Olive Press Newspaper- Issue 167

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Vol. 7 Issue 167

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August 7 - August 21, 2013

Left foot in!

HEAVENS! It’s chilly this summer

THEY came suited and booted to rock Marbella on the hottest night of the year... but then again the Buena Vista Social Club do come from Cuba, a steamy Caribbean Island known for its musical talents.

THE summer has so far been one of the coolest on record.

Despite the odd balmy night the temperatures have been, on average, 1.5 degrees lower than average.

According to data, the warmer summer winds have been replaced by colder easterly winds, meaning the hottest day in July was just 35.5 degrees.

“This is surprisingly mild for this time of year,” said a spokesman at Malaga’s meteorological office.

“Some people have even been phoning in to complain about how cold it is.”

On another plus-side the lower temperatures have meant there have been less jellyfish this year.

NET-MARE Fishing dispute leads to the most draconian clampdown in recent Gibraltar history

THE British Prime Minister has been forced to step into the most heated dispute between Gibraltar and Spain in over a decade.

David Cameron insists threats to impose a €50 border tax, a no-fly zone and a tax investigation into thousands of Gibraltarians with property in Spain was of ‘serious concern’.

UK Foreign Secretary William Hague has also stepped into the row that has led to Gibraltar leader CLAMPDOWN: Officers check bike Fabian Picardo comparing Spain to

Read more on page 9

By Giles Brown

north Korea.

In a hard-hitting statement the First Minister accused Madrid of ‘sabre-rattling’ and creating a climate akin to the days of dictator Franco.

He said: “The things that (foreign secretary) Garcia Margallo has said are more reminiscent of the type of statements you hear from North Korea than from an EU partner.

“What we have seen this weekend is sabre-rattling of a sort we have not seen for some time. It is the politics of madness.”

The row came after weeks of mounting tensions and, in particular, Gibraltar’s decision to create an artificial reef just off the Rock.

The installation of a series of concrete blocks aimed at conserving fish stocks, prompted accusations from Spain that it would stop fishermen being able to earn a living.

In an unprecedented move, spe-

Rock leader says Spain is ‘acting like North Korea’ with threats of €50 border tax

cial teams of Spanish customs officials have then deployed on the border, stopping and searching all traffic and pedestrians leaving Turn to page 14

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CRIME NEWS

Fleeting freedom

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A Spanish paedophile who was pardoned in Morocco was re-arrested as he entered Spain IT caused outrage when the Spanish rapist of 11 children in Morocco was officially pardoned after just two years in jail.

But now the convicted paedophile, Daniel Vina Galvan, has been arrested on his arrival in Spain.

Galvan, who was sentenced to 30 years in prison for filming the rapes of the youngsters, was picked up in Murcia, where he used to work at the university.

His official pardon by King Mohamed VI of Mo-

rocco, led to a series of violent protests across Morocco at the weekend.

There were claims that he was a spy and that his release had come after high level pressure from the Spanish authorities.

Mistake

It has since emerged that the 64-year-old was not meant to be pardoned, but instead sent back to Spain to serve the remainder of his 30 year sentence.

ARTFUL DODGER MORE than 50 pieces of religious artwork have been recovered by police having been stolen from churches around Andalucia since 2006.

Two brothers have been arrested in connection with the thefts, which occurred at exhibitions organised by the Council of Seville.

One of the brothers, a maintenance worker for the council, allegedly gave his sculptor brother access to the buildings at night and on weekends.

Efforts to return the works to their rightful owners are now underway.

SAVED: Religious works rescued

Vest-ed interests

BULLET-proof vests are to be worn by Spanish police as part of efforts to tackle organised crime.

All officers conducting patrols will be required to wear the protective clothing, a move which is costing €6million.

The 21,126 vests being handed out, are part of a wider at-

tempt to modernise crime fighting in the country.

“The safety of the officers is a top priority for the police department,” said Spain’s director general of police, Ignacio Cosido. “We therefore want to provide them with means of protection against organised crime.”

MOLESTER: Daniel Galvin, brought to justice According to the Spanish embassy in Morocco they produced a list of 18 people who they approved for pardon, and a further 30 who they wanted sending to Spain to serve out their sentences.

Galvan was in the second group – but Morocco mistakenly pardoned all 48 prisoners.

The growing public concern prompted the king to

revoke the pardon stating that he had been unaware of the nature of the man’s crimes.

“His Highness would never have consented to the release, in light of the atrocity of the monstrous crimes,” said the palace.

Despicable

Galvan was arrested in Tetuan in 2011 and later told a judge he had raped the children ‘because they are cheap, and you can get hold of anything with the right money’.

Galvan, who was born in Iraq, moved to Spain in 1976, where he worked at the university of Murcia and claimed to be a professor.

He moved to the Moroccan port city of Kenitra, 25 miles north of Rabat in 2005 before carrying out his despicable crimes.

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NEWS

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Cruz control as Pe takes on familiar role

Keira’s Supporting role IT will hardly go down as her greatest supporting role.

But Keira Knightley was very much on hand to support her new husband when his band played a headline show at the Arenal Sound Festival in Valencia.

The 28-year-old Pride and Prejudice actress was spotted in his wake as he prepared for the Klaxons performance. They married in France in May.

RIGHT ROYAL KNEES UP

PENELOPE Cruz has once again dazzled in front of the camera, this time during a photo shoot for luxury Spanish brand Loewe in Madrid.

The 39-yearold actress was snapped on the rooftop of the iconic Casino de Madrid, where she modelled the

label’s Autumn/ Winter 2013 collection.

It comes as Cruz and her sister Penelope have announced they are to launch their own range of handbags in collaboration with the high-end label.

The products are due to be launched on November 1.

Shak-ing it up in Spain Shakira makes permanent Barcelona move COLUMBIAN singer Shakira has sold her €11 million mansion in the US to focus attention on life in Spain.

The 36-year-old, who has a baby with Barcelona star Gerard Pique, put the sprawling pad on the market having bought it for €1.5 million in 2001.

The Voice judge had shared the six-bedroom Miami property with her ex-boyfriend, Argentinean Antonio de la Rua, but has been trying to offload it since their split in 2005.

The waterfront home, which also SPANISH tennis ace Rafael has nine bathNadal has been making the rooms, a pool and most of his 2,000 square feet summer break of gardens, has by messing rocketed in value around with due to extensive the boys on his yacht in Malredevelopment lorca. work.

The former Wimbledon The couple champion showed off his inwill now spend credible physique in a pair the majority of of blue shorts as he elegantly their time in their dived into the sea.

Barcelona home, The current world number which has been four was joined by friends described as a including fellow tennis star paparazzi-free Carlos Moya having reportbunker. edly hosted a party the previous evening in his hometown.

SHE’S often seen attending formal engagements and meeting dignitaries, but Spain’s Princess Letizia showed she also knows how to party after attending Benicassim festival.

The wife of Prince Felipe, heir to the Spanish throne, was spotted with friends enjoying a performance by US band The Killers, as she attempted to make herself inconspicuous by blending in with the crowd.

The 40-year-old is said to be a big fan of the band, and even celebrated her birthday by going to see them perform in Madrid last summer.

Snoop rolls in HE is set to be one of the more unusual visitors to the Costa del Sol this summer.

Snoop Lion – formerly known as Snoop Dogg – is set to perform at the Sleek Nightclub in Puerto Banus on August 10.

The US rapper, who prefers

the title Snoop Lion after developing a newfound interest in the Rastafari movement, was banned from the UK from 2006 to 2010 after being arrested for vandalizing part of Heathrow Airport.

He had been denied entrance to a first class lounge.

Ageless Aniston JENNIFER Aniston has found herself at the centre of controversy after an old image of her was used on the cover of the latest Spanish edition of GQ magazine.

The 43-year-old actress is seen posing seductively in a cardigan and little else, in an otherwise unremarkable photo.

But the image actually dates back to 2008 having first been used on the cover of Vogue magazine.

GQ have further stirred the pot by implying that they have an exclusive with the former Friends star, despite simply recycling quotes from a 2012 interview to promote her film Wanderlust.

The star is heavily in demand at the moment due to her relationship with actor Justin Theroux and speculation about when the couple are likely to get married.

Rafa makes a splash

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TURNING TURTLE

UNEXPECTED: Family outing takes a twist AFTER taking a nap on her nearby beach, expat Jane Jewson woke up to spot something unusual floating near the shore.

On close examination, the artist realised it was moving and heading right towards her.

Incredibly the animal turned out be a turtle, of the very endangered kind, and even more incredibly she was soon swimming with it in the shallow waters.

“It was the most beautiful animal and even allowed me to pick it up,” she told the Olive Press.

“I’ve seen turtles out there before, but none this close,” she said.

“The water was calm and still and there weren’t many people around, so I decided to go swim near it. It wasn’t at all afraid!”

Luckily for Jane, a family of holidaymakers also happened to be on hand at La Perla beach, in Casares, to record the event.

the olive press - August 7 - August 21 2013

EXCLUSIVE

By Rose Lapp The Owen family had soon joined her in the sea, with dad Phil taking pictures of mum Hannah and daughters Olivia and Georgia, from Yorkshire, swimming with the turtle.

Jane later identified it as a Hawksbill sea turtle, critically endangered, and, perhaps, she believes, coming in to the shore to find someone to help it.

Plastic

“When I first found it, it had a piece of blue plastic in its mouth, which it luckily was able to spit out.

“I don’t know if it had swallowed any other plastic, but I have read that this so-called ‘plastic poison’ is killing them off.”

The Olive Press launched a campaign in 2007 to raise awareness of the danger.

In our ‘Bin the Bags’ campaign we revealed how thou-

How a regular afternoon on the beach turned into a remarkable contact with nature for one local expat and a visiting family of holidaymakers

NEW FRIEND: Jane holds the rare turtle and (below) Casares beach sands of marine animals were choking to death on plastic every month.

But, interestingly, the Hawksbill turtle may have been suffering from a different problem.

The reptiles often end up with barnacles covering their shells making it difficult to swim.

“But this fellow seemed to be doing ok, and after swimming peacefully for a little while with us before it swam back out to sea,” added Jane.

“It is a swim none of us will ever forget.”

News IN BRIEF

Ajax packs his bags AJAX, the Guardia Civil dog that became a hero when he detected a bomb in Mallorca in 2009, has retired after six years of dutiful service.

No nurses A nurses union has accused the Andalucia health service of cutting over 1,000 jobs in Malaga province over the last year.

Dusty find The Guardia Civil has recovered 84 historical documents about the Spanish War of Independence in Sevilla.

Bent cops Four Guardia Civil officers in Malaga face more than 40 years in prison for drug trafficking and bribery.

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FEATURE

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Author Neil Forsyth (left) shares extracts from his new book, San Carlos, in which he attempts to track down the last remnants of Nazi Germany in Spain

OPINION Grow up THE ridiculous stand off between Spain and Gibraltar is merely a smokescreen to distract the country from the government’s embarrassing Barcenas cash for contracts scandal.

How convenient to try and start a full scale dispute on the largely peaceful border just as pressure rises on the Prime Minister over claims he took thousands of euros in bungs.

This sort of tub-thumping politics helped Margaret Thatcher win elections and distract a nationalistic UK public from close scrutiny of her failing politics.

But it tragically cost thousands of innocent lives and left a long-lasting legacy of greed.

Ultimately the new Gibraltar reef has gone in to protect fish from the infamously rapacious Spanish fishermen.

There are already over two dozen similar reefs around the Andalucia coastline doing exactly the same thing.

So stop making a fuss over this sensible measure and get on with dealing with the massive corruption that is damaging this otherwise wonderful country.

Fire season MADRID’S massive fire should be a warning to anyone spending any time in southern Spain this summer.

The huge blaze needed the armed forces to come in and put it out – costing the country millions of euros.

What is worse though, is that the fire was probably started by a human hand, and therefore completely avoidable.

While arson is to blame for a large proportion of the fires across the country, it is still unbelievable to learn that cigarettes thrown out of car windows still start many.

People need to be a bit more savvy with their rubbish and think about what might occur after they leave a discarded butt.

The country is a tinderbox right now... you’ve been warned!

Open minded IT says a lot about a country so accepting of homosexuality that it is now fighting for the rights of LGBT communities elsewhere.

Spaniards should be proud of their forward-thinking ways, it being officially one of the least homophobic countries on the planet.

Other countries should now try and follow suit, including the UK which lags behind in acceptability of gays and lesbians.

It is important for everyone to live in harmony together, and not push their hateful views. Russia should be ashamed of itself for encouraging violence against its own people.

And as hosts of the winter Olympics, their homophobia could prevent athletes and brands, from sponsoring the event. It is the 21st Century, not the 1800s!

Got a news story?

Contact our team of journalists in our Costa del Sol office on 951127006 or 691831399 or email newsdesk@theolivepress.es

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The original and only English-language investigative newspaper in Andalucía

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Tel: 951127006 (admin/editorial/sales/advertising) or admin@theolivepress.es

A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in southern Spain - 198,000 copies distributed monthly (130,000 digitally) with an estimated readership, including the website, of more than 500,000 people a month.

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SIT in the car opposite ishly on. It’s not easy, Nazi two palm trees and in hunting. my hand is a photo from When the Nazis ran, many 1997. of them ran to Spain. They It’s a surreptitious, called it Das Trampolin besnatched image of a man cause from here they were sitting alone in a bar. He’d sprung across to South be older now, fifteen more American friendlies. years at the fag-end of life, Yet many stayed. Franco when recognition can be- hid behind the protection come harder by the month. afforded by overt wartime The person who gave me neutrality. He welcomed Nathe photo thinks the subject zis, particularly those with is alive, living with 90 years questionable riches, and of memories somewhere in instigated a sheltering prothis street. gramme that some argue This is Lindasol, a smart- was never dismantled. ish residential area to the In writing my new novel east of Marbella. The sea San Carlos, I delved into the is a mile down the hill. I’ve staggering level of Nazi emibeen here for hours, wait- gration to Spain after the ing, looking at this photo. war. I set my book in Ibiza, The man is drinking a the Balearic Islands being beer, staring, a popular with what I Nazi refuge, choose to but here in Many Nazis came A n d a l u c i a , see as melancholy into well this was to Spain leading the distance.

Nazi-On-Sea. to the local nickWhen I check Wo l f g a n g my mirrors, name Nazi-on-Sea Jugler was there’s been the last head some moveof Hitler’s ment in the personal apartment block behind bodyguard division. me. An old man is now sitHe could well be alive, ting in the garden opening somewhere near those two a book. He looks up with palm trees. Elsewhere in curiosity at my approach. I Marbella lived Norwegian guess his age. It’s possible. Nazi convert Frederik JenI ask in stumbling Span- sen, awarded the German ish if this man knows Wolf- Gold Cross by Hitler and gang Jugler. “No”, he an- tracked down by Norweswers, calmly. I look at his gian newspaper Aftenposen book. It’s German. “OK”, I in 2007. He died last year, say, leave and then peek aged 90. Aribert Heim, ‘Dr back when I reach the gate. Death’ of the Mauthausen He looks rattled. On a whim concentration camp, and I lift my phone and snap him wanted for multiple war as I drive off. I drive clear of crimes, was reportedly spotthe development and each ted in Ibiza in 2005. street between us brings Investigators think resulmore clarity and shame. I tant media attention sent pull over. I look at the photo Heim to South America affrom 1997. It wasn’t him. ter decades in Andalucia, I look at the smudged and Jensen was suspected photo on my phone, of an of helping him flee. elderly man utterly baffled I drive past Malaga airby this stray Scottish luna- port, where Otto Remer artic. It wasn’t him. I turn the rived in 1994, after fleeing ignition and drive sheep- German charges of denying

the Holocaust. He settled in tions away from the coast the nearby town of Elviria and in places such as the with the full knowledge of wild Axarquia region.

Spanish authorities.

The Olive Press discovAs Chief of Security at ered areas where people Hitler’s barracks, Remer had lived unnoticed for deblocked assassination at- cades. The one mentioned tempts against the Fuhrer, most was Barranco Blanco. including the ‘20th July’ Barranco Blanco, ‘white plot featured in the movie valley’, is a place built on ruValkyrie. mour. A hidden dip of pine A Nazi loyalist until the forest somewhere near the end, his 1997 funeral pro- town of Coin, it has a whisgramme showed him in full pered history of Nazi inwartime uniform. Among trigue. During the war it was the guests was Wolfgang used as a secret meeting Jugler. place for Franco, Hitler and In the small village of Ar- Mussolini. riate I meet a reporter from An army barracks was the Olive Press. built and used by the GerIn 2008 the paper re- mans for clandestine SS ceived a strange phone call. training. Following the war A German man in Elviria it became a fully militarised had found a bag of docu- area, and the most secure ments in the street. of Spain’s Nazi refuges.

Through the mass of Visitors in the early papers, the team tracked 1970s describe German down the house of the late style homes openly flying Remer where a female rela- the swastika and a Gertive of the former Nazi was man themed bar, before happy to being esshow them corted clear Visitors to Barby armed around. g u a r d s The arranco Blanco may ticle that described German which or may not followed style homes open- have been got a big reNazi sponse. ly flying swastikas Danish s y mp a t h i s In phone ers. calls and More reemails, the paper heard many stories cent descriptions talk of of tall, lean German men a difficult road and a few growing old on Andalucian inhabited houses left. Onbeaches. More than any- line, there are more tales thing, people talked about of people who fail to find it than have done so. Lothe tattoos.

Members of the SS had cal maps are hopeless and their blood type tattooed Google gives a grey smear on their inner arm. Lots of of nothing. When I visit I find people talked about old a watchtower that is built in German guys with either a Bavarian style and guards that tattoo or, more often, a a road that starts surprismark where it had been re- ingly well before reverting moved. People talked about to rough gravel and dirt as it it being almost like a game drops into the thickly woodright up into the 70s, spot- ed valley.

I soon spot the houses on ting these men.

Reports came in of all- the valley floor – German German communities that style, large, some occupied sheltered in surprising loca- and some probably not.

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I see a gap in the trees draws my attention. On the other side of a ravine is an abandoned army barracks.

I stop at the watchtower and venture inside. I walk through debris, bottles and newspapers, and climb the staircase. From the platform the view stretches in every direction. Somewhere in

FEATURE

the olive press - August 7 - August 21 2013

The last of the Spanish Nazis

Spain, probably in Andalucia, there are a handful of men like Wolfgang Jugler.

Men who fought in a war six decades ago, who have lived perhaps three quarters of their lives in a country that was sought as spontaneous refuge.

That they avoided thorough investigation and fitting punishment is a matter of Spanish shame that will only grow

REMOTE LEADER: Franco was a hitler sympathiser

man.

There is always a price to pay for living on the run and the grind It’s a secrecy that of daily subterwill soon come f u g e , to a natural end no matwhen the last of ter how bright the Nazis dies t h e s u n when the shine. Yet, like the rest c o u n t r y of his cabal, Jugler was f i n a l l y afforded both freedom deals with and a secrecy which its hidden would endure virtually Nazi his- intact to the present tory. The day. photo of It’s a secrecy that will Wolfgang soon come to a natural end, J u g l e r after it has granted one last does not favour. We will never know show a when the last of the Spanh a p p y ish Nazis dies.

HIDEOUT: Barranco Blanco, just inland from the Costa del Sol, was one of the main German enclaves after the war

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HIDING IN THE COSTA SHADOWS: Otto Remer - above, and from left- Aribert Heim, Fredrik Jensen, Leon Degrelle and Albert Speer have all allegedly lived in Spain

San Carlos by Neil Forsyth is out now.

Visit www.neilforsyth.com.

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NEWS

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Gay bars ban vodka

Backlash against Russian vodka after homosexuality ban

GAY bars in Andalucia are boycotting Russian vodka, after draconian anti-gay

laws were introduced in the country.

A series of Spanish bars

along the coast are refusing to stock any brands coming from the country after

Profit for Iberia at last

IT has taken a couple of years, but British Airways’ Spanish sister airline Iberia may at last be making a profit.

According to parent company IAG, the airline has finally turned a corner due to improved performance and after huge layoffs.

IAG reported a pre-tax loss of €5billion in the first six months of 2013. The last quarter showed a huge improvement, with the main improvement was from Iberia.

By Alex Iszatt

President Putin banned homosexuality.

“We are not ordering any vodka from Russia,” insisted a spokesman for Gay Club Puerto Banus.

“We totally support the gay community”

Support

Spain tops gay acceptance poll SPAIN is more accepting of homosexuality than most other countries, it has emerged.

According to a survey of 39 nations, 88% of Spaniards are accepting of gay people.

Europeans generally take a more positive attitude towards the issue than nations such as China and Russia.

Germany was the second most accepting with 87%, while Czech Republic and Canada

(both 80%), Australia (79%), France (77%) and Britain (76%), also scored highly, according to the Pew Research Centre.

In the US, 60% of respondents were accepting of the issue, while African countries were among the least tolerant.

With Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda and Kenya all having acceptance levels of less than 5%.

Gay clubs and bars around the world are now supporting the movement, launched

by American Dan Savage.

The law banning homosexuality has been enforced by the Kremlin, and has stirred up Russian vigilantes - who are taking the law into their own hands.

Shocking videos have been appearing on Youtube showing thugs attacking victims in the street, and even urinating on them.

The No Russian Vodka movement is ensuring that homophobia cannot be hidden behind the iron curtain – the global community is doing everything it can to highlight the problems in Russia.

NEWS

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the olive press - August 7 - August 21 2013

iTalk shuts up... for now Radio station closes for ‘at least a month’ as boss denies he’s set to leave Spain

MYSTERY surrounds the sudden closure of one of southern Spain’s best known radio stations.

It comes after iTalk stopped broadcasting live while it took ‘a break’ until the end of August.

While its boss Maurice Boland insisted it would return with a ‘new and pioneering concept for radio in Spain’ he

EXCLUSIVE was forced to deny publicly that he was planning to leave the country.

In a Facebook post, he said that despite rumours he has ‘no plans as yet to leave Spain’.

The station that was based at the Kempinski Hotel, in Estepona, has now left the

AN area of bizarre rock formations could be named among Spain’s finest natural sites.

The El Torcal Natural Park has been nominated to go forward as Andalucia’s top nature spot in the annual ‘Best Corner of Spain’ competition.

The competition, sponsored by Repsol Guides, has now chosen one site from each of Spain’s 17 provinces. The area of rocks formed by rain around 150 million years ago, near Antequera, was one of 1200 sites put forward.It is currently in second place after the Cueva de Pozalagua in the Basque region.

Anyone interested in voting has until August 22. Anyone can vote at elmejorrincon.guiarepsol.com.

premises and closed its phone lines.

It is only playing pre-recorded repeats on its website.

After announcing the break - which, he said, was a ‘well earned rest’ for his team – Boland posted a photograph of an empty broadcasting studio (see right).

The closure comes as a surprise to many, as Boland

Rock ‘n’roll

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News IN BRIEF

Tax the sun Malaga’s regional government has announced a plan to charge households a fee for producing their own soLar energy.

Swimming first SWIMMER Mireia Belmonte won her third medal at the FINA World Championships in Barcelona, becoming the first Spaniard to do so.

Shaking Fuengirola experienced an earthquake that measured 4.1 on the Richter scale. was using social media to promote the station only two days before the announcement on August 2.

The celebrated Costa del Sol DJ, who moved to Spain from Ireland in the 80s, to set up a series of radio stations before being fired from Talk Radio Europe due to an impropriety with a teenage girl in 2010.

Boland kicked-off iTalk in 2011, with a celebrity filled cocktail party.

However, staff soon complained that they weren’t getting paid, and three walked away from the project after only a few months.

One investor David Jelley

Facelift for Malaga market STAYING IN SPAIN: Boland denies move denied last night that the station was closing and insisted it would be reopening from new premises ‘when they are ready’.

He refused to be drawn on any financial issues.

A historic market has reopened after undergoing a major refurbishment, in Malaga.

Ataranzas Market, parts of which date back to the 14th century, has been redeveloped to bring it in line with modern safety and hygiene regulations.

The project involved changing the layout of the stalls to better reflect how the market would have looked in the past, as well as improving views of the historic architecture.

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NEWS

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Fire ravages Madrid 550 firemen battle with 20 planes for two days to dampen a wildfire that has destroyed thousands of hectares

WE DON’T BELIEVE YOU AN incredible 72% of Spaniards still believe that Spain’s Prime Minister took bungs in a financial scandal.

The opposition leader has also continued to demand Mariano Rajoy’s resignation, despite his public denial of any involvement in the so called Barcenas scandal.

In his denial to Parliament last week, Rajoy finally gave up on defending the disgraced former PP treasurer Luis Barcenas, calling him a ‘delinquent.’

He maintained that the only crime he committed himself was ‘trusting someone who we now know did not deserve that’.

Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba, leader of the PSOE, responded by saying it would’ve been impossible for Rajoy not to know he was sheltering Barcenas.

He reminded the country that he had only come forward after being coerced into speaking, and had not come forward of his own volition.

Rajoy is counting on support from his party to get him through the scandal with his career intact.

INVESTIGATORS are probing the causes of a massive fire that took 550 firemen two days to get under control.

The mystery blaze needed an incredible 20 water-carrying planes and helicopters to aid firefighters on the ground.

The fire, which started on Saturday, quickly spread throughout the forest near Cebreros, 92 kilometers west of Madrid.

The flames began to cut across the provincial road AV-562 toward the neighboring municipality of El Hoyo in pinewoods, where residents were evacuated.

Some 14 helicopters from Madrid, together with six amphibious planes, spent several hours dousing the area.

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NEWS

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AXARQUIA NEWS

the olive press - August 7 - August 21 2013

BUSINESS PLAN TOURISM chiefs have submitted a plan aimed at providing more services and exploiting business opportunities in the Axarquia.

The blueprint has been submitted to municipalities and businesses in the area for review.

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NIGHT MAYOR! News IN BRIEF

New school THE Junta has set aside €3.5million for the construction of a new school.

Los Jarales primary school in Rincon de la Victoria, will be built within the next year.

Former mayor drives into traffic cop while six times over the limit IT is the last thing you want to do when you are speeding and SIX times over the drink

drive limit.

But, the ex mayor of VelezMalaga clearly wasn’t looking

Sea lab The Aula del Mar has just set up a new Marine Laboratory on Burriana beach in Nerja, which allows visitors to observe and study the marine life of the Axarquia waters.

TALENTED: Gunn-Russell terracota piece and Davies Landscape(below)

Abstract in Axarquia EXPAT artists are set to showcase their work at an exhibition in the Axarquia.

Mitch Davies, graphic designer, and ceramist Linda GunnRussell will present their work at Galeria Cutarte in Cutar.

Davies’ work includes Andalucian landscapes and portraits of young women, alongside some more abstract pieces.

Gunn-Russell has created a series of terracotta heads and smaller more intricate and colourful pieces, as well as work created using a technique known as ‘raku’.

The exhibition is open every Saturday and Sunday from August 9 - September 15. 6pm - 9pm.

at the road when he drove into a traffic cop who ordered him to stop.

The former PSOE politician had been driving back home from a night out in Malaga.

While the officer only suffered ‘minor injuries’, Souviron was arrested and held for 24 hours.

It turned out his blood alcohol level was 0.29, while the legal limit in Spain is 0.05.

Antonio Souviron was mayor of Velez-Malaga between 1996 and 2007 and served as provincial delegate of the Tourism Ministry for the Junta from 2008 to 2012.

Keeping the beaches clean RINCON de la Victoria has launched an environmental awareness campaign to keep its beaches clean.

Taking place over the course of three days, the event will combine fun and games with activities for the public like beach cleaning and recycling.

The head of the department, Sergio Diaz, commented the campaign was “aimed at informing people about the importance of carrying out a behaviour and being aware of the environment and the protection of the coast.”

The activities will take place on August 12, and 15 from 11am-3pm on the La Cala del Moral Beach.

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GIB BORDER CRISIS

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HOW I SEE IT: Giles Brown spent a day monitoring the tense situation at the border

A

SHORT pop across the border into Gibraltar had become a quick everyday occurrence for many on the coast.

Whether it’s to do the weekly shop at Morrisons or Waitrose, do a spot of business, or just take a trip around to see the monkeys, there are thousands doing it every day. Or should that be ‘were’?

The recent actions by the Guardia Civil, with a phallanx of hard-core customs officials checking every vehicle leaving and entering the Rock, has made things considerably harder for workers and tourists

arriving there.

The current clampdown and threats by the Spanish government will inevitably put off many from visiting this month.

It was not as if it wasn’t hard enough already, with queues often reaching an hour or more before the recent clamp down.

Now the huge queues have frequently backed up right the way through Gibraltar with special emergency car parks being set up on some of the beaches to cope with the situation.

Motorists, including the el-

derly and those with young children, were forced to wait up to six hours in the sweltering heat. The Gibraltarian government acted swiftly, providing water for those trapped in the queues, but that is just not on.

Gareth Gingell, chairman of the Defenders of Gibraltar, spent several days at the border. “It’s not right” he told me.

“Nobody should put up with this and it’s time for the British to step up to the plate.

“I do understand that there is a deeper game going on here

ANALYSIS

How did the dispute begin?

THE dispute started earlier this month, when Gibraltar began construction of an artificial reef, by the airport (see diagram above).

The reef has been installed to allow a safe area for shoals of fish to spawn without danger of being caught. However, when Spanish fisherman spotted Gibraltarian tugboats dumping 70 blocks of cement into the sea, they be-

came outraged, claiming that the construction was detrimental to their livelihood. Spain has since attacked Gibraltar for harming the environment, but Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo says ‘hell will freeze over’ before the government removes the reef. There are more than two dozen similar reefs around Andalucia, including one in nearby La Linea itself.

VIEWPOINT

Border bust-up

What Spain says

This has led to huge queues over the last fortnight as people waited up to six hours to leave the Rock in the sweltering summer sun.

In one shocking incident a Gibraltarian cyclist Wayne McKay was dragged off his bike and handcuffed for attempting to pass customs officers.

The border delays were accompanied by strong words from Foreign Minister Garcia-Margallo who declared that ‘The party was over’ for Gibraltar. In a raft of draconian measures he said he was proposing a €50 fee for crossing the border, as well as flights into the Rock being denied access to Spanish airspace The provocation was seen by many observers as a move by leader Mariano Rajoy to divert attention away from his own domestic difficulties, including the ongoing economic crisis and his personal involvement in the Barcenas ‘black money’ scandal.

Foreign Secretary William Hague has said the UK stands ‘shoulder to shoulder with the people of Gibraltar at this time of increasing Spanish pressure.’

The UK’s UKIP party meanwhile has asked for a frigate to be dispatched to Gibraltar to show the UK’s support.

THE Spanish government has taken an offensive stance, with Foreign Minister Margallo saying ‘the party is over’ for the Rock. Spain insists the reef is harmful to both its fishing industry and the environment, despite its aims to protect fish.

The government is also concerned about the black economy of Gibraltar, dominated by offshore banking and internet gambling, despite them being regulated by the EU authorities.

As a result it is now threatening to begin investigations into the taxes of thousands of Gibraltarians who own property in Spain. Polemically, Gemma Araujo, the mayor of La Linea has said the Spanish government should work with the UK.

From Page 1

between Spain and Britain.

But it doesn’t alter the fact that I was walking up and down that queue for three days”.

He continued: “It was horrendous - the number of elderly and infirm that I had to ask the police to rush through. There were little kids who had been in there for hours. Imagine the stress that they were under.

“All in all, it appears that we Gibraltarians are in for a rough ride - but I am confident of our ability to ride out any storm on the horizon and rebuff the bully. The modern world has no place for bullies”.

Tensions had certainly calmed on the border when I visited yesterday.

But the high profile nature of this ongoing dispute was evidenced by the numerous camera crews and news reporters that I mingled with at the frontier. Some had flown in from the UK and many were puzzled by this apparently unnecessary dispute.

Many commentators are dismissing the rhetoric com-

The move is a cheap trick to divert attention from economic failings ing out of Madrid as merely a cheap trick from PM Rajoy to divert attention from his economic failings, high unemployment and the ongoing Barcenas case.

After all, a bit of militaristicstyle tub-thumping never did Maggie any harm back at home.

But with the long summer weeks lying ahead before the Spanish Parliament gets back to business, it could be a tension filled August for those on the frontier.

And that’s not to mention the 15,000 estimated Spanish who cross the border to work in the enclave every day.

As the mayor of neighbouring La Linea knows all too well, her town would be considerably further in the doldrums if they were to lose their jobs.

Ultimately one can’t help but think that it is the recent declarations that the Rock is expected to see growth of 8% this year that has most upset their neighbours.

The small enclave’s dynamic economy has put its citizens among the world’s wealthiest according to GDP figures. Most of these people

calm www.theolivepress.es

are frequently commuting in and out of Spain (and the rest of Europe).

But, while Spain, might be perhaps looking to get its hands on some of their wealth, ultimately it risks driving them away from their shops, hotels and restaurants.

In my long experience of living here, the Gibraltarians are an important and big-spending sector on the Costa del Sol and

GIB BORDER CRISIS

around Andalucia as a whole.

Indeed, I know a boss of one of the Rock’s top businesses who likes nothing more than to use this newspaper’s frequent All About Travel specials to take off in his Combie van to explore the numerous colourful regions of Andalucia.

Spending considerable money each weekend, surely the Spanish don’t want to turn off that particular tap?

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An online jam HUGE delays created by Spanish border checks in have led to a ten-fold increase in visitors to a website monitoring the frontier.

Frontierqueue.gi, operated by Gibraltar’s government, features live feeds from a series of cameras positioned close to the border.

The website has an average of 3,000 hits each day but this figure has risen dramatically in recent days, peaking at 30,000 on Sunday.

Interest in the situation has not been restricted to the Rock, with 18,000 people in Spain and 3,000 from the UK also logging on.

ON THE BORDER

THEY’RE BOTH NAUGHTY CHILDREN What do ordinary workers think about the situation Megan Perryman, 23, employee at Gala Bingo “I think they are both as bad as each other. ‘Spain did this, Gibraltar did that’. If they were both children I’d smack them on the bottom and tell them to stop being so stupid!”

Jeff Jones, 33, banker “We don’t think that this €50 border fee is ever going to happen, as there are 15,000 Spaniards who work in Gibraltar every day, so that would cost them €2000 a month just to cross the border. I hope it is just a storm in a teacup.”

Lee, Danielle, Kerry, three colleagues who work in one of the banks “We’ve heard lots of horror stories about the queues, A colleague of ours was stuck with her children for hours.

She ended up phoning her husband who drove from Duquesa, parked the car, walked over the border and took her place in the queue, so that she could drive home with the kids in his car!

Mary and Joanne, who work at the hospital “It is a real worry, but because we always walk through every day it doesn’t affect us so much. The queues really affect the tourists. We think that Spain has decided to up the pressure, but we have had to live with this for years. After summer we expect that it will all calm down and we’ll be back to normal.”

Gib IN BRIEF PM Visit

UK Prime Minister David Cameron met with ten soldiers from the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, during his recent visit to Afghanistan.

The soldiers are currently in Helmand province with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

Diver Death

IN a tragic accident, 21-year-old Gibraltarian Kyle Bagu died while free diving with friends off the South Mole last week.

ON the Rock

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Olive Press guide to the best of What’s On in Gibraltar over the next two weeks August 8 Rock Hotel Pool Beer tasting with tapas. Hosted by Fabrica de Cevezas Kettel. Tel 200 73000 August 15-20 Caleta Hotel.

3rd Gibraltar Junior International Chess Festival. There are two categories: under-16 and under-12. More information can be found on the official website: http://www.gibraltarchesscongress.com/junior/international2013.htm

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LETTERS

the olive press - August 7 - August 21 2013

POTTED POINTERS ANDALUCIA RESERVOIR LEVELS This week: 78.14% full Same week last year: 55.59% Same week in 2003: 57.82% 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 1.32 American Dollars 0.87 British Pounds 1.36 Canadian Dollars 7.45 Danish Kroner 10.25 H Kong Dollars 7.86 Norwegian Kroner 1.68 Singapore Dollars

BIG TOLL Dear OP, This is a letter regarding your article on new motorways/toll roads. Last July we travelled from Toledo towards Madrid on the road mentioned by you, and during the whole we were time on it - about an hour - we did not see A SINGLE VEHICLE ON ANY OF THE SIX LANES GOING IN EITHER DIRECTION!!! We just could not believe it.

It seems that Spain has a surplus of money and land, and seems unable to ascertain where the priorities should be. People in power seem unable to treat this lovely land of theirs with the compassion it deserves.

Overbuild

Wherever you drive, you see wide swaths of new roads gouging scars across the countryside, with little or no traffic on them, and perhaps another ‘old’ road alongside it. Although Spain is in a recession, partly brought on by factors they had little control over, way before the start of this there was evidence everywhere of overbuilding, with huge amounts of money invested, leaving large areas of ghost developments standing unsold and empty because someone misjudged the possible demand. (Sounds very similar to the road situation.) These buildings are all still there

now as blots on the landscape. It is all very sad.

Betsy and David Borthwick, Alozaina

Electricity con Dear OP, I am writing about the Endesa meter rip-off.

It is very annoying that it costs a lot of money for an independent check on an Endesa meter, and they will do nothing until that money has been spent.

As an older guy with a small pension, I cannot afford the systematic theft that Endesa employs against its customers.

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Mind your own business Dear OP, We are UK residents but come and go regularly to our apartment in Gibraltar. My take on it is this: It is purely a case of “sour grapes” by the Spanish Government, who are desperately trying to detract from all their economic and social woes by appearing to be actively engaging in some form of patriotic sabre- rattling, hoping that this will prove a popular political gesture. Infact, they are cutting off their noses as the town of La Linea is probably being kept afloat by the thousands

of Spaniards who at least can find employment over the border and bring a little prosperity to this economically poor area. Interestingly, the Mayor of La Linea (a pragmatic lady, I believe) has been quietly conciliatory of late. All this political posturing should be dealt with firmly and decisively by the EU, with repercussions if Spain does not adhere to the spirit of free movement between borders, not just bickering phone calls between senior UK and Spanish ministers.

Vivien Thorley

Restricted

My meter shows 1kw consumption a day even though I know I am using half that amount. Now that summer is here I have to choose between using my laptop (65w) or a fan (38w –50w) for a few hours a day. For 1kw I should be able to use my laptop for 5 hours (325w) and a fan for 5 hours (190w – 250w) each day and still be well within the 1kw level. Instead I have to restrict my use of either to limit the amount that Endesa is stealing from me.

Surely I am not the only victim?

Arthur Webster. Coin

Spain to blame

Dear OP, Regarding the article on border queues in Gibraltar, I would like to say I really felt so sorry for the thousands trapped for up to eight hours under that blazing sun. I was in Catalan Bay at the time and witnessed the drama unfolding. There were many children, elderly persons and oth-

ers needing medical attention.

Believe me, the local authorities tried everything in their powers to help, including providing ambulances, water and toilet facilities.Ironically, most were Spanish registered cars and many were under the impression that they were being held in the holding area by the British, not realising that the Guardia Civil was responsible for the delay. On humanitar-

ian grounds alone this was a disgrace reflecting badly on a supposedly democratic country belonging to the E.U. Quite frankly, as a Gibraltarian, the former Spanish government showed much more imagination and diplomacy regarding Gibraltar. This one seems to be reverting to tactics that have failed for more than 300 years.

Anon

CROSSMOT 13

Tea-total travel

Across 7 Guitarra (6) * 8 Otros (6) * 9 Cayó (4) * 10 Vigorous (8) * 11 Imaginar (7) * 13 Bestia (5) * 15 Lanzar (5) * 17 Cierto (7) * 20 Adapted (8) * 21 Bofetada (4) * 22 Se Inclinó (6) * 23 Sledge (6).

Down 1 Museo (6) * 2 Helpful (4) * 3 Evitar (7) * 4 Duro (5) * 5 Más Corto (8) * 6 Prisoners (6) * 12 Agrupamiento (8) * 14 Revueltas (7) * 16 Oculto (6) * 18 Image (6) * 19 Arenas (5) * 21 Six (4).

L = 199

Dear OP, This is in response to the article on increased penalties for drink driving. A good idea would be to inform people of the legally limits.

I own a Spanish bar and the high level of drink driving is shocking. A lot of locals don’t even consider drinking beer as alcohol and regularly have a few beers with lunch before jumping back into their cars. A normal spirit mixer here would put most normal people over the legal limit but sadly people aren’t aware of that and those who are just aren’t scared of the consequences.

Mark, Marbella

Letters should be posted to Urb. Cayetano Arroyo, Buzon 13, Arriate 29350, Malaga or emailed to letters@theolivepress.es The writer’s name and address should be provided. Published opinions are not necessarily those of the Editor.

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the olive press - August 7 - August 21 2013

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SAVE £10 ON YOUR END OF MONTH SHOP THIS AUGUST AT YOUR MORRISONS GIBRALTAR Here’s how: Spend £35 or more, in one transaction during w/c 5th August and aagain during w/c 12th August and keep your receipts.

(Each receipt must be from a different week.)

Do a tthird shop for £35 or more between 19th–25th August and hand in your two previous receipts at the checkout and we’ll give you a £10 money off coupon.

Redeem your £10 coupon between 26th August–1st September Redee when you spend £35 or more on your shop.

Terms and conditions apply, see in store for details.

You’ll find your Morrisons at: Westside Road, Europort, Gibraltar or visit www.morrisons.co.uk

T NG R A CTI EK T S LE E !

L IS W LY CO TH ON

w/c 05/08/13

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18 18 the olive press - August 7 - August 21 2013

what’s on

M

arbella, August 7-10,

Opera Festival in Marbella. All concerts start at 10pm. Teatro Ciudad de Marbella.

T

orre del Mar, August 15,

Virgen de la Antigua festivities and firework display.

Festivities begin at Viñuela at 6 pm.

F

uengirola, August 9, Magic

in the Park, Parque de España, 9 pm.

T

orremolinos, August 16,

Modern Songs by Virginia Elogsegui, Plaza Andalucia, 9:30pm

B

enamocarra, August 16,

ABBA concert by Benamocarra Pop, Plaza de Toros, 10:30 pm.

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Painting the town red… green, blue and yellow

The town has received a botanical upgrade, thanks to the town hall ESTEPONA has received a new kaleidoscopic colour scheme in a bid to brighten the town up.

Officials commissioned a series of colourful murals that were painted on buildings throughout the town.

A number of residential streets have also been lined with flower pots, reinforcing the town’s reputation as the garden of the Costa del Sol.

Mijas saddles up

HORSE riding is to be promoted as an alternative to the traditional beach holiday in Mijas. Officials want to encourage equestrian activities as a way of exploring the surrounding countryside in the hope of attracting around 120,000 tourists a year.

Promotional campaigns and information in the town’s tourism offices will help to increase awareness of what is being offered. “Tourists can experience Mijas’ natural beauty and landscapes from the back of a horse,” said councillor Jose Antonio Sanchez Pena.

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GREEN NEWS 19

Martinez in Marbella

A BRITISH photographer is to exhibit her work in Spain for the first time at the Red Penguin Gallery’s Summer Festival in Marbella.

Julia Martinez will showcase fine art nudesphotographs from her recent Exposures exhibition in the UK. Martinez first took an interest in photography while helping her grandfather, himself a professional photographer, as a child. The award-winning photographer has also worked as a model, posing for the likes of Rankin, Bob Carlos Clarke, Alwyn Coates and Ray Masse.

Red Penguin Gallery’s Summer Festival runs from August 8 to September 25 at Red Penguin Gallery, El Capricho, El Corte Ingles Marbella (opposite Palacio de Congresos, Marbella).

Storm brewing in Marbella A 14-YEAR-OLD R&B star has wowed crowds with a glittering performance at a prestigious charity event in Marbella.

Tallia Storm, from Scotland, rose to prominence after being personally asked by Elton John to perform at one of his shows.

The youngster took the next step on her path to stardom when she took to the stage at the Global Gift Gala, hosted

by Desperate Housewives actress Eva Longoria on Sunday night.

The youngster was joined at the Gran Melia Don Pepe resort by singers including Nate James, Lara Fabian and Sara Pi for the annual event, organised to raise money for vulnerable women and children.

The Global Gift Foundation has donated around €12 million to charities worldwide since it was founded in 2005.

Speaking before the event, Storm said: “I am so excited to perform at this incredible and glamorous event.

“These women are really making things happen and as a singer, I’m just thrilled to support them in any way I can.”

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la cultura

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GOLDEN GALA Antonio Banderas set to celebrate his birthday at the IV edition of the Starlite Gala

OVER the last few years it has become one of the key charity events in Spain.

The Starlite Gala is the benefit gala associated with the Starlite Festival, running from July 23 to August 24 in Marbella.

Now in its fourth year, the event on August 10 has Antonio Banderas as host, as he celebrates his birthday with his wife Melanie Griffith at his side.

A guaranteed night of stardust and glamour, this year’s event in Marbella will welcome Alejandro Sanz to receive a special Starlite Gala Humanitarian Award for his charity work. Other awards will be given to Argentinianmodel Valeria Mazza, who

IT has been a fantastic opening fortnight for the Starlite festival with acts including Jamie Cullum, Bryan Adams and Noa. But, of course, it was the concert from local lad Julio Iglesias who took the honours, selling out in record time.

The legendary singer sang into the night bashing out a repertoire of famous hits including Begin the Beguine and To all the girls I’ve loved before.

Now comes the turn of huge flamenco favourites including dancer Sara Baras on August 9 and legendary guitarist Paco de Lucia on August 15.

Spanish pop sensation Alejandro Sanz is playing on August 11, with Malu a few days later on August 14.

New legend in the making Enrique Iglesias (son of Julio) is set to wow the crowds on August 17, while UK stalwarts UB40 arrive on August 21.

Two popular hit medley shows – Forever King of Pop and Grease – arrive on August 16 and 23 respectively.

The celebrations then come to an end on August 24 with a hit show from massive Spanish star David Bisbal.

MODEL LOOKS: Alejandro Sanz and (far left) Argentinian model Valeria Mazza

FAMILY VALUES: Antonio with wife Melanie and daughter Stella picks up the 2013 Philanthropy Award for her work with the Pediatric Unit of the

Austral University Hospital in Buenos Aires, the Special Olympics, and UNICEF.

Miguel Bosé, Maria Eugenia Martínez de Irujo and Quique Sarasola will also re-

ceive awards.

The singer Marta Sanchez will also be present at the gala, after recently visiting Acapulco to work with the children’s charity Niños en Alegria.

Roko, the winner of the television program ‘tu cara me suena’ will also provide entertainment, while flamen-

What’s still to come

LEGENDARY: Paco de Lucia (above) plays on August 15

SUPERSTARS: Enrique Iglesias and (below) UB40

LIVE AND DIRECT: (from left) Mala, Grease, David Bisbal, Whitney and Jackson Tribute

co singer Juan Peña will be on hand to present the Gala’s after party, attended by celebrities from all over the country.

Meanwhile, Andalucian designer Vicky Martin Berrocal has designed the event’s invitations, and Miguel Palacio has designed the awards.

All proceeds from the 2013 Starlite Gala will go to charity foundations ‘Lagrimas y Fa-

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Sin obstáculos, sin límites.

NUEVO FORD B-MAX Puertas “Easy Access”.

Ingenioso e innovador, así es el Nuevo Ford B-MAX, el primer OpenCar de la historia. Es el único turismo con tecnología inteligente que crea un acceso lateral de 1,5m y sin obstáculos. ford.es

Ford. Coche Oficial de la Gala Starlite.

Gama Ford B-MAX consumo medio combinado de 4,0 a 6,4 l/100 km. Emisiones de CO2 de 104 a 149 g/km.

Hola Starlite 240x330.indd 1

19/07/13 14:20

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la cultura

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Robbing the Romans

Thieves are increasingly robbing Andalucia’s archaeology sites to order OVER 3,000 archaeological sites in Andalucia have been targeted by grave diggers, who have been pillaging historical treasures to order.

According to police in Sevilla, archaeological looting has dramatically risen over the last couple of years.

Thieves are using sophisticated technology, including metal detectors and georadars to steal the treasures, before putting them on the

Theatre for all SHE came to Spain more than 20 years ago, to begin her acting career.

And after working as a script advisor on Al Sur de Granada in 2003, a film about writer Gerald Brenan, who lived in the Alpujarras, Anna Kemp decided to stay.

Now the keen thespian is setting up a theatre to give something back to the region.

The outdoor stage in the small village of Laroles (above) was inspired by the Minack threatre, an open air threatre in Cornwall, in the UK. “The idea started with me teaching acting to kids in Laroles,� she explained.

She has now set up a cultural association which has successfully applied for grants to make her dream come to fruition. The new theatre, which is set to open next summer, promises to increase tourism in the difficult economic climate.

black market, or selling to collectors.

It comes after a pair of bronze statues from the Roman Empire were recently recovered in Cordoba, although police were unsuccessful in

tracing the thieves.

Archaeologists and police are now calling for better security measures at the sites, and also for harsher punishments for those found committing the thefts.

A

www.theolivepress.es

ll about Aug 07, 2013

It’s two parts old money to one part nouveau riche with a dash of blue blood, shaken and stirred by the gladiatorial sport of polo. That’s Sotogrande in August, when the A-List’s in town and ready to party, writes Belinda Beckett

“

So have you read the book?” I asked polo star Jack Kidd when I met supermodel Jodi’s hunky elder brother at Santa María Polo Club.

I was referring to Jilly Cooper’s raunchy novel, Polo.

After all, Jack’s in it! He’s one of ‘The Heavenly Twins’, described as: ‘vastly brave, blonde and stocky like two golden bear cubs, it was said that any girl in the twins’ lives, and there were legions, had to play second fiddle to polo and the other twin.’

“I don’t need to read the book, I live the life,” Jack retorted, not flattered to be a chick-lit hero.

Polo the book may be a work of bad fiction but Cooper’s world of ‘bankable patrons and bonkable players’ is not so very far removed from what goes on during ‘the Sotogrande season’.

(Aficionados really do joke that polo is also an acronym for ‘pants off, legs open’!)

On the field, too, it’s a fastaction game that knocks Sotogrande’s other top spec-

S

25 23 the olive press - August 7 - August 21 2013 23

otogrande

A 12-page Olive Press supplement

Someday my Prince will come PUCKS AWAY. Jack Kidd and sister Jodie (left) while (right) Wills and Harry and spectators nament, a World Polo Tour fixture ranked among the top three in Europe. From 27 July-1 September, 30 teams

tator sport - golf - into the watching-paint-dry category.

Yet although everyone you know owns a polo shirt or six (selling for €4 in Carrefour this summer), most locals have never seen a live chukka, although they’re free to watch. That’s an open invitation to ogle the world’s top players thrashing mallets about in the saddle (Princes Charles, Andrew, William and

Harry, Spanish royals and sultans too, on occasions): cool Germanic blondes, redhot Argentineans, smooth, snake-hipped Frenchmen take your pick, most of them under 35 and 100 per cent fit - plus enough ponies to shoot the remake of Ben Hur. One event in particular, introduced in 1971, has put Sotogrande on the map: the International Summer Tour-

That’s an open invitation to ogle the world’s top players thrashing mallets about in the saddle of riders and 1,000-plus ponies battle at Santa María for Gold, Silver and Bronze Cups, watched by 50,000 spectators drawn from a Who’s Who of high society.

Land Rover is this year’s

tournament sponsor, with many other high-end brands linked to the trophies and Turn to Page 25

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Sotogrande special

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25 25

From Page 23

après polo parties where the Taittinger will be flowing until la madrugada.

But it’s not only its 11 polo fields and high-net-worth summer residents that set Sotogrande apart from the hoi polloi. You won’t find it on most maps because it isn’t a town, or even a village. It’s an urbanisation run by the NH Hotels Group, albeit the largest and most exclusive privately-owned residential development in Andalucia.

Wedged between Gibraltar and the foothills of the Sierra Almenara and sliced into two halves (Alto and Costa) by the coastal highway, it’s part of the municipality of San Roque in Cádiz province, although much better appointed. This postage stamp-sizes 20km2 community boasts a huge range if activities, bars and restaurants.

With a nature reserve, its own church and international

BEGUILED. Belinda Beckett

school and a private hospital clinic with the latest radiodiagnostic equipment, it’s got as much as any proper town, with bells on.

Just as its multi-millionaire founder Joseph McMicking promised in 1962 when he bought five fincas to create the ultimate family sports resort, Sotogrande has “matured like a good Camembert”. Well-considered planning has created an urban area of startling natural beauty surrounded by cork forests, golf fairways and protected natural parkland around the River Guadiaro e s t u a r y, crossed by a rickety boardw a l k , that’s an ornithologist’s paradise.

A l o n g wide ave n u e s spliced by pink and yellow oleanders, m a g nificent mansions peep from between lush conifers and COOLING DOWN: In a pool in the port

PRIVILEGE: Sotogrande marina is a wonderful spot for a stroll or lunch, while (top) paddle surfing in Guadiaro palms (two of the original houses have been declared buildings of cultural interest, along with the Real Club de Golf Sotogrande). Speed bumps preclude low-chassied Flash Harry sports cars (all you can hear is birdsong and the swish of garden sprinklers). This is green wellie country so you’re more likely to see mud-spattered SUVs packed with kids and dogs.

Sotogrande might never have existed if Swissair hadn’t sent a pair of complementary flight tickets to the Philippines-based Ayala Corporation (which gave its name to Sotogrande’s second polo club). McMicking was the CEO while the man he sent to scout for land to realise his dream resort was Enrique Zóbel, the founding father of polo in Sotogrande.

His brief was to find an estate with good travel links and ‘an abundance of water’.

Gibraltar being the only ‘good travel link’ (Málaga airport consisted of one Iberia desk and the N340 didn’t reach this far) Sotogrande’s early settlers – m o s t l y wealthy families from the Philippines, Belgium, Austria and France– flew in via London. In the early

years they had to make their own fun, taking it in turn to throw lavish house parties.

Soon the cream of European aristocracy was summering in Sotogrande alongside the Domecq sherry and Ford car families. The Spanish arrived en masse after 1969 when

Although it hasn’t escaped la crisis Sotogrande snob appeal keeps prices more stable Gibraltar was cut off by Franco’s border closure.

In the 70s, to attract the professional middle class and correct the estate’s ailing balance sheet, Sotogrande opened its multi-coloured

port. Although quite densely urbanised, homes are still bijoux. Apartments at Ribera del Marlin showcase the last word in domotics and many come with a yacht mooring.

Although it hasn’t escaped la crisis, Sotogrande’s snob appeal keeps property prices more stable.

But the development that was to be the jewel in the port’s crown is a sad sign of the times. Blue Sotogrande waterfront shopping village still stands like a jilted virgin bride, many of its brickedup locales unbreached. The arrival of local décor Queen Patricia Darch and stylish new restaurants, plus the very ‘up’-market Sunday market - hippy chic clothing and the best pepper grinders this side of Harrods, sold by Barry ‘the Spice Boy’ - are finally doing their bit to foster a

Covent-Garden-Sur-Med vibe.

Despite the seasonal influx of wealth, Sotogrande’s 50th anniversary was not a golden year. The ‘seasonality’ of tourism here is half the problem.

In 2012 the estate reported losses of €68 million, not helped by the axing of its big autumn income-generator, the Andalucía Masters Golf Tournament at Valderrama, another victim of the crisis.

(Don’t even mention the Volvo Masters, now just a distant memory.)

So this month, do yourself and Sotogrande a favour. Go watch some polo (but not in your €4 Carrefour polo shirt, puleese). They might not need you in August but they will later on - and you’ll be back. Jilly Cooper says so!

“Polo is a drug only curable by poverty or death.” (From Polo by Jilly Cooper)

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the olive press - August 7 - August 21 2013

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GUESTS who showed up at this month’s Cafe Society Folk and Poetry Club got a huge surprise when a tribute to Albert Hammond turned into the real thing.

The audience went wild when the tribute night, which began with the Valerga brothers, sported a guest star in the second act.

Hammond kept them going all night with his own material, as well as classics he penned for other artists including – ‘One Moment in Time’ (Whitney Houston), ‘When I Need You’ (Leo Sayer), and ‘To All The Girls I’ve Loved Before’ (Julio Iglesias).

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Sweet charity Sotogrande’s most popular folk night at The Cafe Society in the port gathers the crowds and helps support local animals

T

HE folk scene has all but disappeared in mainstream music. The likes of Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan and JonI Mitchell have been replaced by nearnaked cheesy pop princes and princesses.

The music of the 60s was inspirational to so many, and their influential rhythms should not be forgotten.

One man, Denis Valerga, has ensured that his home town of Sotogrande will never be forgotten. The Cafe Society Folk Music & Poetry Club began eight months ago as a place for those to share their love of art, folk music and poetry.

The monthly event, also raises funds for the local cat shelter ‘Segunda Oportunidad’ and all who come and play, play for free.

Since its launch its shows have regularly sold out, which is not surprising when it is supported by art-

ists such as Seila Guerrero, Jemma Rocca, James Culatto, Matt Parkin and Peter Chichon.

In fact, it is impossible to get tickets on the night!

The cafe is more than just a platform for the established musicians. Denis believes that unknown artists are vital and opens his doors to acoustic and folk artists from Gibraltar and

Spain. Denis is often found on stage and together with his brother, Henry, where they perform a tribute to the greats.

To get involved, or to just watch and appreciate the music contact Denis on 616 56 08 77. It taks place at Spinnakers Restaurant, 12 Ribera del Marlin, Puerto Sotogrande. Music starts at 8.30pm

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Sotogrande special

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Second home of golf A

NYONE with half an interest in sport will remember the fantastic last few holes of the Ryder Cup in 1997 when Colin Montgomery played the best round of his life.

That was at Valderrama, which is now viewed as one of the must-play golf courses in Europe, beautifully maintained, but sometimes thought to be a touch too hard at times.

There are five other golf courses around Sotogrande, the first being Real Club de Golf de Sotogrande, also known as the Old Course, which was the first course built.

Well maintained, it is said to be a dream to play after its trickier sister Valderrama.

It was here that the so-called Bermuda grass was first introduced into Spain.

The other courses include La Canada, La Reserve, San Roque, as well as Almenara, which is up in the hills and where celebrities Glenn Hoddle and Glen Johnson have homes.

“There are few places with such a high concentration of golf courses,” says Ian Bateman, of Holmes estate agents.

“When you add the fabulous tennis facilities and polo club, with its 11 full size courses, the facilities in Sotogrande are second to none.”

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PIONEER: Planting Spain’s first Bermuda grass (top) and Sotogrande today and (inset) Monty on winning form in 1997

K th

C

jand skill Kids thre awar play no. R Caña

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Kids getting into he swing of it

C

HILDREN from all over the south of Spain will be coming together on Sunday August 18 to take part in the Promises Youth Golf Tournament at the Club de Golf La Cañada. Organised by Aledro Borja Ocaña, it will bring together players of all ls to compete in the five categories of Youngsters, s, Cadet and Junior under Stableford mode. The top ee in each category will receive prizes and special rds.The competition is supported by professional yers Alvaro Quiros and Gonzalo Fernandez-CastaRegistration will take place through self-Club La ada (956-794-100).

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The hidden treasures of Sotogrande More than just a billionaire’s playground, Sotogrande has plenty for you to discover

T

HE main port in Sotogrande attracts the wealthy, but unlike nearby Puerto Banus and Marbella, these affluent individuals don’t want to be photographed falling down drunk – or indeed photographed at all.

It isn’t a place to show off your Prada handbag, or lounge on your yacht with the biggest bottle of Bollinger you can find.

The area centres around its port, which sits alongside two fantastic beaches, one where a sailing club has famously offered the area’s children sailing lessons for over two decades.

The port is a real warren of shops and restaurants sitting on a number of squares and with wonderful views across boats towards Gibraltar in the distance.

Built in the 1960s, the port’s architecture is a kaleidoscope of magnificent colours, and designs from traditional Andalucian through to Moorish and cutting-edge 21st century show homes.

The buildings are so impressive that in 2008, three signature buildings were declared as being of cultural importance - Biddle House, by Francisco Javier Carvajal, the Zóbel house by José Antonio Coderch, and the Real Club de Golf by Luis Gutierrez Soto.

Even the golf courses are beautiful,.

The NH Hotel Almenara course was designed by Ryder Cup champion and respected course architect David Thomas, while Valderramma and Sotogrande are two of the most respected in Spain.

Just down the road is San Roque, a town with a rich history, where evidence can be found of Prehistoric, Phoenician, Carthaginian and Moorish occupation.

Meanwhile, you can’t mention So-

togrande without discussing polo. The Santa Maria Polo Club is world famous and hosts some of the best tournaments in Spain.

The Tennis and Paddle Club, at the Sotogrande Racquet Centre, has professional courts for both sports and an extensive timetable of classes.

Water sports can be found practically everywhere, including at Centro Nautico, where you can go out for the day on a kayak or boat.

A short drive away and there are a host of activities on offer. Or, if you would prefer to cycle or walk, there are numerous routes that will take you to the mountains.

A favourite of locals is the Sotogrande to Castellar route. Taking about three hours, it is not for the faint-hearted, but is well worth it when you see the views, and the castle!

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Art reflecting life

A BYGONE ERA Sotogrande is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month, and what a glorious history it has. Here are two classic pictures from a bygone era... one of a group of polo players and another of fox hunting in San Roque

RAMON Corrales Andreu’s passion for photography started at 15, when he took an interest in his surroundings and explored them with his camera.

His exhibition, Com-

pendium, at the Gallery Nando ArgĂźelles in Sotogrande Marina, reflects his travels with his friends and family throughout Spain, and abroad. The display includes 30 photgraphs,

printed on vinyl and an audiovisual piece entitled Man is what interests the man. Here, Sotogrande port at dusk.

The exhibition runs from Thursday August 1 until August 17.

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Re-oxygenating the body Elizabeth Gould visits the Soto Wellness centre to top up her Chi AS you get older joint stiffness is as common as summer rain in the UK. Exercise can help relieve the pressure, but not everyone has the time to take exercise daily.

What if you could get the benefits of a 90 minute brisk walk in only 15 minutes? Well, thanks to Soto Wellness Centre, you can.

I visited the centre, recently opened in Mar Y Sol, by Steve and Julie Hickey, to experience this miracle treatment.

The Soqi bed uses infrared and Chi, motion energy, to penetrate up to 5cm into the body to open capillaries and arteries, and re-oxygenate the body.

The bed looks rather like a tanning machine. Laying on the couch, with my feet slightly raise, the machine enclosed my

body. I was gently rocked by the Chi, while warmed by the infrared, listening to classical music.

For 15 minutes I was rocked, and then had a further 30 minutes of infrared treatment – knowing I had completed my exercise for the day really wasn’t a chore! As the session ended and a eucalyptus flannel was placed on my face, I felt totally relaxed.

The Soqi bed has been known to improve circulation and burn calories. I will definitely be going back again, not just for the Soqi but for one of the many other treatments that Soto Wellness provides.

To book a free Soqi taster session, contact Julie or Steve on 956695564. www.sotowellnesscentre.es

Recycle – re-use - re-love

Recycle, re-use

TRAWLING the shops looking for that one piece of furniture that will set your whole living room alight can take hours, days, even weeks.

Then, you find the style you want but in the wrong colour, or it is slightly damaged.

Don’t let that stop you buying the piece of your dreams, a quick visit to Chalk Room in Sotogrande, and your item will be transformed.

Kate Finlay can restore and repaint most items of furniture – including fabrics. All thanks to a miracle paint.

Choose your colour, whether you want your item distressed, washed or plain and voila – the transformation is complete. There are 32 colours to choose from, ideal for any home and look.

The shop is also packed-full of unique articles that may be a perfect fit for your home.

Kate started up the business to provide something unique, and has been run off her feet ever since.

If you are tempted to start your own restoration then Kate offers workshops – for up to six people – from €35. You will learn to wax, add texture, guild, stenciling and decoupage.

For more information call 605 77 10 82

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Sotogrande special

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Foodies delight Andalucia’s most exclusive enclave has its fair share of restaurants, writes Jon Clarke

Where to eat

S HENRY’S: It has a friendly, laid-back atmosphere

OTOGRANDE is a true port of discovery for diners.

There are so many interesting and exciting places opening which is quite remarkable considering the recession.

In the port itself the Hairy

Where to stay

U

NLESS you happen to have a spare million it is hardly likely that you will be buying a home in Sotogrande anytime soon.

Luckily though, there are a couple of reasonably-priced hostels on the edge of the resort, the best by far being the stylish great-value boutique hotel Milla de Plata (pictured).

Overlooking Torreguadiaro beach, this stunning place is the brainchild of dynamic local businessman Cristobel Rodriguez, who has a keen eye for detail and a great way with the public.

After setting up two dozen businesses in the area he has settled on being a hotelier and has very much stamped his

Lemon is fast becoming one of the top hangouts serving fresh homemade food all day.

There is a good wine list and over two dozen tapas created by chef Lorenc, who spent 14 years working in the restaurant trade in London.

The best include teriyaki duck breast with wasabi coleslaw, spicy fish wontons and Thai fishcakes.

The restaurant claims to be the most child-friendly restaurant in the port and there is music in the evenings.

Also in the port you might want to check out the excellent Belgian-run La Terrasse, or Spinnakers, owned by friendly couple Monica and Janus

STUNNING La Cabana and (left) Lorenc at Hairy Lemon

style on the place.

An exceptional use of light, it feels very St.Tropez with its dozen spacious white bedrooms literally overlooking the sea.

Outside is a small pool and a great chill-out terrace with a series of comfortable day beds to lounge on. It has a great restaurant to boot, but its friendly staff take the biscuit.

(John) from Budapest.

If it is romance you are after, then head out of the port towards ‘Alcaidesa’, where you will find La Finca.

This 200-year old country house was once the nerve centre for one of the area’s biggest estates.

Today, ancestor Syrie Blanco

Walsh and husband Chris have turned it into an atmospheric escape, full of charm and creativity. The candlelit garden at the front is simply beautiful.

The Thai fusion menu comes courtesy of Benny, an amiable Thai/American friend, whose classics include wild boar massaman curry and a rosada

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baked in banana leaf.

It’s a fun place to visit with live music on weekends and the food is refreshingly different to what you would typically find in the area.

Another fabulous secret spot is La Cabana set inside the beautiful Antiguo Cortijo de Valderamma, next to the Hipica riding school.

The setting is stunning and it offers a fantastic array of top quality wines and an enticing menu.

It was recently set up by well established local restaurateur Juan Jose Barrero Pascual, who has run the long running Molino del Conde Castellar restaurant for decades.

The place sits on a tree-lined avenue and has a fresh, creative menu and stylish tapas He also now conveniently owns another tapas restaurant Molino del Conde Guadiaro, in Pueblo Nuevo de Guadiaro.

This spot sitting on a tree lined avenue has a fresh and creative menu and the tapas are stylish and delicious. Particularly good is the white chocolate pyramid with fruits of the forest.

Nearby in Pueblo Nuevo look out for Henry’s, a new sports bar with a friendly, laid back atmosphere.

There is a decent bar menu,

MIX: JBs, the team at La Finca and one of Thai chef Benny’s creations

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good value snacks and plenty of games including pool, table football and a competition darts board.

Another newly-opened spot is JB’s Cafe Bar in Torreguadiaro, which was renovated by owner Jane and her husband.

It is a great place to go for home cooked food. They are open for breakfast and lunch and also serve lovely home made cakes.

Open seven days a week from 8am until late there is also a good range of wines beers and spirits.

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Home Insurance

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Pop in and see us or give us a call:

Sotogrande 900 707 000

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the olive press - August 7 - August 21 2013

The Olive Press fortnightly business section taking a look at the Spanish economy and offering tips on how to save AND make money

Facing success

Bank bounce SPAIN’S biggest bank recorded a large jump in profits in the six months to June, according to official statistics.

The 29% increase in group profits reported by Santander amounted to a net profit of €2.25 billion in the first half of 2013.

The figures almost eclipse the bank’s profit for the whole of 2012.

The dramatic turnaround is being attributed to the fact that the bank had billions of euros tied up in Spain’s failed property market last year.

That burden has eased considerably in 2013.

SOME men may have an evolutionary advantage when it comes to succeeding in business, according to a study.

Males with a broader face are perceived as being more dominant and successful, a factor which could be due to higher levels of testosterone during their teenage years.

Researchers at Sussex University asked participants to rate faces on scales of dominance, trustworthiness, aggression, attraction and success.

The study used 93 faces of chief executives from FTSE 100 companies and another 93 faces from the internet.

The executives were found to have a greater facial width-to-height ratio than the others, which meant they were perceived as being more dominant and successful.

SQUATTING AWAY THE PROBLEMS FAMILIES evicted from their homes for failing to pay their mortgage are increasingly turning to so-called corrala communities for support.

There were 363,000 evictions across Spain between 2008 and 2012 due to mortgage arrears and foreclosures.

This despite there being an estimated 3.5 million empty homes, around 14% of Spain’s total housing, according to the National Institute of Statistics.

Many of the empty properties are owned by the banks or estate agents who have been unable to sell them due to the saturated market.

In Malaga, the Buenaventura corrala is a four-storey block of flats, which is now home to more than 40 people who had previously been evicted from their homes.

Meanwhile in Sevilla, an even bigger community, known as Corrala Utopia, is a block of 36 apartments owned by a bank which has been occupied by around 100 people, including 40 children, since May 2012.

Supported by groups of activists including 15-M, the communities have gradually grown and are now flourishing across Spain.

“The corralas are important,” said Corrala Utopia resident, Ana Lopez.

“They set an example to people who are struggling.

“They show that we can help ourselves and each other.

The 67-year-old added: “I don’t know what the future will hold for any of us, but one way or another I believe that this will be a successful fight.”

Empty buildings across Andalucia are being occupied by large groups of homeless

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Top Dollar

STERLING STUFF

A storm is coming

A

s is often the case at this time of year, the currency markets look like they are about to go a bit flat.

The year started in dramatic fashion: the pound weakened by as much as 7% against the euro (€1.2350 to €1.1450) in January alone.

But now, rather like a long school holiday or a parliamentary recess, everything seems almost spookily quiet.

Anyone with international payments to make, however, would do well not to rely on any calm summer backdrop. If we cast our eyes back to this time last year, the GBP to Euro trading range was €1.2800 to €1.2600 in August but well over double in September 2012 at €1.2680 to €1.2310.

The moral of this tale is that the calm may well continue for a few weeks to come, but behind the scenes a storm may be brewing that will catch out those who chose to ignore the possibility of renewed volatility when considering their international payments, whether for community fees,

By Keith Spitalnick living funds, pensions, or the purchase or sale of properties in overseas currencies.

The old stock market adage of ‘sell in May and go away’ is less relevant to those who need to transact internationally but the legacy of becalmed markets often lulls market participants into a false sense of security.

Fundamentally, and to bring some context to the debate, the economic outlook for the UK, the US and particularly the eurozone remains uncertain.

A month ago, everyone thought the US was on course for a dramatic recovery. Since then, US data has been mixed.

In the EU, ongoing problems with a number of member states create further uncertainty. Meanwhile in the UK, markets are still eagerly waiting to see how, among other things, the new Bank of England governor, Mark Carney, will tackle the very real issues facing our housing market if interest rates go up too quickly.

No one has a crystal ball and in the foreign exchange market, one can never tell.

Keith Spitalnick is head of European Sales at HiFX. To contact HiFX and find out how the team can help you with your international transactions, call in at the office in Centro Plaza, call 951 203 986 or email olivepress@hifx.co.uk

Road to Riches, by Richard Alexander

T

HERE are those who would tell you that indeed, the Baby Boomer generation has had the best of times and from here onwards, standards will only wane.

The argument goes that the growth in property values over the last 60 years has been a major part of creating the wealth of many who are now approaching retirement age or are already retired.

They are also the generation who planned to retire early with many aiming to retire in their early 50’s.

For those who invested in property, they will also be leaving legacies of sizeable proportions to the next generation, which, in itself will help to fuel the gap between what is often referred to as the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’.

You can have some sympathy with young people trying to join the working population and with unemployment being so high, there is no guarantee of work, let alone being able to save a large enough deposit to buy their own house or pay a mortgage.

As we know, many people have to turn to the ‘bank of mum and dad’ for help to start them off and for some that works well but not everyone

Richard Alexander asks whether those nearing retirement have never had it so easy

Did baby boomers have it all? is fortunate enough to have that level of help available to them.

Of course, if the accusation is made that the older generation had it easy, that is not quite right either.

While they may have benefited from the boom years, and were lucky enough to have good employment, they did have to

If finding work is proving hard, what skills can be called on to think up a business idea work hard and many of the luxuries and conveniences that we take for granted today were simply not around before.

Having said all that of course, it is no good looking back and lamenting what once was, because that will in no way help plan for the future, which in itself, for

LUXURY: Back in the Mad Men days many people, is going to need a completely different approach.

Rather than complaining that state retirement age is getting later, the plus side is that generally, people are living much longer and will on average, still enjoy more years of retirement than earlier generations did.

Families can help themselves as well by working together and perhaps encouraging the younger generation to be more adventurous in their thinking

and to be entrepreneurial in their approach.

If finding work is proving difficult, what skills or imagination can be called upon to think up a business idea?

The same is true when planning finances; more lateral thinking and a longerterm approach will be needed to help the generations work through this together.

The taxman is all too willing to hold out his hand to take a share of your savings when you are alive and again from your estate when you die, so part of the family plan should be to keep the tax down as much as possible.

This can be achieved in a number of ways and the starting point has to be a complete review of current finances and to rethink plans and objectives to determine whether indeed finances are held in the optimum way.

Richard Alexander Financial Planning Limited is an appointed representative of L J Financial Planning Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority in the UK. Contact him at Richard@ra-fp.com

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From the 23rd of July to the 24th of August

9 AUGUST SARA BARAS

11 AUGUST ALEJANDRO SANZ

14 AUGUST MALÚ

15 AUGUST PACO DE LUCÍA

16 AUGUST FOREVER KING OF POP

17 AUGUST ENRIQUE IGLESIAS

21 AUGUST UB40

23 AUGUST GREASE EN CONCIERTO

24 AUGUST DAVID BISBAL

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Property

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PROPERTY SALES IN SPAIN SHOWING CLEAR GROWTH There are the encouraging signs in the market.

Protect your property IN an effort to avoid catastrophes such as last year’s fire, Mijas is taking measures to require urbanisations to have protection plans.

Several hundred housing developments lie within and around the municipality.

The new rule would require the owners of all of these to have said protection plans.

In addition, they must implement a series of cautionary safety measures, including a security zone around houses to prevent the spreading of fire.

SPAIN is slowly creepimg out of the recession and holiday sales are helping.

Alicante has sold 2,485 units within the first quarter– an impressive increase - and the province of Málaga sold 992 properties.

Many were concerned over the implementation of the new Energy Performance certificate, but this does not seem to have posed an actual problem in terms of property sales, as the numbers are consistent with the anticipated growth

of the market.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the reason for the increase on the Costa Blanca has been put down to the price, with the average sale being valued at 108,328 euros to foreign buyers, a saving of 45,000 euros on the 153,727 average cost in 2010.

There is clear evidence that the gap in the market in terms of savings is closing and starting to turn, and with 81% of all property sales in the area being attributed to foreign buyers .

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Property 45

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THE GREEN SHOOTS OF RECOVERY

The Property Insider

In his new column Property Insider Bob Callan is positive about the housing market

“

DUE to an upturn in the property market ... at long last, we require more property to sell” – a statement of hope from a local estate agent’s window.

The property market is beginning to sizzle as the summer heat continues to rise.

Vendor´s are jumping on

these green shoots of recovery and pushing up their prices, maybe a bit prematurely.

I know of one seller who thought the great property boom had returned and put the price up by €10,000 advertising it as:”€169,000 BARGAIN APARTMENT – WALKING DISTANCE TO

Property market rebuilds SPANISH property sales are on the increase, according to research.

A preference for apartments rather than houses has seen the former account for 40% of all inquiries.

However, a third of home buyers still want a property with three bedrooms, while over half want a swimming pool, according to property site Kyero.

Alicante and Malaga continue to be the most popular regions in which to buy, with Britons accounting for a large percentage of sales.

Average sale prices are between €50,000 and €150,000.

Adding value A FAMILY-RUN business is celebrating a special landmark after spending 10 years on the Costa del Sol. Damp Tech Spain and Basement Living Spain have gone from strength-to-strength since starting out in the UK 35 years ago.

While the focus of the former is ensuring that homes are damp proofed, the latter specialises in basement construction and conversion.

“It is surprising how much space isn’t being used,” a spokesman told the Olive Press. “Converting your basement can really add value to your home.”

For more information visit www.damptechspain.com and www.basementlivingspain.com.

DEAL: This 2 bed Las Chapas home overlooking tropical gardens is priced at just €92,000 PUERTO BANUS, MARBELLA, SPAIN. FOR SALE.” Buyers were not taken in and the vendor’s property is still on the market.

It is a buyer’s market out there. And it seems that banks are not lending on properties other than their own repossessions, with some refusing buyers mortgages and offering a list of their repossessed properties.

Bonuses are being given out to managers who can sell the most repossessions.

The moral of the story is to sell at a reasonable price and sell quickly. If you are a buyer and manage to find a property that suits your lifestyle, needs, and price range then in my opinion it’s time to take the summer plunge, as you may never get another opportunity at today’s low property prices.

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Law

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Darragh and Gotardo back to court A PAIR of Andalucia’s most notorious businessmen are one step closer to being dragged into court.

Beleaguered Darragh MacAnthony and Jesus Gotardo are both likely to receive full trials over fraud allegations.

Jesus Gotardo´s trial will open soon, according to law firm IURA, who have been in talks with the judge at Fuengirola. Rumours started flying when Gotardo´s lawyer, Jose Luis Gomez de la Cruz, was summoned to court to explain

the misappropriation of clients deposits.

The lawyer claimed that that all deposits, while managed through his client account, were immediately transferred to Palmera Properties and therefore Gotardo.

Meanwhile Malaga Appeal Court has revoked the earlier dismissal of an investigation into the dealings of property mogul MacAnthony’s company MRI. The Appeal Court ordered a Marbella judge to proceed

with investigating the alleged fraud involving furniture packs that were never delivered.

The judge had thrown out the case on the grounds that all the victims were foreign and therefore there was no jurisdiction in Spain.

Lawyer Antonio Flores, of Lawbird, who is representing many of the victims said: “It was an outrage that this judge threw this out in the first place. Now we hope to get MacAnthony to face the music.”

AGONY ANT

YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED

Taxing times for Gibraltarians

Antonio Flores, of Lawbird, explains why Spanish officials are investigating Gibraltar residents living in Spain

T

HE Spanish Government is once again laying claim to the Rock, which means that a few thousand Gibraltar tax-domiciled individuals who reside in Spain will now be investigated.

As it generally happens with the Spanish Treasury, a wellphrased announcement is enough to cause disturbance among the Costa del Sol expat floating community. Some take advantage of the proximity of Gibraltar to set-up there for tax purposes and yet live across the border “enjoying social, community and health services in our country without paying a single euro toward the treasury” in the words of the Spanish Foreign Minister.

Aside from the blatant message — that Gibraltar should be Spanish — there is some reason for concern as Spain could immediately tighten up conventional border control processes.

So what could Spain do?

Spanish tax laws consider that fiscal residency is made up of two elements, one being an objective criteria based on permanency (more than 183 days in Spain) and a second rather more ‘spiritual’: the desire to reside in a particular place.

If the Spanish Tax Office deems that a particular person is a fiscal resident, it will send him/her a letter demanding full disclosure and payment of taxes in Spain and/or initiate an

investigation.

How can the tax office find out?

Border controls would certainly be the main way to find out. Also, presumptions can be invoked to deem someone a tax resident: registration with Town Halls, levels of consumption of water and electricity on a given Spanish property, children’s enrollment in Spanish schools, main business activities (directly or indirectly through straw men) or use of medical facilities in this country and generally, any means of legally proving

that a person effectively resides in Spain.

And inversely, because Gibraltar is a tax haven, the Treasury is entitled to demand proof of effective and continuous residency in its territory as well as, in the case of taxpayers with businesses, that they are running a meaningful and justifiable activity worthy of spending more than 183 days in the enclave, in addition to the regular “certificate of fiscal residency” issued by the Gibraltar authorities that will doubtfully be trusted upon by the treasury.

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GOLF In the swing of it

the olive press - August 7 - August 21 2013

An insiders view...of golf PHOTOGRAPHER James Friedman has found a fascinating (if unlikely) new subject. His golf ball collection.

The award-winning artist cut the balls in half to reveal the many different colours and designs hidden within the core of the usually plain and unappealing balls.

The core of a golf ball can be made up of a number of different ingredients, all of which affect how quickly it spins and how far it can move through the air.

“What I found inside inspired me to consider that I could discover, in the unlikeliest of places, elegant formal qualities and surprising met-

aphorical possibilities,” said Friedman.

“If you look quickly, the photographs look more like like planets, or jewels.”

POPULAR COURSE Up for the HITS 40 challenge?

PRIZES - including flights to Turkey and golf equipment worth thousands of euros are up for grabs at this year’s Andalucia Golf Challenge.

The popular competition, held at the Marbella Club Resort on August 16-17, is now into its third year.

Entry costs €75, which includes a golf cart and a cocktail during the awards ceremony.

Other venues taking part are Finca Cortesin, Rio Real, Flamingos and the famous Valderrama.

For more information about the Marbella Club leg of the competition, email: reserv.golf@marbellaclub.com

ONE of Andalucia’s best-known golf courses is preparing to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

El Paraiso Golf Club in Estepona, the first European course to be designed by legendary golfer Gary Player, was built in 1973 and is still considered to be a classic in the region.

South African, Player, won nine majors and dozens of other tournaments, throughout his career and has gone on to design more than 250 top courses around the world.

“At the end of September we will be holding a special gala dinner to celebrate the anniversary, with all the presidents we’ve had over the past four decades, all the captains and our members,” said current club manager David Ramos Butterworth.

“All those who are familiar with Player’s layouts say that the course is very representative of his style.”

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A grand day out!

Advertorial

Bob Gaston from Gaston Golf Tours mixes with the pros at an invitational competition on the Costa del Sol ALMENARA Golf is one of the leading golf course complexes on the Costa del Sol, so it was a pleasure to accept their invitation to participate in their first Annual Tour Operator and Hoteliers competition.

The format was a two-ball Texas Scramble so I took along the company driver and good friend of mine, Billy Campbell.

We got the day off to a good start with a fantastic breakfast in the Spike Bar before heading to the course.

We were drawn with Antonio Gomez Cava, Almenara’s long serving golf sales manager, who was paired with Mike Roberts.

Mike is a professional player who runs Sunshine Golf in Fuengirola.

In all, there were around 60 players of varying abilities, all playing on a course that was in immaculate condition, with very true and fast greens.

It was the perfect day for a game of golf!

We were lucky enough to win Category One, just pipping Antonio and Mike by one point, which made for the perfect day.

Topped off with a lovely lunch in the club’s restaurant.

As previously mentioned, Almenara is playing extremely well, with all the maintenance work over the last few months really paying off now.

Why not treat yourselves to a great days golf by ringing Gaston Golf Tours for our best discount price?

GASTON GOLF TOURS TEL - 952 936 803 EMAIL - info@gastongolf.com

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C E ................ ................ ................. ................. www.theolivepress.es

n Buen

amino

Ferrari fakers

Production prospects SPAIN’S car manufacturing industry has received a major boost after US firm Gen-

eral Motors announced it is to invest €60 million in one of the country’s production plants.The move is aimed at meeting increased demand for the Opel/Vauxhall Mokka in Europe and will help to safeguard 5,800 jobs at the factory in Zaragoza, which had previously been under threat.

The facility currently makes Corsa and Meriva models, but a drop in demand led to a fall in sales of 14% and 36% respectively in 2012. General Motors had previously used a plant in Korea.

Hitting the campaign trail US car manufacturer Chevrolet is launching an imaginative online campaign in an effort to break into the European market.

The firm is releasing a series of videos via YouTube featuring comedians and musicians, to promote its latest model.

The campaign, branded Chevrolet Captiva Life Test, includes an eye-catching clip in which Brett Domino, a British musician famed for his use of unusual instruments, attempts to maneuver a driverless car using an electric keyboard.

The series of clips will also feature Secretos de Chicas, in which a Spanish woman shares make-up and styling tips from the front passenger seat.

“We are very happy with how it has kicked off and are looking forward to more of those original, inspiring videos to go online in the near future,” said Beate Stumpe, Director of Brand and Marketing, Chevrolet Europe.

Drink driving penalties DRINK drivers are to have their fines doubled under new legislation being considered by parliament.

The proposed amendment would see drivers who are caught driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs hit with a penalty of up to €1,000.

Cash for cars THE Spanish government is to extend an initiative aimed at increasing car sales to help boost the economy.

The so-called scrappage scheme, which subsidises the purchase of new cars, will receive an extra €70 million, after an initial investment of €150 million ran out.

Subsidy

The subsidies work by providing a €2,000 rebate to car buyers who scrap their old car and is funded by the government and car manufacturers.

The move is aimed at reversing a trend which has seen car sales fall for each of the past four years.

A GANG who sold fake sports cars, including Ferraris, have been arrested in Spain. Police seized 17 models from two warehouses in Madrid after receiving a complaint from the Italian car manufacturer. The cars were sold for €40,000, but despite customers being aware that the models were not genuine, Ferrari claimed it was a breach of industrial property rights. Eight men, from Madrid and Valencia, created models including Ferrari F430s and F458 Spiders, as well as two Aston Martins and customised the cars to order. Police are attempting to trace cars previously sold by the gang, which they believe may have been shipped abroad.

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Costa bob or two SUPERCAR fans will have an opportunity to indulge their passion at an exhibition being held on the Costa del Sol. A range of sports cars including 35 Ferraris, a Lamborghini, Bugatti, Alfa Romeo and Maseratti will be on display at Estepona’s exhibition and conference centre until August 11.

From 10am - 10pm. €7 adults, €4 children.

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OP Columnists www.theolivepress.es

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Delicious treats at half the calories

H

AVING a sweet tooth can be a real problem when trying to lose weight. Thankfully, saying no to dessert doesn’t need to be an option - there are hundreds of lower calorie delights.

Summer brings a bounty of fruits to round out our dessert carts. Here are a few ways to minimize the calories and still enjoy the richness and goodness of desserts.

Make a different version

If you are planning to drop a few pounds without dropping the desserts then Juliet Hambro has some tips for you

Granny quote Grandmothers are people who take delight in hearing babies breathing into the telephone

Who doesn’t enjoy a rich, crusty piece of apple pie? And if it’s warmed eat your cookies, cakes and and topped with ice cream or muffins with no guilt. whipped cream, all the better.

But if you want to save on calories, why not try baking apples Select low fat until tender and then using a low-calorie version of vanilla desserts ice cream as a topping? It’s a healthier option and you’ll still Cookbooks and online cooking sites are filled with low caloenjoy all the pleasure of the sweet, apple taste, while saving several Granny quote hundred calories.

Replace fats and oils All sweet baked goods rely on fats and oils for their rich texture and flavour. But you can successfully substitute pureed fruits for oil and come out with a similar product. Your muffins made with applesauce or pureed pumpkin, rather than oil will be moist and tasty. Your cakes using pureed raspberries, strawberries or rhubarb will be soft and delicious. Use your imagination to come up with fruit combos you enjoy and then

Granny quote

rie dessert recipes. You’ll see many gelatin desserts, many substitutions for oils, butter and dairy toppings. You’ll see a lot of fruit with just a small portion of cake, shortcake, biscuit and the like. It will be a personal decision whether or not to use artificial sweeteners. They A little boy was in church next make the dessert taste to his father and at his father’s like it’s full of sugar, but many people believe they request said a small prayer, aren’t healthy to eat.

“Dear God, please bless

Mummy and Daddy and all the family to be healthy and happy.”

Suddenly he looked up and said out loud, “And please don’t forget to ask grandpa to give me a bicycle for my birthday!!”

“There is no need to shout like that,” said his father. “God isn’t hard of hearing.”

“No,” said the little boy, “but Grandpa is.”

Make a few substitutes Get in the habit of substituting all or part of the high calorie items in a recipe. You can use yogurt or frozen yogurt in place of cream or ice cream. Soy milk and yogurt with honey can be substituted in place of whipped cream. Any recipe calling for whole milk can be reduced in calories by using skim. There

www.askgranny.com is a unique website and resource for grandparents and senior citizens worldwide created by Granny Juliet and provides useful information on a number of topics.

are fat free cream cheeses and low fat sour creams. Substitute egg white for at least part of the egg requirement in any recipe.

It may seem like a lot of work to change your dessert recipes. But if you save even 100 calories, the result will add up to significant weight loss over

time. Do a little kitchen research and see which favorite recipes can successfully be “low-caloried” without losing the delicious flavour.

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To place your classified, please call 951 16 60 60 or email admin@theolivepress.es 83 cents per word. Minimum charge based on 10 words per issue and a minimum of 2 issues. IVA not included All ads include the first 2 words in bold. For all text in bold add 25%

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S

UMMERTIME is the cruelest season for the fashion conscious British male on the

coast.

The fairer sex can simply throw on a beach cover up over their bikinis and women’s magazines are packed full of style tips about what to wear on the sand.

Meanwhile, our continental counterparts look effortlessly stylish with a combination of polo shirts, preppy shorts and cool linen suits.

But for your average British male, summer is a minefield.

Take a short stroll along your local paseo and you’ll

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Sartorial summer suffering see what I mean.

The only T-shirt British men feel comfortable in their team’s football top (and if

you think I’m joking, stand in arrivals at Malaga when the Newcastle flight gets in.

It looks like a Newkie Brown flashmob).

P i r a t e shorts, which are ok if you are an eightyear-old Jack Sparrow fan, but not so good if you’re in your 50s, and of course that horror of horrors, socks with sandals.

(Back page) Mind you, I’m not immune to the

Better than Brixton

Living up in the hills, I have an interesting collection of neighbours.

One of them is Prince Pablo von Hohenlohe - son of Alfonso von Hohenlohe, the founder of the iconic Marbella Club Hotel.

As were chatting on the terrace, the sun setting over the lake, he asked me if I enjoyed living here.

“Well, it’s better than Brixton,” I joked.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been to Brixton,” replied the prince.

Now, THERE’S a surprise!

odd fashion faux pas myself.

As it’s boiling hot up at Giles Towers at the moment, I’ve taken to wearing a sarong around the place a la Becks, to keep certain parts of me cool.

Imagine my horror then, when dressed in said sarong and doing a little air guitar to the Red Hot Chili Peppers on the iPod, my gardener came round the corner.

Neither of us knew where to look.

As the saying goes “It may feel so right, but it looks sarong”…

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FOOD & the olive press - August 7 - August 21 2013

Olive Press reporter Alex Iszatt enjoys a taste sensation and even comes face-toface with a glowing skeleton during a visit to Casares’s eccentric Roman Oasis

DRINK with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

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Around the world in 100 dishes!

PRETTY POLLY: Paul with his pet parrot

T

UCKED away down a discreet track, it’s easy to see why the Roman Oasis restaurant in Casares is one of Andalucia’s best kept secrets.

A favourite haunt of celebrities including Keith Floyd, Bob Hoskins and Cilla Black, the venue is also popular with locals due to its various menu, which features mouth-watering dishes from around the world.

A small river runs close to

the entrance, and has a rope swing for those keen to experiment with their crossing. A bridge is also available for the less adventurous.

Inside, we were greeted by an interesting mix of artwork, press clippings and funny slogans, giving us an insight into the colourful personalities of owners Paul and Kaat Hickling.

The couple gave us a tour

which included a Franco-era cannon in the children’s play area and a skeleton that lit up when you walked past.

We probably could have spent all night discovering hidden treasures and curiosities.

The husband and wife team have travelled extensively, and there is evidence of their globetrotting wherever you look, including a table from Thailand

and a stave from Germany.

With the restaurant only open for three months of the year, Paul and Kaat have plenty of time to head off and learn about different cultures and come up with new and interesting dishes to serve in their restaurant.

In fact, you must try Kaat’s Thai green curry, made in the traditional way, which she

learnt under the supervision of the head chef at a prestigious restaurant in Bangkok.

The couple make a great team, and even better food, including a tasty buffet.

A feast is such

TASTY TREATS: The spread of food and a battle’s to pull out Arthur’s sword

Weirdest spot on the Costas

I

’m Keith Floyd. I have eaten from Andalucia to Zimbabwe in some of the best restaurants and some of the worst in the world over the last 50 years.

The Roman Oasis is one of my favourite places on the glittering, but slightly tarnished, Costa del Sol. It is without doubt the most eccentric and amusing venue on the coast.

There is Paul Hickling, proprietor extraordinaire, there are the parrots, and there are the most wonderful staff.

The food is simple, plentiful and pleasing, the music is great, the drinks are fine.

It ain’t Fawlty Towers

Legendary cook, legendary drinker, the late celebrity chef Keith Floyd was a huge fan of the Roman Oasis, as he demonstrated in this colourful despatch on his great mate owner Paul Hickling in his book Shaken not Stirred nor the Manoir de Quatre Saisons.

My mate Paul ripped out a barren hillside 27 years ago and created a stage for him to do what he does best, in this bizarre theatre, with his heart and soul.

In his Versace shirts and highly polished shoes he en-

ON SAFARI: Paul and Keith share a drink in Thailand

chants and cares with love and passion for every diner who walks across a little wooden bridge over a dying stream that has indeed been flowing from Roman times.

Quite by chance I am sitting in the late-afternoon sun in the courtyard known as the inner sanctum, at the Roman Oasis, and my ghost James Steen and I are sipping the occasional pastis as we hammer out this amazing tale.

When Paul started the restaurant 25 years ago he called it the Roman Oasis because just a kilometre up the track are some perfectly preserved Roman baths, a relic of the Roman occupation of centuries ago.

The Roman Oasis has to be the most weird but most fascinating restaurant on the Costa del Sol. If you ever happen to be passing Paul’s place be sure to pop in for a meal.

Mention my name and he’ll charge you double.

an underwhelming way to describe the experience with delights such as prawn and avocado, freshly made pate, langoustines and salmon making our mouths water.

There was even some of Kaat’s Belgian influence with tuna and peach – an interesting combination that is well worth a try.

Although we could have let

Staying well into the night to hear tales of all that have walked through the door

....And here the compliments returned by Paul Hickling

K

eith Floyd has forgotten more about cooking than most chefs have ever learnt and can go from placid smile to spitting poison at anyone not reaching his lofty expectations. Dodge the pans being thrown and you have a good survival rate. Luckily, as he was a friend of mine for over ten years. I came away from the experience physically unharmed but mentally scarred.

our tummies bulge with satisfaction on the starters alone, we had some dignity and saved a space for the BBQ. Cooked in front of us, there was a selection of meats, and vegetables, catering for everyone.

Full to the point of bursting, we finished off the meal with a crepe – well, with Kaat hailing from the land of crepes how could we not – and a lemon meringue.

Then we stayed well into the night to hear tales of all the famous faces that have walked through the door over the years.

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FOOD & DRINKwww.theolivepress.es with DINING SECRETS of ANDALUCIA.com

the olive press - August 7 - August 21 2013

A fino night

ONE of Andalucia’s most evocative restaurants has reopened again after an eightyear hiatus.

The Kontiki Tapas Bar, in El Chorro offers great food and, of course, stunning views across the famous Andalucian Lake District, between Alora and Antequera.

KONTIKI RETURNS

M

arlows Fish and Chip shop is a home from home; minus the chill and the rain.

Walking in, you are hit by the cleanliness and a slight an air of vinegar - the sign of a true chip shop.

There is a seating area for those looking to enjoy their evening in the company of the family owned restaurant. And a counter full of delectable food, from cod and haddock, to fish cakes and pies, for those on the go.

I went in for a takeaway – to try out the fryer, before I came in for a full sit down meal – the surfaces were gleaming, and the staff were friendly and attentive. If only I could make a decision on my order.

Choosing the fish and chip special, for a bargain 5.95

Perfect Plaice

by Alex Iszatt and some ribs, I waited patiently while I got a fresh batch.

Then greedily ran home and consumed my treats.

The chips were gorgeously squishy – with a few crunchies thrown in- the fish was not overshadowed by the batter and tasted divine. The ribs were a naughty extra, but were absolutely scrumptious.

I have heard nothing but rave reviews from Marlows eat-in visitors, and now I can´t wait to try it.

Marlows Fish and Chips Los Hidalgos Eroski Centre Next to La Duquesa Hotel 951276728 Marlows @ La Fishita Behind H10 hotel Nueva Andalucia 952814722

IT would be hard to get more sophisticated.

Sherry giants Gonzalez Byass are putting on a trio of intimate classical concerts in its stunning bodega in Jerez.

Including dinner and a fair skinful of sherry, the shows by the Soloists of London will take place in the evocative Villa Victorina gardens all on the same night of August 15.

Last year the event was an unequivocal success, with guests coming from far and wide to enjoy the ambience of the bodega.

To book tickets call 956357016 or 956357000 Ex 116 or email reservas@gonzalezbyass.es

Double deal

A PAIR of Marbella restaurants have teamed up to offer guests a two for one promotion this month.

Ristorante Moda di Roma in Puerto Banus has the lunch deal while Neuva Campana in La Campana, Neva Andalucia offers it at dinner.

AWARD-WINNING HOTEL AND RESTAURANT JUST A TRAIN RIDE AWAY advertorial

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Do you love picturesque train journeys and excellent food?

Just over an hour from San Roque station on a delightful mountain railway you will find an ideal place to take friends or family for a great day out.

A converted watermill by a tumbling mountain stream waits to welcome you to its restaurant and hotel – you should visit Hotel and Restaurant Molino del Santo soon.

You will find a great location where the same owners for 25years use their experience to ensure that you have a wonderful meal in a stunning setting.

Huge praise The hugely-praised food is creative and interesting, the wine list based on local bodegas is well-chosen and the service outstanding. An innovative menu is available for just 25euros offering three choices on all courses and there is also a full a la carte with all kinds of tempting choices as well as simpler grill options and a snack menú if you want to eat lightly.

Some examples from the August menú include...

Prawns in Papillotte with Basil and Romesca Sauce Morroccan Roast Chicken Salad with Broad Beans, Butter Beans, Rocket and Lemon Chilled Plum Soup with Amaretto Ice Cream Michelin recommends the hotel and restaurant and Trip Advisor users have awarded it Best Hotel in Spain 2013 for the quality of its service.

the olive press - August 7 - August 21 2013

Check out the reviews on-line if you’d like to.

You can visit any day of the week – although it is one of those places that gets very busy so it is often important to book.

You won’t want to make the journey to be told there are no tables left as can happen at any time.

English-speaking staff are available to take phone reservations (Telf 952 16 71 51) – or you can use the online booking service – www. molinodelsanto.com.

Getting there could not be easier using the efficient local stopping train from Estación de San Roque. Exit from the A-7 at junction 115 – and there is plenty of free parking near the station.

Take the Granada train at 12.01 and arrive in Benaoján at 13.11. Buy an “Ida y Vuelta” (return) ticket for about 11euros and settle back to enjoy the scenery.

You will pass through the plains near Jimena de la Frontera to begin with, before climbing through forests of cork oaks to Gaucín. Then you enter a mountainous region full of tunnels, dramatic gorges and cuttings – there are no roads in this area so you will be seeing landscapes impossible to view any other way. Then you follow the river Guadiaro as it meanders past small villages and cultivated fields.

There is a very clear service on the train in Spanish and English telling you which station is next so you can’t miss your stop and the trains are air-conditioned and very comfortable. It’s an experience you won’t forget.

Perusal Molino del Santo is just a three minute walk from the

Great Service and Wonderful Food

55

“Ideal spot for a different day out” – or stay over and really relax

Stunning train ride to a Special Restaurant station at Benaoján – and they even offer a courtesy collection service for people who need assistance.

Relax with a drink on the streamside terrace whilst you peruse the menu and make those important choices – but don’t worry too much.

Everything here is carefully and freshly prepared – you can’t go far wrong.

The return train departs at 16.00 – or 20.00 if you want to spend more time relaxing.

Subject to availability, you can rent a comfortable room for the afternoon at a special rate to allow you to relax even more and use the shady gardens and the pretty swimming pool area too. Just ask for details.

Just over an hour later you arrive back in San Roque with wonderful memories of the scenery and a hotel and restaurant that really is dedicated to customer care and satisfaction.

One word of caution - the trains are usually very punctual and there are only three a day each way. Allow a little extra time to ensure you make the connection.

If you want to make a short break, Molino del Santo has 18 comfortable letting rooms - all en-suite - although don’t expect too many rooms to be available at the last minute.

Stunning There are lovely walks from the hotel gates for all levels of fitness and there are prehistoric caves with paintings dating back thousands of years just a short taxi ride away.

Ronda is the next stop on the train line if you want to visit – although you may just like to slow down and take it easy for a while.

You can of course also drive to Molino del Santo if you want to combine it with a visit to Ronda or you want to see more of the stunning scenery.

The quickest route is to take the Ronda road from San Pedro – you will find the village of Benaoján

Award-winning Restaurant at Molino del Santo signed just after Ronda.

Full directions from many places can be found on the hotel’s website – www. molinodelsanto.com

Molino del Santo is a popular place and hundreds of people return here every year. It is very unlikely that you will only visit once – so make that first visit soon – you’ll be very pleased that you did.

Open every day until the 31st October 2013 and from the 1st March 2014.

----------------------------------

Lovely Gardens - a great place to chill out

Hotel Bar Restaurant Molino del Santo Bda Estación s/n, BENAOJAN, Málaga.

Telephone: 952 167 151 e-mail: info@ molinodelsanto.com www.molinodelsanto. com

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August 7 -

FINAL WORDS

Down Syndrome counselor

Angela Bachiller became the first town counselor with Downs Syndrome to be elected in Spain.

The 30-year-old is an official in Valladolid.

August 21, 2013

www.theolivepress.es

Sandal scandal!

Wearing socks with sandals this summer is the worst fashion faux pas

Swim death An 88-year-old woman has died while swimming at the beach in Puerto Banus.

The cause of death is unknown.

Age old A 1.4 million-yearold flint artifact has just been found in Burgos, suggesting humans are older than previously thought.

NO NO: Inappropriate footwear (Sarah Jessica Parker and David Beckham left)

THEY are a familiar sight along the costas throughout the summer and make tourists stand out like a sore thumb.

Now a survey of the biggest fashion no-no’s has confirmed what we’ve all long suspected - socks and sandals are never an acceptable combination. Despite recent attempts by celebrities including David Beckham and Top 10 fashion faux pas: Sarah Jessica Parker to make the look acceptable, an online 1. Socks and sandals poll by British department 2. Platforms for men store Debenhams revealed it 3. Low slung trousers to be the ultimate faux pas in 4. Velour tracksuits the eyes of its shoppers.

5. Harems Some 1500 respondents 6. Crop tops said it was not acceptable, 7. Bum bags closely followed by platform 8. Shell suit shoes for men and low slung 9. Trucker hats trousers.

10. Scrunchies Perhaps surprisingly, the ultimate 80s gear, bum bags and shell suits, came only seventh and eighth on the list.

Velour tracksuits and harems were fourth and fifth, with trucker hats and scrunchies the other items to feature in the top 10.

“Socks and sandals are the epitome of British summer style gone wrong,” said Debenhams spokesman Ed Watson.

Sharp darts

IT was the first ever Gibraltar darts trophy sponsored by the government with a top prize of €20,000.

But the shine was taken off its victory by Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, when it emerged he had cheated in the semi-final.

The 13-times world champion apparently won the match against Dean Winstanley with a double 12 that actually wasn’t.

Video cameras show that the dart missed, scoring zero.

Now former star Eric Bristow has dubbed Taylor a cheat, saying: “The player knows if it’s not in and has to declare it.”

Taylor claims he had not noticed and the international darts body insists it will not act because neither the referee, Winstanley or Taylor failed to raise any concern at the time.

From golf to glam

TWO days couldn’t be more different for Eva Longoria.

The American actress went from golf to glam in just 12 hours when she attended a luncheon at the La Quinta course, then out to a big night out at her annual Global Gift Foundation, in Marbella.

The Desperate Housewives star was in town with boyfriend, Miami businessman, Ernesto Arguello for the annual fundraising trip, which is focused on making a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children, women, and families around the world.

MALIK FOR CARTAMA OVAL

HE is one of the leading wicket takers in world cricket.

Now former Pakistan captain Shaoib Malik is set to jet in for a three-day Charity Cricket Fest at the Cartama Oval in September.

He is expected to be playing for Turf India CC at the event, which raises money for cancer charity Cudeca.

Event organiser Tim Meal said that he has been approached about Malik’s availability and that his appearance would be a ‘huge benefit’ for the event, which involves six teams.