The Gazette - February 2014 by The Gazette

There are now five Fazz´s restaurants on Lanzarote, each one offering the very finest Indian dining experience with Fazz´s winning formula. Puerto Del Carmen´s Old Town Harbour is one of the most charming parts of Lanzarote, and the perfect place for a delicious meal in a tranquil setting And if Indian food is what you´re looking for, Fazz´s Indian Restaurant brings you the luxuryand sensuality of Bengali cuisine in an attractive restaurant where you´ll be treated like royalty. All your favourite curries are available, as well as some new delicacies which will almost certainly become new favourites and all dishes are prepared in house by expert chefs. A symphony of spices and succulent ingredients, served to you while you enjoy the perfect holiday atmosphere, and friendly, helpful service with that personal touch - that´s the Fazz´s experience.

Go on and try it – you know you want to!

AY W E A ICE K TA ERV BLE S ILA A AV

5 Course Lunch menu

Just 6.95€ per person

(Served 1pm – 3.30pm)

6 Course Early Bird menu

Just 8.95€ per person

New International Wine List Corralejo Marina C / Playa Cho Leon, Fuer teventura Tel: 928 536 857

Puerto Calero Marina Puerto Calero, Lanzarote Tel: 928 849 664

C.C. La Mulata, Playa Blanca, Lanzarote Tel: 928 349 463

C.C. Aquarium Puerto Del Carmen, Lanzarote Tel: 928 510 385

The Old Town Puerto Del Carmen, Lanzarote Tel: 928 349 416

(Served 6pm – 7.30pm) Las Cucharas Beach Promenade (Back of Barcelo Galea Hotel) Costa Teguise, Lanzarote Tel: 928 346 482

February 2014 The

Gazette

contents

Features

Editors Letter

8 PRINCESS IN THE DOCK

Fine work, officer! I recently received a call telling me that delivery driver Ralph Buck, known to many on Lanzarote, had been fined for carrying a box of tortilla wraps on the passenger seat of his van. Shocked, I called Ralph, who admitted to the crime. As everyone who has ever driven with a box of Mexican bread on the passenger seat knows, tortilla wraps can cause terrible distraction to drivers. Ralph wasn’t eating the wraps, of course, but that didn´t stop the policeman identifying them as a serious distraction. Thankfully, it seems Ralph has learnt his lesson, and the fine means he will be keeping all potentially distracting products safely in the back of the van from now on. But just take a moment to imagine if the eagle-eyed police officer hadn´t spotted them. Do YOU feel safe knowing that drivers are roaring about the island with tortilla wraps and who knows what else on their passenger seat? Just over a year ago we reported on a memo leaked by a local Guardia Civil union, in which senior commanders, worried about the fall in fines caused by a drop in traffic and remaining drivers taking more care, warned traffic agents in the Las Palmas province to

The Spanish King´s daughter is summoned “increase the money coming in” or they would lose out on certain bonuses. The chief of the Guardia Civil said he “didn´t believe such instructions had been issued.” And, of course, there is no reason to believe they ever were. In December, a driver in Gran Canaria was fined for “talking and looking at the person in the passenger seat”, a crime almost as terrible as carrying tortilla wraps. And it´s not just the Canaries where the law is being upheld to the letter – on mainland Spain a man has been fined for “leaning forward while sitting in the back seat”; a Mini was issued a fine for driving at 750 kph and a Madrid driver was fined for scratching his ear (after successfully producing phone records to prove that he hadn´t been speaking on his mobile). The new-found zeal of the local authorities has certainly had results. Last year Las Palmas posted one of the highest figures for fine collection in Spain. If you´ve received a fine that shows exactly how keen the local authorities can be in the execution of their duties; we´d love to hear from you. Enjoy the mag

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A Scottish company has failed to detect oil in the waters off the Canaries.

12 THE COST OF LIVING Residents are finding it ever harder to make ends meet.

14 EURO ELECTIONS Preparing to vote in the European Elections.

16 TEGUISE MAYOR We meet Teguise´s young Mayor, Oswaldo Betancort.

20 LANZAROTE VISIONS Two photographers display radically different visions of Lanzarote.

24 LICENCE UPDATE All you need to know to ensure your driving licence is in order.

Shaun

MARCH GAZETTE DEADLINE DATE: Friday 14th February 2014

Carretera Macher - Pto. Del Carmen No. 24, 35571, Lanzarote

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ISLAND NEWS ISLAND UPDATES PET SPOT PRIZE CROSSWORD EDITOR´S POST BAG LIVING LANZAROTE WHAT´S ON MAPS MY HOME LANZAROTE SPORT TIDE TABLES / USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS 129 HOROSCOPES 130 LANZAROTE PEOPLE The Gazette | February 2014 |

Gazette News  Under the counter

 Mango shoot Fashion chain Mango have chosen the sandy desert landscapes of northern Lanzarote as the location for their new catalogue, bringing top Canadian model Daria Werbowy to the north of the island for a windswept photoshoot which will be used to promote Mango´s spring/summer collection.

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 PDC Plan Approved The Modernisation Plan for Puerto Del Carmen has been approved and published, allowing wideranging public and private projects to take place in the island´s largest resort. The aim of the plan is to update and modernize the resort, permitting wide-ranging renovations of accommodation and commercial premises. There will also be road works and a series of projects to dynamise the resort’s leisure areas.

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A recent report by Spain´s accounts tribunal has revealed that Arrecife´s council awarded over €10 million worth of contracts “under the counter”, without proper accounting procedures. The report shows that Arrecife came second in Spain in terms of the proportion of hidden accounting. The report refers to the previous administration in Arrecife, from 2007 to 2011, during which 68 per cent of contracts undertaken by Arrecife were not submitted to correct accounting procedures. The Accounts Tribunal has stated that this practice can be used to cover up contracts awarded to cronies or the manipulation of public accounts. As a result, Arrecife could suffer serious difficulties reclaiming money from the tax authorities. The Accounts Tribunal´s prosecutor has also pledged to investigate if criminal activity has taken place. Arrecife´s Mayor, Manuel Fajardo Feo, said that the report “didn´t say anything that we haven´t said already,” and claimed that it only served to highlight the problems he and Arrecife´s current ruling group had faced upon taking office. Both of Arrecife´s Mayors during the period in question have been summoned to give evidence in the massive Union corruption case.

| February 2014 | The Gazette

Tias Ayuntamiento´s Councillor for Revenue, Ramón Melián, said “Thank goodness. It was about time. This plan will mean a lot of activity in the resort, and lots of direct and indirect employment.” The Plan will also have an effect on licenced activities in Puerto Del Carmen, and may provide a way for certain property owners to legalise rental properties.

 Primark comes to Costa

Teguise Ayuntamiento have announced that Primark store will be opening in Costa Teguise. An opening date has not yet been announced, and the premises for the store, which will be based in the Calle Las Olas area, are still under construction. However, Teguise councilor Antonio Callero, has stated that the shop will open “shortly” Currently, the nearest Primark is in Las Palmas, which has meant a number of island-hopping trips by ex-pats from Lanzarote. The Irish budget clothing store has recently made a large expansion in Spain, where it now has nearly as many outlets as in Ireland, where it trades under the name Penneys. The UK remains Primark´s main market, with 161 shops.

 Guardia on trial A Guardia Civil officer is on trial for manslaughter after allegedly driving with an alcohol level three times the maximum legal limit. The officer crashed into a palm tree at El Cable in 2011, killing a colleague who was in the car with her. The accident followed a party at which the officers had been celebrating the promotion of the deceased. At the trial, the officer claimed she had drunk

Gazette News Gazette

“two beers” and could not explain why her blood test revealed such a high alcohol level.

months yachting in the Caribbean while claiming expenses and employing a secretary in Lanzarote.

 Access all areas

 Risk to Cadiz route

Tias Ayuntamiento has announced its intention to improve disabled access to all its beaches. Installation of ramps has already commenced at Playa Chica. The Ayuntamiento has declared that €250,000 has been set aside to improve disabled facilities on Playa Grande, including access ramps and specially adapted toilets, and that these works will take place in 2014. Projects are also planned for Pocillos beach. Tias Ayuntamiento pointed out that Europe has 50 million disabled people, and access is an increasingly important factor in tourism.

The Spanish government has removed Lanzarote from the list of obligatory stops that ferry services from mainland Spain to the Canaries must provide. The decision has caused an outcry among the island´s business and political community, with widespread calls for the development Minister, Ana Pastor, to reverse the decision and guarantee a link. They point out that all the Balearic Islands are guaranteed a mainland link, and point out that the cost of transporting a container would rise by €200 if it had to be redirected from Gran Canaria or Tenerife – the only remaining compulsory destinations. However, others have pointed out that the Cadiz link remains profitable, and that there are no immediate plans to withdraw the service

 De Armas investigated

 Mercadona licence granted

National Police have revealed that they have spent two years investigating the affairs of Arrecife Councillor Pedro De Armas and his family. The investigators say they have found a “huge amount of indications of criminal activity, which will require a detailed study.” The investigators have established that De Armas and his family own 112 properties, 20 vehicles, nine boats and 66 current accounts, and that the source of these assets is “unclear.” De Armas has been an Arrecife Councillor for many years and has been cited in the Union Case and the case against ex-Yaiza Mayor Jose Francisco Reyes. Last year he made national news in Spain after it was revealed that he had spent five

Budget supermarket Mercadona has received its first licence to operate in Lanzarote. The store will be located in the Argana Alta area of Arrecife. After the arrival of Lidl a few years ago, Lanzarote shoppers expected to see other budget chains setting up in the island – Mercadona already has two shops on Fuerteventura. However, the granting of licences has taken far longer than expected, with accusations of delaying tactics by existing retailers on Lanzarote. Mercadona has stated its intention to open two other branches on the island – another in Arrecife and one in Playa Honda.

 Diabletes plan museum The Teguise diabletes – the fearsome carnival group that parade in bull masks and Manrique-designed overalls – plan to open a museum in Teguise. A recently unveiled statue of a diablete in Teguise signaled a new lease of life for the ancient Teguise association, who have also issued a fund-rasing calendar and are running mask-making workshops in the island´s ancient capital.

 New party formed Three municipalities on Lanzarote will have another choice in the local elections next year after the formation of Compromiso Por Canarias (Commitment to the Canaries). The party has been formed by the popular Gran Canarian politician Nardy Barrios, who pledges to “defend the rights of ordinary Canarians” and accuses other parties of “merely looking out for themselves, and not those they represent.”

 Cactus falls A huge three-tonne cactus fell over in Playa Honda, destroying the garden wall of the property it was located in and landing in the street, where cars parked in the vicinity. Fortunately, no one was underneath the spiky monster as it toppled.

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The Gazette | February 2014 |

Island Update Revd. John Jenkins

 Poppy Appeal 2013 Many thanks to all the people and businesses who donated and helped with the 2013 Poppy Appeal on Lanzarote. The total raised for the Royal British Legion was €3116. Wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year, wherever you are or whatever you do and we look forward to your continued support later this year.

 Revd John Jenkins 1926 - 2014 David Dowdell, Reader, Anglican Parish of St Laurence in Lanzarote, writes: “The New Year dawned with a note of sadness for many here in Lanzarote, with the news that Revd. John Jenkins had died in the early hours of New Year’s Day. Although Fr. John had retired as Anglican Chaplain some years ago, he had continued to be a frequent visitor to the island. He remained active in ministry, still preaching a rousing sermon without notes well into his eighties. His period here as resident Chaplain in 1990s was marked by great personal sadness when his son Andrew was tragically killed in a motorway accident, to be followed soon after by the death of Dominic, his son who suffered from Downs Syndrome. Tragedy struck again in later years when his surviving son, Simon, also died. John suffered deeply the blackness of loss, but his faith and the love of a fellowship around him brought him through. He took an active part in the social life of the expat community here and he could be relied on to have people soon in fits of laughter at his jokes and stories Fr. John also played an active part in Lanzarote Amateur Dramatic Society (LADS) and older members will have many fond memories of him. John began his working life as a Bevin Boy, conscripted into the Welsh mines during the Second World War. He then worked as a schoolmaster, before becoming a Vicar, serving in a number of Welsh parishes. On retirement he took posts as Chaplain in Malta and here in Lanzarote. Though he loved Lanzarote and the time he spent here, his heart was in his home in Wales where he died and will be laid to rest. Fr. John will be sadly missed by many residents and visitors to this island both past and present, as well as by family and many friends in his beloved Wales. People united in remembrance and thanksgiving for Fr. John’s life on 27th January here in Puerto del Carmen and at Llannsantffraid in Wales.

| February 2014 | The Gazette

Romy from the José Bodega Carvery. Also thanks to all patrons of Paddy’s Bar and the Flat Boat for making this all possible.

 SARA thank vets SARA would like to thank the veterinary brothers Konstantin and Vladislav Antov from E.T.N. Germany (see www.toplasapa.ba) who, during the 3rd week in January neutered 288 feral cats and 17 abandoned dogs - Also many thanks to all the supporters who helped with entrapment and release of the animals - If you are considering apet please always consider adoption, before you buy. Visit www.saraprotectora.org to see our current residents.

 Paddy’s Bar charity raffle for Calor y Café

 Write away!

A big “Thank you” to Shay and Kathleen Byrne at Paddy’s Bar in Puerto del Carmen For hosting the successful fund raising event on 21 December last year. €850 was raised for the charity Calor y Café in Arrecife. Various prizes were donated by Keith from Purple Turtle, Liam and Celine from the Blarney Stone and Martina and

Sue Almond is offering a one day writing workshop on Feb 4th at the Clock House Tavern, Costa Teguise, 9.30 – 4.30 pm. As well as writing exercises, there´ll be speakers (two published authors) and a prize draw. Cost: €20 including coffee and a buffet lunch. Call Sue for more information or to book a place 630 751 106 or see writersend.com

 Double delight for Nolita and Charlie

© Nolita James Welcome to new Lanzarote residents Eva Juliette (5lb1oz) and Sofia Olivia Chapman (4lb 4oz), who were born at 2pm and one minute past on 19th December 2013 at Hospiten Tias. Safely delivered by Dr Manuel Fuciños, the girls are the the first twins ever born in Hospiten. Mum and dad Nolita James and Charlie Chapman would like to say a huge thank you to Dr Fuciños and all the staff at Hospiten for the safe arrival and after care of the twins.

 Two years and going strong Nerea at Veterinaria Los Charcos

 Blooming marvellous! This is a great time to get some work done on your garden, and if you´re thinking of getting your hands dirty, Flower Power Garden Centre in Macher should be your first stop. With a wide selection of flowers, succulents and trees perfectly suited for Lanzarote´s conditions, all the plant care equipment you could need and a reliable landscaping team to construct gardens and maintenance team for garden care, Flower Power will make your garden blooming marvellous!

 A1 for Villas Dave and Trish Meaton have built A1 Villas into one of the island´s most reputable property management companies. A family business, with access to the very best professionals, A1 offer warm, personal service combined with experience and a professional attitude. Happy second anniversary to Nerea at Los Charcos vets in Costa Teguise! The island´s animals and animal owners will join in wishing her many more successful years to come.

 Welcome Fitzer´s

Christmas Voices at Teseguite

 Christmas gifts The Christmas Voices raised a very welcome €500 for homeless charity Calor Y Café during their Christmas carol performances in Teseguite and Playa Blanca. Deirdre MacFarlane Archer writes: “Thanks to the choir and our music director who gave up their time to rehearse and perform. We had some children attend in Playa Blanca and they sang with the choir. A surprise gift from a visitor who works in the Middle East was some real frankincense and myrrh, which was of great interest to the Sunday School.”

 Felicitas Hofacker

 Be my Bookswop Valentine!

Last month’s advertisement for Felicitas Hofacker (page 20) contained the wrong email address. The correct email address is kanzleihofacker@gmail.com. Apologies to Felicitas Hofacker and any readers who were misled.

The Bookswops in Puerto Del Carmen and Playa Blanca are the perfect place to buy those special cards and gifts for that special person. So why not pop in and spend February 14th curled up with a good friend as well as a good book?

 Call the management! Playa Blanca Villa Management offer a tailormade villa management service that is perfect for your property. With 24/7 care and expert pool technicians, you´ll know your property is in the best of hands.

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The Gazette | February 2014 |

Advertorial

TAX Clarity

EBF Consulting provide a brief overview of the new and proposed tax legislation for the coming year. ollowing the publication of the General Budget for 2014, the Spanish Government has decided to continue with the additional taxes and “some” incentives to help recover from the Public Deficit:

The measures proposed by the government include: The reduction of net earnings for economic activities maintaining or creating employment sustained in 2008  The additional tax levy applied in 2012 and 2013 to annual income  The application of the 21% withholding tax on professional earnings and rental income that was increased from 19%  The application of the 42% withholding tax on Company Administrator’s salaries that was increased from 35%  Reduction in Corporation Tax Levy applied to Spanish Limited Companies that maintain or create employment sustained in 2008  The 24.75% tax applied to non residents for income obtained from renting out their properties in Spain  The 24.75% tax applied to non-residents who own property in Spain but declare personal use (this is based on the locally assessed land value, or catastro)

An integral reform of Personal Income Tax is anticipated in the coming months. Although details are scant, if this does happen then let’s hope that this is in favour of the taxpayer. More routine inspections on businesses are forecast for this year so it is fundamental that the correct supporting documentation for costs is in hand. “Cash till tickets” were replaced by the “factura simplificada” (simple invoice) at the beginning of 2013, with the added obligation of detailing both parties (vendor and purchaser) . However, some businesses still haven’t adapted to this. The Property Tax (Catastral) Revision

continues to identify property owners who have not presented an annual income tax return or a tax return as a non-resident property owner. If you are a non-resident owning a property you still have to present an annual return even though you do not rent out the property. Those who rent out their property must present the tax in Spain and then declare in their UK tax return. The authorities have until the 31st December 2014 to claim for taxes from 2009. If you have a business or own property and need expert advice and ongoing support then contact our team at E.B.F. Consulting 928513311 / 00 or admin@ebfconsulting.com

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Please contact us for details on: 928 513 311 The Gazette | February 2014 |

NEWS Princess Cristina

Princess in the Dock

The fortunes of Spain’ s royal family have

taken another downward turn in early January after the youngest daughter of King Juan Carlos was summoned to testify in a corruption case.

rincess Cristina will appear in court on March 8th to give evidence to judges investigating numerous charges of corruption against her husband, Iñaki Urdangarín and his business partner, Diego Torres. Urdangarín and his business partner Diego Torres are accused of using their connections to funnel public money into their Instituto Nóos, a supposedly charitable organisation. The charity organized various sports conferences and consulting contracts, but prosecutors allege that much of this work never actually took place, and that public money was siphoned off into private bank accounts and offshore tax havens. Many contracts involved public officials in the

Valancia and Balearic Islands governments who have since been convicted or charged with corruption. The Princess´s involvement has not yet been established, and she has not been charged with any offence. She will be questioned to clarify her involvement in the family business that she ran with her husband for a number of years. The trial has also focused on the royal couple´s purchase of a €6 million home in Barcelona, which was later given €3 million worth of renovations. Princess Cristina was initially summoned last year, but the Mallorcan provincial court quashed that summons. This time it appears that the Princess will have to stand in the dock. The affair has only increased public dissatisfaction with the royal family. A recent survey in El Mundo newspaper revealed that only 41 per cent of Spaniards “support the monarchy in general” and almost two-thirds think it is time for the increasingly frail King Juan Carlos to abdicate. Most Spaniards believe that Prince Felipe’s accession to the throne would bring much-needed respectability to the monarchy. Felipe, his wife Letizia and their children are hugely popular with the Spanish celebrity press and they have, so far, avoided any accusations of corruption. King Juan Carlos’s other daughter, Princess Alexia, owns a home on Lanzarote, and her husband, the local architect Carlos Morales, was summoned to testify in the Union Case. Another link with the Nóos Case to Lanzarote was seen last year when Diego Torres´lawyer, Manuel González Peeters, visited Lanzarote, where he has agreed to represent the founder of the Lanzarote Independence Party, Dimás Martín. Martín is currently serving a prison sentence after being convicted of corruption, and faces further charges in the Union Case.

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FOCUS

Cost LIVING OF

THE

Life on Lanzarote has never been cheap, but price rises and tax increases in Spain and the Canaries mean that everyone here has had to tighten their belts over recent years. We look at how the cost of living has increased for everyone on the islands and say “Time for a Change” he Canaries are one of the most expensive places in Spain, and Lanzarote is one of the most expensive of the Canary Islands. The former fact is unsurprising – almost everything we consume is shipped or flown onto the island, leading to high transport costs. The islands enjoy lower VAT rates than mainland Spain, and special duty rates on certain products but, although some islanders seem to be trying, you can´t live on booze and ciggies alone.

T ELECTRICITY The price of electricity in Spain as a whole has, for the average consumer, rocketed by 78% over the last ten years. Nevertheless, the electricity companies are still running huge debts, which are the responsibility of previous Spanish governments – none of whom have been willing to grasp the nettle on electricity prices earlier. Madrid recently intervened when the electrical companies tried to raise prices by over 10% - an unprecedented act. But prices will rise, and are likely to continue rising in the near future. “Electricity poverty” is already a fact of life for hundreds of thousands of Spanish families.

V.A.T. Despite numerous election promises not to, Spain´s PP government cranked up the general rate of VAT, charged on almost all goods and services, to 21 per cent almost as soon as they got into power. In the Canaries, a lower rate known as IGIC applies, but was also raised in 2012, with the general rate now standing at 7 per cent. 12 | February 2014 | The Gazette

GROCERIES In terms of an average weekly shop for a normal family, the Canaries has always been one of the most expensive areas in Spain, and Lanzarote is perhaps the most expensive of the islands in terms of size and population. Lanzarote has regularly held the third place on the “most expensive Canary Island” list, with only the small, isolated islands of El Hierro and La Gomera having higher prices. The islands of Fuerteventura, which has similar transport links and a smaller population, and La Palma, rank better than Lanzarote. Why? Part of the reason has been the strong resistance to the arrival of budget chains on Lanzarote. Fuerteventura, for example, offers more choice in this regard. This has allowed the existing supermarkets to, more or less, name their price. The most expensive products on Lanzarote are, perhaps surprisingly, fruit, vegetables and fresh fish, all of which are well above the average Canarian price. Meat, however, is below average. The recent announcement that a Mercadona will open in Arrecife is good news, but Lanzarote still needs more budget operators.

Enough... It´s Now Time for Change The price rises on these pages are even more shocking when you take into account the fact that the Canaries currently have one of the lowest average wages in Spain. The average Canarian worker earns just under €1,400 a month, almost €250 less than the Spanish average. This is not the “rip off Spain” you used to read about. This is a policy designed to squeeze the last drop out of residents, and so far the authorities and the businesses involved are getting away with it. Throughout Spain spending is down, savings are down and people are increasingly feeling the screws tighten. The price rises also affect tourism and investment. It´s time for the authorities to get realistic and give us a chance.

WATER

FUEL

Cabildo President, Pedro San Ginés, recently stated that the sale of Inalsa to the Canal Gestion was the highlight of 2013. However, many would find it difficult to agree. The sale arose after a water consortium controlled by a group of prominent Lanzarote politicians ran up a debt of €38 million. The utility was placed in administration in 2009 and a court denounced the “appalling” management of Inalsa and ordered that the politicians may be liable to repay the money. The result was a race to find a buyer who would not only take over the service, but also take on the debt. That was achieved early last year, and one of the conditions of the sale was a promise that bills would not rise for four years. Nevertheless, the minimum tariff has already been altered, and many fear that Canal will raise the price of water as soon as they can get away with it.

Lanzarote is still almost 100 per cent dependent on oil, and the price of oil directly affects that of electricity and fresh water, supplies of which are entirely provided by oil-burning. Poor public transport means that the mobility of almost everyone on the island depends on petrol, prices of which have risen steeply over the last five years. In 2009, a litre of 95 petrol cost 75 cents, while the current price is around €1.12; diesel (Gasol) has risen from 63 cents to €1.11 in the same period. Although prices fluctuate, the days when you could fill your tank for around €30 now seem long gone. In addition, Lanzarote also has consistently higher petrol prices than the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura and the principal islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. The price of butane gas – used by many islanders for heating – is also higher than ever. A 12.5 kilo canister currently costs €17.50, an increase of almost three quarters on the price of €10.50 you would have paid in mid-2009.

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The Gazette | February 2014 | 13

CARNIVAL

3rd March

GUIDE

Arrecife Grand Parade, 6pm The island´s capital starts the carnival celebrations, as always, with what is the largest parade on the island; a seemingly never-ending cavalcade of inventive floats, thunderous drumming groups, swaying dancers and crazy costumes. Floats gather at the football ground to set off for a short but slow parade to the Cabildo building. The theme for this year is The Olympic Games.

4th March San Bartolomé Grand Parade, 5-6pm San Bartolomé´s parade assembles at the Secondary School and makes its way to the Parque Felix Rodriguéz De La Fuente.

5th March Arrecife: Burial of the Sardine This surreal event marks the end of Arrecife´s carnival. A smaller parade travels along the seafront (from the Fishing School to Reducto Beach), escorting a gigantic fish which is followed by wailing mourners. The sardine is then cremated on a huge bonfire.

8th March Puerto Del Carmen Grand Parade, 5pm Perhaps the most popular parade among expats and tourists, the floats travel from Barcarola Apartments to Fariones, along the Avenida De Las Playas. This year´s theme is Africa.

15th March Carnival Parade in Playa Blanca, 5pm Carnival parade in Haria, 5-6pm Playa Blanca´s parade starts at Playa Flamingo and moves to the Plaza Nuestra Señora de Carmen, and this years theme is The Caribbean . Meanwhile, up north in Haria, townsfolk will also party the night away.

22nd March

Diary

Carnival Parade in Costa Teguise, 5pm Carnival Parade in Tinajo

Lanzarote´s long month of carnival parades will take place throughout March, but if you´re planning to party you´ll want to know the exact place and date to turn up on. So here´s the week-by-week rundown of where it´s all going to be kicking off!

The Costa Teguise parade begins at Sands Beach Resort and makes its way uphill to the Pueblo Marinero. This year´s theme is Mount Olympus of the Greek Gods. The same day will see a much smaller, traditional parade in Tinajo.

29th March Carnival in La Graciosa Lanzarote´s last carnival parade is also its smallest, with the tiny port of Caleta Del Sebo throwing a party thast usually makes up for its smallness with sheer enthusiasm.

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NEWS

Many Lanzarote residents have already received a letter confirming their eligibility to vote in the European Union elections on Sunday 25th May.

Euro vote in May oreign residents from European Union countries don´t have too many democratic rights in the Canaries – they are barred from voting for the island Cabildos and the Canarian Government, despite both institutions being happy to tax them – but they do have the right to vote in two areas. They can vote for their local council (the next elections will take place next year) and they have the right to vote in the EU elections. To do so, they will need to know a little bit about local politics – as the candidates will be from local parties. Standing in the Canaries will be the main national parties of the PP and the PSOE, who very roughly correspond to the centre right/ centre left axis found all over Europe, such as Conservatives/ Labour in the UK. There will also be local nationalist candidates from the Coalicion Canaria and the PIL parties, who

pledge to provide stronger representation of Canarian issues. What there will not be is any eurosceptic option corresponding with UKIP in Britain. UKIP hope to make a strong showing in the Euro elections, but in Spain all major parties remain committed to full membership of the EU, which is widely seen as helping to have brought Spain out of poverty and into its current democratic state. Four years ago, the Conservative Euro MP Daniel Hannon embarrassed himself by urging ex-pats to vote for the only antiEurope party standing in Spain, which turned out to be a strongly catholic, Francoist organization. That faith in Europe has taken a severe battering during the recent financial crisis, and left-wing groups such as the IU (Izquierda Unida) will be standing on a strong anti-austerity ticket. There will also be ecological candidates from

parties such as Equo. What Spain has not seen is any far-right party to match the French National Front, Greece´s Golden Dawn or the BNP in the UK. Despite massive immigration over the last 15 years, it is currently almost a non-issue in Spanish politics, perhaps due to the fact that hundreds of thousands of immigrants have left the country since the crisis began. If you haven’t received your voting form yet and wish to vote in May, you should contact your local Ayuntamiento to confirm that you are listed on the padrón (electoral register). If you are, you should request a voting form to be sent to your home. On election Sunday, find out your local voting station and simply turn up to place your vote, remembering to bring your form and ID.

TIMETABLE: ÓRZOLA - GRACIOSA

08:30 16:00

10:00 17:00

11:00 18:00

GRACIOSA - ÓRZOLA

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08:00 15:00

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*Summer WINTER - From 1st November to 30th June

SUMMER - From 1st July to 31st October

Celebrate Carnival in La Graciosa!

The Gazette | February 2014 | 15

INTERVIEW

Oswaldo Betancort, Mayor of Teguise In the first of a series of political intervie ws, we meet up with the young Teguise Mayor Oswaldo Betancort, who outlines planned

improvements for Lanzarote´s largest municipality, and claims that his party, Coalicion Canaria, is the only one that can adequately represent islanders of all nationalities.

 We last spoke to you a year ago. How would you assess the year that has passed? First of all, I´d like to wish a Happy New Year to all the Gazette´s readers! Overall I think it’s been a very positive year for Teguise. We´ve ensured that our citizens participate more and more in their community, and we´ve also seen foreign residents making a greater contribution. We´ve faced up to new challenges by providing links on social media such as Facebook and Twitter where anyone can get regular updates, in Spanish and English, about Teguise Ayuntamiento. We´ve also continued to push hard to make sure Costa Teguise is a tourist destination of the highest quality. The improvements along the seaside promenade are now finished, and we´re looking forward to hosting the return of the Windsurfing Champiuonship at Costa Teguise this summer, as well as the Surfing Championship at San Juan beach near La Santa. In the cultural field, we´ve just signed a twinnig agreement with the Mayor of Dusseldorf and the German Cultural Minister which will bring many German artists to perform in the municipality. It´s a very exciting project.

 When will the sunbeds return to the beaches? They´ll be back before the Easter holidays, and this time they will be operated by the council, meaning the service is guaranteed.

 What about the overall state of Costa Teguise? We´ve launched the Costa Teguise: Respira Vida (Breathe Life) campaign, and will be undertaking major cleaning operations in the resort. Chief among these will be a gardening plan, which will improve public gardens as well as offering to make private gardens reflect the beauty of the resort.

16 | February 2014 | The Gazette

There will be new pedestrian areas, we´ll be building new play areas for children, re-asphalting roads and improving signposting with our Traffic Plan. Importantly, there is also a new social centre planned for Costa Teguise, as well as a health centre.

 Is any action planned on the abandoned hotels that still blight the zone? It´s an unsatisfactory situation caused by, let´s say, doubtful granting of licences in the past. The promoters of the unfinished hotels simply don´t have the funds to finish them. However, we´re working on a Modernisation Plan for the resort which we expect will provide a way forward.

 There has been a lot of work on the beaches in the area. Are you expecting to receive Blue Flag awards? We already have one, with Cucharras regaining its flag after seven years. I hope that Jablillo and Bastian will shortly be rewarded in the same way. Disabled access has been improved on all the beaches.

 Is the Ayuntamiento still as firm in its opposition to oil prospections? Absolutely. We live on this island and we depend on the water that surrounds us, not only for tourism but for our drinking water. Any oil spill could have a devastating effect. That´s why we are committed, economically, to rejecting the oil project and re-affirming our commitment to improved, sustainable tourism.

 Access to Costa Teguise has been greatly affected by the roadworks in the vicinity of Arrecife? Have the Ayuntamiento been aware of these problems? Of course. The roadworks have had an especially damaging effect on cycle tourism. We´ve constantly been reminding the Canarian Government to complete the works as quickly as possible, and we have also requested a cycle path to improve safety.

 Other Ayuntamientos, such as Tias, have announced their intention to lower property tax this year. Does Teguise have similar plans? Yes, but we did not fulfil the requirements for revision. We have applied to be able to revise property taxes and valuations, and will be able to do so in 2015.

 The Spanish Government have been talking about an economic recovery recently. Would you

say that things are looking better for Lanzarote and Teguise? No. I would say the opposite, and the reason is because the Spanish Government is not looking after the Canaries. Our allocation of the funds resulting from taxes has been slashed by Madrid, who have instead given it to other areas. We are doing what we can, but without the investment it´s not easy.

 But Lanzarote is represented in the government The PP and Socialist representatives have not made the voice of Canarians heard in parliament. We live on the far periphery of Spanish territory, so it is vitally important that our voice is heard. That´s why I say that the only parties that can represent the Canarians are Canarian parties.

 Are foreign residents included among Canarians? Of course. All of us who live here are. I would urge foreign residents here to feel Canarian, to engage with the local community. We´re always here to listen to them. My mobile phone is on all day, and my email address is alcalde@teguise.es

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NEWS

Oil Company Draws a Blank encountered clastic reservoirs, although it has penetrated the oldest stratigraphic section of any deep water exploration well along the Moroccan margin. Gas shows and gas composition ratios encountered in the well have confirmed an active thermogenic petroleum system. The well is now being plugged and abandoned.” Rafael Rodriguéz, spokesman of the Canarian Green Party, said the news “gave cause for hope” despite the fact that the report appeared to confirm the presence of a petroleum system. “It is time Repsol (the Spanish oil company which intends to drill in Canarian waters this year) started to invest in renewable energy sources rather than play a lottery with oil,” he continued. Cairn Energy re-affirmed their intention to continue prospecting in other areas of the zone, but said that operations would have to be “re-evaluated” in light of the failure to discover oil at the FD-1 well. The Canarian President, Paulino Rivero, also called for investment in renewable energies, and pointed out that the FD-1 well, despite being situated in Moroccan waters, was at a short distance from the drilling sites proposed by Repsol. “It´s time that those who plan to mortgage the present and future of Lanzarote gave up their plans,” said Rivero, affirming that “The Canarian Government will continue to oppose projects that put the opportunities and the well-being of this generation and future generations at risk.”

 Tanker runs aground

The Canarian anti-oil drilling campaign has drawn hope from the news that one of the companies drilling for oil in the waters between the Canaries and the African coast has failed to encounter any oil reserves.

airn Energy, a Scottish company that is one of the main businesses involved in oil drilling in the zone announced on 20th December “The FD-1 well has reached a Total Depth of 5,255m but has not

Fears of oil slicks were also raised in late December when a tanker loaded with 5,000 tonnes of crude oil ran aground on the coast of Morocco, 200 miles from the Canaries. Canarian authorities immediately demanded full updates of the situation, given that there were reports of oil escaping from the vessel. The violent storms also threatened to damage the boat further before its cargo could be secured. At the moment, the emergency appears to have been contained, but Canarians still remember the 1989 incident in which an Iranian tanker spilt 70,000 tonnes of oil at sea. Canarian coasts were unaffe3cted, but serious problems were encountered at Casablanca. The memory of the devastating Prestige oil spill in 2002 is also fresh in Spanish minds. The disaster ruined the Galician fishing industry and caused serious health problems for volunteers who took part in months of cleaning up.

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The Gazette | February 2014 | 19

ISLAND

FOCUS

Light  Michael Hallett

Lanzarote is a paradise for photographers, and this month we focus on the work of two artists who have created two different ways of looking at Lanzarote´s rur al and urban landscapes.

Michael Hallett is a professional photographer, photo historian and teacher who provides a fascinating new angle on photography on Lanzarote during his regular visits to the island. Unlike the majority of photographers who seek inspiration in Lanzarote´s starkly beautiful landscape, Michael also chooses to celebrate the urban environment of the island´s resorts in highly stylised and unique manner. Michael´s “photo-constructions” are influenced by the fragmentary, multi-angled outlook of cubism and surrealism. They are formed of several different shots which taker advantage of the ever-changing light on Lanzarote, and painstakingly constructed to give a kaleidoscopic, extremely modern view of all aspects of Lanzarote´s modern landscape. Michael says “the quality of light here is exquisitely responsive to the changing weather. The extremes of the day and the short periods around sunrise and sunset make this a photographers' paradise. And I'm never happier wandering along the promenade, camera in hand and wondering what I may encounter next.” Michael´s principal website is www.michaelhallett.com/, and you can see more of his Lanzarote works at www.olympiccoast.co.uk. Contact him at hallettpic@aol.com

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 Simon Goyne

Simon Goyne is a semi-professional photographer who is currently on Lanzarote with his wife, who works for the Team SCA training base at Puerto Calero. As a result, Simon has the time to travel around the island pursuing his hobby. “At first it was about creating memories,” says Simon, who took up photography six years ago, “But then I started really getting into it.” Simon is particularly entranced by Lanzarote´s landscapes and regards twilight as “the magic hour.” Simon is very much an old school “one shot” photographer: “I don´t have the patience for long hours editing, and I like to get as much of the perfect shot first time. Simon is fascinated by the geology of Lanzarote, and says El Golfo is one of his favourite locations. However, he is also interested in human intreraction with this landscape, and landmarks such as the wreck of the Telemon outside Costa Teguise and the abandoned Atlante Del Sol hotel near Playa Blanca. But, for Simon, the best part is just travelling around and seeing what catches his eye. The landing of hang glider pilots as he was passing by is just one example of the sort of magicval moments that Lanzarote throws up all the time. Simon has already exhibited in Valencia, and more of his work can be seen on Facebook. He can be contacted at bigbear213@mac.com

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The Gazette | February 2014 | 21

EVENTS

Sport4Life!

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) causes deaths on Lanzarote´s coasts every year. Matt Holland, of Waverider, writes about an event that will raise money for vital lifesaving equipment. languages and the device checks the heart rhythm. Paul says “The AED is the most important item to have located in designated areas around the island and in resorts. AED survival rates speak for themselves with a combination of CPR and AED the chances of a casualty surviving is increased by around 50 %. However, we need trained volunteers to act as island angels. The stopping point is money, as a good AED costs around about £1600. I have worked with the emergency services of Lanzarote as you know and the facts are not all facilities have an AED. Our aim is to provide the correct training and place the AED´s in the best vantage points.” “I have worked on nearly every beach on the island either instructing surfing or in a Lifeguard capacity, and the awareness needs to go much further. The Rookie scheme is a vital part of that, and you can find out more at www.lanzarotelifeguard.com“ Now in conjunction with local companies we have planned a Sport 4 Life Concert in the Old Town Harbour on Friday the 21st of February, which will feature sponsored sporting activities with the kids and dance and fitness shows starting at 4pm. There will be lifesaving demonstrations and further information about the work the Rookies have been putting in and the voluntary courses on offer. Drinks, food and refreshments will be available all night alongside fantastic Live Music from Rory & The Island and The Skatoons, starting at 7pm, and followed by an aftershow party at The Island Bar.

n 2013 two divers were treated for SCA at Playa Chica, but unfortunately neither man could be resuscitated in time. Events like this, and others, prompted us at the Waverider into talking to Paul from Lavaflow Surf, who has spent years raising funds and awareness, arranging courses and setting up the Rookie lifeguard scheme. Knowledge of basic CPR saves countless lives each year the world over, it has become common practice in some countries for school children to be given training in CPR and even in the use of AED’s or Automated External Defibrillators. AED’s can be used by anyone as they are automated, they give clear spoken instructions in multiple

22 | February 2014 | The Gazette

How to donate: We will have a DONATE button on the Waverider Facebook page and we will also be placing SPORT-4-LIFE collection boxes at various locations around the Island, if you see one on your travels please donate, as we need to raise as much as we can to buy as many AED’s as we can and to pay for vital Life Saving training for anyone that wants it. This promises to be a great day all round for everybody so for further details on the event contact Matt Holland matt@waveriderlanzarote.com, or for information regarding sponsored activities call Jack Talbot on 670806223.

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FOCUS

Licence

CLARIFICATION Early last year, the Spanish Traffic Department introduced new laws aimed at harmonizing licences with EU law. The results are that many drivers with British licences may have to take a medical if they wish to carry on driving on a UK licence in Spain.

here is no problem driving in Spain with a British licence issued by the DVLA, but it must be remembered that the British licence has far longer periods between renewals than the Spanish one. The law requires that all foreign drivers in Spain meet the Spanish laws on renewals, which include regular medical tests.

Many ex-pats here will have already registered (inscribed) their UK licence at

“If you’re resident in Spain make sure your licence is in order.”

the Trafico Department here. The new laws mean that driver swill have to go to the Trafico Department in the following cases: • If their inscribed licence has expired and they wish to have it renewed. • If they have been driving here for more than six months and are having a British licence inscribed for the first time (as is already required by Spanish law) • If they are changing their licence for a Spanish one. If the licence has already been inscribed, and is valid, there is no need to visit Trafico. Similarly, if

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you have exchanged your British licence for a Spanish one, there is no need to visit Trafico until the next renewal is due. The Traffic Department have confirmed that, if a UK driver wishes to change their licence for a Spanish one, they will be given a new ten year Spanish licence without the need to take a medical. However, the new law also requires that EVERY British driver who has been resident for more than two years, and is still using a UK licence, will have to take a medical. It has been clear for some time that not all the police officers who stop cars on the roads of Lanzarote are particularly up to date with the intricacies of the licence system as it applies to foreigners, and fines have been issued as a result. However, fines can be appealed and the Trafico Department is fair in its assessment of appeals. Of course, what these laws really mean is that, if you´re resident here permanently, it´s probably a lot less bother to simply change your UK licence for a Spanish one as soon as possible. The Spanish driving licence is valid for 10 years (just like the British photocard licence which will become mandatory in the UK next year, finally rendering the old paper licences invalid). Once you turn 65, you need a further medical, after which licences must be renewed every five years.

Licence

VARIATIONS Spain has some of the strictest rules on driving licence renewals in Europe, and the rules here can be confusing to foreigners who may have thought they had the right to drive for life. For example, in Germany, France and Belgium, driving licences are unlimited. Once you have one,

you can drive for the rest of your life without having to renew it. Switzerland and Norway do have time limits, but seeing as their licences are valid for 100 years, it´s unlikely that many renewal applications have taken place. In Britain the old paper licence was valid until 70, while the new photocard licence needs to be renewed every 10 years. Spain is one of the few European countries that demands medical and driving tests on renewal. These consist of simple eye test and

a co-ordination test on a video screen. Able, experienced drivers should have no problems with either. While these laws may seem strict to outsiders, you can at least be sure that the rest of road users are in decent physical condition. Studies have shown that age can cause a substantially increased risk of accidents after the age of 70, and drivers aged over 80 suffer more accidents than teenagers.

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NEWS Surfs up in Tenerife during last month´s storms.

Heavy Weather

There were times in January when it almost felt as if the sheltered southern coast of Lanzarote was the only area of Atlantic Europe to be safe from severe storms and huge waves. n Britain, where western areas had already suffered torrential rain and windstorms in December, authorities issued eight flood warnings in January after heavy waves caused flooding in a number of coastal areas. The entire Atlantic coast of Europe, from Scotland to Portugal, was pounded by massive waves and heavy

winds that lasted for days in early January. In Britain two men were killed by falling trees, and another woman in France died in the same way. Northern Spain and Portugal were just as badly hit. The body of a Galician man who was swept away by a freak wave as he was scattering his father´s ashes was discovered on 7th January,

Satellite image of the storms approaching the Canaries.

and two members of his family are also missing presumed dead. Heavy storms also hit the western Canary Islands, causing flight cancellations and suspension of shipping routes. An accident was narrowly averted in Tenerife after a passenger plane skidded on the runway. Thousands of homes on the western islands suffered power cuts and many roads were flooded. As so often happens, the storms

abated before they reached the eastern islands, but Lanzarote still suffered from heavy wind and waves, especially along its northern coast. Three boats were grounded off Playa Blanca and a ship had to be rescued at sea. Yaiza Ayuntamiento has already asked the Cabildo for funds to repair the viewing areas at the spectacular Los Hervideros tourist attraction. Pounding waves are, of course, the big attraction at this location, but the high waves of early January were too much for much of the infrastructure. The pier at Arrieta, a wooden staircase at La Garita beach, the terrace of a restaurant at El Golfo and the harbor at La Santa were also damaged during the storms. However, although the resort areas saw some rain and high winds, they were remarkably peaceful in comparison to virtually anywhere that wasn´t sheltered from the mid-Atlantic storms. The storms, and the simultaneous “polar vortex” in the USA, which saw temperatures drop below freezing in every mainland US state and fall to 38 degrees in some areas, have revived speculation that climate change is gathering pace.

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C/ Correillo, s/n 35570 Playa Blanca Tlf: 928 519 292 ace2@viajes-caravana.com The Gazette | February 2014 | 27

TRAVEL

Sail Cruise holidays are more popular than ever, and on Lanzarote you´re perfectly placed to hop onto a gigantic floating hotel for an ocean-bound break.. here are only two ways to get off Lanzarote – by air and by sea. Most of us will know the ins and outs of the airport, but far fewer will have explored the possibilities of sailing breaks from Lanzarote. Of course, the ferries to Fuerteventura are popular for short breaks on our neighbouring island, and if you haven´t taken a ferry trip to

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Charges may apply to additional supplements. Subject to availability & applies to new bookings only. Price correct at time of going to press and are subject to change. Standard booking terms apply, visit www.thomson.co.uk for details. *Calls are charged at the local rate. Additional network charges may apply. Thomson, Falcon & First Choice are trading names of TUI UK Ltd, part of the TUI Travel PLC group.

28 | February 2014 | The Gazette

the magical little island of La Graciosa, then you´ve still got a Lanzarote must to tick off your list. But the main sea traffic that comes and goes to and from Lanzarote is based just outside Arrecife at the Puerto De Los Marmoles. There you can embark on passenger ferries that will take you to Gran Canaria and Tenerife or catch a mainland bound boat to the beautiful Spanish city of Cadiz. At this time of year, though, those busy boats are dwarfed by the massive cruisers that arrive on an almost daily basis, docking at the huge jetty at Marmoles and disgorging hundreds of passengers who are eager to get a glimpse of Lanzarote. Cruise tourism is now the fastest growing sector of the holiday business, and that fact is reflected as ever more cruisers dock at Lanzarote. Residents of Costa Teguise arte now well used to the sight of gigantic floating hotels sitting on the horizon, and Arrecife is slowly but surely changing to take advantage of this increasingly important trade. But what might not have occurred to many people is that Lanzarote residents can just as easily book a trip on many of the cruisers that put into Arrecife. And there are plenty. A quick look at the website of the Las Palmas Port Authority (www.palmasport.es) reveals a long list pof all the cruise ships that are forecast to arrive at Lanzarote over the coming weeks. Some will be undertaking mid-Atlantic cruises that take in the major Canary Islands and Madeira; others will be moving on to mainland Spain and the inner Mediterranean and a few will be heading across the ocean to destinations in the Caribbean. The amount of choices are dizzying, and if you´re thinking of booking a cruise, your best bet is still to visit a travel agent. These will be able to provide you with a long list of available cruises, and advise you on availability of cabins, ports

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visited, routes and other factors. Given the nature of a cruise ship, you won´t be surprised to learn that what you are effectively choosing is a holiday on a floating allinclusive hotel. Meals and much entertainment is included in the price, but you would be well advised to enquire about the extra charges that may be levied for items such as spas, amusements or activities. Another unbeatable idea is to research the destinations you´ll be visiting well in advance. Lanzarote residents who have seen aimless cruise passengers wandering into Arrecife will be ware that, on a limited stay, it is a great idea to make the most of every minute that you´ll be ashore.

Despite their recent boom in popularity, cruise holidays still have to contend with a number of beliefs that, in reality, don´t really stand up to close inspection. The first is that it´s an old person´s holiday. The average age of a cruise passenger is 55, but you´ll find that cruises themselves differ widely in the type of passengers they seek to attract. There are younger, family oriented cruises, as well as ones that are perfectly suited for sea-going seniors. Secondly, there´s the suspicion that it might all be a little, well, boring. Many cruise passengers do simply want to relax by the pool and watch an endless horizon, but many more want to make the

very most of their holiday, and the range of activities you can find on modern cruisers is simply mind blowing. Larger ones may feature jogging and cycling tracks, tennis and paddle courts, various swimming pools, ziplines, fully stocked shopping malls, spas, saunas, various bars, TV rooms and all sorts of other leisure facilities. Finally, recent news items about the sinking of the Italian cruise ship Costa Concordia, or epidemics of food poisoning on a couple of cruise ships, have raised the worry that cruise holidays may actually be dangerous. The truth is, if you´re that worried about risks, then you should never book a flight again, nor should you ever book into a hotel. The risks are that tiny.

The Gazette | February 2014 | 29

ADVERTORIAL

Here to help! The Lanzarote Business and Residents Association offers more and more services, information and advice to people of all nationalities living on Lanzarote. We´re here to help YOU.

Update for rental property owners: Regarding the property rental situation, our lawyer is currently preparing an “executive summary report” basically analysing the legal status of nonresidential villas in the island of Lanzarote. We intend to circulate the report to all our members during February. With respect to the Puerto Del Carmen area, the recent final approval of the 2nd Modernization Plan has given a “green light” for property owners who are willing to initiate the relevant processing via the Cabildo and the Tías Town Council to make their private rentals legal. The LBA’s team of professionals are now working on the “roadmap” of how to proceed, addressing the legal and technical guidelines to be considered during the process. This will also be circulated to our members shortly. Empadronamiento Service: Did you know

that the Lanzarote Business and Residents Association are offering a FREE service to help you register at your local Ayuntamiento. Did you know that, regardless of your nationality, if you reside for longer than 180 days in Spain, you are required by law to register at your local Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) and obtain your `Certificado de Empadronamiento´. Once a month, every month, we will be at each of the Ayuntamientos and can assist you to register. The LBA will not require payment for this service; however the service is by appointment only, so please contact us to arrange a convenient time. Daily assistance: Did you know that as well as actively promoting Lanzarote and working with numerous organisations for the benefit of the Island, we daily help our members with different issues? Last month for instance on behalf of our members we: Translated 7 legal documents; accompanied and translated at 11 hospital / medical appointments; made 5 visits to Canal (water); 2 visits and 8 telephone calls to Endesa (electricity); 4 calls to Movistar

(telecommunications); attended 9 meetings with lawyers; made 22 telephone calls to different Ayuntamientos; made 18 visits to the various Ayuntamientos, 5 visits to the Cabildo and 3 visits to the police station. All of this in addition to dealing with general day-today enquires such as “I have been stopped and issued with a notice from the Guardia Civil, what can I do?” ; “I am in the UK and my Lanzarote property has visitors in it; the washing machine has broken down - can you get it fixed or replaced?” We exist to look after our member’s interests, if you would like peace of mind and to know there is someone to help you, then contact us. Seminar: The Lanzarote Business and Residents Association are holding a Free Seminar on Wednesday 19th February 2014. Attendance is free but places are limited and must be RESERVED in advance. The meeting is for property owners, management companies and estate agents who are concerned about the property rental situation and the need to make private rentals legal. Joining us on the day will be Guest Speakers from the Ayuntamientos, the Cabildo and local business representatives. There will be an opportunity to present your questions to them.

You´re Invited! Seminar: Rental Property Owners

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Put yourself in the picture & get all the answers at www.lanzarotebusinessassociation.com 30 | February 2014 | The Gazette

HEALTH

easy

Lanzarote has some of the cleanest air in the world, but that doesn´t mean you´ll necessary be free of allergies and respiratory problems on the island. It´s worth taking a few careful precautions which will allow you to breathe easily. urrounded by ocean and winnowed by ever-present breezes from the north east, Lanzarote´s air is ever changing. And the island´s dry arid nature alos means that it is a real safe haven for sufferers of the most common allergy in Europe – hay fever. The fact that there are simply less plants here means that pollen counts are generally low, and the species of pollen are fewer. Good news, unless you´re specifically allergic to palm tree pollen. Occasionaly, the wind changes direction and brings calimas from the African mainland. These sometimes stifling dust storms can affect respiration, and islanders are regularly urged to remain indoors during the worst calimas – especially if they are old, very young or suffer from respiration problems anyway. But the main source of allergies on Lanzarote is one that exists in your own home. The dust mites that live in your furnishings and bedding love the warm climate of Lanzarote just as much as you do. If you´ve been using your mattress for some time, it will almost certainly be the permanent home to millions of tiny creepy crawlies which love nothing more than to feast on the flakes of dead skin that you lose while moving around between the sheets. It gets worse: the dust mites themselves are not what we´re allergic to. It´s

their poo. Each dust-mite will produce 200 times it´s own weight of excrement during it´s short lifetime. This dried mite poo is what causes all sorts of problems – from allergies to respiratory problems, asthma and sore and itchy eyes. In addition, the outer skeletons that the mites regularly shed can also cause allergies. Every time you move in bed, you send millions of these particles spinning into the air, where they are breathed in. The results can be disastrous not only for asthmatics and the estimated 1.2 billion people world wide who have a dust mite allergy. The only answer, apart from sleeping on the floor, or buying a new mattress every few months, is to regularly clean and treat your mattress. Another common cause of allergies is dog and cat hairs, and regular vacuuming, as well as having well-defined areas in the home for animals, is also one of the most effective ways to deal with this.

The Gazette | February 2014 | 31

PET SPOT

CONTROL Lanzarote vet Jane Burke warns of the tragic consequences of not controlling your dogs, and advises anyone who loves animals to chip their pets. was telling someone recently that I found it easiest to write an article when I was angry. Talk about 'Be careful what you wish for'! Later that day, my father and I were crossing the road on our way home with our six dogs when they became agitated. Two horse riders had appeared with two large dogs running loose. They had no control of these dogs at all and made no effort to restrain them. The dogs were not aggressive, but there was traffic around and my 90-year old dad became frightened and agitated, and his large dog responded similarly. I managed to get us all out of danger, assuming the irresponsible lunatics on horseback - who can't have missed the distressing fight to drag a terrified elderly man and frantically defensive dogs out of the way of oncoming traffic - would at least attempt to control their dogs or ride away. But as we reached our back garden they reappeared on the track, their dogs still totally out of control, in our front drive. My dogs were frantic and furious; my dad utterly terrified - but they casually rode on. The consequence of this episode was my father having another stroke and being trapped in the confused terror of vascular dementia for many days. And my point in writing is the hope that these people, or their family, or their friends will recognise them and remonstrate against this irresponsible, antisocial behaviour. No one died, but they could have done. My father will never regain the ground he has lost from this stressful incident. He

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lost a week of his life and his one remaining pleasure in life, that of walking his dogs, is now forever clouded by apprehension. No one loves dogs and horses more than we do, but irresponsible owners whose dogs are left to stray or who ruin lives of real dog lovers with uncontrollable animals off-leash should be prosecuted. They give us all a bad name.

pets are part of the family, having a furry friend/child go missing is too dreadful to contemplate or adequately describe. One of mine went missing for three days last year. I was so distraught I was almost hoping to find her dead by the third day, rather than the thought of her injured, in pain or terror and never found. I shall never forget her sad empty little face when I collected her from Sara - the spark and joy extinguished by her ordeal. Nor will I ever forget the

My remaining message this month is to ask you all to check your pet's microchip registration. I can't stress how important this can be, for you as well as for them. It is a legal obligation in Spain to microchip all cats and dogs over 6 months of age and have them vaccinated annually against rabies. You can be heavily fined if they are not, and cannot take them out of the country until they are. Travelling abroad also requires the rabies vaccination, given after the microchip and at least 3 weeks before the date of travel. To take your pet to the UK will also require an injection against echinococcus and a health check to be done within a specific time of your departure/arrival. Additionally, a correctly registered pet can be reunited with you if they are ever lost or stolen. For this reason alone I cannot understand why anyone would fail to get this simple one-off procedure done. For those of us whose

debt I owe to Sara and so many others. Let's face it, it is simply not possible to be certain no-one will ever leave a door unsecured, a gate unlocked or to be absolutely certain that a lead won't break or a terrified dog escape when they are threatened by other peoples loose animals. If your pet should ever go missing, contact your vet without delay. They will register the problem and a system is set in motion to advise every practicing veterinary surgeon in the Canaries to be on the look out for their microchip number. I spent a great deal of my time this Christmas trying to trace a cat that I chipped in 2006 but whose registration was never correctly completed. I am deeply disturbed that this microchip, is not in zoocan and worry that there might be many pets out there whose registration has failed or whose contact details are out of date, rendering this wonderful safety net useless. Please, if they are not already done, see to it, NOW. And if they have been 'chipped', double check the registration is complete and accurate, with up to date details so that you can be contacted. You can do this very easily (or get a child to help you) by online by going to 'zoocan.net/validate'. Your vet will also be only to happy to do this for you. It is equally important to get your vet to check the microchip reads at least once a year. I have known several fail and a number where they have migrated. Let us be grateful for the privilege of providing sparkling clean bowls full of clear clean water everyday for those creatures we are so blessed to share our hearts and homes with and whose safety is so very important.

THANK YOU ALL

nd Anniversary

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Sp of f e c ia ers l

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Tel.: 928 827 210 The Gazette | February 2014 | 33

The

Gazette

crossword This month´s crossword has a loose theme of Spanish place-names, so open your atlas and get cracking! There´ll be a bottle of Lanzarote wine for the first answer out of the hat.

Last month´s winner was ACROSS 3. Spain´s third-largest city, and the home of paella (8) 7. Eve´s partner (4) 8. Basque town, bombed by the Luftwaffe in 1937, and subject of one of Picasso´s most famous works (8) 9. Spanish word for “four” 12. Jack Sprat could eat this type of meat (4) 13. Northern province of Spain whose capital is Pamplona (Spanish spelling) (7) 15. Formal wear in the US. A “ ….. party” is a darkly humorous term for a hanging (7) 16. Spanish port, famed for sherry, flamenco and a sea connection to Lanzarote (5) 20. Character in BBC´s Red Dwarf portrayed by Chris Barrie (6) 21. The capital of 11 down 22. True …., classic Western recently remade by the Coen brothers (4) 23. Mountain range lying between Spain and France (8)

Liam Greene of Puerto Del Carmen. Well done Liam!

7 8 9 10 12

13 14

16 17 18

21 Last months answers: Across: 1.Fright Night 8.Eyeballs 9.Dance 10.Purple 11.Polished 13.Katy Melua 17.Muhammed 19.Seal 21.Claro 22.Ecuador 23.The Beatles Down: 2.Icepick 3.Hoax 4.Nelson Mandela 5.Godzilla 6.Tench 7.Gerd Müller 8.Eurythmics 12.Atom Bomb 14.Agendas 18.Heath 20.Mull

DOWN 1. Spain´s second-largest city and capital of Catalonia (9) 2. Spanish university city situated in Castille & León (9) 3. Atlantic port in Northern Spain, and the largest city in Galicia (4)

34 | February 2014 | The Gazette

22 23

4. Catalonian city, birthplace of Barcelona defender Carles Puyol (Spanish spelling) (5) 5. 2009 musical film starring Penelopé Cruz, Nicole Kidman and Daniel Day Lewis (4) 6. If you´ve got one, scratch it (4) 10. Logo, or company- registered word or symbol (9)

11. Spanish island that, hopefully, you´re lucky enough to be on right now (9) 14. Ryanair, or Lufthansa, for example (7) 17. Oak, ash, beech, pine (5) 18. Ask God for a favour (4) 19. Outdoor party or fair, often held for charity (4)

ADVERTORIAL

SUN PARK LIVING

A Golden Future For People Aged 50+ Sun Park Living is a wonderful holiday residence and the ideal alternative for active people over 50, singles and couples, who feel young and want to spend long breaks in the Sun. un Park Living offers a completely new proposition, unmatched anywhere else in Europe. It is a revolutionary concept geared towards the 50+ age group, fondly called ‘Sun Rockers’: semi or fully retired, caring and giving people, who are community minded and hearted, who want to meet new people and share their long breaks in the sun with like-minded individuals, as they reinvent life in their later years and make every moment absolutely count. Sun Park Living is where anyone 50+ can say good-bye to being alone or feeling lonely, and get Sun Rocking! Choosing Sun Park Living, as a long stay/break destination, is to embark on a unique living experience of true camaraderie and fellowship, sharing extended breaks with new found friends and neighbours, living as a community within a holiday environment, Sun Park Living offers a unique opportunity of living for indefinite periods in the sun. Under the ‘Sun Rockers Community’ concept, guests are encouraged to make their mark within the community, to contribute with their special touches in the daily life of the community, and to make their apartment feel like their own, in an attempt to make themselves feel absolutely at home. The community members use all the hotel facilities to get on with their chosen activities, and are currently busy reshaping and redecorating them all for the future. So there's no risk, just a multitude of opportunities for the right people to join in a fun, growing community in the sun. So if you have a gift you'd like to share with everyone, are eager to meet new people or would like to get inspired by those around you to make life better and more fun, then maybe, the Sun Rockers community and Sun Park Living are just for you. All activities are community-led and therefore chosen and arranged by the guests themselves, from al fresco community dinners, to gardening, Spanish lessons, shopping trips, movie nights, group walks and exercise. There is a tennis hard court and a volleyball sand court onsite, as well as four pools surrounded by wonderful gardens. Additionally, there is charity and volunteer work –

giving all guests increased value and purpose to their lives. Nothing is compulsory, and everything is inexpensive or almost free and from the heart. There is absolutely no catch, and no strings attached, no sales, no timeshares, no contracts, and no extra bills of any kind - just an interesting, pleasurable, flexible and affordable risk-free long stays in the sun waiting to be enjoyed and discovered. Rental prices are extremely reasonable and affordable, there is no need for any major investment, nor is there any risk of unexpected maintenance bills (as happens with other resorts) or when owning your own property abroad. There's no need to sell or remortgage your property back home in order to finance your lifestyle here. Sun Rockers simply use the resort as their second home, a holiday home away from home, where they spend periods of time as and when their other commitments back home allow them to come. Sun Park Living rate is very simple. There is a discounted week taster rate of 250EUR per apartment per week, based on self service and self catering accommodation rental. Those choosing to stay a minimum of 4 consecutive weeks, automatically get a significant discount of the full price, enjoying a grace rate of only 156EUR per apartment per week. Cost is per apartment and not per person (max 2 adults 50+), and it includes all utility bills, complimentary package (consisting of Wi Fi, British/German Satellite TV channels, in-room safe, luggage storage and hotel parking), general maintenance, upkeep of the common areas, and taxes. The rate is not seasonal, but fixed, and that means that irrespective of the time of the year you choose to stay with us, the rate will not change during high or low seasons. Apartments are allocated on a first come first served basis and the bill can be settled worldwide using SEPA payments. How to make it all happen? Simply check availability at Sun Park Living resort´s website, book a flight and tell us when you are coming. All Sun Rockers in the expat community in Playa Blanca get together in Sun Park Living every Friday from 10.30am to to 2.00pm to socialise and get to know each other over a cup of tea/coffee, so come along, by yourself or with your friends, and meet other expats in the community. Friday´s Coffee Mornings Sun Park Playa Blanca, Calle Janubio 3, Playa Blanca (near the Princess Yaiza Hotel & Marina Rubicon) www.sunparkliving.com Tel. +44 (0)161 408 3360 Mob. +34 620 172 318 The Gazette | February 2014 | 35

Editor’s postbag  Left in the lurch

 Dangerous curves

Dear Gazette I just thought you might like to hear about a worrying encounter my son has had today with two exhausted and angry cruise passengers he met on the beach at Costa Teguise. They had arrived earlier that morning and disembarked from the ship looking forward to an enjoyable day on the island. As they had two children, aged 5 years and 18 months, they asked a taxi driver to take them to a place that provided family entertainment. The driver took them to the Aguapark in Costa Teguise, took their fare and drove off. However, what the family didn´t know until they reached the gates, and the taxi driver almost surely did, was the fact that the Aguapark is closed during the winter months! After a long walk through an unfamiliar town which exhausted the small boy, they eventually arrived at the beach. They will return to their cruise ship later today and leave the island. As they had no reason to distrust the taxi driver, they never thought of taking his number. Is this the way we should be treating visitors to the island? Yours, J. Hinnegan, Costa Teguise

Dear Gazette After reading M. Berlin’s letter in December´s Gazette, I hope she has more luck then we have here on Los Sabandeños. We have done just about everything in the world to try to get the Ayuntamiento to take some notice and take action on the road leading down from Calle Taburiente to Juan Carlos. We have the added problem of cars using Sabandeños as a short cut coming down at up to speeds of 60 kph by the time they might see the 20 kph sign half way down. We have seen so many near-misses between buses, large vehicles, and cars coming down round the corner while someone is trying to turn right out of Sabandeños, looking left, then having to edge out as they cannot see clearly for the cars illegally parked on the footpath and road outside the garage, so they pull out and nearly collide head-on with the vehicles coming down. We have been to the Ayuntimiento, pleaded, wrote letters, even taken pictures but they are not the slightest bit interested in this area. Why, I don’t know. The whole of Tias gets new tarmac, new ramps - the lot, but we get what little is left over. The footpath is non-existent except for dog dirt and when it rains the end of Sabandeños gets flooded because of the camber on that road. We have asked for ramps to slow drivers down but nothing has happened, and we have been trying for 10 years. So if you do get a result it will be a miracle, but good luck as we still keep trying. Maybe its a case of not what you know but who you know. Gabekka, Puerto Del Carmen

Ed: Indeed a worrying story, Mrs. Hinnegan. What makes it worse is that the taxi driver knew that the cruise passengers would be leaving on the same day, and so would be unable to pursue a complaint. Let´ s hope they bring the matter up with the cruise operator, and that they make the appropriate representations to the authorities.

 Accident waiting to happen Dear Gazette The recent dreadful accident to Michael Schumacher provides a dramatic and vivid illustration of the tragedy that can ensue when the human head comes into contact with a hard object such as a rock or piece of concrete. The promenade at Playa Blanca is nowhere very wide and in some place, extremely narrow. The side next to the sea is poorly fenced with a precipitous drop to the rocks below. And of course it is full of people young and old walking and enjoying its spectacular views. I have seen two notices prohibiting cyclists from using the promenade but no attempt whatever to enforce this restriction. In fact, quite the opposite applies with some cyclists treating it like a racetrack, flying along flat-out and weaving their way with utter abandon through the milling pedestrians. One young man the other day was actually using his mobile phone! Sooner or later a serious accident is inevitable. I doubt any of the cyclists have insurance, even if they could be identified. Yet the financial costs of treating someone disabled in this way and needing constant lifetime attendance will be astronomic. Lawyers seeking damages are likely to follow the money trail to the Ayuntamiento that failed to follow its own rules to protect the public. I wonder if Mayor Acuña has sought legal advice on the potential liability? If not, she ought to! The council has done quite a lot in Playa Blanca to provide proper lanes separated from traffic where cyclists may enjoy their sport without endangering others.But something really needs to be done by the local police to stop this reckless behaviour. James Bewley

 We`ll continue Dear Editor, With reference to Stela's letter in the January Gazette (Leave The Cat Houses), I would like to mention that other people including myself also feed feral cats in Playa Blanca. I have been doing this for the past nine years, starting from the outside area of the Hotel Monica then along the promenade into Playa Blanca centre. I too have been experiencing the same problem as Freddy Leon/ Gato. I have seen the local cleaners taking away our cat dishes and food. I have also seen seagulls, doves and hedgehogs tucking into the cat food and water, 36 | February 2014 | The Gazette

eaders are reminded that views and comment expressed within the Postbag pages are those of the contributors and may not necessarily reflect the opinions or standpoint of Lanzarote Gazette staff. It should also be noted that the Lanzarote Gazette is an independent publication free from political persuasion or governmental censorship.

and lastly I have seen people out jogging with their dogs trailing behind them not noticing that their dog has jumped over the wall eating the cat food. Unlike Freddy, I don't display my cat stations because of the problems he experiences. I have had eight ceramic food dishes taken, forcing me back to using plastic dishes and still they are turned over, emptied or taken away. I will also point out that I do know the difference between nature’s damage and the damage caused by selfish minded person/persons. I would be grateful if you would print this as my point is that Freddy, others and myself will not give up. I would also like to thank the tourists that have waited by my stations to give me bags of cat food - this is a great help. Pauline Burt

 The Ever-encroaching tables Dear Gazette Being a regular reader of the Gazette I get the feeling that your publication appears to be generally positive about the current Alcalde of Tias, Jose Francisco Hernandez Garcia. I have noticed that he is much less stringent that his predecessor José Juan Cruz, who I will admit could be occasionally somewhat overly zealous on issues regarding the enforcement of Tias by-laws. We now seem to be at another extreme, where our current council leader is giving a free hand to the local traders in Puerto Del Carmen. I now see hundreds of tables and chairs occupying the pavements which we, as residents and business

owners in Puerto Del Carmen, financed through taxes directly or indirectly. Most traders on the Avenida, restaurants, snack bars and most of the shops started by illegally filling in pergolas in front of premises, and ever since they have been gradually taking over the pavements and denying the public right of way. I can understand that, throughout this crisis period, the current PP administration has been gentle and understanding of difficulties faced by local traders in Puerto Del Carmen for which they should be highly commended. However, we have given them an inch and they have taken a mile. On some stretches of walkways in Puerto Del Carmen tourist are finding difficulty maneuvering through the maze of tables and chairs currently occupying the pavements (those in wheel chairs find it impossible to travel along the north side of the Avenida during evening hours). I propose that restaurants are allocated with a limited number of tables and chairs appropriate to the restaurant’s location and frontage. For this additional seating they will be required to pay a small fee per chair annually in advance to the council. Shops should be given a similar allocation relating to location and frontage for the display of goods and a license to have a maximum of one PR per shop, restricted to operate within one metre of the shop front. An “Avenida Traders Inspector” could be appointed to police this policy on a part time basis: In the early days some fines may be a necessity to control the few ignoramuses. The money raised from fees and fines could be used

Send your letters to our office (address on page 3) or email editorial@gazettelive.com to reduce the council’s borrowing from the banks. Yours, Robbie Robinson

 Painting mystery Dear Editor, I was happily reading the Gazette when my eye was drawn to Mick Gates quest in the Postbag. It´s not often I can solve a problem posed in the letters section but this one I can. The artist is Jochem Roman, a relatively famous German artist who has been visiting the island for decades and who, I believe, knew Manrique. There are eight prints in his Lanzarote Scenes depicting a wide range of island imagery. They are perhaps less widely available since the retail closures brought on by the recession, but if Mick cannot find them in Puerto del Carmen we stock them here at Pandas Gallery in Playa Blanca (open 10am till 5pm Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat). Best Regards, Peter Alt Ed: Thanks Peter, We´ ve contacted Mick Gates who has confirmed the artist is Jochem Roman, and he will be visiting the gallery when he arrives later in the year.

Need an... ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE?

Call for a free quote!

OLIVIA ROUX

• Chartered Surveyor • Environmental Surveyor • Translator In collaboration with a registered Technical Architect. CAMINO LOS ALJIBES

We speak English, German, French and Spanish. • Tel. 607 729 935 rouxolivia@hotmail.com The Gazette | February 2014 | 37

38 | February 2014 | The Gazette

The

Gazette

living Lanzarote

Love is in the Air - Lanzarote is the perfect place to spend Valentines Day. While the rest of Europe is still shivering under gloomy skies, Lanzarote lovers can really do what lovers do best – running barefoot along a beach, enjoying a special meal together and simply cuddling up under a full moon. So, this months´Living Lanzarote has a special romantic flavour, but if you´re single, or simply can´t be bothered with the soppy stuff, you can still make the most of your love affair with Lanzarote.

contents

41 42 45 46 50 52 54 56 57 59 60 62 64 68 70 72

Love is in the Air The Gift of Love Doing What Comes Naturally? The Perfect Valentine´s Dinner Something Different Can You Love Too Much? Go for it Hair Today Pearly Whites Eat Around! Why Eat Out? Italian with a Twist Spirit of America Art and Culture Lounging Around What's On

14th, 15th & 16th of Feb

Price per room 2 persons:

ST. VALENTINE´S MENU 2014

39€

Bomb of foie gras and reduction of mango & Salad of small lettuce, duck ham and goats’ cheese with raspberry vinaigrette & Turbot sheets with creamed beetroot served on zucchini and a fine sauce of celery with ginger drops & Grilled Iberian pork shoulder loin with pineapple chutney served with a pie of mulberries and mushrooms and Rosemary butter & Petit coulant of chocolate and orange with a touch of mint and strawberries Beverages Guiguan d.o Lanzarote White wine, Caliza d.o dominio de Valdepusa Red wine Cava Aria, Water, beer and soft drinks Coffee and sweets

ST. VALENTINE´S PACKAGE

149€

prices are per room Suite with sea view Breakfast included Romantic dinner with romantic menu in the Altamar Restaurant (drinks included) Cava and sweets Spa circuit for 2 persons-subject to availability Late check out-subject to availability

Extras: Flower decoration in the room: 35€ Supplement for romantic breakfast in the room: 19€

(Package available all year for 160€)

Lanzarote is the perfect place to spend Valentine´s Day – a beautiful sub-tropical island blessed with gorgeous landscapes, tempting food and drink and thousands of places where couples can snuggle up and get a little closer.

nd even though we´re in the middle of the ocean, you´ll

still have no problem celebrating romance with your partner. This is an island where you can buy beautiful flowers by the armful, hunt down the perfect card and book that perfect meal that will live long in the memory. So this year, make an effort and celebrate love. Over the following pages, we´ll show you how.

An Original & Special Gift For

your Special Valentine for every type of event with home delivery service - FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS Order your special flowers - Avda. Central, 93 Tías Tel/Fax : 928 83 44 61 / 639 68 28 14 The Gazette | February 2014 | 41

In the Mood for Love ..............................................................................................................................

Love The

Gift of

................................

Gift giving is an essential part of romance, courtship and love, and it´s a custom that is not just conﬁned to the human race. So there´s no excuse for not showering that special person with goodies this Valentines Day.

he male nursery spider presents its mate with a fly that is specially giftwrapped in silk; kingfishers carefully select a juicy fish to give to their partners and the male Bower Bird puts on an astonishing display for its mate, creating a flower bedecked love nest. And, of course, humans are no different. Gift giving has probably been a part of human courtship ever since humans have existed. It´s a way of not only attracting a mate, but keeping one, and the sacrifice and thought involved is probably one of the fundamental ingredients in our modern concept of romance. Of course, gift giving is not confined to birthdays, Christmas and Valentines Day – a thoughtful lover will surprise their partner with off-the-cuff gifts at all times of year. But that doesn´t mean you can forget special occasions.

Valentine's Day Cards in stock • Mother´s Day cards in soon!!! • Greeting Cards • Party Goods • Stationery • Kids Books • 1000´s of Books, New & Second Hand • Up to 50% trade-in on our returns • Fax & Photocopying Service BS II /III

Bookswop I

Bookswop II

Bookswop III

Fariones Hotel end Corner of C/Timanfaya, Puerto del Carmen Mon-Fri 9.30 - 18.00 Sat 09.30 - 14.00 Tel: 928 514 931

San Antonio Hotel end C.C. Costa Luz, Puerto del Carmen Mon - Fri 09.30 - 17.00 Sat 09.30 - 13.30 Tel: 928 513 563

C/ La Corvina Rd. opposite the church, Playa Blanca Mon - Fri 9.30 - 19.00 Sat 9.30 - 14.00 Tel: 928 349 420

42 | February 2014 | The Gazette

Come Visit Us

............................................................................................................................

Find us in Facebook

“

And Valentines Day is a special occasion. The only day in our year when we are urged to celebrate what is probably the most powerful and life-changing emotion that any of us will ever experience. Valentines Day is also older than many of us think. Those of us who suspect that it is a marketing exercise dreamed up by greetings cards companies will be surprised to learn that Valentines gifts and cards go back hundreds of years. Geoffrey Chaucer mentioned Valentines Day in 1382, and cards began to be delivered on that day as soon as printing presses and postal services could handle them. A card is still the first item that many of us will think of on Valentine´s Day and it´s something you´ll want to put a little bit of thought into. Luckily, here on Lanzarote, there are British shops which will offer a range of English-language Valentine´s Cards to suit any occasion. It´s still the tradition to send Valentine´s cards anonymously, but if you´re in a long term relationship it’s probably a good idea not to make the identity of the admirer too secret. Simply handing the card over will do. Flowers are another Valentines staple, and once more, they are a gift that has been given to lovers for millennia. It´s obvious when you think about it – they look lovely, smell fantastic and their beauty is heightened by the fact that they won´t last for ever. Love is full of fleeting moments that you will never forget, and flowers reflect this transience. As you may have noticed, a fondness for flowers is not restricted to one country. The Spanish are every bit as enamoured with beautiful blossoms as the Brtish, and you´ll have no problems finding that

In the Mood for Love

Gift giving is an essential part of romance, courtship and love.

Decoregalos Tias

On Valentine’s Day say it with a Balloon PARTY EQUIPMENT, BALLOONS, Gift/Favours, Baby Shower, Decorations for Weddings, Christenings, Birthdays, Stag/Hen Nights.

Tias Calle Libertad, 19 – Loc. 3 (at the corner of Avda. Central) Tel. 928 832 065 – 653 537 243 The Gazette | February 2014 | 43

In the Mood for Love .............................................................................................................................. to enjoy, so there´s no excuse for any blokes reading this to forget. Chocolates are, of course, the ultimate in sensuous indulgence, and a sinfully selfish pleasure that is not to be shared out with anyone else. Once again, you´ll find plenty of gift boxes on the island, as well as special British products for those who won´t settle for anything else. It´s also worth hunting down specialist chocolatieres on the island, who can produce unique and gorgeous confectionary that really shows that you´ve put some thought into your gift. While some like to celebrate Valentines Day quietly, others

perfect posy, often expertly selected and prepared by a professional. Then, of course, there are chocolates. Even fruit flies know the importance of presenting their lovers with sweet, delectable morsels of nectar that are theirs alone

prefer to turn into a real eye-catching celebration of love. Once again, this is an ancient tradition, and one that transcends our species. If you prefer a Valentines party atmosphere, then you´ll find party supplies shops all over the island that will provide all you need to turn Valentines Day into a full blown party. Novelty balloons and gifts that scream “I love you!” so that no one can miss the message. All lovers are different, but equally all lovers are the same in many ways, and gift-giving is one of those customs that is shared by lovers everywhere. So do it your way, but do it well.

All you need is love,...but a little chocolate never hurts

Great selection of Valentine´s Day cards, gifts & top brand chocolates to impress your sweetheart! HAPPY VALENTINE´S DAY!!

44 | February 2014 | The Gazette

“

Chocolate is the ultimate indulgent treat.

................................................................................................................................

In the Mood for Love

Doing what comes ........................................ On Valentine’s Day, couples all over the world will exchange cards and gifts, dress up and enjoy an extra special meal. Then they´ll ﬁnd a private place, get even closer and do what lovers do. here´ s nothing wrong with sex. If it didn´t exist, neither would we, and to ignore its potent link with love would be to ignore reality. In fact, many psychologists believe that love is simply a psychological state of mind that only exists to encourage us to have sex. And you have to admit, if you´re going to make sweet love on Valentines Day, then there a few better places in the world to go about it than Lanzarote. Here, you can spend a whole day relaxing in a spa, by the pool or on a beach; enjoy a drink to put you even more in the mood, and once you get down to business, you don´t have to worry about keeping warm while you´re doing it like millions of shivering lovers in Britain who will be cranking up the central heating. And if you want to be a little more adventurous, then there´s absolutely nothing stopping you, either. Many visitors who thought that Spain was a conservative, Catholic country are surprised to find out how open and frank the locals are about sex. But this is one of those countries where what the authorities say and what the people actually do have never really had much to do with each other. That´s why you´ll find erotic shops where you can buy all sorts of items to make bedtime just that little bit more interesting, as well as lingerie shops that offer something really sensational to be shared with just the one you love. You can book a sensual massage at a local spa, but to really get things sizzling, just invest in some essential oils, roll up your sleeves and do it yourself. It may not be the most professional of massages, but improving your partner’s circulation isn´t really what you´re trying to do, is it? With a little time and co-operation, you´ll soon find out what lights each others fire. And don´t forget to set the scene. Scented candles, low lights and sweet music are all guaranteed to make things go just that little bit smoother. But you don´t need us to tell you that. Every couple knows exactly what it is they like, and the only help you´ll need is a bit of peace and quiet to get on with it.

The Gazette | February 2014 | 45

In the Mood for Love .......................................................................................................................... ...

The Perfect ...............................................................

The scene is set: a table for two, a discreet but attentive waiter, a menú that

promises savoury delight and a delectably sweet ﬁnale, a reliable and intriguing wine list, maybe a candle or two and, of course, the light of your life sitting opposite you. It´s February 14th and this year, you can add a full moon to the romantic attractions.

...........................................................

he Valentine´ s Day meal is a tradition for millions of

couples world-wide, whether they´re young lovers excitedly stepping out in formal style for the first time; married parents who are taking advantage of a babysitter to grab a few precious hours of intimacy together, or mature partners who know exactly what they want and wish to celebrate life and each other. There are, of course, as many way to celebrate Valentine’s Day as there are couples. Many will choose to stay at home, where they can really let their hair down, and prepare a special meal that they can enjoy behind closed doors in absolute intimacy. If this is your thing, then the only thing limiting you is

your imagination. But admit it – on a day like this who really wants to be up to their arms in chopped onions, raw fish and bloody steaks, slaving over a hot gas ring to prepare a meal that you really won´t want to mess up. And then, once the dessert is finished and you´re both about to melt into each others arms, there´s the table to clean and the dishwasher to load. No. On Valentine´s Day it´s time to let someone else take on the hard work, leaving you to bask in each other´s company, enjoy sensual delights and let a taxi chauffeur you back home later. In fact, if you really want to push the boat out you can

Book your

idine for St Valentine

The best solution for every celebration

idine

We organise and cater for events of every description, for example: corporate lunches cocktail parties private fine dining BBQ's corporate events wedding celebrations birthdays and parties company and christmas celebrations canape receptions

Executive Chef Nathan Holmes 46 | February 2014 | The Gazette

www.idineeurope.eu

info@dineeurope.eu

672 199 429

.. ..........................................................................................................................

In the Mood for Love

forget about the taxi and book a night in one of the many highclass hotels on Lanzarote. It´s low season, after all, and you may well find a bargain. Another option that is increasingly popular is to book your own chef for the evening. This is perhaps a possibility that is best shared with a select group of other couples, for a dinner party that none of you will ever forget. It will allow you to see the meals you have chosen being prepared in front of your eyes, and provides a dining experience that is interactive, fascinating and hugely rewarding.

Stepping Out ............................

Another reason for dining on Valentine´s Day is the simple fact of going out. A quick look around at the locals will show that they understand it – it´s all about dressing up, looking your best for your partner and, without being too obvious about it, showing off your pride in each other. We dress up for job interviews, weddings and business meetings – so its only natural that we should want to make an equally good impression on the person we love and have chosen to live with once in a while. But like anything special, that Valentine´s meal will take a little planning. Here´s how to go about it. (See over page)

The splendor of the French and European cuisine in Puerto del Carmen.

Special Valentine’s Day Free Glass of Cava for any table of two or more Open Mon-Sat from 7pm to 10,30pm Sunday closed • Puerto del Carmen – Av. Juan Carlos I, 25 • Tel. 928 515 755 – 692 373 733 The Gazette | February 2014 | 47

In the Mood for Love .............................................................................................................................. ...

The Perfect continued... Choose Your Spot

.........................

Location is one of the most important aspects of planning your Valentines dinner. If you´re a traditional sort, then you´ll almost certainly be thinking about a classy, elegant establishment with atmospheric low lights and a discreet, intimate feel. But, while Lanzarote can certainly offer places that fit this bill, there is so much more. It´s likely that a February evening will be just a little too nippy to dine outside, but don´t forget that this Valentine´s Day will coincide with a full moon, and you may want to make the most of this magical event. Full moons on Lanzarote are always celebrated, usually because they are visible and not hidden behind a wall of cloud, and because the sight of the moon sailing over a full ocean is one of the most impressive natural phenomena you´ll see on the island. So, even if you´re dining indoors, be sure to reserve the right table to make the most of it. And don´t forget that it´s your evening – there´s no need to do anything you don´t want to. If you prefer a party atmosphere and plenty of other people around you on Valentines, then there is nothing to stop you.

Enjoy Your Food .........................

How many Valentines articles have you read about aphrodisiac foods? How many of them have gone on about the romantic properties of oysters, asparagus, honey and you name it? And how many of them have mentioned that, in fact, aphrodisiacs simply don´t exist?

There are, in fact, no foods that increase sexual desire. Most aphrodisiac recommendations are based on the fact that the food looks a bit like a willy, or that is a bit sloppy to eat (for some reason, sloppy foods are supposed to be “sensuous.”) There are some ingredients, such as Spanish fly, that will make your private parts itch, but that´s not really all that romantic either, to be honest. More reliable ingredients include alcohol, which famously lowers inhibitions, but can have a disastrous effect on performance. However, none of these will make you any more romantic than you already were. So don´t worry about what you order. Choosing a meal that you know you will relish will probably leave you feeling far more well disposed than struggling with a plate of raw oysters. But, of course, if you like oysters, go for it! The wine is important but, once again, try not to go overboard. You´re looking for a mild, excited buzz, rather than getting paralytic and falling asleep in the taxi.

The Important Bits ........................

The important part of planning the perfect Valentines meal is to get it planned. So don´t forget to book a babysitter if you need one; be sure to have a taxi number at hand, check out restaurants in advance and make your reservations for a table or a hotel room as early as possible. Once you´ ve got that out of the way, you´ re free to look forward to a romantic evening that will live in the memory forever.

To start

Celebrate Valentine´s Day in a luxurious surrounding

Cream of cauliflower soup topped with gremolata Smoked salmon, prawn & mango salad Chicken liver parfait, red onion marmalade & toasted ciabatta

Main course

Complimentary glass of Raspberry Bellini 3 course Valentines meal

€25,95 Bookings advisable

Tel 928 849 675 - www.restaurantazure.com - Puerto Calero 48 | February 2014 | The Gazette

Roulade of cod & prawns with a smoked chilli butter, sauted potatoes & vegetables. Chicken breast simmered in a red wine, bacon & button onion sauce, truffle mash & vegetables. Lentil & spinach curry, rice & poppadoms. (v)

Dessert

Fan of melon & forest fruits Homemade bread & butter pudding flavoured with cointreau Cheesecake of the day.

... .............................................................................................................................

In the Mood for Love

“Location is one of the most important aspects of planning your Valentine´s dinner.”

Great atmosphere with spectacular sea views R e s ta ur a n t – W i n e sh op

Romantic

Take a journey with your Valentine through the authentic Greek cuisine! Special Valentine´s Dishes! Centro Comercial La Mulata 4, Playa Blanca (next to H. Natura Palace) www.sebastyans.com

Reservations: 928 349 679 The Gazette | February 2014 | 49

In the Mood for Love .............................................................................................................................. ..

If you´re planning on eating out this Valentines Day, why not try a little adventure? This island is full of dining alternatives that will tantalise your tastebuds and provide your lifelong love aﬀair with food with something a little more exotic. look on most British main streets will show that a taste for foreign food is one of the defining characteristics of Britishness. You´ll spot American burger bars such as McDonalds and Burger King, Pizza chains such as Pizza Hut and Dominos, Nando´s offers a hugely popular blend of South African/Portuguese cooking; and, of course, there will always be at least one Chinese restaurant and a curry house where you know you´ll get a great meal. What you won´t see so often is fresh, seasonal British food you can sit down and eat – you´ll probably have to find a decent gastro pub for that. But here on Lanzarote, the local cuisine is a way of life, with small comedores and classier restaurants all vying to serve the tastiest mojos, the freshest grilled fish and the wrinkliest potatoes. Elsewhere you´ll also find restaurants offering the widely different foods of various Spanish regions including hearty Valencian paellas, inventive Basque pintxos, tender Galician octopus, perfectly fried Andalusian fish and lip-smacking Asturian fabadas washed down with cider. But as well as having a well-developed sense of its own regional and national cuisines, Lanzarote is also one of the areas of Spain that is moving most rapidly ahead in embracing new flavours and ingredients from all over the world.

Tel. 928 513 723 www.vikinghuset.com www.ritapedersen.com

International & Scandinavian specialties in a very friendly atmosphere and amazing sea views.

Surprise your Valentine with an original Scandinavian dinner

Open from 6pm till 11pm - Puerto del Carmen - Av.de Las Playas, 33 - C.C. Arena Dorada, loc. 11 - SECOND FLOOR 50 | February 2014 | The Gazette

... .....................................................................................................................

In the Mood for Love

The sheer variety of visitors to Lanzarote means that you can sample foreign delights that aren´t necessarily available back home Hamburgers and pizzas came first, of course, and you´ll still be spoilt for choice if you want some classic fast food on your evening out. British holidaymakers later established a demand for the complex and seductive flavours of Indian food and the magnificent skills that are found in Chinese kitchens, and now curries and Chinese food are a regular evening out for all sectors of Lanzarote life. But the sheer variety of visitors to Lanzarote means that you can also sample foreign delights that aren´t necessarily widely available back home. Germans, for example, are the second most important tourist market on Lanzarote, and while they often seem more willing than Brits to sample local foods, they also like their home comforts. You´ll find German baking, tasty sausages and plenty more dotted around the resorts, as well as further afield. The earliest tourists to flock to the islands were the Scandinavians, boosted by the shipping company Fred Olsen´s commitment to the islands, and although the numbers of Scandinavians have dropped off in recent years, they are a still a small but important community on the island, and it´s not hard to find a restaurant that offers the genuinely welcoming and cosy experience of dining Swedish or Norwegian-style. If IKEA meatballs are the only Scandinavian cooking you know, then you´re in for a surprise. Look further afield and you´ll also find Greek, Thai, Lebanese, Korean and Mexican restaurants, as well as wonderful Italian

establishments that offer far more than pizza and pasta.

Mix and Match ....................

It would be a mistake to think that all these cuisines have simply existed independently. The thing about chefs is that they are always looking for new ideas, new sensations, that special dish that will bring them back for more and more. Most restaurants will cater to the tastes of those they are aiming to serve, offering less adventurous dishes for children or more fussy parties, but many others have made a winning formula out of blending different ingredients and different cuisines. Again, its nothing new – Canarian cuisine is a mix of Latin American, Spanish, Portuguese and African influences; and even fish and chips has its roots in Spain and Belgium. But with the easier availability of many ingredients, and the rise of the information age, new fusions and blends are being created all the time. And they work. In fact, in many cases, the only reason they haven´t been tried before is because it wasn´t possible. If you want Italian pasta with a sauce that is spiced in unmistakable Indian fashion, there´s no reason why you shouldn´t have it. And, as we´ve said – it works. So don´t be dull, and make the very most of the huge range of dining experience that Lanzarote offers. You won´ t regret it!

Pioneers in the fusion of Italian and Indian Cuisine

A place for everybody, with two different air conditioned areas Fresh Pasta and Meats Traditional Punjabi Indian Cuisine Open daily from 11am to 11.30pm Tel. 928 072 626 mesoncafemasala@gmail.com

Ask for our Special

Valentine’s Day Menu

Puerto del Carmen – Av. de las Playas, 41 – (near Casino and Café La Ola) The Gazette | February 2014 | 51

FITNESS

GOFOR IT!

Even if your New Year´ s resolutions are looking a little neglected, there´ s still no better time to leap into the year ahead and take advantage of the incredible opportunities for keeping fit that exist on the most active of the Canary Islands. f you overhear someone telling a friend

Dynamic, Rewarding & Fun! For anyone who needs an extra boost of motivation and support to reach your weight, fitness goals and change your body shape!

Whatever Your Age, Shape or Fitness Level! • Personal Training-Individual and group sessions • All Inclusive Personal Training fitness holidays. • Spa & Fitness at the Hotel Hesperia, Puerto Calero. At my exclusive & private studio gym & pool. For more information call Mitch on 928 52 98 54 or mobile: 618 498 662 www.personaltrainerlanzarote.com

Advanced Instructor Level 3

• Stabilisation, balance and agility training • Enhanced self-defence techniques • Boxercise • Kick Box • Exercise in water • Personal customised fitness programmes • Life & Health assessments • Nutritional advice • Stress & relaxation techniques • Kidz Fit • Anti/Post Natal Fitness • Senior Fitness

Home visits available or anywhere you feel comfortable

52 | February 2014 | The Gazette

that they´ve recently completed a marathon or triathlon on Lanzarote, you´re more likely to hear that friend reply “What was your time?” than “Well done!” or “Amazing!” Nothing could be more indicative of the fact that, on this island, fitness and healthy living are, indeed, a way of life. Almost every weekend you´ll find athletes lining up for another endurance event, and a quick tour of any of the resorts will reveal scores of people playing tennis, windsurfing, jogging, cycling, hiking, swimming or performing other types of sport. While icy weather and fierce storms meant that much of Europe was hiding indoors in the early weeks of 2014, Lanzarote basked in glorious sunshine and cool breezes that make it seem a sin not to get out and make the most of it. This is an island that you have to enjoy out of doors with clean Atlantic air filling your lungs, winter sunshine on your face and pure salt water on your skin. And whatever your age or physical state, there are opportunities for making the most of your body here on Lanzarote. The hardcore athletes will sign up for their Ironman races and triathlons, but there are so many other events and activities that you´re sure to find one to suit you. Take, for example, less competitive events such

as the increasingly popular Wine Run or Music Marathon, in which you can run, walk or wheelchair along a course and experience the full pleasure of a professionally run athletic event, as well the excitement of Lanzarote´s landscapes and lively leisure scene. In the summer months, swimming competitions take place throughout the island, of varying difficulty. You can take part in a simple short swim, or go for one of the longer challenges such as the crossing of the Rio between La Graciosa and Lanzarote, which takes place in September. There are events available for everyone, but if you prefer to do things a little more independently, you´re also in luck. Lanzarote continues to extend its network of cycle paths and walking trails, and with a little planning its possible to strike out on routes all over the island, on your bike, with established walking groups or simply on your own. If you need a little bit of moral support to get up and get moving, there are also a number of personal trainers who can help you get in shape with programmes specifically tailor-made for your own needs, or you can join one of the island´s many gyms, where you´ll also find professional help as well as like-minded individuals who may well improve your social life as well as your health. You´ll also find dance and fitness classes ranging from zumba and Pilates, with the newest fitness

Lanzarote´s efforts to promote itself as a sporting destination mean that there are also endless opportunities to try out new sports and activities. programmes and equipment generally arriving on the island very quickly. And, of course, Lanzarote´s efforts to promote itself as a sporting destination mean that there are also endless opportunities to try out new sports and activities. You may have played tennis before, but have you tried paddle tennis? It´s a fast-moving and, above all, fun, small court racket sport that is especially popular in the resorts. Let your mind roam free and think about those things you´ve always wanted to try but have never had the time or energy. Windsurfing, for example, seems like a specialized sport for well-equipped experts, but you´d be surprised at how easy it is to get started and how quickly you´ll find yourself scudding along the waves in the sun. Or take a surfing lesson at Famara – you´ve never lived until you´ve experienced the thrilling surge of being propelled forward by wave power, and after a few sessions you´ll soon understand why surfers have a reputation for being blessed-out types, as the rhythms of the waves enter your very being. You could also try kayaking, sailing or even kiteboarding, but if you prefer dry land, then you´ve still got plenty of choices. Golf, bowls, beach volleyball, fivea-side football, rugby, cricket, hang gliding – we´ve only just scratched the surface. So if you´ve been hiding away since New Years Day, nows the time to break out of that rut, get outdoors and go for it!

Itʻs time to spoil yourself!

This month Special offer in Beauty Treatments – Basic Manicure & Pedicure for 34 €

… and in Hairdressing –

Special promotion:

Blister-pack of vitamins and keratin & blow dry for 25 €

Puerto del Carmen Calle Juan Carlos I, 25 H

Tel. 928 514 124

3 products for 55€ The Gazette | February 2014 | 53

PSYCHOLOGY

CAN YOU

LOVE TOO MUCH?

Mid February is the time we celebrate love and romance. A million songs have been written in praise of love, and our culture presents love as the most fulfilling, rewarding state of being, but is it possible to

love too much?

24 h phone: 649 973 366 54 | February 2014 | The Gazette

ur patterns for romantic attachment are

formed very early, beginning with the models we absorb around us from our parents and relatives. Later, in our teens we will generally start to become interested in forming our own relationships, but it is clear that even at this young age, we go about this differently. Many of us will remember schoolmates who seemed to permanently have a boyfriend or girlfriend, and who managed to quickly pair off with a new partner when a previous fling failed. Many others, of course, got through their teens without any serious attachments at all. For those of us who were too shy or simply too busy with other stuff to find a partner, these people seemed to have an almost magical aura of romance. However, as we get older it turns out that

those of us who have managed to get used to our own company and be independent may actually be the better adjusted ones. Although films, books and TV programmes sell us the idea that we are not complete unless we have the perfect mate, reality is somewhat different. Tom Cruise´s “You complete me” quote from Jerry MacGuire sums up part of the problem – the idea that we are somehow incomplete without our “other half”. While an attitude like this is undeniably romantic in the ideal relationship, the idea that you are somehow incomplete without your lover can lead to insecurities that may actually end up destroying relationships. The idea that love could be excessive reached a global audience in the late 1980s, when the US writer Robin Norwood had a massive best-seller

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with the book Women Who Love Too Much. Norwood´s book dealt with two of the more destructive aspects of romance. First, she considered whether women could be addicted to love. Addiction is a psychogical state that is undeniably destructive, and applying the concept to love was a shocking idea – but one that many readers recognized in their daily behavior. The second main idea was co-dependence – a more subtle form of the addiction model that involves allowing yourself to be controlled or manipulated by a partner with their own problems. Typically, this involves placing a lower importance on your own desires and needs, and “living for your partner.” The problem is that the partner, whether consciously or not, is abusing that selflessness. The result is not only the classic “clingy” partner, but a general cycle of mutually destructive behavior that can result in serious relationship problems. Most classically this is seen in couples where one partner’s insecurity leads to excessive jealousy, which can result in physical abuse and mental problems such as depression and addictive behaviour. The answer, according to Norwood and many professional psychologists, is to regain that selfesteem. In other words, learn to love yourself so

that you can love others. This will often involve some kind of assertiveness training (although this, too, can be taken to extremes). It´s that self-esteem that those individuals who have spent plenty of time without a partner may have already managed to build up. In other words, your single status may have helped you to function better in relationships. Of course, this too can be taken to extremes. It´s no good to be so independent that you´ll drive any prospective partner away with your insistence on having things just your way. The key in both cases is not to expect perfection. No relationship is entirely perfect, and every couple will have made sacrifices and compromises in order to live harmoniously with the other. If, on the other hand, you enjoy your life as a single person so much that sharing it will involve sacrifices that you will resent, perhaps you aren´t ready for a relationship. Either way, you can´t have it all. Real love involves sacrifice, compromise and thinking of the other person – that´s what makes it different from infatuation. But it takes a full, wellrounded and emotionally healthy person to take that leap – and that´s an area where you can make a real difference. The Gazette | February 2014 | 55

The hair trends for 2014 are so varied that

there´s bound to be one that suits you perfectly, and many of them are perfect for Lanzarote life. Here are some the top styles for this year.

Shine On

We´re talking about long, shiny tresses – almost wet-look, but glossy rather than greasy. From gelled sides to slicked-back roots this flat-to-the-head look works well when it leads into a sleek low ponytail or with loose lengths revealing a contrasting matte texture.

Messy Plaits

Pippi Longstocking plaits are an important trend that keeps on coming, and they´re also a fun, manageable style for active living. This season they’re either glossy or matte, but it´s important that they´re a bit messy. Perfect for those of us who aren’t perfectionists!

TODAY

HAIR Side Partings

This boyish look reflects a recent longing for the androgynous, gamine looks of the 1930s. it´s a look that requires confidence to pull off correctly, but it can provide devastatingly sexy results.

Slept-In Texture

Great news for Lanzarote beach babes, as the tumbling, just-got-out-ofbed look combines with beach-bunny blonde for a wonderfully casual yet artfully maintained style. The key is lived-in locks, falling in waves, mixed with a soft and sleepy feel. The key is making this look undone, but well done.

Mermaid Waves

Glossy, nautical waves are the perfect style for the beach this year. Both clean and wet-look textures work and a centre-parting will add a killer contemporary touch.

Radical Bobs

Bobs have been in for many seasons but in 2014 they´ll have added edge. Short fringes and striking colours are the keys here. It´s another look that is only for the brave, but who dares wins.

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We owe a lot to our teeth. They do most of the hard work while we´re eating, they’re what we show to people to let them know we´re happy and friendly, and they´re also quite useful for holding stuff when our hands are full. o it´s obvious that we should treat them right, but apart from the usual brushing, flossing and rinsing, there are plenty of dental procedures that can improve both our smile and our bite.

Bleaching

Bleaching is a common and popular chemical process used to whiten teeth. Some people get their teeth bleached to make stains disappear, while other just want a whiter shade. Discoloration in the enamel can be caused by medication, coffee, tea and cigarettes. It can also be hereditary or just part of getting older. Bleaching is a process that can be performed by your dentist in the office or, under dental supervision, at home. Treatment begins when your dentist creates a custom mouthpiece to ensure the correct amount of whitening solution is used and that your teeth are properly exposed. Typically, whitening at home takes two to four weeks, depending on the desired shade you wish to achieve.

Bonding

Bonding is tooth-colored substance used to fill in gaps or change the color of teeth. It lasts several years but only takes one visit to the dentist. When teeth are chipped or slightly decayed, bonded composite resins may be the material of choice. Bonding also is used as a tooth-colored filling for small cavities. Additionally, it can be used to close spaces between teeth or cover the entire outside surface of a tooth to change its color and shape. Bonding is more susceptible to staining or chipping than other forms of restoration.

Crowns

Crowns, also known as caps, cover a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and appearance. Due to their cost, they are used in cases where other procedures will not be effective. Crowns have the longest life expectancy of all cosmetic restorations, but are the most time-consuming.

Veneers

Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or plastic placed over the front teeth in order to change the color or shape of your teeth. They are used on teeth with uneven surfaces or are chipped, discolored, oddly shaped, unevenly spaced or crooked. Little or no anesthesia is needed. This treatment is a cheaper alternative to crowns, which are more expensive. The procedure requires your dentist to take an impression of your tooth. Before the custommade veneer is cemented directly onto the tooth, your dentist will lightly buff the tooth to compensate for the added thickness of the veneer. Once the cement is between the veneer and your tooth, a light beam is used to harden it.

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FOOD

Faithfulness is fine when it comes to football teams and marriages, but there´s no need to apply it to every area of your life. And dining is certainly one of those areas where it pays off to try a bit of the other.

ou may already have your favourite Lanzarote restaurant, and that´s fine. It probably won´t be going away too soon. But why not open your eyes and tastebuds and experience something a little more exotic, a little more adventurous? On Lanzarote there are literally thousands of new dishes waiting for you, hundreds of unexplored establishments and countless new dining experiences. Go on, you know you want to!

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FOOD

Why With the success of programmes such as the Great British Bake Off and The Taste , it would seem that we are all keen on becoming accomplished amateur cooks. But while preparing. serving and enjoying your own food can be hugely fulfilling, as well as easy on the purse strings , people will still always want to dine out. Here´ s why…

The Event Factor .......................................

Dining out doesn´t have to be a big deal, but there´s always something special about it. Family meals are the mainstay of most households, but the limited repertoire of most home cooks, the unchanging surroundings and the simple fact that they are part of daily life mean that we relish the opportunity to get up, get out and dine somewhere else – even if it’s with the same old faces as ever. Older British and Irish readers will recall that dining out was, within recent memory, a special event – something that only happened a few times each year, and an occasion to really look forward to. But even in Spain, where dining out has always been a way of life, eating out remains a pleasure. There are new delicacies to enjoy, good wine to be drunk and a new environment to relax in. and on an island like Lanzarote you could eat out every day and it would never become boring.

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The best chefs, of course, eat out all the time. That´s why they are the best chefs. When you´re eating out you get to experience new ingredients, new serving ideas, new recipes and new

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A really memorable meal satisfies all the senses, ands that´s something that´s far more likely to happen in memorable surroundings.

flavours . For the adventurous diner, Lanzarote has endless possibilities to offer, from the local cuisine with its fresh local ingredients, to mainland Spanish food from the widely differing regions of Spain to restaurants from Italy, Greece, Mexico, China, India and many other places. Eating out is the perfect way to experience food, experiment with it and widen your knowledge and pleasure. The more establishments you try, the more dishes you´ll get to sample, and the greater the likelihood that you´ll find that perfect place that you´ll return to again and again. Which brings us to…

Old Favourites ...................................

For the less adventurous, eating out is still a treat. There is nothing quite like being welcomed by a friendly waiter who knows your name, shown to your usual place and choosing a meal from a menu that you know backwards. It’s a cosy, welcoming experience that allows us to relax completely in the capable hands of cooks and waiters that we trust completely. No surprises, perhaps, but some great eating.

No Chores ...................................

If the BBC really wants to reflect what home cooking is like for millions of people, it should really launch a series called the Great British Dish Wash, in which weary

householders put on their pinnies to grimly scrape the baked-on encrusted muck from filthy saucepans and baking trays that even the dishwasher can´t handle. There would be special rounds for scraping splatters off the inside of the oven, and a time trial to see who could put all the clean dishes away quickest. The show would end with them slumping exhausted in front of the TV to watch a repeat of Birds of a Feather before going to bed. Of course, this doesn´t happen to Nigella or Jamie. They have “assistants” (read servants) to do this for them . But it´s almost certainly happened to you. And that´s why eating out is a treat. While you´re enjoying your coffee or liqueur at the end of the meal , you can relax in the knowledge that someone else is facing your dirty dishes.

Sights and Sounds ...................................

Food is not just about the senses of taste and smell. A really memorable meal satisfies all the senses, ands that´s something that´s far more likely to happen in memorable surroundings. Think of your favourite meals ever and the chances are that many of those experiences took place in unforgettable places, with the sunlight on your skin and the sound of clinking glassware, laughing children or sweet music in the background. Lanzarote´s sheer beauty means that there are literally hundreds of opportunities to enjoy new places, new sensations and simply treat your senses to an breathtaking view of the sea, or the mystical volcanoes of Timanfaya.

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FOOD

Italian

A world without Italian food would be a poor one indeed. No pasta, no pizza, no ice cream and none of those ingredients that have seduced our palates and become part of our lives such as parmesan cheese, salami, rocket leaves and herby tomato sauces.

ortunately we´re surrounded by Italian ingredients and

meals, and one of the beauties of this country´s amazing culinary legacy is that we could spend a whole lifetime discovering new Italian dishes. But variety is only part of the reason behind the astonishing global success of Italian food. Its sheer versatility and adaptability mean that it can fit comfortably in with any other cuisines you mention, unlike the strict traditional dishes you´ll find in France, for example. Some call this mixing and experimenting fusion, but the fact is that it has been going on for

62 | February 2014 | The Gazette

decades, if not centuries. Take pizza. Originally a simple bread from Naples (it´s name shares a root with Greek pitta bread) where it was served with tomato paste and buffalo mozzarella, it wasn´t until it crossed the Atlantic that it became a staple food for millions of non-Italians. Like opera and espresso coffe, this Italian invention has now travelled the world, and the world has made countless versions of it in its own style. As a result, you can now buy kosher pizzas in Tel Aviv, kangaroo pizzas in Sydney, tandoori pizzas in Bombay and, of course, deep-fried pizzas in Scotland. The famous Hawaiian pizza topping, with ham and pineapple, was invented on mainland America as a part of the tiki craze for Polynesian cuisine in the 1950s (even though pineapples nor ham aren´t particularly Hawaiian). Nevertheless, Norway holds the record as the most pizza-crazy nation, with the average Norwegian wolfing down 5.4 kilograms of pizza every year. Then there´s pasta. Essentially a tough wheat paste, pasta came to Italy from China, but the italina flair for design and cooking transformed it into the basis for a million meals. Available in hundreds of shapes ranging including ribbons, seashells, butterflies, spirals, strings, and sheets, and often blended with spinach, eggs, cheese or other flavoursome ingredients, pasta is the very essence of adaptability. And it´s bland taste means that is the perfect basis for

myriad toppings. The only limits to what you can do with pasta are those of the cook´s imagination. The Italian exodus is undoubtedly responsible for the popularity of Italian food in America, as well as phenomena such as Scottish ice cream parlours, but recent years have seen ever more interest in the possibilities of Italian food by chefs from the UK and other countries. In the Uk the first great champion of Italian food was Elizabeth David, who revealed a sun-drenched, flavourpacked and fresh style of eating to a country whose idea of culinary sophistication was still Fanny Cradock making veal in a great slab of aspic jelly and where olive oil was something you bought at the chemist to get rid of earache. Waves of chefs and writers followed David´s lead, with cooks such as Antonio Carluccio making names for themselves in London, but it was a kitchen assistant at the influential River Café in London who would go on to make Italian style the hottest ticket in Britain. Jamie Oliver has always celebrated his roots in Italian cookery, and it is still the style he most frequently returns to. For a nation that was enjoying the increasing availability of ingredients in supermarkets, his fresh, healthy and hearty cookery became a touchstone. As a result, Italian influenced dishes can be found on menus and blackboards all over Britian, and the Brtish passion for invention and experimentation means that it is frequently mixed with local ingredients such as Colchester oysters or black pudding. Lanzarote, of course, is no exception to the Italian wave, and you´ll find restaurants on the island that also use Italian ingredients and dishes, often blended in with more local Canarian or Spanish traditions or in completely new relationships with Indian food. All you have to do is enjoy it – Buon appetito!

Pasta came to Italy from China

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NIGHTLIFE

American has influenced and changed our leisure culture to an enormous extent. Why? Because it shows as a world we all want to enjoy, if only for an evening or two.

ollywood is, of course, the main reason for the way the world has adopted American culture, followed later by that country´s export of hugely popular TV programmes all around the world. As a result, we all know what a Wild West bar looks like, even though we´ve never actually been to one. And the seductive images of

American nightlife and leisure have been adopted and reinvented all over the world. And it´s nothing new. Our grandparents loved to watch “white piano” films starring Fred Astaire, who would glide around opulent hotel lounges with a variety of partners, sipping cocktails and smoking cigarettes in an elegant style when he wasn´t actually dancing. The sophisticated image of American style was born in the jazz age of the 1920s, and has been a constant influence on fashion, décor and nightlife. It has been revived many times, and the discos of the late 70s owed a lot to the mirror-balled, glittering ballrooms of the 1920s.

Nowadays, it has returned once more, thanks to the recent film remake of the perfect glittering novel of that sparkling age, The Great Gatsby. Gatsby-influenced clothes have already been seen on the catwalks, and the opulent lifestyle of dancing, drinking and flirting seems to be even more popular as the storm clouds of financial gloom seem to be slowly rising. New York is the centre of this vision of urban elegance, and the world´s most vital city continues to be a huge influence on how we entertain ourselves. Most recently, the key influence has been Sex and The City. To take just one example: in one episode of the show, Carrie Bradshaw tasted one gorgeous cupcake. Cont. on p.67 >>>

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NIGHTLIFE

>> Cont. from p.64

“

The result? An entire industry spanning both sides of the Atlantic, backed up by countless websites, TV programmes and books. And all because one woman was filmed tasting a pretty cake. But New York isn´t the only centre of attention. The laid back sun and surf lifestyle of California has lent itself to a million imitations, and you´ll see them dotted all over the Canary Islands. All you need is a beach, a well stocked bar, some well-chosen music and an informal atmosphere. A few Hawaiian touches help, of course, and reflect the influence of the birthplace of surfing. That laid-back style is very much a part of American leisure. Recently, the Mayor of New York was criticised for eating a pizza with a knife and fork. It didn´t matter that Italians have been

American style is laid-back and informal but opulent.

using the forks they invented for centuries – in New York you eat pizza with your bare hands. But laid-back doesn´t necessarily have to mean a loss of elegance or style. And the place where you´ll find old fashioned manners and elegance belended with an easy informal style is, undoubtedy, New Orleans. It´s not called The Big Easy for nothing. Louisiana´s biggest city has centuries of relaxed yet sumptuous style behind it, dating from its years as a major shipping port with links to the Caribbean and South America. It´s a unique cultural melting pot where races and nationalities have blended

for centuries, resulting in a city unlike anywhere else in the world. New Orleans is, of course, most famous for music, and the fact that this is the town where jazz was invented is no surprise. That music arose from a carnival tradition every bit as strong as the one you´ll find here on the Canaries, blending influences from French military bands, African slaves, Scottish and Irish Baptist churches and thousands of sailors to come up with what has been called “America´s classical music.” But first and foremost, jazz is good time music, played to celebrate fiestas and the lives of those

who died. It combined with ornate French decoration and architecture, good down-home eating, smooth Bourbon and cocktails and the sense of adventure and splendour typified by the old Mississippi gambling boats to create an atmosphere that has also been reproduced throughout the world. Then, of course, there is Mexico. It´s south of the border now, but the fact that it once extended way up into modern Texas has had an undying influence on southern leisure. Tex Mex food is just one of its legacies – a delicious, spicy cuisine that seems to find new fans wherever it travels. Texan bars were also well known for music, with mariachi bands mingling with cowboy guitarists, providing the sort of entertainment that can now be found in bars and restaurants all over the world.

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Visit us at www.lanzazkoyen.es C/ Mina, 10. Arrecife. Tel/Fax: 928 815 639 Email: albertolanzazkoyen@hotmail.com comercial@lanzazkoyen.es The Gazette | February 2014 | 67

&cultureArt&cultureArt&culture tureArt&cultureArt&cultureAr Percussion Spectacular V erónica Cagigao and Carlos Castañeda ar e two young graduates of the music department at the University of La Laguna in T enerife whose skills and vision have alr eady led them to performances all over Eur ope. The pair form TAK-NARA, part-group, part percussion project, and they use a wide variety of percussion instruments, including drums and glockenspiels to create soundscapes that are unforgettable. Since forming in 2008, TAK-NARA have been invited to perform in Germany, Belgium, Italy and Slovenia , where their unique stage show has received rave reviews. Later this year they will be taking their first trip to

the USA, to perform in fr ont of a completely different audience. Nevertheless, TAK-NARA remain rooted in Tenerife and the Canaries, Of all the sections in the or chestra, percussion is probably the one with most immediate appeal for children, and has always been seen not only as a gateway to music, but also as a fascinating discipline in itself. TAK-NARA have presented their music in a number of local Canarian schools. This month, Lanzarote music fans will be able to experience TAK-NARA, as the group arrive on the island to perform at the Convento de Santo Domingo in Teguise on 4th February at 9pm. Tickets are €15.

Slovakian Sounds C appella Istropolitana is a chamber orchestra based in Bratislava, Slovakia, a city with centuries of musical tradition. Formed from the most outstanding soloists in the city , Cappella Istropolitana are a formidably talented orchestra who have been sought out by some of the world´s most famous conductors. With over 25 years of experience behind them on the inter national concert circuit, they are among the most popular attractions on any city´s cultural agenda. Cappella Istropolitana have also received a number of critically acclaimed CDs. The orchestra arrive on Lanzarote on 12th February to perform at the Teatro Insular in Arrecife at 9pm. They will be performing a programme that will include works by the award-winning Italian composer Nino Rota (famed for his Godfather Theme), as well as pieces by Sammartini, Telemann, Vivaldi and Dvorak.

68 | February 2014 | The Gazette

reArt&cultureArt&cultureArt& Art&cultureArt&cultureArt&cu

Carnival

is coming

hile many residents and tourists will attend the big car nival parades that will take place through March (see our guide on page 26), many of them are unaware that these explosions of colour and noise signal the culmination of weeks of car nival events. In the weeks before the parade, various competitions take place in which the best drumming groups (batucadas), singing groups (murgas) and dancing groups (comparsas) are elected. The contests generally take place in local theatr es and can be every bit as exciting as the parade itself, as noisy supporters cheer their gr oups on. Each municipality will shortly be presenting their carnival agenda, so keep an eye out for a complete run-down of events. And don´t forget that Lanzarote isn´t the only place wher e carnival will take place. If you really want to experience Canarian car nival at its deafening, best, then its still not too late to book a trip T enerife. The Tenerife capital will be buzzing with events on the weekend befor e March 4th, when the largest parade in Europe will begin at 4pm and signal an evening of wild, partying.

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a Graciosa , the small island lying just of f the north coast of Lanzarote, has a wild, unspoilt atmospher e that reminds many older visitors of how the Canaries used to be befor e the arrival of mass tourism. A stark, arid volcanic island, it of fers miles of rough tracks, a couple of beautiful beaches and a landscape of wonderfully coloured volcanic rocks. The two villages on the island ar e small, no-frills settlements which only receive many tourists in the summertime. All of this makes La Graciosa the perfect place for an endurance event, and in the Desafio Octava Isla (Eighth Island Challenge), which takes place on the weekend of the 23r d and 24th February, that´s exactly what will happen. Athletes will take part in two days of competition, starting with the Trail event on Saturday, a long-distance running event of 31 kms or 20 kms. The r oute will traverse some of the toughest terrain on the island. On Sunday, the Triathlon Cross will take place – a real tester consisting of a one kilometer swim, a 20 kilometr e cycle on the island´s rough, sandy tracks, and a 6 kilometr es run. Registration is open until 17th February at www.lanzarotedeportes.com

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The Gazette | February 2014 | 69

NIGHTLIFE

Nightlife has never been all about dancing until you can hardly stand. And on laid-back Lanzarote, a more relaxed evening out has always been in demand. gave Ibiza an advantage that Manchester or Brighton were never going to match, and its fair to say that the chill-out concept still works best in warm climates. In Spain, of course, it´s almost a necessity. Nightlife here starts around midnight and can go on until sunrise the

Lounging around T

he clubbing revolution that started in the 80s and took over the world in the 90s changed the face of nightlife. All of a sudden it was all about dancing all night long to thumping music, waving your hands in the air and staggering home exhausted in the small hours. But even in the early days it became clear that many people preferred a more relaxed pace, and the move back to a more laid-back vibe started in Spain. It was on Ibiza that smart entrepreneurs spotted that the all-night frenzy that most clubs offered led to a

70 | February 2014 | The Gazette

demand for a calmer, more spiritual atmosphere, and the chill-out concept was born. In the UK, it was generally limited to chillout rooms where ravers could ﬂop down and get their breath back while listening to some ambient music, but on Ibiza entire establishments appeared, offering comfortable spaces to relax, cocktails and a much more organic, soothing style of music which soon started popping up in restaurants and cafes all over the world. The starlit nights, clear full moons, warm evenings and beautiful sea views, of course,

next day. This means that you have to pace yourself, allowing plenty of time to relax between dancing. And there are no warmer climates in Europe than the Canary Islands. Even Ibiza shuts down for the winter, but here, a hundred miles off the coast of Africa, we live on a sub-tropical island that enjoys year-round warmth and sunshine. Lanzarote’s distance also means it has never had the party reputation of Ibiza or Ayia Napa – there are few raucous hen or stag parties here, and the tourist profile has always been a little more mature – the type of people who come here do so to enjoy themselves at their own pace. Which is why chilling out is so easy on Lanzarote. You´ll find places to dance yourself to death if that´s what you want, but you´ll also find plenty where you can sit back, relax and enjoy great music without necessarily having to scream to be heard over it.

What`s onWhat`s onWhat`s onWhat`s onWhat`s hat`s onWhat`s onWhat`s onWhat`s onWhat`s Arrecife

02.

Until 2nd February

2014

ry Februa

Tías February

Concert: Trio Zapatista

Fun Fair

Humorous and joyful Mexican mariachi, made in the Canaries. Tias, Teatro Municipal Free entry 8pm

24 rides & stalls with attractions and rides for all the family Arrecife, Recinto Ferial 6-11pm

on s ` t a h W

02.

Pto. Calero February

Lanzarote Fantasia Musical Extravaganza with Camilla Paulsson, Marlene Pierce & Charlie McGee Puerto Calero Entry 15€

05.

04.

Teguise February

TAK NARA percussion (IV Joven Festival) The Tenerife-based percussion group TAK NARA have travelled Europe with their spellbinding and inventive live performances. 30º Festival de Música de Canarias 2014 Teguise, Convento de Santo Domingo Entry: 15€

08.

Tahiche

08.

February

Car Boot Sale in aid of SARA Animal Centre 9.30 am – 12.30 pm, Tahiche Garden Centre. Call 646838749 for info.

Arrecife

Chamber orchestra: Capella Istropolitana

La Graciosa February

Desafío Octava Isla / Eighth Island Challenge Trail + Triathlon Cross, Registration possible until 17th of February La Graciosa. 11am

72 | February 2014 | The Gazette

Typical folk music from Lanzarote with the groups Raíces, Geito and Pal Porrón. Arrecife, Bar 30ypico Entry 10 Euros. 10.30pm

Pto. Del Carmen February

Skatoons The mighty Skatoons are back! Check them on Facebook for more info. Puerto del Carmen (tbc)

30. Festival de Música de Canarias. Works by Rota, Sammartini, Telemann, Vivaldi and Dvorak. Arrecife, Teatro Insular. 9pm Entry: 15€

22.

Verbena de Parrandas

21.

February

Arrecife February

22. 02. -05.03.

Arrecife February/March

Carnival Arrecife

Arrecife´s carnival is the first on the island, and events will begin in February leading up to the main parade in Mar ch. More information on p.18 and next month 3rd March Big Carnival Street Parade 5th March Burial of the Sardine

t`s onWhat`s onWhat`s onWhat`s onWhat`s onW `s onWhat`s onWhat`s onWhat`s onWhat`s on Bienal Lanzarote Until April 2014 Paradise, by Thomas Struth Discussion, by Tony Cragg MIAC - Museo Inter nacional de Arte

Insel Aquarelle (Island Watercolours) Centro de Arte Convento Santo Domingo

Contemporáneo, Arrecife

Little Gallery – Contradictions and AppearancesArrecife, Hotel Miramar’

Malerstamm Michael, by Jörg Immendorff Mirador del Río & Monumento al Campesino

Crea en miniature/ Creating in Miniature Bars/Restaurants in Arrecife, Teguise,

Conversation piece, by Juan Muñoz Artlántida, by Jason deCaires Taylor Without title, de Tony Cragg Puerto

Tías and San Bartolomé. A gastr onomy Project that accompanies the art exhibitons. The participating bars and restaurants prepare special “tapas” during the months of the Bienal.

Deportivo Marina Rubicón, Playa Blanca

Huellas en el paisaje (Footprints in the Landscape) (Agustín Bethencourt, Alberto Lasso, Diana Soriano, José Manuel Clar, Alfonso Valls y José Parrilla) Centro Cívico de Playa Honda

REGULAR EVENTS

Lanzarote and its transition to the modern day Sala Municipal de Arte "Charco de San Ginés" Cinema in original version: Don´t forget: every Thursday the cinemas in Deiland (Playa Honda) and Atlantida (Arrecife) show films in their original language, with Spanish subtitles, giving you the chance to see US and British films often before they arrive in the UK.

TUESDAY Regulars

WEDNESDAY Regulars

THURSDAY Regulars

10 -2: Art and Souvenir Market, Puerto Calero Susi & Gopar, Playa Blanca, Cuatro Lunas Every second Tuesday of month, 11 am: Cancer Support Group, Marilyn´s Bar, Playa Honda.

9-2 pm: Market, Playa Blanca, Marina Rubicón

10 pm: Mauricio & Angy, Playa Blanca, Cuatro Lunas

FRIDAY Regulars

10 -2: Art and Souvenir Market, Puerto Calero 10:30 - 14:00: Social Fridays / Expat Community Sun Park Living 5-10 pm: Market, Costa Teguise, Pueblo Marinero 9 pm: Cuban Music, Teguise, El Patio Creperie 10 pm: Jam Sessions, Teguise, Bar La Galeria New! Summer concerts: Live Concerts with different groups (call 928-826789 to confirm) Costa Teguise, Terraza Zen (Campo de Golf)

Valentine’s Day 14th Feb Book your Valentine’s dinner with us

6-10 pm: Craft and Souvenir Market, Costa Teguise, Pueblo Marinero 5pm - 7pm: Sun Rockers Tea Party, Sun Park Living, Playa Blanca SATURDAY Regulars

SUNDAY Regulars

9-2 pm: Market, Playa Blanca, Marina Rubicón

9-2 pm: Market, Teguise

9-2 pm: Market, Arrecife, Plaza Iglesia de San Ginés

9-2 pm: Farmer’s Market, Mancha Blanca

9-14:30 pm: Market, Haría, Plaza 10-2 pm: Traditional Market, Uga 10-2 pm: Market at La Recova, Tias, Plaza Anfiteatro El Pavón 10 pm: Cuban Music, Playa Blanca, Cuatro Lunas

10- 2 pm Original PALS Car Boot Sale, Lanzarote A Caballo. Call 928830298 for info. 10-2 pm: Market, Uga

Enjoy an Irish Stew on St Patricks Day

Celebrate Paddy´s Day with us next March 17th!

C.C. Jameos Playa, local 47 • Puerto del Carmen • Lanzarote • Tel: 690 196 653 The Gazette | February 2014 | 73

Lanzarote

LANZAROTE Map Pages

LA GRACIOSA ORZOLA PLAYA DE LA COCINA

MIRADOR DEL RIO MALPAIS DE LA CORONA

GUINATE MÁGUEZ

FA M

AR A

HARIA

LA SANTA

EL CORTIJO

CALETA DEL CABALLO

LA CALETA DE FAMARA SOO

LA ISLETA

AY PL

TAJASTE CASAS DE GUIGUAN N A LC O V EL

TESEGUITE

NAZARET TAHICHE GOLF

SAN BARTOLOMÉ MASDACHE GUIME

COSTA DE TEGUISE LASPLAYA CUCHARAS PLAYA BASTIAN

CASTILLO DE SAN JOSE MUELLE DE LOS MARMOLES

GOLF

PLAYA HONDA

CASTILLO DE SAN GABRIEL

Art Trail

AIRPORT PLAYA DE MATAGORDA

PUERTO DEL MATAGORDA CARMEN PLAYA DE LOS POCILLOS PUERTO CALERO PLAYA BLANCA FEMMES PLAYA QUEMADA

Cycling

PLAYA BLANCA

EL MOJON

MONUMENTO AL CAMPESINO

CONIL

LAS BREÑAS

CASTILLO DE GUANAPY

MOZAGA

LA GERIA TÍAS LOS HERVIDEROS UGA SALINA DE JANUBIO YAIZA MACHER PLAYA DE JANUBIO

TEGUISE

Art Trail

MONTAÑAS DEL FUEGO

EL GOLFO

TIÑGUATÓN Art Trail

PARQUE NACIONAL DE TIMANFAYA

GUATIZA

Art Trail

MANCHA BLANCA

PLAYA DE LA GARITA

JARDIN DE CACTUS

MUÑIQUE

TIAGUA LA VEGETA TAO

ARRIETA

MALA

LOS VALLES

EL CUCHILLO

TINAJO

JAMEOS DEL AGUA PUNTA DE MUJERES

MIRADOR TABAYESCO DE HARIA

PLAYA DE SAN JUAN LA SANTA SPORT

CUEVAS DE LOS VERDES

PAPAGAYO

Police

Marina

Harbour

Taxi Rank

Ferry

Windsurfing

Petrol Station

Church

Chemist

Post Office

EL PAPAGAYO

Golf Course

The Gazette | February 2014 | 75

Business - Tías

NEW SERVICES: COLOUR COPIES, SCANNER AND FAX SERVICE

Furniture • Sofas • Decoration Mattresses • Kitchens • Appliances

ALSO FROM YOUR MEMORY STICK!!!

• Everything for your home with the best prices at top quality • Free delivery

C/ Libertad nº 19 - Local 2 35572 Tías Tlf./Fax: 928 83 36 28

C/ Libertad nº 17 - Local Tías Tlf./Fax: 928 8834 041 Fax: 928 834 025 info@galeriaslaura.com 2 www.galeriaslaura.com

CALLE HINOJO

• Everything you need for school • Visit us and find out our great prices • Tabacco - Newsagent - and Much more

Los Lirios

Conil

AV. CENTRAL Av Central

EN AV. C

CA LL

.C AV

ERES

CALLE S AN

RAL

CALLE LA LUCHADA

LZ2

PED RO

LZ2

GALD OS

Macher/Yaiza

AL RR

ARDO

AT O M C/

AD A

N SA CALLE

O DR PE

Footb Cou

OR LE

TÍAS

AIB S TAB CALLE LA

AV. C EN

TRAL

CALLE DRAGO

O FAJ

ANDR

ENAD

Qualified mechanics at your service in Tías. Open from 8am till 1pm and from 4pm till 7pm

THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL OFFER

Air Conditioning reﬁll only 45€ • Treatments both for children and adults

• Physiotherapy • Sports massage & r elaxing massage • Reflexology • Ear Acupuncture • Trancehealing • Healing • Clairvoyancy • Trancemedia • Courses • Spiritual travels • Psychic and spiritual guidance

76 | February 2014 | The Gazette

Calle Las Tabaibas 24, Tias Tel: 648 778 417 lykke@lykkelhasa.com www.lykkelhasa.com Lykke Lhasa

ITV (MOT test) due? Simple. Just bring us your car, and we´ll take care of the lot. All you have to do is come and fetch your car with it´s brand new ITV ! We carry out all mechanical services including: • Pre - ITV • Air conditioning refills • Diagnosis • Car wash • Fast service

Find us in Tias opposite the Ally shop. C/ Matorral Nº 5. Mobile: 659 88 54 51

Quality Materials & Guaranteed Workmanship

Personalised Gifts for your

Valentine

• Food to Take Away

Open Mon - Sat 13:30 to 24:00 Sunday Closed

Avda Central de

Tel : 928 524 076

Open Mon - Sat 13:00 to 24:00 Sunday 14:00 to 22:00 Closed on Tuesday Tías Tel : 928 833 967

Calle Libertad 19, Tías Tel: 928 834 428 / 676 670 786 l Watch Repairs l Key Cutting l Personalised Gifts l Boot and Shoe Repairs l Laser Engraving and Cutting www.geppettolanzarote.com geppettolanzarote@gmail.com BROWN DELI & PICK UP POINTS: geppettolanzarote POPEYE'S BAR

MULTI REPAIR & ENGRAVING CENTRE

ria

Arrecife

las Ca

lle

CALLE PIO XII

JAS CAL LE TA

AS BL SA N E LL

EL P AVO N

CAL LE

LA UE INZ QU

O AL

LLE

A REZ F O NT ES

RTA D LIBE

FL EM

PA BL O

CAL LE

III

B LI

OS OLIC CAT

L O RE N Z

F AV A

ES EY ER LL

CALLE

LE D

LE AL C

CA L

P IO XII

CALLE SAN BLAS

E AT

Football Court

Av Central

D TA ER

Ayuntamiento Tias

RA AT v

E ME

POST OFFICE E

AN TA

CAMINO BERN

tra

O CT OR

POLICE

n LCe

.C AV

CHEMIST

IGUALID

L UG AR L

L AL

CALLE SAN

ANTONIO

CALLE

Tias Primary School

W PO

CHEMIST

NIDAD CALLE FRATER

CALLE LIBERTAD

CALLE AU

LAGA

LE P AJA CAL

NTR

E CALL

CALLE VICTOR FERN ANDE Z GOP AR

Hiperdino Supermarket

AV. C E

CALLE CA

D AL W

CAMINO VALICHUELO

LUGAR TINGUATON

Ferrete

RDO

CA LLE M

3 • Tapas, Snacks, Beers, Wines

CALLE SEVERO OCHOA

Tías - Business

Why wait for someone to spoil you? Why not spoil Yourself?

50€

Cava on arrival + 45 minutes massage + Style Dry & Deep Conditioning Treatment (Offer valid February only)

NEW within The Cutting Room LANZAMASSAGE, HOLISTICS & BEAUTY CENTRE Gift Voucher for Salon & Beauty Centre always available Open Mon-Thu from 9,30am to 5 pm – Fridays from 9,30am to 9pm. Sat-Sun closed. Cutting Room Lanzarote

Tel: 928 524 149 Calle Libertad, 30/1 35572, Tías, Lanzarote www.cuttingroomlanzarote.com

YOUR DECORATION & GIFT SHOP IN TÍAS

C/Islote de

• Visit us and discover our Aladdin's cave with quality household, garden items, Hilario, 6 basketry, jewellery, fireworks…at prices you can afford. Tias. (Opposite 5 Hiperdino We are open Monday to Friday from 9,30hrs till 13,00hrs and supermarket) Tel./Fax: 928-524317 from 17,00hrs till 20,00hrs Sa turday from 10,00hrs till 13,30hrs.

The Gazette | February 2014 | 77

Business - Puerto del Carmen

• Credit Cards Accepted

BOTH ENDS OF PUERTO DEL CARMEN

BOOKSWOPS

Hotel San Antonio end, C.C Costa Luz - A6 Tel: 928 513 563

• 1000´s of Books, New & Second Hand • Up to 50% trade-in on our returns • Greeting Cards, Party Goods • Stationery, Kids Books • Fax & Photocopying Service BS II.

RUTA 66

Fariones Hotel end, corner of C/Timanfaya 1st floor Tel: 928 514 931

Great atmosphere, good music and the latest videoclips. Only a few meters from the beach. The best fun to be had - day and night in Puerto del Carmen

Both shops are open Mon - Fri 9.30 - 17.00 & Sat 9.30 - 14.00 - Closed Sundays

ACA TIFE

CEN

LANZA PLAYA

NIC

3 ENA DORADA C.C.AR

AG UA

C.C.ATLANTICO

APTS. LA GERIA

ALTERATIONS

RLOS 1

CALLE GU AR DI

Open: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 till 17:00 All Clothing Shop Accounts Welcome l No Job Too Big Or Small

TROUSER SHORTENING - 30 Minute Service l Jeans l Shirts l Jackets l Skirts l Dresses l Trousers l Curtains l Pressing l Bar

QUINZE

CALLE GUANAPAY

TIMANFAYA

OBIO

ARGENTINA

CINCO PLAZAS

ELO

CLOTHING

COSTA RICA

COLUMBIA

PLAYA G RANDE

Hotel Los Fariones

APARTMENTS DEROS PLAZA AZUL CHUPA

ANZU

STA

ISAS

EROS

BUFAD

MEXICO

EL E

LAS PLA YAS

MALAGUENAS

VIA MARE

UE D

Hotel Fariones Playa

C.C.TABAIBA

YA LA

ROQ

AVENIDA

CHEMIST

FOLIAS

C.C GUANAPAY

Hotel La Perla

FAYNA

DORAMAS

BERNEGAL

POLCA

POTERA

GUATIFAY

E SA GUAYARMINA

TIMPLE

CIOS A

Ñ TA

PRIN C

TANAUSU

GRA

VENECIA

SORONDONGO

CALLE TINGUATÓN

AMAS

ZONZ

CALLE PRINCESA ICO

APARTMENTS LAS ACACIAS AJEY

TENECHEID

CESAR MANRIQUE

CESTO

GARAJONAY

RQUE

APARTMENTS HG LOMO BLANCO

ARFIA

LAS MAJADAS

POST OFFICE

E BA

POLICE

A M LA

GUAD

LUZ Y MAR

CALL

BAN

LOS SA

BENIDORM

ESA TEGUISE

CALLE PRINC

9 DENOS

A TEGUISE

ES CALLE PRINC

CALLE ALCORCE

C.C. LA CURVA

APARTMENTS TISALAYA

ISE

TEGU

CESA

RIN LLE P

JUAN CA

ERA

QUES

ELO

CALLE TOGIO

ANZU

S GO

N LO

ACIÓ GRUP

ES FFON

CALLE SÁLAMO

A GRUP

INOS

MPES

S CA

LO CIÓN

FEROS E LOS RO

SALIN

Avda de las Playas 19 Puerto del Carmen. Tel. 928 51 40 27

Service l Diving Suit Repairs Stools Recovered l Cushion Covers Made

COLLECTION & DELIVERY POINTS

78 | February 2014 | The Gazette

C/ Guanapay 3, 8 C.C Local 3 (Cardiac Hill) TEL: 928 512 018 email: zipsandhems@gmail.com zips & hems clothing alterations

FREE PICK UP & DELIVERY TO ALL RESORTS 0 Curtains 0 Carpets 0 Sofa Covers 0 Blankets 0 1 day Turnaround 0 Duvets - Vac Packed & fresh for next season 0 Take all your holiday clothes home clean. 3€ per kilo - Washed - Dried - Folded 0 Contract work for villas and apartments

9 Calle Los Sabandeños, 47 - Puerto Del Carmen Tel: 928 512 440 smartpm@hotmail.co.uk

Puerto del Carmen - Business THE ZAFFRAN GROUP OF INDIAN RESTAURANTS Authentic

Indian Cuisine I Indian Z Zaffran ff T Ta Tandoori specialties Indian ndian dian A Aroma rom Over 200 dishes ro We cook to Bollywood Children Menus your taste,

• • • • • •

mild or hot Gluten-free dishes also available

Indian Zaffran Pto. del Carmen – C/Juan Carlos I, 25 – C.C. Olivin – Tel. 928 512 747. Near the Biosfera Commercial Center

The British Surgery of Lanzarote offers a 24 hour medical service. If you need to see a doctor , you can come to any of our surgeries in Puerto del Carmen or simply call our FREEPHONE 900 811 555 number and ask for a home visit.

Indian Aroma Pto. Del Carmen – Avenida de las Playas 14 – C.C. Las Tabaibas – Tel. 928 528 405 Near Tito’s Bar

General Practitioner 24 hr Ambulance E.C.G Pediatrician Orthopedic Surgeon Laboratory

Bollywood Pto. Del Carmen – Avenida de las Playas 67 – Tel. 928 511 532 Near Café del Carmen

Avda. de Las Playas 67, Bungalow 1 (opp. S. Antonio Hotel) Pto. Del Carmen Tel: 928 5142 74

C./Plutón 6, Matagorda (opp. Jameos Playa), Tel: 9285 1 68 10 SU

LANZAROTE VILLAGE

IRLAN

MON

ACO

PORTUGAL

A RB

IST IDA EM

U KF

Hotel Los Costas COSTA LUZ BEACH APARTMENTS

E ELD GU

C.C.LA PENITA

CHEMIST

BU RG O

SA NA

PEDRO

NA CHALA

S YA LA

L AV. ITA

HORR

CHINC

HOL

CAPELANIA

.F AV

AND

ROCIE

GRE

ANCLA

ARPON

O S

N PALA

LGIC

E BE

FOND

AND

TIMON

ROS

MIRA

FINL

REMO

CALL

POTERA

Hotel San Antonio

N VE

ino Cas

E AV

PUERTO DEL CARMEN

Chevere Gift Items & High Fashion Jewellery Canalejas, 4 - Arrecife - Telephone : 928 80 88 44

Avenida de las Playas, 111. C.C. Maritimo - Unit 3-4. Puerto del Carmen

The Gazette | February 2014 | 79

Business - Puerto Calero

Enjoy our new menu

Bookings: Maxi Vidal - 928 513 181 Groups: Mariluz Pérez Fajardo - 928 513 243

AMURA

La PAPPARDELLA

Welcoming and friendly restaurant serving authentic Italian cuisine. Only a few meters fr om the sea. Tel: 928 51 29 11

Co Hot sta el Ca lero

Enjoy the gastronomic experience we can offer you. It’s unique, it’s special. amura@puertocalero.com New and ample dining rooms where you can celebrate with your family, friends www.restauranteamura.com or business colleagues. Magnificent views to the Puerto Caler o Superyacht area from our splendid terrace. Now try our Chef ’s menu, a delicious off-menu Tel: 928 513 181 2 creation that we change every week, for only €32. Open Everyday Fax. 928 511 462

Caleta del

Sebo

Hotel Hesperia Lanzarote

PPI

SHO

G RKIN

Amura 2

80 | February 2014 | The Gazette

KIN

R PA

A ARE

7 5

Puerto Calero - Business

BEST ATMOSPHERE

Marina Puerto Calero Buda Tlf. 928 849 631 Puerto Calero - Lanzarote

PA RK I

Right on the Harbour

PA R

LANZAROTE'S UNIQUE ALADDIN'S CAVE

Discover the treasure in Puerto calero

ELISAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S OFFER 50% OFF

We have many items on 2 x 1 promotion

Marina Puerto Calero, Antiguo varadero 3 Tel: (34) 928 51 62 73. email: solyarte@telefonica.net

ra Puerto del Carmen

PARKING

OLD VARADERO 6 CHEMIST

MARKET

PARKING

PUERTO CALERO

The Gazette | February 2014 | 81

Business - Playa Blanca

NOS MOVEMOS POR TÍ - WE ARE THERE FOR YOU

24 h phone: 649 973 366

902 300 400 Fenauso 3 35500 Arrecife Tel: 928 806 480 Fax: 928 806 480

We are friendly, knowledgeable and approachable making any visit to the practice comfortable and ef ficient. We offer a comprehensive range of services and medical facilities. All our team members ar e very experienced and highly qualified in their respective fields.

G LA LE CAL

AF AV

LZ-2

CALLE DEL ENZO

CALLE DEL CABOSO

Hotel Lanzarote Princess

CA LL TER MIN D ITO E L A

YO AGA PAP

URA FUERTEVENT

CALLE DE LA TEGALA CALLE DEL

D AV

EL AV D

CALLE DEL CERCADO

Tel: 928 512 611

CALL E

DER

CALLE DE LA

OME

EL C

LE D

ERO

CAL

RAD

L VA

E AV D

CALLE DE LA BRECA

Fem

CALLE DE LA CORVINA

CALLE DEL PUESTITO

CALLE DEL CALAMAR

Av A

ERA OM

Yaiza Timanfaya

CALLE DE LA BRIOTA

Pechiguera Lighthouse

2 Puerto del Carmen Playa Blanca Costa Teguise

DE LA LAPA

Open Monday to Friday 08.00-20.00. Saturday 09.00-13.00. Email: 04902@grupomrw.com www.mrw.es

R OR

BUS STATION

L DE

G AL

M LI

RIL

CALLE DE PO

CALLE DE PORIL

LIM

PLAYA BLANCA The

Your Gazette delivered right to your door Delivered to your door every month From €2

The Canary Islands & Spain 2€ per month Total 24€ per year. The rest of Europe 8€ per month Total 96€ per year

For Visa or cash payments please contact the office directly on:

928 511 515

classified@gazettelive.com Post details to: PRETINSA QUALITY S.L. Carretera Macher - Pto. Del Carmen No.24, 35571 Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain

82 | February 2014 | The Gazette

Playa Blanca - Business

Natural Medicine Consultation with Dr. Valeriano M. Torres CALL

Pechiguera Lighthouse

Mon - Fri 9.30 - 19.00 - Sat 9.30 - 14.00 Closed Sunday

MA AJA

LE B

YA BO CALL E

BOYA

ACIO

TA S A RI RG

ARIAS

RAN

LE CAL

ERIF

EN LE T

CAL

CALL

ARIA

CAN

A PAP

N AS CA

LE G

E D

Calle lS LA PALMA aP

alm

AG AP LP DE

AV DEL PAPAGAYO

O AY

Princesa Yaiza AV DEL

Z CALLE VELAZQUE

CALLE VELAZQ

IOT MAC

PAP AG AYO

UEZ

CALLE D EL TER MI

AL AM AR IN

TILLADERA

CALLE DEL ZURRÓN

CA MI NO

GAY

EL AD

T NI

AV DEL PAP A L PORIL CALLE DE

CA LLE D

ADER

L VAR

E AV D

CALLE CABOSO

Fe M

Hotel Princesa Yaiza

CALLE DEL ENZO

V A

Hotel Iberostar

CAL

Hotel Natura Palace

YO GA

EL AV. D

DIVE COLLEGE

te s

CAL

E CALL

CALLE BO YA

AV. DE

CAL

1 Playa Blanca – Calle Corvina, 1 – Tel. 928 594 455 – 629 244 533

Eco-Shop • Herbalism • Bio Food • Natural Cosmetic • Indiba-Radiofrequency • Osteopathy • Therapeutic Massage

RIA

3 C. la Corvina Rd. opp. Church Tel/Fax: 928 349 420

LAS CAN A

BOOKSWOP • 1000´s of Books, New & Second Hand • Up to 50% trade-in on our returns • Greeting Cards, Party Goods • Stationery, Kids Books • Fax & Photocopying Service.

MARINA RUBICON A CAMINO A L A MA R IN A

• A bespoke, complete villa • A.T.I certified management pool and spa package, tailored technician. to your needs. Websites : www.playablancavillamanagement.com • www.playablancapoolservices.com Email : info@playablancavillamanagement.com • info@playablancapoolservices.com Telephone : Oﬃce : +34 928 387 854 (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm) Mobile : +34 697 330 412

Playa Blanca Villa Management & Pool services” This is our FaceBook page. Many thanks and feel free to “like” us!

The Gazette | February 2014 | 83

Business - Costa Teguise

FROM

40.000€ *

* * The pictures above show an example of a refurbished apartment.

Address:

C/ Adefas s/n 35508 Costa Teguise Telephone: +0034 928 59 2006 E-mail: info@teguisol.com

LA DE LLE

5 Hotel Coronas Playa

TAB

ID EN

MAR

A DEL

LAS

LA MARETA

ABLIL LO

Hotel Teguise Playa

AVENID

LCA

ALET AS

OLDEN

APTS G

LLE

ANIOS

LOS

Apts. Los Molinos

Hotel Blue Bay

S GER

REAL

DEL

GOLF CLUB

LAS UERIL S HIG DE LA

DE LO

IDA

CALLE

Hotel Oasis

GOLF

A DEL

ERA

LES

PAL M

YUCAS

AVE N

AS C

LAS

HOS

DE L

HELEC

Hotel Barcelo

IDA

S VERO

AVE N

AVENID

DE LO

ISL A

LLE

• 1 Bedroom Apartments • 49 m2

PLAYA BASTIAN

LETA

C/ GO

PUNTA JABLILLO

COSTA TEGUISE

NOS MOVEMOS POR TÍ - WE ARE THERE FOR YOU

902 300 400 Open Monday to Friday 08.00-20.00. Saturday 09.00-13.00. Email: 04902@grupomrw.com www.mrw.es

84 | February 2014 | The Gazette

Fenauso 3 35500 Arrecife Tel: 928 806 480 Fax: 928 806 480

P JAB

Costa Teguise - Business

inter - denominational

Sunday Worship 11am 11am at at the the Barceló Barceló Lanzarote Lanzarote Resort Resort -- Costa Costa Teguise Teguise www.sundayworshiplanzarote.com www.sundayworshiplanzarote.com

ERAS

RAGO

LOS D

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LLE

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S ELFA

S IA AC LA

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LO EB

ARK RP

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POST OFFICE

Hotel Los Zocos

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CHEMIST

Hotel Puerto Tahiche

AVENID

Oasis Lanz

A DE J

Sands Beach Resort

WINDSURFING

Hotel Teguise Playa

ABLIL

CHEMIST

C/ MASTIL

Hotel PLAYA Melia Salinas DE LAS CUCHARAS

C.C. TANDARENA

Hotel Beatriz

POLICE

C.C.CALIPSO E AD

ABLIL

RAGATA

GATAR

A DE J

TAB AIB AS

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LAS

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PUNTA JABLILLO

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AVENID

ALM LAS P

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S FIC

CALLE

AVE

APT

Avda. Islas Canarias No 1 Tel: 928 59 08 68 Fax: 928 59 08 66

C/ LA

E NIDA D

With it´s familiar, local and yet modern style, Apts. Nazaret offers a personal and comfortable ambience, with special attention to making guests feel welcome. The ideal place for undisturbed peace, and a quiet and r elaxing stay. www.apartamentosnazaret.com. email: info@apartamentosnazaret.com

Hotel Barceló Avda de Mar ( for more information Tel: 928 833 382)

RUTA

CALLE

OTOS LOS CR

APARTAMENTOS NAZARET

Come as you are, bring the kids. Wheel chair access (chairs from reception) and free shuttle bus at 10.45am, opposite Las Cucharas beach car park, close to Lanzarote Gardens (Map E7).

FU ER T

RELAXED & INFORMAL

LETA

C/ GO

1000’s of Greeting Cards Club 55 Open every day from 10pm. Special erotic show. Stag night. Budget prices. V isit us also at our new club Afrodita in Puerto del Carmen. Tel: 928 346 045

SWEET memories! Club 55 Costa Teguise Club 55 Puerto del Carmen

Afrodita Puerto del Carmen

DVDs

New & Secondhand Books

VALENTINE'S DAY CARDS NOW ON SALE

• Gifts and Gift Wrap • New & Secondhand Books • Newspapers & Magazines • DVDs • Cigarettes • Souvenirs • Stationery • Aloe Vera Products thebookshop@outlook.com (next to Hotel Coronas Play a) opening times: Mon-Fri 8.15am-5.00pm & Sat-Sun 8.15am-3.00pm.

Avda. Del Mar Costa Teguise 626 409 365

The Gazette | February 2014 | 85

Ref. 415 - TAHICHE

Ref. 317 - PLAYA BLANCA

Ref. 476 - PUERTO DEL CARMEN

Ref. 359 - LAS BREÑAS

REDUCED Country house located within the lava fields near Cesar Manrique’s Fundacion. 4 bed, 4 bath, 5.500m2 plot, 395 m2 built.

NEW Detached; 600m2 plot; gated community. Well presented 3 bed 2 bath villa with large private pool.

STUNNING SEA VIEWS Large 4/5 bed detached house in colonial style. 1280m2 plot, 475m2 built. Located in upmarket area near the old town.

GREAT VIEWS Detached 3 bed villa, on a corner plot, with a separate workshop and 1 bed annexe. Fabulous views across to Timanfaya and the western coast.

PRICE: 595.000€, reduced from 795.000€

PRICE: 275.000 €

Ref. 217 - PLAYA BLANCA DETACHED 2 bed 2 bath detached bungalow in quiet area of Playa Blanca. Extended living space. A well maintained property.

SUPERB SEA VIEWS Large 3 bed 2 bath apartment with huge terrace and fantastic sea views. Town centre location, 1 minute to the sea.

Ref. 381 - PLAYA BLANCA PRIVATE 3 bed 2 bath villa in Costa Papagayo. Extended living area, large plot and private heated pool.

Ref. 383 - PLAYA BLANCA REDUCED Detached 3 bed 2 bath bungalow in quiet tranquil urbanisation. Priced to sell .

PRICE: 149.000 €

PRICE: 235.000 €

Ref. 358 - PLAYA BLANCA

PRICE: 400.000 €

PRICE: 150.000 €, down from 175.000€

PRICE: 1,100.000€

Ref. 298 - PLAYA BLANCA NEW Individually styled 2 bed 2 bath villa with large plot, pool, terraces, vegetable garden and many extras. PRICE: 298.000 €.

Ref. 432 - YAIZA REDUCED Large 4 bed 3 bath property in quiet cul-de-sac. Stunning views in all directions, private heated pool and possibility for separate annexe. PRICE: 325.000€, reduced from 359.000€

PRICE: 400,000 €

Ref. 307 - PLAYA BLANCA MOUNTAIN VIEWS 3 bed 2 bath villa in Costa Papagayo. Beautiful terraces surrounding prívate heated pool. PRICE: 229,000 €

Ref 406 - PLAYA BLANCA PANORAMIC VIEWS Located high on Montaña Roja, this 4 bed 4 bath villa has 180º degree views across Playa Blanca. With garage, games room and many extras. PRICE: 349.950 €

The

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my home

February on Lanzarote is cooler, fresher and the perfect time to get down to some serious work on your home or in your garden; to clear out clutter, make space and plan a new look It´s also the time of year when you´ll probably be most thankful for wind and water-proofing your property. We´ll cover both these aspects in the following pages. And if it´s breezy outside, all the more reason to snuggle up in warmth and comfort with someone special in your Lanzarote love nest. And February 14th is the perfect day.

contents 88 90 94 96 98

Property Shorts A Watchful Eye Property Buyers Guide The Perfect Location Let´s Stay Together

100 102 104 106 108 110 112

Sensual Style Make Some Room Make It Work! Pure Indulgence Cover Up Rain or Shine Work to Do

928 072 149 SAN BARTOLOME info@geejayestates.com • www.geejayestates.com 160,000 euros Wonderful farm situated on the Famara - Soo road overlooking stunning views to Famara. 75,000 sqm with a farm storage unit/shell perfect for reforming into a stunning property. If you love the outdoors then this is for you.

Stunning apartment 2 bedrooms in Puerto del Carmen minutes from the beach just reduced to 114,995 euros

A truly stunning Property in Islote close to San Bartolome 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms Wonderful Opportunity 335,000 euros

Soo: This stunning property is decorated beautifully throughout and has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, security gate and garages. Also small ranch for horses.

MONEY WORRIES?

If you are a UK Ex Pat then call this number to ﬁnd a solution 928 072 149 Ofﬁce hours 09.30-17.00 after hours help-line 617 57 44 55 The Gazette | February 2014 | 87

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PROPERTY SHORTS Price drops stimulate market

roperty in Spain Spanish property

prices have been falling for some years, but 2013 was a "pivotal" year, according to estate agent Lucas Fox, as affordable opportunities drew buyers back to the market not just for holiday home bargains but for increasingly affordable luxury property. "Confidence returned and, along with it, increasing numbers of international buyers, enticed back to the market by historic low prices in some of Spain's most desirable areas," explains Lucas Fox co-founder Alexander Vaughan. The falling values coincided with the introduction of new Spanish residency laws, which allow non-EU buyers to obtain residency in the country in return for a minimum real estate investment of €500,000. Now, Chinese, Russian and Middle East buyers are battling with Brits and European buyers for the best picks of the bunch. Indeed, prices are expected to continue falling in the first half of 2014 before levelling off at a more stable level. The confidence from agents rivals that of buyers, with Lucas Fox reporting that 2013's sales revenue nearly trebled thanks to the appeal of Spain's new 'Golden Visa' scheme. Prime locations such as Barcelona, Marbella and Ibiza are top of buyers' wish lists, offering a lifestyle to match the freedom of travel within the 26-country Schengen zone that the Spanish visa provides. The Canaries, so far, have failed to see as much interest as other regions resulting from the Golden Visa scheme. This could be due to the distance and travel involved, but also reflects relative stability on the islands, which have also seen prices fall, but not in the drastic way that many mainland regions have. "The general improvement in the state of the Eurozone economies coupled with Span's emergence from recession and increasingly attractive prices in prime locations have all been key drivers behind this improved buyer confidence," he adds. Indeed, data recently published by the Bank of Spain revealed foreign investors pumped a whopping 45,003.6 million euros into the Spanish economy in the first ten months of 2013, showing strong interest in Spain despite the turbulent couple of years the country has recently faced.

OAPs still want out

88 | February 2014 | The Gazette

alf of all British over-50s are

“considering” leaving the UK, a recent survey has revealed. According the results of a recent survey of 1,231 over-50's questioned by the international ﬁnancial consultancy, the _DeVere Group, cost of living is the primary motivation for quitting Britain, with almost half (49.5 per cent) stating that they have 'seriously considered', 'are thinking about', or 'would be tempted' to live overseas during retirement. Other reasons cited for relocating to foreign shores included the standard of care for the elderly, quality of life and, not unexpectedly, the weather. In terms of locations, Spain was named the top choice for relocating retirees with 27.9 per cent of those surveyed choosing the south European destination, well-known for its year round mild climate, lower cost of living and positive attitude towards the elderly. Close links to the UK in retirement are important, with France and Italy named second and third destinations of choice according to 12.6 per cent and 7.9 per cent of respondents respectively.

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Foreign residents

Established Since 1984

ecent data published

by Spain´s Ministry of Development shows that, between January and September 2013, foreign residents in Spain carried out private housing real estate transactions amounting to €4,741.6 million, which is an increase of 13% over the same period of 2012. Second-hand housing accounted for the largest portion of this ﬁgure, with expenditure in the ﬁrst nine months of the year, up 14.5% over the previous year, while transactions on new homes totalled €683.9 million, representing an increase of 5.3%. In terms of regional distribution, El Mundo reported that the region where most was spent by foreign residents on home purchases was Valencia, followed by Andalusia and Catalonia.

C.C. Costa Luz, 37 Opposite San Antonio Hotel Puerto del Carmen - Lanzarote Islas Canarias 35510

WINTER OPENING TIMES : 10:00 – 19:00 HRS

609 14 61 33 - 928 51 02 31 www.kcpropertiesestateagent.com www.lanzaroteconnoisseurvillas.com

kcpropertiesestateagent@gmail.com

ROPER, THE ONLY NAME IN PROPERTY ESTABLISHED SINCE 1984 we have the knowledge of what you need when purchasing a property

KEVIN ROPER,

known for his reputation and honest talking will provide you with all the help you need,

JUST ASK ANYBODY ON LANZAROTE. We provide all the services you should expect from organising bank accounts, N.I.E. numbers, contracts, changing of utilities, mortgages…

FULL AFTER SALES SERVICE

is our strongest point, our past and present clients know all about this.

TÍAS

Canaries lead rental boom

NEWLY BUILT HOUSES Ref No : 1246

Central position. Brand new construction. Three bedroom, two ﬂoor houses ready to go. Ideal residential or winter homes. Top quality construction.

he number of overnight

stays in nonhotel tourist accommodation (apartments, camp sites and rural tourism) exceeded 5.1 million last November, representing an increase of 7.2% over the same month in 2012, according to data published last week by the National Statistics Institute. This growth in the eleventh month of the year – the second consecutive positive month after registering an increase of 3.1% in October – was due to an increase in overnight stays by resident travellers, which rose by 12%, while non-residents’ stays increased by 5.8%. The average length of stay fell by 4.5% in November, compared to the same month of 2012, to 6.1 nights per traveller. El Economista reported that, during the ﬁrst eleven months of 2013, non-hotel overnight stays increased by 0.9% compared to the previous year. Stays in holiday apartments rose by 6.4% in November, with an increase of 20.4% for residents and 4.3% for non-residents. However, the average stay fell by 3.2%, to 7.6 nights per traveller. The Canary Islands and Andalusia were the preferred destinations for stays in apartments, with the number of overnight stays rising by 2.8% and 6.9%, respectively, year-on-year. The Canary Islands was also the region with the highest occupancy rate, with 82.1% of available apartments occupied.

Price: 126.500 €

TÍAS CANDELARIA Ref No : 1586 REDUCED! Beautifully presented villa. Modern construction built to the highest standards. Magnificent property with four bedrooms, one family bathroom and three ensuites. Various lounges, fitted kitchen, private heated swimming pool with tropical gardens, bbq area and stunning views. Surely the finest villa in Candelaria. Must be seen to truly appreciate.

Price: 450.000 € The Gazette | February 2014 | 89

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Watchful Eye service to your property purchase, assisting you in getting your property up and running after completion and beyond.

Keeping your property in tip-top shape is essential to make the most of your investment. You can, of course, do it yourself, but you may also ﬁnd that professional help is well worth the extra cost.

o keep your property in good condition and to make the most of it as a business

proposition means that you´ll have to wear many hats. You´ll need to be a handyman, a locksmith, a maid, an administrator, a manager, an advertiser, a guide, and you may even need to learn how to clean a pool, unblock a drain, report a break-in and, of course, speak Spanish with local tradesman and ofﬁcials. You may be able to do some of this yourself, but it´s unlikely you can handle all of it. And if you spend a lot of time off-island you simply won´t have the opportunity to get cracking. That´s why many property owners on Lanzarote choose to engage the services of a professional property management company. The services offered by property management companies vary widely. Some specialize in ﬁnding you holiday rental and longer term tenants, while others concentrate solely on the care of you and your property. More unusually, certain companies are able to offer not only this but also a full after-sales

90 | February 2014 | The Gazette

Breaking the Language Barrier One of the obvious benefits in working with a property management company is overcoming the language barrier that can hit when you start trying to arrange for things to be done in Spain. A prime example is organizing a telephone line – no mean feat even if you’re bilingual. But also, things tend not to happen overnight on Lanzarote and you can find yourself waiting in for this plumber and that electrician and wasting your valuable holiday time. You’ve worked hard to earn your holiday – why waste it when you’re here? A good property management company will have bilingual professionals who are experienced in all these matters, and know how to get things done as efficiently as possible.

Late Night Arrival One of the downsides of budget ﬂights is the fact that many of them arrive late at night. This means that you, or your guests may arrive at a property where the water heater has been turned off for weeks, your villa or apartment is unaired and

The

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stuffy and no-one has arranged for the air conditioning gas to be replenished. You may need new lightbulbs to see what you’re doing and, of course, there’s no milk for your morning coffee! On a more serious note, there may have been unwanted guests in the property – insect or rodent, or even human. A good and reputable property management company will thoroughly check your apartment once a week and provide you with a detailed report advising if any work needs to be carried out. Not only will they check the apartment is clean and secure, but they are also trained to look for signs of damp, infestation and minor construction problems. If work is required, they will provide you with quotations and with your approval, arrange for the work to be carried out under their supervision. You will arrive at your perfect property ready to enjoy your holiday.

Making Life Easier For You Airport pickups, welcome packs or grocery shopping are also available from most companies as well as cleaning, laundry and ironing services. As a minimum, your property management company should be able to check that your apartment is clean and the beds are freshly made prior to your visit.

Generate an Income Those wanting to generate an income from their property can also beneﬁt hugely from a reputable company’s network of holiday and longer term rental customers. Not only can they market and maintain the property for you, but they can also vet customers and ensure that the apartment is looked after with due care and attention by those using it. It also takes a lot of the stress away when you invite friends or family to use your property in your absence. Someone is available 24/7 to meet and greet them, make sure they have a key, show them how to use your appliances and advise them on places to go in the local area.

AAdded management extras company can provide:

•More Handymen and companies electriciansgo a whole lot further dynamicservices, propertyplumbers management services that make themselves indispensable to you in a very •offering Bookings for car hire, hotel accommodation, golf tee times, flights time:shopping, welcome packs and fresh flowers •short Grocery • Restaurant bookings • Hire of extra equipment (cots, beds, disabled facilities, sporting gear etc) • Event management and organization (parties, weddings, conferences) • Secretarial, administrative, translation and office services Puerto Deportivo Marina Rubicón C/ El Berrugo Nº 2, Units 13 & 14 A. Playa Blanca

Telf. 928 51 71 74

RESIDENCIAL IRIS Fase I ON THE PROMENADE/ MARINA RUBICON COMMUNITY POOL Town House 2 Bedr, 2 Bathr 195.000€ negociable Corner Town House 2 Bedr, 2 Bathr, Beautiful SEA VIEWS 230.000€ Ursula Falcon +34 – 665 661 019 info@ursulafalcon.com

•

COLORADAS PLAYA SEA FRONT Luxury Villa, 3 Terraces with stunningviews, 3 Bedr., 2 Bathr., Private pool and garage 325.000€

LAS MORERAS- SEA FRONT Beautiful with spectacular views 1 ½ Bedr. , 1 Bathr., Community Pool 165.000€

Begoña Escobar +34 - 646 396 736 comercial@ursulafalcon.com

•

www.ursulafalcon.com

The Gazette | February 2014 | 91

The main Association of RealEstate

Professionals in the Canary Islands

LAS BREÑAS

PUERTO DEL CARMEN

Wonderful 1 storey detached house with basement on a 1000m2 plot.3 bedrooms,big garage, terraces, gardens and pool. Viewing recommended. 295.000€

Stunning refurbished studio in a complex with pool, hidromassages cabinet, terrace with views. Ideal to rest in the residential area of Puerto del Carmen Old town, 33 m2 plus small terrace.

1 bedroom apartments on a private complex with swimming pool and gardens. From 60.000€

Spacious 2 bedroom apartments with lounge-kitchen, bathroom and terrace. Quiet complex with swimming pool and gardens. 90.000€

Tel. Johnny 606 659 362 Raquel 650 410 310

Tel. Michael +34 615 950 298

Tel. Johnny 606 659 362 Raquel 650 410 310

PUERTO DEL CARMEN

PUERTO DEL CARMEN Los Mojones

TÍAS

Detached villa only 5 minutes away from the main avenue and the beach. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, terrace, garden and garage. 248.800€

One-storey detached villa. 3 bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, separate kitchen, dining room, large living room, garden, 150 m2 built area and 1. 150m2 plot. 450.000€

Detached 2 storey house in quiet location of Tias. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, garden, garage and terraces. 215.750€

Amazing villa inspired by Cesar Manrique’s style. 4000 m2 plot and 550 m2 built area. 920.000€

Tel. Johnny 606 659 362 Raquel 650 410 310

Tel. Michael +34 615 950 298

Tel. Johnny 606 659 362 Raquel 650 410 310

Tel. Ana +34 660 947 146

SAN BARTOLOME

TAHICHE

Duplex facing South, 213 m2 built area, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, separate kitchen, large basement and terraces. Amazing sea views. 180.000€

One-storey detached villa in Tahiche with 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 toilet, 175 m2 built area, with terrace, garden, pool and garage for two cars. 190.000€

Detached villa in a plot of 500 m2, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, private swimming pool and a large party area. 230.000€

Attractive villa near the César Manrique Foundation. Plot of 1.750 m2, gardens, large terrace and heated pool. Extremely quiet. 390.000€

hormicasa Servicios Inmobiliarios

Tel. Michael +34 615 950 298

Tel. Ana +34 660 947 146

hormicasa Servicios Inmobiliarios

Tel. Ana +34 660 947 146

The main Association of RealEstate

Professionals in the Canary Islands

COSTA TEGUISE

Attractive 2-bedroom apartment with terrace a few metres away from the Avenida Maritima and from Pueblo Marinero 99.000€

Stunning Duplex with sea views, fully furnished, 90 m2 built area, plus 58m2 of gardens and terraces. 2 large bedrooms, main bathroom, toilet, separate kitchen, living/dining room. 132.000€

Villa in a 200 m2 plot, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, terrace with sea view and prívate pool. 235.000€

Detached villa, 250 m2 built area, in a luxury Complex, with private pool. 320.000€

hormicasa

Servicios Inmobiliarios

hormicasa Servicios Inmobiliarios

Tel. Ana +34 660 947 146

Tel. Michael +34 615 950 298

Tel. Ana +34 660 947 146

PLAYA BLANCA

EL GOLFO

PUERTO CALERO

Large semidetached duplex in a quiet residencial complex. Private pool, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and terrace with amazing views. Only 149.000€

Wonderful detached villa with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, terraces, garden and private pool. Excellent opportunity. 205.000€

Top ﬂoor 2 bedroom apartment with private roof terrace which has sea and mountain views. Great location. 99.000€

Wonderful 1 bedroom top ﬂoor apartment in a privileged location. Excellent sea views and to the port. Viewing recommended. 130.000€

Tel. Ana +34 660 947 146

Tel. Johnny 606 659 362 Raquel 650 410 310

EL CABLE BAJO

NAZARET

ARRECIFE

Detached villa of 175 m2 in a 600 m2 plot, exclusive area, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 living rooms, separate kitchen, plus 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom as a studio apartment. 490.000€

Stunning luxury villa of 400 m2 with 600m2 plot, outstanding design and made to measure with high quality materials, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and an additional bedroom and bathroom in basement. 790.000€

Detached villa of 128m2 with 400m2 plot, 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, separate kitchen with dining room and large living room. Gardens and parking area. 185.000€

Central business premises of 140 m2 in La Plazuela. With cabinet, patio and bathroom 3.500€/month

Tel. Michael +34 615 950 298

Tel. Ana +34 660 947 146

hormicasa Servicios Inmobiliarios

Tel. Michael +34 615 950 298

The

Gazette

my home You need to decide whether your property is intended for holiday use, longer term visits, or whether you intend to live here year round. Y our choice of location should take your needs into account, such as schools, medical services and recreational outlets. CHOOSING THE PROPERTY You need to know a great deal more about your property than you would if you were just spending a couple of weeks there. If there is a community association, ask your neighbours if it is well run. Ask about the community fees - don’t forget that if you are in a Community you are legally obliged to pay them or you could lose the property. BUYING THE PROPERTY The first essential thing before you part with a penny is to make sure that the person selling you the property is entitled to do so. Any agent worth his salt will have carried out a basic search and will be able to show you that this is correct. Y our agent will be able to supply you with a list of suitable Lawyers to act on your behalf, the British Consulate in Las Palmas will provide a suitable list on request, if required. Your lawyer needs to check out your intended property thoroughly. The process is not dissimilar from the UK and a check of legal title will be made through a search in the local Land Registry Office which will also indicate if there are any mortgages or charges against the property. If you are buying a plot of land, the lawyer will also check if

How to buy your

dream home Passionate Professional In Property

Brent Hart, A.R.I.C.S Chartered Surveyor & Exclusive Property Sales

TEL: (00 34) 636 708 136 94 | February 2014 | The Gazette

SERVICES For clients considering building works i.e. villas, alterations / extensions etc, we provide dedicated project management and surveying services using the most reputable and long established building contractors with over 25 years in Lanzarote: • • • •

With over 30 years experience we can ensure clients a reliable, dedicated and professional service from start to finish with financial control for your peace of mind.

•

you can obtain permission to build on the land and what size and type of property you can build; there are zoning controls on this island as well as anywhere else and an old document presented to you pertaining to be planning permission may well have changed in the interim period. Once you have been assured by your lawyer that all is in order, you will need to sign a Contract of Purchase raised by a lawyer, and pay a deposit which is usually 10% of the intended purchase price; this deposit is normally held by the lawyer who has been appointed to arrange the signing of the T itle Deed. The contract will state the terms and conditions of the sale and will state a specific time for completion of the transaction when you must produce the balance of the price. If for any reason you decide, up to this completion time that you cannot proceed with the purchase, you will forfeit the deposit paid, but if the seller changes his mind, he must return the deposit to you in full, plus a compensation payment for damages. Obviously if a lawyer is holding these funds, there’s no problem in the purchaser’s deposit being refunded. The next step is to complete the transaction by making the outstanding balance of payment and signing the title deed, which is known in Spain as the Escritura; this must be done in the Notary’s Office. The Notary’s task is to ensure that all of the legal documentation is correct, he will also carry out a search in the Land Registry Office on the day of signing to check the current status of the property or land, (and will require the last annual rates receipt from the council in which the property is situated), that this is up to date as well. It is essential to ensure that your lawyer has current receipts for all other payments such as water, electric and community charges, as debts such as these in Spain are levied against the property and not the owner. When in the Notary’s Office, you will be asked to produce your passport as evidence of identification. You will also be advised to obtain a NIF number, Numero Identificación Fiscal, which your lawyer can arrange for you.

Quotations for the Works and adjudication advice. Contractual agreement of Works including time scale/completion date. Cost control of Works and certiﬁcation for payments. Quality control – regular site visits/progress of Works.

Independent structural surveys of properties, including services (electrical and plumbing) prior to purchase. Sale of exclusive properties, and Design & Build opportunities for individual villas on prime building plots including Exclusive golf course positions.

EMAIL: brentlanzarote@yahoo.co.uk

Casas Yaiza

DECIDING THE LOCATION

We only work with the best

This article is intended as a general guide to buying real estate in The Canary Islands. It has been compiled from the knowledge and experience of a number of professionals involved in the selling, buying and conveyancing of property in Spain, but it should not be taken as a substitute for proper legal advice. It is intended only as an explanation of the system, customs and practice which you will come across, should you be interested in buying a home on the islands.

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my home PAYING THE PRICE If you are not a resident in Spain and are buying property or land it is advisable to bring your money from abroad to complete the purchase, it is simple to open a non-resident account in a local bank, and your estate agent will normally help you with this. You can then transfer your funds from your own bank in the UK, to this new account. On the signing of the new Title Deed your cheques for payment will be shown to the Notary and included as part of the documentation of the deed. They must be inscripted with details of the property of land to be purchased, or have an investment certificate from the issuing bank attached. The Notary will also require you to sign a Spanish ministry form, declaring that the investment has been made. It is also possible when purchasing from a non-Spanish resident, to pay the completion funds abroad in any currency. In this case, the deed will state an equivalent amount in Euros as this gives the value in which the transmission tax (stamp duty) is calculated. You will have to produce more than one cheque as you will be liable for capital gains tax. In this situation a sum of 3% calculated against the value declared in the title deed will need to be retained and paid to the Spanish Tax Authorities. The Estate Agents fees are normally paid by the vendor and the details of the specific percentage to be paid will normally be noted in the Purchase Contract. Beware, some unscrupulous illegal agents have been known to charge the purchaser as well as the vendor for their fees. You may well also find that the price of your title deed is not exactly the same as the cost of the purchase, as some sellers prefer to treat the furnishings and fittings, if they are included, as a separate item. REGISTERING THE PURCHASE Signing the escritura in the Notary office does not yet mean that you officially own the property . For the transaction to be complete you must register the deeds in the Registro de la Propiedad

(Property Registry). When the deeds are taken to the Registro, the purchase tax of 6.5% of the value of the property must be paid. Later the Registro will write to whoever presented the documents and ask for a second payment to cover their charges. In addition, a tax to the Local Authority , based on the increase of values of land in their area since the property last changed hands (known as ‘Plus Valia’) is payable. This is subject to negotiation between the vender and purchaser. Your Lawyer can get an estimate in advance of the purchase, so that you have the funds ready. At the same time, a form should be entered to the local authority, advising them of the change of ownership. You should remind whoever is doing your paperwork about this, as it is often forgotten. Residents must alo be tax registered in order to sell property and avoid retentions, even if they pay no tax. COSTS TO LOOK OUT FOR Other bills which will have to be paid include the Transmission Tax, the Plus Valia, the Notary’s bill, the fees from the Registro and the bill from your Lawyer , will probably come to about 10% of the purchase price. Your Lawyer will ask for these funds to be placed with him before the work is done, as too many times clients disappeared leaving these bills unpaid. Non-residents will be liable for property tax, while residents will pay the IBI assessed by the local council. However, it cannot be stressed enough, though, that you should deal in these matters with a professional person who is well established. THE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Spain has firm laws on how a Community Association shall be run, and you can find useful advice in English on this subject at www.c-euro.org and www.spainlawyer.com.

Information about your Association has to be freely available to you, as do the accounts which have to be published to the members every year. Belonging to a Community Association brings many advantages to the owner who does not intend to live in the property year round, as you can be sure that someone will be keeping an eye on things when you are away. Should you be buying a property on an ‘Urbanisation’ you will find that there is a Community Association, of which you must become a member. Each property owner on the site owns a percentage of the communal areas, and is responsible for making a payment to the Association for their upkeep. You should check before you buy that your Community Association is functioning well, how much the monthly payment is, and whether the payments for your intended property are up to date. If these payments are not made the Association can eventually seize your property, so be careful. OUTSTANDING BILLS When you buy a property you become liable for any outstanding bills for water, electricity, local rates and community fees. Both the Electricity Board (UNELCO) and the Water Company (INALSA) have forms which you and the seller must sign, to transfer the bills into your name. When you go to do this you should check that all payments are up to date. Local rates are payable at the Town Hall. You or your representative needs to visit the ‘Oficina de Recaudacion ’ at the Town Hall to give them the form changing the rates into your name, and again, checking that all payments are up to date. As bills are not sent out for the rates, property owners often forget to pay them, and they can soon mount up.

Brent Hart A.R.I.C.S

We do all types of refurbishments and building work in general Exteriors, Stone Walls, Pools

QUOTATION WITHOUT COMPROMISE

We work with

Constructors and founders of the company since 1992 Tel : 928 518 076 Mobile : 680 296 559 casasyaiza@yahoo.es C/ Lituania No. 1 - Playa Blanca Zona Industrial Urb. Montaña Roja The Gazette | February 2014 | 95

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Location

reasons. While further from the airport, it is the closest resort to Lanzarote´s capital, Arrecife. It offers a selection of stunning beaches and is unrivalled for certain sporting activities such as windsurﬁng. Again, facilities are good, and improving all the time. A bilingual private school in the resort complements decent state schools. Costa Teguise offers a more tranquil atmosphere than Puerto Del Carmen, but also has a deﬁnite buzz about it at weekends and evenings. All properties are also relatively new.

If you´re thinking of investing in property on Lanzarote, here´s a quick rundown of the most desirable areas. 1

Puerto Del Carmen

Lanzarote´s oldest and biggest resort is still the main nucleus for British ex-pats, as well as a strong Irish presence. It´s advantages are many: it´s ten minutes from the airport, boasts a wide variety of properties ranging from de-luxe villas to small holiday apartments, the resort is packed with shops, bars, and other

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facilities, there´s a golf course just up the road, two private schools that offer English and Spanish language teaching and most properties are only a few minutes from the nearest beach.

Costa Teguise

Lanzarote´s second-largest resort remains a popular choice for many

Playa Blanca

Lanzarote´s youngest resort has seen huge growth over the last 15 years, but remains popular. This is because it feels a little more isolated than the other two resorts, with unmatched views of volcanoes and the distant island of Fuerteventura. Properties are generally new, and a wide selection is on offer. Half an hour from the airport, it offers transport links to Fuerteventura and unique leisure opportunities.

Inland Towns

While the resorts all have large ex-pat populations, other towns and villages on Lanzarote offer a much more active involvement with the Spanish way of life. Nevertheless, places such as Nazaret, Tahiche, Tias and Güime all

boast substantial ex-pat communities. The pace of life is slower outside Arrecife and the resorts, and the choice of properties much more varied, offering everything from old rural ﬁncas to modern villas. The larger municipal capitals: San Bartolomé, Tias, Teguise and Yaiza, are generally better supplied with public facilities such as sports centres, council ofﬁces and health facilities, and each has its special charm. All offer adequate shopping and a variety of properties.

Specialist Hotspots

Going Urban Native

Famara beach is a magnet for surfers and mystics, but property is very much limited in the area. Out of the way towns and villages such as Tinajo and Haria also offer a much more traditional Lanzarote way of life, as will anywhere in the surprisingly extensive rural interior of the island.

Arrecife is Lanzarote´s largest city, but expats are few in the capital. Property, however, is cheap and wide-ranging. The second-largest town, Playa Honda, has been chosen by a number of expats – you´ll be living amongst thousands of locals, and properties are mostly new family homes. The atmosphere, however, is welcoming and the promenade and beaches are gems.

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Services: Personal Attention • Credit Facilities

• Free Delivery • Fast Delivery • Free Quotation

At San Simon you will find all the quality, warmth and comfort that you’re looking for.

sale from

20%

UPTO

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Together FURNITURE KITCHENS ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES MATTRESSES HOME TEXTILES DECORATION We Speak English Special Prices For Catering Trade Lots of Catalogues Find us in the heart of San Bartolome, only a few steps from the Ayuntamiento.

C/ San Simón, 44 - San Bartolomé Tel.: 928 520 405 info@mueblessansimon.com www.mueblessansimon.com

98 | February 2014 | The Gazette

“Just the two of us” is an everyday reality for many Lanzarote households, so what better time than Valentine´s day to look a little closer at how you can make your home for two into a real love nest?

he majority of Lanzarote apartments are designed for two people – whether they´re retired couples enjoying the freedom and peace of a holiday home without children, or more active, working younger pairs holidaying or working on their own before starting a family. But while you may think that living with that special person may be every lover´s dream, there are ways that you can make your love nest even cosier. The advantages of living as a couple are well known, but they´re still enough to make any parents weep with envy. You get to sleep in when you want, eat and drink when you want, go out when you want, you can decorate your home as you like without having to worry about child safety or the damage that kids cause, and, best of all, the only person you have to worry about sharing your space with is the person you´ve chosen to do exactly that with. It´s no wonder that so many people remember their pre-parenthood days with fondness, and why so many empty-nesters seem to ﬁnd new excitement and joy in living together. However, for younger couples, this freedom can be limited by

The

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my home the fact that they simply don´t know how to make the most of it. When young couples set up home together, it´s common that neither of them have ever decorated anything more complicated than their bedrooms. They often also lack the taste and “eye” that only years of experience can bring to a home. That´s why, for younger couples, its probably best to choose an overall look from the very beginning. Use magazines pictures or surf Pinterest for great ideas, and then make a commitment to carry the decoration through (the other disadvantage for

many young couples is that their lives may be too busy to commit to a serious decorating job.) The couple should have a chat about what they expect from their home, and realize that each of them may have to make certain compromises. She may not be too happy about his surfboard remaining in the living room, for example; while he may be equally annoyed by her cuddly toy collection. The trick is to take some time to sit down, chat about what they really want from their surroundings, and then stick to it. Younger couples also lack “identity” as a couple, and will still be very much two individuals who have chosen to live together than an established pair. For

A really good way of setting up home is for each person to choose a stand-out signature piece for the home.

that reason they should take care that the surroundings reﬂect each person´s individuality. Photos of family members are ﬁne, but if you´re buying artwork, it´s a good idea to choose items that both of you love. A really good way of setting up home is for each person to choose a stand-out signature piece for the home. Contrary to popular belief, men can get into furniture, especially if they´re allowed to make a bold statement. Once both of you have a piece of furniture that they love, living together comes much more easily. Don´t forget that humans naturally tend to exercise dominance over certain zones in the house, and remember not to exclude your partner.

The reason that men have traditionally retired to dens, studies or sheds is not because they´re not interested in décor, but usually because it’s the woman who tends to take charge of most of the home. Nevertheless, a man who loves cooking may claim the kitchen as his space, while bathrooms often tend to have a more feminine air. The living room should either be neutral, or contain small zones that reﬂect each member of the couple. For retired couples, it´s much easier. In fact the problem may be that a couple has adopted a certain style (usually chosen by the wife), and ﬁnd

themselves limited or constrained once the freedom and spare time of retirement arrives. It´s a great time to break out of the routine you´ve built up over decades and reassert your individuality. The other problem that retired couples may face is clutter- in other words, the bric a brac, memorabilia and ornaments that result from a full life. That´s why stark, minimal apartments tend to be occupied by younger couples. There is, of course, nothing wrong with mementoes – in fact, they increasingly reﬂect the current trend for personalizing everything, but make sure they don´t take over. While you´ll want to be reminded of fond memories in the past, you´ll also need room to live in the now and in the future.

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MAKE IT suited to Lanzarote life, but it´s never worth discarding any idea until you´ve tried it. The good news is that teal blue is one of other hottest shades, and this is a colour perfectly suited to the open skies and vast ocean views that the island provides.

nfinite sunshine, light, space, sea air, stark landscapes of

unforgettable beauty, pretty rural retreats, lively modern resorts – these are the keys to Lanzarote´s appeal, and they should provide plenty of inspiration for decorators. The trending colour for 2014 is, undoubtedly, yellow, and this vivid, joyful colour is perfect for Lanzarote, echoing the sun and the sand. It´s no coincidence that it is one of the colours on the Canarian ﬂag and the colour worn by the “Canaries” of Las Palmas’ football club. You can use yellow in a number of ways, but it´s also something you can easily overdo. Instead, stick to vivid splashes of yellow, or

PATTERNS

bold swipes in places where it will have most impact. Finer, yellow details can also have an incredibly vibrant effect without being overpowering. Other colours that are tipped for 2014, such as khaki and deep crimson are probably less

Bold geometric patterns are strongly signalled for this year, especially when used as stand-alone statements - a wall hanging, perhaps, or a duvet cover. Once again, keep it simple – bold checks are ﬁne, but you´ll have problems making complex tartans work in a Lanzarote setting. Florals are also in this year, but on Lanzarote it makes sense to avoid anything too heavy and oppressive. Instead look for bold ﬂoral patterns on a light background, for more of that pop-out effect.

With 1200 colours to choose from, you ﬁnd the colour and we can mix it! * Ronseal wood products. * Weathershield Exterior Paint & Gloss * Undercoat & Gloss. * Satinwood & Eggshell

tel: 669 399 458 The Dulux shop @ the old English food market, San Bartolome Rd, Playa Honda. Shop hours Summer: Monday - Friday 9.00 - 12.30pm Winter: Monday - Friday 9.00 - 1.30 pm 100 | February 2014 | The Gazette

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Cover

A cover will also save you

up to

50%

on heating costs.

A pool cover is one of the best investments a pool owner can make, saving you time, money and giving you peace of mind.

hen you think about it, having a

big hole ﬁlled with water outside your house is bound to bring a few drawbacks as well as plenty of pleasure. It’s likely to attract all sorts of debris that, sooner or later, you´ll be forced to ﬁsh out; it´s liable to evaporate rapidly; it will take a lot of power if you want to heat it up; and there will always be the risk that someone might actually fall into it. A pool cover can help to eliminate all of these problems. Pool covers prevent water evaporation by up to 95 per cent so they are one of the best things you can do to preserve your pool water. Keeping your pool covered also reduces the amount of chemical usage by stopping chemical evaporation into the atmosphere. A cover will also save you up to 50 per cent on heating costs. This is because evaporation is the major source of heat loss for swimming pools, which occurs mainly at night when the air temperature drops below the temperature of the water in the pool. And for those of you without the luxury of pool heating, a pool cover actually helps extend your swimming season into the autumn and spring months, increasing the pool temperature by around 6-8˚C in pools that get the sun

Marble - Granite Natural & Volcanic stone All available and cut to size.

Free estimates

A cover will also keep your pool water clean, and decrease the number of times your pool will need backwashing. There are many styles, sizes and materials available as well as options for retraction and storage of the cover. Solar covers, sometimes called bubble covers, are made of durable, high grade plastic and UV inhibitors, and are increasingly popular. If you have a pool cover and have had it for several years, it might be time to look into an upgrade as there have been many technology updates in recent years. You can even purchase electric powered covers that open and close at the push of a button rather than the crank of a handle. Another option to consider is a safety cover. They work the same way as the covers described above but can support the weight of people. If you rent your property this is an important safety factor to bear in mind. Pool cover technology is improving all the time, The next development are smart covers that can be operated by a mobile device, and which will give you even more control over your pool.

English speaking staff Bathroom fixtures, sanitary ware, taps, ferreteria & large DIY section www.indelasa.com

Open all day-Mon to Friday 08:00 to 19:30 - Saturdays 08:00 to 13:00 Ctra. De las Playas km 0.200 – Tel: 928 52 42 33 – Fax: 928 83 35 75 only while stocks last

102 | February 2014 | The Gazette

Uniquely designed seating with room for up to 8 people makes this spa perfect for connecting to the people who matter most. In addition to the signature Raio ™ lighting system, the Gleam features multi-color exterior lighting – great for creating ambience anytime you are outside. Let the fun begin for the whole family with the Gleam hot tub in your backyard.

Visit our showroom in Playa Honda.

Introducing the new

Gleam™ - 8 Person Hot Tub

Aquadreams - Pure liquid pleasure Tel: 928 822 057 or 661 960 307 - www.aquadreams.eu

Playa Honda - No.7 C.C. Las Chimidas Gazette | February 2014 | 103 (Just past The Deiland Shopping Centre)

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ure

..............................................................................

There was a time when a pool or a hot tub, was a status symbol – a sign of wealth and opulence that could only be afforded by the few. Those times are long gone, and now pure indulgence is within the grasp of more and more Lanzarote residents.

.................................................................................

“

What was once a status symbol for the rich and famous is now affordable to most people,

ools are a different proposition here on

Lanzarote than back home. In the UK or Ireland, you´re only likely to be using a pool for a few months a year, and you´ll still be paying over the odds for heating it. Not to mention that, when it comes to reselling the property, a pool can be more of a liability than an asset. Here on sun-kissed Lanzarote, however, it´s a completely different prospect, with miles of beaches, sunshine, tourist attractions and a lively social life drawing millions of tourists every year. Residents and tourists ﬂock to beautiful beaches to soak up the sun, swim in the oceans and revel in the natural beauty of Lanzarote. With such an abundance of free, natural recreation at every resort on Lanzarote, it would be easy to think that there would be no need for residents to build a pool or hot tub in their own property. If paradise is lying just a few minutes away from your front door, why install a smaller in-home version? The truth is, however, that there are hundreds, if not thousands of pools and hot tubs on Lanzarote. In fact, a pool is one of the best lifestyle improvements a home owner can make.

Heat pumps, solar panels, heat retension covers and enclosures

Tel: 669 399 458

POOL COVER MANUFACTURER - HONEST QUOTES & ADVICE

www.piscinasdirect.es

Summer shop hours Mon-Fri from 9am-12pm Winter shop hours Oct-May/Mon-Fri 9am-1pm

E-mail: piscinasdirect@hotmail.com

View our website & find out all that we can offer you! Find us on Facebook

SOLAR SYSTEMS - SOLAR COVERS - AUTOMATIC COVERS - POOL ROLLERS - SAND CHANGE - ALJIBE LINERS - CHEMICALS 104 | February 2014 | The Gazette

ENCLOSURES - COMMERCIAL TITANIUM HEAT PUMPS

ALJIBE LINERS - CHEMICALS - HEAT PUMPS

RENOVATIONS - COUNTER CURRENTS - PUMP REPAIRS - SALT WATER CHLORINATORS - POOL LINERS - ENCLOSURES

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ndulgence

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Here are just a few good reasons having a pool is a great decision for any home, lifestyle or purpose:

Fun: If you have children, or are just young at heart yourself, you

shouldn´t need any instruction on how to get the most out of a pool. A pool is also a great focal point for parties, barbecues and entertaining friends and guests.

Handiness: You can swim when you want to, take a dip when you want to, simply relax whne you want to.

Property Value: A well kept, well designed pool can be a big asset when it comes to reselling your property.

Privacy: One of the key reasons for private pools is privacy. You don´t

Rental Value: If you´re renting your property, a safe, secure pool or

have to share with noisy strangers, and you can do what you like, when you like, how you like.

a well-maintained hot tub can also be a feature that will give you the edge over the competition

Therapy: A large proportion of Lanzarote residents are retirees, and

Most people can look at the short list here and add two or three of their own reasons for having a swimming pool in their backyard. The motivation, reason and purpose, while different for each individual pool owner still boils down to one simple, unequivocal fact; a swimming pool improves lifestyle. What was once a status symbol for the rich and famous is now affordable to most people, so much so that it could be said that there are parts of the island where not owning a pool is a negative status symbol!.

sporting types also form a large portion of the island´s population. In both cases, a pool or a hot tub offers therapy for improved mobility, recovery from surgery or to help heal sports or work injuries.

Exercise: You can get ﬁt through water resistance training, improve cardio and increase your dexterity.

.L. S , z a í D z e d ú m Comercial BerBermudez Grupo Sale of resins and fibreglass. We have a team of professionals available to do all kind of painting and waterproofing work. Aljibe’s waterprofing with 10 year’s guarantee.

Sale of chemicals and pool accessories Solar covers for pools Purification equipment Salt Electrolysis systems Heat pumps We can do any kind of work on your swimming pool.

Tel: 928 823 466 - Fax: 928 820 259 E-mail: grupo_bermudez@hotmail.com Carretera Playa Honda a Güime, Nave 6 - Playa Honda

The Gazette | February 2014 | 105

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n i e a n R or Shi

January’s storms underline the fact that

the weather on Lanzarote isn´t always mild and pleasant. Your property should be well prepared for the hostility that the elements can occasionally display here.

hile Lanzarote suffered nothing

comparable to the wild storms that battered Britain, Ireland, France and Portugal´s coasts in early January; the north coast of the island received a good pummeling and high winds were registered all over the island. The fact is that Lanzarote´s climate is normally gentle, but when rain and wind does arrive it can be surprisingly ﬁerce. There have, thankfully, been no repeats of the devastating Delta tropical storm of 2005 as yet, but the increasing unpredictability of mid-Atlantic weather systems means that everyone who owns a property should take possible damages into account. The good news is that snow and ice are, of course, risks you don´t have to worry about. High

winds and heavy rain are, however, regularly experienced. Your property will also need to be protected against scorching sun and, on some areas of the coast, the corrosive effects of salt water. The first thing to do is to assess the state of your property. You´ll probably already be aware of draughts in your home, but it may take a professional (or a good downpour) to make you aware of how watertight your property is. Waterproofing is not necessarily limited to rain, either. In higher-lying zones, the daily dewfall can be surprisingly heavy and lead to damp problems. Damp can also be prevented by good ventilation, and while windproofing your property you´ll need to take air flow into account as well. Be extra sure to assess the strength of roofs,

awnings, pergolas and other ﬁxtures, and make sure you have enough sheltered space to stow away outdoor furniture in the case of high winds. While it is possible to do much of the work yourself, the services of a trained professional, who has seen hundreds of properties and knows exactly how the elements can work against them, will be money well spent. Professionals will also have a greater knowledge of the many new materials that are on the market , many of which provide greater wind, water and sun protection than ever before. And, of course, you´ll have a guarantee to rely on. The result will be a home that is not just a pleasure to live in, in which you can easily control air ﬂow, but one that will hold out against anything the Canarian climate can throw at it.

ANTA LANZAROTE S.L. YOUR ONE-STOP SOLUTION! OUR LATEST PROJECTS

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Arrecife – Calle Triana 99 doorway F- 302 – Tel./Fax 928 80 35 16 - 625 682 394 - 615 301 175 antalanzarote@gmail.com 106 | February 2014 | The Gazette

WHAT W E

High security windows and doors fitted with double glazed toughened glass and deadlocks

DOORS In uPVC or aluminium French doors provide a dramatic and luxurious improvement to any environment. They allow sunlight to stream into your house

DO: • Aluminiu m folding d oors • Atrium ro ofs • Composit e front doo rs • Conserva tories • French do ors • Gates • Glass fold ing doors • Pergola´s • Porches • Roof vents • Solana co verings • Shutters • Windows

and give you the feeling of space and light that will really transform your home. Sliding doors are great when short on space. Ours are fitted with 6 point locking systems and anti lift mechanisms. Beautiful composite front doors made from grp skins in traditional or moder n design

WINDOWS In uPVC or aluminium You can rely on Milnrow to utilise the best products and design prinicipals; which is why so many home owners tur n to them when they want to add value, style and comfort to their pr operty

PERGOLAS

by fitting PVCu windows in natural wood colours.

We can build a pergola besoke to any size

Tilt and turn, opening out on wind r esistant

and design. Reinforced where required and

hinges, we can do what others can’ t. Cladding

heavily bolted to the floor they ar e built to

the windows to the inside or outside keeps the

last. These can be finished in a huge variety

realistic wood canarian feel without having the trouble of sanding and staining

No more painting or sanding & will last years

of colours. They can be fitted with a huge array of roofing materials to suit every individual taste and requirement or left open.

ATRIUMS & CONSERVATORIES ATRIUM roofs are hugely popular with Lanzarote home owners who want to make the most of the island's year-round sunshine. Both additions increase valuable living space and create a stylish environment to unwind or entertain not to mention add significant value to your property.

CONSERVATORIES Why settle for a cheap low spec conservatory , which is unsightly and gloomy, when you can have all the latest features. Your order will be manufactured to your requirements so you can tailor this new extension to your living space to suit your needs whether it be for dining, lounge, a games room, a place to sit and r elax we can make it. Our r oofing systems are made from aluminium purpose built systems and ar e available in a range of colours including white to the interior and dif ferent colour to the outside

P DESIGN P SURVEY P DELIVERY P INSTALLATION

• INSTALLATION - 40 YEARS IN VISIT OUR NEW AND WINDOWS, DOORS & ROOFS IMPROVED WEBSITE • FABRICATION - OVER 10 YEARS • ESTABLISHED OVER 10 YEARS IN LANZAROTE

CONTACT RICHARD TEL & FAX

928 518 663 We accept

QUALITY FROM THE PROFESSIONALS www.milnrow-windows.com - info@milnrow-windows.com

WINDOW & CONSERVATORY SPECIALISTS

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Stepping out of the door into sunshine is a fact of everyday life here on Lanzarote, where you’ll be spending far more time outdoors than you ever would back home. So why not make the most of your outdoor space to maximize your enjoyment? This applies to outdoor living on Lanzar ote as much as it does to other ar eas of life. Perhaps you’ve got into the habit of br eakfasting on your terrace, or taking a sundowner on your balcony, but find yourself forced back indoors by scorching direct sunlight or cooler evening breezes. The solution to maximizing your enjoyment of your outdoor space is planning and perhaps a bit of har d work or financial outlay. But once your outdoor space is harmonized perfectly with the climate and your indoor routine, you’ll feel the benefits.

umans are creatures of habit and routine. Once we find a comfortable gr oove we tend to stick in it until we’r e forced out. But

with a little thought and planning we can impr ove our lives and make those valuable moments of enjoyment last much longer.

Tel/Fax :

(34) 928 833 302

• Specialists in Sun Lounger cushions & outside chair cushions • Parasols and stands • Specialists in custom made “al fresco” dining area cushions • Soft furnishings for homes

Open Mon-Fri 9:30am to 5:00pm Satur day by appointment only 108 | February 2014 | The Gazette

Review the situation

First, open your eyes and lear n how the climate affects your home. Every day the sun climbs slowly into the sky in the east, warming the island quickly with its friendly rays. However, the morning can also bring heavy dewfalls, especially in higher -lying areas of the island, and br eezes may be cool. Shade will be cast towards the west, and will be greater when the sun is low in the sky From about midday to 3 pm the sun is generally high overhead and shade is dif ficult to encounter. This is when the sun is at its hottest, and the time when local field workers retire into the shade of their homes for lunch and perhaps a siesta. If you’re planning to spend time outside during this time of day, be prepared to either bask like a lizar d in the sun, or look for shade dir ectly overhead. It’s also the time for fun in the pool Later in the day, the sun inclines to the west, having warmed up the island. This is generally the balmiest time to enjoy your outdoors, as fragrant flowers release their scents and the island seems to relax after the onslaught of the sun. It’s the perfect time for a long, slow drink or a barbecue, and perhaps the time of day when you’ll be most likely to spend outdoors. Spend a few days taking notes of how the sun affects your outdoor area, jotting down ideas to improve shade or maximize sunlight. Also, look more closely at wind exposure – Lanzarote is generally winnowed by a lively alisio br eeze coming from the north east – it’s this that keeps the island bearably cool , but it can also be a little too brisk for comfort at certain times of day.

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WORK toDo The popularity of low-maintenance, easy gardening says a lot about our busy modern lifestyles, but it also ignores the fact that, for many gardeners, part of the joy of their chosen activity is rolling their sleeves up and

getting down to some real, honest work. And on Lanzarote there´s no better time than now to get your hands dirty.

here´s something honest and deeply fulﬁlling about

working with the soil, digging, fertilising and putting plenty of sweat into a garden that will reward every minute of your hard work with beautiful blooms or tasty, fresh fruit and vegetables. And it´s no surprise that gardening is one of the favourite forms of regular exercise, especially for older people. The regular chores that a garden demands mean that you will be kept active all year round. It´s not as effective as walking, running or swimming, obviously, and gardening is unlikely to help you shed any pounds, but it gets you out of the house, into the sunshine and fresh air and allows you to enjoy nature´s rhythms at your won pace. Lanzarote´s warm climate means that our gardens can be beautiful and productive all year round – they won´t be icy. sodden, frost-bitten wastelands as they are in northern Europe at this time of year. But there are also times of year when gardens here beneﬁt from a little more care and attention, and some preparation for the year ahead, and the cooler months of winter offer perhaps the best opportunity for this. And on Lanzarote, your garden will need to be prepared for the summer, and the brutal onslaught of heat and winds that can often

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arrive in high season. Your garden is going to need all the help it can get in the coming months, so now´s the time to get down to some serious work and give it the headstart it deserves. First, dig or hoe over existing beds and borders, incorporating as much organic matter as you can. Digging not only helps prepare the soil for spring, it helps reduce pests by exposing them to hungry birds. On Lanzarote you can often see this as you work, as the cheeky little Berthelot´s Pipits ﬂock down to explore any overturned earth. The organic matter you use depends on the size of your garden. If you have a large plot, you should seriously consider establishing your own compost heap. A trip into rural Lanzarote will show how local farmers make ingenious use of clippings and agricultural waste to ensure their crops get as much nutrition as possible. It may also be worth considering a fresh layer of topsoil. Lanzarote´s soil tends to be thin, and digging, although easier in terms of the amount of soil you´re working with, can be tough on tools given the stony ground. That´s why this is also a good time to give your tools the once over, repair or replace any broken ones and check garden furniture for any rot. Now is also a good time to treat sheds, fences and trellis with wood preservative; brushes and rollers are ﬁne for most things, however a sprayer is well worth buying for trickier projects. One of the most important aspects of your Lanzarote garden will be

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irrigation, and now´s the perfect time to sort out an efﬁcient, effective watering system for the warmer months ahead. This will take planning as well as outlay, but will pay back the effort and outlay many times over. You need to ensure that all larger plants such as trees and shrubs will be getting a regular supply of water without overdoing it. If your garden is smaller, then you may be able to water manually throughout the summer, but installing a system will mean that you can leave your garden for a while, as well as concentrate on other tasks. Take advantage of local features to make the most of your garden. The black, porous picón is the perfect medium to cover certain areas, protecting the soil beneath from the worst of the sun´s heat and retaining moisture as if it was specially designed to do so. Wind is also a crucial factor in Lanzarote gardens, and can be a real enemy to new plants and delicate ﬂowers and fruits. That´s why you should also look at the way that wind passes over your garden and consider installing wind-breaks in critical areas. You´ll notice local farmers using just about anything, from an old wooden palette to specially built dry stone walls, to provide shelter for plants, but you can also consider using local plants as windbreaks. Have a good weed, too. Invasive species such as the aulaga shrub and the wild tobacco plant can establish themselves rapidly, sapping nutrients and energy from the plants you want to keep.

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The Gazette | February 2014 | 111

RUGBY

Volcanitos Erupt! After 18 months without a competitive match, the long-dormant Volcanitos (U-16s and U-14s) finally roared into action again, flattening visitors Ñandu like an unstoppable blue and red lava flow.

andu ﬂew over from Adeje, Tenerife on the 18th January, led by their dedicated trainer Gotzon, and were looking forward to the matches just as much as the Lanzarote lads. But the Volcanitos have been training hard twice-weekly for months and were relishing the opportunity to practice some of what they´d learnt in a combat situation. The U-16s took to the pitch ﬁrst and Lanzarote immediately set the pace, running in ten tries as Captain Ezequiel led his team by example, repeatedly surging through the Ñandu lines. Tarek´s smart work, Arturo´s power and winger Jack´s blistering speed guaranteed the 10-1 victory. The U-14s followed, and Captain Alex led his team to a second victory, scoring a try of his own to add to those of Harry Watkins and Connor. Ñandu´s strong, powerfully built side fought back, and managed to score three times, but it wasn’t enough: 6:3 to Lanzarote.

The U-14s battle for the ball The U-16s took to the pitch again and, once again, proved too much for Ñandu to contain, this time running in nine tries without response. Finally, the U14s played a shorter 15-minute match, but still managed to improve on their earlier score, winning 9-2 with Lanzarote´s youngest and smallest player, Harry Walker, putting in a terriﬁc run for his second try. Other players who stood out included the ﬁery Reef, who took part in every game and really made a difference; the equally reliable Diego, and Charlie, who scored two tries on his debut for the Volcanitos and impressed everyone with his commitment. Volcanitos coach Colin Hughes was assisted by Ian Kerr on the day (regular coach Rens being on active duty with the Seniors), and was overjoyed with the lads´ performance. “I knew these boys were good, but today they´ve exceeded my expectations,” said a proud Colin. Despite the scores, Ñandu played their hearts out, and coach Gotzon asked us to especially mention the contributions of Timothée, Jacob and their veteran

112 | February 2014 | The Gazette

Los Volcanitos - ready for action Ryan. Thanks also go to referee Tim Spittle, who did a splendid job in what was only his second outing with the whistle. If you want to ﬁnd out more about the Volcanitos, visit the Playa Honda sports ground during training sessions every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 pm. Senior update: The seniors continue to show their class, remaining top of the league with a 52-0 win over La Laguna and a 55-0 victory in Las Palmas over Atlantico. We´ll catch up further on the senior action next month. Raise your glasses: Paul Petterssen, owner of the Slainte Bar, sadly passed away in mid- January. Lanzarote Rugby Club would like to offer their deepest condolences to Paul's family in Glasgow, his partner Carmel in Lanzarote and his many great friends on the island. Paul was a fantastic supporter of the rugby club over the years, and will be missed by the players and friends. To our 'Clubhouse' owner we raise our glasses for one last "One pint please Paul!"

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FOOTBALL

Judgement Day The season has hit its midway point and after a good start the Rojillos (reds) have slipped to just below mid table. But while Lanzarote struggle on the pitch, it is off-pitch where the real worries lie writes Ian Lane

en years ago, whilst Lanzarote were in their glory years with famous cup wins against Primera Liga sides Athletic Bilbao, Mallorca and Tenerife and with narrow losses to the mighty Real and Atlético Madrid they were drawn in a cup match versus Segunda A side Racing Ferrol. The then-secretary of the club had forgotten to make the social security payments for one of our players, Quique Gandul. This player suffered a career-threatening injury in this game and 10 years on the club is paying the price. It now turns out that Lanzarote owe €457,000 to social security. The club goes to court on the 29th January, so as you’re reading this a decision will have already been made. Hopefully the judge will decide on a repayment scheme but if he decides to seize all the assets of the club then it could be game over for U.D. Lanzarote. The club has very few assets so one would hope that common sense prevails, as social security will have a much better chance of payment if the club remains open. Still, this is critical and a decision could go either way. 114 | February 2014 | The Gazette

FORTHCOMING GAMES ARE IN TIAS OR ARRECIFE - PLEASE CHECK

2nd Feb

Lanzarote v UD Telde

16th Feb

Lanzarote v U.S.Yaiza (local derby)

2nd March

Lanzarote v CD Marino This has been a black cloud over the Rojillos for some time, so at least now they will know their fate. The season began well with Lanzarote sitting in ﬁfth spot come mid October.Then a run of ﬁve games against the top sides, which produced just a solitary point, left Lanzarote mid-table.

The British lads Luis Kennedy and Ryan Macphee have had a mixed half-season. Ryan has been in and out with injury and has had to settle for a few substitute appearances, while Luis began the season nervously but has grown in conﬁdence after bagging a couple of goals and has been Lanzarote´s best player on several occasions. The players and management of the club are delighted with the increasing number of foreign fans. The players and local Spanish fans love to see us following the club. Manager Adolfo Pérez told me, “In the last home match I was told there were over 200 foreign fans supporting us, as well as locals We are the envy of other teams in this league and I greatly appreciate the positive support these fans bring with them”. For more info contact Ian Lane on 928 843332 or 649963943, info@mercancialanzarote.com or on www.lanzarotefootball.com as well as Facebook: Lanzarote football club. Official Club shirts and merchandise are on sale with Ian at the Club’s stall every Sunday at the Teguise market (near the public toilets)

PDC FC welcome Puerto Del Carmen Football Club are going from strength to strength, and will celebrate their impressive recent rise with a football workshop with Stoke City in March.

urrently, Puerto Del Carmen´s first team is heading for a play-off place, with three talented brothers, Ayoze, Sergio and Nelson, helping to keep the team on the right track. The declared aim of the club is to get promoted and see Puerto Del Carmen playing in the Spanish Third Division within five years. But the club is much more than its first team. At the moment, the Under-14s are battling for the Super League title, the girls’ team are continuing to perform fantastically, and coaches say that the recent intake of Under-10s is the best they have seen for years, with a wealth of up and coming natural talent. And that talent is in good hands. Jack Talbot, Head of

Youth Development, is just one of three Spanish FA Level 2 trained coaches at the club. Puerto Del Carmen FC is the only club on Lanzarote to boast such a highly trained coaching staff, and it is a clear indication of their commitment to the future. Puerto Del Carmen is in a unique situation on Lanzarote. It´s the only team based in a popular holiday resort with a considerable base of resident expats from all nations. As a result, the fan base is ever-increasing. The club is truly multi-national, with local Canarian players, British, Irish and many more nationalities represented. This international aspect also means that PDC have built important links overseas, most recently with English Premier League side Stoke City. Stoke have already taken on a 15-year-old lad from the club, who will be leaving for a year´s scholarship, and representatives of the club recently visited Stoke, where they received a club shirt signed by Juan Mata, among other EPL stars. Most importantly, Stoke City coaches will be arriving on Lanzarote in March to run a series of football workshops focused on young players. There

Juan Mata with PDC FC coach Jack Talbot will be specialized sessions for defenders, midﬁelders, goalkeepers and strikers, as well as a special session for girls. Details can be found in the advertisement beneath, but remember that the signing up deadline is 20th February. PDC FC are also looking for new players, coaches and sponsors, and have a trainer’s vacancy. Get in touch!

Stoke City Football Club Soccer Camp Puerto Del Carmen FC Monday 3rd March 2014 Specialist courses 9am - 1pm only 18 euros

Goalkeepers Monday 3rd March aged 5-14 Midfielders Monday 3rd March aged 5-14 Strikers Monday 3rd March aged 5-14 Defenders Monday 3rd March aged 5-14 Girls Only Monday 3rd March aged 7-16 All courses include snacks and drinks and will run from 9am until 1pm. Each participant will receive a certificate of attendance. Prizes from Stoke City Football club will also be given out during all of the courses

Stoke City FC Soccer camp at Puerto del Carmen FC 5th - 6th & 7th March 2014 9am - 1pm 50 Euros for 3 days

The deadline to sign up is the 20th February If you have any questions or would like to sign your boy or girl up get in touch with Jack via the contact details below

An international affair Puerto Del Carmen FC is one of the fastest growing football clubs on Lanzarote. Why? Because the club places training at the very top of its priority list. Puerto Del Carmen is the only Lanzarote club with three Spanish FA level 2 (UEFA A) qualified coaches, guaranteeing the highest standard of coaching for all players, of all ages. This season, the club will introduce a ´Mini´s Club´ for youngsters from 4-6 years old. With under-8, under-10, under-12, under-14, under-16 and under-19 squads all training three times a week and playing competitive matches each weekend, Puerto Del Carmen´s commitment to continuing youth development is clear. Puerto Del Carmen FC welcomes new players of all ages, from anywhere on Lanzarote. It’s a truly international affair. Why not find out more?

Jack Talbot 670 806 223 | jacktalbot6@gmail.com

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@StokeCity_CT

The Gazette | February 2014 | 115

Car Care

M TORING

REVIEW

Being responsible for keeping your car healthy and in good condition can help you lower the running costs of your car. However, what many people don't realise is that taking care of your car can actually provide a route to keeping down your costs in the long-term. Each of these will cost relatively little if doing yourself and are easy skills to learn - just so long as you don't mind getting your hands a little bit dirty! Be sure to check your car's manual before purchasing the necessary goods so you know that everything is fully compatible. You should notice your car running more smoothly from the outset.

Keeping up with professional care

While it can pay to carry out work on your own car, when it comes to the more complicated procedures your vehicle will likely be in better hands with a professional mechanic. Having regular services will ensure that your car is running well, which will reduce your expenditure on repairs, meaning you have a bit of extra spare cash to spend on things such as your car insurance policy. Many of us only ever have the bare minimum of legal checks carried out to tell us when something is wrong with our car. While some mechanics will give us an extensive report on the health of a vehicle, it is sometimes necessary to pre-empt wear and tear in order to keep costs at a minimum. Regular servicing will ensure that you remain one step ahead of the game. ith the costs of keeping a car on the road rising each year, motorists are becoming savvier when it comes to making savings wherever possible. Let's take a look at a few places to start for those keen to lower car repair costs.

Basic servicing procedures

While having your car serviced at regular intervals will take care of most important parts of it running, it can help to have an awareness of the basic workings of your vehicle should you wish to keep your car healthy without having to make too many unnecessary stops at your mechanics. The simplest thing for owners to learn how to do themselves are ﬁtting new spark plugs and changing the oil.

Don't ignore irregularities

Sometimes when we are on the road, we recognise slight changes in the way our car handles, or in the noises it makes as we are driving. In some cases, we are happy to turn a blind eye and to assume that something more signiﬁcant would manifest itself should our car be in any real need of attention. In truth, irregularities like these can often be the early signs of big problems. It is generally more cost-effective for us to get small niggles checked out than it is to wait for the issue to get bigger and receive a larger bill should we run into a more serious problem somewhere down the line.

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BIG OFFERS IN FEBRUARY 116 | February 2014 | The Gazette

M TORING

REVIEW

The VW Beetle has had a remarkable history. It´s hard to believe that a car whose original design specifications were partly suggested by Adolf Hitler and which was originally known as the KdF Wagen (Strength Through Joy Car) would go on to become one of the most popular small cars ever made, an emblem of hippy counterculture and, as Herbie the Love Bug, the first four-wheeled film star. But the Beetle continues to perform well, in its increasingly modern incarnations.

118 | February 2014 | The Gazette

ver the years, the Volkswagen Beetle

has evolved from a mass-market car into a stylish new version, which aims to take on premium rivals such as the MINI and Citroen DS3. There aren't many manufacturers that can boast a car that has 70 years and 22 million sales to its name – but VW can make that claim. The Volkswagen Beetle is characterised by a distinctive retro look, combined with modern mechanical parts, a classy interior and sporty handling. The Beetle is only available as a three-door, in various different speciﬁcations - the standard car, Design, Sport, Turbo Silver, Turbo Black and GSR. There's a wide choice of engines, including 1.2, 1.4 and 2.0-litre TSI petrol units, with 104bhp, 158bhp and 197bhp

respectively. Meanwhile, diesel options include a 104bhp 1.6-litre and 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI. The 1.2litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel models are also available with ultra-efﬁcient BlueMotion Technology, but even then, the cost of running a Beetle will still be higher than for the class leaders.

Style

It's easy to trace the Volkswagen Beetle’s looks back to the retro, rear-engined original. Despite this, it's undergone numerous styling changes to help it compete with modern, premium rivals such as the MINI. It's 84mm wider, 12mm lower and 152mm longer than its predecessor, which has given it more of an aggressive, muscular look. The curves of the

old car have also been replaced by a flatter bonnet and sharper roofline. Inside, the cabin now has more of an upmarket feel, with high-grade materials and excellent build quality. The Volkswagen Beetle is available in three primary specifications - Beetle, Design and Sport. Entry-level versions do without alloy wheels, but the range-topping Sport model gets two-tone 18-inch rims, a body-coloured rear spoiler and tinted rear windows. There are also numerous special editions in the range, including Fender, Turbo Silver, Turbo Black and GSR versions, the latter of which, is yellow-andblack striped.

Drive

The Volkswagen Beetle largely shares its underpinnings with the Mk6 Volkswagen Golf, so you can expect it to drive well. Plenty of grip, excellent body control and well-weighted steering all help to set the Beetle apart from its rivals. The engine lineup now includes a 1.2-litre TSI petrol and a 1.6-litre TDI with BlueMotion technology, too. The supercharged and turbocharged 158bhp 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine is reﬁned and responsive, while the 138bhp 2.0 TDI delivers a great mix of economy and punch.

Reliability

In the 2013 Driver Power manufacturer ratings survey, Volkswagen finished 16th, just about securing its reputation for reliability. Meanwhile, the Mk6 Volkswagen Golf - on which the Beetle is largely based - placed 16th in Auto Express' top 100 cars survey. It's no surprise to learn the Volkswagen Beetle has earned a five-star Euro NCAP rating - all Beetles come with six airbags, electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes fitted as standard. You'll get a three-year/60,000-mile warranty, too. The engine range should be reliable too, having been proven elsewhere in Volkswagen Group cars from VW, SEAT and Skoda.

M TORING NEWS

GOVERNMENT TRAFFIC LAWS SLAMMED Two Spanish automobile groups have criticised the government's planned traffic and road safety law reform, saying it is more geared towards getting money out of drivers than improving accident rates. Fines for drink-driving, currently at €500, were to go up to €1,000, but this has been reconsidered and will only now do so where the motorist is found to have consumed at least twice the legal limit of alcohol. This and the wording relating to drink-driving has made the groups Devuelta and the European Automobile Association (AEA) consider the wrong message is being sent out – one of '”carry on consuming alcohol before getting behind the wheel, so we can fine you because we need the money'”. The groups have criticised the fact that speedcamera detectors are now banned in cars, saying that the idea of a speed camera is to make drivers slow down, not as a 'money magnet', and therefore anything which tells a motorist that a camera has been installed will make him or her stick to the limit and is actually a positive feature, not one that should be outlawed. In the past year or so, the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has seen its income from traffic fines plummet by 30 per cent as a result of fewer drivers on the road. This is directly related to the economic crisis, say Devuelta and the AEA, because fewer people now commute to work as fewer people have jobs, and some have had to give up owning a car or cut down their travelling for pleasure in order to save money.

NOT SO HAPPY NEW YEAR

A Tenerife man was rescued from the boot of a car by police ofﬁcers after family members had locked him in the car because he was drunk. Police attended a vehicle in the Tenerife capital of Santa Cruz after a phone tip off, and forced the boot open to discover a 24-year-old man wrapped in a blanket in the boot. The man was still under the inﬂuence of alcohol when rescued. He claimed that he had a vague memory of being bundled into the car by his brother, his cousin and another person.

SELF-PARKING CAR LAUNCHED The French company Valeo has unveiled a new car that will park itself at the Frankfurt Motor Fair. The technology, titled Valetpark4U, allows the driver to leave their car alone, while the vehicle’s robot driver detects a free parking place and avoids obstacles in the vicinity. The technology is activated by smartphone and can be recalled simply from the parking place with another call. Valeo has already developed advanced technology that allows difﬁcult parking manouevres to be carried out “by ear”, using sensors that warn drivers of obstacles and blockages. Valeo is also working on a headlight system that will automatically detect oncoming vehicles in order to activate the long and short beams of car headlights, depending on the situation.

Larger vehicles and 4x4´s ring for a quote CAR HIRE • REPAIRS & SERVICING • SALES • INSURANCE • VALETING • ITV • COURTESY CAR subject to availability

The Gazette | February 2014 | 119

Gazette The

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Clinical Hypnotherapist For more information visit: hypnotherapylanzarote.com Tel: (0034) 676 453 135 FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

For all your aspects of joinery manufacture and installation including; Kitchens and Pergolas, many styles and finishes to suit your budget.

Please call Gary to discuss +34 667 412 165 Email: gary@islandjoineryservices.com Web: www.islandjoineryservices.com MOBILITY AIDS

Mobility Aids Lanzarote S.L. SCOOTERS, WHEELCHAIRS powered or self propelled, HYDROLIC HOISTS, BATH & TOILET AIDS.

For further information or to hire any of these appliances.

DELIVERY & COLLECTION INCLUDED PLEASE CONTACT ROY on

ENG - 606 75 43 42 / ESP - 650 257 097 www.mobilityaids-lanzarote.com E-mail:enquiries@mobilityaids-lanzarote.com

The Gazette | December November 2013 | 121

Distribution Available throughout the island, at the premises of all our advertisers and at carefully selected distribution points. Also for sale at all media outlets including the airport.

Puerto del carmen • First Choice • Mulligans • Iberoservice • Tourist Office* • Post Office • Health Center • Bookswop I* • Bookswop II* • Cafe C.C. Biosfera • Colegio Hispano Británico • Gee Gee´s • The Sportsman • First and Last • The Corner • Cheers • Las Calas • Sol y Mar • Mucky Duck I • Café del Carmen • The Tavern • The Galeon • Keanes • Lottery • Clásicos Café • Cock & Bull • Irish Harbour Bar • Old Town Sports Bar • Pharmacies: • Av. Playas 38 • Reina Sofia 28 • Juan Carlos I,30 • Geiser, 5 • C.C. Chafari, 1 • Av. Playas, 7 • Roque Nublo,9 • Tipsy Bar • Taylor’s Tavern • Crafty Cow Bar • Viajes Caravana • Rancho Texas • La Caixa • Hospiten • Golf Club • Lanzameat • British Surgery • Music Hall Tavern • The Codfather • The Hot Spot • The Cavern • Lanzaproperties.com

Costa teguise • Pharmacies • La Caixa • Tourist Office* • Casa Luis • Steptoes • Shamrock Irish Bar • Red Lion • Bookshop* • Café Bruno • Banco Santander • Black Bull • Motown • The Bulldog • The Swan Inn • Sunset Sport Bar • Estupendo • British Cafe • Cactus Jacks • Golf Course • La Esquina • Coronas Newsagent • Coronas Apts • Oasis Lanz • The Crown • Domino • Playa Bastian • Centro Santa Rosa • Ink & Media • Ferreteria Costa Teguise • Antiu Xixona Ice Cream

Tias • Maceys • Pharmacies • La Caixa • Caja Canarias • Chacón • Roper • La Ermita • Tienda Verde • Gangas Outlet • Joyeria Melvie • UK Autos • 4 Seasons • Health Centre

12,000 Copies Monthly

points

Playa blanca

Playa honda

• Gravity • Nags Head • Atlantico • Pharmacy • Il Nuovo Gelato • Santander • Tourist Office* • La Caixa • Irish Anvil • Kirsty Hair • All sorts • Bowling Center • Rest. Fazz • C.C. El Pueblo • Snug • Lighthouse • Le Moka • Port of Call • Café 34 • Miscues • Home Zentrum • Sandra’s Cafe • Freedom Properties • MVP • Dr. Mager • Las Brisas • Las Casitas • Casas del Sol • Roper • Property Solutions • El Parque • Sebastyan´s • Lounge Bar • Panda’s Gallery • Bookswop III • Sun Park Living

• Megacentro • El Paso • Roper • Pharmacy • Lolita • Caja Canarias • Ambar • Banca March • Terraza Concorde • Aquadreams

Puerto calero • Le Parisienne • Mc Sorleys • Puerto Calero Cafe • Casablanca • Cafe Milla • Bulldog • Amura • Hotel Costa Calero • Pto Calero Offices • Sub. Safaris

10,000 Free

Deiland • Lolita • Oh! Regalos • Caffé Di Roma • Lottery • Pharmacy

Outlying areas Arrecife • Tourist Office Famara • Tertulia Haria • Pharmacy • Rest. El Mirador de Haría La Geria • Stratvs • Handicraft Centre • Bodegas El Grifo La Santa • Club La Santa Macher • The Gazette Offices* • Sociedad Mala • Pharmacy San Bartolome • San Simon • Pharmacy • Health Centre Tahiche • British School • El Pastelito Teguise • Pharmacy • Caja Canarias • Estilo • Emporium • Tourist Office* • Casa León • La Cantina • Bakery Tinajo • Bakery • Pharmacy Uga • Ahumadería de Uga Yaiza • Rest. El Campo

Over 2,000 in Media Outlets

Classifieds For Sale

TNL Carpentry, building & maintenance.

616 254 762

Tnl123@hotmail.co.uk

Situation Vacant Sky UKTV/ through your WIFI Nilesat/German/European TV through satellite Spanish TV, re alignments TV sales and repairs

679 568 700

PIC-R.N.

LIBERTY IN PLAYA BLANCA

928 845 522 679 316 036

5 years. 1.20m. 12€. Arnold:

POOL COVERS

MVP´s great pool covers come with up to 8 years guarantee! Contact us for details:

928 518 980

info@mvplanzarote.com PIC-RN

NEW AND USED WINDOWS and doors and more for sale at Tahiche Garden Centre. Open between 10am - 4 pm Mon-Sat

FOR ALL YOUR POOL & SPA NEEDS

* Helicol Solar Panels * Heat Pumps * Salt Chlorinators * Elite Solar Pool Cover * Pool Safety & Enclosures. Visit our showroom in Playa Honda (next to the Deiland & Car Shop)

www.aquadreamspoolsandspas.com

Shop:

928 822 057 Mob: 661 960 307 PIC-RN

Ideal for the control of Air Conditioners, Heaters, Washing Machines and other High Power Consumption Appliances * Robust and reliable (5 year written warranty). *Programmable for any cost/unit of electricity consumed *Usually installed in less than two hours Tel:

+34 677 428 919

or email: coinmeters@inbox.com PIC-V.A. (03.14)

L-V.A

Tuition & Translation CAN’T SPEAK SPANISH?

Englishman resident in the Canaries for 39 years and teaching Spanish for 10 years gives private Spanish lessons in the comfort of your own home, at times to suit yourself. 20€ per hour. Extra pupils in the same class only 5€. All levels. No books required. First introductory lesson free of charge. Advance-payment discount rates available. Phone Cliff on

629 108 681

THE DULUX SHOP

Weathershield, Trade and Retail paints mixed in store from a choice of 1200 colours. Matt, silk, gloss and undercoats. Also Thomson waterseal and Ronseal products. Summer shop hours Mon-Fri from 9am-12pm Winter shop hours OctMay/Mon-Fri 9am-1pm

669 399 458

piscinasdirect@hotmail.com Pool covers and Aljibe/pool liners also made to measure

L-.01.14

NEED HELP WITH TRANSLATIONS

CARS WANTED Any condition. MOT failers. Cash paid. Tel Alan:

689 693 728

Boats

www.aquadreamspoolsandspas.com

WANTED TO RENT

Shop:

Berth in Marina Rubicon Telephone:

928 822 057 Mob: 661 960 307 PIC-RN

602 586 425 L-03.14

L-02.14

YOGA CLASSES

Puerto del Carmen: Mondays and Wednesdays 7am to 8.30am Tuesdays and Thursdays 7pm to 8.30pm Playa Blanca: Mondays and Wednesdays 6pm to 7.30pm Ana Garmendia:

657 170 844

L-R.N.

LEARN SPANISH

With a highly qualified native teacher Telephone

606 446 550

Personal LANZAROTE FREEMASONS

Are you a freemason or ever thought of being one? Please contact simonclaxton92@gmail.com Telephone

649 817 197

THE ART OF HAIR, NAILS, TANNING & BEAUTY & MASSAGE+ SOLUTIONS ALTERNATIVE THERAPY CENTRE

C.C. Matagorda, Pto del Carmen. Professional qualified first class service in all aspects of hairdressing, nails, acrylic gel & geleration, non-chip polish, Chiropody, Luxury Pedicures, SemiPermanent Eyelashes, Airbrush Tanning, Holistic & Non- Surgical Facial & Bodylift procedures. STOP SMOKING NOW Clinical Hypnotherapy NO MORE PAIN!!! Sports Remedial, Deep Tissue & Holistic Massage Telephone:

928 511 460 653 239 145

Facebook: Cleopatra Lanzarote PIC-V.A.

HATHA YOGA CLASSES

L-R.N.

STARLIGHT CARE & BABY SITTING SERVICES

Do you need a carer? Do you need a home help? Do you need a babysitter? We have a team of qualified carers. Reasonable rates. For a free assessment with no obligation. Please contact us on

636 582 076

Email: starlightservicesscp@yahoo.com This is a registered company G35794155 L-02.14

Also pregnancy class. In Macher Telephone:

928 512 773 L-R.N.

www.TantraLanzarote.es Tantra-Massage is: sensual, tender, charming, relaxing, incl. Body2Body, Lingam and prostate massage (no extra services) Only with appointment: Mo-Sa 10am - 6pm

646 583 371

628 000 884

for information

BRANDNEWTOLANZAROTE TAKING THE WORLD BY STORM Piloxing - Pilates combined with Boxing - The new rage in the fitness world. Fully Certified instructor Wanda Melody Knight Fully qualified as a Personal Trainer / Aerobics Master / Nutritionist & in Sports & Holistic Therapies. Also Fully Certified Zumba instructor Call Wanda:

653 239 145

Facebook: Wanda’s Zumba Lanzarote

PIC-V.A.

(Puerto del Carmen) PIC-12.14

Music & Entertainment MUSICIANS AND ENTERTAINERS! You need a Spanish contract now! Call Lez:

690 964 520

www.spotlightlanzarote.com B-02.14

General Services

Physiotherapy Centre

B-R.N.

L-12.13

YOUR LOCAL DEALER OF: HOTSPRING SPAS & HOT TUBS We have the largest range of spas & hot tubs to suit every budget.

660 188 128

All prices plus 5€ travel for Costa Teguise/Playa Blanca

Residencias, doctor, hospital, police or school visits. Call Heidi on

PIC-V.A.

Cars

MOBILE NAILS

Extensions - Gel or acrylic 35€. Also Manicures 15€ & Pedicures 20€. Done in comfort of your own home. Ring Dorothy

libertyseguros@spectra247.com

B-RN

HEAVY DUTY, QUALITY COIN METERS

L-V.A

is looking for motivated sales rep to join their team. Please send CV to

PALM TREES

L-02.14

Contact with Mick at The Ally Shop on

Call Freesat on

PIC-01.14

696 125 597

WINDOW FITTER NEEDED

Health & Beauty

Healing the physical and emotional Reiki, Aura & Chakra Cleansing, Clairvoyant Readings, Reflexology Telephone:

Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation, Exercise programmes, Stretching, Acupuncture. Massages: Deep tissue + triggerpoints, Relaxing, Aromatherapy, Lymphatic Drainage. Half hour 20€ Full hour 40€ Gift vouchers available For appointment call

josie@josiecoulcher.com

amayafisioterapia@hotmail.com

PIC-02.14

PIC-N.K.

+34 649 157 725

928 515 836

Property Management & Maintenance Telephone:

628 354 887

PIC-02.14

PAINTING Wood staining + roof repairs. Call Peter

669 911 844 L-02.14

The Gazette | February 2014 | 123

Classifieds LOW COST SATELLITE SOLUTIONS Full HD system, BBC & ITV, Ch4 etc with no monthly payments. Full sky systems for as little as 200€ a year Call for details:

673 665 589 B-02.14

OJ REMOVALS

TNL Carpentry, building & maintenance.

Man with Van. Collections Deliveries - Removals Tip Runs. House clearances. From 25€. Telephone:

Tnl123@hotmail.co.uk

L-06.14

616 254 762

669 986 259

PIC-01.14

Telephone:

661 041 155 L-02.14

& CO

THE COMPLETE GLAZING SERVICE

UPVC, Aluminium & wood frames catered for. Broken glass replaced. Frames repaired or renewed. Locks and handles replaced. 24 Hr Glazing / Boarding service. Telephone:

928 518 663 PIC-RN

BEST POSSIBLE PRICES FOR SKY!

Call is for all your satellite needs. Installations. HD Boxes, Freeview cards, Internet systems. We offer a quick, reliable, guaranteed service.

928 845 522 679 316 036 PIC-R.N.

STEAM CLEANING of carpets, upholstery, mattresses. Over 20 years on the island, 34 years in the business. Telephone Deet:

928 806 295 606 237 296 L-03.14

ELECTRICIAN UK QUALIFIED NICEIC + 17th Edition Installation & repairs, heaters & pumps repaired. No job too small. Call Peter:

636 611 408 PIC-02.14

TROUSERS AND CURTAINS SHORTENED & zips replaced Tel Sue

609 917 068 L-04.14

See main advert.

928 517 709 678 451 168 PIC-R.N.

NEED A RELIABLE ASESORIA

To navigate you through the minefield of paperwork for Businesses here in Lanzarote then contact us Telephone:

928 834 103 Mail: gesgroup@terra.es

EX-PAT INSURANCE

Expatriate insurance underwritten by Lloyds in London IBEX the largest expatriate insurance provider. 24hrs/365 days emergency clains assistance. Tel/Fax:

928 833 581

Locks opened, windows & doors repaired. + property maintenance. Call Peter:

B-02.14

L-02.14

636 611 408

info@playablancavillamanagement.com

inandoutdecoratingservices@ yahoo.com

696 569 818 L-02.14

124 | February 2014 | The Gazette

615 179 233 L-04.14

+34 928 387 854 +34 697 330 412 (Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm)

B-V.A.

HANDY TANDY

Tiling, interior & exterior, painting, joinery work, flat packs assembled. Property maintenance. Any odd jobs large or small. Call Richard

638 734 491 L-03.14

GENERAL PLUMBING SERVICES Hot water thermos, pumps repaired & replaced. All your plumbing requirements catered for. SPECIALIST IN Swimming pool maintenance & cleaning. Tel Sean:

669 399 403 B-V.A

QUALIFIED PAINTER & DECORATOR

Tel/Fax: Playa Blanca928 822 694 Sean 669 399 403 AllEspañol aspects covered. 626 271 461

Fully qualified NVQ level 1, 2, 3 painter and decorator Lee Womersley

655 781 735

leewomersley@yahoo.co.uk L-02.14

Protect your home with an Alarm System. (Discrete Wireless Installations). lanzsecure@gmail.com Phone us:

677 428 919 No monthly charges

PIC-V.A. (03.14)

RENT IT QUICK

The original. The best. We’ve got it all!!! Wheelchairs, Crutches, DVDs, Playstation, MP3-CD Players, Cots, Highchairs, Car seats, Buggies, Heaters, Fans, Baby bath, Sterilizers, Z-Beds, etc. New stock, fast reliable service.

689 694 299 928 511 507 L-12.13

680 317 766

Tel: 928

072 029

928 833 338

piscinasdirect@hotmail.com Dulux and Ronseal paints in stock

PIC-V.A.

UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

professional cleaning services using injection/extraction machine - perfect for upholstery, sofas, rugs, car interiors, bar stools, etc. Call Crystal Clear on:

WHO MANAGES YOUR PROPERTY?

Professional property management services by Spectra. info@spectra247.com Tel: 928

PIC-V.A.

944 789

INTERNET TV Easy Plug ‘n’ systems (Internet Router Connection) All UK channels BBC1, ITV, Ch4, Ch5, etc. plus all Sport Channels and Free Movie Package Call Roy on:

ALEX PEST CONTROL

PIC-V.A.

Piscinas Direct have over 12 years experience and were the first to manufacture pool covers, install solar systems and heat pump systems. The only Company with Professional Engineering qualifications. They have now reduced their major overheads so are better value than ever and they cover all of Lanzarote. ALJIBE AND POOL LINING SPECIALISTS....

L-02.14

L-R.N.

Pool covers, sun blinds & windbreaks Specialists. Over ten years experience. Superb materials and prices.

FOR ALL YOUR SWIMMING POOL NEEDS INCL CHEMICALS

628 835 174

650 475 259

IN AND OUT DECORATING SERVICES

609 917 068

English-born Spanish qualified No job too small. Fault finding, extra sockets to full rewire. Bulletins. Free quotations Sean

Telephone:

L-N.K.

Professional, reliable, affordable for a competitive free quote. Contact Sean:

L-04.14

* A bespoke, complete villa management package, tailored to your needs. * A.T.I certified pool and spa technician Email:

PIC–V.A.

CURTAINS & SOFT FURNISHINGS

Professionally made to measure. Tel Sue:

WINDOW CLEANING Best prices for domestic and commercial premises. Fully experienced. Quick, clean and reliable. References available. For a free quote Phone:

ELECTRICIAN

DOULTON WATER FILTER All the fresh water you need for drinking and cooking for only 3 cents a litre. Domestic and commercial. www.aguaclara.eu

LOCKSMITH UK REGISTERED

Offers professional services from residential and commercial pest control. All work is guaranteed Call Alex on

689 085 508

www.alexcontrol.com B-N.K.

CAN’T GET YOUR POOL OR SPA

to balance? Visit our showroom for free computerised pool & spa water analysis. www.aquadreamspoolsandspas.com

Shop:

928 822 057 661 960 307

Mob:

PIC-R.N.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Complete internal & external renovations All electrical works Roofing Painting Plumbing Blocked drains, etc Satisfaction guaranteed. No job too small Telephone:

696 861 436 658 231 342 L-01.14

Classifieds INSURANCE

Best prices ever for your car, house, health & commercial insurance. No claims bonus respected. Veronica on

928 801 985 928 801 929 676 217 329 After 2.00 pm 928 845 348 B-02.14

Professional cleaning services Telephone:

628 354 887

LOW COST SATELLITE SOLUTIONS

Lanzarote Drain Services BLOCKED?

Toilets, baths/showers, sinks, drains, etc. Unblocked Fast Call Nobby:

628 104 752 PIC-02.14

673 665 589 B-02.14

PANDA’S GALLERY

International prints. Local prints. Original local art. Fast framing service. Open 10am - 5pm. Closed Sun, Mon & Thurs. C.C. Costa Papagayo, Playa Blanca.

Door opening. Lock replacement and repair. UK security products available. Call Brian

Telephone:

928 845 886 620 896 185

928 518 825 L-05.14

PIC-J.F.

Over 30 yrs experience in * Domestic plumbing * Bathrooms conversions * Kitchen fitting * Tiling * Small building works * Painting * Pool & Spa maintenance. Reliable service. No call out too small. Call Steve Thacker

669 663 602 928 520 640 L-12.13

POOL CLEANING PERFECTION

Bargain prices. Top quality. 14 yrs experience on Lanzarote For free friendly advice or free quote. Phone Derek

678 007 244

Facebook: Delpools L.-02.14

THE MULTI REPAIR AND ENGRAVING CENTRE

in Tias. Shoe repairs, keycutting, engraving, watch repairs, clothing repairs & alterations. Computer repairs, knife sharpening, engraveable gifts & signs, passport photos. Pick up/drop off points for shoe repairs: Playa Blanca - Popeyes Sports Bar Costa Teguise - Brown Deli PDC - Raffles Bar PDC Old Town - Kazbar

& CO

WE SUPPLY AND FIT SOLAR

polycarbonate to your existing pergola. No painting or refelting ever again. No maintenance required and comes with a 10 year guarantee. Telephone for quotation:

928 518 663 PIC-RN

INSTANT INDEPENDENCE For Rent, For Sale. For You! Walking aids, Wheelchairs, Bathroom/ toilet aids, Home nursing aids. Free delivery and collection.

928 823 593 630 335 073 L-12.13

still available from C&K Haulage Service. Order placed via email at info@ckhaulage.com Brand names you can trust! Enquiries:

928 524 190 PIC-V.A.

UK TV LANZAROTE BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, cbeebies and many more. Direct to your television via your router and our set top box. www.aguaclara.eu

661 041 155 L-02.14

PLUMBER UK REGISTERED

PIC-V.A.

P-02.14

geppettolanzarote@gmail.com

ROOFING SYSTEMS The Rooflex system from MP will go on any roof surface, even pergolas and comes with a 12 year guarantee! Also great for roof terraces and balconies! Contact us for details:

636 611 408

to get rid of your tax and paperwork headaches for residents & non-residents. A professional service from a simple NIF application to setting up a company with tax declarations.

Services ting & Tax • Accoun Licences • Opening ts • Price Lis Licences rt • Transpo as enci & • Resid Carpentry, building urses maintenance. • NIF ygiene co ealth & H s for import/exp er 616•• H254 762 b m u n EORI Tnl123@hotmail.co.uk tection • Data Pro PIC-01.14

TNL

928 513 311 928 513 300

Please contact us for details.

www.ebfconsulting.com PIC-R.N

CORGI GAS / PLUMBER UK qualified. All works undertaken Heaters and pumps repaired. + property maintenance.

636 611 408 B-02.14

LOW COST SATELLITE SOLUTIONS

THE COMPLETE COVERAGE FOR ALL

new construction & refurbishments & renovations *Rendering, plaster finishing *Tiling *Internal, external decorating *Cut piedra installations *Patios, BBQs *Swimming pool, fibre painting & tiling 28 years experience Call Julian:

+34 637 832 982

www.lanzarote-builders.com

928 518 980

Satellite packages/IPtv for BBC, Sky Sports news, etc / UK IP address smart tv, Sky go, etc / UK telephone lines. For info call:

PIC-R.N.

glo.bal.sat@hotmail.com

A professional and reliable service for ALL your carpentry needs. www.nscarpentryjoinery.com

L-12.13

Telephone:

WASHING MACHINE

nscarpentry@aol.com

info@mvplanzarote.com

ODD JOBS

DIY handyman Telephone:

669 986 259 PIC-06.14

PROFESSIONAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

676 670 786

Telephone:

WE CAN FIND A SOLUTION

Call Peter:

All plumbing works Heaters & pumps repaired. + property maintenance. No job too small Call Peter:

www.geppettolanzarote.com

Building Allied Trades

Telephone:

PIC-02.14

PLUMB CRAZY PLUMBER & POOL ENGINEER

won’t be beaten on price Realigments, problem solves spares etc. Systems from 150€. No call too small free advice given

MVP Playa Blanca’s most recommended property managers - for the highest standard of villa pool & guest care. Call Angela on:

928 518 980

angela@mvplanzarote.com L-R.N.

BE AWARE

When transporting personal possessions choose a company that is correctly licensed and insured to ensure your goods will arrive and not be impounded. We can offer you both the security and peace of mind from a long established legal company, plus a guarantee of the safe delivery of your possessions. Contact C & K Haulage Services. A Professional Haulage Company. Telephone:

0034 928 524 190 The cheapest option is not always the best option. L-V.A

673 665 589

Cookers, M/Waves. Water heater repairs. Qualified engineer. All work guaranteed. Call Alan on:

699 708 238 L-02.14

PIC-01.14

NS CARPENTRY JOINERY

680 882 863 L-01.14

PLUMBING PROJECT?

Bathrooms, Solar water heating, electric, water heater, swimming pool plumbing, Storage tanks, Aljibe, Airconditioning, New Pump

630 738 202 SATELLITE SERVICES For all TV viewing. Over 16 years on the island. For free advice call Dave Office:

928 845 386 Mobile: +34 629 161 263 www.digitaldave.eu.com Email: info@digitaldave.eu.com PIC-R.N.

ENGLISH OWNED AND STAFFED

PIC-N.K

WE MANUFACTURE, SUPPLY & INSTALL powder coated aluminium windows, doors, pergolas, shutters and mosquito nets. Fast - Efficient & Reliable Service. Email: theallyshop@gmx.com

Tel: 928 524 597 Fax: 928 833 378 Mob: 679 568 700 PIC-V.A.

for 20 years. Repair service, ITV for all makes, used cars bought & sold, vehicle transfers & imports, car storage, prompt & efficient service. Tel/Fax:

928 833 581

L-J.F.

B.E WELDING

Is your home secure? *Customized window grills *Security door grills *Iron gates & railings *All made to your design

639 916 557

www.bewslanzarote.com L-J.F.

The Gazette | February 2014 | 125

Classifieds TILING & SCREEDING

Balaustrade + Blockwork + Render. Call Billy:

606 419 334 928 524 406 L-11.13

Home & Garden PROFESSIONAL PALM TREE MAINTENANCE.

Certified with licence Nº 1803. For free advice and quotations call Estif & Raul, Mon - Fri on

686 846 958 655 683 272

or visit my website www.palmtreespecialist.com L-01.14

FLOWER POWER

Garden centre. Healthy plants, Professional advice in English, Picon, Soil Landscaping

928 510 562 Mon-Fri 10.00-18.30 Sat 10.00-13.30

PIC-V.A.

To Let COSTA TEGUISE

Duplex. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, toilet, garage, garden. Telephone:

699 616 266 659 624 020 L-02.14

EL CABLE

Studio, 2 & 3 bedrooms apartments with sea views. Telephone:

699 616 266 659 624 020 L-02.14

COSTA TEGUISE LONG LET

Luxury one bedroom apartment on superior beach front resort available for long let Mid April to End of June 2014. Min. 2 months. Fully equipped Email: judyartworks@aol.com Mobile:

LONG TERM RENTALS

In Puerto del Carmen: Ground floor refurbished two bedroom, two bathroom apartment. Fully furnished and very well equipped, only minutes from the main strip in Calle Frankfurt. Monthly rent: 650€ (bills incl.) Info and viewings:

609 146 133

+34 928 514 395 B-03.14

PUERTO DEL CARMEN Playa Volcano, Calle Bocaina. Large modern 2 bedroom apt with own parking and private terrace. Ideal position - top floor, overlooking gardens and quiet central area. Close to beach and restaurants. Beautiful furnishings. Residential or holiday home. Very low community and running costs. Before: 195,000€ Reduced to 135,000€. Info and viewings:

609 146 133 L-V.A.

LANZAROTE LIVING is a new company on the island, offering a comprehensive service for sellers and buyers. We are looking for quality properties for sale, particularly in the Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca areas. Please email info@lanzaroteliving.com if you would like help in selling your property L-12 .13

LA CONCHA

L-02.14

639 242 370

COSTA TEGUISE

699 616 266 659 624 020

L-04.14

Holiday Let

Telephone: B-V.A.

126 | February 2014 | The Gazette

Express door to door service, all customs formalities adhered to contact Woodside Trading on

CATS

Secure accommodation provide to look after your cats while you are away.

928 869 036

www.woodside-tradingsl.com PIC-R.N.

www.purrfectvacations.net

Telephone:

LOOKING FOR A HOLIDAY LET?

Villa with sea views. Heated pool. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, terrace

B-03,14

928 823 906 678 478 387

Property for Sale

Sea Front Quite 2 bed flat. Direct sea access / fishing. Cliff top walks Low outgoings + 6 1/2 m Sail boat on safe harbour nearby pontoon. Both need some renovation. Offers for quick sale Telephone:

Pets

Large lounge, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, separate kitchen. Fully furnished. Reduced to 149,000€ Call:

L-V.A.

Grand duplex. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, separate fully fitted kitchen, lounge, separate dining room. Garden, terrace and parking. Fully furnished. Close to C.C. Deiland. 198,000€. Private sale.

+44 7970 554 398

DUPLEX IN PLAYA HONDA

928 520 781

Friends or family coming over? Visit “Casa Tiffany” at www.cristalvillas.com or contact us on

KENNELS NOW IN GUIME

info@cristalvillas.com

Phone Susann:

+34 606 884 132

L-R.N

English owned. Large,clean and cool pens in a secure run area. Dog walked daily. www.thekennelslanzarote.com

629 604 459

L-02.14

+34 620 172 318 +44(0)1614083360 www.sunparkliving.com L-N.K.

HOLIDAY ACCOMODATION

Individual Attention Excellent Accommodation Macher Email: npd12@btinternet.com

928 512 590 620 170 612

For Hire

L-R.N

928 823 593 689 694 299

FOR LEASE

Grocery store-going concern in central Lanzarote

From just 2€ per week. Price per item or m3. Long term discounts. Collection service. For more info

L-12.13

MAN WITH A VAN

L-S.A.

Large van for removals, deliveries and collections. Any size or load Tel Brian:

EARN UPTO 100€ PER HOUR

Storage available

928 844 570

928 514 497 606 823 718

as a children’s entertainer. Magic tricks, puppets and Punch and Judy Theatre for sale. Tuition given Telephone:

LARGE VAN AND DRIVER

B-02.14

689 693 728

928 592 063

B-02.14

Internet Cafe in Playa Blanca. Fully working. Computers and printers used for less than one year. Owner moving off island. For more information call

671 219 466 L-N.K.

help@compdoctor. org

WANTED TO RENT Berth in Marina Rubicon Telephone:

602 586 425 L-03.14

PURCHASE OF 10 MTRS BERTH in Marina Rubicon.

928 518 663 L-R.N.

WE BUY ANYTHING Household furniture, domestic appliances, gold & silver jewellery. Top prices for right articles. Tel Alan:

689 693 728

B-12.13

TOOLS WORKING OR NOT

all trades. Also household items. Cash paid. Tel Alan:

689 693 728 L-12.13

Collections and Deliveries Also large storage available. Tel Alan: B-12.13

LEASE FOR SALE

696 473 446

PIC-12.13

STORAGE AVAILABLE

Business Opportunity

Repairs, upgrades, maintenance, internet connections, virus removal. No call out charge. Where possible same day service.

Wanted

Self-contained, in delightful country house near Puerto Calero.

928 512 773

COMPUTER DOCTOR

L-09.13

AFFORDABLE & FLEXIBLE

Holiday Rentals for over 50s. A holiday home away from home in the sunny Playa Blanca at extremely reasonable prices. For more information contact the Sun Park Living’s Team at

Computing

PIC-02.14

REMOVALS

Man with a very big van for removals of anything, any shape or size. Near or far. No job too small. Telephone:

928 823 045 628 474 534 L-06.14

Miscellaneous CHEAP INTERNATIONAL CALLS NubeCall offers amazingly cheap international call rates using your regular phone. No computer or internet required, no need to change your phone company and no contracts or commitments; just great quality calls! Visit nubecall.com for a FREE TRIAL L-R.N.

NEW RANGE OF PRODUCTS NOW AVAILABLE : UPVC WINDOWS AND DOORS PLEASE CONTACT US FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

We manufacture, supply & install powder coated aluminium windows, doors, pergolas, shutters and mosquito nets

FAST – EFFICIENT & RELIABLE SERVICE ARCHES

Up to date machinery for manufacturing and construction of aluminium products

TWO COLOUR ALUMINIUM FRAMES

Roller shutters: Manual and electric

Interior & Exterior Factory produced powder coating

Mosquito Nets: Fixed - Roll down - Sliding

Also fly screen doors C/ Matorral, 6–Tias. Tel: 928 524 597 Fax: 928 833 378 Mobile: 679 568 700 email : theallyshop@gmx.com

useful

tide tables

telephone numbers

February 2014

Please dial 928 before all local (Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria) numbers, unless specified.

Tide Tables for Arrecife, Lanzarote. Units are in metres. (Times may vary by a few minutes around the island).

AIRPORT Iberia General Info. . . . . . . . . . . 902 400500 Aena General Info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .846000 Flight Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .846001

Monthly Tide tip: Tides are highest and lowest during the full moon and new moon.

Day New moon

Hour

Metres

H: L: H: L:

1:52 8:11 14:18 20:25

3.2 0.0 2.9 0.1

H: L: H: L:

2:36 8:55 15:01 21:08

3.1 0.0 2.9 0.2

H: L: H: L:

3:19 9:38 15:45 21:52

3.0 0.2 2.7 0.4

H: L: H: L:

4:03 10:22 16:30 22:38

2.8 0.4 2.5 0.6

H: L: H: L:

4:50 11:09 17:19 23:29

2.5 0.6 2.3 0.8

H: 5:42 L: 12:02 H: 18:16

2.3 0.9 2.1

L: H: L: H:

0:33 6:46 13:08 19:29

1.0 2.0 1.1 2.0

L: H: L: H:

1:53 8:08 14:28 20:52

1.1 1.9 1.1 2.0

L: H: L: H:

3:20 9:32 15:45 22:03

1.1 1.9 1.1 2.1

L: H: L: H:

4:28 10:36 16:43 22:57

1.0 2.0 1.0 2.2

L: H: L: H:

5:18 11:24 17:28 23:39

0.8 2.1 0.8 2.4

L: 5:58 H: 12:02 L: 18:05

0.7 2.3 0.7

H: L: H: L:

0:15 6:32 12:35 18:39

2.5 0.5 2.4 0.6

H: L: H: L:

0:48 7:03 13:06 19:11

2.6 0.4 2.5 0.5

H: L: H: L:

1:19 7:34 13:37 19:41

2.7 0.4 2.6 0.4

H: L: H: L:

1:50 8:04 14:07 20:12

2.8 0.3 2.6 0.4

First quarter moon

6 7 8

12 13 Full moon

Day

Metres

2:20 8:34 14:37 20:43

2.8 0.3 2.6 0.4

H: L: H: L:

2:51 9:05 15:09 21:16

2.7 0.4 2.6 0.5

H: L: H: L:

3:25 9:39 15:44 21:52

2.6 0.5 2.5 0.6

H: L: H: L:

4:02 10:16 16:24 22:35

2.5 0.6 2.4 0.7

H: L: H: L:

4:46 11:02 17:14 23:29

2.3 0.7 2.2 0.8

H: 5:42 L: 12:01 H: 18:19

2.2 0.9 2.1

L: H: L: H:

0:42 7:00 13:21 19:44

0.9 2.0 1.0 2.1

L: H: L: H:

2:14 8:32 14:50 21:11

0.9 2.0 0.9 2.2

L: H: L: H:

3:39 9:54 16:06 22:22

0.8 2.2 0.8 2.4

L: H: L: H:

4:46 10:57 17:06 23:19

0.5 2.4 0.5 2.7

L: 5:40 H: 11:49 L: 17:56

0.3 2.6 0.3

H: L: H: L:

2.9 0.1 2.8 0.1

21 Last quarter moon

128 | February 2014 | The Gazette

Hou H: L: H: L:

25 26 27 28

0:08 6:27 12:35 18:42

AYUNTAMIENTOS Arrecife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .812750 Haria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .835300 San Bartolome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .520657 Teguise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .845001 Tias . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .833619 Tinajo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .840237 Yaiza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .836220 BRITISH SCHOOLS British School of Lanzarote . . . . . . . .810085 Colegio Hispano Britanico . . . . . . . . .173066 TRI-LINGUAL SCHOOL Colegio Daos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .515818 CANARY ISLAND PUBLICATIONS Telephone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .902 250750 Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524066 CHEMIST Puerto del Carmen (Aquarium) . . . .513207 Puerto del Carmen (Fariones) . . . . .515588 Teguise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .845284 CHURCHES Anglican Chaplain Rev Tom Barnfather 514241 Family Church Pastor Chris Herman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .618186755 Christian Worship Centre, Playa Blanca Pastor Victor Hardwick. . . . . . . 620 309 684 Sunday Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .833382 CONSULATES Britain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .902 109 356 . . 245671 Ireland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .922 Germany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .491880 CREDIT CARDS - LOST OR STOLEN? 4B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .902 114400 Visa/Mastercard . . . . . . . . . . . . . .915 . . 196000 AMEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .902 . . 375637 . . 991124 Visa International . . . . . . . . . . . . .900 EMERGENCY SERVICES Police, Fire, Red Cross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24hrs 365days (Ambulances) . . . . . . . . . .112 Spanish Emergengy Services . . . . . . . . . .061 Cruz Roja (Ambulance) . . . . . . . . . . .812222 Cabildo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .810100

H = High L = Low

MEDICAL SERVICES British Surgery Lanzarote . . . . . . . . .514274 OR FREEPHONE . . . . . . . . . . . . .900 . . 811555 Hospital Arrecife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .595000 Deutsch Britische Klinic . . . . . . . . . . .592125

Natural Therapy Centre . . . . . . .609 . . 010231 Dra. Elisabeth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .522 665 Alcoholics Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . .511846, 832633 or . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173525 Pain & Injury Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .510829 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .659 . . 944133 Dr. Magers Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .512611 Hospiten Lanzarote . . . . . . . . . . . . . .596100 Urgencias 24 horas . . . . . . . . 6 . 69 452248 POLICE Arrecife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .811317 Haria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .835252 Yaiza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .830107 San Bartolome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .520712 Teguise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .845252 Tias . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .834101 PORTS AND FERRIES Arrecife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .812534 Playa Blanca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .517266 Cesar 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 813608 POST OFFICES Arrecife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800673 Puerto del Carmen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .510381 SPORT ORGANIZATIONS Club La Santa Events Office . . . . . . .599995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ext: . 4451 TAXI RANKS Arrecife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .803104 Teguise / Costa Teguise . . . . . . . . . . .524223 Puerto del Carmen / Tías . . . . . . . . .524220 Yaiza / Tinajo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524222 San Bartolomé . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524220 Haria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .835031 Tinajo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .840049 TELEFONICA Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1002 Directory Enquiries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11811 International Directories . . . . . . . . . . .11825 TOURIST INFORMATION Arrecife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .801517 Tias . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .515337 Yaiza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .517794 TRANSPORT I.T.V. Station (MOT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 902 . . . .300374 Arrecife Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .811522 Lanzarote Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .811546 UTILITIES Unelco (Electricity) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800135 Unelco emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800384 Canal (Water) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .814400 VETS Jane Burke 513895 . . .or 649 910784 Pet Veterinary Surgery . . . . . . . . . . . .346207

horoscopes By Clairvoyant Patrick Keaton

FEBUARY

2014

ARIES

21 March to 19 April

Your forceful manner may make waves in the workplace. Keep your opinions to yourself this month and you will be a lot happier from 9am to 5pm. Your personal life blossoms when an old friend comes back into your life later in the month. Leo and Sagittarius will play important roles.

TAURUS

VIRGO

23 August to 22 September

Even though it may be difﬁcult for you, you’re going to have to sit still when it comes to a family event this month. Let relatives make the plans and only give your input if asked. It all will work out for the best. A friend will look to you for advice later in the month. Try not to be judgmental.

SCORPIO 23 October to 21 November

You know exactly who you are and what you can do, so don’t be a showoff at work early in the month. It could make you look foolish in front of your boss. Family matters are of prime importance this month. Show loved ones how much you care — even if they do drive you crazy at times.

20 April to 20 May

Your strong, steady nature should keep you calm during a tumultuous month at work. You won’t fall prey to co-workers’ worries. However, it’s a different story when it comes to romance. An evening with that special someone will allow you to open up and let your emotions show.

SAGITTARIUS 22 November to 21 December

A New Year is a time to look ahead, and that´s what you should be doing, Sagittarius. It´s time to set plans in motion that will have consequences years into the future. These may mean a break or a change of scene further down the road, but if you don´t get started now, you´ll never have the opportunity again.

GEMINI

21 May to 20 June

You’ll feel like you’re riding an emotional roller coaster when it comes to family this month. Relatives will be spending a lot of time with you and sharing their true feelings. Don’t hold your emotions in. Venting them will help bring you back to an even keel. Look to friends for relaxation.

CANCER

21 June to 22 July

Bask in glory at work this month after you successfully complete a difﬁcult project. Your superiors will be suitably impressed. Your social life improves and the phone won’t stop ringing. Friends you haven’t heard from in quite a long time will be in touch. Taurus and Gemini are involved.

LEO

23 July to 22 August

Your outgoing personality is a big hit with superiors at work. They´ll need someone to go after the heavy hitters and it very well could be you. Your loyalty to a good friend could put you in a difﬁcult situation this month. Don’t lose someone close to you just because you’re feeling impetuous.

PISCES 19 February to 20 March

Life is your stage this month — make your mark wherever you go. However, don’t let your satirical nature go overboard. Remember to respect other people’s feelings. Show compassion to a friend in need later in the month. He or she is counting on you for advice.

CAPRICORN

22 December to 19 January

Keep your shoulder to the wheel at work this month. Don’t let petty arguments among coworkers distract you. A close friend will need your help. Give him or her support. However, stand your ground when he or she makes a ludicrous request. You’ll be thanked for it later.

AQUARIUS LIBRA

23 September to 22 October

Don’t let work get you down this month. It’s only a job, and so many more important things happen after you´ve knocked off for the day. Romance blossoms later in the month. You’ll be swept off your feet when you least expect it by someone whom you never thought could interest you. Gemini and Aries will be key.

20 January to 18 February

Don’t follow blindly at work this month. Now’s your chance to take the lead and show everyone what you’re capable of. A loved one will seem aloof this month, but don’t overreact. He or she just needs to be alone for a little while. Respect his or her wishes. You’ll be close again soon.

The Gazette | February 2014 | 129

Lanzarote People Pat Slattery, from Limerick, Mayo girl Donna Kennedy and their 15-month old son Ashton have been on Lanzarote for less than a year, since they bought a bar in Puerto Del Carmen, but they have big plans for the future. Shaun Addison spoke to a couple who mean business.

Pat Slattery and Donna Kennedy 1 What brought you to Lanzarote?

Pat: I´d been coming for 20 years, and Donna has been with me for the last ﬁve. When we come out of the airport and round the bend we always thought “This is home!” We´d hired an ofﬁce in Limerick with a 360 degree view of the town, but one day we suddenly realised that view was mostly rain. We do a lot of work online , anyway, so we decided to go for it.

1 What is it you like about the island? Donna: I love the way you can mix living inside and outside. I also love the way people smile here. It’s a holiday resort, so many people are determined to make the most of their week or two in the sun. It´s a really positive atmosphere, and you ask yourself why couldn´t people be like that every day.

1 That positive attitude seems very important to both of you. Could you tell us a little about your backgrounds? Pat: I worked in security for 20 years all over Ireland, and built up that business. But one day I decided to ﬁnd out how successful businesspeople really ticked, so I chose my ﬁve most successful clients and formed a peer group with them. That led on to a number of business seminars, and those are continuing, with world-famous speakers and guests. Donna: I was studying psychology and modeling when I suffered a serious illness and misdiagnosis, which set me back for some time - you really learn who your friends are at times like that. But I managed to get back to college and have published a series of books. The next one will be about getting in shape after pregnancy, and I´ll be writing from experience.

1 What would say to all the people who complain about the business situation here? Pat: Excuses are easy to ﬁnd. I’ve got plenty, for example. I grew up on a notorious estate in Limerick in a three bedroom council house, which sounds OK until you hear I had nine brothers and six sisters. My dad broke his back at the age of 42 and I left school, and home, at the age of 14. But with a good work ethic I made my own opportunities to get where I wanted to be.

1 You must both be pretty busy with a bar to run as well? Pat: But we feel like we´ve got all the time in the world because we enjoy what we do . I love working at the bar, dealing with different people, and we love to get out and see Lanzarote, too. We´ve been all over, and never get tired.

1 Your favourite places?

Pat: Papagayo is amazing. We also love El Golfo and have found a great little beach at Arrieta with a tapas restaurant nearby.

1 Any plans for the future?

Donna: Plenty. I´ve got a book coming out and I´d love set some groups up for women on the Lanzarote. Pat: Yes, we´re planning a seminar in May, so watch this space.

130 | February 2014 | The Gazette