Olive Press Costa Blanca South and Murcia Issue 124

CINEMA DEL SOL

Dynamic (or ‘greedy’) Valencia

VALENCIA supporters are outraged after the football club announced plans to introduce ‘dynamic pricing’ for match tickets.

This controversial strategy, which adjusts prices based on demand, recently sparked a backlash among UK music fans during the Oasis reunion tour.

Ticket prices soared from €150 to €400 due to an ‘in-demand’ algorithm, prompting huge criticism.

Now the six time La Liga champions have justified the same move by stating that it aligns with global trends in sports and entertainment.

“Tickets will go on sale at a base price, which could increase over time according to demand,” a spokesman explained.. Fans, however, have condemned the decision as ‘greedy’ and ‘exploitative’.

Libertad VCF, a Valencia supporters’ group, argued that this approach treats loyal fans as mere customers.

It complained that wealthy tour-

the ists could snap up the tickets leaving locals priced out.

Hunger strike expat ‘trapped’ in Brexit limbo fears he’ll be denied entry into Spain this month amid ‘petty’ residency dispute

A BRITISH expat who went on a hunger strike over his residency status is preparing for a nervous return to Spain.

Mark Saxby has described feeling ‘physically sick’ as he prepares to move back to his home from the UK this month.

The 56-year-old English teacher is ‘returning home’ despite a long unresolved three-year battle to get post-Brexit residency.

The expat revealed to the Olive Press exclusively last year how he got caught in a ‘bureaucratic nightmare’ after moving to Valencia from the UK in early 2020.

Healthcare

He told how he was going on a hunger strike after moving to Valencia from Lancaster, just before the UK’s official withdrawal from the European Union.

His shocking protest saw him shed eight kilos within just 11 days - in protest against being refused Spanish residency. It came despite the withdrawal

By Ben Pawlowski

*Data

agreement guaranteeing residency rights for Brits living in the country before Brexit. Saxby now fears he could be stopped from entering when he returns from a trip home to Manchester where he taught English over the summer. His original application for a non-lucrative visa was rejected because he did not have the ‘right kind of private healthcare’ in place between April and May 2021. He was covered by the EHIC card for the first three months of the year, but his private insurance only came into force in May.

LET ME HOME!

Saxby informed the Valencian authorities that he believed he was covered by a bilateral healthcare agreement between the UK and Spain which ran until June

reached.

2021. However, his attempts to resolve the situation resulted in a bureaucratic merry-go-round, where contact with the Spanish and European ombudsman only directed him back to where he’d come from.

“This just provoked further confusion and no resolution’, he explained.

His hopes were raised when ‘Solvit’, a European Commission department to resolve disputes, revealed it had received several complaints about Spain’s sickness insurance (CSI) requirement. But Solvit is unable to look into individual cases and no resolution has yet been

Saxby believes he and other expats were simply forgotten by the UK government during negotiations for the withdrawal argument. He claims he has no representation to argue his case either at a national or EU level.

“We were promised an oven-ready deal but it seems like it’s people like me that got roasted,” he slammed. A spokesperson for Valencia said:

“No documentation was provided by Saxby to refute the denial. After this appeal, there is no record that the interested party filed a contentious appeal.

“Regarding complaints to Solvit, no communication has been received regarding the files of the interested party, nor the complaint regarding other citizens affected by Brexit”

Counting cañas

JAPANESE brewery Kirin has revealed Spain ranks 6th globally for beer drunk per capita, consuming an average of 95.1 litres a year.

Legend quits

JOSE Antonio Morante de la Puebla, widely regarded as Spain’s greatest matador has quit, citing his mental struggle with depersonalisation disorder and agoraphobia.

Airb ‘n’ bills

BARCELONA’S Airbnb owners are demanding €1 billion in compensation following the city council’s decision to revoke 10,000-plus tourist apartment licences.

Video world

VALENCIA has opened a ‘video game city’ business centre dedicated to the gaming market which it hopes will serve as ‘an accelerator for startups’.

A YOUNG man threw acid in the face of a 50-year-old woman who had rejected his advances just days after he reportedly beat her up.

The Spanish woman suffered severe burns to her back and side and fell into a semi-conscious state, suffering at home apparently unaware of the seri-

Acid horror

ousness of her injuries. He had reportedly gone round to the woman’s house demanding sex. When she refused, he returned and threw acid in her face.

The attack happened in her home in the town of Betera, Valencia, but she waited two days before reporting it.

The alleged attacker has a long record of violent crimes and threatening behaviour.

He was tracked down at his girlfriend’s home, arrested and remanded in prison.

CORRUPT COPS

Police chief and four officers accused of working to protect ‘narco mum’ who was putting away €20,000 a month

A POLICIA Local chief and four of his officers have been accused of working for a mother-of-two operating a ‘narco-flat’ in a town in Valencia. An old school wiretap investigation – code-named Operation Connivance – reportedly found that high ranking police officers in Silla were aware of the drug trafficking and even helped to cover it up.

Among those arrested is a

By Walter Finch

woman who is reported to have been selling drugs from her property on Rambla de la Independencia for over six years. According to the Civil Guard, she ran a successful ‘narco-flat’ attracting dozens of customers each day and earning €20,000 a month - yet the Policia Local appeared to turn a blind eye to

MADRID police have toppled a marihuana trafficking gang dubbed the ‘Tower of Babel’.

The operation reportedly began in North Africa before the drugs were brought to Spain. Once in Europe, they were driven throughout Europe and the UK. It comes after Murcia’s anti-drug unit uncovered the drug den in the Poligono In-

the operation.

Instead they carried out drug raids and put away rival drug dealers between January 2022 and April 2024, with the woman’s drug-dealing operation

Tower crumbles

dustrial Oeste de San Gines, Alcantarilla. The supposed ‘food distributor’ was moving large quantities of cannabis and hash from the east and south of Spain. Some seven people have been arrested in relation to the crimes, including two Brits, three Spaniards, a Swede and an Irish man.

continued untouched.

Wiretap conversations caught the police chief and the woman discussing drug deals in detail, including upcoming drug deliveries.

The police chief was reported to be involved in a number of suspicious activities, including receiving payments from the drug trafficker and blocking investigations into drug trafficking in the town.

The mayor of Silla, Vicente Zaragoza, has defended the police chief, yet the wiretapped conversations suggest that he may have been aware of the police chief's activities.

Drug hit

THE violent murder of a Costa Blanca gangster has been linked to a dispute over five kilograms of cocaine, according to police. Two men have been arrested and charged with gunning down the drug dealer in Denia.

The victim was fatally shot in the chest during a robbery in a garage on Patricio Ferrandiz Street.

Investigators believe the suspects had set up a meeting to buy the drugs but instead, they robbed the victim at gunpoint. When the victim resisted, they shot him.

Gunpoint

The suspects, aged 27 and 22, were nicked within 48 hours of the crime.

One was caught attempting to flee in a vehicle, while the other turned himself in.

Police discovered the drugs in secret compartments hidden in the victim’s car, suggesting he was a seasoned drug dealer.

Investigations suggest the crime was poorly planned, as one of the suspects was seen purchasing a second motorcycle helmet an hour before the murder, paying in cash.

The suspects have been remanded in custody following their appearance in court.

SWAT TEAM: One of the raids on rival drug dealers

OSCAR-WINNING director Pedro Almodovar made history for Spanish cinema when his first English-language feature, The Room Next Door, took the prestigious Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival. By taking the prize, Almodovar now ranks alongside legendary director Luis Buñuel, who was until now the only Spanish director to have received it, for his 1967 film Belle de Jour.

Netflix in Ronda for Agatha Christie mystery featuring stars Iain Glen, Helena Bonham Carter and Martin Freeman

IT is a famous 1920s murder mystery that keeps readers guessing until the final page. So unsurprisingly the producers behind the Netflix series Seven Dials filming in Ronda this week were carefully guarding their cast and locations.

press as he acted in the town’s famous bullring.

SPANISH LION

The Room Next Door, which stars Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore, tackles the subjects of the climate crisis and euthanasia, and received an 18-minute standing ovation when it premiered at Venice.

See What made the magician, P18

Dialing in the stars

But it was impossible to shield one of its biggest stars - Martin Freeman - from the eyes of the

An eagle-eyed Olive Press team worked out that you could watch the production from the rooftop terrace of the four star Catalonia hotel opposite.

From the amazing perch - high above the world’s oldest bullring with a backdrop of mountains behind - you could watch the production on its first day of filming.

With a beer in hand, it was easy to spot Hobbit star Freeman as he marched in wearing a beige

richest has

BRITAIN’S richest plumber has revealed he is making a permanent move to the Costa del Sol amid fears of a tax raid on the rich in the Labour government’s upcoming budget.

Charlie Mullins, 71, the founder of Pimlico Plumbers, has already become a resident of Marbella, and now plans to sell his €12 million apartment which has views of The Shard and London Eye.

“I am taking all my investment out of the UK. The

and

safari suit and Panama hat. So far, there was no sign of fellow actors Iain Glen or Helena Bonham Carter, who are also starring in the production by London-based 72 Films, which

Mullin it over

government is driving people with money away from the country. Why would people stay in the UK?” he said.

Mullins made his money in London, where he grew up - selling his firm for €155 million three years ago.

He has long intended to move to Spain, telling the Olive Press in 2021: “I’m very permanently in Spain now,” adding his lawyers were sorting out full-time residency.

He was buying more properties on top of the seaside villa he owns in La Cala de Mijas.

made the latest James Bond movie.

Mia McKenna-Bruce, from Vampire Academy and How to Have Sex, is also appearing after winning the BAFTA Rising Star award last year.

The production is set to film at at least six different locations, including the Arabic Baths, the Ocho Canos fountain and the Virgen de la Cabeza chapel on the other side of the gorge.

The team, which numbers around 120 staff, includes a separate drone unit with their own uniform.

Seven Dials was an Agatha Christie mystery which tells the story of a lavish country house party, where a practical joke goes murderously wrong. It is up to budding sleuth - the inquisitive Lady Eileen ‘Bundle’ Brent, played by McKenna-Bruce - to solve the mystery.

THIS is the 21-year-old beauty queen who overcame a ‘rough’ childhood and online trolls to represent Spain at the November’s Miss Universe competition in Mexico. Michelle Jimenez, a Business and Marketing student, grew up in various children's homes on the Balearic Islands. The oldest of nine siblings, she ‘basically raised’ her brothers and sisters, something which she is very proud of. But Michelle hasn’t always received love and support, being criticised for her Dominican ancestry, the colour of her skin and her tattoos.

“The critique started when I was put in the top three. It’s hard to deal with but I won’t give into bullies,” she said.

Burned at the stake

SHAKIRA has likened her tax fraud ordeal to the Inquisition and accused the Spanish treasury of ‘publicly burning her at the stake’ in her strongest statement on her highly-publicised criminal case yet.

The Colombian pop star blasted the Spanish tax authorities as sexist, racist and manipulative, saying she was ‘persecuted’ by the judiciary system before striking a plea bargain deal last November.

The singer was accused of six separate crimes of defrauding the state of a total of €14.5million in unpaid taxes.

In order to escape a possible eight-year jail term, she agreed to a suspended three-year prison sentence and a €7.4million fine on the first day of her trial in Barcelona.

CREDIT: Michelle Jimenez via Instagram/Jose Urbano

PICTURES BY: Paul Whitelock & Charles Pullan

By Yzabelle Bostyn & Paul Whitelock in Ronda

SNEAKY: We watched filming from a nearby hotel

Forget Santiago!

BRITISH newspaper The Times has visited Murcia on a press trip to discover a new pilgrimage for British and Irish tourists.

The Camino de la Cruz de Caravaca leads pilgrims to the ‘holy city’ believed to house a splinter from the cross on which Jesus was crucified.

This year is the routes ‘jubilee’ or ‘holy’ year, celebrated every seven years.

Pope John Paul the Second granted Caravaca de la Cruz the ‘honour’ of celebrating a holy year in 2003. It is being promoted by the Murcian Tourism body and travel PR firm, Lotus.

Pretty port

PLANS to remodel Torrevieja port have been approved by the town council.

The renovation will affect areas around the port and Muelle Minguez.

Officials hope the work will rejuvenate the historic port for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Part of the work will be creating a new esplanade.

Holiday wrecker!

EXPOSED: The scammer who ‘robbed’ expat Airbnb owners of more than €60,000 and ruined countless breaks

EXPAT Airbnb owners have called in police after losing more than €60,000 to an alleged Costa con artist.

Fabricio Anton is accused of pocketing the earnings from multiple holiday lets after being hired to manage them.

The charming Argentinian is said to have targeted ‘vulnerable’ women renting around

EXCLUSIVE

By Yzabelle Bostyn

Spain.

At least seven victims based on the Costa del Sol have come forward to the Olive Press, claiming to have lost a total of €61,900.

They said they were taken in by Anton, aka Fabri, who sold

DRINK DRIVING CRACKDOWN

SPAIN is considering toughening up drink driving laws that would result in one beer placing you over the limit.

Currently, drivers cannot exceed an a level of 0.5g per litre of blood (or its equivalent of 0.25mg/l of exhaled air).

If they are novice or professional drivers, the permitted rate drops to 0.3g/l (0.15mg/l in exhaled air).

Under the proposed new law, the limit for all drivers would be 0.2 g/l in blood.

One 330ml beer will likely produce 0.3 grams of alcohol per litre of blood in a man who weighs 70kg, and 0.2 in a man carrying 80kg. It means having just one small beer would put you at risk of being over the limit.

himself as an ‘honest, family man’ and was working freelance for a string of property management companies in the area.

Julie and Jon Laker, owners of Fairydust, claim they have lost €47,000 to the alleged scammer when they were forced to pay back various victims. “As soon as we became suspicious of his working practices, we notified all our clients, other companies and the police.”

She added: “Until a full police investigation is completed, no one can be sure when

he started scamming people.” Natali Nikitina, a 45-year-old croupier based in London, reported losses of €5,000 in just four months after Fabri failed to transfer the payments of guests staying in her holiday home in Casares.

At first, everything went well and she agreed to pay him €700 per year, plus 20% of each rental booking.

However, she soon realised something was amiss when the rental calendar was showing occupancy but no money was sent to her.

When she confronted him, Fabri told her ‘his accountant’ had ‘run off with the money’.

A few weeks later, she checked a security camera installed at her flat and to her horror realised there were men staying there despite no booking on the calendar.

This time, Fabri claimed it was a ‘last minute’ booking, again insisting he was an ‘honest, family man’.

Not believing him she flew in from the UK to find the group of men still staying in the property.

While ‘afraid’ she bravely entered and removed their belongings, before changing the locks.

Another British owner Leigh-

Anne Bingley, who lives in Devon, told the Olive Press she has lost €2,400 in rentals from her Duquesa flat.

Although Leigh-Anne had intended to use her property as a holiday let, Fabri rented it as a family home, giving the tenants a ‘fake contract’.

She grew suspicious when the tenants overstayed their welcome and refused to leave, stating they had a rental agreement.

“I was in a total state,” she explained, “Not only had he not paid me but he was scamming the renters too.”

She eventually managed to take their stuff out and had the locks changed.

“Fabri needs to be stopped and exposed,” she insisted this week.

While she along with the other victims have reported Fabri to the police in Manilva, so far nothing has been done.

“What annoys me the most is the lack of action from the police, it's a total injustice. But we are warriors, I will feel better when I know he can’t do it to anyone else.”

The Olive Press arranged to meet Anton for comment but he failed to turn up at a meeting, saying his lawyer had ‘advised him not to speak’.

School’s out!

OVER 700 pupils were unable to attend the first week of school in Torrevieja due to a lack of space.

The Town Hall has explained the incident as the result of ‘unexpected demand for places’. One week into the school year, the situation has reportedly improved, but at least 500 students are still unable to attend. It is thought the Generalitat de Valencia will try to resolve the situation using portacabins.

Tots and toros

TORREVIEJA will celebrate its children’s ‘running of the bulls’ this weekend.

In honour of the Virgen del Rosario, La Mata locals will gather as children tempt an inflatable bull.

After the spectacular, there will be a foam party to cool off. To attend, go to La Mata town hall square at 11am, Saturday.

CONNED: Natali (left) lost €5,000 to Fabri (above) while another victim lives in Casares del Sol

Heaven sent hellraiser

By Yzabelle Bostyn

AN expat heavy metal legend has drummed up support for a British couple left living on the streets on the Costa Blanca.

Johnny Elraiz - aka Jonny Hellraizer (pictured) - came to the rescue for Paula and Rob Briers when their retirement dream went badly south.

The pair, 60 and 52, had been living semi rough out of a caravan on the streets with no money for food and with few prospects.

They have now been given a lifeline by the rocker, whose band White Coast Rebels are well known around Benidorm.

Through his City Streets Community Project - which feeds around 70 locals, including 15 British expats - he helped find them a plot of land to live on.

They pay €150 a month in rent and help maintain the once ‘jungle like’ garden of the semi-derelict property. Despite their troubles, the couple are optimistic, saying: “There's a lot of people out there who are a damn sight worse off than us.”

Paula added: “If it wasn’t for Johnny people would die because there’s just not anything to help people.

“He does a lot for a lot of people. Not just us, he helps people get showers and everything so it’s invaluable to the community - it really is.

“And people who are on the streets, they need food. They can’t just go into a restaurant and say ‘I’m starving’.”

NOLOTIL OUTRAGE

BRITISH relatives of people who died after taking the lethal drug Nolotil have blasted a ruling in favour of the painkiller by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

The EMA revealed it would not be banning the ‘deadly’ medication after declaring the ‘benefits outweigh the risks’.

Nolotil, and other products containing the active ingredient metamizole, have been linked to over 40 deaths of British and Irish people alone in Spain.

British expat Chris Cooper’s ‘bright and happy’ wife Patricia died after taking Nolotil for a bruised leg at just 55.

Banned

He told the Olive Press: “It needs to be banned. There’s a high proportion of people that have died but money wins over victims.”

Eve St Pierre, whose beloved father Roy, 77, died after a brush with the drug, said the decision is ‘meaningless’, adding:

“The money they spent on this inquiry and drafting this report could have been spent on creating an alert on the computer systems used by prescribers to stop them giving it to ‘at risk populations’.”

“The only positive I can draw is that the publicity might reach people from atrisk groups, who can read the information themselves and make their own decisions.”

The Olive Press launched a campaign last year to have the drug banned for tourists and expats.

tain the once ‘jungle like’ garden of the semi-derelict property.

Despite their troubles, the couple are optimistic, saying: “There's a lot of people out there who are a damn sight worse off than us.”

Paula added: “If it wasn’t for Johnny people would die because there’s just not anything to help people.

“He does a lot for a lot of people. Not just us, he helps people get showers and everything so it’s invaluable to the commu-

nity - it really is.

“And people who are on the streets, they need food. They can’t just go into a restaurant and say ‘I’m starving’.”

New man in Madrid

SIR Alex Ellis has arrived in Madrid to replace Hugh Elliot as the British Ambassador to Spain. Sir Ellis will be serving His Majesty King Charles III as the British Ambassador to Spain and Non-Resident Ambassador to Andorra. He will present his credentials to His Majesty King Felipe VI in a ceremony due to take place in the coming weeks.

His

A MAN has been gored by a bull at a festival in Vall d’Uixo, near Sagunt. The 64-year-old was left with serious injuries after the attack during a bull run. He was lifted in the air, damaging his groin and scrotum but missing any vital organs. It follows the death of a man during the Sant Vicent celebrations in April.

HELPED: Paula and Rob Briers are grateful to Jonny Hellraizer

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

OPINION

Lawless

THE Costa del Crime is alive and kicking with fraudsters now taking advantage of Spain’s chaotic tourism market.

Fabri Anton is just one of the many scammers operating in areas saturated by tourism, including Malaga, Mallorca and the Costa Blanca.

The impunity with which the Argentinian has stolen money from expats and locals alike via holiday rentals is shocking but believable at the same time.

We have discovered he started his schemes in Italy, where he ran a dodgy tour company known as Maggiore Tours.

Most likely mistakes there caught up with him and he ran to Spain, a long time safe haven for scammers and criminals alike.

Here, it seems they can operate freely without worrying about the strong arm of the law.

Seemingly a dozen-plus victims have reported Fabri for allegedly stealing their money, but the police have so far done nothing.

Despite the obvious immorality of the situation, authorities claim the issue is purely a ‘civil matter’ and refuse to act.

What is even more disgusting is the fact Fabri targets older and expat women.

Expecting them to be vulnerable, it seems the Argentinian didn’t expect the women to fight back. That was his biggest mistake as eight brave victims told the Olive Press about their ordeal. When the law fails, it is only thanks to newspapers like ours that fraudsters can be exposed. We hope that with our reporting, one more scammer will be taken off the streets.

Many of the victims are also pushing back with civil suits against Fabri, but unfortunately, not all of them can afford to take legal action.

PUBLISHER / EDITOR

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es

Dilip Kuner dilip@theolivepress.es

Walter Finch walter@theolivepress.es

Yzabelle Bostyn yzabelle@theolivepress.es

Ben Pawlowski ben@theolivepress.es

Humenyuk Makarova (+34) 951 154 841 admin@theolivepress.es

Alex Trelinski alex@theolivepress.es

Simon Hunter simon@theolivepress.es Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es

Cole Sinanian cole@theolivepress.es

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

(+34) 951

841 distribution@ theolivepress.es

Live Forever (or nearly)

WANT to live for a century? Consider moving to Galicia, home to the highest number of 100 year olds per capita in Europe.

According to a new study carried out by the Galician Geriatric Society (GGS) and the University of Vigo the northern region has some 75.79 centenarians per 100,000 inhabitants.

But that’s not all: The region is also home to two particular ‘blue zones’ or ‘hotspots’ where, chances are, you can live even longer. Ourense and Pontevedra are now being studied by GGS president Jose Failde alongside fellow group, Ourensividad, to identify why the locals live so long.

According to Pablo Garcia, of Ourensividad, the amount of centenarians is certainly connected to the Atlantic diet, consisting of fresh, seasonal produce, including fish. He also credits the water in the region as a ‘fountain of youth’.

Roberto Fernandez, a local GP, says: “Healthy habits and resilience are big factors to longevity in Ourense, although we haven’t yet found any other common factors in the centenarians here.”

Perhaps we need to ask some of the long living locals themselves.

Take 103-year-old Eustaquio Perez, who insists his ripe age is down to physical exertion and resilience.

Living in the village of Beade, surrounded by green mountains, he reckons getting up early, maintaining a routine and not eating dinner helps.

His diet consists of natural products from his garden only and his dinner is often so

light that he skips it altogether (two biscuits and some milk).

Galicia has the highest number of 100 year olds in Europe - and skipping suppers, dancing and writing books might help

GO WITH THE FLOW: Eustaquio advises accepting life’s changes

By Yzabelle Bostyn

“I get up every morning at 5am to look after my sheep. Then, I have a siesta and watch a film,” he explains.

Contrary to medical advice, he has almost always avoided medicines and isn’t even vaccinated against Covid-19. However, he has received treatment for hernias and prostate cancer.

When it comes to mental health, he says:

“My philosophy of life is to accept what comes and adapt to the changes, always having a sense of humour and not being scared of death.”

Esperanza Cortiñas (left), is 107 years-old and was born in 1916. She still has the ‘en-

ergy of a teenager’, something which she owes to ‘music and dancing’.

“I love tango, but I am a lover of all music and I have more than seven awards from dance competitions. It’s music and dance that have helped me reach this age,” she explains Despite living for over a century she has glowing skin: “My beauty trick has always been to use a simple cream from the supermarket. Nothing more.”

ARE THEY OVER YET?

Sick of the feria season? Looking forward to the cold and the tourists going home? You’re not the only one, writes Lenox Napier

IKEEP hearing the same question now the local fi estas, concerts and sporting events are largely over: ‘Who exactly do they benefi t?’

There’s an apocryphal story of my late mother, who moved here in the Sixties, stomping down to the main square in Mojacar wearing her slippers and dressing gown – before slugging the mayor shouting ‘turn the music down, I’m trying to get some sleep!’.

Ye or the grisly Las fl echas del Amor… Brandy was just three centimos a tot. A small glass of local tooth-rotting vino cost even less. They were differ-

Although she suffered a broken hip just two months ago, she is recovering with surprising ease.

“My health has always been good,” she says, “I don’t drink besides a shot of coffee with sugar and aguardiente in the morning. I eat everything.”

Ever the socialite, her daughter Aurora adds that she ‘can’t walk more than 20 steps without someone stopping her for a chat.’

Another centurion, 100-year-old Jose Salgado, owes his longevity to working on the land until 97 years old. “I began working at 14 years old and since then I’ve done a lot of things, taxi, businessman, farmer and miller,” he explains. “Until 97 I was working in my orchard, with the same dedication as a young man.”

Despite retiring three years ago, he keeps active by reading the newspaper and carving models.

Jose has also never drank or smoked, although he admits his guilty pleasures are ‘salt and fat’.

He has even started writing a book about his life and says he has three more things to achieve: “Sort out some land, reconnect with a girl I liked and see a bit more of the world.”

The great-grandfather of five advises young people to ‘enjoy the little things’, saying ‘you don’t find happiness in grand travels and adventures’.

In those days, there’d be a few strings of bunting, a local band and the bars doing a brisk trade for days on end into the early hours. The local families would dance together, from small children to grandparents, all holding hands and bobbing around. There were songs like La Chica Ye

ent times. The only visitors would be those who had emigrated to Barcelona or France or Germany. There were practically no guiris I remember a family known as ‘los Marseillaises’, who would rock up in their Citröen Ami, look down their noses at their country-cousins, and then disappear again a few days later.

These days, the fi estas are a joy for the shopkeepers and barmen who obligingly stay open late, but there’s not much pleasure for the locals. Even if one does attend, and has a pricey beer at the pop up chiringuitos (next to the deafening dance-band), who are you going to talk to? Who are you going to dance with? The music is too loud and too fast. Ultimately these events are not so

much fun even for the locals any more. They don’t live in the centre and they can’t usually park anywhere near when they come in and then, of course, they can’t drink. Ok, they make an exception for the fi rst night’s fi reworks, but often that’s it. Really these events are for the business-folk and the tourists, who all stay in the historic centres in their Airbnbs and hotels, the owners rubbing their hands with glee. I’m guessing they don’t love the noise and nor do us locals who have to pay for the music and the bunting.

Meanwhile, there’s no one left prepared to stomp down to the fi esta at three in the morning, waving a handbag around and telling the mayor to go and pull the effi ng plug.

WORKING: Jose didn’t stop until 97

BACK IN THE FOLD

KIDS NOT WANTED

By Yzabelle Bostyn

Facing the facts

By Simon Hunter

“SPANIARDS are fed up with being victims of assaults, machete attacks, robberies and rapes. Almost always at the hands of the same people; illegal immigrants that the PP party and the Socialist Party insist on bringing to Spain with a pernicious magnet effect that is only growing.”

Those were the words uttered by the leader of Spain’s far-right Vox Party, Santiago Abascal, after plans recently emerged to distribute illegal immigrants from the Canary Islands between regions on the mainland.

It has become such a hot potato that Vox has now withdrawn its support for the PP party in some of the regional coalition governments where it was propping up the administrations.

For the Vox party itself however, it is nothing new, with Abascal and his band of extremist politicians long seeking to link immigration with higher crime rates.

But is there any truth to that claim?

According to the centre right newspaper Mundo there is no connection at all, once the statistics are analysed.

After cross-referencing population data from the country’s National Statistics Institute (INE) with the Interior Ministry stats on jails and crime, the conclusions are clear: there is no direct link between the number of migrants and crime.

The newspaper went back 25 years to 1998 when the population of Spain was just under 40 million, with 637,085 - or about 1.6% - coming from abroad.

By 2023, there were six million foreign-born inhabitants, or around 13% of the 48 million people of Spain.

But crime rates have not grown in step with this ten-fold increase of foreigners, with the proportion of non-Spaniards locked up in prison holding steady.

In 1998, some 7,850 foreigners were locked up in jails, which was 18% of the total prison population, while foreigners accounted for 1.6% of the population.

That means that the percentage of foreign inmates was 11 times greater than the percentage of foreign residents in Spain.

Olive Press entices back former editor Laurence Dollimore from the Daily Mail

THE Olive Press website has undergone massive changes following the return of its former editor Laurence Dollimore.

‘RACISM’

ROW

been overseeing a new design and helping to overhaul our website.

As Digital Editor of theolivepress.es the eagle-eyed London journalist has helped the site reach new heights. We are now seeing at least a million hits per month while the number of registered users continues to soar. There are more than 50,100 people with a registered account on our website, having risen by 20,000 over the past few months alone.

Over 2,000 of you have signed up for an ad-free service 24 hours a day.

“I’m glad to see the Olive Press is now getting the recognition it deserves,” explains Dollimore, who preferred a new role at the Olive Press rather than a posting in New York with the Daily Mail

“We have hired great new talent and have reporters stationed around the country, with our main operations still running from the Costa del Sol.

“It has been a team effort and there are still many things to work on, but I want to thank all our readers for their support, particularly the thousands who have bought a subscription.”

Dollimore first joined the Olive Press in 2016, later becoming our News Editor before helping to launch our editions in Mallorca and the Costa Blanca.

He was Digital Editor from 2019 to 2021, before leaving to work for the Mail Online for two years as a senior reporter.

Between January 1 and August 15 this year, 22,304 migrants reached the islands, compared with 9,864 in the same period in 2023 – an increase of 126 percent, according to Interior Ministry figures. The phenomenon saw Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez make a three-day visit to West Africa this month, in a bid to address the root of the

But it is not migrants that are arriving illegally from countries that Sanchez visited –Senegal, Mauritania and The Gambia – who are topping

Over the past year, he has ive August on

After learning the ropes in a fast-paced ‘Fleet Street’ newsroom - which these days is actually in Kensington - he returned as Olive Press Digital Editor in August 2023 dividing his time between Marbella and Sevilla.

Over the years, the London-born reporter has enjoyed world exclusives on everything from Madeleine McCann to Monkeypox, and is one of the go-to journalists when British newspapers need a story covered in Spain.

He added: “I’ve always loved Spain and jumped at the chance to come back, I’m looking forward to taking the OP to the next level.

“We have a great team of reporters and designers that simply cannot be matched by our competitors.”

It emerges that this multiple has been steadily falling since 1998.

Another key conclusion from El Mundo relates to the nationalities of migrants.

This year, for example, has seen a spike in arrivals in the Canary Islands.

Should that trend have continued, foreignthe prison population, and made up 13% of the total population in Spain; the multiple between these two figures is just 2.45, or basically, a historic low.

The latest Interior Ministry figures show that only four countries have more than a thousand inmates in Spanish jails: Morocco (5,213), Colombia (1,634), Romania (1,301) and Algeria (1,170).

The next three on the list are Ecuador (584), Portugal (267) and Italy (264).

Alarmingly, despite the recently reported data, Vox is pushing ahead with its anti-immigration stance.

Vox deputy Jose Maria Figaredo asked the government during a debate in Congress last week about the cost to the taxpayer of ‘taking in 250,000 immigrants from the Islamic Republic of Mauritania’.

Shocked by this the Government minister for Migration Elma Saiz, slammed her for voicing what she called a ‘hoax’.

“It is not true that we are going to take in 250,000 people from Mauritania,” she insisted, adding Figaredo was ‘making absolutely despicable statements about the migrant population’. She added it was in the ‘purest Trump style’. A fact clearly born out by the real statistics.

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

1 - Irish father loses €1.75m investment in Spain after a Malaga town hall rejects his hotel licence ‘because he’s an expat’

2- Passenger successfully challenges €30 fee for printing off his boarding pass at the airport

3 - New hand luggage rules are officially in effect in Spain and the EU – here’s what you should know

4 - Two gorgeous towns in Malaga maintain their positions on the ‘100 most beautiful pueblos in Spain’ list

5 - Tourist couple are hospitalised after being attacked by a persistent street beggar in Spain’s Andalucia

PROTESTS: Vox’s extreme views have led to protests about immigration spurred on by leader Abascal

NEW LIFE: Most migrants want to earn a living

El Mundo

Green screen

SPANISH green groups will present a documentary at film festivals in Amsterdam and Sevilla.

The documentary, Vidas Irreversibles (Irreversible Lives), explores the impact of renewable energy on the ecosystem and rural communities.

“Renewable energy is destroying ecosystems, economies and the rural communities of Spain,” said the trailer.

“Something that was meant to save the environment and bring life back to pueblos has paradoxically become quite the opposite.”

The film is a joint project by the Associacion Valle Natural Rio Grande (the Association for Rio Grande Valley) and La Ruta de la Placa (The Panel Route).

It will premiere at the Universidad de Malaga on October 4.

WATER GOOD IDEA

New invention could reduce home water consumption by 50%

A YOUNG Spaniard has invented an incredible device which reduces home water consumption by up to 50%.

Martin Bello Urbez, a student at the University of Bristol in England, has created an ingenious roof tile to collect and store rainwater for drinking water, say-

Oil disaster

By Yzabelle Bostyn

ing it could cut household water use by 50%.

He has now submitted the device to the renowned James Dyson Award which has produced some revolutionary designs.

Martin, who studies Prod-

uct Design, came up with the idea when comparing his hometown, Valencia to Bristol.

He explained: “In Valencia water is a very precious but also very scarce commodity. Here, (in England) on the other hand, it rains all the time, but rainwater is rarely used.”

AN oil spill off the coast of Gran Canaria forced local authorities to close off several popular tourist beaches and declare an environmental emergency. Experts expressed fears over the health of the area’s marine wildlife after up to three tons of IFO 180, a sulphur oil, spilt from Liberian registered ship Akhisar while it attempted to refuel.

According to the president of Gran Canaria’s governing council, the oil slick produced by the spillage was approximately 2km long and 400 metres wide.

The beaches of La Restinga, San Borondon, El Baranquillo and La Restinga were closed to the public due to the risk of contamination.

The state of emergency was declared over after 73 personnel spent two days on the clean-up operation.

The Akhisar has not been allowed to leave Gran Canaria until its owners pay €340,000 damages and fines.

The main tile component captures rainwater and filters it through a two-stage process. Firstly, a filter removes large particles and pollutants, followed by a second filter which ensures the water is suitable for storage in a modular tank of up to 500 litres.

The design includes water spillways in case of overflow, thermal insulation and barriers to stop rodents or insects getting in.

The only prerequisite to install Martin’s device is that the house has a roof and uses tiles.

Awards

His innovative roof tile has already been widely recognised, winning the Panasonic Design Impact Award and being shortlisted for the Royal Society of Arts, Student Design Awards, which will be presented at the end of the year.

Sun power

SPAIN’s renewable energy sources accounted for more than half of the country’s electricity generation in August.

According to power grid operator Red Electrica de España (REE), renewable sources supplied 52.6% of Spain’s electricity – although that is slightly lower than the 55.3% seen in July.

Overall the country’s green energy complement produced 12,341 GWh of electricity in August, 13.6% more than in the same month in 2023.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology took centre stage, generating, at 5,400 GWh, 24% of Spain’s power mix in August –a 20.8% increase compared to the same period last year. This marked the fourth consecutive month that solar PV has been the number one source of energy for the country.

In terms of renewables, wind power also contributed significantly, generating 17% of August’s power output at 16 3,889 GWh – although this represents a slight decline of 9% compared to the previous year.

The lack of strong wind blowing across the Spanish hills and plains likely accounts for the dip in green energy production from last year. Other renewable sources, such as hydro (8.57%), Concentrated Solar Power (3.12%), and renewable waste (0.36%), also played a role in the overall energy mix.

Nuclear accounts for 22% of power generation with 5,092 GWh.

The Best Accommodation in Valencia for Costa Blanca Students

FOR students from Costa Blanca South, Valencia is fast becoming the top destination for university life. With its rich culture, thriving nightlife, and world-class educational institutions like Universidad de Valencia and Universitat Politècnica de Valencia, it’s no wonder students are flocking to this vibrant city. Valencia offers the perfect blend of academic excellence and an exciting lifestyle, with endless opportunities to explore the city’s historic architecture, sun-soaked beaches, and lively social scene. For students looking to enjoy everything Valencia has to offer while staying close to home, the city is a clear winner. When it comes to finding the right accommodation in Valencia, Nido Malvarrosa stands out. Situated just steps from the famous Malvarrosa Beach, this flex-living hub offers an unbeat-

mix of comfort, convenience, and community. Designed with flexibility in mind, Nido Malvarrosa allows students to strike the perfect balance between their academic commitments and their personal lives.

Flexible, All-Inclusive Living

Nido Malvarrosa offers fully furnished, modern apartments complete with private bathrooms, bi-weekly cleaning services, and all-inclusive rent that covers utilities and high-speed Wi-Fi. This means students can focus on their studies without the hassle of managing bills or worrying about extra costs.

able

A Thriving Student Community

More than just a place to live, Nido Malvarrosa provides a vibrant community with co-working spaces, dedicated study rooms, and social events throughout the year. Whether students are looking to hit the books or unwind on the rooftop terrace overlooking the Mediterranean, they’ll find everything they need to enjoy university life to the fullest. For Costa Blanca students heading to Valencia, Nido Malvarrosa offers the ultimate flex-living experience, making it the perfect home base for an unforgettable university journey.

www.theolivepress.es

OLD MEETS

How architects are creating ultra modern homes out of traditional houses

Get paid €15,000 to work from home

HAT do you do if you want to live in a modern minimalist house but have to retain the facade of an earlier building? Call in an imaginative architect of course!

A historic 20th-century building has been transformed into a contemporary home that fuses traditional architecture with a complementary minimalist home known as The Empty House.

Designed by Fran Silvestre Arquitectos, the four-bedroom dwelling was created to offer a blank canvas for its owners, contrasting starkly with the traditional facade of the existing structure.

“From the outside, the facade maintains its character without modifying the street, becoming a kind of scenery from another era,” explained Fran Silvestre, the studio’s founder. Inside, however, the home is a stripped-back oasis of clean lines and natural light.

The ground floor of the home near Valencia features a spacious living, dining, and kitchen area overlooking a covered terrace and swimming pool. To the east, a smaller wing houses a guest bedroom and workshop. Upstairs, two en-suite bedrooms and a skylit multipurpose room offer additional living space.

The interior design emphasises minimalism, with plain walls, ceilings, and floors. Natural light floods the home, creating a sense of openness and tranquillity. The use of limestone flooring and wooden carpentry complements the minimalist aesthetic, while embedded lighting minimises visual clutter.

Silvestre explained that the choice of materials was influenced by both the property’s history and the desire to create a harmonious connection with the city. “For example, a limestone pavement was chosen, with a tone similar to that of the facade of the existing building,” he said. “The memory of the original construction is still valid and present in today's spaces.”

CASHING OUT!

BARCELONA’S Airbnb owners are demanding compensation totalling €1billion following the city council’s decision to revoke the licences of the 10,000-plus tourist apartments that operate in the city.

In June, Barcelona’s mayor Jaume Collboni put the city at the forefront of a nationwide backlash against mass tourism by announcing that tourist flats will be outlawed by November 2028 in an attempt to relieve the city’s housing crisis which has seen rental prices surge by over 70% in just a decade.

Protestors had argued that short-term

By Ben Pawlowski

rentals, such as tourist apartments offered by Airbnb, take up valuable housing stock and drive up prices, forcing many locals to leave the city centre for the suburbs or nearby towns.

Enrique Alcantara, the president of the Association of Tourist Apart-

ments of Barcelona (Apartur), said the €1billion claim covers ‘losses due to investments made and future earnings’ for around 1,500 properties and 20 property management companies. That figure could still rise as claims can be submitted until November 8, with estimates that the total sum of compensation claims related to the new legislation could exceed €3billion.

Following the announcement earli-

er this summer, the Olive Press spoke to several landlords who decried the move as an ill-thought-out ‘populist’ decision which would hit the income streams of hard-working citizens and do nothing to address the root cause of the housing crisis.

Luis, general manager at Aparteasy, a property company that offers shortterm rentals through Airbnb, said the move will ‘not solve the problem of

housing in Barcelona as it represents only 1.1% of total housing’.

Critcising the decision, Luis said the revoking of licences would give rise to a ‘new black market’, pushing expenditure towards the ‘small rich hands’ of hoteliers and tourist operators.

He also expressed his worry that abolishing tourist apartments, which provide up to 40% of total tourist accommodation in the city, could cause a ‘recession’ with a financial hit for employees, operators, bars, restaurants, taxis, attractions and small business owners.

Height of luxury

A SKYSCRAPER in Benidorm has been crowned the best residential development in Europe.

Benidorm Beach scooped the award at this year’s International Property Awards.

The 126-metre high project, which has 36 floors, is being promoted by Alicante developers Alibuilding, and was designed by Chamizo Arquitectos.

There are a total of 196 apartments with two, three or four bedrooms, with prices starting at €690,000. It counts on large open, common areas, an indoor pool, gym, spa and jacuzziplus two padel courts, a running track and children’s play area.

LIFE’S A BEACH FOR RAFA

TENNIS star Rafa Nadal is serving up a €200 million development in Andalucia. The Mallorcan wizard is doubling up with Ibiza hotel dynamo Abel Matutes to build up to 100 luxury homes on the Costa del Sol. Under their new joint venture company, Palya Invest, they will deliver the series

of villas and apartments at two sites, ready by 2027 and 2028.

The duo plan to build around 50 beachfront houses in Estepona and some 40 in Nagueles de Marbella.

Palladium Hotel Group boss Matutes has long been involved in similar developments, while Nadal has worked with

the Melia hotel group on a new brand called Zel.

Matutes and Nadal have other business holdings such as the production company Komodo which is behind the Mad Cool music festival.

The name ‘Palya’ is a play on the Spanish word for beach.

Digital delights

By Laurence Dollimore

A STUNNING inland region of Spain is offering digital nomads up to €15,000 to move there.

The programme is part of a plan to battle depopulation and help provide a much-needed boost to the economy in Extremadura.

The much overlooked region that borders Portugal has some of the wildest and most beautiful countryside in Europe.

It is also full of Roman ruins and historic gems, like Merida, Caceres, Trujillo and Guadalupe. Now the regional authorities have set

aside €2 million to spend on enticing entrepreneurial digital nomads to live there. They point out the cost of living is ‘at least’ 30% lower than Madrid and the price of proper-

ty purchases and rentals is among the cheapest in the country.

While it may not have the best transport infrastructure, the internet coverage is above national average.

“Extremadura offers a high quality of life. It is a natural paradise with exceptional gastronomy,” insisted Economy

Minister Guillermo Santamaria.

“Attracting these high-skilled professionals with international incomes will have a very positive impact on our economy.

“They will boost local consumption, enrich regional talent and create significant networks and opportunities.”

Authorities are looking for highly qualified digital nomads who work in the tech industry.

To meet the criteria, you must be able to work 100% from home and online and commit to staying in Extremadu-

GOOD NEWS AND BAD

Home sales ebullient in first half of year, but foreign markets off the boil

THE Spanish property market had an excellent first half (H1) of 2024 with the second-highest sales level in more than 15 years, up 6% on the same period last year to 350,818 transactions, according to the notaries.

The only time sales were higher was in the first half of 2022, when pent-up demand from 2020 and 2021 fueled a post-pandemic boom.

The second quarter (Q2) figure was even better, with sales up 10% to 189,909 suggesting the trend is turning increasingly positive as the year progresses. With these figures in hand it’s fair to say that the market is one of the most buoyant in Europe.

SALES BY REGION

By regions of greatest interest to foreign investors sales were up the most in Madrid (H1 +10%, Q2 +16%) with most regions showing a similar pattern of accelerating growth in the second quarter. Only the islands showed negative growth in H1, with transactions falling the most in the Balearics (-9%), and by -3% in the Canaries.

ra for a minimum of two years.

If you are an EU national, you must be a legal resident in Spain with an NIE. Foreign nationals with a TIE card can also apply.

If you are not from the EU, including the UK, you can still take part in the scheme if you are part of the digital nomad visa programme.

Those who brave the most abandoned towns (less than 5,000 inhabitants), will receive up to €10,000, while everyone else will get up to €8,000.

If those in the first group decide to stay on after the first year, they get another €5,000, while the second group get €4,000 - giving totals of up to €15,000 and €12,000 respectively. According to reports, people aged 30 and under will be given priority. You can apply online via the Extremadura General Electronic Access Point.

ILLEGAL tourist apartments in Valencia will have their electricity and water cut off ‘by the end of the year.’

Mayor Maria Jose Catala said that they began to consider such an extreme measure after illegal operators simply ‘paid the fine and continued renting to tourists anyway’.

Having got the green light from the lawyers, the town hall now plans to carry out inspections to identify the offending flats and then cut them off in order to bring them to a ‘screeching halt’. The fines for running illegal tourist rentals will also go up, Catala said, with the worst offenders being ordered to pay up €600,000.

Police have already been stepping up inspections, going from 73 reports in 2022 to 449 so far in 2024.

Expatriates prop up market

FOREIGN buyers are propping up the coastal property markets around Spain. In some areas they account for almost 50% of sales, according to the Association of Registrars In Alicante, on the Costa Blanca, an incredible 44% of coastal homes are bought by non-Spaniards.

In Tenerife 35% of buyers are foreigners, followed by Malaga (33%). The Balearics sit at 31.7%, Murcia (24%) and Las Palmas (22%).

Brits continue to lead the pack of foreign buyers in Spain, accounting for 9.4% of sales to non-Spaniards. They are followed by the Germans at 7% and the French (6%).

But even in the Balearics the second quarter sales trend showed a slight improvement compare to H1

What factors are driving the strong sales?

The key drivers are a growing population, a change in interest rates, now falling, and a shortage of homes for rent as government interference in the rental market reduces the quantity and quality of homes for rent in hot markets like Madrid, Malaga city and Barcelona. Spanish house prices are also on the rise. According to the notaries, prices in terms of €/sqm rose by 5% in H1, and 3% in Q2. Rising prices give buyers confidence that they are making a sound investment, and encourage them to buy before prices rise even further.

SALES INVOLVING FOREIGN BUYERS

What about foreign buyers, who have been so active the last few years?

UP: Sales have remained buoyant in most regions by 10%, 12%, and 24% respectively (Q2 was generally a bit better), whilst the Russian decline was 27%, no doubt related to that country’s isolation since Putin invaded Ukraine.

Data from the land registrars based on deeds inscribed in the first half shows foreign demand down 6% in H1, and 4% in Q2, in both cases the third best period for foreign sales on record. So foreign demand is down from a recent peak, but still high by historical standards. By country the biggest increases in H1 came from Poland (+9%), Ireland (+8%) and the Netherlands (+5%), but in Q2 the biggest increase came from the USA (+21%). However, most countries sent fewer buyers to Spain in the first half. The big three markets of the UK, Germany and France were all down in H1,

What’s driving foreign demand?

The data suggests that house prices at home are one important factor that appear to be positively correlated with the number of buyers heading to Spain. House prices are declining in the UK, Germany and France, whilst increasing in Poland, Ireland, and the Netherlands (Source:Eurostat / Gov.co.uk).

GRANDEUR: Of cities like Trujillo and Guadalupe (top)

TIME FOR A FRESH START

As a new school year dawns, what you need to know

AS the summer sun begins to fade families across Spain have adapted for the return to school.

The start of a new academic year is a time of excitement, anticipation, and a touch of anxiety for students, parents, and educators alike.

In Spain, the education system has plenty of choice between public and private institutions, each offering their own advantages and challenges.

For parents, understanding these differences is crucial if they are to make informed decisions about their children’s education.

While the terms are underway it’s usually not too late to change.

The education system in Spain is structured into several stages, beginning with early childhood education Educacion Infantil followed

By Dilip Kuner

by primary education Educacion Primaria, secondary education Educación Secundaria Obligatoria, or ESO, and finally, post-secondary education, which includes both vocational training and university studies.

Education is compulsory from ages 6 to 16, encompassing primary and secondary education.

The country offers a mix of public and private schools, each with its own distinct characteristics.

Public schools are funded by the government, making them accessible to all students regardless of their socioeconomic background and are free.

These schools are managed by regional governments, leading to variations in educational policies and curricula across different regions.

As the new school year begins, families across Spain engage in a flurry of preparations.

In contrast, private schools operate independently and charge tuition fees. They usually offer far smaller class sizes, specialised programmes, and a more rigorous academic environment.

The traditional back-to-school shopping spree is a common ritual, with parents and children alike selecting new school supplies, uniforms, and textbooks.

This ritual symbolises a fresh start and a new beginning, helping students transition smoothly into the academic routine.

But which should you choose?

and diversity. They are obligated to accept all students within their catchment area, fostering inclusivity and promoting a rich educational environment through the diverse backgrounds of their pupils.

However, public schools can face certain challenges, particularly in terms of class sizes and resource allocation.

The decision between public and private education is a significant one for many families. Several factors influence this choice, including location, academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal values.

allow pupils to take GCSEs and A-Levels.

Most offer an individualised learning plan, which wouldn’t be available in state schools and they are likely to have excellent purpose-built facilities.

They communicate with parents in their native language, making parent-teacher meetings a breeze.

Public schools are renowned for their accessibility

In some regions, class sizes may be larger, and schools might experience resource shortages. Meanwhile, private schools offer a more personalised learning experience, with smaller class sizes and greater attention to individual needs.

These schools often provide specialised programmes in areas such as arts, sciences and sports.

International schools also provide a convenient pathway to enter the UK university system seamlessly. They are a popular choice with parents who come to Spain for contract work, or a limited time only, and don’t plan to remain here.

Parents can expect to pay from €10,000 to €35,000 per year, depending on whether the child boards at the school.

Parents will also have to buy uniforms and other extras for their children.

International schools for a British syllabus

In the case of many schools, these offer Cambridge exams and

They can cater to students with specific interests or talents due to the resources they have access to.

Private schools often provide a variety of extracurricular programmes, including sports teams, clubs, and arts activities. Participating in extracurricular activ-

September 2024

ities can help students develop new interests, build confidence, and make friends.

A parent’s view – state versus independent

Jenni Stephanides of Sevilla is both a parent and teacher, with one daughter attending a state school, while the other is at the international school where she teaches.

“Both girls started at the international school, as my husband and I work there.

STATE EDUCATION

PROS

 Your child will be involved in your local community

 eir friends will live locally

 ey will quickly be uent at Spanish / bilingual

 ere’s no need to transport your children to school

 It is free of charge

CONS

 Rigid structure based on continuous assessment

 Di cult for parents who don’t speak Spanish to understand what’s going on

 Not much creative learning, in terms of art, drama, etc.

 It is relatively easy for your child to repeat a year. Re secondary education, the repetition rate is 5.5% for state institutions combined to 1.4% for independent.

THE CHOICE IS YOURS...

We were offered free places, which ensured the girls could continue their education in the British system, in case we decided to move back to the UK.

“But after three years, my eldest daughter was moved up a school year. Because of her birthday, she had been placed into the correct academic year for the UK, but not for Spain –this was holding her back educationally.

“My youngest meanwhile was placed into the correct academic year.”

“When we decided to stay in Spain, we gave both girls the choice to move to the Spanish system to integrate more with the local community. Both declined at the time.

PRIVATE EDUCATION

PROS

 Cambridge exams are provided

 Caters for entry to UK universities

 International Baccalaureate entry

 Individualised learning plan

“My eldest is about to start her fi nal year and intends to attend university in the UK. However, my youngest moved to the Spanish system last year and thrived immediately.

 Constant contact with parents / partici- pation in the learning experience

 Speak to educators in English

CONS

 e cost each year

 Paying for school uniform, that your child must wear

 Less immersion of your child in their local community

 Friends might live further away

 Child is less likely to be uent at Span- ish

 e need to transport children to school – possibly at a geographic dis- tance

 e school holidays do not match Spanish holidays

“In the international school, she had many friends from around the world, but the Spanish girls didn’t include her, and she wasn’t confident

GET A HEAD START

AS students across Europe return to school, many families begin to consider how they can give their children a head start in an increasingly competitive academic landscape.

Unlike many traditional schools, CGA offers academic acceleration - allowing students to take on additional subjects or advanced courses like A-Levels or Advanced Placement (AP) beyond what is required for graduation or university entry.

So how does this help? Through a flexible curriculum and personalised learning environment, students have the opportunity to broad-

The key to accelerated learning in Europe

en their knowledge, showcase their ability to handle advanced study, and strengthen their university applications.

THE BENEFITS OF ACCELERATION

For students who want to excel academically or have clear university ambitions, acceleration offers a chance for them to deep dive into subjects of interest, take on additional courses, and build an impressive academic portfolio.

For example, student Caterina from Italy, has been able to pursue her flexible studies with CGA to advance her academics while balancing her career as an equestrian.

“The previous online schools that I had found did not have anywhere near a program like CGA does. And I really like that you could choose what type of programme you want to work with, for example, if I wanted to continue doing A-Levels or if I wanted to go with the American system, that was a very big plus for me.”

The Da Vinci program allowed her to progress at her own pace, excelling in areas of strength and receiving support in others. Her ability to take advanced courses, like calculus, despite a long hiatus from Maths, demonstrated the effectiveness of CGA’s approach.

As Caterina says, “If I wanted to do something more advanced, have fewer classes, or do a bit more on my own, then I could choose the Da Vinci program and tailor my program according to my needs.”

For students aspiring to attend prestigious universities in Europe and beyond, acceleration offers a significant advantage. By completing

speaking Spanish.

“Now, she is fl uent in Spanish, has achieved fantastic grades in her fi rst year in the public system, and has many friends from the state system. My eldest stands by her decision to stay at the independent school.”

Peter Jones is the opposite. Both his children started their education in inland Valencia province at a state school from a young age and enjoyed it and thrived.

But as they entered their teens Jones, a businessman, who spends his time travelling around Europe, agreed with his wife and their children that they should try out a private school on the Costa Blanca coast.

would get more chances to excel in arts and music and, above all, meet a more international group of children, who would in turn ‘broaden their horizons’.

The investment has definitely paid off. They are completely bilingual

The family felt that they

“It has definitely worked and they are both loving it, with the eldest taking her A-levels and planning a

good university in the UK, while our younger daughter will probably do the international baccalaureate and go to university in Holland or Germany.” He continued: “While it meant coming up with around €2,000 more a month, it has defi nitely paid off. They are completely bilingual and still friends with their old local pals, who, of course, are all planning universities, if at all, in Spain.”

advanced subjects earlier than their peers, students can prove their ability to thrive in a demanding academic environment - something that is particularly appealing to universities looking for candidates with a strong academic track record.

KEY BENEFITS OF ACCELERATION AT CGA:

● Ability to take advanced subjects beyond the standard curriculum

● Personalised learning pathways tailored to each student’s strengths and needs

● Flexibility to explore different academic systems, like A-Levels or the American (AP) system

● Opportunity to build a stronger academic profile for university applications

● Support to balance advanced studies with personal interests and extracurricular activities

DEVELOPING ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE

Taking extra courses not only enhances academic achievement but also helps

students develop key skills such as time management, discipline, and independent learning. CGA student Eva from Russia demonstrates how balancing a demanding academic workload alongside her music career has made her more organised and independent in her studies.

“During high school, I want to achieve a deep knowledge of all my subjects… to do well on the external exams and at the same time I want to have enough time to work on my music… because of CGA I can at the same time focus on my academics and on my musical career,” says Eva.

For families across Europe considering academic acceleration, CGA offers a flexible and supportive environment where students can study at a pace that suits them, rather than having their courses and class schedules determined by their age.

This approach allows students to excel in their areas of interest and pursue a more challenging academic experience.

FACILITIES: at International schools, like Laude, are impressive

BE CYBER AWARE

Bullying worries lead to ban on mobile phone use

THE increasing use of mobile phones by Spanish schoolchildren has raised concerns about the potential for cyberbullying.

Experts warn that the unrestricted use of these devices can create a fertile ground for online harassment, especially among vulnerable young people.

A recent study revealed that a significant number of Spanish children have access to mobile phones at a young age. By the age of 14,

By Dilip Kuner

over 90% of children have their own devices. This widespread availability has made it easier for bullies to target their victims online, often leading to severe emotional distress.

The National Police have observed a concerning trend of traditional bullying escalating into cyberbullying as children gain access to smartphones.

They emphasise the importance of educating young people about the potential dangers of online interactions and providing them

Maths and reading targeted

with the tools to protect themselves.

Put your head down

FOR the 50% of Brits who go to university or college moving into a damp, cold, shared flat with strangers has become something of a rite of passage.

Many discover the endless washing up and how much toilet paper and energy bills cost.

For Spaniards, this is a relatively uncommon experience with only around 17% of students leaving their region to study.

Most students live at home or with grandparents, which perhaps explains how there are only 100,000 student beds in dorms versus 1.6 million students in Spanish universities.

Spain’s popularity for Erasmus students has also influenced the demand, along with Latin American students.

The boom of dorm beds really took off during the pandemic, with investments reaching €140 million in the first part of 2021, up a whopping 140% from the year before.

The dorm industry in Spain escaped the economic impact of the pandemic, with hundreds of millions being invested by foreign companies from Canada to France.

Recently, Spanish students have realised the benefits of moving away to study causing a surge in demand for student housing.

There is a shortfall of 450,000 beds, partly due to the fact that most student dorms have historically been run by nuns who have laid down morally restrictive rules like splitting up girls and boys.

FURTHER LEARNING

THE Spanish government has targeted the three Rs as it tries to improve academic results. Earlier this year it announced an initiative aimed at improving students’ math, reading and writing skills.

“We're seeing too many kids struggling with basic maths and reading,” the minister said. “This is unacceptable. It's time for a change.”

1 1 1 1 2 3

According to Education Minister Pilar Alegría the programme will focus on providing students with the tools and resources they need to excel in these essential subjects.

WITH enthusiasm and high expectations, Newton College welcomes a new school year, reaffirming its commitment to academic excellence and the holistic development of its students.

Since its foundation in 1991, Newton College has grown steadily, becoming one of the leading educational institutions in the region.

As a private, co-educational, non-denominational, and liberal school, it offers a unique approach that combines the International Early Years and Primary Programmes (IEYC and IPC) with the British National Curriculum, providing a bilingual and multicultural education from the earliest stages.

In Secondary, Newton College integrates the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) with the Spanish National System.

For Sixth Form, students can choose between the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) and the Spanish Programme, opening doors to the best universities worldwide.

One of the school’s core pillars is the concept of ‘Amazing Learning’, a philosophy that promotes continuous and enriching learning. At Newton College, students face daily

Resources will be devoted to teacher training and the programme will target younger students to ensure they have a strong foundation in these subjects from an early age. The minister also indicated that children who need extra support will have access to after-school tutoring and mentoring programmess, and parents will be encouraged to take a more active role in their children's education.

In response to these concerns, the Spanish Government this year introduced regulations aimed at limiting the use of mobile phones in educational institutions. These include a complete ban on mobile phones in Early Childhood and Primary Education facilities, as well as restrictions on their use in Secondary Education. While these measures are a step in the right direction, experts argue that more comprehensive strategies are needed to combat cyberbullying effectively.

These include raising awareness among parents, educators, and students about the issue, promoting responsible online behavior, and providing support for victims.

Amazing

A commitment to comprehensive and global education at Newton College

challenges that help them grow in knowledge, skills, and confidence. The key to success lies in focusing on creative and innovative learning experiences, where the teaching staff work closely with families to ensure that each student can reach their full potential.

This year, Newton College continues to drive its innovative ‘Creative & Design Thinking’ (C&DT) programme, an approach that integrates creative and dynamic spaces where students develop critical skills, apply their knowledge to real-world situations, and find innovative solutions.

Moreover, the school promotes values-based education with programmes such as ‘Open-

THE UK and Spain earlier this year signed an agreement that streamlines access to universities in both countries.

This means easier transitions for students from either nation who wish to pursue higher education abroad.

Both UK and Spanish qualifications will be recognized for entry to universities in the respective countries. Students from either system can apply under the same conditions as those from EU member states. This means that Spanish students can still access UK universities with recognition of their Baccalaureate results.

Similarly, students holding UK qualifications (including A-levels) will no longer need to take the Spanish general university entrance exam. Their qualifications will be directly translated through an agreed conversion table. A-levels and equivalent qualifications will be credited up to 10 points in the Spanish university entrance system.

Educación integral y personalizada

Excelencia e innovación educativa

Educación internacional

Multilingüismo

BIG RELAXATION, Tiny house

LOTS of hotels, Airbnbs and campsites promise an ‘escape from it all’ but few achieve it quite like this extraordinary gem hidden in the hills just inland from the Costa del Sol.

The Little Wooden House was built by expat Elizabeth Wynn as a ‘refuge’ surrounded by nature, near the charming town of Monda.

Just 20 minutes inland from Marbella, the home is perfect for those hoping to recharge in the peaceful surroundings.

The carefully crafted building is nestled among olive trees and vineyards, providing an oasis of calm.

By Yzabelle Bostyn

A deep waft of wood hits you as you enter the house, making you feel instantly welcome.

I’d first heard about the rental via Channel 4’s hit show George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces and written about it in our Property magazine earlier this year.

So it was great to come back and stay. Elizabeth has certainly used an eclectic mix of wrought iron and other recycled materials to further add to its charm.

The rustic, warm decoration including deep orange colours further adds to the autumnal feel, prompting a sudden urge to curl up in the sofa nook with a fantasy novel. Luckily, there’s a whole shelf to choose from, with titles ranging from Bill Bryson to Yann Martel. I’m soon undergoing a Fleetwood Mac moment. Though ‘tiny’, the house makes great use of space, with a small bathroom, kitchen, dining table, sofa and a bedroom. Each corner is illuminated by big,

bright windows looking out over olive groves and the Sierra de Alpujata.

The calming views make cooking in the mini kitchen a pleasure and guests can

‘The Little Wooden House’ is one of the most charming - and unusual - hidden gems just inland from Marbella - and offers the perfect Autumn escape with a classic Fleetwood Mac flavour

even pick fresh grapes or figs for dessert. For the resident chef, there’s two hobs, a microwave, fridge and stove top kettle on hand, accompanied by all the spices, utensils and pots you could need to whip up something delicious.

Outside, there are two tables to choose from to enjoy your meal and wherever you are, the resident cats are sure to come and say hello. Under swaying branches which catch the last of the summer sun, the garden is the perfect spot to enjoy a cold glass of wine before snuggling down for the night. Up a small set of stairs, the mezzanine bedroom houses a surprisingly big double bed with soft sheets and fluffy pillows. Surrounded by small windows looking out onto the night sky, the cool country air

gave me the best sleep I'd had in months.

After a relaxing lie-in, the next morning I was greeted by bright sunshine through the windows and for once, I did not feel grumpy. What better way to spend a Saturday morning than drinking a coffee and watching butterflies float by. Although I was heartbroken to leave the Little Wooden House, I was excited to see what the nearby towns of Monda and Ojen had to offer. A sleepy pueblo, there isn’t much to do in Monda, but it is nonetheless very pretty and the castle is well known for its restaurant.

WINDS OF CHANGE

IT’S already been another bumper year for tourism in Spain.

According to the national statistics institute the number of visitors had reached over 53 million by the end of July, a 12 % increase from the year before. The amount of money spent increased by a whopping 19% to €71 billion. But this isn’t just a story about the lucrative tourism economy, which makes up between 12-14% of Spanish GDP. It’s also about crisis and transformation.

It’s the crisis of housing primarily, but also of cities whose infrastructure is overwhelmed by the endlessly growing number of tourists. And of Spaniards’ frustration with how the situation is affecting them.

There are now changes to the national housing law coming in including the ability for community housing associations to ban holiday rentals.

These associations exist in every building and

Housing and tourism crisis

in many subdivisions (urbanizaciones).

I was excited to see what the nearby towns of Monda and Ojen offered

Ojen, on the other hand, is known for its caves, including the Cueva de Columnas, believed to be an example of a prehistoric home. As well as the local towns, there is plenty of walking to do nearby, being slap bang next to the Sierra de las Nieves National Park. Elizabeth also offers arts and crafts workshops in her neighbouring property, Eden Whispers Art Farm. At just €82 a night, the Little Wooden House offers an idyllic escape for creatives, dreamers and most of all - anyone that needs a good rest.

Previously, communities could restrict tourist rentals in various ways, including increasing community fees.

But they couldn’t outright prohibit them unless they had a unanimous vote. When the law changes, communities will be able to do so with a vote of 3/5 of neighbours.

The law comes in response to two recent Supreme Court rulings that supported the right of community associations to ban them as economic activities in a residential zone.

There is a widespread popularity to these measures. A poll by the Centre

for Sociological Research at the beginning of September found that over 76% of Spaniards support controls on tourist apartment licenses. Almost a majority - 45% - support restrictions on the amount of tourism. Because of all this, the question of tourism rentals has entered the consciousness of home buyers as well. I have had more clients asking me about whether tourist rentals were acceptable in a given community. Some, particularly those interested

in high end properties, want to ensure that it is banned in the community where they are considering making a purchase.

High net worth buyers are paying large sums of money for privacy and security. They don’t want a party of wedding goers or holidaying students next door. They want to know who their neighbours are.

Others want to fi nance their holiday home costs with Airbnb rentals when they are not in Spain. They want to ensure that an urbanization hasn’t banned tourism rentals – and in the case of off-plan developments this remains an unknown until the fi rst community meeting.

I heard of a client taking possession of a new apartment in Malaga, which he intended to rent short-term only to fi nd such activity banned at the fi rst community meeting. It seems likely that restrictions will grow pri-

marily in high-end, luxury communities and in city centres. Those developments that are dedicated to vacation properties will likely be far less affected.

That could lead to some big changes in the property market and it’s hard to know exactly how it will shake out in the end.

The concern that we should all have is that governments at all levels are creating new facts and paradigms not based on rational planning or well-thought out decisions - but for political gain and low political cost.

Instead of grappling with the shortage of housing they are offl oading the problem to community associations, which can increase confl ict between neighbours.

This is a problem for all levels of government and could impact a number of sectors of the economy - housing, employment, tourism, zoning laws.

A rational, well-thought out approach is needed, not half-measures.

SWAMPED: Residents of these two tower blocks in

The Property Insider by Adam Neale

LET IN THE LIGHT (AND WATER)

Stunning new development where a salt lagoon is on full screen

AS any good architect knows you always need to maximise on your environment.

And so this is exactly how the talented team at Arquitectos MAB have tackled their extraordinary new development on the Costa Blanca.

The attractive low-density project blends perfectly with the landscape around the famous Salinas de Torrevieja salt flats.

Built by Onaru the residential scheme adapts well to the topography of the land, leaving one

side of the plot completely open to the views, with a large communal pool and garden area taking centre stage.

The team of architects, based in Torrevieja and also Orihuela, manage to achieve a healthy housing ratio while also allowing a high-quality common space.

The ‘holiday-format’ homes have an open-plan layout, allowing their interiors to be adapted and personalised for each owner.

Each has the highest quality finish and the best energy efficiency standards, with firstclass carpentry, aerothermal energy, ducted air conditioning and photovoltaic installation. The development has underground parking, with pre-installation for elec-

UNDERWAY: Builders are already working hard on the second side of the project

Each home maximises on the lights and views and counts on a high quality finish

tric chargers at each space.

“With an unbeatable location, an intelligent and adaptable design, and a construction firm that guarantees quality, it is no surprise we have had so many buyers off-plan,” says architect Antonio Campos Villanueva, CEO of MAB –More Architecture & Building.

One of the key spatial aspects

If you are interested and want more information about it, you can go to www.arquitectosmab.es or write to onaru@arquitectosmab.es.

he has developed for the homes transmits the peace of the nearby natural surroundings.

Working with the nearby salt flats, the buildings have north-south interconnecting living room/ open-kitchens with perfect views of the lagoon.

This continuous space also emphasises the visual elements and a sense of space. A variety of distribution possibilities for rooms are easily laid out by the builder, Onaru. Onaru is a renewed company with more than 30 years of experience in the Costa Blanca area. The work is already underway with the second housing block now being undertaken.

LUXURY:

Taste the world

WORLD Paella Day will see

12 international chefs battle it out to be crowned ‘best foreign paella’.

Each chef is expected to give their individual take on the dish, inspired by their home countries.

The finalists were selected from over 50 world class cooks.

Among them is Ireland’s John Kenwright and France’s Jordane Estevez.

Held at Valencia Marina, the event will take place on September 20.

Street art

LA CULTURA

HUELVA is celebrating its deep historical ties with the United Kingdom by hosting the first-ever British Legacy Fair until September 22. It is showcasing the influence of British culture on Huelva, particularly

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A real legacy

during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when British companies played a key role in the region's min-

ing industry.

The fair will feature over 30 British-themed activities, including historical reenactments, cultural events, and sporting competitions. Iconic landmarks such as the Queen

Fiery resistance

The flame-haired Irish Chieftain who fought the English before finding a final resting place in Spain

A TRIBUTE to legendary Irish Chieftain Red Hugh O’Donnell has just been paid in the Spanish city of Valladolid to mark the 420th anniversary of his death.

A re-enactment of his funeral procession featured a symbolic coffin draped with the flags of

FOLLOWING IN ANCIENT FOOTSTEPS

By Dilip Kuner

Ireland and Spain, carried by a horse-drawn hearse.

The procession was escorted by the historic royal guard on horseback and accompanied by Franciscan monks, soldiers car-

FIFTY life-sized copies of the Prado museum's most famous paintings will embark on a tour of the Valencian Community this month.

the Irish ambassador.

Valladolid is known to be the final resting place of Red Hugh, who had fled Ireland with other Irish lords in the famous Flight of the

HUMAN and animal remains dating back 26,000 years have been discovered during the construction of a €1 billion housing development. Items were discovered from the Pleistocene settlement, including ancient footprints, which have now been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest.

Footprints

The travelling exhibition El Prado en las calles will kick off its tour in Benidorm on September 27.

It will then continue on its way through eight Ontinyent, Castellón, Sagunt, Alicante , Valencia, Vinaròs, Orihuela and Burriana, where it will conclude next July.

Reproductions of some of the greatest masters in the history of art will be on display, including Goya, Velázquez, El Greco, Rubens, Dürer, Rembrandt, Hieronymus Bosch, Titian and Caravaggio, among others.

It has been dubbed ‘a walk through the history of art’ that will ‘bring culture closer to all citizens.’

rying torches, standard-bearers, and a lone Irish soldier playing the bagpipes. The event was organised by the Department of Tourism of the city council, in collaboration with the Hispano-Irish association and was attended by

Earls after they and their Spanish allies had been beaten by the English at the battle of Kinsale. They had arrived in La Coruña and were received with great honour by the Governor of Galicia and the Archbishop of Santiago, where an Irish College was founded. There they plotted their return to Ireland to continue the Nine Years War against the Tudor monarchs who were taking over Ireland. For this they needed the help of Spain, so Red Hugh travelled to Valladolid to meet Philip III, who promised to organise a new invasion.

Red Hugh died on the journey, and was temporarily buried in Simancas Castle in 1602.

The story of ‘Red Hugh’ has huge importance for Valladolid, where he was believed to have been re-buried in the chapel grounds of a Franciscan convent. But when the monastery was leveled in 1836, the bones of Red Hugh were not there. Archeologists now believe his remains rest beneath a branch of Banco Santander in the city centre. So far several skeletons have been unearthed – but DNA tests from his descendants have so far failed to find a match.

Archaeologists started working on a 2,000 m2 plot in the Mendez Alvaro district of Madrid in March and they are coming to the end of their time before the building project can resumes

Some 26,000 years ago the area saw the confluence of several rivers including the Arroyo Carcabon, next to which the site is located, and the Arroyo Abroñigal –above which the M-30 ring road was built.

Archaeologists have found human footprints and various stone artifacts, as well as footprints of herbivores and a rhinoceros.

Victoria District, the Rio Tinto Pier, Casa Colon, and the Real Club Recreativo de Huelva - the oldest football club in Spain, founded by British workers in 1889 - will be at the heart of the celebrations.

FIT FOR A KING: Procession honouring Red Hugh

LA CULTURA

WHAT MADE THE MAGICIAN

He is one of Spain’s most prolific and celebrated filmmakers, renowned for his bold, vibrant storytelling and willingness to tackle taboo subjects such as sexuality, death, and religion.

Pedro Almodovar has worked with actors of the stature of Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, Antonio Banderas and most recently Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore, and won countless awards, including two Oscars. But throughout his career he has worked exclusively in Spanish, until now that is.

As he launches his 25th and ‘final film’, we look at

Spain’s most prolific filmmaker Almodovar

By Yzabelle Bostyn

when he was eight years old, his family sent him to a religious boarding school in Caceres, Extremadura.

supreme with a repressive government that was certainly not open to boundary-pushing young filmmakers.

They hoped he would become a priest, but it was there that Almodovar fell in love with cinema.

“Cinema became my real education, much more than the one I received from the priests,” he later said.

Despite the closure of the National School of Cinema under Franco’s regime, Almodovar, then aged 19, persisted in learning the craft of filmmaking on his own.

The 74-year-olds 25th film, first production English, The Room has won critical acclaim, swiping the coveted Golden Lion at Venice Film Festival and receiving an 18-minute standing ovation. Not bad for a man who was born in the impoverished La Mancha town of Calzada de Calatrava, where he lived with his parents and three spend

Next Door , siblings. How- ever, he didn’t long there, as

In 1968, Almodovar moved to Madrid against his parents wishes. There he found a vibrant underground arts scene while he supported himself by working at the Rastro flea market.

These were in the days where Spanish dictator Franco reigned

He took a job with phone company Telefonica and bought a Super 8 camera with his first paycheck. He then produced a series of short films that gained attention within Madrid’s Movida Madrileña, a countercultural movement that flourished after Franco’s death in 1975.

became very famous in Madrid because, as the films had no sound, I took a cassette with music while I personally did the voices of all the characters, songs and dialogues."

Almodovar became a key figure in this cultural renaissance exploring taboo topics such as sex, death and religion. Without the support of big studios, he could not add soundtracks to his films. He said: “I remember that I

Finally, in 1980, Almodovar made his first feature film Pepi, Luci, Bom and Other Girls Like Mum

The film had a tiny budget of 400,000 pesetas (€2,404) and told the story of Pepi, a woman seeking revenge on a corrupt policeman who raped her.

It quickly grew a cult following in Spain and is often compared to the films of American filmmaker John Waters, which pushed through moral and social boundaries.

Just two years later, Almodovar

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released Labyrinth of Passion, another cult success.

The film marked the director’s first collaboration with actor Antonio Banderas. Then in 1983, he released Dark Habits, a film about a cabaret singer seeking refuge in a convent of eccentric nuns.

The controversial film marked Almodovar’s first moderate critical and commercial success.

Following a spate of equally shocking cult films, Almodovar established his own production company in 1987 alongside his brothers, Agustin.

El Deseo’s first film, Law of Desire, received great critical reception, scooping the first ever Teddy Award for LGBT representation at the Berlin International

BE PREPARED

he Importance of understanding your insurance documents

The ongoing issue of not reading and understanding insurance policy documents remains important for all your insurance needs.

Film Festival. His international breakthrough came with Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988), a feminist action-comedy that earned over $7 million at the US box office, garnered five Goya Awards, and earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. This film established Almodovar as a filmmaker of global renown, known for his vivid visual style and intricate, emotionally charged narratives.

By 1997, Almodovar’s worldwide reputation was growing.

That year, he released Live Flesh, based on the book of the same name by British author Ruth Rendell.

The film marked Almodovar’s first collaboration with actors Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem. By this point, the Spaniard had

earnt an unshakeable reputation as a controversial, vanguard filmmaker unafraid of taboos.

In the next few years, he would release some of his best known works including All About My Mother, which won him his first Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 1999, Volver and The Skin I Live In In 2002 he picked up a second Oscar for Talk to Her, scooping Best Original Screenplay, alongside a Bafta and a Golden Globe. This was also the year that he met his partner, actor and photographer Fernando Iglesias.

Following the Covid-19 lockdown, he and his brother released Parallel Mothers

maker’s call for the international legalisation of euthanasia.

In the film, British actress Tilda Swinton plays a journalist suffering from cancer.

Swinton’s character asks an old friend, portrayed by Julianne Moore, to help her end her life.

Spain legalised euthanasia in 2021 and is one of only 11 countries in which a form of assisted dying is legal.

It is all a long way from his roots in a sleepy town in La Mancha

The 2021 film follows the lives of two mothers who give birth on the same day and is the precursor to Almodovar’s upcoming movie.

The Room Next Door, to be released on October 18, is the film-

At a press conference at Venice Film Festival, the filmmaker said: “There should be the possibility to have euthanasia all over the world.”

With numerous Goya Awards, two Academy Awards, and countless other accolades under his belt, Pedro Almodovar remains a vital and influential voice in contemporary cinema.

It is all a long way from his roots in a sleepy town in La Mancha.

Very few people seem to be aware of the importance of first checking that their policy documents are completely accurate and contain all the correct information. Especially for car policies, ensure the licence plate number is correct.

These documents should be kept in the car; however, it’s far better to ensure you have copies as well, in case the vehicle is stolen. For your home insurance policies, verifying that the address is correct and matches the catastral reference will make things much easier if you need to make a claim.

Without understanding your insurance documents, you won’t be fully aware of your exact coverage in the event of an incident. Many people underinsure their properties, which is a very unwise decision. This is especially true now, with climate change and the ever-changing, unpredictable weather. With rising inflation and the increasing cost of living, burglaries are unfortunately on the rise, particularly for unoccupied properties. Make sure you understand what you need to do to not only protect your property but also guarantee that you are covered by your insurance.

It’s well worth knowing what to do in case of an incident - have the necessary phone numbers readily available and understand what information you will need to provide. Health insurance can be a bit more complex. Ensure you know what information is required, keep contact details with you at all times, and consider storing phone numbers and your policy number on your phone.

If you’re unsure how to use your health in-

or

surance, ask your agent or broker for clarification.

In case of a car accident, by default, emergency services will be called and you’ll be taken to a public hospital (Seguridad Social).

From there, you can choose to be transferred to a private hospital, or you can stay at the public hospital and pay the bill if you don’t have a SIP card (Spanish health insurance card).

I understand that insurance documents aren’t easy to read, but taking the time to understand your policy will always pay off. It will make your life easier, less stressful, and in some cases, will prevent unexpected and expensive bills.

Dedicated

To assist you with claims, we have a dedicated claims administrator for Liberty Seguros (now Generali), an ASSSA administrator for your health policy, and a renewals department to ensure your coverage remains accurate and up-to-date.

All insurance companies also provide emergency contact information outside of our office hours, which is included with your policy documents.

The Legacy Continues Mark, Jennifer’s son, will be taking over the company to continue Jennifer’s commitment to excellent customer service and providing valuable information. This is just one of Jennifer’s insightful articles that remains relevant even today.

BUSINESS

Robotic deal

A BRITISH robotics company has won a multi-million euro contract in Spain to deliver robotic assembly systems.

Expert Technologies Group, a leader in its robotic field, will be partnering with Sumitomo Electric Bordnetze (SEBN) in the €1.4 million deal to install robotic assembly lines for electric vehicles.

It will see the Coventry-based technology company – which has now spread to four continents – deliver two automated auxiliary harness assembly lines.

The project is its first contract in Spain since the challenges posed by Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Support from UK Export Finance (UKEF) was crucial in enabling Expert Technologies Group to access the necessary funding to deliver the project.

SPANISH prime minister Pedro Sanchez has called on the EU to ‘reconsider’ its position on tariffs of Chinese goods in an attempt to ease a long-running trade dispute between President Xi Jinping and the European bloc.

The comments came following Sanchez’s second visit to Beijing in 18 months, where he met with the Chinese premier to discuss boosting exports, such as electric vehicles and pork.

In particular, Sanchez suggested that the EU should move to eliminate tar-

Tariff

plea

iffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Last year, the EU opened an investigation into alleged unfair subsidies

IN CREDIT

every large economy in Europe – and newfound political stability have bolstered its prospects.

Between April and June the economy grew 0.8%, above the OECD average of 0.5%.

The contrast with France, which grew just 0.3% in the same quarter, is particularly striking.

While France has faced political turmoil and concerns about its ability to manage its deficit, Spain has

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Quick Crossword

Roaring economy sees Spain’s credit rating upgraded by Moody’s

By Walter Finch

demonstrated stability and economic growth.

This has led to a significant narrowing of the yield gap between the two countries’ 10-year bonds, as lending to Spain becomes almost as safe as lending to the tradi-

tionally stronger economy of France.

Meanwhile, investors have been drawn to Spain’s bonds for the attractive yields they offer compared to Germany, the region’s safest asset. Despite the recent decline in Spanish bond yields, they still provide a premium over German bonds.

within the Chinese EV industry and has proposed to boost tariffs by 37.6%.

In 2023, China imported €1.5 billion worth of pork products from Spain, with Spanish officials fearful that a tit-for-tat trade war would see exports slump.

FROM JEREZ TO THE HIGHLANDS

Across: 1 L C Ds, 4 Spiral, 8 Magnum, 9 Cleric, 10 Recreate, 11 Tito, 12 Seals, 14 Scorn, 17 Cher, 18 Impolite, 20 Abound, 21 Cowboy, 22 Stasis, 23 Sine.

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According to American goliath Citi, Spain’s growth has not just been driven by a boom in the country’s international tourism sector. It also cites an increase in employment and productivity, as well as a rebound in exports.

Despite the rosy news, Spain’s economic growth is expected to slow down, according to the European Commission.

Their services include cybersecurity, device maintenance and performance optimization, and malware removal, enhanced by AI for faster and accurate solutions.

For 2024 it forecasts a still-healthy 2.1% growth, and in 2025 it will ease down to 1.9%.

A SCOTTISH whisky brand is joining forces with a Jerez cask producer in a brand new venture promising ‘incomparable craftsmanship and whisky mastery’.

The Macallan, a single malt whisky brand from Scotland, will collaborate with the Tevasa cooperage in Jerez and its sister wood supply businesses, Forestal Peninsular and Forestal Peninsular de Cantabria.

Tevasa creates Spanish seasoned oak casks used in the production of whisky.

The Macallan will now own 50% of the share capital of Tevasa Forestal Group.

Managing Director Igor Boyadjian said: “This partnership shows our commitment to the craftsmanship in our Sherry cask supply chain.

“As we celebrate The Macallan’s 200th anniversary, this expansion will ensure our reputation for richness and complexity for generations to come.”

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AnyTech365’s health checks will make sure your computer is not watching cat videos when you’re out

ALRIGHT, buckle up for the digital adventure of a lifetime - your PC’s very own health check!

Introducing an exclusive partnership between Olive Press and AnyTech365 AI-Powered IT

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Imagine our tech wizards, armed with their virtual stethoscopes and diagnostic spells, delving into the mysterious abyss of your hard drive. They’ll assess everything from whether your CPU is sweating like a marathon runner or chilling like a penguin in Antarctica. And let’s not forget about your RAM - no, not the animal, but your Random Access Memory, where all your multitasking dreams either come true or crash like a clumsy juggler.

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of AnyTech365 Products and Features

AnyTech365 IntelliGuard

AnyTech365 AI powered unique software can pinpoint the root cause of a problem providing real-time protection and immediate response to suspicious activity. This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of cyberattacks.

AnyTech365 Security

World class, cross-platform security platform with advanced scanning techniques to identify potential threats from files, programs and neutralization of viruses, malware, and phishing attempts.

AnyTech365 TotalCare

Founded in 2014 by Janus R. Nielsen, a seasoned IT entrepreneur, AnyTech365 leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to offer unparalleled service quality and efficiency in tech support and cybersecurity, keeping your digital life secure and hassle-free.

Now, onto the serious stuff - security.

and their solutions have been widely recognized multiple awards on local, national, and international “The Fastest growing technology company in the 27th fastest growing company in Europe across (Source: Financial Times FT1000), the Andalucía Award in New Technologies, and others. meaningful local impact, AnyTech365 has proud title-sponsor of the Andalucía Open tennis including the ATP 250 tournament in 2021, the sporting event in the region. It has excellent online scores with tens of thousands of end user reviews (4.8/5) and Google Reviews (4.9/5).

Our techs are like cyber detectives, sniffing out malware, adware, and spyware faster than a bloodhound on a scent.

The company and their solutions have been widely recognized and won multiple awards on local, national, and international level such as “The Fastest growing technology company in Spain and the 27th fastest growing company in Europe across all sectors” (Source: Financial Times FT1000), the Andalucía Excellence Award in New Technologies, and others.

Think of them as the digital equivalent of Gandalf yelling ‘You shall not pass!’ to those pesky viruses trying to infiltrate your precious data. But wait, there’s more! We’re not just about fixing what’s broken; we’re all about preventive care. That means tweaking your power settings, so your PC isn’t burning through battery life like it’s going out of style.

is currently in the process of becoming publicly the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), with the expected to complete in Q3 of 2024.

Making a meaningful local impact, AnyTech365 has been a proud title-sponsor of the Andalucía Open tennis tournament, including the ATP 250 tournament in 2021, the biggest sporting event in the region. It has excellent online reputation scores with tens of thousands of end user reviews on Trustpilot (4.8/5) and Google Reviews (4.9/5).

Those hard drives and SSDs are the unsung heroes of your digital life. We’ll check ‘em out like a mechanic inspecting a Ferrari engine, making sure they’re purring like kittens and not clunking like a rusty jalopy. Because let’s face it, no one wants their hard drive to crash harder than a failed magician’s career. Now, imagine all this tech magic happening remotely, courtesy of AnyTech365. Our certified techs will work their mojo from afar, ensuring your system stays snappy, secure, and smoother than a penguin sliding down an icy hill. And guess what? It’s all free, like finding money in your pocket you didn’t know you had - except instead of cash, it’s peace of mind and a turbo-charged computer. Next time your PC starts acting like a drama llama or slower than a herd of turtles stampeding through peanut butter, remember the power of a good old-fashioned PC health check.

With AnyTech365 on your side, your tech trou-

The company is currently in the process of becoming publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), with the transaction expected to complete in Q3 of 2024.

A comprehensive security suite, combining all AnyTech365 premium products together with quick issue resolution by certified technicians without onsite visits anytime, day or night, with AnyTech365’s around-the-clock support services, all offered in more than 15 native languages.

bles will be banished faster than you can say

‘Ctrl + Alt + Del.’ so, if you want your computer to feel younger than it really is and stay safer than a secret agent in disguise, a PC health check with AnyTech365 is your golden ticket. We’ll keep your digital life drama-free and your tech running smoother than a buttered eel on a slip ‘n slide. Cheers to a hassle-free computing experience!

The company and their solutions have been widely recognized and won multiple awards on local, national, and international level such as “The Fastest growing technology company in Spain and the 27th fastest growing company in Europe across all sectors” (Source: Financial Times FT1000), the Andalucía Excellence Award in New Technologies, and others. Making a meaningful local impact, AnyTech365 has been a proud title-sponsor of the Andalucía Open tennis tournament, including the ATP 250 tournament in 2021, the biggest sporting event in the region. It has excellent

with

(4.8/5) and

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

Tit for tat?

EUROPEAN Union travellers heading to the UK will soon need to pay to obtain permission to enter the country, the British Home Office has announced.

The new digital Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which comes into effect from April 2, 2025, will require visitors from Europe, Australia, the US and Canada to pay £10 (€12) to enter the country.

The ETA has been billed as a direct counterpart to the European Union’s upcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which will require Brits to pay €7 to enter. Both systems are nominally designed to strengthen border security by gathering advance information on travellers and identifying potential security risks.

Pay up!

Alicante to charge tourists an entry fee for popular castle and museums

VISITORS will soon have to pay to visit popular museums and a castle in Alicante.

The Ayuntamiento de Alicante has decided to enforce entry fees on the Castillo de Santa Barbara and other municipal museums.

It is hoped the fees will increase the value of heritage visits in the city and contribute to maintenance costs.

DABIZ Muñoz, the highly-acclaimed Madrid-born chef, has premiered his first airport dining concept, which is set to land at four terminals across Spain this year. The Hungry Club, a joint venture between Muñoz and the Swissbased travel retailer Avolta, has been unveiled at the T4 Satellite Terminal of Madrid airport. The new outlet will, eventually, become a staple part of life at airports in Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga and Palma de Mallorca as

By Walter Finch

The motion will affect the Castillo de Santa Barbara, the Contemporary Art Museum of Alicante (MACA), the Lonja del Pescado exhibition hall, the Las Cigarreras cultural complex, the Bonfire Museum and the Nativity Museum.

According to a spokesperson: “Many monuments

and museums charge an entry fee in Spain and we think it’s reasonable to open this line of income to contribute to their maintenance.”

The council is also con-

Muñoz lands at Barajas

Muñoz seeks to ‘revolutionise’ the travel dining experience.

sidering a citizens card, which will give residents hefty discounts or even free entry.

For the castle, the changes are expected to be in force by the end of 2025.

Politicians have urged decision makers to only charge the 500,000 tourists that visit the castle every year from outside the city.

Lost customers

DOMESTIC tourism in Spain has experienced a significant decline in the first seven months of 2024 compared to the previous year. This reversal follows a post-pandemic boom as Spaniards sought to make up for lost travel opportunities and spend their accumulated savings. The number of domestic tourists went from 41.37 million over the January to July period in 2023 to 40.98 million in 2024 for the same period. International visits, meanwhile, continue to go from strength to strength, with 47.67 million foreign tourists in Spain during the first seven months of 2023.

Oil shortage

Muñoz, crowned as the world’s best chef at the Best Chef Awards in 2021, 2022 and 2023, has vowed to ‘shatter the conventional notion of airport food’ with an Asian-inspired menu that promises to provide a ‘revolutionary gastronomic experience’.

Travellers will be able to savour dishes including seafood laksa, Korean-inspired bolognese pizza, ramen topped with salmon, and flat croissants topped with marshmallows. Muñoz, 44, is renowned in gastronomic circles for his innovative, avant-garde cuisine. His restaurant, DiverXO, is the only three Michelin-starred restaurant in Madrid, and was recently ranked as No.4 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.

Although a full price list has not been released, it is thought the castle could cost between €3 and €10.

The town hall hopes this will raise between two and four million euros annually for the development of the monument. It is not yet known if the funds will go directly to the museums affected or whether they will go to the council before being shared out.

SPAIN’S main olive oil producers are warning of a potential shortage of the country’s ‘liquid gold’ due to poor harvests in recent years. The ongoing drought has significantly impacted olive oil production, leading to dwindling stocks at cooperatives and major retailers. The farmers’ union Asaja has described the situation as unprecedented but assures consumers that completely empty shelves are unlikely as major distributors keep their own reserves to tide themselves over temporary shortages. Supplies should be replenished in the October harvest.

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

LEADING THE WAY

SPAIN has been home to some of the most influential architects in history, creatives who have consistently pushed the boundaries, leaving an everlasting impact on the built environment.

From Antoni Gaudi’s imaginative creations to Santiago Calatrava’s innovative engineering, the contributions of these architects reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage and avant-garde

The Spanish architects who have become some of the most influential in the modern world

By Dilip Kuner

spirit.

Their commitment to preserving history while embracing the future have

1. Santiago Calatrava: sculpting the skyline

made them an inspiration for architects worldwide.

In fact, the legacy of Spanish architects will continue to shape the architectural domain for centuries to come.

Here we show some of their best creations, which are all well worth a visit.

RESPECTFUL: Moneo works with the historic surroundings his commisions are in, from Kursaal (top) and Merida (below)

Coming from Valencia, Santiago Calatrava has captivated the world with his structural marvels that blend cutting edge engineering with aesthetics.

His signature white, futuristic designs are a testament to his ability to unite form and function. From the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia to the iconic Turning Torso in Sweden, Calatrava’s creations continue to redefine the modern architectural landscape.

Rafael Moneo is renowned for his harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, crafting spaces that respect their surroundings while still being contemporary. His work, including the iconic Kursaal Congress Centre in San Sebastian and the Museum of Roman Art in Merida, are stunning examples of how to create timeless structures that engage with their historical context.

2. Rafael Moneo: balancing tradition & modernity

MOVEMENT: From the Turning Torso in Sweden, to the City of Life and Sciences in Valencia (left)

3. Ricardo Bofill: reinventing urban spaces

Ricardo Bofilli’s career has been inspired by his passion for transforming and repurposing existing structures. His projects, such as the remarkable transformation of an abandoned

cement factory into a stunning residence known as La Fabrica, are a testament to his innovative approach, which reflects his artistic vision of breathing new life into neglected urban spaces.

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

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September 19th - October 2nd 2024

Enric Miralles: A visionary architect

Known for his expressive and organic designs, Miralles pushed the boundaries of architectural language. His most notable work is the Scottish Parliament Building in Edinburgh, a bold and innovative come a landmark. His design of the Spanish pavilion at Shanghai’s Expo in 2010 was also

BOUNDARIES: Enric always pushes them from Edinburgh (top) to Shanghai

HEALTH

Care crisis

BRITISH pensioners living in Spain are facing a growing care crisis as local volunteer networks struggle to cope with increasing demands.

Many expats rely on UK-origin charities like Age Concern and the British Legion for support, but these organisations are increasingly staffed by elderly volunteers who themselves require care.

According to Dr Kelly Hall, a social policy expert at the University of Birmingham, the situation could force many British retirees to return home unless a new generation of volunteers steps up.

Private care in Spain can set elderly people back between €2,000 and €5,000 per month, making the help of charities essential.

Virus strikes

THE West Nile Virus is thought to have claimed yet more lives in Andalucia after two more fatalities were reported.

Health authorities have confirmed that a man and a woman, both from Jaen, have passed away in hospital in Cordoba. If the deaths are confirmed to be from the virus, it will bring the total number of deaths in the region to eight this summer.

Mosquitoes carrying the disease have been detected in Cadiz, Cordoba and Huelva.

5.

GENIUS: Gaudi’s work is amoung the most original in history

Antoni Gaudi: unravelling the wonders of modernism

No conversation about Spanish architects can be had without mentioning Antoni Gaudi. His creations are a unique blend of Gothic, Art Nouveau, and Catalan Modernism, with his distinctive designs becoming synonymous with Barcelona’s architectural heritage. The breathtaking Sagrada Familia cathedral and the whimsical nearby Park Güell are just a glimpse of his artistic expression and commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional architecture.

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Nolotil setback

Health bosses turn down ban on killer drug

THE European Medicines Agency (EMA) has ruled out banning or bringing in tougher restrictions on controversial painkiller Nolotil - for now.

The EMA has been studying metamizole, the main ingredient in Nolotil, over its potential to cause a severe or total loss of white blood cells in patients (agranulocytosis).

It comes after hundreds of deaths of British expats and tourists - and other northern Europeans - have

By Laurence Dollimore

been linked to the drug. The cases have been compiled by health campaigner Cristina del Campo, who has been fighting against the drug for years and who is now seeking compensation for family members of those who died after taking it.

The Olive Press has also launched multiple campaigns to raise awareness of Nolotil and to plead for

A NEW LEAF

A RESEARCH team in Valencia has created a ‘revolutionary’ golden lettuce with over 30 times more vitamin A than normal. The new lettuces have a high amount of beta-carotene, a key source of vitamin A. It is important for eye health, strengthening the immune system and skin health. Researchers achieved the ‘super lettuce’ by first experimenting on tobacco and lettuce plants. Through advanced biotechnology techniques and the use of intense light treatments, they succeeded in multiplying the level of beta-carotene.

tougher regulations. Despite this, the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS), says the EMA found the benefits of Nolotil ‘outweigh the risks’.

The EMA began a review of medicines containing metamizole in June 2024, at the behest of the Finnish Medicines

Agency - after the country reported multiple cases of agranulocytosis.

Based on the evaluation of all available scientific evidence, the European Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) of the EMA has concluded that the benefit of medicines containing metamizole outweighs the risks.

It said measures must be reinforced to facilitate the early identification of symptoms and diagnosis of agranulocytosis.

However, the information available to date does not allow them to rule out or confirm a higher risk in populations with specific ethnic or genetic characteristics.

British and other people of northern-European descent are believed to be more at risk from the drug.

The conclusions of the evaluation carried out by the PRAC must be ratified by the Coordination Group (CMDh) of the EMA, which includes all the European medicines agencies.

Baby bounty

THE parents of babies born in Valencia after January 1, 2025, will receive €300 from the city council, it has been revealed.

Maria Jose Catala, the conservative Partido Popular (PP) mayor of Valencia who governs in a coalition with far-right Vox, announced the support package as part of a series of 50 measures to improve ‘the state of the city’. Some €3 million has been allocated to Catala’s Maternity and Conciliation Plan, designed to support young families and promote higher birth rates.

Vow

Among the measures is a vow to extend the free education of 0-3 year-olds until July, subsidise nurseries, increase grants for canteens, provide free summer schools, and make a direct payment to the families of newborn babies.

Catala also pledged to build 4,600 new homes, 1,000 of which will be designated as social housing, as part of an updated General Urban Development Plan (PGOU).

The mayor, who described the previous iteration of the plan as ‘exhausted’, will also facilitate urban development in Tendetes, Marxalenes and La Zaida in an effort to provide accessible and affordable housing for all residents.

O P LIVE RESS

Try again mate

TWO Australian TikTokers have gone viral after trying and failing for two days to get pickpocketed in Barcelona.

Dog days

A DOG owner in Haro, La Rioja, has been fined €2,500 for ‘causing social alarm’ after their dog jumped into the La Vuelta cycle race.

Big mistake

THE family of a car crash victim in Madrid has been left in shock after they discovered they did not have the body of their loved one at his funeral, but instead another of the men who died in the tragic accident.

Shell shock

SCARY SOCIALS:

Posters thought the giant crabs are real

‘Sea of plastic’ in Almeria ‘wins’ NASA prize of being the most visible man-made object from space

IT is a grand prize but won for the wrong reason. The notion that the Great Wall of China is the only human-made structure visible from space has long been a myth. Despite being one of the Won-

A BRITISH woman heading to Paris from Leeds Bradford Airport was shocked when she arrived in Alicante. The woman claims her boarding pass was checked at least four times before take off. Despite the setback, she enjoyed a day of sightseeing in

By Walter Finch

ders of the World, at about 21,200 kilometres long and with its tallest towers reaching just 800 metres, the Chinese marvel is just too narrow to be

FLIGHT FAIL

Alicante before heading to Paris. She said: “If you’re ever in Spain I would recommend Alicante.

“I had a good time, I don’t think it will ever happen to me or anyone I know again.”

seen from space.

Instead, according to NASA, the most easily discernible manmade object from Earth’s orbit is something far less wondrous: the vast expanse of the greenhouses of El Ejido on Spain’s Almerian coast.

But the achievement is far from a laudable one – the region represents 370 square kilometres of white plastic so bright that it stands out against the Earth’s surface, even from the International Space Station.

The region is home to thousands upon thousands of greenhouses that stretch between the

GREENHOUSE EFFECT

towns of El Ejido and La Mojonera.

The sea of plastic even extends south to Motríl and north to Níjar.

Activists have long criticised it for the enormous quantities of plastic employed which seeps into the surrounding environment as it degrades.

Other large human-made structures, such as the Bingham Canyon mine in Utah and the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, can also be seen from space, but none are as distinctive or as extensive as the greenhouses of El Ejido.

shores was deemed a dark omen that was sure to sow panic.

A social media post appeared to show a pair of enormous crustaceans emerging from the sea and went viral in Kupang. The 17-second video –which has racked up more than 7,900 views –had a local commenting ‘That’s not a good sign brother,’ while another chipped in, ‘That’s terrifying’.

Giant

But in fact, the photos were taken on Spain’s Atlantic coast in Chipiona, Cadiz.

They showed not real giant crabs, but an artwork by artist Alfredo Zarazaga of metal sculptures crafted from recycled materials. The ‘crabs on the coast’ are supposed to ‘raise awareness about the future of the marine environment’.

BLANK SPACE: The white mass of plastic can be seen from space