Power of Giving
PHASE TWO, a fundraising group based in Mazarron, has once again demonstrated its dedication to supporting local causes. The group recently handed over €1,600 to the Camposol Community Shopping Bag, a charity initiative aimed at helping those in need.
Since its inception in 2023, Phase Two has raised €1,600 each for so many different charities, including ForgetMe-Not, LovingDogs, and Samaritans in Spain. Their successful fundraising efforts have been driven by popup boutiques, mini fashion shows, cake stalls, and an array of preloved clothing, accessories, and homeware, all generously donated by the local community.
With the support of volun-
A RARE weather phenomenon stopped people in their tracks in Cabo de Palos on Monday May 5, as a bright ring of light formed around the sun, drawing attention from everyone. Known as a solar halo, the sight appeared around midday and quickly became the talk of the coastal town. The halo, which formed a glowing circle roughly 22 degrees around the sun, is caused by sunlight passing through tiny ice crystals in high-altitude cirrus clouds. As the light refracts, it creates a natural optical effect that looks almost magical, though it is completely harmless.
Solar halo Phase Two continues monthly donations
teers and local businesses, Phase Two’s events have become a staple in the region. The team brings together their expertise in fashion, event management, and hospitality to create these popular and impactful fundraising activities.
The group’s tireless efforts are a testament to the power of passionate individuals coming together to make a meaningful difference. Through their continued work, Phase Two hopes to provide further
While the phenomenon is rare in the Region of Murcia, it is not dangerous and often signals the presence
of moisture in the upper atmosphere. The sight added a touch of wonder to the start of the week, promp-
support to local charities and inspire others to join in their mission of giving back.
This month, Phase Two turns its fundraising powers to Camposol Kitty Kitty, so keep those donations coming in!
ting many to pause, look up, and take photos or videos of the event.
Locals and visitors shared the moment on social media, with some describing it as a beautiful surprise. For those lucky enough to witness it, the solar halo turned an ordinary Monday into something memorable.
New Theme Park
A NEW horror park called Horror Imperium is set to open in the Region of Murcia in 2026. It will cover 20,000 square metres and offer live shows, scary walk-throughs, and interactive games based on haunted houses.
The company behind the project, Start Play, specialises in escape rooms. They say this will not be a typical theme park with rollercoasters. Instead, there will be seven different horror experiences, with 150 actors who interact with visitors to make each visit feel personal and exciting.
For those who want an even scarier time, there will be options to get more involved in the story. The company says the goal is to mix fear with fun, so people leave with good memories as well as a few scares.
The park will mainly open during the Halloween season, from October to November, but other events like musicals and dance shows will take place during the rest of the year.
The exact location and opening date haven’t been shared yet, but it will be around two kilometres from the city centre. Opening hours will be from 6.00pm to 1.00am.
Where terror meets fun.
Horror theme park coming to Murcia
Image: Phase Two/Cheryl Dale
halo stuns onlookers.
RECENTLY, people at the Mazarron Day Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities enjoyed a special activity: animal therapy sessions with the Centauro Quirón Foundation.
Animal therapy
Two therapists, a dog handler, and two friendly dogs visited the centre to help show how animals can support emotional and mental well-being. The sessions brought smiles, a few peaceful moments, and lots of happiness.
The dogs helped create a friendly and relaxed atmosphere where everyone felt safe and included. Many said the experience made them feel more positive and less stressed.
THE Region of Murcia’s economy grew by 0.6 per cent in the rst three months of 2025, making it one of the top four fastest-growing regions in Spain, according to the Independent Authority for Fiscal Responsibility (AIReF).
This matches the national average, as the Spanish economy also grew by 0.6 per
Animal therapy is known to help people feel better, especially those who may nd it hard to express their emotions. At the Mazarron centre, it gave people the chance to connect with the animals and enjoy their company.
Murcia’s economy
cent during the same period. Madrid, the Valencian Community, and Andalucia saw slightly higher growth at 0.7 per cent.
AIReF used its regional estimation method, METCAP, to publish this data after the
National Statistics Institute (INE) released the national gures on April 29.
Looking at yearly growth, Murcia’s economy grew by 3.1 per cent, which is well above the national average of 2.8 per cent. Only the Balea-
ric Islands grew more, with a 3.7 per cent increase. The Canary Islands, Galicia, and Madrid also showed strong annual growth at 3 per cent. Murcia’s steady growth shows it is keeping up with the rest of the country and remains an important part of Spain’s overall economic progress.
Mind, Body & Spirit Fair
AGE CONCERN Costa Calida is holding a Mind, Body, Spirit Fair on Friday, May 24, from 11.00am to 3.00pm at their social centre on Avenida de los Covachos, Sector C, Camposol, Mazarron. There will be tarot readings, spiritual healing, mediums, jewellery, crystals, drinks, snacks, and much more. Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy the event.
Age Concern Costa Cálida is a local charity that helps people over the age of 50. They are based at 2b Avenida de los Covachos in Camposol C. The charity supports older people by offering useful information, friendly advice, and different services to improve their lives.
Email ageconcerncos tacalida@gmail.com or call 634 344 589.
Cazorla - Olive groves and mountain magic
CAZORLA, located in the province of Jaen, serves as the entrance to the expansive Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park. The journey to the town takes you through olive groves, gradually ascending into rugged mountain terrain. The landscape here is both diverse and striking.
For those travelling by campervan, Cazorla offers a number of convenient parking spots, such as Área de Autocaravanas de Cazorla, which is approximately a 15-minute walk to the town centre.
Historical charm
Cazorla’s old town exudes a distinctive charm, while also having Andalucia’s traditional whitewashed buildings and arlaxing
with Hispavan Campers
walk along the Cerezuelo river. mountains, making it a great place for a peaceful walk.
Wine Horses Freestyle Motocross
THE Coso de Sutullena bullring in Lorca will be transformed into a motorsport arena on Saturday, May 10, as it hosts the Spanish Freestyle Motocross Championship. This is the second round of the official European competition and is organised by the Royal Spanish Motorcycling Federation (RFME).
Mayor Fulgencio Gil Jódar said events like this help make Lorca a popular place for big sports and entertainment. “It’s a great way to bring more visitors, support the local economy and offer something exciting for everyone,” he said.
The event will feature top riders like five-time world champion Maikel Melero, freestyle star Marc Pinyol, and the daring José Canosa ‘Mincha’. Young talents like Mario Lucas and Unai Aguiló will also perform, along with crowd favourite Jabato.
There will be more than just jumps and tricks, the show includes a ‘Best Whip’ contest judged by the crowd, and the cute ‘DAEN Chupete’s Cup’ race for children aged two to four.
With lights, fire, live DJ music, and commentary from Javier Rufete, it promises to be a fun event for all ages. Tickets, including VIP passes, are on sale now at www.cefmx.com.
MURCIA’S regional president, Fernando López Miras, says the Wine Horses festival in Caravaca de la Cruz is one of the main reasons hotel bookings have gone over 90 per cent across the region during the May bank holiday.
He attended the main events of the local festival, which honours the True Holy Cross, and said it’s not just about tradition. “It’s also about tourism, the economy, jobs, and new opportunities,” he explained.
According to regional tourism groups, hotels in Murcia, Cartagena, and Lorca were around 90 per cent full, and hotels along the coast were at about 85 per cent. Rural guesthouses were also at 90 per cent, and campsites were close be-
hind at 85 per cent.
Caravaca de la Cruz is one of the biggest draws for visitors during this time. López Miras joined in several events, including a church service marking the appearance of the Holy Cross, a traditional flower offering, and the Wine Horses race up the hill to the castle.
This race was named a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage tradition in 2020.
The president also pointed out the success of the 2024 Jubilee Year, saying more than 800,000 people visited the region. “We’re proud of Caravaca and its people. They welcome visitors with kindness, joy, and real pride in their traditions,” he said.
Stage call
THE Adapt Theatre Group, a local non-profit organisation, is holding an open day for anyone interested in joining their team. They put on a yearly show, a pantomime, in both Spanish and English, and they support local schools and charities. The event will be on Sunday, May 11, from 11.00am to 1.00pm at the Hogar de Pensionista, Lo Pagan, C. las Palmas, 30740 Lo Pagan beside Castelar College.
They’re looking for new people to join their friendly group. If you have some free time and want to practise your English or Spanish, you can come along and see what they do. You don’t have to join you can just pop by to check it out with no obligation to join. They need help with lots of things, like working backstage, helping with the front of house, making props, running the sound, doing marketing, and sewing costumes. They also need new actors! If you want more information or to let them know you’re coming, you can contact Eric Berg by email at ericberg2@hotmail.com or send a WhatsApp message to 656 361 098.
Wine Horses draw crowds.
Image: carm.es
APPLE and Meta have been fined by the European Commission for violating the new Digital Markets Act (DMA). Apple received a €500 million fine for restricting app developers from directing users to alternative payment options, while Meta was fined €200 million for its controversial ‘pay or consent’ model, which forces users to either accept targeted ads or pay for an ad-free ex-
EU fines tech giants
perience. Both cases highlight the EU’s push to enforce fair competition and protect user rights.
Although the DMA allows fines of up to 10 per cent of annual global turnover, the Commission kept penalties modest,
POMPEII is back in the spotlight thanks to Pink Floyd. The legendary British band has just released Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII (2025 Mix), an album that finally brings to record their legendary 1971 performance in the ancient Roman amphitheatre.
Filmed without a live audience and surrounded by ruins, the concert is now available in restored audio form, more than 50 years later.
Shot in October 1971 and originally released as a film in 1972, Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii, directed by Adrian Maben, was a one-of-a-kind experiment: a rock band playing in an empty amphitheatre
noting that the law is still new and that the goal was to enforce rules without escalating tensions with Washington.
At the same time, two other investigations involving Apple and Meta were quietly dropped. One concerned
Apple’s browser choice restrictions, and the other examined Facebook Marketplace, which regulators found did not meet the criteria of a ‘core platform service’.
The timing is delicate, as the EU seeks to assert digital authority while maintaining stable transatlantic relations. Both companies have been contacted for comment but have yet to respond.
Pompeii & Pink Floyd
built in 70
suvius, provided an unforgettable backdrop.
Pompeii wasn’t picked by chance. Director Adrian Maben came up with the idea after losing his passport while on holiday in the ruins. Allowed back in alone to search for it at night, he wandered the empty site in silence. “It was eerie - just the sound of nature. That’s when it hit me: this would be the perfect place for Pink Floyd,” he recalled.
The passport was never found, but the vision for the film was born.
BC, with only the wind and stone walls as their audience. The volcanic city, buried for centuries under ash after the eruption of Mount Ve-
Pompeii wasn’t picked by chance.
Credit: ClemMtravel. Shuttersotck
Ryanair late fee
MISSING your Ryanair flight will now be a lot more expensive. Starting from May 1, 2025, the airline will impose a €120 fee on late passengers who want to rebook onto the next available service.
The move, Ryanair says, is all about maintaining its punctuality record - and sending a strong message about respecting boarding times. Whether it’s a domestic or international flight, a promo ticket or a regular fare, the rule applies across the board, with no exceptions. CEO Michael O’Leary made it clear: “If you’re not at the gate on time, you’re delaying everyone else.” Ryanair already closes its gates 20 minutes before departure, but insiders say last-minute arrivals have surged in the past year, causing disruptions.
The €120 charge is designed to offset the real costs of rebooking and missed take-off slots. While some travellers support the idea - arguing that punctuality should be respected - others criticise the fee as unfair, pointing out that security delays or airport chaos are often beyond passengers’ control.
Travel groups warn that families, elderly travellers and those unfamiliar with airports could be hardest hit. Despite the backlash, Ryanair is unlikely to soften its stance. Known for its tough policies and nofrills approach, the airline clearly believes strict rules are the best way to keep flights running on time. So if you’re flying Ryanair soon, make sure you don’t miss your boarding call - or be ready to pay up.
Second-hand Picasso
AN earthenware dish designed and signed by Pablo Picasso in 1953, depicting a bullfight, was found at a second-hand shop in Antwerp, a local news outlet reported.
“It’s a beautiful work. It required knowledge and training to spot it, though,” Davy van Basteleare, the Kringwinkel Antwerpen’s auction manager, told VRT News.
The dish is in excellent condition, according to Kringwinkel’s Head of Sales and Marketing, Lander Janssens. It is white earthenware with brown-green decoration in engobe (clay or clay powder), enamel, and oxidised paraffin. On the back of the dish are two stamps: ‘Madoura Plein Feu’ and ‘Empreinte Originale de Picasso’.
“We quickly examine every item that comes in to check that it is still in order and saleable. So -
metimes we discover that certain items are valuable or unique. Our staff are trained to do this,” Janssens explained.
“We have, of course, made further checks, as of course anyone could put a stamp. But it turned out to be an original. It’s a relief design featuring a bullfight that was designed in 1953,” he added.
The Picasso-signed dish is part of a collection of 200 that were produced by the Madoura ceramics workshop in Vallauris, France. The dish has since been auctioned off for €12,600 to a person identified as Johan, who said he is happy with his purchase. The proceeds of the sale typically go toward helping people.
A Ryanair aircraft preparing for takeoff as the airline introduces a new €120 fine for late passengers.
Credit : Cristi Mitu, Shutterstock
A Kringwinkel Antwerpen second-hand shop employee with the Picasso-signed dish.
Photo Krinwinkel
ITALY
Pope’s tribute
THE final stage of this year’s Giro d’Italia will feature a symbolic start from Vatican City in Rome to honour the late Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88. The race will begin with a neutralised segment passing through the Vatican before continuing with eight laps of a 9.5 km circuit in Rome.
Bakery blaze
A FIRE at the historic Pasticceria Cinque Lune in Rome caused significant damage to the establishment located near the Italian Senate. The owner, Claudio Ansuini, was safely evacuated and taken to the hospital for precautionary checks. The incident has raised concerns about fire safety in Rome’s historic buildings.
PORTUGAL
Woman rescued
A 79-YEAR-OLD Italian woman reported missing from her home in Monchique was found alive on the morning of April 28. She had spent the night outdoors following a widespread power outage that affected parts of Portugal. The woman was located with only minor injuries and was taken to the hospital for precautionary checks.
Biodiversity lost
ENVIRONMENTALISTS in Portugal have raised concerns over the rapid expansion of olive tree plantations in the Alentejo region. The plantations are replacing diverse ecosystems, leading to a loss of biodiversity, threatening local wildlife habitats and depleting water resources. Environmental groups are calling for stricter regulations.
NORWAY
Sugar-free ads
NORWAY has implemented a ban on marketing unhealthy foods, such as candy, soft drinks, ice cream, and energy drinks, to children under 18. This regulation prohibits advertising in cinemas, competitions, and the distribution of samples targeting young audiences. Violators may face fines and be required to withdraw marketing materials.
Polar bear pursuit
A DRAMATIC video from Pyramiden, Norway, shows a man narrowly escaping a charging polar bear. Captured during a ski expedition, the footage reveals the man attempting to deter the bear by firing a warning shot. When the bear continued its advance, he dropped his rifle and fled on a nearby snowmobile, narrowly evading the predator.
EURO PRESS
NETHERLANDS
Masterpiece scratched
A CHILD has caused damage to Mark Rothko’s Grey, Orange on Maroon, No. 8, valued at €50 million, at the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam. The incident occurred during an unsupervised moment, resulting in visible scratches on the unvarnished paint. The museum is consulting with experts to determine restoration options.
DENMARK
Baked justice
A WOMAN in Sweden has been sentenced to six weeks in prison for selling homemade buns and sandwiches in Facebook groups for several years. Despite repeated warnings and fines, she continued her unregistered business without an approved kitchen. Her lawyer stated that she is devastated and does not understand why her actions warrant a prison sentence.
Support gaps
A RECENT survey by the Danish Health Authority reveals that one in four managers lacks sufficient knowledge to support employees with mental health issues. In response, the Authority has released a new guide aimed at helping managers better assist staff experiencing mental health challenges.
IRELAND
Detained resident
A 54-YEAR-OLD Irish woman and long-time US resident, was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) upon returning from Ireland where she had visited her ailing father. Despite holding a valid green card and believing her decades-old drug possession convictions had been expunged, the woman was arrested and is currently being held at an ICE facility.
Electric disruption
LAST week a major power outage affected more than 20,000 homes and businesses in Ireland, with Dublin’s Finglas area being the hardest hit. Other areas, including parts of Cavan, Leitrim, and Galway, also experienced disruptions. ESB Networks attributed the outage to a significant fault and restored electricity by late evening of the same day.
Credit: Shutterstock / YASEMIN OZDEMIR
The Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam.
GERMANY
Urban overkill
IN Berlin, five zebra crossings were installed over just 80 metres on a quiet street, drawing public criticism and media attention. The planning decision, aimed at improving pedestrian safety, has been labelled excessive and confusing, prompting debate over the necessity and logic behind such measures.
Admin down
A CYBERATTACK on April 25 disrupted Berlin’s official websites, affecting access to district, Senate, and court portals. By the evening of April 28, only limited services had resumed. The outage significantly impacted administrative functions, including appointment bookings for local government services.
FRANCE
No tolerance
PRESIDENT MACRON condemned the recent murder of a Muslim man in a French mosque, emphasising that “France is no place for racism and hate.” He reiterated the country’s commitment to upholding religious freedom and combating rising anti-Muslim sentiment, highlighting the importance of unity in the face of such violence.
Suspects captured
A SERIES of coordinated attacks on French prisons in April has led to the arrest of 25 individuals. Investigations point to the criminal group DZ Mafia, with some suspects apprehended directly from their cells. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin condemned the violence and pledged support for prison staff.
Crisis concerns
FOLLOWING power outages in Spain and Portugal, Denmark’s emergency services have issued warnings about the country’s preparedness for similar events. Officials acknowledge that the country may not be fully equipped to handle extended power disruptions. The Danish Emergency Management Agency is reviewing current plans to enhance resilience against power outages.
Child protection
SWEDEN will lead a new Europol task force, GRIMM, to combat the recruitment of children by criminal gangs. These gangs use social media and encrypted platforms to target minors, offering money for illegal activities like drug trafficking. The task force includes several European countries and aims to work with tech companies.
FINLAND SWEDEN
TikTok tresspass
FINNISH police have observed a rise in break-ins at abandoned buildings influenced by the TikTok trend known as ‘urbex’. This trend encourages individuals to explore and document disused sites. Authorities warn that such actions are illegal and pose safety risks, urging parents to discuss the dangers of these activities with their children.
Historic heat
A STUDY reveals that the summer of 2024 in Finnish Lapland was the warmest in over 2,000 years, with average temperatures reaching 15.9°C. This surpassed the previous record set in 1937. The extreme heat, contributing to forest fires, was tracked using pine tree ring data, emphasising the growing impact of climate change.
BELGIUM
Healthy lunches
THE Flemish government has approved an annual budget of €70 million to support healthy meals in kindergartens and primary schools, equating to approximately €170 per child. Participation is voluntary, allowing schools to choose how to use the funds. The initiative aims to ensure all children have access to nutritious food.
Belgian bites
BRUSSELS has inaugurated a new Frietmuseum near the Grand Place, celebrating Belgium’s iconic fries. The museum offers an interactive journey tracing the potato’s path from Peru to its Belgian transformation. Founder Eddy Van Belle anticipates 150,000 visitors annually.
VOICE Your
Trump launched an aggressive agenda.
Do you think Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office were successful?
DONALD TRUMP’S return to the presidency has been nothing short of eventful. In just 100 days, he has signed a flurry of executive orders and made headlines across the globe. Despite the whirlwind of activity, his approval rating has plummeted to the lowest of any US president at this stage in the last 80 years.
From day one, Trump launched an aggressive agenda - reinstating strict border controls, resulting in a reported 90 per cent drop in illegal crossings, though not without backlash from human rights advocates. Controversy followed him elsewhere too: his executive orders rolling back protections for gender identity, and pulling the US out of the WHO and the Paris Agreement have drawn criticism.
His tariff moves shook global markets, allies are rethinking their ties, and European leaders are reinforcing their defences. It’s early yet - but if these 100 days are a sign, this term will be as divisive as the last. So, we asked our readers: Do you think President Trump’s first 100 days in office were successful?
Supporters pointed to Trump’s adherence to campaign promises. Jenny Church remarked, “Yes. Look at the border. No illegals are arriving any more.
He’s planning to make America self-sufficient.” Geoffrey Wilson echoed this, “Yes. Trump has done what he said he would do.”
Mike Muttley Mowforth added a nuanced view, commenting, “You only hear the stories and results the media want you to know. [...]
He’s doing what he said he would (right or wrong) which is rare in politics.”
Not all responses were positive. Bill Shearer provided a critical view: “If driving the US economy into the ground, then yes he is a success, otherwise he is a massive failure.” Valeria Olivares Piñeiro took a more global perspective, “It’s easy to clap from your home in a free country.”
Other responses were more ambivalent. Sheree Ruiz suggested context is key: “That would depend on what he hopes or plans to achieve and maybe if you are American or not.” Angela Edgley stated, “No. He may be ‘good’ for the USA but not for the rest of the world.” Finally, Maggie Hannan noted the question’s subjectivity: “I guess it is about what you want.”
Overall, the responses highlighted a sharp divide between those who view Trump as a determined leader, and those who see his actions as reckless or harmful.
3I Group 4.251,41 4.292,00 4.241,00 134,35K
Group 3.238,0 3.270,0 3.226,5 33,05K Airtel Africa 169,60 171,20 169,30 325,18K
American 2.128,5 2.179,5 2.127,5 401,64K
1.695,00 1.767,50 1.694,00 125,3K
Group 4.050,0 4.084,0 4.025,0 69,72K
British Foods 2.030,0 2.043,2 2.016,0 62,08K
296,99 302,10 296,53 5,59M
Redrow 469,70 472,00 468,50 219,23K
Beazley 892,50 902,50 891,00 127,02K
Berkeley 4.228,0 4.232,0 4.198,0 16,86K
BP 351,00 358,05 349,60 3,78M
British American Tobacco 3.252,0 3.269,0 3.227,0 590,94K
Group 173,10 174,50 172,65 1,19M
2.328,0 2.342,0 2.316,0 61,06K
157,60 158,80 156,00 2,44M
2.545,00 2.548,00 2.517,00 289,86K
Intl 2.992,0 3.050,0 2.976,0 17,51K
4.914,0 4.956,0 4.876,0 14,87K
Best places to retire
DODGED deadlines? Raised children? Braved British drizzle? Then you’ve earned a retirement with more sunshine and fewer spreadsheets. Spain is calling - and it’s not whispering.
A 2025 study by Global Citizen Solutions names Menorca, Mallorca, Tenerife, and the Costa Brava as the top beach spots to retire in Spain.
These coastal areas are all about slow living, low stress, and sea views for days.
And it’s not just a British obsession. Nearly 900 people retire in Spain daily, according to Social Security data. Why?
Because Spain ticks all the boxes: low cost of living, world-class healthcare, warm locals, and sunshine that just won’t quit.
Here’s the best four:
Menorca - Peaceful, pretty and free from party crowds. Menorca’s whe-
Credit: Gustavo Frazao, Shutterstock
Sun, sangría and slippers: Spain’s top six seaside retirement hotspots revealed, from Menorca to the Costa Brava.
re you go to drop your shoulders and soak in turquoise coves.
Mallorca - Think postcard-perfect villages, great healthcare, and direct UK flights. A top choice for a soft landing.
Tenerife - Volcanic beauty, eternal spring, and the perfect winter sun escape.
Costa Brava - Dramatic cliffs, secret coves, and just enough edge to keep
things interesting. It’s like the Amalfi Coast, but cheaper and Catalan.
And don’t overlook Malaga and Valencia - vibrant cities offering beachside bliss, art scenes, and top-tier healthcare.
Retiring in Spain isn’t about slowing down - it’s about finally living it up.
Café con leche in one hand, sea view in the other? That’s not a dream. That’s Tuesday in Spain.
INTERVIEW
New life between tapas - Speaking European
In a quiet corner of Costa Blanca, situated among orange groves and Mediterranean breezes, Romanian Florina Moldovan and German Martin Krauss have found their place: a bar in Els Poblets, near Denia.
THEY met on Facebook, lived seven years to gether in Stuttgart, and two years ago decided to make their shared dream come true - running their own bar in Spain.
Now, the place is full of life. Locals and expats gather on the terrace, enjoying English breakfasts, Ger man sausages, and the occasional Sunday paella. “Life is calm here, the climate’s lovely, and people are kind,” says Florina with a smile. The TV plays Spanish news inside, but most customers speak English or German.
Credit: Santiago Carneri
its second anniversary.
bar, visited her, brought her to Germany, and eventually, they moved to Spain together. “We’d never heard of Els Poblets before - we just ended up here. But we liked it straight away,” she recalls. They named the bar Stuttgart, in honour of the city where their story began. Though a local supermarket recently closed, little else is missing.
Florina first came to Spain in 2007, lived briefly in Madrid, then returned to Romania. Martin, always keen to run a
“We’re still here, working side by side, and we’re happy,” Florina says. Their story is a quiet tale of modern Europecross-cultural, slow-paced, and built on love, beer, and sunny afternoons by the sea.
