Print Edition: October - Boomtown

October 2016 !

ArguineguĂ­n from the air.

Courtesy of 45photos.com

BOOMTOWN The island is full. Most holiday accommodation has been booked up well in advance, with many hotels operating now at 95%+ occupancy.

The Canary Islands as a whole are on track for a record-

breaking year, having seen more Brits, more Germans and more Nordics about to return for winter. 2016 is looking good!

Property prices are climbing, and Brexit seems to have encouraged many to get their

money out of the UK. Now’s a great time to be on Gran Canaria. There are bargains to be had, deals to be done and money to be made.

Check out our new property supplement on pages 15-18

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Newsbrief...

News, Views & Sunshine

October

2016

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El Periódico Inglés de Gran Canaria

Image Sergio Perez

A death in San Fernando As we were preparing to go to press (mon 10th October) local businessman Luis Fernández Conde, founder of Luis Sport, was reported killed in San Fernando de Maspalomas, in southern Gran Canaria, by a Brazilian man, thought to be his lover. National Police also arrested a second person of Spanish nationality as an accomplice for concealing the suspect.

The Maspalomas Local Brigade of the Judicial Police are investigating the evidence surrounding the murder, which may have been a crime of passion.

Local residents alerted police to the entrepreneurs lifeless body, lying in a pool of his own blood, in a warehouse at the back of Avenida de Gáldar, in San Fernando, not far from the main southern tourist resort. There were clear signs of violence, and it is suspected that Luis Fernández had suffered a strong blow to the head before his throat was cut, some reports say he died of stab wounds.

Spanish Government Delegate in the Canary Islands, Enrique Hernández Bento, told reporters that the alleged perpetrator tried to dodge police who arrived at the scene. It is thought that their search led them to a second person who tried to hide the suspect.

Luis Fernández Conde, originally born in the Galician province of Orense, was well known on the island and in the business of sports clothing, having grown along with the economic boom experienced in Maspalomas over recent decades, his clothing chain at its height operated at least a dozen premises.

N ews ,

S unshine

Editor-in-Chief: Edward JB Timon Editor@TheCanaryNews.com

Started as a waiter in Puerto Rico, Mogán

Although born in Galicia he was considered by many here to be more GranCanario, that is to say an adopted son of the island and treated as native. Having started out in the south of Gran Canaria as a waiter in Puerto Rico Shopping Centre about 45 years ago, he then worked in Playa del Inglés at a flower shop, and in the early 80s worked in the world of ceramics.

In 1984 he ventured into business, enjoying real success, he managed a local chain of sportswear shops under his own brand Luis Sport, all in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, until his retirement four or five years ago.

Shortly before leaving the business, Fernández suffered an illness from which he recovered. He packed his bags and went to Brazil. An incident while in South America left him in a coma for some time, but again he recovered. He returned to Gran Canaria not long afterwards, it is thought he had had some bad business experiences while in Brazil.

Fernández Luis Conde was photographed with his alleged murderer at Las Canteras beach (above).

According to reports the 20 year old who allegedly killed Fernández had arrived from Brazil only a couple of weeks ago. When he was arrested by police he reportedly identified himself as the businessman’s partner. Locals say however that Luis was not part of a couple, and was known to frequent the Yumbo centre with some regularity until quite recently, with residents reporting that he could be seen with a different young man pretty much every week. The investigation continues.

Telephone: 928 987 952 / Office Open Mon - Sat 9AM - 5PM Sales: +34 620 978 709 (En/Es/S) / Sales@TheCanaryNews.com via 928 987 952 (En) Accounts: Accounts@TheCanaryNews.com Production: Production@TheCanaryNews.com

The Canary News can not accept any responsibility for claims made by advertisers, either in advertisements or advertorial, nor can it be held responsible for any inaccuracies, errors, or the nonappearance of advertisements or advertorial. This publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors as a result of poor quality artwork or logos supplied by advertisers and no responsibility is accepted for any loss or damage caused by any error or inaccuracy or nonappearance of an advertisement or advertorial. Every effort will be made to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of articles and advertisements in this publication, however the publisher does not accept responsibility for claims or opinions in the same. Reproduction of any part of this newspaper is permitted under Creative Commons 3.0 rules of Attribution, unless otherwise stated.

Edita: JDC Canarias SL, Imprime: Canarias7, Gran Canaria, España. Deposito Legal GC1291-2013

The English Newspaper News, Views & Sunshine

October

2016

Reviewing some of the stories we’ve covered over the last few weeks.

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Stay up to date at TheCanaryNews.com

Improving Energy

The President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, has said that the Chira-Soria hydroelectric project on Gran Canaria will be essential to ensure stability and security for Gran Canaria’s energy supply, especially for the south and southwest of the island, which represents 30% of total demand, thereby contributing to the economic development of the island.

Currently more than 90% of Gran Canaria’s electricity is from fossil fuels.

At the opening of the new Santa Águeda electrical substation, which national grid operator Red Eléctrica de España (REE) has been building for the last year or so in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, the president referred to the facility as a key element for the planned Chira-Soria operation.

The event was attended by REE president José Folgado, as well as the Government of the Canary Islands Minister of Economy, Industry, Trade and Knowledge, Pedro Ortega, and the Deputy Minister of Industry, Energy and Commerce, Adrián Mendoza.

Both the substation and the hydroelectric plant were declared by the Government of the Canary Islands as strategic projects in order to expedite processing through the regional administration and provide, as soon as possible, implementation, given their special relevance for socioeconomic development on Gran Canaria.

The Santa Agueda ravine, on the San Bartolomé de Tirajana side of the Barranco de Arguineguín,

is the site of the new substation which will improve distribution of electricity in southern Gran Canaria. The mayor of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Marco Aurelio Perez Sanchez, participated in the opening ceremony of this cutting-edge facility, along with the Spanish Government delegate to the Canary Islands, Enrique Hernández Bento, in addition to the the mayor of Mogán.

The new facility comprises two generators capable of producing almost 300 kilovolts. It has been built not only to stabilise electricity distribution but also in preparation to take advantage of the future Chira-Soria hydroelectric plant.

Marco Aurelio Perez said this infrastructure could be “the first step, from the point of view of security of energy supply to the Island, and what Chira-Soria may represent”, in addition to gaining energy security to strengthen supply to the Maspalomas Costa Canaria tourist area.

The President of Gran Canaria; Antonio Morales, described the new facility as a historical landmark for its importance to a new system based on renewable energies most wanted to supply the energy consumption of shops, hotels and businesses of all sizes, in addition to households, on the basis that the islands have the best conditions for this type of energy democratization in a real effort to break the dependence on fossil fuels and thus the outside. Energy sovereignty for Gran Canaria utilising renewable technologies is seen as one of this president’s highest priorities.

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Marine Observer Network

The Marine Environment Observer Network in The Canary Islands, RedPROMAR, aims to carry out monitoring and surveillance of the archipelago’s sea life. In just over a year of operation the project has gained more than 300 ‘sea observers’.

The main feature of this digital platform (www.redpromar.com) is to register marine species in the archipelago based on the cooperation of citizens, and mainly from the industry sectors linked to the marine environment, notably expanding knowledge of Canarias ecosystems since its inception in June of last year. The Internet page’s basic information is also in English.

The platform aims to evaluate, analyse and predict changes occurring within species and ecosystems, providing a tool of great scientific interest because it allows anyone who wants-to to track the marine environment of the Canary Islands in real-time, contributing to wider knowledge of ongoing changes and alterations that occur both in habitat and various species, including various factors such as the increase in water temperature, acidification of the oceans and decreasing O2 oxygen levels, among others.

Given that these changes may have negative or positive effects on biodiversity, this observation network becomes all the more important due to its reliance on the concept of ‘Citizen Science’ (defined as scientific research participated in or conducted by both specialists and amateurs), the General Directorate for Nature Protection, headed up by Sinesia Medina, encourages citizens, centres and associations to contribute their graphics and informative contributions through the platform whenever they observe species or ecosystem that could be of scientific interest.

The Canary Islands Marine Environment Observers Network is a digital platform consisting of a website and an application for mobile devices, user register through the web platform at https://www.redpromar.com, which is operated by the Government of the Canary Islands. The application for mobiles, called RedPROMAR, is free and is available for both Android and iOS. In addition, a facebook profile (RedPROMAR Gobcan), allows a more direct contact with users.

El Periódico Inglés de Gran Canaria Gran Canaria’s English Speaking community came together once more for the Third Caminata Contra Cancer de Mama, to raise money & awareness for Breast Cancer association ACCMyG.org supported once again by San Bartolomé de Tirajana town hall and the Mayor, Marco Aurelio Pérez.

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After eighteen years, the Canary Islands’ First Resort town has updated its promotional image with a new linguistic proposition, aimed at several core markets in an easy to memorise symbol conveying the message “Lo Mas” – The Most.

The new tourism image for Maspalomas Costa Canaria aims to project the destination’s appeal as being suggestive, attractive, spectacular and with varied content, inclusive of everything from beaches to mountains.

The sea, the sand and the green mountains form

News, Views & Sunshine

12 October is a national public holiday in Spain. The Day commemorates Christopher Columbus (Cristobal Colon) first setting foot in the Americas in 1492. It is known as Hispanic Day (Día de la Hispanidad) or Spain’s National Celebration Day (Fiesta Nacional de España).

The name was changed on October 7, 1987 to Fiesta Nacional and October 12 became one of two main national celebrations.

Since 2000, October 12 has also been celebrated as Spain’s Day of the Armed Forces.

The Casa de Colón in our capital, Las Palmas, have focused on the study and dissemination

2016

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the base colours of the new brand logo, with an invocation to ‘Lo Mas‘, as the culmination of the brand claim, exalting the premier tourist destination in the archipelago as “The Most”.

Marco Aurelio Pérez Sánchez, was accompanied by the Councillor for Tourism, Ramón Suárez Ojeda, to exhibit the presentation of the new logo design that will replace the logo that has been used until now, a bird called ‘Maspalomín’ , which has accompanied the official symbols of the municipality since 1988 and is still regarded as the main promotional tool for fairs”.

Work Inspectors

The vice president of the Canary Islands Government and Minister of Employment, Social Policy and Housing, Patricia Hernandez, has announced the start of the Plan Against Labuor Exploitation, through which her department plans to intensify of the history of The Canary inspection activities in order Islands and its relations with to promote quality in employAmerica. The museum celment and monitor that agreed ebrates the strong ties that bind working hours are met, and the islands together with the help ensure that the proliferapeople of Latin America. tion of false part-time jobs and temporary contracts that should Editor’s Note: be permanent conform with the As with any such controversial character as Christopher Colum- law. From Tuesday, 32 extra inbus there are many who believe spectors will join those already it to be wholly inappropriate to in action on the Islands, to carry celebrate an event that directly out 1,284 specific operations led to the death or subjugation aimed at eradicating various instances of suspected labour of millions of indigenous peoinjustice and attempt to contribples and the conquest of their homelands. We will leave such ute to their regularisation. thoughts to your individual con- The plan is to be implemented sciousness to try to find positive in two phases, the first began ways to express all that October in August and will end on 12th can represent instead.

Discovery & Celebration

October

November 20. The goal is to eliminate irregular labour situations and guarantee the rights of workers, at the same time as helpin to ensure that legitimate companies avoid unfair competition from those who do not fulfil their legal employment obligations.

Inspections are being carried out at businesses working in catering, commerce and services industries, which will be checked through Social Security records, in order to control parttime and temporary contracts and working conditions.

Hernandez said that “in the Canary Islands 60% of overtime is not being paid. Against that we will fight, and against the abuse of temporary contracts, because while temporary contracts are legal, they are not intended for hiring someone to work for two hours and then they work eight ‘.

The plan is aimed at supporting workers as well as the companies acting within the law.

Labour exploitation encourages unfair competition against those who do comply. “It would be unfair if we penalised a business that is responsible and complies with its obligations.” Hernandez added

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2016

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El Periódico Inglés de Gran Canaria

INVEST IN YOUR HEALTH

Some people are mainly focused on the price when they look for health insurance and they decide to contract the cheapest one, but… Watch Out!

Inexpensive health insurances are available on the market at the time of contracting the policy, but as the person gets older the price of the policies drastically increases considering the change to a higher age bracket.

ASSSA does not increase the price due to age, which means that the premium will remain the same age bracket that you contracted at the beginning. In the end you will pay a lower amount and your insurance will result cheaper.

A further point to consider is the written contractual guarantee of no cancellation. If there is no guarantee and the Insurance Company cancels the policy, it may occur that contracting another insurance becomes complicated due Visit ASSSA on their Open Day in Gran Canaria on the to age or the development of some diseases.

21st October from 11:00 to 16:00 and take advantage ASSSA guarantees under contract that your policy will of the special discounts they have to offer for this day not be cancelled, therefore you can have the peace of only. ASSSA invites you to come along and enjoy an inmind of being provided with a lifetime coverage. ternational catering service in a friendly multicultural atmosphere. You can chat with Doctors, clients, other Health is the best investment we can ever make and as interested and ASSSA staff. Attending ASSSA’s Open Day such should be treated, not as the purchase of the cheap- is the best way to enjoy the unique service ASSSA offers est choice by the time of contracting. Other factors to con- with their quality private insurance. sider are the solvency and experience of the Company, the customer service, easy access to medical assistance, medi- Av. de Tirajana, 37 – Edif. Mercurio. Torre I, 3ºG cal network and coverage offered.

– Maspalomas GRAN CANARIA -

ASSSA INVITES YOU TO THEIR OPEN DAY

ASSSA puts at your disposal its solvency and more than Nicole Schäfer 80 years of experience to provide you with the best per- Tel. 928 778 664 grancanaria@asssa.es www.asssa.es sonalised attention in your own language and the best health care any time you need it.

Don’t wait any longer. Invest in your health with ASSSA.

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News, Views & Sunshine

October

2016

79 species of cetaceans can be found in the seas and oceans of the world and 29 of them can be seen in the waters of Gran Canaria.

When you think about it that’s one third of the world’s population, and considering some species live exclusively in the polar regions, rivers and very limited areas, we find ourselves in a very privileged part of the world for observing these magnificent creatures.

The Spirit of the Sea moored in the harbour Puerto Base, in Puerto Rico, south-west Gran Canaria Tours They offer two different excursions; the “normal” 2 hour dolphin and whale watching trip and, 3 days a week, (mo. wed. and fri) an extra hour for a swim stop in a bay before sailing back to the harbour.

Grab your tickets online with a 10% discount >>

We can do any type of translation: sworn (official) or simple. Commercial; Timetable And Prices: advertising; technical; contracts; assembly 3 hour trip: Mon. Wed. and Fri. 10:00 & 13:30 minutes; restaurant menus; legal, 2 hour trip: Tu. Thu. and Sa. 10:00, 12:30 & 15:00 medical, financial documents; certificates.

In short: Any Kind of Texts You Require Both tours have the same price: €27 for adults and €14 for children (3 - 12 J).

We work with an extensive team of highly qualified professional translators and SAVE 10% Check availability and make your booking >> offer twenty languages. Over a decade of experience backs our quality!

DolphinWhale.co.uk

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El Periódico Inglés de Gran Canaria

SHORTY’S BEACH CLUB EVOLUTION

German Reality Television star Birgit Bebensee and her family moved to Gran Canaria as part of a show about people leaving Germany to follow their dreams several years back. The family set up Shorty's Beach Club in Playa del Inglés and now 5 years later successful hospitality entrepreneur Florian Erkelenz has taken the reins, instilling his world class culinary talents into the kitchens, and with exciting new plans to capitalise on the popular bar's notoriety to produce a range of innovative new attractions including a fun line of clothing, headed up by Birgit's daughter, the model Bianca Bebensee, a new live dinner show, which has been evolving since last year, and presenting some of the most outstanding live talents on Gran Canaria.

The bar and club has always been a bit of a hidden gem, set back from the main Playa del Inglés beach, known mostly to German visitors and residents who followed the family on television turning them into celebrities back in their homeland.

Removed from the clamour of the Annexo II, Playa del Inglés, on the other side of the main car park, Shorty's Beach Club offers a more tranquil and refined atmosphere during the day, with some great views out to sea and over the dunes. Florian and his business partners have insisted on keeping nearly all the existing staff, building on the family feeling that has always made Shorty's a sure winner with those seeking to enjoy a night out with friends, a quiet cocktail or even a full song and dance show where all the staff get involved.

3D/360 SCANNING FOR REAL ESTATE Great for presentation of properties for sale and rental

A 5-IN-1 VIEWING WITH: -

A floorplan (top view) Dollview 3D Video with tour of the property Freely walk the property VR-view for Google Cardboard

FREE FOR NEW LISTINGS

www.45photos.com - 622 466 999

The best private hospital in the Canary Islands (Ranking of the Spanish healthcare system)

24 hours

Emergency Service Hotel Medical Attention Interpreter Service

ersary

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MASPALOMAS

Travel Insurances accepted. We are the only private hospital on Gran Canaria where the E11 European Health Insurance Card is accepted.

All medical and surgical specialities, General and Digestive Surgery, Dermatology, Neurology, Traumatology, Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Gynecology, Hemodialysis, Ophthalmology, Pediatrics, Rehabilitation, Rheumatology, Aesthetic Medicine, Plastic Surgery, Radiology Service, Urology, etc.

928 063 666

www.hospitalessanroque.com

October - Photographer: Sigita Zuoryte

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El Periódico Inglés de Gran Canaria

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News, Views & Sunshine

October

2016

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More than €12,000 raised so far this year for Breast Cancer Awareness and the ACCM association With Special Thanks to all The Long Walkers, to TUI, RIU, Spirit of The Sea, Shorty’s Beach Club, Ayuntamiento de San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Afrikat, Blue Explorers, 45photos and everyone who has donated and taken part so far. there is still plenty of time to donate to the fund. Every year more and more events help to raise more much needed funds.

See you all next year for what promises to be the very best event yet. Thank you all!

A great presentation is half the sale. We present your property the best way to get potential clients to contact you.

Pro Lightning - HDR - Blending - 360 - 3D - VR Pole Photography - Aerial Photography

FREE PHOTOS FOR NEW LISTINGS WITH THE 50+ MAJOR REAL ESTATE AGENCIES IN GRAN CANARIA

www.45photos.com - 622 466 999

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El Periódico Inglés de Gran Canaria

Direct Printing to T Shirts Any Design or Photo to White Shirts

10 Till 6pm

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2016

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El Periódico Inglés de Gran Canaria

outstAnding Trip Advisors No 1 Boat tours and Water Sports in Puerto Rico

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The Sign of

Experience!

Are you looking to buy property in

Gran Canaria?

Cárdenas Real Estate is a family business that has specialized in property in the south of Gran Canaria since 1980.

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Arguineguín 928 150 650 · Puerto Rico 928 153 057 · Playa de Mogán 928 565 966

www.cardenas-grancanaria.com · info@cardenas-grancanaria.com

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October

2016

GREAT TIMES FOR PROPERTY INVESTMENT

The Canarian Real Estate market has seen a few difficult years recently and in that time a few agents have closed their doors permanently. But the market has changed and the signs once again point upward.

A generally more positive economic situation in Europe has helped, but is not the only reason agents are once again smiling.

The hotels are full and most quality rental properties are booked up, much due to the situation in Tunisia and Egypt which has reduced winter tourism competition significantly.

However, it’s also due to the appeal of Gran Canaria in general; A destination and second home with great weather, beautiful surroundings and Europeanstandard healthcare and security.

The booming tourist industry is also good for the island’s property market.

The more people that come to the island and enjoy themselves, the more people want to buy a property here.

Rental properties in demand and legalised The financial crisis stopped most new construction in Gran Canaria, but demand for accommodation is still high. This means that rental yields on the right south Gran Canaria property can also be high.

However, over the last two years, they have stabilised as both local and international demand has increased.

Of the 5958 properties sold in the Canary Islands in the second quarter of this year, 39.5% was bought by foreigners. This is an increase of 23.5% compared to how many foreigners bought in the same quarter of 2015, according to official numbers from the Spanish Department of Development.

The increased sales were not only due to foreigners buying, sales among With legalisation of private rentals Spanish in the region also increased by many investors are now finding 15.7% compared to the year before. In the Canarian Real Estate market total there has been an 18.7% increase interesting as the investment can pay overall. for itself over time, which again results Most popular among foreign property in higher demand in the real estate buyers are the tourist areas on the market. coasts of southern Teneriffe and Gran Canaria.

Property prices stable and And now prices in the most desirable areas are increasing again. According beginning to rise to the real estate portal Idealista, It’s no secret that property prices prices of second hand real estate on Gran Canaria, and in Spain as a properties in The Canary Islands over whole, have fallen over the past ten the last 12 months have risen by 7.1%, years. The global recession and Spain’s while increases for the third quarter of difficult recovery stunted both non2016 alone stood at a healthy 2%. resident and local demand and prices In september 2015 the average price fell by 25% to 40% depending on per square meter was €1278 while the location from the pre-crisis peak. price a year later now stands at €1337.

The legal situation surrounding private rentals in touristic areas is still in limbo, although there has been progress in recent years resulting in short-term rental of property in nontourist areas of Gran Canaria, including many areas of southern Gran Canaria, being now completely legal provided that you comply with the regulations.

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News, Views & Sunshine

Here’s a summary of the effects of Brexit to date and what it means for the future.

The effects of Brexit so far

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El Periódico Inglés de Gran Canaria

del Inglés is said to be named after a British tomato farmer.

Since the Spanish tourism boom started in the 1960s, hundreds of thousands of British citizens have bought property in Spain and the Canary Islands and the two countries have firm and friendly relations.

Even a decision like Brexit is highly unlikely to change this.

The long-term consequences of Brexit What happens in the future depends on what type of Brexit the UK and the EU agree upon. Here are the most likely outcomes.

The UK leaves the EU but joins the EEA A low-impact option that would leave British property owners in Gran Canaria and Spain as a whole with virtually the same rights as they have now. EEA citizens Several British property owners, and 3 have almost exactly the same rights as EU citizens. people thinking of buying a Gran Canaria property, have asked us what For example, Norway is part of the EEA the recent Brexit vote means for UK and there are thousands of Norwegian citizens on Gran Canaria. property owners in south Gran Canaria: They enjoy all the same rights as full EU Upsides of a strong Euro for Gran citizens.

Canaria property owners

Gran Canaria property owners from the UK who rent out their property and earn The UK is still a full member of the EU money in Euros are actually benefiting and British property owners and buyers from the strength of the local currency. on Gran Canaria have all the same rights Their rental income is worth more in they had before the vote. This is unlikely to change in any way until the EU and UK Pounds and they don’t need to worry about conversion rates when they travel agree exit terms. The earliest we can expect a UK exit is in 2019, or two years after to Gran Canaria. With rental demand high throughout the year, and Gran Canaria the UK invokes Article 50 of the Lisbon property prices expected to rise over the Treaty. next decade, a Gran Canaria rental investBritain has also stated that one of its main ment is attractive as a hedge against the negotiating goals is to guarantee the cur- value of the Pound. rent legal status of all EU citizens living in A mortgage in Euros can also be seen as the UK and of British citizens in the EU. an upside and not just for property ownCurrent legal consensus is that existing ers that earn a rental yield; the consensus property owners in Europe have nothing to worry about as their current rights are of opinion amongst currency experts is that the Pound will strengthen as the path guaranteed by international law. to Brexit becomes clearer, as it is the curThis means that any British buyer of a rent uncertainty that is keeping its value Gran Canaria property, while the UK is still lower. A mortgage in Euros will, therefore, a member of the EU, is very likely to keep become cheaper over the long term for the rights that they gain when they buy. those earning Pounds. When the Pound The effect of Brexit on the Pound and the rises, owners can transfer a large sum of Euro Pounds to their Euro accounts in Spain to lock in the gains.

The only thing that has changed so far is that the Pound has lost some ground Furthermore, when it comes to selling a against the Euro since the vote. It is curGran Canaria property, the strong Euro rently 8-10% below where it was before means that UK owners earn more in the referendum.

Pounds when they sell.

However, the Pound to Euro exchange rate A brief history of the is still within the average range of the past British in Gran Canaria 10 years.

Britain joined the Common Market in A strong euro means that it costs a bit 1973, but British people have bought more to visit Gran Canaria, if you exchange property in the Canary Islands for cenPounds for Euros. However, if your propturies. Large areas of the capital city are erty generates a rental income, the strong named after notable Brits that contributed Euro is actually a benefit. to island life (Miller Bajo, Alfred L. Jones Street, Thomas Miller Street). Even Playa

The UK negotiates a separate treaty with Spain This would put UK citizens on a par with the Swiss who are not part of the EU but have individual agreements with its member states. These agreements guarantee the Swiss similar rights to EU citizens.

If the UK leaves the European Common Market it will negotiate its own treaty with Spain. We can’t predict the exact terms, but we fully expect a treaty that guarantees property and legal rights for British citizens with an interest in Spain.

This outcome is likely because of the huge number of British people that live, or own property, in Spain. It is not in Spain’s interests to do anything to damage its recovering property market.

The UK and Spain do not agree a new treaty This is te most unlikely scenario but would leave British citizens in a similar situation to other non-EU people like Americans and Australians. Citizens of these countries are free to spend 90 days in any Schengen Agreement country and get a Visa when they first enter the Schengen Region.

Non-EU citizens are allowed to buy property in Spain and the only differences are minor variations in tax and inheritance laws.

Overall, we do not expect Brexit to have a significant impact on British property owners and buyers in Gran Canaria. If you have any questions on the subject, please feel free to get in touch via email or telephone, or to pop into one of our four offices in the south of Gran Canaria.

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AGENCIES OFFERING VR EMPOWERED VIEWINGS

Virtual Realty has arrived on Gran Canaria.

As the real estate market in the Canary Islands heads towards a new boom, following the slow-down a few years ago, the most progressive agents have been picking up some new gadgets.

Providing facilities for buyers to attend viewings and prospects, without even stepping a foot on the island, some of the leading agencies have begun using imaging devices that simulate the physical experience of a viewing Several of the most established agencies have been investing in different ways to show their properties online, in a more realistic experience than through regular photo albums on the web.

Some have been exploring video and 360-video, while others have taken a more immersive VR approach. Real Estate photographer Bård Ove Myhr at 45photos.com is one of the photographers that has been leading the way by adding new technology to his inventory. He uses a special 3D camera that scans throughout the property while rotating 360 degrees, allowing him to produce a complete tour of his clients’ properties that includes an automated floorplan where the layout of the property can be seen from above, as well as a dolls house view that can be rotated on-screen in 3 dimensions, offering house buyers the possibility to walk through a house or apartment, and look in any direction, to get the natural feel of the layout of the apartment and leaving “nothing hidden behind the camera”.

property almost automatically, which reduces the amount of work and time needed before being able to publish a property listing.”

His service offers a complete package, where he visits the property, scans it, and delivers links to where all the different views and the complete tour can be reviewed. The real estate agent can show the 3d version as a part of an online prospectus or simply send a link to any potential buyers by email for them to click on and see through any normal web browser. The user friendly interface offers a lot of possibilities.

The tours can even be seen via a full VR headset to get an even more realistic feeling as you can actually walk through the apartment - from anywhere in the world - and look around just by turning your head. This is tailor-made for the canarian real estate market which sells many houses and apartments to clients far away, often in other countries or even continents.

“We actually don’t recommend anybody buying an apartment without actually physically visiting it first,” Myhr points out “but it sure helps in filtering out possible prospects before setting foot on the island, making the job choosing much easier and the time spent visiting much more valuable.”

While the basic technology itself costs thousands of Euros, and so might not be what all agencies have within their budgets, through his company 45photos.com Myhr is able to provide this service for a very reasonable fee both to local real estate VR is coming to all kinds of industries these days and the difference to normal photography is huge. It is like the difference agents as well as direct to private owners who want to raise their chances of selling or renting out their property, and stand out between watching something on TV, through a framed box, or being there live, and able to turn around and enjoy every part of from the crowd in this fast moving market. the surroundings. One of the most promising VR startups, Oculus with their invention “Rift”, was recently bought over by none other than Facebook. Which surprised many who have been looking at VR as simply a gaming enhancement. But Facebook has realised that VR will change and empower much of how we A great presentation is half the sale. We present your property the best way to get potential clients to contact you. consume digital content.

“360 viewings are not new, and have existed in the real estate business for a while.” says Myhr. “What is new, with 3D, is the ability to create an automated floorplan, a 3D view of the property like a doll’s house, and produce a complete tour of the

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Diana Bordón is infused with a zest for life. This is clear from the moment you meet her, beaming from behind her large dark shades, under a wide brimmed straw summer hat; this is a woman not afraid to tell you a few secrets, express her desires or demonstrate the fun she has with facial yoga.

Broadly educated, with a cheeky, knowing flare, her entry into the world of wine started merely from a love of it and an opportunity to help her partner in crime, Alberto, to improve the produce coming out of the family bodega; perched in a privileged position overlooking fertile valleys of Tirajana and the picturesque village of Santa Lucia in the south east of Gran Canaria.

As a double act they are energetically enchanting; but from this beautiful hilltop, 900 meters above sea level, there can be few doubts all that is greatest from this ancient sub-tropical paradise lies at their feet; they find their specialist skills have thrust them into opportunities that have already sent seismic shifts throughout the volcanic soils of the artisanal wineries cultivating the outstanding Marmajuelo, the intense, nobel Malvasia and the sweet fruity Moscatel established here over centuries of viniculture, producing some of the very last pure strains of original European rootstock, wiped out elsewhere in the 19th century.

El Periódico Inglés de Gran Canaria

Alberto’s parents replaced the orange trees previously planted here, back in 1996, “Citrus takes so much work and water” says Alberto “for very little return. But wine really allows you to add value to what you grow.” Their first bottle of wine was produced in 1997 and they started to learn about the grapes.

“Our wines were, simply, OK; but they were nothing special” “Previously we had a wine maker here who sort of just closed the doors behind him and didn’t tell us anything about what he was doing, he kept secrets, we didn’t work as a team.” says Diana, making clear one of the key beliefs in their quest for success. “You cannot produce great things if you are not a team.”

“A few years ago Alberto was looking at ways we could bring the bodega to profit, as a hobby almost, I have a background in marketing, and I love wine, so I decided to help.”

The first thing Diana did was jump in her car and start trying to distribute the wine herself. Speaking to customers

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she started to learn about the obstacles and some of the weaknesses in the product. They decided to try and find another wine maker. “I found one, and picked up the phone, without realising I had chosen one of the best wine makers in the world, seen by many as one of the very finest in Spain, particularly with sweet wines. If I’d known who he was, I probably wouldn’t have called him at all. But I did and he agreed to help us.”

This has resulted in a winning formula; that nuanced, bright citrus zest mingles playfully to explode on the tongue, with an erudite flamboyance previously not identified with this region, leading these self-professed hobbyists to start winning some of the most prestigious awards in the world. The world, and those wine makers who had discounted such dabbling with packaging, have taken notice. “We see more and more producers now learning about marketing.” says Alberto with a wry smile.

“The difference was clear.” agrees Alberto “instead of, like most producers, trying to correct the wine just before it is bottled, Gonzáles works to try an make any corrections necessary directly to the juice of the grape itself. And he constantly informs us about the process”

Bodegas Tunte currently produce three exhilarating wines, and are looking at further innovations, including into the dark world of Vermouth. You will find their bottles at select restaurants, like at the Hotel Tirajanas, and on the shelves of the El Corte Inglés department store. They don’t sit around long.

Reinvigourated, Diana set to work on the image of the wines, specifically selecting elegant, perfume-like bottles in an effort to directly reach out to those women who appreciate luxury, pleasure and fine wine; to appeal to something she and Alberto had noticed, that often it is a woman who informs the real decision on which wine to buy, most men will simply present a good wine as one chosen with the lady in mind.

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Playa de Mogán

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El PeriĂłdico InglĂŠs de Gran Canaria

by Karen Floyd Ask people what's the opposite of love and most will respond 'hate', but to me it's fear. Fear leads to all manner of negative emotions, including hate. If love is a driving force for good in our lives then fear is a driving force for things that are not good, like not doing something that could change your life because you're fearful, and then living to regret it.

As entrepreneurs we tend to love what we do and therefore we're more afraid of what would happen if we didn't pursue our entrepreneurial dream than we are afraid of the risks involved. That's how it was for me, anyway.

Before setting up a business, I was very familiar with the world of start ups, having worked for one for seven years early on in my career, I'd lived through the highs and lows and had developed an appreciation of what it takes to succeed.

Many entrepreneurs hit rock bottom before finding the drive needed to create a business.

They find themselves in an impossible situation and feel, despite the blood, sweat and tears often shed on the entrepreneurial journey, it's the only way to go. They find a 'must'

that propels them into action.

That's how it was for me too. I found myself in a job I had to get out of. By this time I'd really had enough of working for someone I couldn't respect and I had an overwhelming feeling that I wanted to fully control who I worked with and have more freedom and flexibility, and the best way to do that was work for myself. That was the 'must' that drove me to overcome my fear and go it alone.

And there was fear. It was a scary prospect. I was considering creating a company in the very competitive field of public relations at the start of a recession. I had a big mortgage and high bills and not knowing how long it would take me to earn enough to cover my living costs frightened me, despite having a safety net of some savings I could live from for a while, if it became really necessary.

I had quite a few 'what ifs'. What if I don't find clients? What if I'm no good? What if I run out of money and can't pay the mortgage? What if I lose everything?

But the 'must' was much bigger.

I simply felt that I must go it alone to take control of whom I worked with and have freedom and flexibility in my life.

So I did it. I walked out of my job and set up a PR agency. I felt like this simply 'must' work and I soon I had my first client.

Very soon I was earning three times more than I had been earning as an employee.

I developed a process to help me overcome the fear and it really helped. Maybe it could help you too.

3. Take action, feel progress

Then I took action and did practical things that would help me feel a sense of progress each day, ranging from going to a networking event to coming up with the branding I wanted.

I found that if I felt a sense of progress it really encouraged me to keep going and not give into the fear. The fear would nag at me and doubt would set 1. Consider the best and in. Some days it wasn't there worse case scenarios and others it was.

I simply considered the best 4. Take time out to and worst outcomes. The best contemplate was freedom, flexibility and financial growth. The worst was When I was going through the the loss of everything. I decided process of deciding whether to get another job or set up a if I could live with the worse company I went out into nature case scenario then I was prefor long walks with my dogs. pared to take the risk. I knew One day I was at the beach and that if things didn't work out I I was contemplating how fear could always get another job affects a life. I considered all the working for someone else, so I fears I'd had and I decided that could start again if necessary, from now on the only thing I at least. wanted to fear was fear itself.

2. Find a 'must' In the past I have used techGet clear on why you want to niques like setting fire to a piece do what you want to do. For of paper upon which I'd written me it was about being able my self-limiting beliefs. To help to choose with whom I work, free myself of the fears I was plus freedom and flexibility carrying, and as I was on the with the opportunity to earn beach having these thoughts, I more money. Your 'must' is decided to work with the water. what drives you to action and I wrote the word FEAR in the progress.

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Shaping The Odds

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The global community, with hubs on Gran Canaria and in London, California and Oslo, where entrepreneurs help other entrepreneurs take steps in the right direction.

Any successful career requires effort, stamina and luck. Shaping the Odds helps identify the small steps you can take to improve your chances of business success - one step at a time.

Instead of making long term plans and rigidly sticking to them, try deciding WHERE you want to go and then learn how to get there by identifying and seizing the opportunities that present themselves. Shaping the odds in your favour. It’s what you make it!

sand and waited for the tide to come in and wash it away.

Energy flows where intent goes, and so as the tide came in and the water ran over the FEAR in the sand, I held the intent that my fear was being washed away by the water, until the sand was clean and smooth again.

5. Acquire new skills and knowledge I also decided that in order to feel real progress I wanted to broaden my knowledge and skills, and so as a full member of my industry's professional association by qualification and experience, The Chartered Institute of Public Relations in the UK, I decided to become an accredited practitioner to add more credibility, which meant committing to monitored continuous professional development.

There's always something we can learn. If you continue to learn things that are relevant to your entrepreneurial path you'll always feel like you're making some progress, and feeling a sense of achievement is very motivating and so a positive spiral of action and outcomes is created.

6. Visualise your best outcome I believe in the power of visualisation and so on a very regular basis, usually whilst out walking in nature with my dogs, I'd stroll along imagining running my own business, what it would look and feel like. An obvious one for me back then was having the possibility to walk my dogs, at any time I chose.

7. Consciously practise 8. Face the fear gratitude At the end of the day, the only

I also chose to consciously way to truly overcome a fear is practise gratitude, and so whilst to face it head on. out with the dogs, as a walking So if you've got a fear of spiders, meditation, I'd give thanks for get up close to a spider, etc. all the things I was grateful for Good luck facing your fears. and ask the Universe for more of the same or better.

Karen Floyd lives on Gran I really found that consciously Canaria and represents practising gratitude brought me various clients and more things to be grateful for. enterprises from small startups to global operations

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Language Lesson #105 with Theresa Coe

buscar

El Periódico Inglés de Gran Canaria

MEET & GREET

Stuck for what to say when you pass the neighbours or are introduced to someone? Try out these simple phrases:

Buenos días, ¿Cómo estás? Good day (also good morning), how ¿Quieres encontrar tu grupo más cercano? are you?

INTERCAMBIO DE IDIOMAS

30 JUNIO, 2016 12:05 PM / DEJA UN COMENTARIO

v

INTRODUCING PEOPLE

Este es…. mi marido Peter/mi novio Juan/mi hijo Rob ÚLTIMAS ENTRADAS

This is my husband Peter/my boyfriend Juan/my son Rob.

¿QUIERES ENCONTRAR TU

Intercambio de idiomas Or esta es….mi mujer [mee moo-HAIR], mi novia [NOH-bee-ah], Buenas tardes, ¿Qué tal? [BWEH-nass Good GRUPO MÁS CERCANO? Please visitTAR-des, our groups keh page tal] to see the list of free language exchange clubs or intercambios mi hija [EE-hah] afternoon – what´s up/how aredethings? idiomas in Gran Canaria where you can practice conversation in different languages. Each Please visit our groups page to see

has a contact in caseGood you have any questions.This Eachislanguage exchange group, Spanish of free language exchange Seguir Language Exchange Gran Canaria Intercambio De Idiomas my wife (woman), my girlfriend,theorlistmy daughter.

Buenas noches, ¿Adónde vas?|one [a-DON-deh bass] evening, club or English conversation group is independent and has its own style but the clubs or intercambios de idiomas in where are you going? (literally:conversation to where you go?)

Did you spot that we say ‘este es’ to introduce males and ‘esta es’ majority offer informal chats (NOT classes, although some are led by language teachers).

Gran Canaria where you can to introduce females?

In reply you might hear: voy a Some las tiendas (I´m going to the speak in just one language – e.g. Spanish – but most exchange English for Spanish practice… shops).or vamos al supermercado (we´re going to the supermarand German etc.

In response you might hear ¡Mucho gusto! (pleased to meet ket). you – lit. ‘much pleasure’). To vary your response, you could reply Pincha en nuestra página de GRUPOS para encontrar tu intercambio de idioma más cercano VECINDARIO: ENGLISH/SPANISH encantado (if you´re a man) or encantada (if you´re a woman).

In the second example, ‘al’ represents a shortened version of a el practicar la conversación en idiomas diferentes. Cada uno tiene un contacto por si This means ‘delighted’ (to meet you). NOW 19H IN NEW LOCATION (to the), to avoid the awkward para sound this would otherwise make. tengas alguna pregunta. Todos los grupos son independientes y tienen su propio estilo pero

With English/Spanish teacher Ana

Not meet is Canarian.

To find out if they´re from [ASS-tah loo-AYgoh]informales Goodbye, la mayoria son charlas en unsee solo idioma (ej everyone English club)you o intercambian español and Elizabeth from England the you could ¿Eresporde LasSoriano Canarias?

The mainland por inglés y alemán etc. Nota que estos grupos NO sonislands, clases, aunque algunosask se llevan calle Benecharo 49 cerca de la is known as la península – another example of Spanish being like profesores. ¿Qué tal? is especially handy as you can tack things on the end local de Vecindario Please ‘high’ English. If you’re then asked ¿Depolicía dónde eres? [Deh DONto ask after someone´s work, family or health, etc: ¿Qué tal… el check with before[oo-STED], deh EH-ress] or the more formal ¿De dónde esAna usted? trabajo/la familia/tu salud? attending/contacta… you could answer Soy (I am) or somos (we are) de Inglaterra/ Vecindario: English/Spanish now 19h in new location Irlanda/Escocia etc (note that Northern Ireland is Irlanda del In reply to ¿Cómo estás? Or ¿Qué tal? you can say 15 JUNIO, 2016 10:42 AM / DEJA UN COMENTARIO Norte).

With English/Spanish teacher Ana Soriano and Elizabeth from England (muy) bien, [bee-ENN] – very well/fine LOST IN TRANSLATION: ¡Adiós/hasta luego! you later (lit: until later)

calle Benecharo 49 cerca de la policía local de Vecindario

más o menos – so-so/just okay (literally: more or less)

Please check with Ana before attending/contacta con Ana antes de asistir.

ADJECTIVES, AND EL TIEMPO (THECONNECTORS WEATHER)

¡Qué calor! [keh cal-OR] What heat!

663 not 28 88very 39. Email estoy mal/no estoy muy bien –Whatsapp/SMS: I´m unwell/I´m wellanasoriano912@gmail.com Facebook: LANGUAGE EXCHANGE VECINDARIO

Note that as you pass an acquaintance, it´s as common to call out ¡Adios! (goodbye) as the more obvious ¡Hola!

PREPOSITIONS

Divertido – fun or funny? Mixing up

FUN and FUNNY is a really common Hace mucho viento ¿No? [AH-seh MOO-choh bee-EN-toh, mistake in English. Fun means ¿noh?] It´s very windy (lit: it makes much wind), isn´t it?

Lost in translation: adjectives, connectors and prepositions

entertaining (entretenido): ‘The party was fun…

31 MAYO, 2016 2:17 PM / DEJA UN COMENTARIO

LOST IN TRANSLATION: LOS NOMBRES/NOUNS Cita – date or appointment? If it´s

romantic , it´s a date. ‘I have a hot

date tomorrow with a cute guy’ (un chico mono).…

Divertido – fun or funny?

Mixing up FUN and FUNNY is a really common mistake in English.

Fun means entertaining (entretenido):

Seguir

The English Newspaper The Newspaper The English English Newspaper

TTheheCCaNary N ews . Com anaryNNews ews..Com com T he C aNary

with with Theresa Theresa Coe Coe siN palabrotas – without swearwords siN palabrotas – without swearwords

News, Views & suNshiNe ews,,VViews iews&&sSuNshiNe unshine NNews

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2016 October Jul-Aug 2016 2016

Find your nearest nearest LEG: LEG: Find your

LanguageExchangeGC.es LanguageExchangeGC.es Facebook.com/leGintercambio Facebook.com/leGintercambio

Here are some slang expressions that are really common, but Here are some slang expressions that are really common, but The author of our nothing vulgar: The author of our nothing vulgar: Spanish lessons Es un rollo (ROH-yoh) it´s a pain or a real drag Spanish lessons Es un rollo (ROH-yoh) it´s a pain or a real drag these last six ¡Vaya!

Well! Wow! Oh no! these last six ¡Vaya!

Well! Wow! Oh no! years is Theresa Total (toh-TAl) in short/in a nutshell years is Theresa Total (toh-TAl) in short/in a nutshell Coe from London, ¡Qué feo! how nasty! (lit: how ugly) Coe from London, ¡Qué feo! how nasty! (lit: how ugly) who is based in Por si lasen moscas… in case ‘por acaso’) who is based in Sí, Inglaterra hace just mucho más (normally frio.

Yes, but in si England Porpero si las moscas… just in case (normally ‘por si acaso’) Playa del Inglés. it´s al much colder (colder = more cold más frio).

Voy grano I´ll get to =the point Playa del Inglés.

Voy al grano I´ll get to the point She´s launched a Irse lasmás ramas toI beat themore) bushthe (‘toclimate go Mepor gusta el clima aquí. preferaround (lit: I like She´s launched a Irse por las ramas to beat around the bush (‘to go new website here. the branches’) around new website around the branches’) including the best of her lessons from thispaper paper Remember: The weather verb is ‘hace’: it MAKES spot sun/wind/cold.

Estar to including the best of her lessons from this Estaren enun unlio lio tobe beininaamess/tight mess/tight spot (revised and updated) and the latest news on language Tener to Tenerun unlio/rollo lio/rollo tohave haveaafling fling YOU: ¿TÚ OR USTED? (revised and updated) and the latest news on language exchange events around around the theisland. island.New Newlessons lessonswill willbe be Meterse en to inintrouble (to oneself in exchange events Meterse enlíos líosSpanish people toget get trouble (to put putand oneself in Like the French, have both a formal informal troubles) added as often often as as possible. possible.She´d She´dalso alsolove loveto tohear hear troubles) added as way of addressing people. In this column I usually opt for the ideas from readers for her next few columns in The Estar plof to be wiped out/knackered more thewiped corresponding verbs all end in ideas from readers for her next few columns in The Estar familiar plof ‘tú’ form (where to be out/knackered ‘s’), as the are quite relaxed and friendly.

For or regular verbs, Canary News. What What would wouldyou youlike liketo tobe beable ableto tosay sayinin Montar jaleo to Canary News.

Montarun unislands jaleo(hah-leH-yo) (hah-leH-yo) tomake makeaa fuss fuss or aa racket racket all you have to do is drop this ‘s’ if you want to call someone Spanish?

Just email her or contact her via the website Estar sin to Spanish? Just email her or contact her via the website Estarpelado/estar pelado/estar sinun unduro duro tobe bebroke/out broke/out of of cash cash (lit: (lit: ‘usted’ to be more polite: totobebepeeled) peeled) ¿Puede(s) ayudarme? Can you help me?

Un/una aamate/pal Un/unacolega colega mate/pal ¿Cómo está (usted)? instead of ¿Cómo estás (tú)? ‘chacho/’chacha boy/girl ‘chacho/’chacha boy/girl(from (frommuchacho/a muchacho/a -- only only in in You don´t HAVE to put the ‘usted’ in, though it´s often included as the theCanaries) Canaries) a mark of respect or to avoid confusion, as it uses the same verb Un verde dirty man Unviejo viejo verde dirty old man-(‘green (‘green oldie’)(and your ending as for ‘he/she/it’. E.g: Y túold madre ¿Cómo oldie’) está? mother – how is SHE?)

There´s also a plural form of ‘you’ for both tú and usted, with different verb endings. To keep things simple, you can stick with ustedes when addressing more than one person – all you have to do is add an ‘n’ instead of an ‘s’ to the end of the ‘usted’ form of the verb: ¿Cómo están (ustedes)? How are you both/all?

This ‘n’ at the end is also used for verbs referring to ‘they’ (ellos), so while ¿Dónde viven (ustedes)? means ‘where do you both/ all live?’, ¿Dónde viven tus amigos? translates as ‘where do your friends (they) live ?’.

Practice Online

waNt to practice speakiNg spaNish?

waNt speakiNg spaNish?

To learn some to basicpractice small talk phrases in Spanish (and hear them pronounced, practice them etc) visit www.surfacelanguages.com All over the island we have free conversation clubs in Spanish Allthen overselect the island wesentences. have free conversation clubs in Spanish Spanish englishasaswell wellasaslanguage languageexchanges exchangeswhere where people people of of difororenglish ferent nationalities help each other out by chatting in Spangferent nationalities help each other out by chatting in Spanglish.These Thesegroups groupsare areNOT NOTclasses classesbut butare areaagreat great way way to to meet meet lish. newpeople people––especially especiallylocals locals––and andpractice practiceyour your Spanish.

Spanish. new Checkout outthe thenew newwebsite websitefor forthe theleG leG(language (language exchange exchange Check GranCanaria) Canaria)which whichI´ve I´vejust justlaunched launchedto tocomplement complement the the Gran Facebook page.

Facebook page.

Hereyou youcan canfind findaaselection selectionof ofmy mybest bestSpanish Spanish lessons lessons from from Here The Canary News updated and categorized, which I´ll be addThe Canary News updated and categorized, which I´ll be addingtotoevery everyweek. week.More Moreimportantly, importantly,I´ll I´llkeep keepthe the listings listings upuping datedsosoyou youcan caneasily easilyfind findthe theleG leGgroup groupnearest nearest to to you you or or dated latest event taking place such as cinema trips, hiking or ‘Spanlatest event taking place such as cinema trips, hiking or ‘Spanglish’meals mealsout. out. glish’

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El Periódico Inglés de Gran Canaria

Twitters from the Atlantic © Barrie Mahoney

LIVING IN CAVES

Barrie Mahoney was a head teacher and school inspector in the UK, as well as a reporter in Spain, before moving to the Canary Islands to launch and edit a new English language newspaper. He enjoys life in the sun as a columnist and author, and continues to write a series of popular novels, books for expats, as well as designing mobile apps and websites to promote the Canary Islands.

There was recently a tragic case of a 27-year-old German expat, living on the beautiful Island of La Palma who, allegedly, set fire to his own used-toilet paper after relieving himself ‘au natural’ off a forest trail in a protected natural park. As a result, he set fire to a large, ancient and ecologically valuable pine woodland, causing the death of a fire fighter, who was a park ranger with five children, and was responsible for 2500 people having to be evacuated from their homes. It is also suggested that alcohol or drugs may have played a part in this ongoing tragedy.

According to the suspect, after he had defecated, he lit the toilet paper, and then sparks leapt from the burning tissue onto dry vegetation, which quickly turned into a vicious fire with devastating consequences. With temperatures approaching 40 degrees, as well as strong winds, the fire quickly got out of control, and approached the island’s busiest tourist area, Fuencaliente.

La Palma is the fifth largest of the islands, and is popular because of its protected parks and forests.

Dozens of helicopters and planes from other islands were brought to La Palma to assist, as well as 350 fire fighters who, at the time of writing, are still trying to extinguish the blaze. The suspect is currently being held by police, without bail.

According to local sources, the man lives in a cave in this beautiful forested area. Many people still live in caves on several of the Canary Islands. These are not ordinary caves, as one would first imagine, but are often very tastefully converted dwellings, offering all modern conveniences, but in this case, clearly without a toilet. Several that I have been invited to consist of several interconnected rooms, have water, electricity, Internet connection and even air conditioning. I have even visited two cave homes that have a sauna, as well as a hot tub; it is hardly rough living. The caves offer remarkably sensible accommodation for modern island living in the Canary Islands, since they remain cool in summer and warm in winter. The early settlers in the Canary Islands, the Guanches, were certainly no fools and knew exactly what they were doing when it came to cave dwelling.

Sadly, many of these caves are now often rented or sold to the trendy expat; those with money, but often with very little accompanying common sense. I am not referring to this particular criminal case, but I have heard a number of reports where these caves are bought up by foreigners as holiday homes, but who have little or no sensitivity to the uniqueness of the Canary Islands and its protected areas. ‘Boutique Caves’ as they are sometimes called are even sometimes available as rental accommodation, or discovered by the ‘beautiful people’ and occasional hippies who happen to find one that is abandoned or in a less than liveable state.

Questions are rightly now being asked by local people about whether it is acceptable to sell or let these unique dwellings to holidaymakers and expats. Cave and other homes that are situated in high risk and environmentally important areas may need to be especially protected. Yes, it does enhance the rural economy and bring in much needed tourist euros to these areas, but one wonders if the cost to human life, as well as the overall environment, is worth the risk?

As for the German tourist; maybe he should consider using a chemical toilet in future.

If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie’s websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his latest book,

‘Island in the Sun’

(ISBN: 9780992767181).

Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions. iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available. © Barrie Mahoney

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1. October used to be what number month in the callender?

6.All competitors must wear what to compete in the highland games?

2.Which pagan ceremony comes at the end of October?

7.What is the Spanish word for blood?

8.Who’s the frontman with the band 3.On the night of the celebration children Wings? go out doing what?

9.Which football team play at Fratton 4.Do the clocks go forward or back in Park?

October?

10.Where would a scout wear a Woggle?

5.The Octoberfest is a beer festival in what country?

Ans Dr Who

Ans Rovers return

2. Name the pub in coronation street Ans Red, White, Blue

1. What 3 colours are in the French flag?

5. How many letters are in a UK national insurance number? ans 3 4. Which football team are nicknamed the black cats? Ans Sunderland

Ans Coche

Ans Telly Savalas

8. What is the Spanish word for car?

Ans Rolling Stones

7. Mick Jagger fronts which rock group?

10. Who played the TV character Kojak?

Ans Rolls Royce

. The Silver lady is on the bonnet of which car?

by

3. Who uses transport called the tardis?

n a WINentering Qui

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ttlesQ!uiz o b ll 3 ny’s

Which TV show features the Clampit family?

...

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