business, working with the likes of First Choice and Thompsons, that had just launched in Granada. With his long flashers mac, ‘big hair’ and a friendly, outgoing persona, Jonathan had all the right traits. “I had no idea what was going on but had been told that Crescendo was the place to find the Brits and the reps-in-the know,” he recalls. “Next thing in walks Jonathan with just the right attitude and he was soon helping me deal with the three to four flights we regularly dealt with on a Sunday.” “And so it soon made sense to get together, given that we quickly became good mates, and we pooled resources. “We weren’t treading on anybody’s toes, because we were focusing specifically on the English-speaking market, and in those days there were hardly any instructors who spoke English.” The pair are still working together, collectively running the extremely successful British Ski Center (American spelling) from their base in the resort (next to Tia Ma-
EXPAT EXPERTS It’s two decades since intrepid expats Giles Birch and Jonathan Buzzard opened the British Ski Centre, writes Walter Finch ria). They still teach hundreds of students a month, as well as sort out numerous trips, each year. “Of course things were completely different back then,” explains Jonathan, who lived in Marbella in the golden years before it was ruined by corrupt leader Jesus Gil. “We used to bring in thousands of foreigners every week, but after a couple of dry years in the 1980s the resort’s reputation suffered badly and things all began to change. “Luckily the snow came back, albeit not yet this year, but these days it is all independent travellers and the agencies have all but disappeared.” Of course there have been some bad years such as 1995 when Jonathan recalls cycling up the Borreguiles slope in shorts on Christmas Day. “But generally it is as good as most other international resorts and the range of skiing and schools is hard to beat,” explains Giles, who has three kids at school in nearby Granada. Since arriving he has married a fellow ski instructor and their children are ‘basically in ski gloves every weekend and in the Christmas holiday’. So what makes the Sierra Nevada so special, according to Giles? “It’s just being in that environment; of being in the outdoors, the snow, the mountain, and the people you’re with. There’s quite a special vibe in a ski resort environment and it’s not changed from the initial novelty as a kid
EXPERIENCED: Owners Jonathan and Giles doing my first few seasons, the learning of the language and so forth. “Just becoming part of that mountain life is where my heart is at the end of the day.” The Sierra Nevada also boasts of longer seasons than other resorts, being open from late November and staying open until early May, while other resorts don’t open until mid December and end their season in March. This is partly due to the resort’s altitude and the quality of the snow which is constantly worked on during the night. In recent years the resort has added two new chairlifts - including a six-seater, a new user service centre and 105 new snow cannons. For more info, please visit www.britishskicenter.co.uk
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December 2023
All a-board
Timeline of a ski station ● Angel Ganivet, Spanish Consul to Helsinki, gave birth to the idea of turning Sierra Nevada into a ski resort at the end of the 19th century. He likened his Granada homeland to the ‘Finland of Andalucia’ in a local newspaper. ● 1898 marked the creation of Diez Amigos Limited, a group that led skiing excursions around the area. ● Thanks to their continued success, the organisation was able to create the first youth hostel in the area not long after rebranding itself Sociedad Sierra Nevada in 1912. ● The main road from Granada to Sierra Nevada and a cable car were both put in place at the beginning of the 1920s, which allowed more people to discover the joys of snow-oriented fun. ● The boom years of the resort began in 1964, when Centros Turísticos S.A. (CETURSA), was created, allowing its rapid development. ● Sierra Nevada is the southernmost ski station in Europe and sits at the highest point in Spain. ● The station hosted the World Alpine Ski Championships in 1996. It has also welcomed several Alpine Ski World Cup events, with the first in 1977. In addition, it has been the main venue for the Winter Olympics. ● In 2017, Sierra Nevada hosted the FIS Snowboard and Freestyle World Championships, a major international contest put together by the board of the International Ski Federation.
FREESTYLE: Riders catch some air CARVE UP: Superpark Sulayr
The Sierra Nevada’s stunning slopes offer snowboarding thrills and spills
W
ITH snow like fine powder, the Sierra Nevada is a Mecca for thrill-seeking snowboarders. For beginners and experts alike, Spain’s highest resort is a glorious setting and gets more and more popular by the year. Stunning scenery is matched by the top-class facilities, which saw the resort host the Snowboard World Championships in 2017. Novices should head to the central station Borreguiles, where lifts deposit snowboarders on a smooth and groomed area where they can hone their skills. Once ready, or for those of a higher standard, they then need to head up to the SuperPark Sulayr, Europe’s largest freestyle snowboard park. Now relocated to an altitude of 2,700 metres on Borreguiles, Spain’s most famous snowboarding park also houses the country’s biggest halfpipe. Measuring an astonishing 165 metres in length with a height of six metres, the special design flattens the snow on the side of the half-pipe so boarders can jump on both sides.
SOUTH STAR SHOP ‘Your snowboarding centre in the Sierra Nevada’
‘Lessons, gear, advice and tips’ Tel. 958 48 07 31 C/Virgen de las Nieves, Galeria Comercial Hotel Melia Sierra Nevada Local 5, 18196 Sierra Nevada Plaza de Pradollano 3, 18196 Sierra Nevada – Edificio Salvia, Local 16, 18196 Monachil
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December 2023
All about
SKI’S NOT THE LIMIT Add an extra dimension to your winter sports experience with these other (great value and often free) Granada sites
N Photos by Jon Clarke
MOORISH: Ancient Arabic baths and flamenco dancers at the Albaicin
O trip to the Sierra Nevada is complete without paying homage to Granada’s most iconic landmark, the stunning Alhambra Palace. This magical 13th century Arabic building dominates the city from its hilltop eyrie. After a morning tour of the sumptuous monument and its gardens, wander the streets of the Albaicin, the pedestrianised former Moorish quarter. The streets are lined with teterias serving authentic mint tea and the Arabic pastries while the shops are akin to a Moroccan souk, with exotic clothing and beautifully-crafted knick-knacks. For art lovers, the Museum of Fine Arts sits in the heart of the Charles
V palace with over 2,000 incredible pieces of classic work. Elsewhere the Sacromonte neighbourhood is where the original gypsies first settled and lived in caves and you can visit the Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte. Another of Granada’s most important historic attractions is the Cathedral, an imposing structure of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture that took over 180 years to construct. It remains unfinished as two towers were originally planned for the facade, only one of which has been half-built. As Granada is Andalucia’s main university town, cultural events are high on the agenda. And, above all, it won’t bust your NIGHT TOUR: A stroll around the Alhambra gardens at night is free and atmospheric to the extreme
NICHIS COOKING
Telephone: 858 816 833 Edificio Mont Blanc, Galería Commercial, 18196, Sierra Nevada
BES T TAKE AWAY FOO D IN THE SIERR A NE VADA
OPEN
3PM TO 2AM
LATE!
Oven-roast chicken, baked potatoes, hot dogs, pies and more
bank balance either. Travel website Omio has branded the city, the cheapest holiday destination in Europe for its range of free activities and cheap sightseeing tours. The Alhambra is free to enter, although you do have to pay to see its most famous Nasrid palaces and Generalife. The city has dozens of free activities – 112 to be exact. That includes 10 free museums.
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December 2023 ICONIC: Alhambra from the Albaicin, while (below) one of its internal patios and the cathedral
An evening out in the city must include a tapas crawl taking in a few of the cool restaurants including Gastrobar La Botilleria and its next door hip joint Rosario Varela (pic below left).
FESTIVE FUN
THE resort is one of the most festive places to be in Spain, and the Spaniards know it, as they descend in their droves for Christmas and New Year. ‘Nochebuena’ or Christmas eve, when the Spaniards celebrate the festive season with a huge family meal and lashings of
turron, is usually a sell out. Meanwhile ‘nochevieja’, or New Year’s Eve, where massive screens show the countdown in Madrid’s iconic Puerta del Sol, with grapes galore, is a riot. For the eve of the Reyes on Jan 5 the three kings duly arrive on skis. Kids will love it.
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December 2023
All about The Maribel Hotel in the Sierra Nevada adds an additional upmarket pull to Spain’s hippest ski resort, writes Jon Clarke
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DECKED OUT The Sun Deck terrace at El Lodge Ski & Spa is set to be one of the hottest places to hang out this winter. Aside from various plans arranged for kids, the food truck, supplied by Marbella’s hip CHEAT restaurant, is already gaining rapid kudos from the costa’s teenagers. Said to have the best burgers in Marbella, they are now available in the Sierra Nevada too.
CHEFS CONFERENCE: The teams from the kitchens at El Lodge and Maribel have regular planning meetings. Breakfast plates (left) and (right) a waiter pours wine and a cheese fondue lunch spread
HE last time I’d luxuriated in Alpine-style bliss in the Sierra Nevada was a decade ago, and right next door. When El Lodge reopened after a stunning refit in 2012 I was lucky enough to take my family - including two young children as the season kicked off. It had gone swimmingly, even despite our pair stripping off and bombing into the outdoor heated pool completely naked, quickly followed by my wife in a bra and knickers! Something of a test run to sample the exclusive hotel’s offering, its well-travelled manager insisted I needn’t ‘worry’ about the kids and explained the sort of guests who stayed here were allowed to be ‘carefree’ and throw caution to the wind. The seclusion and privacy took care of that. The Lodge has proven to be one of Andalucia’s resounding success stories over the last decade enticing up an extremely mixed international crowd, half of whom just come to relax, with no intention of skiing. Seeing the affluent at play is always something to behold and the Lodge has completely nailed their needs, its terrace usually abuzz with a certain joie de vivre, a fun atmosphere where you’re guaranteed to see glasses of champagne (not cava) clinking, as the sun’s rays start to drop and the shadows lengthen. So, I suppose, with occupation rates often nudging into the 90s, it was little surprise that the celebrated luxury hotel group behind the five-star Marbella Club and Puente Romano would look for a further addition to its Sierra Nevada portfolio. And, as it turns out, they have now acquired two new properties right next to the Lodge… the first, the Maribel Ski & Apres Ski, having reopened last year with 29 rooms, all geared towards the luxury end. There is something undeniably comforting about the Maribel, which immediately feels like a home on arrival, not a grand showy hotel, except, of course, for the doorman, who quickly whisks away your car and speeds your luggage up to your room, while you check in. Billing itself as a chalet, this is very much the feel as the subtly-lit reception area doubles up as an open-plan snug, pool room and bar area and the sheer variety of sumptuous furnishings and faux fur is impressive. Everything is geared towards comfort and nature and its pick-and-mix wooden furniture further adds to the homely feel, while the smell of natural oils is immediately calming. There is a real focus on wood, sustainable Finnish wood, from the beams and
MARVELLOUS
pillars to the panelling and floors, while The scene is completed with plenty of a series of drinks tables are made from faux fur throws and a series of original original oak. stone and shell sculptures, while a cirOn one wall a false bookshelf gives way cular wooden chip tells you to ‘leave me’ leading to the rooms, which are all re- on the bed if you don’t need the sheets markably well-appointed, changing. each with their own balcoA giant ski resort photo ny, looking through a thin from the 1980s holds A wonderful stand of pines into the court on one wall and wide open snowy mountains behind. is a continuous theme Nothing is lacking from the throughout the hotel, in space offering smart entertainment sysparticular in the imprestem to intelligent lighting a true sense of sive restaurant downand the coffee machine to stairs. escape electric loos (be careful of It is here that I felt most at the automatic bidet button, home, despite the warmth though, unless you want to of the bar upstairs. cool down). Billing itself as a ‘gastronomic club’, it is The theme is geared towards travel and, a wonderful wide open space with acres in particular, leather suitcases, all edges of glass offering the most amazing views sealed in brown leather, including the and a true sense of escape. side tables, desk and even cupboards. Its focus (apart from the views) are the el-
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December 2023
ELEGANCE: Maribel’s beautiful Finnish wood spa and (below right) two rooms
egant bar at one end and the giant scene stting circular lights (above), which are tempered depending on the mood and time of day. It’s very much a stand alone restaurant, encouraging diners in from the outside, and with input from well-known local DJs it has a distinct buzz about the place in the evenings, particularly at weekends and in the holidays, I’m told. I was really impressed with the dinner menu, which was striking in its length with 13 starters alone, including caviar and oysters. The stand-out dishes include the celebrated Motril shrimp croquettes with cane honey alioli and the marinated beef carpaccio with artichoke and truffle dressing. I fancied something a bit different and went for the ‘shaved cauliflower salad’ with apple and smoked almonds, which was delicious and, as one of the chefs later admitted, was a real ball-ache to prepare. I also tried the classic French onion soup with Gruyere croutons, a brilliant winter warmer after a day on the slopes. For those looking for nostalgia, the ‘Alpine specialities’ section naturally included a Raclette and a separate cheese fondue, as well as an artichoke flower, served with foie and burrata cheese. But first I should mention the amazing giant crusty warm roll that comes out with the very best olive oil, either from the organic Belvis mill in Istan (lunch), or the award-winning Castillo de Canela of Jaen (dinner). For mains I wasn’t looking for anything too heavy, so a simple plate of spaghetti with Boletus mushrooms, from northern Spain, was splendid. For lunch the following day I ordered in room service, having come down with a touch of the flu, and was seriously cheered up by the most delicious buffalo mozzarella I have eaten, alongside some of the sweetest cherry tomatoes one can possibly imagine. A remarkable baked aubergine, with olive, tomato and basil sauce, recommended by the kitchen for a dickie tummy, couldn’t have been a better recommendation. The sweetness of the tomatoes (again) really
cheered me up. The wine list would be hard to beat with dozens by the glass and a particularly exciting top end, exclusive section, where you can grab an amazing glass of white Chassagne Montrachet (Domaine Bader Mimeur) for €29 a glass, or an Italian Barolo (‘Cannubi’) for €23. Aside from that, there were plenty of Spanish wines from around the country, many in most readers’ price range. And on that front…OK, while many of the mains were over €30, there were plenty of plates for just over €20, which for such a high quality joint isn’t bad at all. So, all in all, the Maribel more than matches up to the amazing opulence of El Lodge next door, while being considerably more accessible and less fussy and certainly better for families. Aside from the fact you can also ski right from the door (snow willing) and there is a ski shop renting and selling equipment, you also have the impressive spa too AND a heated outdoor pool to boot, plus a hot tub and jacuzzi. Now I finally understand why so many of the guests of these two wonderful hotels don’t even consider strapping on a plank or two of wood to their feet. Marvellous Maribel it certainly is! More info on Maribel Ski & Après Ski can be found at www.maribels.com For El Lodge Ski & Spa visit www.ellodge.com
BENCHMARK: The amazing El Lodge terrace and rooms have re-defined the meaning of ‘hip’
26
December 2023
All about
WHERE TO EAT
MOUNTAIN MARVELLOUS
The Sierra Nevada keeps getting better and better in the food stakes, writes Jon Clarke
P
izzaz, pasta and two day old tapas used with plenty of dishes away from the norm over to be the daily staples in the Sierra Neva- recent years. A soft crab tempura or nigiri of red snapper da two decades ago. are even bettered by his scallop Today ceviches, ramen and served in a Bloody Mary sauce. gyozas are more the order of the Then there is his ‘false’ Thai landay as the demands of the soGiving it goustine risotto that massively phisticated skier got that bit more won me over using wheat semoexotic. the feel of lina instead of rice, a total melt Alongside a dramatic rise in qualin the mouth winner with creamy ity around Andalucia, the Sierra a taverna in coconut milk and a smorgasbord Nevada has also upped its game. Granada or of spices. Much of the change in quality His kitchen is always a hive of acbegan when former professionMadrid tivity, buzzing with over half a dozal snowboarder Stevie Silva en chefs, while the dining room is swapped his board for a line up run, on and off by his lovely Maiof pans and knives a decade ago tre’d girlfriend Luna. now. The sign above his kitchen door at Ci Vediamo A classic meeting point for snowboarders (and reads ‘rebel food’ and he has certainly come up their professors), there is always a buzz about the place and lots of banter, noise and laughter, giving it the feel of a taverna in Granada or Madrid. Aside from also having among the best pizzas on slopes, much of what’s on offer depends on what Stevie can find in the markets, although luckily there’s loads on offer from the nearby Costa Tropical of Granada or the ‘gold coast’ of Almeria. Another place that is set to give Stevie a run for his money this year is Tito Tapas, run by pals Xavi and Luis, who have recently expanded and put in a new kitchen. No expense has been spared on the new design with its hip sackcloth chairs, imported from the UK, and beautiful olive wood tables. The clever wood effect on the walls is eye-opening too, but the real masterstroke is letting chef Tomeu Carbonell get all creative in the kitchen. This enthusiastic chap from Menorca has been around the block a few times and did
PURE ELEGANCE IN THE SIERRA NEVADA, WINES BY THE GLASS, CREATIVE NEW TAPAS BY THE WEEK Edificio Montblanc – in front of Hotel Melia Sol y Nieve, Sierra Nevada TRAILBLAZER: Stevie Silva and girlfriend Luna with (above) his Bloody Mary scallop
27
December 2023
KINGS OF PRADOLLANO: Xavi and Luis at Tito Tapas with their chef Tomen and some dishes
TEL: 6 2 3 2 5 2 1 8 7 / 9 5 8 6 2 9 6 2 5
his training at one of Spain’s very best joints, Azurmendi, in Bilbao. You can tell from his dishes that come out with attitude. Take the ‘Totopos from Mexico and Japan’ which is a dish of tacos coming out with perfectly seared bluefin tartare from Barbate and a guacamole topping with watercress. They are delicious and a mixture of Asiatic and central American that really works. The Boletus mushrooms from Bilbao mixed with lightly fried pork jowls and an egg yolk was real-
ly impressive too, a great heart-warming winter dish! Finally, definitely try the gyozas, which were beautifully cooked with minced pork. Xavi and Luis also own the well established Tito Luigi, just around he corner. They can claim at least two kings of Spain eating here and the walls pay tribute to their esteemed STEAKHOUSE SUPREME: clientele, including varArgentinian-run La Muralla ious international film stars, bullfighters and politicians. An absolute must for any stay in the resort, in particular to see it in action (it can serve up to 250 people in one sitting), make sure you book in high season. Expect some of the best pizzas in the resort, generally splendid Italian fare, while a stand out dish is easily the squid-ink spaghetti with prawns. If meat is your thing make sure to try out La Muralla, run by Argentinian Gonzalo Funes, whose steaks sit pride of place in the window and are among the best in the resort. Continues on page 28
RESERVAS: 958 623 007 252 297 187 // 605 958 910 629 786 625 Galeria Comercial Hotel Melia Sierra Nevada Local 6
28
All about
December 2023
WHERE TO EAT
PICKS OF THE SLOPES
TOP PICKS: Muralla Burger and (below) Las Gondolas
GRAFTER: Pepe at Visera produces some great quality dishes with fabulous views of the slopes
Sierra Nevada’s coolest new restaurant ONLY the Best Beef! Edif Mont Blanc, Sierra Nevada (in front of Melia hotel)
The ‘tostas’ are also great and come in various guises, while I loved the milhoja of foie gras and a courgette carpaccio with fig sauce and the melt-in-the-mouth bulls cheek is also stunning. He and his brother Luciano also run Muralla Burguer, almost next door, which specialises in the best quality burgers on the slopes. It’s hard to disagree trying his ‘gourmet’ burger, which is actually made from oxtail ‘rabo de toro’ with a thin slice of cheese and mayonnaise and cooked in its own juice. The pair also run popular Las Gondalas just off the slopes and excellent for some apres ski light bites, a hot drink or a beer. Another great simple joint, but with great home cooked food, is Telesilla Burger. It is one of the most popular joints with workers in the resort and that is no surprise both for its great value prices, and the fact that owner Maria works in the kitchen. Cleverly designed using ski lifts as tables, you can get everything here from hot coffees in the morning to superb desserts at tall times of day. The menu del dia is excellent value Continues on page 30
29
December 2023
Tlf: +34 958 17 72 93 MAGIC BROTH: The menu del dia at Telesilla is brilliant value and home cooked by owner Maria
Plaza de Andalucía, Edificio Montebajo, Local 1, 18196, Sierra Nevada National Park
Ci Vediamo The Sierra Nevada’s most elegant restaurant
Michelin trained chef Esteban Silva produces classic Italian style dishes with a modern twist Open 7 days a week Monday to Sunday 12.00-16.00 & 20.00-24.00 Plaza Andalucía, Edf. Salvia s/n, Pradollano tel: 958 480 856 civediamosn@gmail.com FInd us on Google Maps with 360° degree view
30
All about
December 2023
WHERE TO EAT
ON THE UP AND UP: The team at Vertical and (right) friendly Carlos at Tia Maria
FRIENDLY: Nichi at Bar Ski
From page 28
Mexican and much more
and changes by the day, but the really tasty morsels, such as ribs go fast, so don’t hang around. By far the most fun tapas joint is Bar Ski, set up by the funniest man in the Sierra Nevada, Nichi, two decades ago. His place is always buzzing at lunch and in the evenings and comprises a classic soul kitchen concentrating on hardy, simple dishes.
And, if you fancy something simpler (and available to take away) he has just opened a new joint Nichis Cooking next door, with a great range of roast chicken, pies and other dishes. Fancy Mexican? Then you are now spoilt for choice in Pradollano. If Mexican is your thing then Calambrito is a lovely space with a good mix of Mexican
favourites. I particularly liked the tacos, while the staff were really attentive and friendly. Another place focussing just on burgers, La Calle, opened up last season next door. Another excellent place overlooking the slopes is Tia Maria, which has a good mix of dishes and is a great place for breakfast. A total institution run by Carlos (part of
the Tito Luigi family) this is the spot to chill out and enjoy the sun for the afternoon and early evening. For coffee, breakfast, and in fact just about everything, Vertical is hard to be beaten and also has a great range of snacks and light bites, including hot dogs for the British clientele. EXPANDING: Telesilla has added half a dozen new chairlifts, while (right) Carlos at Tia Maria
Home-made Tapas and all TV Games Plaza de Pradollano, Bajos Melia Sol y Nieve, Sierra Nevada – Granada
Tel: 657 198 524
31
December 2023
AUTHENTIC: Kenia Nevada
DREAMY WHERE TO STAY
From luxury to budget, there are hundreds of places to stay in the Sierra Nevada, but only a handful are really reliable, writes Jon Clarke
A
S the snow starts to fall and blanket the place, Pradollano takes on the charm of an authentic mountain village. There are lots of places to stay but easily one of the most charming has got to be the authentic Hotel Kenia Nevada, which is well located near
the centre of town and open most of the year. Run by the friendly Don Pedro – who used to ski for the country as a youngster - it is clean, well run and serves up one of the best breakfasts in Spain. It also has a gym and spa, with an in-
LUXURY AND VIEWS: Both available at El Lodge Ski & Spa
house masseur, and plenty of communal areas, filled with charming old furniture. You could also go upmarket and splurge on one of the two wonderful Melia hotels, right in the heart of the resort. The rooms at the Melia Sierra Nevada have been recently renovated and the New Premium rooms have been built on floors 7 and 8. Meanwhile the nearby Meliá Sol y Nieve hotel offers The Level experience, which is the hotel group’s most exclusive commitment to luxury and personal service. And if you really want to push the boat out at the top end are two incredible luxury hotels, Maribel Ski & Après Ski and the El Lodge Ski & Spa. Both owned by the group behind Marbella’s five star Puente Romano, they have the ultimate in location, right by the slopes, and with views to match. The rooms are among the
SPLURGE: At luxurious Melia hotel (top), while (above) bar at Maribel best appointed in Spain and you have a choice of spas, outdoor heated pools and hot tubs to luxuriate in.
But, best of all, they each have incredible restaurants to unwind in after a long day on the slopes or not.
MELIÃ
SIERRA NEVADA
MELIÃ
SOL Y NIEVE
MELIÃ | SIERRA NEVADA
–
MELIÃ | SOL Y NIEVE
(+34) 902 144444 // www. melia.com
BUSINESS Lidl’s UNFAIR META ambitions CLAIM December 13th - January 10th 2024
33
Workforce grows
SPAIN'S unemployment total fell by 24,573 in November, with 2.73 million people out of work - the lowest figure for the month since 2007. It's only the sixth time since 2000 that the penultimate month of the year has recorded a fall and comes after three successive months of rises. As of November, there were 20.8 million people registered as working, an all-time record for that month. Unemployment among under 25 years decreased by 2.6% in November, with 5,588 fewer unemployed than at the end of October, while unemployment among people aged 25 and over decreased by 18,985 (-0.7%).
Jobs on the line TELEFONICA has told unions that it plans to cut around 5,100 jobs by 2026 in an effort to reduce costs and adapt the company's size to the current market. The country's largest telecom firm - branded as Movistar - employs around 21,000 domestically while its global workforce is over 103,000. The company based the decision on productivity, organization and technical reasons, with negotiations starting with unions over the layoffs.
Spanish media groups want 550 million compensation from Meta A GROUP representing 83 newspapers in Spain has filed a €550 million lawsuit against Facebook owner Meta Platforms, claiming that it is breaching advertising competition rules. The case has been lodged by the AMI newspaper publishing association in the Madrid commercial court. The papers say that Meta’s 'massive' and 'systematic' use of personal data from the users of its Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp platforms allows it to get an
By Alex Trelinski
advantage and offer personalised ads that constitute unfair competition. The complainants, comprising Prisa – which publishes El Pais – and Vocento, the owner of ABC and other media, as well as other privately owned groups, said most of the ads placed by Meta use personal data obtained without express consent from clients and thus violate data protection rules.
A NEW study has revealed that Malaga is the best place in Spain for foreigners to set up a business. The sixth Business Climate and Foreign Investment Barometer asked companies based in Spain how business was in their area. Malaga came out on top with 51% of foreign owned companies saying business had been ‘good’ in the past year. Notably, expat entrepreneurs were more optimistic than their Spanish counter-
AMI president, Jose Joly Martínez de Salazar, claims that Meta has built a dominant position in the advertising market 'disregarding the regulations' that protect the privacy of users and has had a severe economic impact on other media, putting their sustainability at risk. The damage is estimated at €550 million, which is the
MALAGA TOP parts, only 42% of whom shared their enthusiasm. Over half of foreign owned businesses, or 53%, said their profits had grown in 2023, leading 46% to provide more employment opportunities. Some 65% revealed that exports played a big role in their profits, while 42% cited greater investment.
money that the plaintiffs calculate they have missed out on between 2018 and last July, according to an expert report included in the lawsuit. This is an estimate based on a hypothetical scenario of the growth of the US company's advertising revenue compared to that of AMI members now and a few years ago, before the new technology companies appeared on the scene.
The complaint is the second time Spanish media have challenged tech companies to protect their operations. In 2014, the Spanish government forced the closure of Alphabet’s Google News service until 2022 when new legislation allowing media outlets to negotiate directly with the tech giant was passed.
LIDL has announced plans to open 30 new stores in Spain next year, taking its count to over 700 outlets. The aim of the German retailer is to reach 1,000 stores in Spain, according to corporate director Ferran Figueras. Ldl is the country's third-largest supermarket chain by share (6.2%), behind Mercadona (27%) and Carrefour (9.7%). Speaking in Madrid, Ferran Figueras said that Lidl currently has 12 logistics facilities and plans to open four new warehouses in Spain, some of which are already under construction. Total investment in 2023 is expected to reach between €250 million to €300 million, with the firm putting in €2.5 billion into its Spanish expansion.
Rahm raid MASTERS champion and world number three golfer Jon Ram has signed up to the controversial LIV Golf Tour in a deal worth around €500 million. The former number one had previously declined to play on the Saudi-backed tour, which is restricted to just 48 participants. He joins other major winners at LIV with Brooks Koepka, Cameron Smith and Phil Mickelson already having made the switch.
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34
PROPERTY
December 13th - January 10th 2024
CREATING FESTIVE MAGIC!
When it comes to Christmas traditions, it’s the simple pleasures that mean so much. Just take a look in the nearby hills, writes Gabriella Chidgey
C
HRISTMAS is coming and my heart sinks just a little. This is the first year that both my children are Santa sceptics, and with Father Christmas out of the picture, where does the magic and ritual come from? I shall miss the hanging of the stockings and the letters I answered as if from the head elf. I shall miss being woken up at 5am with squeals of excitement, hard as it may seem. Despite being at a Catholic school in Ronda they are non-believers so church rituals won’t fill the gap. Since our families live in the UK, it won’t be about a big family get-together, nor about sending cards since I never make it to the post office between the opening times
of 11.45 and 14.30. This Christmas I am instead concentrating my resources on the feasting and decorating part. And, in the current tradition of eco-consciousness I am being as organic as possible. In times gone by, I have designed, bought, created, cooked, decorated and directed the entire production for family and friends. Yes, I wanted to fulfil expectations, and I completely exhausted myself. This year, I want to do Christmas, but I want to do it with grace and ease, and I want to enjoy it. But how is this possible? In Spain everything begins on December 8 - the ‘puente’ bank holiday - which celebrates the feast of the Immaculate Conception. This is the day when families
traditionally put up their decora- might replenish stocks. tions. And until only a few years Luckily I still had a few strings of ago, this ritual would be unpack- lights, which are the central decing the boxes of small figurines to orative element to this winter solcompose the nativity scene. stice celebration that signifies the Meanwhile, moss would be col- return of light and warmth after lected from nearby woods to sim- the darkest days are over. ulate the ground and often moun- The rest of the decoration is tains, rivers and extended villag- largely inspired by the Paradise The British Puritans banned Christmas in 1647, both es created around the manger. tree, a fir tree hung with apples for its Pagan decorations as well as its ‘debauched’ Now, however, the northern tra- that represented the Garden of festivities. Leader Oliver Cromwell removed the public dition of the Christmas tree has Eden. A 16th century German holiday of December 25 since it was not a named day been adopted by many Spanish tradition that became a Christian in the bible. The public was not amused. families and garden centres are ritual and slowly spread across Violent disturbances ensued with the worst taking plafilled with pine trees sold in their Europe and America. ce in Canterbury and the repercussions of the rioting thousands. Redemptive wafers are transleading eventually to a rebellion and a second civil war. My British roots mean that I am formed into the current predilecfirmly established in the tree tra- tion for cookies, and apples, nuts dition, and the boxes we ritually and berries are now baubles. unpack are Tree decorations became a full of lights, globalized commercial venture baubles, stars after about 1840, following the popularisation of the tradition by and angels. Finding these Queen Victoria. boxes rather Fashionable Americans followed by mortgage broker Tancrede de Pola depleted this suit and today the total revenue year - follow- in the US alone is estimated at ing a vicious 26 billion dollars. cull of all Although I do have a couple of h a l f - w o r k - very beautiful hand blown glass ing lights decorations, most have been in a rather bought locally in Ronda, but cerIXED messages are being puritannical tainly not made there, or indeed sent out about the direction post-festivity anywhere vaguely local. of interest rates next year. purge last As my mother took back the figMoney managers seem to year - I won- urines she had from her own think that rates have already been Capital Economics told AFP. dered how I childhood and my children reraised too high by the European He added that ECB president Christine Lagarde was likely to ‘concede Central Bank (ECB). Many of them are betting on the ECB that rate cuts may not be as distant In the villages lowering rates significantly by April - as previously thought’. In fact the around Spain, the months ahead of previously forecast 12-month Euribor benchmark that women tradition- as inflation has been brought down Spanish banks use when setting their ally infuse anis from over 10% in the eurozone last rates has been falling in recent days with herbs and year to an average 2.4% in November. from 4.2% to 3.7%, meaning a monthspices at ChristBut the big question is when exactly ly reduction for a €200,000 mortgage mas. rates will be cut, with the OECD cau- over 25 years from €1192 to €1134. In many homes tioning that central banks in western But Lagarde has warned that care Europe may have to keep interest should be taken as ‘inflation is not you will see a rates higher than has been custom- beaten yet’ and remains cautious bottle with small ary over the past decade despite about rate cuts despite the still real glasses on a tray possibility of recession. what financial markets expect. with ‘rosquillos ‘rosquillos’; ’; An early indicator of what’s in store Elsewhere the OECD said in its homemade domay be given this week. The ECB is latest economic outlook that it exnuts with orange due to set rates, with many expecting pects the Bank of England to hold lemon and cinthem to remain unchanged for a sec- benchmark rates at their current namon flavoring ond meeting in a row following a se- peaks until 2025 because of peralongside them. ries of hikes as it struggled to bring sistent inflationary pressures. C o i n c i d e n t a l l y, On the other hand, it forecasts that the price hikes under control. the anis from my US Federal Reserve, will start cutting Actual cuts may be a step too far village of Arriate just yet as inflation is still above the rates in the second half of next year. has been tradeBorrowers will be hoping the money bank’s 2% target. marked ‘Mistela’, However, Thursday's meeting ‘looks markets are right with their more optiits local name likely to provide some idea of how mistic approach, as many struggle with and can be bought soon and how fast policymakers monthly payments. The Finance Buaround the region. are willing to start cutting interest reau remains optimistic that the trend rates’, Andrew Kenningham from for rates is very much downwards.
DID YOU KNOW?
MORTGAGE THINK TANK
expect rate TIME FOR A CUT? Investors reductions in spring
M
despite cautious OECD economic forecast
To contact Tancrede for all your mortgaging needs call: 666 709 743 or for insurance queries call: 951 203 540 or email: tdp@thefinanacebureau.com The Finance Bureau Centro Commercial Guadalmina, 2nOffice No.7 Guadalmina, 29670
HOME GROWN: Decorations made from cuttings from the garden and nearby hedgerows I have set myself the task of collecting and making some decorations instead of heading for the nearest shop, particularly when it means walking in these surroundings. Once back inside, I put the mountain of foliage and fruit into all the jugs, vases and any other appropriate receptacles I can find. I then mixed roses with rosemary and olive tendrils, while bay branches were paired with olive branches and berries Pine cuttings turned out to be fused to hang any apples and very malleable and were great for walnuts from our garden, a box of wreaths and circular tree ornaunbreakable mass-produced red, ments. They are easily fashioned shiny and glittery baubles were without any wire or string. added to the Aldi trolley. With time, I can see how you I did however go out in search of could make rather lovely tree evergreen leaves and berries in decorations and next year I will the knowledge that my quest to give it a go. beautify my home was as much a Originally these circular decoraPagan tradition of venerating tree tions symbolized the Holy Trinity spirits as it was a wider celebra- with its triangular shape. tion of the winter solstice. Wreaths meanwhile, were made It also serves the practical pur- from larger branches and by the pose of using the suckers and 19th century had become the new shoots that proliferate on my, symbol of advent. as yet, unpruned Currently, making trees. wreaths seems all Pleased that my the rage, looking Pine cuttings husband has on my Instagram turned out to be feed. There are bought new secateurs, I easily workshops very malleable even gathered armfuls in the UK you can of bay, olive, roseand were great attend, which is mary and cypress a great way to for wreaths tree branches. spend a day with I returned for the other people; last of the red getting into the roses and filled a few baskets Christmas spirit without just imwith quinces (which grow in abun- bibing it. dance), persimmons, oranges The historian Ace Collins wrote and a few remaining pomegran- that ‘The wreath was born out of ates. not throwing things away’ and I The fiery life-giving colours of don’t want to throw away my seathese fruits really warmed up my sonal cheer and love on the quest wintery interior. for a perfect Christmas. Outside, the saturated blue sky I started out feeling resentful and evergreen landscape of holm about the advent of Christmas, oak, olive and but I now I feel inspired. pines around I want to create a verdant, naour Ronda val- ture-filled home. I want to set ley is dappled aside time to go for a walk with with the gold- my husband and gather more en leaves of foliage. In the future, I would like poplar, acacia to set aside time to make cookies and natural decorations with my and mulberry. It is a wonder- children, friends and strangers. I ful time to be want to create a ritual out of this outside and and I would like it to feel comI feel enor- panionable, undemanding and mously grate- unhurried. ful for a winter And, of course, may this future as colourful as also be resplendent with twinkly lights and hundreds of spice this. I am also glad scented candles.
Fruity tip A WINTER tip is quinces which can be found all around inland Spain. They are wonderful to scent a room and the Victorians used to keep them in the linen cupboards to perfume the sheets. They are also delicious poached in a syrup with cinnamon, star of anis, cloves , lemon and maple syrup.
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LETTERS
Name and address supplied
Readers have been telling us about their experiences with ‘danger drug’ Nolotil AS a medical translator in the Valencia area, I regulally do battle regarding the use of Nolotil (see Nolotil warning, front page the Olive Press all editions). I now tell clients to advise medical staff that they are allergic to Metamizol, so that they are given a coloured wrist band to avoid Nolotil being administered. Usually, staff go toe to toe with me on this, saying they have not heard anything about its adverse effects on Northern Europeans and I have had to show them information regarding its use and side effects on my phone. Very often I am looked at as being awkward and a trouble maker. In 2020, when my husband was admitted to hospital, they still wanted to administer this drug. I had to advocate for him in the strongest manner. Had they given Nolotil, I believe he would no longer be here. My wish is that hospital administrators would have in place strict guidelines so that all staff are aware of the potential danger. The trouble is, Nolotil is cheap which makes it the drug of choice!
MORE VICTIMS
A
ll about
How the ‘Garden of the Costa del Sol’ has become Andalucia’s top resort, find out in our 16-page Estepona special inside
www.theolivepress.es
Estepona
HOW THE GARDEN GROWS
May 2023
E
STEPONA is a town undergoing ceaseless transformation. But that’s nothing new. From the day nicians first the seafaring Phoesailed in and lished a colony estabon the Iberian coast nearly Costa del Sol3,000 years ago, the resort has been By Walter Finch subject of change. the Be it the Romans, Africa in the the Vandals or the Moors 18th century frequently been - or the Catholic reconquest in a state it has or pirate raids In the from gone last 50 years aloneof flux. it has from being a sleepy fishing
The so-called ‘Garden of the has seen constant Costa del Sol’ and is now roaring change for centuries ahead of its near rivals village, known becoming one for its pongs, to of Spain’s premier upmarket resorts. After a tumultuous history stant change and evolution,of conEsteContinues
on next page
The One and Only Greek restaurant Puerto Estepona, Pantalan No.5
OLIVE WITH regards to Juliette PRESS de Courcy and her husband UNINSURED David Withey, who were exposed in the Olive Press for rental and insurance scams, I am very curious as to why this couple is allowed to work at the Venta Miralmonte in Coin.ANTHONY’S They came to our house and ruined it by starting building work and never finishing it. Withey threatened me numerous times and his wife was trolling me online. The number of people they have ripped off is horrendous and it should not be allowed to happen. My husband has had two heart attacks and I am still recovering from a broken back that involved surgery from my neck to the top of my bottom. One day de Courcy came to our house and said she was a fully qualified nurse and put my legs around my neck. I have never known so much pain. We would like to warn other people about this couple. We are living in fear in our own home because of de Courcy and Withey. Name and address supplied AUTHENTIC GREEK RESTAURANTE
Pita Gyros
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THERE has been no change at the top along the Costa del Sol during local elections.
Only Benalmadena ousted its socialist AN expat who the Olive mayor Victor Navas, in Press exAntonio Lara, whose PPfavour of Juan posed as a holiday rental fraudster party took 13 also took money seats. for fake insurance policies. In Marbella, Angeles Munoz kept an Juliette de Courcy overall majority with Withey allegedEstepona dynamo Jose14 seats, while ly scammed dozens of expats EXCLUSIVE while The Mother-of-two and snared a staggering 70%Garcia Urbano working as an agent By Alberto Lejarraga for one of of the vote. band based in Guaro, her husThere was also a landslide Spain’s leading insurance were given victory in compa‘official Caser handwritten Torremolinos where the PPs Margari- nies. after paying ‘thousands receipts’ scams,” ta del Cid grabbed a stunning We can reveal how in cash’ for 17 seats the Mala- pool, toldSusan Platt, from Liver- fully comprehensive for the PP. ga-based resident allegedly the Olive Press this week. car insurance pock- The 69-year-old over Meanwhile, in Fuengirola, revealed she only Theya number of years. the PP’s eted thousands of euros she was Ana Mula has held on for only discovered discovered a meant to years, while in Nerja Jose another four policies hand over for insurance Marbella was villa she rented in when they were involvedtheir fate not insured at Caser Seguros. Armijo won in a car again for the fifth time. ter giving De Courcy €600a year af- accident in which the other driver De Courcy, from Guaro, in There was both joy and clients by selling themscammed “She actually cancelled the cash. was hospitalised. Malaga as 80-year-old Pacosurprise in Lib- To their horror de la Torre house and car insurance invalid erty policy the very same day they later got a call regained the absolute majority she from policies, took the money,” OLIVE he lost having befriended them locally. PRESS she slammed. “I pay the court saying they had to in 2015. €3,000 to the affected had no idea it wasn’t FULL CIRCLE The expat - who is currently party as BEWARE: De The only towns bucking valid until a their bethe right were Manilva the trend to ing prosecuted over a bogus rental Liberty agent told me she was not “We vehicle was ‘not insured’. Courcy and husband could not believe it,” she working for them and where Josele Gonzalez’s and Mijas, scheme - has allegedly been up said the pol- “It was said. David, while (inset) socialists got her antics to icy had been cancelled.” only then we realised two more seats. for the last two decades. our had been driving uninsured we Aprilrental probe in Another victim “It’s about time she paid In Manilva, Mario Jimenez’ for for her fered a similar from Holland, suf- years. And even with Compromis party got the most fate. two kids in the car!”. Meanwhile, two othwill have to form a pact seats (5), but again with eiShe added: “It was a horrible ther the PSOE or PP. time er expats Gill and Glyn Williams, but when In Ronda, Maria Paz Fernandez I went to talk from Kent, Was this the spot? stays and demanded she give to Juliette from Caser recently discovered in power with an absolute she said she would sortme €3,000 uninsured that their car had been while in Coin, PP mayor majority, Olive Press exclusive for the entire it all out, Francisco but never did.” Santos, will also remain. they had paid De Courcy. period reveals the lake camp Similarly, in Antequera, Eventually, they took De “We were very lucky we had no acwhere police believe Manuel Baron got an overallPP leader court and, this month, Courcy to cidents,” said Gill this week. the fourth since 2011, while majority, years they finally learntafter 10 long suspect Christian in Alhauthey will be rin, Joaquin Villanova getting their money back. Brueckner brought for his seventh term. stays in power Tricked Under the settlement, De Courcy She also The socialists at least had Madeleine McCann and husband, David Withey, believes there are many San Roque, where the some joy in were other victims found guilty of ‘misappropriation’ PSOE got an including a Geroverall majority.
Rental scammer exposed also sold bogus insuranceby Olive Press policies
Restaurant
A
ll about
SELLING PROPERTIES SELLING QUALITY QUALITY PROPERTIES IN INMARBELLA MARBELLA FOR 51 YEARS FOR 53 YEARS
APRIL 2023 www.theolivepress.es
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THE MAGIC OF MARBELLA The Olive Press runs a rule over the latest, hottest new restaurants and hotels in most glamorous Spain’s resort, see inside
The
ously I AM reaching out anonym sions rcus repe her through fear of furt magic to inform you of brujeria - blacka) and nad Gra a Baz in and Satanism surrounding areas. magic I have been a victim of said black life. my ng losi ost alm to the extent of , teeth I almost lost complete mobility falling hair ty, rmi defo face g, crumblin c anout in clumps. Eight of my domesti explano with g thin very ....e died ls ima ls etc. nation from doctors, vets, hospitatargetI believe British people are being area. ed to make them sick and leave the't own My ‘builder’ told me that I didnify my my house and needed to mod g so escritura with his ‘gestor’. By doinbirth they could collect names, dates ofwhich etc, and photo evidence - all of unsuscan be used in rituals to target pecting victims. I beWitchcraft is a big thing here, and tan n/sa cove h witc e larg lieve there is a the worship that is making money from, in and ness sick y sibl pos , misfortune the worst cases, deaths of expats. dying Please appreciate after nearly ous why I'd prefer to remain anonym this it but I believe if I don't expose could go on. paraBut how do you prove something normal without sounding crazy?!
Bad prescription
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How an Olive reporter’s jokePress tortilla caused a national outrage
Page 6
Expat whistleblower rental fraud in now accusedcase exact same of rental scam‘illegal’
ACCUSED: Courcy andJuliette De she allegedlythe ‘palace’ while (inset) rented, our 2015 probe
Page 12
88
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INVESTIGATIONS
TRACKED
Staffords
TV
9€
NEWS SPECIAL
rental scammers
June 25th
go AWOL
from Alhaurin
- July 9th
2015
estate as hundreds
rainbow
A BRITISH couple who scammed more than 100 Costa-bound EXCLUSIVE tourists trading’, leaving have fled their By Tom Powell makers thousands holiday- property. haurin el Grandeluxury AlRob Horgan & of euros Despite villa and out of pocket are hiding out their six dogs in Murcia. have homes where to stay. and with no- ing But, the owners makin France, a lot of Rain- include Status Quo PorWhen the bow Villas, grounds of noise in the tugal and England, I suspect Olive Press Mark and Mi- Parfitt, to ‘lie low’ star Rick ited vis- evidence,and a van being in they will leave Spain chelle Stafford, their in a neighbour sharphave fled - it can be revealed. Murcia out with gated villa - fitted the ish.” the high-security cameras and told She The pair Olive Press, metre private a 600 are now propthat added: “For erty - whose being now, their drive - no- had fled to Murcia,the pair son, who neighbours probed by police after their body was at home, is Mark’s where company suddenly despite a “The mother lives. is looking in his early 30s, ‘ceased source saying that the after their couple fled ple’s son is six in a hurry, dogs and eight cats.” looking aftercou- initially to Murcia,” Meanwhile the neighbour an army said. “But as the scammed of they are holiday-makers compiling a dossier of
Quo conmen:
olive press Disrupting the Status Quo
FLASHBACK:
Our story last issue
Get them in
of conned
holidaymakers
unite
the pot!
ONE of the Parfitt out conmen who duped UK of thousands erating under of euros is rock legend Rick come a Dutchman the name ‘Frederick forward with revealed. fresh information Rooze’, it canop- previously conned The fraudster, on the pair, be Holland. hundreds of who people in Belgium out of €2,930 who hoodwinked Status for two sets Quo guitarist One, Dutch expat and a dark blue Patricia Stone, buying €2,650 Range Rover of pots and pans, plates (4-ZJP-33). drives Sport with was tricked Dutch number “I am disgustedworth of kitchenware into Masquerading in Sotogrande. with myself fake,” Stone as a salesman enwear company told the Olive that I didn’t spot for it was a Press. and an accomplice,Kuhn Rikon, leading Swiss kitch- “Rooze presented himself was very well as also believed he be Dutch, claim dressed, late a legitimate salesmen. to He with ‘overstock’ they have been left blue eyes.” 30s with the most amazing after a local tion. A Kuhn Rikon exhibiPress, it was spokesman told the Olive now working police to clamp with Spanish down on the “Many customers fraud. have asked help because they have boughtfor our ulent products thinking they fraudacquiring spokesman our merchandise,” were Wolfgang Aufwarter. said very damaging “It is to our image.” CON’S
Insisting the finery’, they goods are ‘luxury Swiss quality junk, are in fact cheap, poor as we revealed sue (left). last isNow dozens of new victims have
CAR: Range Rover Sport (left) fake and goods
a
Ctra. Fuengirola-Mijas,
Page 14
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DISAPPEARED:
EXCLUSIVE By Alberto Lejarraga
AN EXPAT nounced a whistleblower who pair of holiday dea decade ago scammers exact same has been accused of the Juliette De fraud. Bienvenidos al Hotel Hacienda Puerta del Sol, una experiencia Malaga, is Courcy Withey, based única, un mundo les ofrece las comodidades aparte que being taken que espera de un in Welcome to the pequeño gran hotel Hotel Hacienda €70,000 she to court over Puerta del Sol, a unique experience, that offers the a a world apart allegedly owes menities you expect owner of a luxury from a small grand hotel 15-bed villa. to the Withey, from es seven yearsGuernsey, allegedly fac- same that she illegallyprison over the claims crime. rented She ry home in Benahavis. the huge luxu- pats went public claiming The allegations Mark and Michelle fellow ex- The Spanish lawyer, been renting Stafford had told the Olive Press from Barcelona, real relate to €2,800-a-night out properties that Withey surprise at the a ing the palace that owned by a - includ- been managing the Benahavis claims. was once helping property had “She was palace - that did not own, Withey, whoSaudi Prince. they in 2015. to expose the original since erty so itlegally working for the collecting thousands lives in the from unsuspecting was not suspicious propValley, allegedly scam There Guadalhorce But, he claims clients. were even times pocketed the In at all. income from she has to her rental bowwhat became known as when rather than the home in Benahavis Villas the ‘Rain- ly renting’ out the 1,700been ‘illegal- a lovelyclients and they said I spoke - once owned she woman and vealed how scam’, the Olive Press m2 palace The owner,giving it to the owner. by they had a was time at the house,” Vicente Gonzalez, victim to themore than 100 tourists re- bia Minister of former Saudi Aragreat filed a complaint she explained. fell Defence, Prince The problem couple, based has Alhaurin. claiming Withey at Marbella court was, while nearby in dul-Aziz Saud - which Ab- may have the clients up to 31 people. is able to house In a shocking pocketed been although he actual owner, having a nice time, fraud, told the Olive €68,000, Staffords He told the the believes ‘thousands Gonzalez, claims Olive Press arrest, many leading to the charge Press he no he had when their bookings lost thousands of the bookings’ Withey was ‘in It idea about them. in cash payments. more’ is missing was in 2019, ly-British clients and were cancelled the last moment. It is the most made two the most- documentation when he was handed at one a deposit ironic twist Some of the Withey, 65, by a rental to secure it payments, that he then, that most unfortunate 30 agency, arrived for their complaint had herself filed an official clients In days before arrival. and another for the discovered multiple bookings against her rest of that court papers, someone else dream holiday to former bossyear as well find 2020 and 2021. seen living in the as for property Press, he claims Witheyby the Olive es eight they had booked. clients for the would ask years ago, Ironically, Withey - who second payment transferred to be to claiming with the Staffords from had worked be Prison given to her her bank account or to “It’s the exact home in Alhaurin - has their palatial Court in cash. really important cused in a lawsuit now been acpapers claim Withey’s behaviour to expose sometimes by Gonzalez, that Withey so that she 61. not scam any conflicting rented the property does clients at the to insisted this other people,” Gonzalez week. “She cancelling same time, a year to has had clients, but one of the nothing. pay me back and has over still pocketpaid ing the money, “I don’t want her to go to the Rainbowsimilar she needs to pay soon to prison, but Villas will happen.” scam. or that is what A source has According to the lawyer, told the face Olive Press Withey could a prison sentence that Withey hooked clients and of seven years through a and six months for misappropriation network of fraud, if found guilty. sites such social media When contacted as Booking. com and rental Withey refused by the Olive Press, to speak, But the source,websites. “You need adding: to speak to a Brit- have ish owner of a Marbella you. nothing to say. Hemy lawyer. I rental company See page 5 will Withey time He will explain.” He hadn’tcontact used to advertise we went to by the press. the palace with, expressed Opinion Page 6
VIVA FASHIONISTA
Our Fashion new shop columnist Freya opens
PICASSO QUIZ:
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WOW, how many carats in that ?
More carats for your money at Anthony’s
WE BUY. WE PAY MORE. WE PAY CASH !! Easy parking, established since 1982 Av. Ramón y Cajal, 40, 29640 Fuengirola
Hélène Parker, Ontinyent
Narrow escape I JUST saw a copy of the Olive Press with the headlines Nolotil warning. I was prescribed Nolotil 575mg capsules in June this year. Luckily my husband’s doctor in hospital told me not to take them. She explained they are not for British or Scandinavian people, they are for Spanish people. So I never took them, in fact I still have them untouched, leaving the question open - why were they prescribed in the first place?
man friend, who had and handed prison sentences, to move ac- home, plus a Swedish cording to Olive Press couple. legal sourc- “And there es. was another friend of ours who went British “While Withey tried to blame, the court did to take the after an accident only to beclaim told and sentenced both to not buy it by Caser she was not insured.” in prison, suspended overtwo years De Courcy declined to comment the next five years,” said their and simply replied ‘goodbye’ and hung up, when called. lawyer. While Caser failed to comment, Liberty confirmed Withey had indeed tricked customers. CAR A spokesman explained HIRE UK she had got away with it as she was collaborating UK Self Drive with one of Liberty’s foral £135 mer per week agents, who was latAll UK & Internation Fully inclusive er sacked for ‘embezzling TV systems money’.
See Ground Zero on page
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All solutions are on page 46
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
Hotel plan kicks off
CONSTRUCTION has begun on the Costa del Sol’s latest 5-star hotel located in an old cinema with money put up by Shakira’s ex Gerard Pique. Hotel chain Melia is set to open a new luxury venue in the area with funds from the former Barcelona footballer’s investment group, Kerad EB. The hotel will be in an old cinema between Malaga’s Calle Victoria and Calle Mundo Nuevo and building work will take around 20 months. Some €20 million is being invested in the project which will have eight suites, 15 junior suites and 105 double rooms. Construction had been delayed for an archeological dig after an ancient Islamic necropolis was found on the site.
LOOKING FOR MORE November 29th TRAVEL STORIES? December 12th 2023 Scan to visitDecember our website 13th - January 10th 2024
Ring in the New Year Town has been crowned the best in Spain to spend New Year’s Eve FORGET the iconic Puerta del Sol in Madrid or Plaça Espanya in Barcelona - a string of small towns have been named as the best spots in Spain in which to ring in the New Year. And the tiny but picturesque Malaga town of Frigiliana has achieved the sought after title of best place to spend New Year in Spain, as chosen by travel magazine Viajar. Although it may seem counterintuitive, it is precisely because of the lack of big nightclubs, bars and rowdy
By Yzabelle Bostyn
streets that Viajar chose it as its top destination. The white village nestled in the hills outside Malaga, was selected for its tranquil atmosphere, pretty streets and surrounding nature. The quiet environment is perfect to reflect on the past year and look forward to 2024. The magazine highlighted the ‘labyrinthine’ streets covered with colourful flower pots and the area’s close-
HIDDEN BEAUTY
ness to the Sierra Nevada National Park and the Mediterranean sea. It also mentioned the area’s
A LITTLE known town has been put atop a list of Spain’s 20 most beautiful towns. According to UK newspaper The Telegraph, Sanlucar de Barrameda is the fairest of them all. It is nestled out of the way on the northwest coast of Cadiz province, next to the Guadalquivir River and facing the Doñana Natural Park. And this hidden gem boasts a range of attributes that have led the newspaper to label it as their ‘favourite holiday destination without exception.’ According to The Telegraph', you can find ‘elegant ports, tranquil beaches, and exquisite seafood restaurants’ in Sanlucar de Barrameda, in a town of ‘charming whitewashed buildings adorned with vibrant bougainvillaea.’
sugar cane factory, which is one of a kind in Europe. Many restaurants in the area are offering New Year’s dinners or you could snuggle up in a local ‘Casa Rural’ with a bottle of local wine. Second on the list is the historic town of Trujillo in Extremadura’s Caceres province. The birthplace of many Spanish conquistadores is famous for its castle and Renaissance churches and palaces And in third spot is the tiny village of Pastrana (Guadalajara) with a population of just 873. It follows a Medieval street plan and features a splendid 16th century ducal palace and ancient convent.
37
Favourite spot SPAIN is set to be Brits’ favourite holiday destination in 2024, closely followed by the USA. Over 22% of British holidaymakers will head to sunny Spain in 2024 and if this year’s data is anything to go by, most will head to the Canary Islands. In 2023, 30% of British tourists visiting Spain went to the Canary Islands, with the Balearic Islands receiving 21.8% of British tourists. Catalunya also received a high number of Brits thanks to the capital city Barcelona, with 20.8% of all British tourists visiting Spain. Valencia and Andalucia were also popular with Brits, receiving 13.1% and 10.8% of British tourists respectively.
Go it alone
PLANNING on travelling solo? Then look no further than Spain, which has just been crowned the third best country in the world to do so. According to data compiled by RatePunk, Thailand takes the top spot, followed by Italy. The hotel rates analyser found the most popular areas by investigating which countries had the most hotel bookings for one person. Popular destinations for solo travellers include Barcelona, Madrid and Sevilla thanks to their rich culture, history and nightlife.
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.
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL STAR TURNS 38
December 13th - January 10th 2024
Meet the new boys…
Spain now has an incredible 15 restaurants with 3 Michelin stars
T
HE Spanish Michelin Guide for 2024 has been revealed, bringing the country’s roster of three Michelin star restaurants to an impressive 15. Noor in Cordoba and Disfrutar, in Barcelona, were awarded their third stars at the ceremony, which took place in the Catalan capital. Noor, led by Paco Morales, ‘one of the most outstanding figures in Spanish gastronomy’, was awarded its first star in 2016 and its second in 2019. According to the Michelin guide, his restaurant ‘uncovers the essence of Andalucian cuisine using modern concepts and techniques.’ From their three menus inspired by Cordoba’s different Mudejar, Morisco y Al-Yazira historical periods, the guide highlights Noor’s fried almonds, smoked butter and orange blossom dessert. Disfrutar was selected thanks to the ‘incredible creativity’ of its three head chefs, Eduard Xatruch, Oriol Castro and Mateu Casañas. Described as a ‘laboratory’, Disfrutar’s kitchen never fails to surprise, with interactive tables and ‘solid bubbles’. Barcelona could now be considered
Paco Morales
By Dilip Kuner & Yzabelle Bostyn
Noor, Cordoba
Morales opened Noor with the aim of putting Andalucian gastronomy on the map. In just over three years he had done just that by gaining two Michelin stars. His capacity for innovation and his personality have allowed him to bring the aromas and flavours of historic Al-Andalus to a modern audience. He has recreated ancient recipes and techniques in a contemporary and avant-garde way as the Olive Press discovered last December. Visit our website for full review.
the capital of Spain for culinary excellence, with four venues boasting three Michelin stars. Alongside Disfrutar in receiving the enviable accolade are ABaC, Cocina Hermanos Torres and Lasarte. San Sebastian follows close behind, with a pair of three Michelin star restaurants, Arzak and Akelaŕe. Meanwhile, Madrid, has just one three Michelin star venue, DiverXO, whose chef Dabiz Muñoz was recently awarded the title of ‘Best Chef in the World’ for the third year running
Oriol Castro, Mateu Casanas, Eduard Xatruch
Other restaurants with three Michelin stars include: Atrio (Cáceres) Quique Dacosta (Denia) Aponiente (El Puerto de Santa María) El Celler de Can Roca (Girona) Azurmendi (Larrabetzu) Martín Berasategui (Lasarte-Oria) Cenador de Amós (Villaverde de Pontones)
Disfrutar, Barcelona Slightly confusingly, the ‘chef’ is actually three people. The history and legacy of the Mediterranean is a running theme at this trendy city restaurant, set up by three trainees originally from Ferran Adria’s legendary El Bulli, just up the coast. Influenced by fishing village fare, the menu transports your
Master Chefs of the Universe See page 7
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mind from old to new and metropolis to farm terrace. Their aim? To amaze, stimulate and create through gastronomy.
And six more of the best 3-Michelin star chefs… Dabiz Muñoz DiverXO Madrid
Chef Dabiz Muñoz has built a reputation as a pioneering and creative adventurer. Still only in his 30s, he continually surprises with his unique approach to cooking, describing his food to the Olive Press as being ‘like a gunshot to the head’. DiverXO specialises in fusion cuisine combining different culinary traditions to produce an experimental menu that’s as unconventional as it is sophisticated. Born in Madrid, he is internationally recognised for his cooking and was voted ‘Best Chef in the World’ last month for a third time. In the week he scooped his third coveted star in 2013, he told the Olive Press: “This is an honour for all Spanish chefs and for Spanish cuisine in general.”
Quique Dacosta
Quique Dacosta, Denia, Valencia Dacosta is one of the leaders in modern avant-garde cuisine, a keen supporter of the Slow Food Movement, and uses only products sourced locally. While he has his own three Michelin star joint in Denia, he also has two stars in nearby El Poblet and has a star as director and culinary creator of the amazing Deessa restaurant at Madrid’s Mandarin Oriental Ritz. It received its first Michelin star just seven months after its opening. See Deessa review online
40
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL Martin Berasategui
December 13th - January 10th 2024
Angel Leon
Aponiente, El Puerto de Santa María
Restaurante Martin Berasategui, Loidi Kalea
Known across Spain as ‘el Chef del Mar’, Angel Leon is noted for his experimental seafood. In 2017, Aponiente earned its third Michelin star (the first and second were won in 2010 and 2014), making it Andalucia’s first-ever three-Michelin-starred restaurant. He is currently engaged with a project to explore the culinary uses of seagrass.
One of the grandfather’s of modern Spanish cooking, Martin Berasategui oversees his Basque Country restaurant and is one of the most decorated chefs in the country, with eight Michelin Stars to his name. His restaurant offers edgy a la carte and tasting menus and has an impressive wine cellar to match.
Joan Roca
El Celler de Can Roca, Girona
Joan has yet again taken the plaudits, but his restaurant is a family affair. There’s Joan, the architect of taste; Jordi, the pudding anarchist; and Josep, the magic ingredient: three brothers, inspired heavily by their mother’s cooking, their repertoire stirred by childhood memories and created with love and generosity for their customers. Opened in 1986, it has three Michelin stars. The food is simple but creative, old yet new - lamb with bread and tomato, St George’s mushrooms with avocado and cava made at the restaurant. See our review online
FOOD, DRINK & TRAVEL
December 13th January 10th 2024
41
AND THE LOSERS ARE
The 11 restaurants in Spain that LOST their Michelin stars
W Javier & Sergio Torres
Cocina Hermanos Torres, Barcelona Twin brothers Javier and Sergio Torres started in the world of cuisine when they were 14 years old. After having sepa-
rate careers and working in renowned restaurants all over the world, they met again in 2002 to start new projects together.
HERE there are winners, there must also be losers. While 31 restaurants in Spain were announced to have won their first Michelin stars, another 11 have lost the gastronomic accolade. Spain now has 272 Michelin-starred restaurants, according to the 2024 guide, with 15 notching up three, 32 with two, and 225 with one. Among those who lost their distinction are Gofio in Madrid, and Lúa, which specialises in Galician cuisine. In Catalunya, La Cuina de San Simon, in Girona, was one of the unlucky restaurants this time around, as was El Nuevo Molino in Cantabria. Several Spanish restaurants lost their stars due to closures, including Odeon Nazario in Murcia, Zuberoa in Gipuzkoa province and Arbidel in Asturias. Espacio N, located in Huesca, lost its star after chef Eduardo Casanova left for another venture, while Capdepera in Mallorca was stripped of its distinction after it moved location. Angle, in Barcelona, also lost a star – but it had two before the 2024 awards were announced, so at least it has been left with one.
New Years Eve Sunday 31st December New Years Eve Gala Dinner 10 course set menu Free flowing house wine and beer Various live entertainment Quike Navarro, Johnny Baker, Georgie O’Neill and GC Performance
340.00€ per person. Doors open at 7pm RESERVATIONS: +34 951 74 47 77 / +34 627 12 14 43 clive@cotorestaurante.com www.cotorestaurante.com Monday to Saturday: 1pm-12am Sunday: 1pm-6pm Ctra. de Ronda, A-397, Km. 44, 29679 Benahavís, Málaga
Make this festive season special by treating yourself to Christmas Dinner at Candela. Our Chef Mathias Theodosis will take you on a culinary journey like no other, all in an atmosphere that brings you all the warmth and joy of the holiday season. Make your reservation now for an unforgettable celebration at Candela Marbella: 25th December Lunch service 26th December Dinner service from 7pm Price per dinner: €48
www.candelamarbella.com Tel: 0034 646 88 84 31 book@candelamarbella.com
42
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL BRANCHING OUT
December 13th - January 10th 2024
ON THE PALATE - RESTAURANT REVIEW
The relaunch of Marbella’s The Oak has been an inspired and timely addition to the local dining scene, writes Jon Clarke
S
TRIKING is one word to describe the first sight of The Oak as you turn up the hill to Nueva Andalucia from Puerto Banus. Two words; ‘blown away’ would work to describe its interior. This wonderful new addition to the restaurant scene in Marbella exudes a special level of elegance on arrival. Actually a relaunch of the restaurant that first opened in 2016, it is an offshoot of its famous big sister, La Sala, next door. Reborn after a long refurbishment, The Oak Firehouse & Cocktail, to use its full name, has a distinct swagger as the group takes things to a new level. Its iconic ‘tree of light’ logo sets the tone standing as a beacon for those in search of quality dining, jumping out like a fire-
work in the night sky outside. Inside it’s all subtle lighting, elegant furnishings, with black and white walls and some cool rock ‘n’ roll touches, such as the bright red Jerry Lee Lewis-style piano. Luxury modernism at its best, it’s seductive and stylish in equal measures, the faux fur on the walls is striking while the comfortable swivel chairs are a great touch. The seduction continues with a central fireplace sending out plenty of heat, as well as the table downlighting, while the friendly staff match the scene, dressed in smart, black uniforms. Fortunately, the menu doesn’t let the side down, with a great mix of starters, including two types of bluefin tuna, the first a tataki, coming with a classic Japanese wakame salad. There is also a lovely looking ceviche, as well as the delicious foie gras mousse on toast. I really liked the beef tartare with black truffle shavings, as well as a langoustine
pil pil, which I tried in whisky for a change, and not sure it worked, to be honest. There were a couple of specials, including ham croquettes, which really ticked the box for my son as did the garlic bread. There are also plenty of starters to share, such as grilled chorizo and grilled chistorra sausage. The mains were focussed very much on the steaks, although there is a fish section and a salad section with four options, so there are other choices. We took the advice of Luke, the manager, a friendly South African who naturally knows a fair bit about meat. He explained the various age differences of the steaks and recommended at least one of four available sauces. He said the chateaubriand, at 600g, was perfect for two, and he was spot on. It came out having just been sliced and was tender to a tee, served medium rare as we had asked. My son loved his Argentinian rib eye and
incredibly still had space for a pudding afterwards, a splendid chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream. While I was more than sated I had a few bites of the lovely lemon tart, with mixed berries. It was truly the acorn on the cake.
Calle Juan Belmonte, s/n, Marbella 29600 +34 951 319 411 www.oakmarbella.com
Book your Christmas Party at Musaka CHRISTMAS PARTIES – DINNER – LUNCH (groups of 4 and more)
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Does your property lack First Occupation License/Licence of First Occupancy? Did you know architects can now issue these licences?
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44
AFFORDABLE BUSINESS December 13th December 26th 2023 CONTACTS
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HEALTH Antibiotic warning
A LEADING Spanish medic is claiming that 5% of Spanish pharmacies are dispensing antibiotics without a prescription. Bruno Gonzalez-Zorn from Madrid's Complutense University says that 23,000 people died this year from multi-drug resistant bacterial infections and that the public needs educating. We need people to know that it is not trivial to take a drug like amoxicillin without a prescription because this is an antibiotic of last resort,” he warned. Gonzalez-Zorn added that self-medicating on home stocks of antibiotics was wrong and that some pharmacies are not helping by selling them over the counter like paracetamol. “We have to take action,” he added.
45 Breathless vigour
December 13th - January 10th 2024 CHILDREN in Spain sleep better and study harder if they spend some quality time in a natural space, according to the Spanish Association of Paediatrics (AEP). "One in five spends very little time away from home, when they should be in a natural area - even if it is in an urban park - for at least an hour a day,"
GREAT OUTDOORS warned the AEP's Juan Antonio Ortega. His study showed that outdoor experiences improve physical and mental health of youngsters. "It increases the quality of sleep, reduc-
es stress and obesity, generates more vitamin D, improves school performance and attention span, as well as boosting the feeling of well-being and happiness," Ortega added.
Frozen out
A 94-year-old man has had to push his wheelchair bound wife home in freezing nightime temperatures due to a lack of an ambulance. An image on social media showed Ramon wrapped up against the 2ºC cold in a hat and scarf, while his wife, Maria, who has Alz-
Love at First Coat NAIL TECHNICIAN
94-year-old man forced to wheel sick wife home from hospital By Simon Hunter
heimers, is tucked under a blanket to protect her from the elements. He was taking her home
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from hospital to her care home in Campdevanol (Catalunya). The photo was first shared on social network X (formerly Twitter) by user Gerard Formenti, who denounced the lack of healthcare resources that forced the couple to have to make the journey by foot. “It doesn’t seem right to me for them to admit a grandmother with Alzheimers in the Campdevanol hospital if there is no ambulance transport to take her barely 250 metres to the provincial residence,” Formenti wrote in his tweet. He also claimed that there was ‘just one ambulance in the entire province’. According to local media, the photo was taken by
COLD: Ramon and Maria make their way home
Anna, Ramon and Maria’s daughter. She said that this was the third time that her parents had had to make the journey. She also claimed that other people had been in the same situation. The couple’s daughter also explained that there are ambulances from the care home to the hospital, but not vice versa.
RUNNING to catch a bus, taking the stairs instead of a lift or carrying shopping bags home can all help to improve your cardiovascular health. The concept of VILPA (Vigorous, Intermittent Physical Activity in Lifestyle) has recently been coined by experts and studies by several institutions including Cadiz University shows it works. Researchers found an average of 3.4 minutes of daily vigorous activity can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in sedentary women by up to 45%. Cadiz's Borja del Pozo, one of the study authors, says the key to integrating intensity into daily tasks is to 'take a little breath away' when doing them.
Centre plan A NEW healthcare centre will be coming to Marbella after it was approved by the city council, and will involve a total investment of €1 million. The 400-square-metre doctors’ surgery will be equipped with resources and medical staff by the regional government once it has been completed. A 30-day tender process has been opened by the council, with a planned construction period of 12 months.
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 .
TheOlivePress-256x170-legal0823.indd 1
7/9/23 10:34
46
TM
GET OFF THE HAMSTER WHEEL
282 902 902 123 282 24/7 EMERGENCY
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HEALTH
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r* aF n u tl e le y s cu o *Fully b m comprehensive j e pc offer rt valid efor h t newo customers e n c only. s o Guarantee iv v subjec e e tr to cover, , o repair r fe at f e pr a i v ra a l i td f o r n e w c u s t o m e r s o n l y. G u a r a n t e e s u b j e c t t o a cp o n pd r o i t v ie o approved d n s garage, g . and a O courr tesyf a vehicle fg e availabilit e r y. , Subjec ea t to n conditions. n dd s O ffer ends c 3 30/11/18. o 0 u / 1 r1 t e / 1 s y 8 .v e h i c l e a v a i l a b i l i t y. S u b j e c t t o c o n d i t i o n s . O f f e r
BREAK DOWN COVER If your car breaks down it can be an upsetting experience, especially if you don’t have roadside assistance cover. But they are also the most common type of problem on the road.
to pinpoint your location and 2/8/18 2/8/18 17:01 send help directly to you. This service is available throughout mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands. The technology is simple to use and really useful when you need it most.
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To help you stay safe here is a checklist of some important safety items in the event of a breakdown. This emergency breakdown kit should be kept in your vehicle at all times. The kit includes: a torch and spare batteries, warm clothes and blankets, high-visibility jacket, first aid kit, jump start cables, empty fuel can, food and drink, two reflective warning signs, a road atlas, and a mobile phone charger.
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We hope the information provided in this article is of interest. If you would like to contact Linea Directa please call 952 147 834. More information about Linea Directa online at www.lineadirecta.com
Being glued to your phone or their apps has a word – addiction
17:01
A
ddiction used to be a word associated with drugs, alcohol, sex or eating. At a very basic level, an addiction is something that causes you to feel that you cannot do without it and when it starts to interfere in other parts of your life. Given this statement, how many of you can honestly say that you are not addicted to watching, holding and engaging with your mobile phones? How many of you have felt acutely anxious when you cannot access your mobile phone and worse still, how many of you access your mobile phone to check on social media apps like ‘X’. If, for example, you are regularly checking every hour, there is a chance that you are now on the hamster wheel of getting that dopamine hit which at the most basic level, is what
Are you suffering from anxiety? Are you depressed? Are your children having social issues? PERHAPS YOU NEED SOMEONE PROFESSIONAL TO TALK TO I HOPE WE CAN HELP. CALL US IN CONFIDENCE.
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drives addictive behaviour. Dopamine is the ‘feel good’ neurotransmitter, one which with a number of other eurotransmitters, gives the ‘high’ that is associated with addictions. What is also interesting to note and be aware of, is that mobile phones are gateways to other addictions. The range of gambling ‘apps’ and the ease of accessing pornography means that mobile phones have become one of the most mentally captivating of all technological items that have been developed in the last 50 years. They have literally given access to gambling, sex and illicit drug distribution opportunities, within the click of a few buttons. It is the ultimate consumer icon of this century. Whilst mobile phone addiction may not have the stigma of alcohol or sex addictions, the mechanisms of addiction are pretty much the same. The same brain circuitry is involved in drug or sex addictions and the difference may be in the potency and efficacy between these areas of addiction, though do not underestimate the addictive pulls that are driven by social media platforms or gambling ‘apps’ on mobiles. It is also important to note that addictions are not just physical, they create cognitive disturbances and distortions. For example, taking cocaine not only physically creates changes in individuals, making them more alert and more engaging, they also create a sense of cognitive control in users and this is a cross-cutting theme in all of the addictions. The fact is that when
people satisfy their addictions, counter-column, which lists althey feel more in control. ternative thoughts and facts to Again, I ask the question. Does dispute the original thoughts regularly checking your mothat lead to the addiction. bile phone, whether it be for It is important you do this on a ‘Whatsapp’ messages, or for regular basis and to collate the social media apps, make you papers and read them regularly feel more in control? so that you can expose yourself I suspect that for many people, to the challenging thoughts that this is precisely the case, that you have come up with and there is a synergy to physically which are meaningful to you. holding the phone and engagBeing addicted to screens and ing with it and also meeting the to your mobile phone also has psychological long term physineed for checkcal impacts. ing and control. Phone addiction Long-term use So how can we can create patmay not have wean ourselves terns of thought off addictions? that become the stigma of The first way is habitual and through cognialcohol or sex more difficult tive and psychoto change and addictions logical support. counter. The second is They also affect by actively doing eyesight, mood the opposite that the addiction and can create emotional disdrives you too, but this changturbances and swings because ing pattern of behaviour needs dopamine also affects the emoto take place some way down tional centres of the brain. the line after therapeutic and So as we move towards Christmental health support mechmas and the festive season, anisms have been in place for please do spare a thought to some time. the amount of time you will be Another way is to use cognitive spending on your phone. disputation techniques. This Watching a Netflix movie on involves getting a paper and your phone may well be enjoylisting the thoughts associatable, but watching t h e ed with the need for movie, then staying on constantly checking social media platforms your mobile phone. and reverting to gambling apps, These thoughts can compromise your mental should be placed well-being. in the first column Bear that in mind and considagainst a er speaking and engaging with family and friends on a face to face basis. Sometimes, ‘old-school’ ways of engaging are the best, because they have been tried and tested for tens of thousands of years, rather than technology that has been around for only four decades.
Change through relocation abroad can also add to mental health pressures and these life changes are never easy. Counselling and therapy has changed the lives of many. Getting in touch is the first step. Recognising that there is an issue is the first step on the road to recovery. Help is available through our confidential counselling service.
+34 664 666 252 info@counselling4anxiety.eu www.counselling4anxiety.eu
c o v e r, e n d s 3
OP Puzzle solutions Quick Crossword Across: 1 Free, 4 Speak, 8 Spa, 11 Primp, 12 Concave, 13 Dewy, 14 Deformed, 16 Joyful, 17 Unwise, 20 Christen, 22 That, 25 Explain, 26 Jumbo, 27 Tea, 28 Sloth, 29 Rank. Down: 2 Railway, 3 Espy, 5 Pinpoint, 6 Alarm, 7 Spud, 9 Acres, 10 Needle, 15 Outsmart, 16 Jacket, 18 Inhuman, 19 Meant, 21 Repel, 23 Thor, 24 Ajar.
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Sheep placenta
FINAL WORDS
A SERIES of hair salons in Madrid were discovered to be using banned products made from sheep placenta and other cancer-causing products. Several arrests were made.
Toothbrush swallow A WOMAN went viral in Spain after she swallowed a toothbrush, which she had wedged down her own throat in a bid to dislodge a piece of jamon. She has made a full recovery.
Pet food win SPANISH airline Vueling has become the first carrier in Europe to offer food and treats for dogs travelling with their owners.
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It was THIS big! Record breaking catch as 11-yearold lands 69 kilo monster fish A BRITISH youngster had a Spanish holiday that he'll never forget after netting a record-breaking 69 kilo catfish. Joshua Davenport, 11, from West Sussex got his catch of the day while out fishing with his parents on the banks of the Ebro river. The 2.7 metre-long catfish nibbled on Joshua's rod and he could scarcely believe what was waiting for him at the end
By Alex Trelinski
of the line. It took 25 minutes to reel in the monster fish (pictured with Joshua) which has now become the biggest freshwater fish to be caught by a boy in Europe. Catfish are nothing new to Joshua who had previously netted a 50 kilo whopper. His
mother Lorna said: “Fishing is everything to Josh who got his first rod when he was four and
FINGER LICKIN’ AROMA IF you love the smell of fried chicken then KFC has the perfect Christmas present for you - a limited edition ‘fragrance’ smelling of its popular product. Called Eau D'uardo, it has the aroma of fried chicken and its bottle has been shaped like a chicken drumstick. The unisex perfume - retailing at a
pocket friendly €3.99 - has been commissioned by KFC Spain. It contains the herbs and spices from Colonel Sanders' original recipe, including ‘notes of bergamot, geranium, mandarin, and pink pepper’.
caught his first catfish aged six which weighed 10 kilos.” Lorna explained his love of catfish is simply down to their large size and that her son's historic catch was the last one he made during their weeklong break in Spain. “It was his dream to catch one over 45 kilos so there was no way he was going to let go. He did brilliantly and it took him about 25 minutes,” added Lorna “When he saw it he just couldn't believe the size of it and it took three adults and Josh to lift it.”
Paw patrol AN adorable chocolate labrador has not only joined its local police force but has also been chosen to star in their Christmas video message. Keta the puppy is barely three months old, but has already been taken on as a colleague by officers in Malaga after she was born part of a litter that was rejected by its mother. In the Christmas video Keta as the narrator explains that ‘when she was born, she looked a bit like a croqueta’. That’s where the name ‘Keta’ came from, she adds. She is seen in the film patrolling the streets of the city with officers, as well as discovering their duties over the festive period, which mainly involve ensuring citizen safety.
Wishing all our readers a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year. The Olive Press will return on 10th January 2024
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