Olive Press Costa Blanca and Valencia Issue 85 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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Vol. 4 Issue 85

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July 14th - July 27th 2022

EXCLUSIVE: Crisis at Costa Blanca hospital as doctors quit in their droves and patients wait ‘up to 60 hours for a bed’ DOCTORS at the Costa Blanca’s most beleaguered hospital have slammed the appalling working conditions and disgraceful levels of care. They told the Olive Press that delays of UP TO 18 HOURS were frequent for patients just to see a doctor at Torrevieja Hospital. Meanwhile, the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department was functioning with around ‘a 50% staffing level’, with sometimes ‘just three doctors’. And in an alarming state of affairs, we can reveal that dozens of medics have resigned over conditions where patients are sometimes forced to wait for UP TO 60 HOURS for a bed. Emergency doctor, Jose Peris Giner, who resigned last month, told the Olive Press that his position had become untenable. “I didn’t believe I could work under such conditions any longer,” said the senior medic, who worked at the hos-

By Alex Trelinski & Jorge Hinojosa

pital for 15 years. “It has got to breaking point.” He continued: “When you receive a patient who has been waiting for more than eight hours, it is really difficult to develop a relationship with them. “Everything promised was never put into action. I think the director should resign.” Matters got so heated last autumn that police had to be called in to calm down angry patients who waited for hours to be seen.

Kidnapped

The Olive Press reported last month how a Swedish family was so shocked at the treatment of their father, Bo-Eskil Svensson, 80, they kidnapped him from the ward and took him home to Sweden. Over the last two y e a r s we have continu-

ally highlighted worsening conditions at the hospital. Doctor Peris confirmed things spiralled dramatically from 2020 when private firm Riviera Salud was told it would be losing its contract to the Valencian govern- SCANDAL: Hospital ‘at breaking point’ claims Doctor Peris ment in 2022. Giner (top), while Mayor Dolon (middle) and Doctor Manuel “While Valen- Peris want action cian officials promised the hospital would im- Press. October, after years of political rows. prove when they took over, that’s far “They hire doctors but they instant- Previously the hospital, run by Ribfrom reality,” Peris added. ly quit as the working conditions are era Salud since 2006, had regularly Indeed, he explained that staffing not good enough.” appeared in ‘best hospital’ lists and issues came to a crisis point in the He added that the A&E department won numerous awards. autumn as doctors and other medical was working on around ‘50% of the “It is really alarming as 15 years ago staff quit ahead of the changeover. staff needed’ and this is causing it was one of the best hospitals in His damning indictment was backed stress and depression among his Spain,” Torrevieja mayor Eduardo up by local union boss, doctor Jose members, resulting in a worse ser- Dolon told the Olive Press. Manuel Peris. vice for patients. “It is a fact that a lot of doctors left “There are simply not enough doc- “Most doctors have to work 24-hour over broken promises of excellent tors and the ones who are employed shifts without a break, eight days a working conditions when it changed are overworked,” he told the Olive month, which is against the law. from private management,” added “A patient can wait up to 18 hours to Dolon, who insisted hospital chiefs be seen and with the low number of neither briefed his office, nor local doctors, mistakes are more likely.” media. He added his members were having to take sick days due to depression Investment and were also taking early retireValencia’s new Health Minister, Miment. While the Valencian Health Ministry guel Minguez, claims heavy investsays average A&E waiting times have ment has led to an increase of staff to fallen by 15% since the plan was in- 1,793 people, compared to just 1,043 troduced in June, unions rubbished when Ribera’s contract ended. Yet, despite continual requests for the claim. They insist patients are simply being answers on specific complaints over backed up in A&E corridors or obser- the last six weeks, The Olive Press vation rooms with delays of ‘up to 60 has been totally rebuffed with no one available for comment from the hoshours’ for a hospital bed. Six years and the bus is According to medical unions the pital or regional goverment. problems began when the hospital finally replaced, see page 5 Opinion Page 6 returned to public management in

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CRIME

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NEWS IN BRIEF Extortion scam THE Guardia Civil have arrested a dating website extortion gang based in Denia and Ondara. The blackmailers are said to have pocketed over €1 million from victims in Germany and Spain.

Hot chick A CHICKEN roasting rotisserie caught fire at a Villajoyosa takeaway with two people taken to hospital in Benidorm. One man suffered mild burns and the other smoke inhalation.

Risky selfie A YOUNG holidaymaker fell four metres off a Javea chalet balcony while taking a selfie. The man on a group vacation with friends suffered head injuries.

Stay safe A CAMPAIGN has been launched to prevent beach drownings across Valencian Community beaches. Some 24 lives have been lost at the seaside so far this year.

A MIXED group of British and Spanish squatters have been arrested in Javea. They were seized after the owner of the property complained that the group had just broken in. Guardia Civil were joined by local police to apprehend them before they got fully settled in.

July 14th - July 27th 2022

UNWANTED GUESTS

They were four British and Spanish men and a 42-year-old British woman. The squatters were arrested for breaking and entering, robbery, and causing damage.

Some of them had extensive police records for property crime. One detainee had an outstanding arrest warrant issued by an Elda court for driving violations.

YOU’RE NICKED

A MAN dubbed ‘Britain’s most wanted cocaine baron’ has been arrested in Benidorm. The search for Louis Edwards, 44, had initially focused on Malaga but investigators finally tracked him down to a hotel on the Costa Blanca. The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) believes that Edwards was the leader of a gang that distributed large amounts of cocaine across southern England. It called in the Guardia Civil after being told that some of

Brit cocaine baron arrested after police track family to Benidorm

his relatives were moving to the Alicante area. A Guardia Civil spokesman said: “After close surveillance of this family group, the investigation focused on a hotel in Benidorm, where the fugitive was arrested.” Earlier this year the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and Crimestoppers launched an appeal in Spain to track down 12 of the nation’s most wanted criminals.

A FEMALE doctor was attacked by a woman told to wait for emergency treatment at a Valencia hospital. The 32-year-old aggressor has been arrested with police confirming it was not the first time the woman has been detained for violence. The incident at the unnamed hospital occurred on June 14, but details have only now been disclosed. The angry woman appeared at the emergency department at around 10.30 pm accompanied by family members.

By Dilip Kuner

It came on the back of the extremely successful Operation Captura fugitives campaign, which resulted in the arrests of 86 offenders. “Spain is not a safe haven,” warned the NCA’s Steve Rodhouse. “We have a brilliant relationship with the country’s various law enforcement agencies and work together

Doctor assault

She demanded immediate attention but was told to wait her turn. Flouting advice from a receptionist, she brazenly went into cubicle areas where doctors were attending patients. On being told to leave she hit the medic, who took refuge behind a stretcher. Medical staff managed to get the assailant out of the treatment area and phoned the police, as she and her family left the hospital.

LED AWAY: Edwards daily to protect the public.” He explained that those on the run usually continue to engage in criminal activity. “Fugitives usually continue offending while on the run and these men will be known in criminal circles wherever they are. “The last thing the fugitives’ associates will want is the combined determination and capabilities of the UK and Spanish law enforcement focusing on them. “Loyalties change over time and we urge anyone with information about these men to help us find them.”

Fallen hero VANDALS have toppled a statue of local Javea tennis star David Ferrer. The sculpture on the Arenal had been yanked off from its plinth. Javea cops have now removed the metal statue to prevent further damage. Repair work will be carried out by the original artist Victor Goikoetxea. Ferrer had attended the unveiling of the sculpture in 2019 in a special ceremony to mark his retirement from tennis. Ferrer is the most successful sports person to come out of Javea. He was Spain’s second-most successful tennis player for many years, but always played in the shadow of his friend Rafa Nadal.

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NEWS

SO THAT’S THE POINT

HE famous San Fermin ‘bull running’ festival has eturned to Pamplona after a two-year Covid break with the ‘Chupinazo’ kicking things off with an inaugural rocket. People from all across the world have flocked to the historic city with over one million punters set to attend the eight day bash. While the running of the bulls and associated bullfights are the most high-profile of events, there is much more to the festival than that. A total of 532 events including concerts, fireworks and a ‘wine fight’ take place over the week. Here, the Olive Press takes a look at its history and customs:

KIDS PLAY: Teenager with water pistol at the bullfight

July 14th - July 27th 2022

Who was San Fermin? He was the son of the Roman ruler of Pamplona. His father was convert-

Spain’s biggest festival San Fermin is about much more than just bullrunning, as the Olive Press discovers

ed to Catholicism by San Saturino in about 300 AD. Fermin was sent to Toulouse for religious instruction and returned as a bishop. Why do people wear the red scarf (pañuelo) around their necks? As a new bishop, Fermin began to spread his teachings. He ran into trouble in Amiens in France where he was tortured and beheaded before being declared a martyr. The pañuelo represents the blood pouring from his neck during his gruesome death. Why do people wear white? There are three different theories on this. One is that the peñas, which are local social groups in Pamplona, started to wear white to differentiate themselves from the rest of the crowd. From here, the tradition spread. Another thought is that before the Running of the Bulls was even an official event, people still needed to guide the bulls from their enclosures to the bullring. They were helped by people on horseback but also others who ran in front of the bulls to get them to follow. These people wore white - hence the tradition. The final theory comes from the three fundamental pillars of the festival. One is spontaneity, the second tradition and the third anonymity irrelevent of wealth and social standing.

HOLY: Celebrations are steeped in the history of slain martyr San Fermin

Are there two San Fermín fiestas? Yes, there is the big messy international one in July, but also a local traditional celebration of the saint in September. There is no bull run or fight, but the religious ceremonies take precedence and, of course, the drinking, fun and fiesta too. Who are the giants with huge heads? The parades of the Gigantes and Cabezudos take place every day of the fiesta. They carry pikes with foam balls on the end and will hit you with them if you annoy them enough. There are FIVE pairs, to represent all the continents, as when this tradition first began, they had no clue about the land down under, and, well, the traditional number stuck.

SCARY: Giants roam the town scaring the revellers (but not all!)

Is there an unofficial running of the bulls every evening? The bulls need to be moved from their enclosures to the pens from where they start the encierro the next morning. At sunset the short run is made in mystical darkness. The street

lamps go out, the crowds are hushed and the nearby fairground comes to a standstill to allow the bulls to move in peace.

PROCESSIONS: Drummers, virgins and bullrunners

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NEWS

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July 14th - July 27th 2022

OLIVE PRESS INVESTIGATES - THE DESTRUCTION OF SPAIN’S COSTAS

Fight them on the beaches By Jon Clarke, Jorge Hinojosa & George Mathias

OU R

DS N A

(comprising 1,360 bedrooms) in a 623,000 square metre area right opposite Los Lances beach. The mostly wooded area - inside the protected Paraje Natural de Los Lances - currently has almost no buildings, apart from the La Codorniz hotel and restaurant. Developers hope however, to overcome the area’s current protection status and their plans have been sent to Cadiz for an Environmental Impact

speculative form of tourism that will make the Tarifa area like the Costa del Sol.” The projects at Valdevaqueros, Las Piñas, Torre de La Peña, Los Lances, Pedro Valiente and Cabo Plata (in nearby Atlanterra) total thousands of new homes and dozens of hotels. “It’s absurd to be developing such a large unspoiled area,” said British businessman Peter Whaley, from the Hurricane Hotel group. “We should be trying our best to protect this jewel of the coast, not build all over it.” In the most recent scheme to be announced, the town hall is backing plans to build 730 homes and a number of hotels

protected land are being made available to developers. In plans that have been on the drawing board since 2004, Tarifa town hall is hoping to develop six specific areas, increasing its urban footprint by 450%. “This is the blatant destruction of one of the loveliest bits of coastline in Europe,” Javier Gil, of Ecologistas, told the Olive Press. “Everyone needs to get involved to condemn this invasive and

GREEN campaigners are digging in to save one of Andalucia’s last remaining coastal zones. They are launching a national campaign to prevent a series of projects from ‘destroying’ the fragile ecology of the stunning Tarifa coastline. Hundreds of expats are expected to join Ecologistas en Accion to fight the plans that mean around 6.2 million square metres - or 600 football pitches - of

DISFIGURE: Plans (below) show how the unspoilt Los Lances beach will be ruined

C O S TA

Virgin danger Final part of protected Costa del Sol coastline set for €120 million megaproject of 300 buildings

GREEN groups have joined the Junta to appeal the construction of a €120 million mega-project in one of Andalucia’s most fragile protected spaces. Ecologistas en Accion have slammed the ‘crazy’ decision to allow nearly 300 buildings to go up inside the only coastal part of the Los Alcornocales Natural Park, near Sotogrande. It comes after a Supreme Court ruling permitted giant olive oil conglomerate Carbonell y Figueras to develop a tourist project in the protected zone of the Campo de Gibraltar. In total, the pair can now build 263 bungalows and six hostels over 330 hectares of parkland, home to dozens of protected species, that reaches down to the sea. Environmentalists insist that all

UNSPOILT: But protestors ask for how much longer? activity, including cultivation, is strictly banned inside the park to prevent any alteration of its ecosystem. And the Andalucia Supreme Court agreed, when in 2021, it denied permission to the builders of the Borondo area, that sits between Alcaidesa and Sotogrande. The scheme, which developers say will create up to 600 jobs, sits in an unrivalled area between the A7 motorway and Pla-

Pic credit: Jose Maria Caballero

Battle lines are being drawn as massive megaproject could see 600 football pitches of homes and hotels ‘swamp’ Tarifa’s famous virgin beaches

ya del Guadalquiton with amazing sea views. Describing it as a ‘green gem’ Borondo developer Joan Cruz insists only 1.5% of the 330 hectares of land owned by the olive oil giant will be built on. “The coastal area will be protected and will allow the movement of any wild animals into the Alcornocales park,” he claimed. He added that the developers had travelled the world to visit similar schemes inside national parks in Tanzania, Canada and Ecuador.

Court The company still needs several permissions to start building and it could take approximately three years to start the construction. Ecologistas is joining the Junta in appealing the decision to the European Court.

Report (EAE). But alarmingly, this is far from all. Another project above nearby Valdevaqueros beach will

OPINION Price of everything, value of nothing EVERYTHING has a price… including Spain’s last virgin beaches. With over six million square metres of pristine coastline in Tarifa in line for urban development, a cabal of bankers and housing developers are rubbing their hands with glee. All rubber stamped by the council, wait for the politicians to wax lyrical about all the jobs it will bring and how much it will clean up the coast. Forget the millions of tourists who visit precisely because they want to enjoy it exactly how it is. Meanwhile the price of the only seaside stretch of Los Alcornocales Natural Park, near Sotogrande, looks to be €120 million. A princely sum it may seem, but not when you consider the unparalleled beauty and unique terrain of this green gem nestled in one of Spain’s most alluring corners. Forget the 600 jobs the Borondo project will bring. The area will be irreversibly altered if it gets the green light and, when finished, if there are two dozen full time sustainable jobs we’d be surprised. There is, of course, a need for more affordable housing in the area, but these developments are not for low-income families, they are for high end holiday homes and tourist retreats for wealthy jet-setters. Perhaps even more concerning is the radio silence from other media outlets here for whom the destruction of such delicate green space is apparently a flippant issue. It falls on all of us to battle the beadyeyed developers who see only euro signs when looking at the most precious natural landscapes in the country. Our Hands off the Costas campaign launched two years ago could be set for a busy summer.

add to the constant pressure on the area. The scheme, which the Olive Press understands comprises around 60 luxury villas, costing millions of euros each, is already on the drawing board. Another scheme at Las Pinas, will see 50 luxury villas constructed. The Olive Press first reported plans to develop the area in 2012, when a series of protests were organised by the pressure group Salvemos Valdevaqueros. The body argued that the area was totally unsuitable for development (back then for around 360 homes and various hotels) as it bordered the Parque Natural del Estrecho and sat in the EU’s Red Natura 2000 zone. This week, Tarifa mayor Francisco Ruiz refused to confirm how advanced plans were for any of the schemes. When pressed on the Lances development, he told the Olive Press: “The project was approved in 2006, but due to the economic crisis building did not begin.”

Respect

While admitting that environmental laws are much stricter today, he is supporting the project for economic reasons ‘as long as the developers respect the environment.” It is a big ask, insists Ecologistas spokesman Javier Gil. “There are only three areas of Andalucia left without mass urban development; Cabo de Gata in Almeria, Donana National Park and around Tarifa. “That is why most of the tourists come to Tarifa. They come here to see virgin beaches, not concrete. “The mayor is going to destroy Tarifa and turn it into a resort like many others on the Costa del Sol. “There is not enough land there to build more houses and developers are naturally interested in virgin areas as they know they will be able to sell the properties quickly and expensively.”

NEWS

Back on track

Political failure By George Mathias

“We are thinking about revoking our residency. We contribute a huge amount to the Spanish economy and we feel after the Brexit situation we are being victimised,” added Reid, who is now hav-

Bad case THOUSANDS of travellers have been stranded without their luggage as cases pile up at Spanish airports. Many passengers have arrived at their destination, but their luggage has been put on to later flights as so many journeys are at full capacity. When their bags finally arrive no one is there to claim them. Passengers at airports around Spain have reported seeing heaps of cases piled up unclaimed in arrivals. The Spanish airport’s company, AENA, blamed the chaos on other airports in Europe not anticipating such a large number of passengers as bookings surge. Compensation of up to €1,350 can be claimed if your luggage does not appear within 21 days, says consumer organisation FACUA.

ing to be driven around by her son. Despite contacting Transport Minister Grant Shapps, Ambassador Hugh Elliott and MPs Lee Anderson, Andy Carter and even Boris Johnson, she is not holding out much hope. “This is a human rights issue and since Brexit, it feels like our rights are being stripped away. I support the Olive Press’ campaign 100% and pray you make a difference.” Meanwhile Hugh Elliott has yet again refused to provide any details with an agreement eluding both sides.

Priority

“We are still working through the technicalities. Resolving this remains our top priority,” he said last week. The Olive Press campaign to get Brits back on the road is in full swing, with almost 5,000 signatures so far on an official parliamentary petition.

Back come the Brits!

NEARLY half a million Brits arrived at Alicante airport last month. Some 497,070 passengers jetted in from the UK, as the airport saw figures approaching 2019 levels. The next highest number of visitors were from Holland with 88,654 passengers, while 86,000 came from Norway and 72,000 from Belgium. June saw 87% of the numbers who arrived in June 2019, nine months before the pandemic. Some 1.34 million people used the airport last month with 8,846 flights. The overwhelming bulk of travellers came from international destinations. The first six months of the year has seen 5.7 million passengers - around 83% of the total of 2019.

NOW

U-TURN CAMPAIGN: British expat stranded without a licence plans to revoke residency in Spain

U -T U R

July 14th - July 27th 2022

ONE of the longest bus replacement services in Spain has finally been retired. It comes as train services between Teulada and Gata de Gorgos finally resumed after the section of Line 9 between Calpe and Denia was closed over safety concerns in 2016. The reopening of the six kilometre stretch means direct rail travel is once again possible between Benidorm and Gata de Gorgos. The final section to Denia is expected to open in early 2023, once a new 370-metre long viaduct is built alongside the 107-year-old Quisi viaduct. Over €30 million has been spent upgrading the 17 kilometres of track with the Gata section alone costing over €15 million. Work has included protecting the line from landslides and flooding. It has also seen the ‘straightening out’ of the line to allow new electro-diesel trains to use it- including the ability to travel faster.

AN expat pensioner stranded unable to drive due to the licence swapping scandal has slammed UK politicians for their ‘total inactivity’. Backing the Olive Press’ U-turn campaign, Sue Reid claims she is now considering moving back to Britain due to the victimisation. The retired hotel manager from Cheshire has so far contacted a host of MPs and mandarins to demand action over the inability of thousands of expats from being able to drive in Spain. “They have either failed to respond or just claimed they’re working towards an agreement,” she said. Reid, who became a resident in early 2021, was given bad advice by a gestor that it would be easy to swap her licence over as an agreement was set to be struck. As with hundreds of others, Reid is now stuck unable to drive in her village of Benijofar, near Alicante.

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You won’t get far... A TRIO of tortoises have been rescued wandering around the Murcia village of Sangonera la Seca. The abandoned Greek species, also known as Spur-thighed tortoises, are classified as endangered in Spain. They have been transferred to El Valle Recovery Centre.

...far from home A MARMOSET monkey has been found walking the streets of Alzira. A resident somehow managed to capture it so a local vet could take it into care. He has now been transferred to the AAP exotic animal rescue centre in Villena. The Guardia Civil is trying to find its owner as possessing the species is banned.

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OLIVE PRESS ALL EDITIONS - PROMO 2 - Half page 170 X 256 - JULY 13, 2022

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 You deserve better THERE would appear to be some sort of omerta among the bosses at Torrevieja hospital. The Olive Press has reported on appalling standards there for over two years, with some cases having led to deaths. Such have been the problems that a Facebook group was even set up for expat ‘victims’ and their relatives. Today we finally delve deep into the matter. In our hard hitting front page report, we reveal how doctors are appalled at the conditions they are being forced to work under leading to desperately ill people having to wait up to 18 hours to even see a doctor. Having to then wait sometimes 60 hours for a bed has been adding salt to the wound. Each time the Olive Press has run a story - and today is no exception - we have attempted to give the hospital and regional government a right of reply. Not once have we had so much as a courteous ‘no comment’. This shows a certain contempt not just for the press, but for the people we represent and who rely on us to tell them what is going on. Our readers (and indeed all taxpayers) have the right to know about the shocking issues of care and why and how the long waiting lists are being tackled.

PUBLISHER / EDITOR

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NEWS FEATURE

PANISH cinema is at its best when portraying rural life and the award-winning 2022 Alcarràs is no exception. It tells the tale of a struggling farming family divided when their century-old orchard is mercilessly trampled ‘by progress’ in the shape of a solar farm. The award-winning film has struck a chord with audiences already witnessing the colonisation of swathes of rural land by international companies capitalising on Spain’s unique combination of sun and wind. Lightsource (owned by BP) has made Spain its largest renewables market in Europe and is joining others in a race that kicked off when the current Socialist government swept aside the notorious sun tax introduced by the PP government a decade ago. In Andalucia alone, 1,2m hectares are being ringfenced for clean energy purposes while 10% of Teruel province could be covered by panels by 2030. This is when the country’s National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) hopes to hit a target of 60 gigawatts of clean power, reaching 74% of its energy requirements. Such is the excitementof this ambitious target, it could make the area the ‘Saudi Arabia of Europe’ claims Spanish economist Jose Carlos Diez. And, given Spain’s vast areas of depopulated countryside, it would seem there’s room for everyone to join the party. But like any progress, the renewable energy boom has its detractors. While speculators merely see Spain as hot and sandy, Javier Oquendo, spokesman for

Territorial fight threatens Spain’s bid to become the Saudi of Europe, writes Heather Galloway

VIEW: from the Mas de Cebrian hotel where there are plans for a solar farm the Platform in Defence of Teruel’s Landscape has a different country in mind. “The big corporations don’t care about our stunning countryside. They are just putting the infrastructure here so they can consume the energy elsewhere,” he told the Olive Press this week. “What we want is a kilometre zero policy. Local use of electricity.”

Oquendo stressed however that he is not against renewables. The Teruel platform and more than 200 others like it have grouped under the umbrella association ALIENTE (Energy and Territory Alliance) with the slogan: “Renewables yes, but not like this.” Their first demonstration last year saw 15,000 protesters in Madrid demanding a different, scaled-down model –

one that cuts out big energy firms with their big export projects. Gorka Ederra, spokesman for Navarra’s Salvamos El Perdon platform explaied: “They plan to cover 40% of the Adios region with infrastructure. These big companies make out they’re coming to save rural Spain. I wish they would leave us alone.” The platforms call it ‘the industrialisation of the coun-

SEEDS OF HISTORY

Jack Gaioni takes a look at Spain’s love affair with the olive, and how it defines the past, present and future

LIVES and Spain! Spain and olives! It’s no surprise to those of us who live here that the two are virtually synonymous. Chances are that olives will be part of your next tapas, olive oil will be in your next meal, and that olive groves are within view. Even the Olive Press is named after them. Yet, there is another dimension to olives that you might not have considered – a dimension beyond food, views and newspaper titles, and that’s the role of olives in archaeology. Archaeology is concerned with the recovery and dating of artifacts in an attempt to give history some lineal order. Putting findings in a chronological sequence has long been the subject of debate. Pottery remains have provided archaeologists with one of the most accurate metrics: the shapes, styles, glazing and decorations are reliable indicators that can be confidently associated with different time periods. Also, as pottery is fragile, it is not passed from generation to genera-

tion, but discarded when broken. Since olives have always been such a mainstay in Mediterranean diets, olive seeds and pottery often show up together in archaeological sites – places like ancient hearths, kitchens and rubbish dumps. The olive seed, when subjected to something called carbon-14 dating, has perhaps become the most accurate part of the methodology archaeologists use in determining age. Simply put, all plants are made of carbon, and when they die they release it. Scientists are able to analyse the rate and patterns of plant decomposition and carbon release, and, from that, accurately calculate their age. A high degree of accuracy is possible with seeds in general and olive seeds in particular. Scientists now claim that by carbon dating olive seeds they can place an archaeological dig within a 25year time frame with a ‘confidence rate’ of 90-95%.

The implications are enormous. For example, the veracity of the Old Testament story of David and Solomon has long been debated. Does the story tell of an actual sophisticated and prestigious Jewish empire that stretched from the Mediterranean to the Jordan River? Or is it a myth – a mere allegory – crafted as a symbol for storytellers to buttress their own morality lessons? Recent archaeological digs at sites near Jerusalem and the Jordan Valley have revealed a host of new scientific data as a result of cross-referencing of olive seed dating with sophisticated pottery inscriptions. Some archaeologists offer this as proof positive that the biblical accounts of David and Solomon are accurate.

www.theolivepress.es

July 14th - July 27th 2022

SUMMER’S HERE - WE MAKE IT EASY TO ESCAPE! AS the world descends on the costas…we like to give you some alternatives. While taking a trip to the Costa de la Luz (as we suggest in this issue) is a world away from Marbella, Torrevieja or Javea, the Olive Press likes to help you really escape. For those of us lucky enough to live here, now is the perfect time to head off and explore some of the quieter - and cooler - corners of Spain. From the temperate climes of Galicia, to the mountains of Granada A Costa de la Luz and the historic towns of inland SEEING I Spain - we have researched and THE LIGHT written hundreds of top-quality travel articles over the years. Even better, they can all be found in one place: in our travel section of the Olive Press website. Chock full of ideas of where to visit, where to stay and where to eat. So what are you waiting for? Visit theolivepress.es and the whole of Spain is at your fingertips. ll about

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July 2022

CAPTURED: The moon rising over Vajer

On a second visit to the Costa de la Luz, Jo Chipchase was finally switched on to its beautiful beaches and illuminated villages… oh, and tuna fish

PIC CREDIT: Jon Clarke

EYESORE?: Some residents think solar panels and wind turbines blight the landscape tryside’ and for those in the Some of the area is part of tourism sector the visual im- the European Natura 2000 pact could be very damaging. network of breeding sites for “They plan to fill rare and threatthe field in front ened species of my hotel with and, though ‘Most of the solar panels,” there is legislaexplained Diego tion protecting renewable Pilaquinga who Natural Parks runs the Mas de companies are and Special ProCebrian hotel in tection Areas The top five most read stories on here to make the Sierra Gu(SPAs), when www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are: dar-Javalambre. it comes to the money’ The Forestalia’s Natura 2000 - British 17-year old holidaymaker reports Maestrazgo sonetwork, the Vietnamese performers over alleged rape in lar project set government’s Spain’s Mallorca to cover 137 hectares with line is merely indicative and solar panels. “People come can be overridden. here to see nature, not to According to Daniel Lopez - Why You Should Never Buy Pre Cut Fruit look out on a field of black from green group Ecologis- GREEN: Renewable energy is booming in Spain And Veg At Supermarkets In Spain panels,” he added. tas en Accion ‘these are frequently areas of are scared of change. In any “They’re the biggest barrier - Ryanair Strike: Low-Cost Airline Announces great beauty but case, you can’t save your vil- to the ecological transition in 12 New Strike Days For July the problem is the lage if you don’t first save the the country right now.” law doesn’t actual- world.” As for Alcarras, Donoso - UK Foreign Office Updates Travel Advice In ly guarantee their Just like the movie, Alcarras, points out that the actual Spain protection’. Catalan village of Alcarràs, the issue is proving divisive. “And most of the According to Oquendo, entire where the film is set, actu- Big Easyjet strikes set to go ahead in Spain renewable compa- communities in Teruel are at ally does have a solar farm nies are here to loggerheads, with vandalism installed on land previously make money,” he surfacing in April and many used as a deposit for waste added. from an industrial pig farm. threats being made. Get in touch today at sales@theolivepress.es or Forestalia, one of Causing much of the anger There was no orchard decall us at 00 34 951273575 for more info the biggest play- is the fact that land can be stroyed and the ‘landowner is ers in the Teruel expropriated if at least 80% very happy’. region, has a back- of local landowners are in ground in the meat favour of installing a project. industry and has “There are neighbours who been accused of have literally stopped speakspeculation and ing,” he said. being given a blank The majority of ALIENTE’s cheque by the gov- groups are demanding multiernment to set up ple small projects instead of where it wants. just a few macro ones, with “If you say you don’t priority for local consumption. EU FORMAL REGULATED DEBT SOLUTIONS want their project, “Unlike with coal, the locals their response is can all participate in this,” Ireland’s leading Personal Insolvency Practice “IRS Ireland” is now available to facilitate that it’s not the claimed Ederra from the Salpersonal insolvency applications in Ireland for people currently residing in Spain. public’s opinion vamos el Perdon platform. that counts. It’s the But Jose Donoso, head of the If you have legacy debts, unsustainable debts secured on property, or simply legality,” said Oqu- Spanish solar association unsustainable unsecured debts, did you know you may be eligible to make an application endo, who flags UNEF, dismissed this idea for a Personal Insolvency Arrangement in Ireland that can resolve debts incurred in any up a viral video in as ‘suicide’. He pointed out of the 27 EU member states? which a Forestalia that the ecological transition CONTROVERSIAL: Religious history is advisor was filmed is not just about ‘decorating If you are in debt and living in Spain, whether your debts are owed to Irish creditors, or creditors divisive telling a protester the countryside’. in an EU member state, contact us on +353 58 23511 or email admin@irs-ireland.com ‘if the villages op- “We need €25 billion in inSceptics argue this is ‘made-up science’. IRS Ireland facilitates Bankruptcy applications, and applications for Personal Insolvency pose us, Europe vestment to reach the 2030 They say it is not a case of carbon dating Arrangements (“PIA”) or Debt Settlement Arrangements (“DSA”) short of bankruptcy. Uniquely will tell you where National Integrated Energy affirming the scriptures, but the scriptures Ireland’s PIA mechanism allows for the restructuring of debt secured on a property asset without the you can put your and Climate Plan (PNIEC) taraffirming carbon dating. opinions’. get. Small companies simply requirement for the property to be sold or surrendered by you. Mitchell O’Brien, senior personal Issues involving politics and religion in this Forestalia has don’t have that kind of moninsolvency practitioner with IRS is Ireland’s most successful facilitator of PIA applications. part of the world tend to be explosive, so denied the blank ey,” he claimed. we’ll leave those arguments for others. A personal insolvency practitioner (“PIP”) is a regulated professional authorized by the Irish cheque claims in- Donoso adds that those who The point here is that olive seeds, because Government’s Insolvency Service of Ireland. Mitchell O’Brien was Ireland’s first licensed PIP. Formal sisting it is ‘impos- maintain we can respond to of the way they can be carbon-dated, are sible’ when there climate change with small Irish insolvency arrangements are recognized and enforceable in all EU Member States. front and centre in these historical arguis a public bidding companies alone are neo-nements. Face-to-face consultations can be arranged with Mitchell O’Brien in the Malaga region, process to win gationists. So, the next time you eat olives, please or using Zoom video conferencing. the project. “The “These people may not deny know that you could well be helping to tell people on these climate change but that future generations something about life in platforms play the makes them more dangerSpain, circa 2022. victim,” insisted a ous because they oppose any spokesman. “They policy to address it,” he said. Take a front row seat on the Costa de la Luz’s most beautiful square +34 956 45 53 02 www.garimbasur.com

Plaza de España, 32 – 11150 Vejer de la Frontera, Cádiz

2 3 4 5

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HAD visited the Costa de la Luz only once before, a decade ago with my young sons. At the time, I had only heard of Tarifa, famed for its knockabout winds and fortified historical centre, facing across the straits to Africa. The southernmost tip of Spain, it was the place to catch a ferry to visit Morocco or hang out with fit windsurfers, who practically lived on the beaches and then partied into the early hours of the morning. Back where I’m based in inland Granada, young people with vans invariably had a ‘Tarifa Pirates’ sticker on it. So, we were constantly reminded of the name. But what was further up the long N-340 from Tarifa westwards? Who cared? It was a big, empty space, as far as I knew, and that meant missing out on so much. For someone who loves photography, I should have known better… but now I’ve been switched on and have finally seen the light, if you’ll excuse two puns. My discovery came on a recent trip along this stunning windswept stretch of coastline that stretches all the way to Cadiz… and then all the way through Huelva to the Portuguese border. The area of most interest - is loosely between and Conil.

Cubic

This 40-something mile stretch of breathtaking coastline is full of unspoilt beaches, cubic white towns and too many places to stop and take a perfect holiday snap. Broadly speaking, you should spend at least two days in Vejer and Tarifa, with a day in each of Conil and Zahara and with a side trip to Barbate, which is incredibly one of Spain’s poorest towns (on paper). With a bit more time, make sure to see Bolonia and its famous sand dune (the biggest in the world) and an inland stop in Medina Sidonia, one of the true unspoilt, authentic gems of southern Spain. The start of the Costa de La Luz and its famous light begins at the Mirador del Estrecho, about quarter of an hour’s drive past Algeciras. It’s a must-stop, as this high point has some of the best views in the world, looking across to Africa, over the Continues on next page

GREEN

www.theolivepress.es

July 14th - July 27th 2022

DRYING UP

Seabin

THE Port of Malaga is taking action to keep its waters clean by installing a revolutionary new device, known as a Seabin, to collect rubbish from the sea. Located in IGY Malaga Marina, the ‘trash skimmer,’ that has already been installed in the water, acts like a floating garbage bin skimming the surface of the water. It’s expected to collect an average of 1 to 1.4 tonnes of waste per year. Seabins have previously been installed in Valencia, Mahon, Getxo, Gijon, Cartagena, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and A Coruña.

Spain and Portugal experiencing driest spells in over a millennium THE Iberian Peninsula is going through its driest period for 1,200 years, according to new research. The majority of rain in Portugal and Spain falls in the winter months, but a high-pressure weather phenomenon known as the Azores high can block wet weather fronts which provide much needed rain. Researchers from the Oceanographic Institution in the US said winters with ‘extremely large Azores highs’ have increased significantly. Prior to 1850,they only occurred once every 10 winters. Since 1980 however, this has risen to one in every four. When they occur, they force the wet weather northwards, making downpours in the UK and Scandinavia far more likely.

Climate

The scientists said this increase was undeniably the result of the climate crisis, caused by increased carbon emissions from human activity. Dr Caroline Ummenhofer who headed the research team, told the Guardian: “The number of extremely large Azores highs in the last 100 years is really unprecedented when you look at the previous 1,000 years. “That has big implications because an extremely large Azores high means relatively dry conditions for the Iberian peninsula and the Mediterranean. We could also conclusively link this increase to anthropogenic emissions.” Droughts and heatwaves are becoming more and more common on the peninsula and this May was the hottest on record in Spain.

By George Mathias

Environmentalists say heatwaves are becoming 10 times more likely than they were before the effects of climate change were established.

PARCHED: Water levels are low

Just consider the facts - climate policy has failed

NO SMOKE WITHOUT FIRE T HE central goal of climate policies is to reduce harmful emissions. Yet even with all of the international agreements of the last three decades - The UN Framework on Climate Change of 1992, the Kyoto Protocol of 1997, the Copenhagen accord of 2009, the Paris climate accord of 2015, 26 Conference of Parties, DECARBONISATION HAS REMAINED UNCHANGED. The world is witnessing an alarming outbreak of weather disasters: ● Giant wildfires ● Deadly heatwaves ● Powerful hurricanes ● Unprecedented flooding Despite the overwhelming current evidence, inaction abounds. There is no doubt that this is just the beginning of the grim toll that climate change will

PROTEST: to save the Amazon

Green

take in the years to come. Countries rely on others to act. This is the road to nowhere. All of the agreements that countries have entered into are not binding. They have no teeth. There are no penalties. There is a vast chasm between aspirations and effective policies.

BIDEN’S POWER TO CUT EMISSIONS LIMITED BY SUPREME COURT America is a huge polluter. What goes on in the US affects us all. 19 largely Republican states brought a case against the US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and won. The Supreme Court, in a landmark ruling, destroyed President Biden’s (pictured below) aspirations to tackle the climate crisis. The 19 states are home to America’s largest coal companies. Their political and financial power is so strong that they derailed plans to do the right thing for the world. How sad. How corrupt. How damaging. The US accounts for 14% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Biden had committed to reducing this by 52% by 2030. Fat chance of this happening now! BAD NEWS EVERYWHERE In the UK last month, the Forestry Commission said the government has ‘zero chance’ of reaching its tree planting targets. At COP-26 last year 196 countries agreed to a deadline to submit detailed plans to reduce emissions. Only 11 countries complied. Talk

is cheap …action requires resolve. Countries agreed to reduce the use of coal yet 34 countries are now considering new coal plants. India has announced that it is increasing production of coal power and reopening 100 power plants. Countries promised to stop deforestation by 2030. But in Brazil (home to more than half of the Amazon rainforest) deforestation is up 70% on last year. Countries agreed a scheme to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030. Last year, methane levels saw their biggest annual increase since records began. Countries agreed to reduce fossil fuel subsidies. In 2021 they increased. Wealthy nations agreed to provide $100 billion a year to help developing countries move away from fossil fuel dependency. It hasn’t happened. Here in Spain and Portugal we are suffering the driest climate in 1200 years. In Italy there is a declared state of emergency in five northern regions where they are said to be experiencing the worst drought in 70 years. The river Po valley which produces 40% of Italy’s rice and grain has not seen rain in four months. How many more alarm bells need to ring before governments actually do the right thing?

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

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TheOlivePress-256x342-MP0622.indd 1

6/6/22 10:43

LETTERS BULL BY THE HORNS

July 14th - July 27th 2022

Dear Olive Press,

an anYOU recently published a report of using rid, Mad in n ratio onst dem n ortio ti-ab te and the term ‘pro-life’. I find this inaccuraified as qual ing Hav sive. offen professionally hern a midwife in the 1980s, I was the Nort of MidIreland Director of the Royal Collegeessional wives for 30 years, which is the prof Midorganisation for midwives in the UK. however wives, by definition are ‘pro-life’, ot also cann they that n mea not does this term be ‘pro-choice’. Those who use the ribed ‘pro-life’ may more accurately be descy also as ‘pro-birth’, ‘anti-abortion’ as man we have support the death penalty, or as less of seen more recently in Malta, are heed her to the risk to a woman’s life by forcing result continue with a pregnancy that mayrts will in her death. I trust that future repo no longer use the term ‘pro-life’. Breedagh Hughes, name and address supplied

the deEditor’s note: We appreciate subject bate on abortion is a sensitive Such is and you make a good point. it is unthe divisiveness on the debate, s such derstandable that emotive termch are as ‘pro-life’ or ‘pro-choice’, whi me highly loaded terms, have beco we aim commonplace. In the future -abor‘pro s term the use to instead ead. tion’ or ‘anti-abortion rights’ inst

Carne-val I noticed a vitriolic response online to the Olive Press’ articles on the San Fermin fiesta. With comments such as ‘good job bulls’ responding to three men being gored in the run. These are presumably the same people who chow down on jamon and paella in the evening which - spoiler alert - is made from animals killed for our food. Janet Rider, Murcia

Meat in the middle

Junk mail

San Fermin is not for everybody. I appreciate that many have strong feelings about the treatment of animals during these eight days, but we must also be honest about how integral animals, and the killing of animals, is to the celebration of cultural events around the world, many of which date back hundreds if not thousands of years. Humanity is slowly but surely going down a path where animal suffering is lessened and blood sports are outlawed, but it cannot happen overnight and nor should it. The process should be evolution, not revolution on these important issues. Dee Maxwell, Gibraltar

I am following with interest the issues with UK driving licenses. Recently I have had some experience applying for a parking card here in Spain and would like to discuss this experience with Ambassador Hugh Elliott, and provide possible pointers to help him and his team in their discussions. It is difficult to know the best way to contact him. Can you help me?

Editor's note: The debate of tradition vs progression is not one which will be solved by our paper. As we point out on page 3, the festival is about much more than the bull runs with a variety of cultural events fit for the whole family. Whatever your view, with over a million people attending this year, the tradition is not going away anytime soon.

Professor Raymond P. Clark, O.B.E, Moraira

Please be humane

Editor’s note: The best way of contacting Hugh Elliott is via the British consulate at spain. consulate@fco.gov.uk. Keep us posted on your progress and we hope you have more luck than many of our readers!

With the recent deaths of 23 migrants crossing the Moroccan border to Mellila, the death of 50 migrants on the Mexico border to Texas and the continuing peril of those crossing the English channel, there surely has to be a better and more humane way of treating those seeking a better life while still retaining some degree of border controls. Where can I find out more about this? Alan Bretton, Casares

OP QUICK CROSSWORD 1

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OP SUDOKU

War of words

San Fermin polarises our readers and a distinguished midwife (left) makes the case for a change in terminology…

Across 6 No question (2,6) 7 Young ---, eager for change (4) 8 Foggy (4) 9 Such lines never cross (8) 10 Retrieve (3,4) 13 Remote target? (2,3) 14 Walk noisily (5) 16 Middlingly (3,4) 20 Curt dismissal (5-3) 21 Sharp high-pitched resonant sound (4) 22 The beginning of cheese (4) 23 Broad-minded (8)

Down 1 In recent times (2,4) 2 Consecrated (4) 3 Henry Miller’s “--- of Cancer” (6) 4 Lehar’s widow (5) 5 Architectural feature usually found near ceilings (6) 7 Israel’s economic centre (3,4) 11 Perplexed (7) 12 Range of knowledge (3) 15 Twisting force (6) 17 Recorded (2,4) 18 Spats (3-3) 19 Northamptonshire, to Northumberland (5) 21 Tiny hole admitting passage of a fluid (4)

All solutions are on page 12

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www.theolivepress.es CAPTURED: The moon rising over Vejer

osta de la Luz July 2022

SEEING THE LIGHT

On a second visit to the Costa de la Luz, Jo Chipchase was finally switched on to its beautiful beaches and illuminated villages… oh, and tuna fish

Cubic

PIC CREDIT: Jon Clarke

Take a front row seat on the Costa de la Luz’s most beautiful square +34 956 45 53 02 www.garimbasur.com Plaza de España, 32 – 11150 Vejer de la Frontera, Cádiz

July 2022

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osta de la Luz From front page

straights. From here, it’s a short hop down into Tarifa old town, and parking near the port. Here you’ll find two types of queue; those heading on the hydrofoil to Morocco and many others, frequently queuing for a must-do trip to view the famous whales and dolphins of the Staits. From here, looking out along the spit to Tarifa island, you can clearly see where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic Ocean - and with the water taking on a beautiful two-tone, bluegreen hue. This joining of oceans causes a zone where both the Poniente and Levante winds take centre stage, causing gusts and attracting surfers and kitesurfers by their thousands from around the world. Tarifa old town is a must visit. Once inside its old walls, between the castle and the stunning Puerto de Jarez, it’s charm personified. You’ll love wandering its cobbled streets, enjoying its boutiques and general ambience, but

FUN FACT HISTORIC: Tarifa old town (above) and where the Atlantic meets the Med

Coast with the most

RECORD: Bolonia’s giant dune and its stunning Roman remains

restaurant-wise, you’re better looking out for something just outside the walls on Calle Santisima Trinidad. Heading west from Tarifa, I marvelled at the sheer number of diving, windsurf and kite schools, as well as quad hire companies that have set up. There are numerous dreamy hotels and hip restaurants, many sitting right on the wonderful Playa de Los Lances or its next door Valdevaqueros beach.

Tarifa is sometimes credited with being the origin of the word ‘tariff’, since it was the first port in history to charge merchants for the use of its docks.

Sand battle

I took a side turn onto the A235 towards Punta Paloma - a must see - and was amazed to find it almost completely blocked with sand.

It had blown down from the Valdevaqueros dunes in copious amounts, rippling across the road surface, and making it difficult to pass other cars without putting a wheel into a dune. I wished I had brought my 4x4 for some fun, sandy action. Soldier on for a couple of kilometres, and you’ll come to two restaurants on the headland – Justito de Copas and El Mirlo Tarifa. What a place this is to enjoy a sundowner, or - even better - head up the hill to the secret spot, Tesoro (go on, try to find it!). From here, you can continue on foot on the well-marked GR145 Arco Atlantico walking route. It takes you over to Bolonia and its Roman ruins – although I was advised

by a local that this could take ‘several hours’.

Roman ruins of Bolonia

Next up is the hamlet of Bolonia which has a museum devoted to its famous Roman ruins, which are considered among the best in Spain. These ruins originally formed the Roman town of Baelo Claudia, located directly beside the beach. There is so much to see including a bakery, a statue of Claudius and semi-intact columns. Bolonia’s beach is 3.8km long and features a massive sand dune. People climb this in their droves – most to take a selfie - but choosing a cool time of day is advised.

A destination of infinite possibilities

Considered by many as one of the best hotels on the Cadiz coast of Zahara de los Atunes. An excellent choice for the summer season. t: 956 439 097 info@pozodelduque.com www.pozodelduque.com Paseo del Pradillo, 32, Zahara (Cádiz) - Spain

July 2022

Discover the teeming aquatic wildlife of Tarifa with Jon Clarke

Tuna tales

The next leg of the journey, past the hundreds of wind turbines of Fascinas valley, is a real eye opener for aesthetes. It gets even better when you turn left onto the A2227 to Zahara, driving past rolling fields of sunflowers, fighting bulls and grand country cortijos eventually emerging at the stunning village that has a slightly eccentric feel. You soon begin to realise that the relaxed and friendly vibes characteristic of the Costa de la Luz are best found in Zahara de los Atunes. This is a true gem of a town with a centre crammed full of whitewashed buildings and a diverse range of small shops and bars, many appropriately serving dishes based on tuna. Zahara is famed for its tuna, hence the name, and it is one of the true delicacies of Spain. It’s quite different from any other tuna (indeed fish) I

PIC CREDIT: Leon Marino

UNDERWATER WORLD U have ever eaten. Wandering towards the seafront, we found boutiques selling funky clothes, beach bars with colourful chairs, hotels of various sizes, and vendors selling Indian throws. Looking for a place to stay? Hotel Pozo del Duque has sat on this wonderful beach for decades and does some impressive deals.

No Barbs

The next stretch of coastline (the 11km stretch of the A2231) is one of the most beautiful drives in Spain. It cuts through rolling fields of cattle, stretching right down

to a lovely sandy beach. The light is stunning, but sadly there aren’t many places to park, as it’s mostly military land on both sides of the road. Eventually, you’ll come to the larger and less touristy town of Barbate, which - with 22,500 people - many of them brought here during the Franco dictatorship, has had to address some social problems over the years. But it is definitely one to visit. Lying on the River Barbate, and surrounded by Natural Park, Barbate has a long history of fishing that dates to Roman times. Of particular interest are the port, an art deco-type building that hosts a town hall fishing initiative, and nearby restaurants serving fresh fish. The famous Campero restaurant is also here. Barbate is extremely popular with Spanish tourists in the summer but attracts far few foreign visitors, which is a shame, as it’s worth exploring.

NDER the sun-kissed sea there lies an alien world, teeming with colourful life that makes the coast’s crowded beaches and bars seem a million miles away. Scuba diving, a thrilling yet serene sport, abounds all around the Straits, and in particular near Tarifa. Whether you are an experienced diver or a novice, you will be struck by two underwater wow factors: the clarity of the water and the infinite variety of fish. A number of companies op-

erate out of Tarifa harbour taking punters of all experience levels on dives and offer official PADI courses. After a thorough landbased briefing on safety, science and equipment from my dive manager, at Yellow Sub, one of the longest running firms in business, we kitted up and made our way to the boat. Given that my previous introduction to scuba diving was a university swimming pool, I was blown away by the vivid underwater landscape and clear visibility. The sheer num-

Bucear

en Tarifa Empieza hoy! 609 71 81 15

ber of aquatic species of all sizes and colours of the spectrum is astounding. We chugged around Tarifa’s mini island, Isla de la Palomas, investigating every nook and cranny, marvelling at the magnificent orange anemones clinging to the rocks. Sassy sea cucumbers, evil-looking moray eels with their malevolent mouths agape, fish that camouflage themselves in the sand… even Sir David Attenborough would wax lyrical! At one point we came upon a pair of octopuses entwined in a passionate embrace, and, feeling like a third wheel, I edged away, but soon realised they were fighting over the best hiding place under the rocks. It was fascinating to watch and, as the victor took up residence, the loser powered off to regroup. Whether you’re a rookie or an expert seeking fresh challenges, Yellow Sub, or other companies such as León Marino will show you a breathtaking underwater world you’d never imagine existed. Visit www.divingtarifa.com, www.leonmarino.surf or www.bucearentarifa.com

Padi Courses & Diving Courses

PIC CREDIT: Vic Stamp

CAPTIVATING: Crab and Eel are among the treasures of the deep

PRETTY: An inlet at Barbate

local 5, Puerto Tarifa Tarifa, Spain www.bucearentarifa.com

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osta de la Luz

Whale of a time Flying fish, dolphins and giant turtles pay a visit on a trip into the Straits, writes Jon Clarke

E are about equidistance between Spain and Morocco in the deepest part of the Straits of Gibraltar. Flying fish, turtles and two types of whale are basking around, feeding and luxuriating in this food-rich marine paradise, some 15 minutes offshore from Tarifa. And that’s not to mention the dolphins, including a pair of Bottlenose, who are shepherding their calf, that is apparently no more than a week old. Soon we have found a school of dolphins swimming around the boat and, being so calm, we can see them clearly under the water. It’s an almost religious experience for the boatload of tourists, as the stunning mammals clearly swim over to take a closer look at us. “These two are particularly inquisitive,” pipes up a voice from the cockpit above, as one particular pair come sniffing up to the boat, then swim underneath at an amazing speed. The words come from Dr Katharina Heyer, a remarkable woman of 75 years of age, who has become, without a doubt, one of the world’s authorities on sea life off the tip of southern Spain. It’s her 20th year working with her foundation Firmm, which was set up after she was guided to Tarifa to see whales and dolphins by a ‘spiritual man’ in 1998.

Research

Then running her own fashion company in Switzerland, she visited the area to find nobody organising trips to see the mammals and almost no research on them. “I arrived on a really rainy, awful day to find no whale boats, just fishermen, and had to rent a diving boat to take me out,” she explains. It may not have been perfect weather conditions, but what she saw completely changed her for good. While she had long enjoyed diving holidays with her teenage sons in the Caribbean and the Maldives, seeing a group of Pilot whales and Bottlenose dolphins had a strong and immediate impact on her. So moved was she by these large and graceful mammals that she quickly moved out to set up her ‘respectful whale watching’ foundation in Tarifa and has never looked back. Indeed, so respected has been her research into the mammals over the last two decades - in particular her sensitization work for them - that last year she was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Basel. There are now a handful of companies taking visitors out to see the mammals from Tarifa, and on most days they can expect to see Sperm whales, Pilot whales and even Orcas, not to mention various types of dolphins and many other fish. It is one of the best places in the world to see them, with the currents bringing a lot of food from both directions, explains Katharina. However, this brings in itself severe risks, as they are entering one of the busiest waterways in the world with more than 300 freighters and other sea traffic passing every day. Indeed, as you look out into the Straits you are witnessing a battle for survival. “The lives of dolphins and whales are at risk from ferries getting faster and faster, the noise from shipping

traffic and more,” she explains. “We are trying our best to monitor their numbers and do our best to minimise the issues they face.”

PIC CREDIT: Turmares Tarifa

LA CULTURA

OLD TIMER

THE earliest ever skull fragments of a prehistoric European man dating back 1.4 million years have been unearthed by archaeologists in Spain. The jaw fragments were found in the Atapuerca Mountain range in Burgos. The Atapuerca Foundation - a body that supports scientific research into human evolution - said carbon dating has established that the human - or ancient hominid - is the oldest human ever discovered in Europe.

Human

The Spanish archeologists behind the momentous discovery said: “This forces us to rewrite the books on human evolution.” In 2007, a fossil was found on the same site and dated back 1.2 million years. Prior to this discovery, it was generally thought that the first modern humans migrated to continental Europe 50,000 years ago. The new discovery was found at the Sima del Elefante archaeological site by doctoral student Edgar Tellez.

July 14th - July 27th 2022

Sunny delight The greatest show in town returns to Alicante for the summer THE internationally renowned Cirque de Soleil has returned to Alicante Province for the first time since 2018. The troupe's Luzia show celebrates Mexican culture in what is described as an explosion of

By Alex Trelinski

light and rain. It will be Cirque de Soleil’s only visit to the Valencian Community this year. Fresh from successful shows in Geneva, Switzerland, a giant 19-metre high tent has been erected at Playa de San Juan for performances starting tonight (July 14) and running until August 21. The tent can accommodate up to 2,600 people and occupies a 20,000 square metre area. Some 65 trailers have been used to bring the travelling show from Switzerland. It took over a week for the tent and surrounding structures to be erected. According to circus bosses ‘Lu-

Have Murcia MURCIA’S answer to San Fermin fiesta is underway in the town of Moratalla. The event, known as Santisimo Cristo del Rayo, is back after a two year covid-realted absence and this year celebrates its 400th anniversary. An 18-year-old man had to receive medical attention after he was gored, having been swung around by the bull in mid air. Hundreds of people took to the streets to view the first run, which took place on Monday.

SPECTACLE: Fabulous new show zia takes the audience to an actors, and great visual surprisimaginary Mexico, in a dream- es, Luzia glides between an old like state where light quenches movie set, the vast ocean, a ballthe spirit and rain soothes the room, and an arid desert. soul’. The show features the many With an international cast of 50 sights, faces, and sounds of acrobats, musicians, singers, Mexico, blending tradition and modern themes. It also includes rain for the very first time in a Cirque de Soleil touring production, which promises to create some memorable moments for the audience. The group was founded in Quebec, Canada, by Guy Laliberte in 1984 and employs 5,000 people worldwide including 1,300 artists. Ticket prices for Luzia start from €40 with performances at 6.30 pm and 10.30 pm.

Tic-TacWoah! A HISTORICAL association has called for the preservation of Santiago de Compostela’s historical carvings of noughts and crosses. Colectivo A Rula first published findings of the games in 2015, following widely shared photos on social media of the ancient game. Thereafter, eagle-eyed residents started spotting other carvings in the Galician city in its plazas, fountains, and buildings. Some of the carvings have been dated to the 16th century. There are thought to be at least 200 games inscribed into walls throughout the city. Luis Leclere of Colectivo A Rula, told the Guardian: “They’re hidden in plain sight. We’ve never heard of anything like the concentration of games we have here.”

LA CULTURA

July 14th - July 27th 2022

GET FESTIVE It’s not summer unless you’ve joined thousands of people outdoors and danced to music from someone old enough to be your dad. Here’s our pick of Spain’s eight best peak summer festivals

HEY say Tomorrowland is the biggest, Burning Man is the wackiest, and Glastonbury the most iconic, but Spain’s international music festivals have the weather and the lineups, and the advantage of being right here. After a couple of quiet years, veteran artists are limbering up to entertain crowds across Spain, from Burning Spear and Iggy Pop to Simple Minds and James. There’s room on the festival bills too for plenty of artists with a bit more spring in their step, from Glass Animals to H.E.R., and for Spanish indie rock and pop from the likes of Izal and Vetusta Morla.

Benicassim International Festival (FIB) July 14-17, Benicassim (Castellón, Valencia)

HE giant of Spanish music festivals has scaled back a bit this year, but still promises four days of top acts, partying and seaside fun. Kasabian (pictured right), The Kooks, US electronic dance music maestro Steve Aoki, and Spain’s Izal are among the highlights, and there’s a chance to catch everyone’s favou-

It’s not all standing in a field drinking from plastic cups either – there’s something for all comfort tolerance levels. A €1975 VIP table for four at Concert Music Festival in Chiclana, Cadiz, is about as deluxe as it gets, though strictly speaking this festival is more a marathon series of concerts. Underway and running until August 28, the top acts still to come include Texas (July 31), Sting (August 4) Nina Pastori (August 8) and Malu (August 17) – and yes, cheaper ticket options are available. But for those looking for great music in the great outdoors, here’s our pick of the best international music festivals still to come in Spain this summer.

Diversity Valencia Festival

rite Argentinian chanteuse, Nathy Peluso. Amazingly, right now, there are tickets, limited camping spots, and nearby accommodation available.

July 21-23, Valencia

JAZZALDIA

July 20-25, San Sebastian

4 2

HE oldest jazz festival in Spain, founded in 1966, is still going strong – as are the artists, who include Iggy Pop (pictured left), Simple Minds and Herbie Hancock, as well as Diana Krall and double Grammy winner Gregory Porter. While tickets are in high demand, the festival takes place all over the town, and there are free concerts on the beach and in parks.

Rototom Sunsplash

OP Puzzle solutions

August 16-22, Benicassim, Valencia

back, 13 TV set, 14 Stomp, 16 Not very, 20 Brush-off, 21 Ping, 22 Curd, 23 Tolerant. Down: 1 Of late, 2 Holy, 3 Tropic, 4 Merry, 5 Frieze, 7 Tel Aviv, 11 Bemused, 12 Ken, 15 Torque, 17 On file, 18 Run-ins, 19 South, 21 Pore.

SUDOKU

Quick Crossword Across: 6 Of course, 7 Turk, 8 Hazy, 9 Parallel, 10 Get

UROPE’S biggest reggae event offers full-on, week-long immersion, with on-site entertainment night and day. As well as camping, markets, entertainment for kids a Notting Hill Carnival-inspired sound system and Voodoo Club for late night funk and disco, there’s live music: Horace Andy, Sly Dunbar, dancehall king Sean Paul (pictured inset), and Julian (son of Bob) Marley are among the reggae royalty, and – quite a coup – the legendary Winston Rodney, aka Burning Spear, has been recalled from retirement to give the grand finale.

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GGY is back onstage, along with the Black Eyed Peas, Christina Aguilera (below), Kelis, R&B star H.E.R, and the mightily popular baby-faced Dutch DJ, Martin Garrix. In total, more than 30 international artists will be doing their thing at the City of Arts and Sciences. In addition, the organisers promise a ‘colourful explosion’ of diverse experiences, parties and shows right across the city.

LA CULTURA June 3rd - June 16th 2021

July 14th - July 27th 2022

Canela Party

24-27 August, Torremolinos, Costa del Sol

OUR days of fun in a bullring – and it’s not often you get to say that! The first day of concerts is free for all. Highlights on the following ticketed days include (inset) Sleaford Mods (however hard it is to imagine them on the sunny Costa del Sol) on the 25th; San Francisco indie band Deerhoof on the 26th, and Battles, the hypnotic, electronic rock duo from New York on the 27th. The bullring is just a 15-minute walk away from the centre of Torremolinos.

Andalucia Big Festival by Mad Cool September 8-10, Malaga

R S

UMMER keeps getting better! Arctic Monkeys and Nick Cave (pictured below) and the Bad Seeds headline a strong first day which includes Róisín Murphy (where’s she been!), Blossoms, ambient Bonobo and the blasting guitars of Spain’s Venturi. The Chemical Brothers and Kraftwerk (pictured left) headline the second day, which also has sets from Hot Chip and German techno marching band MEUTE. And, for those who can stay the distance, there’s Liam Gallagher, Röyksopp, and James Blake on the final day, along with a veritable showcase of Spanish bands, including Malaga’s own La Trinidad. The festival takes place at the Sonora Mijas venue, just 15-minutes from the beach. Tickets are €77 per day, or €170 for the 3 days plus camping.

Cala Mijas International Festival September 1-3, Mijas, Costa del Sol

VISOR FEST

16-17 September, Murcia

ARGETED at those who fondly remember festivals in the 90s, this unapologetic celebration of golden oldies has The Waterboys and New Model Army topping the bill on day one, and James and The Lightning Seeds destined to evoke waves of nostalgia on day two. Performances are scheduled without overlaps to keep things stress-free, say the organisers. This easy option festival takes place at the Recinto Ferial de La Fica.

AGE Against the Machine, Biffy Clyro, Stereophonics, Jamiroquai and Muse will pull you in, but the chances are you’ll like the bands further down the bill just as much and leave singing Heat Waves by Glass Animals. Or something by Paolo Nutini. Look out too for Yard Act and the rowdy Sports Team. Spanish bands appearing over the three days include indie rock giants Vetusta Morla and the rockabilly La Perra Blanco. The location is ideal: Playa de Sacaba, out towards Malaga airport, and well-ser ved by public transport.

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BUSINESS

Cash happy

TOURISTS are splashing the cash, with foreign visitors now spending more money than before the pandemic. Aaccording to data released by the Spanish National Institute of Statistics (INE) tourists spent a total of €1.1 billion in Andalucia in May alone. During the month, 1,036,243 tourists headed to the region with an average budget of €1,100, some 12% more than before the pandemic. Andalucia is the third most popular region of Spain for tourists after the Baleares and Cataluñya - with over a quarter of visitors coming from the UK (28%) and 11% from France. A report from the American multinational VISA also revealed that Andalucia is the top destination for Americans visiting Spain, who cited the cultural visits, relaxing beaches and sprawling countryside as the main attractions.

July 14th - July 27th 2022

Dirty diggers Construction giants fined and banned from public tenders for collusion SOME of Spain’s biggest construction companies have been fined €204 million for collusion over public contracts. Spain’s antitrust regulator said the six firms had illegally shared information on bids for public projects over a period of 25 years. These were often for major infrastructure projects such as roads and airports, but also affected bids at a smaller local level. A spokesman for the National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) said that the

SPAIN’S jobless figure dropped to 2,880,582 in June, its lowest level since October 2008. This was 42,409 fewer than in May, according to data published by the Spanish Ministry of Labour and Economy. The Spanish Social Security system has now set a new record with 20.3 million people working across Spain. According to the

By Dilip Kuner

companies will also be banned from working with public authorities.

Guilty

The guilty companies are some of the biggest names in the country with the biggest penalties handed to Dragados (fined €57.1 million), FCC Construccion (€40.4 million), and Ferrovial Construccion (€38.5 million). The others are Acciona Con-

struccion (€29.4 million), Obrasco Huarte Lain, (€21.5 million) and Sacyr Construccion (€16.7 million). A spokesman for Dragados said the company dis-

BACK IN WORK

Ministry there are 733,757 fewer unemployed people than in June 2021. However, the decline in joblessness in June 2022 was four times lower than in 2021, when it fell by 166,921 - its largest drop ever as pandemic restrictions were lifted.

Second Deputy Prime Minister of Spain, Yolanda Diaz, claimed: “We continue in a downward trend with regards to unemployment and companies are creating more indefinite contacts than ever, however, there is still a lot to do.”

DRAMATIC SHIFTS T

GBP/EUR exchange rate skyrockets amid Eurozone recession fears, writes Peter Loveday

HE pound euro (GBP/EUR) exchange rate saw some dramatic shifts in movement over the past two weeks amid fears of global recession, diverging central bank policy, and UK political uncertainty. GBP/EUR began the past two weeks on a slow decline, falling as low as €1.15 before rocketing up to almost €1.18 as Eurozone recession fears increased. WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING? Poor Eurozone PMI results helped the pound to climb higher against the euro toward the end of June. Eurozone growth slowed to a 16-month low across the manufacturing and services sectors. An improvement to UK retail sales for May also likely helped Sterling to make gains. Confidence in the pound faltered amid fresh Brexit-related headwinds, however. A strong US dollar limited major losses for GBP/EUR however as it sapped demand for the single currency. The exchange rate slumped following a day of central bank speeches at the very end of June. The Bank of England’s (BoE) Governor Andrew Bailey led with a cautious tone which saw investors drastically pare back their bets on future rate hikes. The European Central Bank (ECB) president Christine Lagarde meanwhile signalled her commitment to future rate hikes by the central bank. The beginning of July saw the euro nosedive. Soaring energy prices and fears that Russia may soon cut off gas supplies to Europe dramatically increasing the risk of an imminent Eurozone recession and pushing EUR exchange rates sharply lower. At the same time the resignation of Prime Minister Boris Johnson also helped to bolster the pound in the first week of July as it quelled UK political uncertainty. WHAT DO YOU NEED TO LOOK OUT FOR? Looking ahead for Sterling, next week is set to bring fresh GDP figures for May. Economic growth is expected to fall, albeit at a reduced rate, which could see confidence in the UK’s economy falter further.

agreed with the decision and pledged to appeal it. The regulator claimed that between 1992 and 2017, the companies met weekly to discuss which projects they were going to bid on.

Strategy

They would then devise a common strategy and share technical documents between them. This, said the regulator, affected bidding on thousands of construction projects advertised by public authorities throughout Spain.

Tax surprise BANKS and energy companies are to be hit with new ‘temporary’ windfall taxes. The surprise announcement was made in Congress this week by socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez during the annual ‘State of the Nation’ debate. The new taxes are predicted to bring in €7 billion over two years, split between €3 billion for the banks and €4 million for the energy firms. The money raised will help people suffering from rising inflation and utility bills. Spanish banking shares fell dramatically in the wake of the announcement.

No staff BENIDORM bars and restaurants are being forced to close because they can't find enough staff. The city's Abreca hospitality association says another 3,000 employees are needed and that around 90% of businesses are suffering. Shortages mean nobody is available to cover days off, resulting in businesses having to pull down the shutters at least one day per week. Some outlets have temporarily closed until they get workers.

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Unemployment figures later in the month could be a key driver of bets on action from the BoE. The next UK consumer price index will also be closely watched by investors. If inflation remains high, then the pound could climb owing to the need for aggressive rate hikes from the BoE. The aftershock of Johnson’s resignation could weigh on Sterling in the coming weeks. A protracted leadership battle could prompt further uncertainty and limit any bullish bets on the pound. The euro’s movements are also set to be driven by speculation over central bank movements ahead of the ECB’s interest rate decision toward the end of the month. Investors will certainly be looking to speeches from various policymakers, including the ECB President Lagarde, for further hints on the central bank’s forward policy. On the other hand, the euro is at risk of plummeting if Russia moves to cut off gas exports to Europe as the resulting disruption would inevitably plunge the Eurozone into a recession.

MORAIRA

PROTECTING AGAINST VOLATILITY This kind of volatility can cause some nasty surprises if you need to transfer money overseas. On a £200,000 transfer, just a onecent gap translates to a €2,000 difference. And the larger the sum, the higher the discrepancy. Fortunately, there are ways that you can protect against volatility. Specialist currency brokers, such as Currencies Direct, offer different tools to help you navigate the ups and downs of the currency market. For instance, you can use a forward contract to secure an exchange rate for up to a year. This way, you won’t lose out if the market moves against you. Services like rate alerts and daily updates make it easy to keep track of what’s going on in the forex world so that you can make informed decisions. And with Currencies Direct you’ll have a dedicated account manager there to provide guidance and support whenever you need them.

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FOOD, DRINK & TRAVEL

More air strikes on the way

FRESH strikes by cabin crews of Easyjet and Ryanair have caused the UK foreign office to update its travel advice for Spain. Some of Ryanair’s staff are now on a strike until Friday with Easyjet cabin crew expected to join them over better pay conditions. Should talks fall through between the unions and bosses, an Easyjet strike is pencilled in from Friday until Sunday, mostly impacting flights to and from Barcelona, Mallorca, and Malaga. Meanwhile two unions representing Ryanair staff in Spain, have announced 12 fresh strikes from July 18 to 21 and July 25 to 28 across 10 airports.

Minimum

Spain’s Ministry of Transport urged a minimum service to be maintained for flights, while airlines have pledged to keep their schedules running as smoothly as possible while warning of some delays and cancellations. The news comes as tourism is booming in Spain once again, with June arrivals higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019. See Brits are back page 5

July 14th July 27th 2022

A FUSION OF TASTES

In a frenzy THANKS to a ‘travel frenzy’ sweeping Europe, tourism bosses are hoping Spain will match the record visitor numbers of 2019. According to the Exceltur Tourism Association Spain has seen a ‘dazzling surge in tourist numbers’. Official figures show that 22.7 million tourists visited the country in the first five months of 2022 - a massive seven times the number in the same period of 2021 but it is still just 78% of the record year of 2019. However, the good news is that tourists are spending more than ever, with the total tourism spend for the first five months standing at €22.77 billion - matching the 2019 figure for the same months. Exceltur hopes that a recent

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Hopes for a record year as tourism surge is described as ‘dazzling’ By Dilip Kuner

surge in bookings will see this year’s visitor numbers match 2019. Before the pandemic Spain

Chicken virus THERE has been an outbreak of a poultry disease on a chicken farm. Newcastle disease virus (VND) has been detected in birds in Huercal-Overa, Almeria. The farm, which houses around 10,000 chicks, reported a surge in sudden deaths. Tests confirmed many had VND, leading to every chick being slaughtered and all food supplies destroyed. Jose Maria de Torres, Andalucia's Director of Public Health and Pharmaceutical Regulation, said the virus is deadly to many kinds of birds. He added that the virus is destroyed by cooking.

was the second most popular tourist destination in the world behind France and just ahead of the USA, a position it hopes to cement this summer. Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto backed Exceltur’s optimism, saying: “The number of bookings confirms Spain as a favourite international destination and indicates a good outlook for the high season.” Fernando Valdes, a tourism ministry spokesman, added: “After two long years we are finally going to see a summer like in previous years.” Exceltur believes tourism will generate €151.8 billion this year, some €10 billion more than initially expected. This would be slightly lower than the €155 billion reached in 2019 but far more than the €52 billion of 2020 or the €88 billion generated a year later.

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FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

BadAdvisor The Alhambra Palace is boring, Sevilla’s Giralda is pointless, and the Caminito del Rey isn’t dangerous enough … It must be true: we read it on TripAdvisor

Mezquita Cathedral, Cordoba “IT is a very impressive structure inside,” says this reviewer after casting an eye over the 856 columns of marble, granite, jasper and onyx, and ornately carved ceilings of this UNESCO World Heritage site, “but other than that there is really not a lot to do”. Leewho

Aeronautical Museum, Malaga Malaga has over 30 museums and, in 2017, rebranded itself as the ‘City of Museums’. “It’s as though some of the museums have just been put there to give tourists something to do.”

July 14th - July 27th 2022

NDALUCIA is not all it’s cracked up to be. Or so it seems to the many tourists who have taken to TripAdvisor to express their disappointment with some of the region’s top attractions. After all, it’s always a letdown to find an ancient Roman ruin that’s just a pile of old stones, a prehistoric cave without any natural light, or a cathedral

that offers no tourist activities other than … looking at the cathedral. There’s just no pleasing some folk! From the confused and disillusioned to the just plain bored, check out our ‘dirty dozen’ of the daftest TripAdvisor reviews given to some of Andalucia’s most venerable monuments.

Giralda tower, Sevilla THE Giralda – part Muslim minaret, part Catholic bell tower – encapsulates the cultural heritage of Andalucia. What’s more, the views from the top are so spectacular it’s said the sultan himself used to ride a horse up the 35 ramps to admire them. “Didn’t really understand what the point was – it’s a big tower.”

Cathedral, Sevilla THE magnificent Cathedral, the largest Gothic church in the world, is right in the heart of the city, and quite literally unmissable. “We didn’t go.” Phil A.

Nerja Caves, Nerja

STRETCHING almost 5 kilometres, this series of extraordinary underground caverns has prehistoric cave paintings and a stalagmite that is thought to be, at 32 metres, the tallest in the world. What it doesn’t have is sunshine. “Bit gloomy”. Jennie W

WHEN Sevilla needed somewhere really special to hold the 1929 Ibero-American Expo, the city pulled out all the stops with a lavish palace and one of the greatest plazas in Spain. It’s a masterpiece built to impress. “This place has absolutely nothing to

Plaza de España, Sevilla do or see except a large building surrounded by gardens.” Asheesh1287

FOOD, DRINK & TRAVEL

July 14th July 27th 2022

Caminito del Rey, Malaga AFTER a number of fatalities, the walkway, over 100 years old and often described as the ‘most dangerous path in the world’, was closed in 2014. Extensive engineering work was undertaken to ensure the safety of all future visitors to this spectacular site – but it’s just not the same: “Fully fenced and protected and hardly the adventure it once was.” Matt B

El Tajo gorge, Ronda

Palace of the Countess of Lebrija, Sevilla

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WHO stuck Ronda inland and on top of a ravine? “Ronda itself was lovely but it took too long to get there on the bus.”

IT’S a 16th century palace with Roman mosaics, vases, amphorae, columns, vessels and sculptures of ‘incalculable historical and artistic value’, and works by Van Dyck, Bruegel the Elder and artists of the Murillo School. But Steven is essentially correct when he says, “It’s just a collection of things the Countess bought”. Steven S.

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ONE of the best-preserved palaces of the historic Islamic world, Moorish poets called the Alhambra a ‘pearl set in emeralds’ for the way it rises majestically above the surrounding trees. Not everyone’s quite as romantic. “Boring ruin… I highly recommend the Alhambra to anyone who likes to stare at old walls, but to no one else.”

The Alhambra, Granada

GrumpyGermanTraveller

Roman ruins of Acinipo, Ronda

Dolmen de Menga, Malaga

Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine in a beautiful environment

VISITORS to Antequera can walk right into one of the largest megalithic structures in Europe. As it’s a burial mound from around 3700 BC, it’s a fairly quiet spot. In fact: “Nothing there really, except a cave.” Allan B.

WITH its towering facade, complete with archway and windows, stadium seating and actors’ pits, some would say – given it was built almost two millennia ago – that this ancient theatre is in

remarkably good condition. Not Karen: “Disappointing piles of stone.” Karen E.

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THE INTELLIGENT CHOICE FOR ALL THINGS GLASS

PROPERTY

Bedsit land

AS property in Madrid becomes more expensive, an investment company is looking to return to the days of bedsits. Dazia Capital will spend €15 million on transforming a former industrial building in Tetuan (Madrid) into a ‘co-living’ property. Originally it was intended to convert the 2,700sqm property into 32 rental apartments at a cost of €8.5 million. But now the co-living project will comprise 79 ensuite bedrooms, divided into groups of eight that will share common spaces such as kitchens and dining rooms. Most of Dazia’s properties are in Madrid, with some on the Costa del Sol.

iq windows and glass curtains

GLASS CURTAINS WINDOWS AND GLASS CURTAINS

Covering the whole of the Costa Blanca

July 14th July 27th 2022

BREXIT HIT

THE proportion of Brits buying homes in Spain as part of the foreign market has halved since Brexit. They accounted for 12% of the total houses bought by foreigners in the fourth quarter of 2021 and the first quarter of 2022. Before Brexit, the British made up 24% of foreign buyers according to Idealista. In 2016, after the Brexit referendum, the UK share dropped to 15% in just a year and this fell to 10% in mid-2021 before starting a recovery. According to Idealista, Brits’ favourite regions are Valencia, Murcia and Andalucia. The director of the report, German Perez Barrio, claimed that Brexit has had a negative influence on home sales in Spain, but in a moderate way as there has been an increase in buyers from different nationalities across Spain.

NICE SET-UP By Dilip Kuner

Film set where Sergio Leone made iconic film is up for sale GLASS CURTAINS • PVC WINDOWS GLASS FENCING • ALUMINIUM

tel: 965 973 307 tel: 603 874 006

FOR SALE: Western Leone

enquiries@iqglasscurtains.com www.iqglasscurtains.com

Legal Eagle

With Victoria Wright

SOUND ADVICE Divorce for British citizens living abroad

Squatters wrongs SECOND home owners have been warned of a risk of squatters moving in. The General Council of Real Estate Agents in Spain expressed concerns following a rise in the number of ‘ocupados’ in Spain. Second home owners in the Balearic Islands, Catalonia, the Canary Islands, Murcia, Valencia and Madrid are most at risk. Estate agents claim that the laws are unclear and do not favour property owners.

IVORCING in the UK is much simpler for British citizens than applying to divorce in Spain, for two reasons. The first and most obvious is the language barrier which exists between British petitioners and the Spanish judiciary. It is certainly easier to complete the application questionnaires and to carry out in England or Wales and another is that the often upsetting, sensitive and diffi- there cannot be any proceedings alcult process in your own language. ready started between you in any other The second reason is the paperwork re- jurisdiction. quired. A UK divorce settlement can be used to To divorce in the UK, you cover provisions for custoneed only produce your origdy and ownership of propYou can inal marriage certificate, erties inside and outside whereas to divorce in Spain the UK. obtain a UK you must have all your relYou can obtain a UK divorce evant UK documents trans- divorce using a using a trusted, informed lated into Spanish and then experienced represenrepresentative and obtain the Apostille of the tative in Spain to guide you Hague on each original docthrough the process. in Spain ument. This has the added advanThese steps are labour intage that all the required tensive, time consuming and therefore, forms can be signed in Spain without far more expensive than a UK divorce. the stress, in these post Covid times, of The prerequisite for a UK divorce is that ever having to get on a plane to travel to one of the parties must have an address appear in a Court of Law in the UK.

FOR ANY HELP AND ADVICE ON LEGAL ISSUES, YOU CAN CONTACT ME AT: ALBA CONSULTAS - LEGAL ADVISERS (+34) 96 561 5061 / +34 692 386 293 C.C. EUROPEO, LOCAL 168, CTRA TEULADA - MORAIRA. 03724 INFO@ALBACONSULTAS.COM WWW.ALBACONSULTAS.COM

RISK: Squatting is an emotive subject

KIM CLARK

A BUYER is wanted for the film set where iconic Sergio Leone film Once Upon a Time in the West was shot. The mock town was built by the Italian director in the Tabernas desert of Almeria back in 1968. The movie starred Henry Fonda, Claudia Cardinale and Charles Bronson and was part of a series of spaghetti westerns directed by Leone and filmed in the desert. Western Leone is one of three sets to survive as theme parks and has now been put up for sale as its present owners want to retire. Whoever takes on the set – which the sellers insist must be preserved as a tribute to the movies filmed there – will be walking in the footsteps of acting greats. Other stars to have filmed there include James Coburn, Faye Dunnaway, Yul Brynner and Jack Palance. Not far from Western Leone is the set A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, were filmed, making Clint Eastwood a Hollywood A-lister. Jose Ruda, of Grupo Rukasa which is handling the sale, told EFE: “Anyone can buy it, but we are looking for someone to preserve to the smallest detail these 40 years of history, this bit of the history of Tabernas, of Almeria, where the Spaghetti Western was born.” The surviving set includes the Western, Indian and Mexican ‘towns’ that featured in more than one movie. “It has everything to begin functioning from minute zero, with eight hectares out front that can be developed into a film school or recording studios,” added Ruda.

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

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STAR: Henry Fonda

HEALTH

Milk of kindness

MORE than 1,000 litres of human milk have been donated in just over a year since a pioneering initiative was launched in a Spanish region. Some 160 babies have benefited from the breast milk donation scheme set up by the Murcian Health Service in March 2021. Some 230 women have already donated breast milk which has been given to newborns that weigh less than 1.5 kilos or who are born before 32 weeks. Women are interviewed as part of the scheme and must have a health check before they are able to donate. Once they are approved by the hospital, their milk is frozen before it is transported to Arrixaca Hospital in Cartagena where it is analysed, pasteurised and frozen once again.

July 14th - July 27th 2022

Game changer Pill to tackle Covid now available to most vulnerable in Spain TABLETS that reduce the severity of Covid-19 symptoms can now be bought in Spain. Paxlovid is available in Andalucia, Aragon, Navarra, Cantabria and Catalunya, with it expected to be rolled out across the rest of the country imminently. The tablets require a prescription from a doctor and they are currently reserved for people most vulnerable to the illness. The medication is made by Pfizer and people can take it up to five days after testing positive for Covid. The drug reduces respira-

By Jorge Hinojosa

tory difficulties and early studies suggest it could cut hospitalisations and deaths by up to 90%. The treatment consists of taking the tablet every 12 hours, for five consecutive days. The news has been welcomed by the medical profession in Spain, though there are some unknowns about the drug. For example, it has not been tested extensively on pregnant women or on people who take other

COVID SURGES

THE incidence rate of Covid in Spain more than doubled in June. According to the Ministry of Health the vast majority of cases are registered in patients aged over 60 years old. There are currently 1,225.28 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to a rate of 586.71 per 100,000 in-

habitants at the start of June. At the moment there are around 12,000 Covid cases in Spanish hospitals and last week 321 people died of the illness, most of them in Castilla La Mancha and Madrid. Some 92,7% of the population is vaccinated with 39,113, 419 people having had at least two jabs.

ON SALE: Anti-Covid drug is now available

forms of medication. Experts say pregnant women should avoid taking the drug until further research has been completed. Fears are growing that Spain is approaching a seventh wave of Covid. By last week Spain had 10,245 people hospitalised by the illness.

Infections

Compulsory face masks in indoor spaces could be reintroduced to help tackle the rising infections as cases rise. Health bosses say the option needs to be kept

available, although there are no immediate plans to do so.

Become a live-in carer in the UK

Fourth jab call EUROPEAN health bosses want all EU citizens over the age of 60 to be offered a fourth Covid jab this summer. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) also say a fifth jab in the autumn should also be offered to atrisk groups. Covid cases have been rising rapidly in Spain and across Europe as a new wave sweeps the continent. Both agencies stopped short of recommending a fourth dose for health workers. Most Covid restrictions have been lifted in Spain, though wearing masks remains mandatory on public transport.

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Free prescription sunglasses with 2 for 1 from 69€

Benidorm C/ Gambo, 2 Tel. 965 859 577 Calpe Avda. de los Ejércitos Españoles, 6 Tel. 965 835 367 Jávea Avda. del Pla, 125 Tel. 966 463 420 Cannot be used with any other offers. Second pair from the same or lower price range, and to the same prescription. Both pairs include standard 1.5 single-vision lenses (or 1.6 for 199€ Rimless range). Varifocal/bifocal: pay for lenses in first pair only. One pair with free sun and UV tint – usually 40€. Excludes SuperDrive, SuperDigital varifocals, SuperReaders 1-2-3 occupational lenses and safety eyewear. Additional charge – Extra Options. Specsavers España Franchisor S.L. (with VAT number B84536291 and registered office in Pradillo Street 5 Ground floor, 28002, Madrid, Spain) is responsible for this offer.

Olive Press Alicante– 170mm x 256mm – Colour

July 14th

The

O LIVE P RESS

Killer heels

REuse REduce REcycle We use recycled paper

Turkey arrest

FINAL WORDS

A TURKEY that bothered residents with its loud gobbling in a Pilar de la Horadada, Costa Blanca, neighbourhood was netted by police who had to clamber onto a roof to reach it.

Long walk! SPAIN’S longest catwalk, which stretches 300 metres along Malaga’s iconic Calle Larios, will see models displaying the latest fashions in front of 30,000 people on September 2 and 3.

Puffed out POLICE arrested a man who flew into Alicante-Elche airport on an easyJet Belfast flight after he was caught smoking a cigarette in the plane’s toilet.

Your

expat

voice in Spain

COSTA BLANCA NORTE / VALENCIA FREE Vol. 4 Issue 85 www.theolivepress.es July 14th - July 27th 2022

CHILLING OUT Meaty ice lollies and worm slushies as zoo tries to keep animals cool

WITH temperatures soaring to above 40 degrees as the second heatwave of the year strikes, a zoo has decided to treat its animals to cooling ice creams. But these frozen treats are not the same as the sugar-laden versions humans enjoy. Staff at Bioparc Fuengirola use vegetables and fruit, chopped meat, fish and insects combined with

ferent species and the keepers are doing juices to stimulate the senses of e v e r y t h i n g many of the species such as ti- they can to sure COOL CAT: Leopard has its treat gers, leopards, gorillas, hippos make and meerkats that call the zoo that all the animals stay hydrated and cool tigers and leopards, can lick home. The conservation centre is in the face of this incredibly hot at frozen blocks of ice water mixed with blood and pieces of home to more than 200 dif- weather. While the big cats, including meat, other animals have their own icy treats adapted to their own particular diet. A WOMAN has been fined €200 after police In the case of gorillas, chimcaught her tootling along a toll motorway on an panzees, gibbons and lemurs, electric scooter. the kitchen prepares colorful Guardia Civil spotted her on the AP-7 between San sorbets of beet juice, spinach Pedro Alcantara and Estepona on the Costa del Sol. combined with pieces of other She must have raised a sweat - officers say not only vegetables, and fruit such as was it a blistering hot day but the battery on her apples, carrots, tomatoes, bascooter had run out. She was left pushing with one nanas and watermelon. foot for around 12 kilometres before police picked her up. Meerkats Electric scooters can only be ridden in bike lanes and on roads with speed limits of 30 km/h or less. And the popular meerkats get FAST LANE: On the wrong road The AP-7 has a speed limit of 120 km/h. slushies of worms and grasshoppers to enjoy. By Dilip Kuner

Scooting along

IT’S not easy to run in heels but participants of Pride Week in Madrid had a go. Runners strapped on their killer heels and hot-footed it through the area cheered on by massive crowds. Several came a cropper, turning their ankles and sprawling to the ground. But most made it to the finishing line unscathed. Madrid’s Pride Week is one of the most globally famous and attracts around 2 million visitors to the city each year.

No sex please FAR RIGHT political party VOX has blamed Spain’s low birthrate on too much sex. According to the party’s Juan Garcia-Gallardo, casual sex and the ‘hypersexualisation’ of society is to blame for women having fewer children. The 31-year-old claimed that adults are acting like teenagers who would rather have casual sex than be burdened with a child. He added that people should be married and have sex to procreate.