Olive Press Gibraltar Issue 215 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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€3 million fraud NINE people have been chosen out of nearly 400 people summoned by a Gibraltar court for jury service as a £3 million fraud case. Gillian Balban, 51, of Bayview Terrace is facing four counts of fraud by abuse of position dating back to 2011 and 2012. Prosecutors also charged the former Natwest Gibraltar employee with two more counts of false accounting that occurred between 2012 and 2017 and one newly introduced count of fraud by false representation. Her trial is expected to last six weeks and cover evidence by 50 witnesses. The high number of witnesses is the reason so many people were summoned for potential jury service. They had to complete a questionnaire on whether they knew any witnesses or family members involved in the case or had any links to Natwest or the Financial Services Commission. The Royal Gibraltar Police carried out a lengthy investigation into Balban who by that time had moved on to become area manager for Royal Bank of Scotland. She allegedly committed the fraud with Euro notes and credited cheques to her own personal bank account. The almost 400 people summoned for jury service is the largest number since the Marrache trial a decade ago.

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BRITISH and European Union negotiators have started round 16 of EU treaty negotiations in Brussels over Gibraltar’s post-Brexit future. “This is a technical round with officials representing the European Union and the United Kingdom, together with Gibraltar,” a government spokesman confirmed. The talks started yesterday and will finish tomorrow (Thursday). Attorney General Michael Llamas (below) and Gibraltar House director Daniel D’Amato presented the Rock’s perspective at the latest talks in the Belgian capital. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo recently forecast that he believed the talks would end in the first six months of 2024.

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A step closer While no official information on the obstacles to an agreement have yet been disclosed, the airport’s joint use has appeared to be a major bone of contention. It follows opposing statements on it by British, Spanish and Gibraltarian political leaders. Spain’s Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares, said it had to be part of the four-year primary deal while Picardo said it was optional. Albares has frequently claimed that Spain has presented London with ‘an agreement that is generous, balanced and good for Gibraltar and the Campo’. Last Friday, he encouraged the

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UK at a New Economic Forum event to ‘soon’ take the ‘brave’ step to seal the deal. Such an agreement would ensure ‘there is a free movement of people and a free movement of goods’, he said. Opinion Page 6

Drawn a blank No trace of sailor Simon Parkes found in latest dig to find clues A TEAM of eight UK police officers have found no trace of sailor Simon Parkes who disappeared in Gibraltar 37 years ago. The 18-year-old radio operator never got back onboard the HMS Illustrious after going ashore on December 12, 1986. A huge manhunt that followed and other potential digs since have failed to find Parkes, leaving his long-suffering parents without any hope of finally putting their mind to rest. Hampshire Police led the latest dig at an area between Town Range car park and Rock on the Rock club. The force said it was disappointed not to find any significant evidence on Parkes’ demise. "The team has processed more than 12 tonnes of material in the

By John Culatto

underground water tank that has been sealed for some time," Det Ch Insp Adam Edwards. “The conditions were hot, damp and filthy... At least two tonnes of material has been brought up to the surface for sieving and fingertip examination.” Officers had been following a new line of inquiry that they thought might shed some light on what happened that fateful night. The case was reopened in 2001 after a shipmate, petty officer Allan Grimson, was convicted of two murders. Grimson has denied involvement in Mr Parkes' death but confessed to the murders of 18-year-old Nicholas Wright and 20-year-old Sion Jenkins. Both murders took place one year apart in 1997 and 1998 - on December 12 - the EXACT same date that Parkes disappeared in 1986. Information that came to light during research for a book on the subject by GBC journalist THE SEARCH: Hampshire police investigate

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VICTIM: Simon Parkes (above) and suspect Allan Grimson

Ros Astengo is thought to have given police a new lead to solve the mystery. The southern England force was backed up by the Royal Gibraltar Police, Ministry of Defence and Isle of Wight Constabulary. The victim’s mother Margaret Parkes had said that every search made her ‘hopeful’ but that she knows she ‘can’t put much into it’. It followed a small excavation of the Town Range car park in August last year that was just as fruitless about the tragic sailor’s disappearance. Other digs in the past have focused on Trafalgar Cemetery, South Barrack Road and Rosia Lane. Parkes left the Horseshoe bar saying he was going to get something to eat in December 1986. Witnesses reported seeing someone fitting his description drunk at the Hole in the Wall pub.

Parkes’ parents David and Margaret last heard from their son when they had arranged over telephone to meet him in Portsmouth when his ship arrived on December 18 But their son never made it home. Margaret and David Parkes said they would ‘never give up hope of finding him’. Both the Hampshire Police and the local force have appealed for anyone with any further information on his whereabouts to come forward.

CRIME

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NEWS IN BRIEF Local Advantage MINISTER for Trade and Industry Nigel visited top Gibraltar-based UK motor insurance company Advantage that recently took on three local young people.

Break a leg A TOTAL of 12 plays will take part in Gibraltar’s International Drama Festival to be held on March 11-16 at Ince’s Hall.

Young art boost A YOUTH arts jamboree will take place over February and March to boost Gibraltar’s young writers, videographers, artists and dancers.

Cadet glee COMMANDER British Forces Tom Guy surprised cadets of the No.2 Overseas Gibraltar squadron by turning up at their base to commend their efforts over the last year.

January 24th - February 6th 2024

Gangster axed BBC erases notorious costa fugitive from its dramatisation of armed robbery heist after accusations of ‘glamorising’ killer AN infamous British criminal finally snared in Spain has been written out of his own hit TV series. The UK’s one-time most wanted fugitive Kenneth Noye has been erased from the second part of a BBC dramatisation of his infamous 1983 Brink’s-Mat gold robbery. It comes after The Gold was criticised for glamorising Noye - played by Scottish heartthrob Jack Lowden - as a ‘handsome class warrior’. To stoke the outrage, the double killer who is now out of prison, was reportedly ‘over the moon’ about his portrayal in the first season.

By Walter Finch

Admirers allegedly even approached him in the street to shake his hand, claimed friends. It led to the BBC receiving a severe backlash for its ‘heroic’ portrayal of the man who murdered 21-year-old Stephen Cameron in 1996 and policeman, John Fordham, in 1985. In one of the most notorious cases of road rage in British history, Noye stabbed Cameron on the M25 while on release from prison - and then promptly fled to Spain. Noye had been most famous

A NOTORIOUS drug kingpin has been sentenced to six years in prison after the largest drug trial in Spain’s history. Antonio Tejon, leader of the Las Castanas (chestnut) smuggling clan must also pay two separate fines of €1 million each. The 43-year old was found guilty of leading the large-scale marijuana smuggling operation across the Straits. It was considerably less than the sentence of 15 years in prison and €200 million in fines prosecutors had wanted. His jailing is part of a giant court case

MURDERER: Noye (inset) and actor Jack Lowden up to that point for helping to mastermind the Brink's-Mat warehouse robbery which netted over €30m in gold bullion. The six robbers had been expecting to find €4 million in cash but instead found the gold worth the equivalent to €108 million today.

Roasted chestnuts against 97 offenders at Cadiz provincial court who face 280 years in prison between them. Tejon and his brother Isco were known as the ‘Hashish Kings’. They used fishing boats, drones, tractors and trucks in order to import drugs. After Tejon’s 2020 arrest for bringing in 9,000 kilograms of hashish, he continued to direct the gang’s operations from prison.

History, adventure and romance. That’s just the setting.

“Relatives of the victims were very upset and the BBC did not want to take the risk of more of those accusations,” a source told The Times. Cameron’s uncle slammed the broadcaster for making Noye out to be ‘some kind of good guy when he was a cold-blooded murderer.’

Captured

Noye was captured while having lunch with his girlfriend, Mina Al Taiba, in a restaurant in Barbate, Cadiz, in August 1998. He lived nearby in Zahara de los Atunes. He had previously enjoyed the hospitality of fellow London gangster Joey Wilkin’s luxury villa in Estepona while on the run. It is believed Wilkins had given him up to Scotland Yard.

Attackers down FOUR males ended up behind bars after juveniles allegedly attacked a woman in one of Gibraltar’s public housing estates. Police first received a report of a fight near Victoria Stadium in the early hours of Saturday morning. When they arrived at around 2.30am they found a young woman who had injuries to her face. An ambulance was soon on the scene to provide her with treatment. She claimed that two male juveniles had punched and kicked her. Officers then chased and arrested two youths, aged 14 and 16, on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Then, they arrested a 55-year-old man who police said was ‘interfering with the officers during the incident’. He was detained on suspicion of obstructing police after officers had given him several warnings. While police officers were on the scene, another boy aged 14 ‘was being persistently abusive and rude’. Officers then arrested him too on suspicion of offensive conduct conducive to breach of the peace. All four were released on bail as the investigation continued.

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www.theolivepress.es www.theolivepress.es IT is something of a rite of passage for anyone moving to Spain. So it was no surprise when the costas’ latest expat celebrity to move in, Jasmine Harman, announced she was adopting a kitten. The Place in the Sun star, 48, took in the rescue cat after a friend found it living by a bin. “Family News! We have a new addition! Over the holidays, a friend of ours found a kitten all alone by some bins,” she put on her Instagram feed. “We have taken her in, she’s now called Hazel and she’s adapting amazingly to life with a family.” After spending decades helping Brits find their ‘dream life’ abroad, Harman finally took the plunge in October buying a home in Estepona.

Place in our home

She told her 143,000 followers this month that relocating had been a great decision. Smiling after a beachside Zumba class, she gushed: “I’m starting the year as I mean to go on. “Whatever happened to you, whatever went on in 2023, hold onto the good, let go of the bad and start afresh i n 2024.” She continued: “Family is the most important thing and this will give us a much better balance.” On why she chose EsADOPTED: tepona, she added: “It Jasmine and has a lovely commufamily have nity feel. We have taken in a lots of Spanish famstray kitten ilies nearby.” (far left)

FRUIT CAKE HE is the best-selling Spanish artist of all time having sold over 150 million albums worldwide. Yet, Julio Iglesias, 80, still travels with foodstuffs in his suitcases. The Marbella-based multi-millionaire was ‘almost arrested’ on his arrival in the Dominican Republic with an astonishing 42 kilograms of food stuffed into his luggage. The so-called ‘King of Latin’ was pulled over at Punta Cana airport where immigration officers seized vast quantities of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cherries, tomatoes, celery, beans, spinach, lettuce, mushrooms and meat. Falling foul of the country’s

By Ben Pawlowski

stringent import rules he was detained, according to a popular Spanish TV show Fiesta. A spokesman for the Dominican Republic’s Agriculture Ministry confirmed the stop after Iglesias arrived on a private flight. Meanwhile an ex-girlfriend, María Jose ‘Makoke’ Giaever revealed she often used to transport food for Iglesias, who has performed over 5,000 concerts around the world. “Sometimes I would bring him seafood from Galicia which he loved,” she told the Fiesta programme. The father of eight, including

CLEAN START

FIFTH-tier Spanish football side Malaga City have announced a surprising new addition to their staff. Former Liverpool and Tottenham star Steven Caulker has joined the club as a player-manager. The former Premiership star joined up after discovering the club while on holiday with his girlfriend and son in Nerja. It was sadly anything but a commanding start with the team being on the wrong end of a 6-0 hammering in his first game. Things improved for

Julio Iglesias stopped at airport with suitcase full of berries and meat

between The Bahamas and Punta Cana, living with his 58-year-old Dutch wife, Miranda Rithe second game, losing 1-0 to the league leaders, while jnsburger. they drew 0-0 on Sunday. He regularThe centre-back made 123 appearances in England’s ly visits his top flight, including spells at Tottenham, Southampton huge estate and Liverpool. between The 32-year old’s career had previously been derailed Marbella by a wave of personal issues, as the defender suffered and Ojen, with depression, anxiety, alcoholism and a gambling where his addiction. son Enrique “I hit so many rock bottoms and they just kept getting grew up. lower and lower,” he confessed. Reports “It was a mental rock bottom, a financial rock bottom, in the US a physical rock bottom, an emotional and spiritual rock bottom”. suggest his Following intensive rehab and therapy, Caulker admits health is dehe has to confront his personal battles day-by-day. teriorating, He set up Behind the White Lines, an organisation in particuwhich seeks to provide training camps to young players lar suffering who are released from clubs when young. from moWhile Brexit rules mean Caulker can not yet play for bility issues the club until he has a special licence, he has been able and memoto manage the team while completing coaching badges. ry loss.

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pop star Enrique, has lived a quiet life since retiring. He mostly splits his time

January 24th - February 6th 2024

Shot in the foot

A BMW dealership in Spain has dropped an ad campaign featuring Money Heist actress Itziar Ituno for protesting in defence of the rights of political prisoners from ETA. The garage in Bilbao took offence at her appearance at the protest of 20,000 people in Bilbao. Airline Iberia also removed an interview with the star for its

inflight magazine. The actress took part in a similar demonstration in 2017. ETA was an armed terrorist group that waged a bloody campaign for independence for the Basque Country killing 829 people over nearly 60 years. The group eventually disbanded in April 2018. Ituno played inspector Raquel Murillo in the hit Netflix show.

FANCY yourself as a boxer? All Comers can earn €368 a session if they fancy a whirl in the ring with heavyweight contender Oleksandr Usyk (pictured). Actually, the Ukrainian - who is training in Valencia for his forthcoming world title fight with Tyson Fury - needs right-handed boxers between 200 and 210 cm tall and have an arm span of 200 to 216 cm. Usyk fights the Gypsy King, the WBC champion, in Saudi Arabia on February 17. Fury, 35, is training in Morecambe, Lancashire, having previously trained for fights at Daniel Kinahan’s controversial MTK gym in Marbella.

Bit of a tough guy?

NEWS Night shift blues

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A GIBRALTAR minister is continuing to take occasional shifts with the ambulance service three months after being voted into government. Minister for Sports, Industrial Relations and Civil Contingencies Leslie Bruzon took on a gruelling 12-hour night shift on Saturday night. The former ambulance man got stuck in at his old job for at least

Cut it out

PLANS to set up energy storage batteries at the North Mole Power Station could prevent future power cuts in Gibraltar. The 10 new prefabricated containers would be installed south of the power station that is planned to provide electricity to homes in the event of a generator failure. They would replace the current system of back-up diesel generators and have zero emissions and no extra fuel costs. GibElec CEO Michael Caetano told GBC last month the battery system would be installed throughout the next year. Plans have yet to be approved by the Gibraltar’s Planning and Development Commission. They would allow for surplus energy to be stored in them rather than go to waste, the planning statement said.

TALKING CHANGE THREE members of the government and two members of the Opposition have met for the first time to talk about how to improve Gibraltar’s parliament. Dr Joseph Garcia chaired the Select Committee on Parliamentary Reform that will review all procedures, working practices and rules of the Gibraltar Parliament. “The objective of the Committee is to improve the workings of Parliament, modernise and enhance its role and foster greater community engagement,” the government said in a statement. It hopes to help people who want to take part in parliament and ‘an overall improvement of decision-making that benefits citizens’. “The Committee will be providing members of the public , civil society, groups and associations an opportunity to make written or oral submissions,” the government added. A further meeting of the select committee will take place next month.

the second time since taking on his new responsibilities as government minister. “It is a privilege to re-join the GHA and collaborate with my colleagues in the Ambulance Service, A&E, and other staff members during a night shift,” Minister Bruzon said. “I have always expressed my commitment to staying connected and

January 24th - February 6th 2024 volunteering on an ad hoc basis.” The minister admitted to feeling a sense of loss at having to stop doing the job he has done for so long, serving the public at their hour of need. “Spending 12 hours with B Shift and responding to calls from the public is something that I miss,” he said. “I extend my gratitude to the Minister for Health, Gemma Arias Vasquez, and the Chief Ambulance Officer, Adrian Gerada, for facilitating this opportunity”.

LIKE A TOILET!

Expats recall the smells of the ‘horror drought’ of 1995 amid fears this year will be the same EXCLUSIVE By Ben Pawlowski

EXPATS in Spain are fearing a repeat of the severe 1995 drought as record-dry conditions continue to wreak havoc on the country. Long-time residents have recalled how the streets of the Costa del Sol ‘stank of sewage’, while locals were forced to wash in the sea amid severe water restrictions. It comes as reservoir levels in Malaga province actually dropped by 0.2% DESPITE heavy rain at the weekend. Reservoir levels now stand at just over 15%, well under half (37%) of the same time last year. The situation is worse in Cadiz and Almeria. With reservoir levels so low,

long term expats have recalled the dry year of 1995, when Malaga’s water levels fell to just 4.5%. The infamous tinder-dry drought left the national reservoir capacity at an incredible 30.4%, a 20% drop on the levels today. Some reservoirs actually dried up that year, including the giant Conde Guadalhorce reservoir, in El Chorro, near Antequera, while the situation in Sevilla was so perilous authorities seriously considered

Church sold THE Church of Scotland has sold its Gibraltar church for £1.3 million after people stopped attending services. It marked the end of an era for St Andrew’s Church that has been active on the Rock for about 170 years. The locally registered buyer ‘will fully respect any planning guidelines as well as the former church’s heritage’ according to a GBC report. Gibraltar’s Heritage and Antiquities Law says the protected building cannot be knocked down. St Andrew’s, located a stone’s throw from the Convent, held its last service in December 2022.

JUDO GENIUS GIBRALTAR’S local regiment has once again outdone itself by coming home from the Army Judo Championships with a haul of medals. Ethaniel Jeffries-Mor reinstated his position as Army Heavyweight Masters Champion, beating most of his opponents ‘within the first few minutes of engaging’. He went on to win the over 100kg event gold medal at the Army School of Physical Training in Aldershot, Hampshire, where the championships were being held. “His mastery of the art came forth as he dominated the tempo of each fight,” the MoD said

evacuating Spain’s fourth largest city. “We had water for only two hours a day, so if you wanted to shower you had to wake up really early,” remembered Peter Capitain, a German-born expat. “Even the most affluent areas felt the brunt of strict water use - with the streets of Puerto Banus smelling of toilets,” added the Marbella-based lawyer. Brit Martin Brown, who was working in Banus’ boat yard that summer, recalls: “The place stank and it was awful working all day and then not being able to shower, flush toilets, or use hoses. “We only Current governor of Gibraltar Sir had one hour David Steel noted that the sadness of water a of the city’s Presbyterian congregaday so most tion was balanced by the pride of people went serving the community for nearly swimming in two centuries. the morning “Without a congregation in Gibralrather than tar, the Church of Scotland was using a showunable to continue to maintain the er.” building and as a charity we were So bad was obligated to put it on the market the situation and seek a fair price.” that there was a serious

in a statement. “He fought the continued mounting fatigue, battling through adversaries all the way to the podium.” But he was not the only winner at the event for regular and reservist soldiers. The Royal Gibraltar Regiment’s Major Dayan Pozo brought home a gold and bronze medal for the under 90kg category at his first attempt competing in a judo tournament. And a spectacular throw gave Corporal Bradley Morris-McKenzie a silver medal in the intermediate under 90kg category. “All in all, a great result for the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, now looking ahead to the Inter-Services competition later in the year,” the Ministry of Defence concluded.

Women mentoring A FIFTH cycle of the Gibraltar government’s mentorship programme that has already given over 100 women leadership and management training started recently. The programme aims to ‘support women’s professional progress and development’ the government’s Ministry of Equality said in a statement. Started by previous minister for equality Samantha Sacramento, it has been continued by her successor in the portfolio, Christian Santos. He has asked for more women and mentors to step forward to help out in the programme. “The programme’s longevity speaks volumes about its success,” Santos said. “This is an invaluable opportunity for mentees to connect with established professionals who can help them develop and progress in their respective careers.”

BEACON OF HOPE’ MEMORIES: Peter Capitain had two hours of water a day worry as to whether water supplies could dry up completely. Martin added: “I was only 15 at the time but I remember how nervous and stressed the locals and business owners were”. Fellow Brit Sandra Jones, who lives in Estepona, had to contend with running a restaurant at a time when water was restricted for much of the day.

Extreme

“We had to fill up buckets and pans with water in case it suddenly cut off”, she said. “We also had to often leave washing up for the morning as the flow of water was routinely stopped during the night.” Organisations such as the WWF are warning that, although droughts in Andalucia are not uncommon, they are becoming more frequent and extreme.

A NEW ‘beacon of hope’ in Gibraltar will help young people who do not have a job, are not in education or training find a way to move forward, a local minister said. Minister for Employment and Youth Christian Santos is pioneering the new pilot project called The Zone: Step Up and Thrive. It will kick off as a drop-in service, allowing young people to talk to mentors, learn about education opportunities, and explore personal and professional development. The project is based at Gibraltar main youth centre on Line Wall Road. It will focus on young people not in employment, education or training (NEET), who may find themselves left out by the system.

Frontier fracas

LONG land frontier delays of two-wheeled vehicles that caused commuter anger recently were caused by Spanish border guards, the Government of Gibraltar said. Spanish newspaper Europa Sur had reported that the Rock’s own Borders and Coastguard Agency were to blame for the early morning tailbacks. But a government spokesman denied this, saying it was the Spanish authorities that had been checking ‘each one of the motorcycles, bicycles and electric scooters’ commuting into Gibraltar on a Monday morning. These document checks, the government said, led to the long delays for workers trying to get into Gibraltar.

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NEWS

January 24th - February 6th 2024

NEWS FEATURE

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OPINION All in a flutter SPAIN’S Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares has again insisted on ‘joint use’ of the airport before the next round of EU treaty negotiations. His comments at the New Economic Forum that challenged the UK to sign the EU treaty on Gibraltar ‘soon’ continue to mount the pressure on Foreign Secretary David Cameron. But Gibraltar’s reluctance to lose control over the airport has been evident for various years. And with Picardo suggesting the government would have final say on anything related to Gibraltar, this could be the pebble in the EU treaty’s shoe. Local experts have questioned the reasons for Spain’s desire to have joint use of the airport. After the last attempt to fly to Madrid failed because of lack of demand, Albares’ claim that it will benefit the area seems somewhat unfounded. Iberia, GB Airways and Andalus Lineas Aereas all tried to run the route but failed to make it profitable soon after the 2006 Cordoba Agreement. They promptly stopped running the service until this day. Instead, travellers preferred to use either the established airports of Malaga or Jerez, while Gibraltar instead expanded its UK connections. But the airport can easily handle more than its current number of flights, especially after the tunnel opened last year. What the Rock’s leaders might be more concerned about is Spain getting a foothold on Gibraltar territory, especially of an area it contests to this day. But some sort of a deal now seems ever closer and we must not shut up shop to the EU altogether. That would hurt both Gibraltar and the local Spanish region so the Gibraltar Olive Press hopes common sense will prevail.

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The curious history of free parties in Spain can be traced back to the 1990s in England, discovers Yzabelle Bostyn

HEY swooped down on southern Spain en masse and ended up partying for six full days over the New Year period. Yet, incredibly the 8,000 or so ravers who danced until dawn, imbibing just about every illegal substance known to man, managed to do it almost completely unimpeded. Despite squatting on a private racetrack, setting up dozens of stalls and stages without a licence, and selling thousands of items undeclared to the tax authorities, only 100 of them ended up with any sort of fine or sanction, most of them very small. Indeed, it is nothing short of remarkable that the illegal rave in Fuente Alamo, Murcia known as Big F**cking Party - was able to take place in modern Europe. But it turns out it not only happens every new year, but it is only one of dozens of such free festivals to take place in Spain each year. The country, it emerges, has a pedigree for them. Without invitations or publicity, the location

ALL THE RAVE of such raves - or ‘alternative’ festivals - are only given via word of mouth, closed Facebook groups and clandestine message boards. Within hours, ravers ranging from New Age travellers to tourists and hippies to hedonists swarm down to the agreed location in their motorhomes, converted buses and vans. The usually deserted areas soon resemble small villages, complete with stages, food trucks and stalls to keep attendees going. A ‘free party’, events like this have no official start or end time, no entry fee and no line-up. Dancing goes on 24/7 and police only occasionally patrol the entrances. And in the case of Big F**cking Party (our asterisks), the organisers - believed to be French - arranged a similar party a year ago with 5,000 people at La Peza, in Granada. Such events became popu-

lar in the late 1990s, with the best known, such as Andalucia’s Dragon Fest, regularly attracting well over 10,000 people at their peak. “At any given moment, there will be a free party going on somewhere in Spain,” Fluor Nation (far left), who runs a UV paint and clothing company, told the Olive Press. The Sevilla-based business makes almost all of its income from attending free parties, but how did Spain become a hotspot for these illegal events? To understand this, we need to go back to 1990s England. In the spring of 1992, some 20,000 people attended the largest unauthorised rave in history in Castle-

Free, powerful and necessary FREE festivals are often linked with alternative communities and political struggle. Golshanak, creator of Chapi’Teuf, a circus performer, (pictured inset) said: “My parents organised many underground music events in the 90s and I am following in their footsteps. I joined the movement for freedom of expression. We are a big family and our economy sits outside the normal ‘system’ and I respect that. It is powerful and necessary in a world where everything is being controlled by governments.” Although the Spanish government has no specific law banning free parties, many aspects of the gatherings are illegal under the ‘Ley de Espectaculos Publicos’. As a result, police do not tackle free festivals head on, instead deterring attendees by performing drug and alcohol testing or, sometimes, arresting those selling alcohol, food and clothing without permits.

Exercise your rights UK citizens previously disenfranchised for living abroad for more than 15 years can now vote again

RITISH citizens living abroad are now eligible to vote in UK general elections and referendums regardless of how long they’ve been living overseas. New legislation has restored the voting rights of over three million Brits who have lived outside the UK for more than 15 years. The move represents the biggest increase in the British electoral franchise since the introduction of full female suffrage in 1928. Sue Wilson MBE, chair of the Bremain in Spain group which has campaigned for the reinstatement of voting rights, told the Olive Press: “Now the task of ensuring that Brits abroad understand the registration process and get themselves on the electoral register begins.”

By Ben Pawlowski

British citizens, eligible Irish citizens and citizens of Crown Dependencies can now register to vote as long as they were either previously registered to vote in the UK or were previously resident in the UK. Before beginning the process of registration, prospective voters will require proof of ID and a former UK address. Acceptable documentation for this includes: a UK driving licence (current or expired); council tax statement; credit card statement; utility or mobile phone bill; letter from an insurance company; correspondence from HMRC or the Department for Work and Pensions; P45, P60 form or a pays-

lip; bank / building society passbook or a local authority rent book. If you are unable to provide satisfactory evidence of your ID and former UK address, there will be the option of providing an attestation - you will need to ask someone (not a relative), who is over 18 and registered to vote in the UK, to attest to the details you provide. British citizens living overseas can register to vote on the gov.uk website.

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Walk your way fit ... and live 16 years longer

Spain amongst the best in the world for life expectancy

A 2018 study by The Lancet predicted Spain could hold the world’s By Yzabelle Bostyn highest life expectancy by 2040, at 85.8 years old. Other specialists have speculated (83.9) and Korea (83.6). The worldwide average life expec- that frequent siestas, regular walks tancy is just 80.3 years, with the UK and even more frequent sex could clocking in just above, at 80.4 years. be influencing the longevity of It is believed Spain’s high life ex- Spaniards. pectancy could be linked to good This comes despite Spain also ranknationwide healthcare provision, ing highly for negatives such as tothe Mediterranean diet, as well as bacco, cocaine and alcohol use. The country ranks third in cocaine the warm climate. use, following the UK and Australia. In the last year, almost 3% of adults in the UK and Spain admitted to using coA SWEDISH university team has been extract- The University of Agricultural Sciences is anacaine in the past ing blood from Spanish donkeys to see what lysing the blood from animals at the El Burriyear and in Auscan be learnt to help humans who are losing to Feliz Association, in Hinojos, in Andalucia’s tralia this figure their hair. Doñana National Park. rose to 4%. It is looking at the ‘enormous However, Spain strength’ of their manes to HAIR had the lowest obtain a formula to be transBRAINED rates of overall ferred to human hair. SCHEME?: opioid use in the Researcher Juan Negro exDonkeys in world, alongside plained: “We are looking at d coul Doñana Israel, with just the characteristics of hair help cure 0.1% of adults usgrowth shared by humans and baldness ing opioids in the four-legged animals. last year. “Hopefully we will find possible According to remedies to baldness, which most recent data, is important to some people.” Spain ranked 7th in terms of alcohol use, the average person consuming 10.5 litres per capita. They drink more than in the UK, which ranked 11th, with 10 litres per capita. The international

THE average life expectancy in Spain is the fourth highest in the world and three years above the international average. Most Spaniards live to at least 83.3, according to a new report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). They tie with Australia which takes fourth spot in the report, Health at a glance. Japan took the top spot, at 84.5 years, followed by Switzerland

DONKEY TREATMENT

Old age wonder SAMPLES from the oldest woman in the world - Maria Branyas - are being analysed to try and find the key to a long life. The Spaniard from Catalunya is an incredible 116 years old, but has no health complications other than hearing and mobility issues. Unlike most people her age, she has zero cardiovascular problems nor memory issues, and can recount stories from the age of four as if they happened yesterday. Maria herself has previously credited eating natural yoghurt each day for her longevity, and avoiding ‘excesses’, adding: “I have always eaten little, but everything, and I have never followed any regime. I have not suffered from any illness or been through an operating room.” average is 8.6 litres. Spanish smoking rates were also higher than world averages, with 19.8% of people over 15 smoking daily. Compared to the international average of 16%, the UK ranks low, with just 12.7% of people smoking daily.

ESPERATE to shed some excess festive timber but apprehensive about hitting the local gym? There’s no need to worry as scientists have revealed the best way to get into shape - a daily walk. Researchers have highlighted several small changes that can bring a wide range of anti-ageing, health-improving and fitness-enhancing benefits. Walking with greater intent can alleviate stress, strengthen muscles and bones, increase flexibility and lengthen lives, all without the additional costs of fitness classes. Studies have found that nasal breathing during walks, the technique of breathing through your nose rather than your mouth, enables a range of improvements to your cardiovascular health. Research conducted by Colorado State University showed athletes who practiced nasal breathing had a lower respiratory rate than when breathing through their mouths, indicating an improved flow of oxygen through the bloodstream. Likewise, wearing a weighted vest was found to accentuate the health benefits of a daily walk. A study conducted by the journal Ergonomics suggested men who wore a nine-kilo vest burnt 6% more calories than without (a 2.5 kilogram vest is recommended for women). Best of all, altering the speed of a walk has the greatest impact. Even small bursts of power walking have the potential to reduce the risk of key diseases such as type 2 diabetes. One study conducted by the University of Leicester even suggests that brisk walking can add 16 years to your life, and slow down your biological age.

No protection Numbskulls BOOSTING TIME FOUR in 10 Spaniards say they ‘almost never’ use a condom during sex. The most common reason (40%) for not using protection was the ‘existence of other methods’. Some 29% say they forgo condoms due to a ‘loss of sensitivity’, while 18% say it ‘ruins the moment’. Meanwhile, only 30% of Spaniards have ever been checked for HIV. Almost half (48%) said they would not

sleep with someone who had a ‘sexual infection’, but 30% said it depended on the type. Despite this, four out of 10 Spaniards say they do not check the sexual health status of the people they sleep with. The report, Spaniards and Sex, spoke to 2,000 men and women aged between 18 and 58.

COVID boosters are finally at the Rock’s primary care centre for the over-50s or vulnerable people in the community. The Gibraltar Health Authority said that ‘the delay in receiving the vaccines has been due to the UK not having been able to send them to Gibraltar until now’. People with diabetes, taking immu-

nosuppressant medication, who are immunosuppressed for any other reason or have a long term medical condition can get the jab. Those who ‘really would like to have the vaccines to protect themselves’ can also get it, the GHA said. The Covid immunisation programme will start on January 25 by appointment only.

GibMed International Hospital, a pioneer in private healthcare, is proud to be the first private hospital to open its doors in Gibraltar. With a focus on innovation, our promise is to go Beyond Better www.gibmed.gi | (+350) 200 49999 | info@gibmed.gi | Floor 2, ICC Building, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA

All about

January 2024

6 REASONS TO GET WELL OILE ILEDD O

As its price soars, just remember that olive oil is good for you

L I V E oil is nicknamed ‘liquid gold’ in Spain - perhaps a very apt description these days with prices tripling in the last two years.

Older readers from the UK may well remember the days when they had to make a special order at the chemist to get olive oil, so rare and expensive was it. While in those days it was most

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By Dilip Kuner commonly ‘prescribed’ in the UK to soften earwax before having patients’ ears syringed, there are a host of other health benefits associated with the Spanish staple. And the good news is that rather than squirt it in your ear, it is best sampled as part of a balanced and delicious diet. Here we give a rundown of half a dozen ways in which olive oil is good for you - and here’s hoping it doesn’t get so expensive that aw trip to the farmacia is in order to get your hands on some… 1. HEALTHY FATS About 14% of the oil is saturated fat, whereas 11% is polyunsaturated, such as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids (1). But the predominant fatty acid in olive oil is a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid, making up 73% of the total oil content. Studies suggest that oleic acid reduces inflammation and may even have beneficial effects on genes linked to cancer.

Monounsaturated fats are also quite resistant to high heat, making extra virgin olive oil a healthy choice for cooking. 2. ANTIOXIDANTS Extra virgin olive oil is packed full of powerful antioxidants which are known to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. They can also help fight inflammation and protect your blood cholesterol from ‘oxidation’, which lowers the risk of heart disease. 3. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Are you depressed? Are you suffering anxiety? Suffering fromfrom anxiety? Worried the year ahead? Areabout you depressed? Are your kids having social issues? Are your children having PERHAPS YOU NEED SOMEONE PROFESSIONAL social issues? TO TALK TO I HOPE I CAN HELP. PERHAPS YOU NEED SOMEONE PROFESSIONAL Call me, Fijaz Mughal, in confidence. I’m fully-accredited and TO TALK TO I HOPE WE CAN HELP. professionally-trained in London and recently moved to Spain. CALL US IN CONFIDENCE. I understand the issues many expats feel in Spain. Change through relocation abroad can really add to mental health pressures and these life changes are never easy. Change through and relocation abroad can alsothe add to mental health Counselling therapy has changed lives of many. pressures and these life changes arestep. never easy. Getting in touch is the first Recognising that there is an issue is the first step on Counselling and therapy has changed the lives of many. the road to recovery. Getting in touch is the first step.

Chronic inflammation can cause cancer, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, arthritis and even obesity. Olive oil is filled with anti-in-

4. STROKE SAFEGUARD The effect of olive oil on the risk of stroke has been studied heavily. A large review of studies in 841,000 people found that olive oil was the only source of monounsaturated fat associated with a reduced risk of stroke and heart disease. In another review in 140,000 participants, those who consumed olive oil were at a much lower risk of stroke than those who did not.

5. BRAIN BENEFITS Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative condition in the world. One of its key features is a buildup of so-called beta-amyloid plaques inside brain cells. But one study in mice showed that a substance in olive oil can help remove these plaques. Additionally, a human study indicated that a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil benefitted brain function. 6. TYPE 2 DIABETES PROTECTION Olive oil appears to be highly protective against type 2 diabetes. Several studies have linked olive oil to beneficial effects on blood sugar and insulin sensitivity. A randomised clinical trial in 418 healthy people recently confirmed the protective effects of olive oil. In the study, a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by over 40%.

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Put your brain to the test! Do you know your brain age? Any idea about your brain health? Or even what risk you are at of Alzheimer's disease? You can find quick easy answers to these questions at Executive Health in Marbella. Neuroscientists around the globe have identified several ways to keep the brain healthy and

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flammatories like oleocanthal, which has been shown to work similarly to ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug. Some scientists estimate that the oleocanthal in 3.4 tablespoons (50 ml) of extra virgin olive oil has a similar effect to 10% of the adult dosage of ibuprofen.

SCAN: Find out your brain age

possibly avoid developing Alzheimer's. However, our brain does not warn us about potential unhealthy conditions until brain disease is on us and prevention is too late. Marbella’s prestigious Executive Health clinic is now therefore offering an incisive new type of brain health and Alzheimer’s risk scan that takes just 10 minutes. Based on AI, the quick brain scan evaluation can potentially identify clients at risk. In selected clients, we will also offer a brain age, which might be a very pleasant surprise. For now we are offering readers of the Olive Press a discounted fee from 800 to just 400 euros, including consultation before and after the scan. Contact us at info@executivehealth.es

CLINIC

E are now powering into the New Year and 2024. Last year may have brought trials and tribulations, a sense of economic worries and concern about the state the world is in. Environmental issues, the Middle East and increasing costs on basic items all add to the stresses of life... and stress affects our mental well-being through the limbic system, the emotional centre of our brain which is very much in tune with our nervous system. The greater our life pressures, the more our fear centres become activated and the greater the stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, (the accelerator part of our worries). This may lead to tighter skeletal muscles, a general sense of unease, possible catastrophic thoughts and ultimately a low mood. (The latter symptoms depend on the length of time that stress affects the body). All of these create a positive feedback loop and just go on to heighten stress. So it is really important to think positively for your overall well-being. The more mentally flexible we can

January 2024

AND BREATHE... Relax, you’ve passed Blue Monday! In the second of his insightful columns, Fijaz Mughal gives some excellent tips on how to create a positive outlook for the year ahead

become, the better it is for our over- the chance of ruminatory ‘stuck all health, in particular for the brain, thoughts’ and anxiety building up. heart and nervous system. The key, though, is regular practice And fortunately there and making time to are various tools use such techniques that can help in this to disrupt the chance In the end, you change. of anxiety building are ultimately up. For example, ‘box breathing’ – breathtool that can in control and Another ing deeply into the help people stay poslungs for four secyou can make itive is to use what onds, holding the we call cognitive the change breath for four secchallenge to dissect onds and then rethoughts that bring leasing for four and up catastrophic feelholding for four at the end of the ings and thoughts. outbreath, helps to A great cognitive challenge is to regulate our nervous draw four columns with the first system and reduce column listing the set of thoughts causing you to feel distressed. stress. Doing this for five or The second column is about ‘believsix cycles, followed ability’ with 0 indicating that there by a return to your is no real traction in believing a spenormal breathing for cific thought and 100 indicating you 30 seconds can real- fully believe a thought. ly help. (Remember The third column is where the real to let your breath- work comes in. Here it is important ing return to normal you dissect the thought causing in-between one cycle you distress. Questions to ask yourof the box breathing). self are (i) is it actually true and (ii) The greater your abil- could you be merely forecasting, fority to use breathing tune-telling, or catastrophising? Plus techniques to re- (iii) is there another way of looking TICKING THE BOX: Breathing technique can duce stress, the less at the issue in a way that resonates benefit the brain, heart and nervous system

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but is not self-blaming or threatening, and (iv) taking the ‘so what’ approach could bring up a whole set of alternative narratives for you. Write them down in this column and the fourth column should then reflect the score between 0-100 that the new, alternative thoughts get. What this exercise does is provide a tool to reduce initial anxiety, train the mind to view intrusive thoughts in a different way and to realise that the ‘pull’ of negative thoughts CAN be reduced; there are ways of changing these mood-lowering thoughts. Lastly, one thing that can help people in thinking more positively is to remember that thoughts are just that, thoughts. They pass and they have a short cycle of seconds if they are not engaged with. Just because you have a thought, doesn’t mean it’s true. It’s a fact that so many people think that just because they have a thought, it must be true. This is just not the case. With these tools in mind, let 2024 be a year where you change your relationship with anxiety, worry, fearful and intrusive thoughts. In the end, you are ultimately in control and you can make the change. Let this year be the change that you want. Give me a call or send me an email for more help and ways to improve your mood and think positively.

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A SOLUTION FOR EVERY PATIENT

T is not simply a question of aesthetics…Varicose veins are a health problem that, if left untreated, can progress to a much more serious disease. Called Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) its complications affect an increasingly younger segment of the population. Dr. Alfonso Martín, a specialist in Vascular Surgery at Hospiten Estepona, explains that varicose veins and spider veins are a common problem affecting 40% of the population. And it’s a particular problem for women. Vascular disease occurs when the valves stop working properly, causing blood to flow in reverse and pool up in the veins of the lower legs. The main objective of the treatment is to reduce or stop this reverse flow and improve the patient’s quality of life, as well as reducing the risk of complications (including ulcerations, phlebitis or bleeding). The aesthetic issue is also often of key importance. Currently there are a variety of minimally invasive techniques without the need for surgery and needing simple, outpatient care. Done in an almost pain-free technique the surgery is much less ag-

Hospiten offers a variety of options to get rid of varicose veins without surgery

gressive than conventional surgery, while the risks are far lower. GLUE ABLATION TECHNIQUE (CYANOACRYLATE) A non-surgical treatment with biological adhesive, guided and controlled by ultrasound at all times. A minimally invasive technique, it requires only local anesthetic and does not require rest or compression stockings, so the patient can continue with their daily lives. ECO-GUIDED FOAM CHEMICAL ABLATION TECHNIQUE WITH CATHETER Catheter and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy is a safe and effective method for many vein problems. The procedure is based on the injection of a microfoam medication through a specifically located catheter under ultrasound, which displaces the blood from the veins. Like the glue system, it is a

minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that requires only local anesthesia and does not require rest. The post-procedure stage is generally very bearable, without the need to wear compression stockings, and with immediate return to normal activities. Although a few patients may experience pain in the treated area, which is easily controlled with anti-inflammatory medicine. ENDOVASCULAR THERMAL ABLATION USING: ELVES® RADIAL ENDOLASER (HOSPITEN ESTEPONA) Thermal ablation using an endolaser is one of the best treatments for eliminating varicose veins. It usually only needs one session and is minimally invasive. A laser is introduced into the vein, via a catheter, which collapses the varicose vein in a permanent way. The postoperative period is very short and does not require

hospitalization, and you can return to normal activity after a few days. Advantages: 9 Excellent long-term results 9 No incisions 9 Very short postoperative period 9 Does not require hospital admission 9 Return to normal activity in a few days All treatments are much more than aesthetic procedures, and it is essential to address them as a health problem that significantly affects patients quality of life. They not only offer an outpatient, non-surgical solution, but also allow patients to quickly return to their normal routine. With a focus on health and well-being, Hospiten Estepona provides comprehensive and personalized care. The key lies in early detection, specialized evaluation and careful selection of the appropriate treatment.

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YOUR HEALTH IS YOUR GREATEST ASSET

January 2024

All about

Busy from the go IT only opened in November, but GibMed International Hospital has already performed 200 MRI scans, with 40% of them on Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) patients. Founded by local doctors and healthcare leaders and supported by international experts, the new hospital has signed an agreement to use its MRI and CT scanners to provide services for the GHA. The journey continues in 2024 with the development of state-of-the-art theatres, luxury overnight rooms, a modern Dental suite and a fully-equipped Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation care centre. Offering quality care and tailor made health packages, within a bespoke centre of excellence, they deliver a personal and premium healthcare experience, in English, to UK standards. Follow their progress on www. gibmed.gi or book an appointment on 00350 200 49999.

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An increase of cancer could be caused by synthetic chemicals, study reveals By Yzabelle Bostyn

SCIENTISTS have found an alarming 921 chemicals in products we use daily that could be causing cancer. Around 90% of these substances are found in food, drink, pesticides, medicines and workplaces. Researchers also found almost a third of these chemicals create tumours in animals, the ‘best predictor’ of whether they cause cancer in humans. These synthetic chemicals are being developed ‘all the time’ and could explain the recent rise in breast cancer in young women, claimed the report by the Silent Spring Institute.

ALARM: As breast cancer incidence soars in Spain “Recent data show rates increasing in young women, a trend that can’t be explained by genetics,” explained a spokesman at the American institute. Some 4,132 people under 44 were diagnosed with breast cancer in Spain in 2023, a 9% increase over 2021.

Dental pain DENTISTS at Gibraltar's public health service are taking industrial action because of ‘staff reductions and lack of support from management’. A statement on a sign at the Gibraltar Health Authority’s children’s primary care centre said the dentists had ‘faced an overwhelming number of patients’. As a result, they have been ‘working out of uniform for over a year’ as they wait for an answer from the GHA about their concerns, the sign said. According to GBC, the dentists are now in negotiations over individual contracts. It follows the GHA’s attempts to set children’s dental waiting lists to a maximum of 30 days before being contacted for an appointment.

“Breast cancer is increasing in younger women,” oncologist Dr Javier Salvador told the Olive Press. The Sevilla-based doctor added: “The general occurrence is rising and it is fundamentally associated with unhealthy habits. Breast cancer is no exception”. Cancer among the under 50s has risen by an incredible 79% over the last three decades, according to a study by Global Burden of Disease (GBD).

Synthetic

And it is no coincidence that during this time, the number of synthetic chemicals has risen dramatically. Globally, the production of chemicals has increased fiftyfold since 1950. This number is set to triple by 2050 believes the European Environment Agency. It comes after Europe’s largest ever screening programme discovered residents are subject to ‘alarmingly high’ levels of toxic chemicals, which could lead to ‘serious illness’.

January 24th - February 6th 2024

11 NEWS

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From Hollywood to park bench

A FAMOUS Spanish actress is living on a park bench in Marbella since 2016. for money at traffic lights.and forced to beg So tough has become Goya-nominated Monic stopped working in TV her life after she is best known for her a Cervera, 48, Avecina, that she becam show, La Que Se lead role in the 2004 Alex de la Iglesia She shocked fans when e homeless. she told a magazine film, Crimen Ferpecto. this week that she is curren tly ‘living on the Her performance in streets’. the comedy-horror saw her nominated She described her homele ssness as a ‘perfor ‘best new actress’ at the Goya sonal’ decision. award s Spain’ s answer to the Oscars. She has a family - among them a 14-yearHowever she fell out old son - and a home to of favour after the 2006 film, Busco, and bella, although for unspecreturn to in Marhas not worked has decided to live on her ified reasons she own.

January 10th - January 23rd 2024

‘NO OP, NO IDEA!’

Sent to heaven Goodbye to Maria ‘Go the former smuggler atslayer’, died at 110 years old who has

SCENE: An abandoned racetrack turned rave village and (right) how we reported the story morton, in rural Worcestershire. Lasting seven days, the seminal party only ended when the dancing stopped, the generators ran out and police began arresting those involved. The unfairly-maligned festival sparked a nationwide debate about free parties, culminating in the 1994 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act. The infamous legislation criminalised any gathering of 20 or more people where music using ‘a succession of repetitive beats’ was being played, effectively banning illegal raves. In Britain, the party was effectively over, forcing many sound systems to move to mainland Europe. Among them was Spiral Tribe, 13 members of which had been arrested for organising the legendary Castlemorton festival. They were eventually acquitted of all charges. Not long after arriving in Spain they started a series of events here, including allegedly the country’s first ‘free festival’, held in Valencia in 1993. Either way, that giant event (that lasted for nearly a week) sparked an interest in free festivals around the country with many Spaniards joining in… and today, there are dozens of similar events taking place with reportedly over 200 ‘sound systems’ (groups who provide the music technology and DJs) running them. It is perhaps, no surprise, that the parties are concentrated in Catalunya, Andalucia and

“

Playing with fire

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There are dozens of similar events taking place with reportedly over 200 ‘sound systems

“

When applying to the electoral register, expats should use the last address where they were registered as a UK resident. Any eligible voters previously resident in the UK, even as children, but who have never been registered to vote, can apply by using their last UK address. Once registered to vote, British expats will need to renew their registration every three years, before November 1.

HAT’S going on in politics today? What are the latest law changes affecting expats? What are the travel trends for 2024 and where should I invest in property? childr en when her only If you’re not a subscriber to the Olive Press, then your daugh ter died in 1980. Despi te her answer to any of the above will likely be: ‘No idea!’ chequered past, she was As the best English newspaper in hande d the honou r of RIP:Spain, Maria lived only at theolivepress.es will Citizenlife to the full ship of Andalucia you find an enjoyable mix of importin 2017 for her lifetim e of work ant news, exclusive investigations and sacrif ice. Right up to A MEGA-RAVE schedu Alcon chel, and articles that help answer all share d led to her death a video last seven days shut down of her singin at a Christ day early, as its partyg 2022, saying : “This g in the WORLD famousurrounding life mas ofis questions she best sorts simply ran out of steam. oers PARTY’S s acrobats cante was able to enjoytribut e we can offer, from Cirque It comes after laid back du Soleil are Alegrithis year. ing what local loved coming to read a is the show’s lonresidents and even region and doingin theshe country. Madrid, Barcel OVER sing and, in Spain most: singin g.” politicians encouraged al na, Sevilla, Malaga and o- gest-running Ali- reimagined for production the words world curren tly has the illegal gathering, called the the modern ’s That includes money-saving tips ‘Big oldest perso n, of a family Maria F**cking Party’. audience. Brany as MoreTaking place in a deserte friend , she ra, An ‘immersive’ twofrom Catalu nya, who you simply cannot hour and tricks afford of semi-desert in inlandd area was ‘alway s reach experience, it es 117 in March cia, some 8,000 people Mur. a fighte r’. leaves punters feeling The oldest perso to to the bash at its peak. headed ever Mayo r ‘joyous’ and ‘magical’. without. of live to be n Comprising thousands Los Barri- Jeannwas Frenc hwom an It kicks off in Barceloof expats and tourists, many e Calme nt, who RAVE: Thousands os, Migue l lived And from France, na on March 20 and turned up for our paying subscribers, Italy and Germany, it took to 122. for the party place finishe on a s in Madrid at former racetrack, near Fuente Alamo. of the year. Kicking off on Decem ately close it down, local tailored newslettersthe endwill ber 30, the illegal rave started when insisted they ‘didn’t mind’.residents a group Warweekly of anonymous organi ga “As long as they don’t m es RA keep you informed of the latest FA through a chain onto the zers broke rubbish it’s fine with leave loads of IT SE was an TBACK opportunity pants engage in handThe same group, who course. Alamo farmer told El me,” a Fuente to let off steam after SPANISH tennis hero Rafa organi a to-hand combat They were supportedPais. Nadal will miss the Aussimilar rave in La Peza, zed a long and stressful 2023 with and travel, health tralianproperty Open so that he can issues. near flour and eggs. spokesman, Victor Egioby Podemos receive more treatment Granada, last year, set - and the townsfolk of to his hip. up stagThe festival has been who attended the event, (pictured), es, speakers and food stalls. Ibi took full advantage. Nadal, insistin 37, Meanwhile all of them get a daily round-up of had g taking the only just place for made his return group come back next Participants dresse Soon dozens of stands to the tennis circuit after missing nearly d centuries, imitati two had It finally came to a stopnew year. a year due up in military outfits also been erected ng to a hip injury. Despite mock coup d’etat. Thea the long ab- 20 stories of the day. a day after the Guardia on January 5, around and staged a mock 'revt-shirts and other items.selling sence, he won his first Civil issued an Els Enfarinats Army two matcheviction notice and started olution' outside the While regional Vox es at the Brisbane Interna blocking poliadvances on the anyone from leaving tional from this weekend a town hall of the tician Jose Angel Antelo tournament in straigh Now, without having town every Decemt had an alcohol and drugs Alicante town. slammed the party, But he lost his quartersets. ber 28, collecting -fiSome 57 people were test. As food fights go, insisting nal match against Jorfined for drug police ‘taxes’ which are personalised missive from driving, 14 for danger Els Enfarinats should dan ous immediThom driving pson, then and 92 for drug posses donated egg-cells itself, which is where sion. to a designated as particihe picked up this our digital editor will keep charity. new injury . you in the loop about the E ME? S CAN YOU SEN ALL OUR READER biggest stories of the week… FREE THEN SO CA HEARING TEST and what to keep an eye on! NESS SI U WE SPEAK ENGLISH B R U YO START YOUR JOUR You’ll even be able to make AS NEY TO BETTER HEAR ING COULD BE IS suggestions of what we S TH VISUAL A LITTLE should be following. FROM AS SUE IS When we first introduced AS €50 AN a paywall three years ago, CONTACT US FOR INFORMATION ON many of our rivals were OUR ADVERTISING sceptical and refused to acON 951 27 35 75 OR EMAIL US ON SALES@ cept the rapidly-changing news landscape. THEOLIVEPRESS.ES But as you may have noticed, almost everyone has now followed suit with their own subscription service. While most merely offer translated stories from their Spanish counterparts, plus a few columnists, the Olive Press offers so much more. But we know purse strings are tighter than ever in January, which is why we are launching an END OF JANUARY WINTER BLUES SALE TODAY with an incredible 50% off the first year of your subscription. Scan the QR code here to be taken directly to the subscription page with the limited offer already applied. And signing up could not be easier, with Apple Pay, GPay and PayPal all now available. The winter sale will end on February 1, so sign up for the bargain price while you can! SHE had been forced to make ends meet smuggling cigare ttes and er contra band durin othg the dark decad es in Andal ucia’s histor y. At just nine years old By Yzabelle Bostyn in 1922, Maria Rodri was sent out ‘doingguez, er- family contin rands ’ aroun d the Cadiz ed, she did ually insist area. it ‘out of cessit y’ after her husbaneKnow n as Maria ‘Mata nd - died young , leavin cabra s’ (Mari a the g her slayer ), she had Goat- with three childr en to gradu ated to smuggsoon bring up. tobac co, coffee and ling Born on Janua ry 24, 1913, rics betwe en Gibra fab- the Los Barrio s reside nt Jerez and even Portu ltar, got marri ed at 18 and ended up havin g to But, as all her friend gal. pros and vide for her nine grand -

Va l e n c i a , areas with high numbers of foreigners and the parties are usually organised at locations which w i l l cause the least disturbance to locals. In fact, residents of Fuente Alamo, the nearest town to this year’s Big F**cking Party, said they ‘didn’t mind’ the festival, as long as they ‘picked up their rubbish’. It was exactly the same at La Peza last year. According to Fluor Nation: “Festivals are always held far away from where anyone lives, we don’t want to bother anyone. We’re also very aware of the environment and take away all our litter. The atmosphere is friendly, everyone helps and has fun.”

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Despite this, many claim free festivals are by their very nature dangerous as the ‘unofficial’ events are not bound by normal safety procedures. It’s a fact that a number of serious issues (some reported by the Olive Press) occurred at the annual Dragon Festival that took place primarily near Orgiva for two decades until 2019. And there were 57 people fined for drug driving as they left the recent event in Murcia, 14 of them for ‘dangerous driving’. However, one regular expat raver, who asked not to be named, insisted organisers carefully self-police the events and ‘almost nothing bad ever happens’. She continued: “Fences and security is not for safety. It’s just to get people to pay. People are just there to enjoy themselves.” She insisted the ‘hedonistic free-spirit’ is the driving force behind the parties, adding: “Free festivals are collaborative, there’s no one in control. That’s why they work so well.” Fluor Nation agreed: “It’s an altruistic movement that provides an alternative and affordable way to enjoy music without conditions,” she insisted. The latter part certainly seems to remain true in Spain. For now. PARTY ON: Revellers arrive at the Dragon Festival

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Olive disaster A SERIES of environmental calamities has seen Spain’s olive harvest slashed by half. From an average production of 1.4 million tons two years ago, output fell 52% to 664,000 tonnes last year. This year, it's projected to hover around 700,000 to 750,000 tonnes, marking another season of poor yields. The root of the problem lies in a series of environmental challenges, according to olive farmer and agricultural consultant Daniel Trenado. He warned that below-average rainfall has become a worrying trend, leading to the two consecutive years of historically low olive harvests. A heatwave in May 2022 also severely affected the flowering stage of olive trees in major production areas, a crucial period for fruit setting. And in 2023, the lack of rainfall and dry soil during the oil formation stage led to poor harvests.

PLASTIC PLAGUE

Gibraltar on high-alert for plastic pellets washing up on its beaches THE recent environmental crisis on the shores of northern Spain, marked by the spill of plastic pellets into the ocean, has prompted immediate action from authorities in Gibraltar and Malaga. Gibraltar’s Dep a r t ment of the Environment has intensified its coastal monitor-

By Walter Finch

ing following the discovery of these pellets on Bolonia beach in Tarifa. This response comes in the wake of the significant spill from the s h i p El Tocona, which l o s t up to six containers carrying 26 tonnes of

HIDDEN DANGER: The pellets could end up in our food

plastic pellets off the coast of Galicia on December 8, 2023.

Protestors rounded-up

CAMPAIGNERS: Futuro Vegetal has been high profile

POLICE have arrested 22 members of the Futuro Vegetal environmental group for allegedly ‘forming a criminal structure’ and causing over €500,000 damage to cultural heritage. The group was created two years ago to protest against the lack of policies to counter climate change. Their actions included a protester gluing herself next to a Goya portrait at the Prado Museum; blocking part of a Madrid motorway; and trying to disrupt a stage of the La Veulta cycle race.

The arrests were made in coordinated swoops in Madrid, Barcelona, Cadiz, Murcia, Granada and Valencia. Among those detained are three people whom the police consider to be the ring-leaders who directed the collective ‘as a criminal group’. One of the trio, Bilbo Bassaterra, said: “This whole accusation is ridiculous from the point of view of the law, because one of the requirements for a criminal organisation is that we make money from crimes, which is not the case.”

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accumulate in marine animals such as fish and mollusks, leading to potential ingestion by humans. The Environmental Protection and Research Unit (EPRU) in Gibraltar has been actively involved in monitoring the situation. Members of the public are being encouraged to report any sightings of these pellets to the EPRU team at +350 58009620. This incident has underscored the urgent need for coordinated efforts in addressing plastic pollution in marine environments.

Across

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Concerns have risen about whether the pellets found in Bolonia originate from this major spill, as their composition seems to match. The pellets, about 4mm in diameter, are materials used in making various plastic products, including bags and packaging. Their presence in marine environments is particularly troubling due to their non-biodegradable nature, posing a significant threat to wildlife and ecosystems. These pellets are known to

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January 24th - February 6th 2024

1 Pleasingly pretty (4) 2 Six-shooter (8) 3 Perhaps (5) 4 Apprentice (7) 5 Produced by 2 Down (4) 8 Ballroom dance (3-4) 11 Small and delicate (3-4) 13 Carved up ensnared writer (8) 14 Traveller (7) 17 Brazilian dance (5) 19 Grow weary (4) 20 Melancholy sound (4)

All solutions are on page 14

LA CULTURA What’s in a name

January 24th - February 6th 2024

STARS ALIGN

MARBELLA’s Starlite festival will host many big names this year as the full line-up is announced, including Tom Jones, Take That and UB40. The ‘best boutique festival in the world’ has just finalised its 2024 line-up and it’s set to be a star-studded summer. Welsh icon Tom Jones will take to the stage on Tuesday, July 23. Sir Tom will visit Marbella as part of his Spanish tour, also playing at Iconica Sevilla Fest on June 19. Another beloved British act will perform on July 14 and 15 as Take That grace the stage. The boy band will be followed by Simple Minds on July 22 and former UB40 frontman Ali Campbell on August 9. Other British acts include jazz musician Jamie Cullum, who will kick off the festival on Friday, June 14. Sheryl C r o w w i l l a l s o be performing hits like My Favourite Mistake on June 21. To see the full line-up and get tickets, visit the Starlite website.

El Prado is removing words like ‘dwarf’, ‘disabled’ and ‘deformation’ from descriptions of masterpieces to ‘avoid offence’ THE description of an artwork by a famous Spanish master in Madrid’s El Prado museum has been altered to remove mention of the subject’s ‘dwarfism’. The plaque for Diego de Velazquez's 1636 masterpiece El Niño de Vallecas, which depicts ‘court dwarf’

CITY ART PROJECT

A BOUTIQUE hotel, restaurant, art gallery, children’s art centre and cafe will be built at a historic building in Gibraltar’s town centre. The Rock’s Development and Planning Commission (DPC) has given the green light to proposals for the new cultural and social area. It suggested that developers maintain many of the heritage features of the buildings, provide accessibility and address parking concerns. Developers returned with the modified plans prompting the DPC to give it the goahead. The proposed project will be located at the corner of 3 Secretary’s Lane and Governor’s Lane and the nearby Fortress House by the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

jesters, which is set to be amended to just: Velazquez: the jesters. Francisco Lezcano, now re- Another passage reads: fers to the condition by its “One of the palace dwarfs medical name, achondro- poses with an open book plasia. whose large dimensions The general poster for the emphasise his smallness.” display is currently titled: This is likely to be replaced Velazquez: dwarfs and with: "One of the palace jesters poses with an open book whose large dimensions serve to establish a game A NEW X-rated dating show is coming of scales." to Spain as Naked Attraction makes its It comes as part Spanish debut on HBO Max. of the museum's Marta Flich will present the new series, broader initiaan adaptation of the popular show origitive to undernally aired by the UK’s Channel 4. take a review In the unique dating programme, conin response to testants have to eliminate potential Spain's recent partners one by one as their naked body constitutional parts are slowly revealed. reform. The show has gained popularity in GerArticle 49 of the many, France and Italy before making Spanish Constiits way to Spain. tution, expected

NAKED ATTRACTION

BUSINESS

Moroccan art

TOO WOKE?: Lezcano is no longer described as a court dwarf

By Walter Finch

to be approved next week, requires that language and presentation of art are sensitive and align with modern day standards. According to the amendment, going forwards, the term ‘disabled’ should be replaced with ‘people with disabilities’. Nearly 27,000 painting files on its website and about 1,800 exhibition posters are being revised to comply with the new amendment. Examples of this update include altering descriptions on artworks such as Prince Don Carlos by Alonso Sanchez Coello and Brigida del Rio, the bearded one from Peñaranda by Juan Sanchez Cotan. In the former, a sign reads: “To cover up the deformation of his back.” Now it simply says: “To cover his back.”

Jobs threat

Costly consequences

By Ben Pawlowski

mies such as Spain could be affected by the development of AI. The impact is estimated to be lower in developing and

THE trade in counterfeit goods is depriving legal businesses of €1.5 billion annually and costing 15,000 jobs according to the European Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). The survey from the Alicante-based EU agency covers three sectors - clothing, cosmetics, and toys. It has averaged out the losses caused by fake items between 2018 and 2021, which EUIPO says accounts for 6.7% of total sales. In the clothing and footwear market alone, it claims that 11,208 jobs and €1 billion in sales are lost each year. The toy sector accounts for 11% in lost sales and €114 million in revenue, while cosmetic sales are hit by a 5.5% fall and €400 million in losses.

A NEW exhibition will showcase the work of three Moroccan artists in Gibraltar as it continues to extend contacts with its southern neighbour. Gibraltar Cultural Services teamed up with the Gallery Kent Tangier and the JM Memorial Foundation to arrange the February exhibition. The cultural exchange is part of a Gibraltar government manifesto commitment ‘to create projects that will ensure Gibraltar’s cultural growth’, it said in a statement. Moroccan artists Abdelkrim Ouazzani, Ilias Selfati and Mohamed Benyaich are expected to take part in the initiative at the Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery. It follows visits by local artists who took their work to Tangier.

Speak English!

AI could affect 60% of jobs in Spain according to stark warning from the IMF THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a warning about the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on jobs. According to a recent IMF study, up to 60% of employment in advanced econo-

ROBO-DESIGNER: And will journalists go this way too?

low-income economies, with 40% and 26% of jobs being affected respectively. However, there remains optimism about the potential positive aspects of AI - the IMF study estimates that while advanced economies are prone to the greatest risks derived by AI, they are also in the best position to capitalise on its benefits. Thus, the IMF expects that roughly half of the jobs exposed to AI in advanced economies will actually benefit from its development. The managing director of the IMF, Kristilina Georgieva, commented: “We are on the precipice of a technological revolution that has the potential to boost productivity, accelerate global

growth and elevate incomes across the world. However, it could also replace jobs and exacerbate inequality.” In developing and low-income economies, the impact of AI on jobs is expected to initially be less significant. However, many such countries lack the infrastructure and labour force to feel the full benefits of AI. Georgieva, who became chief of the IMF in 2019, warned: “It is crucial that countries establish rigorous social security nets and offer re-skilling initiatives to vulnerable workers.”

MALAGA entrepreneurs unwilling or unable to communicate effectively in the language of Shakespeare are reportedly missing a trick in the business world where ‘the money is in English.’ This is the conclusion of Cristobal Alonso, an investment fund founder who challenged 25 entrepreneurs to pitch to international investors in English. In the event, only seven start-up founders from Malaga took up the challenge at the symposium, which was called Flare. Alonso said: “There is a clear disconnection between Malaga and Marbella, despite how close they are. “The first barrier is language. In Marbella the profiles are international: a German, a Dane, a Swede, a Finn ... who may or may not speak Spanish on a daily basis, but in business, their language is English. “If you t e l l them t o come to a pitch or an event in Spanish, they don’t even consider it,” Alonso added.

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL GREAT TRIP

Just beautiful

ANDALUCIA has five of Spain’s 10 ‘most beautiful’ provincial capitals - including the first place winner. ElectoPanel surveyed 4,000 Spaniards to reveal where they consider the country’s most eye-catching locations, with Andalucia dominating the rankings. Jewel in the crown is Sevilla which took top spot with 14.4% of the votes from people impressed by its blend of Moorish and Gothic architecture, and its cultural and gastronomic history. Granada, with the emblematic Alhambra, tumbling streets of the Albaicin and stunning views over the Sierra Nevada earnt 13.9% of the votes to secure second place. Cadiz got 4.5% of the votes, coming in sixth, Cordoba in seventh and Malaga in 9th.

January 24th - February 6th 2024

Oil fury

Spain is the best country in the world for a driving holiday, according to new ranking By Yzabelle Bostyn

SPAIN has been named the best country in the world for road trips. A study by Compare the Market Australia considered the cost, popularity and safety of road tripping in many countries worldwide, taking into account petrol prices, road quality, number of accidents and congestion levels. The research stated: “Spain is the country where foreign drivers are likely to find the most pleasurable driving experience.

PERFECT DRIVE: Through Spain’s mountains “With the fifth-best road quality, Spain is renowned for its modern and well-main-

OP Puzzle solutions Quick Crossword Across: 6 Fuselage, 7 Huts, 9 Reverberation, 10 Rents, 12 Exact, 14 Tar, 15 Forgo, 16 Adapt, 18 Victoria Cross, 21 Weir, 22 Submerge. Down: 1 Cute, 2 Repeater, 3 Maybe, 4 Learner, 5 Shot, 8 Two-step, 11 Elf-like, 13 Andersen, 14 Tourist, 17 Samba, 19 Tire, 20 Sigh.

tained highways. The country also has the third cheapest car hire prices at just €29.55 (about $32.42), meaning money saved can be spent on everything from visiting some of the country’s most famous galleries to delicious tapas.” It was closely followed by Canada, which ranked highly due to its affordable petrol and its clear roads. According to the study it takes an average of just 14 minutes to drive 6.2 miles, meaning drivers can explore this vast country with ease. The United States - in many ways the home of road trips especially via its iconic Route 66 - took third place. The UK took fourth spot

thanks to Scotland’s iconic North Coast 500. Another Iberian location, Portugal, was given fifth place, with researchers highlighting low petrol prices and stunning coastal routes.

SPANISH shoppers contending with olive oil setting them back up to €10 a litre have been raging at their staple food product being half the price in London. A Spaniard living in the English capital highlighted how one litre of ‘mild’ olive oil from Antequera in Andalucia is selling in Lidl at £4.99 - equivalent to €5.80. And extra virgin olive oil was just £3.89 per 750ml - £5.19 per litre or €6.02, with experts predicting it will hit €13 per litre in Spain soon. “They are taking the p***!” wrote LaVecinaCottilla (the Gossiping Neighbour) on social media. Spain’s long running drought and intense heat waves have seriously impacted olive oil production, reducing supply and driving up prices at home.

Food hikes slow SPAIN’S food inflation rate is at its lowest point since March 2022, standing at 7.3% last month. The National Institute of Statistics said the rate fell by 1.7% compared to November. Lower rises in milk, egg, cheese, bread, cereals and meat products were key to slowing down the food inflation rate. “Things are on the right track; the rate of price growth is slowing, especially in recent months,” according to Maria Jesus Fernandez, senior economist at Funcas.

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FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL PROFUSION: Pink or white blossom line the hills around Spain

As Spring arrives Spain‘s countryside is transformed by carpets of pink and white flowers. But as Dilip Kuner writes, the almond blossom comes first

T’S that time of year when the hills around southern Spain come alive with the first signs of Spring. Unusual as it may seem for northern Europeans, the end of January welcomes the wonderful spectacle of almond blossom, creating unmissable sights and smells. The sweet fragrance of almond flowers hangs in the air, while acres of trees assail the eyes with a breathtaking display of pink and white blossoms that will live in your memory forever. You don’t have to go too far to witness this early Spring-

VIEWS WITH A BLOOM

time extravaganza - with the hills inland from the costas, in particular, offering some of the best profusions. In particular, the Valle de Guadalest, in Valencia, the Guadalhorce Valley, in Malaga, and the Tramantana range of Mallorca offer wonderful displays at this time of year. Anywhere with a perfect micro-climate - normally sheltered from the north wind and not too high up - is perfect for these early blooms. Perhaps it is no surprise that Almeria is home to thousands of blossoming trees

at this time of year, with the drive between Andalucia and Alicante wonderful in early February. Venture up into the two mountain ranges, the Sierra de los Filabres and the Sierra Alhamilla, for a particularly special display. Meanwhile, the term ‘Mallorca snow’ has become a widespread term, not for the nightclubs, but for the hillsides full of almond blossom in February. The best places to find it are

ORGANIC and piecemeal, Blossom only started to flourish three years into its genesis. Starting as a cafe and breakfast joint next to Malaga cathedral, its owner Emiliano Schobert slowly started to serve lunch, initially cold, and finally suppers two years later. The Argentinian chef had landed in Malaga with his wife Lucia and three children in 2019 and had been planning a long holiday before working part-time between Spain and Patagonia … but then, of course, came the pandemic. And praise the lord, for suddenly stuck in Andalucia, ‘Emi’ was forced to change his plans and slowly began to set up one of the most exciting new additions to Andalucia’s burgeoning food scene in years. He certainly had pedigree. Cordon Bleu trained; he set up his own cookery school in Patagonia and twice represented his country at the prestigious Bocuse d’Or event, in France, now in

around the Puig de Randa, the Puig de Bonany and the Puig de Santa Magdalena. A little later in March, Gran Canaria is a great place to see the blossom and the island even has its own Fiestas del Almendro en Flor, which started in 1969. Wherever you do see them, remember time is of the essence and there is only a short window of about three weeks before they start sprouting their leaves and ultimately their delicious nuts.

its 20th year. After stints at restaurants in Denmark and France, he was ripe to transfer his skills to setting up a kitchen in Spain. And he’s done so well that the celebrated Michelin guide handed him the prestigious Bib Gourmand ‘value-for-money’ award in November. So perhaps the most surprising thing is that Blossom is apparently anything but cheap. With a set menu at €115 per head, not including wine, it was no surprise to find the terrace empty, while all its near neighbours were bustling on a busy Thursday in the run up to Christmas. Couple after couple stopped, looked at the menu, and swiftly moved on. But more’s the pity, for the 13-course set menu had a wealth and depth of ingredients as impressive as it was long. W i t h plenty of fish and meat (including Red Snapper, a beef tartare, duck and even venison), I calculated that the ingredients alone would come to half the cost. Even better, my friendly waiter David, a Spaniard who recently ‘reluctantly’ swapped

True artworks, delicate and thoughtful, they’d be worthy of a place in the Picasso museum up the road

CROWD GATHERS: to view the natural spectacle

London for Malaga, insisted the menu was as KM-0 as possible and suggested a delectable white Rioja, Añades, with a touch of mandarin after being aged for six years in cask. The first four dishes come out together as a really beautiful tableaux … true artworks, delicate and thoughtful, they’d be worthy of a place in the Picasso museum up the road. In particular, the crunchy carrot cream and peanut praline tartlet was a great palate opener, while a mini Jerusalem artichoke soup was ever so slightly spicy with a peppery kick. A strip of smoked salmon carefully rolled on top of a slice of ‘Malaga cucumber’ was both subtle and refreshing, while a ceviche of ‘silver snapper’ with pepper sauce, tiger leche milk and more was remarkably flavoursome, a sweet and sour masterpiece, that brought back my faith in a dish that is 75% of the time disappointing in Europe. Then there was a scallop with a sliver of foie, apple and almonds, while the fish of the day was sea bream, served with delicious fresh peas and cauliflower. The pig’s jowl and salmon roe was as pretty as a picture and tasted as good as it looked properly lip-smacking, while a Morel mushroom stuffed with duck mouse, and a chick-

ARTIST: Talented teacher Emi Schobert and his young team (below)

pea blini with creamy Parmesan … hallelujah. One bite of heaven. Then it was two yes TWO - courses of duck, the first; a breast, lightly braised, with celeriac mash. It was the same with the venison with firstly a slice of breast with a chocolate mole in a mushroom veloute and pickled beetroot (the sweetness of the beetroot was remarkable) as well as a Portobello mushroom with a venison slice on top. OK, it sounds like too much food, but the dishes aren’t huge. Indeed they are just about right and after all, this is a ‘tasting menu’. It also meant I still had space for a trio of puddings, with caramelised apples in chamomile ‘English custard’ particularly splendid, while the white chocolate bavarois with mascarpone, Tonka beans and crumble was amazing too. Finally, a chocolate stuffed raspberry didn’t ruin the night, even coming with a glass of PX brandy on the house, sending me off to appropriately sweet dreams. Novelle cuisine. Remember that? Well it’s back and alive and well at Blossom, where the flowers are out in full bloom.

ON THE PALATE - RESTAURANT REVIEW

REVIEW: ‘Sweet and sour masterpiece’...It’s the perfect time to visit the expat-run Malaga restaurant, Blossom, writes Jon Clarke

January 24th - February 6th 2024

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STORM Isha provoked chaos as holidaymakers returning from the Canary Islands were forced to land in the south of France, more than 1000km away from their intended destination of Dublin.

White sight NATURE lovers were left stunned in Andalucia’s Doñana National Park when they spotted an incredibly rare albino deer, thought to occur only in one in every 30,000 of the species.

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Back to the test centre Spanish drivers are praised for their ‘courteous driving’ and ‘respect for traffic rules’

A NEW report has praised the much-maligned Spanish drivers for their courtesy and identified the behaviour and driving styles for each of Spain’s major cities. It goes so far as to give a clear road map of where the most courteous drivers in the country

Marbs movie A FILM about Marbella’s early 2000s corruption scandal is topping the Spanish box office. El Correo follows a young gangster's rise to the top of a money laundering organisation.

By Walter Finch

can be found. Zaragoza leads the way, with drivers ‘known’ for their respect for traffic rules and consideration for pedestrians and cyclists.

HEY, CRINGERENA!

HILLARY Clinton brought the cringe with her during a trip to Sevilla. She was called upon to dance the Macarena with the original sevillano duo Los del Rio during a party in her honour at the Palacio de las Dueñas. She tried it gamely, despite clearly having no idea about the song’s iconic dance. This is perhaps puzzling since it was played constantly at Democratic Party events during the 1996 campaign to re-elect her husband, Bill.

Apparently, the city’s drivers stand out for their patience and politeness on the road, according to the International Drivers Association. Residents in Madrid will apparently recognise their fellow drivers’ strict adherence to speed limits, which contributes to the ‘well-known’ smooth and safe traffic flow in the Spanish capital. Over in Barcelona, the drivers are universally recognised for their excellent signalling as they plough through the city’s grid layout - particularly in using indicators. Meanwhile in Malaga, those out for a stroll will no doubt be fully aware of drivers’ precise stopping - especially at bus stops, where pedestrians get on and off without fear.

ROAD RAGE?: Spaniards praised for their driving But it is the pedestrians of Sevilla who are really spoiled, with drivers who would never think of steaming through a pedestrian crossing, instead habitually stopping completely. The report surely leaves no doubt that, from Zaragoza to Sevilla, considerate and respectful driving is a hallmark of Spanish road culture - unless of course, you know different. Opinion Page 6

THE canine crowned ‘the oldest ever dog’ has been stripped of his title pending an investigation into whether his age was a fraud. Portuguese pooch Bobi, who lived in Alentejo near the Spanish border, passed away in October at 31 years and 163 days old - an unbelievable 217 in human years. However, the fanfare around his coronation also brought increased scrutiny towards the Portuguese mastiff, a breed whose average life expectancy is around 13 years. Readers noticed that photos of Bobi from 1999 show him with white paws - whereas the dog who died in 2023 had brown ones. Guinness World Records has now announced that it has withdrawn Bobi’s title and is even pausing both the record titles for 'oldest dog living' and 'oldest dog ever' until they get to the bottom of the matter. Once matters are cleared up, the title could soon return to Spike, a living chihuahua from Ohio, who briefly held the crown last January at the age of 23 years, before being usurped by Bobi.

952 147 834 * Vo l u n t a r y i n s u r a n c e c o v e r. S u b j e c t t o c o m p a n y u n d e r w r i t i n g c o n d i t i o n s . * D a t a e x t r a c t e d f r o m p r o c e s s c l o s u r e s u r v e y s a f t e r u s i n g o u r R o a d s i d e A s s i s t a n c e a n d b r e a k d o w n s e r v i c e s .

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