Olive Press Newspaper – Issue 243

the good life

Voted BEST expat paper in Spain

Now in Andalucía!

Follow us: Holland & Barrett Andalucía

FREE

Vol. 10 Issue 243

www.theolivepress.es

July 6th - July 19th 2016

HEALY MAC S ESTEPONA PORT Irish Bar & Restaurant

Awarded by Diageo & The Irish Times Tel: 951 517 015 www.healymacs-estepona.com

Olive Press launches petition for better post-Brexit expat representation in the UK

By Rob Horgan and Joe Duggan

Ticket Win giveaway Win tickets to Kaiser Chiefs

Page 3

Blockbuster settings Game of Thrones locations Page 16

CAMPAIGNERS, business bodies and media groups are uniting against Theresa May’s refusal to guarantee expat rights to remain in Europe.

It comes after the Home Secretary warned that over a million British expats could lose the right to live and work in the EU following the Brexit referendum.

The Tory minister - and current favourite to succeed PM David Cameron - also refused to rule out three million EU citizens losing residency rights in the UK. “There will be a negotiation here as to how we deal with that issue of people who are already here and Brits who have established a life in other countries within the European Union,” she said.

Reaction was swift and angry with the chairman of large expat campaign association AUAN, Maura Hillen, slamming the announcement.

Reassurance

Banksy in Tarifa?

Mystery mural emerges Page 21

“The majority of our members are British citizens who, faced with an uncertain future as a result of Brexit, are looking to their government for reassurance that their interests will be taken into account and defended,” she said. “This is anything but that.”

She has now backed a petition being launched by the Olive Press to put pressure on the UK government to better serve our interests.

The petition demands that the large body of expats in Europe (estimated at 1.3 million) are given an official voice in Parliament.

Incredibly, our group has

NO PROMISES: May

Expats fight back after Home Secretary warning over rights to live in Spain

May Day

no MP or other government body to represent us in London.

Derek Langley, the Vice President of the British Chamber of Commerce, in Andalucia, supported the campaign, insisting: “Anything that benefits expats rights in Spain should be encouraged.”

He continued: “I will be putting this petition to the chamber this week.”

Publisher Iain Blackwell of Essential, in Marbella, also welcomed the move, while the publisher of the Euro Weekly News Michel Euesden got on board.

Euesden said: “Of course we

will definitely back expats having their own MP in Parliament.”

Meanwhile, editor of Round Town News, in the Costa Blanca, Jack Troughton, said: “It is time for our leaders to give some real guarantees about

OUR DEMANDS

Don’t sell us down the river!

We urge Theresa May, Michael Gove - or whoever the next leader of the country is – to ensure that British expats living in the EU do not have their rights ‘negotiated’ away.

We demand that expats are given a voice that draws attention to our plight and makes the powers that be act on, or at least consider, our needs.

We urge those concerned by what is happening to sign our petition to demand a parliamentary action group to look into our rights to continue living unfettered in the EU. It is vital we are represented properly in the critical coming months and years, as Brexit comes into effect.

Sale Complete glasses from 59€, plus

you can choose from one of our great offers, FREE.

See our ad inside for details

For all your insurance needs!

Estepona 952 887 125

estepona@ibexinsure.com

Fuengirola

952 465 588

fuengirola@ibexinsure.com

our lives here in Spain and across Europe. We stand up for expats and never has this been more important.

“The British Government has a duty to protect its citizens and their rights across the continent; politicians must now step up and be seen to take a positive and responsible role.”

Tens of thousands of expats, many who paid taxes in the UK for decades, were unable to vote in the recent referendum having lived abroad for more than 15 years.

On top of this, many thousands more were unable to vote due to registering, postal and other administrative errors.

“Yet, despite being strongly pro-Europe, we are the very ones who stand to suffer the most,” concluded Olive Press publisher Jon Clarke.

Labour is set to force a Commons vote on Wednesday to ensure the three million EU citizens living in the UK won’t be ‘bargaining chips’ in the Brexit negotiations.

The petition has been submitted to the UK parliament and will be live in the coming days.

To sign visit www.petition. parliament.uk/petitions and search for ‘UK parliament representation for 1.2 million British expats in EU post-Brexit’ Brexit special - P4-7

OLIVE PRESS – 70mm x 40mm FRONT COVER

With over two decades in business, Cambridge provides secure and affordable ways to make overseas payments 6th July from your UK bank, giving you the peace of mind you need to effectively manage the purchase of your new property.

For information connect with our Costa Del Sol office today ! Costadelsol@cambridgefx.co.uk I +34 952 830176

www.theolivepress.es

SPANISH authorities have allegedly refused to repatriate the dead body of murdered Brit Andrew Bush.

His body is currently in a tomb near to his Estepona home, where he was fatally shot three times by his ex girlfriend Mayka Kukucova in April 2014.

While she has begun a 15 year sentence after being found guilty, Bush’s ex wife, Sam Mason, former BBC TV presenter, says their daughter Ellie Mason-Bush just wants to give her father a ‘respectable funeral’.

“First we were told we could repatriate him but then the Spanish authorities changed their mind at the 11th hour and insisted on burying him, they slid him into a wall,” she said.

July 6th - July 19th 2016

Doublecrossed Dutch

Child snatching evaded

String of victims come forward after Olive Press exposes film conman

A SUSPECTED conman exposed by the Olive Press after duping a Hollywood stuntman in a €5 million deal may be part of a crime family with hundreds of victims.

Since the Olive Press front-page story on Peter Wicke’s court battle with Jan Herman Brinkman, half a dozen more victims have approached us.

Marbella-based Wicke, 48, handed €2,500 to Brinkman when seeking investors for his

Child abuse gang held A SUSPECTED paedophile gang that used football boots as presents to lure vulnerable children has been rounded up.

Four men, aged 34 to 55, are suspected of taking part in the abuse of children as young as five years old.

Police suspect the gang videoed the abuse, which is thought to have taken place at one of their houses in La Linea.

One man has been named as Natalio Solis Mayorga, who worked as a football coach for years in La Linea and was a frequent visitor to Gibraltar’s Victoria Stadium The gang is believed to have used football boots and jerseys as presents to earn children’s trust.

Police were alerted to the group after finding a 14-year-old boy told them he CAUGHT: Mayorga had been abused by one of the men.

EXCLUSIVE

By Joe Duggan

In the annivers ary edition of our

Everything

buy one, get one

half price I’m in. Naturally...

me too, honey...

Causing a stir! I’m in...

Ooh, me

too xxx

Holland & Barrett Andalucía

film company before smelling a rat and pulling out of a much bigger deal.

But others have not escaped so ‘lightly’.

One Marbella businessman Sanne Toon Van De Wiel is battling to get back €90,000 he gave to Brinkman, allegedly for a beach chiringuito investment.

In police documents, the Dutchman claims he was persuaded it was a ‘fabulous’ investment, but the money simply vanished with no comeback.

Van De Wiel told the Olive Press: “We met Brinkman and his wife Johanna Te Riet at our children’s school barbecue last September.

“They became very close to us and he convinced me to invest in this bar in Marbella. So I transferred €90,000 to an

THE BATTLE TO SINK

Property olive press

www.theolivepress.es

March

PAGE 23

S PIRATES (PAGES

olive press

FREE

PAGE 24

PAGE 30

PAGE 40

Vol. 10 Issue 236

www.theolivepress.es

March 30th - April

12th 2016

12th 2016

La Cala del Sol, Local Cala de Mijas, 29649, No. 17, tel: +34 951 401 Malaga 921

Caption

IT brings a whole meaning living life to the conceptnew Perched on the edge. of Casa del above the Acantilado Med, Cliff House) (The is the latest project wacky from weird Madrid and GilBartolome. architects

xxxxx

Something of a challenge, it was created by architects Pablo Gil lome on and Jaime Bartoa 42-degree on the Granada slope Commissioned coastline. couple by a young from Madrid, ery single evwindow home, of the boasts near Salobrena, the sea. stunning views of The state-of-the-art sign split defeatures over two floors inspired a ‘dragon-scale’ to-ceilingcurved roof, floorinfinity windows and pool. an Its position dug into hillside the stay coolhelps the inside in the months summer winter. and warmer in “The joyful project living, combined construction innovative the return techniques, of craftsman-

Up IN THE wOrLD!

EVEREST Venables veteran Stephen has swapped West Country his in hilly home for Gaucin. a pad The intrepid who found mountaineer, peditions fame leading malayas, through the exhas chosen HiAndalucian soaring mountains Somerset “It’s a countryside. over though strange irony I’ve spent life calling most of that my myself taineer, a time I’ve yet this is themounactually mountains,” lived first revealed in the ables, 61.

VenVenables from Bath, and wife Rosie, bought small, a es and adjacent town pair of through have knocked housto create them village home. one larger “We are reliant expat community on the local are only because just learning we speak Spanish,” how to Venables he said. ing a new found fame forgKangshungroute up Everest’s first Briton Face and to summitwas the out extra explored oxygen. He haswithAntarctica. also

ship and the cave vironmental as an enstrategy,” said Bartolome.

Caption

Property

The original and only English-lang uage investigative newspaper in Andalucía

I fell for that stunt!

30th - April

Iconic Spanish architects complete innovative cliffside pad on the Andalucia coast

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxx

6&7)

www.smartcurrencyexchange.com

LIVING ON THE EDGE

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxx

Property magazin e find out...

SPAIN’S MOST NOTORIOU

the

Jesus Granada

Give him back!

CRIME

Photo by:

2

La Cala

specialist buyer and for both a seller on Rightmove and Propertyguides.com Overseas

As featured del Sol,

Local No.

17, Cala

de Mijas,

29649,

Malaga

www.smartcurrencyexchange.com tel: +34 951 401 921

...How to live like a rockstar

... why Hugh is in Palma From Page 20

THE BIG PAYBACK

FLAMING: Wicke and (right) during stunt THE Junta may responsible for be made EXCLUSIVE tens of millionsrepaying

By Joe Duggan out in bogus handed training schemes.

A judge in Huelva HE has set himself has filed a motion jumped off explodingon fire, demandspeeding that any money boats and thrown himself out cannot be recoupedthat of high-rise buildings. in the €2 billion Now Hollywood stuntman dal will have to Edu scanPeter Wicke is be paid by the Junta. long into a bitterdiving headIn an unprecedented room showdown Costa courtcase, he insisted The plan was to multi-million filmover a dodgy pany, for which heset up a joint com- thorities would the auMarbella-based deal. be rehimself was asked sponsible to stump up €10,000 has appeared in Wicke, who for any comdeal to invest in his for legal and pany or individual notary fees. own film company.

TV shows, is suingover 400 films and However, guilty of taking found In the end he handed claiming he was a Dutch expat after intention he claims Brinkman had no pany, Movie Television Productions money over €2,500 be- fraudulently fore he smelt a rat partnership deal.scammed in a bogus for him of stumping up any money International PW. that and is dewent and was Planning to produce to police. clared bankrupt.

“It is a very clever The 48-year-old a couple of “I am absolutelymerely after his own. in Andalucia, crime raging,” for Dutchman German is gunning the Olive he was naturally films has probably taken a fair system and The investigation cenJan Herman Brinkfew people,” tres on funds inter- insisted Press. “I answeredWicke told ested when he spotted man, who he claims allocated the offer of “I have Wicke last night. took him for a in a local newspaper (not an advert ‘safe and secure’ investment to training programmes bone-shaking ride. worked in Hollywood the Olive results, Press) offering with ‘no for for and years the no payment’. investment in projnothing like this unemployed, that In a classic costa shakedown, he insists ects. Next thing I am thousands has ever hap- mostly After three pened. If I see him Brinkman’s company out of year, he meetings at the end of last sure in court I’m not Under did not take place.

Jene Invest- pocket.” claims he was offered I will be able to contain the scheme, milments owes him Wicke, lions were entered a promisedthousands after he Sol for who has lived on the Costa del million investment deal from a €5 “This deception has been myself. stolen in Brink- scious and two years, was hoping multi-million euro man and his mysterious very con- grants for bogus calculated.” to find an investment partner ‘business emies, which were acadfor his com- partner’ Jan Te Riet, who Wicke never When the Olive Press set up met. confronted in disused buildings Brinkman about the case, last night, merely and he declined to answer furnished when our questions. officials were sent to inspect.

Hollywood stuntman thousands in bogus erupts after losing €5 million Costa film deal

With over two decades in business, Cambridge provides secure and affordable from your UK bank, giving ways to make overseas you the peace of mind you payments need to effectively manage For information connect the purchase with our Costa Del Sol office today ! Costadelsol@cambridgefx.c of your new property. o.uk I +34 952 830176

UNDER FIRE: Brinkman with wife Johanna and our story IBAN that he said was in wife Johanna’s name.

“But afterwards they claimed they didn’t get the money. They say I didn’t send it, which is preposterous.”

Marbella police are investigating after their bank confirmed the IBAN is under the name of Johanna's father, Jan Te Riet.

Meanwhile, another Dutchman Gerard Grootte Bromhaar insists Brinkman stole €42,000

For all your insurance needs!

See our ad inside for details.

Estepona 952 887 125

estepona@ibexinsu

re.com

Fuengirola

952 465 588

fuengirola@ibexins

ure.com

OLIVE PRESS – 70mm x 40mm FRONT COVER 30th March

in a dodgy property deal.

A signed legal document seen by the Olive Press shows Brinkman, Marbella-based, agreed to repay Bromhaar, but has yet to do so.

Brinkman’s brother-in-law Gert Jan te Riet was the subject of a TV crime investigation by Dutch journalist Rob Vorkink in 2010, before moving to Spain. The Brinkmans were not available for comment as we went to press.

A BRITISH man has spoken of his ‘terror’ after a man tried to snatch his four-year-old son from a hotel in Almeria.

Mancunian Shaun Kennedy was left with a bloodied face, a swollen hand and a twisted knee after fighting off the child snatcher at the Hotel Best Sabinal.

The man struck up conversation with Kennedy and his son Chase before attempting to pull the four-year-old from a lift as the doors closed.

Chase suffered carpet burns on his legs as the abductor dragged him along a hotel corridor.

Kennedy then grappled with the man to get his son back.

“It has really shaken me up and I’m still in shock,” he said. “He was looking at Chase and saying hello. I turned to Chase and asked him if he was going to say hello back and he did.

“I just thought that the man was being nice – nothing more to it.”

The police are investigating the incident.

Smuggler faces extradition over Lisa A BRITISH man wanted in connection to the murder of missing expat Lisa Brown has pleaded guilty to people smuggling.

Stephen Jackson, 50, has pleaded guilty to smuggling

17 Albanians into the UK and after his trial will be extradited to Spain over his links to missing Lisa.

He is believed to have close links to her boyfriend Simon Corner, who fled Spain

after Brown’s disappearance.

Corner was tracked down to Denmark earlier this year and remains in custody in Algeciras after facing a grilling in San Roque court.

www.theolivepress.es

Don’t rain on our parade

NE WS

July 6th - July 19th 2016

Obama bonanza A NEW intern has landed a job in the United States Embassy in Madrid... although she is unlikely to be doing the tea run.

US President Barack Obama’s 17-year-old daughter Malia will be undertaking an internship at the US embassy in Madrid for the summer, after visiting the country with her mother and sister.

The Obama’s oldest daughter, who speaks fluent Spanish, is currently embarking on a gap year before following in her parents’ footsteps by attending Harvard university.

News of the internship coincided with the First Lady’s trip to Spain last week, on which she was accompanied by her two daughters.

Her father is set to touch down in Madrid this weekend.

OBAMA’S: Barack and Malia

GIBRALTARIAN music lovers will be hoping it doesn’t rain on them when Travis take to the stage at the Gibraltar Music Festival.

The Scottish band are the latest act to be added to the starstudded lineup which also features Stereophonics, Ne-Yo and Bryan Ferry.

International acts including Jess Glynne, Rosario, KT Tunstall and The Vamps are also set for the two-day event from September 3 to 4 at Victoria Stadium.

Fran Healy’s band scored a worldwide hit with Why Does It Always Rain On Me? in 1999, while their album The Man Who sold 2.7 million copies.

Rattled!

Philharmonic orchestra composer in Brexit outburst

Bilbao ready to rock

By Lance Rutkin YOU need to be in total control when you stand in front of the orchestra.

And conductor Simon Rattle took full advantage of that when he stopped a Spanish concert to have a political rant about Brexit.

The head of the London Symphony Orchestra was so outraged with the recent UK referendum he launched into a tirade half way through the performance at the Granada International Festival of Music and Dance.

Concert-goers were left stunned when he slammed the vote as a ‘disaster’ and referred to his home country as having ‘shot itself in the foot’.

Rattle also lamented the future financial and funding difficulties that Brexit portends.

Rattle said: “We will continue, albeit in a different way. We’ll have to seek more private financing.”

Rattle was overseeing his orchestra perform the grand finale of the 65th edition of the festival.

BRITAIN meets the US, with New Order and the Pixies headlining Bilbao’s BBK festival this week.

Other big names at the threeday music festival, now in its 10th year, include Arcade Fire, Foals and Tame Impala.

Meanwhile fans of experimental and electronic music can experience some of the world’s best artists in a circular clearing in the woods.

Other artists scheduled to perform are Courtney Barnett, Father John Misty, M83, Grimes and Chvrches.

Marvellous Marley The latest crusade

SINGER: Damian Marley

3

REGGAE fans are in for a treat with Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley confirmed to headline Vejer de la Frontera’s Boelo Sun Festival.

The Grammy award winning reggae artist and son of legendary Bob Marley - is the main star at the August festival, alongside Amaral, Chico Trujillo, Fanfare Ciocarlia and The Skatalites.

PO Boxes Available

The Sabinillas Bookshop

The Bookshop Sabinillas

Large range of Greeting Cards Daily Newspapers • Magazines • Maps Postal Service • Day Trips • Passports Unusual Gifts • Guides • Books

Tel: 952 891 545 Email: steve@sabinillasbookshop.com

www.sabinillasbookshop.com

DESPITE sporting a massive Santa beard, fans still recognised Hollywood star Harrison Ford as he took in the sites of Sevilla and Toledo.

The Indiana Jones star, 73, was spotted walking arm in arm with wife and Ally McBeal star Calista Flockhard, 51.

The pair were snapped as they strolled around the Andalucian capital before he begins filming for Blade Runner 2, in Hungary.

They also spent time in Toledo where he took in a Flamenco show, before chatting and joking with fans.

Win

DIVA: Beyonce

Queen Bey BEYONCE is coming to Spain.

‘Queen Bey’ will play to 50,000 fans at the Estadio Olimpico on the last date of the Europan leg of her Formation World tour on August 3.

Seal of approval CONGRATULATIONS to Beverley Stonehewer who has bagged a pair of tickets to see Seal in Marbella on July 18 courtesy of the Olive Press.

Beverley correctly answered that ‘7’ is the name of Seal’s latest album.

Tickets to see Kaiser Chiefs

Answer one question… and you could win tickets to see indie rock stars Kaiser Chiefs in concert in Torremolinos on August 6.

For a chance to win a pair of tickets, send the answer to the following question to newsdesk@ theolivepress. es: With what Harry Potter actor do three Kaiser Chiefs share an alma mater?

4

www.theolivepress.es BREXIT IN BRIEF

Not so easy BUDGET airline EasyJet has indicated that it may leave the UK to protect its lowcost business model.

Risky business BANK of England has reduced capital requirements on banks and lenders so they may weather the Brexit uncertainty.

Run-off TORY MPs began the voting process to elect a new party leader on July 5. Liam Fox was the first candidate eliminated from the race.

M&S men bash Brexit

EXECUTIVE director of Marks and Spencer, Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne, called Brexit a ‘senseless and tragic choice.’ Last month, Steve Row, chief executive of the retail company, which has a shop in Marbella, also blamed Brexit fears for a dip in consumer confidence.

Betrayed by brotherin-law Gove WHILE Tory Leaver Michael Gove was wheeling out the champagne, his brother-in-law was far from thrilled.

Ben Vine - brother of Gove’s Daily Mail columnist wife Sarah - lives in Madrid and fears for his future.

Despite having a Spanish wife, the photographer fears he will no longer be able to work in Spain.

“I always took it for granted that I could just live and work here, but that may no longer be the case,” he said.

He added his ‘biggest worry’ was ‘being separated from my nine-year-old son’.

Vine, who was raised with his sister in Italy, feels ‘thoroughly European’.

Bre xi t s p eci al

July 6th - July 19th 2016

We won’t kick you out!

THE mayor of a Costa del Sol town has come out in ‘support and gratitude’ for expats following the Brexit debacle.

In a letter to up to 3,000 expats who live in Manilva, mayor Diego Jose Jimenez, insisted: “We want to send a crystal clear message to every single British resident or second homeowner… you have made our town your home and you are more than welcome to be here sharing the best of what we have.

“We would like to take this opportunity to express to you our enormous gratitude for the cultural, economical and social contribution you make

Remain together

HEARTBROKEN Remain voters can now find comfort in the arms of like-minded singles.

Remainder is a new dating app set up for Brits who voted to remain in the European Union.

Developed by two British entrepreneurs, Remainder has been designed ‘to cheer everyone up after a dismal day’, according to the app’s website.

Started as a joke, the app is quickly becoming a reality thanks to massive interest and crowdfunding efforts.

Then again, with only 823 Gibraltarians voting to leave, it may not be quite as popular on the Rock… particularly as most of them are over 75 (ED: and possibly senile!).

Mayor sends heart-felt message to expats in his town following Brexit vote

MAYOR: Jimenez to our area.

“Our sentiment and resolution will not change because of the negative result of the Brexit referendum.”

Foreign residents councillor

Dean Tyler Shelton added: “You all bring huge benefits, investing in businesses, buying homes, paying taxes and social security, working and contributing to our everyday lives and enriching our cultural diversity.”

He added it fell to the town hall to ‘pick up the pieces’ and ensure any changes that may come in time are ‘as painless as possible’.

Meanwhile Marbella mayor Jose Bernal has called for ‘calm’ after the vote and Torremolinos town hall has urged expats to ‘keep calling Torremolinos and the Costa del Sol their home’.

MOVE ON: Gonzalez

Wake up!

WHILE the Liberal Democrats insist the referendum result should be ignored, the Spanish wife of former leader Nick Clegg believes it is better to simply accept it and move on.

EU trade lawyer Miriam Gonzalez said: “In business half of the people are in denial mode, they are hoping something can reverse this.

“I think it would be better if everybody accepts this is going to happen, so let’s be practical.”

Valladolid-born Gonzalez, who has negotiated trade deals between the EU and World Trade Organisation, insists Britain must move quickly to build bilateral trade deals.

“We need to be ruthless and focus on top priorities,” she said.

Stay calm - Nothing to change BRITISH Ambassador Simon Manley insists ‘nothing will change’ for the hundreds of thousands of expats living in Spain.

He insists now is not the time to panic.

“From calls I have received, I know that some Britons are worried about what the referendum means for them right now,”

he said.

“Right now nothing is changing. You can still live here, work here, just as before.”

Manley added that expats will still enjoy the same access to Spain’s public services and health care until negotiations are made between the UK and the EU, which is likely to take two years.

www.theolivepress.es

Bre xi t s p eci al

COUNTED OUT Thousands of eligible expats who didn’t get vote slips in time demand new vote

“This was too late to vote and they were left very upset.”

He estimates that around Spain there are ‘hundreds, if not thousands’ of similar THOUSANDS of expats eligible to vote shops, which administer expats’ post. in the crucial Brexit referendum lost out “To rely on a good postal service to get due to postal errors and issues with regthese voting slips in time was ridiculous. istering, it has been claimed.

It should have been done online. I have Many Remain voters were left frustrated many clients bitterly disappointed. when postal slips failed to arrive in time, “There are many thousands of Remain or too late to be used. voters around Spain alone who didn’t get “I had dozens in my shop alone who got their votes counted. their ballot papers a day or two before,” “This is a disgrace – we demand a vote said Sabinillas Bookshop owner Stephen SHOCKED: Stephen (left) which includes all expats who live Davies, 47, who runs a postal service. abroad, there are around 1.3 million of us living abroad in the EU alone.”

Another expat Brian Flude believes that many post ofEXPAT business leaders in Spain have been left ‘devasfices in Spain did tated’ by the Brexit result. not understand The British Chamber of Commerce in Andalucia exthe ‘postage paid’ pressed ‘shock and disappointment’ and insisted there envelopes when would be ramifications.

"WE will all be living with, what they arrived and

By Lance Rutkin “The whole of the chamber is devastated by the news, I would call, 'Cameron's mistake', ‘binned them’. we really didn’t see this coming,” Vice President Derek a monumental mistake," insists our nation,'" Suleiman told the “I have heard of Langley told the Olive Press.

Professor Ezra Suleiman, one of Olive Press. hundreds denied “It was a massive shock and disappointment and we will America’s leading political schol- "You can call it nationalism, popthe right to vote have to accept the ramifications, but I am particularly ulism, whatever it is, it's anti-esars. due to the Spanworried for those who live and work in Gibraltar.”

The Princeton professor, who has tablishment, anti-elite," he said. ish postal service,” Meanwhile, expat chartered surveyor Campbell Ferguwritten 10 books on European "Look at a country like France, said Flude. son said the Brexit vote is already impacting expats and politics, insists that the Brexit why is Marine Le Pen going up “I believe this is Gibraltarians. vote came down to ‘nationalism’ and up? Because people don't feel just the tip of a very “People are talking about a two year plan,” Ferguson that they're getting their share of and ‘anti-establishment’ feeling. big iceberg.” said. “But the fallout has already started.”

"Nationalism is a very strong this democracy.

Over 20 expats He added: “In particular, UK buyers are having to spend force. It has governed most rela- “It's working to the advantage of a have complained up to 10% more to get their property.” few, and not just the rich people. tions and countries for the last they didn’t receive Expat solicitor Alex Radford however insisted expats two centuries. The calculation It's the politicians taking care of their voting forms should remain calm. of economic benefits, losses, etc themselves, not being concerned on the Citizens Ad“It is important to bear in mind that there are unlikely to simply became less important about people... These are all signs vice Bureau Facebe any changes to the relationship between the United than the idea that 'we will have of something important going on." book page.

Kingdom, Spain and the EU for at least two years.”

July 6th - July 19th 2016

Spanish voices Antonio Romero, 54, homeware company worker from Marbella I believe the decision for Brexit is an error. Sticking together makes us stronger and instead of looking back at any problems we should have been looking towards a better future.

EXCLUSIVE

By Iona Napier

BCC: Massive shock and disappointment

‘Monumental mistake - and sign of things to come in Europe’

5

Juani Gallardo, 43, estate agent from Sabinillas We have already had two house sales called off completely following the Referendum and we are waiting to see the longer term consequences. Lots of clients, both British and Spanish, are coming in with much uncertainty. I, personally, see no benefits to Brexit and it is especially hard for Gibraltar.

Antonio Sanchez, 53, retired maintenance worker, from Cadiz This is an awful decision by the British people. It cannot be good for Spain, it cannot be good for the UK and it cannot be good for Europe.

If you look at it simply on an economic level it’s horrendous.

Find your new home in Cádiz or, better yet, let it find you.

SolviaRealEstate.com

Homes in La Línea de la Concepción Urbanización La Corona C/ Colinas del Mar, 10 From € 170,200*

Find out at 902 333 131 * Not including taxes and house purchase costs. Consult the Energy Performance Certificate at SolviaRealEstate.com

MP_256x170_OlivePress_aceituna_LaLinea_ENG.indd 1

29/6/16 10:53

6

Bre xi t s p eci a l

www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain

OPINION The battle lying ahead!

THE past fortnight has been one of the most extraordinary periods in Britain’s history.

When a British Prime Minister’s resignation isn’t even the day’s biggest story, the scale of the event becomes abundantly clear.

The endless drama unfolding day after day since has been straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster.

Labour and Conservative front benches torn apart.

A possible alliance between Scotland and Gibraltar.

Boris Johnson scuppered. UKIP leader Nigel Farage’s resignation. An emboldened Spanish PP. Has a fortnight ever shaken a country’s political foundations so profoundly?

What is certain... us expats in Spain are now well and truly in the firing line and in unchartered, some would say, stormy waters.

Teresa May yesterday said it in so many words, refusing to guarantee the residency rights of 1.3 million British expats and three million EU citizens in the UK. “These are people who have put down roots, with children and families, who pay taxes and contribute to our economy and society,” raged Labour MP Andy Burnham at the home secretary.

He was referring to EU citizens in the UK. But those same fears are now gripping 800,000 British expats living in Spain.

This is an incredibly frightening time for us all. And made worse by the fact we have nobody to represent us in parliament.

Whereas UK residents can turn to their constituency MPs, a diaspora of 1.3 million British people in Europe have no proper representation in Westminster.

But today we begin the fightback, launching a petition calling for an expat parliamentary action group to deal with our hopes and fears.

Business bodies, media groups and many others have already committed to come on board.

We urge you all to sign. Our unified voice must be heard in the testing months and years to come.

Together we are stronger!

AWARDS

2015/2016

Best expat paper in Spain and the second best in the world. The Expat Survey Consumer Awards.

2012 - 2016

Named the best English language publication in Andalucia by the Rough Guides group.

ADMIN/SALES (+34) 951 273 575 Newsdesk (+34) 665 798 618 A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in southern Spain - 200,000 copies distributed monthly (130,000 digitally) with an estimated readership, including the website, of more than 500,000 people a month.

Carretera Nacional 340, km 144.5 Calle Espinosa 1 Edificio centro comercial El Duque, planta primera, 29692 San Luis de Sabinilla, Manilva

Publisher/ Editor

Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es

Newsdesk newsdesk@theolivepress.es Tel: (+34) 665 798 618 Rob Horgan rob@theolivepress.es Joe Duggan joe@theolivepress.es Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es Admin & Accounts (+34) 951 273 575 Mirian Moreno – General Manager admin@theolivepress.es Maria González accounts@theolivepress.es (+34) 658 750 424 Héctor Santaella hector@theolivepress.es

Designer James Partington design@theolivepress.es Distribution Graham Warters distribution@theolivepress.es SALES TEAM: sales@theolivepress.es Chris Birkett - Head of Sales chris@theolivepress.es (+34) 652 512 956 Kerry Hicks kerry@theolivepress.es 655825683 Spanish Sales Juanjo Gonzalez juanjo@theolivepress.es (+34) 678 096 765 Mercedes Lopez mercedes@theolivepress.es (+34) 661 308 443

REASSESSING BUSINESS: Jonathan Smith

July 6th - July 19th 2016

The decision of a generation has been made, what happens next for expats is up for conjecture, but doesn’t look great. Rob Horgan sorts through the wreckage as the dust settles on Brexit

On the front line!

T

HE sun rose at 7.03 on Friday June 24 but there were few rays of optimism on one of Europe’s darkest days. Ever.

Nobody saw it coming. And nobody was ready for it.

Political armageddon ensued. The Prime Minister jumped ship - with a speech containing as many nautical references as The Rime of the Ancient Mariner - and markets nose-dived along with the pound.

The world - and our place in it - came to an abrupt and horribly eerie end… and it didn’t take long for expats to work out that our livelihoods are at risk.

We are now living on the front line!

While Gibraltar looked at links to Scotland and Spain eyed up the Rock, Europe licked its wounds and told the UK to simply get a move on and invoke that, now apocalyptic, ‘Article 50’.

Despite the British ambassador for Spain calling for ‘calm’ expats are understandably nervous about what is in store.

Some are already planning to depart, or postponing key decisions.

One of those is Yorkshireman Jonathan Smith, who is having to reassess ‘everything’ after recently opening a cycling and yoga retreat in Cordoba.

“The impact will be huge,” he tells the Olive Press. “Brexit could end up wrecking my whole business plan.

“If I lose the right to operate in Spain as a bike guide - or lose the EU’s protection against Spanish bureaucracy - then my cycling business is finished before it’s even started.

“I can see a situation where I need half a dozen different permits, which will take an eternity to sort out, and likely cost a fortune.”

Equally worried is leading Costa de la Luz ho-

WORRIED: Peter Whaley

telier Peter Whaley, who is urging expats to con- In reality, Britain is in po- litical limbo, with sider ‘becoming Spanish’.

Leave supporter Boris Johnson shockingly back“Britain has voted for disunity and instability ing out of his bid to become party leader, having which will no doubt go on for years,” he says. led the country towards Brexit before fleeing the “Yes Europe needs reforming, but not from the scene with his tail between his legs. Now Farage sidelines, from within. has also gone.

“I’ve been running businesses here for over 30 As prophesied by a Guardian commenter, David years and I understand the failings of Spain and Cameron checkmated the Leave campaign Europe but this however will only make it worse.” with his resignation; the truth being that no poliThe owner of Tarifa’s emblematic Hurricane Ho- tician has the guts to trigger Article 50 and walk tel, which opened in 1984, added: “We are not the UK out of the EU for good. little Englanders here – we are open and worldly In the city, major companies including budget and I would urge all British expats in Spain to airline easyJet, telecoms giant Vodafone and consider taking Spanish natechnology firm Siemens are tionality in protest.” (See Fed all threatening to leave the UK; up of the Uk? below) putting hundreds of thousands Things are looking But before the situation is (if not millions) of hard-working made clearer for expats, the bleak on Britain’s British people’s jobs at risk. political and social turmoil in Almost all major banks are the UK must be sorted. And streets with a 500% weighing up their options, with fast. increase in race-hate many waiting to see if the UK A s the Tory can remain in the single marcrimes p a r t y ket before committing. wages And things are looking just as i n te r n a l bleak on Britain’s streets. A war over the search for a sickening 500% increase in race-hate crimes new leader, Labour boss since the referendum has uncovered the ugly Jeremy Corbyn has faced side of vote Leave. a backlash from his Letters telling Polish residents to go home have own shadow cabinet, been put through letter boxes in Hammersmith, with 63 Labour staff videos of Muslims being shouted at in Birmingincluding more than ham have done the rounds and migrants (of all 40 MPs hanging nationalities) have been made to feel unwelup their expenses come. books. Despite an The Spanish Institute on Portobello Road has overwhelming vote been vandalised with the phrase ‘Foreigners go of no confidence back’. in him, the surly And while the UK goes to pieces, Europe wants leader looks set to things sorted sharpish. And understandably so. battle on.

Acting Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy insists he wants negotiations to begin with the UK immediately but he is opposed to the idea of a breakaway state which cuts off England and Wales from Scotland, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar.

“Spain opposes any negotiation by anyone other than the government of United Kingdom,” said Rajoy.

“I am extremely against it, the treaties are extremely against it and I believe evFOLLOWING Britain’s vote to leave the European eryone is extremely against it.”

Union, some have suggested expats should claim It presumably has nothing to do with the Spanish nationality in protest. The uncertain impact fact Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brexit on expats has seen others consider SpanJose Margallo is pushing for joint-soverish citizenship. eignty of Gibraltar following Brexit.

In order to ‘become Spanish’ you will need to do the However, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo following: is sticking to his bold vision to keep Gi• Give up your British nationality and braltar in the EU by chumming up with passport.

Scotland.

• You can apply to become a In an astonishing development, the naturalised Spanish citizen afRock’s leader revealed he was in talks ter you’ve lived in Spain for an with Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturuninterrupted ten years prior to geon (pictured left) to stay with Scotland the application. There are a few in the world’s largest trading bloc. exemptions. Refugees in Spain nancial means to support themselves. What happens from here remains to be only have to wait for five years beYou may also be asked for proof of seen. fore applying and nationals from private or public healthcare insurance. Thanks to Nigel Farage June 24 will forSpanish-American countries wait • Applications must be sub- ever be remembered as the UK’s Indeonly two. mitted to the Civil Registry where you pendence Day. • You will need to speak Spanish. live in Spain. Once you have been ap- But sadly, there are now millions of Leave Applicants must prove ‘good proved, you have to swear your loyalty voters who wish they could retract their citizenship’ and a ‘sufficient’ deto the King and promise to obey the vote like Farage retracted his promise to gree of integration into Spanish switch £350 million in EU payments to Spanish constitution and laws. society, for example, taking part • You can also acquire Spanish nationality the NHS each week. in social activities that are part of the Spanish through marriage, if you have been married to The truth is that many were conned, but way of life. a Spaniard for at least one year, or by having now we will tragically just have to get on • Those applying for residency in Spain may be with it.

Spanish parents. required to produce evidence of sufficient fi-

Fed up of the UK? Here’s how to become a Spanish citizen

Bre xi t s p eci al

www.theolivepress.es

You’re the worst PM in history!

Expat Rough Guide author slams Cameron in open letter

Dear David, ONE day, perhaps as you sit on the veranda of a Lanzarote villa, you may reflect on the monumental catastrophe you have inflicted on the British nation.

For after this shocking debacle, you will probably be bracketed by historian s alongside your Tory predecessor Neville Chamberlain as the two most contemptible and incompetent leaders in history.

You broke the unwritten rule followed by all post-war prime ministers: never putting party before country. To deal with the extremists in your own party you bet the farm on being able to win an EU referendum. You have carried out one of the most reckless acts by a government leader in post-war Europe.

Equally, you have bitterly divided the British nation and quite possibly caused the end of the Union. Scotland aside, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar are two more enormous problems.

You will know that in 1975 Harold Wilson tried to heal divisions in his own party caused by Britain’s entry into the then European Community. But Wilson demonstrated infinitely more political nous than you.

He only went to the country once he had all the major players allied for a Yes membership was supported by almost all the British press. And Britain voted vote. Continued by a ratio of 2-1 in favour of staying in.

You, Mr Cameron, made no such preparations and left the field dangerou sly open to demagogues such as Nigel Farage to twist arguments and incite feelings of bigotry, racism and xenophobia.

And this is what transpired: A campaign based largely on fear and a pathetic Labour leader who has been anti-EU throughout his career.

A question this complex cannot be answered with a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. Almost leaving the EU would be political and economic madness. Yet the demagog all experts said the uneducated to ignore them and promised that an imperialistic English ues persuaded Shangri-La was achievable.

In the cold grey dawn of post-Brexit reality these promises are being rapidly Your decision has not only made Britain a laughing stock – the political revised.

English football team’s humiliating defeat against Iceland – but has caused equivalent of the It will not be easily forgotten (or forgiven) by other Europeans still navigatin dismay globally. g their way out of a grave economic crisis.

Your performance in Downing Street on June 24 was the equivalent of Chamber lain waving his piece of paper. You had crashed the nation out of Europe and plunged the UK into one of the gravest post-war crises.

After resigning, you calmly walked back inside, probably planning your next But, unlike the majority of Britons who have to live with your gross irrespons Spanish sojourn. ibility, you can walk away into comfortable retirement in a Berkshire mansion funded by your tax-dodgi ng father’s millions.

Your acts will force us expats into years of strife with no obvious solutions … which is a political disaster. And sadly for you, Mr Cameron, that is how history will remember you.

Yours in despair,

From Geoff Garvey

Rough Guide to Andalucia author,Grazalema, Spain

P.S. In one of your many Spanish holidays perhaps you picked up some local lingo. Respected British historian Paul Preston wrote this week in Diario Montañes: “El referend acto de irresponsabilidad histórica por parte de Cameron. Se ha plantead um ha sido un o una cuestión a la población que no estaba en condiciones de tomar, ni siquiera los expertos pueden decir sobre un tema tan complejo.”

Silver lining

While it’s hard to find positives from the Brexit fallout, perhaps knowing that the Euro bangs a little more buck on the Rock or in the UK will help you get over those Brexit blues. Those

planning trips to Gib or who have a cool million or two to invest in property portfolios, should check out how much they will be saving thanks to tumbling of the British pound.

Item

Price

Pre-Brexit

Post-Brexit

Savings

Pint of beer

£3

€3.87

€3.60

€0.27

Full tank of pet- £37.80 rol

€48.70

€45.36

€3.34

Bottle of Lanson £25 champagne

€32.25

€ 30

€2.25

Three course £20 meal, the Landings

€25.80

€ 24

€1.80

BA return flight £354 to London

€456.60

€424.80

€31.80

200 cigarettes

€25.80

€ 24

€1.80

Morrisons fam- £110 ily food shop

€ 141

€ 132

€9

Central one bed- £1233.33 room flat rent

€1,590.57

€ 1,48

€110.58

4 bedroom pent- £1,200,000 house in Queensway

€1,548,000

€1,440,000

€ 108

New Volkswagen £18,745 Golf

€ 24,180

€ 22,490

€ 1,690

£20

Each print issue of the Olive Press can be read in its entirety on www.theolivepress.es And our site is updated July 6th - July 19th daily2016 with the latest news, making it one of Spain’s most visited news websites.

Figures compare exchange rate on June 1 and July 1

7

olive press online

Expat voices Yvette Baisden, 51, from Peterborough, has lived in Sabinillas for seven years “It’s quite a shock waking up to the news. Everything is a massive unknown right now, no one knows what’s going to happen. I voted Remain so I’m obviosuly upset but it will all work out at the end of the day, we are a strong country, and it’s not like we have lost everything we are not on the streets without food or water, it will be okay in the end. We need to come together as a nation. We will get through this.”

October 2015

Page views:xxxxxxxxx

Spain and Gibraltar’s best English xxxxxxxx daily newsVisitors: website

1

read this Most readMost stories fortnight on www.theolivepress.es - Costa del Sol town mayor sends heart-warming message to expats in Spain following Brexit (46,854)

2 3 4 5

 Costa del Sol on weather alert

with dropping temperatures and - Brexit backlash Spain react online to Britain’s departure more fromrain the- 4616 EU views (36,985)

- How the UK and expats will be affected  VIDEO: Floods hit Costaindel Sol the 1,000 days after Brexit (6,270) as heavy rain continues - 4604

- British man fights offviews child abductor who snatches toddler in Spain hotel (4,690)

 Gangsters’ paradise: A look at

- Life will never be thethe same for expats key figures past andfopresent of llowing Brexit (4,350) the Costa del Crime - 3872 views  Torremolinos to open Anda-

Page Views: 353,392 lucia’s biggest shopping and leisure centre - 3122 views

Visitors: 81,895

 Gibraltar schoolgirl reaches semi

-final of Spanish TV talent show 3065 views

Bounce Rate: 3.51%

Statistics for: June 20th - July 4th

SOCIALMEDIA

Fiona and Bill Reade, 67 and 69, from Liverpool, have lived in Antequera for 11 years “We would have voted for Remain but our postal votes didn’t arrive and they messed it all up! But obviously we wanted to stay because we rely on the healthcare out here, and now we don’t know if that is going to remain in place or whether or not the terms are going to change. We are very concerned about our future here because it’s just such an unknown. We also fear for Gibraltar and how vindictive Spain is going to be, and on top of that our pensions are now worth a lot less, so we are hoping the pound bounces back!”

Jayne O’regan, Yorkshire, 47, living in Duqesa for three years “I’m not happy at all that we have left, I have a life here, I love Spain and want to stay, but now we are going to need a visa to potentially work here or could even be sent home. And if all the expats return home there’s going to be no jobs or homes for us, it could get really messy, it’s really worrying, I’m still in shock.”

Jackie Richards, 58, London, has lived in Duquesa for three years “I was not at all happy with the result I was very upset and still am. I feel European, I’m a global citizen we shouldn’t be isolating ourselves. I think it will affect my life out here massively. The exchange rate has plummeted which makes everything a lot more expensive, and we have property out here and in the UK so we’re very worried about what this means for their value and our ability to sell or rent them out.

This could actually cause a housing crisis, especially if all the Brits have to go back home, there will be no space for us all!”

OlivePressNewspaper olivepress olivepressnews +TheolivepressEs

BE ‘APPY!

Download our app now and www.diningsecretsofandalucia.com

begin enjoying the best Spanish news on the go.

www.allaboutandalucia.com

The Olive Press

TOP for news in Spain!

Useful numbers EMERGENCIES

Ambulance/ Fire brigade/ Police 112 Local police 092 Medical 061 Fire 080 Guardia civil 062

Airport

Malaga - 952 048 844* *For English press 9 Gibraltar00350 22073026

Granada - Jaen 958 245 200 Jerez - 956 150 000 Sevilla 954 449 000

Updated daily The Olive Press online www.theolivepress.es The website is conveniently accessible from your desktop computer to your laptop, tablets and smartphones throughout the day wherever you are. www.theolivepress.es

8 8

the Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016 www.theolivepress.es www.theolivepress.es

POLITICS

www.theolivepress.es July 6th - July 19th 2016

NE WS

www.theolivepress.es www.theolivepress.es www.theolivepress.es

Gibraltar accuses PP foreign minister of risking Spanish jobs in Gibraltar

*SS off

SPAIN’S tub-thumping foreign minister is putting 'thousands’ of Spanish jobs at risk with his 'unhealthy obsession about

Gibraltar'.

Chief Minister Fabian Picardo insists the Rock will never agree to joint sovereignty even if it means risking losing access to the EU market and seeing the border shut with many Spanish jobs lost.

It comes after Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo claimed joint sovereignty was a 'generous offer' just days after the UK voted for Brexit.

"This offer is a good deal and to refuse it would be bad business," the PP minister insisted.

But Picardo hit back insistBREXIT CONCERN: Diaz ing Margallo was not ‘an representative has committed expert in European Law’. to protect the rights of Span- "Mr Margallo should take ish workers in Gibraltar. careful note that an overHe has sent a message of whelming majority of the ‘calm, confidence and secu- people of Gibraltar rejected rity’ with assurance that the the very principle of shared ‘Spanish government is be- sovereignty in 2002.,” he hind them’. said.

Unity is clearly a strong prior-

the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015 July 6th - July 19th 2016

99

Pact-men thrash it out THE four main political parties in Spain are once again - attempting to thrash out a pact.

It comes after no party gained an overall majority in the June 26 elections.

However, yesterday acting PM Mariano Rajoy had the first of a series of meetings with minor parties, including the Canarian Coalition, to try and gain enough seats to get a majority.

But even with the support of Ciudadanos however, whose leader Albert Rivera has hinted he might pact with the PP, he is still seven seats short of the needed 176 majority.

The PP party took 137 seats, Ciudadanos got

32 seats, while the PSOE got 85 - its lowest in history. Unidos Podemos got 71, the same as Podemos managed before.

Rajoy will meet with the heads of every party before parliament is convened on July 19.

PSOE leader Pedro Sanchez said he would only consider a pact on the condition that Rajoy stepped down.

Unidos Podemos need the support of either Ciudadanos or PSOE, as well as a swathe of other smaller parties, to gain power.

Many predict that Spain will have to go to the polls for a third time.

Project Reunite JUNTA president Susana Diaz met with Campo de Gibraltar workers on Monday July 4 to talk about Brexit fallout and foster cross-border relations.

Andalucia’s PSOE boss has vowed to reassure commuters to Gibraltar and met with border group Grupo Transfronterizo following meetings with Algeciras and La Linea mayors.

Diaz also met workers association Ascteg to confront fears among Spanish workers that Brexit will threaten their jobs.

Diaz has already revealed she is ‘very aware’ of the agendas of young Andalucians working in the UK following the political turmoil.

“The European Commission needs to work to minimize the impact in negotiations,” she said.

Meanwhile Antonio Sanz, central government’s Andalucia

ity for Spanish politicians and La Linea mayor Juan Franco is seeking to form a group of Campo mayors to study the effects of Brexit.

Unhealthy

"This remains the position of the people of Gibraltar.

"In setting this condition as his personal criteria for Gibraltar to remain in the EU, he knows that this has already been rejected out of hand and that it will never happen.

"Therefore Margallo, with his unhealthy obsession about Gibraltar, is putting at risk the jobs of thousands of his countrymen who be thrown against the live in Spain and are rocks,” Irish expat Mark employed in GibralWeston told the Olive tar and who depend Press. on the EU principle of “The waves were very freedom of movement choppy but this didn’t to get from home to stop the lifeguards go work every day." diving in to rescue him.

There are around “Everyone clapped as 10,000 Spanish workthey carried his body out ers in Gibraltar, comof the water.” muting in each day.

Life savers MORE than 100 beach goers clapped after three lifeguards saved a youngsters life in Marbella.

The crowd watched in horror as the 10-year-old was dragged into waves at Playa de Cable and nearly tossed onto rocks of the marina.

“The kid was about to

17 YEARS

OF PORTRAYING MARBELLA’S BEST

® essential marbella magazine W W W. E S S E N T I A L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Sale

Complete glasses from 59€, plus Prescription sunglasses Free OR Reactions Free OR Sun and UV tint Free OR get 30% off selected frames with single-vision lenses For a limited time only, when you buy glasses from our 59€ range or above, you can choose from one of our great offers, FREE. 1.5 scratch-resistant single-vision lenses. Other lenses and Extra Options available at an additional charge. Free prescription sunglasses: Choose glasses from 59€ – 159€ and get second pair from same price range or below with UV tint. Reactions lenses: usually 79€. Sun tint with UV: usually 30€. 30% off selected frames with singlevision lenses: please see red stickers in store indicating reduced frames. Cannot be used with other offers. Ends 4 September 2016. Eye test usually 15€. ©2016 Specsavers. All rights reserved.

OLIVE PRESS – 105mm x 256mm – Colour

6th July

Request a FREE eye test online at specsavers.es or by calling your local store.

Marbella 952 863 332 Avda. Ricardo Soriano 12 Fuengirola 952 467 837 Avda. Ramón y Cajal 6

www.theolivepress.es 10 Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016 10 thewww.theolivepress.es

FIRST: Biogas car

First for Eco-mobil THE first Volkswagen car to run purely on algae biogas has been unveiled in Spain.

The Up! Vehicle’s biogas is created at the Wastewater treatment plant in Chiclana, Cadiz.

The microalgae feeds on organic wastewater that’s sent to the facility for treatment, creating a methane gas that can be collected and converted into energy.

The two-door car can run on compressed natural gas as well as biogas, and generates zero emissions.

Frank Rogalla, director of technology & innovation, Aqualia, said: “For the first time in the history of humanity a car will be fueled with a full batch of algae biogas.

This is the culmination of five years of hard work and a very proud moment for Aqualia.”

ANDALUCIA RESERVOIR LEVELS This week: 77.67% Same week last year: 73.85% Same week in 2006: 69.77%

www.theolivepress.es10

G reen

July 6th - July 19th 2016

PAC-ing a punch

AT RISK: African lion

Animal rights group PACMA wins record votes in general election AN animal rights party in Spain has won a record number of votes in the country’s June elections.

PACMA, founded 13 years ago, received 285,000 votes, accounting for 1.2% of all ballots posted.

Although it is not enough to enter parliament, it is a boost for the group who have long been campaigning for the banning of bullfighting.

“This support proves again the

Shameful trade

SPAIN is the second highest importer of lion hunting trophies.

A new report by the International Fund for Animal Welfare shows that between 2004 and 2013, 11,000 lion ‘trophies’ were traded globally.

The US imported 71% of the ‘mementos’ - which include the animal’s head or entire body - while Spain and Germany bought 5%.

Conservationists are calling for a blanket ban on all hunting trophies of threatened animals, including the African lion, whose numbers are now down to less than 20,000.

ON THE RISE: Animal group PACMA unstoppable growth of the single party that bears the flag defending the animals,” PACMA said.

Spain remains divided between those who support the abolition of the sport and those who want to uphold the age-old tradition.

PACMA has proven instru-

Free fall

SPAIN has lost almost 70 million birds since 1996.

Rural and farmland birds suffered the most, with a decrease of 23%, while city birds declined by 18%.

Scientists cited increasing urbanisation which fails to consider bird nesting areas, and the industrialisation of agriculture which leads to habitat loss.

Specialist Clinic for Dental Implantology and Advanced Oral Rehabilitation

mental in making authorities in Castilla y Leon ban the slaying of bulls during festivals, and in persuading Valencia to ban flaming bull runs, which see balls of wax attached to the bull’s horns being set a light before they are released to run through the streets.

The group appears to have amassed a growing support base, more than doubling the 102,000 votes it received in the 2011 elections.

The group said: “These incredible results make the Animalista Party into an unstoppable political force , which grows without measure regardless of the situation and the political context.”

STEPHEN HAWKING has said the biggest threats to mankind are pollution and human ‘stupidity’.

The world’s leading theoretical physicist made the comments at the Starmus science conference in Tenerife, Spain.

He said ‘we have certainly not become less greedy or less stupid’ in our treatment of the environment over the past decade’.

“Six years ago, I was warning about pollution and overcrowding, they have gotten worse since then,” he said.

“At this rate, it will be 11 billion by 2100. Air pollution has in-

C.C Costasol 951 272 267 Estepona

creased by 8 percent over the past five years. More than 80% of inhabitants of urban areas are exposed to unsafe levels of air pollution.”

The conference’s theme was a tribute to Hawking’s work, which most recently includes a plan to map the entire known universe using radiation patterns.

Soheil S. Mark Sam Mark Master degree in Implantology and oral Rehabilitation

www.markdentalclinic.com / www.theimplantclinic.com C.C Cristamar 952 810 408 PUERTO BANUS

Harsh words

Calle Burgos 3 952 917 164 FUENGIROLA

Member of

Ax ar q ui a

www.theolivepress.es

July 6th - July 19th 2016

11

Motorheads unite!

VELEZ-MALAGA could soon be on the national rally circuit after the success of its second Rally Ciudad.

The event brought 8,000 people to the Axarquia capital and around €500,000 to the town’s economy.

The town hall’s head of sports,

EXCLUSIVE

By Iona Napier

Axarquia town begs for water limits while unveiling swimming pool THOUSANDS of people face being cut off from Colmenar’s water supply, despite the town unveiling its large swimming pool.

Colmenar mayor Jose Martin Garcia has been slammed by residents after opening the pool just hours after making a public plea for residents to limit their water usage.

Don Jose Martin Garcia re-

Maria Jose Roberto, said the rally, which provides points for drivers in the Andalucian Championship, could soon be included in the national calendar.

“This would bring even more spectators and economic beneSPEEDY: Driving fits,” she added.

Watergate OPEN FOR BUSINESS: Colmenar pool vealed the town water deposits were drying up while residents claim the ‘bank-

rupt’ town hall was begging for funds for tankers.

In spite of the situation, the

‘Appy days for nerjA

TWO enterprising expats have developed an interactive app to discover Nerja.

British creators Robert Holdstock and Chris Brookes have launched Nerjapp, a mobile app that allows users to find places to eat, local events, and unearth hidden adventures in the coastal town.

The entrepreneurs, who have lived in the Axarquia for a combined time of five years, designed

the travel guide for expats as well as tourists.

Holdstock said: “The beauty of Nerjapp is that every time we find something new or interesting we can add it to the app, so it’s constantly growing with information.”

The app, which updates users in real time with notifications, also includes useful tools including a map, translator, bus timetables, restaurant reviews and emergency numbers.

town hall went ahead with the annual opening with the municipal swimming pool.

“Do not use water unnecessarily and it is forbidden to use drinking water for your gardens, swimming pools or car washing,” Garcia said.

“It is imperative to save water and that’s why we must restrict it at present.”

The town of 3,500 people has seen its water deposits deplete gradually over the last three weeks.

“It is turning rapidly into a serious public health issue,” Colmenar expat Malcolm Coxall told the Olive Press last night.

“We have a perfect storm of insufficient storage, extremely low water table and peak summer demand.”

While Facebook has seen residents desperately seeking water options, the town hall told the Olive Press last night it ‘expected a solution soon’.

July 6th - July 19th 2016

11

12

L E TT E R S

www.theolivepress.es

Bonkers ballots AN increased vote for the PP in the general election just days after Britain voted to leave the EU... The electorates of our world really have gone bonkers recently!

No doubt the sense of patriotism drummed up by the PP and Mariano Rajoy - especially in relation to Gibraltar - held the party in good stead as people smell blood and an opportunity to pounce on a vulnerable nation.

Dead duck

Laura Wright, Estepona

SPAIN is sleepwalking towards a third election, there’s no doubt about it. PSOE teaming up with the PP is about as likely as Manchester United and Manchester City uniting; it just isn’t going to happen.

The idea of a PSOE and Unidos Podemos in national government doesn’t fill me with joy either. Remember, the PSOEled Junta de Andalucia are responsible for over 30 years of complete failure not to mention the so called illegal property situation and subsequent demolitions.

They couldn’t agree on a coalition agreement last time so what has changed?

Sounds like a dead duck to me.

Jane Garrett, Axarquia

Chop and change?

ACQUIRING Spanish nationality is a very long drawn out process with ridiculous amounts of paperwork - as usual and can take well over two years (British expats ‘should take Spanish nationality’ says British-born hotelier in Spain, online). You must be practically fluent in Spanish which many British simply are no where near. And as for the citizenship test… well the amount of traps in that is enough to put anyone off!

Jennifer Knowles, Malaga

July 6th - July 19th 2016

GREAT Brexit battle Out of touch

YOU expats with the opinion that we Brits have made a mistake voting out should come back and spend six months here (Costa del Sol town mayor sends heartwarming message to expats in Spain following Brexit vote, online). Then perhaps you might have an insight to what is happening to our country, while you sun yourself on the beaches of Spain. You are not thinking about what’s best for England are you ? You are just concerned how it will affect your extended holiday.

Kicked into touch

Anon, England

ANOTHER gormless Daily Mail reader who believed the lies, such as the Brexit Battle Bus nonsense. You’ll be a lot hotter under the collar living in the UK now. Over the next two years immigration will skyrocket, the country will enter into a big recession, house prices will collapse, unemployment will rise, and uncertainty will be your partner for years to come. On top of that the new ‘jungle’

is going to be based in Dover. What a mistake fools like you made.

Fred Smith, Marbella

Plan B

THIS is more proof that we need a General Election, let each candidate (whichever party they belong to) declare their position on Brexit, make a commitment to either be identified as Remain or Leave. Then the people really can vote on who keeps the UK in or out of the EU, and there will be no conflict or contention as there currently is. Both main parties elected to take the Remain, then 16+ million people voted to LEAVE, so the main parties can hardly be entrusted with handling the exit negotiations, that would be akin to allowing a reluctant spurned spouse to decide the divorce settlements. So call a General Election and let’s see who ends up empowered to carry out their voters wishes. Leave supporters get the chance to elect those who will represent them, Remain supporters get (in effect) a second chance to persuade those 52% of Leave supporters to change their minds.

John Harper, Marbella

Caught out

In the deep end!

I WAS delighted to read about your exposure of the cheating teacher from Wales (Early Vacation, Issue 242). The fact that he was banned from teaching in Wales but was legally allowed to teach children in a British school in Spain is outrageous. I feel sorry for the parents paying private school fees and thinking they were getting the best for their children. Bravo for investigative journalism and bravo for the school taking heed and investigating immediately. Perhaps they could have verified his reference, though.

MIJAS Council does a wonderful job sprucing up the whole of Mijas Costa each summer, though I doubt if one workman was in favour with the powers-that-be after beaching a tractor with shovel and trailer in the sea while routinely cleaning up the La Cala de Mijas beach.

It was several hours before the tractor was "rescued" following the morning mishap, no doubt only ending the red faces of local officialdom.

Angela Bard, Dos Hermanas

JC, Mijas Costa

Letters should be emailed to letters@theolivepress.es.

The writer’s name and address should be provided. Opinions are not necessarily those of the Editor.

GIBRALTAR

POKER £

cash bonanza friday 15 th july 2016 WIN £500 at 11pm!!

WIN £1,000 at midnight!!

WIN £1,500 at 1.00am!! plus other prizes!

Draw at midnight on Friday 15 July. th

Don’t forget you have to be in it to win it, so get your tickets from the casino today!

Terms & Conditions apply

casino sunborn is open daily slots 2pm to 4am tables 6pm to 4am super yacht hotel, sunborn gibraltar ocean village marina, gibraltar

Cash games - from £1/£2 NLH and/or PLO commencing at 8pm 1/2 daily Promotions - cash game high hand jackpot, rake-free tokens, “early bird” rake free Private high stakes cash games in the VIP poker suite. £5/£10 and £10/£25 NLH and PLO games on demand For more information visit: casinosunborn.com/poker

special offer play & stay package Overnight stay in a superyacht king room with breakfast, 3 course dinner in sky restaurant and £50 slot machine free play for the casino per room. Only £245 for 2 persons!

For package details visit www.sunborngibraltar.com Terms & Conditions apply telephone: +350 200 16700 email: info@casinosunborn.com

www.casinosunborn.com

Number crunching 6 of Malaga’s municipalities raised a rainbow flag for the

first time in their history on the international day for LGBT rights.

49% faster broadband has been achieved on average in Spain in a year, increasing to 13.3Mpbs.

1500 jobs are set to be created by Amazon in

Barcelona’s logistics centre in an investment worth €200 million to be completed in autumn 2017.

50,000 Chinese passengers will travel to Spain this year if Iberia Airlines can hit their mark with its new Shanghai route.

52,227 Spanish nationals living abroad returned home last year, a 27.5% rise from 2014.

124,349 more Spaniards were employed in

June, up 3.2% from the month before.

25.2m international tourists traveled to Spain by

May this year, up 11.4% over the same period last year.

 Gibraltar schoolgirl reaches semi

-final of Spanish TV talent show 3065 views

SOCIALMEDIA OlivePressNewspaper olivepress olivepressnews

R.I.P.+TheolivepressEs roaring Bowie tribute BE ‘APPY!

OVER a dozen Spanish rock artists got together to perform hits by David Bowie in Madrid and Barcelona tribute concerts.

Spanish indie musicians including Amaral and Vetusta Morla paid homage to the British rocker with Download our of appSpace now and covers Oddity, theHeroes’and begin enjoying best Spanish other hits from his news on the biggo. repertoire.

The ‘Juntemos con Bowie’ shows were held in Madrid’s Real jardin Botanico Alfonso and Barcelona’s Sala Razzmatazz.

Other artists who took part The Olive Press were Joana Serrat, former Los Piratas leader Iván TOP for news in Spain!

Ferreiro, Alberto Jiménez of Miss Caffeina, Anni B Sweet, Javier Vielba (Arizona Baby/Corizonas), Juan Alberto (Niños Mutantes), Julio de la Rosa, Maika Makowski, Marc Ros (Sidonie), Sean Frutos (Second), Tulsa, Shuarma (Elefantes) and Zahara.

Summer plans A NEW app which makes discovering cool events and activities in your area easy has been launched.

Busslr matches events to users’ mood and interests, before sorting them by distance and price.

The app also helps keep plans organised so that users can find time to fit it all in.

la cultura

13 July 6th - July 19th 2016

Picasso jackpot

what’s on

M

alaga, ongoing ABBA musical Mamma Mia from July 7 to 31 at Teatro Cervantes on Calle Ramos.

M

arbella, July 24 Rock band led by legendary guitarist Carlos Santana will perform at Starlite Auditorio.

A Picasso becomes the most expensive Cubist painting ever A PICASSO has sold at Sotheby’s in London for €56 million, making it the most expensive Cubist painting ever sold at auction.

Femme Assise is the highest selling painting in the UK for six years since Alberto Giacometti’s Walking Man went for €76.3 million in February, 2010.

PRICEY: Picasso piece

The artist painted Femme Assise as a 27-year-old in 1909, while staying in his native Spain at Horta de Ebro hermitage.

Modeled after Picasso’s lover, Fernande Olivier, the painting was estimated to fetch €35 million.

But a bidding war involving seven anonymous bidders saw the painting surpass

Smack my beach up ENGLISH electronic rockers The Prodigy are set to take over a beach in Cadiz.

Headlining the Alrumbo music festival, the guys from Essex will be joined by Gipsy Kings and Spanish indie band Vetusta Morla.

The three-day festival will be taking place in Chipiona from July 14, and is set to attract over 50,000 people.

Dutch DJ Martin Garrix will be spinning the decks on Friday as well as a host of Andalucian bands including El Langui, Lori Meyers and Raimundo Amador.

The Prodigy take centre stage on Saturday, where they will air new material and showcase classics such as Firestarter.

expectation.

Sotheby’s lauded the Cubist piece’s rare appearance at auction, as various museums and institutions now hold most of the Malaga-born painter’s more celebrated work.

“I believe that tonight is a clear indicator that the [art] market is alive and robust,” said Helen Newman, Global Co-Head of Sotheby’s Impressionist and Modern Art Division.

Femme Assise represents a crucial juncture of Picasso’s career, near the beginning of his Cubist period.

In fact, the painting comes just one year after the term Cubism was first used by art LEGENDS: Prodigy critic Louis Vauxcelles in 1908.

T

orre del Mar, July 29-31 An International Air Show bringing together the best specialists in the world of aviation on Playa de Torre del Mar.

C G

adiz, ongoing Horse races on the beach from August 12-28 in Sanlúcar de Barrameda.

ranada, Jun 30 to Sept 16 Exhibition on Zuolaga and Falla looks at the friendship between the two artists and their main projects at the Granada Museum of Fine Arts.

We’re the U.K’s leading retailer of vitamins, minerals & herbal supplements.

FUENGIROLA

MARBELLA

Miramar Shopping Centre. Local B-20 Tel. +34 952 586 849

Ave. Ramón y Cajal, 7. Local 1 Tel. +34 952 766 327

SEVILLA

GRANADA

O’Donnell Street, 32. Local 1 Tel. +34 955 673 996

Puentezuelas Street, 18 Tel. +34 958 254 954

New Opening

Holland & Barrett Andalucía

14 14

the Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016

la cultura

www.theolivepress.es July 6th - July 19th 2016

I

F you’ve never been to a Sitges Pride T Dance, don’t take your maiden aunt.

It’s not the kind of dance where you sip lapsang souchong from bone china cups and take a turn around the room to a resident orchestra. Although the Gay Village venue should give you a clue.

At 5pm sharp during this feisty five-day festival of sexual diversity, the LGBT world and its significant other gather on the paseo to get down to some dirty dancing, and the live DJs don’t stop spinning the discs until la madrugada.

Warriors

The dress code is sporty Speedos, slinky thongs, brazen budgie smugglers or trompe l’oeil - nothing at all but body paint!

No one wears tuxes and only the boys wear dresses.

Sitges is just recovering from its sixth such extravaganza, a highly-organised and welloiled fiesta that hosted more than 55,000 ‘rainbow warriors’ this year, quite a feat for a town half that size.

This Catalonian gem of a seaside city, 40 minutes from Barcelona, has been gay-friendly for decades but Gay Pride proclaims that affinity like a town crier … from the poptastic Queenz Bar, from Privilege, where you can catch the odd drag queen show, and from the more hardcore XXL, where deep house and dim lights ensure

QUAINT: Tecla church (above) and Sitges old town (below)

Pride of the north BUZZING: Bar Privilege’s float at Sunday parade

It’s Carnival in Rio on Speed(os) and the jamboree known as Gay Pride Sitges is turning up the volume year-on-year, writes Laurence Dollimore that what happens in Sitges stays in Sitges ...

When night falls, 30 or more bars and clubs that look un-

The Olive Press Insider’s Guide

www.allaboutandalucia.com

remarkable in daylight flick on their fluorescent lights, turning a traditional pueblo into a hedonistic Mecca.

The starting point of every night for pride-goers is the main events stage, where nightly tribute acts pay homage to LGBT i c o n s like Cher, the Spice Girls and Lady Gaga.

Every generation is catered for, whether you’re a hairless ‘twink’ or a brooding ‘daddy’; and every predilection celebrated, from leather lovers and ‘bears’ to those who just love a policeman in uniform.

After the party, Sitges’ 2.5 km of sand beaches offer the perfect hangover cure.

The shallow shores and calm, clear water offer a tran-

NIGHTLIFE: Gay bars and reporter Laurence with ‘policeman’ (top left)

quil respite from the crazy scene that takes over after sunset … although you can hardly see the playa for players, as it’s groin to groin with loungers and beach towels.

Beaches are called platjas in Catalonian. Platja de la Rodona is one of the most popular gay beaches. Or, if you’re feeling particularly freeliving, you can bare all at the infamous Platja dels Balmains, a secluded nudist haven east of Sitges church.

The festival highlight is the Sunday afternoon parade when local bars and businesses ride their extravagant floats along the packed promenade.

Speedo-clad go-go dancers bounce along to the latest

There is a whole new way to discover Andalucia @allaboutandalucia @aboutandalucia @allaboutandalucia All about Andalucia STUNNING: 17th century architecture

TASTY: Duck ceviche at restaurant 33

club-bangers atop of double decker buses, while drag queens sprinkle the crowds with confetti and sing along to timeless show tunes.

And when you need a break from the boozing, Sitges’ culture and gastronomy offer other indulgences.

Sant Bertomeu and Santa Tecla church is a 17th century gem, while beautiful Maricel Museum exhibits a collection of 3,000-plus artworks, ranging from Romanesque murals to Renaissance carvings.

The dining scene is another sybaritic pleasure. Foodies flock to La Picara for tapas; El Trull which has been serving arty Mediterranean cuisine in a spectacular clifftop setting since 1968; and trendy 33 for Thai-style duck, sesamecrusted tuna and sea bass barbecued with ginger and tamarind.

And there are many other temptations during Gay Pride week but if the revellers give in to them, Sitges isn’t telling...

16 16 the Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016

la cultura

www.theolivepress.es July 6th - July 19th 2016

It’s not just political uncertainty that Spain shares with the bloodthirsty world of hit TV show Game of Thrones, Lance Rutkin tours the real-life settings made famous by Daenerys and co

SEVILLA

The Alcazar of Sevilla, possibly Spain’s grandest Game of Thrones location was originally constructed as a fort in the 10th century. It is the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe, with the Royal family stopping over when in the area.

At all other times, sightseers are free to visit.

In the Game of Thrones universe, the Alcazar goes by the name Sunspear, and it houses the the royal family of Dorne, the Martells.

Where the games are played

AVID Game of Thrones viewers in Spain might feel that this season of the wildly popular fantasy drama strikes a bit too close to home.

No, that’s not a joke about the country’s political uncertainties, though one Spanish politician has made that joke already.

Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias gave King Felipe VI a box set of the show when they first met.

“I told him it was a series he would definitely like and that it offers key points to understanding the political crisis in Spain,” Iglesias told reporters at the time.

The surging anti-corruption politician also reportedly has a large painting of Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons, in his office.

But for the rest of us not vying for a real-world Iron Throne, it is the actual sites from the show that will look oddly familiar.

Producers have used Spain, especially the south and the Mediterranean coast, increasingly over the past couple of seasons.

The country first appeared in the fifth season with the introduction of Dorne and Volantis and their desert climates. Now, as the sixth season has come to a bloodthirsty conclusion, Spain has become one of the primary filming locations.

The storied Moorish and medieval architecture proved the perfect match for the palaces of kings, queens and oligarchs.

The Castell de Santa Florentina, about 50km The show also utilised a now-defunct plaza de northeast of Barcelona, is the reason the Alca- toros for fighting pits and a small desert for the zar is only possibly Spain’s grandest Game of home of the Dothraki.

With many of the sites in Cordoba and Sevilla Thrones location.

True followers know the Castell as Horn Hill, provinces, uber Game of Thrones fans could the seat of the House of Tully, or rather Sam’s feasibly plunder them in a mere weekend escapade. house. word of warning, unless under oath The farthest from the Costa del Sol, the Castell However, from Cersei Lannister you may want to wait unoffers year-round guided tours with the promise til it cools down a bit.

BARCELONA

of cava - not someone’s blood - flowing at the end.

ALMERIA The Tabernas Desert, in the north end of Almeria, plays the realm of the Dothraki, a race of nomadic, horse-riding warriors.The Tabernas was not a revolutionary find for HBO and Game of Thrones showrunners, as the desert has seen its fair share of keystone film sets.Among dozens of others, both Lawrence of Arabia and The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly shot scenes in Europe’s answer to the Wild West.

Now, old film sets offer tours of cinema monument desert.

OSUNA The show used the Plaza de Toros de Osuna for the Great Pit of Daznak, the Mereen fighting pit, in season five. The 600 Osunese employed as extras got to witness the dramatic assassination attempt on Daenerys as it was filmed. They played Mereenese villagers who stormed the the pits in panic.

Head to Osuna, in Sevilla province and many of the bars still serve up Game of Thrones-themed tapas, while one even boasts an enormous replica Iron Throne.

CORDOBA

The Romans built the Roman Bridge of Cordoba in what is now the city’s historic centre in the early first century B.C.E. In Game of Thrones, the bridge stands as the Long Bridge in the free city of Volantis. Many of Volantis’s merchants set up shop along the bridge.

In Cordoba, the bridge has been celebrated as a tourist attraction for years, and it is part of a small preserved historic area.

18

the Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016

www.theolivepress.es

All about Issue 243

C

osta de la Luz www.theolivepress.es

Into the light Photos by Jon Clarke

Rob Horgan takes a ride through the sunbleached ‘fresh and natural’ towns of the bright and breezy Costa de la Luz

July 6th - July 19th 2016

TROTTING: Taking a ride along La Mangueta beach with Trafalgar lighthouse (also left) in the distance

A

S the sun hitched a ride on my back and beads of sweat cascaded down my face, I began to think that my plan to conquer Europe’s tallest sand mountain wasn’t such a good idea after all.

With Eye of the Tiger playing in my head and the image of Sylvester Stallone racing up the 72 stone steps outside Philadelphia’s Museum of Art, I trudged wearily up the daunting dune at the edge of Bolonia’s stunning beach.

But in true Rocky fashion I conquered

my personal ‘Everest’ and made it to the top, lifting both arms into the air with a huge sigh of relief and wishing I’d brought an EU flag to plant in the sandy pinnacle. (Yup, I was Remain).

From the top of the mound, the views over the dazzling white dunes fringing the crystal clear waters of Bolonia bay are well worth the effort.

A popular watersports area (like almost everywhere along this coast), Bolonia has long been overshadowed by its ‘hipper’ neighbours at Tarifa, El Palmar and Conil.

However, the tide appears to be turning, with many ‘domingueros’ (local Sunday beach-goers kitted out with gazebo and picnic basket) banking on Bolonia to escape the crowds.

Eddie Grannel, an Irish waiter who has worked here for the last five years, tells me the town has gone ‘from Tarifa’s shadows to people’s first choice’.

“The transformation in the last five years has really been amazing,” he says. “The village itself hasn’t changed that much but its popularity has gone through the roof.”

He adds: “When I first started working here I was one of three waiters. Now, in the height of summer, there are up to ten of us rushed off of our feet.”

The impressive ruins of Baelo Claudio are literally a Roman stone’s throw from the beach and well worth a visit.

Free to EU citizens, which led to an awkward encounter with the receptionist as I handed over my driving licence, the day after Brexit.

But after a lot of ‘umming’ and ‘ahhing’, I made my case that I am still an EU citizen (for now) and was allowed through.

One of the best-preserved Roman towns in Andalucia, Baelo Claudia boasts an impressive temple, forum, basilica, and fish-salting factory from which it once derived its wealth.

HISTORIC: Roman remains at Baelo Claudia include incredible statues Fish still has a big part to play on the Costa de la Luz, with tuna tapas festivals held at the big four towns which still catch tuna the old Phoenician way, using trap nets out at sea: Tarifa, Conil, Barbate and the town that kick-started the whole gastro fest scene, Zahara de los Atunes (the clue is in the name).

These bleached-driftwood fishing towns give the Costa de la Luz a fresh-andnatural feel compared to the more contrived pleasures of the Costa del Sol, but you don’t have to look far for something more sophisticated: take Vejer, which has styled itself as one of the best-kept hilltop pueblos blancos; and boho chic Tarifa, the epitome of cool, rammed with kooky cafes, funky surf shops and boutiques full of wind-bronzed thrill-seekers.

And with the ratio of dreadheads to skinheads set at approximately one to one,

my measly man-bun made me feel rather generic for once.

Flip-flops and swim shorts are the established dress code in a town where the easy-living, good-time vibe is infectious.

Tarifa was the first point of the Moorish invasion in 711 AD. But Sancho IV El Bravo, whose statue still keeps vigil below the battlements of Guzmán Castle, wouldn’t recognise the town he reconquered in 1292.

Behind him, another fast ferry to Morocco is departing the port to join the daily traffic jam in the Straits, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

The 14-kilometre crossing to Tangier takes 35 minutes so you can do it easily in a day, and it’s well worth it for the ultimate out-of-north-Africa experience.

If Tarifa is laid-back-cool by day, the pace hots

Continues Page 20

20

A

ll about

C

osta de la Luz

BEACH BEAUTIES

STUNNING: Drinks on the beach in Tarifa and (right) mojito heaven From Page 19

Havana Beach Bar Clara Campoamor No.11 Tarifa Tel: 633 398 510

SILOS19 – The Restaurant C/ Silos 19, 11380 Tarifa, Cádiz Tlf: +34 956 684 685 Email: info@silos19.com

up when the sun goes down as street performers, the town is packed. crowds of hipsters and beer-guzzling surfers turn “While this is great for business and great for nightout to strut their stuff around the vibrant bars and life, as every bar is packed with friendly people, it clubs of Calle Cervantes. is not so great for me. I want my But while tourists continue to space to kitesurf so, when it gets gravitate to Spain’s windsurfing I go down to Bolonia to hang The coast all the busy, capital, the resident kitesurfing out. cognoscenti have their own secret way up to Cadiz is She adds: “The entire coast all the places. way up to Cadiz is stunning, with As local kitesurfer Carmen Gonza- stunning, with white white sand, blue skies and happy lez tells me, ‘There is more to life sand, blue skies and people. You really are spoilt for than Tarifa’. choice.” happy people “Tarifa is the place to be in May, I knew exactly what Carmen meant June and September when the after my weekend mini-marathon weather is good, the winds are along the ‘coast of light’, which great and the tourists come at the weekends,” she took me all the way to Conil’s Playa de los Bateles, says. the longest beach of six. It means Beach of Boats, “But come July and August, the beaches are not ‘Battles’ as it sounds although if you want warrammed, the sea is full of part-time surfers and fare head back into the whitewashed streets for a

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Silos19 Website: http://www.silos19.com/en/

21 July 6th - July 19th 2016

BEAUTY: Bolonia beach and (inset) homemade gazpacho delivered to you on the beach beach at the foot of a steep cliff. And while this former hippie colony is, unfortunately, no longer teeming with women wearing flowers in their hair, it still has that ‘edgy’ laid-back surf dude vibe.

The 15-minute drive from here through the Natural Park of La Brena to Barbate provides a spectacular change of scenery. The road slices through dense pine forest and motorists are treated to an orchestral concert of bird song emanating from the broccoli-shaped trees.

Barbate is a major fishing port, and more industrial than its neighbours. An arty tuna sculpture on the long wide promenade, and a tuna museum, are other testimonies to its key industry.

Along with sun worshippers and watersports enthusiasts, the main beach is also a favourite arena for handball. Sitting down among the masses to watch four games being played simultaneously, it was way more stimulating viewing than watching England’s performance at the Euros!

As the sun began its downward descent to the horizon there was one more port of call to make: Zahara de los Atunes, famous for tuna.

This quaint little town - the most upmarket on the coast - is filled with tapas bars and restaurants, each with their own artistic take on how to serve its namesake fish.

It only seemed right to try some so I ordered up a slab of juicy red tuna steak and ate it watching moonlight on water - a fitting finale to a weekend discovering the peachy beaches of the Costa de la Luz.

MURAL: Locals are asking if Banksy could have arrived in Tarifa over the last few weeks, after this ingenious painting appeared on a beachside wall

Photos by Jon Clarke

glimpse into the violent history which blighted the Costa de la Luz for centuries.

The Torre de Guzman – a short, squat tower built by the town’s official founder, Guzman El Bueno – offers my first clue to the coast’s swashbuckling military past.

Founded by the Phoenicians, it was later inhabited by the Romans, Vandals, Visigoths and Moors, along with the Brits who smashed the French and Spanish Navies at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

But today, all I have to subdue is my fluttering beach towel along this windy coast, in order to sit down and take in the view.

It’s easy to see the attractions of Spain’s ‘wild west’. In both directions, as far as the eye can see, bronzed bodies are self-basting on the beach.

A lot of them are campers who pitch up at El Palmar, attracted by the soft sandy beaches which stretch west to Torre del Puerco’s panoramic lookout tower and east to Zahora, curving around the Atlantic at Cape Trafalgar lighthouse where Lord Nelson won the battle but lost his life aboard HMS Victory.

It is actually possible to walk the entire stretch of unbroken sand between Conil and Canos de Meca. But keep an eye out for dress code signs if you’re an unrepentant ‘textile’ – the derogatory term naturists use for people (like me) who wear shorts. The numerous hidden coves certainly reveal more than Caption you bargained for!

‘Canos’, as it’s abbreviated, has its own nudist

el placer de día

Bon appetit!

A gastronomic journey from Tarifa to France in which you will savour the history of Brittany with each of our dishes

Paseo de la Alameda s/n, Tarifa 11380 tel: 956 682 303 info@petitbistrotarifa.com www.petitbistrotarifa.com VEJER-Y NICE: Vejer (above) while Tarifa’s bustling streets (top)

22

the Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016

22

A

ll about

C

www.theolivepress.es

osta de la Luz

Where the wind blows

Sixteen years after her first taste of Tarifa, Iona Napier (above) returns to the windy capital of Europe for another taste of bohemian bliss

I SHOPS: Tarifa - Batalla del Salado 18 Puerto de Sotogrande - Plaza de los Naranjos Estepona - Sonora Beach N-340 Km 162 www.mucholarala.com Tel: 636 144 945 Follow us on FB and Instagram

ALWAYS wear my billowing maternity-style dress in steaming summer temperatures, smugly satisfied that I’m ‘cooler’ than everyone else.

But, be warned! This style of outfit should come with an embarrassment warning on the Costa de la Luz, where I spent a day holding down the hem, while loosely resembling an inverted lampshade.

Welcome to Tarifa, wind capital of Europe where the naughty levante breezes can play havoc with a girl’s dignity.

Luckily, no-one gives two hoots, as they get on with their day, shopping, surfing, kitesurfing and cultivating ‘the look’ of studied cool.

While the wind might be Beaufort Scalebusting blustery, the natives are as serene as a summer snooze, and the tourists (most of them) radiate a distinct sense of style.

The beach strip is a fashion catwalk for the Hawaii 5.0 set with their Billabong T-shirts and Rip Curl surfboard shorts. Watch them flexing their bronzed six-packs as they lug their unruly kite sails into the water to turn tricks above the waves like a circus act. It’s the best free show in town!

But there’s also a

CASTAWAYS: Bonfire on beach while (bottom left) the fort and (below) town centre healthy population of everyday Spanish folk who keep Tarifa authentic and are happy to share it with the adrenaline junkies.

I meet some of the old guard as I scale a hilly Moorish passage in the old town and happen upon four cosy Spanish ladies gathered in a front room, which stinks of acetone.

I’m impertinent enough to stare and Loli – lady of the house-cum-salon – invites me in, plonks me down and embarks on an unsolicited (but much-appreciated) manicure for the princely sum of €4.

“It’s just a chiringuito, really,” she laughs, flummoxed when I ask the name of her homely salon, before baptising it on the spot: ‘Salon de Marilu’, after her daughter.

“We’ve lived here all our lives,” explains Lola, “If I won the lottery maybe I’d get a place in Malaga for the winter, but summer here is magical.”

Chattering with these women in their unpretentious hideaway gives me a behind-

Advertorial

Learning the lingo

HAVING been in business for 27 years, it can rightfully claim to be one of the oldest language schools on the Costa de la Luz. And that is no surprise, with Hispalense school, in Tarifa, having a successful knack of bringing pupils into contact with the real world.

Boasting eight highly qualified native teachers with Spanish as the focus (German, English and French is also available) pupils are encouraged to get out onto the beaches and into the sea in the afternoons after a morning in the classroom.

“The students love it because you can

be so active in Tarifa,” says boss Gaspar Cuesta, who joined the school 25 years ago and has been at the helm for nine of those.

“From windsurfing and kitesurfing to wine-tasting and tapas tours, there’s so much to do and we help to organise it all.

And we make people feel at home with customized classes and lots of accommodation possibilities if they need it.”

Class sizes are small with a maximum of eight students with a mix of adults and younger students from people studying for a few days to months at a time – everyone is welcome!

Visit www.hispalense.com

closed-doors glimpse of the old Andalucia in a town that has seen huge changes over the last decade.

I too have a long affinity to the town, as it happens.

My first memory of Tarifa came in a series of aircon-deprived road trip holidays with my family, where we conquered a huge chunk of Spain’s must-do list. On one trip, aged nine and deeply ensconced in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, I was oblivious to the wondrous views as we passed from Malaga into Cadiz and dipped down towards Tarifa’s endless white sand beaches, where the Atlantic kisses the Mediterranean. I recall being bundled out of the car on an overcast day – with similar wardrobe malfunctions – to a greying, tired town swarming with ‘looky-looky men’.

And things certainly looked up when I coerced my mother into buying me a turquoise handbag from a street stall, although I don’t remember much else.

Fast-forward 15 years and, although the wind continues to buffet the town’s ramparts, the sun has shone favourably on Tarifa.

Los Lances and Valdevaqueros beaches have become vast watersports amphitheatres and you don’t have to pay for tickets to watch the aerial acrobatics of colourful kitesurfers whizzing above the waves and windsurfers slicing through them.

Other high-adrenalin sports like scuba diving, quad biking and hang gliding, and the more gentle pursuit of whale watching, have ushered in a prosperous new age, creating a polyglot society.

I meet blues band ‘Us’: Bob from Los Angeles, Paco from Tarifa and Alberto from Buenos Aires serenade tourists in the bunting-festooned Plaza del Oviedo at dusk.

A wild night ensues, and I struggle to understand how such a chilled, sleepy-by-day town becomes such a pumping metropolis after dark in high season.

Next morning, bleary-eyed but upbeat at how many people you can meet here in just a few hours, I burn up the coast towards the capital of Cadiz through a kaleidoscope of colour.

Pale gold sands, turquoise waters, rolling green hills, neon kites and spinning white turbines flick through my peripheral vision at speed until I arrive at – officially – Europe’s 10th best beach.

If Cadiz capital is intent on being the jewel in the Costa de la Luz crown, Tarifa is her jingly-jangly silver anklet – less precious, but unequivocally more rewarding in high winds. And talking of windswept, don’t forget your Bridget Jones knickers if you’re planning to wear a dress…

A

C

www.theolivepress.es

ll about

the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015

2323

July 6th - July 19th 2016

osta de la Luz

T

HE name says it all. Vejer de la Frontera, a hilltop fortress on the Costa de la Luz, was once a last frontier of Christian Spain.

The scene of invasions and bloodthirsty battles for hundreds of years, this much sought after strategic outpost changed hands numerous times, finally becoming part of King Ferdinand’s Spain in 1248.

Later, in 1805, the sound of heavy gunfire could be heard again, as Admiral Nelson destroyed the unified French and Spanish Armada at nearby Cape Trafalgar.

The Civil War years were violent too, with calls for land reform from residents met

by General Franco, sending 24 soldiers to occupy the town, killing anyone who stepped out of line.

Strategic

Nowadays, however, the only thing likely to knock you over are the stunning views from this delightful white village, exposed to the gusting Atlantic from its hilltop perch between the sea and the sierra.

An unmissable component of any visit to the Costa de la Luz, the medieval quarter oozes history, its castle walls intertwined with whitewashed homes discovered along twisty-turny, cobbled streets.

The Moorish castle – or Alcazaba – hides down a side-street lined with eucalyptus trees.

BRICKS AND MORTAR: Fortress and white gem streets while (bottom) bustling town square

Hilltop hideaway The jasmine-scented courtyard houses the den of the local scout group, who will happily show tourists around the ramparts of what is otherwise mostly residential now.

The streets all tend towards the town’s central square, the highly picturesque Plaza de los Pescaitos with its exquisite, bright fountain decorated with 19thcentury Triana tiles from Sevilla.

The plaza takes its name from the little goldfish – pescaitos – which used to swim in the fountain when it was built in the 1920s.

The surrounding streets and alley-

ways are a hive of activity, belying their sleepy appearance. There are handicraft shops, art galleries and flamenco haunts, as well as cafes, bars and restaurants serving up the best produce from the turbulent Atlantic and encircling farmland and forests.

In particular look out for Pajarra, a shop that for over a decade has provided visitors to the Costa de la Luz with an amazing range of stylish, original, hand-printed t-shirts… right in front of your nose.

Above all, make sure to head up to the turreted walls, from where views spread out across cultivated fields to the moun-

tains and the 5,000 hectare Las Brenas Natural Park.

It’s easy to see why this immaculate village was voted second Most Beautiful in Spain on Trip Advisor.

There is certainly something special about Vejer, which appears to lord it over its neighbouring fishing villages from its exalted hilltop eyrie, its white cubist houses tumbling down the hillside like tossed dice.

And it’s a safe bet, if you’re new to the Costa de la Luz, that you’ll be leaving nothing to chance if you take a trip to the former final frontier.

Tel: 956 451 848 c/. Corredera 55, Vejer de la Frontera, Cádiz CalifaVejer.com

Photos by Jon Clarke

Between the sea and the sierra, the former outpost of Vejer de la Frontera lies waiting to be discovered

24 24 the Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016

24

A

M

Y bean bag offers a front row seat to one of the best shows in Andalucia.

Parked above one of Spain’s best beaches, I’m sat mesmerized by a profusion of colourful kites, as they bob up and down, almost in tune to the strains of reggae on the sound system.

Welcome to Valdevaqueros, a beach bar/restaurant/all-round-hip-lifestyle venue, where anybody who wants to understand the unique Tarifa vibe needs to visit.

With a green mountain backdrop and an azure sea in front, you can happily spend the day hanging out, enjoying the buzz, while grazing on fabulous food and superb smoothies.

And, for those who feel active, the place also

The ions in the fire!

IT is easily the most professional kite and windsurf centre on the Costa de la Luz. Its 16 teachers speak over half a dozen languages and have decades of experience of teaching kitesurfing and windsurfing between them.

Previously the Mistral centre, German brand ion took over the running last year and it has gone from strength to strength.

“We have got the best products in the market and can offer very competitive prices,” explains boss Chris Ziaja. The company also offers SUP classes and group outings, both in Tarifa and in Sotogrande, as well as day trips and longer excursions by yacht. www.ionclubtarifa.com

ll about

C

www.theolivepress.es

osta de la Luz

June 22nd - July 5th 2016

Bes the

serves as the home of ion’s watersports centre and the launch pad of half of the world’s best kitesurfers.

“While it used to be just for sporty types, the majority of people come here now because it is super-hip,” explains Chris Ziaja, the boss of ion, formerly the Mistral centre.

“It’s Mojitos from 3pm but it creates a great atmosphere and it is surprising how many people end up renting out paddle surfs or taking a kitesurf lesson.”

It is certainly the spot to take up this fun, highadrenaline sport, with current world champion Liam Whaley learning and basing himself here when not touring the world competing.

I recently gave it a go (See Stung into action on Page 26) and while the 40knot winds wreaked havoc with my classes I still had a fantastic time.

But equally, it is a great place to just take to the waters, have lunch or an afternoon drink at the achingly hip Tumbao beach bar.

Here, boss David Alvarez Trevino, a butcher by trade, works hard to run a happy ship, by bringing in a mix of good DJs and flamenco groups, and serving up

the best burg takes to event The main res mo smoothie ‘magic maca’ Opened by D serving up ju decade.

“They are mos of minerals a which are gre Next door is t very epitome The story be three decades Whaley made from his home A keen winds on the windie sion to launch It was 1984 (an Australian him open the Named 100% tel) – the sha clothes from h label Graffiti Ib “It was a low k well it was goi “What we did fantastic, tota

www.theolivepress.es

the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015 July 6th - July 19th 2016

Making more waves

SURFER’S PARADISE: Kiters and beach bums share the beach

st show on e coast Valdevaqueros is the coolest place to hang in Tarifa, writes Jon Clarke

gers from his burger truck, which he nts around the country. staurant is also good, while the iZubar has some great drinks such as ’, which is delicious.

Daniela Di Placido, she has been uices around the world for nearly a

stly dairy free and I have a big range and vitamins I add to the drinks, eat on the stomach.” the funky clothes shop Graffiti, the of cool. ehind Valdevaqueros began over s ago when British adventurer Peter e an unscheduled stop off en route e in Ibiza to a holiday in Morocco. surfer he unwittingly found himself est beach in Europe and had the vih a business there. and he had soon found a partner n board maker Barry Pussell) to help coast’s first rental business. % Fun (now a successful nearby hoack rented out windsurfs and sold his wife Terese’s successful fashion biza. key launch and we had no idea how ing to go,” explains Peter today. d have was a great board maker and ally Spanish-made clothes.”

25 25

VIBES: Some of the staff at Tumbao including Daniela (inset)

It was the spark to launch the wind revolution on the Costa de la Luz, an industry that now brings in tens of millions of euros every year.

But, Peter quickly realised that in order to keep the growing number of surfers happy they needed to offer accommodation, so the following year he and his brother Michael, a builder, bought an old ruined 12-room hostal just up the road.

A third brother James, a film director and producer from London, was also soon involved.

A big figure in the film business – as well as the manager of Adam and the Ants - it was little surprise that the Hurricane Hotel was soon to become one of Andalucia’s hippest places to stay.

“I convinced my brothers that we would never make enough money from 12 rooms, so we obtained permission from the town hall to build an extra 23 and brought in an architect,” explains James, who is very much still the life and soul of the Hurricane – and its nearby sister hotel Punta Sur. He continues: “Once opened we converted the bricklayers into our staff, some becoming cooks, others waiters, others receptionists or gardeners.

“I explained to the builders that making a cake was as easy as making cement. All you had to do was throw the right ingredients into a mixer and stick it in the oven at the right temperature for the appropriate amount of time,” he continues.

As the local restaurants back then were basic, at best, the brothers installed a herb garden and started to plant and grow their own vegetables.

As James had lived in Italy he got a friend to send rucula, or rocket seeds, and the coast’s best restaurant was also born.

“It just grew and grew organically,” explains Peter, who still spends half the year in Ibiza, where he has a farmhouse. “But now we think we have just the right ingredients to continue to be successful for years to come.”

Nowadays the group comprises four hotels - The Hurricane, Punta Sur, Valdevaqueros (100% Fun was sold five years ago) and a new hotel recently opened in Jericoacoara, Brazil, appropriately also a kitesurfing hotspot.

And it is not just Valdevaqueros that has the Xfactor. Hotel Punta Sur not only has some of the most stylish, spacious rooms on the coast, it also has by far the best pool, massive and surrounded by lawns.

Well sheltered from the wind, it is perfect for families and with the addition of a tennis court and pool table, it has something for everyone.

Best of all, this year, the restaurant has added a special pizza oven, to keep the kids happy at mealtimes too.

The Whaley story is not over yet with the next generation already making waves.

Peter’s son Liam Whaley is the world kitesurf champion and is currently competing in this year’s competition.

Kiting since the age of nine, he lives and breathes the sport.

“There is never a shortage of wind here,” he tells the Olive Press. “And it is one of the most fun places to live.”

Travelling the world, he has his own sponsorship with Cabrinha and is closely linked to ion, which rents boards and kites at Valdevaqueros.

KITE KING: Jon Clarke meets Liam Whaley

26

A

the Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016

Jon Clarke takes his daughter riding along virgin Mangueta beach in El Palmar

ll about

Into the dunes

WE are trotting through sand dunes and eventually onto the beach…a beach that is difficult to beat anywhere in the world.

This is the Mangueta, one of the last completely unspoilt stretches of sand anywhere in Andalucia, in part nudist, in total; stunning.

Leading the way is my daughter, who hasn’t stopped grinning since we walked out of the Mangueta stables, just outside El Palmar.

On a two-hour round trip, we take in fields full of sunflowers, while views stretch to distant hills and, of course, the shimmering sea.

This is the perfect activity for families looking for something to do on the Costa de la Luz. Rides are charged by the hour and can be long or short and are ideal for total novices too.

We start the evening stroll in the paddocks of the ancient estate owned by Luis, a charming Spanish gentleman, doing a few loops, before heading out onto sandy tracks and fields all the way to the beach, some 500 metres away.

Aside from seeing your kids beaming for hours (actually days) afterwards, it is a good bit of exercise.

For more information visit www.cortijoSADDLE UP: Riding on the Mangueta mangueta.com

C

www.theolivepress.es

osta de la Luz

HITTING THE WAVES: How it should be done and (left) Jon with with kite

I

T’S gusting 45 knots and my lines have just got tangled with the only other kitesurfer within half a kilometre.

We’re two metres deep in the briny and with the waves crashing over our heads it is impossible to hear the urgent instructions our teacher is barking from the beach.

Could it get any worse?

Well for starters I am caught up with the only other student on my course – Stefan, a German, based in Zurich – and he is just as clueless as me. And second, just as I finally unhook the last of my four lines from his kite, I am jolted stiff from an electric shock from below.

Quite unsure what the hell is going on, in my panic I pull the red emergency cord, as I have been instructed to do.

The problem is it is not the emergency cord I have pulled, but the emergency-emergency cord, (the one you are NOT meant to pull) – and next thing we are watching my kite go shooting off towards Africa.

It’s like Apollo One as within seconds the 3.5m comet is almost out of sight as it tumbles and somersaults its way south at

The sport of kitesurfing leaves Jon Clarke (above) in a tangle, after the first morning started with a nasty ‘shock’

Stung into action...

a rate of knots - 45 to be exact.

When we finally clamber out of the sea, our Slovakian instructor is completely beside herself. She has been screaming blue murder from the beach and is only marginally consoled that nobody has drowned.

Luckily it is only a €250 beginner’s kite and, luckier still, one of only a dozen brave souls daring enough to risk this particularly

crazy Tarifa morning (one of the windiest for months, I am told) zooms off after it.

A 10-minute walk down the beach later and he has fished it out, rolled it up and delivered it to us on the shore, before calling us a complete bunch of losers and shaking his bloodied little finger - cut by one of my lines - as proof of his endeavour.

Fair point.

The sport of kitesurfing leaves Jon Clarke (right) in a tangle, after the first morning started with a nasty ‘shock’

COMING TO A SHORE NEAR YOU: Whales in Straits of Gibraltar, and (below) tuna half-eaten by orcas

Whale of a time

SUN-SEEKERS and surfers aren’t the only ones who head to the Costa de la Luz every year.

Sharing the shores are pods of whales which can regularly be seen frolicking in the Straits of Gibraltar.

A number of local companies – such as the best established Turmares Tarifa - take guests on boat trips to see these mammals, with a slant on marine conservation.

The orcas are attracted to the sparkling Mediterranean by the large amount of tasty blue fin tuna, which occasionally brings them into conflict with local fisherman.

“Luckily for us, orcas come here each year to feed,” Andre at Turmares explains.

“On the other hand, that’s not so good for the presence of the Bluefin tuna.”

Andre adds that despite the ‘killer’ name attributed to the most famous whale they are actually ‘harmless to humans’ although they do feed on 32 different mammal species.

Along with the killers, pilot, sperm and fin whales migrate from the Atlantic, as well as three different types of dolphins – common, striped and bottlenose.

All of which can be seen during boat trips, depending on your luck!

For more information visit www.turmares.com

27

www.theolivepress.es

the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015

July 6th - July 19th 2016 Not a happy bunny, our instructor Veronica is at least cheered up when I tell her about the sudden electric shock that had led to my disgrace.

It turns out I had stepped on a leguado (or sole), a flat fish that lurks on the rocks.

I feel marginally better about the whole fiasco and somehow pluck up enough courage to get back in the water later that afternoon, when the wind has dropped just a little bit.

I had volunteered to undertake a threeday kitesurfing course with the ion team at Valdevaqueros beach, in Tarifa, as part of this special activities pullout.

While some insisted it must be the start of my mid-life crisis, others just felt sorry for me. I, quite frankly, was terrified.

Everyone knows how windy it gets in Tarifa.

The wind turbines along the coast are going full tilt on my drive from Algeciras, and even my walk through the centre of the charming town got a little gusty.

All aboard

IF you want to master the Atlantic winds screaming up the coast then Tarifa has to be the most thrilling spot for all ocean sport enthusiasts.

KitePassion has offered lessons in kitesurfing, windsurfing, conventional surfing and stand up paddle for over 10 years. They guarantee to tailor each lesson to the student, and have been named a Trip Advisor ‘Excellent Experience.’

Once students are confident in their skills, they can also purchase

Enthusiastic

But nothing compares to the sensation you feel when you first walk onto the beach with the kite in one hand and your board in the other.

I was practically knocked off my feet as I stood on the sand, half of which had quickly got into every nook and cranny of my wetsuit not to mention eyes, ears and nose.

This is the windiest spot in Europe and has the best conditions for kite and wind surfing.

So strong is the wind my instructor told me how a friend’s nine-year-old boy had been literally blown across their street earlier this year from one particularly enthusiastic gust.

It seemed somehow inconceivable that at the age of 45 I was opting for this intense sport, instead of quietly practising my golf swing.

But there are some challenges in life worth undertaking and by the second day I had finally found some rhythm.

Going through the discipline of rigging up your kite is all part of the learning process and the team at ion insists that the safety side of the sport is carefully explained.

You certainly feel more confident going out with a fully qualified instructor, even if our Eastern European belle had a bark on her worse than an East London fishmonger.

PRO: An ion instructor After two days of learning to effectively fly the kite, we were slowly introduced to the water, first getting dragged one way (out to sea) and then dragged back in by the wind.

It instilled confidence and by the third day when the board was introduced I was raring to go.

Sadly though, it is not just jumping on-

equipment from KitePassion and begin enjoying their newfound skill on their own time.

For more information call 615 683 051 or visit www.kitepassiontarifa.com board. With the wind still howling around the 35/40 mark and plenty of waves, it is anything but easy getting the board attached to your feet while lying in the water and trying not to sink, while still flying the kite.

That said, by the afternoon I was finally floating with the board on my feet and actually standing up (albeit for a brief few seconds) when I got the ‘figure of eight’ motion right.

But as experienced kitesurfer and Tarifa stalwart Tony Cassidy tells me, I’m not a million miles off.

“Once you’ve done your three days and you can finally stand up on the board, do another three lessons and get your confidence up,” he advised me.

“You really need to get the lessons to get the confidence.”

And as we all know, it’s all about the confidence. So apparently I’ll just need a few more hours of lessons and I’ll be skimming across the waves with the best...

I can hardly call myself a kitesurfer, but one thing’s for certain: when the autumn comes I’ll be back for another go.

Kitesurfs can be rented from a number of well established companies in Tarifa including Kite Passion and ion.

Lessons start from around €200 for a 3-day starter course.

Visit www.ionclubtarifa.com

Hanging ten JON CLARKE takes a surf class in El Palmar, the hippest resort on the Costa de la Luz

“

NOW pull like crazy,” shouted Miguelito, as a metrehigh wave bore down on me at a rate of knots.

Head down, eyes fixed ahead, I did exactly what I was told and paddled my arms through the water like Michael Phelps on Red Bull… and ‘aloha’ in a split second I was standing up and riding the wave into the shore.

I’ll confess, it wasn’t my first day surfing and - being honest - my 11-year-old daughter probably catches more waves than me, but with Miguelito I was definitely getting somewhere.

We had started the day at 10am, doing yoga stretches and warming up, alongside an African trinket salesman, who bars and restaurants with dance music at night.

Teaching-wise you will be hard pressed to find anyone as was as bemused as me.

But this is a vital part of the lesson, insists Miguelito, from good as Miguelito Argudo, a former professional, who has El Palmar Surf Academy, whose company also holds yoga competed as far and wide as Indonesia, Thailand and Portugal. classes, conveniently.

A softly-spoken Jerezano he is excellent Lessons are based around the state of the with kids and is genuinely nurturing totide and beginners are taken through the wards them. basics, if they haven’t surfed before, but are But, even with a klutz like me - some 20 quickly down on the sand. lessons down - he starts to make some Everyone gets a wetsuit and a rash vest beprogress. fore being sent like a line waddling ducks While I had finally cracked it standing up in pairs, carrying two surfboards between on an intensive three-day break near Sinthem (see right). tra, in Portugal, last year, he works on my This is the only official surf school in Anstyle and ‘crouch’ and gives me some tips dalucia, working with Californian company on how to spot the ideal wave.

O’Neill, and with three bases in Conil, “It takes time and is almost a spiritual Roche and El Palmar. thing. You’ve either got it or not,” he exWe are taking a couple of lessons at the latplains. ter, a beach that provides waves nearly all I may not have it (yet) but there are few year round and has become one of the hipthings that give as much a buzz as riding a pest places to hang out in summer, thanks wave into shore, standing up or not. to its bronzed surf dudes and obligatory hangers on.

For more information visit www.elpalThere are literally dozens of surf schools SURF’S UP: Off for a lesson marsurfacademy.es plying their trade and there are as many

July 6th - July 19th 2016

27

28

the Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016

28

A

ll about

C

www.theolivepress.es

osta de la Luz

WHERE TO EAT

Feast for foodies The Costa de la Luz has the most exciting mix of restaurants, writes Dining Secrets of Andalucia editor Jon Clarke

T

HERE are few delicacies in Spain that can’t be sourced on the Costa de la Luz. Be it bluefin tuna, retinto steak or incredible seafood, foodies are spoilt for choice in the key towns of Vejer, Tarifa and Conil.

But, there is something about the province of Cadiz that brings out the best in restaurateurs. A combination of style, creativity and, above all, positive vibes has created some of my favourite restaurants in Andalucia.

In Tarifa, the place to look out for is Paseo de la Alameda, where half a dozen fantastic places all vie for trade.

Take Petit Bistro (www.petitbis-

trotarifa.com) (inset), an idyllic shady spot, which just gets better and better.

Run by Benoit and Veronica, who have lived in the town for nearly 20 years, you get a fantastically creative menu by night and a good value, but tasty, set menu at lunch.

I particularly like Benoit’s foie gras with quince chutney, as well as his excellent tuna salad with mango and beetroot.

Next door, look out for Trattoria (see Veni, vidi, vici on p29), run by ambitious Italian business magnate Luciano, from Naples.

With a fondness for his country’s top ingredients - not to mention the excellent Slow Food Movement - his restaurant just gets better and better.

As does the fabulous fish restaurant of former architect and tastemeister extraordinaire Victor at La Pescaderia (www.lapescaderiatarifa.com) With his trademark scientist-style glasses, he designs plates, like he used to design houses, and they look as fabulous as they are tasty.

A massive tuna fan, he goes out of his way to prize the very best specimens out of the clutches of the Japanese... and always wades in to buy his own fish. “It is vital as our clients absolutely love it,” explains the friendly Argentinian.

CREATIVE: Carlos at La Tajea (left) and (below) team at Pescaderia

Enjoy the separate tuna menu including a great carpaccio, sashimi and best of all tartare, all washed down by some excellent wines, including Guitian at just €16. Finally, you might consider the excellent Pizzeria con Cucina, which has consistently kept families happy for years, not to

WHERE TO STAY

Sleep breezy!

THE Costa de la Luz is literally crammed with hip places to stay from beachside gems to inland cortijos and from grand townhouses to campsites.

In Vejer, you would be hard pressed to beat the seminal Casa de Califa, in the town’s loveliest square, surrounded by its best restaurants. The Moorish building sits around a charming central patio, where guests take breakfast and dine under candlelight each evening. Historic in the extreme, the building, and its sister Las Palmeras de Califa, which has its own amazing pool, oozes history and has been extremely well renovated.

If beach life is more your thing, then try Madreselva, in Canos de Meca, which is just a stone’s throw from the beach and near Trafalgar lighthouse.

Set around a central courtyard and with a decent pool for the kids to splash in, Madreselva caters for families and hip surfers alike.

In Tarifa, the best established hotel is the Hurricane, which is now nearly three decades old and run by the coast’s long-serving expats, brothers James and Peter Whalley, who also own the more luxurious Punta Sur across the road.

Both hotels have their own restaurants and both serve up a great range of activities on the beach and in the hotel, including pilates and yoga classes every day, plus a brand new spa.

Also in Tarifa is the stunning Meson de Sancho which caters from couples and families alike.

With 40 rooms including two-person and family bungalows, Meson de Sancho also boasts relaxing gardens, an outdoor swimming pool and a gymnasium to boot.

mention the excellent father-andson team of Daniel and Javier, whose restaurants La Ternera Mimosa and Lola Mora are highly rated.

There is however, one more fabulous place to look out for is Silos19 (www.silos19.com), which is easily one of the most beautiful restaurants in Andalucia.

Stylishly created, it sits in a huge open-plan space with historic vaulted ceilings and an original clock that seeing is believing.

It also offers a varied international menu with such chestnuts as marinated tuna in Bloody Mary foam, and Thai beef cheeks with coconut foam.

Heading along the coast towards Bolonia, you will find one of the region’s most alluring restaurants.

Overlooking rows of vines and a sea of undulating umbrella pines, ‘Tesoro’ – or Treasure – is one pot of gold that really is worth seeking out.

Aside from the fabulous food including fresh langoustines and a classic ‘retinto’ steak typical of the region – the views over the Gibraltar straits to Africa are impossible to improve.

This is one spot to waste away an afternoon and owners Jesus and Juana could not be friendlier.

Heading up the coast if it is Atlantic bluefin tuna you are after, then head for El Campero in the workaday fishing town of Barbate.

Here, Jose ‘Pepe’ Melero has created an amazing place, that usually serves well over 300 people for lunch alone.

29

www.theolivepress.es

the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015

July 6th - July 19th 2016

29

July 6th - July 19th 2016

TASTY: Corredera 55, Tesoro team and steak dish while (below) Patria and celery amuse bouche

But the highlight of any culinary journey to the Costa de la Luz, must be Vejer, which is a true foodie Mecca and one of the best in Andalucia. So it is no surprise to find someone of the calibre of Ellie Cormie, the former owner of five restaurants in Scotland some with Michelin stars.

At the helm of fabulous Corredera 55 (www.califavejer.com), she has brought her own unique sprinkling of magic to the bustling, competitive local restaurant scene.

Alongside owner James Stuart, the fabulous, good value menu, heavy on vegetables and fish, keeps getting better and better.

Add in an adventurous wine list and the drive and panache of El-

STUNNING: Silos19

lie and you have a winner.

In particular, I loved the rolled courgette slices, stuffed with goats cheese and rocket (above), with a smoked salmon paste, while the tuna sashimi with wakame salad and prawns was superb. A lemon cheesecake came as a great surprise.

Another top joint is El Jardin del Califa (www.califavejer.com) reached through the labyrinthine corridors of the 16th century Califa hotel.

Its exquisite palm courtyard is enclosed by ancient walls and is lit with Moroccan lamps after dark.

If you aren’t hypnotised by the scent of frangipani, jasmine and incense, wait until you try the menu, a heavenly harem of authentic flavours from north Africa and the Middle East: delights such as baba ganoush, shish taouk, pastela and tempting tagines. Outside of the town you are also spoilt for choice with some genuine dining secrets, including La Nueva Tajea, sitting in idyllic hamlet of Santa Lucia.

A charming spot in the extreme, you sit in a leafy garden or open terrace with views over green hills towards the classic white town nearby. Concentrating on meat dishes, brothers Francisco and Carlos have made the place look fabulous, in particular with Carlos’ artistic creations on the wall.

Last but definitely not least, you must visit Restaurant Patria (www.restaurantepatria.com), where Danes Thomas and wife Ase are fast garnering a reputation as having some of the best food in Cadiz, let alone Vejer.

This incredible couple have created an alluring spot, where you sit on an authentic flagstone veranda, with some of the best views in Christendom.

Surrounded by vines, oleander and olive trees, its candlelit wooden tables and stylish interior draw you in further. And thankfully your hosts do not disappoint when it comes to the food. Split into a three-course menu of the month and a more detailed a la carte offering, you will be spoilt with lots of vegetables and almost all seasonal produce.

As Thomas explains: “The joy of cooking is about what's in peak season. There is no need to import anything from far away.”

He raves, quite rightfully about the quality of the local produce, and adds: “We work around what our suppliers can provide us locally be it wild asparagus, rabbit or bulls’ heart tomatoes.

“It is all about being able to adjust, change and create.”

For more detailed reviews, background and other Cadiz food articles visit www.diningsecretsofandalucia.com

Tel: 956 447 142 Mov: 638 727 004

www.lanuevatajea.es

VENI, VIDI, VICI

BOSS: Luciano with brother Diego

HAVING run his own food distribution company in Italy, he knows a few things about ingredients.

Aside from regularly importing the best cuts of meat and cheese from his mother country, he also has an amazing line of fresh produce, including delicious Vesuvio tomatoes from near Naples.

But Tarifa restaurateur Luciano Fabricio, 44, is now branching out into more creative ways of cooking.

After undertaking a course with Spanish masterchef Joan Roca, he has just introduced a ‘bano thermostat’ oven at his main restaurant Trattoria, where he is able to slow cook a leg of lamb or duck breast for up to 24 hours at a super low temperature.

“It leaves the meat far more tender and better quality,” he explains. “We are also doing a fabulous tender squid dish and I plan to introduce a lot more over the coming months.”

Brought up between Jordan and Nigeria, his father being an engineer, he has a worldly take on life and, thanks to an economics degree, is more than capable of running restaurants.

“Above all though, I believe in quality, which usually wins out in the end,” he explains.

He ended up in Tarifa, where he met his Spanish wife, while taking a break from his Milan-based food distribution company 15 years ago. “I just fell in love with her and the place and couldn’t bear to go back,” he explains.

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 13:00 to 17:00 & 20:00 to 00:00 Pedanía de Santa Lucía S/N, 11150 Vejer de la Frontera.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LanuevaTajea/

30

A

ll about

C

osta de la Luz

July 6th - July 19th 2016

OPEN ALL YE AR

-final of Spanish TV talent show 3065 views

SOCIALMEDIA

Property

OlivePressNewspaper olivepress olivepressnews

BE ‘APPY!

Gibraltar could become ‘British safe haven’ in the Med

Download our app now and begin enjoying the best Spanish news on the go.

THE Rock’s property market is experiencing a ‘significant increase in demand’ following the Brexit referendum result, says Gibraltar Chesterton’s Managing Director Mike Nicholls.

The Olive Press He revealed the estate agents closed its first post-referendum deal at 9.05am on Friday, TOPafter for the news in was Spain! just hours result announced.

And with the pound dropping 10% against the Euro since June 24, Gibraltar has suddenly become a much cheaper place to buy.

“It has really taken off,” Nicholls told the Olive Press.

“We are experiencing a significant increase in demand for rental properties, and across the spectrum.

“There are key decision makers who work in Gibraltar, but live in Alcaidesa and Sotogrande whose work is too important to have any risk about the border closing.

“Many of the 12,000 frontier workers are seeking a safe haven. We are doing our best to help.”

He added that if the current trend continues, Chesterton’s will be out of rental properties

olive press

May 25th - June 7th

2016

Booming July predicted following ‘pause’ in run-up to EU referendum Special report by Iona

BOSSES: Cox and Wells

IN COME THE BIG BUCKS!

A HUGE US property fund is splashing €45 million on three new Costa del Sol developments.

The American bosses Real Capital Solutions behind have snapped up sizeable plots in Estepona, Mijas and Benahavis and continue to look at further opportunities along the coast.

The company, based in Marbella since 2013, already has five other developments, including The Retreat, in Elviria.

“We have spent around lion here so far and have€86 mila fund of €100 million to spend,” plained Managing Partner exWells, based in Colorado. Peter “We are one of the largest opers on the Costa del develSol and our emphasis is on distressed properties.”

July 6th - July 19th 2016

MIKE: With Chief Minister Picardo within 48 hours.

Post referendum, the pound has sunk against the euro, boosting UK businesses looking to export, and expats wanting to buy in Gibraltar.

“Gibraltar has just become a tenth cheaper for people looking to buy,” said Nicholls. “We think the Rock can become a British safe haven in the Mediterranean.

“The referendum result was not what we wanted, but Gibraltar is small enough, can change fast enough and its entrepreneurs are smart enough that it will find a way.”

He added: “Also we do transparently and always things try and deliver on price and quality.”

The company - which made hundreds of millions buying ing distressed propertiesand sellUS - has 16 staff working in the its office at Centro Plaza. out of Local boss Taylor Cox, added: “The coast is really starting come alive and it’s a pleasure to to live in such a beautiful part of the world.”

Where is Gillian buying?

Napier

ESTATE agents in Spain lining themselves up for and Gibraltar are the busiest July on record.

It comes as some British buyers put purchases on hold due to referendum on June 23.the forthcoming EU Most agents the Olive Press firmed they had various spoke to con‘paused’ awaiting the result,sales currently despite the British market remaining The majority believe that strong. pected result - to stay in the ex- will lead to the pound Europe strengthening with a red hot summer of sales to follow.

Ben Bateman, at Holmes Sotogrande, described the lead up as a ‘pause forreferendum British buyers’ due to thought for concerns over the weak pound.

“After a remain vote however, we expect to see a strong finish to the year - and a sudden wave of bids from British buyers,” he told the Olive Press.

One agent in Gibraltar has gone one step further actually employing July. Savills director Sammy extra staff for Cruz-Armstrong said: “Everything is on but I am convinced we hold due to Brexit, and am taking on extra will stay in Europe with the expected delugestaff in July to deal Benahavis agent Scott of business.”

Marshall of Proper-

Spanish property sales

tieSpain, meanwhile, described the pause as ‘very psychological’.

He said: “It’s a combination the vote and the exchange of the uncertainty of While many agents have rate right now.” rently on hold, some havea couple of sales cur“We have up to ten sales seen more. til after the referendum,” currently on hold unboss of Castles, in Manilva.said Victor Witkowski, “Buyers are not necessarily they are biding their time pulling out, but to see what happens.”

Fellow Manilva agent, confirmed a slowdown, Shani Hamilton, also predicting a huge influx but added: “We are a decision is made.” of business as soon as

www.spanishpropertyinsight.com

PAGE 19

Where are the coolest

Airbnbs?

PAGE 24

Deals

by nationality and quarter

Source: Registradores

Q1 2013 Q2 2013 Q3 2013 Q4 2013 Q1 2014 Q2 2014 Q3 2014 Q4 2014 Q1 2015 Q2 2015 Q3 2015 Q4 2015 Q1 2016

RANKED No.1 for

& Money Transfers

Either way, official statistics out this month confirm the British market remains strong and tens of thousands continue to look for their dream home.

Respected analyst Mark eign demand for SpanishStucklin insists that forin the first quarter with property was up 16% of foreign buyers at 22%Brits the biggest group “The British still dominateof the market share. property and there is no the foreign market for able decline in demand evidence of a noticeas yet,” he said.

And certainly not everyone One agent, Graham Govier is suffering. of Inland Andalucia has seen ‘no negative impact’ at all during the referendum lead-up.

“In fact it is the opposite. cheap right now and we Prices are extremely are selling two times as many properties as we were He added: “My salesman last year,” he said. a local celebrity - has justPaul - already a bit of enth consecutive sale and completed his sevpeople are buying because they can see that won’t wait around for themthe incredible deals Paul made headlines in forever,” he added. the Olive Press last year when he sold an impressive nine properties in a row.

How to reclaim floor clause fees

PAGE 25

Introducing OP’s Agony Uncle

PAGE 31

Save money when buying or selling your property in Spain

For more information please or email spain@smartcurre call us on +34 951 401 921 ncyexchange.com OUR PARTNERS

MORTGAGE THINK TANK by mortgage broker Tancrede de Pola

The continent may be in postreferendum panic, but it is not ALL doom and gloom

Mr Brightside

FRIDAY was a pretty dark day. I’d be lying if I didn’t feel slightly shell-shocked in the immediate aftermath of the Brexit vote.

After all, nobody saw it coming (and if they say they did, they’re perhaps being economic with the truth).

The next deadline is the invoking of Article 50, which is when formal negotiations start for the exit from the EU. Expect sentiment to be affected again depending on how these progress.

But things must move on, and already have. In fact, the first quarter of 2016 has brought home some encouraging statistics, leading on from the growth seen in 2015.

In terms of the property market in Spain and mortgage sales things are actually looking up! Despite the looming threat of Brexit, the number of home mortgages granted to prospective buyers in Spain increased by 24.6% in April compared with the same month a year earlier, according to new data by Spain’s Statistical Office (INE).

In total 23,607 home mortgages were granted in the month with the amount of money loaned out rising by 30.9% to €2.5 billion according to a year-on-year comparison. So more loans and with a higher average value, increasing by 5.1% to €108,350.

And that is not the only reason to be optimistic.

Despite house prices levelling off (and in some cases,

even dropping) in the UK I expect the Spanish market to continue on its steady upward curve; so do not panic if you are planning to sell in the next few months.

I would expect the number of Brits moving abroad to momentarily decline as the Pound recovers from its recent dip.

However, buyers in the Middle East, Russia, Scandinavia and other parts of Europe are as interested as ever in moving to the Costa del Sol and I expect them to pick up the slack left by a slight decrease in British buyers.

In fact, I have a trip to Iran lined up for later this year as demand for overseas property is booming since the relaxation of sanctions imposed since the nuclear deal with the West. In fact we can arrange mortgages for any nationality (except North Koreans!)

However, I would stress that the number of British buyers is likely to only decrease by a minimal amount and I expect them to continue to make up the backbone of my clientele.

After all, Spain is on the up as a holiday destination and Brits will still want to own their own holiday home.

If they want a house in Spain they will by one, Brexit or no Brexit.

Things may look a bit gloomy, but Brexit hysteria has almost reached breaking point and when it breaks, things won’t look quite so bad after all.

To contact Tancrede for all your mortgaging needs call: 666 709 743 or for insurance queries call: 951 203 540 Email: tdp@thefinanacebureau.com The Finance Bureau Centro Commercial Guadalmina, 2nOffice No. 7 Guadalmina, 29670

Lost your on an deposit

off-plan Spanish property?

Don’t delay.

Get FREE advice with no obligation on a No Win, No Fee basis.

Following a recent judgement by the Spanish Supreme Court we can now get your lost deposit and stage payments back!

If your developer or builder went bankrupt during the Spanish property crash leaving your property unfinished, we can now recover your money directly from the banks involved. Our expert legal team is successfully helping many UK citizens in this position right now.

Are you one of them? If so, to win your case in court against the Spanish banks you will need a specialist legal company working for you. You can only claim once! We know how!

Contact us now to see how we can help win your money back. www.spanishlegalreclaims.com

In Spain Tel: (+34) 936 804 563 · From UK Tel: 0845 680 3849 · info@spanishlegalreclaims.com FOLLOW US ON

The Olive Press – 170 x 256mm

RANKED No.1 for

Currency Exchange

& Money Transfers

www.theolivepress.es

Currency Exchange

Rock’s referendum boost +TheolivepressEs

31

Don’t miss Property Roll on our Remain bi-monthly Property magazine

Revise for: 22nd June & 6th July

Property

32

Agony Uncle

With Leon Cohen

A personal insight into buying a Spanish property

T

HIS article is based on my personal experience over the past 23 years living in beautiful Spain.

When I arrived at the beginning of 1993 I was not an expert on the laws, culture or language, just eager to live ‘The Spanish Dream’. Hence, over all these years I have not only been educated in the Spanish lifestyle, culture, and language but also the peculiarities of what it is to be an expat here.

They say buying a property is a stressful experience.

It can - but need not - be, with the right attitude and with proper assistance at hand.

One needs to appreciate from the outset that all estate agencies are in the business to sell what they have on their books, whether they have exclusivity on the product or not, for they live off the commission from every sale paid to them by the seller.

No buyer should be asked to pay a commission on any purchase. If you wish to optimise your purchase, it’s advisable to have an independent assessor who understands the mechanisms of the market and is there to solely look after your interests. This needn’t be a lawyer. You need someone with integrity, who is transparent and efficient, who should be consulted before any offer or deposit is paid.

Why? Many reasons: For example: the square metres advertised need to be carefully checked with that stated on the Nota Simple (the document from the Register of Properties every seller should provide on request). This document will also tell the buyer the history of the property including debts and disputes, etc. This needs to be checked against the agency or seller’s details.

Always seek out the local authority IBI document (council property tax).

Also, inquire about service charges, electricity, water costs and community charges if applicable. If you think after your research that you are getting a bargain, always ask why?!!

Think carefully in relation to construction, neigh-

Happy hunting bourhood, neighbours, local services, security, etc.

Remember to ask the agency or seller for a complete breakdown of all the costs related to the purchase. These are costs that a buyer needs to pay at the time of purchase. Do not accept percentages.

Ask for a complete cost breakdown including taxes, IVA, notary charges, registry fee, council charges, lawyers etc.

Also clarify what is expected for the buyer and the seller to pay. All of this must be considered at the time of negotiation. Once the price is agreed and a holding deposit paid, it will be too late to pull out of the purchase without forfeiting the deposit. Similarly, ensure that at the time of deposit payment the contract clearly states that if the seller reneges on the deal his or her liability is to reimburse twice the amount of the deposit paid.

It should also be stipulated that anything paid needs to be held on deposit and not released until the purchase is completed. It is important to ask if all the contents of the property are included in the asking price. This is normal in Spain unless otherwise stated.

Finally be clear why you are buying in Spain.

If you are sure of your purpose then on finding the property, ensure it satisfies your objective in every respect. Never rush into a purchase without being 100% sure it meets your criteria. Stay well and don’t hesitate to drop me a line if you have any queries.

For more information call Facilitator Spain on 692212567 or email leonc052@gmail.com

Abacus is offering Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS).

Take control of your retirement dreams

CEO Chris Pitaluga commented, “We have been contemplating entering the pension market for some time and are delighted to launch the Prosperity QROPS, our first QROPS under the Abacus branding.” He further commented, “Abacus is committed to Gibraltar as a jurisdiction and we aim to attract the highest quality introducers as part of our long term plan.”

Our Prosperity QROPS could be of benefit to you if you currently have a UK Registered Pension scheme and are living abroad or intend to do so. Deciding on the right pension plan is a fundamental part of retirement planning and will have a significant impact on your retirement lifestyle.

Why not benefit from the following?

• Increased tax efficiency.

• Wider investment control.

• Increased flexibility.

• Exemption from the UK Lifetime Allowance test.

• Pass on your pension fund to future generations.

• The simplicity of consolidating all your UK pensions into one QROPS. If you, or your independent financial adviser, feel that a QROPS may be the right solution for you to achieve your retirement aspirations, please contact us. We are here to help.

OUR PROSPERITY QROPS CAN MAKE IT A REALITY For further Information contact: Joanne Rodriguez or Erica Power

For further Information contact:

Abacus Pensions Trustees Limited (Gibraltar Office) 10/8 International Commercial Centre Casemates Square, Gibraltar

Abacus Pension Trustees Limited (Gibraltar Office)

Joanne Rodriguez or Erica Power 10/8 International Commercial Centre Casemates Square, Gibraltar T: +350 200 78267 Ext 530 E: pension.services@abacus.gi

T: +350 200 78267 Ext 530 E: pension.services@abacus.gi

© Abacus Financial Services Limited Licensed by the FSC no.1275B

www.abacus.gi

April 2016

© Abacus Pension Trustees Limited does not provide tax, legal or financial advice.

Licensed by the FSC no1275B

www.abacus.gi

April 2016

Property

www.theolivepress.es

Fine rise

BARCELONA city hall announced an increase in the maximum fine that can be given to home rental sites that offer illegal accommodations.

By law any apartment rented to visitors in Catalonia must be logged in the province’s Tourism Registry and have a permit.

Authorities in Barcelona fined Airbnb and a competing site, Homeaway, €30,000 for offering rental homes without a permit at the end of last year.

Illegal accommodations have had a negative impact on cities like Barcelona, a popular destination for short-term holidays.

The rise of home sharing sites caused the rental market and real estate prices to surge and the city worries about harmful effects on its residents.

Comeback Kings

A SPANISH property portal is bouncing back after the Brexit vote and believes the housing market on the Costas will soon follow suit.

Wide-reaching website Kyero has revealed it is ‘optimistic’ in the face of market negativity and panic.

“The Brits buy in Spain for the wonderful climate and bohemian lifestyle,” said Martin Dell, Director of Kyero.com.

“That hasn’t changed and houses in Spain will always have a pull for the British purchaser.”

He added that it was a ‘very healthy’ market for Spanish property before Spain joined the eurozone and there’ll still be a thriving market once Britain leaves the EU. “Property prices in Spain remain relatively low, and this is still an excellent time to make a shrewd investment in the Spanish property market,” he added.

956 682 656

As the banks dig in, legal help is at hand for the 100,000 Brits owed €5 million in lost home deposits A LEADING Spanish legal specialist is helping dozens of expats claim compensation lost in off-plan property deposits.

Banks are making it difficult for expats to reclaim an estimated €5 million lost in deposits for homes that were never built.

This is despite the Spanish Supreme Court ruling as many as 100,000 Brits were entitled to compensation for off-plan property payments.

Emilio Alvarez, Legal strategist at Spanish Legal Reclaims, explains: “As relatively small creditors, their chances of getting back their money from a bankrupt developer through the conventional insolvency process were virtually nil.

33 July 6th - July 19th 2016

We’re leaving too!

ONLINE searches from UK residents about moving abroad jumped 35% immediately following Britain’s decision to leave the EU. And the higher the percentage of a Remain vote in a city, the more interested residents were in moving abroad during the 48 hours after the Leave result was declared.

Expatistan, the worldwide cost of living calculator, has also seen a huge spike in visitors to its website.

687 838 263

Ta r i fa I n m o b i l i a r i a winfo@tarifainmobiliaria.com w w. t a r i fa i n m o b i l i a r i a . c o m

Ta r i fa I n m o b i l i a r i a

full refund plus interest.

The Spanish costas are still littered with unfinished holiday homes after the country’s financial meltdown in 2008 drove hundreds of property

Pet Grooming Courses Pet Transportation Shop

developers out of business.

For more information call Spanish Legal reclaims on 93 680 4563 or email info@spanishlegalreclaims.com

Follow us on Facebook ‘Posh Pets Spain’

11+

Brexit does not ‘technically’ happen until two years after Article 50 is triggered but immediate effects are undeniable WHAT do we do now that the Referendum decision has selected Brexit?

Unless we are told otherwise, we have to assume that it will happen sooner rather than later. The markets have, with sterling falling (as I write, the pound has fallen to below €1.20 to the £) and buyers withdrawing from pre-acquisition building surveys and contracts.

There may be 2+ years for negotiation, but that’s politics.

The real world economy keeps working 24 hours.

We may not like it, but we have to live with it and get on with life and work.

Properties being marketed will have to look to other markets, with that perhaps affecting the Costas long-term, though the number of Brits is unlikely to drop significantly for some time.

For valuers, this has been a seismic

4 Bedroom 4 Bathroom Ref: JM2814 Price: 595.000€

0%

Boutique Dog Hotel & Cattery

Next steps

Villa Estepona, Málaga

Visit www.parapar.es for com properties directly from owners Want to list your property?

Call: 0034 677 804 804 or visit our website

Dog & Cat Grooming Salon

tel: 0034 952 597 035 www.poshpetspain.com

EMPTY: Off plan failure

w w w. t a r i fa i n m o b i l i a r i a . c o m

properties from owner’s direct

Spain

Off plan payback

Crucial

“But the ruling by Spain’s Supreme Court sets a crucial precedent – that the banks that held buyers’ deposits can in many cases be held liable for their loss.

“While this is wonderful news for the thousands of Britons who became innocent victims of Spain’s financial meltdown, the banks have proved reluctant to pay back what they owe without a fight.

“Spanish Legal Reclaims has unparalleled expertise in this area of law, and has formed a dedicated legal team to help non-Spaniards who lost out lodge a successful claim and win their money back.”

On average lost deposits were worth around £40,000, with victims now able to claim a

33

Posh Pets

the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015

change and as yet there aren’t property sales that we can refer to for comparisons. We’ve added the following to our valuation reports The UK decision to leave the EU is likely to have a major reduction effect upon International property demand; immediately, with contracts with Brexit clauses being cancelled and lower pound/euro values effectively increasing prices; in the medium term as British potential buyers and especially lifestyle changers hesitate to commit themselves to the uncertainty of rumours and especially healthcare and pension doubts; and in the long-term it will depend upon the terms negotiated with the EU and worldwide.

In our valuations we depend upon comparison with other properties being sold and offered for sale.

Only after a few months will we have

years experience in

ALL PROPERTY MATTERS

RICS SURVEYORS & VALUERS

BY BUILDING CAMPBELL FERGUSON

peace of due mindtofollow real market For information this propertyas buying rules uncertainty. these Accordingly, we are currently having to depend upon preBrexit information, we will use our proFind Your Property fessional training, skill and experience to apply appropriate variations to values in locations where the perceived level of demand is dependent upon UK Instruct Instruct buyers.

Building Surveyor Lawyer In strong international areas, we do not expect there to be a significant reduction in values.

In areas where British owners and buyBuy with Knowledge ers dominate, undoubtedly there will & Confidence be.

The second Spanish election has resulted in little effective change and so the international to +34 952market 923 520 is unlikely Connect with us! admin@surveyspain.com be changed by it.

Undoubtedly,surveyspain.com these are interesting times and there is still the possibility that it won’t happen at all!

Contact Campbell and the team on +34 952 923 520 or email info@surveyspain.com

Villa Mijas, Málaga

3 Bedroom 3 Bathroom Ref: XG8877 Price: 560.000€

Villa Mijas, Málaga

4 Bedroom 4 Bathroom Ref: XG4728 Price: 999.000€

34

the Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016

www.theolivepress.es

-final of Spanish TV talent show 3065 views

SOCIALMEDIA

BUSINESS

www.theolivepress.es OlivePressNewspaper

olivepress

round-up

olivepressnews +TheolivepressEs

BE ‘APPY!

Download our app now and begin enjoying the best Spanish news on the go. Andrade OPEN-ARMED:

EXCLUSIVE

By Iona Napier

Always welcome

OPEN DOORS: British tourists continue to be welcome in Malaga

tination for British tourism,” he said.

“Last year Malaga hotels

Exchange rates 1 euro is worth 1.11 American dollars 0.85 British pounds 1.43 Canadian dollars 7.44 Danish kroner 8.59 H Kong dollars 9.36 Norwegian kroner 1.55 Singapore dollars

FASHION giant Inditex created more than 2,000 jobs in Spain last year.

Created by billionaire Amancio Ortega and home to popular brands Zara and Massimo Dutti, the company was able to hire 11,936 people worldwide and 2,385 in Spain in 2015.

The fashion conglomerate, which has now expanded to 90 countries, netted €4.9 billion in the first quarter of 2016, a 12% rise on last year.

353535

July 6th - July 19th 2016

Malaga tourism office scribes love letter to British holidaymakers who represent 15% of Malaga visitors

MALAGA doesn’t want its love affair with British tourists to come to an end The Olive Press because of Brexit.

The tourism office has extended an news olive branch TOP for in Spain! to the thousands of Brits who frequent the city every year.

In an exclusive letter to the Olive Press, Tourism minister Julio Andrade stated British people account for 14.8% of the total international travellers that stay in Malaga.

“With a record-breaking sure that despite political year last year for British changes, Malaga will convisitors, we are absolutely tinue to be a favourite des-

Massimo profits

the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015

welcomed an incredible 86,128 British tourists, a 9.6% increase on 2014, and we want to remind them that we still love welcoming them.”

He cited Malaga’s ‘great climate, safe streets and magnificent range of cultural and leisure activities’ will keep it on the map for Brits.

Optimistic

ON THE GO: Rajoy (right) on treadmill

Te quiero, Malaga MARIANO Rajoy has been singing Malaga’s praises.

Spain’s acting prime minister said it was ‘one of the cities with the brightest future in Spain’ during an interview with news TV show El Hormiguero.

His declaration follows a trip encompassing Malaga capital, the Costa del Sol and the Axarquia towns of Nerja, Rincon de la Victoria and Velez-Malaga.

“Malaga is a place that is growing a lot, improving a lot and it is a city AN Irish exploration firm has with an impreswon a legal battle to access land sive level of culin Spain it wants to purchase for ture and technology,” he said, a mine.

Ormonde Mining had its declara- while walking on tion of occupation over the land at a treadmill.

Barruecopardo approved by the “It has enormous potential and I Castile y Leon government.

The mining project is expected to believe it has an incredibly prombegin in late 2017. ising future.”

Top o’the mining

He continued: “As Malaga flies to a staggering 115 different British cities and I don’t think any other country in the world parallels this – we are optimistic.”

How much?!

SPANISH police have arrested 13 people on suspicion of overbilling state rail company Adif by more than €82 million.

The over-priced bill is alleged to be for works carried out on the high-speed rail link between Madrid and Barcelona.

The probe saw 13 employees from both cities implicated, all of whom took part in the construction of a railway station in Barcelona for the link.

The investigation was opened following a complaint from the debt-ridden Adif.

Spain has already spent billions to build the second largest highspeed rail network in the world after China’s.

JANIS EVANS SOLICITORS

The only Family Law Specialists in Gibraltar, now offering first half hour consultation FREE

“For all your legal family needs”

BREXIT BOUNCE BACK Rock stands strong as major firms vow to stay GIBRALTAR’S businesses are set for a Brexit bounceback.

Major players in gaming, banking and insurance have committed to staying on the Rock despite the UK vote to Leave the EU. The property market has also seen a surprising surge in demand following the June 23 referendum, as Gibraltar stands defiant.

Royal Bank of Scotland international CEO Andrew McLaughlin also confirmed it is ‘very much business as usual’ for its Gibraltar Natwest branch.

And in a keynote speech to the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses (GFSB), Chief Minister Fabian Picardo insisted the vote actually opens new opportunities for Gibraltar.

“We never said the sky would fall to earth after Brexit,” Picardo said in a 30-minute speech.

“I think we are able to better handle the situation than might be the case in an economy the size of England or in Europe which has been subjected to turmoil these past few weeks.

“If we are comparing ourselves to ships going into the storm, the UK is like the USS Nimitz, the biggest aircraft carrier in history. We are like a cork.

“In the worst storm in history, I’d rather be the cork. I ain’t going to sink, but I might get wet.”

His speech came as various Rock-based gaming companies FABIAN Picardo has deliv- confirmed they were signing ered Gibraltar’s ‘most impor- new leases following the refertant budget for a generation’. endum, Picardo revealed.

The Chief Minister an- He also confirmed that two new nounced a recurrent budget insurance companies have apsurplus of £38.8 million was plied to be licensed in Gibraltar reached in 2015/2016, one of following the referendum. the highest ever.

Picardo also claimed the 96% And Gibraltar’s ‘rainy day Remain vote on the Rock had fund’ of almost £150 million given him a powerful bargainin four years was revealed to ing tool to negotiate Gibraltar be the Rock’s largest ever. staying in the EU. In his ‘cautious’ budget, Gibraltar Stronger In leader Picardo revealed government Gemma Vasquez said: “I have residential rents will rise for every faith Gibraltar will not the first time in 32 years, by only survive, but will thrive in 3%, or t just 60p a week. years to come.”

Shell will also supply Liquid Meanwhile, Rock estate agent, Natural Gas (LNG) to the Chestertons Gibraltar, has renew power station over a ported ‘a significant increase’ in 20-year contract, it was an- demand. nounced.

The positive news comes dePublic sector pay is also due spite a chaotic fortnight in to rise by 2.75% from August which the UK Prime Minister 1, with the minimum wage resigned and the Labour leader increasing from £6.25 to faces the sack. £6.28 an hour.

Meanwhile the markets and Anyone earning £11,050 or house prices are plummeting, less will now pay no income while xenophobic attacks have tax. increased five-fold.

‘Cautious’ budget

CALL US NOW: +350 200 50326 Email: janis.evans@janisevans.com Hadfield House, Library Street, Gibraltar

Divorce & Separation | Financial Divisions | Child Issues | Care Proceedings | Wills & Probate | Residential Conveyances

36

the Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016

BUSINESS

36

www.theolivepress.es July 6th - July 19th 2016

Property AGONY ANT YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY ANTONIO FLORES

Law and order A

Rental agreements on foreclosed properties

COUPLE of weeks ago, I received a telephone enquiry relating to an imminent bank repossession where the soonto-be ex property owner, seemingly knowledgeable in rental law, requested a quote to draw up a rental agreement.

Out of curiosity I asked him if he was going to submit it to the courts to stop the eviction and, unsurprisingly, he confirmed my question.

His ‘plan’ was pretty simple: he as the landlord would sign a backdated tenancy agreement with a friend, for a smallish rent (around €200, inclusive of utilities!), with a view to not be considered an ‘unlawful occupant’ and therefore, avoid eviction on grounds that Spanish laws do actually dispense protection to tenants.

For rental contracts signed prior to June 6, 2013, provided evidence of payment of rent was available, tenants would have the right to enforce

their contracts fully.

The Spanish Supreme Court has been very clear on this point: “…not even a bank foreclosure extinguishes tenancy agreements agreed to after signing the mortgage loan, if there is no sufficient proof that there was collusion or fraud.”

This will imply the termination of the rental contract and thus the tenants’ rights But there have been cases too where the rental agreement was deemed a simulation and thus did not express the true intent between the parties.

One was because, according to the presiding judges, it was signed between brothers, the monthly rental

was €400 on a 2,000 m2 warehouse, there was no visible activity in it (a big lock on the door is mentioned on a photographic report) and there were only private receipts to prove the rental payments.

An accumulation of evidence that, in the eyes of the Court, was consistent with that of a simulated contract and thus, the repossessing bank was granted possession.

This has now changed: for contracts signed after June 6, 2013, if the landlord loses the property ownership by forcible transfer i.e. through bank foreclosure, Court action, exercise of option to purchase etc. This will automatically imply the termination of the rental contract and thus, the tenants’ rights.

The one exception to this rule is that the contract was registered at the Land Registry prior to any third party exercising its rights against the property ownership.

Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.es

MONDAY

18 JULY

CLUB DE TENIS

HOTEL

PUENTE ROMANO

DOORS: 20:00HRS

SUPPORT: 21:00HRS

SEAL: 22:00HRS

6TH AUGUST ESTADIO DE FUTBOL

TORREMOLINOS DOORS: 20:00h / CONCERT: 22:00h

TICKETS FROM:

THURSDAY 18 AUGUST DOORS: 20:00HRS

CONCERT: 21:00HRS

www.CRAZYMUSICPRODUCTIONS.com

INFO: 952 883 832 WHATSAPP: 638 422 445

WORRIED ABOUT YOUR SHRINKING CAR INSURANCE COVERAGE? 93%* SATISFACTION WITH OUR TRAVEL ASSISTANCE SERVICE

BUSINESS

www.theolivepress.es

Persian purchase SPANISH oil giant Repsol has ordered one million barrels of oil from Iran.

The delivery, penned for July, is the latest in a string of European sales for the once pariah state.

Since the lifting of crippling sanctions in return for Iran halting its nuclear weapons programme, Iranian oil sales in Europe have increased by 500%.

Still on the up

Building bridges AS expats dread Brexit and a possible recession beckons, there is one UK firm gearing up to expand to Spain.

Encocam, a company that currently makes crash-test dummies in Cambridgeshire, is shifting its sights to the continent, stating it ‘can’t wait two years for business rules to be rewritten’.

The firm, which employs 172 people and now plans to take on another 120 by 2018, is planning to open a design centre in Spain.

Encocam is also exploring possibilities in Portugal Ireland, Germany and Poland.

“We cannot wait for two years to see what will come out of this,” said MD Mike Ashmead.

“We are shifting our sights to

the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015 MECHANICAL ASSISTANCE

UK firm dismisses Brexit SMALL fears and expands to Spain

SPANISH-MADE: Encocam dummies the continent, one quarter of my employees come from EU countries and we already employ high-tech Spanish workers.”

Head of Sales Helen Dighton

SPAIN’S economy grew by 0.7% in the second quarter of 2016 despite the ensuing political uncertainty.

The Bank of Spain cited an increase in employment and favourable financing conditions.

It also noted strong exports to SPANISH fish production grew by 10.2% the eurozone, but weaker exlast year, bringing in €292 million. ports to the rest of the world, The most profitable fish was sea bass, of primarily due to economic inwhich 21,300 tonnes were produced, netstability in emerging markets ting €120 million, with sea bream and and euro appreciation. turbot on €94.8 million and €56.8 milThe Spanish economy has now lion respectively. grown for 12 quarters in a row.

The figures, released by the European Given this reliance on eurozone Market Observatory for Fisheries and exports, though, prolonged show production is back to GLint Summer Special Quarter ad Olive Press 126x170mm.qxp_Layout 1 financial turmoil could pose pageAquaculture, 2009 levels. problems for sustained growth.

Net growth

called Spain’s embassy immediately following announcement of the referendum result to enquire about grants and assistance for foreign investors.

Spanish chemical engineer Angel Rivero Falcon, 30, who has worked for Encocam for more than four years, has also expressed his support.

“I have noticed a difference around me and I believe the vote could change Britain’s image abroad as a welcome place for young, skilled Euro27/06/2016 17:05 Page 1 peans,” said Falcon.

ES LL T D CH A AS AN AN ING CO EM BR EN THE C D I OP NG BL O PU AL TO E

DU

Summer Special Funeral Plan Offer!

JulyTRAFFIC 6thFINE- July 19th 2016 HANDLING

NEWS IN BRIEF

TM

902 123 282 ON

37 37

LEGAL ASSISTANCE

Exit plan PRICE .

BIG

ON

*Information obtained from 2015 internal report.

Bonds take

SERVICE. a dive

THE historic referendum result has prompted jubilant celebration in some corners, while sending shockwaves through the global economy.

Over the next two years or so, Britain will negotiate its exit under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union.

Throughout the withdrawal negotiations, nothing will change for British expats in Spain because the UK will remain part of the EU during this transitional period.

However, what happens after Britain has left the EU and how this may affect you is still unclear. While many questions remain unanswered, Línea Directa would like to remind all its customers that its legal assistance service comes as standard in all their insurance policies.

It offers information and advice on a wide range of matters such as inheritance, family, taxes, purchase and rental of property.

As the Brexit negotiations evolve, our legal team will keep abreast of all the latest developments relating to events occurring in Spain.

For more information contact call 902 123 268 or visit www.lineadirecta. com

SPANISH ten-year bond returns fell to record-low yield on Friday.

Family affair FACEBOOK has announced it is changing the algorithm that runs the News Feed to promote news-related posts from friends and family over publishers.

Wage gap STATISTICS from the Instituto Nacional de Estadicos show large disparities between different autonomous communities’ average salaries.

Extra time AFTER Brexit, the European Council is less inclined to fine Spain or Portugal for overdue loans.

Brexit seminar with My Lawyer in Spain - What happens next?

In association with the British Chamber of Commerce in Spain Come and listen to the experts

ALL INSTALMENT PLANS NOW COMPLETELY INTEREST FREE! 100 €/£ discount on each plan purchased in the months of June, July and August!

When: 28 July from 17.45 to 19.30 Where: Marbella Golf & Country Club 18.00: 18.15: 18.25: 18.40: 18.50: 19.00: 19.10:

Welcome and networking Setting the scene - Alex Radford - My Lawyer in Spain Notary Alvaro Toro - Impact of Brexit on British people in Spain Legal impact of Brexit - Isabel Perez Blanco - My Lawyer in Spain Mortgages? Fluente Finance Abroad - Marc Elliott Private Health Insurance - Danni Worth - Op de Beeck & Worth Currency specialist: Currencies Direct, Smart Currency, Rational FX & Money Corp What is happening to the pound? Where is it going?

19.20: Q & A Who should attend: British businesses and people

How to find Marbella Golf & Country Club:

Why choose Golden Leaves? l

l l l

Historic, market leading company with impeccable credentials No Instalment interest charged No additional administration fees No IVA Avenida De La Pla 123, Edificio Caribe, Locale 1, Javea, 03730, Alicante, Spain

l

l l

Secure Trust fund - independently and annually scrutinised Dual Country cover and Global Portability Conveyance included in mainland Spain

Av de Almeria 39, Locale 1, Turre, 04639, Almeria, Spain

Call: 0034 966 493 082 / Freephone: 8000 98309 or visit: glexpatservices.com

International

One call does it all 8000 98309

Funeral Plans • Health • Travel • Motor • Home • Pet • Wealth Management Legal Services • Currency Transfer • NIE Assistance

Coming from Malaga on the CN340, you will find the exit to Los Monteros just 4km before Marbella and Puerto Banús.

If you are coming from Marbella the same exit will bring you to the Marbella Golf Country Club in 5 minutes from the centre of the town.

If you are interested in attending please confirm your attendance by email to enquiries@mylawyerinspain.com or by calling +951 203 095 website: www.mylawyerinspain.com

38 38

www.theolivepress.es

the Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016

Affordable Business Contacts

June 8th - June 21st 2016

Advertise with us ABC adverts are available in 3 sizes. Full Colour and a choice of standard or rounded frames.

Standard

ROUNDED

These rates are for the whole year!

Single 50mm x 24mm (1-15 words) double 50mm x 48mm (16-30 words) treble 50mm x 72mm (31-45 words)

To book a space email: abcsales@theolivepress.es or call: 0034 6587504242 0034 951273575

} } }

€280 + IVA €450 + IVA €580 + IVA ALL ABOUT ANDALUCIA PROPERTY

Advertise your property for as little as 49e per year!

Virus removal, Sales, Upgrades QUALITY IPTV SYSTEMS. All channels, Movies & Sports 630 652 338 - 952 493 859

MOBILE SERVICE. ITV Legal.

Solar Reflective tint for glass curtains, balconies, yachts.

Stop fading, heat & glare.

958 496 571 - 644 546 176 Email: ian@solarshadetinting.com

AIR CONDITIONING installations, repairs and servicing Airflow 952443222 airflowspain@live.com

SATELLITE TV

misc SERVICES

home automation - internet - satellite - tv - audio Working on the Costa del Sol since 1990

Tel: +34 952 80 24 57 Mob: +34 654 75 84 15 info@orbitsl.com Puerto Paraiso Local 15 29680 (Estepona Port)

OFFICIAL TRANSLATIONS. ALL LANGUAGES. SENT BY COURIER. 654613094 sanpedrotranslations@gmail.com

Satellite, Internet & Terrestrial TV Community Specialist TV for all Nationalities Multiroom Viewing NEW 4G Wireless Internet Speeds up 50MB

SUPERFAST BROADBAND

AVAILABLE ANYWHERE IN SPAIN UNLIMITED DOWNLOAD

THE BOOKEND

English Bookshop

10,000 English books for sale

satellite

Dark Blue Light Blue Dark Green

TV WITHOUT INTERNET IN HD

Light Green

DIRECT FROM SATELLITE BBC1,2,3,4 ITV1,CH4 & RADIO STATIONS

Dark Purple

allaboutandaluciaproperty.com

PC UPGRADES & REPAIR

Choose from nine colours

Light Purple Red

IPTV 200 CHANNELS TV CATCH UP 1000s MOVIES ON DEMAND

Orange

WE CAN PROVIDE INTERNET

Yellow

617 169 792

astra2sat@hotmail.com

Having difficulty sending and receiving mail on Spain?

OFFEX offer a secure, reliable and cost effective solution for both businesses and individuals requiring mail and courier services to and from Spain Full range of Royal Mail services Worldwide door to door courier service for time sensitive documents and small packages Economy Courier: Worldwide for to door courier service for less urgent documents, small packages and parcels Budget Courier: European door to door service for non urgent items Luggage Service: Low cost unaccompanied baggage service for your personal effects Iberian Peninsula Courier: Overnight deliveries within Spain Postal Service: Priority Courier:

THE POST SHOP

Avda. De Tivoli, C.C. De la Miel, Local 13, Arroyo de la Miel Tel: 952 577 816 Mon to Fri: 10.00-17.00 Sat: 10.00-12.00

tRANSPORT SERVICE/removals

C/ Juan Relinque 45 Vejer de la Frontera 625 870 255

legal

Regular runs to and from the UK, Spain and Portugal PRICE MATCH PROMISE

EXPERIENCED BRITISH SOLICITOR

Door to Door Delivery Low Cost Man and Van Transport Service

Spanish speaking providing legal advice: conveyancing, residency and commercial matters.

1 hour free consultation Contact Victoria at: www.britishlawyerspain. com or 678826771

parking

Construction

Full or Part Loads Storage Facilities Available

CONTACT US NOW FOR A FREE QUOTATION Spain mob: +34 600 682 007 UK: +44 203 372 5001 DRIVERS W Spain land: +34 951 191 202 UK: +44 207 993 5136 ANTED Email: info@vanbooking.com Mob web: www.manandvanspain.tel Website: www.manandvanespana.com

courier

Classifieds

www.theolivepress.es

39

39

For all your advertising needs contact

39 Press November 11th - 25th 2015 39the Olive www.gibraltarolivepress.com www.gibraltarolivepress.com recruitment

Tel: 951 273 575 Mob: 655 825 683

Boutique A unique boutique for new & nearly new clothes & accessories

recruitment

Tel: +34 656 476 887 The Frock Exchange Estepona

The Frock Exchange DESIGNER DRESS AGENCY BOUTIQUE

Would you like to represent an award winning media group?

El Pilar, Benavista, Estepona (above Swans Real Estate)

WE BUY AND SELL YOUR DESIGNER & QUALITY CLOTHES, SHOES, BAGS, JEWELLERY & ACCESSORIES

We need agents in the 3 key areas of:

LEgal BÆRUM CONCILIATION BOARD Extract from complaint currently being dealt with by Bærum Conciliation Board – Case No. F2015-004876.

Complainant: Bank Norwegian As, Postboks 338 Sentrum, 0101 Oslo, Org.Nr. 00991455671.

Defendant: Ståle Wathne Garborg. Last known adress: C/Aulaga No 5 1c, Es-29639 Malaga, Spain.

The Complainant has filed a complaint against the Defendant with Bærum Conciliation Board with a demand for payment of NOK 26832,05,-, with the addition of interest at the legal rate and legal costs.

The Defendant is ordered to reply to the Conciliation Board in writing by 30.08.2016 stating whether or not the Defendant acknowledges and accepts the Complainant’s claim.

If a reply has not been delivered prior to the expiry of the stated time limit, judgment by default can be pronounced on the basis of the Complainant’s representation of the facts of the case.

As the Defendant has no known address, service will be executed with authority in the Courts Act Section 181. The complaint and order to reply will be deemed to have been legally served 27.07.2016, when it has been posted at the legal venue for four weeks.

The documents pertaining to the case can be collected from the Conciliation Board’s offices at Kjørboveien 33, 1302 Sandvika, Norway. The documents can be sent to a new address supplied by the Defendant if the Defendant so requests.

language School ESCUELA DE IDIOMAS

TRINITY SCHOOL 25 YEARS TEACHING SPANISH TO STUDENTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD

Are you a Spanish Teacher?

Would you like your students to learn Spanish in Spain?

WE CAN HELP!!

Bring your students on a cultural trip to Spain and learn the best way With 25 years experience we can offer the perfect course for your students We can even arrange your accommodation!

Contact us now for more information...

Escuela de Idiomas Trinity School Accredited Instituto Cervantes School Calle Ave del Paraiso 6 / P.O.Box 720 11500 El Puerto de Santa Maria, Cadiz. Spain

Tel: +34 956 87 19 26 info@spanishforschoolgroups.com www.spanishforschoolgroups.com

services Tel: 952 591 053

SWIMMING POOL SHOP

Chemicals & Equipment • Parts & Fittings Toys & Games • Free Water Analysis Leak Detecting Repairs • Renovations New Builds • Professional Maintenance Urb Dona Pilar, Ctra de Mijas Below restaurante Valparaiso splashpools@electronbox.net

www.splashpools.es

Property Serrania de Ronda, Cortes de la Fra.

Further details: keithcortes@hotmail.com

Property

Property valuations for banks, UK courts, inheritance & other disputes relating to Spanish property.

Tel +34 952 923 520 admin@surveyspain.com www.surveyspain.com

WE PROVIDE: Fantastic commission rates Paid expenses, Training Leads and support

HOUSEKEEPER who enjoys cooking and

360,000 Euros.

years experience in

YOU NEED: Excellent local knowledge Good contacts Determination and drive Some Spanish preferable

If you have what it takes then please contact chris@theolivepress.es with your CV

Two adjacent traditional town houses with third building plot and large garden on edge of natural park. Stunning scenery.

Opportunity to create a boutique/eco hotel/restaurant (8-10 bedrooms).

1112+

Benalmadena / Torremolinos Mijas / Fuengirola Marbella / San Pedro

SEEKING FURNISHED ACCOMMODATION Between Marbella and Gibraltar.

Secure parking and internet access is a must.

June to September.

Excellent references.

Max – €1k per month

marbs802@gmail.com

likes to take care of the household as if it where her/his own. Availability of a house on the domain that is fully equipped and maintained which guarantees privacy.

DEVOTION and MOTIVATION is a MUST. Driving license required or willing to obtain one.

Good contract. Marbella area.

E-mail: pierre.bettens@telenet.be or call: 0034 630 691 310

Golf

40 40the Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016

On the rise

www.theolivepress.es July 6th - July 19th 2016

Kenny do it

SPANISH-BORN Jon Rahm has made his professional debut at the Quicken Loans National in Maryland in the US, finishing third with 13 under par.

The 21-year-old made history in May when he became the first person ever to win the Ben Hogan Award twice, which is handed out annually to the best player in college golf.

“I couldn’t be more excited,” said Rahm.

WINNER: Andy Morrison

LIVERPOOL and Scotland legend Kenny Dalglish has been denied a record fourth victory at the Footballers’ Golf Classic at the La Manga Club in Spain.

Ex Manchester City defender Andy Morrison romped to victory beating Dalglish by seven points.

Third in the standings was former Birmingham and Wales player Andy Legg who finished eight points off the lead.

Playing off seven, Dalglish was seeking a record fourth win in the event.

Other footballers taking place in the 20th edition of the event included previous winners such as Sky Sports commentator Alan McInally, ex-Millwall striker Steve Lovell and defending champion Kenny Hibbitt.

Pat Jennings, Darius Vassell and Ray Clemence were also among the star-studded field.

DENIED: Kenny Dalglish

...Meanwhile, after getting to the last 16, the England lads took time off from the footie to enjoy a round of golf in Chantilly, France.

Although someone clearly forgot to tell Wayne Rooney to empty his bladder before setting out on the 18-hole course.

Dropping like mozzies

Fears over Zika are swarming the Olympic golf tournament

Advert for Olive Press:Layout 1 27/06/2016 14:49 Page 1

FaNtastiC! DEals For

Christmas & NEw YEar Fabulous food and entertainment including a 5* Christmas or New Years Eve Gala Dinner with fine wine

FOR GOLFERS includes 3 rounds of golf

Puerto Marina **** Benalmadena, Spain

Iberostar **** Nova Sancti Petri, Spain

Isla Canela Golf **** Ayamonte, Spain

Christmas 275€ New Year 310€

Christmas 260€ New Year 305€

Christmas 325€ New Year 425€

5 nights 23/12/16~ 28/12/16 for Christmas 5 nights 28/12/16~ 02/01/17 for New Year Prices are per person for 5 nights half board, twin room

3

Night Stay prices upon request

GastoN GolF tours Tel: 952 936 803

Email: info@gastongolf.com www.gastongolf.com

SERGIO Garcia has announced he will play at the Rio Olympics after fears over the Zika virus have caused a roster of top players to drop out.

The Spanish star said: "I obviously have some worries and I am not going to lie to you about them.

"There are some security issues there that I would like to be takTO PLAY en care of and the Zika virus is OR NOT TO causing a few problems but I don't have immediate plans of having a PLAY: Rory McIlroy (top) family with my girlfriend.”

Irish golfing star Rory McIlroy and Sergio has announced he will sit out of Garcia (left) the games, due to start in August, alongside March Leishman of Australia and Fiji’s Vijay Singh.

World number four McIlroy said: “After speaking with those closest to me, I've come to realise that my health and my family's health comes before anything else.”

“Even though the risk of infection from the Zika virus is considered low, it is a risk nonetheless, and a

Tee-d off SPAIN’S Carlota Ciganda lost out to Sei Young Kim in a playoff to win the Meijer LGPA Classic in Michigan.

Birdied

The 23-year-old South Korean birdied the par-four 18th in the play-off to claim her second LGPA title this season.

Despite losing out on the title, Carlota moved up 19 places in the World rankings to 35.

risk I am u n willing to take.”

World number one Jason Day is also sitting the games out.

Zika, a mosquito-borne virus linked to severe birth defects, has cast a cloud over preparations for the Summer Games.

Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez has also ruled himself out of the Olympics to focus on other events.

Motors

www.theolivepress.es

Drive safe

WITH temperatures soaring and an influx of traffic, drivers need to be careful now more than any other time of year.

Check tyre pressures at least once a month, as well as the car’s radiator level and screen wash.

Driving with flip-flops or shoes with no back is not permitted, and using mobile phones is a definite no no.

Needless to say, seat belts must be worn, and young children need safety harnesses.

Should the unthinkable happen, here are some tips that everyone should remember in the case of an accident: · Stay calm and wear the reflective vest · Get to a safe area, turn on your emergency flashers and use the two triangles · Make sure everyone is okay and call 112, if necessary · When it is safe, take pictures of the vehicles involved, damage, road signs, etc · Get statements and contact information from any witnesses · Complete the accident report: write down the other driver’s licence number, insurance details, vehicle information and phone number. It has to be signed by both drivers and reported within seven days For road assistance, call 900 101 369, Liberty Free Phone Number, where you will be attended in your own language.

the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015 July 6th - July 19th 2016

Driver fined as he uses child-doll as passenger in attempt to dodge traffic

FAKE: Passenger

A DOLL dressed up as a passenger has landed one driver a €200 fine after he tried to cheat the carpool lane.

Guardia Civil officers in Madrid grew suspicious when they saw the

Blow-up, doh! child-like figure adorning a zipped up hoodie and hat despite the blistering heat.

On closer inspection, the sunglasswearing figure was found to be a life-like doll the man had attempted

to pass off as his daughter.

The man was travelling on the busy A-6 motorway, which connects Madrid to the North-West of Spain, when he was pulled over in order to ‘explain his strange companion’.

Carpool lanes have been introduced in parts of the city to encourage people to travel together and reduce traffic.

Solo-drivers illegally using the Bus-VAO lane face a fine of €200, since it is SPANISH Formula One driver Ferdesigned to facilitate pubnando Alonso is adamant his team lic buses and encourage McLaren-Honda can dethrone Mercommuters to car share. cedes from its dominant position.

However the practice of The McLaren-Honda team has made attempting to pass off progress in 2016, taking 24 points from dolls as passengers is said the first eight races of the year. to have become increasHowever, neither Alonso nor teammate ingly commonplace in the Jenson Button were able to break into capital. the top 10 in the last two meetings A man was recently fined in Canada and Azerbaijan. when it was discovered Nico Rosberg currently sits top the tall-looking blonde of the F1 standings after claimbombshell riding next to ing five wins, while British drivhim was infact a life-size er Lewis Hamilton is in second. blow up doll.

Keep believing

FANCY RIDES THIRTY-TWO local Jaguar fanatics revved their way around the Axarquia in this month’s Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club meeting.

The group drove from the Rincon de la Victoria Carrefour up through the mountain’s for a full view of the Axarquia.

The group then went coastal for a drive along the beaches east of Malaga.

The club meets monthly and is open to all Jaguar drivers and admirers. July’s meeting will begin in Duquesa. For information, email JEC.CostaDelSol@ gmail.com.

www.transmatic.es

ALL MAKES SERVICED, REPAIRED AND RECONDITIONED, 12 MONTH GUARANTEE

AUTOMATIC GEARBOX SPECIALISTS

REGULAR MAINTENANCE OF YOUR CARS AUTOMATIC GEARBOX CAN PREVENT COSTLY REPAIRS CALL NOW TO HAVE YOURS SERVICED BEFORE ITS TOO LATE! ALSO 4X4 AND POWER STEERING

SHORT AND LONG TERM CAR RENTAL SERVICE

C/Juan de la Cierva, 26. Poligono Industrial, Estepona E:info@transmatic.es • T:952 796 166 or 615 834 322

41 41

Vroomboom

SPAIN’S car sales increased by 19% in May, the second highest monthly increase this year.

The industry saw a Europewide surge in vehicle registrations, with Germany, the UK, Italy, France and Spain collectively seeing an increase of 73% on this time last year.

While the UK was still the second largest market, political and economic uncertainty over Brexit cooled down demand, resulting in an increase of just 2%.

ELECTRIC: Rally cars

Shocking trip A FLEET of electric rally cars have set off from Barcelona in a 25,000km round trip.

The 11 international teams are travelling across 20 countries and three continents in a bid to beat the world record set in 2012.

Named 80edays Elduro - The Hard One, the cars are attempting to return to Barcelona within 80 days or less.

42

42

the Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016

restaurant | lunch and dinner

Columnists

www.theolivepress.es July 6th - July 19th 2016

Anyone for tennis?

Because whether the ball’s IN or OUT, at least it’s not lifestyle threatening…

I

WWW.ELMUELLE-ARRIATE.COM ESTACIÓON DE ARRIATE | ARRIATE (MA 7400, KM 4) 0034 637 784 416 | 0034 952 166 370 CLOSED ON MONDAYS

T may seem frivolous to be thinking of strawberries and cream at Wimbledon when my homeland is going down the political toilet with a severe case of postBrexititis.

But we need a change of diet.

We’ve OD’d for weeks on the campaign that sounds like a high fibre breakfast cereal so we shouldn’t be surprised at the ‘deep cleansing’ going on in the bowels of Westminster.

And Federer’s cute butt in tight white tennis shorts is a more uplifting sight than a bunch of suited and booted politicians aiming lame volleys at each other over the EU referendum net.

But more to the point, with tennis, my livelihood doesn’t depend on whether the call is IN or OUT. As does the referendum vote, bigstyle, being an expat Brit in Spain with a partner who’s a Gibraltar cross-border worker.

Will our pounds be worth peanuts? Will Dave have to commute to Gibraltar from Morocco?

Will we ourselves become refugees? Watch

HOMETOWN HERO: Murray looks promising this space!

Not that I had any say in the matter. I’ve been away from the motherland for more than 15 years and so stripped of the right to vote. Apparently it’s not possible to check residence status further back through the records than

Brexit blues

I

WENT to bed a European. I woke up an outsider.

I will be frank from the outset. I have always considered myself European. I was in my 20s when the Berlin Wall came down and remember watching the live TV pictures open mouthed in my living room as people poured through.

Magazines such as Time and Newsweek – remember when they were the source of international news in the pre-Internet age – breathlessly reported on the collapse of communist regimes across Europe, all looking to the West for their future.

Some of my earliest assignments were to report on the preparations in Seville ahead of Expo 92, and I remember the enthusiasm of the new European nations.

I was going to be one of the New Europeans, as the adverts put it, who would be part of a bright, shining future.

Born in Britain but living in Spain, I was part of a modern, forward-thinking Europe.

But after the EU Referendum all of that has

that, although the Inland Revenue doesn’t seem to have any trouble.

Still, there are worse things than being disenfranchised; like becoming an illegal alien ... or having the right to a postal vote in Spain and not receiving the ballot papers in time, which might have something to do with the Spanish postal service.

But why couldn’t ‘our side’ have come up with a catchier name than Remain, and its association with ‘remains’ ... Brit-IN, for example? Who uses ‘remain’ as a word these days, anyway?

Instead, by a flimsy 3.8% margin, Brexit has thrown everything off kilter – not just expats but Britain’s economy, its two biggest political parties, maybe even its geographical shape if Scotland gets a second independence referendum, leaving England and Wales looking like a sad, decapitated torso on the world map.

Plus, with two leadership battles looming and a possible General Election, it has inflicted a double blow on us expats - the most dire autumn season of satellite TV viewing imaginable.

And forget changing channels.

Donald Trump seems to be funding his own air time on Fox while Spanish news stations were talking up a third General Election last time I tuned in.

But cut off in my voting prime as I am, there are still things I love about Great Britain and Wimbledon is one of them. I have fond school-girlish memories of dodging into the male players’ changing rooms for autographs and Ilie Nastasie obliging, wearing nothing but a towel. Swoon! changed.

Now, although I live far from I had a series of meetings and media briefings the hallowed turf, come the last with the British Ambassador in the run up to the week in June I stock up with referendum and he described it as the most strawberries and Cornish clotimportant decision in 150 years for the British ted cream – from Morrisons in people.

Gibraltar, get it while you can – And the British people gave a two fingered saand tune into the centre court lute to the Single Europe that I grew up with. action with ‘Johnny Mac’, still the What that means for the future for British exmaster of the witty backhander, pats in Spain is still to be decided. albeit from the commentary box As to my own future as a self-employed freethese days. lance journalist and broadcaster trying to make So that’s my plan (unlike Boris, an honest living (if ‘honest living’ and ‘freelance I have one). It will keep alarmist journalist’ isn’t an oxymoron), that too could thoughts at bay about what will change, as I may need professional qualificabecome of the world, post-Brexit tions to ply my trade as a soon-to-be non-EU and maybe post-Scexit. citizen.

Although it does make you wonOr I could change my nationality. I’ve been livder ...Who will we cheer on at ing in Spain long enough to apply for Spanish Wimbledon if Andy Murray becitizenship. comes a foreigner? And will the Or if things in the UK (another oxymoron) pan Queen need her passport to visit out the way they seem to be going, I could soon Balmoral? be the owner of a brand new Scottish passport!

The future is anything but bright for us Europeans

Food, drink & travel

43

with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

Home remedies SPAIN’S unusual eating hours are ‘an answer to the chaos in our day’, a doctor of sociology has claimed.

Cecilia Diaz-Mendez who has spent years studying the ‘original’ eating schedule believes it is part of the Spanish identity to eat ‘later than most and always together’.

Debate

“We may be out of kilter with the rest of Europe, but if their ideas were right wouldn’t we have changed by now?” said Diaz-Mendez.

“It’s a growing debate, but I feel eating later as we do has a stabilising effect as we dine outside the more chaotic hours of the day.”

July 6th - July 19th 2016

Free the jamon!

POLITICAL party Ciudadanos has denounced the practice of freezing Spanish cured hams.

The party claims hundreds of thousands of hams are being frozen each year in a bid to keep their numbers scarce and their prices high.

This is despite a law being passed two years ago which does not list freezing among

Merca-mover MERCADONA has announced it will open its first stores outside of Spain.

The Spanish supermarket chain will expand into Portugal, opening four stores by 2019.

Around €25 million will be invested initially, with hopes to create around 200 jobs.

Jamon fans cheated out of lower prices, claims Ciudadanos the stages of production.

Party leaders say it is unfair that consumers are missing out on lower prices, and that the law does not require hams to be labelled as having been frozen, before or after curing.

While experts believe the freezing of the product does not affect its quality for consumers, Ciudadanos leaders are still concerned

of the effects.

They are demanding labeling requirements that include mandatory disclosure of the fact that a ham has been frozen and thawed prior to processing.

Jamon prices, depending on the brand, can vary from €20 a pound to more than €100 a pound.

It is one of Spain’s most famous food exports, and continues to grow in notoriety around the world.

K KOKOMO RESTAURANT, GARDEN & GRILL

For information and reservations

951 560 905 / 685 218 054 Please mention The Local when responding to advertisements Page 41

44

Food, drink & travel

72 hours in Lisbon Lance Rutkin takes a long weekend in Lisbon to find the best things to see and do for 72 hours in the Portuguese capital

Lisbon

C O C K TA I L • G A S T R O B A R RESTAURANT ASADOR

A

COMMON reply when I told people I’d be going to Europe for the summer was, ‘Make sure you go to Lisbon.’

The continent’s westernmost capital has developed a reputation as a culturally rich city with magnificent sights and a fun nightlife, without the hefty prices or overwhelming tourism of Barcelona or Madrid.

Though the flights from Malaga aren’t at the most convenient times, Lisbon turned out to be an enjoyable escape from Spain

over a bustling, busy, bank holiday weekend.

And you gain an hour with the time change, so a flight departing at 07.00 arrives at 07.30 in Lisbon.

I was lucky enough to stay with a local who took me to some great spots and skipped the overrated ones.

The right weekend in Lisbon is at once entertaining and relaxing, enriching and invigorating and my five-centre hitlist covers the complete package.

POMBALINE BAIXA

CASCAIS Tlf: +34 952 82 57 07 E-mail: nikisbarmarbella@gmail.com www.nikisbarmarbella.com Plaza Jose Palomo 1, 29601 Marbella, Málaga, Spain

WEST of Lisbon lies Cascais, an affluent beach town that looks out onto the Atlantic. If you can rent a car, the drive makes the trip worthwhile. Head out from Lisbon along the Tagus River, travelling west on the scenic N6. The 30 km route hugs the coast, as the river becomes the ocean, past small beaches hiding in rocky inlets where the tide rises and falls against the natural sea walls.

DOWNTOWN Lisbon was almost entirely destroyed during the city’s catastrophic earthquake and tsunami of 1755, and subsequent fire. In the devastation’s aftermath, the Marquis of Pombal took complete control of reconstruction. The Marquis’s vision of Lisbon differed drastically from the old city’s narrow, winding roads. He commissioned a grid network with wide avenues, making Lisbon Europe’s first modern city. Downtown Lisbon hosts the city’s shopping district and is the most bustling daytime sector. The roads towards the river culminate in the Praca de Comercio, where the city puts on concerts, festivals and cultural celebrations throughout the year.

45

www.theolivepress.es with DINING SECRETS of

ANDALUCIA.com

the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015

45

July 6th - July 19th 2016

BELEM

HEAD beyond the city centre, west of the magnificent 25 de Abril Bridge (a Golden Gate lookalike named after the date of Portugal’s

independence from Salazar’s regime) to find Belem, a focal point of Lisbon’s history.

Here, in a single square, you’ll find the Tower of Belem, the Jeronimos Monastery, and some of the best pastries in the city.

From the Tower of Belem, you see Lisbon from a different vantage point to anywhere else in the city, a view that underlines its relationship with the Atlantic and the Tagus River.

The Jeronimos Monastery is like any great European Catholic church: dark, immense and echoic.

Two famous Lisboeta rest in peace here: Camoes, the poet, and de Gama, the explorer.

A FAIRYTALE city fit for a Disney princess, Sintra is a day trip not to After sightseeing, be missed. It’s 40 minutes (by train) from Lisbon to this mystical walk east of the moncity awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status. astery to a bakery With a skyline to rival Manhattan, a host of 19th-century turrets and with blue awnings domes stand majestically above the colourful town houses. named Pasteis de Cupped between two impressive mountains, both can be climbed Belem to try Lisbon’s and are within two hours of the city centre. famous pastel de The effort is worth it for the rewards at the top: the medieval Casnata. Make sure it’s telo dos Mouros perches on the crest of one summit and the Pena National Palace on the other, which was the summer residence of dusted with cinnaPortugal’s monarchs during the 18th and 19th centuries. mon and powdered sugar.

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF...

SINTRA

...actually not many sounds at all – except for bird song, a rushing stream, the clink of wine glasses, cutlery on clean plates, happy chatter as people relax and get very well looked after.

July in the mountains is wonderful with warm, balmy nights and a much drier heat than on the coast. Combine that with a charming, awardwinning hotel and restaurant in a beautiful location and you need to be heading to Molino del Santo near Ronda soon.

Birthdays, Anniversaries, Special Occasions of all kinds, or you just fancy some really good food... Molino del Santo is a special place to visit.

“It’s very difficult to find food this good on the Costa del Sol.” Come by train from San Roque, in the tracks of many others, or drive from San Pedro in an hour… but don’t leave it too long to discover why Molino del Santo has earned itself such a good reputation.

And mention “The Olive Press” to receive your special discount on lastminute rooms.

Not sure how to find us? E-mail us for information of the best routes or search for Estación de Benaoján – we’re closer than you think and the rewards for finding us are enormous.

BAIRRO ALTO

BEFORE clubbing until six in the morning, most nights in Lisbon start on the crowded, cobbled streets of Bairro Alto.

Thousands of people stand outside the hundreds of bars packed into just a few square blocks to quaff €1 pints of beer and €6 pints of mojitos (yes, pints of mojitos). Most bars

also offer 75cl versions - worthwhile for the mojito, but it can end up being more expensive for the beers.

Despite the foot traffic, taxis and even municipal service vehicles try to make their way through at night. Some revellers sit on the boots to cadge a free ride as they drive past.

ttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt

More information of any kind e-mail

info@molinodelsanto.com

www.molinodelsanto.com | info@molinodelsanto.com | 952 16 71 51 ESTACIÓN DE BENAOJÁN, NEAR RONDA, MÁLAGA

46

the Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016

46

Food, drink & travel

www.theolivepress.es

Restaurant chain La Sala introduces dining in the sky

Saturday 30th July from 1pm – 15€ “Kat & Co produced what I would describe as ‘nightclub blues’…its is smokey, it is sassy and it is very classy” – Blues Matters Magazine Calle Virgen Milagrosa 10 29713 Los Romanes - La Viñuela Provincia Malaga t: +34 951 509 071 www.las-orquideas.com/en

Sky’s the limit

LA SALA has courted diners on a boat and now the restaurant chain is taking to the skies.

The swanky chain, which has a string of sophisticated eateries in Marbella and Gibraltar, is taking dining to another level in Puerto Banus.

FLYING HIGH: La Sala in the Sky

A total of 22 diners will be hoisted 50 metres up into the sky in leather seats around a dining table for La Sala in the Sky which launches on July 8.

The joint initiative with chef Aitor Perurena will feature space for the local foodsmith and his serving staff to work.

Foodie Holiday BRITISH travellers are increasingly choosing food breaks in Spain. According to a new survey, the quality of food was a deciding factor for 32 per cent of British travellers when choosing the destination of their next holiday.

Luckily, Spain is home to three of the best restaurants in the world as ranked by Restaurant. With El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Mugaritz in San Sebastian, and Asador Etxebarri near Bilbao, it is the perfect spot for a ‘gastro-holiday.’

The floating restaurant, which will be the highest viewpoint in Marbella, will have 360 degree views with a crane to lift the diners.

On the menu: a five-course tasting spread with wines and champagnes to match.

Forbes has named it ‘one of the world’s most extravagant meals.”

It was inspired in connection with Dinner in the Sky, a Belgian company which has already hosted 5,000 SPAIN’S food and drink exports have hit a re- such events across 40 citcord high. ies globally including the Led by the fruit and vegetable sector, figures re- Kuala Lumpur tower and leased by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and up above Cape Town.

Environment showed exports reached €44.6bn, 70-minute dining experian increase of 7.5% from 2014. ence costs €250. To sign This gives Spain 8.5% of the market share, mak- up for the wacky advening it the fourth biggest export of food and drink ture visit www.lasalainin the EU, behind the Netherlands, Germany thesky.com or call and France.

952 781 522

Fruitful year

www.theolivepress.es

Sport

the Olive Press November 11th - 25th 2015

Storm in a pee-cup Spain’s Marcel Granollers staged a sitdown protest during an ill-tempered doubles defeat at Wimbledon.

FALLEN: Contador

Crashing Contador

TWO-TIME Tour de France champion and Madrid native Alberto Contador crashed in each of the first two stages of the 2016 edition of the marathon race.

His fall in the opening stage on Saturday was not very impactful, causing almost no lost time or pain.

The crash in the peloton on Sunday, though, cost Contador in both regards.

Contador insists that ‘the time loss is worse than the body blows.’

Fallen

Despite his optimism, Contador’s crashes have radically diminished his championship chances.

After starting as the thirdfavourite in the race at 5 to 1 on Betway, Contador has since fallen to fourth at 33 to 1 odds.

THE 30-year-old Spaniard and his Uruguayan doubles partner Pablo Cuevas were looking for a place in the quarter finals, playing against Britain’s Jonathan Marray and his Canadian partner Adil Shamasdin.

But they soon lost their cool after some questionable line calls were followed by the French umpire, Aurelie Tourte, refusing to allow Cuevas a toilet break during the final set.

Tourte alleges Cuevas then threatened to pee into an empty ball can under the cover of a towel, earning the pair a code violation.

Royally peed off, the Uruguayan smashed the ball out of court, earning a second code violation and triggering a points penalty in the business end of the deciding set.

The penalty left Marray and Shamasdin with triple match-

FALLOUT: Marcel and Pablo (top) and Marray and Shamasdin talking post-match (above) point.

Granollers and Cuevas then refused to carry on playing, staging a 15-minute sit-in protest on court. They agreed to continue when threatened with forfeiture, but soon lost the match 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 3-6,

Game over HOPEFUL: The Imps

Celtic dreams LINCOLN Red Imps are hoping to turn up the heat in Wednesday’s Champions League tie against Flora Tallinn, says Lee Casciaro.

The Imps are eyeing a glamour second-round qualifier against Celtic if they get past the Estonian side at Victoria Stadium.

Joseph Chipolina’s precious away goal in the 2-1 defeat at the Estonian capital gives them a huge chance of progressing to the next round.

And with a bumper home crowd roaring on Liam Walker and the boys, the Rock’s champions hope sweltering home advantage will see them through.

“It’s warm over here, we’re playing at around 7pm so it will probably be around 29 degrees Celsius,” said Lee Casciaro.

“We’re used to it and they’ll probably struggle a bit more than us.”

FIRST the Euros, now Wimbledon. The Spanish sporting community has another elimination to mourn.

This year all of the Spanish men were eliminated before the fourth round of the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world.

The absence of the great Rafael Nadal due to a wrist injury did not help Spain’s chances on the grass courts.

In one of the biggest Wimble-

don upsets, Spanish favorite Garbine Muguruza, ranked no. 2 in the world, lost in the second round to Slovakian Jana Cepelova, ranked no.

124.

Muguruza was set to be major competition for Serena Williams who she defeated in the 2016 French Open.

Spain’s only hope to stay alive in the tournament was Carla Suarez who reached her career high ranking of no. 6 in the world earlier this year.

Suarez started the match well and seemed to be dominating (3-0) but after losing some ground, American Venus Williams got into a rhythm that could not be broken, and after an exhausting 96 minutes, Williams beat Suarez in the fourth round (7-6, 6-4).

Besides the successes of Manolo Santana (1966), Conchita Martinez (1994), and Rafael Nadal (2008, 2010), Wimbledon is uncharted territory UPSET: Muguruza’s early exit for Spain.

14-12.

They may now face fines for their behaviour.

“I don’t think it’s ever nice to see,” said Marray afterwards, “You have to respect the officials regardless of whatever happened in the match.”

Shamasdin admitted that umpire Tourte could have handled the situation better.

“I don’t think the chair umpire really had the match controlled,” he said, “she made a few mistakes early on at both ends. We were all on her and she was definitely flustered.

I don’t think she handled it correctly.”

PEED OFF: Granolles (above) and Cuevas (below)

47 47

July 6th - July 19th 2016

RETIRED: Spain manager Del Bosque

Good bye, del Bosque

FOLLOWING a hollow performance against Italy in Euro 2016, Spain’s manager Vicente del Bosque has officially retired.

Del Bosque insisted that Spain’s disappointing Euro finish did not affect his decision to retire.

“No matter what the result of the Euros, I had no doubt about what my future would THE EU concluded Monbe," del Bosque said. day that seven La Liga teams, including Real MaRenowned drid and Barcelona, reThe renowned manceived illegal aid from the ager’s national team Spanish government. achievements include Following a two-and-athe World Cup 2010 half year investigation, and Euro 2012 chamthe supranational body pionships. pressed the clubs to return The three most popuover €60m in deferred lar candidates to take taxes, collectively. They the reigns are exclaim that preferential Granada coach Joastate treatment gave the quin Caparros, the preclubs an unfair competivious Spain U21 coach tive advantage.

Jolen Lopetegui and The full list of clubs comJose Antonio Camaprises: Atletico Bilbao, Atcho, formerly coach of letico Osasuna, Barcelona, La Roja, with Caparros Elche, Hercules, Real Maas the odds-on favoudrid and Valencia. rite of the three.

IL-LIGA-L LOANS

48

www.theolivepress.es

the Olive Press November 14th - 25th 2016 with over 200,000 papers (130,000 digital) Covering Andalucia

and around 500,000 website visits each month…

Voted BEST expat paper in Spain FREE

Carriage marriage A COUPLE in Madrid tied the knot in an ambulance before going to the hospital after the groom felt ill at the wedding.

FINAL WORDS

Golden girl

advice

114-YEAR-OLD Ana Vela from Barcelona has been declared the longest living Spaniard in history.

Home Alone

Vol. 10 Issue 243

www.theolivepress.es

A ticket to ride

BOOTY-FUL: Team twerk

Making it twerk

SPAIN’S Twerking Team could be bouncing their way to a nightclub near you.

The group of five girls, from Sevilla, entertain revellers by shaking their booties on dancefloors across the country.

The girls perform a well rehearsed routine before hanging out and posing for pictures with fans.

Dad flies to Spain on the passport of his 12-year-old daughter

NEW figures show only 20.5% of Spanish under30s left home in the second half of 2015.

Pawesome DOGS with a microchip, muzzle, and lead can now travel on the Madrid metro for free accompanied by their owners.

July 6th - July 19th 2016

LIKE DAUGHTER: Billy (left) and wife

Homeward Bound..

FRANCE - ITALY - PORTUGAL

SPAIN - UK

IT isn’t hard to imagine the horror when Billy Stevenson, 38, opened up his passport at Malaga airport to find his 12-year-old daughter’s mugshot staring back at him.

Fumbling in the dark at home, he had picked up the wrong ID in the scramble to make his 6.30am flight to Malaga from London Stansted.

However, the couple had not realised until they arrived at immigration at Malaga, insisting that their passports were not checked until they arrived at their destination.

“It wasn’t until we got to Spain we realised we had Ellen’s passport,” Billy’s wife said, “We told border officials but they just kept asking how we don’t have it.

“The police took us down this corridor into the little police station and they kept asking where the child was.

“We were explaining she wasn’t with us, she was at school.”

The couple’s romantic trip went properly south as they spent the majority of their time at the police station and trying to get the correct passport over.

Luckily the pair had friends flying to Malaga for a stag do who were able to bring the correct one.

- IRELAND A Ryanair spokesman said it is ‘the responsibility of each passenger to ensure they travel on their own passport,’ adding that they ‘regret’ their handler failed to notice.

Splashback REVELLERS relieving themselves on Pamplona’s medieval walls during this week’s famous San Fermin festival are in for a shock.

Scientists have created an invisible water-resistant paint which repels urine back onto the offender’s trousers and shoes.

Street urination among festival goers has been a recurring problem causing damage to the walls and costing an estimated €10,000 to clean up.

Last year 76 people were fined by police for urinating in public.

Sacked…after 15 years skiving!

DEFRA AUTHORISED ANIMAL TRANSPORTATION We are Defra Authorised and you can rely on us to take very good care of your pet. We will make sure that they are comfortable and have regular stops to be made a fuss of and carry out neccessary business. Our professional and friendly service will keep them happy until they are reunited with you..

For a quote and some friendly advice

Just Call Jack on the dog & bone.. (+34) 902 109 560

info@unionjackremovals.co.uk

www.unionjackremovals.co.uk

A PAIR of workers have been fired from a town hall after it was discovered they had been skiving off work for 15 years.

The driver and the gardener at Jerez town hall didn’t however fail to pick

up their paychecks during that time.

Despite being fired, the CGT trade union argued that they were simply taking off their own ‘accumulated days’ as well as those of other employees, as they can be shared.

Zoo kill A TIGER has killed its zookeeper while she was cleaning its enclosure in a Benidorm zoo.

The 37-year-old woman was found in the tiger enclosure at the Terra Natura park on July 2.

Emergency crews entered the enclosure after the tiger was euthanised using sedative darts.

The woman, who had worked at the zoo for eight years, has not been identified.

ZOO: Featuring tiger