Mallorca Olive Press Newspaper – Issue 1

Our boat’s coming in!

www.theolivepress.es

New quality homes since 1958

Mallorca’s original community newspaper FREE

Vol. 1 Issue 1

Lordy Lordy!

A who’s who of the island raise money for expats

Page 3

Ring any bells?

Rocker’s villa going for a song on Mallorca

Page 4

Dirty dozen

The OP’s roundup of Spain’s most corrupt politicians

Page 6

Best in world?

Editor Jon Clarke reviews Spain’s alleged best restaurant

Page 28

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April 27th - May 10th 2017

Listen up Expat bar owners protest over draconian sound limiters stopping music quieter than a vacuum cleaner

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‘THEY’RE KILLING US’: Singer Steffi (right) and bar owners fear for the future marched down to Calvia town hall to petition the mayor, where they were met by Guardia Civil, police and a TV crew.

They plan to return at 3.30pm today (Thursday), when the councillors discuss the new limiters, in the hope they can change their minds.

If unsuccessful, all venues around Calvia will be ordered to install the limiters through the same engineering company

by May 1.

Once installed, the device automatically turns down music if it goes over 62 decibels, described as ‘restaurant conversation or background music’ by industrialnoisecontrol.com.

Those going over the limit will face hefty fines, with some allegedly already being fined €6,000.

“I already have a limiter that

works fine and I have never had a complaint,” said owner of Stepps, Dave Woodward, 59.

Meanwhile, British singer Steffi Lorena, 25, claims the limits are affecting the livelihoods of performers. “It’s impossible to sing within the new limits,” the owner of Santa Ponsa’s Retro bar told the Olive Press.

“We opened in February and I was forced to fork out €3,000 on a new limiter and if we have a loud crowd or they start clapping the music goes down and you have to strain to be heard.

“It’s got to a point where it is actually damaging performers, it’s not worth it.”

Some local singers have devel-

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I

t’s the most exciting launch to hit the island in a decade!

The first edition of the Mallorca Olive Press is now on the loose… and totally free!

Already voted the best expat paper in Spain, we now promise to deliver the news that really matters in Mallorca.

Available in the four corners of the island, we also vow to deliver a blend of irresistible, entertaining and informative features… as well as campaigning on key issues and problems.

Aimed at the huge foreign market in Mallorca, the readers will be a healthy mix of Scandinavian, Dutch and Germans… not to mention the British and Irish, of course.

Pride

By Laurence Dollimore

AROUND 100 island bar owners and entertainers are expected to stage a silent protest today after being forced to install new €3,000 sound limiters.

It comes after Calvia Council imposed draconian new rules, in effect from May 1, in a bid to ‘reduce noise pollution’.

But British and Spanish business owners say the new laws are ‘killing’ the party hotspot and are ‘prejudicing’ live music and karaoke venues.

The new limit is - incredibly the level of an air conditioning unit at 100 feet and less than a vacuum cleaner.

“This could put us out of business, it’s unreal,” Fennigan’s bar owner Mick Cormican, 55, told the Olive Press.

“A car going by is louder than the limit, it’s particularly prejudicial to live music and karaoke bars as they simply cannot perform within the sound limit.”

A collective of 20 business owners and entertainers yesterday

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oped nodules, making them unable to perform.

“It’s affecting our work and health,” she added, “It could prevent us singing.”

During a meeting of 100 business owners and performers, attended by the Olive Press, the group blasted the council for ‘giving in’ to tourists who come to the party areas for a quiet holiday.

“The council are protecting the wrong people,” one exclaimed, “They are protecting two Brits who come for a quiet holiday and complain about the noise, it’s a disgrace!”

One bar owner, on the island for 15 years, claimed the council is being manipulated by hotels and clubs who want to drive business away from the bars.

“The new rules are twisting the spirit of EU rules, and instead of helping us, they are punishing us,” he said.

“We will be forced to keep noise levels lower than in the industrial areas… the rules are impossible to comply with and we fear police are likely to fine anyone who fights back!”

He alleged that clubs sell tickets from stands without the correct licenses but that the authorities look the other way.

“The council knows that the sale stands from the clubs break the rules as they use secondary licenses known as ‘Licencia complementaria’ when the primary license operating the business is closed,” he added.

Opinion Page 6

After operating for a decade in Andalucia and Gibraltar, our team of professional journalists pride themselves on understanding the needs of our discerning readership.

We also promise to ensure that our editorial takes up, at least, half of the paper and we will not jam it full of adverts, particularly of a sexual nature.

Finally, we would like to thank everyone for making us feel so welcome from the moment we arrived.

We now clearly understand why Mallorca is leading the way in Spain for property and tourism and why so many celebrities and dignitaries visit the island and make it their home.

The incredible scenery, great local food, cosmopolitan feel, accompanied by the warmth of the locals makes it truly unique.

It’s safe to say, we will be sticking around!

Idyllic: Local coast

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www.theolivepress.es

A decade in coming

The Olive Press launches a new edition in Mallorca this week, our third.

Here, editor Jon Clarke, waxes lyrical about the island he first visited in the 1990s

I

T gives me great pleasure to be launching a new edition of the Olive Press in Mallorca.

Our third issue, it will be the start of a steady expansion around the rest of Spain over the coming years to compliment our family of websites, which get up to 10,000 visitors a day.

And what a lovely place to launch our third issue. From its stunning countryside to its pristine beaches, and from its frenetic capital to its rich and varied restaurants, there is so much on offer on the Balearic island.

Yet, like so many people growing up in the 1980s, I had a vision of the island being full of Union Jack shorts and kiss-mequick hats, all thanks to Lorraine Chase I guess.

So when, living in Madrid shortly after university, I was told that the King and Queen of Spain took their holidays there, I thought perhaps I’d better take a peep.

And what a surprise I got clambering into the Tramuntana foothills, which were as picturesque as anywhere on the mainland. The hiking trails were varied and well maintained, the views some of the best

IDYLLIC: Twisting my melon

VIEWS: To Palma from Tramuntana mountains with (far left) Graves, Olive Press editor Jon Clarke with agent Amanda Butler and chef Marc Fosh, Gong (right)

in Christendom, and the villages friendly and charming.

And then I found Deia; the home of Robert Graves, a writer I had first read at school. His tome, Goodbye to All That, on the First World War, legendary in both its honesty and style.

The history so far

LAUNCH In 2006 the Olive Press launched it’s first issue in Andalucia

2006

2007

In 2008 the Olive Press published it’s first 48page issue, still with 50% editorial

First supplement

Dream www.theolivepress.es

March 19th - April 1st 2015

- April 1st 2015 the olive press - March 19th

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Property Magazine

Politicians call for to be permanently British Royal Navy gunships stationed in Gibraltar defiant National Day during speeches

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NEW NEWSPAPER

The only investigativ e local newspaper

September 17th

- September 30th

FREE

Welcome to the Rock

Rolling Stone plays to the monkeys FREE

Blown away

The Rock’s leader was talking alongside his lawyer tine ahead of his wife Jusat National Day, key speech ‘most significant one of the He told the Oliveever’.

Press: “It is particularly auspicious this year with the day commemorating the 75th anniversary of great evacuation as well as comingof the Rock, in the week the Queen becomes the UK’s longest serving monarch.”

A highlight of his watching Kings of week was Gibraltar Music Leon at the Festival.

“Not at the front have got crushed,”as I would “But I was blown he joked.

I saw everyone’s away when hands in the air for Sex on Fire, the best rock song of the As for a date forlast decade.” election contest, his first rebe on November rumoured to “The only person 20, he said: who knows is my wife.”

In 2009 the Olive Press launched it’s first special supplement on Mijas. This was followed by the launch of the website www. allaboutandalucia.com, with now dozens of special exclusive reports on the region

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FIRST Minister Fabian Picardo has given a warm to the Olive Press’ welcome launch in Gibraltar.

The father-of-two paper’s original saluted the reporting and insisted his would give its fullgovernment aid our growth in support to “I am delighted the enclave. to cooperate and to ensure you the help you need receive all those who choose to inform Press for their news.the Olive “Welcome to the media stable in Gibraltar.”

DEFIANT calls battleships to be for British Navy stationed again

By Tom Powell Gibraltar have been in made during a raucous National got the biggest Day rally. cheer, when he A group of 11 British sisted inlivered rip-roaring politicians de- again the Royal Navy should - once - have battleships speeches focussing on recent tensions ly stationed in Gibraltar.permanentand backing Gibraltar’s with Spain “The people of Gibraltar right to selfdetermination. are a part of the Great British family and I would The Casemates crowd like to and white – echoed – a sea of red hend see a battleship here to appreany Spanish ship the patriotic sentiments as Chief to illegally enter British waters,” Picardo delivered Minister Fabian Democratic he said.

Unionist MP Ian centering around the final address, added: Paisley “These are our international a salute to the ‘evacuation generation’ PARTY MODE: of 75 years waters, this is our country, these Gibraltarians ago. our people and are inflatable barbary celebrate National we must support Linking it to the macaque Day with them.” current refugee sis engulfing Europe, cri“National he vowed to “We will never surrender this help as much as rock!” diminished.Day will never ever be cent he roared in a rousing years due to its In fact, it will only plea that ‘sharingpossible under the After environmental waving a letter ofaddress. bigger. We stand is caring’. get But it was Conservative together, red white impact – took place. ‘best wishes’ and from free!” he bellowed.

Then, as the crowds MP for finallythe Queen, the Chief Minister Romford, Andrew gazed up at the Following the speeches, vowed to Rosindell, who red and white speckled Day celebrations increase National tional releasing the tradi- Turner’s in years to come.

Simply the Bestsky, Tina which has causedof the balloons – through the blasted controversy in resound system, signalling the start of an almighty party.

1988

2016 GIbraltar magazine

Na ti sp ona eci l D al ay

2015

olive press

GIBRALTAR’S EXCITING

GIBRALTAR

In September 2015 the Olive Press launched it’s first Gibraltar edition.

2010 the

FIRST ISSUE OF

the

olive press

Vol. 1 Issue 1 www.gibraltar

Gib issue 1

In 2010 the Olive Press published it’s first 64page issue still with 50% editorial

www.theolivepress.es

WELCOME TO THE

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Mum-on-the-Rock’s Pokemon perils Autumn 2016

Issue 1

Gerald - last of the boatmakers In conjuction with

In 2016 the Olive Press launched a new Gibraltar magazine GibRocks.

cade or so later inspecting idyllic hotels as a part-time job for guidebook Alastair Sawday’s Special Places to Stay.

Not long set up in Spain in Ronda, I was honing my skills as a freelance travel writer at the Daily Mail having spent the previous five years as a news reporter there.

It was during three or four family holidays here that I really got to know the island, its variety and magic.

Perfect as a destination for young families, we rented amazing rustic farmhouses with friends from home and spent our days at the wonderful beaches of Mondrago and Formentor, before decamping early to a village square to sip rose, while the kids darted around and played.

It is fittingly just over a decade since I launched the Olive Press in Andalucia, with a second edition in Gibraltar two years ago, plus various websites and magazines.

It was born out of the need for a real newspaper to get away from the bland and turgid offerings that amazingly still exist on the Costa del Sol. A newspaper to both report on what was really happening around Spain, from its rich culture and nature to, polemically, its dark underbelly of corruption and crime, and particularly environmental abuses.

But above all, I wanted a newspaper to represent its readers, the millions of expats of all nationalities around Spain… to investigate their stories, hear their grievances and try to right some wrongs.

Proud

2009

Website

first 64

It was also home to cult 1970s band Gong and Richard Branson's personal Xanadu, La Residencia hotel, where I could just about afford a cup of tea, its fabric aspiring a young writer in his early 20s.

So it was perhaps fate that I should find myself back on the island a de-

first 48

2008

In 2007 the Olive Press launched it’s website theolivepress.es

Property

April 27th - May 10th 2017

2017 Mallorca launch

In 2017 the Olive Press launched it’s new Mallorca edition.

After all, giving them a voice is what a good local newspaper should be about.

I am proud to say we are now very much part of the local community in Andalucia and nearby in Gibraltar, as well as much farther afield through our website.

With our third edition in Mallorca we hope to get under the skin of the island and present it in a positive and original light, with a varied mix of stories.

We will also, of course, investigate wrongdoing and corruption and stand up for the little man, wherever he may be.

We hope to quickly become the expat community's eyes and ears in Mallorca, as we have in Andalucia.

That is our mission. And that is, after all, the DNA of any good journalist or newspaper.

I believe you deserve more than just regurgitated rehashed stories, fake news and Facebook to know what is going on.

Yours Jon Clarke Publisher The Olive Press Group

www.theolivepress.es

April 27th - May 10th 2017

3

Bolt from the blue!

HE was once voted the most handsome man in music.

And it is no wonder with his wonderful tan and rippling body.

Now the 60-something crooner Michael Bolton is coming to Palma as part of his Greatest Hits World Tour.

Fatherly love ROBBIE Savage has been spotted on holiday in Mallorca.

The former Leicester player and current BT Sport and BBC 5 Live pundit was seen watching his son play for Manchester United in Sa Pobla.

His son Charlie plays for the Red Devils, United’s young academy team.

He was playing against Barcelona in The Benjamin and Alevin finals.

The American singer/songwriter, who has written hits for the likes of Cher, will sing some of his classics at Son Fusteret on June 15.

Despite starting out as a recording artist in the mid-seventies with debut album Michael Bolotin - also his real name - his career really took off in 1989 with the release of his sixth

studio album Soul Provider.

The 64-year-old’s set will include favourites like How am I Supposed to Live Without You, When a Man Loves a Woman and Time Love and Tenderness.

Ticket prices start from €35 and are available through most agencies, including www.legendsvip.com.

Fun at the finca

Lord Archer has everyone in stitches at charity auction in Palma

By Laurence Dollimore

SAVAGE: On holiday

Whipped NIGHTCLUB mogul Peter Stringfellow has revealed how he has mirrored ceilings in his Mallorca bedroom.

But, his new wife Bella, 34, doesn’t approve of the mirrors.

“My wife won’t have it in our UK home! It’s in my Mallorca house,” said the London entrepreneur, 74.

She has also forced him to restrict his animal-print obsession - including leopard-skin chairs to the island, where he has had a home.

“I’m only allowed it at my villa because the décor is colonial,” he said.

BRITISH ambassador to Spain Simon Manley won’t be enjoying a helicopter tour of Mallorca after he was outbid at a prestigious British Benevolent Fund (BBF) auction.

The prize was one of nine at the fundraising event, hosted by Lord Jeffrey Archer, at the Son Mir finca on the outskirts of Palma.

Other prizes included stays at luxury Mallorca hotels and a one-on-one dinner with Manley’s deputy Lloyd Milen at Marc Fosh’s self-titled Palma restaurant.

Michelin-starred Fosh catered the event, serving delicious mini-pork burgers, a variety of tasty gazpachos and more.

Manley introduced the event by thanking the BBF for its work over the decades before mingling with the who’s who of the island.

Laughter soon filled the finca as Archer - who has a home on the island - began auctioning the items, which were provided by local businesses including Balearic Helicopters and Palma Pictures.

“Are you on the phone ambassador?!” he jokingly chided Manley.

“Yes I’ve got elections to deal with!” he laughingly replied.

His racy Brexit joke, which he had to seek permission from his wife Mary before telling, left many crying with laughter.

Its content cannot be printed in a

TASTY: OP journalist Laurence

TOP BRASS: Archer (above) and British consuls family newspaper.

Speaking to the Olive Press afterwards, the best-selling author and peer revealed how he draws inspiration for his record-selling novels from Mallorca.

“I do all my writing here,” he said,

“The beauty here gives me so much inspiration.”

Archer’s charismatic fundraising skills raked in €5,275 for the charity.

The star prize, provided courtesy of consulate Milen and selling for €1,200, was tickets to see ANY 2018 Barcelona game.

The coveted prize included sitting on the bench with the players, walking out of tunnel with them before the match and being given a tour of the training camp.

Amid much merriment, a prize to shadow top local hack Jason Moore at the Mallorca Daily Bulletin, which helped to organise the event, was inadvertently bid on by no less than Moore himself.

The BBF is one of the oldest English-speaking charities in Spain with records dating back to 1933.

It aims to help those suffering from mental health illnesses.

Gaga for Gaga LADY Gaga has announced a second concert in Spain this September.

It comes a day before her existing date of September 22 in the Palau Sant Jordi.

Barcelona is the only Spanish city included in her Joanne world tour, and the two concerts here will mark the beginning of its European phase.

Joanne, released last October, is Lady GaGa’s fifth studio album.

It debuted at number one on the Billboard chart, making her the first female artist to achieve the status four consecutive times this decade.

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Not unusual TOM Jones is coming to Mallorca.

The Sex Bomb singer will hop over to the island to perform on the first day of the Port Adriano’s music festival on July 20.

The 76-year-old Welshman will be joined by American guitarist and composer George Benson.

The festival will run until August 4.

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www.theolivepress.es

NEWS IN BRIEF

Something in the water

In favour A NEW poll by University of the Balearic Islands has found 57% of Mallorcans are in favour of holiday rentals, which are expected to be restricted by this summer.

Name changer THE airport has dropped ‘de Mallorca’ from its title to become just Palma after a vote in the regional government last year.

They claimed ‘de Mallorca’ was a hangover from Spain’s centralist past.

On your hike A 442 acre hostel for hikers will be built on Mallorca’s government-owned Planicia estate on the west coast.

Shop till you drop PALMA’S shopping hotspot Paseo del Borne is officially the most expensive on the island, with monthly rent prices reaching double the average at €200 per square metre a month.

April 27th - May 10th 2017

ON SHOW: Superyachts by cathedral

MULTI-MILLION euro yachts and all things nautical will be on display at this year’s Palma International Boat Show.

Starting this Friday there will be a record 224 exhibitors and 220 yachts and boats on show.

The exhibiting area has been enlarged following a 10% increase in exhibitors on last year and a 20% increase in the number of boats.

Visitors will be treated to some 70 superyachts, all of which measure more than 24 metres and will be available to charter or buy.

As well as being shown the latest trends in yachting and maintenance, visitors will have the chance to enjoy the many parties, dinners, concerts and fashion shows being held by the exhibitors.

The open-air exhibition runs from 11am to 8pm each day.

Going for a song EXCLUSIVE

By Laurence Dollimore

SOME might say he’s taking a massive hit.

But either way, this stunning home owned by a music legend is certainly going for a song!

The Mallorca retreat of Tubular Bells star Mike Oldfield, it has just reduced in price to almost A THIRD of the price he paid for it in 2006.

With five-bedrooms, a helipad, showjumping arena and solar-heated pool, it is ‘an absolute steal’ at just €1.65 million.

The legendary British singer/

British rocker takes a massive hit on finca - with helipad and showjumping arena - goes on sale way below original price songwriter bought the estate just before the recession hit in 2006 at €3.95 million.

Now, having rented it out for years, the 63-year-old is looking for a quick sale, through agent MJC Associates.

“It’s an absolute steal, and perfect to rent out to holidaymakers,” boss Amanda Butler told the Olive Press.

The 15,930m2 home sits in a secluded countryside, near Bunyola, with views of the Tramuntana mountains and is surrounded by almond trees.

It has a beautiful garden and sits just a short 15 minute drive from Palma city centre.

Contact MJC Associates on 609 600 311.

Ring of steel A RING a ‘ring of steel’ is being installed around Mallorca to prevent Tunisiastyle terror massacres.

Scores of armed police are set to descend on holiday hotspots to patrol key threats, both on mainland Spain and the Balearics.

Spain remains at level four of the anti-terror alert, the second-highest of a scale of five.

Threat

The Guardia Civil has also deployed more maritime patrol vessels in its territorial waters to control the Balearic coastline.

The deadly Tunisia Sousse massacre in 2015 saw terrorists open fire on a tourist-packed beach, killing 38.

Spain is fearful of a similar attack, especially given the country’s increasing popularity with European holidaymakers, in particular Brits.

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April 27th - May 10th 2017

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www.theolivepress.es Mallorca’s original community newspaper

A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than 500,000 people a month.

Spain’s dirt Feature

Juan Sanchez

Watch out!

Self-sabotage IT seems self-destructive of Calvia council to force bar owners to effectively kill their music.

Resorts like Santa Ponsa and Magaluf CANNOT survive without tourism from Northern European holidaymakers, many who come here to let their hair down and party.

Of course, the noise levels need to be watched, but if revellers can’t even sing at a karaoke bar then what is the point?

British and indeed Spanish venue owners and entertainers have been paying their tax here for decades and have helped the tourism industry boom to what it is today.

It is thanks to them, and others across the mainland, that the industry accounts for nearly 20% of Spain’s total GDP. Let’s hope Calvia council listen to the needs of their residents before they enforce draconian rules that do nothing other than shoot themselves in the foot.

All together IT was fantastic to see the Mallorca expat community pull together so seamlessly at the fundraiser for the British Benevolent Fund.

This historic charity was first set up in the turbulent 1930s in Madrid to help needy Britons in the capital.

Nowadays helping anyone in trouble around the entire country, the 5,000 plus raised could not be going to a better cause.

Expats gave generous prizes for the auction, hosted by trooper Jeffrey Archer, who is clearly very much part of the vibrant local community.

Meanwhile, the food by Marc Fosh could not have been better and the attendants all dug deep to rally for the cause.

Luis Bárcenas As treasurer of the People’s Party, Barcenas was accused of hiding up to €50 million in secret Swiss bank accounts. Documents released in 2013 suggested that he had run a parallel bookkeeping system for 18 years, recording illegal cash donations to the party and using them to pay bonuses to senior party members.

Eugenio Hidalgo A set of ugly, half-built and unfinished apartment buildings were left littering the countryside of Andratx thanks to its ex-mayor Hidalgo.

Construction was halted after local residents campaigned for the case to be taken to court.

Hidalgo was sentenced to three years in prison, along with two other senior officials from his administration, for bending the rules and allowing property developers to build on protected land in return for kickbacks.

Publisher/ Editor

Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es SALES: sales@theolivepress.es Admin (+34) 951 273 575 admin@theolivepress.es

Newsdesk newsdesk@theolivepress.es Tel: (+34) 665 798 618 Joe Duggan joe@theolivepress.es Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es Chloe Glover chloe@theolivepress.es Laura Duckett laura@theolivepress.es Designer James Partington design@theolivepress.es

Accounts Héctor Santaella (+34) 658 750 424 accounts@theolivepress.es Maria Angeles Vázquez mangeles@theolivepress.es Admin and account assistant Distribution Graham Warters distribution@theolivepress.es

José Antonio Griñán President of Junta de Andalucia from 2009-2013, Griñán among others stands accused of misdirecting public funds. Infamously known as the ERE Case, up to €855 million in subsidies intended to help struggling companies pay redundancy.

Head office

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AWARDS

2012 - 2017

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

The former Mayor of Casares on the Costa del Sol, Sanchez was arrested in 2012. He was accused of illegal enrichment through urban developments in the town, and linked to an Eastern European mafia organisation. The anti-corruption prosecution has requested an 18-year jail sentence and a €1.2 million fine.

Bartomeu Vicens

Jesús Gil In 1991 Gil set up the Grupo Independiente Liberal (um, GIL) and was elected Mayor of Marbella. He was forced to resign and briefly imprisoned in 2002, as €390 million had been left unaccounted for. He stood accused of embezzling over €30 million of municipal funds. He has been compared by the Spanish media to Donald Trump, because of parallels in their lives and character, oops. He died in 2004.

The ex MP for the Mallorcan Unionist Party (UM) was the first politician ever to be sentenced for corruption on the island.

He misappropriated funds of €12,200 into his personal account in what became known as the Son Oms case.

In 2013, an international judicial commission found an account belonging to Vicens in an Andorran bank with €600,000 sitting in it.

Authorities believe the money is from bribes and kickbacks.

Julian Muñoz Muñoz took over as Marbella mayor after Gil’s resignation (see above left).

He was arrested in 2006 and again in 2013. He was convicted of over 50 offences, mostly of bribery, embezzlement and breach of trust, and sentenced to 45 years in prison.

María Victoria Pinalla As Mayor of of La Muela in Zaragoza, Pinalla became known for her development of wind farms. That is, until her arrest in 2009. She was found guilty of 14 counts of corruption, including embezzlement, passive bribery, money laundering and obstruction of justice. She was sentenced to 17 years in prison, a €10 million fine and a 78-year disqualification from holding public office..

Jaume Matas Twice regional premier of the Balearic Islands, Matas was sentenced to six years in prison for fraud in 2012. He was convicted of paying almost half a million euros in bribes to a journalist, and also accused of misdirecting funds for a race track, increasing its budget from €43 million to €110 million.

Alfonso Rus Former Mayor of the Valencian town of Xativa, Rus was arrested in 2016.

He was thought to have been part of a corrupt network which charged commissions for public contracts.

2016 Best expat paper in Spain and the second best in the world. The Expat Survey Consumer Awards.

As Podemos drives it’s ‘Rogues bus’ around the country (see page 10) the Olive Press presents its very own rogues gallery of bent mayors and politicians

y dozen

OPINION HOW sad that a keen cyclist in his late 80s should die at the hands of a driver, high on drugs.

On holiday on an island that is literally heaving with cyclists, it really should not have happened.

The amount of revenue brought in by keen sports enthusiasts like Bryan Stout should be carefully protected by the Mallorcan authorities.

Extra cycle lanes and tougher fines for drink and drug drivers need to come in.

April 27th - May 10th 2017

Carlos Fabra

Jordi Pujol

The former president of the Popular Party in Castellón, Fabra was responsible for the province’s €150 million ‘ghost airport’. His claims that he won the lottery seven times in 10 years.

Pujol, a leader of the Catalan independence movement and regional premier for decades, publicly admitted in 2014 to hiding money in an account in Andorra for 30 years.

www.theolivepress.es

Feature

United in fea r

Spanish in the UK

Brexit is not just scaring expats in Spain.

The Olive Press spoke to Spaniards in London facing a ‘nightmare’ residency process

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OAN Pons Laplana has lived in Britain for 17 years. The 41-yearold Barcelona native works as an NHS nurse in Norwich. But despite having a British wife and three children born in the UK, Brexit has left him feeling ‘like a second-class citizen’.

“I am conscious I am not as welcome here now,” he said. “In the last eight months, I have been verbally attacked on social media for my nationality and told to go home.

“A nurse friend of mine in Glasgow was told by a patient recently, ‘I do not want you to care for me. I want someone British’. That did not happen before.”

He added: “I am here because there is a chronic shortage of nurses. I love this country. But we are being treated like garbage by Theresa May.” Like Brits in Spain, the UK’s 3.2 million EU citizens are still no clearer about their rights once Britain leaves the single bloc. Many like Joan are long-term British taxpayers but all were denied a referendum vote, as were Britons living in Spain for over 15 years. Given how close the final result was - 17,410,742 Leave to 16,141,24 Remain - these lost votes could well have swung it the other way.

Parliament’s refusal to maintain the rights of EU citizens when passing March’s Brexit deal has meant Spaniards CONCERNED: Laplana (above) and protests living in the UK still have no safeguard.

Many are younger workers who fled Spain’s savage economic recession For those already living in the UK, the which hit with the 2009 property crash. process of applying to remain is also far Spain’s Institute of National Statistics from straightforward.

(INE) reports the number of Spaniards EU citizens who have lived in the UK for living in Britain increased from 57,770 five years or more must fill in an 85-page document to apply for in 2009 to 102,498 in permanent residency, a 2016.

Many, like 26-year-old ‘They want my phone prerequisite for gaining British citizenship.

Guildhall School of Music bills from 2006, The labyrinthine docustudent Maria Jose Sole ment, described by Avila, are now concerned benefit records, about their right to remain payslips, it’s costing Laplana as a ‘nightmare’, requires financial in their adopted homeland. a fortune’ records, letters from “I am always scared,” said employers and details of the Almeria native. each time the person “You need to be here five has left the UK since years to get permanent residency, and I probably will have been first entering the country. here three by the end of the Brexit nego- “You need a solicitor to be able comtiations. “The government is treating us plete it properly or the chances of relike criminals and using us as a gun to jection are incredibly high,” said Laplana, a member of The 3 Milpressure the EU.” The sense that Britain is no longer such lion protest group who spoke at a welcoming place has led many of her last week’s huge Unite for EuSpanish friends to consider moving to rope rally in London.

Madrid-based journalist and another country.

Since Brexit, there has been a 90% drop campaigner Giles Tremlett has in the number of EU nurses registering labelled the process ‘a disgrace’. to work in Britain, according to the Nurs- “I was at the House of ComBrexit Committee ing and Midwifery Council (NMC). With mons the 20,000 nursing shortage highlight- when the person who was ed by the Royal College of Nursing, the explaining it brought out this shrink-wrapped pile of paper figures are worrying.

Olive Press can be read in its entirety on www.theolivepress.es And our site is updated daily with the latest news, making it one of Spain’s April 27th - May 10th 2017 most visited news websites.

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that weighed five kilos, dropped it on the table and said, ‘That’s half of what I’ve got to show’.

“It seems to be deliberately obstructionist.”

Another Spaniard living in London, Susana Mañogil Campoy, is currently navigating the process of applying for her permanent residency card.

“I have to provide proof of every single personal detail and nothing will assure me that I will be successful, as criteria is changing every month,” said the nursery worker, originally from Murcia.

“Rumours within the Spanish community here are that a year ago applications like this were granted within weeks and now are rejected for nonsenses.”

Recent government figures show around 28% of applications from EU workers have been rejected since the Brexit vote, although a Home Office spokesperson maintained that ‘refusal rates have not changed over the last year’.

Such stories are familiar to Brighton-based charity worker Luz Villarrubia who runs the 3,000-member Facebook page, Espanoles en Reino Unido - Surviving Brexit.

Having lived in the UK for 24 years, the Madrileno is also applying for permanent residency.

“They want my phone bills from as far back as 2006, benefit records from 1998, all my payslips, letters from previous employers, although one of mine has since died,” she said.“People are spending fortunes on lawyers.”

But despite the uncertainty, the number of Spaniards in the UK increased to 115,779 as of January 1, 2017, up from 102,498 the year before, according to INE. It is unclear how many of those arrived after June 23.

But with the divorce clock running it’s unlikely those numbers will keep growing.

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April 27th - May 10th 2017

Brits could be barred from holidays in Mallorca following spike in false sickness claims

Package holiday threat over fake claims

ALL-INCLUSIVE package holidays to Mallorca could be under threat for Brits after payouts for false sickness claims rose by a whopping 700% last year.

It cost hoteliers on the island some €50 million in refunds and discounts, and

they have now vowed to come together to stamp it out.

David Diez Ramos, of Madrid-based law firm Rogers & Co, said: “Sooner or later Spanish hotels will increase the price or stop selling allinclusive trips to Britons.

“British citizens are paying less than £1,000 for a twoweek all-inclusive holiday, receiving £2,000 to £3,000 for a claim and you can add £5,000 in lawyers’ fees.”

It comes after Spanish and British police united to crack down on the false claims last

month.

A group of holiday companies, the Guardia Civil and the Ministry of Justice will now collaborate via Europol.

“We will continue to do everything we can to stamp this out, and we will see hon-

esty prevail,” said a spokesman for Jet2holidays.

Information on individuals engaged in ‘touting and creating false sickness claims’ is to be sent to Europol before being passed to the British police.

It comes as the UK was be-

coming known as the ‘fake sick man of Europe’ after a sharp rise in holidaymakers claiming they fell seriously ill during holidays in a bid to get a part or total refund.

Lawyers pursuing false claims could also now face prosecution.

Strike season begins!

TAXI drivers and baggage handlers are going on strike in Mallorca.

The cabbies held a protest in Palma as part of a nationwide stance against Uber.

Some 500 are believed to have taken part in the demo yesterday, which brought traffic in the capital to a standstill.

The drivers fear current legislation is not tough enough to prevent the car hire app from being allowed to launch in Spain.

Ubers are often cheaper than taxis and are accused of undercutting traditional cab drivers in places like London or New York, where the company has flourished.

It comes as baggage handlers at Palma airport confirmed they are to strike over four days, starting on April 29.

They will also refuse to handle bags on May 3, 18 and 28.

It follows a chaotic Easter weekend which saw thousands of British travellers facing lengthy delays at passport control, due to increased security checks.

Theresa by a country mile!

AFTER Theresa May called for a surprise snap election for June 8, the Olive Press hit the streets of Santa Ponca to get the reaction of Brits.

We asked expats and tourists alike what they thought of the decision, their thoughts on Theresa May, and who they will vote for in just a few weeks.

Ian and Margaret Barrie, both 67, Santa Ponca Ian: “It is a good thing, whether she wins or loses, as she needs a mandate. I think she knew there are not good alternatives and that’s why she called it. Corbyn is rubbish and his ideas are too extreme, so we are going to vote for Theresa.”

Margaret: “There has been a lot of negativity from other parties, let’s get on with it, at least she will have some legitimacy and I think she will bring stability to the UK.” Shirley (67), and Ray (70), Watmough, Torrevieja Shirley: “I think it’s a very good idea because Theresa May is getting a lot of stick from all sides, and she has got to say to the people, ‘it’s up to you, do you want me to lead or not?’”

Ray: “We voted to remain in the Brexit referendum, but we probably would have voted to leave if we lived in the UK. What we were very concerned about was receiving our healthcare out here. We will vote for Theresa May.” Friends Liz, Jeff, Cameron and Helen, from Fife, Scotland Liz: “It’s a bad thing, there’s no one to vote for! If you had three opposing candidates who were actually a clear opposition then you would have a chance to oust Theresa, but all you have got is Corbyn, he has ruined his party!”

Jeff: “A lot of us will not be voting for SNP, the last thing we want is another independence referendum… unfortunately no one else is looking good, I think the Tories might do well and to be honest I might vote for them too.”

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politics

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April 27th - May 10th 2017

Rivera backs Brits EXCLUSIVE: Ciudadanos leader Albert Rivera offers 'total support' to Brits in Spain

ALBERT Rivera has told the Olive Press he offers his 'total support' to British migrants living in Spain.

The Ciudadanos leader in-

By Joe Duggan

sisted he would help to get any deal for expats concerned about the issue of Brexit.

Speaking exclusively to the paper, he said: "I offer my total support to British people here in Spain.”

Speaking after a rally in Anda-

NOT ME GUV: Rivera takes a read of our last Olive Press front page but is not convinced about the splash headline lucia, he added: "I know there are a lot of British people who wanted to carry on being in

We reward our loyal customers and new clients too!

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the EU, but it looks like it's going to be confirmed soon the UK is going to start the process of exiting.

"I fully back the good relationship the Spanish and UK governments have, despite this decision."

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Nolito in Palma restaurant Koa, this month - also reiterated the issue of corruption around Spain and attacked the overspending of past political regimes.

"There are airports that have been built without planes, trains without passengers, roads without cars," he said.

"They have stolen €60 billion and we don't want the Spanish people to pay the bill for their party."

BANDIT BUS: Podemos campaign

Taking the high road IT’S like a rogue’s gallery of the most wanted criminals.

And, in many ways, Podemos’ anti-corruption bus is exactly that.

Featuring a phalanx of Spain’s disgraced politicians and businessmen, the ‘Tramabus’ is now set to take a tour around the country.

Among the 10 caricatures are Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and ex-prime ministers Felipe González and José María Aznar, all involved in corruption cases.

Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias explained that the bus was highlighting the issue of corruption.

All those represented have either been jailed for corruption, represent an organisation under investigation or have alleged links to sleaze.

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12th April

Going nowhere BIEL Barcelo is refusing to resign despite calls from both Podemos and the Partido Popular.

The Mallorca vice-president and tourism minister is accused of weakening the government by failing to step down despite alleged involvement in a scandal over public contracts.

It has been claimed that his Mes party awarded lucrative business deals to a company belonging to fellow party member Jaume Garau.

Despite various claims that he has done nothing for the tourism sector, he is expected to stay on and will push for the new holiday rentals’ legislation.

www.theolivepress.es

Shame on you!

THIS is the moment a woman decided to ‘shame’ a man who was acting lewdly next to her on a Palma beach.

The clip, filmed at Son Serra de Marina, sees the unidentified man quickly pulling up his shorts and walking away as she confronts him.

Nudist

The 23-year-old woman, who had been sunbathing with her two dogs, spotted the man pleasuring himself next to her.

“As it was a nudist beach, I did not care that he had taken off his shorts but then I looked again and noticed what he was doing while watching me,” she claimed.

“He did not even try to hide it with a towel or behind the dunes.”

SHAMED: Beach pervert

British cyclist and safety campaigner mowed down by drugged up Mallorca driver

By Laurence Dollimore

TRIBUTES have been pouring in for an elderly British cyclist who was killed by a drug driver in Palma.

Bryan Stout, 86, who often campaigned for improved cycling safety in the UK, was mowed down by a 48-year-old local in Port d’Alcudia.

Stout - a member of the London Cycling Campaign and Stop Killing Cyclists - was killed instantly before the ambulance and police

crime

Tragic irony

with him.

“All in all he was a great man, I call him a legend. Many stories I have from time spent with Brian will stay with me, he was always happy and had good banter.

“He was an excellent example of what a man should be, a true KILLED: Bryan Stout gentleman.”

The unnamed driver tested positive for alcohol and drugs and was arrested on the spot.

Son Alex Stout said of his EXCLUSIVE A NORTHERN Irishman has been father: “He was a hero

By Laurence Dollimore killed by a drink-driver while on through and through, he holiday in Magaluf.

A BRITON has been arrested in Palma afwas my mentor, my inspiThe man was struck by a Spanish ter allegedly sexually assaulting two young ration, my friend and my driver on Calle Pinada at about women. comedy partner.

3am and died 30 minutes later, The unnamed man was grilled by police after “He was doing the thing he despite efforts from paramedics the alleged victims made a complaint to staff loved the most in the place on the scene. at the Urban Hostel Palma. he called home from home The driver, from Palma, was arThe Brit, who is being held in Palma, was reriding his bike in the sun moved from the hostel after staff alerted the rested for manslaughter and for and for that I take solace.” authorities. driving under the influence of alHe added: “My father nevA tourist who had shared a room with the cohol. er wanted a funeral and Brit told the Olive Press, “The girls are really said if we did have one for The Guardia Civil have confirmed shaken up, we thought he was a bit strange him we had better book a that the car, a Ford Focus, was the but did not think he would do something like comedian, so rather than same as one which was being drivthat! that we will be celebrating en erratically in the area prior to “We just hope justice is done.” his life with a party, the the incident.

The police said they were unable to comment way he would have wanton active cases. ed it, hats and all!”

Holiday death

11

April 27th - May 10th 2017

arrived at the scene.

“Brian was a great character, a kind man with a dry sense of humour,” friend Billy-Joe Whenman told the Olive Press.

“He was a lover of cycling and always had time to talk,” added the pal, who was in Mallorca

Brit cuffed

NEWS IN BRIEF

Easy on the eye THE ARCA heritage preservation society has made a proposal to change road signs and remove yellow street lines in Palma’s old town to make it more ‘aesthetically pleasing’.

DIY school TEACHERS at Son Serra de Palma have had to put cardboard in the windows after being left without blinds since January.

Parents are demanding answers from the Ministry of Education.

Rapper probe AN investigation has been launched after Valtonyc, a rapper recently released from prison after being convicted of extolling terroris and threats and insults to the crown, was allowed to give a speech to students in Santa Margalida.

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Operation clean-up

Poverty issues SPAIN has the third highest rate of child poverty in the EU. The United Nations Children’s Fund released a report which placed the country after Romania and Greece.

The percentage of children living below the poverty line in Spain is 40%, the result of the economic crisis in 2008 and years of austerity which followed.

The government cut child spending in 2010 by 15% which had a negative impact on education quality.

It’s said that the elderly in spain were much better cared for than children during the crisis.

THE Seabin project has part-

nered with Port Adriano in its fight against plastic pollution.

The port has agreed to give lessons to local schools, participate in research programmes and host environmental events.

It will also provide technical feedback on the Seabins company, based in Palma, that developed the technology.

The sea bins float in the water and collect plastic, debris and oil.

Disbanded SPANISH authorities have broken up a major child porn network.

It’s been reported that 39 individuals involved have been arrested during an international operation against the network which used WhatsApp to distribute child pornography.

Police said the network operated 100 chat groups and had 135 users all over the world.

A large proportion of arrests were made in Spain (17), while others were made in Central and South American countries.

The files retrieved allegedly feature children of up to eight years of age.

April 27th - May 10th 2017

Costa Brit expat in possible Madeleine Africa sighting

By Joe Duggan

MADELEINE McCann may have been smuggled into Africa by slave traders, a former Scotland Yard detective has claimed.

A girl looking identical to Madeleine was spotted on a trafficking route into Morocco by a Spanish-based British expat shortly after the child vanished from a Portuguese hotel in 2007.

It is feared Madeleine could have been smuggled to North Africa on a ferry from Tarifa, with Portuguese police failing to seal the Spanish border in the hours after she disappeared.

Ex-British investigator Colin Sutton said gangs from west

‘Where’s mummy?’

MYSTERY: McCann Africa regularly traffic children to Middle Eastern families via Morocco.

“If someone wanted to get a three-year-old child into Africa it’s the obvious route,” he told the Daily Mirror.

“The infrastructure and contacts for people smuggling are clearly there.”

In August 2007, Interpol detectives in Gibraltar were tipped off that a man had been spotted with a girl who looked like Madeleine in Tangier.

British expat Mari Olli emailed Leicestershire Police

after claiming to have seen a ‘sad’ blonde girl with a man at a garage in Marrakech.

“She turned to the man and said, ‘Can we see mummy soon?’” said Fuengirola resident Olli.

“It was very strange to see a blonde, small girl standing alone in Marrakech.

“She was very small and normally you would hold her in your arms or at least her hand. And he was turning away from her.”

Golden visas make €2 billion SPAIN has raked in more than €2 billion by selling so-called ‘golden visas’ to wealthy foreigners.

It comes after the government introduced legislation in 2013 that offered residency permits to investors and highly-qualified professionals.

Investing

Since then some 2,236 foreigners have bought a residency, bringing in €2.16 billion to Spain’s coffers.

Some 72% of the investment went into property, and Chinese and Russian millionaires made up 59.4% of the total of those who took advantage of the scheme.

A total of 714 Chinese nationals were granted visas after investing €716 million into property, financial assets and businesses, while Russia was close behind with 685 nationals investing €567 million.

 Gibraltar schoolgirl reaches semi

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edieval fair

A PROLIFIC graffiti sprayer has finally been busted by police in Palma.

The unnamed individual had been leaving his ‘works of art’ on historically important Download our app now and buildings.

Following months begin enjoyingof theinvestibest Spanish gation, news the on 30-year-old was the go. cuffed while spraying the Gesa building in April.

His work was found on important cultural sites, including the historic city wall.

CHAINED: New exhibit He has been charged with damaging public property.

Chain reaction

Paper tribute

IT is an unusual and thought-provoking exhibit.

The group of ceramic chains stretch up to the ceiling and around the entire space.

This is the exciting display by London-based artist Patricia Mato-Mora, which is said to evoke Palma’s maritime tradition.

The chains at the Pilar and Joan Miro Museum are created out of red stoneware clay and fired in a gas kiln.

Posidònia will be on show at the museum until June 11.

Playing homage A plaque marking the 150th anniversary of a Spanish actress’s birth has been presented to the theatre named after her.

The Minister of Education, Culture and Sport and government spokesman, Inigo Méndez de Vigo, presented it to the María Guerrero Theatre in Madrid.

It kicks off a number of activities paying homage to the actress this year.

ROGER Mews’ brother Phil Mews has released a book detailing their tragic childhood.

Called Orphan Boys, the book is an account of the devastation they felt when their parents died within weeks of each

PALMA is set to get its own festival of colours on May 13.

Authorities are planning a charity event and are looking for a venue to host the fiesta, which celebrates the Hindu spring festival Holi.

Popular around the world, the festival sees revellers get doused in multi-coloured powders.

Health minister Antonia Martin is working with the Association of Huntingdon’s Disease in the Balearic Islands to finalise details of the event.

ESTELLENCS hosts its annual cheese and wine artisan fair along its picturesque mountain streets.

May 1.

etting sail

R

ocking out

THE Mallorca Live Festival will come complete with chill out zone, visual artists, street art, food trucks and a market as well as three simultaneous stages. May 12-13.

HEARTFELT: Orphan Boys

other.

Roger, a well known Magaluf DJ, passed away from a brain haemorrhage last November just as the final touches were being applied to the book.

Phil said: “Roger knew I was writing the

Powder party

C

heesy

FIVE days of racing around Palma Bay kicks off at the Real Club Nautico de Palma on May 3, accompanied by a varied programme of events.

TOP for news in Spain!

Brother of local DJ legend publishes heartfelt book on their childhood

TRAVEL back in time with a day in the Middle Ages as buffoons, artisans, knights and moors fill the market stalls at the medieval castle of Capdepera. May 19-21

S

The Olive Press

TALENTED: Guerrero

13

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April 27th - May 10th 2017

book – he was quite up for it. Two days before he died I sent him the cover picture of us as kids and he joked ‘I hope you’re going to airbrush out my knobbly knees.”

Roger was a DJ on Mallorca Radio 1 and was a popular figure on the on the island.

After he died, many glowing tributes appeared on social media describing him as legend and one of the funniest, kindest DJs in Magaluf.

Phil added: “Myself and family members went to his funeral in Majorca. His death was a shock, it was sheer hell in fact.

“He was looking forward to the book coming out, so in many respects it is a tribute to him. Orphan Boys is not a misery memoir, it’s a story full of love, strength and hope.”

The book is available on Amazon Kindle while the paperback edition will be published in July.

Good folks MALLORCA band BOC are to be one of the main acts at this year’s Gate to Southwell Festival in the UK. Some five thousand revellers will descend to the East Midlands festival, taking place from June 8 - 11.

Folk band BOC will join more than 60 international, UK and local music acts.

There will also be ceilidhs and dance displays, poets and storytellers, fantastic family entertainment, workshops, great food stalls, beer and cider festival and a craft fair.

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P

OPE Alexander VI was nothing if not colorful.

He publicly and proudly proclaimed he had a bevy of children throughout Spain and Vatican Rome, never hiding the fact that he had multiple wives (read: polygamy), mistresses and consorts.

Born Rodrigo Borgia (1431) in Valencia, he named himself Pope Alexander after Alexander the Great.

His coronation took place at a time when, as described by Vatican historians, ‘Rome swarmed with Spanish

la cultura

Peffect apal

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The

What does a deceased oversexed Medieval Pope have to do with climate change? writes Jack Gaioni

adventurers, assassins, exiled Jews, spies and prostitutes’. Alexander (above) was ‘magnetically handsome with a baleful reputation who had given his soul to the great demon in hell.’

But he lived in an extraordinary era. He reigned over the Vatican during The Renaissance.

He personally rubbed elbows with Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Michelangelo. He was a contemporary of the political theorist Niccolo Machiavelli who respected Alexander as a capable and cautious diplomat.

This was also the Age of Discovery, so he also consorted with the likes of Columbus, Magellan et al. What possible connection could there be between this enigmatic Spanish Pope and today’s discussions of MAPPED: Claimed territories and (top right) Pope Alexander played by Jeremy Irons in The Borgias climate change?

The answer requires a bit of a sense of humour … although it 500-year-old decree by none other would be a stretch to find any hu- than Pope Alexander. mour or irony in today’s serious de- In 1494 he issued an edict (Treaty of Tordesillas) meant to diplomatibates about climate change.

Global warming, polar ice cap re- cally divide the newly-discovered ●● In Valencia slang, “Borgia” has become a slang byword for libertinism or for lands of Spain (Columbus) and duction and rising one who is devoid of sexual constraints. Quite a description for one of their Portugal (Magellan). sea levels are innative sons!

With the stroke of his deed weighty issues ●● The legacy of Rodrigo Borgia has enjoyed a recent comeback into today’s Both countries pen, he established that need serious inpopular culture. In 2011, Jeremy Irons won a Golden Globe Award as Alexander an imaginary line VI in the Showtime series The Borgias. ternational cooperahave now running north-south ●● More than a dozen books, both fiction and non-fiction have been written which tion. One such effort characterize the colorful legacy of Rodrigo Borgia aka Pope Alexander VI. (roughly longitude is called The Antarcengaged in ●● Mario Puzo’s (author of The Godfather series) last novel Los Borgias (The Fam46 west) from ‘Poletic Treaty System. a series of ily) was based on the debauched life style of the family. Puzo once said that to Pole’, giving lands In an effort to keep many of ideas in his Mafia novels were inspired by the notorious Renaissance the east to Portuthe southern polar territorial tiffs to pope. gal and those to the region of Antarctica ●● Los Borgias was a popular 2006 Spanish film starring Lluis Homar and Maria west to Spain. Chile as an environmental Valverde. and Argentina have laboratory, 53 naclaimed legal rights that go back tions have signed agreements.

Their goal is to maintain the conti- 500 years to a time when they were In one 1978 tactic, Argentina air- Not to be outdone, Chile subnent as a global science preserve part of the Spanish Empire. To but- lifted a seven-months pregnant sequently sent married couples and to ensure no nation makes a tress their claim of sovereignty over woman to Antarctica and, two south in order to claim sovereignthe Antarctic, both countries have months later, Emilio Palma be- ty, with ‘citizens’ being conceived ‘territorial claim’.

The countries of Chile and Ar- engaged in a series of territorial tiffs came the first person ever born on and later born in the territory. the frozen continent.

More than a dozen births have gentina have objected - citing a that at times, verge on the comical.

FUN FACTS

since been registered.

The very next year, Argentina issued a commemorative stamp of young children (rumored to be Baby Emilio) gazing at a map of the Antarctic with the slogan: ‘Argentines, we must march to our frontiers’.

Chile, to demonstrate the seriousness of its claim, has made it illegal to publish a map of the country that does not include their Antarctic territory. Both Argentina and Chile have even designed special flags for their respective Antarctic regions.

Reportedly, the two countries often play a cat-and-mouse game of stealing flags and displaying their own version.

Geographically, both countries assert that the continent of Antarctica is a continuation of the Andes Mountains - a border they both share. Currently, the issue of Chile and Argentina’s territorial claims remains unresolved within The Antarctic Treaty System.

Scientific discoveries from the polar regions are often key to understanding global climate. Since most of the world’s snow and ice are in the polar regions, these areas are expected to be the first and mostaffected by global warming. Ergo, warming in the polar regions greatly influences the climate in other latitudes. The wisdom of having a neutral scientific laboratory free of any territorial sovereignty is sound. Yet the squabbles and tensions initiated by Pope Alexander, then passed on to Chile and Argentina some 500 years later, would be comical if the stakes were not so high.

In the meantime I cannot help but think that Pope Alexander is smiling down upon Chile and Argentina, knowing that in some small way, they too proudly and publicly produced a bevy of children to establish credibility!

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M

ILLIONS of women around the world joined forces to mark International Women’s Day last month, and nowhere was the cause supported more passionately than in Spain.

Among the celebrations and ceremonies, there was also anger, strikes and protests at the sexism and misogyny still prevalent in Spanish society.

A Twitter hashtag, #NosotrasParamos (we’re stopping), was created to organise and promote the protests campaigning for greater respect and equality for women.

The Feminist Movement of Madrid even called on Spanish women to down tools at work between 12pm and 12.30pm and take to the streets in protest.

Women in Spain have a much better deal than they did under Franco era but there is still a harrowing level of misogyny evident in society - from the staggering rates of gender-based violence to one of the widest gender pay gaps in Europe.

During the Franco dictatorship, the famous permiso marital or ‘marital permission’ meant that a woman could not get a job, own property, open a bank account or apply for a passport without her husband’s permission.

This law was abolished in 1975, divorce was legalised in 1981 and in

la la cultura cultura

April 27th - May 10th 2017 April 27th - May 10th 28th 2017 2017 March 15th - March

Herstory Women’s rights still have some way to go in Spain, writes Elsa Maishman

1987, Spain’s Supreme Court ruled that a rape victim did not need to prove that she had ‘put up a fight’ in order to support her accusation.

In 2017, women’s rights are in a much better state in Spain, as the permiso marital has long been outlawed. However, there is still a very long way to go on the march towards equality.

The rates of domestic violence in Spain are still shockingly high. And the first two months of 2017 which saw some of the worst figures in the country’s shameful history suggest that the problem is not going away anytime soon.

By February 22, 16 women had been killed by a current or former partner - a staggering number on any scale

LEADER: Susana Diaz

MARCH: Women demanding equal rights in Spain

but especially when compared to the fact that 44 similar deaths were recorded throughout the whole of

2016.

Over the past 13 years, 886 women have been killed in Spain by their

partner or ex-partner. Following national outcry, the government has created two new bodies dedicated to the fight against gender-based violence.

On the wages front, women in Spain currently earn 23% less than men - a shortfall of €5,892 on the average salary. The situation is worse in Andalucia, where the average difference is € 6.039, or 26%, compared to 18% in the UK. In a country where no female has ever been elected Prime Minister, Spanish women are also battling to break through the glass ceiling at work, although the situation is brighter than it was. In 2016, women held 37.5% of executive positions in Spain’s main political parties.

Women also account for 45% of deputies in regional governments, 35% of town hall councillors, and 19% of mayors, according to figures from the Institute of Women.

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Wall recognised MOST of them have been standing for centuries.

Now, the classic dry stone walls so typical of Mallorca’s countryside are set to be declared as of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage importance.

Typical across the Balearics, the art of building the walls - which don’t use cement or mortar - has been passed down the generations for more than 500 years.

However, as the number of those trained in the technique is dwindling, UNESCO is stepping in to protect them and encourage more people to learn.

The tourism department now plans to establish specific walking routes and tours, which will take in some of the famous walls, which date back to the 14th century.

la cultura

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Leading British

Market watch

photographer

LOOKING to buy fabulous fresh fruit and veg, or a range of beautiful artisan products? There’s a market somewhere on the island every day, see the timetable below.

captures ethereal snaps of Mallorca

NOTED British photographer Michael Kenna has brought his stunning landscapes to Mallorca.

His ‘El Sentiment del Paysage’ collection (the feeling of the landscape) is on show at the Claustre de Sant Bonaventura, in Llucmajor until August 13.

It comprises work from a 10 day tour of the island capturing the beautiful and varied landscapes.

The award-winning Kenna, 64, from Widnes, is known for his unusual and ethereal black and white images.

His technique involves photographing the sunrise on overnight exposures of up to 10 hours.

The exhibition can be visited from Monday to Friday from 8am to 3pm and Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 8pm.

17 17

Monday Caimari, Cala Millor, Calvia, Lloret de Vistalegre, Manacor, Manacor de la Vall, Montuiri Tuesday Alcúdia S’Alqueria Blanca, Arenal, Artà, Campanet, Llubí, Mascari, Es Pla de Na Tesa, Peguera, Pina, Porreres, Porto colom, Santa Margalida.

Wednesday Andratx, Arenal, Bunyola, Sa Cabana, Capdepera, Cas Concos, Petra, Deia, Port de Pollenca, Santanyí, Sa Ràpita, Selva, Sencelles, Sineu, Villa Franca de Bonany.

Thursday Arenal, Ariany, Calonge, Campos, Can Picafort, Consell, Inca, Es Llombards, Portol, Port de Sóller, Ses Salines, Sant Joan, Sant Llorenç des Cardassar.

Friday Alcudia, Algaida, Binissalem, Can Picafort, Inca, Maria de la Salut, Pont d’Inca, Son Carrio, Son Ferrer, Son Servera.

AWARD-WINNING: Kenna shoots Mallorca

Feel the landscape

Saturday Alaro, s’Arraco, Arta, Badia Gran, Biniali, Buger, Bunyola, Cala Rajada, Campanet, Campos Can Picafort, Costitx, Esporles, S’Horta, Inca, Lloseta, Las Palmeras, Portocolom, Puigpunyent, Santa Eugenia, Santa Margalida, Santanyi, Sa Rapita, Sencelles, Soller, Sa Torre.

Sunday Alcudia, Consell, Felanitx, Inca, Llucmajor, Muro, Sa Pobla, Poligono de Marratxi, Pollenca, Porto Cristo, Santa Maria del Cami, Valldemossa.

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

BOSSES: Cox and Wells

IN COME THE BIG BUCKS!

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

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

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

“We have spent around €86 million here so far and have a fund of €100 million to spend,” explained Managing Partner Peter Wells, based in Colorado.

“We are one of the largest developers on the Costa del Sol and our emphasis is on distressed properties.”

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

The company - which made hundreds of millions buying and selling distressed properties in the US - has 16 staff working out of its office at Centro Plaza.

Local boss Taylor Cox, added: “The coast is really starting to come alive and it’s a pleasure to live in such a beautiful part of the world.”

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

It comes as some British buyers put purchases on hold due to the forthcoming EU referendum on June 23.

Most agents the Olive Press spoke to confirmed they had various sales currently ‘paused’ awaiting the result, despite the British market remaining strong.

The majority believe that the expected result - to stay in Europe - will lead to the pound strengthening with a red hot summer of sales to follow.

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

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

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

Benahavis agent Scott Marshall of Proper-

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

He said: “It’s a combination of the uncertainty of the vote and the exchange rate right now.”

While many agents have a couple of sales currently on hold, some have seen more.

“We have up to ten sales currently on hold until after the referendum,” said Victor Witkowski, boss of Castles, in Manilva.

“Buyers are not necessarily pulling out, but they are biding their time to see what happens.”

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

Where is Gillian buying?

PAGE 19

Where are the coolest Airbnbs?

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Deals

Spanish property sales by nationality and quarter

www.spanishpropertyinsight.com Source: Registradores

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

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

Respected analyst Mark Stucklin insists that foreign demand for Spanish property was up 16% in the first quarter with Brits the biggest group of foreign buyers at 22% of the market share.

“The British still dominate the foreign market for property and there is no evidence of a noticeable decline in demand as yet,” he said.

And certainly not everyone is suffering.

One agent, Graham Govier of Inland Andalucia has seen ‘no negative impact’ at all during the referendum lead-up.

“In fact it is the opposite. Prices are extremely cheap right now and we are selling two times as many properties as we were last year,” he said.

He added: “My salesman Paul - already a bit of a local celebrity - has just completed his seventh consecutive sale and people are buying because they can see that the incredible deals won’t wait around for them forever,” he added.

Paul made headlines in the Olive Press last year when he sold an impressive nine properties in a row.

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MANACOR’S Torre dels Enagistes is to receive a €105,000 facelift.

The 13th century building, which now houses the town’s history museum, Download our app now and was last restored in 1985.

The budget for the was the best Spanish beginjob enjoying approved by Manacor’s news on the go. tourism and culture board after its exterior walls began detaching due to huProperty midity.

Classified as a property sharing of Cultural Interest, the site’s poor water drain- giant locks age and mould will also be horns with fixed.

OliveMallorca’s Press Its interior wallsThe will also be remodelled and its leaders for news in Spain! electrical wiringTOP updated.

Property Don’t miss Roll on our bi-monthRemain ly Property supplement out next month

April 27th - May 10th 2017

High rollers A 31% rise in sales for high-end Spanish property last year indicates an increasing demand.

A recent Knight Frank report puts this down to the rise of the non-EU buyer with a ‘strong Latin American presence’ in Madrid and an influx of Middle Easterners to Marbella.

The €1-3m price bracket is now their most active market segment.

The demand for luxury properties in the country has increased by 80% over the last three years.

Fair bnb?

AIRBNB has slammed Mallorca’s new rental legislation and has threatened to take its complaint to Brussels.

The property sharing website insists the proposed rule changes will only protect the interests of the hoteliers and damage the interests of the residential holiday sector.

It comes after mayor in waiting Antoni Noguera, who takes over the role in June, vowed to introduce restrictions, including only allowing owners to

rent rooms for up to 60 days per year.

Those floating the law will face fines of up to €40,000.

Current mayor Jose Hila however insisted no outright ban would come in, but instead rentals will be zoned, limiting holiday apartments in certain areas, such as the city centre.

Airbnb has vowed to take the issue up with Brussels, as it believes both moves restrict the free market for middle-class families to choose where they

stay and when.

“Home sharing also helps regular families boost their income and studies around the world show it has no significant impact on housing availability,” insisted a spokesman.

Holiday company Spain-Holiday.com claims the mayor has no jurisdiction over holiday rentals and his proposed law would not be legally binding.

It would have to be approved by the Balearic regional government.

Brits still coming BRITS are taking a ‘keep calm and carry on’ approach to buying homes in Spain.

That is the verdict of Spanish property website Kyero’s Richard Speigal, who said British interest was still strong despite the triggering of Article 50 towards the end of March. The findings were based on visits to and searches on the website throughout the month.

“With Prime Minister May emphasizing how slow the Brexit process is going to be, with the UK being hostage to the negotiation cycle, it seems that Brits are happy to take a ‘keep calm and carry on’ approach to buying homes in Spain,” said Speigal, head of research.

“Interest has slowed, but is far from going into reverse - in fact, British visitors to Kyero.com have increased by 30.2% over the past year.”

Speigal also revealed that Chiclana de la Frontera is currently the ninth most popular place for those buying in Spain.

He put its popularity down to its ‘easy access to the real Spain’, architectural and culinary charms and being a ‘great base’ to visit attractive nearby destinations like Cadiz, Gibraltar, Portugal and Morocco.

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Three’s a charm

In demand PALMA has the second-priciest hotels in Spain this April.

According to holiday company Trivago, the average price per night in the Mallorca capital was €161, just €7 less than upmarket Barcelona.

It showed prices across Spain increased by 7% compared to 2015.

Sevilla and Cordoba were also above the average at €148 and €122 respectively.

The average in the country was €119.

Virgin boss launches brand new villa at enormous Mallorca estate

CHUFFED: Branson

HE is now very much back… and in a bigger and bigger way.

Virgin tycoon Sir Rich-

Keys Isl nd P

ard Branson has just launched a third luxury villa on his Mallorca estate.

to the

ALMA de Mallorca has recently been voted 'The Best Place to Live in the World' by the Financial Times and sits in the top 3 of Conde Naste Magazine´s recent survey.

With a picturesque and historic old city, beaches within walking distance, a friendly and easy-going community, an affordable cost of living and a great climate with 300 days of sunshine - it has everything one could possibly want for a relatively small and unassuming Mediterranean island.

The city of Palma is also only a short drive (10 minutes) from the airport, with plenty of cheap flights to mainland Europe and the UK (LGW just over 2 hours) making it easily commutable.

But that´s only part of the story...

Honour

Recently awarded the honour of becoming a World Heritage Site, Mallorca has beautiful mountains, a flat and fertile wine producing region in the interior and a beautiful and varied coastline that stretches for 550km.

Ancient culture and rich traditions, festivities, and a wide array of entertainment, intertwined with Michelin acclaimed gastronomy, fine wines and an assured status as a European centre for the yachting industry, among a multitude of other exciting outdoor activities.

As an island, Mallorca offers a safe environment with very low serious crime rates.

Real estate may typically be more expensive than the mainland, but it is also more exclusive and generally a better investment, with low supply and high demand underwriting property values and currently driving prices up.

Its solid position as a high-end holiday desti-

April 27th - May 10th 2017 April 27th - May 10th 2017

By Amanda Butler

The business giant repurchased the Son Bunyola estate for a reported €11 million after selling it some 13 years ago following a row over planning permission.

The Virgin CEO left the island in a huff when local politicians rejected his proposal to build the world’s best eco-resort.

But he has now redeveloped the land making it a luxury holiday destination.

The new villa within Son Bunyola is called Son Balagueret and is now available to rent, from a sizeable €13,000 a week.

The price, at least, includes full board.

Spread over three floors, it includes a secluded central courtyard, a private heated swimming pool and glorious views of the whole estate and northwest coastline.

The estate’s central and uninhabited finca dates back to the mid 13th century.

The picturesque Son Balagueret is surrounded by vines, citrus fruit trees and hundreds of olive trees.

Its new villa can sleep six adults with an additional day bed.

Branson, who used to own the La Residencia Hotel in Deya, continues to visit the Balearic island.

Place to buy

Isle drink to that!

RENT prices in the Balearics have increased by 11.97% in the first three months of this year.

The average monthly rent now stands at €1,160, pricier than Madrid’s average of €1,021 and just shy of Barce-

lona’s €1,164.

Average sale prices in the Balearics have also jumped to €2,132 per square metre, the second highest in Spain.

Palma is the fifth most expensive at €2,181 per square metre.

Why Mallorca is the top place to live in the world, writes new OP columnist Amanda Butler

Why Mallorca?

●● ●● ●●

●●

●●

A mild climate with 300 days of sunshine and the benefits of a Mediterranean lifestyle.

Excellent direct flight connections to mainland Europe Offering all the facilities and activities of a holiday resort, but also a beautiful, genuinely cosmopolitan and fully functional city with historic old town hosting year-round cultural attractions.

Mallorca is deemed safe compared to many other destinations, with strong policing (4 different types of police including the Spanish Royal guard, the Guardia Civil) and low serious crime rates.

Excellent infrastructure including roads, airport and communi-

nation affords the island immediate status for high rental potential through consistent demand with its

●● ●● ●● ●● ●●

●●

●●

cations Not over-developed - with strong planning and construction control.

A multi-cultural international community.

A beautiful and varied landscape with fantastic beaches, mountains, rolling hills and flatlands.

Excellent local and international schools.

Economic maturity (the Balearic Islands boast the highest number of companies per resident in Spain) Excellent leisure activities and facilities, including shopping, music, cuisine, land and watersports.

Stabilising property prices post recession.

growing profile attracting a steady stream of new buyers to a second home in the sun.

So if you’re looking for your own slice of paradise, look no further than Mallorca.

Contact Amanda Butler at +34 690075169 or by email: ajb@mjcassociates.net

Growing interest AN Andalucian town has come 9th in property portal Kyero’s list of most popular Spanish locations.

Chiclana De La Frontera in Cadiz shot up six places in March.

The company puts its popularity down to its ‘easy access to the real Spain,’ among other things.

A recent Kyero report shows the number of UK buyers has not increased, but hasn’t reversed either.

“It seems that Brits are happy to take a 'keep calm and carry on' approach to buying homes in Spain.

Interest has slowed, but is far from going into reverse,” said Richard Speigal, Head of Research at Kyero.

However in the past year, the amount of UK visitors to the site has increased by 30.2%.

A growing interest has encouraged price increases, with the median asking price across Kyero.com's 200,000+ listed properties now at €244,000 - a 5.9% increase from last year.

Gran Canaria's Playa Del Ingles is ranked as the most popular location.

Send your comments or letters to newsdesk@theolivepress.es

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Young Brits devastated as legendary super-club closed down in Magaluf

Lights out

MALLORCA has hosted the first ever Smart Island World Congress.

More than 85 international experts and representatives of island administrations BRITS heading to Magaluf have been dealt a blow descended on our theappBalaeric Download now and as the party resort’s best Islandsbegin to discuss what the enjoying the best Spanish role of islands will be in the known club has been orthe go. future news and on what challenges dered to close.

BCM Planet Dance, which they will face. order its ‘total closure’.

Organised by Fira de Barce- has a capacity of 4,000, was Bosses are alleged to have Calvia Council has now lona, Calvià Town Council shut down by Spanish au- built ‘illegal’ cooling towers warned other clubs that it and Mallorca Island Coun- thorities due to ‘irregulari- and ‘other facilities’ in 2015, will ‘act with forcefulness’ leading the local council to cil with the support of the ties’ with building works.

Balearic Islands government and UN-Habitat, the congress focused on four Press themes;The New Olive Connectivity; Urban & Social Development; TOP Talent Economic for&news in Spain!

Growth; and Islands of the Future.

EUROWINGS is bumping up its Among the exhibiting partflights to Mallorca following popuner companies are leading lar demand. technology firms such as The budget airline will use a 310Microsoft, Fiware and Gruseat A330 for short haul flights po Etra, and others from from all over Germany to the the tourism sector including Balaeric island.

Meliá Hotels and Resorts.

It will fly three times a week from Some 1,500 delegates and Cologne, Dussledorf and Stuttgart 120 international island in may and June. representatives took part, The move expects to see passenger including Bahrein, Bali, numbers to Mallorca increase by Corsica, Dominican Repub150,000 to 1.35 million this sumMORE FLIGHTS: Eurowings expands lic, Puerto Rico and Trinimer. dad & Tobago.

Flying high

Property

NEWS IN BRIEF Go green

CLOSED: BCM Club

if they discover they are breaking the rules.

Calvia claims BCM failed to obtain the correct licences to build the additions.

The super-club is said to have the largest dancefloor in Europe and revellers fear what its closure could mean for the future of the party hotspot.

Its ten-year stint has welcomed the likes of Calvin Harris, Nicky Romero and Martin Garrix.

It remains unclear as to whether the club will reopen for the summer.

One Twitter fan said: “Can’t believe #bcm is closing down in #Magaluf will never be the same!”

Another said: “Near enough half of Bolton going to Magaluf and BCM has just shut down!”

AN ECO convention has united 900 progressive business leaders in Malaga.

They showcased ecofriendly and sustainable projects at the New Economy & Social Innovation Forum to highlight that one can make a profit while benefitting the planet.

Big business SPAIN’S live events revenue reached a staggering €223.3 million last year, according to the country’s promoters association APM. This is a 14.7% increase on last years figure of €194.6 million. Bruce Springsteen attracted the most visitors with 160,000 fans attending the River Tour.

Golden ticket THE ‘golden visa’ scheme introduced to give large investors and highly qualified professionals residency permits seems to have paid off. Three years after it was introduced, 2,236 investors have benefitted, bringing in €2.16 billion.

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Holiday homework HOLIDAYS in Mallorca are 47% more expensive than the Costa del Sol. A Post Office study of 19 European destinations found that a basket of everyday items on the Balaeric island would cost you around €105, compared to €72 on the Andalucian costa.

The report found that in general, average prices for UK tourists had risen by 17% across Europe, partly thanks to the weaker pound following the UK’s Brexit vote last June, but also due to a rise in popularity of some resorts.

It advised would be holidaymakers to shop around to find the best deals.

Researchers looked at the price of a basket of 10 tourist staples, from lunch to evening meals to drinks and sun cream.

It found that Bulgaria’s Sunny Beach resort was the cheapest.

A basket of everyday items in the Black Sea resort would only set you back €43.

This was followed by Portugal’s Algarve at €68 and the Costa del Sol at €72.

Ibiza was the most expensive destination, with your essentials costing €154.

This was followed by Sorrento in southern Italy and Nice.

Health trip

Settled

SUPERMARKET Spar is making waves in Spain with new shops and an innovative health store concept.

There are more than 1,000 Spar stores now across the country and more are on the way.

The first Spar Natural has also opened in Gran Canaria, specialising in organic, vegan, gluten and wheat free products.

Customers will be able to book sessions with professional nutritionists, physiotherapists and other experts.

DONALD Trump has settled a lawsuit against a Spanish chef.

The US President sued Jose Andres, originally from Asturias, for almost €10 million in 2015.

It came after Andres backed out of a contract to open a restaurant at Trump International Hotel in Washington, DC. Andres’ reason for pulling out was Trump’s derogatory comments against Mexicans.

The terms of the settlement have not been disclosed but it seems to have ended amicably.

SPAIN has shattered forecasts for Easter tourism figures this year.

The strong results were not exclusive to the usual coastal hotspots as cities and rural enclaves also saw a soar in visitors.

Public Works Minister Inigo de la Serna said ‘things could not have gone better.’

The minister said overall occupancy rates were up 10% on last Easter.

Over the Semana Santa weekend, Mallorca enjoyed 70% occupancy rate, a 5% increase on last year, showing the island’s increasing popularity with tourists.

“Our economy keeps growing, and this new push makes us optimistic about growth forecasts for the Spanish economy,” he said.

Figures released by indus-

AMAZON has announced the launch of a new hi-tech online payment system in Spain.

The retail giant’s Amazon Pay means the payment and delivery information stored on a customer’s account can be used to complete transactions.

It will reduce the time spent paying for goods online by removing the need to enter multiple passwords when shopping on participating third-party websites.

It’s hoped that the innovation will reduce the chance of shopping cart abandonment and increase sales.

Record-breaking tourism numbers in Spain over Easter

try group CEHAT show occupancy rates were between 85% and 90% in inland destinations, and at 90% on the coasts.

The Costa del Sol had an average occupancy rate of 83.57% while Cantabria reached 100% on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

At least two million Brits are thought to have trav-

January 18th - January 31st 2017

by mortgage broker Tancrede de Pola

W

As ‘hard Brexit’ unfolds it’s business as usual on the coast, writes the Finance Bureau’s Tancrede de Pola and financial stability in the eurozone.’

Adding to this, Spanish banks have also confirmed they will not change their lending policies to Brits.

Bank bosses, including president of Banco Sabadell Josep Oliu, have promised it will be ‘business as usual’ despite the Brexit vote. A further expression of their confidence is the recent purchase of the TSB Bank in the UK for just shy of €20 billion.

Britain’s divorce from the EU

Pay day

Very Good Friday

MORTGAGE THINK TANK

HILE last June’s referendum result was not the one many of us were expecting, the property market in Spain has steered clear of doom and gloom.

Some Brits may have become hesitant in the immediate aftermath, but buyer confidence has remained buoyant.

Indeed the Finance Bureau has had its busiest 1st quarter EVER since the turn of the year.

And as hard Brexit raises concerns for some property analysts, the track record of British buyers should give them a clue as to how the market will be affected.

The most obvious potential pitfall will be the exchange rate.

The pound Sterling may have dropped against the Euro but it has not been catastrophic.

It’s currently around the 1.15 mark, and the UK government has vowed to take steps to shore up the currency if necessary.

A weaker sterling will have a relatively small effect when banks calculate a client’s affordability status. This is because along with lower income (in euro terms) comes lower liabilities, so ratios are not overly affected.

Elsewhere, interest rates are set to remain low after the European Central Bank confirmed it will keep them down for a sustained period as they want to fulfil their responsibility to ‘provide price

April 27th - May 10th 2017 April 27th - May 10th 2017

has often brought uncertainty, but what is clear is that British buyers have long proved the experts wrong.

During the financial crash in 2008, which saw near parity between the Euro and the Pound, they continued to buy despite fears and predictions that they would drop off the cliff.

Considering what Spain has to offer, it’s safe to assume Brits will continue to defy expectations. So keep calm and carry on buying.

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

elled abroad for Easter, with the majority flocking to Spain.

It comes after a recordbreaking 2016 which saw more than 75 million visitors who spent more than €75 billion in the country.

Following Easter, the tourism industry is hoping to set another record this year.

POOR: Spain binned

Bad chat SNAPCHAT CEO Evan Spiegel has come under fire for allegedly saying Spain is ‘too poor’ for the app.

It comes after details of a court case involving former employee Anthon Pompliano were released into public filing.

In the complaint, Pompliano claims Spiegel shot down his ideas to drive international growth for the photo sharing app.

Spiegel allegedly said he had no intentions of expanding into countries like Spain and India as they were too poor.

In a response, Snapchat said the claims were ‘ridiculous’.

“Obviously Snapchat is for everyone!” it said, “It’s available worldwide to download for free.”

Twitter users in India and Spain have called for a boycott of the app.

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Let us help you understand your rights and entitlements

UK disability benefits post-referendum

The result of the referendum in the UK of June 2016 has created confusion and uncertainty for everyone and no less so for those living in Spain.

What will happen to our healthcare, what will happen to our right to live and work here and also what will happen to our pensions are just some of the questions on people’s lips.

There are also many people living in Spain who rely on the UK disability and sickness benefits they are paid to help them cover the additional costs of living with illness or disability.

Since a CJEU decision in July 2011, first-time claims for Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) care component, Carer’s Allowance and now also the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can be made by people living outside the UK in another EEA member state.

There will doubtless be people who are thinking that their entitlement to these benefits may cease sooner or later and others who think that it is not therefore worth making a claim.

But, as with so much to do with Brexit, nothing is set in stone and it is not certain what will change or when.

Even after the triggering of article 50, the UK remains part of the EU for at least a further two years and is therefore still bound by EU law.

This means that the rules currently in place remain for that period and guarantee the rights and entitlement to UK benefits for those living in Spain and other EEA member states.

If the UK does then end up leaving the EU it is still not known how much of EU law will be incorporated into UK law and so nothing is yet known about how entitlement to benefits may change.

At this point there is no reason not to make a claim and lose out on money you may need and which could be the difference between staying here and returning to the UK.

The difficulty in accessing support from social services in Spain means that people often have to fund their own help with domestic chores and personal care.

Many who do not make claims for benefits end up having to return to the UK as they simply do not have the money needed to pay for these services.

There are of course other reasons why people do not claim the benefits they are entitled to.

A lack of knowledge of what is available or the rules of entitlement and failure to challenge negative DWP decisions means people miss out on what is rightfully theirs.

Difficulty accessing forms, finding the nature of them overwhelming and wanting to avoid intrusive questions deter many even further.

That coupled with feelings of pride and wanting to preserve their independence or not wanting to be a burden on the state often put others off.

If you or someone you know is suffering from illness or disability then please give us a call so that we can advise you what you may be entitled to.

The welfare benefits system is complex and at times confusing and misinformation put about by people who do not fully understand it will unfortunately mean that many could miss out on that extra income which proves so invaluable to those living with illness or disability.

For up-to-date, in-depth and reliable information on what is out there for you, a family member or a friend please give us a call.

We can take you through how you make a first-time claim, ask for a review of an award and prepare you for and represent you at appeals tribunal. For more details on all the above please find contact details below.

Kim Clark Benefits Consultancy tel: 950 169 729 mob: 663 297 568 www.ukbenefitsinspain.com

advice

health

www.theolivepress.es

Queen Sofia met with Palma professors who allegedly touted bogus ‘miracle’ cancer drug

By Laurence Dollimore

PICTURES have emerged of Queen Sofia of Spain meeting with two disgraced Palma professors charged for selling fake miracle drugs.

The former queen, who spends a lot of time on the island, met with the pair, while touring the UIB University, in Palma, in 2014.

The professors are now facing fraud charges for allegedly selling the fake cancer drugs, for which they allegedly made over €600,000.

The pair, along with three others, are now being investigated for

Royal disapproval

ANDALUCIA is home to the oldest person in Europe.

Ana María Vela Rubio, who celebrated her 115th birthday last October, was born in Puente Genil, near Cordoba.

The former dressmaker takes over the title from Emma Morana of Verbania in Italy.

115 years young

Morana was the last living person born in the 1800s, and was the oldest person in the world before her death.

The oldest known person is currently Jamaican Violet Brown, who was born in 1900.

To us it’s not just a box...

it’s Your Life FRANCE - ITALY - PORTUGAL

the sale of the drugs, which had no proven beneficial effects, or patent rights for sale.

The research was being led by doctors Pablo Escribá and Xavier Busquets, who advertised their drugs as a ‘miraculous anti-cancer product’.

Police have confirmed it was just a ‘placebo’ drug that has never been approved by the Spanish Agency of Medicines.

One of the victims paid more than €25,000 to treat his daughter.

Another drug purporting to slow down Alzheimer’s was also allegedly being touted by the group.

UIB said they were ‘extremely concerned’ by the case and alerted the authorities as soon as they became aware.

April 27th - May 10th 2017 April 26th - May 9th 2017

23

Bread alert!

A MALAGA nutrition expert has slammed white bread and the ‘American diet’ for being the biggest causes of Spain’s obesity problems.

Miguel Angel Martinez-Gonzalez, who is an honorary scholar at Harvard University, said young people have mixed the healthy Mediterranean diet with typically American foods, particularly ‘too much processed red meat.’

“I’m not saying we have to become vegetarians, but there is scientific evidence to suggest that there is a drastic reduction in death from heart disease and cancer if we replace animal proteins with vegetable proteins,” he said.

“The Mediterranean diet, meaning extra virgin olive oil, nuts, fruit, vegetables and pulses, is the best option. If you have to eat animal protein, it is better to eat fish than meat, and it is better to eat rabbit or poultry than red meat.”

Speaking to El Pais, Martinez-Gonzalez added that bread is a real problem.

“White bread is one of the most serious problems in Spain,” he said, “Most people eat it and even stuff themselves with it.

“The public needs to know that it is basically starch and our bodies are extremely efficient in turning starch into sugar. It’s like consuming glucose.

“It’s deadly,” he added, “we must eat less bread and when we we do, make it whole grain bread.”

A quarter of Spaniards are obese, despite the country’s diet being touted as one of the world’s most healthy.

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-final of Spanish TV talent show 3065 views

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OlivePressNewspaper olivepress

April 27th - May 10th 2017

April 27th - May 10th 2017

olivepressnews

Oil’s+TheolivepressEs good BE ‘APPY!

Summer is here NIKKI Beach has officially opened on the island today.

Revellers can soak up the sun at the stylish venue as it celebrates its sixth season in Magaluf with its famous opening party.

Their extensive menu includes delectable dishes featuring signature tastes and spices representative of all the countries Nikki Beach is located, including delicious salads, creative sushi rolls, original seafood entrees and slow-roasted free-range rotisserie chicken.

From Thursday to Saturday throughout July and August there will also be a dinner menu.

Nikki Beach has more than 13 locations in over 11 countries, including the USA, Dubai and Thailand.

MALLORCA’S olive oil boss has said he is ready to deal with the island’s ‘olive tree plague’.

It comes after xyella fastidosa, a lethal bacteria, was detected here last October.

Described as the ‘ebola for olive Download our app now and trees’, Xyella destroyed thouenjoying Spanish sands ofbegin acres in Italytheinbest 2013.

Sebastian Solivellas, news on the go. president of the Mallorca Olive Oil Region, took a less catastrophic view of the bug, but admitted it was now well established on the island.

"We tried to stop it spreading over the island but we took samples and discovered that it was already all over Mallorca, and not The just inOlive Mallorca,Press but also in Menorca and Ibiza," he said. TOP for news in Spain!

Solivellas added that the island has taken a containment approach - burning trees found to be infected - as opposed to widescale eradication of crops, which he said would be a ‘disaster’, involving the destruction of 1,000 year old trees

Foshing for compliments

Consumption down FRUIT and vegetable stores estimate that vegetable consumption has dropped by 40% since prices started to soar after the cold snap at the beginning of the year.

President of the National Federation of Fruit and Vegetable Retailers, Tino Mora, confirmed that ‘there is no shortage of vegetables,’ but that the price increase due to ‘the lower supply has led fruit shops to adjust their margins to be able to continue reaching the consumer at a price as affordable as possible.’

He added: “It is turning out to be a real punishment for vegetable retailers.

“Difficulties in finding products in wholesale markets add to the struggle to sell them to the consumer at high prices.”

Prices and consumption rates are expected to level up in April.

25 25

Mallorca’s leading restaurateur expat Marc Fosh praises the island’s food scene

STANDING PROUD: Spain’s leading English chef says there are ‘exciting times ahead’ for buoyant Mallorcan food scene

EXCLUSIVE

By Jon Clarke

SPAIN’S leading English chef has praised the unique blend that goes into Mallorca cooking.

Michelin starred Marc Fosh, who has three restaurants on the island, insists Mallorcan food culture is ‘developing nicely’.

“There’s definitely a real Mallorcan style and there are lots of different dishes that you wouldn’t get elsewhere in Spain or on the other costas,” he told the Olive Press.

“The food scene in Mallorca is really blowing up now, it’s an exciting time for food on the island.”

Speaking at a bash with the British ambassador for the

Blame it on the genes OUR inability to resist unhealthy food is all in our genes, according to a new Spanish study.

It found that higher chocolate intake and a larger waist size was associated with certain forms of the oxytocin receptor gene, and an obesity-associated gene played a role in vegetable and fibre intake.

They also found that certain genes were involved in salt and fat intake.

Habits

Silvia Berciano, a predoctoral fellow at the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid in Spain, said: “Most people have a hard time modifying their dietary habits, even if they know it is in their best interest. “This is because our food preferences and ability to work toward goals or follow plans affect what we eat and our ability to stick with diet changes.

“Ours is the first study describing how brain genes affect food intake and dietary preferences in a group of healthy people.”

Fellow researcher Dr Berciano said the new findings could be used to inform precision-medicine approaches that help minimise a person’s risk for common diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer by tailoring diet-based prevention and therapy to the specific needs of an individual.

Get sipping British Benevolent Fund, which he was catering, he added: “I expect it to develop more over the next couple of years, there are exciting times ahead.”

In particular he praised the number of great young

chefs coming to the island.

He added that he had honed his skills in a number of places in Spain, including living in San Sebastian for two years.

“It was fantastic there, a real great location for

food.”

Marc Fosh is the only British chef in Spain to have received a Michelin Star for his self-titled restaurant in Palma.

The popular eatery is one of three in the city.

THE 14th annual wine fair is pouring its way into Pollenca.

First organised by the Asociacio Vi Primitiu de Pollenca in 2004, the event is a cosy opportunity for locals and visitors alike to taste some of Mallorca’s best wines.

There will even be special offer prices at some of the booths.

The fair runs from May 6 - 7 in Pollenca’s Santo Domingo.

26

Food, drink & travel

www.theolivepress.es

Jamie Oliver was panned on Twitter for his cheeky chorizo twist on Spain’s national dish but the Olive Press was there in 2009 when an entire village couldn’t get enough of his paella

FOO D, DRIN K & TRAVEL www.theolivepress.es

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October 12th - October

4343

April 27th - May 10th 2017

WITH DINING SECRETS OF

Footballer’s feast THE days of professional footballers piling on the post-season, smoking pounds at half time and sinking a skinful of pints the night before a big are undoubtedly in the past.game However, Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas has shown that the current crop of elite athletes are not so obsessed with diet they can’t enjoy a treat their every now and then.

Uploading his post-match meal to Snapchat following Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Hull, Fabregas’ feast included two pizzas, two milkshakes and three different types of cake.

ANDALUCI A.COM

Not pucker!

PUCKER TV chef Jamie Oliver has received a rage of abuse for his bartake on paella.

The Essex-man hounded on Twitter was uploading a photo ofafter the classic rice dish featuring chorizo (a cardinal sin in Spain). star of 30 Minute One Twitter user Meals drew a comparison even tweeted: “Good Spanish befood doesn’t get much tween Oliver’s dish betand ter than paella. My renowned botched fresco version combines chicken thighs artwork Ecce Homo. and chorizo.”

Proud of his work, the But Twitter users quick-

Jamie Oliver’s paella recipe sparks online backlash ...

...but he had no problem

ly reacted by satirically tweeting fish and chips recipes using aubergines, duck, beef and ravioli.

Others were more sinister, likening Oliver to a ‘food terrorist’ and telling him ‘stick to chicken nuggets’.to Less venomous commenters said that while the inclusion of chorizo meant the recipe could not be described as paella, qualified as ‘rice and it still stuff’.

Oliver is yet to respond the tirade of criticism. to

EATING a Med diet makes less likely to suffer heart you lems. A diet rich in freshprobvegetables, olive oil and fish, nuts helps people live for longer, found a Cambridge University study. The study of 24,000 Brits found that those who the diet typically eaten stuck to countries were 16% lessin Med to develop cardiovascular likely PREP: Sticking probto the job lems.

J

Feeding the 500 FEEDING THE 500:

11th 2016

International Tapas • Wraps • Salads Cocktails • Smoothies • Pizzas

7 years ago

AMIE may be copping some stick nowadays but there weren’t too many Spaniards complaining when 500 villagers tucked into the British paella in the Serrania dechef’s Ronda in 2009.

Taking orders from local cook Salvador Garcia Dominguez, Oliver cooked up a storm and was even there at midnight to serve up his dish in the village of Benaojan.

According to Garcia, was a good learner.Jamie “He worked hard and learned fast,” he said.

In good humour, Oliver told the Olive Press: “It later took almost four hours to and just five minutes cook to eat and not a word of thanks in sight.

“It was a bit like being stuck in the middle of a dole queue!” he quipped.

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PUTTING COOL IN THE KITCHEN

SPORTING a mohawk, earrings and covered head-to-toe in tattoos, David Muñoz is set become the coolest to chef in London.

Launching StreetXO in Mayfair this November, Muñoz will be splitting his time between land and his threeEngMichelin-starred DiverXO restaurant in Madrid.

Inspired by street food, his menu will regularly change and will feature dishes from Spain, Asia,

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2

Next, add the onions, peppers, meat, rice and water and finally throw in the prawns

10 steps to perfect paella

W

HILE celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is still smarting from a vicious Twitter attack served up by paella purists, 500 residents of a remote Andalucian village can testify that his rice dish is riquisimo – the best!

The Naked Chef was branded a ‘food terrorist’ for his chorizo-laden paella tweet, which drew comparisons to Spain’s infamous botched fresco.

But his rice recipe has previously gone down a treat in the Ronda mountain pueblo of Benaojan – even when the heat was on at his most challenging cookout ever.

Rustling up lunch for a crowd of 500 on a sizzling 35C summer day, he needed all his culinary skills and patience.

But he took it coolly with a pinch of salt, laughing and joking through the four-hour challenge in 2009.

Working with a three metre frying pan, which had to be delivered by a lorry, he added 50kg of rice, 12kg of red peppers, 10kg of onions, 15kg of tomatoes, 12kg of prawns and 25kg of chicken. And no chorizo, of course ...

The result was one of the biggest – and tastiest – paellas Spain has ever seen.

The event was for a TV programme Oliver has been making on southern Spain and hundreds of villagers turned out in force with banners to support him.

Oliver even went behind the cameras to ensure the show - entitled Jamie in Andalucia - ran to plan.

So to his Twitter detractors who say Oliver should ‘stick to chicken nuggets’, 500 fans who tried his paella in Spain would simply quote a line from another famous Oliver - Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist – and ask for more.

Pictures by: JON CLARKE

1

Firstly build a fire and give it a good blow to get it going

South America and London.

The restaurant’s focal point will be a central open kitchen where chefs can interact directly with diners.

“Having spent five years working in restaurants like Nobu and Hakkasan, I feel like London is my second home,” he said.

“I’m excited to bring a cooking style that really evolved in I’ve Madrid to London.”

3

Give it a good stir ‘picador-style’, of course

with DINING SECRETS of www.theolivepress.es ANDALUCIA.com

April 27th - May 10th 2017

27 27

5 ...and then have a quiet moment, breathe deeply, meditate, you’re the money!

If music be the food of love, cook on!

4

6

ONE of Spain’s top chefs has revealed the inspiration behind his cooking.

Head chef at twoMichelin-starred Mugaritz restaurant Andoni Luis Aduriz claims his flair comes not from cookbooks but science and theatre.

In fact the 45-year-old Basque chef revealed he imagines serving up banquets to the characters in William Shakespeare’s tragic play Titus Andronicus when attempting

Take a little refreshment...

7

Do a pinch of what you’re paid for ie talk to the camera

8

to come up with new dishes.

He said: “Working with creative people makes you more creative. It is always stimulating and exciting to share ideas and knowledge with creative people from other disciplines.

Mugaritz wouldn’t be what it is today without these connections.”

Mugaritz is ranked No. 7 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list by Restaurant Magazine.

Flex those muscles

Make sure you thank your staff properly

Going nuts HIGH demand in Asia has saved Mallorca’s almond industry.

Last year saw more than 1,500 hectares of new almond trees go into production.

It meant that 2016 was the first time in years that there was a slowdown in the loss of almond trees.

Thanks to the growing demand in the east and an increase in the level of European subsidies under the Common Agricultural Policy, prices have shot up from as little as €0.387 in 2009, to as high as €9 in 2017.

There are still 6,448 hectares of the trees that are classified as abandoned and without production, but it is hoped the new resurgence of the market will see that figure decrease further this year.

TV boost

9

Finally, feed the hungry hordes...

10

...but, of course, make sure you save some for yourself

A RESTAURANT on the island has soared in popularity thanks to the award-winning BBC drama The Night Manager.

Ca’s Patro March, based in Cala Deia and which featured heavily in the series, is now having its accessibility improved

by Deia council.

A whopping €256,000 is to be spent on rebuilding the steps to the beach where it sits, while a further 60 car parking spaces are to be created.

The acclaimed TV series, an adaptation of John le Carre’s spy novel, filmed across Mallorca, and received three Golden Globes.

28

Food, drink & travel

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April 27th - May 10th 2017 April 27th - May 10th 2017

Food capital

THREE Spanish restaurants have been ranked in the world’s top ten.

The annual World’s 50 Best Restaurants list sees Girona’s El Celler de Can Roca claim third prize.

Its highly revered compatriots - Asador Etxebarri in Axpe and Mugaritz in San Sebastian - claimed sixth and ninth position respectively.

Celler de Can Roca has slipped one position from last year, while the Asador

Spain still triumphs in world’s best restaurants list

has climbed three.

Mugaritz also fell by two spots.

The best restaurant in the world was named as Eleven Madison Park in New York City.

The Olive Press exclusively interviewed its head chef and co-owner Daniel Humm when he visited Marbella to attend the star-studded A Cuatro Manos event last summer.

The list is created by Res-

taurant magazine and has gained in prominence among chefs since it began in 2002, now rivalling the longstanding Michelin guide.

Spain had the highest amount of restaurants in the top 10 and had six features in the top 50 overall.

Tickets in Barcelona and Arzak in San Sebastian claimed 25th and 30th place respectively, while Azurmendi in Larrabetzu came in at 38th.

Whine and dine!

HUMM: With OP publisher Jon Clarke

TRIO: The Roca brothers and (right) their fabulous ‘vegetable stock’

Olive Press editor Jon Clarke asks is Celler de Can Roca really the world’s best restaurant? Possibly, if the wine is taken out of the equation

“

WE buy locally, but think Quality control is king, which is internationally,” explains why he has stayed ahead of the Joan Roca, as he shows me game since he opened the resaround the high-tech kitchen taurant alongside his parents’ of his celebrated Catalan restau- older restaurant in Girona with his brother Josep, a sommelier, rant.

It is 10 minutes before service in 1986. and his team of 30-odd chefs is The place is currently so highly surprisingly zen-like as they bea- rated that it has been in the top ver away in their specific stations. three eateries in the world, Broadly split into fish, meat, poul- according to food bible try and pastry sections - the latter Restaurant magaoverseen by his younger brother zine, for the last six Jordi - the most eye-catching sight years. is a bank of ovens, where a series So it was a major of meat dishes are being slow- treat to be flying cooked for up to an amazing 70 up to Girona to be joined by hours!

This is the engine room of the some friends London ‘World’s Best Restaurant’, ac- from Estepona cording to TripAdvisor, where the and average wait for a table is cur- for a monumental five-hour culinary rently 11 months.

“It is great to be recognised in this master class. way by our customers,” explains Securing a table for six Joan, who spends much of the on a Saturday night, out of year travelling to far-away places the 55 covers that each sitting scouting for ideas. “We have had provides, had been something 10,000 diners this year so far of an obstacle course, to say coming from 56 countries. It is the least.

We duly arrived at the door of the quite a mix.” eponymous dinRecent guests er at 8.30pm, have unsurprisbristling with ingly included Reviews are anticipation, the UK’s chef written by the night havextraordinaire ing been perHeston Blumen- dullards who can’t fectly set up by thal and Michel tell the difference TripAdvisor’s Roux, while between capons surprising new Jamie Oliver is and capers accolade. lined up for a Normally highly visit in the next fallible with remonth or so.

“We’ve not had Gordon Ramsay views frequently written by rivals, yet, which is a shame as I’d like to or dullards who can’t tell the difference between capons and meet him,” he adds.

A personable chap – who is one capers, the travel website had of Spain’s best ambassadors for apparently got it right this time. food – he tries to use local ingre- Or so we hoped… for in, at least, dients ‘as much as is humanly one key area the evening was possible’ and keeps a close eye anything but perfect.

The arrival was charming, up a on trends.

STYLE: The dining room and (left) pulsating pudding wooden passageway into a pretty tree-lined courtyard, with comfortable looking tables and chairs perfect for an aperitif. Except that nothing was offered, as we were immediately led to our table inside.

The stylish interior, décor and settings made up for the rather hurried arrival, and the waiters carried just the right panache and knowledge that you would expect from a leading three-Michelin starred restaurant.

We signed up for the longer tasting menu, which weighed in at a rather alarming €190, but seemed better value than the shorter eight-course affair, which cost €160. For the simplicity of the meal and to ease things along we went for a €95 winepairing deal.

In all we ate 20-odd courses and it proved to be a good choice with the menu varied, original and exciting, starting with the arrival of a bonsai olive tree, off which we were encouraged to pick ancho-

vy-stuffed olives from the nearby Ampurdan.

A quintet of amuse bouches from five countries arrived with us having to match up which came from Turkey (a stuffed vine leaf), Mexico (a mini burrito), Morocco, China and South Korea. It was a fun start and helped to break the ice. A bunch of truffle ‘bonbons’ from just 30 kilometres away, got us back to the local feel.

Next up came a beauty in the shape and form of vegetable stock, no less, slow-cooked for three hours and infused with deli-

ARRIVAL: The Olive Press party at the door

cate herbs, flowers and pomegranates. It was as stunning to look at as it was to taste.

We were soon chugging through some inventive fish dishes, including the splendid smoked eel and chestnuts, served on cellophane through which a couple of holes emitted a puff or two of toasted ‘yuzu’ smoke.

A prawn with vinegar, an oyster with anemone, mackerel with pickles and mullet roe, they rolled along in steady intervals, served up with, to be fair, rather uninspiring wine pairing choices (more of which later).

Things started to get interesting when the fish courses fused into meat and we had the skin of a sardine stitched onto pork jowl.

This slow cooked invention, with the sauce of a suckling pig, was dubbed simply ‘surf and turf’ which didn’t do it justice.

The two main meat courses to follow had each been slow cooked for a couple of days and the tenderness was impressive. In particular the Iberian roast suckling pig with figs had an amazing balance, while the veal shin with ‘St. George’ mushrooms, marrow, tendons and truffle was stun-

ning, cooked for over 70 hours!

By the time our puddings came we were finished, completely gone, which was a real pity as the so-called ‘chocolate anarchy’, which claims to have 50 types of chocolate in it, was simply breathtaking… one of those dishes you really want to go back to try again.

Oh, and we mustn’t forget the pulsating pudding, the genuine shock of the night, which came out moving on its stand. Basically ‘sourdough ice cream’ with cocoa pulp and dried lychees, it was delicious, and certainly raised a few laughs. Heston, your influence moves far and wide!

The big downside of the night though was the wine. Partly in a hurry we had selected the 12-glass accompaniment, rather than doing battle with the three large wine lists (one each for red, white and rose) that came out laden on a trolley.

To be frank, the mix was disappointing, particularly as it included no less than three Rieslings from Germany, a rather over the hill 1990 Grand Cru Chablis and a quite bizarre, oxidized 1986 Ribera del Duero, which was horrible.

At some point brother Josep came out to have a chat, but he hadn’t exactly sold them to us, or hung around to hear our views.

He was, to be fair, as memorable as his wines, which, between the six of us, had cost us €570, with only the 1962 Montilla Moriles with our pudding standing out.

For that price we could have ordered two good clarets and still had change to buy half a dozen top Spanish wines. It took off the shine.

As we sat in the courtyard at the end of the night (once again, without being offered a nightcap) we mused that while the food had been incredibly good, it hadn’t quite blown us away.

With the debacle over the wine, I am afraid to say the Roca boys get only two out of three from me.

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Call of duty MIDDLESBROUGH captain Ben Gibson had to cancel his romantic Mallorca holiday at the last minute when he was called up to England’s world qualifier against Lithuania.

Gibson, 24, revealed he was about to set off on a short break with his girlfriend when got the call from Gareth Southgate to join the squad after Chris Smalling suffered an injury.

Gibson said: “It has all been a bit of whirlwind - I had just got my boarding passes printed for a short trip to Majorca with my girlfriend when I got the call on Friday lunchtime.

“The trip had to be put on hold and I couldn't get down (to Wembley) quickly enough.”

Gibson was an unused substitute in the routine 2-0 win.

He added: “To be called up to represent your country, to be a part of it, is such a proud moment, not just for me for my family who go everywhere with me.

“It's something you dream of growing up and it was a privilege to be there.”

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Pit stop

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A Wheely good

IRELAND’S Mark Downey and Felix English finished sixth in the Madison at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Hong Kong.

In a thrilling event, the boys, whose training base is in Palma, were pipped for fifth on the line by Switzerland on equal points.

France won gold, while Australia and Belgium took silver and bronze.

English said afterwards: “That was genuinely the hardest race of my life! From the moment it started, it was full gas.

“We did our best to conserve energy in the

first half, and then had to ride hard for the rest of the race – at one point I went into the red to get across to the lead group.”

The duo have had an impressive year in the Madison, an event that is being proposed for inclusion on the Olympic programme for 2020.

English added: “We’re really happy today, six months ago we weren’t even in contention, and it was only after our gold and silver in it at the World Cups in California and LA that we actually qualified for the THRILLING: Madison event Madison in the Worlds!”

King of clay

BASTIAN Schweinsteiger with Real Mallorca ahead of his move to the US. The 32-year-old German agreed a transfer to Chicago’s MLS in March but had to wait for visa and documentation to come Download our app now and through. beginIn enjoying the best Spanish on his a video shared newsInstagram on the go. page, the World Cup winner said: “Muchas gracias Real Mallorca. For having me here at your training facilities, thank you very much.

“My visa for America is coming soon, so until then I will be training here.

Thank Press you for everyThe Olive thing.”

been training BE has ‘APPY!

TOP for news in Spain!

Nadal breaks two records after tenth victory at Monte Carlo

RAFAEL Nadal has reached four career milestones after winning the Monte Carlo masters last weekend.

The Mallorcan saw off Belgium’s Mark Goffin in straight

sets in the semi-final before easily dismantling compatriot Ramos-Vinolas in the same fashion in the final.

He now owns a 63-4 match record in the principality and

a 10-1 tally in finals there.

The 30-year-old has become the first man in the Open Era to win 10 titles at a tournament and the first to win 50 clay-court crowns, surpassing Guillermo Vilas at 49.

The win was his 70th tourlevel title, placing him fifth of all-time behind Jimmy Connors (109), Ivan Lendl (94), Roger Federer (91) and John McEnroe (77).

It was also his 29th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 win, placing him second of all-time.

“I think after a lot of years of experience on this tour, you learn how to enjoy every moment,” Nadal said. “Today is a day to enjoy.”

His record on the clay court is now an incredible 370 wins to 34 losses.

Rafa will look to break more records as the clay season unfolds over the next weeks.

If he wins the French Open at Roland Garros at the end of May, it will be his tenth victory at the grand slam.

The tournament begins on May 28.

Miracle man A YOUNG Irish hurler is back playing the sport after cheating death in Mallorca.

Oisin Merritt, 21, fell 20 feet from a Palma balcony during a lads’ holiday three years ago.

He spent a month in an induced coma and suffered two brain haemorrhages, one of which was so severe surgeons had to remove part of his skull.

He also broke a bone at the top of his neck, his jaw in five places, a cheekbone, ruptured his spleen and has been left permanently deaf in BACK: Merritt his left ear.

MLS: Schweinsteiger

Real bad REAL Mallorca are likely to be relegated to Segunda B after drawing with Cordoba.

With eight matches left to play, the match was a must-win for 21st-placed Mallorca.

It began well with an opener from Lagor Junior in the first eight minutes, but Cordoba soon equalised in the twentieth with a strike from Pedro Rios.

Chances came and went and Mallorca was unable to secure a win, leaving them eight places behind Cordoba.

The island team have not been in Segunda B for more than 36 years.

Coming home TONI Nadal will spend his time training Mallorca youngsters once his time with Rafa is up.

He will be off his nephew’s team from next season, but has revealed his new life will be all about ‘family and academy’.

The 56-year-old, from Mallorca, said: “I like to be in Mallorca and training younger players excites me more than having the luck of being with my nephew on the ATP Tour.

“I have always liked the training, the education itself should be one of the basis of society.”

On his teaching style he said: “I am very strict, I was unlucky that with Rafael it worked, but with my children it didn't work so much (laughs).”

The Rafa Nadal Academy is based in Manacor and often hosts summer tennis camps for kids.

If you have a sports story, contact newsdesk@theolivepress.es or call 0034 951 273 575

and itswww.theolivepress.es goodbye from us He’s off his head!

JEREMY Clarkson has revealed how he ‘accidentally’ ripped a pigeon’s head off while holidaying in Spain.

The controversial TV presenter came clean after the video of a Scottish woman attempting and failing - to resuscitate a pigeon in Glasgow went viral, last week.

The 57-year-old explained how he had spotted the sick bird ‘on its way out’ on a street of San Sebastian, a few years ago, and attempted to put it out of its misery by breaking its neck.

“I encountered a very obviously sick bird waddling about on a windowsill… as a keen twitcher I decided to be kind and kill it.”

But much to the horror of onlookers, when he twisted the bird’s head it came clean off and began spraying blood everywhere.

British lad gets free holiday to Mallorca all thanks to his name A LUCKY Brit was invited to a free Mallorca holiday after a lad with the same name cancelled on his mates.

Joe McGrath, 26, got the all-expenses-paid trip, when his namesake withdrew from the 30th birthday bash at the last minute.

The group quickly scoured Facebook and messaged 15 people with the same name and sent them friend requests along with an invitation to join the jolly.

The 26-year-old radio station engineer from Manchester jumped at the chance and hot-footed it down to Bristol for the flight to Palma.

“I couldn’t not go. It will never happen to me again!

They were all so nice! I’ve not slept in four days,” said the replacement on

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“They thought I’d just pulled its head off for fun, and were horrified,” he said.

“Which was a bit rich in a country where they pay to watch people stab cows and lob donkeys off tower blocks.”

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EXCITED: McGrath with new best mates

his return.

“Made my year!! I’ve got myself new best mates. It was mega!”

He added: “Although I had my doubts if the offer was legit, I decided to take the plunge as my legend-

Theresa - the terrorist!

THERESA May will have made Spain very nervous after declaring she wanted to ‘lead the world in preventing tourism’.

The Conservative leader, who had meant to say ‘terrorism’, carried on without realising.

The Prime Minister made

April 27th - May 10th 2017

the embarrassing blunder during a campaign speech in Wales in which she was pushing her message of a ‘strong and stable leadership’.

Considering up to 20% of Spain’s economy relies on tourism, they probably won’t be joining Theresa’s call.

Postman pat-hetic A PALMANOVA postman is being taken to court this week after allegedly dumping hundreds of letters.

The postie is facing a heavy fine after residents complained that important documents myseriously did not arrive.

ary boss gave me the time off work.

“I drove down to Bristol on Saturday night and had a mad three days with complete strangers that I think I can call my good friends.”

The boys plan to meet up again and Joe has already offered to take them on his next holiday.

Wherever life takes you, Cigna Global can protect your health and well-being every step of the way. We’ve been serving expatriates for years—so we’ve tailored our products to meet your unique needs. Our flexible plans provide access to over 1 million hospitals and medical professionals in 200 countries and territories, 24/7 support from medical providers and much more.

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Party on Michaella DRUGS mule Michaella McCollum has been pictured living it up in the Balearics.

Part of the infamous ‘Peru Two’, McCollum, 24, continues to celebrate a year of freedom after she was locked up for trying to smuggle almost €2 million worth of cocaine into Europe with a friend she met in Mallorca.

After a stint in Marbella, McCollum has been soaking up the sun in Ibiza before hitting the big clubs, including the worldfamous Pacha.

It comes after she spent three years inside a mosquito-infested cell with seven other women.

We are back on May 11th. Send comments to newsdesk@theolivepress.es

Visit www.cignaglobal.com/IPMI Or, if you prefer, call +44(0)1475 777625 to learn more and to find insurance brokers near you.

The Cigna name, logo and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. licensed for use by Cigna Corporation and its operating subsidiaries. “Cigna” refers to Cigna Corporation and/or its subsidiaries and affiliates. Products and services are provided by, or through such operating subsidiaries and not by Cigna Corporation.

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