Olive Press Newspaper - Issue 212

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April 30th - May 13th 2015

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Holiday hell

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OLIVE PRESS – Earpiece 29th april

British consortium lines up bid for Spain’s ghost airport See Page 36

Trains

Why the Costa del Sol railway is making Benalmadena boom See Page 28

...and subs

Could Britain’s nuclear defence system head to Gib? See Page 12

Thousands face summer of disappointment after fraudsters hijack world’s biggest holiday rental site EXCLUSIVE

By Tom Powell

THOUSANDS of villa rental clients are facing a holiday nightmare after a major booking site was hijacked by fraudsters.

Conmen have potentially left tens of thousands of tourists without a place to stay in Spain after hacking into the emails of holiday homeowners, via rental site Owners Direct.com.

By diverting enquiries, scammers are able to masquerade as the owner in order to get booking fees paid into their

NIGHTMARE: Gabriella Chidgey fears defrauded clients arriving at her rental home Alcantarilla in Ronda this summer own bank accounts.

Owners Direct, launched in 1997, works like an online travel brochure along with sister site Homeaway, receiving more than 53 million requests each month in total.

The average client p a y s

What links Claire Danes and David Sainsbury to Gaucin?

Find out on Page 3

around €500 to the site to be ly to be even higher this year. for the scam,” said Gabriella advertised alongside thou- Meanwhile, the homeowners Chidgey who runs stunning sands of properties, from themselves have also lost vital www.alcantarilla.co.uk, a cheap and cheerful apart- income from the scam due to rural farmhouse, near Ronda. ments to luxury villas and losing most of their genuine “It’s the second time it’s hapfincas. requests. pened in under a year and you Last year alone, an estimated “I am furious that Owners DiContinues Page 4 rect accepts no responsibility 12,000 holidaymakers lost millions from this one site when they discovSCAMMERS access people’s accounts via what is ered their known as ‘phishing’. rental homes This involves sending bogus email enquiries to ownin Spain, ers in order to glean vital information.

France and The most common way is to send a fake enquiry with other Euroa click-through link to their email sign-in page. pean counIn reality, this is a fake page, and if the owner logs in, tries had not the fraudster is also in and can begin intercepting enquiries. been booked.

They pose as the owner, deleting emails to cover their tracks, while the real The average owner remains oblivious. loss was €780 After sending fake contracts and details, the scammer finally asks for monper client. ey to be paid into their own bank account. Thousands have lost out.

And it is like-

How the scam works

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CRIME NEWS

April 30th - May 13th 2015

Police snare multimillionaire expat who ran illegal prostitution ring from his Costa del Sol home A MAN dubbed ‘Europe’s biggest pimp’ has been arrested in Torremolinos.

Multi-millionaire Belgian expat Stefan Rene stands accused of heading up a Europe-wide illegal prostitution ring from his base on

By Rob Horgan the Costa del Sol. He was arrested on April 28 after a Moroccan woman revealed his whereabouts to

Snack attack THREE people have been arrested for stealing more than 25,000 kg of sunflower seeds, or ‘pipas’, from a rival company in Malaga.

The trio stand accused of swiping the load worth €10,000 from a warehouse in Malaga port between October 2014 and January 2015.

Police investigations located the stolen snacks to a rival pipas company’s shipping container.

At least two of the arrested are believed to be employees of the company, with one of them being the brother of the company director.

Belgian authorities.

She claimed Rene had beaten her up and burnt her skin with a cigarette.

According to the Guardia Civil, Rene’s multi millioneuro crime network operates across eastern Europe, Belgium and Spain.

Servicing wealthy clientele, the organisation is said to regularly cater for customers in luxury hotels and even on yachts.

Rene reportedly had plans to expand the ‘business’ to Ibiza, Barcelona, France and Denmark by the year’s end.

After relocating to the Costa del Sol following jail time for drug trafficking in Belgium, Rene set up three separate websites to run his

prostitution network.

He is thought to have brought hundreds of girls largely from Romania and Morocco - to the Costa del Sol and into Belgium to work for him.

Customers paid around €200 for one of Rene’s girls, of which he pocketed €50 himself, according to a Guardia Civil spokesman.

His girls would perform an average of around five services a day, making the organisation over €1.3 million a year.

Three Romanians and another Belgian have also been arrested in Belgium in connection to the organisation and 20 more staff, including some hookers, are being interviewed.

www.theolivepress.es

NEWS

3

April 30th - May 13th 2015

Supermarket sweep

family snap up magical hideaway in Gaucin after holidaying there for 15 years EXCLUSIVE

By Iona Napier IT is anything but bargain basement.

Indeed, with its eight wellappointed bedrooms, stunning gardens and one of the best infinity swimming pools in Andalucia, it is definitely one for the Taste the Difference section.

Described as ‘heaven on

HOLLYWOOD HONEYMOON: Claire Danes stayed at El Nobo (left and inset) earth’ and ‘a magical hideaway’, on TripAdvisor, it is perhaps not surprising that the former guesthouse has

Sugary sweet

been snapped up by Britain’s wealthiest supermarket tycoon David Sainsbury.

The villa El Nobo, in Gaucin -

where Hollywood stars Claire Danes and Hugh Dancy spent their honeymoon - has been acquired ‘for around €1.5 mil-

lion’ according a local agent.

Proceedings have been very hush-hush – but the Olive Press can reveal that the beautiful villa

Stars come out CELEBRITY hangout La Sala welcomed a pair of north-English gems last weekend.

Coronation Street star Kym Marsh and Match of the Day pundit Mark Lawrenson graced the Puerto Banus restaurant during their respective trips to the Costa del Sol. Former Hear’say singer Marsh wined and dined with her fiance, while ex-Ireland and Liverpool footballer Lawro tucked in to a slap up meal at one of his favourite CELEBRITY GUESTS: Lawrenson and (right) Marsh and fiance

CASHING IN: Sugar MARBELLA property magnate Alan Sugar’s bank account has broke the £1 billion mark for the first time.

Sitting pretty as the 101st richest person in Britain, according to the Sunday Times rich list, the Hackney entrepreneur is currently on the hunt for a new Spanish retreat after offloading his luxury beachside pad in Marbella for a tidy €11 million.

As the Olive Press revealed, the 68-year-old Apprentice star is currently weighing up his options on the Costa as well as looking across the pond to Florida for his next sun-kissed holiday home.

Happy birthday Penny!

SPANISH siren Penelope Cruz has been celebrating her 41st birthday in Australia with her husband Javier Bardem.

The pair were pictured in Hola magazine cavorting on the sands with their children Leo, 3, and Luna, 18 months.

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Calibre

Player goes to Playa TOWIE star Elliott Wright is set to run the £2.8 million Restaurante Mijas Playa in La Cala when he moves to Marbella.

As the Olive Press website first revealed exclusively a week ago, the father-of-two left thousands of fans – and on-off girlfriend Chloe Sims – heartbroken when he revealed on air that he was upping sticks to the Costa del Sol. Although it was originally thought that mother-of-one Sims, 33, would follow him on his business venture, she

has been acquired in a private sale from owner Sally von Meister with no agents involved.

It comes after the Sainsbury clan spent over a decade holidaying in the dreamy villa, which has amazing views across the straits of Gibraltar to Africa.

Von Meister, who had been living in the property for around 30 years and rented out the whole house in summer, confirmed the sale but did not wish to comment further.

However, walking guide and writer Guy Hunter Watts, who knows the property well, said: “The Sainsburys love the home and have been going there for a month each summer for years, so it is a great buy for them.”

MARBS BOUND: Wright has now revealed that she will stay in Essex and visit when she can.

Wright has a background in hospitality and his destination was shrouded in secrecy until he celebrated the news with Jeff Stelling in Puerto Banus’ La Sala ten days ago.

Another friend told the Olive Press: “The entire sale has been played close to the chest.

“It is a big property and has simply become a lot of hard work for Sally to look after.”

Estate agent Adam Neale of Terra Meridiana said: “It is great news for the village and for the local economy as a whole. It’s amazing to have people of that calibre buying here.”

Sainsbury, 74, was chairman of the chain between 1992 and 1998 and is worth €1.1 billion, coming in at number 1,638 on the Forbes rich list.

Also known as Lord Sainsbury of Turville, he is a married father-of-three and has been the Chancellor of Cambridge University since 2011.

4

www.theolivepress.es

NEWS IN BRIEF Near-fatal fall A 21-year-old Surrey gymnast has been paralysed after falling from an unstable hotel balcony in Barcelona.

Stranded TWO men from Malaga are trapped in a Kathmandu hotel are among the thousands stranded in Nepal after the weekend’s catastrophic earthquakes.

Taking sides BULLFIGHTING season has begun in Spain with protests from both camps. Sevilla saw animal rights protesters march while people in Catalunya fought for the right to bullfight.

Boqueria ban LARGE groups of tourists have been banned from Barcelona’s worldfamous fruit market La Boqueria during peak times, due to overcrowding.

NEWS

Vacation Fraud From Page 1 only realise it’s occurred when you get a drop in enquiries… or in our case when, luckily, a potential client about to pay the deposit called up to double check the bank details.”

She explained that the fraudsters are so good at covering their tracks they even send bogus enquiries to allay suspicions, but the names and phone numbers given turn out to be nonexistent.

Chidgey, 44, added that Owners Direct refuses to take responsibility or offer any refund.

“They promise to get back in three days if there any problems... But I haven’t heard anything in over three weeks and after three emails and two expensive phone calls to London.

“We have lost thousands this year; it’s fair to say we are cancelling our account.”

Another victim, British expat Peter McLeod who owns Finca La Guzmana, also near Ronda, has lost a series of bookings to the Owners Direct scam.

The former policeman criticised the company for allowing mass fraud to take place through its sites.

It is just as bad for the holidaymakers.

One young family from London, the Macdonalds, found themselves stranded in Marbella after paying €2,000 to rent a villa for ten days, only to discover they had been tricked.

The owner and keys were nowhere to be seen, while its website was also down.

Another British holidaymaker, Jillian Roberts was scammed out of the €4,500 that she paid for a family villa, also in Marbella, after contacting the person she assumed to be the owner through Owners Direct.

Campaigners calling for tighter security say the sites should privately hold all email addresses within their internal systems, instead of giving them out to owners.

The founder of an action group said: “They must take action and address the security loophole; change the email domain for renters’ enquiries and change the communication workflow between property owners and renters.”

HomeAway/Owners Direct failed to get back to the Olive Press despite numerous requests for a comment.

However, in the past the firm has put the blame on owner’s email accounts.

“While Owners Direct is protected through effective security systems, we have no control over the systems providers of email accounts. This is where the property owner’s email account may be compromised. Unless an owner, or an advertiser, contacts us to let us know there is a problem, we have no way to identify that a phishing incident has occurred,” a spokesman said.

April 30th - May 13th 2015

Abandoned ship

UP IN SMOKE: Spanish ferry

Rescue operation underway to save 150 people on sinking ferry en route to Valencia MORE than 150 people were forced to abandon ship on Tuesday when a ferry went up in flames en route from Mallorca to Valencia.

Miraculously all 157 passen-

By Rob Horgan gers and crew made it off the burning Acciona Transmediterranea vessel without seri-

Urgent action needed over child poverty URGENT action is needed to overcome a serious child poverty crisis in Andalucia.

Save the Children claims as many as 744,000 children are living at risk of poverty, a figure considerably higher than the official Junta estimate of 512,373.

The charity believes around one in ten minors suffers from ‘serious material deprivation’, while 18% live in homes where costs are not met.

At least 8% are subject to living in unheated homes, due to a lack of money for fuel.

This year, the Junta is set to invest €165 million into infancy-related policies including guaranteeing food, help for larger families, summer schools, and dental attention.

ous injury.

Three crew members were airlifted to hospital after inhaling smoke from the blaze but are said to be in a stable condition.

A helicopter and four lifeboats were deployed to evacuate the passengers, who were then transported back to Mallorca.

The ferry left Palma about an hour before the fire broke out, around 18 miles west of Dragonera, a small island west of Mallorca.

As the Olive Press went to print last night, the ship was still ablaze and port authorities had confirmed that it is expected to sink, with hundreds of cars on board.

The cause of fire is currently unknown but Spain’s Ministry of Tourism announced that they would be launching an investigation.

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NEWS

5

Cockfight Expats call in police after neighbours’ raucous rooster keeps them awake at night… and sometimes during the day SOME might say it serves them right for moving to the country.

But a British couple in Alhaurin el Grande have been forced to call in police after being kept awake by a neighbour’s cockerel for months on end.

Living in a pen just 30 feet from their home, the pesky rooster often starts crowing at 3am and sometimes doesn’t stop for hours at a time.

Even worse, the couple from London, who work in IT, are often tormented by the raucous rooster during the day.

Blackmail

“We have zero quality of life at the moment and are confined to keeping the doors and windows closed,” revealed the British woman, who asked not to be named for legal reasons.

“We have stressful jobs working remotely for UK companies and are getting little sleep.

EXCLUSIVE

By Iona Napier “We are now looking to sell up and move back to the UK because we cannot handle this anymore. We are simply at our wits end.”

The couple are particularly upset that their neighbours, a French couple, are apparently ‘blackmailing’ them to move the rooster further away from their house, near Lauro Golf.

“They are asking for €800 to build a new pen for it at the other end of their property. It seems like blackmail to me.”

She continued: “They actually think it’s funny and can’t understand why we have a problem, saying it was ‘our choice’ to live in the countryside.”

Funnily enough it was this view both the local police and town hall took when they attempted to take their complaint further.

Local police were unwilling to intervene and with conflicting

RELENTLESS: Dawn awakenings information coming from the Guardia Civil, the couple have been left with a bureaucratic nightmare.

The law is fraught and conflicting since owners are responsible for disturbances created by their pets and open countryside is not excluded from a 2003 noise pollution law.

However, the environmental department of Alhaurin Town Hall was less sympathetic. “The countryside is for animals, not people,” an employee told the Olive Press.

Please email newsdesk@theolivepress.es if you have had any similar problems.

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April 16th - April 30th 2015

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the olive press - April April30th 30th--May May13th 13th2015 2015

OPINION

Victory for the PP THE way the PP has wriggled out of the Barcenas fraud case scot-free is an escapist act to rival the great Harry Houdini.

Despite prosecutors confirming that the country’s ruling party used secret accounts to spend millions in undeclared money, the party has - somewhat unsurprisingly - been cleared of all tax crimes.

Instead former treasurers Luis Barcenas and Alvaro Lapuerta have been hung out to dry and must shoulder complete responsibility for the party’s misdoings.

Although the pair were no angels, they appear to have been sacrificed to save their party’s skin.

High-fives all round for Rajoy and his rabble of merry men.

Can’t be too careful

IT is certainly a bitter pill to swallow.

You are gearing up for a long-awaited holiday, desperate to touch down for a week in a dream Spanish villa.

And then reality hits: You’ve lost thousands of euros to a fraudster sat behind a computer.

The audacity of the con artists who prey on unwitting holidaymakers is difficult to take. And this scam is doubleedged, for the owners are also being cheated out of months’ worth of legitimate bookings.

The prevailing message is a simple one; you cannot be too careful.

Call the property owner before transferring any money, check the name on the bank account, check the email address contacting you, do everything you can to ensure what could be a wonderful holiday isn’t ruined by a pathetic, cowardly criminal.

Price of a life

WHEN you pack your sunscreen and towel to head off to the beach, you’re rarely considering whether you or your child will be one of Europe’s 5,000 yearly drowning fatalities.

It cannot be denied that for a handful of months each year, Spain’s beach safety is exemplary with all the lifeguards, flags, bells and whistles.

But, as the Olive Press reports this week, much of the year leaves swimmers fending for themselves.

Even though the sun shines 320 out of 365 days a year on the costas, lifeguards will be on duty for only a third of those days.

So, although the placid Mediterranean may seem calm, hardy holidaymakers should always keep their wits about them.

THE following companies are no longer allowed to do business with the Olive Press (Luke Stewart Media SL - CIF B91664029), due to long standing debts: - MWM Investments Ltd - Petersham Coins, Marbella - Investor Spain - Simple Care - Autotunes Manilva - Hotel Embrujo, Arriate

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The original and only English-language investigative newspaper in Andalucía

olive press

Tel: 951 273 575 / 665 798 618 (admin) Accounts: 658 750 424 Sales: 655 825 683

or admin@theolivepress.es or sales@theolivepress.es 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.

Tom Powell Tom@theolivepress.es Rob Horgan Rob@theolivepress.es

Iona Napier Iona@theolivepress.es Admin / Distribution / Accounts: Anna Cockell 951127006 accounts@theolivepress.es Mirian Moreno admin@theolivepress.es SALES TEAM: Stephen Shutes 671 834 479 Chris Birkett 652 512 956 Classified Sarah Adams 655 825 683 Axarquia Charlie Bamber 661 452 180 Cadiz Elizabeth Gould 683 337 342

The cost of guarding lives IT’S an old joke on the Costa del Sol that you can always tell the tourists from the locals by the clothes they wear.

Come the first rays of spring sunshine, holidaymakers are stripped almost bare, slathered in sun lotion and even braving the sea – beer bellies, goose pimples and all – while the less stoic Spanish remain wrapped up in winter clothes.

You won’t catch Jose Maria dipping so much as a toe in the water until temperatures are fry-an-egg-on-the-pavement hot.

And perhaps they are wise to be wary. For the stark truth is that Spanish beach safety laws rarely coincide with hardy holidaymakers’ off-season bathing habits, leaving many resorts with no lifeguard on duty for up

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to 10 long months of the year.

And that’s no joke when you look at the statistics.

Drowning is the third highest cause of accidental death

Rato’s rights

RIO ALEG MA

With the Costa del Sol’s 320-days-a-year of sun, are just 90 days of lifeguard duty on beaches enough? As Marbella mourns the tragic drowning of three people, Iona Napier finds some leading hoteliers unhappy with Spain’s beach safety worldwide. A shocking 5,000 under-18s lose their lives off Europe’s coasts annually, 70% of them under six years of age.

It is impossible to tally up the millions of international tourists who are enticed by Spain’s balmy climate to take the plunge, only to find themselves out of their depth with assis-

MADR

MATTE ID RS

Does disgraced economy minister have grounds for complaint?

PUBLIC fascination with the arrest of former International Monetary Fund (IMF) director Rodrigo Rato is now focused on whether his rights as a citizen were violated during the media frenzy that took place outside his home and office.

Rato, a former economy minister under Prime Minister José María Aznar, was detained after it was reported that he had received a tax amnesty on millions stashed away in overseas accounts.

Police say that he had about €27 million in a well-structured scheme of ghost companies run by his children, who later gave him back the money through other firms.

Rato, who served as deputy prime minister, was arrested at his home where police, acting on a Madrid judge’s complaint, searched the property and confiscated records, files and computers.

Hoards of the press were waiting when police arrived – obviously someone had tipped them off.

When police escorted Rato from his home to his office, the television cameras were focused on the man who once made important global financial decisions.

At one point, an officer in civilian clothes pushed Rato’s head in the car so he wouldn’t hit himself on the vehicle’s door frame – standard practice to ensure suspects do not accidentally injure themselves and blame it on the arresting officers.

Rato’s lawyers are deliberating whether to file a complaint against persons unknown for leaking the investigation to the media and detaining their client so his office could be searched.

So were Rato’s rights violated? Standard law enforcement practice may seem harsh for regular critics of the police in such cases.

If Rato sees fit, he can file a civil lawsuit. But that case would be miniscule compared to his current legal problems.

DESERTED: Marbella beach

tance nowhere to be seen.

But 700 people die from drowning each year in Spain, and a staggering 450,000 die worldwide, according to figures from the 2012 International Lifeguarding Congress.

And this month the issue has come home to roost, when the temperatures soared into the mid-twenties – summer temperatures in northern Europe – and a Turkish deaf school teacher and two of his students drowned off Marbella’s La Venus beach.

With no warning flag flying, no lifeguards on duty and no signs alerting bathers to the dangerous spring tides and local currents there was unsurprisingly a great deal of outrage.

After all, how could they - and many other swimmers - have known of the hazards.

A third student survived, thanks only to a quick-thinking British A&E nurse who was fortuitously on the beach at the time, and administered CPR. It took up to 20 minutes for an ambulance to arrive, according to British bystanders.

RESTAURANTE at

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April 30th30th - May 13th 13th 20152015 the olive press - April - May

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CAPTION: Caption here

TRAGIC: Three lives lost on Venus beach in Marbella while Benalmadena hotelier calls for better beach safety on the Costa del Sol

This tragedy, more than ever before, calls Spanish beach safety into question again.

The pointless loss of life is a harsh reminder of a huge anomaly in Spain, where lifeguards are merely ‘fair weather friends’. Remember holidaymakers (and expats alike)… they’re like sun loungers and swallows - only here for the summer.

Safety measures vary from region to region but, as a basic rule of thumb, lifeguards are on

duty along the Costa del Sol on a daily basis from around June 15 to September 15 and sometimes a lot less.

In some resorts, including Mijas and Manilva, for example, they are hired for three months of high season – just 90 days.

In Marbella and Malaga they will show a face sporadically from Easter, but cannot be relied upon on weekdays.

Meanwhile signs warning of dangers are far and few between.

We have discovered that in School is out for Spanish kids Marbella, for example, signs in mid-June and they go back to are far more focussed on their books in mid-September.

You don’t have to be Einstein boasting beach facilities.

Its two ‘most dangerous’ to see the correlation between beaches, according to the town lifeguard duty and school holihall, La Venus, where the Turks days. drowned, and El Cabopino, do Outside those dates, you swim not even hint at any danger for at your own risk.

But how risky is it? Mark bathers.

First Aid stations are under bolt Wardell, General Manager of and key and lifeguard seats one of the Costa del Sol’s biggest hotels Sunstand eerie set Beach Club, and deserted.

‘The lifeguard in BenalmadeAnd as a waitna, insisted: “We season on er ‘Mohamed’ firmly believe (pictured botthe Costa del that, considertom right), of ing the volume Sol should be Andy’s Beach of tourists, the Bar in Cabopilonger...’ lifeguard season no, claimed on the Costa del there had even been a further drowning Sol should be longer. on his beach last week too, al- “The coast desperately needs though Marbella police refused more danger warnings and signs, and to extend lifeguard to confirm or deny this.

As Francisco Bicas, Marbella’s cover. It is the off-season when head of beaches, said: “In Mar- it is most dangerous, as in bella the water is very cold so summer the sea tends to be we don’t expect the bathing pretty calm,” he continued. numbers to be high until the “Just the day before the tragedies in Marbella we had to drag summer months, anyway.”

FACTFILE: A Baywatch briefing The lowdown on local lifeguard laws

YOU’LL be more likely to spot a Baywatch babe than a lifeguard on the Costa del Sol’s beaches outside high season.

A three-month lifeguard stint during high summer is the case for most Costa resorts, including Mijas and Manilva.

In other resorts, there’s a longer safety season with lifeguards on duty from June to September. But in the vast majority of cases, they don’t clock on until June 15 and they will have vanished, along with Spanish beach-goers, by mid-September.

If you’re intrepid enough to brave the water out of season, you’re foolhardy enough to pay the price, apparently.

Lifeguards tend to work from 11am to early evening, clocking off at 7pm in Torremolinos, 7.30pm in Marbella and 8pm in Mijas Costa and Manilva.

Marcos Vazquez of Manilva Town Hall said: “In Manilva, Sabinillas has a medical service so it is one of the safest places to be, and a maximum ambulance response time of four to five minutes across the municipality.

“Last year there were two serious emergencies in the water – but that was when the red flag was up so warnings were there.”

Torremolinos – one of the Costa’s more seasoned resorts, swinging since the 1960s – goes further, offering protection from June 1 until the end of September. The team of 29 em-

ployees work from 11am-7pm daily during that period, and have an impressive record of zero deaths by drowning during 11 summers on duty.

Miguel Cabreras, head of civil protection for Torremolinos, said: “We’re really proud of the service we offer – from the furthest possible reach of Torremolinos, the ambulance response is a maximum five minutes and we have six first aid hot spots and six support vehicles as well.”

With 3,500 accidents on Torremolinos beaches last year, only 67 were serious enough to require hospital treatment, indicating high-quality on-beach assistance.

Other exceptions to the three-month rule are Malaga and Marbella, whose lifeguards work every weekend from Semana Santa, going daily from June 15 for two months.

Marbella’s lifeguards, and most others on the Costa, pack up their buoyancy aids on September 15 – the generally accepted last day of high summer – despite temperatures averaging a sizzling 26 degrees.

The teams are big – Marbella’s lifeguards number 40 people and cover 25 beaches, Malaga’s contingent of 45 look after 15, while Torremolinos has a ratio of 29 to its six beaches.

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a young man out of the water in Benalmadena – people see the waves and think it looks like fun without considering the dangerous currents.”

Year in, year out, choppy waters and strong currents claim lives. And, year on year, bereaved family members and onlookers shake their heads in despair and wonder – did this have to happen? And who is responsible?

Spain boasts 8,000km of coastline and the Costa del Sol has a 300km share. If the Spanish government is liable, the task is monumental.

The Mediterranean is famous for its mostly calm, child-friendly waters but, placid though they may seem, accidents still happen.

Along the Costa del Sol, each Town Hall is responsible for subcontracting its own lifeguards to protect swimmers in high season and, crucially, to ensure they do their job properly.

For this reason, the dates of beach vigilance vary, albeit minimally, according to where you are.

And, at the time of going to press most town halls could not confirm which lifeguard companies would be looking out for townsfolk and tourists this summer.

And the simple facts are the only time they can afford to employ lifeguards is in July and August, when there is no denying the town halls do a great job in looking after their beaches and, indeed, their bathers.

It is dur-

IN DEMAND: Lifeguards ing this time that the coloured flag system – green for ‘safe to swim’, red for ‘too dangerous to swim’, yellow for ‘exercise caution’ - is introduced and works well.

But it means that, for at least nine months of the year, warnings are either non-existent or scant at best.

With Spain rightly selling its impressive array of stunning Blue Flag beaches to the 65 million-plus tourists who will arrive on its shores this year, isn’t it time for a change?

Ultimately, bathers need to know how safe is their ‘patch’ of water, be aware of local currents and pay attention to signs, when and if they are installed.

Although it may seem that, for most of the year, it’s a case of sink or swim for hardy (or foolhardy?) holidaymakers determined to take the plunge, the tragic accidents that occasionally occur are the exception, not the rule.

Thankfully, in the majority of cases, the guy with the goose bumps and the beer belly really is waving, not drowning.

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the olive press - May 1st - May 14th 2015

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POLITICAL NEWS

May 1st - May E 14th www.theolivepress.es y e 2015

CoPP out

THE PP party is expected to be acquitted of all tax crimes in the Barcenas fraud case.

The ruling party will be let off the hook, despite prosecutors confirming that it definitively used secret accounts to spend millions of undeclared money.

Instead anti-corruption prosecutors have laid the blame squarely at the feet of former treasurers Luis Barcenas and Alvaro Lapuerta, calling for five year jail sentences for both of them.

The pre-trial report is causing controversy among opposition parties who feel the PP party hierarchy is inherently corrupt and to blame.

In a sensational investigation, leaked to national newspapers, it was revealed that both the Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and other ministers

Former government treasurers Barcenas and Lapuerta are to shoulder the blame of PP tax crimes

received regular ‘caja B’ cash payments from the treasurers.

The prosecutors reached the decision after investigating claims that the PP kept an unofficial account for illegal financing purposes between 1990 and 2008.

They also found no wrong-

THE PSOE has demanded that two ‘bent’ PP officials are removed from office with immediate effect.

Spain’s ambassador to the UK Federico Trillo and deputy minister Vicente Pujalte were paid more than €429,000 from a private construction firm specialising in public works while they were serving in Congress.

The two PP officials have admitted getting paid as consultants for Grupo Collosa, but deny any wrongdoing, claiming Congress had given them the go ahead to perform outside work.

Tax auditors have found no documents to justify the work they carried out.

PSOE lawyers have now presented Congress with an order demanding both men are dismissed.

MIXED FEELING: Barcenas and Rajoy doing when the party paid €888,000 in undeclared funds to pay for reform work at its Madrid headquarters.

A 190-page report submitted to the court last month concluded that the PP kept unofficial accounts for many years, using the undeclared money to fund election campaigns and give out secret bonuses to party officials.

Barcenas – who claims to have kept secret handwritten ledgers for his former employers – alleges that ‘everyone’ at the PP knew what was going on, including the prime minister.

His ledgers showing cash payments to various political figures were published.

A separate trial will now take place for Barcenas and Lapuerta.

See opinion on Page 6

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DESPITE ex-president of the Junta Manuel Chaves stepping down after the general election and his predecessor Grinan also resigning, Susanna Diaz is still alone at Andalucia’s helm.

The PP is still not willing to support her – and neither will Podemos or Ciudadanos leaving her in a minority government.

Juan Manuel Moreno, PP president for Andalucia, assured the public this week that his party had ‘no new reasons’ to change their stance and support Diaz.

This comes as a blow to the PSOE after initial optimism for the stability the PP may have brought to Andalucia, especially after Chaves and Grinan stepped down.

Chaves is the second ex-Junta premier to leave politics having been caught up in the ERE public money scandal, where as much as €855 millon was siphoned away.

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POLITICAL NEWS

9

LAID BARE: Alberto and Couceiro

Goose pimples and promises A PAIR of Spanish politicians have stripped off for their election campaign.

Wanting to appear more ‘transparent’ to voters, PSOE candidate in Cantabria, Luis Alberto, has bared all with just a red rose covering his privates.

Meanwhile far right-wing Party for Freedom’s

Yolanda Couceiro Morin stipped off in her bid to become mayor of Portugalete, near Bilbao.

Finally, in case you didn’t know, the trailblazer for this bizarre stunt was no less than Ciudadanos’ leader Albert Rivera.

He stripped off back in 2006 when his new party was born.

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SAVIOUR: Mayor Duarte A QUICK-THINKING mayor saved the life of a helpless Moroccan man stranded in boggy marshland in Huelva.

Juan Duarte, the mayor of San Juan del Puerto, spotted the 35-year-old stuck in the mud and fighting for his life.

Out on his morning jog, Duarte heard cries for help coming from the marshes.

He followed the man’s voice until discovering him stuck in mud, with the tide quickly rising around him.

After calming the Moroccan down, Duarte called the fire brigade and police services.

He threw fallen tree logs towards the stranded man, who used them to keep himself above the tide until the emergency services arrived.

When they got to the scene, one fireman took his own life into his hands and plunged into the water to save the man without putting on safety equipment.

Fireman confirmed that if Duarte had not noticed the man he would have probably died that day.

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10

www.theolivepress.es

GREEN NEWS

April 30th - May 13th 2015

Gain with the wind Wind farm Minister’s six-figure Swiss ‘windfall’ probed by Spanish tax authorities

A SENIOR PP politician who authorised Castilla y Leon wind farm licences was receiving Swiss payments, it

RAPID RISE TO FAME: Turtle named after Madonna

has been revealed.

Rafael Delgado Nunez, Deputy Minister for the Castilla y Leon Junta from 1995 to 2011, signed off a slew of wind farm authorisations between 2004 and 2007.

Madonna back in the groove

A TURTLE named Madonna which miraculously survived a massive oil slick off the Canary Islands has been successfully returned to the ocean after intensive rehab.

Named after the pop goddess due to the speed at which she shot to fame, the endangered Loggerhead was the first animal rescued after a Russian fishing boat sank.

Caked in oil inside and out – toxic substances reached her throat - the creature was incredibly lucky to survive. Now, like a prayer being answered, she will live to ‘die another day’.

Scientists were confident she would survive back in her natural habitat, once she had chomped down her first meal of three sardines without problem.

Floating debris, particularly petrol, is a huge danger for turtles and the Canaries are not exactly La Isla Bonita; 80 of the 150 studied

by Gran Canaria marine biologists showed traces of pollution.

By Iona Napier Spanish tax office Hacienda discovered he had received €535,721 from ‘unknown sources in Switzerland’ while investigating the Partido Popular bigwig as part of an anti-corruption probe.

Delgado was a key player in introducing wind farms to the Spanish landscape. The authorities’ suspicions were alerted when he started to splash cash around in 2005.

Mortgage

That year, he bought a house and a large garage in Comillas in Santander from Alberto Esgueva, purchasing a chalet in Valladolid from the same man in 2016.

Both men were senior political officials and Esgueva received €47.1 million from renewable energy company Iberdrola.

Meanwhile Tough Trade, another renewable energy company, paid off the €225,841 mortgage on Nunez’ Comilla house in 2008 and footed the bill for his €55,685 home renovation in Valladolid.

PLAGUE: Of Gall wasps

A lot of gall DISASTER has struck chestnut farmers in Ronda’s Genal Valley with the dreaded gall wasp infecting many crops across the region.

The presence of the insect inhibits chestnut growth and the plague could, at worst, wipe out the area’s precious €10 million crop.

This February the Olive Press investigated just how catastrophic the predicted infestation could be for the region’s livelihood.

And on April 22, the Junta met with local farmers to formulate a strategy to fight the plague which began to appear in the form of eggs this spring.

The picturesque mountain settlements of Igualeja, Parauta and Pujerra have all reported the insect – Dryocosmus kuriphilus to scientists – and it is likely to spread.

The only known solution, favoured by politicians and already being set in motion by the Junta, is to introduce the Torymus predator which hunts the insect.

Read our feature online: How a plague of wasps could ruin the Genal Valley

press - April 30th - May 13th 2015 1212the olivewww.theolivepress.es

NEWS IN BRIEF Up in arms A DEMONSTRATION took place in Gibraltar on April 25 against the British army buying weapons from private companies in countries with human rights issues.

Paving the way A £2.5 MILLION project will see pathways opened in the upper part of Gibraltar’s Nature Reserve, giving public access to previously restricted areas.

Cashing in THE world’s first superyacht casino is now in Gibraltar, with the Sunborn launching its casino in Ocean Village this week.

Police freedom THE Royal Gibraltar Police service is oddly to be granted ‘Freedom of the City’ by chief minister Fabian Picardo.

Rock and roller A 56-year-old disabled British man has conquered the Rock in his wheelchair, raising more than £10,000 for Great Ormond Street children hospital.

Gibraltar NEWS

www.theolivepress.es 12 April 30th - May 13th 2015

Seven wonders of the Rock

ON the Rock May 1 The Gibraltar Spring festival gets underway from 11am - midnight with performances from X-Factor’s Sam Bailey alongside many local artists in Casemates Square.

LET BATTLE COMMENCE: The seven contestants for Miss Gibraltar 2015 line up at a reception with Mayor Adolfo Canepa. From left to right: Jade Pau, Bianca Pisharello, Ashleen Snape, Hannah Bado, Melanie Lett, Adrienne Rumbo, Natalia Nunez

Subbed

May 7-9 ON THE MOVE?: Trident has been linked with Gibraltar

The national dance competition at John Mackintosh Hall will double up as a qualifier to be part of the 2015 Gibraltar National Dance Team. Tickets available at the theatre.

Senior military source reveals that the UK government are lining Gibraltar up as its new nuclear submarine base

By Rob Horgan GIBRALTAR could be on a collision course with Spain, if the UK government decides to switch its nuclear submarine base to the Rock.

It comes as the Scottish National Party (SNP) insists that it wants all Trident submarines out of Scottish waters.

SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon wants to rid Scotland of its Trident base, on the Clyde, despite both the Conservatives and Labour party disagreeing.

Such is the strength of feeling in Scotland though that the British government is now fishing around for alternative sites, with Gibraltar being the most popular choice.

While the Ministry of Defence

(MoD) officially denied to the Olive Press that there was any truth to the story, a senior military source told a Sunday newspaper that Gibraltar was being lined up as an alternative base if it needed to relocate.

“A party was sent to Gibraltar in January to determine whether the option could work. One can only assume it’s part of broader contingency planning,” the ­ source revealed.

The territory has regularly played host to the fleet of four submarines, while on missions around the world.

Chief Minister Fabian Picardo confirmed that they had the facilities available, having been visited by submarines

May 19

from the UK and the USA in the past.

They have occasionally been moored on the Rock for weeks or more and have undertaken

The Gibraltar Philharmonic Society presents ‘A Celebration of Opera’ at St Michael’s Cave at 8pm.

Tickets are £20 and can be bought over the phone on 200 721 34

repairs there.

Moving the nuclear deterrent to Gibraltar would cost £3 billion and take a decade to complete.

Red card for match fixers GIBRALTAR football teams are at ‘grave risk’ of becoming a ‘breeding ground for criminals’ according to industry experts.

The British enclave has attracted the attention of match fixing officials after move than €4 million was gambled on matches last year.

Betting industry experts are now predicting that the figure will multiply by 30 times in the near future as the Gibraltar FA continues its development after the national team was

granted UEFA status.

“Gibraltar is at grave risk of match fixing,” said Louis Wink, GFA security and integrity officer.

“In one year we have seen over €4 million bet on the Gibraltar First Division and cup matches. It could be a breeding ground for criminals.”

The GFA itself is running community workshops for local players and officials.

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AXARQUIA

Bobby bounces Search is on for former Torrox police chief on the run from the law

By Rob Horgan THE ex-police chief of Torrox, Jose Roque, has gone AWOL after receiving a three year prison sentence for forgery.

Roque, who served as the head of the local force for 12 years, was handed the sentence for forging the mayor’s signature in 2007.

He has not been seen since April 7, when he took off with his staff mobile phone and gun.

Police officials were set to present Roque with his official dismissal and prison order on April 8 but found his Velez-Malaga home empty.

He was found guilty of falsifying former mayor Toni Claros’ signature for the benefit of personal friend Monica Martinez.

The decision to imprison Roque was made on March 31.

UPLB-Andalucia union rep-

13

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April press 16th --April 30th 2015 the olive April 30th - May 13th 2015

NEWS IN BRIEF Wacky racer A 51-year-old Nerja man chased - and caught - a car thief all the way to Malaga, after his vehicle was stolen outside his brother’s home.

Vuelta vocals EDURNE, Spain’s 2015 Eurovision representative, was in Nerja in April to film the official advert for the Vuelta a Espana bicycle race.

Mapped out A BRAND new tourist map for Frigiliana is now freely available at the town’s Tourist Information Centre.

Case continues

ON THE RUN: Roque

13

THE Investigation continues into the death of a three-year-old boy who was found dead in a reservoir in February, with two witnesses speaking in court.

resentative Pablo Escobar has questioned why it took a further eight days to issue the order.

“What a curious thing to make the decision on one day and then not issue it until a week later,” he said.

“Why was he not notified on the 31st, or on the next working day, which would have been the 6th?”

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ABANDONED: Oil search

Oil over

A SEARCH for oil off the Axarquia coastline has been scrapped to the relief of residents.

CNWL Oil Espana has abandoned the project to investigate the existence of pockets of gas under the Alboran Sea between Velez-Malaga and Almeria.

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism approved its decision to pull out of the Chinook A - D explorations.

The project, launched in 2010, used sound waves to locate possible oil reserves and had already been delayed over the granting of permits because of environmental risk.

Goldfingered THE Midas of Rincon de la Victoria has been caught.

A 20-year-old from La Cala del Moral was arrested for painting items of street furniture gold after a manhunt was launched for him.

But now the town halls of Rincon and Malaga are at loggerheads over his punishment.

While Malaga insists the young man should be fined up to €3,000, Rincon Mayor Francisco Salado has called for a pardon on the case.

In fact, the mayor has decided not to remove the items of gold-painted furniture as they have ‘already become part of the town’s history’.

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THE OLIVE PRESS – 344mm x 126mm

29th April

14

M

la cultura what’s on

alaga, until July 17 Urban Art exhibition is to be held at Sala Unicaja de Exposiciones Siglo in Plaza del Siglo from 5-8pm. A selection of street artists’ graphics will be displayed in collaboration with Vans and Staf magazine. Works

by Neckface, Tim Biskup, Tristan Eaton, Ddarko, Faith 47, Invader and Obey.

E

stepona, May 8 The first singles party at Mahiky Cocktail Bar on Plaza Ortiz is set for 9pm. Singles, Spanish and foreigners are all welcome and in for a chance of winning prizes such as spa massages, hair treatments, dinner for two or tickets to see Atletico Madrid

14 14

www.theolivepress.es April 30th - May 13th 2015 ROYAL ROMPER: King Juan with wife Sofia and (inset) his lover Sayn-Wittgenstein

T

he Axarquia, May 11 from 8am Lux Mundi coach excursion to Alcala la Real. Visit to Bodega Marcelino Serrano with wine tasting and free time to explore.

Tickets €28. For more information call 952 543 334 or email luxmundi@luxmundi.org

B

enalmadena, May 17 from 9.30am Cudeca Cancer Care Hospice 13th Walkathon starting at the Sunset Beach Club Hotel. Choose from three routes (2, 5 and 10 km). Registration at charity shops, the hospice or www.cudeca-eventos.org.

Tickets: kids €6, adults from €10 and family €20

King Juan Casanova FORMER King Juan Carlos had a 10-year affair with a German aristocrat, according to a revealing new exposé on the monarch’s double life.

More than 25,000 copies of Ana Romero’s book, Final de Partida (End Game) flew off the shelves on its first day of sale.

Romero explains how the ex-king was involved in a

romantic relationship with German aristocrat Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein for the last decade of his rule before he abdicated last June.

Romero also states how Juan Carlos had wanted to divorce his wife Sofia ‘for a long time’.

“They were a couple pure and simple,” she says.

But she adds: “The double life which Juan Carlos led over a

Rooms with views THINK paintbrushes, easels and breathtaking views as Gaucin’s artists fling their studio doors wide open to the public.

This year’s Art Gaucin Open Studios event is displaying a broad selection of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, lithographs, etchings and photographs.

Running for over a decade now, the event takes places over two long weekends: May 22-24 and May 29-31 has showcased well-known artists such as Bayard Osborn and Brenda Hartill in the past.

Every year, the Spanish and foreign artists of Gaucin open their studios, homes and gardens to the public creating a unique opportunity to meet and learn from them and their work.

The various exhibitions will be dotted around the typical white Andalucian town’s streets like a cultural treasure hunt with plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy, not to mention stunning views to Morocco and Gibraltar.

Artists include Jim Rattenbury, Michael Roschlau, Joseba S. Zabaleta, Vanessa Wilson Victoria Orr-Ewing, Paddy Robinson, Tim Parry, Sue Callister, Emma Cornish and many more.

For more details and a map of the village, visit artgaucin.com

Spain’s exmonarch ‘outed’ for secret love affair in a revealing new best-seller long period of time was not a double life that has gone well.”

Romero, a former royal correspondent for El Mundo, claims the pair met in 2004 and that their relationship came to an end shortly after he stood down as king.

Sayn-Wittgenstein is 28 years younger than Juan Carlos and the ex-wife of a German prince.

Juan Carlos gained a reputation for being a womaniser during his rule and was regularly linked to affairs.

At one point, the British press even speculated that he may have had an affair with Princess Diana.

Artists revealed THE identity of the mystery Casares painter can be revealed.

Not a Banksy after all, the inspiring artwork on an abandoned farmhouse between Casares and Gaucin was created by German art circle Innerfields.

Last issue, sharp-eyed Olive Press reader and artist Jane Jewson, 55, spotted the evocative image and raised the question “Is this a Banksy?”

The political undertones – of the soldiers bearing numbers 09 and 11 – certainly pointed to the Bristol-based artist.

But the true artists got in touch with the Olive Press to lay claim to their work.

“We did this work together,” Innerfields’ Jakob Bardou told the Olive Press. “We love remote places and the idea was to find a location which could be anywhere in the world.

“The piece is called ‘Abseits’, which means ‘offside’ in English.

“It relates to the game of war and football. A game without a winner.”

Bardou confirmed that the mural is the first Innerfields piece in Spain.

ARTISTS: Innerfields

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April 30th - May 13th 2015

Benidormania!

Package holiday resort bids for Unesco world heritage status alongside Stonehenge and the Taj Mahal

IT’S not the first destination that springs to mind in terms of global cultural attractions.

But Benidorm, the package holiday Mecca famous for a lowbrow British TV sitcom and adult entertainer Sticky Vicky is bidding for Unesco World Heritage status.

However, the brash British holiday playground is not getting ideas above its station, say those pushing for its membership to the world’s most exclusive culture club.

WORLD WONDERS: Benidorm to join Stonehenge and Taj mahal (inset) while the show’s star Jonny Vegas (above)

By Tom Powell They believe the high rise holiday resort dating from the 1960s deserves the same recognition as other ‘world wonders’ like Stonehenge, the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China.

Sociology professor Mario Gaviria, the force behind the application, argues that Benidorm should be praised for being one of the few places where beach holidays are accessible for all.

“During the past 50 years, some 250 million visitors have enjoyed Benidorm. It’s a symbol of harmonious coexistence that happily brings together people of all nationalities and languages,” he said.

Spain already boasts more than 40 Unesco world heritage sites, including Granada’s Alhambra Palace and Donana National Park in Huelva.

Benidorm officials said the mass-market resort was applying in order to reinvent its own image.

“It’s the most sustainable and best-designed city of the Mediterranean,” said Mayor Agustín Navarro. “We want to protect all that we’ve achieved during the recent decades as well as give it dignity and value.”

The application could take six years for Benidorm to be on the list.

MAKING HISTORY: Sir Raymond

Historian dies RENOWNED Hispanist and historian Sir Raymond Carr has died aged 96.

Failure to launch ONE THIRD of Spain’s chicos and chicas won’t fly the parental nest until the age of 34.

Eurostat’s latest figures reveal that the average age for Spanish not-so-youngsters to leave home for the first time is 28.9 years.

That’s way behind the EU average of 26.1 years.

A massive 34% of Spanish 25-34 year olds admit they are ‘not at all independent’, while 20.9% live with Mum and Dad as couples with children, and 25.5% without.

Swedish youngsters are the fledgling trailblazers moving out at just 19.6 years, while the Greeks and Portuguese are more in line with the Spanish.

His death was confirmed by colleague and fellow Brit, Paul Preston in Barcelona.

Born in Bath, Carr wrote many historical works, including the seminal ‘Spain 1808-1939’.

Published in 1966, the book went on to establish the basis for modern historical study of Spain.

Knighted

Carr received the Prince of Asturias award in 1999 in recognition of his work in Spanish history.

Also a distinguished Latin American historian, Carr was knighted by Queen Elizabeth.

In one of his last public appearances in London three years ago, Carr received the Banco Santander Foundation Award for HispanoBritish relations to thank him for his role in bringing the two countries together through the study of Spanish history.

Bienvenidos al Hotel Hacienda Puerta del Sol, una experiencia única, un mundo aparte que les ofrece las comodidades que espera de un pequeño gran hotel Welcome to the Hotel Hacienda Puerta del Sol, a unique experience, a world apart that offers the a menities you expect from a small grand hotel

Ctra. Fuengirola-Mijas, Km. 4 Mijas (Málaga) Tel. 952 48 64 00 reservas@hhpuertadelsol.es www.hhpuertadelsol.es

16 16

LETTERS

the olive press - April 30th - May 13th 2015

POTTED POINTERS ANDALUCIA RESERVOIR LEVELS This week: 81.12% Same week last year: 83.90% Same week in 2005: 63.14% AIRPORTS Gibraltar 00350 22073026 Granada-Jaen 958 245 200 Jerez - 956 150 000 Malaga - 952 048 844* *For English press 9 Sevilla - 954 449 000 EMERGENCIES Police 091 Guardia Civil 062 Medical service 061 Fire 080 EURO EXCHANGE RATES 1 euro is worth 1.10 American dollars 0.72 British pounds 1.32 Canadian dollars 7.46 Danish kroner 8.50 H Kong dollars 8.39 Norwegian kroner 1.45 Singapore dollars

Early days great progress Dear OP, ON behalf of Salarte I would like to thank the Olive Press team for the article on La Covacha (issue 211, A battle for nature).

We are still in the early days of the project, but we feel great progress has been made in the last few months.

The crowdfunding initiative was more successful than we could have imagined.

We now have a landing jetty and viewing platform for visitors to the saltpan. We plan to host an event in the coming weeks to hand out ‘rewards’ to the people for their contributions and will start the trips to the island in May. Things are also looking particularly good for the spoonbill colony, with record numbers breeding here this year.

Hopefully, we can soon report that ospreys are once again breeding in the Bay of Cadiz and using the brand new nesting platforms.

Deborah Powell, Cadiz

Not our problem IT is such a shame that the BBC seems to want to bash those of us that chose to live here in Spain (Mockumentary, issue 211) and heaven forbid that we should want to work. As someone who works

here, pays into the system and who wishes to integrate into the Spanish culture, programmes like this make it appear that we are something that most of us are not.

Having seen the style of television programmes that are being churned out as quality viewing, I for one would not participate in having my business ruined and dragged through the dirt just to make some producer somewhere who clearly hates expats and all they stand for feel vindicated for whatever their problem was.

Jayne Gorman, Campillos

TV trouble MY partner and myself hope to be moving to Malaga in September and we were wondering if you can subscribe to Sky television there? I have read so much about it and I have been left totally confused! The thought of having to miss my soaps is almost unthinkable. I hope someone can give me some reliable information to help me out.

Sue Stephenson, UK

www.theolivepress.es

Deciphering the crime code e until the end’ ‘Happy and fre died of a teenager who near river, THE expat mother on the Guadiaro while kayaking a moving tribute.

Cortes, has issued that son Joshua (right), 16, Sarah Oker wrote and was ‘happy and free unlived for the river ts’. til his last momen day he died he ran down She continued: “The ely excited to go down to the mountain extrem out the kayak. the river and try

Guardia Civil release images of burglars’ secret symbolsts to help residen s battle break-in

Ibex guarantees to beat your renewal quote*

THIS so-called Burglar’s code (‘Cracking the crime code’, issue 211) is absolute rubbish. As if thieves are interested in the welfare and results of other thieves!

It is an alarmist urban myth that does not deserve more publicity.

Laurence Well, Albox

Mike Noble, Coin

Elle Draper, Almeria

2007, in Portugal’s Albufeira area of the Algarve, and you reported quite a bit on it at the time.

The bottom line is that we are now eight years down the tracks, there have been millions of words written and published about this case, yet still it is not solved. There has been apparently no trace of the disappeared four-year old Madeleine, nor any ransom demand made, all of which sounds highly unusual. So I am wondering what your current thoughts are on this most troublesome affair? Has the world just given up trying to work it out?

Wrong Bryan

Underwritten at Lloyd’s of London Up to 65% no claims discount Pay in three installments Comprehensive, third party, fire & theft or third party only options Competitive pricing and efficient claims service

EXCLUSIVE

By Rob Horgan ll

5

I AM a member of a walking/running organisation that uses some of these codes to mark a trail!

The Hash House harriers was founded in 1938 and is part of a worldwide organisation which uses international symbols and I don’t think any of us are burglars.

The markings are made by ‘Hares’ before the run so that the runners and walkers know which way to go.

The way marks are made in chalk, flour or salt usually and personally I have used the plain circle and the circle with a cross through it.

These are usually placed on the ground, although if we are running through a residential area then of course sometimes they will be outside houses.

I’ve never seen them put on walls, but that may vary regionally.

ED: We will continue to investigate when new leads come to light

• • • • •

Cracking the crime code

30th 2015

IT’S not rubbish at all. Alhaurin Golf has had lots of burglaries, almost every second villa between the two roads by the course has been targeted. They all have wrecker bars, shutters, alarms, video cameras, large guard dogs and most have been or are for sale as a result. A couple have even had gas pumped in from cylinders under shutters intended to knock them out before being robbed. These criminals put the symbols on pavements outside the properties, while guys with binoculars have been caught by Guardia up in the hills behind watching residents. Voltarado has also had lots of burglaries and the same signs were marked outside properties there.

It is nothing to do with the welfare of other thieves, they work in gangs and mark for other members later on.

Sincerely, Tony Johnson

Ibex driving down the cost of car insurance

to have him where he went “The river was for it and I have lots of hapfun, he grew up with there. free unpy memories of him have felt happy and “I know he would ts, and this gives me great til his last momen able to comfort.” had recently been and alShe added that he ty’ of a first love . ‘experience the intensi with ‘muchas ganas’ ways lived his life

a cryptic and Tom Powe BURGLARS are using criminals code to help fellowdefenceless ge support target wealthy and English langua released a homeowners. group, has now commonly s indicate The secret symbol rich pickchart of the most to help resiwhether a home offers found symbols been burgled ahead. ings, has already dents stay one step If we’re occuis ingly, or, more disturb female.

“Knowledge is power. ing we can pied by a vulnerable aware of it happen been any Porter English expat Debbie see if there havearea and we Press afcontacted the Olive markings burglaries in the to gather ter she discovered analyse the data can home. spokesman on her Sabinillas a man writintelligence,” saids.

“A neighbour saw outside our Francisco Morale to alarm ing on the wall “We do not want them.” age house,” she said.he had heard rs’ secret langu people, only informying prime For the burgla identif OUT: as H “He told us that well As for a WATC t code attemp code also that it was a secret worry that they willare in.” property, the secret from he thought n while we burglars away burglars and that made a as I did. is even break-i nothing the Guardia warns the house has been She added: “Whatme is that After reporting to advised to homes which have too risky are Porter was worrying for target. worth stealing or gs. the house Civil, a little wor- more “We have been on edge. For the ‘X’ marking on is vacant, paint over the markin a Civil’s to break into. the Guardi that it ried and feeling I have indicates clearly isn’t, but I The N332, since time it the first feel as safe which lived here I don’t

Given up I AM contacting the Olive Press because I understand that you were quickly on the scene of the Madeleine McCann disappearance in May

April 16th - April

5

NEWS

es www.theolivepress.

I AM writing to bring to your attention that my name has been used incorrectly in an

article in the Olive Press, (Black Monday, issue 210).

My name was published as the manager of my restaurant alongside a quote, as though I had been interviewed by your newspaper. I am actually the owner.

The person you interviewed was Bryan Lewis, the manager of the restaurant.

I would like to make it clear that at no time the owner of Paparazzi cafe restaurant, Bryan Zammit, was interviewed on this subject.

Bryan Zammit, Gibraltar

No surprise THE sad reality of the Jubb’s B&B is that it comes as no surprise (Heartbreak hotel, issue 211).

The residents of Jimena have had to put up with a government that picks and chooses when to implement the law and when to turn a blind eye.

People’s livelihoods are ruined in the blink of an eye.

Several people have had their properties reclaimed, their businesses shut down and their lives left in tatters over the last few years.

I feel sorry for the Jubbs but I am convinced that we will continue to hear endless stories along the same lines while this government are in power.

Karl Darlow, Sotogrande

Working well I PERSONALLY do not understand the problem with the ‘Caravans of Women’ scheme (Women on wheels, issue 211), where single women are driven to meet men in the country’s most rural areas. It is a perfectly sensible idea that has worked well for decades, helping couples meet in a safe and friendly way.

Michael Hector, Nerja

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.

CROSSMOT 56 Across

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Estepona

Fuengirola

estepona@ibexinsure.com

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orremolinos

Issue 212 www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - April 30th - May 13th 2015

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From Moorish invaders to Buddhists and from dolphins to its own ‘Guiri Army’, Benalmadena is the quintessential good time had by all, writes Tom Powell

TRILOGY OF THRILLS: A castle, an underwater adventure and a Buddhist temple make Benalmadena special, while Torremolinos is the heart of the Costa del Sol revolution

Where magic is made

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N Benalmadena, being a ‘guiri’ has taken on a whole new meaning.

The derogatory term for foreigners has been turned on its head by the legendary ‘Guiri Army’, Malaga FC’s die-hard British expat fan group.

As a prelude to every home game, this motley crew gathers in the seaside resort before heading off to Malaga on their personalised bus to cheer on the Spanish football team they have made their own.

This is not the behaviour of your average British guiri, more likely to be seen sporting flip flops and Union Jack shorts and checking the Premiership scores on his iPhone.

These are the actions of integrated expats who have become a part of local Spanish society… and don’t they just love it!

That’s Benalmadena all over, a cosmopolitan triple decker sandwich of a town which welcomes Arroyo de Miel and its buzzing Benalmadena Costa into its warm municipal embrace.

All this rolled into one, means one key thing: there really is something for everyone. And guiris especially, as the Moors discovered when they invaded the Iberian Peninsula centuries ago, bring huge prosperity to the pueblo in the hills where Benalmadena’s Continues on Page 18

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Guiris’ paradise

From Page 17

story began. The Muslims helped develop agriculture, introducing sugar cane, figs, grapes and mulberry trees from the East during the 11th century, when the local population was concentrated within the pretty walled town.

But that’s another story. My own journey began above the pueblo, with the monument that you can’t help but notice every time you drive along the A7 coast road: the Stupa.

Looming above the sprawling town, this striking Buddhist temple was built 12 years ago, a reminder of Benalmadena’s multicultural nature.

The final project of Buddhist master Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche (another guiri), it was inaugurated in October 2003.

At 33 metres tall, the Stupa is the largest of its kind in Europe and the peace and harmony it promotes is enhanced by the panoramic views of glistening Mediterranean waters lapping against the shores below.

Sugarcube

VILLAGE LIFE: Benalmadena Pueblo is as pretty as any in Andalucia

And if the temple leaves you feeling a tad too mellow, the Mariposario, or butterfly park, across the road will soon have you all-of-a-flutter.

More than 1,500 exotic butterflies dwell within the walls of this Thai temple-cum-tropical paradise, flitting nonchalantly between waterfalls and windows, flowers and foliage.

But don’t linger too long, as there are other worlds to explore below, not least a pueblo to rival any in Andalucia with its enchanting, sugarcube houses and flower-filled streets.

Standing 280 metres above sea level, Benalmadena Pueblo’s tranquil exterior – clustered around Plaza de Espana – hides an attractive little village replete with great-value tapas bars and picturesque squares.

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the olive press - May 1st - May 14th 2015 LAND OF ADVENTURE: Bil Bil castle on the coast, a quirky statue and (inset) the cablecar to the mountain top and a bizarre roundabout decoration

But the highlight of any trip up to the village has to be the wonderfully bizarre castle, built just 22 years ago in honour of Christopher Columbus and the New World explorers.

Castillo de Colomares (pictured, page 17) would be at home in Disneyland with its fairytale turrets, but it was here that Doctor Esteban Martin, a talented amateur architect, erected his masterpiece.

A flight of Gothic, Byzantine, Romanesque and Mudejar fantasy, whose ornate towers and spires rise skyward like an illustration from a Grimms’ fairy tale, the castle took seven years and many millions of pesetas to build.

A replica of one of Columbus’ ships – the bow of the Pinta, jutting surreally from the walls – hints at the real reason for the existence of this curiosity.

its endless gardens (all 20,000 square-metres of them) and scenic swan lakes which are home to many other visiting bird species.

An oasis at the centre of the metropolis, the park is a favourite with joggers and those who need to retreat a while from the racy pace of the paseo, Benalmadena’s bar-lined seafront.

If you’ve got this far, it’s definitely time for lunch. And for good food, great beaches and a buzzing atmosphere, the 2km seafront is right where it’s at.

From Benal Beach to the port, an eclectic range of bars, restaurants, cafes and shops compete for your attention. With a coastline spanning almost 10km, there’s a playa made to

measure for you and your family, whether you prefer quiet coves, sporty beaches, somewhere close to a chilled beer or even if you like to get naked on the naturist ‘strip’!

Me? I prefer the one near the Arabic-style Bil Bil castle, its red walls flanked by cool fountains shimmering in the sun’s rays. Built by a Frenchwoman in the 1930s, today it’s the picturesque setting for concerts, exhibitions and weddings.

One place that is always busy is Minigolf Benalmadena, where manager Mark Tyndale, 28, is constantly on hand. “I love Benalmadena because it is so friendly,” he says. “I’ve always lived here and it really feels like home.”

Where you’ll be rewarded with more than just spectacular views It was inaugurated in 1992 by the last descendant of Columbus, with a mass held by a priest from Palos de la Frontera in Cadiz province, the port from which Columbus set sail.

Heading down from here, you arrive in Arroyo de Miel, a very different proposition where the action really starts to get going.

A town in its own right, Arroyo boasts the coast’s number one amusement park, Tivoli World, with some 40 rides and a whole variety of shows. Tivoli is one of the highlights of any trip to Benalmadena, whether the parents like it or not!

Unless they suffer from vertigo, they’ll definitely prefer Benalmadena’s most iconic tourist attraction, one that can be seen from miles around.

The Teleferico cable car ferries hundreds of people each day over the A7 and up to the peak of Mount Calamorro, where you’ll be rewarded with more than just spectacular views.

Various shows take place at the summit throughout the afternoon, including galloping horses and falconry displays.

It’s fair to say that if you try out everything Arroyo has to offer, it will be days before you even make it down to breezy Benalmadena Costa.

This is the beating heart of the town, blossoming out from big beautiful La Paloma Park with

CHARMING: The pueblo

Back from the beach, Calle Bonanza is the social hub. It’s here, in the Lounge Bar, that the Guiri Army congregates to practice their chanting in sup-

After dark, a myriad of lights twinkle along the waterfront port of Malaga FC. While, for the young and hip (but maybe not the parents), there is nowhere better than neighbouring Ibensa Square to spend a

sunny afternoon with friends in one of the many vibrant bars.

But the jewel in Benalmadena’s crown is, undoubtedly, Puerto Marina. There are many reasons why it has won the ‘Best Marina in the World’ award more than once.

Distinctive for its Moorishstyle architecture, its minaretshaped domes are so like swirls of Mr Whippy ice cream, they cry out to be topped with a Cadbury’s Flake.

The serried ranks of designer boutiques, bars and restaurants cluster around artificial islands of apartments reached by oriental bridges and there’s always an upbeat vibe.

By day the marina touts many tempting watersport options, from scuba diving to water skiing, dolphin cruises and glass bottom boat trips.

The restaurants in the port do a roaring trade day and night and you’ll find some of the best places to eat fish here.

After dark, when a myriad of lights twinkle along the waterfront, and the trendy outdoor disco pubs pump up the volume, the port really struts its stuff.

The parents might not like that either but order them up another cocktail and they’ll soon be dancing the night away ’til dawn.

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Nine-hole golf course designed in detail, in a unique enclave and with the best views The perfect place to play golf and practice your short game

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Carretera de Arroyo de la Miel a Benalmádena pueblo s/n 29690 - Benalmádena (Málaga)

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ENALMADENA is blessed with six of the best golf courses on the coast.

The balmy temperature, great transport links and beautiful scenery make the surrounding area perfect for a round of golf.

It even boasts one of the grand dames of the Spanish game, Torrequebrada, which opened way back in 1976.

A more recent star of the show is Benalmadena Golf, which teed off 10 years ago, but has matured into a wonderful course for beginners and experienced golfers alike.

Professional

t: 902 102 676 m: 637 504 858 info@benalmadenagolf.com www.benalmadenagolf.com

enalmadena and

In the swing

The 9-hole pitch and putt course, embellished with lakes and waterfalls, also offers one of Benalmadena’s top-quality restaurants, Baboo, with its hip outdoor ter-

the best pitch & putt on the Costa del Sol!

www.theolivepress.es orremolinos

Benalmadena offers a lot for golf lovers, writes Tom Powell

PERFECT SETTING: The course at Benalmadena Golf

races and creative international menu.

The Benalmadena Golf president explains: “Our course is brilliant for families and complete novices as well as experienced golfers who want a quick game.

“It is easily accessible from the main road with 150 park-

ing spaces.

“We are also very proud of our excellent golf school with three professional teachers and floodlit practice area.

“And after a class or a round of golf, Baboo restaurant is the perfect place to relax with a drink or meal and enjoy the sea views.”

www.theolivepress.es

the olive press - April 30th - May 13th 2015

Wet and wild!

S

EALIFE has been wowing visitors with its mesmerising marine life for two decades and the marina-based expo of ocean oddities is still growing.

The best walk-through underwater park on the Costa del Sol, it is the stand-out attraction in Benalmadena’s incredible range of wildlife wonders.

An entry ticket takes visitors on a spectacular stroll along the seabed - no oxygen tanks required - to view aquatic species from the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans as well as the Red Sea. It is a fascinating voyage of discovery through the habitats of starfish, stingrays, seahorses and many other exotic species.

Selwo Marina is another of Benalmadena’s magical marine attractions, home to dolphins, sea lions, penguins, turtles,

the olive press - May 1st - May 14th 2015 OCEAN ADVENTURE: Benalmadena’s Sealife is a tunnel of fun, while (inset) dolphins at Selwo

Sealife turns 20 this year as Benalmadena continues to make an almighty splash with its attractions

piranhas and tortoises as well as parrots, reptiles, scary tarantulas and other terrestrial creatures.

Visitors can swim with the sea lions, alive with dolphins, explore a forest of squirrel monkeys, or sit back and enjoy a display of exotic birds from around the world.

If you like crocs, meanwhile, head over to the Crocodile Park, where there are over 200 of them, including Big Daddy; weighing in at a terrify-

ing 600kg; the largest croc in Europe.

Benalmadena’s unexpected menagerie is completed by the Butterfly Park, up by the Buddhist Stupa, while in Parque de La Paloma, you will find ostriches, turtles, goats, brightly-

PROUD: Garcia values Benalmadena’s 30% expat population very highly

Mother on a mission The Olive Press meets mum-of-two Paloma Garcia Galvez, Benalmadena’s PP mayor, who is dreaming big for the town’s future

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NEW theatre, a new train station and a €15 million access project for Arroyo de la Miel… these are just three of the exciting projects planned for Benalmadena this year.

“There’s a lot on our plate,” explains mayor Paloma Garcia Galvez, who is keeping her fingers crossed for a successful reelection campaign in the local elections next month.

“We’re planning to remodel the Paseo Maritimo in Torrequebrada, reform Plaza Ole, and do a lot lot more,” she adds.

It’s certainly been an exciting couple of years since the Madrid mother-of-two was elected as mayor of the town, after a vote of no-confidence for the previous mayor.

Teetotal and committed to the town, Garcia moved to Benalmadena as a child in the 1970s from the capital when her father got a job at Torrequebrada casino.

Now, after a career in law, she has come back full circle to serve her town.

And it is fair to say that Benalmadena has evolved staggeringly fast over the last decade, from a quiet village to a bustling

tourist hotspot.

Garcia really believes in the riches of Benalmadena, insisting it offers the best concentration of attractions and entertainment for families in southern Europe.

From considerably reducing the town hall’s debt to implementing a new NIE and DNI office, the latest plan she has brought in is to benefit dozens of struggling businesses.

On top of this, a separate employment strategy is set to help around 400 local families.

Above all she really values her expats, speaking good English herself having studied in the UK and also sending her two children to bilingual schools.

“Our expat population is incredibly important, 123 different nationalities make up over 30% of the population and this diversity makes us so much richer,” she says.

Garcia continues: “I would urge anyone who hasn’t signed onto the Padron to do so as it has so many benefits. And for non-residents – just come and see our marvellous town as we’ll welcome you with open arms.”

plumed peacocks and all kinds of birds and waterfowl strolling around.

A journey to the top of the world IT is a journey that will never be forgotten... and on a clear day you can see Africa from the top of the Teleferico in Benalmadena.

The 800 metre ride from Arroyo de la Miel lasts 15 minutes, taking visitors up to the top of Mount Calamorro in the Sierra de Mijas - the highest part of Benalmadena - to a spot offering spectacular views of the town, the coast and beyond.

Opened in 2000, the Teleferico has become one of the main attractions in the town.

There are three kilometres of well-signposted hiking trails, leaving from the top, and arriving at various viewpoints.

It is also possible to spot hawks, eagles and vultures from the peak.

The cable car runs from 11am to 7pm throughout May and June, though it is closed in high winds.

It is open for longer in the spring and summer.

DON’T LOOK DOWN: Cabe car

OPEN WIDE: Croc park

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HAPPY: Some of the successful Sunset Beach team

Swingin’ and winnin’

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T is 1.30am in the wee hours of Tuesday morning when I creep down to Sunset Beach Hotel’s Moonlight show bar expecting to find everyone asleep and the cleaner doing a whirl.

It is early April, after all, and the season is not yet in full swing.

However waltzing (and whirling, for that matter) is much more the operative word here, as the place turns out to be packed, mostly with a group, 100-strong of jivers.

They are spinning around the dancefloor and having a whale of a time... and like a lot about Sunset Beach, it is infectious.

Without a doubt, one of the true success stories of the recession on the Costa del Sol, the Benalmadena Costa hotel is buzzing.

Occupation is up yet again this year (having seen a six per cent rise last year) and this institution is catering for 1,900 guests in peak season – and rarely under 1,000 at any time of the year.

And is it any wonder, with the amount of facilities and activities on offer, including aerobics, cookery and Spanish classes all year round, not to mention billiards, live music and power walking. And then come the weddings, with

around two dozen in September alone.

“We get over 80 a year and starting at €5,400 (40 guests) we think that is terrific value,” explains manager Mark Wardell.

It doesn’t seem much. But, of course, by the time you have factored in the guests rooms, their meals and mini-bar tabs (the majority are Irish, after all), it becomes a profitable business for the hotel.

Sitting on a fantastic headland next to two lovely beaches, it is perhaps no surprise that Sunset has continued to grow for the last seven years.

An incredibly well-run ship, the hotel - one of the biggest on the Costa del Sol - consistently delivers to

With an incredible range of facilities, activities, dance groups and shows, it is no surprise that Sunset Beach Club is one of the Costa del Sol’s most successful hotels, writes Jon Clarke holidaymakers from all around the world.... over 50 different nationalities this year so far!

And it definitely does not scrimp on food, entertainment – or indeed on its fantastic rooms – having spent a whopping €22m upgrading its facilities since the Millenium.

Without a doubt the price/ quality level is one of the best in Spain and the food in all three restaurants is excellent.

Locals rave about the live concerts which are free to expats, as well as the fantastic pool and playground area for kids.

But there is so much more, when you factor in the supermarket, a hairdresser and nails specialist, not to mention numerous trips, events and classes.

“This is one of the best places to take the kids for a weekend as you will literally not get bothered at all. There is so much for them to do,” said one local expat.

I was particularly impressed with the excellent Boyd’s Gym, owned by a local brother and sister team, which has been running for two decades and has loads of train-

ing courses, zumba, cardio combat... and even an osteopath and masseur on hand to pamper your every need!

There is a Padi dive school by the pool, where you can learn how to dive in a great value day’s beginners course, which ends up looking at fish around the nearby rocky headland.

“My ideal guest never leaves the premises and is never in need of anything,” explains Dubliner Wardell. “Security and safety would always be our number one priority but on a day to day basis from the moment the cleaning team moves in at 2am to the last bar closing at 4 am our real job is to

make people happy.”

He continues “Over the past few years while the world around us struggled to cope with the we have played a very small part in bringing some happiness to many thousands of people from all parts of the globe...as a result we have enjoyed six of the best years in the hotels existence and now look forward to even better times as the recession ends.

A team of which to be proud There is a lot going on at Sunset Beach and the statistics speak for themselves.

The 554 rooms and communal areas are looked after by a team of up to 69 cleaners, who process a staggering 450.000 kilos of laundry every year!

The food and beverage team meanwhile counts 71 staff who work tirelessly in the various outlets from a la carte dining, poolside snacks, lobby/cocktail bar, beach bar, beach club, show rooms and banqueting.

Then there are 14 ‘animation’ girls and guys whose sole purpose is to make young and old guests a l i k e have a f u n packed visit.

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Where world Rob Horgan discovers a transformed Torremolinos, the Spanglish, sunkissed spiritual home of the Costa del Sol package holiday

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IN-UP resort of the package holiday in the 1950s, home to a multitude of international expats and one of Europe’s top gay scenes, like a fine wine Torremolinos just gets better by the year.

The town where Frank Sinatra famously got himself arrested - and fined 25,000 pesetas over a brawl with paparazzi in 1964 hasn’t looked back since those heady early days when sexy Swedes hit the beaches in their topless hoards and even covering up in a full bikini was likely to land you in one of Franco’s jails.

What a difference a few decades make! Today you’ll find a much more exciting town, one that has always led where other resorts followed, never afraid to be itself.

Indeed, celebrated journalist Mark Jones includes Torremolinos in his list of the ‘50 Most Authentic Places in the World’ for British Airways’ High Life Magazine.

Jones singles out its effortless blend of fishing village mixed with modern resort while re-

The attraction of a home-awayfrom-home brings thousands of tourists to the area maining ‘comfortable within its own skin’, dismissing the ‘Carling and chips image as only fake-tan deep’.

Nestled in the foothills of the Mijas mountains, Torremolinos is a unique mesh of cultures, not quite Spanish, not quite English, not even Spanglish any more.

The transformation from seaside hamlet to holiday resort superstar began in the 1950s when the first jumbo charter flights from northern Europe hit the runway at Malaga airport.

With its large, modern hotels and cheap deals, Blackpool and Brighton were quickly forgotten as everyone was off to sunny Spain.

Come the 1960s, fishermen were outnumbered by hotels and the future of the Costa del Sol was sealed. ‘Una paloma blanca!’

Other resorts couldn’t wait to copy the trend. An Irish bar, next to a tapas restaurant, next to a souvenir shop, squeezed between two high-rise hotels with sea views became the blueprint for the rest of the Costa del Sol. The rebirth of Torremolinos has arguably impacted modern-day Spain as deeply as the Civil War or the death of Franco.

Today, the attraction of a homeaway-from-home brings thousands of tourists to the area,

not just for a two-week holiday, but to live and enjoy the lifestyle permanently.

In many parts of town you can hear more English spoken than Spanish, and even French, Dutch and Scandinavian in this cosmopolitan Babel. Belgians too - anyone heard the one-hitwonder Stella’s upbeat song, Torremolinos, which charted in 2008?

Behind the seafront tourist strip, British home comforts are all on offer: fish and chip shops, a Rose and Crown pub… there’s even a carvery.

However, Torremolinos has not forsaken its Spanish roots. For every Irish pub, there are two chiringuitos; for every fish and

designer stores.

And behind its 20th century facelift, it is not hard to find the vestiges of the fishing village that once was.

Make your way uphill to the outskirts of town and you’ll catch whispers of those former days.

Around the Plaza de Toros (bullring) I watched children play among a fleet of rotting old fishing boats, not quite forgotten but pushed to one side.

The town has embraced its transformation rather than dwelling on its past.

Squares like Plaza de Espana and Plaza Federico Garcia Lorca in the historic quarter feel authentically Spanish, and locals still predominate in the

Shhh! It’s a secret A BRAND new magic show, The Chamber of Secrets is on its way to Torremolinos.

Opening in May, World Championship of magic winner Matthew Wright will be joined by singing sensation Alarna Love and very special guests from around the world.

The ancient and legendary society of the Chamber of Secrets has ruled over the dark arts for thousands of years…

But now, in this two-and-a-half-hour, English-language, all inclusive show, their secrets will be revealed.

Check out the next issue of the Olive Press, for a review. chip shop, three or four tapas bars.

The melting pot of people is reflected in the mix of restaurants. The blend is a ‘bestof-both-worlds’ compromise which encapsulates the duality of the area.

A walk down bustling Calle San Miguel - trodden barefoot by French bombshell Brigitte Bardot many years ago - reveals a liquorice allsorts of local shops and tapas bars sitting comfortably between British pubs and

cafe bars here.

The town’s numerous ferias spread throughout the year are another reminder that the Spanish population still has a huge say in what goes. September’s vibrant Feria de San Miguel attracts a cosmopolitan crowd of thousands precisely because of its unmistakably Andalucian character.

Remove yourself from the hustle and bustle of the coast and there are other flavours of former times to be found.

The Parque de la Bateria, to the west, provides spectacular views from a series of miradors, while the botanical gardens to the north showcase the area’s timeless natural bounties.

If you s an anti crisis w lived lik Beast, warp.

Rainbo T

HE tills are ringing in Torremolino longer limited to a ‘pink pound’ b Like the rainbow flags fluttering many of the resort’s bars and b one-time gay British Mecca has mor global LGBT destination, with visitors ca rencies of every hue to take advantage exchange rates.

With gay attractions far more low-key i ing Malaga and Marbella, the think pin in Torremolinos has created a rosy futu traders and, in recent times, it’s gone sterling and euros.

The groundswell of Brits and ‘Eurogays the holiday destination that refuses t have been joined by trans-Atlantic touri Virtually unknown to gay Americans fiv the longevity of the resort’s gay scen ing more international LGBT visitors, m thanks to a deliberate move to push g ventures in Torremolinos. And that’s w Charles Clothier opened Bar Arcos last “It is very busy here, there’s a mass of nation from all over the world,” he says.

“Torremolinos has a reputation like Mykonos reality you get so much more for your money “The gay scene is ingrained into the co bar is right next to a Spanish bar, we together and help each other out.”

He added: “The gay community is very open to call my bar a ‘gay bar’ and exclude anyone body to be able to come in and enjoy thems “That might not work everywhere, but that why I love it here.”

The resort’s gay status was pioneered by Toni’s bar, established in 1962 during Franco’s regime and still open today.

Not that the dictator approved of same-sex relationships. At that time, gays elsewhere in Spain were being imprisoned, and even executed.

But, in Andalucia, the economic benefits outweighed Franco’s personal animosity towards this sector of society

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ds collide

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still see Torremolinos as idote to the male midlife with the promise of a life ke Ray Winstone in Sexy you’re living in a time

In fact, the balance between native and settler demonstrates a harmonious cohabitation which has rarely been so successfully replicated.

With its eternal ability to accept new customs and adapt, trend-setting Torremolinos will continue to attract Spaniards, Brits and half the world and his wife for years to come.

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LGBT-ers from around the world are flocking to splurge a rainbow of currencies in Spain’s gay capital, as Rob Horgan reports and he was forced to turn a blind-eye.

It was another first for the pioneer of package tours in Spain, and Torremolinos soon became known as the home of the ‘pink peseta’.

Today the resort proudly flaunts its officially-designated gay beaches. The one in front of the popular El Gato Lounge is a clear favourite, identifiable by its large rainbow flag and groin-to-groin line-up of mainly male sun worshippers.

Off the beach, the gay social scene centres on the La Nogalera complex in the heart of the town, where gay bars sit cheek by jowl with family restaurants and hetero haunts, a symbol of the town’s liberal attitude.

Given the ‘macho’ reputation of Spanish culture, many first-time LGBT visitors are surprised at the warm welcome from locals.

And why not? Tradesfolk have these tourists to thank for their livelihoods.

Beyond the packed nightclubs and visible renovations, the town has been working hard to draw international business people into its gay scene.

In 2010, Torremolinos debuted its now annual Expo Gay, which brought more than 15,000 visitors and 180 exhibitors to the town over three days.

Last year, the resort hosted its first International Day of Transvestism during the now iconic Gay Pride celebrations.

This year’s outrageous four-day extravaganza, held at the end of July, is set to be even bigger and better, as it marks a decade since civil partnerships were legalised in Spain.

The gay capital of the coast is determined to hold on to its title and keep reinventing itself.

Torremolinos has gone beyond pink.

Today its violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red – all seven colours of the LGBT rainbow.

VIBRANT: Torre’s gay scene

AUTHENTIC: Down to Earth Torremolinos is full of history

Harleys for hire

OWNING a Harley Davidson is every biker’s fantasy but out of the price range for many.

However, for the last three years the guys at Iron Skull Motorcycles have been making those Easy Rider dreams come true.

One of the Costa del Sol’s only Harley hire shops, the wheel deal suddenly becomes more affordable for all. From as little as €150 a day, you can feel the thrill of one of these superbikes throbbing between your thighs. Roar off into the sunset and make the dust fly on the backroads of Andalucia like never before.

The authorised dealership hires bikes of varying sizes and pedigree, including scooters for more sedate drivers and can find parts and accessories and also sells new and secondhand bikes.

They can even help you keep the noise down with silencers that use Kesstech Legal Sound Performance technology.

Find Iron Skull on Avda Carlota Alessandri, 146, and you’ll be ready to hit the road.

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Alternatively you may be considering bringing a more senior member of your own family here to be nearer to you and to spend the remainder of their years with you and your family in Spain.

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Angels Nursing Group understands that as we grow older, events happen that have an impact on our quality of life and we realise that perhaps we need a little more help and support than previously.

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For many this has meant repatriation to their home countries and until now there have been few alternative choices.

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The Angels Independent Living Package lets you remain in control of your own life and more importantly enjoy the lifestyle you have worked so hard to attain.

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Seminal 1970s book The Drifters put Torremolinos on the world party map

Drifters excerpts: Come to Torre!

The sex revolution

SANDS OF CHANGE: Torremolinos was the place to be in the 1970s

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EDONISM, hippydom and Harry’s Bar made the world go round for expat pioneers forging the Costa del Sol’s new ‘permissive society’.

And nowhere was this better portrayed than in The Drifters, James Michener’s evocative 1970s portrait of the coast during the sexual revolution.

It came despite the stranglehold that dictator Francisco Franco had over the country.

Hand in hand with the Catholic church, bikinis were illegal - as were all forms of sexual freedom and contraceptives.

But then came the masses – with American war veteran Harry Hubert in the vanguard.

The inspiration for ‘Joe’, the main character in Michener’s seminal novel, Harry owned a bar in Torremolinos described by friends today as ‘the former heart of the Costa del Sol’.

This was party HQ; the hippest bar in Spain, if not southern Europe, a forerunner to the fornications we see in Ibiza today.

Harry’s Bar, in still-chaste Spain, became a haven for potsmoking, LSD-tripping travellers, a place to hear the latest sounds from London and California and meet enough Scandinavian girls to bed two at a time, a skill philanderer Harry was famous for.

Up until this point, courting had been a strictly Spanish affair; which meant hanging

around in the street, trying to catch a glimpse of your potential sweetheart through barred windows (rejas).

There was no chance of sex before marriage but, if you were lucky, you could have a sexy conversation with the girl of your fantasies.

The arrival of the first Swedish package tourists – along with the Germans, Dutch and, later, Brits – changed everything.

Girls went all the way, cast-

ing aside their inhibitions, and guys lapped it up.

The science behind the sexual scene is brilliantly conveyed in the New York Times bestseller, whIch introduces us to a closeknit group of youngsters who enjoy bed-hopping and ‘sexperimentation’.

At one sex party in the hills above Torremolinos, a gay expat Brit pays Afro-American Cato Jackson to spend time at his house, naked, purely to indulge his fetish for voyeurism.

With money pouring in from this new tourism, it ‘paid’ the authorities to turn a blind eye to the louche liberalism, with one exception, as Michener notes.

Long-haired hippies were packed off home.

Night on the town THOUSANDS of visitors splash their cash at the largest marina in Andalucía, which boasts berths for over 1000 yachts, each year.

Whether it is a romantic meal, drinks with friends, live music or bopping ’til you drop, the port has it all.

Away from the waterfront, the aptly-named Bonanza Square also buzzes with the partying hordes during the season and at weekends in winter. Then there is nowhere quite like ‘24-hour Square’, so-called because the party never stops! If you like a little sporting action, show off your pool and dart skills at the Beer Garden. The darts team play in a Spanish league and are the only Brits ever to win it. Players have even been scouted to represent Andalucia and the pool team, now in its 11th year, has toured Spain, playing as far afield as Barcelona.

‘The travel agency advert showed a lifesize Scandinavian girl in a swimsuit standing beside an ancient stone windmill, overlooking the Med. Only three words appeared on the poster, but they carried a mighty impact: ‘Come to Torremolinos’.

Never refuse sex

‘He told us there were five rules for successful travel.

Never eat in any restaurant called Mom’s. Never play poker with anyone called Doc. Get your laundry done at every opportunity. Never refuse sex.’

Lose the calender ‘Torremolinos is an obligation,’ the girl told her as they sat in the bright spring air that filled the sidewalk.

It’s the only place I recommend, and since it’s a short trip, we don’t make much money on it. The boss asked me, ‘Can’t you bring yourself to like Crete?’ and I told him, ‘I’ll like Crete when I’m as old as you are.’

‘In Torremolinos there are few disappointments’ the girl said, ‘because there’s music and the beach and young people who have lost the calendar.’

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orremolinos

Back on track Demand for property in Benalmadena has shot up in recent years, writes Tom Powell

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ERFECTLY located for the airport and the city of Malaga, not to mention great facilities and beaches, it is little wonder the Benalmadena property market is buoyant right now.

Indeed, the past three years have seen a real upturn in the local property market.

Prices have not just stabilised, but they are on the up, coupled with demand to live in what has become one of the Costa del Sol’s most sought after locations.

Homes are now selling for between 30 to 40% more than they were in 2012, according to local agent Hans Friederici, boss of the Viva Estates office in the town.

South African Friederici, who has worked in Costa del Sol property since 1986, believes the town’s excellent infrastructure is to thank for

FULL STEAM AHEAD: Benalmadena’s train station makes it popular with expats according to estate agent Hans Friederici (right)

the increasing demand.

“It is a complete town in itself and very close to the airport,” he explains. “It is also a real bonus having the railway station here taking you straight to the airport as well as Malaga.”

On top of this, he insists, sellers are being much more realistic these days about pricing their homes.

“Before the crisis, properties were valued much higher than they were actually worth,” he says.

Three years ago there was a typical drop of about 30%

between the asking price and the final acceptance, but that drop is now only about 6%, he adds, a clear indicator of the progress made.

The town has something for everyone with ‘unlimited family fun’ on offer as well as infamous 24 hour partying for adults who want to let their hair down, and more grownup areas for when the oldies want some alone time.

“The market here is definitely in a good moment, it is not like the heady days I remember years ago, but it has im-

proved vastly,” says Hans.

“The golden area right now is anything within about ten minutes’ walk of the paseo maritimo,” he adds.

Viva, which has a great central office by the beachfront and windmill roundabout, has been in business on the Costa del Sol for 18 years.

It now boasts 14 separate offices in total up and down the coast.

Visit www.yourviva.com and email at hans.friederici@yourviva.com

NERVE CENTRE FOR THE ‘GUIRI ARMY’

DIE-HARD FANS: Malaga FC’s Guiri Army

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HROUGH the highs and lows of the last 20 years, Malaga Football Club has enjoyed the unlikely – and truly devoted – support of a group of British expats: the legendary ‘Guiri Army’.

And the man behind it all is Benalmadena-based expat Dave Redshaw, who also wrote the first Malaga FC history book.

The 40-strong supporters club essentially began with a bus, which Dave organised to take fans to games from the Lounge Bar. Nowadays a decent crowd of tourists and expats meet every matchday to prepare for the ensuing match.

A billowing Guiri Army flag makes it obvious where the crowd sit in La Rosaleda stadium, alongside battalions of Spanish supporters, united in a simple desire for goals.

“We’re all mates,” explains Dave.

“We all support Malaga and they love the Guiri Army.”

And if proof were needed, the ritual rousing round of ‘Oh Malaga is wonderful’ should do the trick.

Champions League semi-final or a lower-league scrap, the Guiri Army will keep their corner of the Rosaleda alive and kicking for many decades to come.

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High steaks WHEN it comes to staking your money on a meaty treat, look no further than Longhorn Restaurant, in Benalmadena Pueblo.

The incredibly popular Sunday and Monday BBQ recently celebrated its first birthday.

From 1pm-10pm on Sunday and from 6.30pm on Monday, you can eat as much as you like for €16.50, including a great range of meats, mixed salad and a baked potato.

With a beefed-up kitchen team, the restaurant is now open every evening from 6:30pm.

But the dish to get every meatlover’s juices flowing is the speciality ‘dry-aged’ steaks.

Hung for between 21 and 28 days at 1°C and at 60% humidity, the meat’s flavour subtly deepens due to enzyme activity.

Only cows older than eight and reared exclusively on pasture are selected for these cuts, and the result is a world-class fullflavoured steak, big enough for up to three to share.

Meanwhile, the sixth ‘steak tasting day’ is set for May 16, from 1.30pm - 5pm, with eight different meats and various wines available for sampling.

At just €20, that’s something to get your teeth into!

Visit www.longhorn-del-sol.com or www.facebook.com/LonghornPueblo

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SIDE from counting on its first award-winning chef Diego Gallegos, of Sollo, who recently became ‘Spain’s best young chef’ at Madrid Fusion (see review on page 45), Benalmadena has a superb mix of international and Spanish restaurants.

One of the most romantic must be Blankko, sitting on an incredible headland by one of the old defensive forts in Torremuelle.

Set up by a pair of capable Iranian businessmen, you sit overlooking the sea, with stylish white tables and an exciting menu.

Overseen by executive chef Amador Fernandez, there are plenty of creative flourishes,

HIP: Baboo and (inset) squid dish

Benalmadena and Torremolinos have finally got a dining scene of which to be proud, writes Jon Clarke such as the caesar salad served in a crunchy case and a delicious squid salad with fennel.

Another stylish place to eat is at Baboo, up in the hills beside Benalmadena golf, where you can eat an excellent value set lunch, which includes dishes such as stuffed squid in their ink and a delicious seared tuna with fresh tomatoes.

You sit on a choice of wonderful terraces with views down to the sea or into the pine-decked mountains, or inside in the

cool, airy dining room.

Nearby, the excellent wine bar Jaque Mate has over 100 references and many by the glass, and some tasty tapas to boot.

This bustling spot, popular with Spanish and expats alike, is a great place to watch the world go by at both lunch and dinner time.

Down on the coast, a surprisingly good place to eat is at the Sunset Beach Club hotel, which has its extremely popular restaurant Luna Beach club sitting right on the sand.

TEL: 902 102 675 INFO@BABOORESTAURANT.COM WWW.BABOORESTAURANT.COM

MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE AND THE BEST VIEWS

CARRETERA DE ARROYO DE LA MIEL A BENALMÁDENA PUEBLO 29639 BENALMÁDENA MÁLAGA

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SMILES: At Cervezateca, Jaque Mate and Vintage 8

An amazing location, the chef serves up great value fresh food seven days a week.

Up in the Pueblo there are some fantastic places to eat, with the surefire winner being steakhouse Longhorn, run by the capable Claus and with an excellent and varied menu (see sidebar, left).

Another top gem is fabulous Italian Pala d’oro, which is set around a patio and with a cool, stylish interior.

Hosts Sandro and chef Mateo Manzzato, from Venice, have a great repertoire and you will love the gnocchi stuffed with courgette and a natural goats cheese Asiago, especially imported from Italy, while the speck ham with rocket and walnuts and a balsamic sauce had

SUBLIME: Dish and location at Blankko

just the right balance.

Finally, as mentioned, if you are looking for genuinely award-winning food you will have to head to Sollo, at La Reserva de Higueron, soon to become a Hilton, where culinary genius Diego Gallegos, 31, (pictured, below) hones his trade.

Terrific Torre One of the most exciting food revolutions is quietly taking place meanwhile in nearby Torremolinos.

Buoyed by the pink pound and the proximity to Malaga city, it is little surprise that there is a superb range of quality tapas joints and surprisingly good restaurants.

In particular, look out for Taberna Mansiega, where tradition has been truly turned upside down!

Roberto and Charlie have created a venue that welcomes food and wine lovers equally.

There is great tapas with a twist and a menu featuring the freshest seafood, quality meats and fusion food to engage the palate. There is also a great wine cellar featuring over 50 different wines and champagnes.

You must also check out Vin-

Like a whirlwind WITH two bar/restaurants, a property company and a business promoting musicians on the coast, Katrina Bradley fits a fair bit into her week.

“I’m a bit like Hurricane Katrina, a little unstoppable,” explains the 54-year-old human whirlwind, who’s living proof that the words ‘expat’ and ‘success’ can mix.

Now the proud owner of recently opened Bar Nevada, as well as Woodies, she is shaping up for a busy season.

“I’ve done a load of differ-

ent things but now I am really focused on the restaurants. I have a real passion for food and I think that is what has made it a success.”

The Glaswegian was a teenager when she moved to Benalmadena in 1980, and has since married a Spaniard and brought up three daughters.

“When I first arrived 35 years ago it was very quiet. Even the beaches were empty,” she says “Seeing it go from nothing to how it is today has been incredible, like watching a child grow.”

She worked at the Sunset

SUCCESS: Katrina Beach hotel when it first opened two decades ago and has also volunteered for years with Age Concern.

“I will always be here, everybody knows me for a workaholic and I don’t plan to go anywhere soon!”

tage 8, an arty restaurant CAPTION: which is doing great Caption business just off thehere beach.

The owner Ben, a Moroccan, who trained in France, has a passion to bring art and gastronomy together and the place is full of original paintings and other artworks.

It is perhaps little surprise, he being the son of a composer and with a brother as an opera singer.

Last, but not least, if you fancy a beer, a proper one, then you need to visit Cervezateca.

A genuine joy to the world of beer, Belgian Stefan has a menu of over 100 beers and a beer bible to understand them.

Each drink has a unique glass and an education can be offered.

Think of Stefan as your sommelier of the humble brew and, even better, bring your own food, to eat on the terrace outside in the sun.

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the olive press - April 30th - May 13th 2015

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Too rich for tax

By Iona Napier

A NETWORK of foreign businessmen and lawyers are facing 48 years in prison for tax evasion.

The group are to go on trial for using offshore companies to avoid paying taxes when making enormous property purchases.

Marbella lawyer Domingo Cuadra faces 12 years in prison, while Norwegian businessman Odd Reitan, number 291 on Forbes rich list and worth a cool €4.8 billion,

Group of wealthy expats facing prison for failing to declare property purchases in Marbella could serve 11 years.

Others involved include Idar Vollvik, a Norwegian telecommunications tycoon who is famous back in Norway having taken part in a dance reality TV show in 2014.

Marbella’s anti-corruption prosecutor is looking to impose €14 million in fines, €2.7 million in compensation and for bail to be set at a combined total of €27 million.

The case centres on firm Cal-

ON TRIAL: Norwegians Vollvik and Reitan vario 8 Administracion which changed its name to Cuadra Asociados, Servicios Legales, Fiscales y Contables in 2005.

Investigations suggest lawyer Cuadra, also currently under investigation in a separate tax fraud case from 2006, was fronting the operations.

Marbella lawyer and Olive Press columnist Antonio Flores said: “There is no reason, as far as owning property in Spain is concerned, to have an offshore company, a trust or similar set up.

“I have always been belligerent with offshore tax structures as their main purpose is to defraud or conceal money from the Tax Office, or from a creditor or a former spouse.”

Home out of reach THE economy may be rallying with houses on the market at bargain prices, but Spanish families are struggling to get a firm grip on the property ladder.

Despite record-low prices, current average house costs in Spain are six times greater than the annual income generated by the average Spanish family.

However, things have improved. Three years ago house prices were up to 14 times greater than the average household income.

Foreign buyers are filling the gap in the market, snapping up a sixth of all Spanish property purchases in the last year.

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Property

34 34 the olive press - April 30th - May 13th 2015

www.theolivepress.es the olive press - April 30th - May 13th 2015

Broken home

HOME-HUNTING: Getting harder

Mortgage meltdown THE number of Brits moving to Spain could take a hit under new European legislation.

A rule change mapped out by the European Union will make it much harder for thousands of Brits to snap up bargain holiday homes across the continent.

The change in legislation will put caps on ‘foreign currency mortgages’ when it comes into effect next March.

This will make it more difficult to obtain good value loans in a different country from the borrower’s income, according to the Financial Conduct Authority .

In layman’s terms, if the two currencies fluctuate by more than 20%, then lenders will switch the mortgage to the same currency as their earnings or country of residence.

Effectively, for home buyers, the move weakens the strength of their pound in Spain.

FED UP: The Priors

Feast on

A CENTURY-old tapas restaurant forced to close because of changes to rental laws is set for a new lease of life.

Dubbed Almeria’s ‘most famous tapas bar’, Casa Puga closed its doors in March, after owners struggled to cope with rent increases.

But a local hotel and property entrepreneur is now stepping in to bring the famous restaurant back from the brink.

AN expat couple have appeared on Channel 5 TV show Horror Homes, seven years after their dream villa was demolished in Almeria.

Len and Helen Prior saw their Vera home bulldozed in January 2008 over ‘planning irregularities’, as reported in the Olive Press at the time.

Despite having the correct paperwork signed off from the town hall, the Berkshire couple were told, initially in a phone call, that their home was to be demolished.

And now they have revealed on the show that they face bankruptcy if they do not receive proper compensation soon.

“This whole mess would be bearable if it made any sense,” Helen told the Olive Press on the fifth anniversary of the demolition.

The land, which they originally bought for €152,000,

The Property Insider

by Adam Neale

Tragic expat couple the Priors face bankruptcy as home demolition horror rumbles on

is now practically useless as they cannot build on it.

Len said: “We lost more than just money, we’ve also lost seven years of our lives from fighting this.

“I’ve been really angry day and night for seven years and we really want somebody to say ‘we made a mistake, it shouldn’t have happened and won’t happen again’.

“That would be the best thing.”

ON THE UP: Foreign buyers

FOREIGN buyers in Spain are three times more numerous than in 2009, a concrete manifestation of growing confidence in Spain’s economy.

A massive 13% of property sales in 2014 were made by foreigners and expats, following six consecutive years of increase since the lowest point figure 4.24% in 2009.

The Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, and Valencia are the three autonomous communities enticing

Foreign buyers triple foreigners the most, with Extremadura, Galicia at the other end of the scale.

Over 16% of the purchases made in the Balearic Islands had a price tag of over €500,000 and over 80% of all purchases were spacious spaces of over 80m2.

United we stand

Adam Neale on what you should consider before sharing your, and everyone else’s, backyard in an urbanisation

F

OR many overseas buyers, purchasing a property in a development in Spain also means joining a community of owners for the first time.

“You need community spirit to form a community,” believes Stephen Hills, a retired interior designer and the president of Torre Bermeja in Estepona. An owner in the urbanisation from day one, Stephen has held the post for 12 years, aided by an administrator, who handles the books and back office, a manager, and 18 full-time employees.

It’s all about forming a virtuous circle, for Stephen, in which everyone contributes and gets more back in return. He arrives at the office, which is open from 9.30 -16.30 every day.

While he is not paid as president, as per community rules, he does earn a salary for his dayto-day ‘CEO’ role.

Torre Bermeja is one of the Costa del Sol’s best-run luxury complexes, with nary a blade of grass out of place. Comprising 109 apartments and penthouses, Stephen has created a community that not only keeps the place looking good, but also ensures community fees are spent wisely and owners’ investments are protected.

Stephen reveals how it all works: “We run it like a company, having built a team everybody is happy with, and I treat it like a job,” he says.

“Our latest AGM took 45 minutes. Everybody is in the loop and there is constant dialogue, so there are no shocks and no upsets. At the end of the day, you can only try your best and hope all the owners are pleased with your efforts.

It’s certainly worked so far.”

According to Adolfo Martos Gross, a partner in Costa del Sol law firm Gam Abogados, prospective purchasers, or their lawyers, must appreciate buying a property in a community not only confers rights, but also obligations. Owners enjoy communal space and amenities, but also have to pay their fair share of the costs of running the community, in proportion to their coefficient of total ownership.

Costs include regular monthly fees, approved at the AGM once a budget has been proposed, and possible additional charges, if unforeseen expenditure is required. Rare communities, like Torre Bermeja, have sizable contingency

funds, but many do not. So, Adolfo says, if you are thinking of buying, first ensure you know how much your unit will cost per month, and if any pre-existing or planned extra amounts may be due.

Communities, and hence all the owners that make them up, may also be liable for damages arising from claims against them, such as for illegal pools, exposed electrical cables, shoddy construction, and so forth. Buyers should always check there are no pending or previous issues that could affect their purchase.

When acting for a client, Adolfo always examines the following: AGM minutes from the last three years to find out how the community gets on, or if it doesn’t; check if there are any additional costs that could affect the purchase; ensure there are no building defects or, if there are, that these are being remedied; and confirm there are no possible other claims and costs.

The horizontal division public title deeds, community statutes, and community rules to confirm there are no discrepancies between the documentation and reality (sometimes conflicts arise when the horizontal division is not properly registered, leading to problems among owners and with the community itself); and there are no unusual stipulations which could be detrimental to or limit his clients’ ownership rights, such as clauses impeding alterations to terraces, imposing fines for certain acts, or requiring additional payments for the mere act of building on a plot.

- The ownership coefficient that corresponds to the unit or share for sale and the annual charges due.

The bottom line is that, if you’re thinking of buying a unit, or units, in a Spanish urbanisation, whether it be an apartment on the beach or a plot on a golf course, you’d be well advised to do as much research into the community you’ll part of as about the property itself.

After all, while you can’t choose your family, you can decide who you want living next door for as long as you own your place in the sun.

Terra Meridiana. 77 Calle Caridad, 29680 Estepona. Tel: +34 951 318480.

Office Mob: +34 678 452109 Email: info@terrameridiana.com. http://www.terrameridiana.com

Top Dollar

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35 April 30th - May 13th 2015

Banker bailed-out Former London banker accused of multi-billion euro trade coverup saved by Spain SPAIN has rejected a US request to extradite a former London banker accused of hiding trading losses of more than €5.7 billion.

The court dismissed the demand, backed by a Spanish prosecutor, because of Javier Martin-Artajo’s Spanish citizenship.

He is accused of masterminding a multi-billion euro fraudulent scheme to fast-track his professional reputation.

If found guilty of security fraud he could face up to 20 years in jail.

The tribunal said it would not block the US from pursuing the former JPMorgan Chase & Co banker, but claimed it was unable to grant extradition as events occurred outside the US. ACCUSED: Martin-Artajo

Spanish inspiration QATAR’S sport minister has been touring Spain’s top sporting venues as the Middle Eastern country prepares to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali picked Spain as his first official visit overseas in order to gain inspiration from the country’s sporting prowess.

He hopes to boost the popularity of sports – especially football – in Qatar ahead of the 2022 World Cup. Al-Ali spent two days with Spain’s minister for sport, Miguel Cardenal, meeting up with the country’s top sport stars and visiting Spain’s most emblematic sporting facilities.

Meetings with swimmer Mireia Belmonte, badminton champion Carolina Marín, taekwondo’s Joel González and tennis player Garbiñe Muguruza, al-Ali covered all the bases.

His trip also included a visit to Barcelona’s Nou Camp football stadium.

LEARNING FROM THE BEST: Qatar

Martin-Artajo – alongside his ex-colleague Julien Grout – stands accused of concocting a fraudulent scheme to cover up trading losses for Frenchman Bruno Iksil, nicknamed the London Whale.

Prosecutors claim Martin-Artajo and Grout inflated trading values to conceal their losses.

New York prosecutors claim Martin-Artajo did this to ‘boost his chances’ of promotion and bonuses, while Grout stands accused of trying to ‘curry favour with his supervisor to enhance his apparent job performance’.

Meanwhile, the London Whale is cooperating with prosecutors as part of a nonprosecution pact made with the US courts.

Digital disaster THOUSANDS of bank accounts could be temporarily closed if account holders fail to provide their bank with an up-todate digital ID before April 30.

Spaniards must provide a copy of their DNI national identity card, while foreign residents must either provide their residency card or passport.

A law introduced in 2010 gave lenders a five-year deadline to fully digitalise their client records.

Accounts which do not meet the requirements will be blocked on May 1 and will remain blocked until the bank’s records are updated.

It could prove difficult to recover an account if the account holder fails to provide the required documents for a further three months.

BUSINESS IN BRIEF Smart partners SPAIN’S foreign affairs minister Jose Margallo has met with Indian officials to develop Delhi, as part of India’s 100 smart cities plan.

Bank boost MADRID-based Banco Santander’s earnings jumped 32% in the year’s first quarter, after recording higher profits in nine out of the 10 countries it operates in.

Jobs growth PRIME Minister Mariano Rajoy has announced that 500,000 new jobs will be created this year as the country’s economy grows by 2.9%.

Good news GOOGLE has pledged to give €150 million to European news publishers, media outlets and journalism-focused start-ups over the next three years.

Bit on the side JUST 15% of Spaniards make money on the side from a hobby, compared to 25% of Brits and a massive 70% of Romanians.

AGONY ANT

YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY ANTONIO FLORES

A dying business

Changes to EU inheritance law simplified by Antonio Flores A NEW EU inheritance law will come into effect this August, overriding existing local laws.

The law will apply to the succession of people who die on or after August 17. While the main concepts of this new law may seem simple, the name given to it is truly mindboggling: Regulation (EU) No 650/2012 on jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition and enforcement of decisions and acceptance and enforcement of authentic instruments in matters of succession and on the creation of a European Certificate of Succession.

Now, let’s not get carried away with legalese. Let us get straight to the most relevant points of the law – by doing so maybe we can kill the expat rumour mill before it wreaks havoc.

The major change is that people will be able to choose whether the law applicable to their succession will be that of their habitual residence or their nationality.

This is on the understanding the former law will apply by default if they do not choose.

This has great implications in Spain where

children have an automatic entitlement to two thirds of the estate.

This choice shall be made expressly in a declaration in the form of a disposition of property (will or codicil), or shall be demonstrated by the terms of such a disposition.

If you already have a will, check if it contains terms that indicate that the national law – sometimes described as personal law – will apply.

Most wills state this when noting that “the testator’s wishes are in accordance to his or her national law”, which in my opinion will suffice.

Where there is no provision to the effect in a will and the testator wishes to avoid the application of Spanish succession laws, we recommend drafting a new will.

Finally, we still recommend property owners to have a Spanish will as well as one in the countries where they own assets, at least until we know how easy (or not) it will be to enforce wills in other EU states.

This applies to the UK and Ireland in particular, as neither country is bound to the application of this new regulation.

Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.es

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Top Dollar

www.theolivepress.es the olive press - April 30th - May 13th 2015

Take off for Don Quixote!

CAPTION: Caption here A BRITISH expat based in France is leading a mystery consortium set to make a bid for Ciudad Real airport.

The Briton, who formerly worked at Reuters, revealed that the group was ‘considering’ making an offer to develop a global scientific research centre.

Appealing for secrecy, he did confirm that the project would be likely to create hundreds of jobs in the area.

He also revealed that the group had first heard that the airport was up for auction, after reading about it in the Olive Press.

“We need to do a lot of research to see if the site works, but first, we need to see the terms and conditions of the bidding process,” he explained.

Ciudad Real airport was tailor-made for Spain when the economy was flying high and became a symbol of affluence.

It boasted of state-of-the-art facilities and lightening quick links to the capital.

But practically no planes ended up landing there and it has been deserted since 2012.

Now it is going under the hammer without a reserve price - but the buyer will have to shoulder several hundred million euros of debt.

So far eight public auctions have failed to attract a buyer

Jobs rise SPAIN’S economic recovery appears to be becoming a reality as employment rose by 3% in the first quarter of this year, compared to 2014.

Overall more than 500,000 people have returned to work over the past year, while the recent data also revealed that the number of jobless fell by 8% too.

Economists say the recovery is picking up across various sectors and that consumer confidence and spending will rise as a result.

However, the unemployment rate remains at 23.8%, with more than 5.4 million Spaniards still out of work.

EXCLUSIVE

By Iona Napier for the 28,000ft2 terminal built to cater for five million passengers per year.

The reserve price dwindled from a heady minimum €100 million in December 2013, down to €80 million and finally €40 million on April 23.

This time, there is no minimum asking price for the affectionately-named ‘Don Quijote’ airport.

The auction is set for June 19 at 11am in Ciudad Real court and hopes to bring an end to 600 days of liquidation and dilapidation.

Bids must be submitted in sealed envelopes.

Mystery consortium, led by a Briton, set to make a bid for Spain’s ghost airport

Cashing in VIRTUAL currency Bitcoin is now exempt from value added tax in Spain.

The digital currency - which has increasingly been used by online criminal organisations - will be both liable and exempt from VAT, according to the General Directorate of Taxes.

The exemption could be huge for the country’s large Bitcoin community, as it means an end of the possibility of double taxation on Bitcoin transactions.

Bitcoin has become more and more commonly used in Europe, with a reputation for being the most commonly used currency on the dark web.

Road to Riches,

by Richard Alexander

Hot and bluster!

Richard Alexander prescribes sage advice for those suffering from election fatigue

A

RE you fed up with the build up to the UK General Election?

I certainly am – along with most people I meet – yet the vote of May 7 is shaping up to be the most difficult to forecast in recent election history, with the diversity of parties and interests perhaps greater than ever before.

However, if you are already suffering from UK election fatigue, spare a thought for the Americans. Their politicians have just started campaigning for the Presidential election which takes place in November 2016!

As a non-politically motivated person, I don’t hold strong views either way and would not try to persuade anyone how to vote. Lately, however, I am being asked about the impact on investments and markets should party X win or party Y enter a coalition and so on...

My answer is that market values are always trying to estimate where we will be six months or so into the future, so this will typically be factored into today’s market values.

That being the case, you could argue that the market-makers have their biased views and only if something drastically different or unexpected happens will markets react – positively or negatively – depending on the variance.

Facing so much uncertainty the market-makers are probably taking a pragmatic view which recognises that most politically charged changes

are often watered down by the time the party concerned has formed a Government, and, if we see a minority Government or a coalition, the potential for drastic change becomes even more difficult to enforce.

With that in mind, do we see the end of the financial recovery if a certain result is achieved?

I don’t think so!

Regarding the underlying factors affecting the UK and US economies, will these stagger to a halt if there is a change in emphasis between austerity and spending? And what if there is a referendum on the UK leaving the EU and that gets the ‘out’ vote, businesses stop trading with each other overnight? On both counts, again, I don’t think so.

Unfortunately, it is the political ‘hot air and bluster’ as I call it, which takes over. If we are not careful, we will start to believe the doom and gloom predictions, which should be ignored in favour of looking behind those vote-winning antics to what the future may really have in store.

Once the election dust settles, economic recovery will continue and the world stage will continue to evolve as the fiscal cycles ebb and flow as they have done for a decades.

I believe that individual financial focus should assume interest rates will remain low for a long time yet, regardless of the election result and that you should be planning accordingly.

Richard Alexander Financial Planning Limited is an appointed representative of L J Financial Planning Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK. Contact him at Richard@ra-fp.com

www.theolivepress.es

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GRAND RETURN: San Roque casino was closed in 2010

Rolling the dice San Roque’s €5 million casino and leisure centre project approved

THE Junta has given the green light for the grand return of the San Roque casino.

The reopening of the casino, closed in 2010 after ten years of inactivity, will bring more

Staying another day ALMOST 10% more overnight stays were recorded in Andalucia hotels in the first quarter of 2015 than in the same period the year before.

Hotels and guesthouses across the region recorded almost 7.1 million overnight stays which is 9.4% higher than the start of 2014.

Even more good news – hotels are forecasting 80% occupancy for the upcoming May bank holiday, 5% up on last year, according to Luciano Alonso, Andalucia Minister of Tourism.

THE first person to emerge from London’s Apple store with the new Apple Watch was a Spaniard.

The man, Josep, conveniently timed a mini-break to London with his girlfriend to coincide with the latest Apple gadget launch.

Although he claims the timing of the trip was ‘a coincidence’ his girlfriend didn’t seem so convinced.

Clearly overcome with joy, Josep posed with his watch

than 200 jobs directly and indirectly to the surrounding area.

Austrian firm Novomatic is behind the project, which will also see €5 million pumped into creating a leisure centre, cinema, nightclub, spa and hotel with 50 rooms.

Admiral Casinos SA will run the casino, which closed five years ago when French group Partouche decided to lay off 40 workers after substantial losses.

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Minister of Finance and Public administration Maria Jesus Montero praised the licencing board’s decision to give the casino full approval.

“The town hall is aiming to create a climate of confidence and attract investment from private businesses, in order to create employment opportunities,” she said.

Novomatic, Europe’s largest gaming group, operates in more than 80 countries.

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Mark Rickard returns to examine the micro-economies of the Spanish Costas

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A

POLOGIES for my absence in recent editions… starting a new business and fatherhood is all consuming, as I discovered.

The editor and I thought we should look at the variance between Spain’s national economy and the economies of the Costas.

However, like any scribe worth his weight in salt, I am going to add a twist to the debate.

In reality, comparing national economic data with that of the Costas is futile, as there is so little to correlate.

More importantly, the economies of the Costas are dictated by how flush northern Europeans are feeling.

The Costas are so reliant on the wealthy sets from countries like Sweden, Norway, Russia, Germany and of course, us Brits who are returning in our droves, taking advantage of strong Sterling and a healthy UK housing market.

The leading northern European nations dic-

37 37

+34 951 120 321 mark.rickard@plutusmoney.co.uk

tate the pace of the Costas economies, they influence the number of new retail outlets opening, the brands and styles, shops, bars and restaurants, even the type of cars we rent at the airport.

The often more stable economies of northern Europe keep the Costas alive and luckily for Andalucia, Valencia and Murcia, they do not have to bench-mark themselves against the rest of Spain.

The Costas’ micro economies are influenced by international forces which are a mixed bag, like second home tax laws, pension pot release, golf addiction, devalued currencies or retirees heading for the sunshine.

The cosmopolitan Costas thrive on the feel good factor outside Spain’s economic boundaries, and enjoy a far more global reach because of it.

And another important thing to consider – they are perhaps inherently more resilient to economic peaks and troughs.

Contact Mark on - Tel: +34 951 120 321 or Email: mark.rickard@plutusmoney.co.uk

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The Olive olive press Press’ - April 30th - May 13th 2015 38 38 38the

OP

monthly youth and education section

the olive press www.theolivepress.es - April 30th - May 13th 2015 38

treme

Top of the dropouts SPAIN leads the EU with the highest school dropout rates for the fourth year running, with 21.9% of 1824 year olds leaving education early.

Men are far more likely to quit than women, with 25.6% of males terminating school early versus just 18.1% of females, according to the latest figures from Eurostat.

While Spain’s overall rate is just under double the EU’s average of 11.1%, it is a great

improvement on previous years – in 2006, a massive 30.3% students failed to see schooling through.

It has consistently dropped since then until 2014 when the rate was also 21.9%.

The good news is that Spain boasts 42.3% of 30-34 year olds with a university education, marginally higher than the EU average.

The Spanish government’s aim is to persuade Spain’s young people to stay in school and reduce dropouts

Spain leads school drop-out table for fourth year running… thanks to its boys to 15% by 2020.

After Spain, EU countries with the highest rates of students failing to complete are Malta (20.4%), Romania (18.1%) and Portugal (17.4%) with the lowest dropout rate in Croatia (5.4%).

The UK sits in the middle with a rate of 11.8% failing to see education through.

essentialmagazine

MUSLIM students lack access to Islamic education in Spain.

A massive 90% of Muslim students enrolled in Spanish schools have no access to Islamic religion classes, according to a Union of Islamic Communities report.

In total, there are 275,324 Muslim students in Spain - making up almost 4% of the Spanish population.

®

EMPTY SEATS: In Spain’s classrooms

Tackling sex abuse

16 years 1999-2015

w w w. e s s e n t i a l m a g a z i n e . c o m

Islamic lack

AN international study has found that children who are taught about sexual abuse from an early age are more likely to report it.

More than 6,000 primary school students were involved in the study - published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - which took place in Spain, USA, Canada, China, Germany, Taiwan and Turkey.

The study, found that of those children who received education in how to prevent sexual abuse, around 14 in 1,000 reported some form of sexual abuse, compared with just 4 in 1,000 children who did not receive any sexual abuse classes.

Estimates suggest that worldwide at least one in 10 girls and one in 20 boys experiences sexual abuse.

Unemployed

However nine out of 10 Islamic education teachers are unemployed across the country, while on average there are only two Islamic education teachers to every 6,000 Muslim students.

The majority of Muslims in Spain are from Morocco although there is a significant number of Pakistanis and Senegalese Muslims in Barcelona, Valencia and Logrono.

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Top Salud 39

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www.theolivepress.es the olive press - April 30th - May 13th 2015

NHS to freeze out expats UK expats will no longer be able to pop home for NHS operations or routine checkups

BRITISH expats living in Spain are to be frozen out by an NHS clampdown.

Many British people living abroad regularly return to the UK for doctors’ visits or for operations, as it can often be a bureaucratic night-

mare to register with local health authorities in a foreign country.

However, under new regulations that come into effect this month, people will no longer be able to pop home to make the most of the

NHS. The new rules will make NHS users declare where they are ‘ordinarily resident’.

“Free NHS treatment is provided on the basis of someone being ‘ordinarily

Examining common eye complaints AmrikSappal, Store Director, Specsavers Opticas Fuengirola

FIVE-STAR HOSPITAL

H

ow are your eyes feeling this month?

It’s such a pain when your eyes are sore or itchy and you don’t know why, or what to do about it. So this month, we wanted to look at three common issues and let you know more.

From luxurious birthing suites to natural light and mountain views, Marbella’s new Ceram Hospital is a family project giving private healthcare a shiny new look

What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is the most common eye disease in the western hemisphere. It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva which makes the sclera appear reddened due to an increase in blood supply. The eye feels itchy and watery. Sometimes, there is a sticky discharge, which feels uncomfortable and makes vision blurry. Although conjunctivitis is often referred to as ‘pink eye’, this technically only refers to one type of the eye disease, bacterial conjunctivitis. Users of contact lenses should remove them and wear glasses until your symptoms recover.

What is blepharitis?

Blepharitis is a persistent inflammation of the eyelids. It is a common problem for both adults and children and may cause some swelling of the lid, itching, irritation or occasionally redness of the eye itself. The condition frequently occurs in those who have a tendency towards oily skin, dandruff or dry eyes. Treatment centres around cleaning the eyelid thoroughly and using a daily routine of warmth, massage and cleansing. Ask your doctor or chemist for more information.

What causes an eye to become watery and how can it be treated?

Watery eyes are most often caused by an increase in the production of tears. This may occur in one eye or both. Watering eyes are usually caused by either over-production of tears due to irritation to the eye, an allergy or occasionally due to an obstruction of the drainage system which results in the overflow of tears. If you notice that your eyes are often or unusually watery, you should book an eye examination at your optician.

There are Specsavers stores in Fuengirola and Marbella which are currently offering free eye tests.If your eyes are sore, or red or you are experiencing discomfort, go to your nearest Specsavers for an eye test www.specsavers.es

WITH its stylish, shiny design and maximising of light, it feels more like a hotel than a brand new hospital.

But Hospital Ceram is very much a place for treatment and recovery with its excellent range of doctors, including cardiologists, orthopedic surgeons and paediatricians, not to mention its 24-hour care.

The brainchild of international fertility expert Hugo Benito is all about patient comfort, well-being and the best private health care.

Based in a calm, rural location in the hills above Marbella, the hospital’s relaxing and homely surroundings promise a quick recovery.

Best of all, as home births are not regulated in Spain, its stateof-the-art birthing facilities and an experienced maternity team trained in water and natural births, is a real find for expecting mothers, looking for alternatives.

Managing director Tatiana Benito says: “Everything is brand new, but the doctors have a wealth of experience behind them.”

She adds: “We have had amazing reviews since we opened at the end of 2014.”

With 20 single rooms, each with their own stunning mountain views, and up to 80 doctors and many more staff on hand, the emphasis is on giving each patient as much time and care as they need.

Hospital Ceram has already won an excellence Patient care award with WhatClinic comparison site and an impressive 70 to 80% of its patients travel from outside Spain for care.

For more information visitwww.hospitalceram.com

Free varifocal lenses with glasses from 89€

59€

resident’. It is not dependent upon nationality, payment of UK taxes, national insurance contributions, being registered with a GP, having an NHS number or owning property in the UK,” said a Department of Health spokesman.

An European agreement states that all EU citizens should receive healthcare in the country they live in, regardless of their nationality or citizenship.

Expats seeking emergency treatment in the UK could also face steep fines if they don’t have paperwork from their country of residence in place.

On average the NHS loses a massive €695 million each year in revenue.

Sun, savlon and scalpels HEALTH tourism is booming in Spain as it currently generates €500 million per year.

Foreign tourists – particularly Arabs and Russians – are flocking to the country for their health care.

Each year there are more – and now the burgeoning sector is estimated by SpainCares to be growing at a staggering rate of 20% each year Currently ranked 7th in the world, Spanish healthcare is world-class.

With cosmetic surgery costing around 60% more in the UK than in Spain, it is no surprise that Brits are happy to make the journey.

The medical tourism industry is estimated to be at €75 billion worldwide and Spain is hoping to double its income for this sector to a total of €1,000 million by 2020.

ONLY IN SPAIN End 28 Jun s e 2015

Choose a single pair of glasses from our 59€ range or above, and we’ll give you 1.5 PENTAX Standard varifocal lenses, usual price 69€, free. Or, if you’d rather have varifocal lenses from our other ranges, we’ll give you 69€ off the price, meaning you could get Premium varifocals for 55€, Elite varifocals for 100€, or Tailor-Made varifocals for 165€.

And what’s more, an eye test is included in the price.

Request an 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 Cannot be used with other offers. Eye test usually 15€. 199€ Fineform and Rimless ranges: include 1.6 PENTAX Standard varifocal lenses. All lenses are scratch-resistant. Extra Options available at an additional charge. Subject to suitability. Ends 28 June 2015. ©2015 Specsavers. All rights reserved.

OLIVE PRESS – 105mm x 256mm – Colour

1st April / 29th April

Columnists

40

Too sexy for my shirt...

Giles Brown has 50 shades of fun

the olive press - April 30th - May 13th 2015

I

LIKE to think of myself as a liber- too, ahem, ‘excited’ to turn ated, open-minded kind of guy. over...

After all, I was born in 1968, al- Regular readers of this column most exactly nine months after will also remember (probably the ‘summer of love’ when girls with a shudder) that I have few wore flowers in their hair and hip- problems with getting my kit off pies wore very little underwear. To on a regular basis. I stripped nabe fair, this was probably happen- ked for a (tasteful) animal charing more in Haight Ashbury than ity calendar earlier this year and, most famously, got naked on Stoke-on-Trent... the summit Spending my of Marbella’s adolescent emblematic years in MarThe women went La Concha bella certainly topless or wore mountain to broadened my celebrate my outlook when bikinis made first ascent. it came to the from little more The resulting opposite sex, photo went vithan dental floss however. As a ral and many 17-year-old on suggest that Victor’s Beach in the 80s, where the women a statue be erected to mark the went topless or wore bikinis event. After all, Rio has the magmade from little more than nificent Christ the Redeemer, dental floss, a day at the beach so it’s apt that Marbella should usually meant a sunburnt back have a naked freelance journalist as the combination of raging with a party history more colourhormones and semi-naked fe- ful than Gay Pride in Brighton.

KINKY: Giles with friends at 50 shades of Pilates party males meant that I was a little I’m also not averse to dressing up in costume, as my appearances as Santa Claus for the Yummy Mummy’s daughter’s school will confirm.

So, when Yummy Mummy mentioned that Max Pilates, where she works out (head for business, body for sin) were having a ‘50 Shades of Pilates’ event and needed a sexy barman, I was more than willing to muck in… “I’m dressing up too. It’ll be fun” she promised.

My next problem was deciding Los Barrios has had ‘plastic grass surgery’ but on an outfit. Not wanting to is it a boob job or water-saving wonder, ponders look like the Gimp from Pulp Fiction I decided that bare Belinda Beckett, aka the Mistress of Sizzle chested with a mask would be the best bet, and headed to an ILL they be equipping the munici- one of the new plastic lawns. upmarket lingerie boutique. pal gardeners of Los Barrios with That’s if she can find room to Broad minded I may be, but the roll over in her weed-tangled Dysons and squeegee mops this last time I set foot in anything plot – only now being cleared and an summer, I wonder? that sold intimate apparel and If not, the chaps in Parks and Gardens are advertisement for Astroturf if ever there was one! the like was with the rugby boys going to have to ‘look to their laurels’ for Synthetic grass gets super-hot in summer and in Amsterdam. This establishwork quite literally, as all our roundabouts messes up the food chain – where are slugs and ment was somewhat different worms going to feed and breed from now on? But and verges are sprouting plastic grass. and extremely tasteful and The mayor has been busy rolling out the green having looked into the subject of césped artifialso very busy. I took one look carpet (that’s just what it looks like) to reduce cial, I may have to relent as it seems the pluses at some of the items on disoutweigh the minuses, as it saves on maintenance costs and curry favour on home play, blushed and decided to labour, pesticides and water big-time. turf ahead of the May elections. But, sod’s law come back when they weren’t Did you know the average grass he probably won’t get the green vote... so busy. A little later in the day I’m not against faux per se (I’ve got one or playing field uses around the extremely helpful assistant two fake fittings myself and don’t you dare 50,000 gallons of water per picked me out a mask and I ask where), provided it looks like the genuine week during the growing seawas ready to go. article. But maybe this is a bit of a faux pas. son? During the hot dry sumI picked up the Yummy Mummy It screams Astroturf, so I don’t think we need mers, the thin brown line of up on the way. Let’s just say real grass along our dual carworry about dog fouling. No self-respecting that the outfit she was wearing riageways look disturbingly street mutt will go near it. made it somewhat difficult to A lurid green with a synthetic sheen and the Brazilian (and not in a rainkeep my eyes on the road... feel of a five o’clock shadow, it runs all the forest way).

The party was a huge success way along the central reservation into town, Los Barrios might not – yet with a sexy Pilates show drawlike an endless mini-golf course. Come to – have won any best-kept viling cheers from guests. Even my think of it, that could work... You could putt lage contests, outfit went down well. Although, pretty your ball into one of the holes filled with little as a friend who had been at the pueblos are white stones, where the trees poke out, as lake when they shot the calendar two a centiper my photo. quipped, “Jesus Giles. Every time ‘Natural stones’, as the environment bods mo down our I see you you’ve got your kit off!” are at pains to point out, perhaps because neck of the At the end of the evening, I got my fake doesn’t quite gel with the town’s tour- Los Alcornosexiest swagger on, sidled up to ism drive to promote La Naturaleza. Los Bar- cales woods. the Yummy Mummy, and sensuone rios has just produced a very professional- But ously suggested that, as we were looking video championing mountain biking thing’s cerin character she might want to tain.

We’ll all in our neighbouring Parque Natural Los Alhead back to my place for a little be laughing cornocales, the world’s largest cork forest. spot of “50 Shades of Whey-hey!”

(Check out ‘Sensaciones Los Barrios’ on come high “You have to be kidding!” she when Youtube, you’ll be impressed). Then they go July, replied before heading out with grass all plastic fantastic with their urban verges. the her friends, “50 Shades of Grey will look a lot Don’t these entities ever talk to each other?

GAME ON: Belinda with you? More like 50 Shades Betty Molesworth Allen, the famous New Zea- greener on pitches for mini of No F**king Way!!!!” land botanist lately of Los Barrios, is probably our side of There is now a mask, one caregolf in Los Barrios the street! turning in her memorial garden, which faces ful owner, on eBay if anyone is in the market...

The green, green astroturf of home

W

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44

recruitment Perfect Employee To fill your position look no further than the Olive Press recruitment section read by hundreds of thousands of qualified and educated readers every month.

Contact us at 951 273 575

FOOD & DRINK www.theolivepress.es with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

French revelation

FINE DINING: At Fonda el Postillon COOKING has been French chef Xavier Sierra’s raison d’être since he was old enough to tie his own apron strings.

After working in his parents’ restaurant in France and studying at the best cooking school in Bordeaux, Ecole Hoteliere de Talence, Xavier packed up his kitchen utensils and headed to Spain 20 years ago.

Today he is the proud owner of Fonda el Postillon - a gem of a restaurant tucked away in the southernmost reach of the Guadalhorce Valley, in Alhaurin el Grande.

“I am passionate about cooking and I want to share that passion,” he says.

“Cooking is my life. My parents owned a restaurant and I was all but born in a kitchen.”

After running a restaurant in Fuengirola for the best part of a decade, Xavier made the move inland to spend more time with his family.

And in doing so he set up one of the most picturesque restaurants to be found in Andalucia.

With views across the valley and verdant gardens, Fonda el Postillon has made a name for itself as a fine dining restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere serving up French and international dishes.

For more information visit www.elpostillon.es or call 951254520

Clifton Care Home www.cliftoncarehome.je Require Registered General Nurse (Full time) For Jersey, Channel Islands Basic salary circa £35,000 per annum For details and application form please contact: Manager – Julie Muscat email: admin@cliftoncarehome.je

A dog’s life,

by Eddie the hotel hound

I LOVE GROUPS… ...Does that make me a groupie? questions Eddie the hotel dog

T

HEY think I don’t understand their language. Well it’s very convenient to let them think that because it means I hear all kinds of things.

One word I love is ‘groups’.

I don’t know why it is but there are always leftovers with groups. Usually it’s half– finished pieces of chicken, pork or beef and that’s all great and delicious.

But occasionally I hit the jack-pot. Recently a group of 30 people ordered a paella. The hotel paellas are good - nothing out of a Vesta packet here says the Great Master showing his age. I’ll be honest though, I prefer the mixed ones to the seafood or vegetarian varieties but dogs have to conform.

So 30 diners are confirmed on the morning of the event and the chefs are busy preparing a couple of real beauties to feed the mass. There’s likely to be something left over. Omens are good.

But it gets better. When when they arrive, 10 of them have decided not to come because they are staying in Ronda to shop. Great Master is happy because they are going to pay for the whole group anyway and I am ecstatic because it’s a paella bonanza for a dog.

A whole 10 portions to myself – over a few days of course and mixed with those pellets that I’ve never seen THEM eating but which form most of my sustenance day in, day out.

So paella it was. I eat the whole prawns with gusto, well they are very fiddly to peel. There’s only two things that I leave – mussel shells and clam shells. The highlight of my year so far.

So go on… organise a group to visit Molino del Santo. I’ll be your undying fan.

To get in touch with Eddie, contact his owners Andy and Pauline at the Hotel Molino del Santo. Bda Estacion s/n, 29370 Benaojan, Malaga.

952 167 151 - 952 167 927. info@molinodelsanto.com

Win a chocolate-making extravaganza by solving the question

FOOD & DRINK with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

Super Sollo!

Pulp fact Little-known chocolate facts from inside Oolal’s lab ONCE upon a time, some 3000 years ago, the ancestors of George – most curious of monkeys – discovered an irresistibly sweet delight hidden inside the colourful fruits of the cacao tree.

In their raw state the cacao pod is inedible, as are the cacao seeds – or ‘beans’.

What monkeys love to feast on is the fleshy white pulp that surrounds the beans. They spat out the beans because of their unpalatable bitterness.

Discerning monkeys spitting out the bitter seeds led to the proliferation of cacao trees throughout the region of Mesoamerica (modern day Honduras, Belize, Guatemala and Mexico).

Man soon copied monkey, reveling in the delights of the sweet pulp. Man, however, cannot survive on cacao pulp alone and since the ratio of cacao trees to humans was so high, the Olmecs, Toltecs and the Mayans came to ask: “What else can we do with this fruit?”

This question led to inevitable experimentation, ending with the Mayan creation Xocolatl – a bitter, spicy drink… the world’s very first chocolate.

The first correct answer posted to the Mayan Mijas Facebook page wins an Express Chocolate Workshop for two.

Question: which species of monkey discovered cacao?

Post answers to www.facebook.com/mayanmonkey for your chance win a13:00 free Page chocolate-makLocal issue 50:The Local Issue 5to 12/01/15 84 ing workshop at Mayan Monkey Mijas.

45

Jon Clarke is blown away by the exciting new restaurant of Fuengirola’s top chef Diego Gallegos

T

HE seductive cobalt blue macarons with a subtle gold leaf taint were as melt-in-your-mouth delicious as one would expect from world-famous Ladurée patisserie in Covent Garden or Paris.

There was only one major difference: these were savoury and filled with the black pudding of a sturgeon.

But there is nothing ordinary about the restaurant of Andalucia’s chef-of-the-moment Diego Gallegos, 31.

Recently crowned ‘revolutionary’ new chef of the year at prestigious Madrid Fusion, it

Where meat meets mustard......

EXQUISITE: Milligins and macaroons, while (top) winner Diego was little surprise to discover attractive presentation and the him snapped up by the Hilton seductive lighting and settings group for their new hotel based of the dining room. at La Reserva de Higueron, in Now sit down and prepare to Fuengirola. be entertained.

This young Brazilian is on a fast For the first key thing to know trajectory to greatness and the about Sollo is there is no new guise of his stylish restau- menu… you get what you are rant Sollo is going to be one hot given in a dozen course menu ticket this Sumdegustation, mer. which changAside from the One thing you can es only once fact that there twice a be guaranteed of or are only 16 covyear. is lots of caviar, There is a ers inside and 24 outside for warm which was a major decent wine evenings, this is list, of course, plus for me one meal you are and one thing unlikely to taste you can be anywhere else in g u a r a n te e d the world. of is lots of caviar, which won’t For starters it is entirely fish suit everyone, but was a major based - and ‘sustainable’ fish, plus side for me. to boot - and secondly, it is This is all thanks to Diego’s mostly fish you rarely try and other guise as the resident parts of the fish you probably chef and public face of Riofrio didn’t think you wanted to try. caviar, an organic product from And then there is the atten- Granada, raved about by chefs tion to detail; the driftwood on including Gordon Ramsey. which the food is served, the Diego uses it - and the mother

ahh!

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CHEF OF THE MOMENT: Diego Gallegos in his ‘huerta’

fish, the sturgeon - in many different guises and in around a third of the dishes.

The real stand-out was the ‘milhojas’ of caviar and cream, which was both sweet and salty and looked like a million dollars. But the cabbage with caviar of salmon was also good, as was the pork-scratching-style sturgeon skin.

I particularly liked the cerviche of tilapia, a river fish caught near Ademuz, in Cordoba, while a trout tartare, also from Riofrio, served with beetroot was delicious.

I first met Diego cooking in the wonderful Casa Piolas in the tiny village of Algarinejo in the heart of Granada province some five years ago, and it was obvious he would go far.

Now aided by his friendly girlfriend Suzanna, also 31, who is maitre d’, he has an uncanny knack for creativity and is a huge fan of sustainability and local ingredients.

If proof were needed, he dragged me off on a strange stroll through the bowels of the hotel and into the grounds, leading me to a far corner of the plot.

Here, he proudly showed off his new ‘huerta’ (vegetable garden) where he is planting around 100 herbs, spices and vegetables - and expects to provide enough for his diners, in season.

As for expansion and why he only wants to cook for, at tops, two dozen people at a time, he is simple and to the point: “That way I can maintain the quality and get the time to chat and explain what I do for the clients.”

Now not a lot of chefs say that!

Sollo, Reserva del Higuerón, Avenida del Higuerón, 48, 29640 Fuengirola, Málaga 951 38 56 22

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the olive press - April 30th - May 13th 2015

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FOOD & DRINK www.theolivepress.es with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

HATCHING A PLAN

Scientists in Spain are aiming to solve the world’s bluefin tuna crisis by rearing them on land from tiny eggs

LIKE a hungry Big Brother, the hulking Japanese factory ships lie in wait like hungry sharks ready to buy up local stocks of Spain’s rare and valuable Atlantic bluefin tuna.

Hoovering up around 90% of the Spanish fleet’s quota, the fish is immediately deep frozen and sent on its week-long journey to the Land of the Rising Sun. It is hardly a surprise: the bluefin’s meaty red flesh is such a valuable commodity in Japan, that a 222kg specimen sold for a record-breaking €1.1 million at Tokyo’s Tsukuji market in January 2013.

Clearly, trading bluefin is extremely lucrative and Spain is in a prime position to capitalise on one of the ocean’s fastest, strongest and most robust predators.

However, market demand and the bluefin’s slow growth rate has placed the species under threat and, these days, strict quotas are in place to prevent overfishing.

As Richard Rossington of Atuna.com explains, Spain’s allocation to catch this delica-

CAPTION: Caption here

TRADITION: Catching tuna using the almadraba method on the Costa de la Luz cy in Springtime is split into various regions which divide up their allocation according to fishing seasons.

“The bluefin enter through the Straits of Gibraltar to re-

produce in Spring and are caught when they come back out as they’re bigger and have had the chance to reproduce,” he says.

“When they’re trapped

they’re still alive, so fishermen take their quota and release the rest.”

Last year, however, Spain’s fishing fleets completed their 2,540 metric tonne Spring

FOOD & DRINK 47 www.theolivepress.es with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com quota in a record 48 hours at the beginning of May. While in favour of tight controls, they have asked for a larger quota for this season and have received at least a small increase to 3000 tonnes. But it is still not enough, which is why a revolutionary new system has been launched in Murcia to try and help boost stocks.

Beginning this June, four huge tanks containing seven million tons of water will become home to 40 adult tuna fishes which will produce eggs over the summer.

Launched by ICRA (Infrastructure for the Control of the Reproduction of Bluefin Tuna), the project aims to rear the young fishes in specially designed tanks before releasing them into larger cages at sea, where they will reach full size.

A sustainable diet of artificial feed in quantities that depend

Tuned in

TUNA representatives from around Europe have been deliberating in Brussels at the fifth European Tuna Conference.

Focusing on the theme ‘this time it’s different’, professionals discussed overfishing, changing trade flows and market investment. on the tuna’s age, size and water temperature will increase the fishes’ body fat so they sell for a higher price.

Their reproduction will be

Trip of a lifetime RELEASED off the coast of northern Spain, in August 2007 a bluefin tuna set off on a journey that could prove to be as groundbreaking as Christopher Columbus’ voyage to the New World.

After seven and a half years travelling, the tuna has just been picked up at a marine farm in Malta.

Scientists are now studying that date from the first four years of its journey, with the main bulk of findings to be released shortly.

Preliminary analysis by research group AZTI however, has confirmed the existence of two different stocks (families) of Atlantic bluefin tuna: one which reproduces in the Mediterranean and the other which does so in the Gulf of Mexico.

“This is one of the most important discoveries made in recent marine history,” said a spokesman.

artificially controlled, somewhat controversially, through hormone implants.

The scheme, funded with €4.8 million from the European Commission and €1.2 million from the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IOE), hopes to alleviate pressure on wild fisheries while producing higher quality tuna.

“Our aim is to control the bluefin’s reproduction in order to obtain fertilised eggs of high quality and quantity,” explained coordinator Dr. Fernando Garcia.

If successful, it could be a life saver for this magnificent species, while global gourmets can still enjoy their juicy tuna steak at a reasonable price.

WHAT RE GUESTS SAY ABOUT A the olive press - April 30th - May 13th 2015

D E L VEA

MOUNTAIN HOTEL Questionnaires reveal all – the good and the bad

When you fill in a questionnaire do you ever wonder if anyone ever actually reads it?

(Request your own copy at info@ molinodelsanto.com)

At Hotel Molino del Santo near Ronda, guests are asked to fill in a form at the end of their stay and 90% of people take the time to do so. Personal replies to guests’ comments show that this hotel does not consign comments to the office shredder.

But of course anything can be improved and whilst many people don’t like to say things, they will write them down. The hotel has free wi-fi but being in a rural location one guest felt it was “patchy and a bit slow”. A satellite service to improve this aspect of the service is now being considered.

When asked about the positive aspects of their stay at Molino del Santo, many people refer to the friendly and welcoming staff. Many of the team of 25 have been at the hotel for twenty years or more and ensure that standards are high in all departments. “Fabulous Friendly staff ” is a regular accolade.

Others prefer to reflect on the location – the hotel is in the Natural Park of Grazalema and alongside a running mountain stream. “Wonderful Location”, “Promote yourself more as a Walking location”, “Peaceful Surroundings” feature in comments.

DELICIOUS STAFF?

FEAST: At season’s tuna fairs

Season’s underway!

TUNA-lovers are descending on the Costa de la Luz with the bluefin tuna season finally underway.

Most towns hold annual tuna festivals throughout May and June, while fishermen are already taking to the waves to land their catch.

The ancient method used to catch bluefin tuna is called the Almadraba, and involves a maze of nets placed along tuna routes.

It goes back to Phoenician times and there are four in Zahara, Conil, Barbate and Tarifa.

The Almadraba is not aggressive and is respectful of both the species and the environment.

The first of the festivals takes place in Barbate and runs from now until May 3, while the seventh tuna tapas festival of Zahara will run from May 12 to 17.

Meanwhile, Sotogrande celebrates its second tuna fair from June 5 to 7.

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The food here is also widely-praised – “The best meals we’ve had in Spain – by far.” And by asking which dishes are most enjoyed, the hotel adapts its menu to the preferences of its guests. One guest wrote that “The Staff at Dinner were Excellent” – since the staff are not on the menu, they probably refer to the service!

Praise for Friendly Staff The pool heating is appreciated by some, the gardens by others, the ethics and the in-house massage service too. A Free Guide to the Area is also very popular.

COULD DO BETTER

Another person wrote that they would like to have horse-riding. This is available – a few km away – but the hotel now knows they need to make this service clearer. The feedback is so important to help plan future changes.

NO TIME, NO TVs Someone else would like a clock in the room - the hotel policy is not to have the time visible anywhere so that people can relax and disconnect from that pressure.

Similarly others ask for a TV – and again this is against hotel policy. Staff know that the majority of their guests prefer it that way.

But the plaudits predominate. “I think you should all, individually and collectively, be very proud of the environment you create. The end product is a very subtle package of serious attention to detail without the “flunky” effect. The whole tone here is unbeatable. “ Maybe it’s time you tried the delights of a mountain stay at Molino del Santo?

An hour’s drive from San Pedro, a train journey from San Roque. Mention this article for a special Olive Press reader rate.

Perhaps you prefer to enjoy the restaurant only? You will be made very welcome.

Make a reservation if you can – lunch and dinner is served seven days a week.

Lots more information is available at www.molinodelsanto.com.

Contact any time on 952 16 71 51 or e-mail info@molinodelsanto.com.

After your stay you can fill in your own questionnaire. The staff look forward to reading your comments too.

ttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt Follow us on Facebook for Special Offers Hotel Molino del Santo www.molinodelsanto.com | info@molinodelsanto.com | 952 16 71 51 ESTACIÓN DE BENAOJÁN, NEAR RONDA, MÁLAGA

Age concern THE legal age to wed in Spain is set to be raised from 14 to 16 years of age after worries that the current law leads to exploitation

the

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April 30th - May 13th 2015

FINAL WORDS

Say cheese

Tattoo too far?

A GANG of cheese thieves has been arrested across Spain after robberies that included the theft of five tonnes of goat’s cheese in one go

A REAL Madrid fanatic has paid homage to his side’s Champions League victory by getting a tattoo of Sergio Ramos’ goal celebration on his leg.

Malaga-born, 25-year-old, Jesús Campos, has inked the moment Ramos netted a 93rd minute header in Lisbon against local rivals Atletico Madrid. Atletico players Koke and Tiago can be seen in the background as Ramos nods home.

Madrid went on to win 4-1 in extra time thanks to goals from Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Forearm smash SPANISH MotoGP star Dani Pedrosa will miss his third Jerez grand prix in as many years due to a forearm injury.

Homecoming MANCHESTER United’s Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea said he would be up for a move to his home country should Real Madrid come knocking.

Hangover hell FOUR young Brits woke up in Malaga after a boozy Friday night in the West Midlands turned into a 1,000 mile trip to southern Spain.

www.theolivepress.es

OBSESSED: Real Madrid fan’s tattoo

Fibbers!

ALMOST one in four Spaniards invent fantasy versions of what they did on the weekend.

This is more than the Brits and French, but less than the naughty Germans, one in three of whom tell fibs.

However, more than 5% of Spanish people lie on social networks during the weekend – claiming to be hobnobbing with celebs, being an extra on TV or catching criminals are the most ex-

travagant tales.

A lastminute.com study revealed that weekends have become a social battleground with friends and colleagues competing for the most impressive claims for fear of seeming boring.

With more than 1 million Spanish people admitting they publish false information on Facebook, 28% of those surveyed admit they don’t always believe what they see online either.

Quarter of Spanish people tell tall tales about their weekend antics

Fess up! Three most common weekend lies: To have been away on a mini-break (41%) To have partied the whole night (16%) To have been hanging out with celebrities (13%)

And the three top reasons why the Spanish tell porkies: Not wishing to appear boring (22%) Needing a conversation topic at work (22%) Wanting a more exciting life (19%)

Puss in boats A STOWAWAY moggie has touched down in the US after sneaking on board a ship in Algeciras.

Ginger feline Frederica slipped on board the vessel as it prepared to head to Houston and gave birth to four kittens en route, according to a report in the Houston Chronicle.

Frederica finally revealed herself after a bad storm rolled in and crew members found her walking the deck, soaking wet and weak.

Having no cat food on board, they fed the cats liver, fish and chicken.

After obtaining permission from US Customs, the crew brought the cats into the country.

They are now in the care of the League City Animal Shelter, who are looking for adopters in the States to take them in.

Cartoon network FROM smiling poops to phallic aubergines, the world has gone ‘emoji’ mad.

And now experts have analysed more than one billion uses of the tiny cartoon icons which are sent on mobile phone messages.

It emerges, surprise surprise, that Spaniards are the biggest party animals, using the ‘party time’ emoji more than any other race.

In keeping with national stereotypes, the French send more hearts, while Australians use double the average amount of alcohol-themed emojis.

Carried out by British app developer SwiftKey, the research also found that the majority of emojis used worldwide are positive.

Unbelievable A QUARTER of Spanish people believe the Sun revolves around the Earth, not the other way round.

Meanwhile, 30% think that humans lived alongside dinosaurs, according to the latest Social Perception of Science survey.

A further 11.5% disagreed that humans are descended from animals.

However, the startling results are still an improvement on 2006, when almost half the population thought dinosaurs and humans had co-inhabited the earth, and 40% thought the sun orbited the Earth.

Relax.. Jacks got it covered

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