The
OLIVE PRESS
COSTA BLANCA SUR / MURCIA FREE
Your expat
voice in Spain
Vol. 1 Issue 12 www.theolivepress.es April 16th - April 29th, 2020
Photos by Jon Clarke
Semana d e l l e Santa c n a C2020
LET US OUT!
CARRIED AWAY: Easter was a total whitewash, with cleaners like this on our streets and locals having to improvise from balconies, see full story on page 9
A SPANISH lawyer has complained to the European Parliament that the country’s coronavirus lockdown rules are illegal. Jose Ortega believes the rules - which are more draconian than other European countries, such as Germany, the UK and Italy - are an infringement of civil liberties. The Valencia-based lawyer has sent a letter to the Human Rights sub-committee demanding that the basic right of
ASK BEA!
By Dilip Kuner
movement is added as a modification to the current state of alarm decree. “The government has illegally introduced a very dangerous and disturbing system of suspension of individual rights that could be described as a de facto transitional dictatorship,” insisted Ortega, who is best known for his work opposing new coastal laws.
OLIVE PRESS
The
Lawyer appeals to EU over claims lockdown infringes civil rights and makes Spain a ‘de facto dictatorship’
Contact the Olive Press special Corona crisis helpline..
on 951 273 575 or contact Josh at Olive Press TV on YouTube
The letter received by MEP Leopoldo Lopez, who sits on the sub-committee, focuses on the restrictions to travel and the right to basic ‘outdoor activity’, where risks of catching or passing on the virus are low. “It is an effective suspension of the right to free movement,” insisted Ortega. “It is a fundamental right of the individual contained in the European Convention on Human Rights and in other international human rights treaties and, of course, in the Spanish Constitution.” He added that under Spanish law citizens had the right to appeal to the courts against any clauses in the state of alarm. But as the courts have all closed down as part of the emergency this is not possible, so therefore depriving people of their rights. The news comes, as it emerged that over 650,000 people had been fined in Spain for breaking the rules of the lockdown. The majority of these were for minor offences, such as not having a receipt at a supermarket or walking a dog more than 200m from homes. In most European countries, including Germany, the UK and France, citizens are allowed to take exercise outside their homes. Even in Italy at the height of the pandemic, people were allowed to take exercise once a day.
In Sweden, social distancing rules only prevent meetings of groups of more than 50 people. It is however unlikely that the European Parliament will take any action against Spain at the moment. MEP Lopez, of the PP party, confirmed to OK Diario that the sub-committee on human rights had received the complaint, but admitted that the procedure was wrong. He insisted that Ortega first had to send the letter to the Petitions Committee, which is the ‘competent body’ to register this type of citizens’ request. However, he has since replied to Ortega, saying that the committee is now ‘studying his case’. Darren Parmenter, British Councillor for International Relations in San Fulgencio told the Olive Press he was surprised with the claims and did not agree with it. “I was shocked to read that a lawyer was denouncing Pedro Sánchez to the European Parliament. “This is certainly not my view, nor those of the UK citizens I know. Of course, there are understandable frustrations from people that have had their daily lives turned upside down, but they’re the first to appreciate what has to be done to rid Spain of this terrible virus. I’ve not seen a single comment suggesting we’re living in a ‘Police State’.” Opinion Page 6
CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL
www.theolivepress.es
NEWS IN BRIEF
Barmy bathers TWO men have been fined for flouting lockdown rules at secluded beaches in Guardamar del Segura. The pair were fined when residents tipped off police
Fair off TORREVIEJA has cancelled the May Fair due to be held on May 6-10. The decision was made on the recommendations of the regional health authorities. A delay until the end of May was considered but difficulties surrounding suspensions of legal contracts meant the event was cancelled altogether.
Home proof POLICE in Santa Pola have been checking the addresses of people they stop for coronavirus queries. They are making sure they are not coming in from other areas to shop.
Reporters Simon Wade and Joshua Parfitt
Your reporters, here to help on the Costa Blanca
Contact them with any stories or news on 951 273 575 or email newsdesk@theolivepress.es (Personal contacts on page 6)
April 16 - April 29 2020
LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
Thank you
W
E always knew you believed in us! Now you are proving it with your generous support for our online portal, as it takes a huge hit from an 80% drop in global advertising revenue due to the Covid-19 crisis. Tasked with finding a way to tackle the huge shortfall that would have led to us having to lay off a number of journalists, we have introduced a subscription scheme for our two million-plus readers a month. This simple donation request has so far led to over four dozen big-hearted readers to part with anything from €5 to €100 in just one week. A vital help in these tough times, it helps us to continue exposing the fraudsters, cheats and conmen that sadly will be proliferating around Spain in this turbulent time. It also means we can continue undertaking the important journalism that you have become
Hundreds of generous readers support Spain’s number one English community newspaper
used to over the last 14 years: Reporting on riots in Barcelona, floods in Mallorca, crooks on the Costa del Sol, Franco’s exhumation in Madrid.. as well as getting out and about interviewing doctors, police and politicians on the current coronavirus crisis. But this money is also immediately being put to great use as we introduce a new expat community helpline (see below) giving up-to-the minute advice on issues arising from the crisis. This has so far involved helping a
pensioner tackle his local bank, a doctor get an urgent flight back to the UK and advice on travel restrictions. We are also introducing a regular ‘COVID-19 GUIDE’ section, comprising detailed guides for expats on everything from help for autonomos (self-employed) to ways to stay healthy. And we will be linking up local charities, helping to coordinate the massive effort they are undertaking to tackle this crisis on the ground (it starts on page 5 this issue). And to prove that charity really does start at home, all of the Olive Press team vows to give some of our time to help with translations of documents or helpful advice in our local communities.
The future of media
But most importantly, we see some vital and necessary changes ahead. Just as society will inevitably change once this crisis starts to ease, we want to try to wean ourselves off the need to have aggressive advertising that feeds an excessively consumer-led society and often feeds addictions. We, like you, sympathise with the amount of ads and pop ups that frustrate and make reading many websites difficult these days. But sadly for traditional media groups to survive it has been a necessary evil. In the old days papers like ours with real journalists commanded a cover charge, but that is sadly now impossible with the remarkably few places available to buy newspapers. Culturally, readers have also changed and no longer buy the
Bea’s Top Five lockdown tips SHE has helped a doctor scramble back to the UK on one of Spain’s last outbound flights. People have called her up to ask about supermarket opening times, helping vulnerable neighbours and even for translation assistance. But the Olive Press’ friendly receptionist Bea has now embarked on her latest mission to help expats navigate the COVID-19 crisis. After studying the government’s royal decrees, she reveals her top five tips, from
ASK BEA!
Bea reveals her top five tips for expats after being inundated with calls at her helpline
walking the dog to going shopping: 1. You need to go back to the UK? ●● By Ferry: From Santander you will find ferries that go to the UK ●● By Plane: At the moment British Airways is flying to the UK, please check their website ●● Airports: Gibraltar, Malaga, Granada, Alicante and Palma are operating with restrictions. Check websites for info
OLIVE PRESS
The
2
Contact the Olive Press special Corona crisis helpline..
on 951 273 575 or contact Josh at Olive Press TV on YouTube
passenger should be in the back, opposite the driver
●● Please be aware that you need to have your ticket as proof of your movements 2. Rules for shopping ●● Make less frequent and larger shopping trips, the recommendations are once a week, but maximum twice at the most ●● Please always ask for the receipt, as the police will request it to prove your movements ●● Normally in all supermarkets at the entrance it is obligatory to use disinfectant and gloves before entering ●● Only one person is allowed to go shopping. If the journey requires two people, one must wait in the car
4. Walking dogs ●● You should try and keep within a maximum of 200 metres from your home ●● Clean up after your dog by picking up its poo and take a bottle of water mixed with bleach as well
3. Trips by car ●● To prevent the risk of contagion it’s better to travel with only one person in the car ●● If there is a requirement to be accompanied, then the
We hope that all these tips help you and make for a better and easier confinement. If you need anything else please contact me on +34 951 273 575.
5. If you need to go to the bank ●● You need to know that only one person is allowed to go into the bank. You will need to wait for your turn on the street outside ●● We recommend to call the bank before, to know which paperwork you need for the enquires, and to avoid a second visit
traditional mainstream media as they used to do. They expect things online… and they expect it fast… AND of a high quality. It has created a huge crisis for newspapers globally, which has led to tens of thousands of journalists losing their jobs. Even celebrated national newspapers like the Mirror, in the UK, were laying off hundreds of them in the last two weeks. A shortage in journalists has, in turn, has led to far too many town halls remaining unscrutinized and, tragically, only a fraction of court cases getting covered. Meanwhile, fraudsters and conmen are not being taken to task, while corruption is becoming increasingly rife. In a way to remedy the situation, thousands of media groups around the world have introduced a paywall as a solution to dwindling print and advertising revenue.
Campaigning
We are holding firm however and see a different way to survive. Using a method introduced by the UK’s campaigning Guardian newspaper two years ago, we hope that readers who regularly use our site (and there are millions of you), are prepared to pay something to help see us grow and thrive. With our excellent team of journalists, plus dozens more freelancers who rely on the income we pay them, we hope ou will support us and continue to enjoy and use our content. The fact so many of you have already donated just goes to show that you are. Please continue to support us and I vow, as publisher, that we will take on more journalists and writers over the coming year and by 2021, when this crisis is (hopefully) finally over, we will be giving you national coverage on a daily basis, 365 days a year. Yours sincerely,
Jon Clarke
www.theolivepress.es
CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL
April 16 - April 29 2020
3
Facing facts RESIDENTS won’t have to wear face masks in the street until there are enough for everyone. The government has ruled that it would be unfair as many people are still unable to get one. For now the priority has been given to health professionals and security forces. It comes as the WHO ruled it was not necessary except for the sick and for those who care for patients in their homes.
Bad omen A GROUP of ten are facing heavy fines for breaking lockdown rules to perform satanic rituals. Police were called in after the group wearing robes were spotted in the Mas Duran forest area of Catalunya. It comes as a woman was arrested for stripping naked and climbing on a police car in Torremolinos, near Malaga.
Can’t alter the rules A PRIEST narrowly avoided arrest when he was stopped walking around blessing people on their balconies. The Basque cleric, from San Severino de Balmaseda, was caught walking around his town with a bottle of holy water.
Pull the other one A MAYOR has been caught breaking lockdown to ring his village’s church bells. PP leader of Sahagun Paula Conde was caught breaking quarantine with local Podemos councillor Ramon Rodriguez. Neither took any precautionary measures such wearing a mask or social distancing. The pair were denounced and arrested after they posted their session on Facebook. Police agreed that ringing church bells was not among the essential services included in the state of emergency legislation.
PLIGHT: Homeless man walks past Bomberos preparing to disinfect care home
SOS!
Time for action
Expat cruise passenger gets death threats after being wrongly accused of spreading COVID-19 ‘across world’ A BRITISH expat has received death threats after a newspaper wrongly accused her of spreading COVID-19 ‘across the world’. Coral Guise-Smith, 65, was accused of flying ‘18,447km across three continents’ to the Costa Blanca, after disembarking from a coronavirus-infected cruise ship, the Ruby Princess, on March 19. A Daily Mail article alleged that the Moraira resident ‘may have infected people’ with COVID-19 on her journey home from Australia, via Gatwick and Alicante airports. The claims were based on a series of Facebook posts in which she complained of ‘headaches’ and fever-like symptoms and was going to self-isolate when getting home. However, Coral told the Olive Press this week that she did not have the virus and that the report was both ‘shocking and frightening’. In particular, it led to five death threats, mostly via voice messages, against her and her husband, who had travelled with her. Insisting she had ‘done nothing wrong’, she added that she had worn a mask on the flights home and had not come into contact with anyone since getting home. “We were told to leave the ship and isolate until our flight was due and return to
PHILANTHROPIC Spanish chef Jose Andres has been celebrated on the cover of America’s Time Magazine for his COVID-19 efforts. The World Central Kitchen founder, 50, has set up soup kitchens at his Washington and New York restaurants to feed firefighters and homeless people. He also sent food to passengers on quarantined cruiseliner the Diamond Princess in Japan, on which 10 people died after contracting coronavirus.
EXCLUSIVE By Joshua Parfitt
our country of residence,” she told the Olive Press. “No one told us anything different and therefore that is what we did.” She added that she had only done what she had been told by cruise bosses, as the stricken ship hit global headlines, when it later emerged over 100 people had tested positive for COVID-19. “The blame lies solely with Princess Cruises and the New South Wales Port authority – not the 2700 passengers who are victims of their mismanagement,” she insisted. She added her headaches were due to ‘jet lag’ and that doctors in Spain have refused a coronavirus test as she doesn’t have a fever or a cough. “We wouldn’t ever risk exposing the place we love most in the world,” she added. “The threats made have been shocking and very frightening. There was no need as we have done nothing wrong.” It comes as at least 30% of COVID-19 deaths in Australian are attributed to the disastrous handling of the Ruby Princess incident. A criminal investigation has been launched into the Carnival Cruise company, based in Miami, following intense public criticism.
ACCUSED: ‘Covid’ Coral
A COUPLE have married on their balcony after their wedding was cancelled due to COVID-19. Jose Lopez and Deborah Gurrea were stunned by their friends and neighbours when they had to call off their La Rioja wedding. Luckily, a couple of their friends who live on the same street in Arnedo, took the matter into their own hands. They decided to mobilise the neighbourhood and organised a surprise wedding, sending a big box to their home on the morning of the big day with a bridal bouquet, a tutu, a top hat and a bow tie. As the box was delivered they
Wedding surprise
heard a cacophony of noise outside and watched as hundreds of neighbours filled their own balconies with balloons and banners with the couples’ faces on them. Even the mayor of the town was able to make it and stood on the street, with an impromptu sound system. Visibly moved, the couple said ‘I do’ and married in front of all their neighbours. The ‘newlyweds’ will have an official ceremony when the pandemic is over.
Death won’t us part!
AN elderly couple married for 65 years have made a complete recovery from Coronavirus. The pair, both 88, were hospitalised after falling ill just days after celebrating their auspicious anniversary with their seven children. After two weeks in hospital both on different floors - the
couple Jose Prieto and Guadalupe Matas, from Castilla la Mancha, were discharged
having made a full recovery. According to a doctor, Guadalupe refused to be discharged until her husband had made a full recovery too. They were released from the hospital together to rapturous applause and posed the following day from the balcony of their home.
4
www.theolivepress.es
CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL
April 16 - April 29 2020
dr dolots
Early lockdown and shrewd planning from local GP helps rural region stay free from coronavirus
Strictly locked down
HE can’t dance his way out of this one. Former Strictly Come Dancing star Brendan Cole has been locked down in his Mallorca holiday home since the Covid-19 outbreak began. The New Zealand ballroom dancer has been unable to leave the property he owns with wife Zoe and their children Aurelia, seven, and Dante, two. They have been making the most of their pool and BBQ, while Brendan, 43, has been cooking up a storm with a meat and potatoes dish. Zoe, a model and lifestyle blogger, also posted selfies of herself enjoying a glass of wine. “Today we’re happy as the sun came out for the first time in over a week!” she commented.
A REGION of eight towns and villages in northern Spain have stayed Coronavirus free by declaring a lockdown a week earlier than the rest of the country. The area of Cedrillas decided to begin social distancing and take drastic measures on March 7, a week before the country went into official lockdown. The boss of the local health centre and the local mayor agreed to close the 428km square region, in Teruel, which includes Castellar, el Pobo de la Sierra, Monteagudo del Castillo, Jorcas, Allepuz, Villarroya de
By Joshua Parfitt
los Pinares and Miravete de la Sierra. The result: not one person in the area has so far been confirmed as a victim of Covid-19.
Trust
Now, the region’s GP Eduardo Comas, coordinator of the Centro de Salud de Cedrillas has been singled out for praise in his quick-thinking measures. He puts his decision down to trust and says it was vital
as a large percentage of the region’s 1,221 residents are over 65 years old. In particular, the main town has an old people’s home, which has seen no cases, while in the town of Valderrobres, just outside the region over 80% of residents and half of the workers in one nursing home alone have caught the virus. “The advantage of rural towns is that residents trust in their doctor, and have contact with their doctor,” explained Comas. All consented to introduce social distancing measures,
650,000 people break lockdown SINCE the start of Spain’s coronavirus lockdown on March 14, police have issued 650,000 fines for breaking the emergency regulations. Spain’s Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, revealed the figures on Monday during an online press conference. Marlaska emphasised that the sole purpose of issuing fines was to ensure people obeyed the regulations, dismissing claims from some quarters that it was a money-making exercise. He added that public health was his department’s priority. He continued to say that the
vast majority of people were obeying the regulations. There had been a slight rise in the number of people being fined last week, but generally compliance was good. Marlaska said that money collected from fines will be handed over to the Treasury, which will decide on how it should be spent. During the conference he also announced that 4,500 Policia Nacional, Guardia Civil, Red Cross and Civil protection volunteers have started handing out 10 million free protective masks at train and bus stations. He pledged that the scheme will be rolled out to pharmacies in the coming days.
It’s times like these that the cracks begin to show Some of you may have seen my article from last week, it included the Chorus Balanced portfolio, which had lost around 10% since the market highs in February. The portfolio has already recovered by 3% over the last week and is still comfortably in profit over the last 12 months, despite global markets having fallen as much as 35%. Following the publication of that article a number of nonChorus clients contacted me as they were concerned that their portfolios had lost much more over the same period than ours.
I am certainly not one for picking faults in other advisers and the investments they choose for their client’s portfolio’s, and whilst I admit good advisers are limited here on the Costa Blanca, there are some good ones out there. I am also not one to brag or take any satisfaction from anyone making unnecessary losses in this unfortunate time.
What upsets me and angers me the most is that I continue to see portfolio’s that are filled with underperforming funds that have eye watering charges. These two things are a recipe for disaster and can often go undetected when the markets are performing well. One couple that contacted me this week said that they had been quite happy with their financial adviser over the years and although they hadn’t made huge gains, they hadn’t lost either. Having looked over their portfolios I was able to identify that many of the funds they held were incredibly poor quality and were adding charges of over 2.5% per year in addition to charges the clients were aware of. To make matters worse, these funds had not offered any protection in this recent market correction. In fact, these balanced risk clients had seen their portfolio drop by over
INGENIOUS: Dr Comas saved his town and region
and also included disinfecting all shops and public buildings and keeping old people indoors. “The nursing home was like a bunker,” continued Comas. “No one entered, and no one left. We cleaned the trucks bringing in supplies with bleach, because if the virus got in, there would be no way of stopping it.” The only person given a special permit to use the roads was ‘Ratoncito Perez’ – the Spanish version of the tooth fairy – whom mayor Jose Luis Lopez assured children would still visit their homes. While a beautiful area for rural tourism, Comas believes that Cedrillas’ lack of ‘tourism, concerts, big events and public transport’ has saved them from the coronavirus. Oh, and a bit of quick thinking from him.
Downhill now SOCIAL distancing measures have helped Spain reach its peak mortality rate for COVID-19. Dr. Christopher Murray – whose coronavirus prediction models are used in White House briefings – said that badly-hit European countries now have the ‘worst behind them’. “Social distancing can, when well implemented and maintained, control the epidemic, leading to declining death rates,” he said. Italy reached its peak mortality rate on March 27, followed by Spain on April 1 and France on April 3. The report added that Spain will see 19,209 deaths, while the UK is predicted to see 66,314. The US will have 81,766 deaths.
Providing multi-award winning advice for your pensions, investments & tax planning.
By Tracy Storer, Senior Partner 20%, and I was not holding out much hope that they were going to recover these loses unless they made urgent changes. Luckily for this couple I was able to move them into funds which were far superior, had a proven track record at a fraction of the cost and I have every confidence that these changes will give them the best opportunity to benefit from the recovery.
why, it is because they are paid by those fund houses to make the recommendation. Something that is very much against your best interests as a client.
So why does it happen? Why do advisers choose funds that have a history of poor performance and charges that are nearly double the industry standard? I’ll tell you
If you are concerned about your existing investments, or considering a new proposal, email me on t.storer@chorusfinancial.es or call 693 107 044.
Investment contracts are intended as medium to long term investments, and all investments have some level of risk. Figures in our articles are examples of what can be achieved and cannot be guaranteed; the value of your investments can go down as well as up. Fees and charges can vary and will be fully explained to you before any advice can take place. This article should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular product.
The advisers trading as Chorus Financial are members of OpesFidelio and authorised to give financial advice subject to contract in parts of the EEA, including Spain, CNMV Nº Registro Oficial 3970. OpesFidelio is a trademarked network of the Aisa Group which includes Aisa Financial Planning Ltd and Aisa International s.r.o. Aisa Financial Planning is authorised and regulated in the UK as an independent financial adviser for UK retail clients by the Financial Conduct Authority, Reference number: 189652, and has permissions throughout the EEA under both directives IDD and MiFID. Aisa International s.r.o. is authorised and regulated in the Czech Republic as a financial adviser by the Czech National Bank and has permissions through selected EEA countries, including Spain.
965 641 163
www.chorusfinancial.es info@chorusfinancial.es
CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL
www.theolivepress.es
April 16 - April 29 2020
5
Photos by Mike Riley
APPLAUDING: Medical workers clap a patient who survived the virus at a hospital in Catalunya
SMILING: A street sweeper on Barcelona’s famou s La Rambla
You sick puppy!
Madrid man banished from Torrevieja after he threatens to f*** the Costa Blanca resort with Covid-19 A MAN has been expelled from the Costa Blanca after boasting he’d travelled from Madrid to spread coronavirus. Torrevieja magistrates sent the 62-year-old away for his own safety after an online video went viral in which he insulted locals, claiming that he would ‘infect shoppers at
Mercadona’. The order prohibits Antonio BD from, ‘residing or going to Torrevieja during the investigation.’ Guardia Civil first arrested the man on March 8, after he was accused of a hate crime, with a police spokesman initially assuring the public that the man’s
No laughing matter A BOY has been arrested after posting online he had COVID-19 symptoms having just arrived in Gandia from Madrid. The young man, believed to be a teenager, wrote that he’d come to the ‘pig farm’ called Gandia and laughed at locals ‘stuck
claims were false. In reality, he has lived in Torrevieja since the new year, but the expulsion means he is no longer allowed within the boundaries of the town until investigations are over. Once summoned, the understanding is that he appears in any court other than Torrevie-
in their homes’. “I came here three days ago, because my hospital in Madrid is full and I have COVID-19,” he posted. “If I don’t recover in a few days I will go to hospital and see what happens. Otherwise I will continue my daily outings to the beach, enjoying the sun, while you stay in your homes all bitter. Haha.”
ja. Additionally, his passport has been taken away, meaning he cannot leave the country. He reportedly told police that it ‘was a joke’ and he was sorry for the video.
Vulgar
The clip in question sees him making vulgar insults to locals in Torrevieja, claiming that he and the other ‘4,000 people’ that had just arrived from Madrid would, ‘F*** Torrevieja up the ar**’ He claimed his plan was to ‘starve’ the locals by infecting supermarkets and preventing them go out.
8,000 lives saved UP to 8,500 lives have been saved in the Comunitat Valenciana thanks to nearly 90% of residents staying at home, claims a study. Phone data obtained from Spain’s National Institute of Statistics (INE) showed that residents in the municipalities of Denia and Benicarlo were the most disciplined, with 96% of locals not going out. Across Valencia as a whole, an estimated 89% of people either stayed at home or only ventured out for basic necessities. The study by the INE, alongside six Valencia universities, claimed an estimated 8,500 people would have died in the Comunitat from COVID-19 if no measures were imposed. The study claimed that if ONLY basic social distancing measures were advised, 4,500 people would have died. If social distancing was advised alongside the closure of schools and events, 3,300 would have died. The death toll was also estimated at 1,500 had non-essential businesses remained open. The telecommunications data also showed that daily distances travelled dropped 59% in Castellon, 58% in Alicante and 52% in Valencia. The average across Spain was recorded as a 51% drop.
6
www.theolivepress.es
April 16 - April 29 2020
Spanish flu, part 2
Voted top expat paper in Spain
A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than two million people a month.
OPINION
A century ago the world experienced the deadliest pandemic in modern history. Joshua Parfitt delves into what lessons we can learn from the Spanish flu
Breaking point A MAN on a rampage with swords in Madrid and a naked woman waving her arms atop a police car in Torremolinos. These shocking viral videos reveal a country at breaking point. But these two individuals are anything but alone. After more than four weeks of confinement, millions of us across Spain are already feeling the bite. The mental health implications of being starved of human contact and the freedom to exercise outside are numerous. These are the harsh issues Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his PSOE administration must grapple with on a daily basis. However these stark realities - and an economy on life support - have not stopped the government extending the lockdown until April 26. It also hasn’t stopped the country’s police forces levying a shocking 650,000 fines, many for totally trivial and unjustified reasons. This hasn’t gone unnoticed, as it emerged this week that a Spanish lawyer has complained to the European Parliament that his government’s actions are illegal. Jose Ortega has seen what is happening across Europe and is appalled at his country’s response. Exercise is permitted in the UK, France and Germany, shops are trading in Austria, Denmark is going back to school, and some Italian regions have even permitted clothes shopping. A ‘de facto transitional dictatorship’ is how Ortega labelled Spain’s draconian measures in his legal plea, now being assessed by MEPs. So with Brussels involved, surely now is the time for Sanchez to seriously consider relaxing some of Spain’s inhumane measures. Builders and factory workers were back at work on Easter Monday, so please Pedro let us go for a jog. Or at least a walk, without having to use a neighbour’s pimped-out pet dog. Publisher / Editor
Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es Charlie Smith charlie@theolivepress.es
Joshua Parfitt joshua@theolivepress.es
Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es
John Culatto johnc@theolivepress.es
Dimitris Kouimtsidis dimitris@theolivepress.es
Gillian Keller gillian@theolivepress.es
Joanne Oakley joanne@theolivepress.es
Simon Wade simon@theolivepress.es
Admin Beatriz Sanllehí (+34) 951 273 575 admin@ theolivepress.es
Office manager Héctor Santaella (+34) 658 750 424 accounts@ theolivepress.es
Distribution ENQUIRIES (+34) 951 273 575 distribution@ theolivepress.es
Newsdesk: 0034 951 273 575 For all sales and advertising enquiries please contact 951 27 35 75 Head office
Carretera Nacional 340, km 144.5, Calle Espinosa 1, Edificio cc El Duque, planta primera, 29692, Sabinillas, Manilva Deposito Legal MA: 835-2017
AWARDS
2016 - 2020 Best expat paper in Spain and the second best in the world. The Expat Survey Consumer Awards.
2012 - 2020 Named the best English language publication in Andalucia by the Rough Guides group.
POSTER: Gives mask-making advice (left) and a 1918 Spanish flu ward
THE SS Talune carried no troops when it docked in Western Samoa on November 7, 1918 – four days before the end of the Great War. But the passenger steamship’s voyage from New Zealand to the remote pacific islands of Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Nauru, is remembered as one of the deadliest in history. By December 31, 1918, an estimated 20% of Western Samoans had been wiped out by the so-called Spanish flu that would go on to claim four times more casualties than the entire First World War – an estimated 100 million. Tonga also saw 10% of its population felled as Talune crewmen infected in New Zealand spread the influenza to cultures with
A
BRITISH cyclist has been ‘overwhelmed’ by the help he has received after becoming trapped in southern Spain during the nationwide coronavirus lockdown. Paul Rhodes, 55, was in Morocco when he boarded the last ferry back to Spain on March 12, unaware of the impending quarantine. The freewheeling Liverpudlian with no fixed abode works as a freelance carpenter and volunteer and spends his days travelling the globe. SAFE: Paul (left) with new pal Santiago in Huelva, while (above) his tent pitched by a But when he arrived in Tarifa on the evening of March 12, there was something in the air. “The atmosphere was very different,” he told the Olive Press. “Many people were already wearing masks. In the Ohana A British cyclist tells Laurence Dollimore how he was hostel where I was staying, ru- kindly taken in by Andalucian farmers after being left out mours were rife and there was a lot of confusion. in the cold during the coronavirus lockdown “Some people were starting to worry. Then the rumours be- up the apocalyptic mood.” Cycling through winds and came fact; the hostel was go- Pepa filled Rhodes’ water bot- rain, he eventually reached ing to close in two days. Spain tles and gave him her number the border where he was met was going into lockdown.” in case he fell ill. by a posse of at least a dozen Rhodes said the next morn- “And then there was a young Portuguese police and immiing saw a ‘mad scramble’ as man in Bollullos, in Huelva, I gration officers. guests rushed to get home never got his name but there “They were somewhat amused and began checking out en was fear in his eyes,” recount- to see a cyclist coming tomasse, much to the disap- ed Rhodes, “yet he still went wards them at 10.30pm,” pointment of ‘friendly’ owner into his home on a street lined said Rhodes. Jesus. with lemon trees to fetch me “If I’d done this in the UK I “Poor old Jesus was bewil- some much-needed water.” would have been in trouble, dered,” said Rhodes. “he had Rhodes spent four days cy- and probably publicly shamed just reopened cling to reach online. Here, nobody got anhis family’s Ayamonte on gry with me, they understood hostel after a the border in a my need to find a place to stay Overcome with two month renbid to catch a for a while. Yet as nice as they ovation, now he tiredness and ferry to Portugal, were, the officials had their was going to be missed the jobs to do, and said that my LEGEND: Pharmacist Pepa forced to sleep but empty.” last boat by 16 volunteer job wasn’t a good With no support under a tree by hours. enough reason to enter. My forced to sleep under another network or a E x h a u s t e d passport was copied and 15 tree next to the N495 motorthe motorway and dirty, he minutes later I was on my way way. home to return After cycling another 19km, to in the UK, searched the back across the border.” Rhodes decided now ‘ghost Battling heavy rains, Rhodes he stopped at a gas station to head to Portugal, where town’ for supplies before man- was forced to find shelter un- in Santa Barbara for lunch he had some volunteer work aging to find a shop that was der a tree next to the N431 when Guardia Civil stopped lined up. still open. before heading back down to him and told him he could no “On the trip there were few- “I sat on a bench in the de- Ayamonte. Policia Nacional longer carry on travelling and er and fewer people out and serted town square eating my and the town hall directed him needed to find somewhere to about, the roads were eerily sandwiches, wondering what towards the Red Cross but stay and self-isolate. The officers drove slowly quiet,” he recalls, “Of the few to do next,” Rhodes recounts. they were unable to help him. people I did meet, most were Despite the border closing the He decided to head north to around the town to help him afraid..then I met Pepa, a night before, he opted to head find friends in Albergue, near look for accommodation, but pharmacist in Los Cabezas de for Portugal as he could prove Salamanca, but after cycling it was in vain. So with the San Juan, near Jerez, she was he had arranged volunteer through the night he was over- owner of the gas station’s a ray of sunshine, brightening work in the country. come with tiredness and was permission, he was allowed
MY SPANISH HER
www.theolivepress.es
7
April 16 - April 29 2020
7
Olive Press online ‘Spain’s best English news website’
Users
even less resistance to the viruses than in the Old World. The death toll was particularly devastating due to Pacific Island customs requiring whole families to gather around the sick. Scientists have been painstakingly reconstructing this pandemic, even recovering infected lung tissue from an Inuit victim preserved in Alaskan perma-
frost, to figure out what happened and what we can do to DEATH CHART: ‘Flattening the curve’ was also a priority in 1918 stop it happening again. Fast-forward 100 years, and it’s cities that responded in wildly clear a virologist’s worst night- different ways (how ironic given what’s happening today) as the The Spanish flu pandemic dismare has landed upon us. But what can we learn from this second wave of the pandemic appeared by 1920 – but it did hit the continent in September not sleep. largely forgotten pandemic? Aside from laying the foundation 1918 (the first wave has been In 2009, nearly the exact of the World Health Organisation variously reported as arising same H1N1 strain resurrect(WHO), the discovery of the virus in China, Kansas and Europe’s ed as the cause of the swine flu pandemic that killed an esand the invention of life-saving Western Front in March 1918). vaccines, the research hours American pandemic expert timated 150,000 to 575,000 into Influenza A virus subtype John Barry, author of The Great people globally. H1N1 (A/H1N1) carry important Influenza, has drawn parallels Scientists investigating the in particular with Philadelphia Spanish flu have therefore lessons for us all. – which held a 200,000-strong been bugged by the question: Liberty Loan parade in Septem- what makes a virus more ber – and cities like St Louis deadly than others? – which went into immediate The original H1N1 virus is lockdown, closing schools and thought to have developed in birds, acquiring mutations that While Western Samoa record- business. ed the worst death rate for any “The Liberty parade went for- human immune systems had country in the 1918 pandemic, ward and, roughly 48 hours not fought for decades, if ever. the islands of American Samoa later, the disease exploded in As the Spanish flu came deaths. Philadelphia. They ended up back to attack in four known This detail is attributed to the with about 14,500 deaths,” waves, it eventually beUSA territory’s Naval Governor, Barry revealed to the New York- came part of the regular human-borne winter influenza John Martin Poyer, who heard er in March. reports of a deadly pandemic “St Louis, however, imposed all that carries lower death rates on the radio and immediately sorts of social distancing mea- and, more recently, can be imposed a maritime quaran- sures and had a much better vaccinated against. tine. outcome – they did, in fact, “It’s not good for the virus to kill the host as soon as it Researchers in 2008 later flatten the curve.” scoured archival documents, Most interestingly for us living infects it, because that host concluding that the confine- under strict confinement as has less chance of passing ment measures were ‘success- Europe battles the COVID-19 the virus on to other people,” ful’ in excluding the influenza. pandemic, is that the Spanish British virologist Wendy BarSimilar comparisons have flu did arrive in American Sa- clay, from Imperial College been drawn between American moa in 1920 – and yet no one London, revealed in 2018. This is why the 2009 swine flu pandemic was more potent than toned-down winter influenza in previous years: it was a virus adapted to infect pigs, not humans with a distinct immune system. These lessons are of incredible importance to us in our fight against COVID-19. Barry added “The coronavirus is now stuck with us forever. “I would expect to see waves of this: a second wave, and then less and less.” The coronavirus is currently deadly because it is believed to have jumped to humans from an unlikely source – bats or pangolins, scientists believe – for which our immune systems have little precedence. This helps to explain its leThe 1918 pandemic is known thality, and should inform as the ‘Spanish flu’ despite governments across the the influenza claiming heaworld to control for further vier death tolls in the USA, outbreaks until the virus Portugal and Italy. tones down, or we develop a The nickname is due to vaccine. Spain’s neutral status during When the 1918 Spanish flu the First World War, allowing pandemic hit, we did not its press to report on the spread freely. even know what a virus was, While most wartime governments actively suppressed and still authorities succeednews of the deadly influenza, to protect public morale ed with public policies of conwhich would have sunk as the disease mostly killed men finement. aged 20-40. New Zealand’s government While the USA had up to 675,000 deaths, newspaper reapologised to Samoa in 2002 ports suggested that the epidemic was not expected to for its mismanagement of the hit hard. SS Talune incident – with the Spain’s press freedom, however, gave a distorted impresbenefit of this hindsight and sion the country was the worst hit. an additional mountain of While former British Prime Minister David Lloyd George, scientific research, governand US president Woodrow Wilson, both fell ill, the flu is ments no longer have the best remembered for infecting Spain’s King Alfonso XIII, excuse that they didn’t see a which was widely reported (see inset). disaster coming.
The Varying Virus
A Tale of Two Samoas
petrol station in Santa Barbara
ROES
to set up his tent behind the forecourt. “Margarita was great and helped me a lot,” Rhodes said, “With her mask on I don’t even know what she looks like. When the quarantine is over I will drop by and give her a hug.” The next day a local farm manager named Santiago happened to see Rhodes’ tent and offered him a room on land belonging to his pal Francisco in Cabezas Rubias, Huelva. “I have a well for water, a fireplace, wonderful views and Amber, a nine-year-old horse for my neighbour,” Rhodes told this paper, “More importantly I am in a safe place. “Santiago, Margarita, Francisco; my neighbours; Joaquin and Pepi, Carlos and especially Vanessa have been absolutely wonderful. “They have given me shelter, bedding and a stove to cook on, given me a big bag of old clothes and even sourced a Spanish sim card. “Vanessa often passes food over the wall, and Joaquin lets me use an outside shower. To be honest, I’m overwhelmed by their humanity and generosity. “In this, the time of COVID-19, there are billions of stories to be told, and sadly hundreds of thousands that will never be written. “Coronavirus heroes are everywhere, and mine are here in Cabezas Rubias and Santa Barbara. “Muchas gracias mi héroes.”
DID YOU KNOW?
2.3M
4.2 M 6.7 M
ON TOP: Olive Press website traffic for March
nothing similar
T
ruth is often said to be the first victim of wars and crises. And, right now, it pays to be wary of any information that gets slapped on social media or rapidly Google-translated for a website. For Fake News is rife during the COVID-19 crisis, as we have discovered ourselves over the last fortnight. Disgracefully, conspiracy theorists, keyboard warriors, people with agendas and those seeking monetary gain have been getting far too much air-time and traction. Having good journalists to look behind the headlines, dig into sources and analyse the claims is key to having a trustworthy newspaper or website. And as any good journalist will tell you... the best stories always carry three or four good facts. So here we have a few: FACT1: According to leading online comparison site www.similarweb.com the Olive Press had DOUBLE the number of visitors than any other English rival in March FACT 2: According to Alexa.com, owned by Amazon, we are this week ranked in the world’s Top 6,000 sites (see graphic below), putting us around 70,000 places ahead of our nearest rival FACT 3: According to official Google Analytics (top) we had 4.3 million visitors in March reading 6.7 million pages FACT 4: Global digital advertising revenue has dropped by around 80% over the last month And it is due to this last fact that we have introduced a subscription scheme for our regular online visitors INSTEAD of introducing a pay wall, as many other publishers have over the last few years. Meaning 100% of our content is available all of the time, it also allows us to continue investing in our editorial team, which currently counts nearly 20 journalists and writers. So please if you are a regular user of our website make a small contribution, which can be from as little as €5. You’ll see the green button easy to find on the site. Every little helps, as they say.
5,917 # 164 # 167
EXTRA FACT: In case you hadn’t noticed, we have continued to print all FIVE of our editions through this crisis, of course cutting down in size and numbers to mirror the number of distribution points currently closed.
Here are the top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks:
for holidays in Spain in 2021 skyroc1- UKketsearches by a staggering 1,600% (48,811 visitors) When lockdown is predicted to end 2-inREVEALED: Spain as experts say country’s coronavirus hospitalisations have already peaked (37,335) More than 40 families caught escaping to second 3-homes on Spain’s Costa Blanca over Palm Sunday weekends (35,501) coronavirus lockdown ‘to be exten4- Spain’s ded another 15 days’ but rules may be loosened (33,500) NO NEW COVID-19 deaths in Balearic Islands as 5-Ibiza clinic becomes first in Spain to use pioneering ozone therapy (28,009)
Get in touch today at sales@theolivepress.es or call us at 00 34 951273575 for a special quote
8
www.theolivepress.es
The
OLIVE PRESS COSTA BLANCA SOUTH
Your expat
voice in Spain
Big-hearted
Hearts of gold
For all your local advertising needs please contact our Sales Manager Charles Bamber 0034 661 452 180 charles@theolivepress.es
April 16 - April 29 2020
TORREVIEJA University Hospital has been overwhelmed with donations of meals, hotel rooms and other accommodation during the crisis. Cafes, bars and food retailers have delivered to the hospital in huge numbers, without being asked, as the hospital’s catering facilities have been shut. Donations for patients have included skin care products and magazines, as well as more than 20 tablet devices for isolated sufferers to communicate with friends and family. Hotels and holiday apartment companies have also offered rooms for the doctors, reducing the risk of transferring the virus to families.
KIND-HEARTED Olive Press readers responded in their dozens to an urgent plea from an expat’s
www.theolivepress.es
CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL
FOR PENSIONER IN DANGER EXCLUSIVE: EXPAT APPEAL
Save my sis
Worried UK family reach out to Olive Press readers to help care for their ill relative, 72
Sending out an SOS
radio COMMUNITY station, Big Radio Spain, is reaching out to the community to help it survive the crippling coronavirus lockdown. expats in the With so many clients AN urgent plea has gone out to sick British not trading during the Costa Blanca South to help a very pandemic, advertising pensioner suffering from cancer. to help look revenue has hit such Big hearted expats are being asked in Catral out for Jane Pitman, who has lived a low level that stalast year. for 15 years, but fell into ill-health the UK are tion manager, Richie The 72-year-old’s family back inbeing treated Sparks, says he has no worried for her health, as she is husband sudJane option but to ask loyal with (right) CONCERN: Sally for cancer and is alone after her listeners for financial denly died last year. journalist. former a Sally, contributions. the in sister anyone has left Her sister asked the Olive Press if and medicine explained “With our rent and She continued that chemotherapy area can help to get her shopping exhausted, and Cambridgeshire, from utility bills topping Jane, lockdown. commuduring the current Covid-19 out to help,” she’s unable to reach out to the local €3,000 a month, we “Sadly none of us can currently fly nity for help.” can’t sustain running “Sally lives in a very small, two broadcasts, 24/7,” IT’S A CAKEWALK! isolated community, so admitted Sparks. compassionate neighbours Quesada-based The GIBRALTAR leader Fabian THE government has restrict- are non-existent. business has been Picardo has brushed off the ed the number of people al- “This lockdown has made Costa the serving forced lockdown as little more lowed to attend funerals in an already difficult situaBlanca community for my tion, much worse, and than a cakewalk and a chance Spain. eight years, and was to catch up on missed TV. Only three relatives or friends sister needs all the help she central in fundraisCentury under can get. “Let’s not be 21st are allowed to attend ing and distribution snowflakes,” he told the en- new COVID-19 edicts - and “If there are any charity food and that generone essential souls of least at kind groups or clave. “The evacuation they must all stand equipment during the ation went through war... The metre apart. The Ministry of can reach Jane and help in went September transform of ordered would generation it flooding however, way, any referendum Health has, 2019. through General Franco...The that during the state of emer- her life in these worrying be can Donations closed frontier generation went gency, the prices of funerals times.” through a siege...All we have may not be higher than the made via their webIf you can help, please conto do is go through our Netflix price on March 14. site, BigRadioSpain. collections or very full kitchen If the price is higher, custom- tact the Olive Press at newscom pretend EXCLUSIVE By Simon Wade
Funeral trio
cupboards. Let’s not that this is harder than it is.”
ers are entitled to a refund.
desk@theolivepress.es
By Simon Wade
family who needed urgent help during the lockdown. Nearly 20 readers contacted our news desk to offer help to cancer-sufferer, Jane Pitman, 72, who lives in a small community in the Vega Baja town of Catral. It came after her family in the UK got in touch explaining she was struggling during 5 the lockdown. One couple in Rojales, Sue and Alan Bruce, even offered to get a food parcel together for Jane. Sadly, ill-health has prevented us from taking the gift, with Jane currently in hospital with fears she may have contracted COVID-19. We hope to have good news in our next issue. April 2 - April 15 2020
you Covidiots!
Going it alone
C
an you imagine building a cathedral with your own hands? Brick by brick, all done on your own. Impossible, right? Well, not quite. There is a man in Spain who’s been building his own cathedral for over 50 years. Here is his story: Justo Gallego was born in 1925 in a town called Mejorada del Campo, in Madrid, Spain. Justo joined a monastery at age 27, where he stayed as a monk for eight years. He was forced to leave the monastery after catching tuberculosis, which led him to build a cathedral on land he owned. Justo did not have proper training in architecture. Yet he accomplished it on his own (see Olive Press online article ‘ex-monk’s mission to finish building cathedral before he dies’). Now, does this mean you could do the same? Chances are, there’s only one Justo Gallego. But we used the cathedral analogy for you to see that the home purchasing process in Spain could be a similar never-ending process. The difference here is that not doing it right could take to you down a path of fines and frustration. Therefore, we’ve prepared 3 rights and 3 wrongs for you to keep in mind when purchasing property in Spain.
Top 3 Rights 1. Contract a lawyer. Nobody else can take care of this process more efficiently than an experienced lawyer, who will also protect your assets in Spain. You would probably buy a house either off-plan, new build or second hand, through a developer or an estate agency, correct? Therefore, the best figure to carry out the purchasing process in Spain is a registered and experienced lawyer. 2. Tax. The purchasing process has tax involved – as well as non-resident tax – after the property is in your name. The Spanish tax man will not forgive any mistakes, so our recommendation is that you do hire a lawyer spe-
cialised in fiscal matters. It will provide peace of mind. 3. Spanish wills. You should apply for your Spanish Wills once you’ve bought property in Spain. It’s a simple procedure that will make the inheritance procedure easier and less expensive compared to having only a will from your country of origin.
Top 3 Wrongs 1. Purchasing process DIY: big mistake. The purchasing process is not only an exchange of signatures and cheques at the notary. Many people end up paying high costs trying to do it themselves or through people who are not experienced in the legal side of purchasing property. 2. Check-ups. Here are some powerful questions: does the property have any debt in tax, utilities, community fees? Is the property fully registered at the land registry office? Not reviewing some critical points could come back later in the form of expensive bills and fines. 3. Down payments. When you contract the services of a law firm there will be a team of lawyers who will carefully review all the down payments. In Spain, it is quite common to pay a deposit to reserve the property. However, if you have not hired a lawyer to carry out your home’s purchasing process, how would you know your deposit is being made in a safe way and to the right people? What Justo has done with his own hands is simply admirable, a unique piece of art, but we would not recommend you to follow Justo’s approach when buying property in Spain. We are here to help. Please let us help you build your life in Spain, quickly and safe. Have you got any questions? Please let us know at admin@sun-lawyers. com or on (00 34) 965 321 193
A COCAINE deal has been scuppered by cops after the buyers tried to claim they were ‘just having a cig’ with their dealer inside a car. The bust came after police noticed a vehicle carrying three people around Quesada, flouting the lockdown restrictions. Agents stopped the car in Almoradi before asking the trio to justify their journey. They claimed several excuses including that they were having a cigarette together and were ‘going to get some money’. Police searched the car and found 14 cocaine wraps.
Great week for lynxes A RECORD eight Lynx cubs have been born in just one week. The octuplets arrived as part of the Iberian Lynx Captive Breeding Programme in Doñana National park. A total of three cubs were born to Nota, while another three were born to Narsil at the El Acebuche centre, in Almonte. Another female Gitanilla gave birth to two cubs. It is great news for the endangered species which was close to extinction a decade ago, with little more than 300 examples in the wild. There are now believed to be over 1000 lynxes around Spain, the majority spread around Andalucia, primarily in Donana and in the north of Cordoba, near Andujar. A good number are also now living in Jaen, while the species has proliferated into Extremadura and Castilla la Mancha, as far as Toledo. Researchers at the centre perform regular gestation tests, via a technique to determine whether a female is pregnant developed at Leibniz Zoo in Berlin. It takes into account the levels of prostaglandin in the faeces.
LA CULTURA
April 16 - 29 2020
9
Semana Santa 2020 Cancelled
W
E would normally get there an hour before, DESERTED: Streets parking a kilometre where Foreign Legion out of town and batand parades normally tle our way through the throngs pass, while (right) to get to a good vantage point in disinfection crew the bustling main square. With a glass of ice cold fino and a media-racion de gambas, we would wait patiently for the pen- EASTER DISPATCH: The ritual and theatre of Semana Santa itents to arrive, along with Jesus has been packed off to Spain’s sitting rooms, with the sound of and Mary and, the highlight... a squadron of soldiers from distant drums subsiding for spraying machines, writes Jon Clarke Ronda’s nearby Foreign Legion on the most unusual Andalucian Easter in history cuartel. This has been our Good Friday correct precautions - this was a melted back indoors. up indoors, like us northern Euritual at Semana Santa for much village-led decision to keep out It was not, in fact, until I got to ropeans with our frequently inof the last two decades. the virus. the very top of the town, where clement weather. Away from the usual tourist trail, On the face of it, somewhat sin- I finally bumped into people. They are a sociable nation that Setenil de las Bodegas, at Eas- ister, a sort of China-lite idea to Three, in fact, dressed top to toe needs to get out and talk to each ter, is as authentic as anywhere monitor the movements of any- in hazmat suits and masks, and other, to play in the streets, to else in Spain at this time of year. one and everyone, it was justi- carefully, slowly sanitising the laugh and to joke and be seen, The marching bands, the smells, fied by the fact that just 5kms up streets with antiseptic from hose as they are every evening for the pointy hats and - above all - the road was the town of Alcala packs strapped to their backs. paseo. the tattooed and disciplined sol- del Valle, where over 100 people Well one of them was working This lockdown is killing them and diers, with their guns and songs have so far caught the Covid-19 while the other two were sim- they will come out on April 26, a about valour and death. infection, with up to half a dozen ply taking in the majestic scene different people, hopefully more It is the highlight of the year, having died. below, looking down on the fahands down, for most local An- But I was to find none of this. My mous, historical town that was dalucians. A time-worn ritual drive from Ronda was totally un- finally seized by the Catholic that is rehearsed for months impeded and I saw not one car kings from the muslims of the ahead and signifies the start of during the 25 minute journey. Kingdom of Granada in 1484, the tourist season. I arrived to find no roadblocks a year before Ronda, and just The tradition, drama and choreand a total eight years before they finally ography perfectly ghost town, with succumbed in Granada in 1492. combines on the not one person It made for a seminal photo, parcobbled streets of Spanish are not in the street. It ticularly given the sign next to emblematic Seteapproach- them, heralding the village one used to being was nil, famous for its ing dusk and of the 100 most beautiful villagmany cave houses cooped up you could hear es of Spain. that nestle into the pin drop in They turned round surprised to folds of the landindoors unlike aa place where find someone else out at this scape. normally you time, approaching 8pm, on the Brits So to visit this agewould hear the Good Friday. old settlement sound of far- After posing for photos they exonce used by the away trumpets plained that the discipline in Romans to store their excellent and banter rumbling around its their town had been amazing local wine - at Easter 2020, narrow windy streets and the and that they were hopeful for an is one of the most disquieting classic sights and smells of Se- end of the lockdown on April 26. times of my life. mana Santa. Not only destroying the spirit of I knew it would be depressing to I took our normal route up to- the villagers it was a massive visit during the coronavirus lock- wards the Nazari castle and hit on the local economy that down, particularly given a recent Church of the Encarnacion at makes a good chunk of its annuarticle I had read that the village the top of the town, stopping to al income over the Easter week of 2,700 inhabitants had decid- take a picture of the empty town normally. ed to block three out of its four hall square that would normally “We need this to end, it is horriaccess roads in and out. be rammed with the hundreds of ble for everyone,” he said, before Taking the decision alongside tourists waiting for the parades. strapping on his backpack and other local towns, including Za- When I did finally catch the eye heading off to spray. hara de la Sierra, tractors were of someone from a balcony he He was certainly right. The Spanbrought in to build roadblocks, immediately looked away and ish are not used to being cooped which would be manned 24 hours a day. Ostensibly checking the movements of anybody coming in - ensuring they had good reason to visit and were taking the
CHANGE: From Easter 2019 to this year, while (right) spraying team and (below) procession in Setenil
appreciative of what they have and certainly full of energy for the summer months ahead. As the bells of the church next to me chimed out 8pm, I immediately knew that things would be right again. After hearing the national anthem, I looked down and could see hundreds, maybe more, out on their balconies clapping and cheering and waving… a new
Easter ritual that went on for five, maybe, ten minutes. Clapping the bravery of the Spanish health workers, who have taken the brunt of this crisis, they hooted and cheered with optimism, albeit with a touch of weariness. And then suddenly it all went quiet… apart from the distant whir of the trio of men with their spraying machines.
10
April 2-April 15 2020
BUSINESS Doors closed Ease it off IN Some Spanish regions half of all hotels have taken the decision not to open at all this year due to global coronavirus travel restrictions. At least 50% of hoteliers in the Balearic islands will delay opening until 2021, the Balearic Hotel Association (ACH) which represents hoteliers in Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera has said. Meanwhile 25% will remain shut on the Costa del Sol, according to the Association of Hotel Entrepreneurs of the Costa del Sol (AEHCOS). The Balearics are already bracing for their biggest recession in history, fol-
Around 50% of hotels in some Spanish regions will not open this year lowing a predicted €1.8 billion tourism hit and 400,000 job losses in 2020 alone. It comes as airlines operating in the European Union have on average grounded 98% of their fleets. This was compounded by a recent Exceltur poll, which showed that 58% of Britons and 40% of Germans will now not holiday abroad this year. Hotel chains there may decide to open only one or two of their establishments from July 1 or
September 1 to cater to a demand in a particular area. The Costa del Sol and the rest of Andalucia has already felt the bite of a decimated hotel trade during Semana Santa. In Sevilla alone, the expected tourism loss from this most important week of the year has been put at around €400 million. AEHCOS President Luis Callejon Sune said: “This volume of hotels will never be able to lift their heads again.”
THE founder of Easyjet has slammed airline bosses, accusing them of ‘misusing taxpayer’s money’ by accepting a government loan to buy new planes, part-built in Spain. Easyjet is due to get £600million from the coronavirus fund, with Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou opposing the loan and urging executives to cancel the billion pound Airbus deal in order ‘for Easyjet to survive’.
Paper chase THE Government has ruled that you CAN still leave the house to pick up your newspaper of choice during the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown. Whether it’s the Olive Press, El Pais or Daily Mail you’re after, it is among the activities still considered ‘essential’ in Royal Decree 463/2020. Along with food, medication and other necessities, Article 10.1 specifies that people are still permitted to buy newspapers, despite many kiosks being closed. The Olive Press is found at many of our usual drops.
HEALTH
April 16 - 29 2020
11
HIIT the...lounge carpet KEEPING fit and healthy is more important than ever as the nationwide lockdown in Spain looks set to last until at least early May. A good HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workout gets the heart rate pulsing and is great for circulation, breathing capacity and overall health. The effect of a good workout on your mental health can also never be underestimated, with a commitment to a daily sweat-a-thon providing routine and a hit of feel good endorphins. But with COVID-19 and the ensuing confinement to our homes taking us by surprise, not many of us have the luxury of a private gym or fancy equipment. In this spirit, we’ve programmed 10 HIIT exercises which will get you fit as a fiddle. Perform as many of each exercise as you can for a minute and take a minute’s break between each exercise. Remember to stretch afterwards. If you can’t do an exercise, replace it with jumping jacks, knees up or one you have fewer problems with.
Stay limber during lockdown with our 20-minute, high intensity, equipment-free workout you can do at home 1. Jumping jacks - Also known as star jumps, they are the perfect warm up. 2. Knees up - March on the spot, bringing your knees as close to your chest as possible. 3. Russian twists - Sit on the floor with your heels on the ground (or lifted if you’re able), place your hands on your chest and twist from side to side. 4. Plyo push-ups - Your regular push-up except you try to push your hands off the floor and land back in the push-up position. This can also be modified by going on
to your knees while the uber fit can clap as they come off the floor. (If you’re finding it tough try pushups on your knees to begin with). 5. Burpees - Drop into a squat and place your hands on the floor in line with your feet, jump your feet out and in, then jump into the air - repeat. 6. Supermans - Lay on your front with your arms stretched out in front of you, then lift your arms and legs at the same time, keeping them straight as possible. 7. Tuck-ups - Lay on your back with your arms stretched out by
your ears, bring your knees to your chest then lay them back down. 8. Mountain climbers - Assume the plank position (similar to the push-up position but on your forearms), and bring your knees into your chest one at a time as fast as you can. 9. Lunges - Lunge to the left, being sure to keep your right leg straight. When your left leg reaches a 90
Keep calm and self-isolate We are self-isolating for the health of the nation, but we must take care our own mental health, writes health correspondent Jeremy Kenton
AS an osteopath in clinical practice for over 40 years, part of my daily routine with patients is to reduce anxiety. The anxiety can be from pre-existing pain, or the stress caused by our current confinement. This is obviously worse for those of you on your own, or those of you with a history of anxiety and stress. There is a chemical, physiological reason for what is happening when you’re anxious, and that is a raise in the stress-causing hormone cortisol. Thankfully, cortisol levels can be helped by a number of methods: - The simplest method is by using a simple breathing technique – this can be used during the day or in the evening just before you go to bed, and even if you wake during the night because of anxiety. - Begin by breathing out through the open mouth for a count of seven, then breath in through the nose for a count of five, then breathe out for seven, and keep repeating. - Remember to also eat well and to exercise during this period of self confinement.
degree angle, hop on to your right side and repeat. 10. Squats - Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, put your arms out in front of you with hands clasped to help balance and bend your knees. Try to achieve a 90 degree angle, while keeping your back straight.
HEALTH APPOINTMENt By Jeremy Kenton
- There are a number of people doing live video exercise classes on social media and it’s a good idea to get involved. - It’s very important to distract yourself during the day and not to feel guilty about watching a series on Netflix, digging out those old CDs and DVDs, listening to music, or even sorting out all those old photographs you’ve accumulated over the years. - Try to avoid the news and only watch it once or twice a day to avoid making yourself feel even more anxious. - Establish a routine and don’t fall into the trap of sitting around in your dressing gown all day. - Get up, take a shower, get dressed and involve yourself in any kind of activity that will distract yourself. - Do something absorbing, read a book – or even write a book! Learn to play musical instrument, learn to paint, or anything you’ve been putting off. - You can interact with old friends and make new friends, even if it means shouting from one balcony to another. - Most importantly, think positively, as we all know in a few weeks this will be over and we can get
back to some degree of normality. Stop fearing the worst. - Financial stress is obviously something we are all concerned about, but now we are locked away there is a little we can do about it. - You can make plans regarding mortgage or rent payments and utility bills with the providers. When you contact them, on the whole, they are sympathetic because they are in the same position as you. So to summarise: Establish a routine Distract yourself Eat regularly and well Exercise Use breathing exercises Speak to your pharmacy or doctor for medication if you really cannot cope Talk to your friends or neighbours Avoid the news Learn a skill, paint, draw, an instrument or even learn Spanish Self absorb yourself in an activity. You will be amazed how quickly the time will vanish Watch happy films Read or even write a story Stay positive Keep smiling, keep safe and stay happy
12
March 19th - April 1st 2020 Check out our issues online at www.theolivepress.es
LETTERS
Community spirit
Readers share their support and donations for Olive Press, which continues to provide regular updates throughout the crisis
Mallorca Issue 77
Top of the pile
THE EXPAT SURVIVAL ISSUE
we Inside this week’s special editionhow have dozens of tips and ideas on to survive the Covid crisis, including...
OLIVE PRESS
Your expat
voice in Spain
April 3rd - April 16th, 2020 Vol. 3 Issue 77 www.theolivepress.es
FREE
Why Mallorca remains a beacon of hope see p6
The key ingredients to keep you in tip top condition
While the army is on the streets, 10,000 have died, millions of jobs are at risk and everyone is on a four-week lockdown, there are...
LEAVERS: Trio of Brits in Spain SPANNING COMMUNITIES: The Olive Press is the number one free paper in Spain and Gib
see p11
LIFE OF BRIAN: Always look
on the bright side of life scene
From Joe to Ulysses... the Top tomes to catch up on see p10
...REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL
The best inland escapes once the lockdown ends see p12
Price of petrol is down
Global warming reverses
Wuhan’s back to work
Infection rates are slowing
And even some advice from Oprah and Chopra
Bees are buzzing
New shelves are finally up
Quarantinis in abundance
No weeds in the garden
see p15
Kane and Son will soon be back
OLIVE PRESS
The
Parking spaces everywhere
ASK BEA!
Gibraltar Issue 119 952 147 834
on 951 273 575 or contact Josh at Olive Press TV on YouTube
UK BASED
TRAVEL INSURANCE for Spanish residents
Contact the Olive Press special Corona crisis helpline..
Tel: 952 147 834
See page 16
www.globelink.co.uk
TM
96 626 5000 +44 (0) 1353 699082
THE COVID SURVIVAL ISSUE f o r
v a l i d
c u s t o m e r s
n e w
d 1
REuse REduce REcycle We use recycled paper
FREE
t o
S u b j e c t
o n l y .
OLIVE PRESS
3 1 / 1 2 / 1 9 .
E n d s
c o n d i t i o n s .
GIBRALTAR
The
* O f f e r
TheOlivePress-256x170-HOME02.ind
Inside this issue we have dozens of tips and ideas on how to survive the Covid crisis, including...
The Rock’s ONLY free local paper
Vol. 5, Issue 119 www.theolivepress.es April 1st - April 14th, 2020
Dance your way to business success at home see p6
The best new TV shows to get you through the lockdown
While the army is on the streets, 8000 have died, millions of jobs are lost and everyone is on a four week lockdown, there are...
see p11
LIFE OF BRIAN: Always look
on the bright side of life
...REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL Global warming reverses
From Joe to Ulysees... the Top 10 tomes to catch up on see p12
Price of petrol is down
Infection rates slowing
Wuhan’s back to work
New shelves finally up
Bees are buzzing
Already weeded the garden
The best nearby escapes once the lockdown ends see p15
Quarantinis in abundance
Parking spaces everywhere
Kane and Son will soon be back
DO I STAND
UK BASED
OUT?
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Even advice from Oprah
see p13
for Spanish residents www.globelink.co.uk 96 626 5000 +44 (0) 1353 699082
Andalucia Issue 341
Tel: 952 147 834
CONTACT FOR MORE N INFORMATIO 27 35 75 0034 951
952 147 834
AS BE AS VISUAL S COULDAS £75 AN ISSUE YOUR BUSINES AS LITLE THIS FROM
* O f f e r
v a l i d
TheOlivePress-256x170-HOME02.indd
f o r
n e w
c u s t o m e r s
o n l y .
See page 16
TM
S u b j e c t
t o
c o n d i t i o n s .
E n d s
3 1 / 1 2 / 1 9 .
1
21/6/19 13:30
THE EXPAT SURVIVAL ISSUE The
OLIVE PRESS
FREE
COSTA BLANCA
Vol. 2 Issue 27 www.theolivepress.es
Inside this week’s special edition have dozens of tips and ideas on we how to survive the Covid crisis, including...
Your expat
voice in Spain
April 2 - April 15, 2020
Dance your way to business success at home see p6
While the army is on the streets, 8,000 have died, millions of jobs are at risk and everyone is on a four-week lockdown, there are...
The best Spanish shows to get you through the long days at home see p10
LIFE OF BRIAN: Always look
...REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL Global warming reverses
Infection rates are slowing New shelves are finally up No weeds in the garden Parking spaces everywhere
on the bright side of life scene
Price of petrol is down Wuhan’s back to work
PARTNERING OWNERS FOR OVER 20 YEARS
Specialists in Luxury Villas Holiday Rentals and Sales SALES & RENTALS SPECIALISTS
www.moraira-hamiltons.net
TRAVEL INSURANCE
GUIDE
HOW TO SELL YOUR PROPERTY QUICKER AND BETTER
for Spanish residents
Javea - Denia La Sella Golf Area tel: 966 424 505
www.globelink.co.uk
www.vacationvillasspain.com
96 626 5000 +44 (0) 1353 699082
mob: 647 575 152
And even some advice from Oprah and Chopra
Kane and Son will soon be back
UK BASED
96 649 1883
The best inland escapes once the lockdown ends see p11
Bees are buzzing Quarantinis in abundance
VENDORS
Moriara•Calpe•Jalon•Javea•Denia•Altea
From Joe to Ulysses... the Top tomes to catch up on see p10
see p14
Tel. (+34) 96 649 18 29 info@hispaniahomes.es www.hispaniahomes.co.uk
21/6/19 13:30
cate s d fear keyedu DonGet
us are exa political lly, as of essentiaSome Mijas EU,Pueblo. from the writing sees I’m Moore Rose donkeys of the The ... pg 7). the situation Issue 325, worried and proud, tremelyhip (Leaveabout dictators etc. fed, states, they .being sovereign are 28 after, how isthey Therelooked opposite the are reality found to have been know, s, as you to become Their condition ly chose voluntari the UK, which including past. the in would horrific UK be the that believes Dunne Steve d. associate cases. some more to going so. I’minnot Nothovels terms.dirty WTO dark, on than better fairLittle during tied and up stand to forced been they Have chapter and letters page by quoting weigh down your n so lockdow thisSteve durationndofthat the whole the We intofar? looks but I recomme verse, ion for us some informat you can obtain would hope Trump That knows. he that industry any of specifics being. as to their well UK should anifEU-free withbe to get a trade is trying could be pressure would ul it deal How wonderf deals trade Trump’s know: to want you you all to tellbrought ere. somewh turn them outside forthey speaks Mahler Brent Finally, before have to go weeks many may have ownerslabels. TheUS-first EU armed force of an wary citizens to UKanimals a number again. work their can put of However can give you ideas help are ever closer te any, these and apprecia really union. Weanwould by gspecific floated this. people and not EU policy. I am regardin of proyears more worried at the insidious 40-plus Mijas Jones, Vicki paganda against the EEC/EU by the Mail, Telegraph, did What Sun. The donkeys course, and, ofyou Timesthank for your letter. The Express, ED: Hi Vicki, anhe was whybasis forsoexercise he was regular when out on aasked saytaken Murdoch are being public I go into to occupy of: “When the linespay g along the owners the taxes ti-EU? and Somethin Council EU.” The to theMijas I goyear. for this cancelle I say:dwhen bewhat willdo space 10 they No. for the the foodent! subsidis toask for aneappointm looking had to heways is also on is thatat implicati donkeys to ensure that they don’t go hungry.
You are the best newspaper I have read in years, not that I usually read the papers. I started with your free paper here on the Costa Blanca and quickly opted for online and email notifications as well. I love, love your reports. Lesley Griffin, Alicante
The history and culture of both Valencia and its inhabitants come alive in this great report, and shows us exactly why the Spanish are so beloved (A life under coronavirus lockdown in Valencia, Online, March 25). For an expat to pick up so clearly the strength of the spirit of Valencia, and to embrace and be embraced by its people shows a sharp eye, and I too look forward to his next special dispatch. Frehley Borland, Valencia
Evergreen
I really like the Olive Press. My dad worked for the Washington Post in America for 33 years. I know the importance of good quality reliable news. Thank you for your great work guys/gals. I will be making a donation. Robert Gertson, Valencia
Well done
Your paper and online service are much appreciated by the expat community. Keep it up. Good luck. Tony Hiom, Estepona
Informative
My partner and I are travelling in Spain. We arrived in Malaga on February 8 and stayed there before coming to Sevilla on March 15. As we don’t know Spanish, your paper has been a very important source of information for us during these extraordinary times. We enjoy your reporting and appreciate very much the extra hard work all of you have put into your meaningful task. We cannot thank you enough. Anita Chan, Hong Kong
Tough love In Spain, police are really going in strong on the most trivial of offences, but I’m starting to feel it could be needed over here too (Army on the streets, Issue 340, pg 6). There was a chap on the news showing off that he was doing a workout in the park with his gang of mates. When asked by a reporter how come he’s not indoors, he answered: “Well I ain’t ill am I.” In Spain he would probably have been smashed in the face with a gun and then cuffed. Roger Portainer, Gibraltar
Hang in there Willie Spain has one of the best medical care systems in the world (Thorny future, Issue 340, pg 3). He’s better off here than the UK. Good luck Willie. Kevin Power, La Linea
Has anything piqued your interest in this week’s Olive Press? Have your say on the matter by emailing letters@ theolivepress.es or message us on at www.facebook.com/OlivePressNewspaper or Twitter @olivepress
Want to sell your property? Ask here for our VENDORS GUIDE
Certified Residential Specialist The Proven Path to Success
Avda. Madrid, 24, 03724 Moraira - Alicante
and get the most success in your task
OP QUICK Crossword Across 7 Ceded (7) 9 Wear away (5) 10 Creatures (7) 11 Scowl (5) 12 Remove dirt with a broom (5) 14 Cosmetic brand (7) 16 Permanently inactive (7) 18 Aegean island known for its sweet wine (5) 20 Gaiety (5) 22 --- Ffestiniog (7) 24 Form of address for a woman (5) 25 Late (7)
Down 1 Road around an obstruction (6) 2 Dregs (8) 3 Notion (4) 4 Acts (8) 5 Game played on horseback (4) 6 Minute (6) 8 Miller’s nickname (5) 13 Wide view of an extensive area (8)
OP Sudoku
The
MALLORCA
Sharp eye
15 Fruit drink (8) 16 Bivouac (6) 17 Forbidden (5) 19 Shallow dish (6) 21 Whirlpool (4) 23 Peak (4)
All solutions are on page 14
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL F Castaway cooking April 16 - 29 2020
OR the last few weeks they have been holed up in Granada following a coronavirus travel nightmare (Into the frying pan, Issue 340, March 16). But now British couple Yianni Papoutsis, 44 and Sophie O’Hara, 26, have turned lockdown into a culinary showdown. To kick off their new series of quarantine recipes for the Olive Press, the pair reveal their take on a classic Catalan fideua. Stayed tuned for more and check out their blog @nice.olation on Instagram.
UNDER LOCKDOWN: Yianni and Sophie in Granada
Fideua (Fidoowayoowaawaa)
S
ome time in January 2020 we found ourselves in Barcelona somewhat worse for ware and still starving hungry after a post breakfast ‘pre-esta’. Feeling a tad fraught at the prospect of having to deal with the complexities of ordering a la carte we reached out to Ella, our close friend and a Barcelona native. We needed both the liberating simplicity and the rejuvenating qualities of that most wonderful of Spanish institutions: a menu del dia and we needed it within staggering distance of our hotel. We were directed to Can Codina, a decades-old neighbourhood eatery in the Gracia district. Upon reaching the restaurant we were greeted by a modestly sized dining room packed with locals of every demographic, from builders to businessmen and glamorous yet faded actresses of yesteryear. Even before we’d been seated, Sophie’s ‘food-dar’ zeroed in on a huge bowl of pasta redolent of saffron and comfort. Deal done. The menu was scrawled on a bit of paper in Catalan, a language which much to our shame, we understand even less than we do Castellano. Through wild and highly embarrassing gesticulations we managed to identify the dish as what our addled brains heard as “fidoowayoowaawaa”, but is actually pronounced “fid-ou-ay-aa” and spelled simply, ‘fideua’. A simple one-pot stew, fideua can most easily be described as short strands of spaghetti cooked in stock
in a similar manner to that of a paella. It was a revelation. On returning to London we sourced some fideo pasta and started experimenting. Now we’re in nice.olation in Andalucia we’ve found ourselves returning to this dish time and time again in all its various forms, partly due to its ease of cooking and adaptability to all the fantastic local produce. This version, like everything we cook, is in no way authentic (so please, please, don’t write letters) because part of it’s charm is that it can be made with anything you have in your cupboards. At its simplest, a handful of vegetables, some fideo pasta and a stock cube will produce results way beyond what you’d expect. It can be made with any spices which you have to hand, (we’ve even had good results with curry powder for a kedgeree style meal), it can be vegan, or can be an ideal showcase for pretty much any seafood or fast cooking meat. It doesn’t need stirring (always a plus, particularly nowadays when you might be juggling multiple children, pets, spouses etc.) and the golden crust that develops on the bottom after letting it sit and cook over a low heat is the key to the dish rather than something to be scared of, just don’t cook it too high and let it go black otherwise it will be bitter. Go forth, experiment, and add as many ‘weeewoowaas’ as you like. And above all, enjoy.
Cycle Sales • Repairs • Hires • Tours Clothing & Accessories
...where cycling is our passion e-bike centre
road bikes
enquiries@cyclogicalcostablanca.com
www.cyclogicalcostablanca.com Calle Los Arcos, 7, Ciudad Quesada, Rojales 03170, Alicante
13
British chef and his girlfriend launch exciting recipe blog as they remain stranded in ‘nice.olation’ in Spain due to COVID-19
Serves 2-3 Ingredients: · 2 tbsp olive oil · 2 garlic cloves, whole with skins on · 2 large bay leaves · 50g chorizo, diced (optional) · 100g pork loin, chicken or other protein, cut into chunks (optional) · 1 large carrot, diced · 1 stick of celery, sliced · 1/2 an onion, diced · 1/2 red pepper, roughly chopped · 1 long thin green pepper, roughly chopped · 225g fideo pasta · 750ml of whatever stock you have · 1 good pinch of saffron · Salt and black pepper to taste · 50g frozen peas · Lemon wedges to garnish
Method: Step 1
Fry the garlic cloves, bay leaves and chorizo (if using) in the oil in a wide frying pan over a medium heat. Brown the chorizo for one minute then remove it from the pan and set aside.
Step 2
Turn the heat up then and fry the pork (or other protein) until just browned (be careful not to overcook it at this stage). Remove the pork, set it aside then turn the heat down to a medium and fry the vegetables until the peppers and onions have started to colour.
Step 3
Pour the fideo pasta into the pan and toss it until it is all coated in the oil (about one minute).
Step 4
Add the stock together with the saffron, reserved meat and chorizo. The liquid should just cover everything in the pan, if it doesn’t top it up with more stock or water. Stir to combine, add salt and pepper to taste, bring to a boil then turn the heat down and simmer uncovered for 12 minutes until almost all of the liquid has disappeared.
Step 5
Turn the heat down to low for five minutes then sprinkle the peas over the top, straight from the freezer. Do not stir it! Cover with a tight fitting lid and leave off the heat for ten to fifteen minutes. Garnish with lemon, and serve straight from the pan with crusty bread, homemade aioli and a siesta.
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
14
A
S COVID-19 continues to predominate our news feeds and eclipse our daily lives, millions of people in Spain and around the world are learning to cope with the colossal changes. The confinement of people to their homes has caused a 'total disconnection' with the natural environment, a situation that 'can have negative effects on our well-being, especially on our state of mind,' according to landscaping design expert Fernando Pozuelo. This is a phenomenon known as Nature Deficit Disorder (NDD) which can lead to ‘lack of concentration, anxiety, stress or irritability’. But with the aid of technology we are able to connect once again with the natural environment. Gardens such as those of the Generalife in Spain or those of the Palace of Versailles in France make up some of the most beautiful natural spaces in the world which can now be enjoyed from the comfort of your own sofa during quarantine.
Home grown Is Corona killing you? Take a tour of Spain's top gardens from your sofa, writes Cristina Hodgson
Star quality Not only is the connection with the natural environment vital to maintain Nature Deficit Disorder at bay, gardening itself can also relieve stress. An abundance of scientific research suggests that caring for plants can reap many unexpected health benefits. One hour of light gardening can burn 330 calories and also lower blood pressure as well boosting selfworth. The act of growing plants and interacting with flora can improve your mood and mental health. Dame Helen Mirren is a long-standing advocate of the benefits of gardening. She has confessed how a little of green therapy helps in keeping her “dark dragons” at bay. The Oscar-winner admits she can be plagued by anxiety but keeping herself busy in the garden helps her stay in a positive state of mind. The actress, who played Elizabeth II in The Queen, says that gardens and green spaces are vital to the planet, suggesting it should be included in the school curriculum to make sure future generations can benefit from the advantages of gardening.
Virtually walk through the Gardens of La Granja and indulge in the palatial atmosphere of three centuries ago. There you will find the impressive fountains of mythological influence. The Fountains of the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso are one of the best known tourist attractions in Segovia. The Gardens of La Granja were ordered to be built by Philip V with the idea that they would be more important than the Palace itself. Designed by the engineer Merchán on a surface of 146 hectares, of which 67 are forest. Acknowledged in 1943 as a “garden of historical and artistic interest”, the Botanical Garden La Concepcion in Malaga covers a total of 3.5 hectares. Located on the side of a hill, its landscaped layout comprises a series of waterfalls, streams, fountains, flights of steps, greenhouses, large trees and centuries-old palms, the latter considered one of the finest collections in Europe.
Enjoy a virtual tour around the Generalife Gardens, located at the foot of the Alhambra in Granada. Be delighted by its patios, its palaces and its architecture, which together form an intimate and peaceful atmosphere.
View the spectacular Gardens of Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs in Cordoba, where Julius Caesar himself personally planted different species of flowers and exotic trees. The major attraction of this royal fortress are its magnificent backyard gardens. Beautiful fountains, basins and well-cut hedges give evidence of innovative Moorish horticulture.
The Madrid Botanical Gardens were created following instructions by Fernando VI on October 17, 1755. In 1774, Charles III gave instructions for its transfer to the current site of the Paseo del Prado, where it was inaugurated in 1781. It is a secluded place in the centre of Madrid where it’s possible to enjoy nature and tranquillity. It is full of beautiful corners that incorporate more than two centuries of history.
OP Puzzle solutions
Quick Crossword
Across: 7 Yielded, 9 Erode, 10 Animals, 11 Frown, 12 Sweep, 14 Yardley, 16 Extinct, 18 Samos, 20 Cheer, 22 Blaenau, 24 Madam, 25 Overdue. Down: 1 Bypass, 2 Sediment, 3 Idea, 4 Performs, 5 Polo, 6 Teensy, 8 Dusty, 13 Panorama, 15 Lemonade, 16 Encamp, 17 Taboo, 19 Saucer, 21 Eddy, 23 Apex.
SUDOKU
April 16 - 29 2020
COLUMNISTS
The bard of COVID Loraine Gostling is whiling away the hours by penning coronavirus poetry
ONE of my ‘things’, when I was younger and at home with the little nippers, was to sit and scribble stuff in rhyme. But due to my habit of meandering off at tangents, I once turned a message that was supposed to go on a 12-inch engagement cake into a four page A4 booklet! So now, confined to quarters and without a couple of under-fives running around mad, I thought I would pick it up again. I call them ‘Lockdown Lolodes’.
DAMMIT Today I ventured nowhere But I tried to move about So I did a bit of washing Then forgot to hang it out
LOCKDOWN POEM # 6
Today was bloody freezing My nose and feet were numb And the cushion on my sofa Is now shaped like my bum. Today was quite exciting though As It was my weekly time To and get my favourite stuff Like crisps and gin and wine But the village, it was eerie Only one car did I view And though there was no traffic He used his indicator too!! I took my urgent list with me My coffee was real low And functioning “sin” caffeine Is really a “no-go” But when I got to Masymas The coffee shelves were bare And a little sweet old lady Was just hovering right there. “Oh no”, I thought, I cannot cope That jar is made for me I hoped that she would toddle off And settle for some tea. The seconds ticked, and I was stressed But she was so cute and meek So If she beats me to it I ‘d smile sweetly in defeat But then my heart sank rapidly My expression was not jolly That lovely jar of Nescafe Was heading for her trolley I watched her as she went to grab “MY” fix of caffeine for the day But she looked so meek and helpless So I pushed her out my way!! #cantcopewithoutcoffee
IN a bizarre way, this coronavirus lockdown has made me count my blessings. When I look on Facebook, I see how everyone is shut up in their homes unable to have contact with the outside world, exercise, or even take a walk. With 121 rescued horses, ponies and donkeys to feed, I live in a very different world. Let me tell you how my morning starts: you see, I have a pig with a complex urinary problem. I have to dish out his antibiotics in a peach juice, and to reach him I wade through what was once a grassy garden but now a mud bath. Rupert likes to build holes and put his plastic paddling pool into it to sleep. When it rains and gets full of water, he digs another hole. The garden is now more hole than garden. So anyway, I hang onto this China dish, and you can imagine how strong his snout is. Then there’s the peacocks to feed, and the chickens, and 16/17 cats and six dogs in the house.
Viral linguistics
By Susan Weeding
Sliding around in mud in high winds and on full coronavirus lockdown, the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre find time to count their blessings One of the cats, Romero, decided to live in the cafe so I have to take my muddy boots off into the cafe area and give Romero his food, then go into the yard and muck out the stables. Finally a bite for us to eat, and then it’s Rupert’s second lot of antibiotics, and back into the yard to bring the horses into their stables. The afternoon feeds start by 5 or 6 o’clock, by which time Rupert’s screaming for more food, Romero’s howling from the cafe, and a diabetes jab for Benson the blind dog. Forgot to mention that, he needs one shot at 9am and another at 9pm. Forgot to mention the parrots and the budges, all rescued. Everyone here has either turned up themselves, been dumped at our gate, or brought by the police – except us of course! I catch a few hours here and there to catch up on the world, but otherwise I’m off to bed. The bizarre thing is, I don’t find myself missing the outside
world all that much. Yes, we’re sliding around in mud in high winds, but I feel more than ever there have to be special places where rescued animals can live and show their love and peculiarities in these tough times. Funding of course is still an issue, with no income from our four charity shops, but in a strange way, I feel a very lucky woman, and Rod, my husband, a lucky man.
When you take out an advertising campaign with the Olive Press, you get a lot more than just the printed newspaper te l ee ia 00 si Fr tor 0,0 eb i 1 w ed ur ay o -d in r-a to si
Charlie Smith’s survival guide to getting yourself a paper and talking your way out of trouble during the pandemic
(quarantine), super portador (super spreader), tos seca (dry cough), fiebre (fever), estornudar (sneeze), gel desinfectante (hand sanitiser), mascarilla (mask), guantes (gloves) and jabón (soap). During these unprecedented times, you will also need to verbally equip yourself for when you do have to venture outside. “Venimos al parque porque aquí hay wifi,” was one of the ridiculous excuses recently offered by a group of mates to police in Gijon, Asturias – “We came to the park because there is wifi here.” If you are actually leaving the house for an essential reason, like buying food or medicine, then there are a couple of basic phrases and structures worth knowing. Voy al supermercado means ‘I am going to the supermarket. Notice how ‘al’ changes to ‘a la’ when you say voy a la farmacia or voy a la oficina. This is because supermarket is a masculine word in Spanish, while pharmacy and office are feminine. Something else that should
keep you out of trouble is being able to explain where you live. “Voy al kiosco para comprar el periodico,” I told two Policia Nacional agents who stopped me on my way to buy the paper recently. “¿Dónde vives?” was their response, to which I replied: “Vivo cerca de la plaza, a tres o cuatro minutos de distancia.” I live next to the square, three or four minutes away – they didn’t like this reply, telling me to find a closer kiosk, before giving me a grumpy ‘venga’ and waving me on. Another thing coronavirus in Spain may have brought you closer to is music. Aside from #QuedateEnCasa and other Covid-19-themed tunes, one song soundtracking the crisis here is Resistiré (I will resist) by El Duo Dinamico, released in 1988. This blast from the past is a wealth of dramatic Spanish phrases that are not only inspiring, but also educational. My Spanish teacher Carola at Millinguals in Estepona recommended I learn the words
to help my understanding of combining the presente de subjuntivo tense with the future simple. The present subjunctive proposes a fictional (possible, impossible or hypothetical) situation, while the future simple is what we’ll do in that situation. The verses are about what will happen. For example the line, cuando se me cierren las salidas, which translates as, ‘when my exits are all closed.’ This is the presente de subjuntivo. ‘I will resist,’ comes the triumphant response in the chorus. Learning these lyrics will greatly improve your Spanish, as well as help you join in a balcony singsong with your neighbours. So as coronavirus continues wreaking havoc for the economy and our sun tans, at least you’ll be able to talk your way through these tough times.
Sponsored posts on our website with to your site and with an average of links 50,000 visitors per day ur s to Yo ory d 00 er st ote 0,0 low 2 l om ly fo pr ar ok ne bo ce Fa
YOU may have seen #QuedateEnCasa trending on social media over the past few weeks. Hopefully you have done, as this now-viral hashtag (and song) means ‘stay at home’. It is not the most common Spanish phrase, but its use has exploded since the coronavirus pandemic gripped Spain. It is one of a number of words and sayings that you had probably never dreamed of using before the worst public health crisis since the Spanish flu in 1918. Unless you are Jose Ameal Peña (Spain’s only living Spanish flu survivor), you won’t have experienced a pandemic. You may not know how to linguistically navigate one either, and could find yourself tongue-tied in front of a Spanish copper – ‘yes this is my dog’ and ‘yes I am on my way to Mercadona officer.’ First of all there are lots of easy coronavirus-related words that you can add to your vocab list straight away. Start with cuarentena
By Loraine Gostling
Good mud
Farm Flash
vi
Charlie Smith
GetTING ConnectED
15
March 19th - April 1st 2020
We promote you on our hugely popu Facebook page with 23,000 likes lar and as many followers
The Olive Press gives you more! contact sales@theolivepress.es or 951 27 35 75 for more information
The The
OLIVE PRESS
Reuse Reduce Recycle We use recycled paper
Lock him down AN Alicante local is facing prison after being fined a massive 32 times for breaking lockdown rules. The repeat offender has been caught 14 times by the Policia Local and 18 by the Policia Nacional for breaking confinement rules in Elche. Police boss Jose Garcia Molina said he was both ‘surprised and angered’ at the man’s behaviour in ignoring calls for solidarity. He is due in court later this week.
COSTA BLANCA SUR / MURCIA
FREE FREE
It’s a miracle! A HAMLET in the region of Castilla y Leon has registered its first birth in 64 years. Victor Gonzalez, 34, and Viviana Palacios, 38, are the proud parents of baby Ivan who weighed just under 4kg. This birth was the first in Valcuende since 1956. The new family, who own a farm and keep cows, chickens, rabbits and pigs, are understood to be healthy and have all tested negative for coronavirus.
Your Your expa ex patt
voice in in voice Spain Spain
Vol. 1 Issue 12 www.theolivepress.es April 16th April 29th19th 2020 Vol. 1 Issue 7 www.theolivepress.es February 6th - February 2020
Back off nutty fines A MAN fined for going out to buy Nocilla (Spain’s alternative to Nutella) has seen his fine rescinded. Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska announced the reversal for the fine in Elche. It comes as it emerged beer had seen a massive 78% rise in sales during the first week’s of the lockdown. Yet, police were videoed ‘punching’ a young man carry-
Man sees fine for buying chocolate spread repealed
ing beer on a street, after telling him it was ‘not a primary need’. Grande-Marlaska insists local police forces around the country should stop issuing and using lists of what is acceptable and what is not. It comes after the Guardia Civil in Javea created a list of
Sand storm A POLICE helicopter has swooped in on a lone beachgoer during the coronavirus lockdown in Spain. Policia Nacional officers landed on the shore of a beach in Valencia before escorting a man away. Footage of the incident was recorded on the Tavernes de la Valldigna beach. The officers in the helicopter had warned the man, who was walking topless along the shore, to return home.
26 ‘acceptable’ foodstuffs, 16 non-edible products, as well as 12 services that justified someone leaving the house. Grande-Marlaska wants regional authorities to apply the state of alarm rules – in particular to stop residents travelling to second homes – but not to infringe citizens’ rights.
Raising the roof A BRITISH expat has sung her heart out from a balcony to cheer up her local town. Classically-trained opera singer Claire Marie Harkness-Post, sang to her Moraira neighbours
on Saturday to a rousing response. The teacher at Lady Elizabeth School was inspired by Good Samaritans helping others during Spain’s coronavirus lockdown. Despite five years directing the Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir, she said it still ‘felt silly’ singing from the balcony. “I just wanted to lift people’s spirits,” Claire-Marie told the
Olive Press. “But I got a really nice response – I could hear clapping and cheering from across the valley. “My neighbours texted, asking, ‘was that you? When’s the next concert?’” Claire-Marie is set to sing every 4pm on Saturdays. She dedicated her rendition of You Raise Me Up to health workers across Spain.
Samurai wannabe A TOPLESS man has threatened the police with two swords in Madrid. The Policia Nacional were called to the scene when the 45-year-old started brandishing two katanas and was threatening whoever tried to approach him. According to El Pais, he shouted “I am going to kill you all, you sons of bitches”. The riot police were then called to help with the arrest as he was deemed dangerous and eventually he was arrested and taken to Moratalaz police station.
